Zelink Short Stories

Royal Blood

If any of the scenes are familiar it's because I wrote this story, hated it, recycled the ideas for shorts I already published , then came back and realized it wasn't that bad.

Warning: some suggestive content. Nothing too bad this time.
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The day starts the same as it always does. I was woken up early by my maid. Then I bathed and dressed in a somewhat simple dress. Nothing nobles wear is entirely simple. And Father has too much money than he knows what to do with. So he pours it on me in the form of diamonds and dresses so stiff they would stay upright if I stepped out of them. He seems to think I want to be dressed up as a princess. Though we lack the title of royalty, the estate we live on might as well be a castle. Only Hyrule Castle itself tops ours in grandeur and elegance.

Once dressed in a gown much too uncomfortable for another day at home, I make my way down the double curved staircase to meet Father in the dining room for breakfast. The white walls are embellished with gold and reflect the light pouring in from the floor to ceiling windows. It's too much for my taste. But the estate has been passed down through my family and I'm expected to inherit and maintain it as my father does.

The butler opens the large doors into the dining room. Father is already here with his glasses slipping down his nose as he studies his documents. He works closely with advisors to the King, recommending investment options and wise trade choices to keep our kingdom rich. Though he has his moments, it's men like Father that keep the throne afloat. The man sitting in it-or I should say boy-spends more time hosting balls than ensuring the security of his kingdom. He's immature and too young to be king. The unfortunate death of his father and former king landed him a throne he can't handle.

"Goodmorning Father," I say as the butler pushes in my chair. A bowl of raspberries and strawberries are placed in front of me next, topped with cream and a sprinkling of sugar.

"Goodmorning, my dear." He shuffles his papers, scribbling his signature on the bottom of a few before placing them on a tray to be dealt with later.

"What are you working on?"

He takes a sip of his black coffee. I prefer tea myself. "Tax proposals. Nothing interesting." But I am interested. I've already learned how to be a lady. I want to know how to run a kingdom.

"Are they being increased again?"

"Only slightly." I'm not sure how many more tax increases the people can handle. All that money and for what? To supply the King's childish parties? "As I said, nothing to concern yourself with."

"Yes Father," I say, being sure to watch my tone. The last thing I want to hear is a lecture on being polite.

Another maid enters, carrying a small envelope. She gives it to Father and he promptly opens it, his eyes scanning it quickly. He raises his brows, showing he is either surprised or pleased.

"What is it?"

"It seems Pike has returned from his trip. He wishes to meet with you again." I suppress the urge to roll my eyes. The esteemed poet and musician, beloved by nobles and visiting royalty. He seems to think with enough harassment, I'll fall in love with him as so many others have fallen in love with his art. I will say, he is very talented and kind. But he's not a man I'm interested in being more than friends with.

"He's a very respectable man, Zelda," Father continues. "It'd be wise to give him a chance." I had already given him a chance. I didn't turn him down the first time he asked to spend time with me. We played the piano together and shared a meal. Even with that, I can't see him as more than a friend.