The Ambivalent Hero

by ZeldaRubix

The Hero of Twilight comes to Hyrule as a mighty conqueror. He is a savior in the eyes of the people. However, as a man, he is riddled with doubts, personal inequities, and fears. He deals with his own inner demons while at the same time protecting the land he loves. This is the prequel to 'How Zelda Got Her Groove Back.' THIS STORY WILL BE REWRITTEN.

25. Chapter 25

Inspiration: "Aristocrat's Symphony," & "Prince," both by Versailles (J-Pop group), Bach, Beethoven, the color red, Din from LoZ, chapter 4 of this story (the paragraphs describing Vincent's family), Metroid: The Other M (only the title as a double entendre... you'll know what I mean later), The Prince and Pauper, doppelgangers, espionage (growing intrigue), whodunits, murder mystery dinner theater, and the number four as a completion number.

Shout Outs: Destinychild1, Lope thanks for reading new readers.

Author's Note: For those of you new to my stories, there are always chapters called 'event' chapters in my texts. It was 'the Engagement Party' in tGwtGH, 'The Hyrulean Festival' in HZGHGB, and this one it is 'The Aristocrats Ball'. However, this one may have two. In fact, I'm sure of it. I'll let you know later. This chapter is long and has been segmented to accommodate the shifting activities in the party; it is one of several parts. There are also differing POV's sporadically throughout the sequence. I hope you like and I'd like to know what you think. Thanks. ~ZR~.

Word Count: 16,870

---

Chapter 25

The Aristocrat's Ball: Act 1

~SSS~

Several Weeks Before the Ball: Link's POV

It was hard for me to believe that the last six months came and went. It honestly felt like the blink of an eye. The ball was only three weeks away and I still felt like there was so much to do. To prepare for it, I studied rigorously everyday on core subjects related to Hylian politics, dragon species, metallurgy, mathematics, alchemy and anything else I thought was remotely related to the interests of the dragon king. Queen Zelda had a lot at stake in this venture, and it was up to me to make good on my promise to her. If Dragon Roost and Hyrule could have a united front, even for just a little while, then the whole proposition would have been worth it.

That's what I'm doing this for, I thought, that's why I'm working so hard.

It wasn't of my own efforts alone however, the queen had been working tirelessly to make sure my team and I had everything we needed. We had access to the royal library, she allowed us to use her personal think tank room if the Situation Room was not accommodating enough. We were allowed to dine with her in her private chambers once a week, a privilege that was unheard of in the past. And she shared valuable information with us via her own information network.

The queen made sure that all of the services rendered to her were at our disposal as well. She even gave me private, secret tutorial lessons related to the subjects I was studying for the party. Granted, the sessions were in her chambers, so I had to come and visit her late in the evening. Even still, I couldn't help but think that someone would misunderstand what was going on, and assume something else was happening between us. I tried not to worry about it, but I didn't want her reputation sullied because of me. She was an incredibly powerful ally, and a friend I had grown very fond of as the months went on... maybe too fond of to be quite honest.

I just need to remember my boundary, I thought, but felt it was a recourse in futility.

The more time I spent with the queen, the less I thought about my beloved Midna. And I knew I was probably being foolish, but I considered that as a minor betrayal to the queen of twilight. In the past, I wanted more than anything to tell Midna how I felt about her. She had been everything to me, and she constantly stayed in my thoughts. However lately, I had to admit, that had changed. The desire to see Midna was still there, but the intensity of that feeling wasn't as strong as it once was.

I had many excuses and misgivings as to why, but I knew the biggest reason was my growing attraction to the queen of Hyrule. It was there, I wasn't going to deny it anymore. Was it love? I wasn't sure, but it was something deep, and it was brooding inside me. Queen Zelda had that kind of affect on people. She could make anyone feel like they were the most important person in the world, even if all they did was tend to a garden... a simple, beautiful garden. That was a rare quality to have, and I wasn't going to lie, I was a little smitten with it.

The contemplation of that made me smile.

She has no idea how precious she really is, I thought.

As we spent more time together, queen Zelda's shyness waned. It was still there, but it wasn't as apparent as it used to be, and I think that was because of the comfort level between us now. She had a subtle confidence about herself that I didn't think she knew existed, and everyday it was exhibited more and more. She was brilliant, and spoke about things in such a way that I had never personally experienced before. She took an idea and made me think about it differently. For example, one afternoon we discussed the simple concept of water, but instead of keeping the conversation linear, she expounded on it by explaining water in all its facets, and why it was important to Hylian life. She discussed it in its literal sense, its metaphorical sense, and how it was used symbolically by ancient Hylian scribes.

I never knew water could be so interesting, I thought.

Another time, we spoke of Twili energy transference, and she made this brilliant reference to the Grand Unified Theory by a famous Hylian alchemist. I had never even heard of the Grand Unified Theory until she mentioned it. She said that all radiation could be exchanged through typographic wormholes if the quanta was concentrated enough... whatever that meant. I just remember going to the library after that, and picking up a few books to read so I could understand half of what she told me. I immediately realized she was a little bit of a book worm.

However, books weren't the only thing that the queen discussed. She would bring up her family from time to time, and particularly her father. I could tell she was the apple of her father's eye because she spoke of him so favorably. She talked about when she was little and how he would chase her around the castle. It was considered unheard of behavior for a king, but she told me her father didn't care what anyone thought of him. I remember her stating that he inherited that trait from the Hero of Time, Daphnes II's father. I couldn't even begin to fathom the weight Daphnes II must have felt when he had to take over the the throne of Hyrule from the legendary hero. I was a hero myself and I wouldn't want that burden. It was no wonder the queen felt the immense pressure to pursue peace. Her bloodline demanded it. However, that was what made her so wonderful. Queen Zelda was many things, but she was definitely wonderful. She made me think about her a lot.

You're always on my mind... queenie... I thought with a smirk.

Keeping in preparation for the ball, several months ago I gave my armor to Ashei and she had it readjusted like she said she would. When it came back I was impressed with the tailoring. Instead of the crystals being embedded all over the breastplate, they were instead fixated on the girdle and belt. The breastplate was reconfigured to have more of an interlaced woven pattern in the front to tie the sides together like a vest, as opposed to it being solid, and it having to be pulled over the top of my head. She also had some long stemmed maroon boots made for me along with a ruffled red shirt. It worked that way so the ruffles could be seen through the top of the vest, and the boots were to the knee because that was simply the fashion of the day. They were clothes really made for a prince, not a peasant.

It's not really my style, I thought honestly, but I'll make it work.

Speaking of Ashei, she also had herself a gown made like she was espousing before. It was white and long and resembled a wedding dress... I think she was trying to give master Bastion a hint. Speaking of the former womanizer, Ashei also had some clothes made for her cocky beau. They were white as well, and in the same style as mine: ruffled shirt, long stemmed boots, leather girdle, and white cargo pants. I had a feeling he and I were never going to live the look down, especially if any of the soldiers caught sight of us. Most of the men standing watch at the party were going to be in full armor, and once they saw Bastion and I dressed like 'dandies' as they like to call noblemen, we were going to be the laughing stock of the barracks.

I sighed when I thought about this.

I just have to remember it's only for one night, I thought. The things I do for the kingdom.

Clothing aside, the festivities were supposed to dwarf those of the Hyrulean Festival, and that was saying something. The ball was twice the budget of the festival, and it would have half the attendance. There was reported to be a six tiered cake to feed a thousand people, when there was only an expected attendance of seven hundred individuals. Such waste was not uncommon, the dinner was a five course feast of lobster bisque and green wharf salad, mutton with potato mousse, pheasant with a cherry chutney, Hylian sea bass with asparagus, and for dessert: cake, fruit, and assorted ports. The indulgence was down right criminal.

The budget for the ball was already approved before I got here, I thought, if her majesty had allowed me to dock that I would do so also.

The Aristocrat's Ball had its own committee, where all the members were nobles, and where all the members tried to top the event from the previous year. This year the buzz was around a supposed 'whodunit' murder mystery banquet. The rumor was, it was going to be a play where the actors portrayed guests dressed as nobles, and one of those guests were going to be inadvertently 'killed'. Afterwards, there were going to be series of fake clues stationed about the banquet hall, and all of the real guests were going to try and guess 'whodunit'.

It sounded insane.

I appreciated the idea behind it, but my growing sense of concern was telling me something was going to go down at the ball because of it. A 'murder mystery banquet' was too much of a convenience for a would be assassin to pass up. I often wondered who came up with the idea on the committee in the first place. If that little bit of information were divulged, it would be easier to decipher who the intended target would be. Maybe I was being paranoid, but I didn't want to take anything for granted. Were the killers going to go after her majesty this time? Were they still gutting for me? Were they going to try something else? Or, was it simply going to be what it was, a murder mystery supper? I wasn't sure, but I didn't like it. I didn't like it one bit.

Keep your eyes open Link, I told myself.

Entertainment wasn't the only thing I needed to be on the look out for, there was, of course, the matter of the Roostian royals, king Xavier and prince Elbourne. The king wasn't going to be the problem, the problem was going to be his son, and with everything I heard about him, he was going to be something else. It was important for me to make a favorable impression on the king, while at the same time remembering that I still needed to be respectful to the prince. The problem I didn't understand was, why he had such displeasure with me in the first place? He hadn't even met me to procure a prejudice yet. Maybe it was just the 'super sized bastard' tendency that general Zelvious warned me about. I knew Vincent had a mouth, but the prince couldn't have been that narrow minded to let someone influence him so judiciously. It didn't make any sense.

He can't be that bad, I thought, he is after all just a man.

Even if Elbourne was just a man, that didn't discount the importance of that meeting or the implications it could yield for Hyrule. I had to take it seriously. I was already seeing changes implemented from the suggestions my team and I put forth to her majesty. The court wasn't at full capacity every day the way it was in the past. Courtiers were only used when needed, and were no longer standing idly by waiting for service. The privates in the military received a raise for their service to Hyrule, while at the same time allotting and siphoning some of the larger salaries of the more frivolous jobs, like bards and dancers. The last few months saved her majesty hundreds of thousands of rupees already, which reduced taxes on the citizens. I knew all of my efforts garnered me some new enemies, but I didn't care. I was glad to see the poor and the defenseless being taken care of. The nobles, with all their riches, were going to be fine. Instead of one more province to buy, they now had to focus on the ones they already owned.

Those greedy bastards, I couldn't help but think, partitioning the weak to give to the affluent few.

I was glad her majesty wasn't like that. Queen Zelda was the most powerful woman in the country and she had more humility than half the ladies in her court. She was gracious with her time and spoke to the people with conviction. I knew she wanted what was best for everyone. She had this burning desire to see the people free and happy, and for the most part they were. I heard individuals talking in idle conversation about how grateful they were that the queen lowered their taxes and increased their take home income. I was glad the people saw the efforts. After all, it was all for them.

Even with all the progress, there were still some looming problems. The ministry of protocol and the ministry of finance were still operating at a shifty rate. The numbers for resources allocated were fiction at best. There was no way the amount of work being done justified the costs in doing so. What the hell was going on in those departments? I knew it wasn't good, or legal for one main reason: Vincent of Rue Morgue. He was the head of the ministry of protocol, but he had a heavy influence over the ministry of finance. Both those areas needed to be investigated, but there was no way an investigation would manifest itself without proof... and I had the bloody proof months ago.

Ever since I lost those papers, I had been kicking myself because Vincent would have been a non-factor in the court by now. His influence would have been gone, his strangle hold on his office would have been overturned, and her majesty would have been able to breathe a sigh of relief from the release of his treachery. However, it wasn't to be, but I was biding my time. I was going to stop him. He wasn't going to keep up his guise for much longer, and when his guard was down, that was when I was going to strike.

It's all a waiting game now, I thought, a waiting game and proof.

I had other things to consider besides the deceit of Vincent in the court. I still thought about Madeline as well. I hadn't seen her since the night I was at the district, and that worried me. Her tavern was still operating, but none of her workers had seen or heard from her for months. I even went back to the district to inquire about her well being and I got little to no information from anyone. Not even lady Mystere knew where she was. Where had she gone? Was she okay? Did she succumb to her injuries? I had no idea of knowing, and the thought of that made me feel guilty. She would have been okay if she hadn't spent the night with me. However, I was trying to look at the bright side of things. Maybe she went into hiding because she realized that that life wasn't for her. I knew it was silly, but hope was all I had.

I stopped for a moment to look out the window.

Please be out there somewhere, I thought, please be okay.

At the present, I was walking down the hall to the Situation Room ready to greet everyone after our midday supper break. I was glad things were back to normal with my friends. Over the past few months, we let the nonsense that caused our minor rifts go, and we worked together as a unit. Because of that, we were able to plow through many of the ideas we put forth. I didn't want us to disintegrate. We were all we really had, especially when we were here at the castle. There was of course her majesty and the help she garnered with her three generals, but for the most part we were hated and despised by the officials of her court. We couldn't afford to disband. We needed each other, and I made it my resolve not to let them down again. We were going to stick together through the thick and the thicker. We had to for Hyrule's sake.

I take this position very seriously, I thought.

I opened the door and went inside. I was greeted by everyone's satisfied faces. Well, almost everyone, Shad was still missing. In any such case, midday supper must have been extraordinary, because everyone seemed subdued. I grinned at the minor onset of sloth, sat down at the head of the table, and sighed. I had enjoyed a rather hearty meal myself, and I wasn't going to lie, it was going to be a little difficult getting right back to work.

I probably shouldn't have had so much stew with those biscuits, I thought, but man, they were delicious.

With the thoughts of food aside, it was hard to believe that it had already been seven and a half months since I had been called to her majesty's service. The time seemed to have flown by in the blink of an eye. Anyway, by now it was public knowledge that Ashei, Bastion, and I were going to the Aristocrat's Ball. To prepare, the team and I decided we were going to use several hours of the CIT meetings to discuss noble informatics. It was very useful, and I was grateful to get any extra time in to sharpen my skills in what I learned.

The ball is only three weeks away, I thought.

"So everyone," I started in a rather laid back manner, "now that your bellies are full, we have to get back to business. The more we practice the better off we are in the long run."

Master Aruru looked at me and gave me a rare grin. "That's practical counsel coming from a man who took a three week hiatus," he replied.

I grinned at that and shrugged.

What could I say?

He was right.

I don't think I'm going to live that down, I thought.

"Very true," I said, "and since daylight is burning let's have at it. We might as well dive in head first."

Telma snickered at that and looked down at her quill and parchment notes. "Are you sure about that?" she asked me. "Your eye lids look a little heavy honey."

She was probably right, that sloth was starting to set in.

At least I'm awake, I thought, trying to give myself credit.

"I'm sure," I replied to the bartender, with a yawn, "go on head."

Telma chuckled. "Okay," she started, it sounded like a warning, "then here's a question for you."

However, Bastion groaned. "More testing?" he complained. "I feel like my head is going to explode from didactic reasoning."

Ashei raised a brow and gave her beau and oblong gaze. "No more than it should you incessant brute," she replied, "this is what happens when you try to cram all your lessons into a few weeks. I told you to study before."

Bastion grinned at her and wasn't going to let her slide. "I would have been able to study if I didn't have such a provocative female distraction," he replied, "you've done nothing but help me sharpen my sword my love."

I was surprised he said that out loud.

I looked away and snickered to myself, but master Aruru didn't find too much humor in that. "You did what?" he asked his daughter.

Ashei blushed in embarrassment and elbowed her beau at the side. "Nothing father," she said quickly, "that was a slip of the tongue."

I gave her a knowing stare.

I'll bet, I thought sarcastically, it was more than a slip. They better watch it, or they're going to end up pregnant at their wedding.

Ashei cleared her throat and turned her attention back to Telma. "Anyway, what was your question?" she asked.

I shook my head and chuckled again.

Nice save Ashei, I thought.

Telma thumbed through her notes and found a suitable reference point. "Here we go, Hylian politics," she chimed.

There was a low moan of discontent from Ashei, Bastion, and myself with the reveal.

"Great," I mumbled with open mordance, "such a lively subject."

Telma seemed pleased with the reaction and went on anyway. "Alright everyone here is the question," she began, "in what year was the Kokiri preservation law put into place?"

I gave her an offhanded look.

That wasn't what I was expecting.

"I thought you said Hylian politics Telma," I inquired.

Telma shrugged. "So you got a little law in there too," she replied, "what are you going to do?" she asked rhetorically.

I saw her point, and it didn't make that much of a difference when I really thought about it. Honestly, a subject was a subject. However, before I or anyone else could answer the question, the door suddenly opened and Shad hurried into the room. He was flushed and appeared rushed and flustered. I was wondering where he was. He was nearly ten minutes late.

I raised a brow when I saw him.

That's not like him, I thought, and stared at him the same way everyone else was when he sat down.

Shad avoided everyone's eyes and opened his deposition book. "Sorry I'm late," he said, "I had some business to attend to."

Once he was settled, everyone went back to the question on hand. I, however, kept my eye on Shad. He was hurrying through the deposition book with trembling unsteady hands, and that was when I noticed he had something he was trying to hide. Earlier, when he came in in the morning , he was dressed in his normal wears without a scarf around his neck. Now, after lunch, he was strangely wearing a scarf, much in the same way that I was when I didn't want Ilia to see my hickey. Something wasn't right, and he was making that blatantly obvious. However, I wasn't going to ask him in front of everyone.

I'll ask him once we're done here, I reasoned.

Ashei was now grabbing her chin, while Bastion was sitting in his seat with his head fallen back.

"In the second year of Link the Great, king of Hyrule," he muttered uninterested.

Telma looked down at her paper and nodded. "That is correct," she replied.

Master Aruru grunted. "Don't you think you should ask something a little more challenging?" he inquired. "They will be conversing with his highness and his majesty. They need to sound like Hylian scholars."

Telma got indignant just then and put her hands on her hips. "I was just about to do that," she explained, "and how about you ask them a question know-it-all."

Aruru then turned his attention to Shad. "Speaking of scholars," he said, ignoring Telma, "why don't you ask the three of them a question Shad? Out of everyone here you know the most about... well, everything quite frankly."

Shad was still going about his business and read his book.

Aruru raised a brow. "Shad?" he asked.

Shad looked a little startled by the inquiry and seemed distracted. "I beg your pardon?" he asked as if he didn't hear.

Aruru gave him an offhanded look and a quick once over. "Are you alright?" he asked the scholar.

I was just about to ask him that, I thought.

Everyone then turned their attention back to Shad after Aruru's utterance. He looked annoyed that the old soldier brought attention his way.

"I'm fine," he insisted, then hurried to change the subject, "what would you like me to ask?" he demanded.

I raised my eyebrows at his tone.

Well, he certainly got off that in a hurry, I thought.

Aruru paused for a moment and studied him. Since it was obvious that Shad was resistant to answering anything in a forth coming way, he decided to drop the matter. Instead, the older soldier was going to placate to the scholar's question.

"What is the prince of dragons interested in the most?" Aruru inquired. "That is what you should be asking."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Ashei rested her hands on the table and sighed. "That is true," she added, "the biggest threat to the success of this venture is the prince. We need to incite his interests."

For some odd reason Bastion chuckled. "All you have to do is approach him my dear and he will be smitten," he joked, "nothing captures the dragon prince's interest more than the whiles of a beautiful woman."

My ears perked when he said that. I knew he was saying that as a joke, but what he said had merit to it.

Maybe Ashei... I didn't finish my thought.

"Ashei, when we get to the party you might just be the wildcard in our deck," I divulged, "we might be able to gain the prince's favor if you approach him with something witty to say."

Ashei was about to object, but her father interceded for her. "Link as masterful as that sounds, I'm going to have to suggest otherwise," he said, "my daughter wouldn't dream of it. She's engaged for Hylia's sake."

Now Ashei seemed annoyed with him rebutting for her. "Father I can speak for myself," she said to him, then turned her attention to me, "I understand you're the leader of this hash tag group Link, but don't you think that's a little brazen considering my reputation?"

Bastion laughed and I shrugged.

"No one's telling you to openly flirt with the prince," I stated, "just be your lovely, but friendlier, self."

Ashei crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes. "You, most certainly, have been associating with Bastion for far too long!"

Everyone laughed at that, even Aruru. However, throughout the course of the conversation Shad was silent. He was silent and he was brooding. No one had any idea why.

Engage him, I thought suddenly.

"What do you think Shad?" I asked.

The scholar seemed uninterested in the subject. "I think if Ashei wants to do it, she'll do it," he said, "if she doesn't, she won't." His answer was practical enough, but then he added. "Besides, didn't you guys want me to ask a question?"

It was matter-of-fact, but he still wasn't being himself, and I knew the others noticed it as well.

Telma looked at him concerned, but nodded. "Sure honey," she said to him, "if you're ready, ask away."

Shad took in a deep sigh and nodded.

What is going on with him? I wondered.

Shad cleared his throat and got up to get a text from one of the shelves on Roostian politics. It was a rare first edition from her majesty's personal library. He flipped through the pages until he found a subject to his liking. We were all waiting patiently for his question, but when he finally asked it we were in for a surprise.

"Virtus generatur nisi paucos electos in- Codice draco," he uttered in ancient Hylian, "what code is that?"

I sat up when he said it in ancient Hylian. I was a little surprised he decided to take the indignant route and try to show everyone up with his intellect. If his issues were bothering him this much he should have just dismissed himself, not try to be untoward towards everyone else.

He knows most of us aren't as well versed in ancient Hylian as he, I thought, but then decided to go along with his ridiculousness. Very well, two can play that game.

"Power is only generated to the chosen few- dragon code number one," I translated with relative ease.

The others looked at me astonished, but were still shocked that Shad decided to ask the question the way he did. I was only able to decipher what he said because I was learning some ancient Hylian from her majesty in our private tutorial lessons. However, I was probably rough with my translation at best. Even still, the others looked at me in surprise.

"I'm impressed," Bastion half joked.

I think Shad was as well. "Not bad," was all he said, and sat back to look me straight in the eyes, "how about this then: tempus in fide perfectioni, what proverb is this?"

I narrowed my eyes at the scholar and gave him an offhanded look.

That isn't a proverb at all, I thought. Why is he being so snide?

"That's a trick question," I revealed, "A Season in Faith's Perfection is the name of the favorite book of queen Constance of Dragon Roost."

Aruru looked between the two of us, but focused his attention primarily on Shad. "That is correct," he verbalized of what I stated. "Why are you trying to utilize trick questions master Shad?"

Shad ignored Aruru and seemed annoyed that I was able to decipher what he was saying without much effort. What I didn't understand was, why he was trying to make everyone look foolish in the first place. He knew he was the most book literate of all of us here when it came to ancient Hylian.

He's hiding something, I thought suddenly, and it's bothering him enough to try and push us away.

I knew that behavior all too well. I had engaged in it months go when I was doing some rather silly things.

The scholar fixed his glasses and looked in his book again. "Fine, here's another one," he started, "Suus sicco illic ... alicubi perditum invenies thesaurum rerum..."

I looked at him stunned.

He really wants to do this right now, I thought.

"'It's out there somewhere... the lost treasure of all the world will be found...'" I translated, "Secret Mysteries of All the Ages, page 1397 paragraph two, midway point."

Shad narrowed his eyes at me when I revealed that.

Aruru looked at me surprised as well. "How do you know that?" he asked me.

I glanced over at the older soldier.

"I read exerts from the book," I divulged, "her majesty let me borrow it."

"Well, isn't that nice?" Shad said sarcastically.

Ashei took note of Shad's cumbersome expression. "Are you sure nothing is bothering you?" she asked. "You don't seem like yourself."

Telma nodded in reply. "I was just thinking the same thing," she replied, "maybe something's not agreeing with you from lunch. You were fine before then."

I was glad I wasn't the only one who noticed that.

Shad shot both the women frustrated looks. "I'm fine!" he snapped. "There's nothing wrong with me!"

That wasn't too reassuring.

He's definitely hiding something, I thought, then got up.

Shad turned his attention back to me. "Since you're so smart now, why don't you decipher this?!" he demanded of me. "Sunt statuam legem-nia-"

I had had enough of this.

"Outside," I ordered, cutting him off, "you and me, now."

Shad looked up at me annoyed from his seated position. "There's nothing to dis-"

"Now Shad," I interrupted in a calm manner.

Shad groaned and stared me down for a second, but then got up from his seat and stormed towards the door. The others watched silently.

Unbelievable, I thought shaking my head.

"We'll be right back," I reassured quietly, then followed after him.

Outside in the hall Shad was already in a defensive posture. I didn't understand where any of this was coming from.

"What's going on Shad?" I asked in a low voice. "Why are you being so distant?"

Shad took in a deep breath and didn't answer right away.

"It's nothing," he lied,.

I wasn't having any of that right now.

"Shad-" I tried.

"Look Link, it doesn't matter, okay?" he interrupted. "This has nothing to do with anyone here!"

I stared at him for a moment.

"Then why are you so angry?" I asked.

He scoffed and ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm not," he muttered.

I groaned slightly in frustration.

"And I suppose that display back there was the norm for you as well," I pointed out.

Shad closed his eyes for a moment and took in a deep breath.

"No it wasn't, and I'm aware of how I look," he said, "but as it stands, it's a personal problem."

I studied him for a moment and looked at the scarf around his neck.

Just inquire, I thought, you'll never know unless you inquire.

"Is it a woman?" I asked point blank. "Is that why you're so flustered?"

Shad was quiet for a moment and didn't answer.

I knew that was the problem right then and there.

I had a feeling it had something to do with the fairer sex, I thought. They can drive a man crazy.

"Look, this is all I'm going to say and I won't say anymore," I began, "if this is a situation that you can't get yourself out of, then do the right thing and marry the girl. There's no sense living with that kind of worry or guilt."

The scholar closed his eyes when he heard that.

"I understand exactly what you're saying Link," he said, "but it has nothing to do with... that."

I shook my head and took a step towards him. Since he was unwilling to state what the problem was, he needed to leave his childish behavior at the door. I knew I probably being insensitive, but the truth was the truth. We still had a job to do, and Shad acting like a crass fool was not something we needed, or was going to tolerate today.

There's too much at stake, I thought.

"Well, whatever it is since you see it fit not to share, keep your emotions in check," I said bluntly, "you're becoming a nuisance and a distraction."

Shad looked at me surprised regarding my slightly abrasive rhetoric, but didn't argue me down because of it.

"You're right," he muttered finally with a sigh, "I apologize."

I nodded, then went up and put my hand on his shoulder. I didn't want there to be any bad blood between us.

"I'm just looking out for you the same way you looked out for me a few months ago," I recalled. "You snapped some sense back into me when I was trying to hide my illness, and make a fool of myself in front of the queen. I felt the need to do the same for you."

I was thinking that was going to relieve him in some way, but for some odd reason he tensed up.

What's this all about? I wondered.

"Yeah..." he said absently to himself, and immediately avoided my eyes in the process, "remind me one day to tell you something related to that."

He caught me off guard when he said that, and I gave him a strange look. I definitely wasn't expecting that.

"What are talking about?" I asked.

Shad stared into my eyes for a second and shook his head. There was a look of guilt that suddenly washed over his face.

What is it Shad? I wondered.

"Just remind me one day, will you?" he said, then avoided my eyes again. "Can we go back inside now?"

I hesitated at his inquiry, but nodded anyway. At that, Shad turned and headed back to the Situation Room. I stood there for a moment and watched after him. When the door opened and closed behind him, I had a feeling of foreboding because of it.

What's going on with you Shad? I wondered. Why are you acting so strange?

I wished he had deferred to sharing more than what he did, but as it stood now I couldn't worry about that, but I was sure time would only tell. I was about to head into the Situation Room after him, when something caught my attention. The cubbyhole above the doorway had a displaced stone with a flurry of folded papers poking out of the crevice. The way it was stationed, it was obvious that someone left it there to be found, the problem I had was, when was it put there? I paused for a moment, but then went to retrieve the bundle, eager to see what it was.

Why in the world is someone trying to reach out now? I wondered.

I was careful in how I dislodged the contents so as not to tear the material or have any of the others hear what I was doing. How in the world did I or anyone else miss this when we were coming in from midday supper? Unless... it was put there after the fact. I was bothered by that premise, but the feeling temporarily left me when I opened the contents of the papers and briefly read over them. My eyes widened in surprise and disbelief at the reading. These were the papers that Zelvious and Maximillion gave me months ago.

"What in the-?" I muttered to myself.

The information was detailed accounting records of the ministry of finance. There were several circled items on the docket that relayed like a trail on the paper. It was only then that I noticed it was a being used as a rubric to show that money was being illegally siphoned for purposes other than what they were intended. The biggest culprit in the curtailment was the ministry of protocol, and after seeing that I knew without a shadow of a doubt Vincent was behind this. In fact, all the papers garnered were signed with the seal of the house of Rue Morgue. That idiot had slipped, and now the evidence I needed to investigate his activities were right in my palm.

I was ecstatic by this revelation.

You cocky bastard, I thought and folded the papers back up and put them in my satchel.

However, before I went back inside, the feeling of discontent came back to me, and I pondered over something.

Who put this here? I wondered. Why are they reappearing now? Who knows about this? It doesn't make sense, and if something doesn't make sense a bit of truth is missing.

I sighed, realizing I should have been grateful, but the feeling of cynicism wouldn't go away.

"Something isn't right about this," I whispered to myself, then looked at the door to the Situation Room, "something isn't right about this at all."

Trouble was brooding, but like I stated before only time would tell.

With that, I went back in the Situation Room.

~SSS~

Three Weeks Later: The Day of The Ball, Several Hours Before the Party (Zelda's POV)

The one activity I did on a regular basis when something bothered me was pace around my room. It was so apparent that my mind was preoccupied, that my servant Lydia took notice. I had been attending these balls since I was sixteen years old, and nothing came close to the feeling of apprehension I felt tonight. A lot was riding on how Link interacted with the royals. Would his studying be enough? Would he be able to capture Xavier's interest? Would he be able to negate Elbourne? And just recently I found out her majesty, queen Constance of Dragon Roost, was coming as well. Before hand she had written she wouldn't be attending due to illness, but after some good nursing and golden chu jelly, she was well again and stated her desire to come to the ball. That worried me a little bit.

I wonder if she's going to question master Link as well, I thought, Constance is a very shrewd woman.

I sighed at the thought of the excess stress now levied upon Link, but knew there was nothing I could do about it except help him. I was still pacing around the room in nothing but my corset and pantalettes, it was extremely immodest by royal standards, but I was waiting for Lydia to air out my gown for the evening. Besides, my terrace doors were closed and no one was looking into my room anyway. I sat down at my table and placed my hands in my lap. Lydia looked over at me in concern.

"Your majesty," she started, "what's bothering you?"

I shook my head, not even knowing where to begin with that question.

Everything, I thought.

"I'm just a little nervous," I said honestly.

Lydia's face softened when she heard that.

"That's understandable," she said, "these balls can be nerve racking."

I took in a deep sigh.

That's an understatement, I thought.

"They can indeed," I replied.

Lydia left tending to my gown for a moment and walked over to me and kneeled down in front of me. I thought that was odd.

What's this? I wondered.

"Yes Lydia?" I asked.

Lydia bit her lower lip and got down on her knees on the marble floor.

"What are you doing?" I asked. "You're going to dirty your dress."

She didn't seem to care about that.

"May I asked you a question you majesty?" she inquired. "But not as your servant, as your friend."

Her actions left me a little intrigued.

What's this all about? I thought.

"Of course," I replied, "you know you're one of my dearest friends Lyddie."

She smiled when she heard that.

"Well then there's no sense beating around the bush," she stated. "Do you happen to be nervous because of master Link?" she asked suddenly.

I was surprised at the question and inadvertently blushed.

Damn me for not being able to control that, I thought.

"I beg your pardon?" I replied, pretending like I didn't hear her.

Lydia wasn't deterred.

"I know you're going to think I'm horrible for this," she said, "but there are rumors abound about you and master Link," she divulged, "are any of them true?"

She sounded like an excited school girl.

She can't be serious, I thought.

I was so wrapped up in the political ramifications of Xavier and Elbourne's visit that I didn't have time to entertain rumors. I looked at my dear friend disappointed.

"Lydia you know better than to listen to such salacious talk," I accused, "you're getting as bad as the milk maids."

She smiled.

"That's who I heard it from ma'am," she said, not at all ashamed, "that's why I wanted a confirmation from you."

I took in a deep sigh and closed my eyes.

I'm worried about how to keep Hyrule out of a quagmire and the people only ever seem to discuss my non-existent love life, I thought.

"I don't even know what those rumors are," I stated, "so I wouldn't know what to confirm or deny."

Lydia seemed ready to answer that, as if she were waiting for that statement.

"Well," she said, "I think it's my duty to inform you."

I looked at her incredulously.

Great, I thought with sarcasm.

"Lyddie..." I trailed, not going on.

That still didn't stop her.

"Anyway," she started, "it was told to me from the baker, who heard this from the gardener, who heard this from the milk maid courting one of the soldiers in the barracks, that master Link and you were having private tutorial lessons."

That was quite the channel of information.

How many people was it again? I wondered detracting a little bit.

I groaned slightly in irritation.

"I don't understand why you entertain such talk," I accused, "all you're doing is tickling the ears of the fickle."

Lydia got a little closer.

"That may be true ma'am," she said, not denying it, "but don't you think such talk warrants a dismissal? You wouldn't want to be spoken of like one of the senseless women in Hyrule... you know..." she leaned forward and whispered, "the brothel girls."

I nearly laughed at that.

Who are you kidding Lydia? I wondered.

"My dear, you know as well as I do that that is already happening," I disclosed, "when you're a public figure like me that kind of talk is to be expected."

Lydia bit her lower lip and looked worried for a moment.

What's this all about? I wondered.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

Lydia sighed and hesitated for a moment.

I didn't like the growing concern.

"Lyddie..." I trailed.

She looked away, then back again.

"Well," she started, "that isn't all, you see there's another rumor going around about you and the young master."

My ears perked when I heard that.

Oh no, I thought, feeling my stomach drop.

"Are you serious?" I asked.

She nodded.

"Quite ma'am," she said.

I almost didn't want to know, but now she had me intrigued.

I might as well, I thought.

"And what rumor is that?" I asked, acting as though I didn't care.

She didn't answer right away.

"Well..." she trailed, "now, this started from the ladies in the court. A lot of them have been vying for master Link's attention-"

I put my hand up to stop her for a moment.

"I thought they hated him," I interceded.

Lydia shrugged.

"My lady, that's what they say in public," she divulged, "in private, Master Link is a greatly desired man. Many of the ladies stated in a humorous fashion that they would pay him handsomely for one night in bed. They're offering a hero's ransom, ten thousand rupees!"

I didn't mean to, but I blushed when I heard that. I looked away for a moment and tapped my fingers on the table.

"Has..." I trailed, not sure I wanted an answer to my question, "has master Link taken any of the ladies up on their offers?"

Lydia was quick to shake her head no.

"Not that I know of ma'am," she replied.

I didn't let it show, but I relieved in hearing that.

I turned my attention back to my servant, confused about something.

"What does that have to do with me?" I asked.

Lydia raised a brow.

"Well, that's where the idea derived," she said, "you see, that rumor was based on the premise that Master Link had made love to... you."

Wait a minute, what? I thought.

I looked at her shocked.

I stood up from my seat immediately, my breath was accelerated.

"You can't be serious!" I said upset.

Lydia immediately got up off the floor and stood up. She raised her hands in surrender.

"I didn't say it my lady, they did," she reassured, "the women were even saying that some of them heard the moans of pleasure from your chambers when he came to visit you one night."

My eyes widened instantly when I heard that, trying to think of some explanation for what they may have heard. All I could recall was one evening when he came to study and I asked him about the strangest creature he ever encountered on his journeys. He said it was the poe, or a variation of it, then imitated how it sounded. I thought it was funny, so I imitated it too. The octave was loud and irritating.

That's a moan of pleasure for these women? I wondered. That's how the truth gets lots in translation. Everyone thinks one thing when the reality stems from something else.

"That isn't true Lydia," I said finally, "you should know better."

Lydia thought about that.

"True," she said, "but I still thought you should know. There is so much traction behind it, it even has made its way into the courts of Dragon Roost."

I was suddenly alerted when she said that.

What? I thought.

"You mean... you mean prince Elbourne possibly knows about this nonsense?" I asked.

She nodded, looking a little guilty.

"I'm sorry my lady," she said, "I guess I spoke too soon at the pumpkin harvest and some of the servants overheard me who worked in Dragon Roost. So, there is a pretty good chance that prince Elbourne does know."

I closed my eyes again when I heard that.

Dear Hylia, I thought, and after his last visit too. This is beyond horrible timing.

"Incredible," I whispered to myself annoyed.

Lydia took a step back.

"I'm sorry my lady," she said.

I sighed and shook my head. There was no sense getting upset about it now. What was done was done. I needed to remain composed.

How in the world am I going to fix this? I wondered.

I started pacing the room again, but then stopped for a moment. Lydia was watching me the entire time.

I'm not going to acknowledge it, I thought with a sudden conviction, if there is no acknowledgement then there is no power to it. It was absolutely ridiculous anyway.

"Don't worry about it Lyddie," I said finally, turning around to face her. "This is just minor setback, there is no truth to the matter anyway."

I sensed she felt a little better with my saying this, but not too much.

"My lady," Lydia started, "may I have your permission to speak freely?"

I raised a brow when I heard her say that.

She hasn't already?

I know you Ms. Lyddie, I thought, you might say something that gets me into trouble.

I paused for a moment, but granted her request anyway.

"Permission granted," I said finally.

Lydia walked towards me and stopped when she was a few feet away.

"I just want to say, I believe you first and foremost my lady," she reassured, which told me she didn't believe me at all. "However, if there is any merit to the rumors, then I hope it was the best sex you've ever had."

I felt my eyes widen in disbelief.

What in Hylia's name-? I thought.

"Lydia-" I tried.

"I'm serious your majesty," she went on, "I hope it was toe curling, lip biting, linen grabbing, out of this world sex, because I think you deserve a night like that."

I was livid.

Is she insane to speak to me this way? I thought.

"You know bloody well-" I tried again.

"That's all my lady," she shifted, then curtsied.

Lydia then turned and went back to the anteroom of my chamber to finish airing out my dress. I was going to say something to her, but decided against it. However, both our attentions were diverted to the sudden knock on my door. Lydia went to go answer it, as I was still in shock with what she said.

Leave it to Lydia to say something obtuse, I thought, the woman is crazy.

Before she went to open the door I made sure to make my way out of the field of sight. I went and sat down at my dresser in the anteroom of my chamber. Lydia then opened the door, received the message, and thanked the courtier for the delivery. Afterwards, she made her way back to where I was. She was carrying a red and black stationery, without even reading the contents, I knew who it was from. I got a little anxious because of it.

Elbourne... I thought with a trail suddenly.

"Who was there?" I asked my servant anyway.

Lydia placed the letter down on my dresser.

"It was a royal messenger from Dragon Roost," she replied, "he carried a letter from prince Elbourne."

That's what I thought, I pondered.

It was the practice of all royalty to send out scouts and messengers to announce their arrival well before it took place. With that being the case, the Roostian Royals were probably a few hours away.

"Thank you," I said quietly.

I waited for her to get back to tending to my gown before I opened the seal. I was a little skeptical as to what it might say.

I hope it isn't too divisive, I pondered, already thinking the worst. He was very upset with me the last time he was here.

The letter read:

My Dearest Zelda:

Greetings my beloved, I feel it has been far too long.

Six months without seeing you is like a lifetime, no, two

lifetimes...

I paused for a moment when I read that. It did make me smirk. I could sense Elbourne's sarcasm all over this paper.

He was probably grinning the entire time he had it dictated, I thought, that's why there are so many rumors regarding the both of us. He feeds them.

I read on:

I expect your beauty to be the highlight of the evening, and

because of such I shan't tarry from your side. It is my duty to act

as your personal guard, your aide, and your eventual lover

when the time comes for it.

I raised a brow when I read that.

"Isn't that convenient?" I murmured to myself sardonically.

I finished off the contents:

Remember my dearest, you and I represent the future of

our kingdoms. That future should be a united front with a

strong tie of bloodlines. I hope you will afford me more clarity

at the party to display what I mean. As always Zelda, you are

the queen of my heart, and the first lady in my life.

Loving You Always,

Elbourne of Dragon Roost

At the letters end I took in a deep sigh. I bit my lower lip troubled.

"'To display what he means'?" I repeated in a whisper, a little unsettled with that fact.

I looked at my reflection and stared into my eyes.

"What are you up Elbourne?" I wondered aloud.

There were no remnants of malice or contention resulting from his last visit in the wording. It was just like any of his other letters he sent to me. It even seemed a little more buttery and sweet than usual.

He's planning something, I thought, I just don't know what.

I knew one thing was for certain, I definitely needed to keep my eyes open. Elbourne was cunning, and one way he could act as an extractor was if his deceit were to go unnoticed. I wasn't going to fall for any of what he was planning, but I wouldn't be placated into making a scene either.

Just don't let your guard down, I thought, and make sure you inform master Link.

I walked over to where Lydia was and watched her as she added some extra beading and jewelry to my ruby red gown. I needed a power color tonight, and red would be just it.

Oh Din, I thought, staring at my dress, I'm going to need a little of your strength tonight.

I looked at my gown again and suddenly thought of Elbourne.

He told me I appeared my sexiest when I wore red.

I sighed.

I should say that differently Din, I prayed, I'm going to need a lot of your strength.

~SSS~

Ordon Village (Link's POV)

The morning of the ball was a haze of habit. I went to the Castle, met with the team, and dismissed everyone early due to the party. However, when I returned to Ordon, and the afternoon leading into the evening arrived, I began to get nervous. Rusl and Bo both wished me well and told me to just stick to what I knew. Malo and Talo told me to get into a sword fight if at all possible. I told them I would try. Colin stated that he felt he should come with me because I would probably need his help. I grinned at the youngster and told him next time. And Ilia... well, I was pleased to reveal she finally decided to speak to me again, but as for any advice for the night, I was given none.

It's probably just as well, I thought as I was getting dressed, what's done is done.

That night in Ordona's spring left us both a little shaken. I tried not to rehash that evening for fear of getting depressed that my best friend now hated my guts, and finished fastening the vest up the front. The maroon ruffles of the shirt underneath compiled at the top, and with my hair slicked back, I looked more refined. At least, that was what Telma and Ashei told me. The two ladies gave me the tip on the hair, and since farming and fighting were my usual occupations, I decided to take their advice. I usually just let it fall into place with my bangs in my face, but tonight I understood the fashion, however it just wasn't... me.

Yep, I thought, looking at my reflection, I'm never going to hear the end of this.

I sighed, sat down, and slipped on both the long stemmed boots, when suddenly there was a knock on my front door. I wasn't sure if it was a real knock or not and waited to confirm the second vibration again. When the tap sounded I was sure.

"Come in," I called out finally and stood up to greet whoever it was.

To my surprise, Ilia came walking in from the other side. I wasn't going to lie, I wasn't expecting to see her, but I was glad she was here. I didn't want her thinking I didn't value what she thought about me any longer. She had always been genuine in her concern for me, and I wasn't going to pretend like she wasn't an important part of my life and that I didn't miss her. I gave her a quick once over and smiled at her. Ilia was carrying a basket and looked a little subdued, but when she saw me her mouth dropped a little in surprise.

"Wow," she whispered, giving me a long once over, "you look extraordinary."

I was hardly expecting a reaction like that.

Extraordinary huh? I thought. That's quite the compliment.

I looked down at my wears and shrugged.

"Uh... thanks," I said, still uncomfortable with the garb, but needed to get used to it.

She didn't answer me right away, she was still looking at me in awe.

"I'm serious," she said, shaking her head, "you... you look like a prince."

I raised my brows in surprise when she said that.

"A prince?" I repeated.

Ilia took a step towards me and looked down at her hands.

"Yeah..." she said with a sad smile, "a prince."

There was a brief silence between us. I hated that it had come to this between us. I wished we could go back to what we were before all the confusion and silliness.

It would just be so much easier if you weren't in love with me Ilia, I thought. Life would be so much simpler if we were those two kids again.

I knew that was just wishful thinking.

Ilia cleared her throat.

"You're going to do so well Link," she said suddenly, "you've gone from a pauper in a remote village, to a sophisticated Hyrulean man."

I wasn't sure of all that, but I thanked her just the same. I didn't consider anything sophisticated about me. I was still that wrangling goat herder.

"I appreciate you saying that," I replied.

Ilia seemed encouraged by that and went on.

"I'm serious," she continued, "you've been reading all types of books by different Hylian philosophers and great thinkers. I've noticed you reading some of that material when you were relaxing at the spring."

I had no idea anyone was taking notice.

"Yeah..." I trailed absently, "it's only so I can converse 'properly' when I speak to the royal family of Dragon Roost."

I held up my hands in quotations when I said that and Ilia laughed softly.

"I suppose, but that's just it, right?" she said. "Who would have thought even a year ago you would be chumming it up with royalty?"

I saw her point in that.

"True," I said, "but I wouldn't call it 'chumming', I'm simply trying to negotiate a few things for her majesty."

Ilia looked down suddenly when I mentioned the queen.

"Yeah," she said quietly, then got silent for a moment. Afterwards, she crossed her arms over her chest and looked up at me again. "Tell me something," she began again softly.

I wasn't sure which way this was going to go, but I gave her my undivided attention anyway.

"Sure," I replied.

Ilia looked away again.

"Is... is the queen of Hyrule as beautiful as she's rumored to be?" she asked. "I hear all of the Nohanseens were given the gift, or curse, of extraordinary beauty, is it true?"

I got quiet after she asked me that, knowing exactly why she was asking it.

You don't need to do that to yourself Illy, I thought, I'm not worth it.

"She's a pretty lady," I said honestly, "but so are many maidens in Hyrule, yourself included Ilia."

She blushed when I said that, but she had no idea how much I was downplaying Zelda's looks. There was, without a shadow of a doubt, no one more beautiful than the queen in all of Hyrule.

No one... with the exception of Lady Mystere, but that was only because she looked exactly like Zelda.

However, I wasn't going to divulge that to Ilia given our recent history. I didn't want her feeling anymore insecure than she already did. Ilia looked away for a moment as a set of tears filled her eyes. She quickly wiped them away and nodded.

"Thanks for that," she whispered.

The glint in her voice made me wince a little.

It still must hurt her to see me, I discerned, she seems so sullen and sad these days. I just want her to get her happiness back.

I took in a deep breath and took a step towards her.

"Ilia listen-" I tried.

She quickly shook her head and stepped back.

"Wait," she interrupted softly, "I promise you I didn't come to here to do anything other than to wish you well," she said, then looked up at me. "Papa and Rusl have been speaking about you and the ball all afternoon. They're worried that something terrible might happen to you if you're not careful. I just came to give you a little confidence."

I nodded at hearing that.

That's just like those two to worry, I thought.

"I understand," I said with a sigh.

Ilia bit her lower lip.

"I decided to put my stubbornness aside and come to see you," she said, then opened the basket she was carrying and pulled out a beautifully coiffed boutonniere, "I also made you this."

The rare ancient flower was fastened together with some gypsophila, or the flower known as 'baby's breath', and Ordonian ferns. It was well made. I looked at Ilia's gift, then back at her and grinned.

"It looks amazing Ilia," I said, "thank you for being so thoughtful."

Ilia nodded, then came up and pinned the floral arrangement on my vest. It actually matched rather well. Ilia stared at it for a moment, then looked up into my eyes.

"It suits you Link," she whispered.

I stared back, sensing she had a deeper meaning to her words, and felt a twinge of guilt for not feeling the same way she felt for me.

"Thanks," I replied.

Ilia took in a deep sigh and stood back.

"You're going to do great," she encouraged, "just remember what you're working for."

I nodded at her advice.

"I will," I said.

She gave me another once over and grinned.

"Did you practice your dancing for the ball?" she asked suddenly.

I looked at her slightly confused.

Dancing? I thought. I never thought to even consider it.

"Uh..." I trailed.

Ilia gave me an offhanded stare and put her hands on her hips.

"Are you serious?" she asked. "You expected to go to a ball and not dance?"

I put my hands up in surrender.

"I have two left feet," I replied.

Ilia groaned and shook her head.

"I can't believe this," she muttered more to herself than to me, then put her basket down. "We don't have much time, so come on."

I looked at her puzzled.

"You're going to give me a lesson now?" I asked.

Ilia scoffed.

"What do you expect?" she demanded. "Now quit being silly and come on."

Am I even going to learn anything? I wondered.

Instead of arguing, I decided to listen to her.

"Okay fine," I agreed,"what are you going to show me?"

Ilia sighed and held up both her hands.

"We don't have much time," she said, "so I'm going to show you one dance, the waltz."

I nodded, completely forgetting about this aspect of my training.

I don't think I ever want to become a noble, I thought, it's seems like a lot of boring futility.

In any such case, I put my hands up anyway, ready for her to teach me what she could.

"Fire away," I said.

Ilia stepped towards me and began the impromptu session.

"Put your hand on my waist," she instructed.

I did as she said.

"Okay," I said.

"Now hold me close," she went on.

I did.

"What now?" I asked.

"And remember the waltz is a dance that's considered a folk dance, but the nobility adopted it because the men who left the balls for more amusement with the servants liked it so much," she explained.

I looked at her surprise. I had no idea that that was the history of the waltz in high societies.

Well, I can't say I'm surprised, I thought, the nobles use the poor for everything else.

"Really?" I verbalized.

Ilia nodded.

"Really, but I have to add not in all cases," she said, then continued on. "Now, the aristocratic waltz is a proximity dance. The head of each individual must be held up, not facing the feet at any given time, and the man must lead using his chest. The dance is done in triple and quadruple meter."

I had no idea what she was talking about.

"O...kay," I replied.

She laughed at the way I said that.

"What I mean is, if there is a drum, the cadence will be with the beat," she explained, "if there is no drum, the cadence will be with the melody, understand?"

I was beginning to get a sense of what she was saying.

"I think so," I said, trying to be honest.

Ilia grinned and shook her head again.

"You'll get it once we start moving," she said.

I was going to assume she was right.

"Here's what I 'll do to show you what I mean," she said, "pretend my finger is the drum. Every time I tap your shoulder, that represents the rhythm and speed with which you need to move your feet. Do you want to give it a try?"

That seemed plausible enough.

"Whatever you think is best," I replied.

Ilia nodded then placed her right hand on my left shoulder.

"Each tap will represent a movement of the feet," she explain, "we need to move consistently to the right in cadence to the music. Does that make sense?"

I nodded, actually being able to grasp that.

"It does," I replied.

She looked up at me hopefully.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

I nodded.

"I think so," I replied, "let's begin."

"Okay," she said, "but remember, you have to lead, so when I tap you start going to the right and I'll follow, got it?"

I grinned at her.

"Got it," I said.

"Here we go," she said, then tapped my shoulder.

I moved with each tap like she instructed, and she did follow my lead. On the last tap I nearly tripped on her foot, but I caught myself and her before we both fell.

"Are you okay?" I asked, gripping her tight so she wouldn't fall.

She stared into my eyes for a moment and only nodded. Her cheeks were flushed, but she managed to stay composed.

"I'm fine," she said, then stood upright, "let's try it again, you only messed up on that last step."

"Alright," I replied.

Ilia put her hand on my shoulder again and we followed the same sequence: 'tap, tap, tap' to the right, 'tap, tap, tap' to the right, 'tap, tap, tap' to the right. We stayed steady with our movement and glided across the room. From the look on Ilia's face I could see she was very impressed. We continued, until she stood still to stop the dance. She unhinged herself from my hands and gave me a light applause.

"Not bad," she complimented, "not bad at all. You dance as though you've done this before."

"I pick up things pretty easily," I said honest, "it's a skill I acquired on my journeys through Hyrule."

I did a mock bow and she laughed at me. I was grateful to hear her laugh again. I didn't want the rift between us to get any bigger.

"And... it's only because you're a great teacher Illy," I added.

She laughed again and nodded.

"Apparently so," she said in a not so modest fashion. Ilia then raised her hands once more. "Okay," she began, "now we have to do the slow waltz. This one you'll see more at peasant festival because nobles consider the closeness vulgar. However, many aristocrats are slowly integrating the dance at their parties. Last year there was a slight uproar at the ball about the last dance being the slow waltz."

I looked at her surprised that she knew that.

She sounds like the queen with the kind of knowledge she possesses about dancing, I thought.

"How do you know all this?" I couldn't help but ask.

Ilia smiled, but looked sad for a moment.

"When mama died she left me some books on her favorite subjects," she divulged, "dancing was one of them. I think I've read that book at least a thousand times."

I looked at her impressed.

"Really?" I replied, and gave her a brief once over. "What other dances to you know?"

A thoughtful expression came across Ilia's face just then.

"Well," she started, "I know the Hylian jig, riverdance, and my personal favorite the Gerudo belly dance."

I raised a brow when she said that.

Wait a minute now... I thought with a trail.

"You know the Gerudo belly dance?" I asked disbelievingly.

She nodded and shrugged.

"Yeah," she said nonchalantly.

I scoffed a little.

"Ilia come on," I said, thinking she was goading me.

She didn't get deterred.

"I know this may be hard for you to believe Link," she said with a little indignation, "but I am actually pretty good at it. I do have interests that abode beyond pumpkin tilling."

I chuckled when she said that and raised my hands in surrender.

"Alright, you win," I succumbed, "touche Ms. Ilia."

She turned her nose up slightly which made me laugh more.

"Touche indeed," she said, "now come on so I can show you this next dance."

I was still laughing, but managed to compose myself enough to get back into the the stance necessary.

"Okay," she said, "now hold me close."

I took her in my grasp and wrapped my left arm around her waist. Ilia then placed her left hand in my right and her right hand on my shoulder. I looked into her eyes and waited for her to instruct me further.

"Okay," I said, "now what?"

Ilia stared back for a moment and searched my face. A sad look came across her features for a second, but then it quickly left. It made me feel a little guilty.

Ilia... I thought with a trail, I'm sorry.

She paused for a moment and cleared her throat.

"Now we... now we just dance," she said simply, "you lead, and I'll follow."

I nodded, but was a little unsure about something.

"Do I have to keep veering to the right like before?" I asked.

She shook her head no.

"Not for this rendition," she said, "all you have to do is remember the three four count of the music and step in tune with that. The difference with this dance and the other is that you hold the person you love very close to you, while the first one you're at arms length."

I nodded at what she said, but I didn't miss the subliminal messaging there. I was aware of what she was telling me, but I wasn't going to address that. All it was going to do was open a wound.

"I think I got it," I said.

She sighed, probably disappointed that I didn't get egged into what she wanted to discuss.

"Alright," she said finally, "let's begin. I'll hum for reference music."

I nodded.

"Okay," I replied.

She started humming an old classic, it was called The Minuet of the Forest, and Ilia's voice sounded lovely singing it. If an individual listened closely to the wind on the breeze in the open meadows of Faron, they could probably hear the harmony too. Legend has it that the Hero of Time played that melody to gain access to an ancient temple. When I was a baby, my grandmother would sing that melody. She used to joke and say once upon a time in another life, she was that little girl the hero saved. I never knew what my grandmother meant, but it was no wonder why Ilia chose to hum this. It was a beautiful song of friendship, and she knew it was one of my favorites. We danced slowly, and after a while Ilia rested her head on my chest and closed her eyes. She kept humming, and we kept dancing, and... she kept humming, and we kept dancing. It stayed that way for the next several minutes, until I stopped because I noticed the forlorn expression on her pretty face.

Come on Illy, I thought.

"Ilia..." I trailed, without saying anything else.

She hesitated to look at me, but she pulled back to look in my eyes. Hers were filled with tears. I didn't know what to say. We were silent for the next few moments and Ilia let me go. She looked down at the floor and tried to grin.

"Good job," she whispered, "you're going to do perfect Link."

I pursed my lips together and wished I knew what to do to console her, but I could think of nothing. So, instead I just thanked her.

"Thank you," I said quietly, "thank you for teaching me how to dance."

She shook her head.

"It's nothing," she replied.

We continued to stare at each other for the next few moments, then I leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Ilia closed her eyes and gasped a little, and that was when she stepped back.

"I better go," she said, her voice was slightly broken.

I nodded.

"Okay," I replied quietly.

Ilia stared at me one last time, before biting her lower lip and turning around to leave. When the door closed behind her, I let out a sigh of relief. I was grateful that the situation had been at least civil. I knew Ilia was still hurting.

One day they'll be no remnants Ilia, I thought, they'll be no trace or residual feelings for me. One day you won't even remember me when you fall in love with someone who deserves you.

I looked at the reflection of myself in the mirror just then.

"I just know that man isn't me Illy," I whispered to myself. "I wish I were, but I'm simply not."

I looked myself over one more time and decided it was time to go.

I guess this is as good as it gets, I thought.

With that, I headed out the door.

I had a ball to attend.

~SSS~

Somewhere in the Crypts of Hyrule: Vincent's POV

Vincent considered himself a gifted man. Gifted in the fact that he could smell trouble from a mile away. His intuition served him well because it kept him alive all these years. Yes, he was only twenty-eight years of age, but he knew his penchant for treachery and deceit should have dealt him a death blow years ago. His maneuverability was what kept him alive and in the good graces of her majesty queen Zelda. However, that grace was waning as he knew his veneer was falling. He knew his days were numbered in the court and he had to act quickly.

That's why after tonight, when the last marker is shown, I won't have to worry about Hyrule ever again, he thought, I'll find the ancient pathway and bring a true ruler back.

"The ritual is almost done," he whispered, "the forth and final purge is all that is needed to open the... way."

Vincent was almost giddy with excitement and tapped his finger on his book.

They have no idea, he thought, no idea whatsoever. Not the queen, not the hero, not even those fools in that idiotic brotherhood. No one has any idea.

Just then, the door to the other side of the crypt opened and a hooded woman dressed in all green entered. She looked around the room and gave him an odd stare.

"What are you doing in here?" she asked.

Vincent looked up from the book he was reading and sat back.

"Nothing really," he said, "just meditating, why?"

She narrowed her eyes slightly.

"No reason," she replied, "are you ready brother dear?" she asked.

Vincent nodded.

"Is the horse and carriage here already?" he asked her.

She nodded and tied her green shawl around her shoulders.

"Yes," she said, "they just pulled up. We better hurry, or we'll be late."

He smiled when he heard that and closed the book he was reading, The Secret Mysteries of All the Ages by an unknown Hylian mystic scholar. He tapped his finger on the cover.

Soon those secret mysteries will be mine, he thought.

His sister saw the look on his face and inquired of it.

"What is that pernicious little smile of yours about?" she asked with a grin of her own.

Vincent paused for a moment, then shook his head.

"Nothing Morgana my dear," he replied, and his smile widened, "nothing at all. Let's be off."

After all, the ball awaited them.

The ball, and in Vincent's mind, destiny.

~SSS~

The Grand Hall: Several Hours Later (Link's POV)

I took in a deep breath, hoping I didn't look too nervous or out of place. Bastion, who was waiting with me, had a perpetual grin on his face and he shook his head.

"What are you so worried about?" he asked. "You've seen all these fossils before. They're just a little more dressed up."

I nodded in agreement, but that still didn't subside my concerns.

"That's true, but this is a big deal for her majesty," I said, "I don't want to let her down."

Bastion raised a brow at my tone.

"That's why she chose you Link," he reassured, "she knew you were the man for the job. She knew you could handle this."

I bit my lower lip and tried to see things his way.

"I guess," I muttered.

Bastion took both of my shoulders and shook me slightly to liven me up.

"Come on," he said, "don't give way to doubt now. You have too much riding on how you make a first impression. If everyone sees how sullen you look right now, all you'll do is strengthen the nobles resolve."

I knew he was right about that. The first thing they would relish to see was me quaking in my boots.

"You're right of course," I said, "I'm just trying to get all the jitters out of the way before I go in there."

Bastion gave me a knowing stare.

"Just remember the importance of king Xavier," he said, "he is the man you must impress."

I nodded.

As far as I'm concerned he is the second most important person here, I thought.

"Right," I replied.

Bastion saw that I still wasn't completely convinced and tried to reassure me again.

"Besides before we do introductions and after supper we'll be masked anyway," he stated, "no one will even know who we are for most of the evening."

That was true.

The biggest draw of this ball was all the notoriety a masked person could curtail to someone else. That was another reason I needed to be careful. Once everyone knew what mask I was hiding behind, their daggers would be out for me, but not just me, I was afraid for her majesty as well.

I just need to make sure I keep both eyes open, I thought. I can't become lulled into a sense of complacency.

"Right," I verbalized.

Bastion shook his head.

"You are just full of one answer replies, aren't you?" he asked.

I was in no mood to argue.

"Yes," I said simply and then fanned him off when I saw Ashei coming down the long staircase in the distance.

I raised a brow when I saw her.

That's what's she hiding under all that armor, I couldn't help but think.

I had to admit she looked stunning in that all white form fitting gown at the bodice. Her bosom was propped up and looked perfect with her hourglass silhouette. Her raven black hair was down and was the perfect contrast to the white. She was wearing a diamond necklace and was accessorized with a crystal encrusted white mask resting in her hand, along with a white fan. She looked absolutely gorgeous. I had to had to admit, I was a little enviable that Bastion had such a beautiful woman to be his right arm.

"Wow," I said with no qualms.

Bastion smirked at me, then turned his attention to his bride to be.

"Wow is right," he said to Ashei, "my dear you could compete with Hylia herself."

Ashei laughed and stopped short of her beau.

"Could I now?" she teased, then looked us both over. "I'm not the only eye morsel around here. You two look like potential suitors to her majesty. You might even give Elbourne a run for his rupee."

We both chuckled when we heard that.

"I don't know about that," I replied, "we'll probably never live this down once the men recognize us."

Bastion laughed at that.

"You're probably right," he said, "they're going to say we're in league with the dragon prince."

Ashei pulled out her fan and whipped it open for affect before she spoke.

"Speaking of the dragon prince," she segued, "I've heard through my network that he's going to be extremely tenacious with the man who is the hero, so you better be on your best guard Link. He can be something else."

That comment didn't help settle my nerves, but I knew she was right. I didn't study all those months simply to be made a fool of in a grand way. I knew it was important to not only match wits with the dragon prince, but possibly to surpass him when the time came for it. I had to make sure I kept this act in balance.

Stay focused, I told myself.

"I'm aware of that," I said.

Ashei took a step back and looked over the both of us.

"We should probably head inside before the other families get here," she suggested, "there will be no greetings for us, but all the other nobles will have introductions before the royals make their entrances. Her majesty will be the last to be introduced since she is the queen. I hear Vincent is bringing his lovely sister Morgana with him tonight. He wants her to make a favorable impression on his highness prince Elbourne."

I wasn't too interested in that, but I did see how that was valuable news. Vincent was trying to latch onto power anyway he could, and a royal marriage would be so convenient for him.

That treacherous bastard, I thought, I can't wait to expose him to her majesty.

For some odd reason Bastion shook his head.

"Vincent better have a plan B," he divulged, "there's no way you could pry that man away from her majesty's side. Rumor has it that he's smitten with the queen."

My ears perked when I heard that.

What? I thought.

"Excuse me?" I inquired.

Bastion chuckled.

"Prince Elbourne will be at one place tonight," he said outright, "and that is by the side of her majesty. He is not going to leave her alone, especially when all he wants to do is trounce the man he considers a threat."

Ashei looked at her beau intrigued.

"A threat?" she repeated, then a slick smile spread across her pretty face and she turned her attention to me. "What is he talking about Link?"

I looked between the both of them and shrugged.

"You should know Bastion by now," I said, "he likes to exaggerate things."

Bastion wasn't going to let that slide.

"This is no exaggeration," he replied, "you know as well as I do that the prince considers Link his biggest competition."

I inadvertently scoffed when I heard that.

"There is no competition," I said without thinking. "Zelda knows as well as I do that her heart isn't seduced by the dragon prince. That's wishful thinking on his part."

The both of them looked at me stunned, and there was a brief silence between the three of us before anyone decided to say anything else.

I guess that was a little presumptuous, I thought.

"'Zelda?'" Ashei inquired with a raised brow. "Since when are you two on a first name basis? And you better be glad no one heard that but Bastion and I. If that was industriously circulated, then you my dear friend would be in serious trouble."

I took what she said with a grain of salt.

"It is what it is Ashei," I replied.

Her mouth dropped a little.

"Confident aren't we?" she said. "It looks like someone's eating less and less humble pie these days."

I scoffed a little at that.

"Come on Ashei," I said, "don't you think you're being a little salacious?"

Even Bastion gave me a cocked eyed stare.

"I... know you and the queen are close," he started, "but remember to be careful in how you manage your friendship. Her majesty isn't simply just a pretty face. She's a very powerful woman, and she can wield that power any way she wishes."

I understood the warning there, but I think at this point I knew the queen better than Bastion. I wasn't going to forsake my friendship with her, but I wasn't going to kid myself either. I knew she had feelings for me. I wasn't sure how deep they were, but I knew her majesty held me in a very high regard.

There's no sense in denying it, I thought, I can tell by the way she looks at me.

"I know," I said simply and decided to leave it at that.

Ashei stared into my eyes for a moment.

"You've... changed," she said as a half joke, but I sensed she meant more, "but I guess that's inevitable, isn't it?"

I didn't reply to that, but I did nod in acknowledgement.

I have changed Ashei, I thought, but it's not something you have to worry about.

Bastion and Ashei looked at each other and decided to let the matter drop. Apparently, they saw me as a temporary lost cause. However, considering the nature of the evening that was all about to fall to the wayside. Ashei lifted her mask and fixed it on her face.

"We should get inside gentlemen," she said with a devious grin, "intrigue awaits."

I smiled at her and gave her a quick once over before placing my Venetian mask on my face.

I then leaned over and whispered to my friend, "I'm thinking now I wished I had won that bar fight," I joked.

Bastion chuckled and placed his mask on.

"But you didn't my friend, you didn't," he replied, "she's mine."

I chuckled at that and nodded.

"Touche," I replied.

Afterwards, we all made our way into the Grand Hall.

To say the Grand Hall was a spectacle was an understatement. The hall from end to end was decorated with red and white banisters that hung high in the rafters of the ceiling. Hanging around the central perimeter were tapestries that accented the banisters with red and white embroidery of the royal family code of arms. The tassels of the cloth hung low and created pockets of light from the adjacent burning urns surrounding the area. In the middle of the room was a long oak table covered with a white satin table cloth and dressed with gold plates, forks, and utensils. In the center of the table was a large red and white floral display of roses from the royal garden. Panning to the far left of the table was the ballroom dance floor. The floors were just recently waxed with paraffin oil so the parchment in the wood wouldn't splinter. Farther past the dance floor was a large open view terrace of the evening sky and Hyrule Field. Near the end of the evening the nobles would enjoy a fireworks display with their after dinner port. To put it short, the sight was magnificent.

Well, I have to give the nobles credit for something, I thought, at least they know how to have a good time.

Ashei, Bastion and I walked down the long staircase to the main floor. The courtier waiting at the bottom, no doubt to announce the greetings, gave the three of us odd stares. However, when we lifted our masks momentarily and showed who we were he showed his innate displeasure for us once more. I had to hold in a laugh.

"He will never give us a break will he?" I whispered to Bastion.

He laughed lightly and shook his head.

"I suppose not," he replied.

When we were farther away from the announcer, Ashei turned to us to garner our attention.

"Okay, now we have to be focused, we must keep our voices down, and we have to keep our eyes open for anything suspicious," she said in a low voice. "There are to be seven hundred nobles here from all over the kingdom before the night is over, and there's no telling what kind of mischief will go on because of that. In any such case, we at no point can allow ourselves to get caught up in any sort of scandal. If so, then will have to forfeit our cover here."

I nodded at what she said then added jokingly, "So you two no going off to the privy to be alone," I said, "keep your hormones in check for one evening."

Bastion laughed, but Ashei gave me and offhanded look.

"You'd do well to take your own advice master Link," she shot back. "A certain best friend of yours told me about a certain situation you got caught up in, in a certain district."

I felt my masked eyes widen and I looked at Bastion pissed.

He told her that? I thought upset.

Bastion raised his hands in surrender.

"I couldn't resist," he claimed, "it's a great story."

I groaned in irritation.

This idiot! I thought.

I turned my attention back to Ashei.

"Did you tell anyone?" I demanded, not meaning to sound so forceful.

She looked at me surprised.

"Of course not," she said offended, "this is me Link."

I didn't care about that right now.

If the queen gets wind of this... I didn't like thinking about it.

"Her majesty can never find out about that," I said seriously.

Ashei was mildly stunned at my reaction.

"I understand that," she said with a nod, "you have my word that this stays between the three of us."

I pursed my lips together.

"I mean it," I warned.

Ashei was a little taken aback.

"I heard you the first time," she replied, "you need to relax, I won't say anything. You forget that I have a whole information network at my disposal. I know how to keep a secret."

I looked away from her for a moment and took in a deep breath.

Except that network has been compromised Ashei, I could help but think, we still don't know who the leak is.

I kept my thoughts to myself and tried to appear composed.

"Right," was all I said.

There was a brief silence between the three of us, when I decided it was time to break company and split up.

I can't harp on that now, I realized, I need to make sure I'm at ease when I meet his majesty, king Xavier.

"We should check the area to see if security is sufficient," I said breaking the quiet, and siphoning off. "Let's regroup in thirty minutes to convene on what we've found."

Ashei looked at her beau and reluctantly nodded in agreement.

Bastion offered his arm to his fiance.

"As it stands now, that's probably a good idea," he reasoned. "We'll handle the north side, okay?"

"Fine," I said with a nod, "I'll check the south side and meet you both back here."

Ashei fixed her mask.

"Agreed," she said, "let's go."

With that, we dispersed and went our separate ways. My search included the large balcony overlooking the entrance where the carriages came up and dropped off their guests off. It was also the overview point to see individuals off when they left the party. I was sure this was going to be the queen's spot for most of the evening. I paused there for a moment, and knew the time was nigh for the guests to arrive. Several hosts pulled up and the usual suspects came flurrying out: ladies dressed in their best along with their noblemen at their sides. I had to admit everyone looked beautiful. It promised to be an interesting evening, but then something else captured my attention.

What's this? I wondered.

A small carriage, meant for one guest only suddenly rode up. I felt my eyebrow raise under my mask when I saw the door open and the gentleman step out.

What's going on? I wondered.

"What in the-?" I whispered to myself.

The gentleman was Shad.

I got a good look at his face before he put his mask on. He was indeed invited because he pulled out a stationery and handed it to the receptionist at the door.

What is he doing here? I wondered. Did her majesty invite him as well?

I was about to break ranks and meet him when he came down the stairs, but stopped myself when I saw another carriage pull up and the door opened. It was an unusual carriage in that it was dark maroon colored, but it was definitely expensive and a noble's, because the spokes and trimming where made from melted alloyed steel.

I scoffed at the sight.

"And they say the peasants are asking for too much?" I muttered to myself.

A moment later, my suspicions were confirmed when that foul creature known as Vincent stepped out. He looked around before he placed his Venetian mask down over his face. He held out his hand and then helped the lady he was escorting. She was wearing all green and a flash of her red hair could be seen underneath her green headdress. My eyes widened however when I caught a good glimpse of her face. She was the girl who owned the tavern in Castle Town, and enjoyed roll playing in the Red Lantern District.

I couldn't believe it.

Wait a minute...

That's Vincent's mistress? No, Ashei said he was escorting his... sister, I thought, and then a feeling of apprehension came over me. She's... his sister?

There were two Rue Morgues still alive in that bloodline: Vincent, and his sister that was usually unseen.

I wasn't expecting this.

I wasn't expecting anything like this.

"Madeline?" I whispered.

No.

Her name wasn't Madeline.

Her name wasn't Madeline at all.

If she was Vincent's sister, her name was Morgana.

Suddenly, this party was about to get a lot more interesting in a very terrible way.

I narrowed my eyes at the sight of both of them.

"It looks like I had the other M, didn't I?" I whispered to myself upset.

I watched as she put her mask on and enter the party with who I assumed was her brother. I wasn't going to stand there like a tree and just remain idly by. She was a noble after all, and nobles liked to be greeted. And sweet Din, did I have a greeting for her.

If that is the case, I thought, she toyed with the wrong man.

With that, I walked over to the staircase and waited for them to enter.

---

Please write a review and tell me what you think (I would really like feedback on this one if you don't mind lol).