Chapter Text
I’ve just turned sixteen, though I feel as if the weight on my shoulders is that of one much beyond my years. Father recently spoke with me about the large gates being built in front of the castle. He tells me they are in preparation for the Calamity that is to come, and that if I want to ease my worry, I should dedicate more time to my training. I know he means well, but his lack of support is often hard to shoulder. The gates are being built with the help of both Goron blacksmiths and Sheikah researchers, to fathers' slight dismay. If only we were permitted to further research their ruins, oh I can only imagine the amount of good that would bring. It’s no use in further complaining, I’ve pleaded with him countless times. How dearly I wish mother were still here, she could always speak sense into him, no matter how stubborn he’d be.
The gates are large, even in the halls of the castle, I can hear the clamor of the workers moving large stones and metal to secure the front entrance. I understand it’s ultimately for our safety, and it’s clear that father is taking the threat of the calamity so seriously, but it unsettles me nonetheless. Just seeing the sheer height of the things is enough to put anyone on edge.
I’m normally so excited for autumn in Hyrule, the changing of the leaves makes sunset over Hyrule field look as if the entire country is encased in a shell of gold. With all this preparation for what seems to be the end-times unnerves me so much I can barely think. From where I’m standing I can see the first gatehouse. Its original purpose always made me laugh as a young child, the idea of letting enemy soldiers in just to seal them shut. Though over its long history, the first Gatehouse has never been breached.
“Zelda.” I hear my fathers voice exclaim behind me. “You won’t be late for the grand banquet tonight, correct?”
“No, father, I will be there promptly.”
“Good, we have many people to thank in their aid to prepare for the calamity.” My father, King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule, if nothing else, is a noble and fair leader. He looks upon Castle Town with kind eyes.
“One cannot rule a country without knowing its people, Zelda,” He sighed, “The good, the bad,” he pauses, “even the heinous criminals,” he continues, motioning to lockup. The wind sends a shiver down my spine. “To lead people effectively, you must be involved.” I look up at him and nod. While our relationship may be strained by disagreements, he is effective at what he does.
“I’ll see you at the banquet tonight.” He says as he retreats from the observation room. I look back to lockup. While it hasn’t been of use in quite some time, I’ve been barred from even stepping near it since I was a child. Because of its vacancy, guards normally stationed there have been positioned around the castle. It was refreshing to see new faces around. Especially with our recent fortune of so many aspiring soldiers coming to our aid from many different settlements. The guards’ chamber is so crowded now that the sound of clashing swords seems unending. I, too, must contribute the best I can during these times.
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The chatter that echoes throughout the dining hall should be of great comfort to me. The beautiful red and golds of the walls and tapestry, the clinking of forks and knives sinking into delicious smelling food. Goblets being raised to mouths and the occasional outburst of laughter. They are even serving my favorite tonight, fruitcake. I am supposed to be socializing, thanking and engaging with everyone who has come. Dignitaries and Chiefs from all corners of Hyrule, skilled craftsmen who aided in better fortifying the castle. But I cannot say I enjoy the looks the other attendees give me, they are always ones of expectation and disappointment. Their whispers hang in the air over everyone like a heavy fog. But whenever I feel such pressure, I fix my eyes on the knight who stands at the entrance to the dining hall. His unchanging nature is a welcome relief to me. Though it would be quite awkward if he were to notice me staring.
“Your royal highness, are you feeling alright?” A council member across the table asks me.
“Me? Oh, yes, my apologies. I was just thinking about… all the valiant efforts being put into preparation for the calamity. My sincerest gratitude for all those involved.” I raise my glass, attempting to take a bit of the attention off me for a while. My eyes turned to the other end of the table towards my father. He was chuckling, he seemed… at ease almost. It was odd to see him so cheerful, knowing how cautious he was being towards the calamity just moments ago. He was congratulating and making toasts and boasting about the royal cooks to the guests. I wondered how they felt, back overseeing their respective villages and districts, if they were making such heavy preparations. I feel as if simply inviting citizens to a banquet won’t help me ‘know my people’ more. I should express this to my father, to see if I may tour the kingdom soon to offer the castle aid to all, that's what it’s here for, I suppose. The Hyrule family prides itself on being a government for the people. What better way to get to know the people than to visit and speak with them more intimately? First thing tomorrow I will bring this to him.
As the bustle of dinner slowly died down and guests started to make their way out of the hall and castle, I decided to pay a visit to the library. How I adore that room, there's books from all across Hyrule to research, it truly is a grand sight. My father has forbidden entry to civilians, and advised that I don’t waste my time on ‘trivial matters.’ He won’t ever tell me this, but he thinks my powers haven’t awoken for lack of trying. He’s always telling me to do away with my research and studies and focus on further devotion to the goddesses. Because of this I must sneak past through the docks, as guards are on constant watch by the main entrances.
The docks were originally built as an escape route for emergencies within the castle, but over time they have been converted to a hub for merchants and fishers bringing their goods. And now it is how I access the library as well. When mother was alive, she would often bring me to the library just before bed, having me choose my favorite stories to take with me to my bedroom. She would then walk me down the hall, past the throne room, and up stairs to my bed. It was a comfort always knowing she encouraged me in whatever I set my mind to. Now I take that same journey, just without mother beside me this time. As I walk down the hall I look to my right and see the throne room as it sits in the center of the castle. It is the site of many official events. Father sits on the left, and mother would sit on the right, her throne remains untouched since her passing. I can hear the bell tolling loudly as I continue my ascent upstairs. Every morning and night its ringing is heard through Castle Town, though I have been informed by the bellkeeper that, in the event of an emergency, they can make it ring all through Hyrule. I bet it’s quite a sight to behold.
As I approach the hall to my bedroom, the guards stand ever so straighter.
“Your royal highness,” They say in unison.
I give them a friendly nod and smile as I pass, sighing with relief when they shut the large doors behind me. Keeping up a proper royal image all the time can be truly exhausting, so I find solace in the nights alone in my chambers, with no prying eyes to watch me. Slipping into my night-robes and loosely braiding my hair is a simple luxury, but one that brings me comfort in these trying times. As I look out my windows, I can see so much of Hyrule, the Gazebo, my favorite overlook, where I spent so much time with mother and father as a child. Hyrule cathedral, where mother used to pray. I would imitate her as a child, perhaps I should’ve watched closer. My eyes then turn to Hyrule forest park, I think about it beginning as a single tree. Oh, how much it’s grown since then. Soon, when I succeed the throne, I will have the opportunity to plant one as well. The cool night air whistles as I finally lay down for the evening. Despite the lovely bed prepared for me here in my room, I cannot remember the last time I was able to sleep the night through. I suppose it’s to be expected. If what was prophesied about the calamity holds true, there is little time left.