Chapter Text
Imagine the fascination Sidon would have with you—a rare Hylian in the Zora Domain.
Hylian diplomats in the Domain—it's unheard of, but with Hyrule in the process of rebuilding, the kingdom needs all the allies it can get. Despite the frosty reception the entourage receives from many of the Zora, Prince Sidon is nothing short of giddy at the arrival of the emissaries.
His enthusiasm wanes when he finds the three diplomats to be old, stuffy sorts of people, but then he notices you. You stand in silence behind the emissaries, carrying a pile of books and scrolls. Your clothes are simpler, humbler than theirs. A servant, perhaps? Sidon notices that you look around the stately cerulean halls with a bright, keen eye, your facial expression switching back and forth between curiosity and awe. A refreshing change from the older diplomats, who glance around with a lofty air and offer standard, polite comments on the architecture.
At one point your gaze falls on him, and your eyes meet. You momentarily freeze before giving him a hesitant smile and bowing your head in respect. He responds with a wide grin.
I like her, Sidon decides, and with that his mind is made up. The two of you are going to be great friends.
A couple of days after your arrival, after yet another tedious meeting, you're gathering all the Hylian documents and records off of the cool, blue stone of the council-table. The Hylian emissaries and Zora nobles have already cleared the room, so you hum a made-up tune to yourself as you work.
As you duck out of the room, a mess of books and papers and scrolls in your arms, you are startled by a loud and enthusiastic "hello!"
You jump in surprise, and most of your things fall from your arms to scatter across the floor. With a cry of despair you practically dive to the floor and begin fumbling to pick everything up.
"Ah! Allow me."
As you reach for one of your scrolls, a large, ruby-red hand darts in to pick it up, brushing up against your much smaller fingers.
Oh no. The Zora, their scales come in many hues, but this particular one...
You slowly lift your gaze (very high) and find yourself looking into the bright golden eyes of Sidon, the prince of the Zora. Immediately you bolt upright and bow to him.
"Prince Sidon. I'm sorry."
The prince laughs. It's a merry sound, sweet to hear. "No, young one, I ought to be apologizing to you!"
He gathers up the remaining papers and scrolls. It's incredible, the size of his hands. You would have to tuck those under one arm to carry them comfortably. For him, they barely fill his hands.
"Now," says the prince. "Where are you going?"
"Uh... to my chambers, I guess."
"Alright. Lead the way."
Your eyes widen when you realize he intends to carry your things himself. "I... don't want to impose on you, my prince. I can carry my own things."
"Nonsense. You're overburdened. In fact, I'd rather you gave me more to carry."
"I couldn't ask that of you. Besides, I'm stronger than I look." You begin the walk back to your chambers. Sidon walks alongside you.
"I can tell. The number of books you can carry is impressive for one so small."
"Thank you, my prince."
"Please, call me Sidon."
You don't think that's a good idea. The diplomats and nobles alike would have a fit.
"Why do they make you carry all these things around, anyway?" Sidon continues.
"They're old records of former treaties and trade agreements. We need them for the meetings."
"Surely the emissaries could carry a few things, too."
You smile awkwardly. "They're descended from the nobility of old Hyrule. I'm just a scribe."
"It isn't very noble to place such burdens entirely on one's attendants."
An unusual sentiment. One you appreciate, though—you always appreciate the rare occasions when someone of high status gives you a little consideration. You think it's a sign of good character, treating your lessers well.
And Sidon's consideration, in particular. His attention. Something about it makes you feel strange. A light, fluttering feeling in your chest. The prince is a Zora of renown, you've heard. Not just on account of his royal birth. He's a skilled warrior, legendary even. Bold and noble-hearted, a real gallant, you've heard. And very handsome. You've already noticed the way Zora maidens react when he's around. They outright swoon at something as small as a smile or a greeting.
You understand. His appearance is... striking. Fascinating, even. The bold red of his scales, the gleam of his eyes, the brilliance of his smile. His high cheekbones. His hard, defined muscles. You feel a little... odd, even admitting to yourself that he's attractive. He's a prince, first of all. You shouldn't be looking at him that way. And second, he's nearly twice your size, he has fins and scales, and his teeth are sharp as blades. You think these would immediately disqualify him from being attractive to most Hylians, at least the ones you've known. So why do you find his appearance so... exciting?
You blush. Okay, girl, settle down. Let's not entertain any of this... "excitement."
Sidon chatters the whole way back to your chambers. He asks you a lot of questions. A lot of questions. How peculiar that a prince from such a noble and mysterious people should be so fascinated by you.
"So, where do you come from?"
"Oh—just a little fishing village. A couple dozen people. Nothing special."
"Really? How interesting!"
Is it? you wonder.
"So how did you end up among a group of emissaries?"
"I went to the capital when it was retaken. My education was good—you know, for a village girl—and I wanted to see if I could help at all. The princess was pretty impressed by me, so she chose me to go with the diplomats."
"You must be excellent at your craft!"
You look away, feeling bashful. There's not a hint of flattery in the prince's tone. Merely glowing admiration.
"I never thought I was anything special," you say, "but the princess thought differently."
"Tsk." The prince shakes his head. "I'm sure you've no reason to self-deprecate. I hardly know you and I already find myself impressed."
"Really?"
"Why, yes. What's not to like about you? Well, here are your chambers. I wish I could stay and talk with you longer, but my father will be expecting me soon. I'll see you tomorrow!"
The prince sets the rest of your scrolls and papers in your arms, turns, and goes back the way that he came, leaving you stunned and flustered.
I already find myself impressed. What's not to like about you. You already know those words are going to be echoing in your head as you lie awake tonight.