Chapter 1: A Royal Visitation

"I don't see why you had to bring him, Zelda," Princess Azura of the neighboring kingdom of Eldrid said, her voice laced with disapproval as she gazed at Link, the Hero of Hyrule, standing beside the princess. Her eyes narrowed, her slender eyebrows furrowed in distaste. Zelda, Princess of Hyrule, stood tall, her long golden hair cascading down her back like a river of sunset hues. She wore a gentle smile, but her eyes sparkled with a hint of defiance. "I wanted Link to accompany me on this visit, Azura. He's a trusted friend and a great hero." Azura's gaze flicked to Link, her expression unimpressed. "A trusted friend? He's not even of royal blood, Zelda. You can't be serious about bringing him into our kingdom, let alone treating him like a peer." She raised her hand, and a servant hastily produced a pair of white gloves, which Azura proceeded to put on. "You, of course, are exempt from our...protocols, Zelda. But I must insist you maintain a suitable distance from...Mr. Link." Link, dressed in his simple tunic and carrying the Master Sword at his side, shifted uncomfortably under Azura's scrutiny. "It's not a problem, Princess Azura. I'm happy to respect your customs." Azura's eyes lingered on Link's bare hands, her lips compressing into a disapproving line. "See that you do, Mr. Link. In Eldrid, we have certain...traditions. People whose names start with the letter L, who perform great deeds, are often chosen by the gods. I won't have our customs sullied by...unseemly behavior." Zelda's smile never wavered, but her voice took on a slightly cool tone. "I'm sure Link understands, Azura. Don't you, Link?" Link nodded, though his eyes crinkled at the corners, betraying a hint of amusement. "Aye, I do. No problem, Your Highness." Azura's gaze snapped back to Zelda. "And another thing, Zelda. In our kingdom, there's a strict separation between those of royal blood and those who are not. You, as a member of the royal family, should be mindful of your...associations. You shouldn't be seen fraternizing with commoners, let alone wearing...ah, interacting with them in a familiar manner." Zelda's eyes flashed, and for a moment, it seemed she might protest more forcefully. Instead, she said, "I understand your concerns, Azura. But Link is a hero, and I value his friendship. I won't have him treated like a commoner simply because of his birth." Azura raised an eyebrow. "Very well, Zelda. But I warn you, our customs are in place for a reason. I won't have our kingdom's traditions compromised by...unseemly behavior." The tension between the two princesses was palpable, and Link shifted uncomfortably, sensing the unease. Zelda reached out, as if to touch Azura's arm, but Azura swiftly drew back, her gloved hand rising in a warning gesture. "Zelda, please. You know the rules." Zelda's eyes sparkled with annoyance, but she dropped her hand, her smile once again serene. "Of course, Azura. I apologize. Let's proceed with the visit, shall we?"