A/N:
I'm making myself sit down and write this silly chapter. And, yes, it has been over two months. I apologize. (bows) I have no excuse but laziness and the dormancy of my muse. -.- But be glad that I still update! Unlike some people...T.T Hope you enjoy, as always.
Disclaimer: I don't own LOZ. (sigh)
The Princess and the Hero
Chapter V
The shock of the cold, stone floor woke Annika from her drowsy state, her eyelids heavy and hair mussed. Looking over her shoulder, her bedmate continued to snore deeply, the breath emitted from his nostrils fanning his mustache. Eventually rising, she quickly donned a nightdress and robe, for the fire in the hearth had long since gone out.
Sitting before her vanity table and mirror, Annika frowned at the sight of the tiny wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and mouth. A few silver hairs had since grown upon her head since her last inspection of her appearance; quickly, she plucked out each offending strand before plaiting her hair into a neat braid. She then pinched her pale cheeks to give them color and powdered her nose to conceal the smattering of freckles that she had had since her childhood.
Much better. Really, though, no person could deny her beauty, whatever her age. Men always spoke of her lovely hair, the way it shone in the sunlight and curled delicately around her temples and jaw. Her eyes were the palest green, the color so light to be unfound even in nature herself. Her features were distinctly feminine and elegant. The femininity of her looks, however, belied a more avaricious personality.
Coming from a poor barony to being a courtesan in the royal court to becoming the consort of the king, Annika had always been ambitious. Before the inevitable death of the king (for he had fallen quite ill), however, she had lost her chance to become more than a consort when Princess Zelda had been named the successor.
But her ambitions had not been foiled, merely deterred for a time.
Annika heard the bed creak; looking over her shoulder, she watched as Edward (otherwise known as Councilman Drieght) sat up slowly from the tangled bed sheets before frowning at her. Running his fingers through his lank hair, he asked grumpily, "Why did you leave the bed? It is Goddess-damned freezing in this room." He beckoned lazily with his forefinger, as if summoning her like one of his hunting dogs. "Come back to bed, sweet. It is not yet fully light out." He fell back upon the pillows, smirking slightly.
Annika smiled sweetly, her fist clenched ever so slightly. "Coming, love," she answered softly. She untied her robe and slipped it off slowly before going to the bed. Looking down upon her lover, she murmured seductively, "If I come to bed, will you grant me any favor I wish?"
Edward frowned at her a moment, impatience creasing his brow. "Annika, I am really not in the mood to play games this morning—"
His words were halted when Annika leaned down and kissed him languidly, her lips causing him to forget his previous thoughts quite quickly. When she pulled away, she asked quietly, "Is it a deal?"
Annika knew he was only thinking what any other man would be thinking at that moment. Gruffly he pulled her down and murmured a muffled "yes" before kissing her possessively. Annika allowed her thoughts to drift to more important matters, for Edward's kissing was sloppy and not particularly gratifying. His mustache scratched her wherever his lips happened to rove to. Honestly, getting what you wanted from a man was so easy for a woman of her talents. Almost too easy.
Annika hardly noticed the goings-on before Edward rolled off her and began to whisper what some considered sweet-nothings in her ear. She didn't listen. She had no desire for this man's affection or his love. But he had power and influence in the Council, and had collected quite a following. His power could lend her the needs to fulfill her goals.
Afraid that he would fall asleep once again, Annika inquired offhandedly, "How does the Council feel about the princess's marriage?" Expectantly, she turned her head towards him.
He yawned and began to play with her hair. "Why?" he answered as he combed his fingers through her copper curls.
Annika stiffened at his touch upon her sensitive scalp, but endured it for the time being. "I am merely curious, that is all," she replied absently. "The couple does not seem to spending much time with each other."
"No, I suppose not. But neither did you and the king, if I do so recall."
Annika flushed. Huffily, she sat up and crossed her arms over her chest. "My question was not a means to allow you to insult me," she snapped, her voice heavy with offense. Really, though, Edward was correct. Annika hadn't found herself in the king's bed more than a couple of times before his premature death, to her relief. But Edward didn't need to know of her agreement. "If you are only going to insult me, then please leave," she added petulantly.
"Do not be difficult, Annika. I meant no offense." When she merely looked away, her chin raised defiantly, Edward snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her down next to him. She slid down willingly enough, although she continued to pout, her bottom lip protruding sullenly. Muttering under his breath, Edward shook her slightly. "I apologize, all right? Are you appeased?"
Annika let silence reign for a moment before embracing him and mumbling a yes. Edward sighed in exasperation. After a moment, Annika poked him in the chest and asked, "Now, what do you think of the princess's marriage? You never answered my question."
He frowned. "As I predicted," he intoned, "it seems to be unstable and not particularly happy. I knew it would not be a good match. But, alas, my advice was not heeded."
Annika traced his jaw line. "Well, they should have listened to you, my dear," she murmured while her finger glided along his jaw. He soon became more interested in her finger than her words, his eyes widening perceptibly. "Really, though, if the relationship does not improve, there will never be any heirs to the throne." Annika lowered her voice. "I even heard from some of the maids that there was no evidence to be found on the sheets after the wedding night. Their union has not even been consummated—"
Edward waved a hand. "I have no wish to hear of this. This is women's useless gossip," he interrupted, his interest in her finger now nonexistent. "What are you getting at, exactly?"
Annika lowered her lashes coquettishly, her voice barely above a murmur. "I wish for the Council to inspect the marriage of the princess, for I fear that it will end in ruin. You see, Zelda does not listen to me. Since the death of her father, she seems to take out her anger on me, for she has no other person so close to her that she can direct her feelings onto." Annika looked up, her pale green eyes flashing. "Will you do this for me? For the love of my step-daughter?"
Edward eyed her a moment in disbelief. "And what if we should come to find that the marriage is unstable and that no good can come of it? They cannot divorce. If no heir is to be produced, Zelda cannot be crowned. What if that should happen?"
"I pray that it does not," Annika whispered fervently. "Will you do this for me, Edward?" She paused. "As my love?" she added quietly.
Before he could respond, she kissed him, forcing him to respond affirmatively in his clouded mind state. She eventually allowed him to take her once more, the light of dawn now shining upon the bed. When Edward rose and left her room after many a kiss goodbye, Annika smiled happily, knowing that her plan had officially begun.
----
Zelda hesitated, her fingers wrapped around the bell pull. To ring or not to ring was the question. Should she sacrifice herself for the greater good? Was her throne and life as a ruler really worth being in Link's presence for more than a couple of minutes? She continued to hesitate before sighing and pulling the cord resignedly. Damn them all, anyway.
After many lengthy seconds, the door was opened by a servant. He bowed at the sight of the princess. "Please, come in, Your Highness. I will inform the consort of your arrival." The servant ushered her into the room. "Please, sit, Your Highness. It will be but a moment."
As Zelda was about to sit, however, Link entered the room. At the sight of his wife, he raised his eyebrows. "Now what do we have here?" he murmured. His eyes roved over her unabashedly, taking in the sight of Zelda in her riding ensemble. She flushed at his inspection.
"My lord, would you and Her Highness like a cup of tea?" the servant man inquired dutifully, interrupting the couple's uncomfortable exchange.
Link glanced at him a moment before responding absently, "No, thank you, George. You may leave us."
He bowed. "Of course, my lord." He bowed to Zelda once more. "Your Highness." With that, he left the pair to their own devices.
Zelda glared at Link, who happened to be smiling that irritating smirk that he wore any time she was around him, as if he knew something she didn't and was quite proud of that very fact. Lazily, he walked to her and asked, "So, dear wife, what brings you here today? And in your riding outfit, no less."
Link stood in front of her and gazed into her eyes, his own eyes gleaming with amusement and a touch of spite. Zelda swallowed audibly. "I wish for you to go riding with me today," she answered, her stomach twisting as the words left her mouth. "Please," she added.
Zelda desperately wished that he would say no, but also knew that he must, for her sake. After listening to the servants gossiping about her nonexistent marriage and having the Council inquire multiple times into the intimacy of their relationship, she knew that she must be seen with him. It had also been whispered that if she were not to produce a child in time, she would be stripped of her title and throne. Her place as the reigning monarch of Hyrule was more important than avoiding her husband, however irritating and despicable he may be.
Silence filled the room before Link asked lightly, "Why would you wish to go riding with me? It seems out of character for a wife who hates her husband."
He was trying to irritate her, infuriate her so that their relationship would continue to crumble. But, damn him, she wouldn't let it! She couldn't allow her hatred for this man to cause her to lose her throne. Swallowing the spiteful retort that was on the tip of her tongue, she lied, "I think we should attempt to change that, don't you?"
Link stared at her, his brows furrowed in disbelief. "Where did this come from?" he blurted.
Zelda blinked. His response was so out of character that she found herself momentarily nonplussed. So he was human, after all, she mused. She shrugged, hiding a smile. Perhaps she could pull this off. Perhaps she could stand his company long enough to secure her throne. Looking him squarely in the eye, she replied, "Go riding with me. Or is the Hero of Time so weak as to not be able to stand the company of his wife for so long a time?"
Link acquiesced without argument.
----
The silence, to be cliché, was deafening. Except for the rustle of leaves, the clip-clop of hooves, and chirping of birds, there was absolutely no sound to be heard. Zelda glanced at Link: his gaze seemed to be focused on the saddle horn, the reins held loosely in his hands. The breeze gently blew tendrils of his blonde hair away from his face, illuminating his chiseled profile. If Zelda did not absolutely despise him, she would have thought him handsome.
Her hatred for him completely overshadowed any physical attraction she might have experienced. She hated the way he spoke condescendingly to her and she hated the way he smirked when she was embarrassed and she absolutely loathed the way he enjoyed upsetting her. He was rude, insulting, and boorish. He was a horrible excuse for a human being. Her loathing for Link, though, had begun many years before their undesired marriage.
During the darkest hours of the night, when all that could be seen was the shadows creeping along the walls and slithering around corners, Zelda dreamed. She dreamed memories of another time, long since passed. Dreams that took the form of nightmares haunted her almost every night. She was forced to remember the days of the Dark King's rule over the land, when monsters roamed freely while Hyrule's citizens were being slaughtered by the thousands. She dreamed of seeing her father murdered before her very eyes; she dreamed of being captured by the Dark King and forced to live in abominable conditions.
Although Zelda and Hyrule had been saved, although time had started over before the horrors that had been inflicted, she still remembered. She still remembered the sheer helplessness she had felt while the land she loved had been raped and pillaged. She remembered having to wait for someone to save them all from the terrors of their despotic ruler. Gratitude had been overshadowed by bitterness, resentment towards the person who had been able to do the task that she so desperately wished she have could done herself.
Link may have been Hyrule's savior, but he had never been hers.
And now they were husband and wife. Zelda laughed bitterly under her breath. The irony of it all! The two people who hated each other most had been forced to wed and eventually procreate. Goddesses only knew what demons might be spawned from such a union, Zelda mused cynically. Eventually looking over at Link, she found him to be watching her intently.
"Is there something you would like to say?" Zelda inquired wryly, her eyebrows raised ever so slightly.
Link snorted and looked away. "Not particularly. I was just enjoying myself by watching you mutter under your breath," he replied waspishly.
"I was merely 'muttering' about how much I dislike you," she answered sweetly. "Would you like to hear what I was saying?"
Link just glared at her.
After many more minutes of tense silence, Zelda called a stop when they reached one of the many little ponds scattered throughout the castle's expansive grounds. Link complied readily enough. Dismounting with ease, he patted his mare Epona affectionately and allowed her to graze. Zelda did similarly with her own mount.
Walking to the grass surrounding the edge of the pond with a basket filled with food in hand, Zelda seated herself and began to remove her riding gloves and cap. It was not until a few moments later that she remembered Link's presence. Looking over her shoulder, she saw him watching her once again, his blue eyes narrowed in irritation. He quickly looked away when he noticed her gaze.
Zelda sniffed, annoyed. Crisply, she asked, "Would you like something to eat?" Inwardly, she wished she could throw the whole basket at his face.
Link shrugged. Coming over, he settled as far away from her as he could, but still near enough that he could reach the food. Peering inside the basket, he asked mockingly, "What's in here? Finger sandwiches and crumpets?"
"No, I apologize. I did not know that you had a penchant for ladies' foods, or I would have requested the kitchen to provide you with such," she answered sarcastically.
Link reached for a piece of bread and salted meat. Gruffly, he consumed the food before taking a swig of wine that had been provided. His gaze had shifted from Zelda to the lake, his blue eyes swirling with anger toward her.
Zelda shrugged inwardly. He was a brute with no manners or decency. She could care less how he felt about her. Taking food for herself, she ate silently as Link brooded next to her.
A silent hour later, Zelda rose and picked up the basket, now emptied of its earlier contents. Looking to the pathway, she noticed the lighthearted step of Lady Julietta, her golden curls gleaming in the sunlight. A man Zelda thought to be Lord Verian walked alongside her, his arm linked with Julietta's. Soon, Zelda was spotted, and Julietta smiled radiantly.
"Your Highness, how wonderful to see you on such a lovely day!" Julietta exclaimed after curtsying before Zelda. The golden-hair woman looked to Link, who was currently walking up to them. "Oh, and Lord Link is here also! How delightful!" she added with another bright smile.
Verian grinned lazily and bowed. "Lovely meeting you all here," he said airily, his eyes gleaming with his usual amusement. Looking to Link, he asked, "Did you have a fine time today?"
Zelda noticed a spark of merriment in Verian's eyes as he questioned Link. Link swallowed visibly before obviously lying, "Yes, it was very fine. Very fine, indeed."
Verian chuckled before looking to Zelda. "Of course it would be! How could it not be fine if you are with the beautiful princess? She brightens the world with every step she takes." The dark-headed man's forelock shifted to his left temple as he cocked his head to the side, his face still brimming with amusement.
Julietta blinked before saying, "Is it not wonderful that the new couple is spending so much time together? Why, I heard rumors of difficulties!" She took Zelda's hand, her eyes filled with sincerity. "I am very glad that this marriage has been successful thus far, for I dread what would happen if it should not be," she added solemnly.
Her eyes shifting from Julietta's hold on her hand to Link, Zelda watched as her husband's brow furrowed in confusion to eventual comprehension. His face a mask, he asked Julietta absently, "What would happen if it were not successful?" His voice was lifeless, monotone.
Verian seemed to sense the danger, but Julietta responded too quickly. "Oh, it would be just horrible if Her Highness were unable to be crowned! It would be devastating!" she cried, her gaze focused on Link.
Zelda felt her stomach drop. Her heart twisted when Link looked at her a moment, his eyes speaking more than words ever could before looking back to Julietta. Coldness had filled their blue depths. "Yes, that would be devastating, my lady, but fear not. All is well," he answered. He looked to Zelda once more. "Yes, my dear wife?"
Zelda felt bile rise in her throat. "Of course," she murmured.
Silence reigned for a moment, as Zelda and Link stared at each other, and Julietta twittered and chattered to an unresponsive Verian. Eventually, though, the dark-headed lord cleared his throat and said, "Yes, well, it was quite lovely meeting you here. Julietta, I suppose we should be heading back now."
Julietta frowned but complied when Verian took her hand to lead her down the pathway. "Yes, all right, Verian, what is the hurry? You are walking so quickly..." Her voice trailed away in the breeze.
Zelda had never felt a more palpable and painful silence then right at that moment. She couldn't look at Link. Despite her hatred for him, she felt the guilt eating her away. The only reason you went riding with him was so everyone would think the marriage could be salvaged. The only reason you spent time with him was to keep your throne, her mind mocked.
"You didn't have to lie, you know," Link said quietly. Zelda looked to him to see his eyes brimming with anger and loathing and other emotions that she didn't wish to recognize. "I do not enjoy being used, Princess. Remember that." Turning around, he led Epona to the pathway and mounted, never speaking another word to Zelda.
She let him go. Now, more than ever, would the chasm between them expand. The excursion had failed, but at that moment Zelda could have cared less about keeping her throne. For some reason, all Zelda could think about was the look in Link's eyes as he stared at her, at the look of absolute hatred in their depths. For some reason, she felt as if she had made a horrible mistake.
I hope this chapter wasn't confusing. o.O To summarize (if you are confused): Annika seduces Drieght into having Zelda and Link's marriage looked into. Zelda is "questioned" (only her, not Link) and she discovers that she must spend time with Link so it will seem like their marriage is going well and that a child will eventually be produced (Zelda can't be crowned until a child is born). Zelda asks Link to go on a ride w/ her, and says that she wants to only b/c she wishes that their relationship would improve (which is a lie). So Link soon discovers her lie and hates her for using him and lying to him. And so there you have it. I apologize if this was at all confusing. o.o
Anyway, hoped you enjoyed, as always. I love you all you reviewers so bloody much! You guys make my day. :D:D:D Happy Holidays and New Year to you all! (weeeee) xD
sawyerzelda: I'm glad that chapter made your day! I hate having to sit at school all day and listen to teachers yack...:P
ZeldaChik63: I kinda made up hop board and I kinda didn't... I wanted it to be like chess but, unfortunately, I don't know how to play chess at all! o.O
Alantie Mistaniu: Just like you, I changed my name b/c I get bored quite easily. XD And yes, I had to have some kind of way to make Zelda and Link be together. They're such a romantic couple...xD xD
the jester: I guess the dialogue is pretty formal, but I'm also trying to stay away from everyday slang (the way I talk, actually). And, actually, I'm glad it sounds stiff when it comes to scenes w/ Link and Zelda b/c they hate each other! :P But thank you for the review and criticism (really!) b/c I definitely have areas to improve upon.
Lady Alaya: Thank you! I'm glad you like it! :D
Nagem: Ah, well, if you wanted to know, I am still alive... Thank God for Winter Break! (confetti is thrown) Sorry for abandoning WC. I'm a horrible person. :'(
SoulessCalibur: Thank you! Glad you like it!! :D:D:D:D
Story Weaver1: Actually, I wanted hop board to sound like chess. I initially thought to just have it be chess in general, but I don't know how to play it! xD So I had to resort to making up my own game...(oy)
Edgecutioner: Thank you, I will! xD
Sakurelle: I think Verian is my new fave character. xD And I'm sorry the hop board part was confusing...it's very bad when people don't understand what I write! O.O I hope this chapter wasn't confusing...:(
Perfect Soldier: I think Verian and Julietta will provide some comic relief. Hehehehe xD
ManicAlpha: Sorry for the late update! (cringe) But I'm glad you like it! :D
Dakyu: Actually, the reason I had Link say that wasn't b/c I think all guys are sex maniacs (xD) but more b/c it was a way to make Zelda mad. I don't think he wanted to do it anymore than she did. xD So he was just pissing her off. Hehehe But I'm glad you like it! Lol
anime/videogame freak: I guess you'll just have to wait and see! xD
Potter29Vo: Well, I can make chapters longer but unfortunately I did not update earlier...more like later...(cringe) I'm glad you like the pace; I have a tendency to either go too fast or too slow, which is frustrating. (sigh)
chaosdragon326: Actually, hop board is basically a version of chess. Yey for board game romance! Hahahaha
aslan-chic: I wish you had reviewed anyway to let me know that you didn't like the length... But sometimes I just can't write anymore...you know? (sigh) Sometimes that brick wall just ain't gonna come down. xD
Charlett-The-Druid: It would totally suck to have an arranged marriage. :P Good thing your marriage only counted at the Renaissance Fair! xD And thank you so much for reviewing! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! :D:D
scarygothchick: Thanks so much for reviewing! I hope it's not just b/c I was whining...o.O (I do that a lot...-.-) But thank you for the compliments, as always! I just can't get enough! hehe
Lost Soul 01: I've been missing your reviews, Lost Soul, but I'm glad you're back! :'( And thank you so much, as always! Everyone seemed to like Verian, which is good b/c I think he's my new fave character (but no one can ever replace Millo, right? haha, good memories...)