Inspiration: White lies, scarlet vendettas, the poker face, Brompton cocktails and rising ambiguity.
Shout Outs: TreyMcd, Jordan1213, CupcakePride101, EmmaPrinceton, Paul314, LovelyKiridia, Yogikiller thank you for reading and reviewing new readers.
Author's Note: This has been split into two books due to length. This story was originally uploaded in 2013.
Reedit 2/21/2014
Word Count: 12,875
Chapter 1
The Ambivalent Hero: Book II
~SSS~
One Week Later
A week later the buzz of the ball was still in the air, and many of the citizens were still talking about it. Somehow the rumors between Zelda and I magnified, and to be honest, I wasn't sure how that was even possible. Everywhere I went I was stopped by someone inquiring about my relationship with the queen. I downplayed it to being nothing more than a 'lady-servant' relationship, and every time I said that, I received the same disbelieving stare or scoff. It was apparent to the people that I was keeping the true details of our relationship a secret. For the most part I grinned and ignored it.
What was I going to do?
The people were going to think what they wanted to think, such is life.
However, I wasn't going to pretend that Zelda and I didn't have something real growing between us. Ever since that moment we shared after the ball, she'd been avoiding me, and I wasn't talking small time avoidance either. She was making it impossible for me to schedule a formal audience with her. It was obviously easy for her to do so, but I gathered she simply didn't want to deal with the 'political ramifications', as she would put it, of what happened. I was assuming of course, but there didn't need to be any 'political ramifications' if we could just talk.
When I requested a meeting with her, she declined to see me, stating she had other business. For the most part, I took the dismissals with a grain of salt, reasoning that that could be the case, she did have a hectic schedule. I then decided to try and see her informally in her garden, but found that that was also nearly impossible with General Gunter and General Zelvious around. Even though they both liked me, and respected what I was trying to do for Hyrule, they weren't going to deny the queen's request not to see me. Finally, I was tempted to visit her via her secret passageway to her chambers, but I knew I would be toting the line of inappropriateness and high risk scandal if we were caught. Besides, if she screamed in fright by not knowing who I was initially, I could get thrown into prison. All in all, I was going to have to wait, but she was exhibiting to me with her actions that what happened between us obviously meant a great deal to her. Why else would she be avoiding to see me?
I took in a deep breath when I contemplated this. I wasn't going to lie, it was frustrating.
What is with that woman? I wondered. Why is she making this harder than it has to be?
At this point I didn't understand why Zelda didn't come clean with her feelings for me. I knew she was in love with me. She didn't have to say it, I just knew. Her actions were more than screaming it. Call me arrogant for thinking so, call me a little presumptuous for drawing such a conclusion, but the tell tell signs were there. She was a woman in love. It was what it was and there was no denying it, and I was hoping sometime soon she would let me see her. However, I wasn't going to pretend this attraction between us was one sided. There were some very strong indicators I was in love with her too, but something about my own fickle nature was preventing me from just coming out and telling her so.
I paused for a moment.
Midna... I thought.
I still had unresolved issues regarding my feelings for her, and for that reason I couldn't allow myself to be completely free to act on how I potentially felt for Zelda. Maybe the queen of Hyrule sensed that, and that was the reason why she was so hesitant to divulge any feelings for me. I couldn't lie and state that Midna was a non-factor. She was, and deep down I still had a stirring of deep love for her within my soul. The truth of the matter was, I wasn't sure how I would react if I just saw her suddenly again. Would everything I felt for Zelda fly out of the window? Was I kidding myself into thinking that what I felt for the queen of Hyrule was real? Was I kidding myself into thinking that what I felt for the queen of Twilight was real? I didn't know for sure, but whatever was the case, I needed to be fair and certain. However, in all honesty, I didn't know how that was going to come to fruition regarding Midna. Contact with her world was nonexistent. It seemed... impossible.
I needed to let that go... the question was, how?
Then, of course, there was the ever sensitive situation with Ilia. I didn't even know where to begin with her. Ilia was friendly to me at best, but she was standoffish now. Even after giving me the dancing lesson for the ball, she had very few words for me. I understood why, and given my past behaviors, I didn't argue with her. It just seemed extremely sad that our friendship had taken the turn it did, and I couldn't help but think of how true to life that play exhibited Ilia's core nature. That production, with all of its hoopla and fanfare, had some very uncanny resemblances of my best friend. It was unnerving and almost eerie.
How did they have her character so spot on?
Everything projected from that stage was just how she catered to me. If anything had happened to me I was sure she would come to my aide with no questions asked. She was loyal like that, I just wish I cared for her in the same way she cared for me. I knew she deemed it unfair that I didn't love her the same way considering how long we knew each other, but I couldn't force myself to feel something I didn't feel. And with Ilia... I just didn't feel it. Even still, Ilia was very special to me, she was a grown woman, and I was sure she was aware that the world simply didn't function the way we willed it. Anyway, I knew she would be okay, and I would make an extra effort to be attentive to her during the Pumpkin Festival early next year. Besides, I had other things to contemplate. I hated to be insensitive, but it was the truth.
I was stopped in front of the window that peered out over the gardens. I sighed when I thought about my best friend.
She'll understand one day... I thought.
Moving on with my contemplation, my other best friend seemed to be upping the ante on his extracurricular investigative activities. I hadn't yet had a chance to speak with him concerning my last purge, and what it all could mean to the brotherhood. I was going to remedy that today. As soon as we both had a free moment, I would discuss the matter with him in private. I was sure he had an idea as to what was going on, even if it wasn't set in stone. With that in mind, I needed to start building my case against Vincent so I could present it to the queen. I was also going to share what I found regarding the documents with Bastion. The fewer people that knew about Vincent's treachery for now, the better. I did have enough to bring him down presently, but a stronger case was needed to have him banished, or even executed.
Yes, executed.
I knew that seemed extreme, but he was obviously involved in some rather evil devices. Devices that were trying to take over Hyrule. I wasn't going to allow that, and because of such I needed to know how he was going to do that.
What had that assassin meant? I wondered. Who was he trying to resurrect if it wasn't Ganondorf?
These past few days, I kept my eyes open to the event horizon to see if any changes had taken place. Nothing yet, and in terms of normal spatial orientations, everything was deemed fine. However, there have been reports of sporadic luminescent phenomena on Hyrule Field, particularly near Kakariko Gorge. What in the world was going on out there? And why was it happening only after the induction of the final purge? It was apparent the two were related, and her majesty had the matter investigated by our team two days ago. I sensed she knew we were the most trustworthy for the job. So far, no evidence was gathered relating to what some of the citizens had seen. It didn't mean it wasn't out there though.
It was definitely out there...
Somewhere...
Referring to such, that vision I saw in my blind state was still conjuring in my mind. Those constellations were still very much a fixture in the heavens, and I was going to figure out why. I already had some information from Dr. Borville, but I needed more insight into the matter to make a proper deduction. I decided to go to the royal library and start some research on astronomical rotations. So far my search was coming up fruitless, and that was the last thing I needed, considering the movers and shakers at the castle. There were already whispers about some astronomers within the Borealis Society trying to preempt their own private investigation. Whatever was going on needed to stay to a minimum, and all the Borealis Society would do was prevent any outside third party from studying what was going on. I would be considered an outside third party, even though the whole occurrence happened because of me. It would just turn into a mess.
In this case, I figured I was going to need to discuss the ordeal with Bastion, or even Master Auru if I didn't find out some answers soon. Bastion for the obvious reasons of his connections with the brotherhood, and Auru because he was an extremely resourceful man. Expedition in such matters was extremely important, and to be honest, the better candidate regarding the constellations would have been Shad due to his occupation. However, given what I found out recently about him, it was best to keep such information related to him to a near nil. It wasn't that I didn't trust Shad, I did. I just felt he needed a break considering all the recent stress he's been under, and as such, he's been excused from the team for the next couple weeks. Shad deemed it a punishment at first, but when I explained and reassured him that his position would be waiting for him when he returned, and that he would receive his pay as usual, that seemed to ease his mind. The last thing I wanted was a rift in the group, there had been enough of that in the past.
That was what the nobles wanted.
They wanted us to drift apart.
Then of course there was the situation with Morgana...
I closed my eyes and sighed when I thought about that treacherous woman. I hadn't seen her since the party, and the word through the grapevine was she had gone into hiding. Given what I knew about her true nature, that was in her best interests. She was really one of the most underhanded Hylian beings I had ever encountered. In short, she was a bitch, and I didn't like referring to women as such, but in this case I had to call her what she was, a spade was a spade. It seemed the elusive lady was more caught up in her brothers plans than I initially thought. There were strong indicators that the rupee siphoning taking place from the ministry of protocol was being funneled to the tavern Morgana owned. The funds allocated in sales didn't match the recorded records. There was possibly more to it, and Master Auru told me a week ago at the party that he had some more information regarding Morgana's 'other' occupation. I was going to ask about that today. If there was strong evidence that she delving into whatever her brother was delving into, I was going to make sure there was a place for her alongside Vincent when the time came for it.
She won't get away with anything she's plotting with her brother, I thought, she has just as much a hand in this as he does.
The only problem was, with Morgana it wasn't a cut and dry situation like her brother. I wasn't going to pretend that she didn't have some real leverage on me. She did, and it could potentially be disastrous regarding my relationship with Zelda. If Zelda found out what happened between she and I... I didn't like thinking about it. However, if that scandal became a defacto trigger for her majesty, then I was going to do what I had to do.
I would deny it.
I wasn't kidding.
If for the greater good of Hyrule I would have to lie, I would. I wasn't going to let one stupid night in bed with a whorish noblewoman ruin the kingdom, or destroy Hyrule. If I were relieved of my position there would be no one willing to challenge Vincent. Her majesty had her allies true, but Vincent had been operating in the same manner for years with no disruption from anyone. I knew that lying went against my better self, but I realized the nobles didn't play fair, and they weren't interested in ideals. If Morgana proceeded with her threats, I would simply say they weren't true, then the burden of proof would be on her. And given Zelda's feelings for me, I knew I had the upper hand.
I clicked my tongue off the side of my teeth and sighed again.
I didn't like what this position was turning me into. A few months ago such a consideration would have been unthinkable for me, but I had seen the inner workings of the castle. I knew how things really went down, and there was nothing black and white about politics in Hyrule. The nobles lived in their multifaceted shades of grey, and to preempt that, I needed to be a little grey myself. However, I wasn't going to lie, it wasn't simply countering the nobles that made for the change in me, I did appreciate the amenities my position afforded me. Amenities that most nobles would kill to have. There was something seductive about the cards I held: the queen, the CIT, the trust of the Dragon Roost royals, the trust of the people, having Vincent at bay... all of it, and I wasn't going to give those cards up easily.
I narrowed my eyes a little as I kept my gazed fixed out the window,
It made me think back to the cautionary tale I received from Lanayru about the seduction of power. He warned that the thirst for power was one of the most corrupting forces in all of Hyrule. That, of course, was in line with the dark power of the Fused Shadow, but I think subliminally the guardian was trying to warn me of the thirst for power period. I understood what he was saying, and took grave heed to what he meant, but I was starting to experience just how elusive that feeling was.
It was like a potent drug once one got a taste of it.
Soothing...
Intoxicating...
A transcendent feeling of exhilaration...
An unguent high...
I pursed my lips together and stopped myself. I was taking this too far.
You need to be careful Link, I warned myself.
I stared out the window a moment longer, tapped my fingers on the stone pane, then stepped back and found myself heading back down to the Situation Room. That was enough of this. I couldn't stand around thinking any longer. I had important things I had to do.
I had a kingdom to protect.
~SSS~
Meanwhile Somewhere in the Crypts of Hyrule: Vincent's POV
Vincent was kneeling down on one knee and finishing his preparations. He had a large cylinder apparatus that stayed stationary unto the ground, with an interwoven circular-like lattice structure above it, that extended out and pointed heavenward by means of a crystal. The crystal was diamond shaped and had a golden brown color to it. It resembled a Shadow Crystal from the Twilight Realm, but was far more inter-dimensional than that. The advisor took careful means to find this crystal, and all he needed now was the mechanism with which to use it... the mechanism to call his master.
He wiped his hands of the soot and smiled at his work. The small room he was occupying led out to a large underground cavern. The cavern was a network of stairs, ladders, and tunnels that extended into a complex labyrinth. It was a product of the Brotherhood of Hyrule, however, even members of the brotherhood weren't privy to all the entryways. It was very easy to get lost. The importance of keeping this small room secret along with what Vincent's true intentions were would be revealed later. For now, the advisor was keeping in line with the preparations from the old book The Secret Mysteries of All the Ages.
Vincent dusted off his robe and headed to the door. Everything was almost complete, he paused for a moment and looked back at the apparatus, then narrowed his eyes in discernment.
Soon I won't need that goddess forsaken brotherhood, he thought, I already have everything I need to make what I want a reality. I just need to be patient a little while longer.
The advisor looked up to where the apparatus was pointing and felt a strong sense of accomplishment already.
It's out there... he thought cryptically, somewhere...
Satisfied with the events set in motion, Vincent then turned and headed out the room.
He had other business to attend to.
~SSS~
The Situation Room: Link's POV
"I would just like to congratulate everyone on a job well done," I was saying, "as it stands now there have been some dynamic changes in Hyrule and many of the citizens are happy with what has already taken place. We're keeping in line with that by stating, that despite all the mishaps at the ball, the general consensus was a success. The Dragon Roost royals are happy, the queen is happy, and most importantly part of our objective has been met."
Everyone around the table clapped at hearing that, and I was glad to see the camaraderie was back to normal.
"That applause is much deserved," I replied, raising my hand to shush everyone, "and I want to thank you all for your hard work. The buzz of the party is still in the air, and we can make the most of it by finishing our overlooked tasks from earlier in the proposal. We should polish them up so we can present them to her majesty before the month is out."
Ashei, who was sitting catercorner to me, nodded in affirmation. "That's an excellent idea," she said, "I have some new leads concerning the network dilemma I want to divulge to everyone here, but only after I clear a few things up first."
I nodded in agreement at her words. I was actually hoping that that would be taken care of sooner rather than later, because it seemed to be taking far too long. It was a shame that we still didn't know who the spy was in relation to why they were listening to our meetings. It was no matter now, the ball was over, the queen approved us, and I was confident in Ashei's ability to fix this problem.
"Very well," I said, then turned my attention to Telma, "what about you Ms. Mixologist? Do you have the plans fleshed out for a new logistics protocol?"
Of everything needing to get completed, I felt that this was the most neglected. I was supposed to have a flushed out proposition months ago to present to her majesty. However, with all the ball prep and tutoring occupying most of my time, I let that important aspect of the merger fall to the wayside. I didn't see how we were going to move forward without a proper logistics protocol. It was just as important as everything else. In any such case, hopefully, that was about to be remedied today.
The bartender nodded, but then a sad but hopeful smile spread across her pretty face. "Don't worry honey, I've got you covered," she replied.
I gave her a thoughtful look with a raised brow just then. It was the answer I was anticipating, just not with the added inflection.
What's this? I wondered.
"Something in the way you said that tells me you want to say something else," I perceived. "You might as well come out with it now."
Telma laughed at me and shook her cornrowed locks. "Nothing gets past you, does it?"
I smirked.
That depends on who you ask, I thought.
"Most of the time," I replied, and everyone laughed, then got back to the subject on hand, "you have the floor now, what's up?"
Everyone then turned their attention to the bartender, Ashei looked especially noteworthy. I caught her in my periphery not being able to sit still. For a woman known for keeping secrets, she never would have been seen as such if I had only known her in the here and now. It was obvious she already knew what Telma was about to say. I just hoped it wasn't bad news.
"Well," Telma started, "unfortunately this month is going to be my last meeting with the official CIT. I'll still work with you guys and everything like before, but I can't give you the one hundred percent as I could in the past because..." she paused for a moment and smiled, "because I'm getting married."
The three of us men in the room looked at her shocked.
"Sweet Hylia," I said surprised, "you're getting married Telma?"
Telma nodded. "Renaldo asked me last week on the eve of the ball," she said, "I didn't want to say anything to distract you guys from being focused, but yes, we're getting married."
Bastion chuckled in an unorthodox way and sat back in his seat. "What?" he said with a grin. "So, he finally decided to take the plunge into legal servitude again, huh? That's marvelous, I'm glad for the both of you."
I gave my uncouth friend a wayward look.
Really Bastion? I wondered.
"I think he simply meant congratulations," I corrected, "this is wonderful news."
Auru nodded and agreed. "Yes, this is wonderful news Telma," he reiterated, "congratulations my dear, I hope the two of you will be very happy."
Ashei looked like she was ready to burst from happiness. "I'm so excited for you Telma!" she said finally, acting as though everyone knowing was now her cue to speak. "Now I have someone to trade ideas with! When's the wedding?"
Bastion chuckled at his fiance's antics and kept his attention on the bartender. "That's a good question," he chimed in, "when is your imminent departure?"
Telma took in a thoughtful sigh and shrugged. "We set the date for early next year," she said, "right after we watch Link beat the dragon prince in the Dragon Gala."
I grinned when I heard that.
"Thanks for the boast of confidence Telma," I replied, "but that's a tall order you're asking of me."
Everyone laughed when I said that.
Master Auru then looked my way after my utterance. "Speaking of which," he shifted, "have you gotten in contact with that dragon rider I told you about?"
I gave the mature soldier an obvious stare. With everything that had just taken place, I was fortunate I still had my head on right. There was no time for me to make an official call to see a dragon rider.
"It's been only a week since the party," I reasoned.
Auru shook his head at my conjecture. "And the Dragon Gala is only a month away," he replied, "if you don't start practicing soon, you'll not only lose, you'll lose significantly to Elbourne. I'm not even sure the prince knows you're in it just yet, but if and when he finds out, he's going to be gutting for you."
For some reason Ashei looked down at the table and blushed at her father's words. "That is true," she said, "and Elbourne is the type of man to go after something until he gets it. He wants your blood Link, don't take him lightly."
The way she uttered was very telling.
Where did that perception come from? I wondered of my friend. It seems a little deeper than a simple observance of character from afar.
I didn't make my inquiries known about Ashei.
"I'm aware of that," was all I replied.
Bastion gave me a cautious grin. "Are you?" he asked. "Don't let his presumptuous acts at the party fool you, he's very deadly once he's on top of a dragon, and the Dragon Gala is no holds bar. There are no rules once you're in the arena. If you're not careful he'll try and kill you."
There was a brief silence in the room when he uttered that. I was aware of how wild the gala could get, and I wasn't taking that lightly, but the simple fact of this whole conversation was, I didn't have the free time. I was going to have to force that into my schedule, and mandate many of my duties to some of the others here. Auru was the obvious candidate for such service, and since the gala was on everyone's mind, now would be as good a time as any to make such a recommendation.
"Very well," I said finally, breaking the silence, "I'll see him tomorrow, but it may take me away from here for the next few weeks. Auru would you be willing to step up and head the CIT until then."
The older soldier raised a brow and grinned at me. "Of course," he replied, "I wouldn't make a suggestion and then leave you in a lurch, especially with everything going on. I consider it my duty."
I nodded at his reply.
"Well perfect," I said, "it's been decided."
I looked over at Telma who was making note of it in the deposition book. Since Shad was on his temporary relief, she was acting as a proxy time keeper in the meetings. When she put the quill pen down she looked at me eagerly just then.
"Speaking of the party," she started, changing the subject, "is it true the prince nearly challenged you to a duel?"
I looked at her puzzled.
"What?" I asked.
Ashei immediately interjected, and I knew it was because she had something to do with what was being said. "I didn't say a duel Telma," she scolded, "I said they looked like they were ready to fight."
Everyone laughed at the slight exaggeration.
Well... it wasn't too much of an exaggeration. Elbourne did look like he was ready to come after me at one point.
"To answer your question," I redirected, "yes, we did get a little tense, but it was nothing too spectacular."
Now Bastion gave me a disingenuous look. "Okay, now you are downplaying what happened a lot," he said, then turned his attention to Telma. "Things got more than a little tense, the dragon prince looked like he was ready to kill Link. He even asked him questions on Hyrule's history in ancient Hylian for Hylia's sake."
Telma raised a brow and looked impressed. "I wish I could have been there to see that," she said, then looked over at me. "Did you answer?"
I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back, then gave a casual shrug.
"Of course I did," I replied, "it was child's play," I joked.
Everyone laughed.
Well, everyone except Auru.
Master Auru shook his head and gave me a look of warning. "It may seem that way now, but at the time it was hardly looked at as child's play," he reasoned.
I chuckled at his setting me straight. I liked how even when I was joking he never let things get too far.
"I suppose," I replied.
"There is no suppose about it," Auru went on, "you know I'm right."
Ashei grinned, looked me over, then added, "It seems our once modest Link is becoming less modest Telma," she said, "he even referred to her majesty as 'Zelda' at the party at one point."
Telma snickered, but I didn't find that divulgence funny, and I was clever in how I masked it, but I immediately gave Ashei a concealed evil eye.
Really Ashei? I thought slightly irritated. You're just going to out me like that in front of everyone?
Apparently Auru didn't find it funny either, but for a very different reason. "Is that true?" he asked me.
Here we go, I thought sarcastically.
I took in a deep sigh.
"Yes," I said, "but it was merely a slip of the tongue."
Auru wasn't going to let me slide with that. "Did you say that in front of anyone?"
Before I could answer, Bastion interjected for me. "He said it in front of Ashei and I only," he reassured "that's all."
Auru still wasn't satisfied with that. "You have to be careful," he warned, "I've told you before, you shouldn't treat your relationship with the queen so casually. There are already all those silly rumors going on inside the court about the two of you. You don't need to add to them."
He, of course, was talking about the rumors of Zelda and I sleeping together. I didn't want to be disrespectful, but he had no idea how true those rumors almost were, or how deep our relationship had already gotten. Calling Zelda by her name was the least of it at this point, if Auru knew that I was propositioned to deflower the queen of Hyrule, he would've probably challenged me to duel himself.
Let me keep this light, to the point, and move on, I thought.
"You're... right of course," I said carefully, "next time I'll be more prudent."
Auru sighed and shook his head. "You do that."
I really wanted to change the subject, this was starting not to bear well. There was another brief silence, and it seemed this one had a little bit of tension added to it.
"Anyway," I started, obviously detracting, "congratulations again Telma, and I'll make be sure to win the Gala as your wedding present."
Telma laughed, but Auru groaned, which precipitated laughter from Ashei and Bastion, and a moment later, as if in tandem with our conversation, there was a knock at the door. Everyone immediately got quiet at hearing that, and I stood up at the head of the table. I cleared my voice in preparation to speak.
"Come in," I called.
The door opened and my 'favorite' courtier came and walked through the door. I know it was hard to imagine, but I really believed he hated my guts even more now because half his duties were sifted to other people, which meant less pay. However, why should he be paid for standing next to a guard gossiping about the goings on of the court? It was nonsense, and I knew he blamed me relentlessly for his recent 'plight'. It was no matter, he would get over it.
So you get seven thousand rupees less a year for work you actually do, I thought, get over it.
The courtier bowed, but kept his nose turned up. I almost laughed.
"Her majesty Queen Zelda requests an audience with you Master Link," he stated, "she says it's of the utmost importance. She requests that you stop what you are doing, and come see her immediately."
My ears perked when I heard that. It sounded extremely serious.
Stop what I'm doing immediately? I thought. I hope nothing crazy has happened.
I nodded.
"I'm coming right now," I replied.
I looked around the table and saw the semi-concerned looks on everyone's faces. 'What's happened now?' they were basically asking. I had no idea, but I shared their sentiments, and hoped it wasn't something detrimental to the CIT. Better yet, I hoped it was nothing related to CIT or Vincent for that matter. I still wanted to build a stronger case against him before I exposed him. Hopefully it was nothing too serious, and the messenger was just making it seem like more than what it was.
Let's hope, I thought.
I didn't think to bring anything, because I wasn't sure what this was all about.
"I'll be back," I said to everyone, but made sure that Bastion knew to stay put, "we still have a few things to go over, got it?"
I was hoping he understood the subliminal messaging. It seemed so, because he gave me a slightly wayward stare and subtly nodded. I still needed to speak with him regarding the purges and constellation matter. With that, I walked over to the courtier and waited for him to lead the way.
"After you," I said with minor sarcasm.
He looked at me indignantly.
"Hmph," he moaned in slight disgust, "this way."
I kept the smirk off my face and followed after him. Everyone looked after me hopefully. I wasn't going to lie, I was hopeful myself.
What is this about? I wondered as we walked down the hall.
The courtier led me down the long foyer to the throne room where her majesty took audiences. The courtier stopped outside the door and opened it for me. I nodded respectfully and went inside. I glanced around the room and saw that the court where the nobles and ladies sat to observe the audiences was empty. The guards that usually stood watch inside were vacated, some of the windows had coverings over them, and the door behind me was locked. Why the extra security protocol? I knew only the queen could order such things. Whatever it was the queen wanted next to no one in her court to know. I think in a way she was trying to protect me, but protect me from what?
What was going on?
I darted my eyes immediately to Zelda and saw that she had a very serious, but stoic-like look on her face. She was seated on her throne dressed in royal blue, looking as beautiful as she had ever been, with the locket of Nayru's Love around her neck, but there was something not right about all this. Why was she not happy to see me? In fact it seemed as if her disdain grew when I got closer to her. It had been a week since I last saw her, and I knew she had to be missing me the way I was missing her. I tried to convey that with my eyes, but got nothing in return.
I was starting to get more worried.
Next to the queen was another maiden, but her back was turned to face the opposing wall that faced the back of the throne, and she was wearing a long forest green cloak over her gown with a hood to conceal her identity. I couldn't make out who she was, but it was obvious that whatever this matter was, it had something to do with her. I turned my attention back to the queen, and stopped short of her throne and bowed. When I stood up she was still unreadable. Instead of being continually perplexed about the situation, I decided it was time to just address it. Who was this maiden, and what did she have to do with me?
I cleared my throat before I spoke.
"You called for me your majesty," I said finally.
Zelda didn't answer right away, and I could see from that right there that this was going to be a very unsettling matter.
"Yes Master Link, I called for you," she replied finally. "An alarming matter has been brought to my attention regarding your conduct good sir. Conduct ill befitting a man serving as a counselor of this throne."
A pin drop could be heard after she uttered that.
I felt my eyes widen, but only ever so slightly. I couldn't allow a gross reconfiguration of my features show. That would only make things worse.
What in Hylia's dear name? I wondered.
I had no idea what she was talking about.
"I beg your pardon?" I asked.
Zelda took in a deep, and what looked like a frustrated, breath after hearing my inquiry.
"You will have a chance to defend your honor young master," she stated, "but first the accusations against you must be laid bare to this court. An added precaution of secrecy was induced for both parties involved. The court was cleared because both your identities would only stoke the fires of unnecessary malicious gossip, and that needs to be avoided."
I shook my head at her saying that.
This was insane.
"What accusations?" I couldn't help but ask.
Zelda held up her hand to silence me.
"You will know soon enough," she said, then turned her head slightly to the cloaked maiden, "madam..." she cued.
I felt my heart begin to accelerate from the sudden onset of anxiety. What the hell was going on here? I almost wanted to demand that of these proceedings. Whatever this woman was boasting, had to be nothing but nonsense from the start. With the cue from the queen, the maiden slowly turned around, and when she did, I turned my attention to her. Nothing was immediately conjuring into my mind about her identity, but when I got a better look at her face, I felt my stomach drop. However, I didn't flinch, twitch, or move a muscle. The woman finally took off her hood and the confirmation was instantly made on who she was. When I saw that flash of her red hair in the sunlight from one of the few uncovered windows, I felt my pulse dance. Those cool green eyes stared back into mine, and I knew she wanted to smile as if in some unsung victory.
My throat tightened.
Morgana... I thought.
I averted my eyes back to Zelda and she was watching me like a hawk. I knew I couldn't show any emotion or weakness, because whatever it was Morgana told her would only be confirmed. Now, everything suddenly made sense: why Zelda looked so upset, why the court was cleared, why this 'accusation' was of such a serious matter, and why in the past few days she didn't want to see me. I already knew what she had been told, but I wasn't going to be presumptuous. I wasn't going to assume more of the queen's knowledge than necessary, and I knew Zelda was gauging me for that.
"This is Lady Morgana from the House of Rue Morgue," Zelda announced officially. "She says she has evidence of you acting in a most egregious way in a certain... district, and has asked that you be relieved of all your duties and privileges because of it. Her ladyship will put forth to the floor the accusations mounted against you, and you afterwards will have a chance to counter."
That was all I needed to hear to know exactly how this was going to go. This was exactly the nightmare scenario that I wanted to avoid: Zelda finding out about the Red Lantern District in the most sickening way possible, Hylia only knows what she told her about our sexual escapade, and Morgana coming forth to blackball me, not blackmail, blackball. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do about it now, and I wasn't going to lie, I wasn't expecting any of this. I had no idea Morgana was going to come forward and present her case to the queen. I thought her words at the ball were idle threats. It seemed I shouldn't have taken her so lightly. She was actually proving to be more of a problem than her brother. I was just going to have to remain calm and hope for the best, though now, things didn't look so hopeful.
I turned my attention back to the so-called lady, and saw that she had an almost smug smile smeared across her alabaster white face, but she hid it well with a look of incredulity.
Morgana bowed.
"Thank you your majesty," she said in a soft voice that didn't sound at all like her own, then turned her attention back to me. "I'm afraid I could keep silent no longer Master Link, as my conscience was eating me up with guilt." She walked down the two stairs of the throne and turned to face her majesty a few feet away from me.
That was too close for my comfort.
Morgana couldn't get far enough away from me.
"Several months ago the young master came to the Red Lantern District," she started, "after inquiring about my whereabouts for some time, I actually saw him following me one evening, along with a fellow soldier through a secret labyrinth I take to get there. I go for my own personal reasons, and I am ashamed to say that I have been solicited for sexual favors and have given into them for monetary compensation. I'm not proud of this, but after the fall of my family and the death of my father, I felt it was all I could do to make a living." She pretended to look coy. "After my brother graduated from the Scholar's Academy I quit such service except for 'on again off again' clients." A couple of perfect manufactured tears welled her eyes and spilled over. "I was going to see a suitor that night, a suitor I thought I knew. It turned out to be Master Link, and we... we made love that night..."
When she said that, I turned away in disgust.
This pretentious twat! I thought angrily, but kept my cool.
Morgana went on, "...and when it was over I never saw him again. I tried seeking him out, but he wouldn't see me. At the time, I was afraid I was with child, but I remembered I was born barren, so that was impossible. Anyway, months went on, and I was still searching for him. Finally, when I was at the ball, I confronted him and confessed my love for him, but he adamantly rejected me. I have been torn and love struck ever since."
I honestly thought I was going to be sick. I couldn't believe the nonsense coming out of her mouth. All the while, I kept studying Zelda's face.
Don't fall for this, I thought, please.
Morgana's lies continued. "I think of him constantly, but he'll have no dealings with me now. I feel like such a fool..." she whispered, but then looked up at the queen with tear filled eyes, "but I'm a fool in love. I decided to come forward so Master Link's actions could be made known. I didn't want this to happen to another maiden, so I decided to expose his treachery at the expense of my reputation. I don't care what others think of me, just so they know that Master Link isn't as chivalrous as he purports to be. Who leaves a woman possibly pregnant?!" She then pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed the corners of her eyes. "That is all your majesty, and as I've stated before, I think he should be removed from his station of office, he isn't fit for it," she concluded with a sniffle, "thank you for your time."
There was a deafening silence that followed, and I couldn't have been more disgusted with a person. Seriously, in that moment I think I hated her more than I hated Ganondorf, and that was saying something. All those lies that just fell out of her mouth were conjured by her, and her pernicious brother to have me thrown out of Hyrule, and out of the queen's good graces. They must have been scared that I was getting close to exposing them to orchestrate this nonsense. Well, I had news for them, if Morgana thought she was the only one that could be vicious and underhanded in these proceedings, she had another thing coming, because so could I. I wasn't going to let this treacherous snake do this to me with so much at stake in Hyrule. If she wanted to be dirty and underhanded, fine, two could play that game. I realized with the arena the nobles played in, there were no clean hands, there were only bloody ones, and mine were going to be the bloodiest of the two sets here.
Queen Zelda then turned her attention to me and raised a brow. She was trying to conceal it, but I knew she was shaken and upset with what she had just heard. How could she not be? And I think Morgana knew that. It was obvious Zelda had feelings for me, so what better way to try and turn her against me, than by trying to get her heart involved. Morgana's 'confessions' of love were laughable at best, but how was Zelda supposed to know that? This woman comes forward, seemingly out of nowhere, and tries to paint me as a dark hearted fiend who wouldn't take care of his own child. Morgana was known for being an elusive woman, she was hardly seen in Castle Town or the castle. That was why her story had more traction than I wanted it to. What regular soldier could pay ten thousands rupees for a night in bed with her? She catered to her own kind, and the mentioning of loving me only stemmed to hurt Zelda. Even still, the queen of Hyrule looked at me with indifference and nodded slightly.
"You heard the accusations put forth against you Master Link," she uttered, "what say you to them?"
I paused before I spoke, knowing I needed to handle this delicately. However, there was no way Morgana was going to be let off the hook. I cleared my throat and took a step forward.
"Permission to speak freely your majesty?" I asked, and both women looked at me puzzled just then.
Zelda raised a brow.
"Excuse me Master Link?" the queen countered.
I looked over at Morgana then back to the queen. I didn't think Morgana was expecting that.
"Permission to speak freely?" I repeated.
Zelda looked between Morgana and myself and she too didn't know what to make of it. It was exactly the reaction I was looking for.
She hesitated for a second, but then nodded. "Permission granted."
I looked Zelda straight in her eyes.
I need to fight fire with fire, I thought, I'm not this kind of person normally, but I have to do this.
"It's a lie," I said without flinching, "all of it. I've never slept with this woman, I don't know who she is, and her sob story is just that, a story."
Morgana's eyes widened and she gasped from behind me, then immediately took several steps forward. "Your majesty-" she tried.
"She's lying," I interrupted, "she's conjuring up this whole thing to drive a wedge between us your majesty." My attention was solely on Zelda now. "She knows I'm close to putting her brother away!"
Zelda sat erect, but didn't say anything. She just looked between the two of us.
Morgana narrowed her fake tear filled eyes angrily. "How dare you?" she demanded of me, then turned back to the queen. "Your majesty, I implore you to listen to me! He's acting just the way I said he would! He's indifferent and hateful! Besides, what does my brother have to do with this?"
I shook my head and rolled my eyes in contempt at her saying that.
"Your brother has everything to do with this!" I replied for Zelda, then turned my attention to Morgana. "He knows that when the time comes for it his security blanket will be gone! I have evidence of him siphoning money from his office to finance whatever the hell he has up his sleeve! You tell him when you're done here that I'm coming for him! Nothing you or him conjuring will stop me from getting that disgusting bastard thrown into a prison cell!"
Zelda looked at me stunned at my blunt words. "Siphoning rupees from the ministry of protocol?" she asked.
I turned my attention back to her.
"Yes, your majesty," I said with a nod, "I have proof."
Morgana looked at me shocked just then. "He's lying!" she said to the queen, then turned her attention back to me. "Such accusations are-"
"Unlike you, I have evidence!" I interrupted her again. "The only game you're playing is cat and mouse! There is nothing remotely kind or convincing between the two of us! You and I both know that! I would never want a woman like you! Never!"
Morgana shook her head melodramatically, and then threw herself at me. "How can you say that when you know I love you?" she sobbed.
This witch... I couldn't help but think.
I caught her, but only to help her up. Afterwards, I let her go and pushed her away from me.
"Yeah right," I said sarcastically, "you and about every other maiden in this country."
Morgana looked between me and the queen dramatically as if what I said was shocking. "Do you see the way he speaks your majesty?" she asked the queen. "Do you not see his arrogant disposition?"
The queen looked between Morgana and I and stayed composed. We must have looked like idiots to her.
"What evidence do you speak of Master Link?" Zelda asked suddenly, detracting the subject a little. "What are you talking about?"
I didn't want to divulge the totality of it yet, but I knew I needed to convey something.
"Your majesty-" I tried, but Morgana quickly intervened.
"Your majesty, my brother-" she tried.
Morgana obviously forgot who's court this was.
"Silence!" Zelda cut her eyes and said to her sharply. "You two can quibble in amongst yourselves all you want, but when I address a person you will remember your place! You were heard and now it is Master Link's turn. If your brother is innocent, then you have nothing to worry about, and let's not forget who accused who of what." Zelda sat upright and narrowed her eyes slightly. "If you don't want your skeletons exposed, it's best not to go digging a grave for yourself, do you understand?"
I felt my eyebrows raise involuntarily.
Wow, was all I could think.
Morgana looked at the queen astonished. "Your majesty... are you suggesting that I'm lying?" she asked.
Zelda raised a brow and interlaced her fingers in front of her on her lap. "I'm suggesting that you talk too much," she said, "when I'm speaking to someone you will remain silent. The only persons who need to talk over someone else are those who lie." She finished, then adroitly she looked over at me. "Isn't that right Master Link?"
I paused for a moment and searched her eyes.
Don't fall for it Zelda, I thought.
"Yes, it is," I agreed.
Zelda kept her eyes on me and kept her disposition cool. "So why don't we nip her problem in the bud right now then, and afterwards we'll get to yours."
I nodded, and Morgana looked beyond upset.
"Your majesty-" she tried.
"If you interject again, I'll dismiss your case entirely, based on your contempt for this court," Zelda warned. "This is not a brothel house madam. You cannot holler at will. You will conduct yourself like the lady you claim to be, and keep your mouth closed when I speak. Do you understand?"
I hid it, but I was stunned at the slighted digs at Morgana's character. I knew Zelda had spunk under all that shyness, but her nature right now was downright ferocious, and I didn't want any of that ferocity to be projected on me.
Zelda then cut her eyes back to me and looked at me determined. "I will ask you this once and once only Master Link," she said, "it's best to be truthful if such is the case, and with that being said I want an answer to dissolve this matter. Did you make love with this woman and then walk away because she was potentially pregnant?"
I looked her back straight in the eyes and didn't hesitate.
"No," I replied.
There was a silence that overcame the room.
Zelda stared at me in such a way, that I wasn't sure she believed me or not. "No?"
I shook my head.
"No," I repeated.
Zelda raised a brow. "Are you sure?"
I nodded with no hesitations.
"Yes," I replied.
Zelda sighed after hearing that, then addressed Morgana once more. "You said you had some evidence on this matter?"
I felt a subtle pang of alarm when I heard that again.
Evidence? I wondered. What evidence?
Morgana nodded immediately. "Yes," she said, wiping her eyes of her fake tears, "there were two guards who were there at the district the night he was with me. They can verify his presence."
When she said that, I was perplexed for a moment, until I realized what two guards she was talking about. The ones Bastion had arrested. I nearly felt my stomach drop in apprehension. Morgana must have promised she would get them reprieved if they testified against me.
Oh no, I thought with a minor onset of panic.
Zelda turned her attention back to me when she took note of my facial expression. "You care to change your story before I let them come in?"
I shook my head no. I was all in now, there was no backing out. I couldn't change my story.
"No," I uttered.
Zelda sighed, and stared into my eyes for a moment. "Very well," she said, then addressed Morgana, "alert your witnesses please."
Morgana bowed before flashing me a dirty look, and hurried to the door of the throne room. I waited uneasily and looked at Zelda only to see her avoid my eyes. She was looking past me to the entrance behind me. I wanted to dispel her worries, but I should have been more concerned with what those two guards were going to say.
This was going from bad to worse.
"Please come in," Morgana was saying at the door, and a few moments later we were joined by the same two guards who harassed that Gerudo girl nearly left for dead.
Both men looked at me in alarm when they saw my face.
I didn't flinch.
Oh no, I thought.
Zelda raised a brow in inquiry. "What's the matter gentlemen?" she asked them. "Do you know this man?"
Morgana smirked just then, but it would be to her detriment.
The first soldier shook his head confused. "That's not the dragon prince," he divulged.
No one was expecting to hear that, not even me.
Dear Hylia... I thought with a trail.
Zelda looked between me and the two men taken aback. "Excuse me?" she asked. "What do you mean?"
The second soldier eyed me up and down for a moment. "The man we saw that night was Prince Elbourne," he said, "and even though this man looks a lot like him, maybe be his twin even, he isn't who we saw. His hair color and eye color are different."
Zelda looked at me just then as if having had a long over due 'ah ha' moment. "He does look a great deal like the dragon prince, doesn't he?"
I was surprised she was just now realizing this. I thought that would be the thing she first recognized about me considering everyone else did.
However, Morgana looked incensed with this revelation and didn't seem to care. "You idiots! Of course that's the reason you thought he was the dragon prince!" she said to the both of them, then addressed her majesty. "I too thought that this man was Elbourne of Dragon Roost, and that why I was so taken aback when he came into my chambers." She looked to the ground and took in a deep breath. "I have another confession to make your majesty, the truth of the matter is Elbourne of Dragon Roost was the man that I was supposed to be entertaining that night. However, Master Link up showed instead."
After that, there was a brief silence from the queen. She sat back on her throne and gave Morgana a long once over as if surprised at the divulgence. Her composure seemed to leave her a little bit.
Zelda raised both brows at that news. "You know Prince Elbourne?" she asked her finally.
Morgana could tell by the queen's tone that she should have held her tongue. "Uh... unfortunately, he does come to see me from time to time," she said, trying to make light of it.
There was a brief but tense silence after that.
Zelda narrowed her eyes at her and leaned forward a little bit. "So... you're one of his little... friends," she said finally.
I wasn't sure if I heard that right, but it seemed like an inflection of jealousy in her voice. A jealousy I didn't understand.
Why does it matter? I wondered. She and Elbourne are friends at best anyway... at least that's what she's been telling me.
I wasn't going to lie, I was a little bit annoyed with Zelda's concern for him. It was a known fact that he played around in the Red Lantern District. His name should have rightly been Prince Venereal.
Zelda kept her attention fixed on Morgana. "Exactly how often are you in the Red Lantern District?" she asked. "This doesn't seem like a 'time to time, on again off again' situation or occupation if you ask me."
Morgana stiffened a little at hearing that. "I assure you-"
The queen stopped her right there.
"You can't assure me of anything!" Zelda snapped, which was rare, and something about Morgana knowing Elbourne the way she did didn't sit well with her. "Elbourne is one of my dearest friends, and I don't like him associating with users like you! He may seem charming and funny to you, but you have no idea how much that place brings him pain! Reassurances!" She scoffed and shook her head. "You can't even assure me of proper witnesses! Both of them say they saw the dragon prince!" She then turned to the two men and pointed to me. "Is this the man you saw in the Red Lantern district? Yes or no?"
Both of them shook their heads no.
"No, the man we saw was the dragon prince," the first one reassured, then looked at Morgana, "I don't know who you slept with lady, but I'm telling you why we got arrested."
Zelda looked at me stunned and was taken aback again, then turned her attention back to the two men. "You were both arrested?" she demanded incredulously. "On what charges?"
They then realized they put their foots in their mouths.
"Uh..." the first one trailed, "for getting into a fight at a bar in the district."
I didn't say anything.
That's a nice way to lighten the levy, I thought sarcastically.
Zelda put her head in her palm in frustration and disbelief. "You are both dismissed," she said immediately and signaled for them to leave.
Both men hesitated for a moment, but then bowed and turned to hurry out of there. When the door closed, Zelda raised her head and looked at Morgana upset. This was only looking better for me.
"Why would you think to bring such vagrants here as your witnesses?" she demanded.
Morgana didn't know what to say. "They told me they knew him," she said.
The queen gave her an obvious stare.
"And you believed them unconditionally?" Zelda shot back. "You didn't think to investigate their character first? Of course they would say anything to receive a lighter sentence! And on top of that they claim to have seen someone else!"
Morgana shook her head. "I..." she trailed, "I don't know what to say."
Zelda nodded in agreement. "I'm afraid that's your problem my lady, you have nothing to say," she replied, "and unfortunately for you, neither did they, and neither do I, except this: your case is dismissed. It is up to you to provide the burden of proof, and unfortunately, you have not done that. With this being the issue, I have no other choice."
Some of Morgana's false pretense fell after hearing that, and she looked livid. "Your majesty this is an injustice!" she said vehemently. "I feel you've prejudiced yourself by the fact of knowing the dragon prince was a solicitor of mine." She then pointed to me. "This man was the man in my bedroom! I can tell you the description of his naked body, and the size and prominence of his shaft in full detail!"
I couldn't believe she said that out loud, and I nearly closed my eyes in embarrassment for her. However, that wasn't necessary, she was winning this case for me. I didn't have to say a word.
Zelda stared at Morgana for a long time in disbelief before she uttered. "Are you sure it wasn't the dragon prince's shaft you're having such fond memories of?" she slighted rhetorically. "As I've said before, your case is dismissed, and I will warn you in the future not to waste my time with such deplorable nonsense. I take it very seriously."
Morgana was dumbfounded. "Are you joking?" she asked stupidly.
That was a mistake.
Zelda raised a brow. "Do you dare to question your queen my lady?"
Morgana clamped her mouth shut, but the expression of anger on her face was priceless. "No, your majesty," she replied.
What else could she say? She had brought this upon herself.
Zelda pointed behind her to the doors. "Lady Morgana you may go," she said, then added, "and I would reevaluate my life if I were you."
Morgana narrowed her eyes upset, and forced a bow mechanically. Afterwards, she turned and left the room. When the door closed behind her, I let out a sigh of relief. I closed my eyes and bent over to let out a billow of trapped air. That was over, and Morgana's would be scheme was thwarted. I was hoping this would be a time for a mini celebration. However, when I stood up to face the queen again, there was an icy expression in her eyes. She still looked upset.
I looked at her slightly puzzled.
What's this? I wondered.
"What's the matter my lady?" I inquired.
Zelda took in a deep sigh and looked away from me. She knew I knew what the matter was. I didn't even know why I asked.
"Don't play that game with me Link," she said softly.
I looked at her innocently, but understood exactly what she meant.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied anyway.
She sat back on her throne, grabbed the locket around her neck, twirled it in her palm, and studied me for a few moments. I had to admit, I did sound like a fool, and if I expected her to just cast away her doubts because of the present set of circumstances, I had another thing coming. That wasn't reasonable on any level and I knew that. Even still, I couldn't suddenly act guilty and throw all of what I had just done away. That was the terrible thing about a lie, without coming clean and telling the truth, a person was forced to build on it.
I hated this.
I hated it.
Zelda narrowed her eyes at me.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about, and now that she's gone, will you tell me the truth?" she inquired, then asked. "Did you do it?"
I looked at her astonished. There was no way I was going to confess after having gone through all of that.
"No," I said immediately.
She didn't say anything for a long time after hearing that, and I was starting to worry that she was losing faith in me. I took a step forward and searched her face in a slight desperation, but I wasn't letting the feeling show on my face.
Come on Zelda, I thought.
"Don't you believe me?" I asked her finally after a few moments went by.
Zelda then cut her eyes away from me and stood up from her throne. She came down the two steps slowly and walked up to me to stare me straight in the eyes. She didn't flinch, twitch, or blush, she just... stared, and all I could do was stare back. Her dark blue eyes searched my face, and ended up staring at my mouth before coming back up to my pan of sight once more. I wasn't sure what it was, but something in how she did that was both alluring and telling at the same time. She was definitely an advocate for justice when it came to judiciary matters, but she also had a look in her eyes that said 'don't fuck with me, or you'll regret it', and I wasn't going to lie, I was smitten by it. I found it very sexy. It was a side of her that she rarely showed, and it made me think of the warning Master Auru consistently told me about in the past.
"The sovereign of Hyrule is not some run-of-mill woman," his voice echoed through my mind, "...If there is interest there, capitalize on it. If not, leave it alone. Don't play with a woman's heart, especially a powerful woman's like the queen."
That couldn't have been more true, especially right now.
Zelda gave me a long once over and took a step closer to me.
"She lost on a technicality Link," she said, "her witnesses were garbage."
I looked at her surprised, but then got a little indignant that she was doubting me. I knew I shouldn't have been considering what just took place, but I was.
"I asked you a question," I said to her boldly.
Now it was her turn to be surprised. She narrowed her eyes at me again.
"Who do you think you're talking to?" she replied.
I didn't back down.
"I'm talking to you," I replied, "you know what you think about me matters to me, stop pretending. You're above that."
The surprise never left her eyes, but her features softened a little when she heard that. She looked away for a moment and contemplated my question.
"What difference does it make whether or not I believe you?" she whispered finally. "If it's true it's true."
I stared at her eyes avoiding mine.
"It makes all the difference in the world to me," I replied, "I care about what you think about me."
Zelda took in a deep breath when she heard that, then stepped back. She gave me another long once over, then for some reason smiled in an odd way. I found her behavior strange. I didn't like all this sarcasm she was projecting.
"Well, if that's the case, I believe you," she said simply, "there, are you happy?"
I wasn't sure what to make of that, but I decided to take it for what it was. I didn't want to prolong an uncomfortable conversation.
"Actually I am," I said honestly.
There was a brief silence between us, before I decided to break it by changing the subject.
I need to get her mind on something else, I thought.
"Did..." I started, "did you still want to see what I had collected on Vincent?"
Zelda didn't answer instantly. Instead, she shrugged and replied with an inquiry.
"What do you think is best?" she asked.
I gave her an odd stare, but answered anyway.
"I think I should wait until everything is full proof," I replied, "that way there won't be any loopholes."
She thought about what I said for a moment, but then digressed to my reasoning.
"Very well," she said quietly.
There was another silence between us, and I was starting to get annoyed with this stop-gap dialogue. I knew it was because my conscience was bothering me, and I wasn't sure if she trusted me in the same way as before. She was still upset at me and I hoped she would afford me another opportunity to prove my loyalty to her.
"Your majesty..." I started, not sure what to say, "I get the sense that you're upset with me, is that the case?"
Zelda bit her lower lip and slowly shook her head no.
"I'm not angry with you," she said quietly, "I'm just confused with what to do."
I took her words as a hopeful sign.
"I... I know what you mean," I said carefully and tried to grin, "this isn't the best of situations to be in."
I was starting to have little in relief in our conversation and took a step forward, but she immediately stepped back and stopped me from pursuing her further.
"Don't come any closer," she warned.
I looked at her surprised and my grin faded.
"Why?" I asked.
Now it was her turn to get indignant.
"Why do you feel the need to question me all the time?" she said slightly upset. "I just don't want you to come any closer."
I read her quickly just then. I knew what this was and scoffed and looked away.
Politics... I thought.
I shook my head.
"You're incredible, you know that?" I said sarcastically.
She narrowed her eyes at me again.
"No more incredible than you," she said back, "and given what's just been said about you, you have a lot of nerve."
I raised my brows at her attempted dig at my character. I wasn't expecting her to say that.
"Are you going to hold this against me?" I demanded all of a sudden, knowing I needed to watch my tone. "Am I going to be on pins and needles around you because you no longer trust me?"
She closed her eyes and suddenly looked distressed.
"I... I'm not holding anything against you," she said quietly, "I told you, I'm just confused."
I took in a deep breath.
That was vague.
"About what Zelda?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"About..." she trailed, trying to find the right words, "about everything."
I wish she would just be more open.
"Are you talking about after the party?" I asked softly.
Zelda immediately looked to the ground and didn't reply.
I nodded, knowing that was exactly what she was talking about, and gave her a long once over of my own.
"Afraid if I come closer you might have another repeat of what happened between us in the tower?" I said boldly. "Afraid I might carry you off to your chambers and finish what I started? Make love to you until you can't stand it any longer?"
Zelda's eyes widened and she blushed at my blunt words.
"That... that was a mistake," she said lowly, ignoring my last inquiry, "that never should have happened."
I took in a deep annoyed breath at hearing that.
"Right," I muttered to myself, "so is that why you've been avoiding me?"
Zelda started fidgeting with her fingers, and I knew then some of her anger was waning. She never answered my question.
"Besides, there are plenty of-" she tried to detract.
I knew what she was going to say, and I wasn't going to hear any of that shit today.
Not today.
"I'm in love with one woman Zelda," I interrupted, "one."
Her eyes widened again and she looked at me shocked. She swallowed hard and took several steps back.
"Oh..." she said.
That was it.
Oh? I thought.
I took a step forward.
"That's all you have to say?" I asked her.
"Link I-"
"When you love someone you just say it Zelda," I interrupted her in a strong voice. "You say it before the moment passes you by, and you regret it for the rest of your life! That's what two people do when they love each other!"
Her face was bright red now and she looked to the ground again. She stepped back yet again.
"That's... that's good advice," she said dubiously, "I'll remember that in the future."
I couldn't believe I was hearing this.
I looked at her in complete disbelief.
"Good advice?" I repeated incredulously.
She nodded.
"Yes," she replied.
I clicked my tongue off the side of my teeth in irritation.
"Are you kidding me right now?" I demanded. "I can't-"
She then looked up and cut her eyes to me sharply.
"No I'm not kidding you Master Link!" she snapped upset. "That's good advice, and I think I've had enough advice from you for one day! You may leave."
I narrowed my eyes at her slightly and had to bite my tongue, knowing she was putting up a front because she didn't want to get hurt. It also didn't help that that bitch Morgana came and muddled what we had growing between us. I was even afraid that Zelda's trust in me was starting to wane. I considered losing her trust even more terrible than losing our friendship. Her trust was something I didn't want to be without.
I took a step back and took in a deep breath, then raised my hands in surrender.
"Very well, your majesty," I said.
At that I bowed and turned to leave. Secretly, I wanted her to stop me, and when she didn't, I stopped myself and turned to look at her. She was still staring after me.
"Just one Zelda," I repeated to her again, and she looked away from me.
There was a brief pause between us.
"I'll call for you soon," she called back, "have a good day."
I was disappointed at how this went, but should have been grateful that the truth of the whole matter didn't come out. It could have been a lot worse.
A lot worse.
"Thank you my lady," I said.
With that, I exited the throne room and headed back to the Situation Room.
I suddenly had a renewed motivation for wanting to stop that bastard Vincent and his witch of a sister Morgana.
And that motivation's name was Zelda.
Look out for chapter 2