First and foremost I must apologize for any delays but it's been a month since BOTW(Breath of the Wild) came out and let's be honest here, I've been playing this game non-stop since it came out. So that is the reason behind my delays. I may also be working on a different story soon, just a one-shot nothing too fancy,playing this new game really got me inspired so keep an out for those if you like my stories. I wont keep you any longer so please enjoy!
Renn19861
Chapter 5:Unlocking secrets
The grand doors of the great hall swung open allowing the queen to enter the room, there a was a loud scrapping noise on the stone floor as the councilmen rose from their seats to pay their respects to their new queen.
As Zelda walked into the room she immediately caught of sight of Link standing directly across from her, unlike the rest of the men in the room, whose heads were bowed, Link simply stood there, gazing at her. His eyes were teasing and lively; she couldn't help but smile. Averting her eyes she flirtatiously brushed a small piece of hair away. With a small smile still on her face Zelda delicately motioned the men to sit.
"Thank you for being here tonight on such short notice" she said as she took her own seat. The entire time she couldn't help but look at Link and him at her. He sat there perfectly still, looking, smiling, and blatantly distracting her with only his eyes. Their small occurrence earlier that day had re-awakened feelings she may have once harbored for him. She thought it would have taken more for these feelings to surface, but to her dismay all it took was his close presence.
Clearing her throat she began to speak,
"Today's attack was a threat against my life, I am aware that many of you expressed your concerns earlier in the day regarding this rumor. I know that my decision to continue with the ceremony cost us dearly today, not only was my life put at risk but because of that we lost five men-" she stopped; clouded visions of their dead bodies came flooding back to her.
Their cold blank stares looking at nothing, the floor painted red, and the yellow eyes of their killer.
Zelda closed her eyes gently and tried to push back those memories, it seemed it would be impossible to forget that sight.
"gentlemen I know that what I am about to ask is out of nature but seeing as how these men died protecting me I would like to have their families taken care of. It is my wish that these families live out the rest of their lives in peace. I would also like to have them buried at the Ikana cemetery, with access to their loved ones" she finished
"But your majesty, only members of the Royal family are buried there, the ground there is sacred-" Lord Malik spat from his seat.
Various Lords nodded in agreement to the surprise of the queen. She intended to battle the financial request but not her desire to have the men buried alongside her ancestors. She felt an honorable burial in sacred grounds would be the least she could do to truly honor these men. It was after all her fault they were dead, at least that was what she believed.
"It is not up for discussion, I will see this through" she spat back quiet perplexed at their refusal.
"Your majesty there is no shame in the deaths of these men; they died fulfilling their duty, to protect their queen. It was an honorable death; no burial ground will change that. They will forever be remembered for their sacrifice." Lord Abel chimed in.
She stared at the man she trusted, stunned by his response, out of all the men in that room she believed Lord Abel would be the one to agree with her.
"Your majesty if I may, why don't we allow the families to decide where their bodies should be buried. If they should choose to bury them in Ikana then they shall be buried there. Is that something that we can all agree on?"
The council men looked at each other waiting to see who would be the first to agree.
She stared them down expecting them to feel the pressure of her gaze.
Finally after a few minutes of intense silence, one by one each councilman began to nod in agreement. Feeling relieved Zelda relaxed in her seat and quietly celebrated her small victory.
She looked across the table towards Link and was happy to see that he was smiling at her, almost like he was proud of her. That feeling in her stomach returned, it was that feeling that always occurred right after her smiled at her. It was that feeling that always came to her when they were young and were only beginning to discover what love is.
"Your grace?" Abel's voice brought back to reality.
"Pardon me but I do believe we must speak about today's attacks. Have we any idea who could be behind this conspiracy?" he continued.
She had expected them to discuss this topic but she had to admit she didn't feel completely ready to analyze the situation. There were so many questions to be asked, so many scenarios to be considered, and yet each one seemed as unlikely as the next.
"No I do not, but I am interested to learn where these rumors originated from, any ideas?"
She eyed them carefully, it had occurred to her that perhaps the traitor could be among her councilmen, and as probable as that would seem it was also highly unlikely. They would not gain anything from her death; there would be disorder and chaos without another heir to the throne. Yet the more she thought about it, the more sense it made.
The attack on the day of her coronation was no mere coincidence- the message was clear; someone didn't want her to become queen. But why is the question, what could they possibly have to gain from killing the only heir to the throne. What could that accomplish? Was there someone out there seeking the throne?
She caught Link looking at her, a worried expression on his handsome features.
He too realized the attack was no mere coincidence, not the rumors, or the day, everything had been perfectly planned out. But the question was always why?
"Your majesty I am afraid that we don't really know where the rumor surfaced from, is there anything that you can tell us from the attackers that might give us a clue as to who might be behind it all" Lord Abel finally spoke after a few minutes of silence.
"That is not something I wish to remember Lord Abel, but if there is one thing I cannot erase from my mind is the coldness of their yellow eyes." she says averting her gaze from them.
"Yellow eyes your majesty?"
Zelda returned her gaze to the short stocky man sitting next to her, his green eyes suspicious and wary.
"Yes Lord Barron, does that mean something to you?"
"Forgive me your grace but I am surprised you haven't figured out the identity of your attackers."
She looked at him puzzled.
"Your grace the Gerudo's are the only race in all of Hyrule that bear yellow eyes, and forgive me for my accusation but Lord Demise has been absent all day." He continued to speak after sensing Zelda's confusion.
"Are you implying that Lord Demise is behind the attack, Lord Barron?"
"Your grace I am simply making an observation. Lord Ganon has been gone for well over two weeks, I am sorry if I have offended you your majesty, but his absence seems highly suspicious" he crossed his arms in front of him and cocked his head up, like a child does when things don't go their desired way.
Zelda looked around the table and saw several councilmen nod in agreement. Lord Demise was a respected member of her council and she found it hard to believe that he could be involved in something like this.
"I don't believe we should accuse anyone without any solid proof, I think-"
"Forgive my interruption your grace but Lord Barron may be right, aside from the small amount of evidence, it is possible that the Gerudo's are involved in this plot."
"Since the death of your father, may Hylia grant him peace, the Gerudo's have violated the Treaty of Heroines more than once, and despite your efforts to subdue them-"
"Lord Abel I understand your reasoning but I cannot bring myself to believe that Queen Raji is behind this conspiracy, if anything a rogue group of Gerudo's may be behind the attacks on our villages, but not this. I've spoken to her many times over the course of this past year and believe me she is just as surprised by the Gerudo attacks on our villages. I assure you that Queen Raji is not behind this conspiracy and neither is Lord Demise. A similarity in eye color is hardly substantial evidence to convict someone of treason." She interrupted
"As a matter of fact Lord Demise returned to Gerudo precisely to aid Queen Raji in the ongoing investigations, if anything seems out of place, then he will make it known to us." she tried to appear confident in her resolve but inside she didn't know what to believe. So much was happening in such a small amount of time. Her head was beginning to hurt and she desperately wanted to run away, to run away to a far and distant land and be normal.
She picked up her gaze, which had in avertedly fallen, as she did her eyes found Link's comforting gaze. He was sitting directly across from her, silent and calm; taking in this new information, making his own conclusions and like her feeling uncertain about the future.
"Regardless your majesty we must investigate this matter immediately, in the mean time I propose a knight be appointed to you. If they infiltrated the Temple they can without a doubt enter the castle."
"No I do not wish to be followed around by a knight, I will however ask Lady Impa to escort me whenever needed, and she will protect me if needed."
"Your majesty I must insist-"
"Insist not, it is not up for discussion, I do not wish to have more blood on my hands…"she whispered softly.
Silence enveloped them once again, she looked around the table and saw disappointed and disapproval in their eyes.
They must think me weak and vulnerable. She thought to herself as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
"Your majesty, this may be well past-due but on behalf of all the members of this council we are all greatly relieved that you were not harmed in today's attack" Lord Abel said breaking the silence that had fallen upon them.
She looked at the councilmen once again; pity and worry replaced their disapproving stare. They all thought she was incapable of leading Hyrule and if today was any indication of that, well then they were right..
She'd disregarded their warnings and concerns and in the process lost five men, men who left women and children behind, she put people in danger and what's worse she put the well-being of Hyrule's future in danger as well. She owed a great deal to Link, more than she cared to admit, had he not been there..
She shook her head softly and pushed those thoughts away.
"Lord Abel thank you, but I did not leave the Temple completely unharmed. One of the assassins managed to injure me and if it hadn't been for Lord Arlen's brave interference I am afraid I would not be present right now." Her eyes fell on Link once more as did everyone else's.
"I would actually like to take this opportunity to introduce you all to Link Arlen, son of Gustave and Eloise Arlen. Arlen senior has fallen ill and has decided to step-down, Link will be taking over his father's duties from now on."
All eyes suddenly fell on Link, who graciously accepted the councilmen's greetings.
"How fares your father young Arlen" one of the Lord's asked
"His condition is improving, but I am afraid he continues to be bedridden." Link said calmly
"Mmm yes I spoke to your wife earlier, which I had the pleasure of meeting during dinner, and she explained, might I add in detail, how fast the disease seems to have spread without notice. It is a miracle your father is still alive young Arlen"
Link's heart sank at that moment; ignoring his comment he turned to look across from his seat, hoping Zelda didn't hear him. To his alarm Zelda was looking straight at him, a mix of emotions present on her face. Without a word Zelda left her seat and turned to leave, leaving a very dumbfounded group of men, all except for one.
She dashed down the empty hall, ignoring the pain in her feet.
He's married, he's married…he's married.
The words kept repeating themselves in her head, further enhancing her despair.
As she scurried down the hall her eyes began to blur and failed to see him coming her way.
Thud.
"Your majesty is everything alright?" a familiar voice spoke.
She looked up to see Lord Demise's familiar amber eyes gazing at her with concern. She took a step back feeling embarrassed for her mishap.
"Lord Demise, forgive me I wasn't paying attention to where I was going" She stammered while looking away; casually drying the tears that had formed in her eyes.
"It is no trouble your grace, but please allow me to excuse myself for being absent on your coronation, I had hoped to be here earlier but the desert is ever so unpredictable."
"Yes of course, what news do you bring? Where you able to speak to Queen Raji"
"Yes your majesty, but before we speak about business, allow me to ask for your forgiveness. Had I been present today whoever attacked you would not have gotten away so easily, that I can assure you" his eyes were locked on Zelda's and she found it difficult to look away.
He brought her hand up to his lips and gently kissed it. She was surprised at his boldness and quickly felt her face heat up.
Lord Demise was an exotic being. He was taller than most Hyrulean men, well-built and perfectly sculpted. His skin was perfectly tan and his amber eyes added to the exotic nature of a Gerudo man. Like all Gerudo's his hair was bright red, kept at shoulders length but groomed back and tied. He was an extremely handsome man, many maidens in the castle prayed and hoped that he would notice them and fall in love with them.
"Your majesty-"Zelda felt her heart drop instantly; she didn't want to turn around fearing to see him standing there.
She took back her hand from Ganon's and turned to see him standing a few feet away. His cobalt eyes were stern and serious. He did not look at her right away but rather at the man standing directly behind her. He towered over him but that did not intimidate him, size did not guarantee victory.
She heard Ganon sigh, a bit annoyed at the unexpected interruption.
"Your majesty I would like a private audience, there is something important I must discuss with you" he said gently, his eyes warm and dismal.
"Lord Arlen, please I do not wish to discuss anything right now" she said restraining her desire to scream at him for his deceit. She hated him at that moment, cursed the hour he arrived in Hyrule, cursed him for re-awakening her.
"Please, Zelda" he looked straight at her this time, eyes full of pain and regret.
"Her majesty has already given you an answer." Ganon cut in, his voice defiant and annoyed. He was clearly standing his ground.
"Lord Demise please, I don't need-"
"Link!" a voice coming from behind interrupted her.
Time seemed to stop just then, she turned slowly to see the young woman whose voice had called out for him. In a quick flash her arms were wrapped around his neck as she brought her lips to his. She stared in horror as the woman, presumably his wife, pressed her lips against his; against the same lips she had once kissed long ago.
She felt her heart sink down to the pits of hell itself, her breath stilled and she felt her soul break in half. Her knees buckled and if it wasn't for Lord Demise she would have probably run away. Everything ceased to exist at that moment, everything but the three of them.
Link slowly pulled away from her grasp, pain and discontent present on his face. He looked away from Illia and towards Zelda, whose eyes were glazed with tears and sorrow.
Noticing her husband's demeanor, Illia turned and to her surprise saw the queen standing in front of her with a tall and handsome man.
"Your majesty" she squealed in embarrassment.
"Your majesty, I would like to take this moment to present you to my wife, Lady Illia Woodland" he said as she curtsied.
"Your majesty, it is an honor to meet you. I apologize for my behavior, I did not realize it was you, I was just so happy to see that he was alive and well." she said looking away from the queen, her pale cheeks a crimson red.
"Do not fret, it's my fault for keeping him away from you, these council meetings can drag on for quite some time" she said trying her best to keep her composure.
She heard Lord Demise shuffle uncomfortably beside her.
"Oh forgive my clumsiness please allow me to introduce you to Lord Ganon Demise" She stammered.
"It is a pleasure to meet you milady" his voice melodic.
Zelda gazed at the young woman standing in front of her. She was about her height, petite; her hair was tied in a small bun enhancing the length of her neck which was decorated with a small golden chain. She was quite beautiful, her skin was pale and her eyes were bright green, her ashy blond hair complemented her paleness and emerald like eyes. Zelda felt a twinge of jealousy right then; this was the woman who shared his bed every night, the woman whose lips would forever feel the warmness of his breath.
"Your majesty if I may-"
"Lord Arlen, forgive me but I feel a bit drained and I would like to retire to my quarters. Lady Illia it was a pleasure to meet you and I hope the accommodations are to your liking. Lord Demise would you please escort me to the west wing" she said turning away from Link's gaze.
"Of course your grace, it would be my pleasure" he offered his arm to her which she graciously accepted.
"Good night Lord Arlen" she spoke softly, her voice broken.
As she turned away from them Link's heart sank, this was the first and only time he had ever seen her walk away from him in the arms of another man and yet he could do nothing about it. He was not free to fight for her affection, he was a man tied to another woman. A woman he did not love but was forced to marry under the circumstances.
"Link are you ready to head back to our quarters?" she said, her voice innocent and whimsical.
"Yes of course" he said feeling defeated. He offered his arm to his young wife and quietly led her to their shared bedroom.
He knew Zelda would never forgive him for his betrayal, and why would she, this was the second time he betrayed her.
Once in the stillness of her quarters Zelda removed the layers of confinement from her body. She dressed herself in her finest silk nightdress and lied down in front of the fire.
Finally away from the prying eyes of Hyrule did she finally release the tears she'd kept in for so long. She wept out of fear, for her fallen knights; wept for her father, her mother. She wept out of despair and loneliness. She cried out of a broken heart, for being deceived, humiliated and awoken after years of quiet slumber.
He's married…how could I be so foolish.
She thought as she angrily wiped her eyes.
She continued to lie in front of the fire, entranced by the bright colors and elegant movements of the flames until fatigue finally began to feel heavy on her body; soon after weariness and heart-break had her falling into a deep sleep.