Hello everyone!
I've actually had most of this chapter written since early April but I got into a slump. I was also a little discouraged as my last chapter didn't get any reviews. I finally got one in March from "Guest" and that short review spurred most of this chapter. So thank you "Guest!" This chapter is for you. And it ended up quite a bit longer than normal, capping at 6.5K words.
-Ice
Chapter Five—The Banquet
Zelda stifled a yawn as she waited in the entrance hall for the noble's carriages to pull up to the front gate. The warning bell that signaled the knights stationed here to prepare came only moments ago. Zelda just happened to be passing through on her way for a last minute touch up on her hair after a morning of running around making sure everything was perfect. Thank Hylia that she thought to go ahead and dress in her formal gown before leaving her rooms this morning.
"Are you sure you want to do this here, my lady?" Bridget asked as she flitted around. Zelda was grateful that the woman was almost as tall as she was so she didn't have to break her queenly pose.
"We don't have a choice Bridget. I don't want to chance making myself late for a trifle thing like my crown being straight."
Bridget frowned but continued for a few more moments and then took her place behind her lady.
Nobles that were currently in the palace were starting to trickle in now. Maids and footmen followed behind, having notified all the rooms. Zelda noticed that her entire board of advisors came in at once, with Graves and Clement in the lead. Graves stopped short before remembering himself and went to join Zelda. The rest of the council fell in around them.
"Your Majesty, I'm surprised to see you here this early. I would've sent someone to fetch you once the carriages were closer." His words were dripped with sugar reminiscent of the cinnamon bread that Zelda enjoyed on occasion. Almost too sweet.
Zelda gave him a glance and the smallest of nods. "I was passing through and heard the bell."
"Excellent. Then I would like to report that we have several squads of knights at the ready and in rotation and I believe your inflated Royal Guard will be ready this afternoon." He was standing close enough that Zelda could feel the warmth of his body on her arm. She resisted the urge to put more distance between them. "Unfortunately we are no closer to finding the escaped Sheikah woman."
"I am sorry to hear that. If you do manage to find her, I would like an audience."
Graves shifted and his sleeve brushed her arm. Zelda could tell he was holding back the answer he wanted to give but all he said was "as you wish" in a low voice.
Shock registered but Zelda controlled her form to be still. It wasn't like Graves to be so passive with her requests. The uneasy knot in her stomach returned.
"Good morning, your Majesty." A delicate but fierce woman and her head-shorter-than-her husband bowed and moved to stand beside her, opposite of Graves. Zelda gave them a smile. At her insistance some years ago, Zelda's father had given them the title of Duke and Duchess of the Akkala province due to Zelda wanting to learn about the ancient tech they had discovered.
Duchess Jerrin was a striking woman with an angular face that contrasted drastically with her soft blonde hair. Duke Robbie was on the more ecentric side. His white hair stuck out all over the place and he seemed to get comically shorter as the years went by.
They were somewhat of a social pariah in the court. Whispers floated around the court that Robbie forced Jerrin into the marriage but Zelda knew that wasn't true. Jerrin may be fifty years younger than him but out of all the couples at court, Zelda knew they cared deeply for each other. Their love recently gave them a son, Grante`, who took after his mother in looks.
"You'll be fine, Zelda." Jerrin murmured low enough so only she could hear. "Compassion for all peoples will never be a weakness. We are ripe for a change."
Zelda could only nod. The clanking march of knights climbing the stairs to open the doors was her cue to take a deep breath and shift her facial features in a pleasing expression.
"Announcing the Earl Kohan of Wasteland and his heir Soren."
A round belly proceeded the Earl's entrance into the hall. The Kohan was dressed in blood red robes of such fine materials that Zelda's first thought was how wasteful it seemed and what it must of cost the people he presided over. Jerrin gave a derisive sniff while her husband just stared with wide eyes.
Kohan looked around for a moment before spotting Zelda and walking over. He had put a greasy smile on his face and let his small eyes flick up and down her body. Zelda stiffened and let the smile drop from her face.
"Ah, your Majesty. Thank you for the invitation to Hyrule Castle. I don't believe you've met my son." Kohan's high-pitched voice drowned out all the other murmurings of the hall. He plucked a tall, formidable looking man from the entourage surrounding him. The son eye's were completely focused on Zelda's, he seemed determined to be noticed by her.
He bowed over her offered hand and brushed her knuckles with his lips. "I am honored to meet you, your Majesty. My name is Soren." He finally realeased her hand and gave her a confident smile. "I have wanted to come to court for a long while."
Zelda didn't know what to make of him. "I see. I hope you enjoy your stay here in the castle."
Father and son moved on to greet the rest of the council and Zelda let out a breath of air to relax her muscles. Greeting court members was so familiar to her that she was never fazed. Her stomach knot settled again. Most of the court would do anything to get into a royal's good graces but something was telling her Kohan was off but his son seemed good natured. Niether of them gave her the same slimy feeling that she had with Graves and Clement.
After the footman announced them, the Duke and Duchess of Ridgeland was next to greet her and Zelda found her element again. The Count of Lake Hylia was the last discontent lord and had qualms in analyzing her every move and smile. His pursed lips gave no hidden meaning to his displeasure.
I have to change their minds. Zelda thought as maids and manservants scurried around with luggage and leading the new arrivals to their freshly cleaned rooms. Zelda stood in the hall until she and her guards were the last ones lingering. "Bridget?"
"Yes, my lady?"
"Please pull my ceremonial dress from the chest."
"At once." She rushed off and Zelda followed her more slowly. It had been a long while since she prayed at the Goddess' altar in the underground temple. She had even packed her training things away, not caring to pray for the power that wasn't coming. With how shaky her rule started, Zelda needed the familiarity of her past training before addressing the court as their queen for the first time.
She long ago dismissed her fears of not triggering her "sealing" power. The Hero had faded into legend the only thing left was the old tapestries hanging in the banquet hall. Her father had insisted that the Triforce and her yet-to-awaken power was real but it was only by his word. No documentation of the Hero's or past Princess' power was ever found.
Zelda treated the prayer as meditation and over the years she used it to calm her adventurous heart.
~§~
The water surrounding the Hylia statue was a lot colder than Zelda could remember.
As she eased nearer, the water climbed up her legs and eventually settled at her lower back. Body shivering violently, Zelda looked up into the face of her supposed ancestor. Her serene features were similar from what the stone showed of them. Vines had taken over most of the statue and the vegetation had overgrown so much that it spilled into the pool. Zelda could only feel the marble bottom of the pool with a few of her steps, the plants had completely invaded the place.
She felt guilty about that. As no other person was allowed in, though she had placed a guard outside the temple door, it was Zelda's responsibility to tend to the garden surrounding the sacred pool and statue. Nothing was tamed in orderly rows anymore, just completely wild. Even the vines on the Goddess's form gave Hylia the look of ancient savagery.
The sigh she let loose echoed around the chamber. She had to quiet her mind in order to commune with the goddess who's blood she shared. Eventually her core cooled down enough so she was only slightly shivering. The water may take getting used to but Zelda was able to spend hours in it without loosing a toe. Mother would have told her it was her power.
She may have never been able to awaken her "power" but Zelda could always calm down here. Closing her eyes and focusing on her breathing, she could feel the knot in her stomach slowly loosen. She used her breathing to block out the other noises in the cavern temple.
A rustle, a splash and a loud metallic thunk had barely registered to Zelda until she was pushed under the water. When she came up spluttering for air she noticed Link in the pool with her facing the overgrown bushes.
"Face me." Link growled, his eyes searching the plants. Zelda secured herself more fully behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder like she did at the library to reassure both herself and him.
After a long moment, a strangely garbbed woman stepped from the shadows and walked forward with pride. Her long hair was so light it seemed white even in the dim light. A large purple tattoo that looked like a third eye donned her forehead. Daggers filled both hands but she didn't raise them to a combat position.
With a jolt, Zelda remembered the flash of white she saw a few days ago. "Are you the Sheikah woman that escaped?" She whispered.
The woman's face darkened for a moment before returning to her passive expression. She seemed mostly curious about Zelda and she sheathed her weapons with such deliberate slowness and ease that Zelda knew she understood the battle-ready warrior in front of her would attack at the first sign of danger.
"What is your name?"
Sadness filled the Shiekah's eyes and she lowered herself to sit at the edge of the pool. "My name is Impa, daughter of the Sheikah Chief. I have come again against my people's wishes to plead one thing." She folded her right hand in front of her in a gesture that Zelda didn't know before slightly bowing her head and placing her interlock fingers in front of her nose.
"Please stop attacking my people."
The chamber was silent as shock coursed through Zelda. Even after the slaughter of her people at her knight's hands, this Sheikah still wanted peace even though her people did not.
Zelda was so moved that she stepped around Link to get closer to her but the knight mirrored her movement to shield her body. "It's alright Link." He shook his head, frowning. Zelda rolled her eyes. "Find her weapon if you need a task." His eyes told of his displeasure at the order but he obeyed.
Zelda walked right up to the edge of the pool. "Chief's Daughter Impa, I would have you know that I did not order the attack on your people. I had no idea that the admosity had festered so. I was only aware of the skirmishes the night of my coronation."
"Your pretty words do not bring back my dead comrades." Her voice was bitter but she kept her bowing pose. Zelda realized that it was a sign of respect and trust. "The only reason I am here is because I witnessed you trying to keep your warriors from further killing me and my people." She finally let her hands fall and looked up. "I saw compassion in you."
They studied each other. Link leaned over from behind Zelda's right side and placed Impa's thrown dagger at her feet. Zelda glanced at him and gave a half-smile at the scowl still on his face. He respected this woman whether he wanted to or not.
The exchange did not escape Impa's notice. "I am sorry to have thrown my weapon. I assure you, it would've missed even without your warrior's help." She fidgeted. "I regret the actions my hands took."
Zelda reached out to the woman and took her warm hand. Impa gripped reflectively. "I am sorry for the senseless violence against your people. I only want peace. Would you tell me your story?"
Impa sighed. "Yes, I will tell you. You must leave the water though, your hands are very frigid."
Zelda took spare clothes from the sack she had brought with her and changed behind the Hylia statue. When she had settled next to Impa, who had not moved from her spot, Link draped a thick woolen blanket over her shoulders before he moved away to give them some privacy.
"He is a good warrior. He cares for his duty greatly." Impa watched Link's retreating back.
"I am most fortunate to have his loyalty."
Impa fiddled with the dagger Link had retrieved. "I am not sure how much you know about your grandfather's death attempt. But I guess my story would start there."
"I was only told that it was tried in the night by a Sheikah. The Sheikah were banned from the castle after that."
"He was hurt but not by one of us." Impa flipped the dagger between her fingers in a well-practiced manner. "Long ago, the Hylians were great friends of all the races. Your village near the castle was where all the races came and traded goods. Many friendships were made. Your grandfather cared not for race and opened his knight's training to everyone who wanted to learn to defend, not just for Hyrule but for their own people.
"We all thrived under his rule. To show that he did not raise one race above the other, your grandfather chose one of each race to be in his personal guard. He was very well protected." Impa stopped her dagger mid twirl and laid it back down at her feet. Zelda wanted to ask so many questions but the change in Impa's demeanor stopped the flow about to burst from her mouth.
"In his guard, there was a Gerudo man. His name was Ganondorf. It's very rare when a man is born to the Gerudo people. He was the Prince of Gerudo and his mother sent him to be trained in different forms of combat before he would be allowed to take over his tribe. He learned many things from the Hylians and took that knowledge into his heart."
Impa picked the dagger up again and began to press the tip into the dirt. "He learned of the ancient legends of the sealing princess and the hero. Along with the power they protected and wanted it's power for his own. He knew that your grandfather must know where it was as he was a descendent of that princess and—and—" The dagger was halfway into the ground now. "When your grandfather would not share the information, Ganondorf convinced a fellow Sheikah guard that he had heard something in the bedroom and they both entered. While the Sheikah's back was turned, he stabbed your grandfather in cold blood while he slept and placed the blame on my the Sheikah in the room with him. The Sheikah was killed and the rest of my people were driven from the castle that very night.
"Ganondorf convinced the king's brother by marriage to take the throne in the moons your grandfather recovered as he was so close to death he missed it by a breath…but his reign was short." The dagger was buried to the hilt now and Impa gave it a grim smile. "We sprang a convert mission and killed both Ganondorf and the fake king. Blood for blood. The damage was done though. The Gerudo people withdrew and locked up their city, no one has seen them for years. The Gorons went back to their mountain and the Zoras and Rito settled elsewhere." She yanked the dagger from the ground, inspected the blade and sheathed it at her waist.
"I didn't know my grand uncle or Sheikah were killed." The missing books from the restricted section of the library made more since now. Graves had also lost family. That made his attack on the Sheikah much clearer. If his direct relative wasn't killed, his line would be on the throne right now. Zelda was sure that they would've finished her grandfather off if Graves was this intent on getting her off the throne a few generations later.
"Majesty. Bridget." Link said as he walked closer.
"Oh! The banquet. I have to go." Zelda took both of Impa's hands this time. "I wish to discuss this further. Do you have to go back to your people now?"
Impa looked taken aback at the fierceness in Zelda's words and the intensity in her eyes. "I-I can stay nearby for a time." She gently removed her hands from Zelda's and stood.
"Please meet me back here tonight."
Impa nodded and disappeared into the shadows so quickly that it took a moment for Zelda to recongnize that she was gone. She stood, grabbed her now wet sack and Link lead her back through the tunnel to the castle. She was glad she thought to only bring one guard to the temple, though it meant not having him for the banquet tonight. Zelda had begun to trust this new knight placed under her care.
"Thank you, Sir Link, for protecting me. Tell me, how did you know she was there?"
"Gaps in the walls. I listened."
~§~
After blinking at her half drowned appearance, Bridget soon had Zelda presentable to the court and were just about to set out when Captain Evans stopped her to present her new full Royal Guard to her. All fifteen soldiers soluted her and presented a beautifully crafted dagger. All the daggers were similar in style but the hilts varied in lengths to fit the men's hold.
"Thank you for your bravery." The weapons were sheathed.
"As you were." Captain Evans waved his hand and ten of the men departed. Zelda was sorry to see that Link was part of the group dismissed. She would miss his helmet hair. "When you are ready, your Majesty."
Zelda let the way down the hall and Captain Evans fell in step beside her. Bridget touched Zelda's back every now and then fixing creases and invisible blemishes in her appearance.
After she was announced to the mostly receptive room, Zelda made the rounds to greet everyone of the court with all the sincerity she could muster. Her practiced elequent lessons had most of the nobles she talked with laughing or enjoying her company.
Jerrin was easily absorbed into most conversations and seemed to keep tabs on her to help Zelda through any dull or embarrasing moments. Robbie was tinkering with one of his many projects when his wife's back was turned.
"My lady, the cook will be ready to serve soon." Bridget whispered just behind her.
"Ah yes, please excuse me." Zelda said to the group she was speaking to and glided to the front of the room. Noticed at the head table, the court began to move towards their seats. Once most of the talking had ceased, took a deep breath and gave the room a wide smile.
"Welcome to the banquet hall. It has been a long while since most of the court has been gathered here in peace. Before we dine on the delicous food the head cook and her staff have prepared, I wish to address something I believe is important to the future of Hyrule and all the lands beyond."
The room stilled and Zelda felt the focus on her intensify. She kept the serene smile on her face. "As you know, we have begun to accept lower ranking nobles into our Hyrule Castle knighthood and have had great success. These new recruits have bolstered the ranks and we have benefited in having greater talent protecting Hyrulian lives."
"I wish to give any man wanting to protect and provide for their family a chance to choose a different future for themselves. I have begun the process in accepting any abled man to be assessed in their skills, regardless of their birth. This process—"
"Surely you are jesting, your Majesty." The Count of Lake Hylia's voice echoed into the sudden silence. After a moment, gasps and whispers filled the hall. Whether or not a noble had a disagreement, it was improper to interrupt a royal who was making a case. "You expect my son to train with those beneath him?"
"I expect your son to follow the commands of his superior officer. If your son is fighting a threat, they will not care where his blood ranks in our society, only that it leaves his body." She glared down at his blank face, he was clearly not expecting a retort in that nature. A shift to his left caught her eye and Graves was trying his best to hide his glare but failing. With a start, Zelda realized that the Count was a relative of Graves and that Graves was the overall ruler of that region of Hyrule.
Well, he broke protocol first. Zelda was getting tired of the stuffy nobles who only cared about blood when they could do better for the people. At the end of the day, she was Queen and though her decisions might not be popular and she needed the council's support to meet less resistance, she already had a knife at her back from just existing.
Impa's story made Zalda care even less for the approval of Graves and Clement. They were going to try and wrest the crown from her head whether or not she agreed with what they wanted.
"The process of overseeing the men that wish to prove themselves has been established and the system for separating by talent has gone smoothly. Those wishing to know the exact details can of course seek an audience with myself and the council."
Zelda raised her arms to gesture at the many tapestries hanging from the rafters. "In giving all men this chance, we could be saving our kingdom not just from border skirmishes but from something far more sinister." She looked over at the cloth depicting an ancient evil. "Goddess Hylia cares not for high blood in her chosen hero but for the courage to bring that evil to justice. A knight already trained for combat would be fearsome with the Sword that Seals the Darkness."
At her final gesture, a large tapestry unfurled behind her. The golden haired hero thrusting his mighty sword into the evil being caught everyone's eye. She had placed herself exactly where the princess was on the picture, using her sealing magic.
The tense atmosphere in the room evaporated and the court was smiling and nodding their heads. Count Lake Hylia nodded his head once, the frown now gone from his face. Graves' face was a blank mask.
Zelda sighed and relaxed her shoulders. It had worked. "Let us feast!"
"Here, here!"
"Great job Zelda." Jerrin winked at her as she sat down. "I believe all the doubts about this have gone." She motioned over to the Duke and Duchess of Ridgeland who had easy smiles on their faces. They were chatting animated with a Viscount of Faron. Earl Kohan still has his slimy smile but he seemed to be in good spirits. His son Soren was flirting with a noble's daughter nearby.
Soren turned and caught her eye and gave a lazy smile with hooded eyes. Zelda turned away. Soren obviously hoped to catch her interest but far too many things were going on right now for Zelda to even consider anything at the moment. Though by being queen, her life would always have some sort of urgency. She gave him another glance but he had turned back to the daughter.
The good food soon gave way to dancing and Zelda found herself accepting the hand of Soren with a polite smile.
"I wish to compliment you on your food choices for the banquet tonight. You have a very talented cook." Soren's voice was pitched low as he leaned closer, as if he wanted to give the impression they were having a more intimate conversation.
"I am happy you have enjoyed the night." She slowly eased back out of his reach, giving the impression that she was shy. "It has been a long time since your family has come to court."
"Ah, yes. Truth be told, we were curious to how you were going to introduce any man into your knighthood so that's why we sent the letter." Soren said as he glided with Zelda in the dance. He was quite talented. "We didn't actually disagree, just wanted to hear the reasons for the change."
"That explains your father's warmer welcome." Zelda watched his face sparkle at the slight praise. He was quite the charmer. Out of the many sons already at court, Zelda was sure that he was the most handsome. He had grown his dark hair long and it was secured with leather at the base of his neck, making his tapered ears stick out. He had brown eyes like most of her people but his were mysterious and he certainly knew how to use them.
Another twirl and the song ended. "A pleasure, your Majesty." He bowed and disappeared into the crowd.
Zelda felt just a small pang at his retreat. He had certainly gotten her attention.
Soren's place was taken by his father. The stark contrast in their appearances snapped Zelda out of her thoughts of Soren. "Good evening, Earl Kohan."
"I see you have become more acquainted with my son. Trying to recruit him for your knighthood? Hmm?" Kohan was holding a wine glass and his cheeks were pink with the effects of the drink.
"He seems well trained already." Zelda could feel the muscles when she had her hand on his shoulder. "As a noble, I'm surprised he never offered himself up for service."
"Ah, that would be my doing. You see, his mother died when she birthed him and I could never bring myself to remarry. He is my only heir and I selfishly kept him in his homelands." He took another swig of drink. "He tried hard to convince me to finally come to court."
"I am sorry you have known such sorrow." Kohan only nodded in response and both watched the crowd for a few moments. Zelda noticed that Kohan wore red again though gave up his robes for a more formal dress that included trousers. His legs were only about half the length of his long torso. The man was all belly and not much else.
Holding in her laughter, Zelda excused herself and retreated to the balcony reserved for her use to get some air. Three knights were already on the balcony but huddled together and laughing, using the railing as a makeshift table for their card game.
They only realized that she was there when she gave a chuckle and they quickly wiped the smiles from their faces and hid the cards. One of the men wore the bronze helm of her expanded Royal Guard.
"Apologies, your Majesty." The bronze helm said as they all bowed.
"None needed." There were so many knights about the place that Zelda felt more than safe. "Anyone here should be enjoying themselves."
"In that case, would you like to play?" Bronze helm held out his cards.
Hmm, bold. Zelda thought as she took them. He had three kings, a jester and 3 turnip cards. "King's Crown? No wonder you were laughing Sir Knight, you have a winning hand."
He took the cards from the others and held them out in a stack and Zelda put the cards she was holding on top. "Please call me Groose, your Majesty." He shuffled. "This is Strich." The tall, skinny knight bowed. "And Cawlin." The shortest knight bowed in turn.
Zelda gave a nod and felt her smile spread. Her success of the night infected her mood and she asked to be dealt in. Strich and Cawlin had worried looks as the games went on, trying their best to lose. Groose, unfazed by her title, played with confidence and Zelda found herself with losing hands often. She laughed freely. The knot in her stomach was barely noticeable and her chest felt light with a good mood. At the end of the fifth game she knew she had to go back into the hall.
"This has been great fun but I must go now. Thank you for the games." She handed her final cards over.
"Aw, come on, just one more game?" Groose pleaded.
"I really can't, I appreciate the invitation." She committed Groose's red hair and prominent chin features to memory so she could pick him out in her guard. It was nice to be treated like an equal.
When she reentered the hall she could see that the crowd had thinned. People were beginning to retire for the night. The door at the other end of the hall opened and a fashionably late and yawning young lord walked in. He was in the middle of stretching his arms over his head then ruffling the back of his long messy half-up in a ponytail hair when Zelda realized it was Link.
Without the silver armor encasing his body, Link didn't look too different physically. The armor must be to his exact measurements. It was odd to see this Baron heir in clothes of his title. Link kept the clothes practical though, only black slacks and a simple short green tunic. A small golden pin on the right side of his chest told those around him of his bloodline. He held himself with the courage he demonstrated when he bowed with his fist to his heart.
She had to keep from showing mirth. She was doing that a lot tonight. His hair was much more noticeable without the helmet to tame it down.
Zelda watched as he crossed the hall to an empty seat and began to grab the dishes closest to him. He drew that eyes of the ladies he passed but took no notice. He was obviously hungry and showed no restraint in eating like the knight he was.
Several of the seated nobles around him sniffed, gave him haughty looks and moved places further away from him. The daughter Soren was flirting with earlier introduced herself to him and though Link stopped his feast long enough to be polite, she was quickly discouraged by his short answers and retreated.
Zelda made her way around the hall again, greeting her guests or bading them goodnight. She ended her goodnight wishes not far away from Link, who ignored everything but the food in front of him.
Or so she thought, Link shot up from his seat and bowed his greeting when she stopped next to him. "At ease, Link. You are a Baron heir tonight." He nodded and returned to the food.
Zelda sat and Link paused, a piece of meat halfway to his mouth. He made to put it down but she motioned for him to continue. "Please eat, there is more than enough."
He began again but with less gusto than before. Zelda enjoyed the silence and let her eyes roam over the hall. Jerrin and Robbie were dancing slowly near the musicians surrounded by a few other couples. They looked so in love that Zelda sighed.
"You, uh, look lovely tonight." Link murmured between bites. His ear tips turned pink with the compliment.
"Remembered your manners have you?" She teased lightly and watched his ears tint darker. "I jest of course. I thought you would be resting on your night off."
"I was, but…" His eyes strayed to the food. After a moment, he shrugged and popped another bite in his mouth. The dishes were mostly empty in a circular pattern around his current food-filled plate.
After another silent moment between them, Zelda realized that she felt no need to fill that void with useless court talk. She was completely comfortable just sitting next to Link and hearing the soft clanking of silverware against the porcelain.
When Link finally set the last dish aside and leaned back in his chair, Zelda took in all the empty plates around them. Some of them ended up in front of her as he worked his way through the food. She spied a look at his stomach and it was only slightly distended.
Link noticed her look and gave her a half smile. "Where do you put it all?" She asked.
He sat up straighter to better address her. "Hours are long. I move a lot." Ever the practical answer. Zelda almost rolled her eyes.
"What's your family like?"
The question surprised them both. Zelda found herself wanting to know more about him and the words left her mouth without preamble.
"My family?" He shifted and moved his eyes to the floor. Zelda was at the point thinking he wasn't going to answer when he met her eyes again. "I have a father and a sister."
The father was a given since he was an heir. "Is your sister younger or older?" Zelda didn't want to pull the information from him unwillingly as it was obvious Link didn't like talking about himself.
"Younger." Another pause. "She's only eleven summers. Her name is Aryll." Another fidget. "When my mother died, my father left the knighthood to take care of her. He sent me in his place."
Link had started looking at everything but her during his information flow and Zelda knew it was time to change the subject. "Well you must summon your father to court if he wishes to see the castle again. I'm sure your sister will like the sights."
He seemed pleased that the interrogation was over and met her eyes again. "Of course, your Majesty." He said and gave a small bow with his head.
"You must tell me, how did you get a place on the Royal Guard?"
Perking up, Link immediately dove into his mighty tale. He was sent not long after he turned 14 summers and worked as a squire for some time. Found out that he had natural talent with several weapons but was most proficient with a one-handed sword and long bow. A proficiency that caught the attention of many captains but it was through Captain Evans' testing that he was eventually chosen for the Royal Guard.
Link may be a mystery in other areas but it was obvious that becoming a knight was a dream come true. He showed off his visible scars like badges of honor and Zelda enjoyed the musical tones in his high voice. He had completely relaxed now, even grabbing a spare bite from the leftovers on the table through his story.
He joined her as she made the last rounds in the hall. The remainder of the court too inebriated to move were helped from the room and the servants began to clean up.
Captain Evans and her other guards trailed behind Zelda and Link as they made their way back to the queen's suite. He kept a respectable distance from her and walked level, like a close friend. Her favorite conversation was a confession from Link. He wanted to be a knight so he could travel to different places…so he could try the food it offered.
Zelda laughed so hard, tears poured from her eyes. Link rubbed the back of his head and only gave her a half smile with a sheepish look.
When she wished her guard and Link goodnight at her door, Link placed his fist over his heart and bowed then hesitated before reaching for her hand. His lips feathered over her knuckles and sent a zinging sensation up her arm. Zelda's face heated.
He let go and tipped his head once more before retreating, his ear tips as pink as her blush.
A long sigh escaped her once Zelda shut the door. She was in the middle of reaching down to free her feet when she heard a sword release from it's scabbard.
"Ah, your Majesty. Had a nice evening I take it?" Graves' voice oozed at her from the settee he was sprawled on. Six other men in dark clothes with covered faces were set up in a semi-circle around him all facing her. The sword was drawn by the man immediately to his right.
"What are you doing here Graves?" Zelda growled and straightened up slowly. Her handmaiden was missing. "Where is Bridget?"
"Oh she won't be joining us. I've sent her away." Graves stood up and meandered over to her. "This conversation is between you and me."
This was it. "Finally decided to show your hand, have you?" Zelda said in a steady voice. "Murdering me here won't sway the court towards your rule."
"I don't need the court, I only need the council, of which will do anything I say. Besides," He gave her a nasty grin. "You were murdered by the Sheikah."
"You killed any Sheikah that breached the castle. Who would believe you?" Zelda curled her hands into fists but remained standing tall.
"But one escaped remember? And we have plenty of Shiekah bodies to stage an attack."
He was right. No one would look at a long dead body long enough to see the ruse.
"If your little speech hadn't of swayed my dear distant cousin, you wouldn't be in this mess."
Anger tensed her body. "Don't lie to me Graves, my life has been forfeit for years now. I accepted the crown because I want all Hyrulians to have peace and full stomachs. Why do you want the crown? Power? Riches? You already have both."
"The power I want is not the power I have. I want the power your bloodline carries." Graves unsheathed the long dagger at his waist and inspected the blade.
"I have no power. You of all people should know that. It's a legend, a myth."
He stepped closer, holding the dagger out in front. "Not your sealing power, stupid girl. The power the goddess was protecting." He held the dagger to her throat. If she moved, the blade would slice her skin.
"I want the Triforce."