#zelda x lnk

[ashleyswrittenwords]

How To Be A Queen [Part 3]

Summary: Princess Zelda is at a loss. Her handed royal responsibilities have begun to weigh heavily on her and she is eventually backed into a corner. Live a life she loathes or run away from everything she’s ever known? Navigating life is hard, and Link forces her to learn that she doesn’t have to do it alone. 

Warnings: Mentions of alcoholism and subtle physical abuse. 

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How To Be A Queen

The hairbrush caught a knot in my hair, making me spit something out that was between a hiss and a curse at no one in particular. Anju looked flustered in the mirror and held up the hairbrush in alarm, “I’m so sorry, Princess Zelda!”

I smiled politely, trying to ease her, “It’s okay, Anju. Don’t worry.” I handed her a smaller hairbrush to work out the knot. Tonight was the winter solstice celebration. It was mainly an old tradition to praise the goddesses and thank them for the year’s harvest. That was what most of Hyrule was celebrating for at least. The palace used it as an excuse to show off an air of influence and socialize between politicians, so it was a big night for me. The first annual event where I was to be seen as royal influence versus being a mere girl. I was of age now and as I scrutinized myself in the mirror I realized that I wasn’t just being judged by the ministers, but also by myself.

I heard the door to my quarters open and someone speak into the foyer, “The seamstress is here. Should I let her in, Anju?” It was Link. I felt the corners of my mouth quirk upwards without realizing it.

“Uhh,” Anju looked from my hair to somewhere I couldn’t see from my seat, “I suppose, Link, but it will be another half hour or so before Zelda’s remotely ready for the gown.” I wondered how much Anju spoke to Link. I knew they were at least acquaintances by hearing them in the hall. Perhaps they were more than that?

“Princess? What are you smiling about?” Anju mused as she continued with my hair. She was separating it into parts now, I’m guessing there will be a braid involved. I wasn’t smiling at anything in particular other than the fact that I had a secret. Or some form of a secret. It felt nice knowing Link was at least semi-comfortable with speaking with me over the last couple days. Though, if someone else was present he’d revert to his past stoic self, but it was nice regardless. I mean, it’s his job to be there of course. It wasn’t like he was my confidant. My sly smile rested, I suppose I don’t have one of those.

“Nothing,” I replied, and busied myself with my newly done nails. They were a soft white for the festival, and I was excited to show them off. Physically being there tonight made me a nervous wreck, but I didn’t hate the glitz and glimmer. Although, being woken up at the light of dawn hairstyling did put a damper on my mood. I reached out for a cup of tea on my dresser, it was long past cold but I drank it anyway.

“Oh, okay,” Anju said slowly as she twisted my hair tightly behind my head, “You know what your father said, Highness.” I winced as she put in a bobby pin, one out of many I’m sure. Looks like it will be some sort of bun? She continued, “You aren’t suppose ‘ta smile or something in front of those big wigs.” I noticed her drawl coming through, didn’t she tell me her parents own a ranch?

What she said was partially true. I pursed my lips. A common phrase I heard during much of my childhood was “Royalty reflects the state”. It was one of Father’s favorite quotes and one of my most hated. I remembered my hands being smacked with a ruler for laughing too loudly, and not long after for crying too loudly. To read from my manners and philosophy courses, Hyrulian princesses were to express “softly” and when “appropriate”. I know for a fact that the instances of appropriate were explained, but Hylia knows I am still as lost as a fish in a desert. The ancestors who were painted on the murals with stoic expressions weren’t the same as the woman I grew into. I wasn’t a puppet, but I was a daughter who valued her father’s pride. My resolve was built on that.

I heard a mass of fabric being pushed through the doorway and two girls walked in. I recognized them as being from Mrs. Bea’s shop. They curtsied and while looking through the mirror I greeted them, “Good afternoon, ladies! I’m afraid I can’t greet you properly as I’m a little tied up at the moment.” I heard them giggle. I watched as Anju meticulously combed over my hair for any stray hairs. She kept my long bangs loose yet purposely placed and curled. The back was put up into an intricate bun, I couldn’t quite see the small details. Anju breathed out as if she was holding her breath, “I do believe I’m done, Princess Zelda.” It was an effortlessly beautiful look and I was grateful.

She dusted my cheeks with blush and painted my lashes, all I could do is smile in the mirror. Again, I loved the glitz and glamor. “Thank you so much, Anju. This is perfect,” I turned and looked at her. She was obviously tired and I could tell.

“Anju, you should be with your family today,” I said. I didn’t even realize how much time I was taking from her today until now.

“Oh, no, I can’t. What if your hair comes undone?” Anju was beginning to fret.

“No, no I insist. Please, you can take my carriage,” I reached for a spare paper and my ink pen.

“Princess, I can’t! I wouldn’t be back until night,” she tried to stop me, “There would be no point in telling the head mistress that I’ll be absent tomorrow. She’d never allow it.”

I pushed the note in her hand, “Then she can answer to me! No sense in you being here when you have a family waiting on you.”

She looked beside herself. I almost felt bad until she smiled, “Is this an order, Your Highness?”

“I’m afraid so, Anju,” I grinned. Anju rushed over and brought me into an embrace, “Oh, thank you. Thank you, Zelda!” I almost fell over, but hugged her back regardless. My heart filled was warmth, “Now, hurry out of here.”

Anju bid her goodbyes and left.

“Your gown, Miss?” One of the girls said.

“Oh, yes. I’m sorry,” I gulped. This is probably the worst part.

The two girls brought over the first skirt and I stepped into it. The brunette girl laced the back. It was a strapless dress, I remember. The next step was strapping the pockets to my waist, the skirts that go over it will have discreet slits in them that will give me easy access. Also, a good hideaway when the chill seeps in as the night goes on. They say it may snow tonight. The next layer was thick to give the overall dress volume and shape. It was the main layer meant for warmth as well.

“Now you’re corset, Highness. Let me know when it’s tight enough,” the ginger girl hummed as she wrapped the bodice around me. I took a deep breath, “Okay.”

I felt her wrangle the laces in and out like an art. I swallowed, there wasn’t a way to physically prepare yourself, it was all mental. Then, then the first tug. Oh, Hylia, this girl was stronger than I thought. A breath flew out of me. A second tug, “Oh, goddesses.”

“Too much?”

My mouth gaped like a fish. I couldn’t speak. What do they feed her to have this grip?

“Yeah, too much,” the brunette said, watching my face, “Her eyes are going to pop out, Courtney.”

“Oh, dear,” the assumed Courtney muttered and loosened the laces slightly and then tied them. It wasn’t by much, but I could breathe… kind of. But I won’t be doing cardio tonight, so there’s some hope that I won’t suffocate and see tomorrow morning.

“You know, Your Highness, Courtney is the best corset lacer in all of Castletown,” the brunette said.

“Some say all of Hyrule,” Courtney added, “Aunt Bea said you needed a little help.”

Oh, of course. “Why,” I felt my eyebrow twitched, “Thank you, ladies. I appreciate that help.” These little…

“Now let’s get that dress on,” one of them said and they brought it over my head. I felt one of them tie the laces to the last layer. It was ivory, to match the petticoats. The sleeves were a white sequenced lace that were more of less faux. They draped gracefully off my shoulders. The dress was overall strapless, help up by the many layers and felt sturdy. Embroidered on my bodice and hem was a simple pink and red flower. It was simple but enhancing. Mrs. Bea was a sour woman, but had talent blessed by the goddesses themselves to make dresses like this. I must have been so entranced by the gown that I didn’t notice the two girls leave. I grabbed a white shawl to cover my bare arms and two white heels were left at the foot of my bed. I stepped into them shakily. My calves will be steel by the end of tonight.

Before I left the room, I glanced at my desk. I was missing something.

On a mannequin head laid a gold crown with a bright red jewel in the center. I strode up to it, feeling my feet conform to the shape of the pointed heels. I equipped a pair of white, elbow length gloves before reaching to my inheritance. The crown was heavy and slightly pushed down Anju’s handiwork, but it fit perfectly on my head as it did my mother and my grandmother. I wasn’t sure if it looked quite right, but it will have to do.

I walked out with a cheat sheet of the lords in my pocket. The hallway was empty except for one.

“Are you ready- Oh,” he looked down at me, looking almost bewildered. Maybe it was the heels.

Link would be accompanying me during the festival, at request of Uncle, and wore a tuxedo to blend in with the rest of the party. He kept a sword strapped to his waist, which wasn’t too out there. Many lords wore a decorative sword for whatever reason. The different being that Link would actually be able to use his, but hopefully it wouldn’t be needed. A light blush heated my neck. His hair was brushed back and I would have assumed he was a lord’s son he I hadn’t known any better.

He was looking at me dubiously. “Um,” I started, “Do I have something on my face?”

“No!” He was quick to answer and seemed embarrassed, “No, you actually look…”

I waited and was about to speak before he beat me, “I was going to say. You look like a queen.”

He spoke quickly and didn’t look me in the eye, but I felt a warmth bloom in my chest.

“Thank you, you look very nice as well,” I felt myself smile, not really meaning to. I’m supposed to be like a statue today, but Link was besting me. Do I really look like a queen?

Link held out his arm, “I think your father wants to talk to you beforehand. Are you ready?”

Probably about the speech, I mused to myself. I had it memorized frontwards and back. It sounded foreign to my tongue, but Father preferred it. To say I wasn’t exhilarated to give it in front of 100 or so politicians was an understatement.

“No, but I will never be. Let’s go,” I took his arm – Oh, Hylia. Give me strength, why am I surprised a soldier has muscles? I heard him chuckle softly. I forced unnecessary thoughts away and continued towards the staircase alongside my guard.

Once we arrived at Father’s study, Link dropped his arm and waited outside. I found my father standing near the fireplace with a drink in his hand, he wasn’t looking forward to this either. His study was large and lined from books. It was enormous. A large family portrait hung over the fireplace, painted when I was small. “Father?”

He turned towards me and paused, blinking for a moment. “You look like your mother,” it came out almost in a whisper.

“Are you alright?” I asked, somewhat overwhelmed by the comment.

He rubbed his eyes. From the light of the fire, he appeared older, “Yes, Zelda. I’m fine, simply reminiscing.”

“Okay,” I said, waiting for him to continue. He wore his crown tonight. I’ve always wondered how heavy his was.

“Our guests,” he began, his voice catching up, “Should be filing in as we speak. Once they do at 6:00 on the dime we will enter the foyer at the top of the staircase together. I will introduce you and you will do your short speech. Then,” he sighed, “the night will finally begin.”

“And it will end soon, I hope,” I mused in response.

“And that is something you keep to yourself, Zelda.” Father crossed the room to meet me, “All I need you to do tonight it remember everything your instructors and I have been telling you these last few months. You should be prepared. You know the politicians and their leanings. Make them lean towards you, Zelda. Everyone will be paying attention to the princess tonight.”

I gulped and thumbed the paper in my pocket. Great pep talk.

“That being said,” he held out his arm, “Are you ready?”

No, of course not. Why does everyone keep asking me that? “Yes, Father,” I offered a small smile and took his arm. His pocket watch said 5:58. I feel queasy.

As we walked out, I heard Link follow well behind us. For whatever reason I felt more comfortable when he was beside me. I suppose I felt relaxed, as if I didn’t fear disappointing him. My father was a whole new playing field. Father nitpicked and judged. Even now I felt him checking my posture and despite knowing I was upright I made a point to stand taller. Word by word, I recited my introductory speech over. Typically, the King gives it and this was kind of a big deal. My father gave word to the guards by the doors and a footman scurried in front of us.

“Attention,” the little man had a booming voice, I could hear the party inside the Gold Ballroom go quiet. “Now presenting, King Daphnes of Hyrule and Princess Zelda of Hyrule.” Oh, I feel sick.

My father tugged my arm as we walked in, almost to say “Don’t screw up.” We approached the banister of the staircase and I suddenly couldn’t feel my toes. The ballroom was massive and I thought the entire room could feel my heart beat out of my chest.

“Greetings, all,” Father spoke loudly. It came naturally to him, “Allow me to present to you, my daughter, Princess Zelda of Hyrule.” There was a short applause.

Oh, Hylia. I felt my father release my arm and step away. So many important people are looking at me. My breath shortened and the corset didn’t allow much breathing room in the first place. I stood stoutly and grasped the banister.

“Good evening and happy solstice to you all,” my voice wasn’t stable, “This past harvest season has fed this great country and with each passing season the great goddesses bless us.” These words weren’t mine. They felt like putty in my mouth. Come on, Zelda, swallow your pride. “With this celebration, we give praise to our goddesses for bestowing us with the plenty they have given.” It wasn’t us, it was people like Anju’s family. I paused, swallowing and catching a breath that has evaded me. Oh, fuck it. “However, we should also give reverence to the very people that uphold the backbone of Hyrule.”

And like that I was off script. I could feel Father’s eyes burning into my back. I am not my ancestors.

“The farmers, the ranchers, those that served us today have allowed us to take part in the goddesses blessings. As we enjoy our pleasantries tonight, let us keep in mind the ones who gave us this privilege. Thank you for being here and please enjoy the winter solstice festival.” I almost cringed. Why did I do that? What am I? Mad? I completely made half of that up just to push my own ideas. That was not reflecting the state. Thankfully, the music commenced and the celebration resumed. I turned to find my father already walking down the staircase. Very bad sign. Very, very bad sign. A princess going down into a party alone was bad taste. Again, I swallowed my pride and motioned for it until I saw Link. He offered his arm without looking at me.

I hate to say it, but I almost cried. “Thank you,” I whispered. He didn’t say anything as he descended, but he didn’t need to. I grasped tightly to his arm because the last thing I needed was to topple down the stairs in these heels. He didn’t seem to mind.

“Ah, Princess!” I heard a familiar voice say.

Just ahead of the staircase was an old lord I was quite familiar with.

“Why if it isn’t Lord Guildford,” I offered a smile, praying it was the same that had the royal stamp of approval. He smiled and those puppy dog eyes were back. I felt like leave my side and I already mourned his presence. I think I considered him an ally at this point. At least he never told me I walked or spoke incorrectly.

“I’m not sure if you noticed, Highness,” he help up a small bowl, “But my delicious bread pudding made the cut.”

“Oh, I’m so happy to hear that,” I said. Keeping a neutral expression was harder than I thought. It was so… unnatural.

“Well, it wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you,” and with the most genuine voice he said, “Thank you, Princess Zelda.”

My heart stirred.

“By the way,” he took a bite of the pudding, “Are you feeling well? You seem down.”

My eyebrows raised, so it did look as unnatural as it felt. “I feel perfectly fine, my lord, but I do appreciate the concern.” He hummed in understanding, “Ah, well. I do miss that bright smile. I hope whatever troubling you finds its way out of your life.”

A waiter came over and offered a glass of milkwine. I took it and held it in my hand. I didn’t plan on drinking tonight, but my hands needed something to fidget with.

“You know,” the lord continued and leaned in, “Between you and I.” His voice lowered and a craned my neck to listen, “This lifestyle can break the strongest men. No matter the etiquette they tell us or the rules they make, we are all ‘faking it until we make it’ if you will.”

I suppressed a smile as he elaborated, “It took years for me to learn that great leaders build their own castles, not depend on ones built for them. Understanding one’s own principles and keeping steadfast to them makes for great Kings and Queens.” He finished and leaned back with a sly smile.

“Alas, I’m only a senile old man after all! Excuse me, Your Highness,” he bowed, “I must spread word of the present pudding.”

I watched him leave. Maybe Old Grog Guildford had his own chest of secrets too and I deeply appreciated him sharing. I mulled over his words and found myself resonate with them. They were far different than what I had been told in my life, but I found that I finally had another avenue I could explore.

“Princess Zelda!” a posh voice brought me from my thoughts. Snapping back to reality, I recognize a man by the name of Lord Budreau. He was renounced speech training and I had seen him briefly for a lesson or two. Instantaneously he launched into a lecture about his thoughts on the varying accents across Hyrule. Recently he visited the Hebra region and studied their many dialects.

An hour of politics and discussing flew by. The former wasn’t what you would expect. In short, it was gossip in order to sway me to be sympathetic to their causes. And what were those causes, you may ask? Allow me to demonstrate with the main topic: Lord Hoagland’s eldest daughter, Margaret, is betrothed to Lord Lentz. However, Margaret does not want to marry Lord Lentz because (shocker) Lord Lentz is old. In his 60’s to be precise. According to “outside sources”, Lord Hoagland doesn’t even want Margaret to marry the old lord, but is following his wife’s wishes. His wife, Lady Hoagland, doesn’t want her daughter to marry a merchant like she did and regret it later on (ouch).

The last 15 minutes have been filled with flamboyant dancing, which I didn’t hate. The part I resented was the small conversation. The song playing required a waltz with constantly switching partners. It suited me just fine. It left little room for run on discussions and I was introduced to new people efficiently. I was swung into my new partner and my hands quickly found their places on the man’s shoulders.

“Hello, Your Highness. Surprised to see you hear,” Link said, amused.

“Goddesses, Link, what are you doing out here?” I wasn’t mad, it was nice to express freely.

“General Nohansen wanted me to blend in more. How are you holding up?”

“Just barely. I didn’t know you danced,” I said as he spun me into a twirl. He cocked his head slightly, “You don’t know a lot about me, Zelda.” We released each other and moved on to the next person before I could inquire about more.

The song ended before long and a much slower temp took its place.

“Your Highness,” a man approached me. I didn’t recognize him. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hester Ibauna.” Right. Lord Ibauna. I remember his name on the list. It was the same man with an army of mistresses. He was middle aged and from what I’ve heard pulled strings with emotion to get what he wanted. “May I have this dance?”

“Absolutely, Lord Ibauna,” I began, “How could I say no?”

We followed in unison with the crowd. He was a good dancer. He moved with grace and was noticeably checking my movements. There were exchanges of small talk.

“Princess Zelda,” Ibauna made a point to catch my eyes, “Did you know this song was composed by a hopeless romantic.”

I did, but I was curious to where he was going. “No, is that true?”

“Indeed, Highness.”

I pursed my lips, maybe it was a random fact he knew. The dance led us from one end of the room to the other. I felt his arm tighten around my waist. “Please stop me if I’m overstepping, but I’ve been wondering,” Ibauna laughed deeply to himself, “Since you are beyond of age, what are your marriage prospects?”

“I beg your pardon?” My feet stopped and another couple nearly bumped into us.

He tried pulling me out of the crowd of dancing couples, but I persisted. “Now, Princess, let’s not be rash,” Ibauna started, glancing around, but not outwardly flustered. “What of my prospects interest you?” I answered, pushing down my anger. He smiled slyly, “If you give me invitation, I would love to introduce myself to you on a more personal level.” It was a small movement at my waist that prompted me to bring my backhand to his cheek.

The slap resonated through the room and Hester Ibauna gawked at me.

“How… how dare you!” He cried out, attracting even more attention. I felt smaller now as he loomed over me, “How dare you touch me!” My lip wobbled. The music in the room slowed to a halt, not unlike dancing. Suddenly a woman ran up, bickering and complaining in a now silent room. I recognized her immediately as Lady Ibauna. I could barely hear what she managed to get out. My breathing intensified. “I… I never,” I felt like passing out. I felt a hand push me back. Link appeared and stood between me and the disgruntled couple. Link must have said something because they settled for angry whispers.

“Zelda,” Father sharply called my name. My head swiveled in his direction and my heart stopped. It was like I was some disgusting creature meant to be gawked at. Everyone stared. I’ve never wanted to disappear so much. To feel lonely in a room of people was a feeling I would wish on nobody. Watching as my father moved out of the room, I knew I was meant to follow… but goddesses did I want to run away. I don’t want my title. I never did anything to earn it. My hands felt clammy and my thoughts ran wildly as I tried to busy myself by fidgeting with my shawl. Each step was loud and it’s sound filled my ears. I wasn’t able to look into anyone’s eyes.

A footman opened the door and I walked through it just in time to see Father walk further down the hall. I followed, it felt like I was about to be sacrificed. My home never felt more winding and colder than it did now. I wrapped my shawl around me to give me comfort. I wasn’t going to cry.

Before I realized it, I entered Father’s study once more. Unlike two hours before, I was officially a failure. My throat was dry and scratchy. This is it, Zelda. You had a good run, old girl, but now you’re time is up. A glass slammed onto his wooden desk and I looked up to see him filling it with a strong smelling milkwine. He didn’t say anything and took a deep drink. I tried to speak, but nothing came out.

“Zelda,” he said, pausing to scrutinize, “I cannot fathom what on Hyrule you’ve been thinking tonight.”

I didn’t know what to say. Something inside me told me he was right. I went against his expectations and this was the consequence.

“Perhaps I was too easy on you as a child,” he started, “It is obvious to me now that you lack obedience to the throne. A place you will sit in far too soon.” His hand that wasn’t holding his drank ran through his graying hair. “Child,” he spoke again, “The only reason you are here is to serve your country and serve your country well.”

Surely, not. I lifted my eyes to his and my tongue found words, “Father, please you-”

“No!” His voice was booming my eyes widened, “You listen to me!” Father gripped my forearm, I cried out.

I fell silent, a wave of shock and fear fell over me. No one had ever yelled at me in this manner, much less my own father. I couldn’t breathe, all I could do is stare at his reddened face as he opened his mouth once more.

“You are Zelda of Hyrule and you will always be Zelda of Hyrule! Your identity is tied to this family forever and you will deal with it. I will not let your selfishness taint the fabric of the family legacy. Zelda, your immaturity will be the downfall of this kingdom!” He was like an angry bull. A beat red face and heavy breathing. My very being shook. I felt like a little girl again watching as Mother fell ill and being utterly helpless. I was helpless when Father fell into a black hole of alcoholism. And I was helpless now.

At last, after what seemed like forever, he let go of me and turned away as if repulsed with the person who dared grace his presence. His daughter, he couldn’t even face his own daughter.

“I’m sorry,” I whimpered, “I’m sorry.” I could feel my knees give out from under me and soon I was engulfed in my own ivory skirts. My face was wet, and I realized I’ve been crying. Selfish.

“Get her to her quarters and don’t let anyone see the state she’s in,” Father wasn’t talking to me anymore. I didn’t hear whoever he was speaking to enter the room after my father left, but I could feel someone kneel before me.

“Zelda.”

I breathed in a couple shaky breaths, “Go away, Link.” Goddesses, I sounded pathetic.

“Zelda, please.”

My eyes burned from the makeup, “Can you take me to my room?”

“If you allow me to. Yes,” he was looking at my expectantly. I whispered a word of affirmation and let him help me up. Cringing at the blisters on my feet, I reached down to take off my shoes only to be stopped by the flurry of skirts.

“I’ll get it,” Link knelt and moved my skirts to the side. I was too beside myself to be embarrassed and sighed a sigh of relief when they were removed. He held them to his side and asked if I needed help walking. I shook my head.

Though he didn’t express it, he looked unnerved. As we meandered through the halls, he didn’t say anything. Either he was quiet because he heard what Father said or he was being quiet to avoid causing attention. Both seemed plausible, but it did seem that Father returned to the celebration to remediate the damage I caused. If my father wasn’t in the area, not many lingered for long, especially on a holiday.

After a long and quiet journey, we reached our destination. Link waited by the door, “I’ll stay out here, okay?” I nodded, not really trusting myself to speak. He rubbed the back of his neck, “I’ll also turn away anyone who might ask too much about… tonight.” My eyes stung, “Thank you.” I went to close the door.

“If you need anything, let me know. I mean it, Zelda.”

Hylia, who is this man and where was the one that you gave me two years ago? Not that I was complaining. In reality, it touched me that he would tell me that. I gave a weak smile in response and closed the door.

Finally alone with my thoughts, I realized something that lit my cheeks aflame. I needed his help. I opened the door to find Link just beside the door. A tuxedo should be the uniform now. “Link,” I whispered. He seemed startled. “I need your help.”

Link stood up straighter than he did when I found him. “With what?”

I looked up and down the hall, completely inconspicuously and waved him in.

“What?”

“Come in,” I checked the hall again.

“In what?”

I stared at him. He stared back confused. “My room, Link. Come in my room.”

“Why?”

“Shh! No questions!”

Reluctantly, he hurried in with my berating. I closed the door quickly behind him. Link looked flustered and then I realized a good reason why. There was a man in my room. Not just a man, it was Link. He was meant to protect me, nothing else. Plus, he wasn’t unattractive. Oh, Hylia, he was probably thinking of worse things than I intended. “Um,” my face heated up again, “I just needed one thing.”

“What is it?” He looked nervous.

“I can’t reach the laces to my dress.” Now I felt dumb.

“Is that it?”

“Yes?”

He seemed to be put at ease. I couldn’t help to be somewhat insulted. Without further ado, I turned around and pulled my hair aside, “They’re sort of tucked away at the top.” I felt his fingers brush my back as he pulled them out. They were warm and a nice contrast to the cold air. Link needed a little direction in the beginning but seemed to get the hang of it.

“Your dress was nice tonight.”

“Thanks. The seamstress who made it was Mother’s favorite.”

Silence.

“Hey, Link?”

“Yeah?”

“How much did you hear back there?” I played with my hair as I felt him hesitate with the taunt laces. “Enough,” he replied and I hummed in consideration. “Do you want me to get the underneath part too?”

Oh, my corset. I felt the main dress being brushed away. “If you don’t mind?”

“Of course not,” he mumbled, “I don’t event know how you got into this thing.”

“Where did you live before joining?” I asked without really thinking. “Before I joined the Royal Guard?” I could hear him smile, “I lived near Hateno village.”

“That’s far. With your family?” I was curious. “Well,” he wrestled with loosening to laces. It was harder with corsets, “My dad left when I was young and my mom got sick and passed away when I turned 15.”

Zelda, you idiot. I turned my head, trying my best to look at him,“I apologize. I didn’t mean to-“

“You’re okay, Zelda, it’s not like you were supposed to know,” he laughed at my fretting. “Anyway, my little sister lives with an aunt not far from there. It’s not all bad. I still go back when I can.” He stayed silent for a moment and then said, “I’m sorry for tonight.”

“You don’t have to apologize for something I did,” I insisted.

“No, but I could have stopped him from doing whatever caused you to lash out,” Link tugged harshly at the corset, “So, I’m sorry. I wasn’t doing my job.”

I bit my lip. “Well, it’s over. No sense in worrying about the past.”

Then, like a woman possessed, I flipped around. Holding up my bodice with my arms clutched to my chest. “Link,” I sternly said, “I want to leave.”

I faced his chest and had to shuffle back to look up at him awkwardly. “You want to do what?”

“Leave the castle.”

“What?” He was bewildered.

“I would like to leave the castle,” I repeated to him. Stating it as if his question was completely out of left field. Link looked at me pointedly, “And go where? You have no idea what kind of crazy goes on in Castle Town, much less outside the walls.”

I felt my face heat up. “Well, well I…” I don’t. I have no idea what I’d do once I left the castle. Sure, I knew where the basics were. The Marketplace was along main street and there was that bakery on the east side. Other than that, there was no internal compass that told me where to go or what to do. I frowned hard. “Look, I’m not saying you have to join me. But you’re always with me so I thought I’d at least tell you.”

“Zelda,” he was staring at me hard now, “I’m your personal guard. It’ll be my neck if I lose you.”

“So!” I pouted, “I’ll sneak away. I’ll even leave a note.”

“Note or not, I swore an oath.”

“Link,” I said, feeling my voice grow shaky, “I don’t belong here.”

“Of course you do,” he scrambled, “You were born here. You’re the princess.”

“That doesn’t mean I belong!” My voice was raised and it shocked me. I had no right to be getting angry at him. “I’m sorry, it’s not your fault.”

He sat down on my bed and stared down at the floor before looking at me once more.

“What if… what if I go with you?”

[rj-opp]

It’s two big boys loving each other

[flare-queen]

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKlF2butWrU)