Words: 648
Title: New Beginning
Most did not realize that being a Princess was not all riches and power and looking beautiful. It was rising with the sun, making laws, trade agreements, wars, and heartache. Being royalty was a life time commitment, one that she had never signed up for.
The sun hadn’t even risen and Zelda was already in a heated meeting with several of her councilors regarding her ascension to the throne.
“It is not right, milady!” one declared flatly. “Without a husband you cannot be crowned Queen!”
“Why not?” she demanded angrily, her sapphire sky orbs narrowed to slits, her white gloved hands pressed against the tabletop. “I’ve been ruling as Queen in every aspect but title. I do not need to take a husband yet- there is still plenty of time. Why not make everything official? The people need to be assured of the country’s stability.”
Exasperated, a short portly advisor spoke up. “For the last time, your Highness, it cannot be. This assurance you speak of would not be well received because-”
“Because I am a woman?” Zelda finished icily, and the men at the table flinched. “You dare say this to me when I have proved myself capable as any man?” None of them would look her in the eye and she bit back a scream of rage, keeping her tone frozen. “I suggest you rethink your sentiments and we will continue this later.”
“But, you Highness-” another stammered as she rose.
“Unless you want me in an irritable mood for the rest of the day, I suggest you keep quiet and allow me to have my breakfast.”
Without a backward glance, Zelda strode out of the hall, her eyes flashing with ire as she walked toward the private balcony where she knew a certain someone would be waiting to share her meal.
“You do know that you don’t have to get up this early just to dine with me, don’t you?” she inquired as she stepped out into the dusky morning air, smiling wearily at the young man who waited for her, his booted feet propped up on the wrote-iron railing.
He shrugged slightly, giving her a grin as he sat up. “It’s hard to break habits,” Link told her lightly. “I’m used to rising early to heard goats, remember?” He held out a strip of bacon to her, and she took it with a light laugh.
“Of course.” She savored it with a sigh, moving to sit beside him. His arm slipped around her easily, holding her close against his side.
“Are they giving you trouble about becoming Queen again?” Link murmured in her ear.
Zelda nodded, her eyes on the horizon where the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon. “They drive me mad; all this nonsense about a woman not being able to handle the country on her own- it’s preposterous! I’ve been ruling since before my father died. I don’t understand why they are being so difficult about it.”
Link shrugged slightly. “They’re set deeply in tradition,” he told her. “Though they do have your best interests at heart, I suppose.” He nuzzled the side of her head, his cheek rubbing against her silken hair. “Well, they won’t have to worry about it much longer, once we announce our engagement. It should satisfy everyone all around, don’t you think?”
She didn’t answer for a moment, her fingers tracing idle patterns against his chest. “Are you sure about that?” she inquired quietly. “About becoming king?”
He grinned, dipping his head to kiss the tip of her nose. “Sure I’m sure. It’ll be an interesting beginning for Hyrule, don’t you think? The sunrise of the rein of Queen, Zelda, and the hero as her King?”
She rolled her eyes, laughing. “Since when have you become so poetic?”
Link chuckled. “Since I had to think of an interesting way to propose to you.”
Well, that's it everyone. I've completed them all!
