Zelink Short Stories - Chapter 10: Chapter 10

The day starts the same as it always does. I was woken up early by my maid. Then I bathed and dressed in a somewhat simple dress. Nothing nobles wear is entirely simple. And Father has too much money than he knows what to do with. So he pours it on me in the form of diamonds and dresses so stiff they would stay upright if I stepped out of them. He seems to think I want to be dressed up as a princess. Though we lack the title of royalty, the estate we live on might as well be a castle. Only Hyrule Castle itself tops ours in grandeur and elegance.
Once dressed in a gown much too uncomfortable for another day at home, I make my way down the double curved staircase to meet Father in the dining room for breakfast. The white walls are embellished with gold and reflect the light pouring in from the floor to ceiling windows. It's too much for my taste. But the estate has been passed down through my family and I'm expected to inherit and maintain it as my father does.
The butler opens the large doors into the dining room. Father is already here with his glasses slipping down his nose as he studies his documents. He works closely with advisors to the King, recommending investment options and wise trade choices to keep our kingdom rich. Though he has his moments, it's men like Father that keep the throne afloat. The man sitting in it-or I should say boy-spends more time hosting balls than ensuring the security of his kingdom. He's immature and too young to be king. The unfortunate death of his father and former king landed him a throne he can't handle.
"Goodmorning Father," I say as the butler pushes in my chair. A bowl of raspberries and strawberries are placed in front of me next, topped with cream and a sprinkling of sugar.
"Goodmorning, my dear." He shuffles his papers, scribbling his signature on the bottom of a few before placing them on a tray to be dealt with later.
"What are you working on?"
He takes a sip of his black coffee. I prefer tea myself. "Tax proposals. Nothing interesting." But I am interested. I've already learned how to be a lady. I want to know how to run a kingdom.
"Are they being increased again?"
"Only slightly." I'm not sure how many more tax increases the people can handle. All that money and for what? To supply the King's childish parties? "As I said, nothing to concern yourself with."
"Yes Father," I say, being sure to watch my tone. The last thing I want to hear is a lecture on being polite.
Another maid enters, carrying a small envelope. She gives it to Father and he promptly opens it, his eyes scanning it quickly. He raises his brows, showing he is either surprised or pleased.
"What is it?"
"It seems Pike has returned from his trip. He wishes to meet with you again." I suppress the urge to roll my eyes. The esteemed poet and musician, beloved by nobles and visiting royalty. He seems to think with enough harassment, I'll fall in love with him as so many others have fallen in love with his art. I will say, he is very talented and kind. But he's not a man I'm interested in being more than friends with.
"He's a very respectable man, Zelda," Father continues. "It'd be wise to give him a chance." I had already given him a chance. I didn't turn him down the first time he asked to spend time with me. We played the piano together and shared a meal. Even with that, I can't see him as more than a friend.
"I'm not interested in him."
"As you aren't interested in any of the other thirty men begging for your attention." I can't argue with that. I've turned down countless suitors. Boring ones at that. Nice, but boring. I suppose if it did come down to it, Pike would be a fine choice for a husband. He's not as afraid to be different like the other men. They're too strict with their roles for my taste.
"Perhaps I need thirty more," I joke. As formal as Father is, he finds the room for playful banter with his daughter and only child.
"I'll send the invitations first thing."
The butler once again opens the large doors, stepping aside to introduce a man. He looks to be a member of the Royal Guard.
"Captain Hoz, my Lord," the butler introduces him. What is a captain doing here? Father seems just as confused. No...Irritated.
"Come in," he says, taking off his glasses and folding them neatly to place on the table. The captain steps forward and reveals a thick envelope when he brings his hands from behind his back.
"I have an invitation for your daughter, Miss Zelda Bosphoramus." An invitation for me from the castle? This had better not be what I think it is.
"From whom and for what?"
"The King, sir. For his upcoming ball." I'm almost disgusted. I never thought I'd be lumped in with the other young women he invites to his parties for Hylia knows what reasons. Some say he's trying to find a wife and others suspect debauchery. Whatever the reason, I'm not interested in it.
"She will not be attending," Father says. "If you would please send our regards."
"I'm afraid His Majesty has ordered her attendance due to her...lack of presence after the last two invitations." Last two? I've been invited before? And now I'm being ordered by the King himself to attend? This situation can't possibly get more ridiculous.
"A dressmaker will be here early afternoon to take your measurements and plan your gown, Miss," the captain says to me. "You will be taken to the castle by carriage the day of the ball where you will be met by a Royal Guard tasked with escorting you for the duration of the night." He places the thick, gold adorned envelope on the table. "All other details are included in your invitation. Have a good day Miss. Sir." He replaces his hat and sees himself out.
Curiosity mixed with annoyance gets the better of me and I reach across the table, forgetting my manners. I use Father's letter opener to cut through the top and I unfold the cream colored paper. It's decorated with gold and written in sharp black ink. The first section mentions my name and contains the information Captain Hoz provided. Then I notice a sentence at the bottom written by someone else's hand. The ink is smeared slightly like the writer brushed his hand across it before the words could dry fully.
I look forward to meeting you.
"What an immature little-"
"Zelda," Father warns. "He's still the King."
"But why am I being invited?" I burst. "And why was I not told of the previous two invitations?"
"Because I didn't want you to be a part of it."
"Well thanks to you, I'm now being ordered to attend. And he left me a note. He looks forward to meeting me."
"I beg your pardon?"
I turn the invite towards him. "Is that not his handwriting?"
"It is," Father says, his brows drawing together in a scowl.
"Isn't that wonderful?" I shove my chair back and stand. I see the pain in the butler's eyes but I don't care. "If you'll excuse me. I suppose I should go prepare for my date with the King."
"Now just wa-" I ignore him.
The butler opens the door just in time before I storm out. My heels catch on my long dress and I curse it, hiking up my skirts to keep walking. Who does he think he is ordering me to his ball? And saying he looks forward to meeting me? Our only connection is my father and even then, Father doesn't meet with him often. He doesn't talk about me either so what reason does this...boy have with wanting to meet me?
I give my doors a satisfying slam before sitting at my desk. I begin to pour my thoughts into my diary. I suppose it is only one night. And I have mastered the art of avoiding a man. How different could it be to give the King the same treatment? Other girls might swoon over him. Not me. He's immature and I have no interest in his intentions, whatever they may be. I only have to endure one night.
A few hours later, my maid knocks before entering my room. She's carrying fabrics and is followed by another woman. The dressmaker.
"Aren't you a sight." The dressmaker grins. She's extremely tall and tanned with long red hair tied into a high ponytail. She hurries over and lifts my arms, inspecting my body with a talented eye. "What a perfect figure! So many possibilities!"
"T-thank you," I stutter.
"I'm Perda," she introduces herself just before pinching my waist. "We'll get started right away. You can go ahead and take that off-"
"Excuse me?" I startle.
"Just the dress. I'm envisioning something that hugs the curves so I'd like to get accurate measurements."
"Hugs the curves?"
"Oh yes! A body like that deserves something a little sexy without giving too much away. Now, go ahead and strip and let me see the canvas!" As energetic and forward she is, I think I like her. She doesn't act like the previous dressmakers I've met with who are focused solely on their task.
My maid helps me out of my dress, leaving me in my undergarments in front of this woman. She retrieves a measuring tape and starts at my breasts. "How do you feel about plunging necklines?" she asks as she writes my measurement directly on her arm.
"I'm sorry?"
She presses her fingers in the middle of my sternum just under my breasts. "I was thinking this low."
"That's much too low!" I gasp. That will hardly leave anything to the imagination!
"I beg to differ! It would look absolutely ravishing on you!" I want to tell her it's not my intention to look ravishing. His attention is the last thing I want and yet I already have it despite having never met him before. "A plunging neckline with draping long sleeves. And lets have it hug you until about right here." She puts her hands on my waist slightly above my hips. "Then the rest can drape and I can add a slit to up the romance. How does that sound?" It does sound gorgeous. And attention grabbing which is the opposite of what I want.
"I'm not sure-"
"I promise it'll be beautiful." Her excitement is obvious. I can understand the need to create reality from your ideas. It is one ball after all. And it can't be that bad.
"Okay..."
"Perfect! If you don't mind lifting your arms now."
She finishes my measurements, taking more than any other seamstress has. Her arm is covered in abbreviations and numbers by the time she's finished. She collects samples of fabrics next and I notice they are all varying shades of blue.
"This with gold accents would look stunning against your skin," she says, holding up a sample to my pale arm. I wonder if Hyrule always had an obsession with gold.
"It's pretty but why are there only blue options?"
"His Majesty has a thing for blue." I keep my annoyance hidden. Now he has not only ordered me to attend his ball and left a personal note, he has also chosen the color of my dress. This night may last longer than I am anticipating.
"Did he pick blue for all the girls?"
"I wouldn't know, Miss. Most guests provide their own attire."
"They don't get custom dresses?"
"No," she laughs. "This was a special request put in by His Majesty." A special request! What did I do that warrants his seemingly sudden obsession? I'd love to give him a piece of my mind.
She finishes sampling fabrics and begins to pack her things while I put my dress back on. In only a few days, I will be presented in front of the King as some sort of doll he wants to see twirl for him.
"What do I owe you for the dress?" I ask. "My father can have the payment written out before you leave."
She grins at me again. "His Majesty already paid for it."
"He did?"
"Oh yes! He even said to let you get whatever you wanted and I could consider the leftover funds as a bonus." He is putting too much effort. I am not wooed so easily, especially not by men like him who see money as a disposable toy and spend their days creating more problems rather than solving them.
I want to ask how much he paid her for my dress but I stop myself. That would be inappropriate and I shouldn't care. The answer is surely 'too much' instead of something reasonable. I thank her instead and add more of my annoyances to my diary. I want to get this over with.
My maid has already drawn my bath when she wakes me up. I take longer to get out of bed than usual. As much as I want to get tonight over with, I'm dreading it. It's been consuming every thought for the last couple days. If that was his goal, he accomplished it.
I rub my body in my usual lotions and oils after my bath. I'm not going to do anything different in terms of my routine. I'm already being forced to please him by wearing a custom blue dress to the ball he ordered me to attend. If he's this infuriating through simple notes and actions, I can only imagine what he's like in person. I'm anticipating a night where I'll have to remind myself to be well-mannered.
There's a package waiting on my bed when I finish lathering myself in lotions. It must be my dress. I untie the ribbon holding the lid on and open it. I find another note inside that was placed carefully on the light blue dress.
I can only imagine how stunning you'll look in this tonight. I included some jewelry I thought you'd like. You can always correct me later if you prefer a different kind.
I rip the note, already tired of seeing his smeared handwriting. He writes as though I'm some sort of lover of his. Why does he care if I like the jewelry he sent? It's not like he'd given me a choice of color for my dress or the choice to decide if I wanted to attend his ball in the first place. None of the other nobles' daughters I've spent time with received this much attention from him before they attended one of his parties. Why am I any different?
I pull the dress from the box, swallowing hard when I see just how low the neckline really is. It's too late now. This is what I'm stuck with.
Underneath the dress, I find two more packages wrapped in a thin paper and ties with matching ribbons. I pick up the heavier of the two. It contains a gold necklace with matching gold earrings. I hate that I find them pretty. I open the second package, my cheeks glowing red at the contents. Undergarments made from the same soft fabric as my dress. It's worse when I find that there is no top and only bottoms, the sides held together by bows. And there's another note.
I had extra fabric and thought you'd like a matching set! At least this was Perda's doing and not the King's. I wouldn't know what to think had it been him.
I leave the dress for later and go downstairs for breakfast. The ball isn't until the evening. I sit at my spot and a small cake with berries is placed in front of me along with tea. Father isn't down yet. That or he ate already since I took so long getting ready. He's a busy man after all and can't always wait around for me. I eat my breakfast and drink several cups of tea. I'm going to need it.
I spend my time alone in my room, passing the time with a book until my maid comes to get me ready for tonight. She brushes my long hair, pulling small sections back and securing it in a braid. She braids more sections and pulls them back as well, allowing for his choice of earrings to be on display. The necklace is cold and drapes down my chest where it'll be seen between my breasts thanks to the neckline I wish I hadn't agreed to.
My maid helps me into the dress last, tightening the back so the fabric hugs my skin. Wearing any sort of bra or undergarment is simply impossible with this dress. My cleavage is in full view and the necklace only teases the eye to drift lower. The sleeves fall off my shoulders, exposing my entire chest. It's a miracle the dress is holding itself up. Father is going to need medical attention once he sees this.
"You look lovely, Miss," my maid says.
"Thank you." I check the slit in the mirror and I'm not so sure I believe her. It ends at my upper thigh, too close to my hip for me to be comfortable. The panty Perda made was designed to stay invisible even with this risky slit. It's obvious she was excited about this project but I feel as though I'm on full display. "Actually," I say, turning back to my maid. "Would you be able to add a few stitches to close this up a bit?" I pinch the neckline together to about the necklace.
"Of course."
She collects thread and a needle, sewing the neckline together to cover more of my breasts. She stops just below the necklace draped down my chest. Once she's finished, it looks practically seamless and I'm left much more comfortable than before, even if it's still a tad low for my liking.
"May I come in?" I hear Father say outside of my door accompanied by a light knock. I should've sent for the doctor by now so he could've been here when Father drops from a heart attack.
"Yes." I pull the slit closed before the door opens. Thankfully it stays closed as long as I'm not walking.
"Are you...oh dear," he says as he takes in the dress.
"This isn't exactly what I was envisioning," I explain. I'm even more grateful for my maid's quick stitching.
"No, I think not. Are you sure you won't be cold?" I hadn't even thought of that possibly. I hope the castle is warm.
"I should be alright."
"Well, I suppose you could always use being chilled as an excuse to leave early." I hadn't thought of that. I'll have to keep that in mind. "I wanted to remind you to keep your distance as much as possible. And if he...says he has anything important to discuss with you, it'd be best to pay little attention to it." That catches me off guard. What important matters would the King have to discuss with me and why would Father tell me to ignore it?
"Why would he need to speak to me personally?"
"I'm only saying this if he claims to need to speak with you. It's nothing to worry about." Usually when Father says something isn't worth the attention, it is absolutely worth the attention.
"I understand," I say instead. If there really is something going on, I'd like to know about it. The only problem is that the information will be coming from a man I'd rather spend as little time as possible with.
"Good. Your carriage should be arriving soon as well."
My carriage happens to arrive after only a few minutes of waiting downstairs. It is far from modest and is pulled by two pure white stallions clad in the royal gear reserved only for horses belonging to the throne.
Father leans down, kissing my forehead before I go outside. "Be safe, my dear."
"You forget I'll have a knight escort," I tease. "I'll be perfectly safe."
"Maybe you'll be more interested in a knight since musicians and gentlemen fall too far below your gaze," he chuckles.
"I suppose I'll find out tonight."
He gives me one more warm smile before I make my way to the carriage. My heels click on the stone steps and a footman holds the glimmering carriage door open for me.
"M'lady," he says, holding his gloved hand out to help me up the steps.
"Thank you." I let him help me up into the velvet interior of the carriage. These are the luxuries the King spends our funds on rather than helping people who need it.
Once I am seated on the plush cushions, the driver urges the horses forward. Their hooves clack against the bricks and I wave at Father until he is out of sight. I'm sure he's just as eager for me to return home as I am.
I take in the scenery when we leave the estate. I don't leave often and this is one of the few times I'm going somewhere other than the home of one of my father's friends. I'm going to the castle, a destination people dream of arriving at. Commoners aren't often invited while nobles and visiting royals spend a majority of their time there. This is my first time going while Father has been countless times.
I sit back from the window once we enter Castle Town. There's more people lining the cobbled streets than I'd expected. The people have been eagerly waiting for the King to crown a queen since he inherited the throne. But it seems he and I have the same problem when it comes to suitors.
The gates leading into the castle are already open, welcoming guests. Nobles, princes, princesses, kings, queens. They all attend the parties along with women like myself. My carriage stops occasionally when guests ahead of me are dropped off. The closer I get, the more nervous I feel. His Majesty ordered my attendance and attempted to woo me with expensive jewelry and a custom tailored dress made specifically for tonight. Meanwhile, Father tells me I am to ignore anything he may wish to speak to me about. Could that be why he was going through such great lengths to bring me here? Was it all for him to tell me something that could possibly be important? The only way to find out is by speaking with him. And I'm dreading it.
The carriage doors are once again held open for me and the footman offers his hand to help me out. My gaze catches on other glamorous dresses and the pressed suits of husbands and Royal Guard escorts as they climb the steps to the castle with their ladies.
"Good evening, Miss," a man says, taking my attention away from the other guests. "I'm Groose and I'll be your escort for the night." He's tall with red hair hiding beneath his hat.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Groose."
"The pleasure is all mine. Shall we?" He offers me his arm which I take.
The music and conversation gets louder the closer we get to the doors. I feel too many eyes on me from the other guests. What was I thinking wearing something like this? I suppose had I been thinking, I never would have agreed to this design.
My attention is stolen when I step into the castle. It really is the epitome of Hyrule's wealth. The floors are marbled and reflect the shimmering dresses worn by other guests. The walls are white and gold, similar to the walls at home but these make our estate more comparable to a cottage. Intricate trim decorates each carefully carved inch of the walls. Even the high ceiling is painted.
My escort leads us to the ballroom and it's even more breathtaking than the halls we walked to get here. The room is full of dancing guests and graceful music, the marble floors reflecting every bit of light shining on it. There's tables lining the walls filled with hor d'oeuvres and other refreshments. Some simply have chairs to take a break from dancing in the massive open space. The walls are even higher here, housing curved beams at the top. It's impossible to soak up the grandness of it. I may not want to be here, but I can see the appeal.
I look to the front at the throne. The King must be mingling because his pretty seat is empty. There's too many faces to pick out just one in the crowd. I only want to find him to get answers.
"Would you care to dance, M'lady?" Groose asks, leading me deeper into the riches.
I smile. "I didn't know Royal Guards knew how to dance."
"We are well versed." He smiles back as he places one hand on my waist and holds my hand in the other. "I'm afraid I haven't quite mastered it yet. Be sure to step on my toes if I step on yours." Maybe a Royal Guard is enough to pique my interest.
He may have said he hasn't mastered dancing, but he seems to know what he's doing. He leads us around the ballroom with perfectly timed steps and my toes are unharmed. If anything, I'm the one getting distracted. This King is still out of sight and I've been trying to find him.
"May I ask you something?" I say as we dance.
"Yes M'lady."
"Do you know why the King requested my presence specifically?" Captain Hoz said it was due to my lack of attendance in the past but was it really for such a narcissistic reason or rather something important Father warned me to ignore?
"I wouldn't know Miss," he says. "His Majesty often doesn't voice his reasons for his orders." I wasn't expecting to hit a dead end so quickly.
"I see. Thank you." If he didn't have a reason, then he is most likely only interested in forcing me to do something I'd rather not do. But why would Father have a reason to suspect a different motive?
The song ends, melting into a faster paced one. I'm caught by surprise when my escort suddenly spins me. His hands leave my body for a moment until I'm facing him again. Only now I'm not dancing with my escort anymore but rather the King himself.
"Your Majesty," I greet him, not bothering to hide my annoyance.
"Miss." He's just as smug in person as he was in his notes. His heavy gold grown sits on top of his messy blond hair. He is in desperate need of a haircut with his long bangs and sideburns. The rest of it is tied back into a ponytail and he has small blue hoops in each ear. His suit is blue with gold cords and pins. There's also a sword strapped to his hip, one I assume is merely there for decoration. His smile however, is the most irritating item on his character.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asks as he effortlessly leads us through the dance. His question might as well be mockery.
"I think I would've enjoyed it more had I not been ordered to attend." That only adds to his smugness.
"I hope you haven't taken it the wrong way. I do have my reasons."
"May I ask what those are?"
"I'd hate to jump straight into formalities."
"I believe I have the right to know why you wanted me specifically-"
"And I believe I have the right to a pleasant evening." Would his reasons ruin his evening? Now it seems both him and Father are hiding more than they're letting on.
"Will I be told afterwards?"
"Yes I think I'll have plenty of time to explain considering you'll be staying here tonight." Another surprise I wasn't ready for.
"Excuse me?"
"A room has already been prepared for you and anything you need will be provided. I can promise you'll be comfortable."
"I would like to go home after tonight's ball."
"I'm afraid you don't have a choice. Your father will be informed and as I said, you'll be taken care of."
I narrow my eyes. "So you're going to keep me here against my will?"
"Well that doesn't sound very positive, does it?"
"But it's what you're doing and I'd love to know why."
"Are you always this serious?" His lack of concern is infuriating. He drags me here then refuses to give me an explanation. And now I'm forbidden from leaving after the ball.
"Some of us act our age."
"I'll take that as a yes." His grip on my waist tightens, pulling me closer to him when I had been trying to keep my distance. "Have I told you how absolutely ravishing you look yet?"
"You hadn't," I grumble. I feel his eyes rake down my somewhat fixed plunging neckline before he drags them back up slow, another smirk playing on his lips when he meets my gaze again.
"You're a very beautiful woman."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," I spit. He's stalling with pointless and unwanted compliments. If he really had something to discuss with me, why would he disguise it with a ball and gifts?
He clicks his tongue. "Snippy."
"I don't appreciate being kept in the dark-" He pulls me forward even closer, leaning down to level his mouth with my ear.
"As much as I'd love to, I can't tell you anything here," he whispers. "I beg of you to be patient for a few short hours and I promise I'll explain everything. Now, for the sake of appearances, swoon as if I have just promised you a night full of sex and wine."
"W-what?" I gasp, unable to comprehend what I just heard come out of his mouth.
"Just do it." He pulls back and returns to his smug mien. My cheeks burn with embarrassment. I'm too stunned to find it in me to be angry. He has a lot of explaining to do.
"Seeing as we've stolen the attention of everyone here by now," he says, glancing at his other guests who are focused on us. "Shall we give them a show worthy of their stares?"
"I'd rather not be the center of attention." I need to sit down. He does have something important to discuss with me but I'm being forced to wait. It's his second comment that has me off balance. How can a king say something so forward and inappropriate to a woman he doesn't know?
"You were the center of attention the second you walked in here, darling." My cheeks are on fire.
His steps become faster, forcing me to match his pace. The other guests move out of our way while their King dances as if we're the only ones in the room. I've been taught waltzes since I was young but I've never danced like this before. Still, he's unfortunately the best dance partner I've ever had and following his steps is far from difficult.
He spins me again, catching me with my back against his front and his arm across my stomach. "Having fun yet?" I won't give him any satisfaction.
"Hardly."
He spins me back, yanking my body into him. "Perhaps you would prefer a night of sex and wine?" I don't let that bother me this time. He is just an immature boy with a crown.
"You should know I don't think very highly of you," I say, my eyes narrowed. "So no, I don't think that's what I'd prefer."
"At least give me the rest of the evening to try to change your mind."
"I'm only interested in finding out why I'm here."
"What a shame. I'd love to get to know you."
"Is taking a woman to bed your idea of getting to know her?"
"No, usually I dance with her first."
Before I can say anything else, he spins me once again before wrapping his arm behind me, catching me in a low dip. My slit falls open, revealing the entirety of my leg, giving everyone a view of it while His Majesty has his hand positioned just above the crook of my bent knee. I don't have to look to know how many eyes are glued to us. I'm left stunned, not sure if I'm impressed with his skill in handling a woman during a dance or simply more annoyed by his audacity.
"It's been a pleasure, M'lady," he says, his voice low. He squeezes my thigh with just enough pressure to barely notice it. "I'll do my best to not keep you waiting tonight." My heart skips a few beats, betraying me and giving in to his seductive tone. My mind won't be so quick to drown in the appeal of a king finding me attractive out of all the women he could have. I'm here for answers, not to indulge in one night pleasures with a man I could easily hate.
He pulls me back up at the end of the song and kisses the back of my hand, brushing his thumb over my fingers. I don't know what he wishes to gain tonight. I only want to solve this mystery.
He disappears quickly, my escort taking his place not moments later. "Are you alright, Miss?" he asks, snapping me out of my frustrated daze.
"Just a little tired." I'm more than tired. I thought spending time with snobby nobles was exhausting. A single dance with that excuse for royalty has me wishing for bed although thanks to him, it won't be my own.
"Would you like to sit down?"
"I'd love to." I take his arm again and let him lead me to the tables, none of which are empty. He takes me to one that only has two women seated, their escorts standing at the wall waiting until they are ready to dance again.
He pulls a chair out for me on the opposite side of the women. "I'll get you some water, Miss." It seems the knights are better at being a gentleman than the King is.
I'd love to take off my heels after that dance I was put through. Part of me wishes I'd stepped on his toes; a bit of a punishment for the chaos he's orchestrating in my head. Somehow, Father knew he'd have to speak with me and now I can't avoid it even if I wanted to because he's keeping me here. I have the lingering feeling that he's only going to attempt to seduce me and he doesn't actually have anything important to tell me at all. Unfortunately for him, he can order me to stay the night here but he can't order me to be his mistress.
"How was it?" one of the girls asks me. I look up to see two eager women, half full wine glasses in their hands. The thought of drinking alcohol right now is both appealing and nauseating.
"How was what?"
"Dancing with the King!" This little plan of his is getting me more attention than I'm comfortable with.
"And what did he say to you?" the other girl asks. "A man has to say something extremely forward for a girl to blush like you did." Too forward.
"He was...expressing his attraction," I say, looking down to smooth out the wrinkles in my dress. He's crazy if he thinks I'd be attracted to him after this glorified kidnapping of his. He could have any woman he wants and he's interested in the one girl who wishes she wasn't here.
"That usually happens when you show up with more skin on display than necessary," the first woman snaps. I look back up at her, finding the second woman chugging the rest of her wine. They're the ones who asked and now they're irritated with my response? Women could be so evil sometimes, jumping at the chance to tear each other down the moment they have something they want.
"I rather like my dress," I say out of pure spite. "And seeing as His Majesty paid for it, I'd say he likes it too."
"The King doesn't pay for our dresses," the second woman laughs. Her lips are stained purple from her wine. "Nice try but you aren't special."
"You may believe what you wish." I shift my focus back to the ball, ignoring their offended expressions. I'm not interested in bickering with women pining over the man I don't want to be around.
"Here you are, Miss," Groose says, handing me a crystal glass full of water.
"Thank you." I take the glass and sip on the cool water. The King is nowhere in sight. I thought he would still be mingling, dancing with his other guests but he's gone. His throne is empty as well. Does he always host parties and not attend himself?
The longer I sit, the more suffocated I feel. The women glare at each opportunity and the only other option is dancing which my feet are begging me not to do. And despite how open my dress is, the room is getting very hot.
"Could we step outside?" I ask my escort who had joined the other knights by the wall. The other two look rather bored, their designated assignments sitting at a table brooding in their own pity instead of joining the party.
"Of course, Miss." I take his arm and he leads me away from the lively ballroom and the uncomfortable stares. The halls he takes me down aren't the same ones I took to get here. Not one bit of the castle is below the set level of glamor.
He opens a set of doors for me, leading the way to the gardens. The moon provides a bit of light on the flowering plants, giving them a slight variation through the monochrome. The natural beauty is a stark contrast to the castle itself which is based on boasting wealth in the loudest possible ways. Still, the gardens are tamed and intentional with only a hint of something wild.
I breathe deep, listening to the trickle of a nearby fountain. This kind of calm is what attracts me. I prefer the elegance of flowers over the weight of gold. And I'm finding that I'm enjoying the presence of my escort over the King's attention.
"Do you enjoy being a knight?" I ask suddenly.
"I suppose I do. I couldn't imagine doing anything else. Why do you ask?"
"Just curious. May I ask another question?"
"Yes M'lady."
"Why are guests like myself given knight escorts?"
"His Majesty ordered it after several of the young ladies were...bothered inappropriately by select individuals. After those incidents, he wanted to ensure it didn't happen again." It seems he is capable of being decent. But that still doesn't negate his inappropriate comment about how we should spend our night.
A soft blue glow catches my attention and I hurry over at the possibility. Being in a revealing dress doesn't stop me from kneeling on the stone path. I push aside the leaves blocking the rare flower and I grin, forgetting about this ridiculous evening for a few moments. It's not often one gets to see a Silent Princess.
Groose joins me and I reach out to touch the soft blue petals. It's strange to see one growing in a garden, especially a garden as well maintained as this.
"Have you ever seen one before?" I ask, still admiring the flower.
"Occasionally. They grow in various sections of the garden."
"That's unusual. They don't often grow in domestic areas. It's part of the reason why they're so rare." He reaches out to touch the petals with me. I hope no one picks these when they grow here. They're already endangered.
"May I ask you something, Miss?" he says.
"Mhm." My focus is still on the Silent Princess. If only there was a way I could have a picture of it...
"Forgive me for my boldness, but do you happen to be seeing anyone at the moment?" If it wasn't dark, he'd get a full view of my glowing cheeks.
"No, I wouldn't say that I am."
"Forgive me again. I'm on leave in a few days and I'd like to see you. If that's alright with you of course."
"I think I'd like that." I smile in the dark. The King could use some lessons from his knights in how to be a gentleman. "I'm assuming I don't need to tell you where I live?"
"No, Miss."
"I think my father will like you," I say. "He appreciates a gentleman." Unlike the King.
"That's always encouraging to hear," he laughs lightly. He stands and smooths out any wrinkles in his uniform before holding his hand out to me. "Shall we continue our walk?" Gladly.
We walk the gardens and I'm surprised to find two more Silent Princesses. There must be something about the grounds that the flowers find favorable. I wish they grew around the estate. I'd love to admire them during my many hours of having nothing to do.
The hours go by in the gardens. Had I known I was going to miss most of the ball and rather spend the time with a respectable man, I wouldn't have dreaded tonight as much as I had. But each time I remember I'm being forced to stay here tonight, a fresh wave of annoyance plagues my mood. If he really had something important to tell me, wouldn't it have been easier to bring me here when there wasn't a ball to force me to wait for answers? Even a letter would have sufficed.
"I suppose I should escort you back inside now," Groose says. "I wouldn't want you to get cold." I am getting a little cold. This dress doesn't do much in the way of blocking out a cool night breeze.
The other guests are still dancing when we return. The parties are known to last for hours, allowing guests to drink and dance as long as they please until they decide to go back to their regular lives full of wealth that doesn't compare to the King's. The man in question is still nowhere to be found. Where could he possibly be disappearing to when he has a ballroom full of people who would gladly feed his narcissism?
I catch sight of Captain Hoz while I scan the room looking for the King. He begins walking towards us, his stride nothing short of pure discipline I'd expect from an esteemed member of the Royal Guard.
Groose goes rigid, standing straighter in the presence of his senior officer. "The lady is to be escorted to His Majesty's chambers," Hoz says, delivering another message I don't want to hear. I thought I was getting my own room. It seems the King doesn't have anything important to discuss with me after all and only wishes to bed me.
"Yes Sir," Groose says, hiding the disappointment in his voice but not his face. Just a couple hours ago, he asked if he could court me and now for all he knows, I'll be spending the night in the King's bed. I want to tell him it's not what it sounds like.
"Goodnight, Miss," he says to me before heading back to return to his post.
Without saying anything more, Groose leads me around the edge of the ballroom towards the throne. There's a hallway behind it with guards posted on each side to prevent guests from wandering to parts of the castle they aren't allowed in. These halls are full of servants even with it being so late. Guards are posted every few feet and at every branching hall. At the end of the hall walking towards us is a man in a very tight white suit. He's followed by a few other men and guards.
"I don't care about what he wants to do, I care about what he needs to do!" the man rants, waving his hands for emphasis.
"But he specifically said-" another man starts, cut off when the first man stops walking abruptly and points his finger at his nose.
"He doesn't know what he's talking about! Find a way to convince him because you won't like it if I have to do it myself!" He turns towards me before I can walk by unnoticed. There's something off putting about him. "Who are you?" he demands, pushing his white hair out of his face. It's long on only one side.
"Miss Zelda Bosphoramus, Sir," Groose says.
"Oh," he chuckles. "His Majesty's new toy." My escort stiffens and I turn red with anger. I'm not anyone's toy. If it were up to me, I wouldn't have come to the ball in the first place. And now that I know I'm simply here because of the King's lust, I'm more eager to leave than I was before.
"I'm Ghirahim," the man introduces himself, placing his hand over his heart and bowing slightly. "Highest advisor to the King." I recognize him by his name. Father has mentioned him before. He also called him a snake. I can tell he is someone who values his own interests over the kingdom's just by looking at him.
"I'm afraid we must be going," Groose says.
"Of course. Wouldn't want to be late for the night ahead of you." Just before I can spit my annoyance and disgust back at him, my escort pulls me away and up several flights of stairs. As far as I'm concerned, this night will be over soon. My heels should be sharp enough to keep His Majesty away if need be.
Leading me down a more secluded hall, Groose stops outside a set of doors. When he opens them, I'm relieved and disappointed to find that the King isn't in his massive chambers. Does he enjoy hiding and being mysterious, leaving trails of unanswered questions and waves of annoyance?
"It was a pleasure to meet you," Groose says, taking my hand and kissing it lightly.
"Wait," I say. "I promise it's not what it seems like-"
"It would be unwise of me to pursue a woman the King has taken an interest in," he says. "Goodnight Miss." He closes the large doors, leaving me in His Majesty's room. Now I can thank the King for ruining a courtship as well. Just when I found a man I'd like to see again.
His room is plainer than I thought it would be. He has bookshelves along an entire wall opposite his massive bed. He has a desk as well, stacked with papers and more open books. The displayed swords catch my attention. There's more swords than any gaudy decoration. The walls themselves are a plain cream color rather than the rest of the gold-adorned castle. Even his bed is plain with blankets no more luxurious than mine at home.
Seeing as he's not here, I walk to his desk and look over his papers. He has a list of questions, some crossed off like he had finally answered them and others are circled. I narrow my eyes when I see one that's been crossed off, the ink smeared like it was in the notes he sent me.
Where is she?
That can't be me, could it? I brush aside the note, finding a paper underneath which has names organized in a sort of family tree. I glance at the bottom and see my own name underlined. I pick it up, my gaze wandering back up to the list. The tree follows my mother's lineage, not my father's. Why would he follow hers? My father is of noble blood; not my mother. Whatever he was trying to find, surely following a more important bloodline is what he should have done...
My lips part in an odd mix of shock and fear when I reach the name that began the tree.
Hyrule.
"It's rude to go through things that aren't yours." I jump and spin around. I didn't even hear him come in!
"How did you-"
"Years of sneaking up on my late mother." He stops next to me and gathers his papers from his desk, snatching the one from my hands before I have a chance to hold it out of his reach. "How much did you read?"
"What is this about?" I slowly come back to my senses. My mother can be traced back several generations to the old royal family, making me a descendant. If this was something Father knew...Could this be why he told me not to listen to the King?
"I'll explain but you must swear to never reveal anything I tell you, even to your father or closest friends." The smug playfulness in his eyes and tone are gone, replaced by a seriousness I didn't expect from him. It's like he'd been pretending before and now he's showing his true self but this side of him feels familiar. It's distant, dancing on the edge of my memories, almost as if we've known each other before and his other personality was masking it.
"I swear." My voice is quiet. How can I be a descendant and never have known?
He walks to his fireplace, tossing in all the papers from his desk. I watch them catch and turn to gray ash in seconds, burning away the ink containing secrets I want revealed. How could Father tell me to ignore this?
I sink into a chair when he returns from the fire, carrying a rather plain box used to hold swords. Whatever is inside is drawing me to it. I can feel soft whispers beckoning me to open the lid. My hand moves on its own, reaching out towards the warmth emanating from the weapon inside. It feels pure, almost like sunlight but it goes deeper into something more sacred. Just before I can open the lid and discover what power lies waiting inside, he pulls the box just far enough away.
"Your safety and possibly even your life depends on our secrecy." His words cut through the warmth like ice. I draw my hand back, my breath catching in my throat. "You cannot go home. You must stay here where I can protect you."
"Protect me from what?" Whatever I had in me to scold him with earlier is gone.
"There are plenty who want us dead but they haven't yet discovered our identities. I had to find you before they did and give us time to prepare." Dread surrounds my heart with its cold fingers and drags it down.
"Your ancestry is correct," he continues, answering my question before I could ask. "I was able to trace you from the young princess sent away following her father's unnatural death. She was the last Hyrule, cast aside to make room for the Farores to take the throne. But you are her descendant and as such, you have her same precious blood. The Farores were never meant to take the crown. I was never supposed to have it." What he's saying refuses to seep into me. "But it was supposed to be yours." All that I thought I was comes crashing down.
"No," I breathe, shaking my head. But his eyes aren't lying and neither are his words. His hand moves to open the box and more dread fills my stomach when I see the sword lying inside, the whispers confirming everything. I wouldn't be able to hear the legendary blade if this was all false.
"Do you understand?" he asks. All those stories and legends about an ancient evil and the two destined to seal it away: a princess with a sacred power and a hero with a blade to cut through darkness. They were only ever stories. But now, I'm in the middle of it. "I don't know when the monster will show itself, only that it is coming. The sword would not have chosen me otherwise." It chose him as his companion, promising to go to the end with him. Possibly both of us. The thing coming-the horrible evil set on swallowing up everything good and pure-is meant to be stopped by heroes. I'm not a hero.
Weights press on my chest, squeezing away my sanity. I try to take a breath before my throat closes completely. My lungs don't fill.
He goes to set the Master Sword on his desk when he sees the panic in my eyes. Everything he's told me I want to be made up. I can't be the descendant of the old royal family. I can't have blood and powers that put my life in danger. My hands can't be cradling the weight of Hyrule's future and the lives of everyone in it.
I run for the door, ignoring his hushed pleas to stop. If I just reach the door, I'll realize it was all a dream. Maybe I drank too much wine at the ball and now my head is full of ridiculous ideas I'm twisting into reality. But when his arms wrap around my waist and carry me away from escape, it all crashes into me as if I ran into a wall.
He spins me to face him, holding my face and forcing me to focus on his eyes. "Relax." His soft tone does nothing to ease the panic building more with each second. It's drowning me.
"I don't have a sacred power," I plead. "I'm just the daughter of a noble. You traced it wrong." He shakes his head, holding my own in place. "I would know if I did."
"You do, Zelda." Him saying my name is just a small stroke of comfort. I've spent the better part of my life wanting to simply be Zelda without the duties of being a lady or having a Father who thinks doting on me with jewels and dresses is the only form of love. And now there's this. I'll never get to be just Zelda and that is crushing me more than anything else.
He sweeps his thumbs over my cheeks, brushing away tears I hadn't realized were there. "I want to go home," I whimper. "Let me go home."
"I can't let you, I'm sorry. I can only protect you if you are here."
"But my father." Even if it isn't true, I can only assume he told me to ignore the King out of fear for this. He could have known about my mother's blood and keeping me away was the only way to protect me.
"He'll be safe." I nod although I'm not sure I believe him. How can any of us be safe? "You should get some rest," he says. "You can stay in here if you wish or you can stay in the room adjacent to mine." He takes a few steps back and I drop my gaze, wrapping my arms around my stomach in an attempt to hold myself in before I fall apart. "I won't put you through any more tonight." My attention snaps back up to him without a chance for relief.
"There's more?"
"Rest first-"
"No!" I burst, my anger from the past few days resurfacing. "Tell me now!"
"Zelda-"
"I have the right to know!" He can't flip my life around any more than he already has and I should know everything if I'm expected to carry this weight with him.
He sighs and scratches the back of his head, dragging his hand down until it's resting on his neck. "I'm sure you've figured out by now that all of this was an act. The parties, the awful personality I made up." It was all fake. He was acting. "I had to look foolish and act like I knew nothing so they wouldn't discover who I really am. But it was also the only way I could get you here without them suspecting I was looking for someone. As far as anyone knows, I've taken you as a mistress and that's all you are." I stiffen even though I know now that that was never his intention. "I'm sure you've also figured out that this battle will be dangerous and I...I might not survive." Under his seriousness is a flicker of fear. I watch him bury it under another layer of courage.
"I promise I'll do everything I can to keep you safe," he says, taking a step forward. "Even if it means I die." Him promising to lay down his life for me feels wrong. It's unfair.
"But-"
"There's no way around it. I weaken it and you seal it away. If something happens to you before then, we're all damned." Another step forward. "But if I don't make it, I don't have a wife or an heir to take my place. The crown will go to my highest advisor and he's not to be trusted. And-" He pauses, contemplating. "And the crown should be returned to the correct bloodline," he finishes, searching my eyes for a reaction. It takes me a moment to understand. I try to take a step back and my knees threaten to buckle. He catches my arms, holding me up. I need to ask even if I already know.
"What are you saying?"
"I'm asking you to be my queen."