Death By Princess {Complete}

CH 24

"So, Elule," says Gannondorf once they are out of Winterton and on route to Hyrule. "You said you made friends with a boy in the village?"

"Uh-huh," says Elule as she changes her doll's dress to a sweater and pants. Something more suitable for the cold weather.

"When did you meet this boy?" Gannondorf wants as much information as he can get while he has the opportunity. One thing he has learned from raising a child is that their memory often retains random and useless information.

"Remember when I went with Arthur and Melinda and you and Mommy stayed home?"

Gannondorf nods.

"Well I met him then. He didn't have any friends but I don't know why. He's nice!"

"Well you said it was because he had no mother," says Gannondorf.

"Yeah," she says lowering her eyes.

"I guess he is your age?"

"No. He's seven."

"That so? When is his birthday, do you know?"

"He didn't tell me the date but um..."

"You are so fun to play with Elule. I wish you had come here a couple of weeks ago," says Eli.

"Oh?"

"It was my birthday and I turned seven. You could have come to my party. That would have been fun... Do you think you can come for my party next year?"

Elule smiles at the snow that she crunches it in the palm of her hand. "I'll ask my dad."

"Oh!" she says. "Can I go to his birthday party next year? He invited me but I told him I had to ask you."

"Well that depends when his birthday is."

"His birthday is a couple of week before," says Elule being as articulate as a six year old can be.

"His birthday was a couple a weeks ago today? Or the last time you saw him?" says Gannondorf trying to narrow down the days.

"Well that's what he said last time."

Gannondorf does the mental math and concludes that the boy's birthday is likely the beginning of February.

They carriage stops and Elule jumps over her father and runs into her mother's arms who is waiting patiently for them.

"You certainly are a little traveler," says Zelda wrapping her arms around Elule's tiny body. "Come, you must be hungry. Food is ready and I prepared it myself."

"You cooked?" says Gannondorf.

"You don't have to be surprised. Can't a wife cook for her family?"

"She can but if she's queen then she shouldn't have to." Gannondorf gives Zelda a quick peck on her cheek. "Issac, get my and Elule's belongings at once. I'm going to eat and head right to bed."

"Of course, Sir," says Issac who fumbles to complete Gannondorf's request as quick as possible.

Zelda escorts her family into the dining room where they have a long overdo family supper. But other than it being overdo, it's quite normal. Elule finishes early and excuses herself to play leaving Zelda and Gannondorf to discuss what's been happening within and outside the castle. Even after seven years of marriage, the only thing worthy of a conversation is their daughter and work. Zelda accepts that in the moment. A mediocre conversation is better than none.

"Well," says Zelda picking up some dishes. "I guess we can excuse ourselves if you're done. You're probably tired after your trip."

"There's no rush," he says brushing her hand. "Actually, I'm enjoying your company. It's revitalizing me."