The Silence Between Them | ✔

16) Party

⚔ In which Zelda tries to forget ⚔

Zelda

A week goes by, and suddenly the palace is running mad with party preparations. But I'm finding it rather hard to celebrate with the impending doom I will undoubtedly bring across Hyrule. And now I can't even be seen with the Sheikah in the courtyard because the word will certainly get back to father.

I've done as father said. I've spent every spare moment I have to prayer or studying the ancient power that is supposed to be within me. Re-reading books of legends that show princesses and queens that had the power and how they used it. But there is no real reason they had the power or how they used it. It's said it was called upon when they needed it or at their beck and call. None of the books give me any clues on how to use it for myself. Praying seems to become more and more of a chore in the days leading up to my birthday. I can't help but fear we're running out of time. I'm running out of time.

I don't know what it is, but I find more comfort in Link's sure presence. Even in his silence, I know he's there, always watching and, for whatever reason, always willing to help. More than once now, I've asked him to hold this steady or carry that when my own arms are full. He never argues, never makes a face, and never judges the titles I stack in his arms to take back to my study. Sometimes I even let him in when I need an extra set of hands. The first time he was hesitant, but he did as I asked without complaint.

The parties are an excellent way to distract myself, I've found. They're a way to forget the impending doom I've set on the kingdom, so I indulge. I'm asked all sorts of questions, and for the public ball, I'm practically given free rein. I want it to be as fun as possible because on my travels with Link, I've found that ordinary folk are much more fun than nobility. So, if anything else, I want them to enjoy themselves the night of the party.

When the day of the public ball arrives, and with it, my Champions. They are to attend both balls and maybe accompany us to the Springs if they wish.

Chloe is, unfortunately for me and my hair, out doing other things to get ready for the ball for the time being, which leaves me to try and figure out what to do with my hair instead. I've tied and untied this braid three times already. I sigh heavily, glancing at the drawing of what I'm trying to do that's taped to the mirror of my dressing table. I spy Link standing by the door, inside, since Chloe is gone. He's still not supposed to be in here, but I can't bear to be completely alone when my anxiety is so high. Having someone here will help keep my head on my shoulders.

Exasperated by the state of my hair, I sigh again and spy Link through the reflection. "You don't happen to know anything about braids, do you?"

I fully expect him to shake his head no, but to my great surprise, he nods.

"Do you think you can help me?"

He nods again and walks over slowly, almost hesitantly. He stops behind me and reaches for my comb.

I watched in awe as he very gently undid the mess I'd done before him and parted and braided my hair with surprising ease, looking between my hair and the drawing on the mirror. This isn't the first time he's helped with something like this. I've had to ask him for balance while trying on shoes or fastening a button on the back of a dress. I was sure these tasks would humiliate him, which is why I asked. But he helps, however hesitant, and doesn't complain about it every time. Indeed, he's been taught not to assist with trivial tasks like these. How is he supposed to defend me with his fingers caught up in my hair? But I'm grateful for the help, anyway.

He steps back after and looks at me through the mirror, his face asking the question. I stare at the masterful work of intricate braids tied in a bun at the back of my head, a few hanging down to frame my face better. I can see Link smiling ever so slightly. What is he thinking?