Chapter Twenty

Once again, he woke in a cold sweat, only this time he was not alone. Zelda, a concerned expression on her face, lay beside him and smoothed his hair back in an almost motherly fashion. He shut his eyes tightly and took several deep breaths, wishing she hadn't seen him in that state. "You were tossing and turning all night," she said softly. He had expected her tone to be annoyed, but it hadn't been. "And talking in your sleep."

"I'm sorry," Link opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling, unsure of what else to say. The nightmares had plagued him since Ganondorf's defeat, maybe even before, though then he didn't have time to process or deal with them. Some days, his battles were all he could think about, and with those thoughts came thoughts of Midna, who he could never see again.

"Don't apologize," Zelda said firmly, in the same voice Link had heard her use when commanding individuals, though somehow not as harsh. She was silent for a moment and pulled her hand away from his face. Link shook his head and turned to face her, not knowing exactly what to say. "I get them too," she said finally. "Though I'm sure not to the same extent."

Link just nodded and stood. He pulled off his nightclothes and changed into something more appropriate for the court. Despite the coronation only having been the day before, he and Zelda were still expected to attend council meetings that morning. At least he had gained a bit more respect from Tal after the wedding, and the other advisors had started to take his thoughts into consideration instead of shooting them down on the spot. He watched Itil enter the room and help Zelda into her favorite white and purple gown, embroidered with the Hylian crest. She had once tried to explain to Link what everything in it symbolized, but he had long forgotten.

The pair ate a light breakfast, something Link very much appreciated. He was tired of so much rich food, especially after the wedding and the coronation. he craved something simple, something from home. After eating, Zelda took Link's arm, and he escorted her to the council's chambers. "Others will be joining us today," she spoke as they walked. "It seemed fitting, as they were already here."

Link nodded and opened the door for her. Zelda stepped into the chamber and took her spot at the head of the table. Link sat at her side. Naturally, Itil and Tal had already arrived. He wondered how early they came to the meetings in order to always be the first ones there. A handful of lords Link recognized from the coronation arrived after a bit and sat on the opposite end of the table from Zelda, each greeting her with a slight bow and a polite, 'Your Grace.' Link smiled a bit when Ralis arrived. He bowed slightly to Zelda. "Your Grace," he said before turning to Link, smiling slightly. "Your Royal Highness."

Zelda stood and nodded at the Zora king in acknowledgment. "Your Majesty," she said politely before returning to her seat. Link had once asked why such reverence and titles were given to the Zora. Zelda had explained that the kingdom had existed before the formation of one, united Hyrule. Unlike the Gorons and Gerudo, who were conquered, the Zora had requested to join the kingdom, believing joining forces was the best course of action. As such, the royal family had permitted them to retain more titles and customs than the others.

"Now then," Zelda spoke, and all side conversations ceased. "We need to discuss the Gorons and the Gerudo," she continued, studying each member of the council carefully. "We have long since given up hope of reunited the Gerudo people with the kingdom. However, that does not mean we need to cease being civil to one another. Tensions are high, as you all know, and they must be alleviated as quickly as possible." A few of the lords rolled their eyes, and Link wondered if Zelda had only invited them out of politeness. Few seemed to want to be there. "Kikire was kind enough to extend an invitation to their sacred city, and I believe I should accept."

"But... Your Grace!" Tal said in outrage. Link had never seen the man's face more red, nor had he seen a more flustered expression. "Is that really the wisest course of action?" he questioned. "Have you forgotten their hatred of us since the defeat of Ganondorf?"

"I have not forgotten," Zelda said. "Which is why I will not be going alone."

"None of your guards may enter the city, Your Grace," one of the lords sneered. "Just who are you expecting to go with you and ensure your safety?"

"Itil will accompany me," the Queen said firmly. Her tone suggested there was no room for argument from any of the others. "Her family has protected the royal family for centuries. There is no doubt in my mind that we will be more than safe." She looked each attendee in the eye once more, daring someone, anyone to challenge her. Link, personally, did not like the idea. Itil had always unsettled him, though he wasn't quite sure why, and he had heard rumors that she dabbled in dark, shadow magic floating around the castle.

"And what of the Gorons?" Ralis asked. Link resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He didn't know the Gorons well, but he knew them well enough to have gained the respect of their patriarch and their elders. He knew they would not respond well to anyone from the palace coming to tell them what to do, especially not in such a tense situation.

"It's clear we cannot let them separate as the Gerudo did," Zelda spoke and studied the map of Death Mountain on the table. "Such an action could endanger the people of Kakariko Village." Link wondered if she knew most of the residents of Kakariko Village had been killed in the Twilight Invasion. He did not bring it up, though, out of fear of being scolded by the advisors. "Link will travel to Death Mountain and meet with them," she said and turned to her husband. Link couldn't help but smile at the prospect. He would be able to leave the castle, maybe even to see old friends. "He knows their people better than any of us, and has earned their respect. There is no doubt in my mind he will bring them to their senses."

She turned away from Link to look at Ralis. "King Zora," she addressed him. "I ask that you stay in the capitol a bit longer, just until we return, and that you keep my peace in the kingdom."

"With all due respect, Your Grace," one of the lords said. "This king is... is a child!" Link saw Zelda and Ralis's eyes flash, though he couldn't help but agree with the lord. Ralis couldn't have been older than twelve, and surely had no business running an entire kingdom on his own, unsupervised.

He had expected Zelda to speak, but Ralis did instead. "With all due respect, My Lord," his tone had a venom in it Link had never heard. "We Zora age much more slowly than you Hylians. I'm sure I will be able to handle things, though I am a young forty." The lord stammered out an apology before going silent once more.

"It's settled then," Zelda said. "We leave in a fortnight."