Inspiration: "My Curse," by Killswitch Engage. Erick Erickson's Developmental Theory: Intimacy vs Isolation (20-41 years of age).
Original Shout Outs: IanH, Majora's Mask02, Shizukachan07, Redguy221, Nightingale Mistress, Jazzmatazz2000, Lovewarriors, HidngFromMyself, OblivionStarSeeker,79's4, Sunndayskyday56, Maijin-Kun, and Guestfinity.
New Shout Out: Ember228, jjbro21
Author's Note: Reuploaded 7/7/2020. Mitsuki-love13 it's always good to hear from you. This one is shorter because I needed to break it up, but nothing is going to get lost.
Word Count: 6,364
Chapter 24
A dream of happiness:
The golden fields of Hyrule Ranch seemed to go on forever. This ranch belonged to my father when he wanted to get away from the real world. Now, it belonged to me and my family. It was actually extraordinary that I could state that... me and my family. I never thought I would get married. I never thought I would have a child. I never thought love would find me. But here I was. I was watching my son playing in the distance. He had dark blonde hair, like his father. He was such a happy boy. He was so courageous. He was so strong. He too would be a hero when the time called for it. He laughed constantly and told me to stop being so serious. I suppose I was.
I suppose I was...
In watching him, I wasn't alone. Next to me was my husband. My king. He looked so handsome with his beard and crown. I was so proud that he finally understood his place in Hyrule. I was so glad he could finally see that the people needed him in a higher position of authority. And, I was glad that I realized that I needed him too. He now knew what his rightful place in history was. What it would be. What it should be. I was glad to help him find it. There was peace here. There was solace here. There were no threats from the beyond. Hyrule would never be forsaken again. Not if I could help it. As I stared at my husband, he smiled at me. He reached over and caressed my cheek. He too told me to stop worrying so much. My son was so much like his father. I smiled back, covering his hand with my own.
I closed my eyes.
"I wish all our days could be like this."
He stared at me seriously for a moment.
"If we work hard at it, they can be. They will be Zelda."
He was right.
He was so right.
We just needed to work at it.
"Then we must strive to make it so."
His smile returned.
"Indeed."
I kept my eyes closed and took in a deep breath. I loved this farm. I loved this moment. I loved this man in front of me. I loved my son. But mostly, I loved Hyrule. I loved my land. My people. And right now, they were free. Happy. Like my son running through the fields.
This is what I want.
This is what I've always wanted...
And now that I had it, I was never letting it go.
Never.
"Let's not forget what we mean to each other... Link."
The bliss of this moment seemed everlasting. I didn't want it to end. I never wanted it to end.
But... it did end.
~SSS~
The following morning
I opened my eyes to tears. I stared at the mural staring back at me, hoping the dream I dreamed was the reality, and the reality of last night was the dream. Perish the thought. That was simply wishful thinking, but I was certainly wishful in this moment. To be frank, I was surprised I had a dream. I hardly got any sleep. My eyes only seemed to close in moments of frustration, let alone moments to dream. In any such case, one nocturnal cycle got through. An important one too. It would give me plenty of food for thought today. It would remind me of how foolish I was.
I did the inevitable and thought back to what happened last night. I thought back to Elbourne, to the confusion I caused, to Link catching me with the dragon prince. All of it. I only made things more confusing by being selfish. I should have been upfront with the dragon prince after he kissed me. I should have told him then I had no intention of taking his proposal of marriage seriously. It was cruel of me to let him have that kind of hope. I let him have that kind of hope before, and nothing came of it. However, I couldn't bring myself to tell him otherwise then because of how terrible a day he had had. I wanted to be a comforter, much in the same way I would appreciate a comforter who would provide solace to me. Elbourne had done that on my maligned days too. Even so, I couldn't allow him to foster such hope when I knew what the reality was for the both of us. I couldn't marry him. We wouldn't be right for each other. I would speak with him today at the first opportunity. Now, what was I going to do about my situation with Link?
Link...
I said some foolish things to him last night. Things that I didn't mean. Things that were hurtful. Things that were cruel. Things that would drive a wedge between us. I acted recklessly in using Elbourne, when all I wanted was another chance with the man I loved. I wanted to be with Link more than anyone. I loved him so much. So, why did I push him away? Why did I allow my pride to take precedence? I should have just admitted that I was angry and forgiven him. He came to me. He apologized. He said he was sorry. He informed me he was out of his senses. So, why did I do what I did? Why did I say those things to him? It wasn't worth it. None of it was worth it. In the end, I still loved him and I didn't feel any better. If Link does decide he no longer wants to court me, I have no one to blame but myself. I won't be bitter of course, but I will be hurt because I had a chance. I had a chance to make that dream I had a reality, and I let it slip through my fingers. I let him slip through my fingers.
My eyes welled with tears again.
"Oh well," I whispered, "serves you right Zelda."
When my tears spilled over, I sat up. That was enough self-loathing for the morning. I had to get up and get ready. The others were probably already waiting for me. We had a big day ahead of us. Perhaps even more where the layout of the land was concerned. I put my troubles out of my mind for now and went and got ready for the day. I bathed using the twilight tub, and the water was a revelation. It was purple, blue, green, orange, and pink when it poured from the pump, but when I sat and washed in it, it appeared clear. The cleansing balm was made from some sort of element that resembled sulfur. It was warm, but then it got enigmatically cold when it lathered. It was the most mesmerizing bath I ever had. I couldn't lie, I looked forward to doing it again. Afterwards, I brushed my hair and got dressed. I stared at myself in the mirror for a moment and wondered what was going on with the woman looking back at me.
"You've caused so many problems for yourself," I told her. "You should have been content."
It was frustrating thinking that now because a few months ago the opposite was my entire supposition. I went out thinking my putting the mirror back together was the salvation for everyone. Oh, how wrong I had been.
Hind sight, hind sight.
I was going to right this wrong now. Realizing I was alone, I looked around the room for Hylia. She was nowhere to be found. Was the goddess still gone? Had she gotten hurt? It was unlikely, but this land was different from Hyrule. There was no telling if Ghirahim had broken through the barrier or not. If Hylia was not here, finding her would be our first priority. Of course, there could be the possibility of her simply choosing a different sleeping quarter from me. With the way I spoke to her last night, I wouldn't be surprised if that was her reasoning. Very few in our party probably wanted to associate with me willingly anyway. I was straining all of my relationships as of late. I needed to remember the importance of the people around me and focus. These were the days I particularly missed my father. He understood me like no one else.
Oh father... I wish you were still here to guide me.
After I finished getting dressed, I gave myself one last look before I went and grabbed my satchel. I looked through my bag, making sure I had my ocarina, potions, and sundries. There was no telling what we would need, or would come across on the road ahead. I wanted to be ready. I then headed for the door. Coincidentally, before I reached the abridging, there was a sudden knock. I froze in mid-step, not expecting to be visited by anyone. I was under the assumption we would all meet together in the main hall from our respective quarters. Perhaps there was a change in plans. Or, maybe it was Hylia. But, Hylia would never knock. Her personality didn't afford me such a luxury. My next natural assumption was that the greeter was Elbourne. Considering what he asked of me last night, I wouldn't be surprised if it was the dragon prince. His reasoning in coming down to escort me this morning might be to simply remind me of that fact. It was a very 'Elbourne-esque' thing to do. He was very impetuous.
That man...
If it was Elbourne, I didn't want to keep him waiting. Besides, it would give me an opportunity to tell him privately I was declining his offer of marriage. I didn't want to string him along. There was enough complicated relationship networking going on as it was. I didn't need to make it worse. However, when the tumblers sounded, I was in for a bit of a surprise. Much to my disbelief, it wasn't Elbourne waiting for me at all. It was Link. I was so shocked, that as the door opened I took a step back. He was the last person I was expecting to see, especially after last night. He was dressed for our outing wearing a tan tunic, cargo pants, boots and his cloak. He also had his broadsword and a bow and arrows equipped. He was ready to go. The look on his face was surprisingly calm and reserved.
My heart skipped a beat.
What in the world...?
"What... are you...?" I was so surprised I couldn't finish.
He looked beyond me for a second.
"Can I come in?"
I held my breath for a second then absently nodded.
"Ye-yes."
Link walked inside and closed the door behind him. When he turned to face me again, I didn't know what to say. I was still so stunned. I didn't expect to see him so soon. I thought he would be angry with me. There was a brief silence between us. However, a moment later, Link dispelled it.
"I know you weren't expecting me, and I know you might still be upset with me," he started quietly. "But I made a promise to you to protect you. You hired me to be your escort first and foremost. I'm going to do my job whether you're speaking to me or not."
My eyes widened a little at that. I was at a loss for words. He gave me a brief once over and continued.
"Look, let's not rehash the nonsense that was said last night. That's over. I understand that you were angry. I don't believe you meant a word of it. We have a very important objective today, and if it suits you better not to think about us right now to meet that objective, then that's fine by me. However, let's let bygones be bygones. I don't want to fight with you anymore."
I took another step back. I was hardly expecting this. I didn't expect us to be working towards a reconciliation so soon. Although, I most certainly was not complaining.
"I-I don't want to fight either," I stammered, "and I'm sorry for what I said to you. I... I was wrong."
Link took in a deep sigh and closed his eyes for a moment. He looked relieved as I spoke. When he opened them again, he attempted a smile.
"You have no idea how happy you just made me hearing you say that. I can't lie, I was worried."
My eyes stung, but I tried to keep them free of tears.
"I was worried too," I admitted. "I thought it was over between us after what I did."
Link looked at me seriously. Then, without a warning, he came up to me and took me in a tight hug. He even guided my head to his shoulder.
"Never," he whispered against my covered ear, "I love you too much to let you go Zelda. I'm sorry for acting like such a fool. I'm sorry for hurting you the way I did yesterday regarding my actions with Midna. Please... please find it in your heart to forgive me."
I stiffened in his arms. He didn't have to say anything else.
"I'll forgive you as long as you forgive me twofold. I love you too. I practically spearheaded the idea of wanting you to see Midna at the onset of this journey. Then, when we get here, I acted like I shouldn't have expected you to be so eager to see her. I wanted what wasn't possible. I should have been more understanding with you seeing the twilight queen for the first time in years. She's your dear friend. She aided you in your quest. You loved her for so long. I should have been more empathetic with your reaction instead of feeling jealous. After all, you said it yourself, you still aren't free of her."
Link was quiet after hearing me say that, letting my words mill through his head. For some reason, he hugged me tighter. He then spoke up again.
"I need to be honest with you about something Zelda," he said all of a sudden.
His inflection was telling.
"What's that?"
He paused again.
"I wasn't exactly forthright when I told you that at Snowpeak."
Afterwards, I pulled back to look up at him. My eyes searched his face.
"What do you mean?"
He hesitated once more.
"What I mean is, I... I am free of Midna, Zelda," he confessed. "I've been free of her for quite a while now. It just took me a moment to see. It just took me almost losing you to understand that."
I stared at him stunned.
"What?"
Link reached up and caressed my cheek.
"I wasn't being truthful back then because I was falling in love with you again. I tried to push you away. I tried to remove those feelings from my heart, but I couldn't."
My throat tightened a little.
"Really?"
He nodded.
"Really. Can we please put what happened yesterday behind us and move on? I'm done arguing with you. I really am."
I felt a relief I couldn't begin to describe.
"Of course we can. I am more than willing to reconcile."
He finally looked comfortable enough to exhale, which he did. He hugged me again.
"Thank you," he whispered against my hood.
I closed my eyes and hugged him back.
"You don't need to thank me."
Afterwards, he pulled back and looked me in the eyes.
"Let's not fight anymore, okay? I'm serious Zelda, I'm done. I am done."
I nodded.
"I know," I replied. "Me too."
This was incredible. Things were going forward in a way I did not expect. A moment later, Link moved in and impulsively kissed me on the lips. It was tender and sweet, just what we both needed. Afterwards, he pulled back and stroked his hand over my cloaked head, then nodded towards the door.
"We better go, the others are probably waiting for us."
I was in agreement.
"Sounds good to me."
With that, we headed for the exit. As we left, I stared at the hero as he guided me down the stairs. I felt surreal. I felt a happiness I couldn't begin to describe, considering our circumstances. Link was so impetuous. I marveled at his courage. He was pragmatic when he needed to be, but he was also sensitive and caring. I couldn't have asked for a better man to be in my life. Even when I was stubborn, he refused to give up on me. He wasn't in fear of my crown, though he respected it. He didn't let me push him away. He was willing to fight for me. He was willing to reconcile because what he felt was true. I had grossly underestimated his feelings for me. I allowed my insecurities to cloud my thinking. No more. I was not going to allow myself to be insecure anymore. I was not going to be jealous no matter what the future held. I was grateful the hero truly cared. I needed to reciprocate that. However, now I was concerned about seeing Elbourne this morning. He had been so open and honest with me last night, that this situation was rife for the dramatics. Once he saw the hero holding hands with me, I was certain he was going to be perplexed, frustrated. What was last night if not another frustration for the dragon prince? This meeting was going to be tense.
I hope he allows me the opportunity to explain.
Link and I were the first ones to arrive downstairs, but soon after another set of footsteps prodded our way. As expected, the footsteps belonged to the dragon prince. His normally cavalier expression was lessened when he took note of what I knew he was going to take note of first: Link and I holding hands. From our grasp, Elbourne cut his line of sight straight to mine. His expression said it all. I knew what he was thinking clear across the room. It was then I attempted to free myself from Link's grasp and walk over to him, but Link voiced his displeasure with that decision immediately.
"What are you doing?" the hero asked.
He did not bother being discreet. I didn't want to make a scene. I glanced at the hero and looked him in the eyes imploringly.
"Link please..." I begged quietly, "I need to talk to him." Link looked at me taken aback for a second, but I wanted to reassure him this wasn't what he was thinking. "It's not like that. I just need to tell him of our reconciliation."
The hero didn't hide his annoyance.
"He can't figure that out for himself?"
I stared at Link at a loss.
"Link... please..." I begged, "we have to try to all get along."
Link had no qualms showing me he did not agree with my stance. However, he yielded anyway. The hero knew the bigger picture was more important in this case. Link let my hand go and I walked over to the dragon prince alone. Elbourne was staring at me with open suspicion as I approached. His expression was a mixture of emotions: surprise, confusion, anger, frustration, and hurt. His confusion only seemed to deepen when I stopped in front of him to greet him. My heart began to race.
"Good morning Elbourne," I said quietly.
Elbourne paused before he answered me. He looked beyond me to the hero, then back at me again.
"Good morning?" he repeated with a hint of cynicism.
My stomach began to churn at his tone. I knew I needed to make some kind of recompense. I could only imagine what was going through his head. I could see the quiet storm brewing behind his crystal hazel eyes. Then, without warning, I took hold of his hand and pulled him to the side so we could have a measure of privacy. I made sure we were far enough away so Link would not hear us. Afterwards, I addressed him.
"What's the matter?"
That was foolish. Elbourne stared into my eyes like I belonged in an asylum.
"What's the matter?" he repeated. "Are you serious right now? What the hell is going on?"
I then avoided his eyes.
"I don't know what you mean," I attempted to circumvent.
His frustration became more apparent.
"You know exactly what I mean. Stop playing with me Zelda."
I looked into his eyes again and saw more hurt than anger now. He was trying to conceal it, but the nuance could not be denied.
"Elbourne I... I-"
"Stop stalling," he interrupted.
I looked to the ground. I didn't want to hurt him, but I couldn't lie to him either.
"Link and I reconciled," I whispered. "I... I told you I loved him. I still love him. That hasn't changed."
My confession seemed to anger him more.
"So it is back on again."
I made no attempt to hide that fact and nodded.
"Yes..."
Elbourne looked away and took in a deep frustrated breath.
"You two can't seem to make up your minds, can you?" he said more to himself than to me.
A swell of guilt surged within me hearing that. Even so, I made a stance.
"My mind is made up."
At that, Elbourne looked my way again. I was still avoiding his eyes. He never looked so betrayed. I couldn't face it directly yet.
"You know you've been through this with him before," he warned. "He hurt you once, don't think he won't hurt you again."
I understood his point, but he also wasn't aware of all that Link and I had been through. Our bond was strong even with the obstacles we faced.
"That isn't fair," I replied. "Your bias is clouding your judgement."
"Excuse me for having a bias!" he snapped quietly. "I happen to still fucking love you!"
My eyes widened and that was the part he was trying to keep at bay. I didn't know what to say. Elbourne went to challenge my stance further.
"Even with what he did in front of you with Midna, you're going to forgive him?" he demanded quietly. "You're going to let that kind of disrespect slide?"
I rolled my eyes and looked away myself.
"It was one mistake Elbourne. You've never made mistakes?"
He shook his head in complete disbelief.
"Unbelievable... so, I guess I was a convenient diversion for you? Is that what last night was?"
My throat tightened and my eyes stung a little at his tone.
"Last night was a friend being there for a friend," I replied, knowing I was wrong. "It should be of no surprise to you. We've done such things before."
His disbelief seemed to deepen at my tone. I was surprised myself that I let that slip in that fashion. I couldn't even look in his eyes now. I felt horrible.
"That's your answer? That's what you have to say to me?"
I was at a loss.
"What else do you want me to say?"
He scoffed and took a step back. He gave me a quick once over and the expression on his face was one of incredulousness.
"I guess nothing. It appears this is just like old times, just like before."
I knew what he meant by that. This went all the way back to when we were adolescents. Sixteen to be exact. Elbourne was talking about one week in particular, and it seemed to haunt the both of us all these years later. We were young and vulnerable. I needed someone just like he needed someone... and... and he was there for me. I used him in a way I never should have. I was technically many virtuous things, but I was definitely also a first in many things with him. I manipulated that situation. I controlled it just so I could feel better about my loneliness. I knew Elbourne fell in love with me after that. He told me so over and over again. I knew he was forever going to be cursed with thinking there would be a future for us because I was so cunning. I was aware Elbourne stated he was always in love with me, but those nights solidified it. And, it was because I used him for my own selfishness. I couldn't bear to disclose all the details. They were extremely titillating. But, I was keenly aware why he told me all he ever thought about was me when he was having sex with Midna. It made plenty of sense when all the facts were laid bare... facts I didn't want to disclose.
"Well," he said finally with a forced smirk, "I'm glad I could be of service to you my lady."
I winced a little at his words.
"I-"
"I think you've said all that needed to be said Zelda," he interrupted calmly. "You don't have to explain yourself to me."
Then, without waiting for another word from me, Elbourne bowed slightly and walked on, heading towards the center of the main foyer past Link. I, in turn, turned around, and looked after him. I nearly walked after him in an attempt to comfort him, but knew that would be useless. I swallowed hard, then looked to Link who had been watching the entire time. I was sure he was gauging the interaction. I was again at a loss. I felt terrible that Elbourne felt betrayed, but what could I do? Did the dragon prince expect me to lie? Did he expect me to just throw my love for Link aside? I didn't think there would ever be a way to remedy his feelings for me now. I never said I would marry him last night. I never said I wouldn't forgive Link. I wasn't the one who asked to come to see me. Elbourne did that on his own accord. How could he be angry with me when many of his grievances were brought up on himself? Even so, I felt terrible. I was trying to ease my conscience.
Come on Elbourne, don't be this way.
I took in a deep sigh then walked back over to Link. The hero studied my face as I approached him.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
I shrugged.
"I guess so."
He took hold of my hand.
"It'll be fine, just give him some time to get over you."
That was the issue, I didn't think Elbourne would ever be over me. The man had been fixated on me for years, even when he carried on relationships with other women. This was much deeper than him just moving on. This was about a bond that seemed impossible to break. I was afraid of how volatile Elbourne would become without me as his usual outlet. He needed me and probably felt like I turned against him, which was far from the truth. Even so, I couldn't focus on that right now. We had an objective today. We had to go out and find Exerion, but to do that we needed the Lens of Truth. The dramatics were going to have to go to the wayside for now. Ghirahim was still out there.
I just want peace.
I unexpectedly got an answer to my thoughts.
"Don't we all," a unisex voice said suddenly.
Link and I turned to see Hylia approach from the long hallway at the entrance. She stopped short of the extended foyer when she caught sight of the hero and me. She seemed surprised but pleased to see us together. However, that didn't quell Link's curiosity with what she said.
"Don't we all what?" he asked.
Hylia shook her head.
"It's nothing." She then glanced over at the dragon prince in the distance. She nodded towards him. "What's up with pretty boy number two?"
I gave her an obvious stare, wishing she wasn't so insensitive.
"Hylia..."
She shrugged innocently.
"What?"
I just shook my head.
"Forget it." I changed the subject. "I'm glad you're back, you were gone so long, I was getting worried."
The goddess studied me for a second, then, for some odd reason, glanced back over at Elbourne.
"Yeah..." she said absently.
Her eclectic behavior made me look over at Elbourne myself now.
"What's wrong?"
She stared at him for a long time before she looked back over at me.
"Nothing," she didn't bother to elaborate, "just thinking."
This time Link chimed in.
"Where did you go off to last night? I saw you take off unexpectedly, but I couldn't go after you."
Hylia didn't reply right away, which made my suspicions about her activities deepen.
"I've been out finding out some information regarding certain things, important things."
This time, Elbourne turned to look our way in the distance, showing he was listening.
"What things?" he asked.
Link pressed the issue as well.
"Yes, tell us what you found out."
Hylia paused again, but then shook her head no.
"I'm afraid this is girl talk only gents," she replied, staring straight at me, "and at the moment my precious little Zelly is confined."
I looked at her taken aback. What was she implying? Hylia's gaze didn't lessen.
What is this all about?
I attempted to find out.
"Hylia... did you want to speak with me alone for a moment?"
She narrowed her eyes slightly at me.
"Later... Zelda."
There was a sternness to her voice. I looked at her surprised. Something was definitely amiss.
"All... right," I said, getting the hint, then changed the subject. "We should set off then. We still need to get the Lens of Truth. We won't get anywhere without that."
Hylia didn't seem concerned.
"Don't worry about it. I already have it, that was on my 'to do' list last night. I didn't want to waste time on needless excursions today."
I looked at her impressed.
"You have it? That's good news."
"Yes, no sense getting caught up over trivial matters, right? Let's focus on the task at hand. We need to find Exerion."
I stared at her surprised. Her tone was telling, curt and impatient, but I said nothing. Whatever was bothering her was making her cautious. I hoped she would fill me in sooner rather than later. I really wanted to know what this 'girl talk' was about.
Elbourne then spoke up.
"Are we done with the idling? We need to get going. We're wasting time just standing here."
I agreed with the dragon prince. We needed to leave. Link also nodded in agreement, but was quiet. I think he sensed Hylia's subtle skepticism as well. Even so, we would have to forego it. However, before we left the foyer, we noticed something else of importance. We were still one party member short. Where was King Xavier? He had to know we were waiting for him. I looked around the commodious hall, thinking perhaps the elusive monarch was sitting privately somewhere and listening from afar. But, that was merely wishful thinking. He was nowhere to be found. He couldn't have still been upstairs sleeping. He had to know today was an important endeavor. I decided to inquire his son regarding his whereabouts.
"Elbourne... have you seen his majesty?" I called over to him.
The prince seemed lost in thought when I addressed him. However, he gave me his attention with a look.
"I'm the last person he would talk to Zelda. I wasn't lodging with him last night. I think you know that."
My eyes widened, but I wasn't necessarily surprised. Link didn't appreciate his tone.
"She was asking you because you're his son," he said smartly. "It doesn't take a genius to understand why she spoke to you first Elbourne."
The dragon prince cut his eyes to the hero.
"You're just relishing in this, aren't you?" he accused suddenly.
Link narrowed his eyes.
"I don't know what you mean," he taunted with a hint of sarcasm.
Hylia groaned audibly.
"Will you two stop? This is not the time for this. Let's just get Xavier so we can go."
The two men looked at her, then again at each other, and came to a silent truce. They had to know nothing would come of them fighting.
"Fine," Elbourne muttered.
Link nodded, then suddenly volunteered to look for him.
"I'll go search the palace," he offered. "I think I know which room he chose to stay in. I saw his shadows come and go a few times when I checked the perimeter from Midna's room. I'll go take a look."
"That's a good idea," I said. "Please hurry, we need to leave."
The hero received no objections and hurried off towards the staircase. With him gone, there was a silence between Hylia, Elbourne, and myself. I avoided looking at the dragon prince, until I could no longer. When I glanced his way, Elbourne was staring directly at me. I gasped a little and took a step back. I felt so uncomfortable just then. His eyes were mesmerizing, but he looked so hurt. I tried to keep contact until I finally had to look away. Hylia took note of our interaction and remained silent. She was staring at us with keen interest. She had her obvious reasons. She did warn me about using Elbourne last night, among other things. The dragon prince never broke his gaze, and it did in turn make me want to go over and comfort him somehow. I was going to approach him, when Hylia, sensing my intentions, reached over and grabbed my shoulder to stop me.
"Leave him be," she said quietly. "His heart is broken right now, and you constantly being in his face isn't going to mend it."
I stared at the goddess surprised. Suddenly, I felt ten times worse. I looked over at Elbourne and saw that she was right. He heard her obviously. He avoided my eyes again.
"But he's-" I tried.
"Leave him be," she interrupted.
I swallowed hard and didn't try to fight her on it any longer. I felt terrible. I fidgeted with my fingers nervously and stared down at the floor. This promised to be a terrible day. Even so, a few moments later, Link returned to the group and looked concerned. There was no denying his facial expression.
"We have a problem," he announced, as he came back towards the group, "Xavier is gone. He's nowhere in the palace."
My eyes widened, but I immediately alerted my gaze to Elbourne. He was trying to conceal his shock.
"What?" the prince demanded.
Link looked over at him and tried to be respectful.
"He's gone your highness," the hero repeated.
There was a tense silence that followed. There was an instant shift in the priorities of the day. First and foremost, we had to find the king.
"Why in the world did he take off?" Elbourne inquired more to himself than anyone.
That was a good question.
"It seems Xavier has more to answer for than I thought," Hylia said with incredible insensitivity. "Why else would he leave in the middle of the night?"
Link and I both looked at her taken aback.
"Ancestral mother!" I scolded.
Hylia wasn't listening to me at that point. "We better go. We have to find him before Ghirahim does."
Then, without waiting for any of us, Hylia headed for the main entrance. Link groaned at the hotheaded goddess and followed soon after, leaving me and Elbourne alone for a moment. I looked over at the dragon prince and saw the concern in his eyes. He was staring at the floor. I could only imagine what was going through his head right now. I decided then to let our disagreement go to the wayside so I could comfort him. I was aware of what Hylia said to me, but I couldn't just abandon Elbourne when he clearly needed a friend.
"We'll find him," I reassured and took his hand in mine.
Elbourne finally looked into my eyes and didn't have much to say. I squeezed his hand affectionately.
"We'll find him," I repeated with more conviction. "Don't give up hope."
The dragon prince attempted a smile, but not much else. He squeezed my hand back, then released it, and walked past me towards the main foyer. I turned to stare after him for a moment and hoped he would keep his mind in focus.
Keep it together Elbourne, just keep it together my dear friend.
With that, we were on our way.
Thank you for reading. The next chapter will be up soon.