How Zelda Got Her Groove Back

by ZeldaRubix

Seven years after the events of Twilight Princess, Zelda is queen. However, she must right the wrongs of the past and help a broken hero heal. What lies ahead for the queen? She will be guided with the help of an unexpected friend. Reupload. Original upload May 2012.

15. Chapter 15

Inspiration: "Guys and Dolls," with Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando, "They call me big Elly…" LL Cool J; Ralph from TGwtGH, dopplegangers. "Tree of Life" album by Audiomachine for the 2020 edit.

All Original Shout Outs: Joseph Kuo, SweetNSpicy7, and Rose Bella Mortiferum.

New Shout Outs: Le oof and Hi My Name Is... thank you for reading.

Recommended Readings: "Madness," by Joseph Kuo; "Or Die Trying," by 7stones7steps; "The Ranch Girl's Predicament," by iBayfully; "Lol," by Moonclaw, these shorts are awesome and hilarious.

Author Note: Reupload 3/4/2020. Reedit 4/21/2020. To Le oof: Zelda is being ostentatious towards Link lol. I hope that helps.

Word Count: 18,433

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Chapter 15

Link acted quickly, pulling out both of his claw shots and shooting to a nearby target. He hooked on and propelled himself up before the gravitational forces became too great and weighed him down. Not to be out done, Sheik also took out a pair of hook shots and latched onto a nearby target as well. He set his feet on the pillar and glared over at Link when his footing was intact. They were about thirty feet away from each other on two opposing pillars. The two men locked eyes waiting to see what the other was going to do first. Link then aimed his claw shot at a target right above Sheik's position and fired. Sheik countered quickly by using his free hand and tried to shoot at Link's suspended chain to disengage his course of action. But, the interception didn't prevail. The chain missed Link's by approximately twelve inches. The ninja seemed to be disoriented from the same blast recoil. Link took advantage of Sheik's disadvantaged state and lowered himself to the psychopath's position using one arm. Not taking any chances for a counter strike, before Link met Sheik vertically, the hero kicked the warrior hard in his bandaged chin sending the deranged warrior flying backwards through the open air.

"Ah!" Sheik cried out, but managed a mid-aerial flip and reoriented himself immediately.

The ninja quickly recouped by shooting and latching onto a nearby pillar. It took Sheik several seconds to shake off the pain from the previous attack. He gazed at Link furiously, and without a second thought, pulled out a ten inch blade hidden underneath his breastplate.

I gasped and covered my mouth when I saw that.

Sheik is going to attack Link in midair with a kodachi!

If the ninja was successful, there would be very little Link could do from impeding a serious injury. This aerial situation made this fight immensely dangerous. I averted my eyes back to Link hoping he had an immediate counter in mind. How was he going to fend off a kodachi using only one arm? What defensive measures was he going to employ when he seemed so vulnerable? I just hoped the hero wouldn't be presumptuous in whatever he was planning to do. Shiek was looking for blood. However, to my surprise, Link continued on the offensive, seeing it was throwing Sheik off his strategy. Link acted quickly and connected onto another pillar, setting his feet to initiate a jump. Since Link was limited in his choice of attack formations, he was going to have to be more inventive. He reached into his adventure pouch, pulled out a bomb, and readied to detonate it. I looked on in horror for his safety.

What the hell is he doing? He's going to blast himself out of the sky!

I took several steps forward on the landing I was waiting for him on.

"Link! No!" I cried out in panic like a fool.

My outcry wasn't clever by any means. However, Link ignored me while rethinking his attack pattern because my outburst alerted Sheik to the hero's offense. The ninja braced himself and readied his blade for a counterattack. I felt even more foolish after I realized what I had done. I just put Link in more danger. Even so, the hero went on with his plan without a second thought. He lit the fuse and threw the bomb at Sheik's pillar. However, knowing Sheik was going to try and disengage it, Link did something unexpected. He latched onto the same pillar as Sheik, catching the ninja off guard. Angry that Link was now in his line of sight, the ninja tried to take a hurried horizontal strike at Link, but missed his attack zone by a sizable margin. Link then amazingly somersaulted up the side of the pole, never letting go of his chain, and caught his aerial bomb with his free hand. Finally, he turned around and shoved the heated ballistic into Sheik's face.

Sheik stared at the bomb in horror.

"Surprise," Link whispered, then quickly latched onto another pillar and jettisoned away before the bomb exploded.

The ninja's eyes widened.

"You bastard!" Sheik screamed before the bomb went off.

The still of the blue skies was interrupted by the massive explosion a few seconds later. Scattered debris blew in all directions. I dropped to the ground and protected my neck, hoping not to get injured. When the fallen particles subsided, I looked on in worry, hoping Link was okay. I finally saw that he was safely attached to another pillar. He even waved in my direction to assure me not to be apprehensive about his well being. I sighed in relief, but continued looking on for the assailant. I saw no trace of Sheik. Was he dead? Did that explosion put an end to him finally? I looked beyond the shattered pillar to four other pylons in the distance and saw nothing. There wasn't a trace of Sheik anywhere.

"He has to be gone," I whispered to myself. "No one could survive that blast at that proximity. No one."

Having thought the worst was finally over, I waved for Link to make his way back to me.

"This way!" I called to him.

However, it was only then I realized something was amiss when the hero's eyes widened. The danger in our current situation was far from over.

"Zelda!" Link shouted suddenly. "Behind you!"

I froze in alarm.

"What?"

Before I could turn, Sheik suddenly reappeared and quickly apprehended me from behind by grabbing me by the neck.

"What in the-?"

The ninja's grip tightened.

"Did you miss me?" he whispered in my ear.

I shivered at his voice and my head was forced back to stare in Link's direction. I could tell from the look on the hero's face he wasn't expecting Sheik to survive that blast. How could he? No one should have survived that blast. The ninja grunted in pleasure when he saw that Link was at a loss.

"Got anymore tricks up your sleeve?" Sheik taunted the hero by grappling me hard by the throat. "Your girlfriend is waiting!"

The look of loss soon turned to open frustration. Link stared between the both of us without uttering a word. He hooked onto another tower, while regrouping about what to do next. My presence, made this fight much more complicated. I realized Link was handicapped because he was thinking about my safety. I needed to provide some kind of distraction to help Link. I wasn't just going to be some damsel in distress.

I had to think quickly.

"How did you survive that blast?"

Sheik snickered at my question.

"I can't tell you all my secrets, can I? That would take all the fun away now wouldn't it? Let's just say, I'm in the know of the legend of your grandmother."

I stood there as he gripped my throat harder, perplexed and frustrated by what he meant. I knew there were many secrets of the Sheikah Tribe, and my grandmother, the Sage of Time, had been privy to all of them. However, I was never aware of her being able to use teleportation, which was what I suspected he was alluding to. Even so, when I thought about it, teleportation was the only way he could have survived that blast. The only way. It was the only explanation that made any sense.

"The Sheikah are supposed to be protectors of the royal family." I struggled with his vice grip. "You disgrace my grandmother, and all the Sheikah by using their sacred powers to try and destroy the one whom you swore to protect!"

My words seemed to prickle his conscious.

"You've got your facts twisted your majesty!"

I was struggling to catch my breath.

"Enlighten me then?" I managed to croak out.

Sheik squeezed tighter.

Great Hylia this hurts! I reached for his hand.

"The Sheikah are protectors of Hyrule! When a member of the royal family turns rogue and seeks out their own selfish desires over the greater good of their country, they are no longer allotted the protection of the Sheikah people! They then become an enemy of the Sheikah people!"

That was what I didn't understand, I didn't know what this unseen terror was.

"If you would only tell me what this arbiter is! We could help each other!"

Sheik yanked my arm behind my back.

"Ahh!" I yelped in pain.

"I shouldn't have to. You should know better."

I closed my eyes and looked away when I felt his breath at my neck.

"But I don't-"

"Shut up!"

I realized this situation was getting away from me and the ninja was losing his patience. However, I still needed to buy Link a few more minutes.

Just keep going Zelda. You can't let fear grip you.

"Is that why you're trying to kill us? You think I'm actively trying to destroy the country?"

Sheik was watching as Link was making his way back to the landing. It was obvious that Sheik was onto what I was doing.

"Answer me!" I demanded anyway.

His eyes never wavered from the hero's position.

"I already told you, your actions are a threat to Hyrule."

I shook my head.

"We are not threatening Hyrule," I actively tried releasing his fingers from around my neck. "As queen, it is my duty to establish peace between the Twilight Realm and the world of light."

"Your peace," Sheik basically spat, "is going to bring about untold suffering for the people of this land!"

I squirmed in disbelief, not understanding what he meant.

"I don't understand, what suffering? I only-"

"Stop toying with me! We're going back and forth like a pendulum in a goddamn clock! You have what you want! End this foolish quest!"

It was then my eyes widened in total surprise. I glanced at him over my shoulder shocked.

"What?"

What is he talking about?

I was not going to receive an answer to my question.

"Zelda!" Link called out in fear of my safety. "Are you alright?"

I attempted to nod, but admittedly everything was starting to spin.

"I'm alright," I managed to croak back.

Sheik narrowed his eyes as Link finally reached the landing where we were standing. His grip on me tightened even more.

"If you come closer, I'll kill her," he warned.

Link stopped dead in his tracks and stared at me. I stared back, pleading with my eyes for him to forgive me for putting him in this situation. My presence was making this so much harder for him. However, I also saw this as an opportunity. It was an opportunity to warn him of what I now knew.

"Link be careful!" I blurted out. "He can teleport! He didn't use a grappling hook to escape!"

The hero looked at me in surprise by my revelation, but promptly took discretion at my words. Sheik's hold tightened even more, and he pressed at the pressure point of my throat. It was nearly impossible for me to breathe.

"You shouldn't have done that." His voice was full of malice.

I thought this was going to be the end. I closed my eyes and readied myself.

"Do your worst," I whispered.

At my utterance, Link immediately intervened.

"Let her go Sheik. Stop being a coward by hiding behind the woman."

All of a sudden the ninja chuckled snidely at the hero's words.

"A coward?"

Link took a step forward.

"Yes, your business is with me. Let her go."

The ninja narrowed his eyes at the hero.

"My business is more centralized on the queen than you think hero, but I'm feeling generous today. I might let the both of you live, if you hand over the shards, turn around right now, and give up this idiotic crusade."

Link didn't bother rebutting to his nonsense and pulled out his broadsword.

"That's not happening. You should know you speak like a fool."

I was trying to pay attention, but my breathing was worsening and I was starting to see white. Sheik's hold was merciless. I pulled my face away enough from his grip to speak.

"If you just tell us what you want maybe-"

However, in my mid-sentence he threw me to the ground.

"I've told you what I want! I told you to give up this goddamn quest!"

I landed hard again.

"Zelda!" Link said in alarm, taking a step towards me.

I shook my head to get my bearings together.

"Don't worry about me. Just stop him!"

The hero wasn't completely convinced of my stance.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

My breathing was labored and I was coughing a little bit, but I nodded through it.

"I'm sure," I promised.

Sheik, not caring one way or another, then snapped his fingers and once again reengaged his ten inch kodachi blade. The weapon appeared out of nowhere. Afterwards, he initiated his ninpo ninjutsu ninki stance, an attack stance with a weapon. Link shook his head at Sheik's second attempt. The rules of engagement were more in the hero's favor.

"I don't know why you try fighting me with that thing. You know you're out classed when it comes to sword fighting."

The ninja narrowed his eyes.

"I had no problem stopping you before Hero of Twilight, and I will have no problem stopping you now."

Then without another word, Sheik lunged at the hero and sliced at Link twice. The move was predictable as it was a standard attack. However, Link had to be mindful of Sheik's lightening fast speed, which seemed to have gotten faster from the last time he encountered him. The ninja's speed, along with his teleportation, made for a deadly combination. There was no telling what he would do or when he would do it now. Link moved quickly from Sheik's strike zone when the ninja nearly cut him at his left side. Link immediately countered with a thrust using the butt of his sword to Sheik's midsection. The effect sent Sheik stumbling backwards several feet. The hero then followed up with a jump strike that nearly knocked the ninja off the landing again. Knowing what the hero's plans now were, Sheik immediately jumped back onto his feet and initiated his stance once again. However, for some strange reason he didn't reengage Link with it. Instead, he turned his attention solely on me now.

I took several steps back and looked at the crazed warrior stunned.

What is he doing?

My inquiry obviously wasn't going to be answered. And before Link or I could react to what was happening, Sheik teleported to where I was standing and grabbed hold of me by the neck once more. I was sick of this psychopath trying to choke me to death.

"What the-?" I croaked, but was cut off by his strong hold.

The ninja's red eyes looked at me furiously.

"Use it!" Sheik screamed at me all of a sudden.

My eyes widened in fear. I had no idea what he was talking about. I looked at him with confusion and horror.

"Use what?!"

His hold around my neck tightened.

"Use the damn trinket! I'm done fighting with your boyfriend! I want my real opponent! Now use the goddamn trinket and transform!"

My stomach felt like it dropped.

What in Hylia's name? I was completely thrown for a loop.

"You're insane!"

Sheik's grip tightened even more.

"Use it or I'll break your damn neck! There isn't a more perfect time!"

I didn't understand what he meant or where the hell any of this was coming from. What did Hylia's bracelet have to do with this situation? Transform into what? All I knew was, right now I was losing air and I was losing it quickly. I was starting to see white again, when suddenly Link came up behind him and punched him hard in his left side, forcing Sheik to release me.

"Ah!" the ninja groaned loudly, as there was a crack, indicating breakage either in his armor or a rib.

Sheik turned immediately and tried to counter using a cross to Link's face. However, the hero dodged it and jabbed him in the side. Link then lowered himself on his back, grabbed Sheik by the cloth of his bodysuit, raised his knee to his midsection, and tossed the ninja over his body to the other side of the landing. I fell to my knees once Sheik released me, trying again to catch my breath as I watched the scene unfold.

Please be careful.

"Argh!" the ninja grunted.

Sheik, instead of landing at the pylon's edge, flew over the edifice's side, but managed to grip the precipice so as not to fall through the clouds below. Link then went over to the edge where Sheik was hanging and stood above him. Sheik merely stared back, breathing hard, realizing he had lost this round. The hero reach down and offered him his hand, which surprised the ninja.

"What's this?" he asked sarcastically. "Mercy?"

Link was breathing hard.

"You could say that, or would you prefer death?"

Sheik growled angrily.

"I would prefer the shards you pompous bastard!"

The hero shook his head.

"You just won't give up with that, will you? You're not getting the shards! Now give me your hand!"

Sheik narrowed his eyes and looked from the hero's face to his hand in disgust.

"I'd rather die than be saved by the likes of you. You haven't seen the last of me Hero of Twilight, you or your queen."

Then, without warning, Sheik let go of the platform and fell to the clouds below.

Link's eyes got wide in disbelief.

"No!" he tried reaching for him, but it was too late.

Sheik stared at Link the entire time he fell before he was out of reach. Soon, he disappeared beyond the white precipitation. The hero watched in shock and afterwards he closed his eyes and sighed. The ninja was gone... for now. There was no telling when he would come back. I didn't believe for a moment that he was dead. I stood up when it was finally safe to do so and went to see about Link. However, before I took another step, I found myself unable to move and staring down at my bracelet. I felt a chill run down my spine at the thought of fighting that monster. What was he talking about? Why was he demanding that I transform? How was that even possible? This was a gift from Hylia, how could he know anything about the constructs of this bracelet?

I felt a terrible sense of foreboding.

"What could Sheik have possibly meant?" I whispered to myself.

I gripped the jewelry in fear. I found myself suddenly worried about the true purpose of this device.

I have to talk to Hylia about this immediately. Why would Sheik want to fight me? And how was this the 'perfect' time to use it? Something's not right about all this.

I shook my head of my thoughts just then, and hurried over to Link to make sure he wasn't injured. He was still looking down at the clouds below. The look on his face said it all.

"Are you alright?" I asked as I approached.

Link didn't answer right away.

"Yeah."

I took note of his expression.

"What's the matter? You're not hurt are you?"

Link took in a deep breath and then turned to look at me. He stared at me suspiciously for a moment. I returned his gaze taken aback at his visage, but I wasn't too surprised. I couldn't say I blamed him.

"What's the matter?" I asked anyway.

He gave me a quick once over.

"You know very well what the matter is. Are you hiding something from me?"

I took a couple steps back and looked at him at a loss for a moment.

"No, why are you asking me this?"

He then faced me full on and took a step in my direction.

"Why did he attack you the way he did just now?" He ignored my question. "He told you to fight him!"

I looked at him helplessly, not having an answer.

"I don't know. He just came at me out of nowhere."

He gave me a look of warning.

"Don't lie to me Zelda."

I shook my head at his words.

"I'm not! I have no idea why he said those things to me! I'm just as in the dark as you!"

Link then looked at my bracelet.

"Who gave that to you?"

I knew the question was coming. I gripped the jewelry and held my wrist close to my chest.

"It's a family heirloom." My answer wasn't really a lie. "One of my ancestors gave it to me."

Link narrowed his eyes as if he didn't believe me.

"One of your ancestors? One of your dead ancestors gave that to you?"

I rolled my eyes and looked away.

"Of course not. I meant while they were alive!"

He milled on that for a moment, but still acted like he didn't believe me.

"I've been traveling with you for almost two months now, and I've never seen you wear that thing until a few weeks ago."

I didn't know what to say about his perceptive eye. I wasn't expecting him to be so astute with my appearance, but he had called me out in the past for similar things. I should have known he was going to take notice of the bracelet. I took another step back.

"I... I... was..."

I didn't know what to say.

He took another step towards me.

"Now I'm going to ask you again, where did you get that bracelet?"

My throat tightened a little, but I swallowed hard and looked at him with open defiance, knowing I couldn't tell him the truth.

"I already told you, it's an heirloom."

Link didn't reply right away. We were both quiet for the next few moments. He shook his head before he spoke again.

"I don't like that you hide things from me. I thought we were past this. If I'm to be your escort, then you need to let me know what kind of danger we're in."

I understood his frustration all too well. However, the truth of the matter was, I didn't know what kind of danger we were in. I had no clue as to why Sheik came at me the way he did. I didn't know he was going to try to provoke me to use the bracelet. I was just as in the dark as Link was.

"I…" I wanted to offer some kind of explanation, "I promise you that once I get more information I will share it with you immediately."

Link was quiet after hearing me say that, but then he clicked his tongue off the side of his teeth in a sign of his annoyance. That wasn't a good indicator.

"Fine, what other choice do I have?"

I looked away when his gaze became a little too intense for me. We stood there in silence for a few moments before we finally decided to leave. We couldn't dwell on the matter for too long and we needed to find the dragon prince. That was when I broke the silence.

"We have to get going. We have to find Elbourne."

Link didn't seem too concerned about that. The way he raised his brows and gave me that odd expression was evidence to that fact.

"Don't worry about the dragon prince. I think I know exactly where to find him."

I looked at him intrigued just then.

"Based off what? He could be anywhere in this city."

The hero was about to educate me on the architecture.

"Elbourne is a dragon master. Where in this entire city is the ultimate place for taming and capturing dragons?"

I had no idea.

"Where? Your guess is as good as mine."

Link then looked heavenward and pointed to the highest platform in the city.

"Argorok's landing, the place where the former great dragon used to dwell. That's where we have to go."

I looked up to where he directed and squinted as the sun shined brilliantly on my face. It was a long way up, but I had to wonder if Elbourne had heard all the commotion. He may have already been alerted to our presence and left. I hoped that wasn't the case.

"Well, then we'd best get going. Let's have at it."

~SSS~

The ascent upward took another hour or so and that was with Link and I traveling quickly. The stop and go motion of the pehats was the biggest deterrent of getting to our destination in a more hastened fashion. All the while, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful, yet antiquated, architecture. Each room's internal structure was in one way or another connected by a wind tunnel, or an ancient looking grappling apparatus. It seemed the entire city was built together, but then at one point in time it was mysteriously taken apart by some unknown force, like a microburst or some strong turbulence in the atmosphere. There was extensive evidence in certain areas of the city that the structure used to be completely connected. I looked around filled with wonder when we rested briefly on one of the floating pylons.

I wonder what happened here.

We continued on our way, and saw that there were large halls that inverted on themselves, leading to different access points of the structure. But since passage through the city was limited, we didn't venture to those places. We did, however, stop at a large circular dome shaped room where I was afforded the opportunity to change before moving forward. I looked around the commodious expanse and noticed the niche in the second floor on the north wall. I also noticed evidence of old dried blood and pieces of a winged carcass on the stone floor.

I paused before going any farther.

"What happened in here?"

The hero didn't bother answering right away. He was too busy toggling with his weapons.

"A fight with a creature by the name of Aerolfos happened in here," he answered finally, offering me one of his claw shots. "He liked to fly and taunt a little too much and it cost him dearly."

I looked at Link surprised at his brawny speech, but it wasn't his words that truly captured my attention. His mannerisms seemed rushed and irritated all of a sudden. I only needed to guess what his problem was.

"Oh," was all I said in reply, but he didn't pay me much attention. I studied him for a moment before inquiring further. I wanted him to tell me why he was so aggravated. "Are you alright? Are you still upset about what happened back there?"

Link looked from his weapon to me.

"I'm fine."

That wasn't convincing at all and he had to know I was going to question him further.

"Forgive me, but you seem frustrated."

He took in a deep breath and rolled his eyes.

"I'm not frustrated Zelda." He was obviously not telling the truth.

I paused for a minute.

Okay... that was convincing.

I gave him a knowing look.

"Well, that's not-"

He groaned loudly in my mid-sentence, obviously not wanting to discuss this.

"I don't want you doing this." Link was clearly still upset with the decision I made. "But since it doesn't matter what I think, I'm just going to support you in this endeavor anyway." Link then offered me the claw shot once more. "Here, take this."

I stared at him for a moment, taking the grappling device with a slight hesitation. I didn't know what he wanted me to tell him.

"Link…" I did not want to make this a big deal, "come on… stop acting this way."

His mood seemed to worsen after I said that.

"Whatever Zelda."

It was clear that he wasn't looking at the bigger picture in all this. We needed to get the shard. At first, I was apprehensive about the idea, but then I came to realize this was the best solution. Elbourne trusted me. I had more leeway with him than anyone. We had a history. A very complicated one. If there was anyone who could get the shard from him, it was me. However, to Link, he assumed I was only doing this to frustrate him. He was wrong. Completely wrong, and I wasn't going to waste time stroking his ego to tell him otherwise. When did he become so brooding? I didn't remember him being this difficult when we worked together at the castle. I was disappointed the hero was being so juvenile about the matter. Imagine if I acted in the same manner with some of the disclosures he presented to me. Preposterous. But, I was not going to argue with him. Instead, I focused on the claw shot he just gave me, wondering what he wanted me to do with it.

"Why are you giving me this?" I asked finally.

Link immediately pointed beyond me to the second story cave.

"You can get dressed in there privately," he then added snidely, "unless you want to stay down here and have me watch you."

I gave him an obvious look and shook my head. It wasn't like it wouldn't be anything he hadn't seen already, especially given what happened between us at Snowpeak. I ignored his silly comment and looked over the aerial weaponry.

"How do I use it?"

The immaturity didn't cease.

"Squeeze, pull, and release."

The simplicity was beyond annoying.

Really?

I groaned and stared at him slightly bothered, wishing he would get over his hang ups about today's mission. It was easy for him to make light of such things. He had been using these apparatuses for years.

"If you don't want to show me, then fine." I was done with his antics. "I'll figure it out myself."

I sighed, turned around, and aimed for the target in the alcove. I saw no point in asking for a demonstration. It was clear he didn't want to give me one. He had already made up his mind about this situation. However, when I lifted my arm to shoot, Link suddenly came up to me from behind and placed his hand over mine with the claw shot in it. I was surprised by the abrupt action. There was virtually no room between us. Unfortunately, my flushed complexion betrayed my expression.

"What are you-?"

"Squeeze," he interrupted quietly in my ear, then applied a slight pressure to my hand. "Pull." He went on, showing me how to disengage the lock. "And release." But before he let go to send me flying, he grinned at my reddened complexion. "You still can't help yourself, can you?"

My eyes widened a little bit.

Dear Hylia, I guess not.

I didn't know what to say. I was embarrassed that he could still make me blush so readily. There was no denying my attraction to him, but I wish I had more self-control. With the brief demonstration over, he eventually let go and I sprung up into the cubbyhole. When I was at my desired location, I realized I still didn't have the privacy I needed. The aperture had a large opening in the effacement. I looked down at the claw shot and then to where Link was standing. However, I didn't need to prompt him to move away. When our eyes met, he immediately walked towards the northern wall so his line of sight would be skewed. I appreciated his voluntary discretion. I admired his innate chivalry.

I went farther into the niche, and once I was out of sight of the first story floor, I got dressed. It didn't take very much time, and I decided to keep my hair braided. I rationalized it was a less sexualized look, or so I thought. Honestly, it was debatable. When I came back down to where the hero was waiting, I received a more subdued reaction from him than the night at Snowpeak. But, I saw the flicker of desire still in his eyes. He gave me a long once over as I approached.

"You look like a ninja assassin with your hair back and you coming down on one arm like that. An assassin ready to break a man's heart... very sexy Zelda."

I would've given his comment more credence if it wasn't coming from a place of contempt. Sarcasm was laced all throughout his words. I could tell he was still being petty. However, I chose to ignore it.

"Thank you." I did not want to engage this conversation any further. "Shall we go?"

Link paused for a long moment while staring into my eyes. I could tell he was a little annoyed I wasn't willing to tussle with him.

"You just can't wait for big 'Elly' to see you, can you? You just can't wait for him to lose his head, can you?"

I narrowed my eyes at him.

You might be surprised who gave him that pseudonym Link... seriously...

I put my hands on my hips.

"You need to stop." Then, not helping the situation, added in an immature fashion. "You'll be singing a different tune when we get to the Twilight Realm and you get to gawk over your beloved Midna. So I would cease with the underhanded remarks if I were you."

The hero narrowed his eyes in return, a little upset that I called him out, but I didn't care. I was tired of his unnecessary comments. It was time for him to get over his hang ups. Afterwards, I walked past him to the edge of the precipice and looked towards the pylons above us. We didn't look like we had much farther to go, but I was concerned Elbourne might be too alerted to the previous ruckus to relinquish the shard in his company. He may decide to keep the piece of mirror if he discovers I want it simply for the sake of sport. The dragon prince loved taunting me when he saw it as a convenience to him. He could be that kind of nuisance.

I then turned to address Link once more.

"Which way to Argorok's landing?" However, a sudden gust of wind blew past me and made me lose my footing. "Ahhh!" I cried out, realizing I was airborne for a second, but was immediately halted when Link came up to catch me.

He held me tight and looked at me concerned.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded, and placed my hand over my heart. I didn't answer right away.

"I'm sorry, that gave me a fright."

He hesitated before replying. That serious look never left his eyes.

"Are you sure you want to do this? You don't have to. We can find another way."

I took in a deep sigh and shook my head.

"No, I'm alright," I reassured.

That didn't ease his mind.

"Are you sure?"

I attempted to give him confidence.

"This is the best chance that we have. We're here now, I'm sure. Just point the way to Argorok's landing."

Link stared into my eyes for a long moment. Apparently, my answer wasn't the one he wanted to hear, but he acknowledged it anyway. He did so by effectively grabbing me tighter around the waist and pulling me close to his chest. It was a very deliberate maneuver.

What in the world-?

"Link-"

"It's this way." He then shot at a target outside the exit sending us flying through the air.

I had to hold on to him for dear life. My cheeks were probably flushed, but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of staring into my eyes. He clearly did that on purpose. I didn't understand why he was acting so childish. It should have been clear to him from the night at Snowpeak he was the man I desired. So, why was he being so ridiculous about one meeting with Elbourne? I didn't bother to ask. When we arrived at the pylons at the final landing edifice for Argorok's landing, Link put his gear away. The winds at this final resting place were great. And, I wasn't sure why, but I could barely hear my own voice. There must have been a break in the atmosphere up here. With this new insight on the environment, perhaps Elbourne didn't hear the commotion below. However, I couldn't take that knowledge for granted. The only way to know for certain was to proceed forward. There was only one target left and a small wall to climb before I arrived at my final destination. Admittedly, I was a little nervous.

"You're on your own now," the hero said, speaking a little above the winds. "Just hold on to that claw shot. I'm sure Elbourne's not going to want you to stay up there once he sees you for too long."

I nodded, but wondered why that was.

"Is there another landing beyond this one?"

Link shook his head.

"There shouldn't be. I just said that because you look ready to go for a dragon ride... or something."

I understood now. It was more of a rhetorical comment. I then looked up.

"Right." I then closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. "Well, wish me good fortunes."

Link nodded. His expression was still one of uncertainty.

"I will."

Afterwards, I aimed for one of the last targets. However, before I could release the grapple, Link stopped me.

"Zelda wait."

I stopped my release and lowered my arm.

"What?" I thought he was going to offer me a last minute tip.

Link paused for a moment, while staring me in my eyes. Then, acting completely on pure impulse, he came up to me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and pressed his mouth against mine in a surprisingly fervent manner. I looked at him stunned and tried to pull away, but he kissed me deeper when I tried to resist. It was obvious to me he wanted me to return his affections. So, after a few seconds, I did. I couldn't pretend I didn't want to. I kissed him back with the same passion he was kissing me. It was insanely provocative. His grip around my waist tightened at my response. The kiss was deep, wet, and hungry. It lasted longer than I had anticipated, and when he finally pulled away from me I was speechless. Link was breathing hard and staring into my eyes. He caressed my cheek tenderly afterwards.

He looked so serious.

I didn't know what to say. So I asked the obvious.

"What-what was that for?"

He caressed my cheek again.

"Luck."

My throat tightened and I avoided his eyes.

"Oh..."

He stared at my downcast gaze.

"Just remember, he isn't me Zelda."

I blushed again at his words, not realizing what he meant right away. I put my fingers to my lips and swallowed hard.

What in the world...?

"I-I know that." I was now very confused with this man's way of communicating.

What's gotten into him?

However, I already knew the answer to that question. That was a statement kiss. He meant to prove a point. Even so, he reached in and kissed me again, but this time it was a shorter sweeter kiss. His lips lingered on mine for a few moments before he parted ways. He was staring so intensely into my eyes just then. I had to look away again. Afterwards, Link then let me go and stepped back.

"You better head off. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can be done with it."

I nodded and got my bearings back.

"Right, thank you." I then shot for one of the above targets.

Afterwards, I sprung up to the pylons leaving Link below. He still had a worried expression on his face as he watched after me. I gave him a subtle nod when I was safely away.

Don't worry you beguiled hero. Elbourne has nothing on you.

Afterwards, I focused back on the task at hand. I needed to get that shard. Once up top, I put the claw shot away and climbed the side wall up to the platform. I was a little surprised in how accurate Link was in his prediction. There, standing in the middle of the large platform, was Elbourne of Dragon Roost. The crown prince's back was to me as I advanced, but that platinum blonde hair and that black and white dragon crest of the seal of his family couldn't be denied. He looked like he was immersed in some form of study, as he had a quill pen and a steward's book in his hand. But, I also saw he had his double axe ready as well. That wasn't a small thing. He was the best double axe wielder in Dragon Roost, which meant trouble for his opponent. There was no doubt in my mind now that he had heard the commotion earlier and was now alerted to Link's and my presence. He looked engaged even though his body was unmoving.

However, even more startling was when Elbourne subtly whistled. Out of the blue from the heavens above, his massive dracosaurian suddenly appeared. Link was right about that too. This was not good. This was a direct violation of Dragon Roost's treaty to Hyrule. It took me a moment to catch my breath at the sight of Elbourne's beloved black dragon Orthella. She was probably the grandest creature in all of Hyrule. She and her mother Obsidian. I had to pause and take in her awe. The extraordinary animal roared as she glided and landed majestically next to her master. Elbourne didn't so much as flinch when she landed. He simply pet her scales when she roared again at me. Considering Orthella's girth, I was certain she was seen from several of Hyrule's defensive observation points below. The City in the Sky was high up, true, but Orthella still appeared as a winged animal in flight below.

Elbourne then spoke up.

"If you're an assassin you'll do well to know you'll only lose," he warned, without looking in my direction. "All I have to do is whistle and you'll become dragon fodder."

Orthella seemed to confirm his words by roaring at me again. Such cool words for such a confident man, but I didn't expect anything else from the dragon prince. I grinned at his arrogance and placed my hands on my hips.

"Oh really?" I finally spoke up. "Why don't you turn around and see who's come to assassinate you your highness?"

He seemed surprised at the reply, and at the sound of my voice he did turn to look at me. However, it was me who finally had the revelation. It now came to me why Link did not like the idea of me entertaining Elbourne. It was because the dragon prince looked exactly like him. Exactly. That wasn't a hyperbole. The dragon prince could have been the hero's twin. I had known that fact for years, but it never crossed my mind that that was probably the reason why Link disliked him so. It was possibly like watching a mirror reflection of himself doing deplorable things. The resemblance between the two men was strikingly uncanny. Everyone who knew them knew it, but no one commented on it because of the controversy it entailed. Why did they look so much alike? What was the mystery behind their appearance? Was there a mystery at all? Was it merely a coincidence? The only difference was Elbourne's crystal hazel eyes and platinum blonde hair. The dragon prince had the hair of his ancestors. The dragon masters were known for those platinum blonde tresses. Everything else was identical. It was like Link and Elbourne were dopplegangers. Dopplegangers who despised each other.

Notwithstanding that fact, I had a confession to make. One of the reasons I kept Elbourne around was because when I looked at him he reminded me of Link. When I had no access to the hero, Elbourne was my access. Elbourne was my mirror, though he was nothing like Link. I knew it was wrong to essentially use him that way, but he was all I had to remember the hero by. When Link first came to the castle, I remember staring at him in complete awe because he was a kind version of my childhood friend. I always thought Elbourne could be a better man if he just exercised a little kindness. However, Elbourne saw kindness as weakness. He preferred fear as a means of strength. It was one of the things I disagreed with him with vehemently. The inverse was also what made me drawn to the hero, even though Elbourne didn't understand it. I used to fantasize it was the hero holding me when Elbourne came to me at night. There were some nights I even slipped and called the dragon prince Link's name by accident. Those slip ups led to some interesting conversations. Even now, I found myself staring at him in amazement. However, I shook my head when I remembered my objective.

Don't alert him to anything other than why you're here.

I made sure a smile was on my face. And when Elbourne caught sight of me, his brows immediately went up. His disposition changed from being on guard to relaxed in a matter of moments. However, he still looked at me with a hint of suspicion at my unannounced presence. He wasn't a shrew. He was shrewd, which made him dangerous. But, that didn't prevent him from giving me a long once over and returning my smile.

"Zelda?"

My appearance must have had him baffled. My smile widened and I walked over to him at his cue.

"Hello there my dear Elbourne."

Elbourne didn't answer right away as he looked me up and down several more times, before that smile broadened across his handsome face.

"Hello there yourself."

When I walked up, he immediately stepped forward, took hold of my hand, and kissed the back of my palm.

"How are you?" I asked.

He stepped back so he could take in a full frontal view of my body suit.

"Not as good as you apparently," he was only half joking, "you look sensational."

I chuckled and pulled my hand away.

"Thank you, I knew you'd like this."

He raised a brow.

"Indeed I do."

I then looked past him to his dracosaurian.

"Taking Orthella out for a ride?"

Elbourne looked over at his dragon and shrugged nonchalantly.

"She wanted to get out for a little bit. It can be so stuffy in Dragon Roost."

I grunted thoughtfully and gave him a keen eye.

"I'll bet," I said with a hint of sarcasm. "You do realize you're breaking the law by having an unauthorized dragon in Hyrulean territory, don't you? That's considered an act of war."

He didn't reply to that right away and his smile widened.

"I figured since I knew the Hylian monarch she would make a concession for me. Besides, Orthella is harmless."

Admittedly, that did make me giggle. This man thought he was so furtive.

"How do you account for that? You just told me she would make me dragon fodder."

He scoffed playfully.

"My Orthella knows her boundaries. She would never mistake you for food my dear queen."

I gave him a knowing look.

"Indeed." I then looked around the commodious space and changed the subject. "Besides the obvious, what are you doing up here?"

Elbourne didn't answer right away, which signaled to me it was something he shouldn't have, especially where his dragon was concerned.

"I was just about to ask you the same thing," he rebutted. "What's the queen of Hyrule doing in the sky city without so much as an escort? Why in the world are you outside the protective confines of the castle? Do you know how dangerous it is for you to be traveling alone?"

That was a nice segue on his part, ignoring my question by bombarding me with a few of his own. However, it did make it easier for me to give him an excuse that would placate to his ego. So, I shrugged casually and walked past him to pet his beautiful dragon. Orthella initially growled at my approach, but then I closed my eyes and tapped into my Triforce in front of her. Soon, my whole body was glowing blue, and when I reached to touch her, she calmed down immediately. She remembered. She could sense my spiritual energy. Orthella's crystal green irises closed when my hand was on her scales. She knew I was her friend. My grandmother taught me how to tap into my Triforce to tame the saurians. She told me it was vital for every queen in Hylia's line to know how to control the dragons of Dragon Roost.

Elbourne stared at me impressed.

"Look how perfect you are. Is there any doubt that you should be the queen of dragons?"

I knew very clearly what he meant by that rhetoric. I glanced over at him.

"I already am."

Elbourne chuckled.

"Indeed, indeed. I guess maybe with that power, you don't need an escort."

He was still trying to source his inquiries.

"I just missed seeing you." I admired the magnificence of Orthella's platinum black scales. "You've been so busy with your other maiden friends that you forgot all about me."

Elbourne grinned when I said that.

"Really?"

I stopped petting his dragon for a moment and turned to stare into his eyes. I pretended to look jealous.

"Yes really, and you should be ashamed too. What kind of man keeps a queen in wait?"

Elbourne chuckled, then detracted for a moment.

"Did you get my letter?"

I nodded.

"I did. I thought you were eager to get reacquainted."

His smile widened.

"I was, and I am. But you never wrote me back. How was I to know?"

He had me there, but I gave him an obvious look.

"Do I ever have to tell you to come visit me?"

He chuckled again at my response.

"Touche. I guess I should have known better."

I rolled my eyes playfully and went back to petting Orthella. There was a brief silence between us. He studied me for a moment. Those mesmerizing eyes of his roved about.

"How did you know where to find me?" he went on.

I paused for a moment. I hadn't thought about that.

"Why does it matter?"

He shrugged.

"I'm curious."

I went back to petting Orthella.

"I... I have my sources."

He closed his book and put his pen away.

"You're not having me watched, are you?" he half-joked.

I gave him an obvious glance.

"Never. I just have the men in your court watched."

He chuckled at my counter.

"I see... then you must forgive me. I had no idea you were longing to see me."

I scoffed exaggeratedly, which made him laugh more. I did put a little oomph in that. He then paused and gave me another once over.

"And… is that why you wore the outfit?"

I smiled.

"You don't like it?"

Elbourne glanced right at my cleavage.

"Quite the contrary. I think it flatters you all too well."

I put my hands on my hips again and turned to model for him.

"I knew you would. I wore it with you in mind. Are you going to tell me those maidens you were entertaining are more important than me?"

He looked at me surprised. And, seeing my flirting as an invitation, Elbourne went right along with it.

"You know no other woman has my heart like you do Zelda," he said, only half-joking.

I kept up with my ruse.

"I have a hard time believing that." I turned my nose up slightly.

He chuckled again.

"Why? Is that the reason there's a rumor going around that we're on some kind of private tryst?"

I looked at him surprised, not expecting him to bring that up. So... that information did get back to Dragon Roost.

"I see that you heard about that."

He walked towards me, not bothering to hide the desirous glint now in his eyes.

"Who hasn't heard about it? It's been industriously circulated between both our kingdoms."

I merely shrugged again, then took a step towards him.

"It couldn't be helped, how else was I supposed to get your attention?"

Elbourne smiled at me.

"You have it now." He then added. "Who started such a rumor I wonder?"

He inquired as if he already knew. I smiled at him seductively, not confirming or denying his inquiry.

"I wonder."

Elbourne chuckled again.

"Maybe it was a woman of industry."

I shrugged.

"Maybe."

There was a brief silence between us, where he apparently had something else he wanted to discuss with me. He brought the subject up in the most abrupt way possible. He got straight to the point.

"I thought you were in Balaam."

I froze when he uttered that. I didn't flinch.

"I was, and I returned."

He raised a brow.

"Doesn't it take a four days voyage to get there?"

I paused.

"It does, what's your point?"

He heard the verve in my tone.

"I just wondered."

There was another silence between us, where I whistled very softly and Orthella relaxed her wings so I could mount her. I looked over at Elbourne.

"You don't mind, do you?"

The dragon prince shook his head.

"Not at all."

I then walked up Orthella's strong wing, and mounted her neck. She was so grand. I looked tiny on top of her. Elbourne had one of her scales carved into a saddle. Dragon skin was so strong. The only thing stronger was adamantine. A metal used by all dragon riders. I imagine it was Elbourne himself who carved this seat. Orthella wasn't very trusting of other riders. The saurians took on the traits of their owners. Elbourne was known for intimidating a noble or two with his black dragon. It didn't surprise me that she wasn't very trusting of others. However, Orthella let me mount her as if I were Elbourne. I remember the first time I met Orthella. I was twelve and my family was visiting Dragon Roost for a council meeting my father had with his father. Elbourne took me to meet her, when at the time, no one else was allowed to touch her. My Triforce activated on its own that day. It was the first time that power was manifested. Orthella was born on the same day as Elbourne. I remember him telling me that. So, at times he referred to his saurian as his sister, or even his soulmate. His fraternal twin from the dragon mother Obsidian. I never knew a bond closer than he with his dragon. I actually respected that about him, but Elbourne left a lot to be desired regarding everything else. He exerted that power in a way that was dangerous. If anyone crossed him, he had no qualms about showing his strength.

"How does she feel?" he asked from below.

I nodded and looked heavenward.

"She's amazing. I can see why you love riding her. What a view!"

Elbourne piggybacked off that.

"Yes indeed." He stared at my cleavage again. "What a view."

I gave him an obvious look.

"You're incorrigible."

He nodded.

"I am, and when you're done riding her I have another dragon I'll gladly let you ride."

I shook my head.

"Elbourne will you be serious?"

He shrugged.

"I am, it would be hours and hours of fun for the both of us."

I couldn't help but laugh and that was when he ingeniously changed the subject again.

"Besides, it'll give you an opportunity to tell me all about the adventures you had in Zora's Domain."

Another unexpected inquiry from the prince of dragons. I should have played my reaction off better, but I looked at him shocked. How in the world did he find out about me being in Zora's Domain?

I just stared at him.

"Come again?"

He smirked.

"Were you in Zora's Domain recently, while traveling to Balaam, and out gallivanting with me? That's a great deal of travel for one woman with no escort."

There was another brief silence between us that I wish hadn't been. It made me look guilty. It was then I took the opportunity to dismount Orthella and walk up to Elbourne once more. How was he finding out all these things about me? Was he having me watched? Could it have been possible that he hired Sheik? No, no, that was preposterous. Sheik had his own agenda and made that known. Still, it didn't account for how Elbourne knew the things he did.

The dragon prince stood his ground and stared into my eyes mischievously.

"Is any of that true?"

I didn't reply right away.

"Where did you hear this?" I redirected.

He got the confirmation he needed whether I wanted him to or not.

"My father received a letter from King Ralis," he disclosed. "He wanted to know if you had been in my neck of the woods since you were supposed to be on some of kind of tryst with me."

I didn't let it show, but I was stunned.

So, I guess Ralis had his doubts after all. I can't blame him, but I never expected him to inform King Xavier.

Elbourne studied my expression.

"I ask you again, is any of this true?"

Considering he had confirmation from Ralis, there was no sense denying it. However, he could have been bluffing, but his timing was incredibly accurate. I decided to be indifferent.

I looked him straight in the eyes.

"I'm going to leave that answer up to you."

The dragon prince raised a brow and snickered.

"Unwilling to let your stubbornness go, huh?"

I grinned.

"You know me too well."

This time he laughed, and I found this the perfect opportunity to shift the conversation in my favor for a change. He shouldn't have been questioning me. I should have been questioning him.

"Speaking of stubbornness. Now it's time for you to answer me, what are you doing up here?"

We've circled around his secretive nature enough. I wanted to know why he was on the sacred ground of the Oocca people. This could have been a potentially disastrous situation. Given Link's own knowledge regarding strategy, there was no telling what my generals were conjuring. As soon as possible, I needed to get in contact with my men to prevent them from taking any actions against Dragon Roost. But, I also needed to make it clear that this kind of behavior was not tolerated in Hyrule. Elbourne could not fly his dracosaurian whenever he wanted and without any consequences. Hyrule was not his harem. I decided he might have to have a display of those consequences now. He was never so bold in the past.

However, his response was nonchalant.

"I wanted to get some fresh air."

I narrowed my eyes.

"You can get fresh air down below."

He smirked.

"The air is crisper up here. It's like being close to the goddesses."

I simply stared at him. There was nothing cavalier about what he was doing.

"I hate to make our meeting so objectionable, but I have to warn you. This is the last time you will fly your dragons over Hyrule. If I catch you again, all of your dragons will belong to me."

Elbourne looked at me taken aback just then. There was an immediate silence that followed in that moment. However, he broke it without hesitance.

"I beg your pardon?"

I didn't flinch.

"As magnificent as Orthella is, she does not belong in Hyrule. She belongs with her people."

The dragon prince stared at me for a long time. Some of the charm left his features.

"Are you threatening me?" he whispered.

I didn't break my gaze and slowly made myself tap into my Triforce again. When he saw the blue glow emit from my body, he knew I meant business.

"Do I have to? Do you want Orthella, Obsidian, and Lightning to have a new master?"

Elbourne's eyes searched my face. He didn't appreciate me bringing his mother and his father's dragons into this discussion. His gaze was long, until finally he forced a smile.

"No, of course I wouldn't want that."

I then made my blue glow fade.

"Then respect my wishes Elbourne. Keep your dragons where they belong."

The insouciant expression he had on his face faded, and admittedly I didn't like being so forceful with him. But he left me no choice. His aggression towards the Gorons was provoking enough, but his flying his dragons into my lands was straight up interloping. It was a deliberate action. He was violating two treaties and thought nothing of it. Xavier needed to reign his son in. Unless, the dragon prince was being told to do these things by his father.

"As you wish my lady."

I tried to keep my expression warm, but I knew I looked stern and was trying to compromise it. Even so, Elbourne softened his own expression by saying something surprising, considering what I just uttered.

"You have so much untapped power. You would be the greatest dragon queen Hyrule had ever seen. Imagine our children: your blood with the goddess's power and my dragon training ability. We would be unstoppable."

He sounded like he wanted world domination with that talk. I wasn't going to entertain such an idea.

"You still haven't told me what you are doing up here." I had not forgotten.

Elbourne stared into my eyes. His admiration seemed to grow. He decided to be forthcoming with the truth.

"Fair enough. I was thinking about offering you a bid on buying this city. It would be perfect for my purposes."

I had a feeling he was going to say something like that.

"Which are?" I asked anyway.

Elbourne smirked, realizing the irony in what he was about to say.

"Cultivating dragons my dear."

I billowed a frustrated breath and rolled my eyes. Elbourne chuckled and shrugged.

"You asked for the truth," he said.

This situation regarding a shard was turning out to be a whole lot more.

He's up to something. I know he is.

"You already know that isn't going to happen. This city isn't mine to offer. It's a sacred place to the Oocca people. I couldn't just sell it to you for profit. Where would the Oocca people go?"

Elbourne didn't see the issue.

"That's your problem Zelda. You care too much."

I shook my head.

"And you don't care nearly enough."

Elbourne shrugged again at my statement. That seemed to be his favorite gesture these days.

"When are you going to learn that there is me, you, and everyone else? When are you going to realize we live in totally different worlds than everyone else? You have near absolute power. Why should you or I care about a bunch of oblong bird people who should have gone extinct a long time ago? If you ask me, I think Argorok was doing Hyrule a great service by having those annoying bastards eaten."

His contempt could not be more evident, and sadly. He simply did not care.

"Argorok was a servant of Zant, Elbourne. That dragon usurped this place and took it over by ill gotten means."

He then came up to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. He was very forward considering our discussion.

"Correction, the dragon was under the influence of Zant. It couldn't be totally blamed. It merely needed proper coaching."

It was then I realized I needed to get back on track. I needed to remember why I was here. I had a role to play. I needed to stop wasting time. I forced a smile.

"Like from a dragon master like you?" I then dropped my voice a little bit.

Elbourne returned my smile, evidently liking my tone.

"Yes, from a dragon master like me. However, it's too bad that bastard the Hero of Twilight had to go and kill it."

That was certainly going to make this more difficult. Any chance he got, he wanted to talk down about Link. I found it very frustrating. However, I knew I needed to be careful if I wanted what I wanted from him. Even so, I wasn't going to be a silent accomplice.

"The Hero of Twilight is a great man. Stop being foolish."

Elbourne wasn't impressed.

"He's a farm boy privy to the divine comedy. Farore was looking down one day and said let's bless the rubble."

I did not take kindly to his words.

"You're so insolent to what he has done. If it weren't for him, Hyrule would be in shambles. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't-"

"He's an over blown hero with an inflated ego. The only thing he is fit for now is farming and guarding. He's hardly a man worth getting upset over. I'm glad you have no more dealings with him."

He was going to be quite surprised when he found out the reality of this situation. It took everything in me to keep my composure. I had to avoid his eyes, but Elbourne took note of my expression.

"Is something wrong?"

I paused before I shook my head. I didn't answer. Elbourne studied my expression again and read it the wrong way.

"Thinking of him still hurts you, doesn't it? Let your cares regarding him go for now. He won't hurt you again. I won't let him."

He couldn't have been more wrong.

"Elbourne..."

He dismissed the previous conversation.

"Enough about farm boy. I want to know where you got this little number from." He was referring to my clothes. "And I want to know how you found me."

I stiffened slightly at his touch, but had to remember my objective. I couldn't seize up when what I needed was so important.

Just let it go Zelda. What Elbourne thinks about Link does not matter.

I stared into his eyes and had to will myself to go on with this.

"A little... a little birdie told me where you were." I tried to remember to be playful and seductive.

Elbourne smirked.

"A little birdie? Who?"

I reached up and stroked his hair. I had to stay in his good graces.

"I wouldn't worry about that. The point is I found you, and you have something I want."

Elbourne's crystal hazel eyes stared into mine transfixed.

"Oh really?"

I nodded.

"Yes, really." I looked around the spacious landing. "Is there any place we can go to be alone without your lovely Orthella watching us?"

Elbourne's eyes narrowed slightly at my request. He studied me for a moment.

"You're serious?"

I nodded.

"I am," I whispered.

To prove I was willing to go to the limits with him, I reached up and kissed him softly on the lips. It was a risky maneuver, but one I needed to take. He looked at me surprised when I pulled away.

"So... we're finally done playing cat and mouse? Have I finally captured the shrew?"

He actually sounded serious.

"There's only one way to find out."

Elbourne stared into my eyes again and smiled. And I knew this was completely out of place, but he looked just like Link with the expression he was making... just like him.

"Indeed."

With that, Elbourne wasted no time getting on Orthella and reaching out his hand to invite me on her.

"Let's go."

I hesitated, realizing I didn't want to leave Link behind in this city. If I left, there would be no way for me to contact him. It was too much of a gamble.

"I... I was hoping we wouldn't have to travel so far."

Elbourne then did something surprising and pointed heavenward.

"We won't."

I didn't see what he was pointing to at first, until I realized there was another building in the distance. This building didn't look anything like the older buildings part of the city. It looked like an add-on made in secret. I wasn't expecting to see anything like this, and this is probably why Link said what he said.

"What's that?"

Elbourne smirked.

"A surprise."

I cut my eyes to him when I realized something was amiss. I didn't like the sound of this. Even so, I took hold of his hand and got on his dragon anyway. Afterwards, we whisked away quickly to the building higher in the sky. I noticed there was a target to claw shot to as well, so Link could get up here if he needed to. I wondered how he was fairing. I hoped he was alright. When Elbourne and I landed, we exited via Orthella's back and went into the structure. However, I stopped short of the doorway when I realized what this was.

What in the-?

It was a newly structured apartment with a bed and bathing area. This had nothing to do with the Ooca, or their culture. This was a complete disrespect to this city. How in the world did Elbourne manage to have something like this built without my knowing it? How many women did he deflower in this room when he was desecrating a sacred city? Did he have no shame?

I looked around speechless.

Elbourne took it for something else.

"Do you like it?"

I looked around the commodious room, then back to him stunned.

"You built this without my knowing it?"

He looked surprised at my question.

"It was only because I spent so much time up here unnecessarily so."

I stared at him in disbelief.

"So not only do you defy the treaty with me, you illegally barter land as well? Do you hear yourself?"

My tone made the mood wane. Elbourne removed his cape as he went to go sit down on the couch in the center of the room. I stood in the doorway still looking around, trying not to get more upset.

"Come on Zelda, don't be angry. You know I only do these things because business dictates it."

My mouth went agape.

"Business? You stole land! How is this any different than what you're doing to the Gorons?"

Elbourne was surprised I brought up the Gorons, but he seemed to have no conscience about it. He shrugged and got up to open a flask of wine sitting on a table.

"The Gorons don't know what they're sitting on with Death Mountain." He poured himself a chalice and then offered me a drink. "Wine?"

I declined.

"No, thank you."

Afterwards, Elbourne went and deferred the couch for the bed. He was very equanimous about the subject.

"The Gorons have riches they can't possibly comprehend." He took a sip. "There's no sense in letting all of it go to waste just because a bunch of mountain simpletons don't know how to use it."

I crossed my arms over my chest, offended for them by his insults.

Elbourne looked saddened suddenly.

"Oh no, now you've obstructed my view," he complained of my covering my cleavage.

I was not in a playing mood.

"Elbourne you're really something, do you know that? You're breaking all sorts of laws as if its the normal thing to do. And you're acting like there is no consequence for it. You procure a sacred city for your own personal use. You're in violation of the Nohanseen Accords. You're in violation of the Hyrulean/Roostian treaty you helped pen two years ago. The laws are not simply words on paper. They are supposed to mean something Elbourne. What is wrong with you? If you antagonize this any further, our two countries will be at war."

Elbourne laid back against the pillows of the divan and stared at me for a moment. He was not expecting me to take the conversation in such a serious direction. Even so, he got up off the bed with his cup still in hand and walked back over towards me. I didn't move and when he came towards me, he gave me a long once over before looking right back into my eyes.

"You're beautiful when you're upset, but I feel your anger is misplaced. We could put this all to rest if there was an alliance of some kind. Perhaps we could both have what we want."

I knew exactly what he was suggesting.

"You mean marriage?" I asked outright.

Elbourne nodded.

"Why not? We're both beautiful, sexy people... let's make it happen."

I shook my head.

"I don't happen to love you like that Elbourne," I said bluntly. "And as much as you tote it, you don't really love me, even though you keep trying to convince yourself of that sentiment."

Elbourne smirked at my notion.

"Who says you need love for marriage? And I wouldn't be so quick to assume what others feel Zelda. I've told you time and again that you're the woman of my dreams. I won't marry anyone else but you."

This man was unbelievable.

"Yet you sleep with half the maidens in your court?"

He didn't flinch.

"So what. If you want me to stop, I'll stop, but you can't blame me for having a healthy sexual appetite. I could easily give all my vigor to you. You know that."

I gave up on trying to reason with him.

"The simple fact of the matter is this, we wouldn't be right for each other. Plain and simple."

He shook his head.

"I disagree. I could be good for you."

I gave him a quick once over and recalled a point Link made before.

"Besides, why should I marry you? I've heard you were saying some pretty vulgar things about me that weren't true."

Elbourne pulled back and looked at me surprised when I changed the subject.

He raised a brow.

"From who?"

He knew I wasn't going to give away my source.

"It doesn't matter. Let's just say it's a very reliable individual."

Elbourne's eyes searched my face intrigued.

"Enlighten me?"

It was just the cue I needed.

"Did you go blurting your big mouth about my birthmark?"

I reached over and fixed a ruffle out of place on his shirt.

Elbourne's grin widened.

"I don't see how you can constitute that as a lie. I can't help it Zelda, it's sexy as hell. I didn't even divulge its true nature. Be grateful."

So... that was true.

"What about some nasty comment about a 'cherry tart?'" I continued.

The dragon prince had no shame.

"I'm guilty. Why wouldn't I want to taste that?"

He really was crass.

"I see, what about moaning like a kitty and whimpering like a cat?"

He chuckled.

"You've got those backwards, and yes I said that too. Again, I ask you, what did I lie about?"

I looked at him incredulously.

"You said I did the spread tektite with you! I have never done such a thing!"

Elbourne snickered.

"Okay, okay, maybe I did fib on that."

This was unbelievable.

"You have absolutely no remorse."

Elbourne grinned.

"None whatsoever." He came closer. "Why should I? You're the sexiest creature in this kingdom. Is it wrong for me to desire you?"

He was incorrigible.

"You would say anything to get in bed with me, wouldn't you?"

He nodded with no qualms.

"Yes I would. You can stop with the high and mighty act Zelda. We both know that I know more about you than you're willing to admit to your people, or even to yourself."

There was more truth in that statement than I wanted to acknowledge. A brief silence came between us after that. One where Elbourne went to put his cup of wine on the table and walked back over to me. He slipped his arms back around my waist.

"I assume this was not how you wanted this discussion to go. Besides, I hate seeing you upset. Let's start again. You... said I had something you wanted. What was that?"

He was right and I did need to move on. I had to remember the task at hand. All this other chatter could wait.

"Yes, you do."

"Well then, shall we commence?"

He closed his eyes and leaned in to kiss me, but then I pulled his arms from around me and evaded his capture.

"Ah, ah, ah." I remembered my taunt from Snowpeak. "You have to ask me nicely."

Elbourne turned, all the while looking visibly frustrated now. I chuckled flirtatiously at his annoyance.

"What's the matter dragon prince?" I teased. "Need some water to cool your scales?"

Elbourne did not appear amused.

"I've got your scales." He followed after me.

I giggled at his manner. However, I wasn't expecting his next aggressive maneuver. When he came up to me, he had no qualms about swooping me up in his strong arms, walking us over to the bed, and placing me on the mattress underneath him. I quickly realized this situation was fast getting away from me, and crawled back. I suddenly felt like a fly caught in a spider's web.

Oh dear, this isn't good.

Elbourne hovered over me in the same fashion he always had when we got into situations like this. Only this time I think he was determined to get what he wanted from me. He probably felt like I taunted him enough. I could feel his large, excited bulge when he pressed his body against mine. I knew he was not in any mood to be trifled with. He got a little closer to my lips.

"I'll ask you nicely alright," he whispered and tried to kiss me again, but I turned my face away and his lips planted on my neck. "Zelda!" he said exasperated at my action. "Come on!"

My heart was pounding as I was trying to think quick.

"I can't help it. I imagined it differently with you 'big' Elly."

Elbourne suddenly looked at me perplexed.

"How did you know I like to be called that?" he detracted the subject for a moment.

Considering part of the name's origin, I can only imagine where the 'big' came into play. So many brothel girls and ladies of the court. The question is how did Link know you liked to be called that?

I was going to have to improvise.

"Everyone knows you like to be called that." I stroked his platinum hair.

Elbourne stared into my eyes, looking like he was totally enthralled by my words now.

"How did you imagine it?"

I could hear the subtle desperation in his voice.

"I always wanted mirrors around me so I could capture every moment. You know what I mean."

Elbourne looked at me shocked.

"Mirrors?"

I nodded, then sighed.

"It's always been a secret fantasy of mine. I've always wanted to know what making love to you would look like from every angle."

Elbourne's eyes widened, wanting to make the fantasy come true.

"I have mirrors." He was about to get up, but I stopped him.

I needed him to really hear me.

"I mean very specific mirrors." I lost some of my ruse, wanting to get to the point and know where the shard was. "Like broken shards to ancient mirrors."

Elbourne looked at me surprised.

"Broken shards?'

I got back into role for a second.

"Yes," I said with an exaggerated sigh, "do you have anything like that?"

Elbourne paused for a moment, seriously looking like he was contemplating the matter.

"You know, someone in my kingdom did find something like that while excavating a few days ago. I thought it was a worthless piece of trash so I had it donated to the peasant festival. It's strange that you ask about that now."

I looked at Elbourne beyond shocked.

"What?"

Elbourne donated the mirror to the festival committee? I was completely thrown for a loop. I tried sitting up, suddenly realizing something else. That means it's going to exchange hands for several months and I won't have access to it until the festival.

Elbourne saw my preoccupied state and immediately took advantage of it. He forced me back onto the mattress and kissed me while my wits weren't about me. It was a rather clumsy kiss and I felt like I was going to gag because his tongue was so forceful. However, when I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling, I saw something rather shocking. I nearly let out a shriek when I saw Link staring down at us from the roof rafters. I didn't know how he got up there, what he heard, or how he got past Orthella, perhaps he used his Triforce too, but I could tell from the look on his face he was displeased with what was taking place. And with the way Elbourne was acting, I was certain Link was going to intervene at any moment. For now though, the hero put his finger to his lips shushing me. I nodded slowly through Elbourne's kiss, showing him I acknowledged him. When Elbourne pulled away, I kept his attention focused on me.

"Why did you give away that broken mirror?" I got to the point.

Elbourne shook his head, confused as to why I was till talking about this.

"I don't know. I had nothing else to give. Some poor unworthy peasant will have it to decorate their dreary home. However, I do have-"

I started losing my composure.

"That's my point!" I grabbed him by his collar. "Why do you do things without thinking?"

Elbourne stared at me shocked.

"Uh… why are you so upset about a piece of mirror?"

I groaned irritably and tried to push past him. I didn't bother to answer his question, but now he wouldn't budge.

"Let me up! You've done enough damage!"

The dragon prince couldn't understand my annoyance.

"Why are you so worked up? I have other mirrors Zelda. If I didn't know better, I'd swear you were keeping something from me."

I stared him down.

"What a marvelous revelation!" I said sarcastically, but added nothing else. "Let me pass."

Instead of moving, Elbourne doubled down on his positioning, which I wasn't expecting. He forced me back against the mattress once more and suddenly I was alarmed. When he pressed his pelvis against mine, my eyes widened.

"What are you-?"

"I didn't know you were into that kind of thing you naughty little girl," he whispered in a rather unconventional way. "It seems I might have to give you a lesson in bedroom etiquette Zelda my dear."

I stared at him astonished.

"What are you talking about? Let me up at once!"

Elbourne still didn't budge, but then there was a strange thing that began happening with his eyes now. The crystal hazel was slowly darkening to a baleful black. I had never seen anything like it. Admittedly, I was becoming frightened.

"Elbourne... what is going on with...?"

I didn't finish.

Elbourne inched his face closer and my heart raced.

"There's a side of me you don't know," he whispered, "but one I'd be willing to introduce to you if fighting me would be your pleasure."

What in Hylia's dear name?

However, I never got to answer because rapidly after that, Link came dropping from the ceiling via a rope. But, Elbourne was more astute than I gave him credit for. He quickly turned after pulling a dagger from his boot and fending off the hero's attack. I was stunned at how quickly Elbourne maneuvered that. I then hurried to get off the bed when the two men locked eyes.

"I knew I heard something," Elbourne growled.

Link clenched his teeth.

"She doesn't want you touching her, you bastard!"

Elbourne then looked over at me.

"I thought it was odd for you to be traveling by yourself. Now I know that's not true."

Link stared over at me.

"Are you alright?"

"Of course she's alright," Elbourne answered for me. "Who do you think she's with? I would never hurt her."

Honestly, I wasn't sure for a second.

"You were a bit more pernicious than usual Elbourne," I admitted.

The dragon prince ignored me and was more visibly frustrated when he got a better look at his apprehender.

"Wait a minute... Linux?" he asked in disbelief. "Farm boy?"

Link looked at him equally perplexed.

"Who?"

The story behind that name was a long one. It would take too much time to explain, so I wouldn't. Elbourne then looked back over at me.

"You're traveling with this vermin? You've reduced yourself to crawling back to him?"

The vitriol was apparent, but Link didn't let it slide. He pressed his parried blade closer to Elbourne's face.

"Keep talking, and your innards will be all over this lovely white shirt of yours," he threatened.

"Only if you want your body to be returned to your wife in pieces!" the dragon prince retorted.

The hero was undeterred.

"I'm surprised you listen to gossip your highness. I thought that was beneath you."

Elbourne narrowed his eyes.

"Trust me when I say I could care less about your private life."

I couldn't believe what the dragon prince just uttered.

That lie spread to Dragon Roost?!

This situation was getting out of control. I had to step in.

"Link wait. Release him."

The hero was not at all convinced.

"My lady..."

This was escalating in ways I hadn't expected.

"It's alright," I reassured.

Link was still hesitant, but slowly got up. When the hero's grip lessened, Elbourne's parried knife circled about the dueling blade. Link jumped out of a kick Elbourne attempted when his legs were free, and the hero landed on his feet next to me. One thing was for certain, Link was definitely more nimble than he looked. The dragon prince jumped off the bed too and stared the warrior down. He sheathed his blade.

"How dare you apprehend Elbourne son of Xavier Wilhelm Draco of Dragon Roost?" he demanded. "I'll have your head for this!"

Link simply stared back.

"You'll certainly try," he warned. "And if anything had happened to her majesty because of your depravity, you'd be choking on your genitals right now."

I looked at Link shocked and hurried to stand between both men. This was going to turn into a skirmish in a second. Elbourne looked like he was going to pass through me to go after Link. The dragon prince was seething.

"That's enough! This is getting us nowhere!" I looked between the both of them, but then turned back to Link. "Please wait for me outside the door."

The hero looked at me surprised.

"Me?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

He cut his eyes back to Elbourne.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded again.

"I'm quite sure, I'll be out in a moment."

Link hesitated, backing up slowly, but then bowed and turned to head out the door.

"What a vagrant," Elbourne muttered after Link.

I sighed and turned my attention back to the dragon prince. He was very upset, and rightly so.

"Look, I'm sorry for deceiving you, but I really was left with no choice."

My words didn't make Elbourne feel any better.

"Thanks, you could have been upfront with your intentions."

I gave him an obvious look.

"Would you have been more forthcoming?"

He scoffed.

"After this deception? Probably not."

I raised a brow.

"I rest my case," I then added, "I was even planning on making this all up to you, but I guess that's no longer an option."

Elbourne rolled his eyes and went to get his cape resting on the chaise.

"Don't do me any favors Zelda, especially if your bodyguard is going to tag along. That bastard nearly cut my throat!"

I did feel a measure of guilt regarding that.

"I apologize for that. He was only protecting me."

Elbourne fanned off my words.

"I suppose that makes everything better," he said sarcastically.

The sunlight in the background was starting to lower. It was already nearing dusk. The day had been awash with no shard to account for it. I had to rethink the strategy we were going to employ for what we were going to do next.

"I would love to continue this discussion, but I have to go."

The dragon prince grunted.

"Don't let me stop you. I want to forget all about this incident if I can."

That comment was none too reassuring. However, there was nothing more I could do. I then turned and headed for the door. But before I headed past the abridging, I stopped and paused for a moment. I realized I forgot something. Something that needed to be done for the sake of civility. I walked back up to Elbourne and looked him straight in his eyes.

He raised a brow.

"What now?"

I narrowed my eyes.

"I promised myself I'd give you something you sincerely deserved when I saw you again."

Elbourne looked at me taken aback.

"What's that?"

I then raised my hand and slapped him clean across his face. Elbourne turned back and looked at me shocked. He was rightfully angry.

"What was that for?"

"For being vulgar and disgusting! Don't you ever speak about me in such a deplorable way again!"

I then turned and stormed out of the room. Upon my exit, Link was waiting for me right at the door post. He looked back into the room and eyed the dragon prince one last time.

"Every thing okay?" he asked me.

I held a stern expression, but then it changed into a grin.

"Yes."

Link grinned back, but then nodded towards the landing.

"You ready? It's going to take awhile to get back to Lake Hylia."

I stared out at the horizon.

"Yes, I'm ready, but we have a little bit of a wait on the next shard. The Hyrulean Festival is three months away. We won't be able to obtain it until then."

Link gave me a wayward look, but then offered his hand.

"Then the Hyrulean Festival it is."

I took his hand and we soared our way out of the city.

~SSS~

Several hours later, Lake Hylia

Upon our descent from the City in the Sky, Link and I made our way back to Lake Hylia to regroup. There was a great deal for us to consider since our journey had taken an unexpected turn. I didn't have an opportunity to change yet, so I put my cloak back on as we rested on the shoreline to talk.

Link spoke first.

"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked initially.

I nodded, looking up at the heavens where the city appeared like a bunch of islands.

"I'm fine, but it seems our problems have amplified."

The hero raised a brow.

"True. So, what do you want to do now? Elbourne really did set us back by handing over the mirror to the Festival Committee."

I thought about that for a moment.

"I can always order the committee to hand the mirror over, but that might alert too many people, especially with me being gone so long already."

Link nodded.

"You have a point."

I pursed my lips together.

"We need to proceed with caution. We might have to wade this one out."

The hero gave me a wayward glance.

"I considered that."

I paused, needing to alert Link to something else as well.

"Elbourne knows about me being in Zora's Domain."

The hero looked at me taken aback.

"What? How?"

"Ralis told his father King Xavier by letter. And, if that is the case, Ralis or Xavier may have sent word to Shad without my knowledge too."

Link looked troubled by that disclosure and gave me a quick once over.

"Shad saw us going into Zora's Domain. That shouldn't be an issue."

I gave him a wayward look.

"True, but my concern is that he divulged information related to the shard to Shad," I reasoned. "My concern is that Ralis may have circumvented me do to his apparent lack of trust."

Link then understood.

"I hadn't considered that."

My concern was growing.

"This is grave."

The hero paused for a moment.

"You stated Elbourne said he mentioned you. Ralis didn't mention me?"

I shook my head.

"I don't know," I said truthfully, "Elbourne didn't bother to say, but he seemed very surprised when he saw you with me in the city. Perhaps Ralis didn't mention you."

The hero sighed. That information made things complicated.

"What do you want to do?"

I stared at the lake.

"I need to go back to Hyrule and convene with my counselors. The hens are coming home to roost, and I need to stay one step ahead of them. In the meantime, if you want to go back to Ordon you can. I can always call on you later."

Link quickly dismissed that idea.

"I'm going with you. This isn't over. I said I would see this through with you to the end. Besides, if I go back to Ordon too preemptively, the villagers might have questions of their own."

I stared at him surprised for a moment, then grinned.

"Somehow I knew you would come to that conclusion. You're about as stubborn as your goats."

He returned my grin.

"That goes double for you. I don't think I've met a more stubborn woman in my life."

We both laughed, then got quiet. I was the first to break the silence when I spoke again.

"I… I want to say thank you for how you looked out for me up there, and how you continue to do so. I appreciate your quick thinking."

Link thought nothing of it.

"That's what I'm here for. Truthfully, after considering what you told me, I didn't believe Elbourne would do anything to hurt you, but he was too close for comfort for me."

My grin widened.

"I actually feel kind of bad for tricking him," I said honestly.

Link paused for a moment.

"I wouldn't go that far."

His inflection made me laugh again and my eyes searched his face.

"Thank you for being you Link. However, if you stay with me, you may not be back in Ordon for awhile. The Hyrulean Festival is three months from now."

Link returned my gaze.

"Three months or three years, whatever it takes. I won't leave you until this is over."

I blushed at hearing that. I wish I hadn't, but I did. That was quite the statement.

"You're amazing Link. I mean that."

He nodded and didn't answer me right away.

"I have a reply to that, but I don't think it's appropriate right now," he said boldly.

My eyes widened slightly and I edged back a little.

"Link… what are you talking about?"

He gave me no indicator. None. Instead, he got up from the grass and dusted off his pants. He then offered me his hand.

"Let's go."

I stared up at him, hoping he would cave a little. He didn't.

"Link… you're really going to keep me in suspense?"

He didn't budge.

"Absolutely, now let's go. We need to find shelter before night fall."

I still didn't immediately take his hand. However, he didn't bend to my will either. Eventually, I reached up and accepted his gesture. When he pulled me up, there was a serious expression on his face that I didn't understand completely until he spoke.

"I want to thank you for allowing me to escort you," he said all of a sudden. "It's been an honor."

My eyes searched his face.

"You don't have to thank me. The honor has been mine. I'm just glad you said yes."

Link's gaze became brooding.

"I may never say no to you again Zelda," he half-joked. "Ever."

My throat tightened at that. I didn't reply. Seeing he left me dumbstruck, he nodded towards the falls.

"Come on, we have a long hike ahead of us."

I paused, trying to understand what was going on between us, but then nodded. It didn't matter right now. All that mattered was finding that shard.

"Of course. Of course."

~SSS~

A week later in the kingdom of Dragon Roost, Elbourne

Zelda was up to something. Zelda had a routine that she was always in lockstep with, and when she broke out of that routine she was out of character. I have known Zelda for years. Many years. So, when something didn't make sense, I knew there was an interplay going on. Upon my return to Dragon Roost a week ago, I went to see my father to discuss what happened in the sky city. However, he was in counsel with his men regarding a matter he apparently didn't want me to know about. He even told me not to bother him for the duration of the week. I was surprised at this because we seemed to be getting along so well lately. He must have heard about another indiscretion he was displeased with regarding me. Such was the nature of our relationship. What nonsense. Even so, if I could not capitulate with the dragon king, I would do so with my mother. Seven days after my venture to the sky city I went and requested an audience with my mother. I didn't need a request to see her, but I wanted to show her the respect she deserved. That was my current vocation, and as I walked down the halls of the hallowed palace, I reflected briefly on all that my mother had been through.

My mother Constance was perfection. To me, she emulated the qualities all women should have: elegance, temperance, grace, beauty, dignity, intelligence, and power. She heralded her power in a way like no other woman did. She never made a person feel beneath her, though her sway was great. The people of my country loved her. There were many who revered the royal family for her fealty alone. My father garnered respect for his industrious endeavors, but it was my mother who had the love of the people. Everywhere she went the peasants had a tribute to her in some way. She went and visited the patients in the infirmary who fell to dragon sickness. She bought goods from the market in person with her escort. She listened to the needs of the little ones. She was also a fashion icon as her dress and manner was emulated by many of the ladies of the court. Even so, my mother also had to contend with my father's constant infidelity. He bedded a different woman every night and it broke my mother's heart. It was rumored he had more bastards than dragons in Dragon Roost. It was no matter. I am the crown prince. Dragon Roost is mine. But, my father once made me privy to a grand revelation that may have given him reason in his own sick mind to hate my mother. I didn't like talking about it. So I didn't. There were rumors and even truths revealed to me. But destiny was destiny. I will be the next dragon king. No one was going to take that from me.

Arriving at my mother's chamber, I acknowledged the guard standing watch and nodded for him to announce me. However, he went with protocol.

"Good morning your highness. Is her majesty expecting you?"

I nodded.

"She is."

The guard nodded, then knocked on her door. There was a brief pause.

"You may enter," my mother's voice replied.

She was expecting me, thus no reason for a delay. The guard then opened the door.

"Please proceed."

I nodded again and walked in. Sitting behind her large oak table, was my mother the dragon queen. She was fifty years old, but every bit as beautiful as the day she was when she was a young maiden. Her dark brown hair was graying at the edges and her crystal green eyes were still a marvel to behold. Her fair complexion reminded me of perfectly churned butter, without blemish and buttery smooth, while her countenance remained kind. In so many ways, I wanted to be kind like her, but it alluded me. I failed to see the good in people the way she did. I looked for the weaknesses. I relished in the idea of a person's folly. She warned me that that would be my downfall if I was not careful, and I believed she was right. I put a great deal of stock in her words. That was why I wanted to marry a woman just like her. That was why I wanted to marry Zelda. Zelda was the second most perfect woman in the world after my mother. I couldn't put into words what Zelda truly meant to me. I loved her in a way I would never love another woman, and she simply did not understand that. It was simply too long of a story to get into now, but time would be a harbinger for it. It would be told soon enough. Currently, I needed to understand what was going on with the elusive Queen of Hyrule.

I bowed.

"Good morning mother," I greeted.

She stood and walked over to me. She gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Good morning dear. You're looking well."

I appreciated the compliment.

"Thank you. I'm glad I caught you before you went about your duties."

She then gestured for me to sit down next to her on one of her fine couches she used for tea. She sat first and I followed. She reached over and grabbed my hand.

"Did you meet with your counselors this morning?"

I groaned.

"They're idiots. They think it's ill bred to know anything about the common folk, so they dismissed my idea for the irrigation canals for every citizen's home."

Mother looked at me surprised.

"Why would they be opposed to that?"

"They are short sighted."

She nodded.

"I would have to agree."

I grinned, loving that she understood the dynamics of diplomacy better than the fossils in the court. Dragon Roost would still be in the ore age if we listened to the likes of those men.

"That's why the people love you mother."

She laughed and shook her head.

"Oh Elbourne." She rested her hand on my cheek. "You silly silly boy."

Her voice was like music.

"It's the truth," I insisted.

She then fanned me off and got to the heart of the matter.

"Now, what seems to be the problem?"

I raised a brow.

"What makes you think there's a problem?"

She gave me a knowing look.

"You always come to me when you have an issue related to a certain Queen of Hyrule. Now what is it?"

I grinned.

"I guess I am an open book about her," I admitted.

She smiled.

"You are, but that's okay. I know she means a great deal to you."

I looked into my mother's eyes and lowered my voice.

"She's up to something," I whispered, "and I don't trust her."

She giggled.

"That won't make for the amiable relationship you're going for Elbourne," she joked.

I looked away for a moment and shook my head.

"She refused to sell me the City in the Sky. Talking about some nonsense regarding the Oocca people."

My mother sat back.

"I warned you not to have your heart set on that. I told you there was a good chance she would say no."

I groaned.

"She said no alright," I tried to keep my frustration at bay, "but that wasn't the strange thing."

My mother looked perplexed.

"Oh really?"

I looked back over at her.

"Yes, she asked me about a shard from a mirror, and she was willing to seduce me to do so."

My mother's ears perked at that.

"I beg your pardon?"

"She asked about a shard from a mirror," I repeated. "I've been trying to bed that woman for years and all it takes is a shard to do so? Hylia help me."

Mother was shocked by my impropriety.

"Elbourne! Have you no manners?"

I wasn't worried about etiquette in this instance.

"It's the truth, which tells me she's got something else up her sleeve."

My mother was quiet for a moment, but then she backtracked the conversation.

"What do you mean by a mirror shard?"

I shrugged.

"Exactly what I meant, a piece of mirror with some old letters on it."

There was something in my phrasing that made my mother suddenly seize up.

"Old letters..."

I looked over at her perplexed.

"Are you familiar with such a relic?"

Mother didn't answer me.

"Why would she ask you about that?"

My interests suddenly piqued. I studied her for a moment. I thought I saw a bit of fear in her eyes.

"Is something wrong?"

Mother shook her head.

"No," she said unconvincingly and looked away, "nothing at all."

There was a brief pause between us.

"Forgive me, but you aren't a very good liar."

Mother was now lost in her thoughts.

"So it would seem," she said more to herself than to me.

I narrowed my eyes.

"You... you know of what Zelda wants, don't you?"

She didn't answer me.

"Mother-"

"I don't want to speak on it Elbourne. Please stop questioning me."

I looked at her taken aback.

"How am I supposed to take it when you suddenly start acting so strange?"

She didn't seem concerned with that and got up.

"The Arbiter..." she whispered suddenly.

I stood with her when she uttered that.

"The what?"

She fanned me off.

"Leave me my son. I want to be alone."

I couldn't believe my ears.

"But mother-"

Mother turned and looked at me.

"That was not a request. That was a command."

My eyes widened. It wasn't like her to invoke her power like that. She was usually very calm. Something distressing now entered her thoughts. Something about what I told her made her feel uneasy. However, instead of fighting her, I decided to take my leave. It was obvious she was unwilling to discuss this further. I simply bowed before I addressed her again.

"I apologize for bothering you. It shan't happen again."

With that, I took my leave. Mother had nothing else to say, though I wanted her to stop me. I even paused at the door, but nothing. Afterwards, I left, but in the hall I had a new determination.

It's time I did a little investigating on an ancient mirror.

Afterwards, I headed straight for the library.

Duty awaited.

---

The Hyrulean Festival is the next chapter.