Chapter Three: Domestic Affairs

Princess Zelda shifted uncomfortably in her throne as she heard an advisor fill her in on the latest news in the kingdom. In the ten years since Ganondorf's last attack, her father's health had failed him, leaving her the sole remaining member of the Royal Family. As such, she had taken up the mantle of responsibility that was the Queen of Hyrule. Even with the various tasks she had to take care of as ruler, life had become rather mundane for her. Sometimes she almost wished Vaati or Ganondorf would return and kidnap her so Link could save her. It made her feel…appreciated. Plus she knew that fights between Link and Vaati were, for a minor part, a fight for her affections, as the Wind Mage at least had romantic intentions for her, unlike Ganondorf. But this life in the castle was too boring. As she rested her head in her hand and half-listened to the advisor, she wondered how Ganondorf could possibly want this job so badly. The next bit of news then made her snap to attention. "And this afternoon, the proprietor of the Happy Mask Shop was found murdered in his shop. Victim of a robbery, it seems. His money was missing."

"That's terrible!" Zelda responded, putting a hand to her mouth. "Send his family my condolences. Have they found a possible suspect yet?"

"I'm afraid not, Your Majesty. Criminals are few and far between these days, thanks to your generous leadership. Most of them are just thieves and are easily apprehended. Rarely does this serious a crime occur."

Zelda sighed. "It's unfortunate. He was very helpful in keeping people's spirits up during the recovery times."

"Do not fret, milady," the advisor assured her. "The guards will soon find the perpetrator and justice will be served."

"Of course," Zelda replied. "Anything else?"

"That is all, milady."

"Then you are excused, Nigel."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Nigel bowed and walked out of the throne room. Zelda shook her head at the advisor's words. In truth, she had little faith in the Royal Guards and other soldiers who patrolled the town due to their incompetence and inexperience. She had wanted Link to train them, but thought better of it when he expressed his desire to return to his old life. Speaking of which, she hadn't seen Link for a while, not since her father died and he had come to bid farewell to the king and catch up on old times. He had apparently become close friends with a farm girl named Romani and had decided to become a worker there. She chuckled slightly at the notion of the boy responsible for defeating Vaati and Ganondorf squeezing milk out of a cow's udders. Whatever made him happy…

Zelda sighed and rubbed her head. It was another one of those days.