Chapter Text
Cries rise up from the citizens of Castle Town, ripe with mirthful excitement. Their cheers breach the cushioned walls of the carriage, refusing to be deterred. Confetti rained down upon the cobblestone from someone on the upper story of the bell tower. Vendors who’d been brave enough to venture into the crowd were swamped with hungry customers. Hyrule had gone two years without more than a couple of glimpses of its princess, so upon the news of her return, they’d made a festival of it.
Even though their celebration was for me, it felt like it was more of a targeted attack from my father, who waited ever-so-patiently within the castle walls. I let the curtain fall back into place, having seen enough. The people seemed to believe the war was already won. Clenching my fists, I vowed to track down the gossiping courtiers who’d been spreading that nonsense.
“You should wave to them, Princess.” Impa spoke softly from across the carriage.
I met my handmaiden’s gaze with a look of pure childish defiance. “Why bother?”
Her gaze is stern. “They have waited a long time to see you.”
I almost scoff. “They’ve waited for their princess to return with her sealing powers. I can’t lie to them.”
It was my father’s genius idea—with collaboration from the priests at the Temple of Time—to send me to the secluded temple atop the Great Plateau. They made the decision a week after I turned fourteen, still lacking the sacred powers needed to seal the dreaded Calamity. The abrupt decision left the people of Hyrule reeling, with nothing more than a brief explanation from the court as to why the heir had been shipped off.
Impa was the only person from the castle who was willing to stay with me for the full two years. As my handmaiden, it was her duty. But as my friend, she assured me not to fret. She assisted me with my prayers and rituals, and soothed me when nothing came of them. When the summons from the castle came a week ago, Impa and I warily packed our bags. There was nothing more I could do at the temple, nothing the sages and priests could teach me that I hadn't been practicing already. But I was more useful to my father when I was stowed away atop the Great Plateau.
“Why would father call me to return home now ?” I wondered.
“Perhaps he regretted missing your sixteenth birthday?” Impa suggested, feigning hope. She never spoke directly against the king, but she was well aware of his lack of fondness for his failure of a daughter.
“If he wanted to see me, he would have visited,” I stated. The last time I’d seen him, he’d blatantly told me I was every bit my mother’s image but lacked her spirit. There’d been no apology from him in the last few months. But that could be my fault, I suppose, considering I’d stolen my mother’s tiara from the vault in retaliation, then fled back to the Temple of Time in the middle of the night.
Impa sighed. “Perhaps he misses you, Princess. Just give him a chance to apologize.”
I shrugged. My father was in debt when it came to the apologies he owed me.
The carriage must have passed beneath the gates because the ground suddenly sloped upwards to ascend to the castle. I grasped the seat cushion as we go over a bump in the road.
“Try to breathe, Your Highness,” Impa encouraged, “You’re home.”
I bobbed my head and pressed my lips together tightly. Though I wished I could pretend otherwise, my nerves raced as we drew closer and closer to the castle.
When the carriage began to slow, I gave my appearance a once-over. The pale pink gown Impa picked for me this morning was simple. Probably too simple for court. Much like the ivory prayer dress I wore at the temple, it fell loosely around my hips and legs. I pressed my palms into my skirts, trying to flatten the wrinkles that had developed during the long journey.
“You look lovely, Your Highness,” Impa encouraged, a slight tease in her voice. “I wouldn’t worry much about your appearance. You won’t see the king until dinner.”
This drew my attention and lifted my spirits. “Father is not coming to greet me?” I looked out the window. Sure enough, the only people who awaited us were a stoic line of guards.
“King Rhoam was called to the Akkala Citadel two days ago for diplomatic matters. He should be journeying home as we speak.”
I felt relief settle over me and I thanked the goddesses that I wouldn’t have to see my father until I’d had a chance to rest.
I slipped inside the castle quickly and without much fanfare, a stark contrast to Castle Town’s colorful welcome. The guards escorting us were silent as we entered the castle, each of the burly men refusing to meet my eyes.
We passed very few people during our trip to my quarters. The ones we did see were servants or lowley courtiers. When we saw them, they lowered into deep bows but said nothing, for which I was grateful.
I found myself hoping the servants maintained my rooms while I was gone. My father could be petty and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d lent out my rooms as guest chambers to invoke his revenge for my thievery.
After what felt like hours, we reached the hallway my rooms were located in in the West Wing of the castle. The guards fold away to take up defensive positions outside my quarters as we drew near. Impa bode farewell, probably eager to seek out her rooms after the lengthly trip. I was sad to lose her company, but she’d spent nearly every moment with me for the last two years. She deserved time to herself.
I slipped inside my chambers and was pleasantly surprised to discover my father had not been loaning them out. Everything was where I left it. Everything. Including the dust that had settled upon my bookshelves, and the clothes I’d strew across my bed as I scrambled to pack my bags. It’s clear that not one servant has stepped foot inside since I’d left.
A chuckle escapes me. Well played, father. Not nearly as petty as I’d imagined, but his bitterness could still be felt.
I immediately set to work. Cleaning was the most unprincess-y talent I could have, yet I’d been without servants while at the Temple of Time. Impa was a confidant, and possessed her fair share of titles too. She was no maid. The monks and acolytes were servants to none other than Her Radiance, Hylia. The room I’d possessed at the temple had been my responsibility to keep clean. My royal chambers were more than five times the size of that room, but I didn’t let that scare me. I needed something to keep my thoughts from venturing toward tonight’s dinner.
About an hour after I began my cleaning–having started with my bookshelves before moving onto my desk–a servant notified me of my father’s return. The boy seemed perplexed by my cleaning but hadn’t offered any help. I suppose my father forbade the castle staff from offering me direct assistance.
When I asked if he would kindly fetch me proper supplies, he’d dutifully bowed and returned minutes later with a bucket of utilities. My father clearly hadn’t thought to forbid all types of assistance, it seemed.
After another hour of work, I collapse atop my freshly made bed and set my sights on a nice long nap. Though my thoughts begin to assault me a wide array of worries, and I find myself incapable of finding rest. Twisting my messy hair into a knot atop my head, I fled my chambers in search of fresh air. A second-best alternative to sleep, I suppose.
The guards in the hallway snapped to attention as I left my bedroom. Two broke off to follow me.
“No need,” I waved my hand, “This is my home. There are two of you around every corner. I’ll be fine.”
They stepped back, and I was blissfully left alone.
Nothing had changed much since I last wandered these candle-lit halls. Memories of my childhood flood my mind as I turned around corners. I busied myself with finding each of the hidden passageways I’d memorized years ago. There was one hidden behind a heavy tapestry inside the Dining Hall. Another behind a statue outside the Sanctum. Inside the library, there were many hidden behind the metal bookcases. One led to my father’s private study. Another to the docks below the castle.
I find myself in the library, and noticed a bookshelf which was slightly out of alignment with the wall. I pursed my lips and approached curiously. This passage was new. Pushing the bookcase aside, I slip into the hidden room.
There was an eerie orange light seeping from the walls. It is not like the light of torches. This light does not flicker. I turn a corner, dragging my hand along the rough wall.
“Hey!” I startle at the sound of a voice.
People are crowded together. Some hold pickaxes, while others hold books and notepads. An odd slab of stone protrudes from the wall.
“You shouldn’t be in here!” The Sheikah who’d called out to me steps forward, arms crossed. His glasses are low on his long nose, and his eyes are beady. His skinny limbs flail as he waves his arms. His features were that of an educated courtier, not an excavator. “This is for authorized researchers only!”
He fell silent after noticing the steady quiet among his coworkers. Evidently he was one of the few who didn’t recognize me.
“Quiet, you fool!” Another man steps forward. “You’re talking to Princess Zelda.”
Embarrassment washed over the man who scolded me. “I’m so sorry, Your Highness!” He apologized, stumbling over his words. “I didn’t know it was you.”
“It’s quite alright.” I turned to the man who’d called him off. This Sheikah I recognized. “Hello, Robbie.”
The scientist smiled brightly and waved. I hadn't seen him in years, the few times I'd visited Castle Town he had been off on some excavation or adventure. Unlike Impa, Robbie was a Sheikah without noble blood. He was nothing more than a gifted scientist.
“Is Purah here?” I asked, searching for another familiar face amongst the crowd.
Robbie shook his head. “Her and Impa wandered off together shortly after your return.”
Guilt throbbed in my chest. By accompanying me to the Temple of Time, Impa and her elder sister Purah were separated. Though they did not always seem to be on the same page, I knew the sisters would miss each other dearly. The one time I’d apologized to Impa for being the cause of their separation, she’d told me not to worry myself over her own choices. Yet I felt responsible nonetheless.
The scrawny Sheikah was still fumbling with an apology. “Would you like a tour, Princess?”
I stepped back. “That’s quite alright.” It was my castle, after all. “I don’t want to trouble you.”
“No trouble at all!” He beamed and offered his arm. “A few things have changed since your last visit.”
I glanced back at Robbie, who shrugged. No doubt he found this humorous.
The man led me from the secret room back into the library. “My name is Kaito,” he introduced himself proudly. “I am the Court Poet of Hyrule.”
“Oh,” I said. “You’re a lyricist?” That made sense, I supposed. He had a scholarly air about him and a gracefulness to how he carried himself. I decide not to point out how he’d said that room was for “authorized researchers” only. Last I checked, poets were not on that list.
Kaito nodded eagerly. “Might I say, Your Highness, that your beauty outshines the sun?”
I looked away and murmured, “thank you.”
Most men who my father has introduced me to over the years were quick to compliment my appearance. They pointed out my resemblance to my mother or the carvings of Hylia, commenting on how they thought I was a “goddess” like my ancestor. Each time the praise became harder to bear. I knew most hoped to win my affection—by doing so they would also earn a soft spot with the king.
Though Kaito is a lyrcist, I suppose it is his duty to notice the beauty of the world. And he seemed genuine enough. Surely his compliment had nothing to do with gaining prestige in court.
Kaito led me through the castle, pointing out rooms with a flourish of his arm. I kept my displeasure to myself. It was as if Kaito forgot I grew up in this palace. It had only been a few months since I’d last been here for a visit.
I followed Kaito outside and down a flight of stone stairs. “And this,” Kaito grinned. “Is the west courtyard.”
To my relief, Kaito finally dropped my arm. The west courtyard was where squires came to train with the knights. In recent years, it has also become a site where many Sheikah researchers studied their technology in outdoor simulatons.
Kaito leaned against a wall, gazing at the practicing squires. “ I once trained to become a Hyrulian knight,” he bemoaned. “The calling of balladry pulled me away. Alas, I am better off this way.” It amazed me that Kaito could cram so much dramatics into his words. I find his presence quite amusing.
I skeptically observed his fragile features. Most knights I’d known were large and gruff, kind but weathered from years of battle and training. Kaito was every bit a esteemed Sheikah scholar, with smooth skin and hair nearly as long as mine which he kept tied back. It was impossible to picture him on a battlefield.
As the poet prattled on, I casted my attention out across the courtyard. Before I left for the temple, Impa and I often came here to pass the time. Impa enjoyed the sight of handsome knights, while I simply cherished the outdoors. Besides, it was entertaining to see Impa so excited. And I may have let myself sneak a peak or two at the shirtless knights, though I loathe to admit it. There was little attraction I found in men whose names I didn’t even know. Mere curiosity was all that steered my gaze.
Though more interesting than any knight are the Sheikah and their experiments on the opposite end of the courtyard. I wander closer, and Kaito follows close behind me.
An active Guardian sat at the center of a group of Sheikah. Orange energy shinned from within it and its blue eye darted around the courtyard fervently . Excitement blossomed in my chest. When I was last here, the Sheikah were unsuccessful in waking any of the mechanical soldiers. This was the first live Guardian I have laid eyes on.
“I hate those things,” Kaito muttered. “They look like giant spiders.”
I ignored his words. Not all Sheikah held as much reverence for the technological wonders as Purah and Robbie.
“Princess?” One of the researchers greeted me as I drew closer. “What are you doing out here?”
“I’m just reacquainting myself with the castle,” I said, “How long have you been able to control them?”
He hesitated with an answer. “We have very few specimens to work with, and most are still deactivated. This one we found without legs or a core. But after we placed one of the refurbished cores we found in a decayed Guardian in this one, it came to life.”
“Astonishing!”
“I wouldn’t get too close, Your Highness,” the Shiekah warned. “We haven’t found a way to control it yet."
“What do you mean?”
Before he could answer, a bolt of blue light shoots from the Guardian’s eye. A nearby shed bursts into flames. That is what he meant.
The Guardian turned its head towards me and I stumbled back.
“Look out!” Someone called.
Time moved too fast for me to process the words. Somewhere in my periphery, I saw people lunging to push me out of the way. But they weren't fast enough. A second beam of blue light shot from the Guardian’s eye, straight towards me.
I shut my eyes. Picturing myself inside the Temple of Time, hunched before the Goddess’s statue, I send a prayer to Hylia. And I couldn't help but think this would be a rather ironic way to die. But Hylia must have heard my prayer, for the beam of energy never touches my skin.
“Are you alright?” Someone asked, and as I blinked out of my stupor I realized they'd shielded me.
I opened my eyes blearily. A young squire stands in front of me, a singed pot lid on his left arm like a shield. Judging by his youthful features, he must be close to my age. His cerulean eyes peered at me with concern. I couldn’t help but think I’d seen him before.
“Yes, thank you,” I said. That’s the proper phrase to say to someone who just saved my life. Though I barely process the words, my thoughts are still suspended in shock.
Murmurs of surprise spread through the surrounding crowd. Looking past the squire, I notice the destroyed Guardian. Its own beam of energy turned against it, what a shame. I wondered how long it would take for the researchers to activate another one.
The squire stepped away, dropping the pot lid as he did so. He hurried to rejoin his fellow trainees. Watching him go, I once again felt that pull of familiarity. I must have met him before, perhaps as children. If his father or mother was a member of court, it was likely we’d run into each other at some point.
I push the thoughts away and focus my attention on the people around me.
Kaito is next to me, his hand against my back. “Let’s get you inside.”
I sneak one last look at the destroyed Guardian. A sick feeling twists in my gut, but I push it down. The whole ordeal happened so fast, but I could have sworn I saw the Guardian’s blue light burn red seconds before it had shot its beam.
I would have to ask Robbie or Purah about it later.