As always, I do not own any of the characters, places etc etc. They belong to Nintendo.
This chapter contains: Threats of Violence
Chapter Two.
A tear dropped from Zelda's cheek, before she scrunched her face up into a frown as a large pair of black boots came into her vision. She lifted her head, her eyebrows furrowed with anger and after she gently placed her father's head on the floor beneath her, she stood to face the one man she had hoped not to see that day.
She could hear the thunder outside as a storm hovered above the kingdom. The man stood before her had a beastly grin on his face. His fiery red hair, whilst pushed back into his crown, was left to cascade down his large back. His armour was black with gold trim, which from head to toe, covered his dark grey, almost green skin. His hands wore fingerless gloves and Zelda watched for a moment as the triforce on his right hand shined brightly. He was a good head or two taller than the princess and she would have to crane her neck to look past his menacing beard, past his flared nostrils and into his golden eyes which burned with power and desire. Despite the large weapons this man carried and the overpowering sense of evil that cloaked him entirely, Zelda held her head up high and her fists clenched at either side.
"Ganondorf Dragmire. I must admit I did not expect you here so soon, though your arrival was imminent."
The man named Ganondorf, took a step forward and grinned wider than before. His voice was deep and booming, it was enough to strike fear into anyone's heart.
"So. The Zelda of this lifetime is strong-willed, wise and brave. That pleases me. The last was so… cowardly."
He took another step forward, stepping over the corpse of King Daphnes and coming face to face with the princess. However, she would not step back, or turn her face from his. He was right, she was strong-willed and she would show him that with every action the pair made. Ganondorf looked around at all the eyes staring at him, shaking from fear, curious as to this encounter between an intruder and their beloved princess.
"Oh my. Did I interrupt a celebration princess?" He chuckled and looked down to his feet, where the deceased King still lay. "Or is it Queen now?"
Zelda swallowed the lump forming at the back of her throat. He was trying to break her but she would not allow him that satisfaction.
"I assume you wish me to surrender my kingdom to you. Just as you have done in so many lifetimes before this one."
Not for a single second, did Zelda's deep blue eyes look away from the golden hum of Ganondorf's. He bent forward, hands on his hips, to bring his face closer to hers.
"You've learned your history. Good. I am tired of encountering descendants of Hylia who know nothing of their past lives."
He straightened himself once more and took a few steps around Zelda, to stand behind her. She did not move. She would not allow herself to. She must remain strong and defiant.
Ganondorf bent down again, his lips coming very close to Zelda's ear.
"Yes. I wish for you to surrender your kingdom to me. You're a wise princess and you seem to know how this goes."
Zelda couldn't help but smirk then. He had left himself vulnerable to her wit and she would let him suffer the humiliation.
"Yes. I know exactly how this goes. You invade my kingdom. I surrender to you. You rule Hyrule for a while. And then the Hero of Courage kills you and you have to start all over again."
Ganondorf growled into her ear and straightened himself out, to tower over her, but she still did not turn to face him. That had done it, she had struck a nerve with that one.
"Not this time. You WILL surrender. But the Hero will not best me in this lifetime. You see princess, while we both so eagerly awaited the awakening of Courage you may have been enjoying your life as a Hylian royal, reading and dancing. I meanwhile, searched for and found the location of the Master Sword."
Zelda certainly wasn't expecting that, she let out a small gasp that caught Ganondorf's attention. He walked back around her, now stood before her again, the grin on his face this time shook her to her core. He was a terrifying man.
"You couldn't have. The Sacred Grove is hidden from all evil."
"Yes, that is true. But the forest around it is not. Once I was there it was surprisingly easy to sense where the entrance to the Sacred Grove was. Of course, it would never open for me. But you see princess, I have a plan. It will be some time before this Hero begins to search for the sword but when he does, I'll be waiting for him."
Zelda clenched her fists and stared into the chaotic eyes of the Demon King. She never quite understood, how a man of Ganondorf's reputation could have such golden eyes. Or how anyone would allow him to be king. But that was the Gerudo way. As the only male of their tribe, he was destined to be king. She wondered, if he was nice to his own people, or if he treated them just as he would treat her people.
"Even if you can strike down the Hero, Ganondorf. It wouldn't be long before another one rose. You know how it works, better than anyone."
Ganondorf smirked and reached his hand out towards Zelda's face, taking one of the curls that hung from her head and feeling it beneath his fingers.
"Well, I shall deal with that as it comes. For now, perhaps we should discuss the terms of your surrender."
Zelda frowned and slapped Ganondorf's hand away from her hair. A few faint gasps were heard from the crowd still being held by the many monsters that invaded her great hall. She only wished that she had seen this invasion coming, for at least she would have been able to prepare for it and be ready, with her sword. She may have not been able to defeat the Demon King, but she and Impa could have certainly given him a few battle scars.
Impa. Where is she? Zelda subtly took a glance around the room, but her eyes could not find Impa, her trainer and personal guard. Had she gotten away? Snuck out unnoticed? Or more likely, had she been apprehended?
"Where is Impa?"
Zelda had blurted out her question without realising. Ganondorf crossed his arms and his brow furrowed for a moment, before he smirked.
"Do not fret princess, the Sheikah is alive. For now. Now let us talk abo-"
"Of course." Zelda cut Ganondorf off on purpose and she could see he was not happy about that.
"My terms of surrender are simple Ganondorf. In return for my people's lives, including Impa's, I will step down as ruler and declare you Hyrule's rightful King. I will not stand in your way. But you must allow the people here to continue their lives as normal as possible. Jobs, homes, trade, alliances; they must all stay the same."
Ganondorf smirked and stared into Zelda's eyes while he contemplated her offer. It seemed to be a good one, he had to admire. However, the Demon King had thought about their negotiations long ago and in his mind, they were not up for discussion.
"The thing about surrender Zelda, is that you have no choice in the matter. So, allow me to explain how this is going to work. Your people may go about living their lives as normal and no one will get hurt, so long as they oblige my demands. I may make some changes, I haven't decided yet. But you princess, will not be stepping down as ruler."
Zelda furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"
"Well you see my dear, if I was to ascend the throne by invading the kingdom and pushing you out of rule, I'd be a usurper and people would oppose me from every corner."
He leaned down closer to her face again and placed his fingers gently under her chin, lifting it slightly.
"But, if I was to ascend the throne through a marriage, the people would be much more… accepting."
Zelda's eyes widened and her brow furrowed deeper. She took a step back from Ganondorf, releasing her chin from his grip.
"You intend to marry me?"
The Demon King chuckled and took Zelda's chin in his grip once more, leaning closer to her ear.
"Precisely, my dear. By marrying you, I will legally and rightfully be king."
Zelda looked down to the ground while she pondered this proposition of marriage. She didn't like it, obviously. But, if it meant her people would be safe then did she really have a choice? He was right, people didn't get to choose what happened in a surrender. If her people obliged, they would be safe. But she couldn't say the same for her kingdom, or those who opposed the Demon King. But why did he want to marry her? She had read that in past lives Zelda had simply been locked away or kept in a comatose state.
"And if I refuse this ridiculous marriage?"
Ganondorf slid his hand down from Zelda's chin, to around her neck. He applied no pressure, simply held her. His lips came closer to her ear, almost kissing it and he whispered in a menacing tone.
"Everyone, including your Sheikah will die."
He could feel the lump in Zelda's throat as she swallowed.
"Then I guess I have no choice, do I? I accept your terms Ganondorf."
Ganondorf chuckled and released his grip, his finger reached up to gently line her cheek.
"Good… Oh, one last thing. You will address me as 'my king' or 'my lord'."
Zelda swiped his hand away once more and glared at him intensely, she knew he was just toying with her at this point.
"Do not push your luck, Ganondorf. You are not king yet. I will address you by your name until your coronation. After which I will address you by your official title. Nothing else."
Ganondorf laughed and crossed his arms. He walked passed the princess and headed for the thrones perched on the dais.
"Very well princess… You two!"
He pointed towards the two Darknuts that had accompanied him and they simultaneously stepped forward.
"Escort the princess to her chambers. You will remain there Zelda, while I become acquainted with my new kingdom."
Zelda, didn't even turn to look back at Ganondorf as he sat down on one of the thrones. She huffed and began to walk out of the hall, to her chambers. Followed closely by the two Darknuts. She had to listen to the Demon King laughing as she left and she gritted her teeth, to bare it.