Chapter Thirty-Five
A fortnight had passed since the Captain's departure for the sacred city of the Gerudo, and Link found himself missing his pseudo-friend more than he would care to admit. He had come to be less suspicious of Mora, though, deciding the man was just quiet, not a threat to himself or to Zelda. Still, the two had only talked when required to, and Link had no plans to change the situation. For once, Zelda had permitted him to accompany her to the throne room, where she held court, though he had to sit on a stool much lower than her throne. He wondered how she managed to hold court day in and day out. The room was uncomfortable, and the requests never ended.
"You stand before Zelda, the Fourth of Her Name, Descended of Hylia, Her Grace, and Rightful Ruler of Hyrule," her announcer spoke. Link did not know why he felt the need to do so before every last request. It was not as if people came to the castle expecting to speak with someone else. Though, he supposed for a few weeks they were greeted by Ralis, the King Zora. Still, he found it incessant and unnecessary, and had to fight from groaning or rolling his eyes each time.
"Your Grace," the woman curtsied slightly. Link recognized her as one of the Gerudo tribe, based upon her dark skin and flaming hair. She was dressed in revealing clothing, a midriff baring top that tied around her neck, what could loosely be described as sleeves connected at her upper arm by metal bands, loose fitting pants, and a veil. He was surprised she had made it into the castle unscathed. After he had been attacked, the guards had been on high-alert. Not to mention she would have stuck out in Castle Town as being an outsider, and he knew first hand how outsiders were hated there. She was younger than the ones he had met, though he figured she had to be around his age, give or take a few years. "I am Karome, daughter of Kirike."
"A pleasure," Zelda nodded politely. Link wondered what Karome was doing so very far from home, especially alone. He knew Kirike had forbade anyone from hurting him, but that had not stopped the woman from before. He wished, not for the first time, that he was still able to carry a weapon in the presence of the Queen, or to carry a weapon outside of the training grounds at all, for that matter. It may have been his imagination, but Link was certain he saw Mora step closer to the Queen.
"I am certain you received my mother's letter," Karome continued. Zelda smiled slightly and nodded. Link frowned, wondering why she had said nothing about the matter to him. "If Your Grace is willing, I have been sent here to learn under you, to learn the Hylian ways, and to study Hyrule's history so that I may be better prepared to rule over my people." The Gerudo woman looked into Zelda's eyes, something no common person would ever dare to do. "It is her hope that by learning from other cultures, I will be more educated and worthy to rule myself."
Link wanted to speak up, to ask why Zelda would allow such a thing, but he knew better than to interrupt, especially in front of her advisors and the nobles. "I know we have had our differences," Karome said. "But it is my hope this will allow for greater peace between our people."
"Your people sacrificed peace hen you attempted to take over centuries ago," Itil spoke, crossing her arms. Link looked at her in alarm, expecting Zelda to say something, but no words came from the Queen's mouth. Rather, she turned to face her friend.
"And we paid dearly for it," Karome said. Link detected a hint of ice in her tone. "Many were imprisoned in the Arbiter's Grounds. Many more banished to the Twilight Realm. Those of us who survived took refuge in our sacred city, where we have lived peacefully since."
"And yet your chief still decided to back Ganondorf upon his return," Itil responded. Link glanced at Zelda, his eyes asking if they should intervene, but she shook her head slightly. "Those who rebelled may all be long dead by now, but one of your own nearly killed the Consort to the Queen."
"Against the wishes of our chief," Karome said. "I am surprised you are not more sympathetic," she continued, dismissal in her tone. "After all, your people suffered greatly too in the aftermath of our king's banishment."
"Of your king?" Itil's eyes flashed. Link watched as Mora stepped between the two women.
"Enough," Zelda spoke, standing with a hand up to silence them. Link had underestimated the power of authority, of titles, of charisma. By all rights, Itil and Karome should have been able to overpower her, to continue speaking despite her objections, yet neither did. "The Lady Karome has come to us in peace in order to seek future peace between Hyrule and the Gerudo people." She turned to face Itil, her eyes daring her lady-in-waiting to challenge her. "She will remain in the castle under supervision, and shall learn as we would permit anyone of her high birth to learn. She shall read from our libraries, she shall observe my court, and she shall learn from myself personally."
"Your Grace..." Itil started to protest but was cut off.
Zelda turned to Mora. "Lord Commander, please escort Lady Karome to a chamber suitable of her ranking." The guard nodded and approached the chief's daughter. The Queen turned back to face Itil. "And you, Lady Itil, will leave us for the day."