Chapter 1
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Year 10,302
Second year under the reign of Queen Zelda the Liberator.
First month of Spring.
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The winter had come and passed and now an array of colorful flowers lined his path to Castle Town. Following the advice of Rusl, Link rode Epona to the castle, its towering glory a nostalgic sight. Even months past, Link still looked on through its shadow as though he were once again going towards the final battle. He may have been to Castle Town many times since, to visit friends or partake in the festivities, but the majestic ambiance never quite disappeared. Even if today was perhaps more deserving of his anxiety.
The guards posted at the Southern gate paid him little notice, but Link nodded their way in good spirit. His mare slowed her steps through the cobblestone street as children burst past with laughter. Link wove his mare through the market place, intent on arriving in the Eastern district without trampling the goose-like cuccos.
He paid the stable hand a pretty gem and approached the two men in chainmail armor guarding the front entrance to the castle.
"Hello, Sirs," he greeted.
They nodded, proceeding to explain that the Day of Council was on the first of every month and that otherwise, the castle was unopen to the public. Link tried to explain that the Queen would know of his name if it were brought to her attention, but they kept up the skeptical frowns.
He gave in, unwrapping the golden pin he normally stashed in his lockbox. People tended to act strangely when he showed the object, but he wouldn't lie and say it wasn't a tad bit funny to watch them fluster.
"Holy fucking shiiit."
The man's coworker slapped his ribs, "Watch what you say, man!"
"Right! Right ahead, sir. If you wait in the foyer one of the servants will be with you shortly."
Link grinned. They might not recognize his face, but no one could deny the royal emblem.
He didn't actually have a position at the Queen's side, but Queen Zelda had insisted he be recognized for his efforts. The "Hero of Hyrule" had made his debut appearance at her coronation, but since then, Link had spent time resting in Ordon, out of the public eye. Link even went through the extra effort of perusing Hyrule's fashion district to find a pair of decent trousers and wine red tailcoat that didn't linger with the stench of dried sweat, but it seemed people couldn't believe their "Hero" was out on the streets like a civilian.
Link waited uncomfortably while the massive double doors were opened for him. While still under construction, the Castle's towers and beautiful manicured gardens were a sight to behold.
He didn't have to wait long for the chain of servants to pass word up to the Queen's ears and by the end of an hour, he was greeted by her presence and an ensemble of curious onlookers.
The beautiful woman waltzed down the central staircase with grace he had only ever seen achieved by the statuesque chilfos. Closely behind her, a dark-skinned woman with golden pauldrons trailed after.
Link offered the most polite bow he knew, and while he felt it inadequate, the Queen bid him rise.
"It has been a while. What brings you here, Sir Link?"
He fiddled with his fancy cuff link, "Ah… actually, I wanted ta' talk with you 'bout the offer you made a while back."
Her eyebrow raised and she pointed with an open hand, "Of course. Perhaps somewhere farther from prying eyes?"
The peeking servants immediately ducked their heads.
"Have you eaten yet, good Sir?"
"Not yet, no. Was plannin' dinner with Telma later tonight."
"A good choice. Though I have on good opinion her cooking is not nearly as delightful as her spirits." After nearly half a year their eyes were almost on the same level, but it didn't subtract from her regal image.
Link snorted, "I'm sure anything's better than mine."
"Come now, the Hero of Hyrule can not cook? My handmaids will have broken hearts before sunset."
"I mean it's edible, but I've tasted a lot better."
Link reentered the Royal Gardens with squinting eyes. A short walk away an elaborately dressed table was awaiting them. Queen Zelda waved to her personal guard and both women took a careless seat at the prepared table. When he sat himself down in the chair adjacent, her guard raised an eyebrow.
Catching onto his slight, he quickly tried to apologize with a red-faced smile.
"Please, stay," the Queen said. "No one is asking you to enchant me with your political decorum. I wish to believe we are above the games of court." The Queen nodded to the woman with a tight bun pulling back her brows, "I don't believe you've met my new guard, Triton?"
Triton's grin was fleeting, but a servant cut across them with plates of shredded cucco and steamed vegetables. A silver tower of macaroons centered the table. Despite the obstacles, he reached over to shake a strong hand.
"No, I don't think we have."
Queen Zelda approached the meat with a light hold on her fork, "You've come to me about the spot I offered you on the Royal Guard, have you not?
"Yeah. I...Rusl was actually the one who convinced me, but I think I agree. I still wanna help and do good and after havin' left Ordon, it feels strange ta jus' go back ta farmin'.
"If I may?" Queen Zelda approved Triton's comment, "You were the one who instigated and led the small scale strike on the enemy forces occupying the castle, were you not?"
He chuckled, "You make it sound like I knew what I was doin', but yeah. I guess that was me. Though I had friends helpin' me at the time."
"Of course. One man does not an army make, but Sir, and forgive me, Your Highness, I heard you were nearly killed battling the enemy leader. Why return to duty after that. Surely you've done enough? I've seen lesser men take leave after stubbing their toe on their own horse tack."
Link nearly choked on the poultry, "I feel personally attacked by that one. I thought no one was looking."
Both women shook their heads, one in mirth and the other disbelief.
"I dunno. I jus' feel like I'm supposed ta be doin' somethin'. I love workin' with the animals, but…"
"Of course," the Queen said, "The burden of expectation rests heavy on those who entertain its presence. But please know that by offering you a position I never meant to encourage something you did not want. I only meant that you deserved more than a few words of thanks."
"No, no. Honestly, you didn't need to do anything Zelda. I'm happy with jus' thanks. I never really expected more."
"Then if you must, consider it the actions of a silly woman trying to keep up appearances. Because I dare say my people might have me hanged if they found out I offered you something as low as head stableboy. Oh, the outcry."
Triton admonished her but the Queen continued to laugh, "I mean nothing by it."
Link figured he should break the news to her before further assumptions were made, "Well, actually…"
"Oh dear, I've gone an jinxed it, haven't I. I understand you possess your own mare so I suppose it was wrong of me to assume."
He hoped he wouldn't bring her trouble with his next request. He hadn't considered her side, but the thought of shooting through the ranks into Royal Guard without training curled his insides. A sword he could swing, but he knew there was more to the position than combat abilities. Even with his title as "Hero", Link would be treading on countless toes. "I wanted ta ask if I can start from the bottom. I'm thankful for your offer, but it'd be way too rude to jump in out of nowhere an' act like I know what I'm doin'.
Queen Zelda's smile was as kind as ever but held a twinkle of mirth, "Of course. What say you Triton? Is there a place in the stables for the most important man in my country?"
"I could clear out a stall."
"Could I have Epona with me? The barns can get pretty cold at night."
The two looked at him like he'd swallowed a fish whole. Queen Zelda's voice was sincere, "I apologize, Link. I jest. Please, if you'll allow anything from me as your Queen, allow me to save you the efforts of a child's job."
Link's mouth tilted upwards, "So should I keep her in the kitchens? I think she'd like that. Your food's really good."
Triton couldn't hold back her laughter, "Yes, I think I see why your handmaids are so chatty."
Queen Zelda was resigned to her seat, "I've been had. Yes, you may keep your horse at our stables. But please do not let me catch you sleeping with her."
"Nah. Not into that sort of thing. Met a guy though."
Her face was bright red like a medicine bottle and she squeaked, "Dear me. I've dug my own grave. Take him away! No more."
Triton said, "It is good to see the Queen in good spirits. I will bring it up with Sargeant Oland. See if we can't get you out of night shift."
"That'd be great."
"I look forward to serving Hyrule with you. Don't disappoint me, Hero."
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AN: As of 3/15/20 this chapter has been edited to enhance minor clarity issues. Thank you Verdigirl for Betaing.