Cinderella, but it's Breath of the Wild

The Girl of His Dreams

"Make sure you stand up straight, and don't drop your chin," Link's father reminded him before he stepped out to greet the ball guests.

Since it was his birthday, Link had the special honor of getting a very overly dramatic entrance to the party. Which he wasn't the most thrilled about, in all honesty.

The king assumed his place in the royal box that overlooked the dancing people below. Teba accompanied him.

The moment Link stepped out from behind one of the curtains, the whole ballroom went silent. Every pair of eyes were on him, and he couldn't help but wish he were somewhere else.

The stunned silence was replaced with clapping, as Link stood at the front of the dais where his father's throne sat, and he cleared his throat before addressing the crowd.

"Good evening, my people," he began, which was met with some more cheering, specifically from the young princesses and noblewomen most likely interested in him.

"I'd like to thank each and every one of you for attending my birthday party, whether you walked only a mile or traveled via ship across the sea, you are all welcome to the best we have to offer," he said with a smile.

His audience clapped once more, and a pleased grin spread across the king's face. By this point, Teba, who was seated next to him heard the rustle of curtains behind him and he turned around.

"Revali!" He whisper-shouted, as the court magician entered the box with them. "Where have you been?"

The rito tossed his robes behind him, a knowing smile on his face. "Oh, you know, just out for a late-night fly as usual," he lied, which Teba could easily spot. However, the grand duke decided it would probably be best not to question him.

The pair then returned their attention to Link, who's relatively short speech was drawing to a close.

"Anyway, that's all from me. Please do enjoy yourselves," the prince finished, before bowing to the assembly once more.

There was one more round of applause before the crowd dispersed from around the thrones and made their way back to the center of the ballroom. The orchestra, led by yet another rito with a teal-feathered coat, who went by the name of Kass, began playing a joyful and merry waltz.

It didn't take long before almost the entire room was on their feet, dancing the night away, and Link couldn't help but feel mildly overwhelmed.

His mind subconsciously drifted back to the blonde-haired girl from the marketplace. She said she'd be here, right? It wasn't like there was anyone he was waiting for or jumping at the opportunity to dance with.

Perhaps he'd try looking for her.

***

Zelda's carriage winded down several forest and woodland paths on their way to the castle. Despite having traveled far across the kingdom many times before, she saw several things she swore she'd never seen.

The soft whirring of the wheels underneath her was enough to even make her think about napping.

However, she didn't have much time to consider the idea. Not before the most majestic view of the castle she'd ever seen became visible through her window.

She couldn't help but let out a small gasp. It had to be the most spectacular thing she'd ever witnessed; and to think people lived there.

To think Prince Link lived there.

He had probably never touched a broom or dustpan in his life. Not when he'd been pampered since before he could walk, and lived in the biggest building in the entire kingdom.