Forbidden Love; Its The Best Kind (Link x Reader)

|| Chapter 42 || Room of Pink Sorrow

*Had to take a college English test today when I'm only in 10th grade...Let's hope my grammar in that was better than what I use for this story XP

(Your P.O.V.)

We've been staying in Anicetus for almost a week now. Link seems to really enjoy it here and I do, too, it's only that I worry about what's going on back home. My father won't simply let this all blow over. I don't trust that he wouldn't take his fury out on the innocent.

There's so many questions that refuse to let me rest. I keep asking myself different things like: What are my siblings thinking right now? Are they breaking down after losing their sisters or are they fine with it? Is Liam okay? My father isn't blaming him or Hylians, is he?

Sighing, I exchanged my old book for another which was on Anicetus's history. I thought it would be good for me to learn a little about how things work here if we'll be staying. Without reading any books, it's clear these people have a far different culture than back home.

I sat down by the fireplace of the library, flipping through the book pages with my hand pressed against my cheek. I scanned over them, trying to find an interesting topic to start with, one that could gain my attention best. Soon, I found one talking about eye paint just like Link's mother mentioned in her letters.

~Eye Paint Symbols~

In Anicetus, the people wear different colors, shapes, and designs of paint around their right eye to show off what profession and/or rank they have. Usually, these paintings are only worn for special events and first impressions, however, many choose to wear such make-up all the time.

There are several combinations. Typically, those of higher class have more paint and brighter colors. For example, the Queen wears paint an orange dot surrounded by two green ones over her eyebrow while under her eye is two darker blue dots filled with white both next to a light blue tear-drop shape; this is the custom royalty look.

This way of ours isn't meant to separate, that or shame. We use this technique to be proud of what we do. Anicetus believes that everyone is special in some way and should never be embarrassed to let others see.

"The colors of paint have special meanings in which the book talks about in chapter five," I jumped slightly, spinning around to see that Aeshia had been reading over my shoulder with a gentle smile which turned to a frown when seeing that she scared me," I apologize. I didn't intend to frighten you, young one."

"It's fine," I sent her a smile, closing the book and setting it on my lap," I was only trying to learn a few things about how everything works here. I have to say, the face paint idea is clever. I was wandering why everyone wore unique designs."

She sat down next to me on her knees," many of the workers in the castle are beyond excited to have guest so they're wearing the eye paint in hopes of welcoming Link and yourself. Since it's very rare for us to get foreign visitors, they don't yet understand the two of you must get use to our ways."

I hummed," I enjoy how happy everyone seems here. It's very welcoming indeed."

"Dalg m'I," she looked towards the fire," if you ever want to know more about the culture here, feel free to ask. I'd be happy to fill you in on anything. I could even show you how to do eye paint if you'd like."

"I'd would like that," my eyes went to the fire as well," so, you're the only ruler here?"

Aeshia nodded," I have been for 77 years."

"...77...?" I looked back to her with wide eyes.

Once again, she simply shrugged," I was 50 when my mom died."

"H-How old are you now?"

"127," she laughed," I age differently compared to how you do. I'd be considered about twenty-ish going by your years."

"Wow," I whispered," you don't look too much older than I."

"Well, thank you."

"Do you not have any family? I'm sorry if it's personal, but-"

"-Nonsense. I like questions. I did have some family long ago. As lovely as it is to rule this kingdom on my own, it does get lonely, although. I sometimes wish I had siblings like you. Three, correct?"

"Yes. Sienna, Ethan, and...Brook."

"I'm sorry about what happened to her. She was the only one of you I hadn't met."

"She was a ball of energy; always cheerful and looking on the bright side of things. Unlike my other siblings, she seemed to enjoy Link's company, too. We were very close, and I miss her dearly."

Aeshia frowned, thinking," I know you said you didn't want to hear anything about your family's past, but could I tell you one thing? It isn't bad, at least, I doubt it is."

I hesitated, debating over it then nodded," I-I guess."

Her smile returned while she stood, offering a hand," come now. It's best if I show you."

~~~

She lead me to room hidden far down the hall, one with flower vases next to each door in which held bright red roses. A stain glass window was across the door, casting a shadow of blues, yellows, and greens.

Aeshia stopped at the door, her hand hovering over the knob. I heard her take a deep breath before opening it, stepping aside so I could enter.

The room was beautiful! The floor was a pearly wood that shined in the light of the large window, the walls were painted white with pink pedal designs floating down on it from the top, and the ceiling had a dark pink chandelier.

The bed was made perfectly with white and several shades of pink pillows. Above it, a pink curtain dropped down, surrounding the bed like they describe in fair-tales with princesses.

There were a bunch of painting supplies in the corner, an easel set out with a finished paining of a forest on it. Behind it, there was a bookshelf filled with books and a deep pink beanbag set nearby.

"Is this your room?" I questioned, entering with a smile.

"No, it was my sister's," Aeshia followed, shutting the door and holding her arm," as you could tell, she loved the color pink."

"So, you do have a sister...?" I trailed off when facing her, seeing the sad look in her eyes.

"We were extremely close, and I would do anything to have her be happy. This was the room I gave her. She'd spend days in here reading and drawings. Oh, how she loved it. We'd have sleepovers a lot," Aeshia stopped by the bed, running a hand over the covers," she wasn't truly my sister. I merely took her in as a baby. Blood didn't matter to us. We seen each other as sisters and that was what mattered."

I looked down at my feet," what happened to her?"

Aeshia sighed," Rosaleen."

"Huh?"

"Her name was Rosaleen. My sister was Princess Rosaleen of Anicetus, later known as Queen Rosaleen of Amadahy..."