Inspiration: Orthello (the name only, you'll see what I mean), the character 'Brandon' from the movie Shame with Michael Fassbender (if you don't understand why, or know any of what I'm talking about, that's completely okay lol, it isn't exactly a film everyone can see), the male ego, the character Montresor's code of arms from The Cask of the Amantillado by Edgar Allen Poe ("A huge human foot d'or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are embedded in the heel"), and male psychology.
Author's Note: It's very important to understand the mind of a man lol, especially a complicated man. It can be a very interesting place at times, thanks for reading.
Word Count: 12,128
Chapter 36
Dragon Roost, Two Weeks Later: Elbourne's POV
I was in the middle of an aerial spin, when I caught sight of my servant trying to get my attention. I quickly pulled on the reigns on my dracosaurian, Orthella, and the dragon came to a halt. In her fixed state, Orthella roared loudly before she began her descent downward. I watched as below my dragon caretaker, and everyone for that matter, cleared the area for her landing. Orthella spread her one hundred fifty feet wing span upward and glided slowly down in a circular motion. The small vortex created underneath us was pushing the wind outward from our focus of location. It writhed and thrived the air around us, and when we landed, Orthella roared once more, and I patted her platinum black scaly back. The dragon then extended its neck to look at me, and the crystal green orbs that stared back at me reminded me why I loved riding this animal so much.
You're too magnificent for your own good, I thought.
"Good girl, Orthella," I soothed, "you're going to win us that race the way you do every gala."
The dracosaurian seemed to roar in recognition of that, which made me laugh. There were few things in life that could make me genuinely laugh, or genuinely happy for that matter. Zelda was one of them, and Orthella was definitely the other. I dismounted my dragon by walking down her back and jumping off her tail. The action garnered me a brief applause from the crowd, which wasn't surprising. There was always an audience to entertain. As I left, I tossed the helmet I was wearing to the caretaker overseeing Orthella. I ran a hand through my sweaty platinum blonde hair and looked back at my favorite animal in admiration.
"I hope you prepared a big meal for her," I said, addressing the steward only half joking, "she's hungry."
The overseer laughed and thought nothing of it.
"Don't worry your highness," he reassured, "I have plenty for Orthella to eat. We cleared an entire field of vegetables just for her."
I was pleased to hear that, because Orthella performed better on a diet of vegetables than she did on meats. She wasn't as weighed down when she flew, and for her flights, her wing capacity was everything. I always made sure to check her diet and her stools personally to make sure she was eating properly. I had a field of turnips planted just for her. Many people who weren't close to me were often surprised that I took such an interest in her care and grooming, but Orthella was unlike any treacherous Hylian, she was loyal to me no matter what, and as such, I had to make sure she was taken care of.
"Excellent," I said undoing my gauntlets and pulling off my steel mail, "make sure you draw her back when she retires tonight, I think she's a little fatigued because of the embedding of her feet."
The overseer nodded in response, bowed, then gestured for his team to come in and help him. Drawing a dragon back could be likened to the equivalent of making sure the hooves of a horse were in the utmost condition. Drawing entailed shaving the claws of a dragon to make sure the tips didn't curl downward into the feet. It's true that dragons had tough scaly exteriors, but too much negligence due to such knowledge could induce damage to their bodies. Some people considered my meticulousness of Orthella's care an over obsession. After all, they would reason, dragon skin was the strongest organic material in existence. I, above anybody, was aware that dracosaurian skin was the rarest scale compilation in the world. I didn't need amateur scholars to educate me on that, and even though my Orthella didn't have a scratch on her, I wanted to make sure she stayed that way. She deserved to be catered to like the queen of dragons she was. She was a fascinating divine creature.
She's almost as beautiful as a certain queen I know, I thought, then shook my head.
I wasn't going to do that to myself.
I wasn't going to spend another afternoon brooding over a woman who saw no value in me. I had done enough of that. The talk of the ball had spread like wild fire, and it was just now starting to die down. I wasn't going to reignite it by looking sullen. No one said anything to me directly, but every time I walked by I heard the whispers and chuckles. It was just as I thought it would be. I was the laughing stock of the court, and the butt of many jokes these past few weeks. However, such ostracism was short lived. When the perpetrators saw that what they were doing had a minimal effect, they began to ease up. There was value in not caring too much about what people thought of me. It made it easier to get through the day. Now things were back to normal. The court officials were conducting business as usual, and while they worked and I practiced, I seemed to have gotten my fan club back.
I nodded towards the all female stands while I walked by, and received several smiles in return.
They just can't help themselves, I thought with a smirk.
The court was at full capacity with the ladies that afternoon. I was amused by that, because for the better part of weeks the auditorium had been nearly empty. Such was the behavior of the fickle female. However, as time went on, and they saw nothing was going to keep me from being the dragon master I was, I saw the slow trickle of support wean its way back to the stands. As of now, the stands were at maximum capacity, and it was nice to see. I wasn't going to lie, it did give me a kind of motivation to do better. What man didn't want to do better with a beautiful woman watching, let alone several dozen? Showing off for all those pretty faces, with their perfect teeth and manners was fun to get an 'ooh' or an 'aww' from. And when I did something they deemed extraordinary, I even garnered a little applause. Like I stated before, such was the behavior of the fickle female. Of course, none of them compared to the extraordinary personage that was Zelda. However, even still, I was still a man, and I loved women, especially eager socialites.
They are always the most adventurous, I thought in a slightly naughty manner.
I grinned at that and continued my walk to the training grounds, but then I glanced over casually and smiled when I caught a pretty blonde giving me the 'eye'. I noticed her before, but she wasn't conjuring anything concrete in my memory. She must have been new to the court, a cousin or friend of an aristocrat, and I took note of her in passing. I did remember, however, her striking blue eyes. They were hard to miss, and there was no denying the corset she was wearing underneath her gowns. It complimented her supple young bosom in ways that I didn't think were possible. She was a vision, and she wanted to make sure I knew she was there, but so did the two hundred and fifty four other females surrounding her. Even still, I took note of her, and blew her a kiss conspicuously. Her eyes widened, and she looked like she was ready to faint by the action. The other girls showed their immediate displeasure with my favoritism by turning their noses up slightly.
It was then I chuckled, stopped in my tracks, and decided to address the minor situation head on. As I approached, I heard one of them say, "Here he comes!" as her voice was filled with excitement.
I walked closer to the stands and a got a full panoramic vision in view. The tiered amphitheater was built out of the side of the wall adjacent to the training grounds. It was a feat in engineering that made me proud to be a Roostian. The mixture of volcanic and iron ore minerals created a natural lattice that prevented the edifice from deteriorating. It had been a fixture in Dragon Roost for four hundred years. It was one of the things that made Dragon Roost so sustainable. The kingdom started off as a very small bluff on the other side of Death Mountain. As the people and mining facilities grew, so did the excavation and building. Eventually, the dragon masters were sharing the same territory as the Gorons, a rock people who had inhabited the mountains at about the same time as my ancestors. I found that to be the one annoyance of my dwelling place. There were riches in the mines that the Gorons were completely disinterested in and over looked. Riches that the Roostians could foster and utilize for mineralization and distribution. However, my people were denied further access to the mines due to an embargo levied on us by the monarchy of Hyrule. It was true that we had our own laws in Dragon Roost, much like the Zoras in Zora's Fountain. However, the true power in Hyrule was that of the Nohanseen bloodline. There was no messing with the descendants of Hylia herself, or the Triforce of Wisdom. It was a no win situation.
Even still, after the minor introspection, I stopped short of the stands housing the two hundred and fifty or so women. They were all dressed in their best, along with their accessories of fans for cooling. The young lady who captured my eye suddenly looked nervous when I approached. I was hoping to dispel that momentarily. If there was one thing I could do well it was put a woman at ease... that among other things.
I'm such a pervert, I thought with a smirk.
"Good afternoon ladies," I said with a slight bow.
They all smiled and sat erect.
"Good afternoon your highness," they all said in unison.
I couldn't have asked for a better ego stroking moment.
"Did you enjoy the show?" I asked.
The girl who had my attention nodded and answered immediately.
"Oh yes," she said softly, "I thought you were magnificent your highness! I've never seen anyone do what you can do on a dragon."
I was pleased in hearing that because I knew it was true.
"I'm glad to hear that my lady," I said, then presented my attention to the others, "did any of you see room for improvement?"
For the most part they all shook their heads no, signifying their wanting to stay on my amiable side. However, there was one raven haired maiden three or four rows back that wasn't agreeing or disagreeing with the crowd. She was sitting idly by and letting the crowd take the winds so to speak. She instantly captured my attention.
A sleeper perhaps... I thought.
"What about you madam?" I called to her.
It took the young maiden a moment, but when she realized I was speaking to her, her magnificent green eyes widened.
"Me your highness?" she repeated.
I nodded and walked away from the previous object of my affection to my new one several feet away.
"Yes you," I said with grin, "you can't sit there idly with such a pretty face, you must share your thoughts with me."
The raven girl blushed and managed to look even prettier than before, but then decided to give a frank answer.
"Well, my opinion won't mean much to a talented man like you your highness," she started, "but my father always said, a genius can't better a hard working man. You can never have too much practice, and there is always room for improvement."
I raised a brow at her honesty, and my smile actually widened.
"Well, well, well," I said in reply, "wise words indeed."
However, the others, including the blonde who captured my attention before, immediately went to chastise the girl.
"How dare you speak in such a way to his highness?" the blonde demanded. "You know as well as I that his riding skills are apt perfection!"
I raised a brow at hearing that.
Apt perfection? I thought amusingly. Now even I don't think that.
"Yes!" another young lady chimed in. "You're suggestions are insulting at best!"
Even the woman sitting next to the raven haired maiden was shaking her head.
"Who do you think you are giving advice to royalty?" she demanded. "You're nothing but a spectator!"
The poor girl looked on in disbelief, and didn't see where she had gone wrong. Honestly, she hadn't done anything wrong. It was simply the others putting on airs to make a good impression on me. It was actually having the opposite effect. I appreciated this woman's honesty, and as such I wanted to reward her for it.
"I was merely answering his highness's question," she spoke out, and defended her honor, "if any of you see that as 'giving advice' then you're nothing but foolhardy bottom feeders. I have done nothing wrong!"
I chuckled a little at her words and nodded to everyone else's surprise.
"Touche and well said," I said, giving her a brief once over, "what is your name my dear?"
The raven girl once again turned her attention to me. She looked more confident now.
"My name is Adlez," she replied, "my friends call me Adle for short."
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
That's Zelda's name spelled backwards, I perceived, it's no wonder I find her so attractive. She reminds me of a certain Hylian monarch.
I cleared my throat and shook my head of my thoughts, staying focused on my objective.
"Well, my dear Adle," I said, "you must join me for sherry and supper in my parlor later. I don't get frankness like that everyday, and I'm interested to know what else you think I should work on."
I winked at her and Adlez grinned suggestively at my notion, then nodded.
"I am all too eager my lord," she said with a slight bow, "thank you for the invitation."
I shook my head.
"Not as eager as I," I said, and I wasn't just saying that to be saying that. She looked liked she would be a tigris in bed, and I loved taming a tigris. "Something about your green eyes has me intrigued."
She's so much more interesting than an easy lay, I thought.
The other ladies looked on astonished, and I backed away before a cat fight ensued. I bowed, then headed back towards the barracks that led to the inside of the training facilities. I thought about Adlez's father's words, and the more I pondered over it, the more merit it had. She was absolutely right in her notion.
A genius can't better a hard working man, huh? I thought with a grin. Well, we'll see about that.
I entered the confines of the castle and made my way to my private quarters. The illustrious walls that made up the edifices of Dragon Roost were still trying to be emulated by other cultures around the world. Even Zelda was impressed with the architecture of Dragon Roost. The first king, Draco the Great, found a way to carve into the mountainside of Death Mountain and design the halls from the rock formation itself. Some rooms were pure jade, others were encrusted with diamonds, others still with iron ore and goddess plume. Every room had a distinct feel due to the mineralization. Half of my mother's room was made of pure gold, while the other half was finished in marble. The king's quarters were made of crystal stones and dragon ore. To say the facilities were incredible were an understatement. The castle of Dragon Roost was an eighth wonder of the world. I was proud to live here.
My room was made mostly of marble, and I preferred it that way because of the cooling effect of the stone. There my personal servant Fortunado was waiting for me. He was one of the few men I trusted, if I trusted any men at all. I had known him since I was a child, and he was the son of the nanny who took care of me. She was a good woman, and when she fell ill, I promised her I would look after her family the way she looked after me. I wasn't going to sugarcoat the fact that I was a brat when I was a child, and she put up with a lot taking care of me. The least I could do was employ her son to make sure she was taken care of when she was sick.
I have to make sure I visit her soon, I thought.
Fortunado bowed when I walked in.
"A good flight your highness?" he asked.
I pulled off my sweaty undershirt and threw it on the floor.
"Always my good man," I said with a grin, then stroked a hand through my damp hair, "is my bath ready?"
Fortunado nodded, and gestured towards the bathing area adjacent to my room.
"The springs are especially bubbling this evening," he replied, "I made sure to place a little sulfur and thermophile lava oil in the water as well."
I nodded, happy to hear that. Fortunado knew how much I liked my exfoliation, and nothing did it better than thermophile oil and sulfur.
That's why he's here, I thought.
"Perfect," I said, undressing while I walked over to the bath, "make sure I'm not disturbed."
Fortunado bowed again as I walked by.
"Of course your highness," he replied.
I walked out into the open air bath, stepped into the lava spring, and closed my eyes. For the next few moments the cares of my day left me. I didn't totter over anything else. It was only me and my thoughts. There was nothing like a hot spring bath, especially after an exhausting day of dragon riding. There was something relaxing and soothing about the bubbling and popping sensation of the carbonated water, and for whatever reason, it suddenly made me think back to when the Hylian royals came to visit. Zelda and I were fourteen years old at the time, and I remember even then, the princess being the prettiest creature I had ever laid eyes on.
One evening after dinner, she walked out into the gurgling apertures with her hair down, wrapped in a white silk towel, ready to get her first sulfur soak. She was excited to experience what I was always bragging about. When I saw her, I was taken aback, as I didn't expect her to look so provocative, yet so innocent at the same time. I was so drawn into her beauty, that I didn't notice I had a minor emission in my swimming pants because of it. I hadn't even realized what happened until I looked down and saw the embarrassment firsthand. However, I wasn't alone in my discomfiture, my father took note of it as well. He was so annoyed with my lack of self control, that he immediately made provisions to separate the springs for the men and women. I was sure he didn't want Daphnes II to find out how much I liked his daughter. I grinned at the thought of that, and put my arms behind my head.
That was one of the rare few times Xavier actually acted like a caring parent, I thought. One would think in that moment he almost loved me... I didn't give myself too much hope though, almost.
I didn't ponder on that too much as it was a depressing subject. Instead, I continued my relaxation and stared up at the setting sun. It was my favorite time of the day, and I enjoyed watching the sky give way to its sister setting of evening. The sight actually made me recall another memory. It was a few years back, and it was a hot midsummer's night. Again, Zelda and I were fourteen and we were spending time at her family's lake shore manor in Lake Hylia. It was an evening similar to this one, and we were enjoying our time in the water. There were twenty six of us in total when other friends and servants were included. I remember being caught up in a spirited water fight with a Zora, when suddenly Zelda emerged from her parent's house wearing nothing but a two piece swimsuit.
An... unexpected... two... piece.
I stopped what I was doing immediately when I caught sight of her. That was the first time I saw Zelda in anything remotely revealing. It wasn't scandalous, and it was actually pretty modest, but to see what I could of her pretty tone and complexion definitely left a lasting impression. She was stunning. She wasn't the curvy vixen she was now, but she still had enough feminine girth to make me imagine things that an eager young adolescent boy shouldn't imagine. I distinctly remember being in awe of her birth mark on the right side of her belly button. It was in the shape of a music note, it was vague, and it was the prettiest oddity I had ever seen. Who had a birth mark in the shape of a music note? I often amused myself into thinking that that was the evidence that her parents enjoyed 'making' her. I even think her father caught me staring at her, and it, a little too long and a little too often. He quickly made sure to always be in the background when I attempted to try and get her and I alone. I definitely understood where Zelda's father was coming from. If I had a daughter that beautiful, she would never be out of my sight either. I knew all too well how men thought.
That made me grin.
Daphnes was right to keep her protected from a man like me, I thought, only half joking, but he had no idea how much I loved her... how much I still love her, and who knows, maybe I would be a different person if he were still alive. I respected Daphnes a great deal.
I took in a deep sigh, and shifted my thoughts to the now queen of Hyrule.
I wish she knew I don't see her like I see everyone else, I wish she knew how much I cared about her, I thought, but then shook my head again resolutely. I've got to stop doing that. It's over, she should mean nothing to me, since I mean nothing to her.
I was slightly embittered with my thoughts, but knew there was nothing I could do about them. It was what it was, and she loved whom she loved. If that selfish bitch wanted the company of a peasant, then she could have the company of a peasant. I groaned in displeasure at the thought of Linux, hating the thought of Zelda choosing a man like that over a man like me. I was clearly the superior choice, but her fickle feminine nature was telling her otherwise. Such was life. I submerged myself under the bubbling spring water after that. I let the hot rocks and soothing unguents relax my hotter head. I let myself be relieved, and relieved myself of my disquieting doubts. I needed to, I was going to drive myself mad otherwise.
One day Zelda... I thought, but didn't finish, one day...
I groaned in frustration, and a few moments later I resurfaced, stroking my hands through my wet hair so I could have a better vision of the sights around me. It felt like a baptism to be quite honest, and I needed my thoughts purged for clarity. I paused for a moment, and again stared out at the sun slowly losing itself behind the mountains. This was often how I reflected. I wished my life was as steady as the sun, knowing exactly where it was going and when it was rising. Unfortunately, that wasn't how this life worked. All I could do was take what was given to me; take it and ride with it. Soon after, I got out of the bathing tub. That was enough introspection on one woman for one day.
I've got to stop obsessing over you Zelda, I thought.
That was easier said than done.
When I robed and headed back towards my chambers, Fortunado was waiting for me by the terrace entrance with a gold tray in his hand. It was time to read the mail for the day.
"Any new correspondence?" I asked, lifting the lid and looking at the cluster of letters.
He shook his head.
"Nothing out of the ordinary my lord," he replied, "however, I did see a reply from Lord Reginald regarding your previous letter."
I was slightly displeased in hearing that. I sat down at my table and took in another deep sigh.
"I see," was all I said.
Fortunado scurried through the stack, and then raised a brow.
"However," he stated, "you do have a correspondence from Hyrule sir."
My ears perked when I heard that. I paused, hoping this was what I wanted to hear. I knew I told Zelda not to write to me, and for the most part she had respected my request, but I wasn't going to pretend that I wasn't a little disappointed that she didn't even attempt to contact me. I still cared very deeply for her, and she wasn't an easy person to forget. I was hoping the feelings would be reciprocated. I often thought of her as my oasis from my troubled dysfunctional life. I needed her, but I wasn't going to beg her to need me too. I still had my goddamned pride as a man.
"Who's it from?" I asked, turning my head slightly.
Fortunado shook his head.
"It doesn't say my lord," he replied, "and the seal is one I'm unfamiliar with."
I was puzzled when he said that.
An unfamiliar seal? I thought.
I held out my hand to take it.
"Hand it to me," I ordered.
Fortunado immediately placed the stationery in my hand.
I looked at the insignia closure and it was just as he said. I narrowed my eyes and opened the letter head after that, but then I paused again.
I better make sure to have these extra eyes busy doing something, I thought.
I turned to my servant.
"I'm having a guest in a little bit," I said as a precaution, "prepare some food and a bottle of sherry for us."
Fortunado bowed.
"As you wish my lord," he replied, then went off to carry out my task, "would you like me to have a robe ready for the lady as well?"
It was a shame he knew I was going to be entertaining a woman.
"Uh..." I trailed for a brief moment, he caught me a little off guard with that, "yes, and make sure it's silk."
Fortunado bowed again.
"Very good sir," he said, then went to carry out my orders.
I watched him leave, and when I was alone, I read the contents of the letter.
I raised a brow at the header.
It read:
Dearest Master
I'm yearning to see you once again.
It's been far too long since our last meeting
and my quim is on edge, and in need of your scepter.
Don't deny me 'the dragon' tonight my
beloved. I'll wait for you at the usual
place. There is no fee tonight, I just
desperately want to see you.
Don't say no Elbourne.
Morgana
I took in a deep sigh and grunted in disappointment at the letter's end, wanting and wishing it were from another lady in Hyrule. The one true lady of Hyrule. I wanted more than anything a letter from Zelda confessing her love for me, and begging me to come back to her. However, I knew that was wishful thinking. All I had were these trumped up affections from a whore, who wanted nothing more than to sit on the throne of Dragon Roost. I hated Morgna. I hated that woman with a passion, and it was solely because she messed around with my father as well as me. Even still, there was no denying that she was a fantastic lay in bed, and that I had been denying my own sexual inclinations for a while. Ever since my fallout with Zelda after the party, I hadn't stepped one foot into the Red Lantern District. I hadn't had sex in weeks, and my 'dragon' was in need of some exercise. I might entertain her invitation tonight if this other young woman turned out to be a bust.
I'll take care of that later if necessary, I thought, and tossed the letter into the fireplace across the way from me.
I sat back and watched it burn, then got up to get dressed in my evening wear: a ruffled shirt, riding pants, a leather girdle, long stemmed boots and gauntlets. It was all black. I always dressed in all black when I planned or thought about going to the district, it made me less conspicuous. However, I wasn't sure if I just liked the idea of blondes looking good in black. I had always been told that. Anyway, a moment later, Fortunado returned with the food and sherry like I asked. It was set up perfectly the way it always was, and he even decorated the tray with some gladiolas, my favorite flower. I had no qualms about showing my love for nature, and besides women appreciated a man who was in touch with his sensitive side.
At least, that's what they tell me... I thought with a smirk.
"This is extraordinary Fortunado," I complimented, "you've outdone yourself."
My servant grinned.
"Thank you my lord," he said, "and I will be honest, since I've been working for you my own love life has improved. My Angelica says I'm a saucier man now. I've been using a lot of your suggestions."
I smiled at him slyly at hearing that.
"You see, I'm glad to hear it," I said sincerely, "you must bring your Angelica by for me to meet the lucky woman."
He raised a brow at the utterance.
"With all due respect your highness," he started, "I wouldn't dream of bringing the love of my life around you. I like you, but I'm no fool. The only woman I would bring around you is my mother."
I looked at him surprised at his daft honesty, but then my face broke, and I immediately started laughing when I heard that.
"I guess I deserve that," I said with a nod, then added, "how is your mother?"
A little of the previous elation left Fortunado's face. He took in a deep breath, then nodded.
"She's doing alright," he replied honestly, "I'm still working for that golden chu jelly. I have a thousand rupees to go."
I pursed my lips together when I heard that.
"Golden chu jelly?" I repeated. "How sick is she?"
Fortunado looked to the ground and took in a deep sigh.
"She's septic right now," he said, and I saw the fear in his eyes, "but at least she's stable."
I looked at him in disbelief.
"Septic?" I said again.
He nodded.
I suddenly got very upset.
"Why are you just now telling me this?" I demanded.
He shrugged, not having an answer.
"It's my problem your highness, not yours," he replied, "besides, you've been busy, training for the gala."
I grunted angrily and walked past him.
I didn't see that as an excuse.
"Wait here," I ordered and went to my closet.
From it, I procured a small bag and tossed it to him. Fortunado caught it with one hand, then looked at me confused.
"What is this?" he asked.
I nodded and gave no clue.
"Open it and find out," I replied.
My servant hesitated for a second, but then he did as he was instructed. When he released the ties to see what was inside, his eyes widened in disbelief.
"A thousand rupees?" he whispered. "You're giving me a thousand rupees my lord?"
I shook my head at his notion.
"I'm not giving you anything," I reiterated, "you've earned it. I really enjoyed my sulfur soak this evening."
He looked at me shocked.
"Your sulfur soak?" he repeated.
I didn't reply.
He shook his head.
"I don't know what to say," he replied.
I raised a brow, not used to such gratitude. I was getting annoyed with this display.
Take it for what it is Fortunado, I thought.
"Don't say anything," I replied, "just get out of here, and make sure your mother gets better. Go now while I'm feeling generous, I could have easily spent that money on something more useful."
Fortunado looked at me gratefully, and knew I was putting on airs, but also knew not to say anything else.
"As you say my lord," he replied with a bow, "and thank you again."
With that, I dismissed him with the hopes he would buy that golden chu jelly at the soonest opportunity. I watched him as he left, he looked eager to get home and take care of his mother. I was glad he was so eager. I wouldn't know what I would do if my mother fell ill. It was the least I could do, I wanted to see my nanny well once again. She had taken care of me since I was a baby.
I sighed.
You better be alright nana, I thought with a rare feeling of sentimentality.
When he left, I dispelled my thoughts and prepared the room for my guest. I arranged the table for two, stoked the fire in the fire place, and made sure to burn some aromatherapy oil in one of the fire holders to help temper the air. There were candles lit with the exception of four to keep the glow in the room low and iridescent. There was also the perfect view of the setting sun in the background. Nothing could beat that. However, before my guest arrived, I decided to go check on my mother and father. Apparently the concern regarding Fortunado's family was rubbing off on me.
I better for the sake of duty, I thought with a slight grudge.
I wasn't going to pretend that it was easy living with either one of them lately, especially with what I found out recently about my mother. However, given the circumstances, the same could be said about me. My mother probably experienced the same displeasure for years after hearing about my and my father's escapades in the Red Lantern District. Who was I to be so judgmental towards her when all she wanted was a little affection in her life? I by no means approved of her behavior, even animals wanted love, but I understood her feelings of loneliness. In many ways they echoed my own.
Mother... I thought.
I had been standoffish at best towards her these past few weeks, even when she doted on me to speak to her. I ignored her and went about my business as though she were nonexistent. I knew I was wrong and she probably needed me now more than ever, but I wasn't making myself available to her. I knew why she was seeking love in the arms of another. My father hated her, and it was a hatred I simply didn't understand. My mother was a good woman, and she deserved to be spoiled and doted on like the queen she was. Even still, her carrying on her affair the way she was was against the law for a queen in Dragon Roost. If she were found out, she would be banished, her lover would be killed, and this was where my problem laid. I was stuck in a dilemma. I was grappling with the idea of being true to my country's laws, or letting my mother have some facet of happiness. And even though it didn't make any sense, I also wanted to restore my father's honor. Part of the reason so many of the citizens thought he was such a great man was because he had such a loyal queen. If my mother's affair were to get out in the open, the entire reputation of the royal family would be tarnished. No one would respect the throne of Dragon Roost. I wished the both of them understood that. I wished they knew that their selfishness was bigger than just the two of them. This was the problem. I was caught between my mother's love and my father's honor. Which side was I going to choose?
What the hell are you going to do Elbourne? I asked myself.
I decided to visit my mother first, because well, she was my mother. I knew she wasn't expecting me, but she was eager to see me these past few days, and I wasn't going to lie, I missed her. I loved ending my day talking to her because she loved me so unconditionally. Despite my unkindness towards her, despite my flaws and imperfections, she always showed that she loved me. There wasn't another person in the world that could compare to her... well, perhaps my sweet Zelda... when her damn head was screwed on right.
The decision was made. I left my room, and walked down the hall to her chambers. When I arrived, I motioned for the guard to let the queen know I was there, however, the guard bowed and didn't budge.
I raised a brow.
What's this? I wondered.
"What's the problem my good man?" I demanded quietly. "Go tell her majesty I would like to request an audience with her. It's urgent."
The guard still didn't move.
"I'm afraid that isn't possible your highness," he replied.
I looked at him like he was crazy.
"Excuse me?" I replied.
The poor man was becoming uncomfortable.
"I would grant your request your highness," he said, "however her majesty has left for the evening. She said she went to visit an old friend and won't be home until later tonight."
When I heard that I felt my eyes widen and a small twinge of shock enter my veins.
She did what? I thought incredulously.
"She went where?" I demanded, trying not to sound too upset and alert his suspicion.
However, I think it was already too late for that.
~SSS~
Meanwhile on Hyrule Field: Constance's POV
The dragon queen unhinged her hands from the prayer she just said, and looked down at the grave of her dead friends Daphnes II and Quistis. She sighed at the thought of them no longer being with her, but she was grateful they weren't suffering any longer. Daphnes II was known to the people as this great man with a perpetual smile on his face, who did no wrong. However, no one ever knew of the deep pain he suffered silently. The anger and resentment towards his father, the expectation and pressure from his mother. He had so much riding on his kingship, and Constance was sure the people didn't understand that. Quistis too was a woman who kept her pain internalized. She was more aware of what was going on than some people realized. Finally, her sadness overwhelmed her, and it culminated when she lost her husband, and she died of sudden grief. Even still, they weren't just two tragic young people who died too soon. They were funny individuals who did their best to be all they could be for their people.
Constance ran her hand over the headstone and tried to smile at that.
"Even though your cares are gone," she whispered, "just know there are people here who still miss you."
There was silence as her answer, and a lone tear fell down her cheek. Constance wiped it away and continued on anyway.
"I just wanted to let you know I'm doing alright Quistis," she said. "Xavier is as stubborn as ever, and he's working on something with your lovely daughter. It seems very exciting. I think it might turn out well."
The headstones stared back at her, waiting for her to go on. Constance tapped her finger on the granite.
"My Elbourne has turned out to be quite the dragon master," she said with a hint of pride. "He's better than even his father, and I think he has a bigger motivation to win this year."
The wind picked up in the canopy almost as a confirmation to Constance's words and the dragon queen went on.
"You see, the Hero of Twilight is going to participate this year," she said. "My son claims to hate him, but secretly I think he admires him. Who wouldn't admire such a brave hero?" Constance chuckled and shook her head. "You should have seen him at the ball Quistis, he asked Zelda to marry him. Right there in front of everyone," she said incredulously. "I thought I was going to have a heart attack."
The wind picked up a little more and Constance smiled up into the canopy.
"Even still, I love my Elly," she went on, "he isn't perfect, but he does try, and he loves your daughter very much. I just want you to know that you don't have to worry about her being protected. Zelda has plenty of people rooting for her." She caressed the top of the grave. "She's quite lovely Quistis, you would be so proud if you could see her now. She really is a shining star." Constance smiled wider and took in a deep sigh again. "She reminds me so much of you."
The silence after that was slightly harder to take, and Constance felt a fresh set of tears fill her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. The dragon queen was quiet for a long time before she made a small resolution in her head. She decided it was time to be honest with herself.
I should probably tell her about that too, she thought cryptically for a moment.
She waited for the wind to die down a little, as if that was evidence of Quistis and Daphnes' listening ears.
"I..." she started quietly, "I have something else to tell you my dear," mentally addressing only Quistis.
Constance then hesitated and swallowed hard.
"I-I met a good friend Quisty," she stammered quietly, as if finally revealing it to the world, "his name is Auru and he's very dear to me."
The wind picked up in the background and it even whistled a little bit.
She must be hearing me, she thought hopefully.
"In fact, I'm in love with him," she confessed, and looked down at her hands, "but I know that's wrong because of Xavier. I was actually supposed to go see him tonight, but instead I wrote him a letter and came to see you. In the letter I stated I couldn't continue living the way I was because it was wrong, and I had to think about the people." Her eyes refilled with tears just then. "It was the hardest thing I ever had to do my friend, but I had to think of what was greater than myself, and being a queen to her people is greater than myself."
There was more silence and more wind.
"I'm sure he will understand, and such actions will make my son happy," she said. "Elbourne knows about him, he was actually very angry when he found out. I thought he hated me for a moment. I couldn't take his and Xavier's displeasure, it would be too much. That was when I knew..." she trailed for a moment, "that was when I knew my son still needed me Quistis."
Constance's tears finally spilled over, but she prevented a sob from escaping her throat.
"Life is so hard sometimes Quisty," she whispered in a very broken voice, "it-it's so hard!"
Constance wept bitterly for a few minutes, then managed to compose herself. She didn't want to look like complete mess when she returned home. She stared at the grave site once more and tried to look at things for the better.
Maybe... maybe one day I'll be reunited with you all once more, Constance thought, trying to give herself some solace.
It worked for a moment...
A very brief moment...
Constance wiped her eyes again, pursed her lips together, and nodded to herself.
"Perhaps not," she whispered to herself, then directed to the headstone, "I better go my friends, thank you for listening, and I shall visit you very soon."
With that, she left the rose she was holding on the grave and left the canopy the sites resided under. Feeling a little better with what she got to discuss with her friends, she decided it was time to leave. That was enough thinking and confessing for one evening. With that, she got in her carriage, and headed back to Dragon Roost. Constance headed back to the life that she hated so much.
~SSS~
Dragon Roost: Elbourne's POV
The soldier stood erect.
"Her majesty is not here," he said plainly, "I'm sorry your highness."
I heard him fine the first time. It was what he said that incurred my displeasure.
An old friend? I thought, knowing exactly who she went to go see. That peasant!
"Did she say who she was going to visit?" I asked, keeping my voice controlled.
The guard looked puzzled. Why and what right did he have to ask where her majesty was going? I knew that. I was just so angry I wasn't thinking clearly.
"No, your highness," he replied.
I cut my eyes from the door to him.
"Why the hell didn't you ask?" I snapped rhetorically.
He looked at me shocked.
"Your highness..." he trailed, "I am but a mere servant. I'm not at liberty to question the queen."
I kept the contempt from showing on my face and left the doorway without saying another word. I couldn't believe she was still seeing that peasant despite my knowing about it. I thought she would have at least laid low for the sake of her goddamn family, but I guess father and I weren't good enough for that. I was angry at learning of this, and suddenly the decision regarding my father's honor was no longer a dilemma. The decision had been made for me. If that peasant meant so much to her, why the hell should I keep her dirty little secret? Why the hell should I care about her happiness when she didn't care about keeping what little we had of our own? I stalked down the hall like a man on a mission to my father's quarters and pounded on the door impatiently. The guard standing watch looked at me horrified and tried to stop me.
"Your highness-" he tried.
"Shut up!" I snapped, and took in a deep breath. "I need to speak with my father!"
That didn't deter the guard.
"I regret to inform you that your father is currently busy," he said anyway, "he's in an important conference, and said he cannot be disturbed."
I didn't care what he intended. With what I needed to tell him, he was going to make time for me. I went to open the door anyway, it was locked.
Not this time, I thought determined, you're not ignoring me this time!
"What is going on out there?" my father demanded from the other side.
I pounded on the door again.
"Father open up!" I called out. "I need to talk to you!"
I heard him grunt in displeasure.
"I'm busy Elbourne," he replied, "whatever it is, it can wait!"
"No it can't!" I snapped. "Open the door!"
"Elbourne-" he tried.
"Father open this goddamn door!" I said raising my voice. "I will not be turned away!"
There was a long silence on the other side, and that was when I knew he was ignoring me once again.
Oh yeah, I thought angrily.
I was tired of this.
I raised my leg and kicked at the scaffolding. The guard standing watch looked beyond mortified now. I didn't care.
"Your highness-" he tried.
I continued to kick until the hinges began to come loose, it drowned out the soldier's voice.
"You either help or be silent!" I interrupted.
Xavier on the other side decided to speak out again.
"You sniveling little bastard!" he said angrily. "If you set one foot-"
I gave one last powerful kick and busted the door open. My father didn't finish what he was going to say. When I stormed into the room, I felt the pit of my stomach drop as the 'conference' my father was taking part in was now made known to me. The blonde that caught my eye when I was riding Orthella was sprawled underneath him without a stitch on. My father, who was still wearing his pants, but exiting his shirt, was looking at me with apt displeasure.
She certainly didn't waste any time, did she? I thought in minor disgust. It hasn't even been a full two hours since I seen her.
"Ahh!" the girl screamed.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Xavier demanded. "I did not want to be disturbed!"
I took another step forward and looked from the girl to him, trying with everything in my soul to keep my anger at bay. The code of my family's bloodline hung mockingly over where my father and his newest mistress were laying: a dragon crushing its prey, and breathing the fire of industry in the air. Essentially, we avenged those who disrespected us, but who was going to avenge my mother? Where the hell was her respect? The blonde quickly got up and wrapped herself in a sheet to incur some kind of modesty. She was embarrassed and looked away. My father got up from the chaise he was lying on and stormed towards me.
"You disgusting gutter snipe!" he seethed. "I should have known you would-"
"No more disgusting than you!" I interrupted in a low voice, and looked over at the girl. "And to think I cared about your honor for a second."
Xavier narrowed his eyes and looked at me temporarily confused.
"What are you talking about?" he demanded.
I swallowed hard, trying hard to keep my emotions in check. I wanted nothing more than to punch him in his face, and knock him out cold. What woman wanted to be subjected to a man like this every night? Day in, day out, affairs carried on left and right in front of her face? Women moaning in pleasure from the adjacent chamber of her husband's room? His sheets soaked with who knows what, and the expectation for her was to be this docile woman who was hated? To hell with him and his goddess forsaken honor. After seeing this for what it really was again, I couldn't blame my mother for leaving to see an 'old friend'. I hope that 'old friend' made her feel like a woman at least, because her husband was a disgusting bastard.
"Why don't you ask my mother when she gets home?" was all I replied. "Why don't you ask that peasant Auru when you see him once more?"
The confusion stayed latent on my father's face, until the realization of my words came to the fore on his mind. His eyes widened, and he looked at me in apt disbelief.
"What the hell are you saying to me Elbourne?" he whispered.
I didn't reply.
His eyes searched my face.
I narrowed mine back.
"Impossible!" he whispered. "She wouldn't! That's impossible!"
How many times has she thought that about you, you son of a bitch? I wondered.
I couldn't stand to look at him any longer, I turned and stormed out of the room, not caring one way or another if his kingship were questioned. The bastard could rot for all I cared. I found him to be a deplorable man, and one who I was starting to hate very much. I walked past the guard who had heard it all, and stalked back to my room, not waiting or caring about Xavier's repercussions.
"Elbourne!" my father called after me. "Elbourne, get back here!"
I didn't stop. In fact, his voice only made me expedite my steps. Suddenly, I wanted to get out of the confines of this hot crazy castle. The air was suffocating and I felt like I wanted to gag from disgust. I needed an escape. I needed an outlet. I needed my Zelda. Sweet Hylia, I needed that woman more than ever right now, but she was no longer an option. I closed my eyes and undid the collar to my shirt for a brief moment. Goddamn it, I hated that I wrote that cursed letter to her now. Why was I so pig headed? I stopped outside my door thinking about the only viable option I had at the moment. The only place I could probably get a little comfort tonight was the Red Lantern District.
It looks like I'm going to take Morgana up on that offer sooner rather than later, I thought in irritation, opening the door to my chamber forcefully.
I halted my advance for a second as I was suddenly startled for startling the young lady waiting there for me. She was the lovely raven haired beauty with the magnificent greens eyes. Her eyes were even more of a focal point in the dimly lit room. She put her hand over her heart and smiled in relief.
"Excuse me my lord," she said a little winded, "you gave me a fright."
I just stared at her after hearing that.
I gave you a fright... I thought, Zelda always says that to me.
I was stationary at the door for a moment, and that must have made her very uneasy. The upset look on my face was none too promising either.
"Your highness..." she started quietly, "are you alright?"
I didn't say anything in reply.
Am I alright? I wondered.
I honestly didn't know.
Instead, I slammed the door shut, came up to her, pulled her from the seat she was sitting in, and gave her a long hard kiss. She was beyond shocked at my abrupt actions. It must have thrown her for a loop, and when I pulled away she looked confused.
"Your highness-" she tried.
"We'll have to do this another time," I interrupted in a whisper, "I have another appointment."
Adlez looked at me surprised.
"Another appointment my lord?" she asked puzzled.
I stared her straight in her eyes.
"Yes," I said.
She looked down and was slightly disappointed.
"Oh..." she said, "oh I see."
I then let her go and walked past her. I ran a hand through my platinum hair, and went to my closet for my cloak. Adlez turned to watch me.
"My lord-" she tried.
I didn't want to hear it.
"Not now," I interrupted, and turned to look at her in warning, "please, just not now, you'll get your turn like everyone else."
She looked at me surprised. I knew she wasn't anticipating me saying anything like that, and without waiting for her to leave, I walked past her and left myself. I didn't have time to linger. The longer I stayed, the longer I felt repulsed. Besides, I had an eager serpent waiting for me in her lair. A serpent that was going to help me escape.
I'm sorry Adlez, I thought, we'll have to rendezvous another day.
With that, I headed for the Red Lantern District.
~SSS~
The Red Lantern District: Elbourne's POV
Zelda crept up on me with her dark hair covering my face and she slipped her tongue continuously in my mouth. Her breath smelled like peppermint, and her body was like that of a pussycat. She moaned and whimpered as she catered to me, and I loved every second of it. When she pulled back and looked at me with those cool blue I eyes, it was like I had fallen in love with her all over again. I reached up and stroked her hair, and she responded by turning her face and kissing my palm softly. My evening with her was pretty much over, but I enjoyed relishing these last few moments. The haze of 'the treatment' was starting to wear off, but the residual effects were still apparent.
She was still my fantasy.
She was still my Zelda.
"I love you Elbourne," she whispered to me.
I paused, staring at her for a moment, wishing it were real, but I would take it for what it was.
"I know you do," I whispered back as she laid her head against my bare chest.
She looked up at me, still having that face, still having that perfect body, still looking like everything I wished she were, and smiled.
"I'm glad you came," she said softly, "I missed you."
I smirked, unsure if that were true or not.
"Did you?" I asked.
She nodded, and sat up momentarily and rested her hands on my abdominal muscles.
"That shouldn't be too much of a surprise," she said, "you know you're my favorite."
I just stared at her again.
Your favorite, I thought, how many men have you said that to?
"Of course I am," I verbalized.
She let her head rest on her shoulder and she giggled, but then her smile faded.
"Why did it take you so long to come back?" she asked. "Didn't you miss me?"
I laid there thinking about what she was saying, and didn't know if I had an answer she wanted to hear. I missed this only because she looked the way I wanted her to right now. Everything about her was just like my Zelda : her lips, her eyes, her perfect supple body, everything. That was all that I missed, and if I could have the real thing, I wouldn't be here wishing this girl were her.
"Sure I missed you," I said anyway.
That made her smile again, and she laid back down on top of me, warming her bare body against mine.
"There's only so long you could stay away from me," she said, "and I'm glad you chose me over Mystere tonight."
I stared up at the canopy when she said that.
I actually would have preferred Mystere tonight, I thought, but you offered your services for free. There's nothing better than free.
"I'm sure," was all I said.
She tilted her head again, still looking like my beloved Zelda and studied my face once more.
"What's the matter?" she asked. "You don't seem like yourself tonight."
I wasn't.
I shook my head.
"It's nothing," I replied.
She bit her lower lip.
"You're lying," she whispered.
I smirked at her.
I know, I thought.
"I'm fine," I tried to reassure.
She wrapped her arms around my waist just then and sighed. She knew I wasn't being honest with her.
"Please..." she said softly, "please, share your thoughts with me. I hate the thought of being your lover only. I'd like to know what makes you tick."
I stared into her eyes again, tempted to give in because she looked so much like the woman I was in love with.
What makes me tick might scare you, I thought honestly.
I pulled her up to me and kissed her softly to try to preoccupy her mind on something else.
"You know what makes me tick," I teased, when I pulled away, "you want more?"
She was displeased with my answer, and shook her head.
"I'm talking about more than that," she said, "you seem distant, like something is bothering you."
There were a ton of things bothering me: my father, my mother, Zelda, that disgusting peasant Linux. She could have taken her pick, but I wasn't going to share that with her.
"I'm fine," I whispered, and put my hands behind my head.
She still didn't believe me.
"Elbourne-" she tried.
I was growing tired of this.
"Do you question all your other clients like this?" I demanded quietly.
She looked at me surprised, and seemed a little offended by my statement. She knew what I was insinuating by asking her that.
"I wasn't trying to pry," she said.
I grinned and stroked my hand through her still dark brown hair.
"Then don't," I said simply.
She turned from looking at me after that, to resting her head against my chest once more.
"As you wish," she said, "I was just concerned."
We laid there in silence for several minutes. The haze of the potion was starting to fade, and the reality of the situation was beginning to reel its ugly head. The sheer canopy was completely in view, along with the satin sheets and the different colored lights emitted from the lanterns. It was a dark room in a dark place, where people who couldn't find love scurried off too for a few moments of pleasure. Now that it was over, it was time to deal with the consequences: feeling a little dirtier, get a little more callous, cementing the reputation of being a playboy a little bit more, -being everything everyone expected me to be.
It is what it is, and you are what you are Elbourne, I tried to convince myself, but deep down I didn't believe it.
Deep down, I hated this aspect of who I was.
I looked down at the girl I was keeping company with, and suddenly her dark brown hair was bright red. The fantasy was over and the woman I was now looking down at disgusted me. That sickening feeling of hatred resurfaced inside, because she reminded me of all the things I hated about myself: she was selfish, underhanded, callous, vindictive, and user... just like me. The air was suddenly thick like it was in the castle once more.
I need to get out of here, I thought.
"Morgana... let me up," I said quietly.
She didn't budge.
In fact, her hold tightened.
"And let you leave so soon?" she joked. "I think not."
I, however, was not in a joking mood.
"I'm serious, I need to go," I said.
Again, she didn't move, and now I was starting to get irritated.
"I'm afraid that's impossible my sweet Elbourne," she whispered.
I groaned in frustration.
Not impossible for me, I thought defiantly.
After her utterance, I wasted no time sitting up and pushing Morgana away from me. She was surprised by my sudden action and looked at me confused.
"What's the matter?" she asked.
I shook my head and got up to get dressed.
"Nothing," I said simply, putting on my knickers and pants.
She bit her lower lip as she watched me. She swallowed hard.
"Where are you going?" she asked, picking up the pillow I was just laying on and holding it close to her bare chest.
I took in an irritated breath.
"Out," I said simply.
Morgana was quiet at my reply.
"Are you going to see Mystere now?" she asked with a hint of jealousy.
I paused.
What difference does it make to you? I wondered.
"I'm quite content for the evening," I replied, "so no."
She seemed a little relieved by that, but then she kept needling at me.
"Are you going to see... her majesty?" she asked.
I hesitated again when she asked me that.
"Morgana..." I said with a trail.
She didn't let up.
"Are you?" she asked, it was more of a demand.
I groaned and finished getting dressed.
No, I'm not, I thought.
"So what if I was?" I asked.
Morgana narrowed her eyes at me.
"It doesn't bother you that you can sleep with me and leave me so readily?" she asked. "Am I not worth anything to you?"
I turned to look at her in mild confusion. What the hell was this all about? She knew as well as I that there was nothing more than sex between us. It's only ever been just sex between us.
She's starting to become a nuisance, I thought.
"What are you talking about?" I asked with a sigh.
I didn't want to hear this nonsense right now.
She looked at me defiantly.
"I'm in love with you," she said with conviction.
I didn't reply right away. I stared at her and took in an aggravated breath.
Isn't that what they all say? I wondered insensitively.
"Morgana-" I tried.
"It's true!" she interrupted.
I pursed my lips together and shook my head. I wasn't going to beat around the bush. I didn't play with women who uttered things like that.
"That's unfortunate for you," was all I said, "I'm the worse kind of man to fall in love with."
She narrowed her eyes at me.
"You wouldn't be saying that if I were the Queen of Hyrule," she shot back.
I shrugged inconsequentially.
Silliness like that never worked on me.
"You're right," I said coldly, "but you're not her, and you never will be."
I then turned and reached for my cloak, when she stopped me.
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," she said suddenly.
I froze at her words. What in the world did she mean by that? I turned back around slowly and looked at her carefully.
"What?" I demanded.
Morgana got off the bed and put a robe on when I had her attention. She seemed pleased with my reaction.
"One day soon, I'm going to have just as much power as Zelda," she divulged.
I looked at her like she was crazy.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
Morgana took a step towards me.
"It's just as I've said," she went on. "Soon my brother and I will bring back the true master of this world, and when we do, there will be untold riches and power for us!"
I had no idea what she was alluding to.
What the hell...? I thought.
"Have you gone mad?" I asked.
Morgana ignored me.
"Think of it," she went on, "you and I could rule over these lands together. We would be the greatest duo the world has ever seen."
I shook my head of her nonsensical talk, thinking she was speaking like a fool.
"You've been drinking too many of your own concoctions," I warned, "you better stay off the bottle."
Morgana wasn't deterred.
"I know I sound crazy, but it's true," she said.
I still wasn't interested and prepared for my departure. Morgana watched me in pure contempt, and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Fine," she said with a hint of confidence, "go back to your Hylian queen, but I must warn you, she may not be happy to see you."
I stopped short of what I was doing and looked at her in apt surprise.
Did she just threaten me? I demanded.
"Excuse me?" I inquired.
She gave me a brief once over.
"You heard me," she replied.
"Morgana-" I tried.
"I told her about us," she interrupted defiantly, "she knows about everything."
Dear goddesses... I thought.
I felt my eyes widen at her words.
"What?" I demanded.
She narrowed her eyes at me.
"I told her about us," she said again.
I felt the anger swell inside me.
"You didn't!" I snapped.
She took another step forward.
"I did!" she shot back. "And she was quite angry at what she heard! I thought she was in love with you for a second, but we both know that's impossible with the hero around!"
I was tempted to smack her across her mouth for saying something so disgusting to me.
You jealous bitch! I thought angrily.
"Shut up!" I snapped.
She grinned wickedly.
"Afraid of a little truth?" she taunted. "Well, it's no wonder she has the hero by her side and not you!"
My composure left in that moment and went up to her and grabbed her by the elbow.
"Listen to me you vicious little snake," I started, "if Zelda even gives me one bit of an iota that you tried to come between her and I, you won't have to worry about Zelda's wrath, I'll kill you myself!"
She could tell by my tone that I wasn't joking.
"You-" she tried.
"I'm not playing with you!" I interrupted in a raised voice. "If you've done anything to destroy what I have with the queen, you will find yourself in an unmarked grave! In pieces!"
With that, I let her go and shoved her forcefully to the bed. She looked at me with a twinge of fear, never knowing I could be so poignant. She didn't say anything in reply, but I knew my threats weren't going to stop her. She was too callous to care about anyone other than herself. I hurried to put on my cloak and realized it was time to get out of there. When I left, however, it was then I realized something else. I was probably going to have to break my own promise. I was probably going to have to see my precious Zelda again. I stalked down the walkway to my horse and mounted the mare bare back. It was a mistake coming here because in the end it did nothing for me. I looked down the road way and saw that I had a small audience of women looking after me. The one that was the most interesting was Mystere.
I stared back at her.
You look just like her behind that mask my dear, I thought for no particular reason at all, and due to that brief thought a decision was made.
I had to know the truth.
I had to know if Morgana's words were real.
One of these days I was going to have to put my pride aside and visit my precious Zelda once again.
Please write a review and tell me what you think. I know this was Elbourne-centric but there is a reason for that. Chapter 37 is coming soon!