Heritage

I woke up to the sound of panicked voices outside my room.

“I’m sorry, sir, but it’s not appropriate to enter Princess Zelda’s room!”

“Relax, she’s my friend, let me through.” I grumbled softly when I recognized the voice and reached out for my fan.

“Please, sir, she’s still sleeping!” one of my maids squeaked as the door opened.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be-wah!” The moment I saw Dune’s face, I opened and threw my fan at him. The two maids behind him shrieked as all three of them ducked, the fan snipping a bit of silver hair off Dune before circling round back to my hand. I smirked triumphantly.

“Despite only being experienced in knife-wielding, Selina is a bloody brilliant trainer,” I said as I closed my fan and let the maids scurry in with my breakfast. Dune huffed as he came to sit by my bed as I brushed his hair off my fan.

“That scared me,” he pouted as I dismissed my maids, despite their protests on having a non-elf male in my room.

“That was for waking me up,” I said, placing my fan down then picking the other to fan myself with a devious smile.

“Tch, sorry,” Dune rolled his eyes “I was awake since like three in the morning and not because I’m a vampire. Vinnie got up early for training and he woke me up when he went past my room.” I grinned before looking at the window and getting up to pull the curtains back.

“Hn, you could have woken me up earlier so I could have at least been in time for sunrise,” I grumbled as sunlight spilled out into the room.

“Sorry, didn’t realise you still stuck to that routine of meditating when the sun is passing the horizon.” I turned my head at Dune’s strange voice and narrowed my eyes when I saw him eating my muffins.

“I thought you only fed on blood,” I said.

“I can eat solid foods as well,” Dune pouted “Plus elf food is pretty good, I can’t get enough!”

“Perhaps it would do you some good to get some fat onto those bones,” I sighed as I swooped over to snatch the last muffin before Dune could.

“Aw, thank you,” Dune pinched my cheek before I took a bite out of my muffin “But I have extremely fast metabolism. Seriously, I’m surprised I don’t turn into a skeleton. Must be because of the blood.” I stared at the half eaten muffin in my hand before stuffing it into his mouth.

“Eat! I feel sick just looking at your skinny body!” I said as he yelped in surprise, coughing and swallowing down the muffin.

“Nngh, what about you?” Dune gasped as I picked up the bread next for him “You’re skinny too!”

“I don’t really eat too much,” I shrugged “I get full pretty quickly unless it’s with these grapes.” I took the bunch on my tray and began eating them. “Hey, how about trying a kimono on?” I suggested as I walked over to my wardrobe “Kimonos make me look a bit fatter and healthier than normal.”

“Oooh!” Dune squealed as he came over whilst I picked out my orange kimono to put on “So many pretty colours!”

“Maybe this one will suit you,” I said as I pulled out a dark blue kimono.

“It’s so soft,” Dune admired as he looked and felt the fabric “Oh, this one looks like my style!” I raised an eyebrow as he pulled out a light pink kimono. “Brings out the colour in my eyes, don’t you think?” he asked as he pressed it against himself. I watched as he dressed himself and twirled around. “I feel so pretty!”

“I still think this would suit you better,” I said as I held the blue kimono higher.

“No, this is fine!” Dune grinned as he tossed his hair.

“Excuse me, Your Highness,” Selina came in “Oh, sorry, I didn’t realise I was interrupting something.”

“It’s just a talk between friends,” I dismissed, turning to her as Dune admired himself “What is it, Selina?”

“His Highness wishes for you as soon as you’ve finished breakfast,” Selina said and bowed “Shall I tell him to come visit your room?”

“No,” I shook my head “I’ll meet him in his throne room.”

“Alright,” Selina nodded then grinned at Dune “Sorry for intruding, Miss.” Dune waved her goodbye as she bowed again and left. I rolled my eyes, tossing another grape into my mouth.

“You might as well get a sex change,” I muttered.

“What’s wrong with being a guy and liking girls’ stuff?” Dune asked with a wink.

“You might accidentally catch the eye of a male elf,” I said.

“Oh, do you think Vinnie will like me in this?!” Dune squealed as he spun around “I must find him!”

“Dune!” I watched as the vampire half limped, half ran out of my room. Shaking my head, I shrugged. I finished my grapes and headed out of my room. I stopped at my door and fiddled with the grape stalks uneasily. It’s been three days since I had that fallout with Paradox. I felt really nervous. What could he want to talk to me about? Taking a deep breath, I left my room, my fans tucked safely into the sleeves of my kimono. I made my way to the throne room only to find His Highness occupied with the many advisors he has. But a snap of his fingers later, they had gone and we were alone.

“Zelda, you will be moved to the palace in the northern mountains this afternoon,” he announced and waved Chelsea to enter the room “Chelsea will help you pack your things.”

“No, she won’t,” I said firmly as I gave a stern look to the knight which had her hesitating.

“Zelda, you aren’t in the position to disobey me,” Paradox growled.

“Unless I bat my eyelids, perhaps?” I raised a sceptical eyebrow “Why do I need to be moved?”

“Brodka has declared war,” Paradox explained “It’s not safe to be here.”

“And what about Aura, Dune and Vincent?” I raised the other eyebrow.

“Aura and Vincent will fight with us, Dune will go with you if he must,” Paradox sighed “Pearl will also accompany you.” My eyes widened.

“Aura is most certainly not fighting in a war!” I raised my voice.

“He is an elf, he’ll be safe with his sister…”

“No!” I yelled “He is not fighting!”

“We have his consent!” Paradox stood from his throne “He wishes to fight alongside us, so he shall!”

“I won’t allow it!” I stomped my foot like a pathetic little child throwing a tantrum.

“Your Highness, please…” Chelsea said as she inched towards me to try and comfort me.

“If Aura is going to fight then let me fight too!” I demanded “Or at the very least let me stay here!”

“No!” Paradox barked as he stormed the marble steps towards me “I will not let you put yourself in danger!”

“I laugh at the face of danger!” I snarled. Unless it has something to do with fire, then I just faint.

“I won’t lose you again!” Paradox roared as he stood in front of me and I winced, covering my ears “We thought you were dead after that night, Zelda! I will not have the mistake of ever letting you out of my sight again!” My ears were ringing from his voice, twitching and buzzing. It was painful and I couldn’t hold back my tears. Cold fingers brushed them away and I barely picked up the sigh. “Zelda, I’m sorry,” he said in a softer tone “I just want you to be safe.”

“Either Aura comes with me or I stay here with him,” I said as firmly as possible. I didn’t get response. I only heard Paradox ordering Chelsea to take me back to my room to pack some things for the carriage. Chelsea didn’t say anything to me as I folded the kimonos one by one, glaring at the ground.

“Your Highness?” she dared spoke and I slammed the last kimono into her chest, wincing as I hurt my hand on her copper armour.

“How dare he,” I snarled “Aura isn’t fit to be on the battlefield. How could Paradox just send him to fight?”

“It’s an elf’s duty to serve royalty and considering Aura is Gardenia’s brother, it’s expected of him to fight,” Chelsea shrugged whilst placing the kimono in the suitcase.

“Chelsea, there must be some way to get Aura away safe,” I pleaded.

“I can’t help you there,” Chelsea shook her head “So, anything else that needs packing away?”

“No…” I sighed sadly and kicked the suitcase “I don’t want to go, Chelsea.”

“You have to,” Chelsea grabbed me by the arm and squeezed it “I won’t hesitate to use force, Your Highness. I’m sorry.” I raised an eyebrow at her and teleported out of her grip, appearing a few feet further from her. She stared at me dumbfounded and huffed. “Oh yeah, I forgot you could do that,” she muttered.

“Chelsea,” Pearl entered the room “Could you give us some time, please?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Chelsea bowed and left the room. Pearl smiled sweetly at me and I folded my arms.

“I’m not leaving Aura,” I said straight away.

“Have you even talked to him about it?” Pearl raised an eyebrow “Aura clearly agreed to fight in the war.”

“Because he wants to please his sister!” I snarled “He should be free to do what he wants!”

“Have some faith in him!” Pearl sighed as she folded her arms “I’m not particularly happy knowing my husband and brother are going out to war but I know they’ll make it out alive.”

“So you think Aura can actually survive on the battlefield?” I asked sceptically.

“Oh, of course not,” Pearl scoffed “He can barely cut an opponent.”

“That makes me feel very better,” I said dryly.

“He’ll be with his sister, she won’t let him get injured…mortally.” I huffed as I tried to go around Pearl but she gripped my arm. “Look, he’s doing this for his family’s honour. Like you need to survive for your family’s legacy.”

“I barely remember anything about my family, what do I need to survive for?” I growled. Pearl sighed softly then smiled.

“There’s a painting of your father here,” she said and began leading me out of my bedroom.

“Wait, what, really?!” I exclaimed as I stumbled after her “Why didn’t you say so sooner?!”

“I thought you’d recognize him whenever you passed by it,” Pearl frowned.

“I still have amnesia,” I said.

“Oh right, here we are!” Pearl smiled as we stopped in front of a massive portrait painting. I looked up at the majestic looking elf, clad in armour with a slim sword and long black hair tied into a ponytail with a red ribbon. I frowned.

“Are you sure that’s my father?” I asked and Pearl giggled, nudging my shoulder.

“Yes, of course,” Pearl simpered “I mean, you didn’t get his eyes, you got Queen Zereria’s. Actually you look more like her but then again, Princess Mia looked more like King Merzeiha.”

“Mer-zei-ha?” I slowly pronounced the foreign name. Pearl giggled hysterically.

“Oh yes, his name was tricky to say for me too,” she grinned and looked up at the portrait “He sure looks scary though.” I stared up at the portrait with a thoughtful look. My father did look scary indeed. Striking green eyes and he wasn’t smiling at all. This portrait seemed sinister, as if to strike fear in anyone who looked upon it.

“Surely there are other paintings?” I asked.

“Sure there are, just not in this palace,” Pearl shrugged “Our parents told us this was painted long before your parents met. I think there might be a portrait with both of them in the Northern Palace.”

“What about me? What about Mia?” I asked.

“Your parents never had the heart to give those away,” Pearl smiled “So they all burned in that fire. It’s such a pity. I would have loved to see you when you had been a little girl.”

“Believe me, I wasn’t that sweet as a child,” I said as I continued staring up at my father “Did anything get recovered from the fire?”

“Mainly stuff that can’t burn, such as some heirlooms which you will rightfully inherit after your wedding,” Pearl shrugged with a thoughtful look “Oh, actually your father’s suit of armour was recovered from the wreckage too.”

“Really?” I said, turning my head to her.

“Yup, it’s made out of calorium,” Pearl nodded “Completely heat proof and the suit itself was made by elves. It can completely meld itself to a body so it will be the right fit. That way, all the generations of elves may wear it, no matter their size or weight. Your son will wear it one day.”

“Can I see it?” I asked, ignoring the hint of annoyance I felt from the sexism.

“Sure, it’s down in the display hall here,” Pearl smiled as she led me to another part of the palace. Reaching the display hall, I saw many weapons and armour in glass cases. I paused to marvel at them briefly, lingering behind Pearl as she led me through the hall.

“Who are they?” I asked as we passed a portrait of two regal looking elves.

“Oh, Mommy and Daddy,” Pearl grinned “Queen Clarissa and King Russoon. They are absolutely dying to meet you of course.”

“M-Me?” I stuttered and stared at Pearl with wide eyes. She nodded and I looked back up at the portrait. King Russoon seemed as cold as Paradox. If he acted as cold-blooded as Paradox, I’m sure it would be worse to talk to him. Queen Clarissa didn’t look any warmer either. Both of them looked stern in their portrait together, despite holding hands and wearing such beautiful clothes. Maybe I was just judging them because of their skin colour? I looked at Pearl’s skin discretely as she happily looked up at their portrait. Pearl didn’t seem cold at all and she still had dark blue skin like Paradox and her parents. I looked up at the couple again, narrowing my eyes. It has to be their eyes. Those piercing, frightening eyes. I swallowed nervously at the thought in meeting them.

“Oh, here we are,” Pearl wandered off and I followed her to a familiar looking suit of silver armour, encased in a large glass case “Your father’s suit of armour.” I leaned in for a closer look, awestruck by how it glimmered in the sunlight.

“So beautiful,” I said in admiration “Oh, it has a sword and shield with it too.”

“Oh yes, that sword is made from vocorinite, a very warm blade so heat won’t do much damage,” Pearl said “Forged by your great great great grandfather three and a half centuries ago. He made it whilst befriending the tree folk.”

“No way, my family are friends with the legendary tree folk?!” I exclaimed. The trees that absorb magic nutrients from crysta soil and magica rain then came to life?! Pearl simpered and leaned in closer, pressing a finger to the glass case.

“I understand you don’t know elven scripture but those are the words of summoning an ally to battle,” she said as I noticed the markings engraved into the blade.

“Wow, so elegant,” I said “Um, what does it say?” Pearl giggled again.

“Koha wonono jit su tomo obi,” she said out loud “It means I call my faithful followers.”

“Koha wonono jit su tomo obi?” I said slightly off accent.

“Nearly,” Pearl giggled “Roll the s of the su a bit more.”

“Su…” I carefully pronounced. Pearl giggled again and nudged me.

“It’s good that the Central Princess is trying to learn elvish!” she grinned and I bristled at the title “Soon I can drop this boring human language that everyone has to learn. It’s so zoku.”

“Zoku?” I repeated.

“Vulgar.” I bristled again but turned my attention to the shield.

“And what is the shield made of?” I asked.

“Anguishiram,” Pearl answered “Resists the heat of dragon’s fire and tougher than dragon hide. Only a dragon warrior’s sword, a dragon or a dragon rider can pierce it.”

“My father certainly loved equipping himself with heatproof armour,” I commented with a sceptical eyebrow raised.

“Most of his enemies were associated with fire,” Pearl shrugged “My dear Tirade’s family often went against him and you can guess their speciality in magic by looking at Tirade’s fabulous technique.” I flinched as I imagined that spiral of flames that had consumed my chirai apple.

“Your Highness!” We turned our heads to see Chelsea by the entranceway, smiling. “Your suitcases are boarded onto the carriage, we are waiting for you to come.”

“We’re coming,” Pearl smiled.

“Wait, can I see Aura?” I asked.

“Now, Zelda,” Pearl sighed with her hands on her hips “Do you really think his time will be better in training or talking to you?” I glared at her briefly before getting the message and stormed after Chelsea as she led us out to the courtyard. Paradox and Tirade were waiting for us and I saw Vincent struggling with a hysterical Dune around his neck. And he was still wearing that pink kimono! I smiled and walked over, tapping him on his shoulder.

“Dune, we’ll be back before you know it,” I assured him as I pried him away from Vincent.

“But my Vinnie’s going to get hurt!” Dune pouted “I need to be by his side to heal him up!”

“Do you have experience in the medical profession?” Vincent raised a sceptical eyebrow whilst rubbing his neck.

“No but I’m a fast learner,” Dune sniffed and folded his arms “And vampire saliva heals cuts as long as they’re normal.”

“You are not licking my every cut,” Vincent backed away.

“Dune, come on,” I whispered as I saw Pearl let Tirade kiss her and Paradox kissed her hand. Dune lunged forward and kissed Vincent’s cheek. He stared into Vincent’s startled eyes pleadingly.

“Kiss my hand at least,” he said with a pout and raised his hand.

“With that kimono and flair, I can almost see you as a girl,” Vincent rolled his eyes. Dune giggled and batted his eyelashes. I raised an eyebrow as Vincent took Dune’s hand and pecked the back of it as Dune wished of him. Dune sighed with a small smile and I smirked at Vincent.

“Getting a bit soft?” I asked tauntingly and Vincent tossed his hair behind his shoulder.

“Being a true elven knight,” he said and Dune sighed, leaning on my shoulder.

“He kissed my hand,” he murmured happily.

“OK, into the carriage with you, love bird,” I said as I took Dune by the shoulder and pushed him in the direction of the carriage. Dune waved cheerily as he followed Pearl into the carriage. I was about to follow him in when I felt someone take my hand.

“Have a safe journey,” Paradox smiled up at me as I turned my head to face him. He brought my hand closer to his lips and I snatched it away before he had the chance then retreated into the carriage. I didn’t look at his disappointed face as the driver urged the Floronies to move. I sat myself next to Dune who was frantically waving goodbye to Vincent.

“Still a bit sour that we’re being sent away?” Pearl simpered “You’ll get over it. I’m sure you’ll enjoy meeting our parents.”

“Wait, we’re meeting your parents?!” I exclaimed as Dune turned his attention to us.

“Well yes, we’re going to their palace,” Pearl shrugged.

“Oh, isn’t this exciting?!” Dune exclaimed and I swallowed harshly.

“You’ll see when you meet them,” I whispered and clenched onto his hand.

“Oh look, it’s Aura!” Dune gasped as he pointed out of the window and waved “Aura! Over here!” I lurched.

“Stop!” I cried and the carriage jolted. Pearl tried to stop me but I was out of the carriage and running at the golden haired siblings. Gardenia closed her lexicon with a patient look on her face as Aura turned and widened his eyes.

“Your Highness!” he exclaimed as I came in front of him.

“Zelda, call me Zelda!” I said with the most furious tone I could muster “How could you?! If you want to go marching off to war then at least talk to me first!”

“S-S-Sorry…” Aura stuttered and lowered his gaze. I smiled sadly and shook my head.

“You really want to fight, don’t you?” I asked and he nodded shyly.

“And…I’m so scared but Gardenia has been really helpful and really supportive,” he said.

“Zelda!” Pearl called.

“In a minute!” I called back over my shoulder and turned back to Aura, blinking as he picked a petal out of my hair.

“You’re teleporting without thinking about it anymore,” he smiled “I hope you can control it.”

“I will,” I nodded “Don’t worry, I’m not going to go teleporting back to Aurallion and into C-” My hand raised up to my mouth at the same time as Aura’s. Our fingers brushed and I smiled softly. I held my hand out expectantly. “Kiss my hand for luck,” I said “I don’t have a handkerchief like the cliché princesses so this will do.” Aura stared at my hand before taking it in his and kneeling down in front of me.

“Stay safe,” he smiled before kissing the back of my hand. I felt the heat rise in my cheeks before I nodded and kissed his head before retreating back to the carriage. It began moving and I sunk into the cushioned seats dreamily.

“He kissed my hand,” I smiled and Dune giggled, nudging me.

“Who’s the love bird now?” he teased and I blushed.

“Shut up,” I muttered and cradled my hand. Amongst Dune’s excitement and Pearl’s rambling, I couldn’t stop thinking about how soft Aura’s lips had been against my skin.