Break The Cycle

chapter 9

As per tradition when the princess' knight was appointed, a ball was to be held. After all, wasn't this the perfect excuse to hold a large party?

You were to wear a formal outfit, one made exclusively for important events such as this one.

It didn't look much different than your normal formal outfit, but hey, what's wrong with getting new clothes once in a while?

You twirled around, showing Paya the outfit, and she clapped at the end of your little show.

"Isn't it beautiful?" you gushed, examining the golden thread lining the sleeves.

"Indeed. I don't think a single person will dislike it," Paya answered, smiling at your excitement.

You clapped your hands twice. "And tomorrow, I can go visit Malo and Riyoko! I haven't seen them in forever."

The Sheikah chuckled. "Something tells me that you're more excited to see your aunts than you are to get an appointed knight."

You shook your head quickly, laughing. "No, no, that's not it! I just- I want to see them as soon as possible."

"Well, it's time. Are you ready?" Lisa asked from behind a curtain. Paya called out a 'yes' in response, and the maid pulled the curtain to the side, revealing you and Paya.

"Oh, you look beautiful! Both of you!" she exclaimed, bowing her head.

You both thanked her, and began to head down to the Great Hall, where the celebration was held.

There wasn't really much to do except stand around and wait for now, until Lisa jokingly extended her hand and smiled. "Care to dance, princess?"

"I do, madam," you jokingly replied, taking her hand. She twirled you around, until you felt slightly dizzy, and then placed her hand on your waist. "The waltz?"

Lisa giggled at your shocked expression. "Why not? May as well."

You nodded, and placed your hand on her shoulder. She held the other one in her free hand, and you began to dance to the music. The two of you began doing the box step; left foot first, then right foot parallel to the left, moving so your feet were almost touching, stepping back with your right foot, back with the left foot, and repeating the action.

When the song was finally over, you felt like you needed a cold drink, so the two of you headed over to get some, arms still linked together.

"That was fun," you beamed, looking at Lisa. She nodded, glancing at you sideways.

"Aren't you going to need to dance with Link anyway? Just... count it as practice," she laughed, handing you a cup of (favourite cool drink).

As you smiled back at her, you saw how red her face was, and how she seemed to be struggling to breathe.

"Are you alright? You sound so out of breath," you commented, and she waved her hand.

"Yeah, of course! I haven't danced like that in a while, and it reminded me of how much fun my old dance classes were!"

As the night went on, more people showed up, filling the ballroom up nicely.

When your father finally arrived, everyone bowed and curtseyed. He waved his hand, and everyone straightened back up.

"Today, we celebrate my daughter, and the soldier who has bravely put himself up to the task of keeping her safe," he began, moving to the side and revealing Link, who nervously glanced away. Your father pushed the knight forward, and he walked the short distance to you.

"We're meant to dance," he whispered. "Do you know how?"

"I do. Do you?" you replied in a hushed tone.