Wake up, sleepyhead.”

The soft voice was accompanied by a gentle shove to Liesl’s shoulder, and she couldn’t help but groan her disapproval at the unwelcome touch. Laughter followed her attempt to dissuade whoever was trying to rouse her, and its unfamiliarity ultimately caused her to open her eyes. This wasn’t her bed, these weren’t her pillows, and the momentary confusion caused Liesl to turn over while trying to remember where she was. Only to find Princess Zelda already sitting up in the bed, looking down at her with an amused look on her face.

“You were really out,” she said before her eyes stole a glance at the closest window. The sun’s rays had barely begun to pour in and Liesl sat up a moment later while scanning the rest of the room before realizing it was still just the two of them.

“I don’t like waking up,” Liesl admitted before trying to rub the sleep from her eyes. An effort that proved to be…unsuccessful. “My mom would usually have to.” Much to her annoyance with her daughter.

“Mm, Impa has to wake me up sometimes,” Zelda confessed. “But I’m getting better. If I don’t, she’ll start to get suspicious. But anyway, how did you sleep?”

“Good. I guess I slept through the night? Sorry for falling asleep during your story.”

“That’s okay,” Zelda said with a shake of her head. “I remember when it was hard to sleep when my mom died, so I hope it helped.”

It really had. Liesl hadn’t slept well at all following her parent’s deaths. The last okay night had been the one she’d spent in the hollow of a tree, and that was saying something. But with someone else next to her, it was easy. Comforting, even. Just like Zelda suggested.

“Yeah, thanks again.”

Zelda smiled following the thanks and then shrugged. “No problem. You can sleep here anytime you want. I don’t mind. Besides, it’s fun, right?”

“It is,” Liesl confirmed with a nod and felt a little weight lift off her shoulders. Princess Zelda was not at all like she expected. I mean, Liesl didn’t think she would be mean or anything, but…well, the King seemed kind of stuffy and Zelda always looked stiff beside him. And story books made princesses seem so proper. However, she wasn’t like that when it was just the two of them.

“We should probably get dressed. Impa usually comes in not long after the sun is up.”

Oh! That news helped motivate Liesl and, with one last mental push, she scooted to the end of the bed and hopped out. “Do you need help?” She asked as she went. That’s what she was supposed to do, right? Even if she didn’t have a clue what that entailed.

Thankfully, Zelda shook her head and then moved to do the same, rising from the bed a moment later. “Nope. I’m not exactly sure why I need you to help me. I can get dressed myself and even brush my hair, too.”

Well, if Zelda could do all those things, then it was a mystery to Liesl why she needed to be here as well. But if Zelda didn’t need help, would that mean Liesl would have to leave? Even in the short time they had spent together, that already sounded like something she wanted to avoid. The worry must’ve been evident on her face because Zelda brought up placating hands a moment later.

“But don’t worry! I still want you to be my friend and stay at the castle.”

Liesl felt relief spread through her body and a smile followed; however, a knock sounded at the door before she had a chance to say anything further.

“Princess, it’s time to get up…” Impa made the announcement as she opened the door and stepped through. Only to find both girls standing at the foot of the bed. “Oh, good morning, Liesl. I didn’t expect to find you in here so early.”

Without missing a beat, Zelda brought a hand up to indicate her friend and lifted her voice to the sweetest, most innocent cadence. “Good morning, Impa. Liesl just came in to see if I needed help getting ready.”

Well, she had asked if Zelda needed help but the rest of the excuse? That wasn’t exactly the truth. However, Liesl wasn’t about to go against what her friend was saying. “Yup,” she added, but refrained from piling more onto the harmless lie.

Impa looked between them for a moment, then at the bed, then back to Liesl. For a moment, she wondered if the woman suspected anything, but their rouse must’ve worked. “Well, that’s very kind of you, Liesl. But you run along and get ready. I’ll help the Princess for now.”

“Yes, Impa!”

In the clear, Liesl looked to Zelda one last time, who shot her a wink while Impa was turned. A faint smile graced Liesl’s lips in response, and then a moment later, she was through her door and out of sight. She quickly headed to her armoire and picked out another of the light green dresses to wear. Just like Zelda, she didn’t need help either and hastily got ready for the morning. And she even brushed her hair all on her own. However, how well she did was up for some debate.

By the time she finished, and made it back through the door, she found Princess Zelda dressed, her hair braided once more. The dress Zelda wore today was more formal than the one she had been running around in yesterday, but still not as intricate as the one she wore to Liesl’s parent’s funeral. Was there something happening later? Or was this how she normally dressed? Paired with Impa’s formal maid’s uniform, it made Liesl feel somewhat out of place.

“Wonderful,” Impa said before smiling and waving her to come in further. “Alright, off you two go to breakfast and then Liesl, you’ll accompany the Princess to her lessons for the morning. We’ve already told the tutors to expect your presence, and they should have something for you to work on as well.”

Hmm, chores and lessons? Not exactly the future Liesl envisioned, was it? For that and so many reasons.

“Yes, Impa.”

The older woman nodded back, but before she had a chance to speak, Zelda stepped up and offered Liesl her hand. “Come on, Liesl. Let’s go!”

Then they were off! Led by Zelda, the two rushed down the hallway toward the dining room, where they once again ate alone. Liesl was surprised Impa hadn’t joined them after this morning, but that’s the way things were, right? Of course, breakfast was just as delicious as dinner and filled with conversation and occasional bubbling laughter.

Unfortunately, Liel wished the lessons could’ve been as pleasant. She had her own tutors back home and had a basic understanding of reading, math, and even a little geography. However, it all paled in comparison to what Zelda had to learn. Namely, all those subjects to a more advanced degree as well as politics, etiquette, and even speaking properly! In different languages! It stunned Liesl to hear how smart the Princess was, even if she made mistakes occasionally. Honestly, Zelda was probably the smartest kid she’d ever met.

Unfortunately, the tutors didn’t always see it that way and drove the Princess hard, not accepting apologies for errors. Corrections came swiftly and for the slightest mistake, even if Liesl couldn’t tell what the actual difference was between the Princess’s answer and the “right” answer. Liesl herself received far less attention and was given work to keep her busy while they attended Zelda’s lessons. Reading, mostly.

Even though Liesl thought the tutors were being harsh, Zelda never let herself get upset. Never voiced that something was unfair. Each time she promised to do better and looked as though she meant it. Still, it couldn’t help to make sure, right? So, once they were walking to the dining room for lunch, Liesl looked over and took a moment to gather her courage. “Are you…alright?”

The question must’ve caught Zelda off guard because she looked puzzled before answering. “…Yes?”

“It’s just your teachers; they were kind of mean. Weren’t they?”

“Ohhh,” Zelda said before shrugging. “I’m used to it. They just want me to be the best Princess I can be.” They must have if they had corrected her so severely. “Besides, that’s not even the worst part of the day.”

“It’s not?”

“Nope,” Zelda said with a shake of her head. “That’s after lunch when I have to do my…spirit lessons.”

“What are those?” And why were they so awful?

“Mm, it’s where I try to get better at using my powers, but it’s really hard.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Powers? Like magic? And though Liesl was intensely curious, she didn’t ask.

“Kind of? But I just hope I get it someday soon. I don’t like not being good at things.”

Well, that didn’t surprise Liesl one bit. And judging by how good at things Zelda was, it didn’t seem to happen very often. Unpleasant topics aside, the two made their way to lunch soon after and inhaled it with equal gusto. I mean really, Liesl was beginning to think that the royal kitchens didn’t produce a single unappetizing meal. And surprisingly, Impa did show up! Unfortunately, it was just at the end as the two girls finished.

“Princess, Liesl,” she started before stopping and folding her hands over her dark blue dress. “The King would like to see you both before your next lesson.”

The King? Oh, that made Liesl nervous, and judging by the flash of apprehension across Zelda’s face, she wasn’t thrilled with the idea either. 

“Did he say what it was about?” Zelda asked before she got her expression back under control. 

“He did not,” Impa replied with a shake of her head. After which she offered no further ideas. 

Well, there was only one way to find out, right? So, Zelda nodded and stood from the table but waited for Liesl to do the same before following Impa out of the dining hall. The route to the King’s study was completely new to Liesl and after climbing a seemingly endless amount of stairs and winding through any number of hallways, they arrived at a door that was heavily guarded by men and women in shining armor. Each one armed to the teeth and looking downright menacing. 

Impa stopped after nodding to one in particular and then turned to look at both girls with an appraising eye. She hummed in thought before fixing a few items on Zelda’s dress and even tucked a few errant strands of hair behind her long, pointed ears. Liesl received much the same treatment, and she remained silent throughout while her mind wondered what the King could possibly want. 

“Perfect,” Impa said before laying an affectionate hand on both their heads. “Remember, girls, best behavior.” And then she turned, put her hand on the door, and opened it. Liesl let Zelda go first behind Impa and then followed her a heartbeat later. 

“You are forbidden from training her, Rowan. Do you understand?”

“Your Majesty, I –

“I said forbidden.”

Liesl didn’t know who the conversation was about, but it didn’t matter. It died as soon as Impa announced their presence with a loud clearing of her throat. “Your Majesty,” she started with a slight bow. “Knight Commander Rowan.” 

Inside the study were two men, one Liesl recognized as King Hyrule and the other she didn’t. At least fully, anyway. The big soldier beside the King was in a sharp, blue uniform that matched the color of Impa’s dress instead of armor. However, he was clearly a soldier. The broadsword at his hip being a dead giveaway in addition to his short, white hair and neatly trimmed beard. Despite his imposing appearance, he turned to Liesl and regarded her with warmth in both his smile and dark red eyes. A stark contrast to the King who seemed to look at her with… suspicion? Whatever it was on his face vanished after his eyes shifted to his daughter, who came in and bowed, just like so many others had done to her. 

“Father,” she said as she stood tall. 

“How were your lessons this morning?” He asked, skipping any formality or greeting. 

“They went well.”

“Good,” he said with a nod and with an expression that was no warmer than the one he’d given Liesl. “Hopefully, your afternoon lessons will mirror. I expect progress, Zelda.”

“Yes, father.”

Another nod preceded the shift in his attention back to Liesl before he took in a deep breath and let it out in something akin to a sigh. “As for you,” he started before taking a step closer. Even without the obvious martial build of Rowan, the King was still intimidating, especially with the long, white beard and sharp, blue eyes nestled under bushy, furrowed brows. “I trust you’re settling in alright? Do you have everything you require?”

“Yes,” Liesl started before suddenly realizing she needed to add a few words! “Your Majesty.” Phew! “Everyone has been very kind, especially Zelda.”

“Well, we take care of our subjects in this kingdom, especially those that are loyal and work hard for the crown. That’s a lesson that the Princess has taken to heart. Now, if only some other lessons would stick…” The King’s words trailed off as he turned back toward the soldier and indicated him with a nod. “This is Commander Rowan, head of the King’s guard and the castle’s garrison. Should you see anything suspicious, please report it to him or any other soldier.” The King’s gaze shifted with his introduction and he paused when he met the other man’s eyes. “He also knew your parents and wanted a chance to…introduce himself.” 

Then the King’s gaze dropped back to Liesl with that earlier suspicion. “Should you need anything else, please let Impa know.” Apparently done with his part, the King started moving to the side and waved for his daughter to follow. Not done with her, it seemed.

Liesl watched Zelda for a moment longer before the big knight knelt down to her level and smiled once more. “Hello, Liesl,” he started before looking her over. “Goddesses, you look just like your mother…” A shake of his head preceded a wince and Rowan hung his head low for a moment. “Sorry, you’re probably tired of hearing that.”

Yes, Liesl was. But at least he was aware enough to realize it. 

“Anyway, my name is Rowan, as the King said. And don’t worry about the title when it’s just us, alright?” Hmm, it seemed like a trend was developing here…

A subtle nod indicated that Liesl understood, and despite his friendly demeanor, her hands found one another behind her back to fidget nervously.

“We’ve met before, you know,” he continued. “Once when you were a baby and another time when you were only this big.” For emphasis, Rowan held his hand off the ground at what couldn’t have been higher than Liesl’s waist. So, when she was a small child? 

“I’m sorry, I don’t remember that,” Liesl admitted shyly. 

“I don’t expect you would. You were very young, after all.” Rowan paused then and looked over at where the King was talking with Zelda as if he were considering something. A momentary flash of sympathy crossed his features, and then they softened again before he looked back. “Zelda is going to spend a few hours practicing…well, what she needs to practice. So, why don’t you and I spend some time together? I was thinking we could play some games.”

“Some…games?”

“That’s right,” he confirmed with a nod of his head. “Did you and your dad play games? One’s outside?”

How did Rowan know about those? Or was it simply to be expected of a child and her parent? 

“Yes,” Liesl confirmed. “Outside every day.” 

“Good, good,” he said with a nod. “That’s what we’ll keep doing, then. It can be our own little practice.” 

Practice? For what? Well, as long as Liesl didn’t have to spend more time listening to tutors, that was alright with her. 

“Okay.” 

Rowan let out a pleased hum following her answer and smiled before slowly getting up to his feet. Whereupon he straightened his uniform and looked down at the girl. “Your father was a good man,” he said as his expression faded to something more sorrowful. “And your mother was a remarkable woman. I’m sorry this happened, Liesl. It’s not fair.”

Liesl could only nod in agreement because he was right, after all. What else could she say? They were both great parents and now they were gone. But this man had known them? Had known her? For how long?

“So, you-“

“Rowan, a word.”

By the time Liesl mustered the courage to ask a question, the King finished whatever he had to say to Zelda and dismissed her. She started making her way to the door, but looked over as she went. The weary look on her face melted away at the sight of her friend, transforming into a weak smile before she waved. When she reached Impa, the woman turned and opened the door to let her and the Princess pass. So, they knew Liesl was going to stay with Rowan?

Again, she wasn’t given much time to ponder the development because following another tense round of whispers, Commander Rowan, and by extension Liesl, were dismissed by the King as well. 

“Follow me, Liesl,” Rowan said with a wave of his hand as he stepped to the door. Whereupon she hurried to follow.