BALLS IM SORRY.
Totally forgot yesterday and then had to work literally all day, swore I'd do it this morning and the same thing happened XO. ANYWAY here's the chapter, I won't keep you all waiting any longer.
Enjoy~
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It was raining the day Zant was hanged.
Sheik stood on to the side, watching the executioner tie Zant's hands behind his back. The gallows had been constructed outside the castle, just within the gates. Rain pounded down from a gray sky, softening the sound of silence.
The people were quiet, staring up at the morbid construction. From where he stood beside her, Link was still as a statue, watching. His warmth and presence was comforting.
The executioner stepped away from Zant, nodding to Sheik. She crossed the gallows to stand beside the Twili, pulling her black cloak around her. "Before you stands the traitor Zant," she announced, her voice rising over the rain. "He turned his back on his princess, his nation, and his future queen."
"The Hylian Empire does not give second chances easily, and yet this man was offered the opportunity to return," she called, hardening her voice, her heart. "I gave him a choice, and he chose death. This is what awaits ungrateful traitors." She took a deep breath. "And now I call upon the three goddesses to look upon this day with their grace, and bless me with the courage, power, and wisdom to carry out this task."
Just as they had the day she'd been attacked, the people never took their eyes from Sheik as she raised her face to the gray sky, closed her eyes and intoned the ancient rites. "Din, Goddess of Power, grant me the strength to take this life, and withstand the consequences. Farore, Goddess of Courage, grant me the bravery of heart to face these challenges head-on, and give no quarter."
The breath Sheik took now shook slightly. "Nayru, Goddess of Wisdom, grant me the clarity to rule with a pure heart and mind, to lead my people with all the grace of you and yours, and to see the truth where it may be hidden."
She lowered her face and hands, nodding at the executioner. She kept her face forward, ignoring Zant's sneer as the noose tightened around his neck, and closed her eyes.
Silence. The knock of wood on wood, crack of bone, strangled gasps for air. The creak of rope.
The silence of the crowd.
The patter of rain.
Sheik closed her eyes and heart and mind to it all, and no one but her would ever know that the streaks of water on her face were more than just rain.
"If it makes you feel better, you looked really regal up there," Alana offered.
Sheik just groaned, rolling in her shift. She looked up at Alana upside down. "Yes, that's what I was worried about, Alana. How regal I looked while I murdered a man."
Alana sighed with the patience only one who had heard the same argument for the past two hours could manage. "You didn't murder him, Zel. If anything, it was the executioner. And you said it yourself--he chose it! Why feel so guilty over another man's choice?"
Sheik rolled again so she was on her stomach. "Imagine if you were in my place. Imagine if you had to stand where I stood, and say the words I had to say. Imagine if you could look him in the eye--see the life there, and then take it away from him with a few words. Do you think you could still feel so aloof?"
Alana leaned forward. "I'm not trying to say I would be any better. I'm just saying it's not worth beating yourself up over. It happened, he made his choice."
Sheik didn't answer. Alana groaned, flopping back against the headboards. "Where's Link? He would make you listen."
Sheik rubbed her temples, eyes closed. "He's running errands in Nol."
Alana hmmed. "Well, if it will distract you, which I'm almost sure it won't, they've finally scheduled your coronation."
"Would've been nice if they'd told me," Sheik muttered.
Alana tickled Sheik's nose with her feet. "It's in a month, grumpy. Just so you know. Also, was your tour fun?"
Sheik snorted, grabbing her friend's toes. "Goddesses forbid they actually--"
The door slammed open. "Princess!"
Both girls jumped up, hidden knives ready, but they sheathed them when they saw it was just one of Sheik's guards. "What is it?" Sheik asked wearily, pushing her hair out of her face.
"Sir Link is requesting your presence in Nol immediately, Princess," the guard said urgently. "He says it's of the utmost importance."
Alana and Sheik exchanged a glance before grabbing their shawls and running after the guard. They didn't speak, but Sheik didn't have to hear her friend's voice to know she was worried. Alana had family in Nol, and even just knowing Link for a few days, she knew he wouldn't make a fuss over nothing.
Horses were awaiting them as they exited the castle gates. At least they've finally taken down that horrible gallows, Sheik thought. Guardsmen from the First Gatehouse just beginning their watch were blearily rubbing their eyes, watching their Princess and a court lady mount a horse in their nightgowns and ride away.
Nol was only a few hours away, a large cluster of lights across Hyrule Field, but it felt like an eternity through the night. Guards met them as soon as they blasted through the gates, leading them through the city.
Sheik recognized their route immediately and her fear spiked. As her horse clopped over the cobblestones, she scanned the streets for violence, but she found none. No bloodstains, no bodies. Their destination loomed up ahead, closer with every gallop.
Before her horse had even stopped she was off, falling into a roll. She could already hear yelling, both from inside and behind her, but she flew to her feet and through the door and up the stairs, ignoring the scrapes on her knees.
"I don't care!" a blonde girl was screaming, her face red. "I don't care what she needed to do, I don't know you, so get out!"
"I'm just trying to explain, would you let me finish?!" another blonde was bellowing. "I was just temporary--she told me she was coming back! I don't know when--"
The girl let out an angry yell and raised a fist to the boy. Sheik leapt forward, but several guards grabbed the girl around the waist and hauled her back, wincing as she screamed obscenities.
Sheik groaned, hanging her head. The absurd scene before her now made perfect sense. Link sidled up next to her, his hair tousled, and called over the noise, "I'm assuming we both forgot?"
Alana bumped into Sheik from behind. "What's going on?"
Sheik sighed. "Your oh-so-regal Princess is in for it."
Before Alana could question her, she stepped out into the room and called, "Aryll! Aryll, calm down!"
The girl finally stopped struggling, turning ice blue eyes to Sheik. From the moment she'd known her, she'd always found Aryll to be the most intimidating person she'd ever met. She was headstrong, independent and willfull, and she was at her most serious when her grandmother was concerned.
Whom, at this moment, was sitting in an armchair, bracketed by two Royal Guards, trying to calm Aryll. Her pleading went unheard. Locking eyes with Sheik, she sighed.
"Aryll," Sheik said now. "Listen to me. I know this boy. I asked him--"
"Without consulting me?" Aryll demanded.
"Do not interrupt the princess!" one of Sheik's guards yelled, raising a hand to strike Aryll.
"Don't touch her!" Sheik shouted. The guard halted. "Do not touch her," she snapped. "She is completely within her rights. And release her immediately!"
Reluctantly the guards let her go, and Sheik took a deep breath. "Aryll," she said calmly. "I am sorry. I honestly didn't mean to let it go this far. Just--let me explain everything, all right?"
Aryll eyed her for a long moment, eventually letting herself settle onto the arm of her grandmother's armchair. At least she's listening now, Sheik thought. Link and a bewildered Alana at her sides, she settled across from the irate girl and told her everything.
When she was finished, Aryll was no more impressed than she was placated. "I understand why," she said slowly, meeting Sheik's gaze. "But still. This is my last family. I have to take care of her. You must see why I reacted the way I did."
"Of course," Sheik answered, beyond relieved. "Of course I do. I would feel the same."
Nodding, Aryll stood with Sheik. "I think we ought to be on our way, then," Sheik said, a little regretfully. She'd missed Grandma, and when she wasn't trying to kill anyone, Aryll was a joy to be around. She'd hate to leave them.
Then an idea struck her. Clasping Aryll's hands, she said, "How would you like to return with me? I'm sure there are some empty rooms in the palace."
Aryll stared at her. "I--Are you sure? I'm not--"
"You would be welcome," Alana added excitedly. While she told a hesitant Aryll all about castle life, Link pulled Sheik aside. "I'm not sure this is a good idea," he murmured.
"Why not?"
He leaned closer. "Think, Sheik. Who just returned to the palace? With an unknown and untrustworthy player involved, I think it's unwise to have more people than necessary around you."
The hidden meaning in his blue eyes chilled Sheik. "You think he might hurt them?"
"To get at you, perhaps," Link murmured. "He's clever enough--he played off his absence expertly. Not only that, he practically rules the castle."
Now Sheik bristled, though she knew exactly what Link meant. As her father's personal advisor, Ganondorf had held a position of authority even surpassing Sheik's own. And despite the fact that Sheik was the heir and not him, Ganondorf had been issuing orders for much longer. People were far more likely to obey him than Sheik.
The thought made her boil. She turned her face away to hide the anger, but she couldn't shake the stiffness in her shoulders. Link grasped her upper arm. "It's all right," he said, trying for a smile. "We could be overanalyzing. Maybe he's not as evil as we're making him out to be."
Sheik appreciated his support, but she doubted that was the case. She'd known Ganondorf for quite a while, and while she'd never had explicit reason not to trust him, she'd never gotten the best impression from him, either.
She sighed. "I'll break the news to Alana."
Her best friend was disheartened to hear it, but Aryll just shook her head. "I was about to refuse, anyway," she said, smiling ruefully. "I appreciate the offer, Your Highness, but I just don't think palace life is really for us. The drama, you know," she added in a conspiratorial whisper. "Bad for the heart."
Sheik laughed, clasping the girls hands. "I will miss you two," she sighed. "I'll try to visit when I can, but I can't promise anything."
Aryll saw them off at the door, with Grandma at her side. The little old woman had nearly had a fit when she saw Sheik. "You've lost weight!" she'd cried, among other things. Now, she waved goodbye tearfully, though Sheik knew the old woman was happy.
She turned in her saddle, facing forward, preparing for another hard ride. It was past dawn now, and the palace would be wondering where she'd disappeared to.
When they returned, a welcoming party awaited them at the gates. Sheik dismounted, brushing down her nightgown. "The Queen of Labrynna has arrived, Your Highness," the knight--Pipit, Sheik thought--said, bowing.
Sheik sighed. "Thank you, Sir. I will be there soon."
She'd hardly uttered the words before she was swept away, into one of the rooms off the entrance hall, for a quick bath. Her filthy nightgown was switched out for a dress of deep violet, crossed with a gold sash over her shoulder. They brushed her hair and swiftly laid it over her shoulder.
She had to rush up the stairs to the council room, a floor below the Sanctum. Inwardly, she cursed herself. She'd completely forgotten she'd scheduled the Summit of Sovereigns for the next two weeks. Today was the first day of arrivals. They'd had to allow for travel time, since many rulers had to cross the Waker Sea. The Summit would run right into the series of balls for the coronation, at the end of this month of June.
Rauru and Impa were outside the council room when Sheik arrived, not quite sweating but almost there. Their faces relaxed greatly when they saw her.
"Princess," Rauru sighed, making the sign of the goddesses. "The Queen of Labrynna is just inside. Ganondorf is entertaining her."
"You're sweating," Impa hissed, swiping a handkerchief across Sheik's face. She swatted the Army Commander's hand away. "How long has she been here?" she demanded.
"She's only just arrived," Link said behind Sheik, nearly scaring her out of her new dress. At her look, he clarified, "I was speaking with Pipit. He was part of the unit that escorted her here."
Sheik faced forward again, straightening the folds of her gown. "Then let's not keep her waiting any longer."
"At least she's wearing royal colors," Impa grumbled as Sheik pushed the doors open.
" . . . very pleased to speak with you, but I was hoping the Princess would be here. I would like to--" a female voice was saying. As Sheik entered, she was greeted with a small yet formidable woman staring up at Ganondorf, the faintest hints of irritation gracing her features.
She brightened considerably upon finding Sheik. Her lips spread in a smile as she curtsied. "Your Imperial Highness," she murmured.
Sheik bowed in return, hiding her smile. "Queen Ambi of Labrynna. It is a pleasure to see you again."
Queen Ambi, for as long as Sheik had known her, had always been a kind and just ruler. However, as with everywhere, it seemed, she was suffering with political trouble.
"Forgive me if I insult you," Sheik began, "but how is the situation in Labrynna? I would not--"
Ambi smiled. "If you are asking whether or not it was smart to leave my country with Veran on the loose, I assure you, my council is capable."
Sheik inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the reprimand. "Apologies. Goddesses know I am the last to judge."
Ambi laughed, but it wasn't malicious. She took Sheik's arm, ignoring the brick wall that Ganondof had become. "Not to worry, Princess. Walk with me?"
"Of course."
As soon as they had left, ignoring still Ganondorf's protests, Ambi leaned close, one eye on the guards that followed at a respectful distance. "In truth," she murmured, "I am quite concerned about Veran. She has been gaining support much faster in the previous year. I am of the mind that she has . . . outside allies."
Ambi met Sheik's eyes, and Sheik felt her stomach drop. She swallowed. "I have a tour scheduled, to see for myself the state of the empire, and to personally introduce myself to the people. I would hope to provide some stability while in Labrynna."
Ambi's brows lifted. "Oh? That sounds lovely. I do hope you will visit the Black Tower. It's one of our most famous landmarks."
"I've heard stories of the Tower," Sheik offered. "Though I'm sure nothing compares to the real thing."
Ambi's smile was as delicate as a thorn. They'd made a loop as they walked, and now returned to the council room in time to see the doors close behind a short head.
Sheik shot a glance at Ambi, but the Queen seemed just as lost as she was. There hadn't been any other royal arrivals that day, as far as Sheik knew. Inside, they found a page about to address Ganondorf. He turned and immediately bowed upon seeing Sheik. "Your Highness! Apologies. I did not know you had arrived. We have received word that Mayor Ruul has just docked at Zora's Domain."
Mayor Ruul . . . Sheik nodded, remembering. "Ah, yes. Thank you."
The page nodded and left, closing the door softly behind him. As Sheik turned to sit, she caught a glimpse of Ganondorf's face, where he still stood.
Her heart froze. The man was livid, his golden eyes glowing like fire. It lasted hardly a moment, but the sight stayed with Sheik the entire meeting with Ambi, leaving her ill at ease right up until Link left her at her door.
He shot her a glance, as he had been doing the whole walk. "Are you all right?" he asked quietly.
Sheik swallowed her anxiety and forced a smile. "I'm tired."
He didn't look convinced at all, but she slipped into her room and shut the door before he could question her further.
She flopped on her bed with a groan. Ferona and Mia were long gone; Sheik sent them home before dark so often they didn't ask for permission anymore. Sheik appreciated it, having her evenings to herself, rare as they were.
She hadn't been lying to Link--she was tired. Down to her bones. But she had a restless energy, a need for action that had been suppressed from the moment she returned to the castle.
One of the things she'd always hated about the palace--and still did--was the protocol. She was a princess--she had to act like one. Which meant no fighting, no unnecessary physical action, or anything remotely fun. That was why her nightly sparring with Ilayen had been so enjoyable.
Sheik sat up. Perhaps . . .
Ilayen had never expressly rescinded his offers to spar, and she knew he missed her. She felt the same. Who was to say she couldn't sneak out--one more time?
Her energy suddenly channeled, she stripped off her dress and practically dove into her Sheikah suit, leaving off the armor. Tying her hair into a bun on top of her head, she opened her window, pleased to find its hinges still well greased. She grinned.
Leaping through, Sheik hopped across the roofs until she came upon the barracks. Sometimes she had to cling to a steeply sloped roof, eyeing the best course. When she reached the barracks, filled with excitement, she lingered on the roof.
From her angle, Ilayen's room was directly across and a little to the right. Crossing the tiles, her soft slippers keeping her feet silent, she dropped outside and rapped on Ilayen's window.
Once, thrice, once. Just like always. She waited, keeping to the shadows, her heart pounding. It would be the height of impropriety to be found here--even worse if she was caught with Ilayen. Though the risk was lesser now that Sheik was the new ruler, and the wrath from her father was gone, she still worried about the image it would send.
The future Queen of the Empire, tangled with a boy in the barracks.
Fighting down that image, Sheik attributed her heart leaping to the light that flickered on in Ilayen's room. The door opened.
Ilayen squinted, rubbing his eyes. "Who 's it?"
"You would be dead six times over if I were an assassin."
He was awake instantly, his smile white in the darkness. "Zelda."
Sheik gave up trying to kill her smile. She leapt into his arms, missing his warmth, his company. "I need a lesson," she said once he let her go.
Ilayen's smooth dark brow rose. "Goddesses forbid I keep the Princess waiting."
They wasted no time: Sheik threw the first punch. Ilayen deflected easily, swiping her arm away and answering with a lunge. Sheik waited for the feint. He Ilayen went right; she knew he would, because of an injury when he was six. He'd fallen out of an apple tree and broken his knee. Impa had thought he'd be crippled, but he'd healed almost like he'd never been injured.
Even so, Ilayen had always favored his right side. So Sheik dove left, twisting and throwing up her leg to clip his head. He saw it coming and rolled away, coming up with several quick jabs. Sheik could see his smile.
She couldn't keep back her own, even when he threw her to the ground and she collected bruises, even when they started flagging and nighttime turned to predawn. Even when she knew she wouldn't be able to keep her eyes open tomorrow.
I don't care, she thought fiercely, blocking Ilayen's punch.
It was only when she lunged forward and nearly fell flat on her face that they had to quit. They collapsed on the ground, breathing hard. Her leg was on top of Ilayen's. She didn't feel like moving.
Sheik was content to lay there and watch the sun rise, but Ilayen spoke up. "So. What brings the Princess to my room in the dead of night?"
Sheik stared up at the still-dark sky, fiddling with her scarf. "The tribulations of women," she muttered.
"Hmm," he said. Just that. No 'and?'. No, insistence to keep going. That was probably what made talking to Ilayen so easy; he never pushed her, neer pressured her. He let her take whatever time she needed, even if she sat there for hours, trying to find the words.
Sheik took a deep breath. "I don't know if I can do this," she whispered.
It was that niggling doubt in the back of her mind, that fear that she was inadequate. The traitorous wish that the people hadn't supported her so staunchly, so running away a second time would be easier. It got worse with every antagonistic smile Ganondorf sent her way, every time she felt the pressure of his eyes. Every time she saw her councilors exchange glances when they thought she couldn't see, when she was stuck for words or had to make a quick decision. Every time Link touched her shoulder or took her hand.
A long moment of silence stretched out, until Ilayen sat up. Sheik avoided his searching eyes. "I thought you were doing a fine job of it."
Sheik swallowed, closing her eyes. "I killed a man, Ilayen. Even with all the trouble he caused, even though he nearly had a city leveled, I wish I could take the execution back."
That guilt would stay with her forever. Even now, every time she closed her eyes, she saw the noose tightening around Zant's throat, heard the patter of rain and crack of bone in the quiet halls of the palace, when she lay awake at night.
"I know you don't mean that," Ilayen said, pulling Sheik by the hands to sit up. "Listen. You are a queen. It doesn't mean that these things will get easier--they'll probably get harder. But you can do this. You were born to do this."
Sheik met his eyes, a brow raised. "How can you have faith in someone who has none in herself?"
Ilayen smiled. "Because I know she has a strength like none I've ever seen. Seriously," he added, lifting his sleep shirt. "I'll have bruises for weeks."
He surprised her into laughing. He lowered his shirt, gently turning her face to his. "You may have been gone for a year, but that means nothing," he said softly. You are still the same girl who slaved away in the kitchens to earn the trust of the staff. You are still the same girl who bowed to a lowly Sheikah apprentice, asking for lessons."
Sheik's lips twitched into a smile. She took her face away, hiding the tears in her eyes by looking up at the lightening sky. It was almost dawn. She sighed. "I should go."
Ilayen helped her up, still smiling that smile that made her remember why she had developed feelings for him. As she took her hands away, she noticed the slim silver band on his left hand.
She stiffened, her mind coughing and sputtering until stalling out completely. She stared at Ilayen, whose eyes were fixed on the ring. Slowly he took her hands and cradled them. He sighed. "I was hoping you wouldn't notice so soon."
It took Sheik a few tries to get her mouth working. "You--you're engaged?"
Ilayen offered a half-smile. "It isn't that surprising, is it?"
She had no words. How she hadn't noticed when they had been sparring, she had no idea. Then her eyes fell on the pair of black gloves where they'd laid. She swallowed. So he tried to hide it from me.
She pushed down the flare of hurt that rose with that thought as Ilayen squeezed her hands. "Please don't think I wanted to deceive you. I--I just wanted to wait, for the right time to tell you."
Sheik still couldn't speak, goddesses damn her. She hated seeing the growing look of panic on her friend's face, hating even more that she was putting it there.
"I--I'm just . . . surprised," she croaked finally. She cleared her throat. "I'm happy for you."
Ilayen didn't look convinced. Sheik couldn't really blame him. She wasn't convincing herself. But she took a deep breath. "Who is it?"
Ilayen watcher her warily, indecision in his eyes. He cleared his throat. "Lady Tetra," he said quietly.
Sheik's head cleared a bit. That makes sense. Tetra was a lady of the court, a distant cousin to Sheik herself. She was strong-willed and filled with an inner fire. Ilayen was Master Impa's heir and the finest Sheikah warrior in the Empire. He and Tetra were truly a good match.
Sheik found that her smile came easily as she squeezed her friend's hands. "Congratulations," she said sincerely. "Shall I expect you both tomorrow, then?"
Ilayen searched her eyes; whatever he saw there finally convinced him. He smiled, warm and wide, and caught her up in a hug. "Thank you," he murmured.
Sheik fought down tears for the second time that day. "Now I really have to go," she laughed when he set her down, and ran off, waving goodbye. She leapt up to the roof and hustled along, struggling to keep her feet silent while rushing.
When she reached her room, she slipped through the window and shut it carefully, checking the clock. Almost 5am. "Shit," she hissed, yanking on her bodysuit. "Get off, damn you!"
She ripped it off, threw on her nightgown, and dove under the covers just as the door opened, admitting Ferona and Mia. "Princess, it's time to get up. The Queen of Lorule is scheduled to arrive this morning . . ."
Her face hidden, Sheik heaved a sigh of relief.
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OKAY.
deep breath". Well that was a load off (or on?) Sheik's shoulders. Zant is dead, the Summit has officially begun! What will this slew of meetings bring to Sheik's table? Probs more trouble, but we'll find out ;)
REVIEW REPLIES:
To Oracle of Hylia: when Ganon is near, trouble is afoot lmao. I have to stop myself from posting extra chapters, I'm so excited to get to the good stuff XD. (Both plot related and pairing related ;) ;) ) hehehe.
To Ultimate blazer: I wish, hahaha XD. In any case, he's certainly on his way to hell now (yes, I am evil.) Sorry to say goodbye to your fave villain, but he had to go! Sheik said so / and speaking of pressure, it's only just begun, mi amigo. HAHA
Well, that's that, so I'll see y'all next Monday, whereupon hopefully I won't forget for the—what's it, fifth time?? Jeez. Maybe it'll be a double chapter. Let me know how you liked this chap, or if you didn't! I love the feedback. Later~