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Past
*

My father and Impa had managed to get Link's attention by this point and my father pulled his son-in-law into a fierce hug. When he let go of him, he turned to me as Impa moved forward to claim her welcome.

"Zelda, great timing. The council is meeting in secret today. They are looking through old law books trying to find a way to force you to marry. Although it seems like a moot point now that your back, Link."

"They would do that, risking the life of an heir to the throne?" Link's face was dark with anger and his hands clenched tightly at his side.

"We have had assurances that Zelda would not be harmed."

"But I am sure that those assurances not extend to her child."

The King looked confused. "Child? What child?"

I smiled and took Link's hand. He had gotten a rather confused look himself. He had not known I had told no one of the baby.

"Link and I are having a baby. In the beginning of spring."

He stood in shock for a moment, then embraced us both. Laughing he turned to Impa. "I am going to be a grandfather." Impa was startled ad he swept her up, hugging her as well.

*********

*

The King may not be allowed in a secret council meeting, but as the head of the army I surely was. And I wasn't going to let them prepare for me.

I think I opened the doors a little too loudly for Zelda, who was at my side, winced. I stood there; glaring at the ministers until one of them finally spoke.

"P-p-prince Link!"

Another, I believe his name was Roathan, spoke. From Zelda's story, he was the one who had challenged her in an earlier council meeting. "You have no right to be here. It is the Council's privilege to meet in private, without the King or." His voice had been steadily rising in pitch and volume as he struggled to find words.

"As far as my understanding goes, I am on the council as the head of the Army. And I should be included of any defensive plans." Enjoying myself as I watched them squirm uncomfortably to rebut that, I added, "And as it is Zelda's fate you seek to decide here, she has every right to be here."

Without giving them pause to respond or challenge me, I took Zelda's arm and escorted her to the empty chair and motioned a page to bring another for myself. Sitting, I allowed my gaze travel over their faces and meet them eye-to-eye.

"Cowards. Unwilling to fight back. Instead you want to casually trade the life of an innocent woman and her child."

"Sir, are you saying."

"Yes. She is pregnant. And might I remind you that the child she carries and whose life you were willing to trade away is the future heir. Are you willing to let this..this.dog," I spat the words as I motioned out the window, "sit on your throne someday?"

My words had struck a chord with the ministers; I could see it in their eyes. No longer willing to listen to the hotheads, they met my gaze, pleading for a solution.

"Now, lets get to work devising a defense plan. And there is a law I need passed."
Present
They made their way out of the stone chamber and past the alter in front. "But what now?" he asked as he opened the door.

Stunned, the three looked out to find an army waiting for them as if to answer Link's question.

"Zelda, get behind me." Link drew Zelda's arm as he reached for and pulled out his sword all in one, quick fluid movement. Assuming a defensive position, he signaled Impa with a glance to get ready to flee with the Princess.

"Sir Link! We are reporting to you as ordered."

"Pardon?" Link's sword did not move.

"The Royal Cavalry division, sir. We were given orders to report to you here if Hyrule was attacked and the main army broken."

"By whom?"

The commander looked around, confused that Link didn't know this. "The law, Sir. It is written that in a time of war this unit is to be placed under the command of the Princess's army. Which is in this case.you. The law has been that way for hundreds of years, but to my knowledge this is the first time it has been placed in effect"

Impa laughed off to the side. "He did it."

Link and Zelda both looked at her strangely, Link finally relaxing his guard. "Who did what."

"The Hero of Time. Helped us."
Past
The council had become surprisingly complaint. Though an angry man with a big sword standing in front of them will have that effect, especially on such a whining, cowardly bunch like the council. Zelda just laughed when I told her this. She says it is because I am the hero of the country, and people would follow me anywhere. Again, I think this is because of the big sword.

We are standing along the castle walls. A defensive plan had finally been drafted in the meeting that called for an offensive attack on our part the following dawn. I looked over at my wife. She was standing next to me with her head on my shoulder her arm around my waist. The sun had just begun to set, and I could see the weariness the lengthening rays seemed to etch even deeper into shadows around her eyes. She had worked tirelessly today to rally the townspeople to fight in the coming battle. We all knew that they would be our last line of defense, if we failed to repel the invaders on the field, the untrained merchants, shopkeepers, farmers, men, women, and children living in the town would be Hyrule's very last hope in maintaining her independence from this tyrant.

I had finally convinced Zelda to remain behind with these people. She would lead those left in defending and supplying the front lines. Zelda had argued with me for almost an hour. All of the soldiers and fighting force we had that were in the least bit trained would follow me to the battlefield. She wanted to ride with me by my side, and I knew that she was skilled enough to do so. Her fighting skills are breathtaking to watch in action, she can successfully disarm the majority of the knights in the garrison without breaking a sweat. But I finally convinced her that someone skilled would be needed to guide the defensive efforts of the untrained people left behind. And that the child she carried was to valuable to us and the kingdom to be risked.

I could sense her worry for me in the tightness of her grip. But she would not cry or plead with me to remain, and I loved her for it. Her strength, both on the combat field and in her character has always been a source of amazement for me. In the end, though, we both knew our duty, and knew we must remain strong for the other and for those watching us. She finally yawned, and I smiled and leaned down to kiss her cheek. "Lets go to bed, love."
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*