Inspiration: "Human," by Human League.

Reedit 1/26/2015, 5/1/2015

Word Count: 9,224

Chapter 22

Bastion POV

I was standing in the back near an entrance to an alley, while I witnessed the social disintegration firsthand. This was quickly going from bad to worse. I knew exactly what 'treason' the letter was speaking of, and if the people knew that the real motive behind Link's arrest was jealousy on the queen's part, it would be needless to say that they would think very disparagingly of her, noble and peasant alike. She was brilliant and I was loyal to her implicitly, however Queen Zelda was letting a weakness of hers be exploited because she was thinking with her heart and not her head. I knew she was hurt, and she may have felt justified in her own right, but she had to know that her decision would be disfavored in the people's eyes. The citizens adored Link, he done a great deal on their behalf, and like some of them vocalized earlier, he wasn't just her hero, he was the people's hero as well. To be honest, I was certain there were some who were more loyal to him than to the crown.

An inconvenient truth unfortunately, I thought.

It was obvious that the queen didn't completely ponder this decision through. It looked and sounded rash just like the decree before it. However, I couldn't cast all blame on her. I had a feeling when I first saw that glimmer in Link's eyes that he was going to get caught up in his obsessive endeavor to find that woman Midna. I wasn't saying the queen was right in using her power to undermine his search, but she was the queen, and Link did disobey her. Now the consequences were in play, and the inquiries that arose from that were these: how was this going to fully play out personally and politically for Link? And what was truly going to happen to him once he was released?

Link was already in jail, and he was to be confined there for the next thirty days. However, that wasn't the only obvious caveat. The real question was, what was the queen going to decide after that? Was she going to make an example out of him? Was she going to banish him? Was she going to forbid the people to help him? How was this going to effect the political climate in Hyrule? Would the nobles reposition themselves to try and reascend to power now that the hero was seemingly out of the way? The fall out from this could be massive. This matter wasn't simply a black and white issue. It had shades of grey written all over it. There was already evidence of social upheaval in the here and now. If the queen didn't tread softly in how she dealt with Link, she was possibly going to be dealing with a revolt in her provinces. Things were only going to get more intense if this matter wasn't eradicated soon.

This is far worse than I thought it was going to be, I pondered.

The thought made me groan.

I glanced towards the middle of the square, and noticed Link's friends from Ordon. That young woman Ilia looked especially worried. I knew she was the girl Link had gotten caught up with, so I was sure that she was the most taken aback by this news. She was pregnant, vulnerable, and probably scared out of her senses. In Hylian culture a pregnant, unwed woman was considered an 'unfortunate', and too many 'unfortunate' women were living terrible lives in the Red Lantern District. I wasn't saying that was to be the outcome for Ilia, but I was certain she was terrified beyond all rhyme or reason. Seeing her in the state she was in actually made me think of my precious Ashei, and the possibility of me not being around when she really needed me. Ashei and I were expecting our first baby soon, and the thought of that made me the happiest man in the world. However, I was also aware of this, I was certain if something happened to me that my wife would be more than capable to step up in her role and do what she had to do as a mother, but... that was Ashei. Comparing Ashei to Ilia was like comparing apples to oranges.

This girl Ilia seemed fragile, and her fragility was made all the more apparent at that festival the Ordonians had in their village several weeks ago. Her eyes were everywhere that Link's whereabouts were, and she could hardly stand Ashei and me talkng to him. I had no idea if she knew about Link's previous relationship with the queen, but judging from her demeanor then, I assumed she didn't, and considering her demeanor now, it was best to keep it that way. I could only imagine what was going through her head in the present. She probably had no idea what she was going to do, and that was what the queen didn't realize in all this. That was also what made me so irritated with Link. He knew he had responsibilities, he knew he had other people counting on him, but instead of focusing on them, he cast their concerns to the wayside for his own selfish pursuits. He was a hero true, but he was also a horribly flawed man with a reckless disposition about life with an inflated ego at times. I could say that about him indiscriminately, because I shared similar traits. If life had dealt me a different set of cards, I may have exploited such traits on a much larger scale.

I shook my head just then.

There's no sense thinking about something like that right now, I pondered, you have other more pressing matters to deal with.

I sighed and tried not to get too upset. After thoughts weren't going to change anything, and 'would be's', 'maybe's', and 'if's' were always easy to point out after the fact. It was the worst kind of contemplation, because it made everything seem so simple, and I found that nothing in this life was ever simple. That was only in storybooks. Anyway, switching focus back to the Ordonians, there were others with the young lady Ilia as well: Rusl obviously, his wife, his son, and a whole host of others that I couldn't remember their names from the festival. They all looked worried, which was no surprise, and they all vocalized their desire to have more answers, which was also no surprise. Answers was all something we wanted, and given Link's penchant for secrecy, that was not going to be something that was easy to ascertain.

I may have to pay them a visit to help allay some of their fears, I thought.

The crowd was still rowdy, when I decided there was nothing further I could gain from standing here observing them. I heard the decree, and gauged the citizens' reactions. Needless to say, no one was happy with what was decided. I was just as helpless as the rest of them. I then repositioned the cloak I was wearing and made my way unnoticed back down the adjacent alley to south Castle Town. Once there, I went into Telma's bar where my wife and father-in-law were waiting for me. I made sure to lock the door and look out the window to ensure I wasn't being followed. Afterwards, I turned and faced my family waiting for me at the table in the center of the room. Telma was away with her husband and step-child in Kakariko Village for the night, but she allowed us access to her bar for operations in the evening. She would learn of the news later when the cavalry went out on horseback from province to province to declare the news.

Ashei and Auru caught wind of the decree before it broke to the people from Shad, and later informed me. Needless to say, we were all dumbfounded and shocked at the news. It was why I felt it was necessary to gauge the crowd's reaction. If we were mystified, chances were they would be even more mystified. The people had no inkling as to what could have been the queen's motive in having Link arrested. Ashei and Auru were actually in the same boat. This was a complicated situation, and again, made all the more worse by Link keeping everyone in the dark. Once more, I was aware I wasn't one to talk, but now I wished he had been a little more forthcoming so I wasn't forced into this now awkward position. I was sure both Ashei and Auru were expecting some kind of explanation from me. However, some of what needed to be divulged wasn't my place to procure.

The obstacles of being Link's best friend, I thought.

I unhooded myself and ran a hand through my disheveled black hair.

Ashei immediately stood up when I walked in. A worried look was on her pretty face from my concerned expression. "How is it out there?" she asked.

I shook my head and didn't have an answer she wanted.

"Not good, in fact, it's far worse than any of us could have imagined," I replied, "the people are incessant. Her majesty may have to order a stronger presence of the guard in town if this keeps up."

Ashei bit her lower lip at my answer. "Really?" she asked. "It's that bad?"

I only nodded.

"Really," I replied.

Auru groaned and ran his weathered hand over his face in discontent. "This is all we need right now," he said, "we still have to find the Rue Morgues, and now this."

I couldn't have agreed more.

I took off my cloak.

"This does seem like the worst case scenario," I replied.

I wasn't helping matters with that comment.

Auru shook his head and went on.

"It just doesn't make sense," he said more to himself than to me, "what 'treason' has Link committed against the throne? Why didn't her majesty take counsel with us first? This probably could have been avoided, or resolved quietly. Why the spectacle? Why the decree?"

I only raised a brow and didn't reply. There was nothing saving a man from a scorned woman, and given Link's track record of stringing the queen along without having any real intentions with her, I was sure the queen was hot with anger for him. Again, I wasn't excusing the queen's behavior, however, I understood her emotions involved. She was still deeply in love with him and her heart was broken.

"I... I think this is a lot more complicated than any of us realized," I replied.

Auru gave me an offhanded stare. "What do you mean by that?" he asked. "Complicated how?"

I sat down at the table and looked between the two of them. I decided if there was one thing to reveal it was the queen's true feelings for Link. However, that may have been considered old news considering the subject. The gossip wasn't exactly earth shattering.

"I mean the queen is not thinking with a clear head," I said simply, "she's being clouded with emotions."

Auru wasn't convinced with my vague inclinations. "That doesn't clarify anything at all," he said.

Ashei rolled her eyes and groaned. "Come on father," she said, "you have to know what he means, you can't be that much of a fossil."

Auru took no issue from the minor insult, but stated his ignorance anyway. "I'm afraid this 'fossil' is in need of a reeducation," he said to his daughter, then turned back to me, "now tell me what you mean."

I grinned at his good nature and decided to be more direct.

"Master Auru, the queen is in love with the hero," I said straight up, "she has been for quite some time."

Auru's eyes widened with apparent surprise, which was funny to me because I thought he knew how Zelda felt about Link. I thought everyone knew, but I guess I was wrong.

"She's in love with him?" he repeated. "Really?"

I nodded.

"Yes," I replied.

It only added more mystery to the older soldier.

Auru shook his head. "Then why have him arrested?" he asked.

Ashei sighed and shook her head. "That's the complicated part," she said, "that's the six-four thousand rupee question."

I was tempted to answer that, but I was certain the former grand master knew nothing of Link's love for Midna. However, he was pretty well acquainted with the Twilight Realm, having been a high ranking member in the brotherhood and all. I decided I would use that angle without divulging all of Link's secrets.

I cleared my throat in preparation to speak.

"Do you remember that decree the queen had read a few weeks ago about staying away from the Twilight Realm?" I inquired of the both of them.

Now it was Ashei's turn to look at me puzzled. "Of course," she said, "but what does that have to do with anything?"

There was a brief silence between the three of us after that.

I then looked over at Auru, and he finally understood what I was getting at. He was slightly taken aback at the realization.

"Do you mean to tell me...?" he didn't finish.

I simply nodded.

Ashei looked between the both of us, not getting the gist. "Does he mean to tell you what?" she demanded of her father. "Don't be vague, out with it!"

There was no sense beating around the bush.

"Link was looking for access points to the Twilight Realm," I disclosed, "he had been doing so in secret for weeks now."

Ashei then looked at me astonished.

"What?" she asked stunned.

Auru's reaction was a little more subdued, having remembered how Link had acted when he was first told the news.

"Is that why he was so upset that the queen wrote a decree against it?" Auru asked. "Because he had already made prearrangements to look for it?"

I nodded again.

"Yes," I replied.

Ashei shook her head, not understanding the logic. "But why would Link do that?" she asked. "He had to have a reason. He wouldn't just go against the throne to go against the throne, that isn't the kind of man he is."

They both looked at me hoping I would provide some kind of insight. However, I had nothing more to give them. I decided at this point my forthcomingness would have to come to a close. I was not going to bring up Midna because it wasn't my place. It was Link's secret and Link's personal quest. He had trusted me implicitly with that information. I didn't agree with him going after her the way he did, but he was still my best friend, and I needed to look out for him.

"That's something we'll have to ask him when and if he gets out of prison," I replied.

Ashei didn't like the sound of that. "When or if?" she repeated. "What do you mean by that?"

I shrugged and sat back.

"The queen's decree stated thirty days of imprisonment, after which his true fate will be decided," I reiterated, "there's no telling if it will be further incarceration or banishment."

Ashei gasped and looked at me shocked. "Banishment?" she said again. "You can't possibly be serious."

I sighed.

"Unfortunately I am," I replied, "I just hope it doesn't come to that."

Auru wasn't too convinced of that either. "That's quite a leap to banish the man who made such significant strides in the country," he said. "Surely you must be joking. The offense can't be that great. The queen would be risking massive civil unrest if she banished Link."

I raised a brow.

You have no idea, I thought, but you do make a valid point.

I nodded.

"I think we need to confer in counsel with her majesty," I suggested, "she has to know the people are extremely displeased with her decision. Some are even thinking to take audience with her to voice their displeasure."

Auru nodded as well.

"I agree," he said, "we're going to have to do something before things get out of hand."

Ashei was going to say something, but before she could speak we were all startled by a glass breaking sound in the back foyer.

"What in the world...?" Ashei stopped herself.

I got up from the table just then and walked over to the window leading to the alley. I couldn't see anyone, but I could hear the voices echoing down the narrow cobblestone street. Fortunately, the glass breaking wasn't from one of Telma's windows, but it still wasn't a good sign. Things were already starting to spiral out of control. The town's folk were still voicing their discontent with queen's decision, and it seemed like they weren't going to stop until they were heard.

"This is grave," I heard Auru say from behind.

I checked the lock again to make sure it was secure. Afterwards, I pulled the small curtain back in place and turned around to face the others.

"We're going to have to request an audience with her majesty immediately," I started, "and we can't take no for an answer."

Just then, we heard another glass break and afterwards the sound of some tussling in the street.

"You're under arrest for disturbing the peace!" a soldier yelled suddenly.

"Good!" a man replied in defiance. "Perhaps now when I face the queen she'll give me a bloody reason why she arrested a good man like Link!"

"Shut up!" the guard snapped. "The queen won't have time for rabble like you. You're going to be seen at a regular tribunal!"

The three of us stiffened at the sounds from outside.

We're going to have mayhem on our hands if we don't get this under control soon, I thought.

"I'm going to speak to the queen first thing in the morning," I said with no hesitations, "she's going to have to make an appearance to appease the minds of her people. It's the only way to undermine some of this."

We then heard the soldier carry the man away, but not without the man shouting obscenities in the air first.

"You elitist bastards!" he growled. "If this is what her majesty contends as justice, then I promise you there will be a reckoning! Do you hear me?! There will be a reckoning!"

I felt my eyes widen involuntarily at the man's words. In more ways than one, he was right.

Dear Hylia, what has the queen done? I wondered.

I just hoped Hyrule wouldn't have to pay a steep price for a woman's jealous heart.

~SSS~

Two Hours Before Dawn: Zelda's POV

I had been pacing my room for hours since Link had been shackled and taken away. I felt a tenacious nauseum that infiltrated every pore of my body, and it was made all the more worse by me not being able to shake that betrayed look from Link's eyes. It was like he was haunting me everywhere I looked. I wish I were joking, but it was the truth. Everywhere I turned, all I could see and remember was his gaze. I sat down at my table, I envisioned his face. I walked to my anteroom, I envisioned his face. I tried to write a letter, I envisioned his face. It seemed every bloody thing I did made me stop and envision his face. I tried to convince myself that I had done the right thing, but that was futile. My conscience was telling me a much different story. I saw the innate sense of disbelief in his eyes. I saw the regret. I saw the desperation. I saw the... betrayal. I saw everything, and it was going to take a lifetime to get that visage out of my head.

I stopped pacing for a moment and fidgeted with my fingers.

I had to do it, I tried to convince myself again, I had to.

I closed my eyes and took in a deep sigh. I started pacing again when my thoughts became too muddled for me to think clearly.

I was still dressed in my black gown, as I was much too bothered to get ready for bed. I even sent Lidya away because I wanted to be alone. I could hardly look at my reflection because my guilt was so tantamount. I knew I wasn't justified in having Link arrested, considering that the law I put into place was for my own selfish reasons, but I had to make a point. I had to get him to understand that he couldn't just defy me just to defy me... or use me just to use me either. He needed to understand that the law applied to everyone, including him, and that he couldn't just play with people's hearts and emotions because he thought it was fair fodder for his own pursuits. Link may have forgotten that fact because I had been so lenient on him in the past. However, that was my own fault. I should have made an example of him long before now. But even still, how was that possible when he had done so much for the country, and there were so many lies being spread about him at the time?

I had no clear answer for that.

This is exactly what the nobles wanted, I thought, they wanted me to turn against him, and now in their minds, they've succeeded.

I bit my lower lip, feeling torn about what was going through my head. If only Link had been truthful, if only he hadn't tried to deceive me, this outcome could have been different. I wouldn't have imprisoned him, and I would have gladly sent him away with my blessing. All I wanted was some truth and honesty from him, that was all. I stopped pacing for a second and contemplated that seriously for a moment.

Am I being honest? I asked myself sincerely. Would I?

It was real food for thought.

From the very beginning the seed of motivation for all of this was jealousy: my jealousy of his love for Midna, my jealousy of his not loving me the way I loved him, my bitterness in wanting so much more for us than the outcome we had, everything. I could pretend this was me trying to do the right thing all I wanted, but that law I had written...

That law...

That law in itself was an abomination of everything Hyrule stood for. It was an abuse of my power, it was a shame to my bloodline, and my grandfather in particular would have been very disappointed in me if he were here and knew of my true intentions. I quickly wiped away the sudden onset of tears from my eyes as soon as they sprung up. I wasn't going to do that, I wasn't going to turn this ordeal into self loathing. I deserved the guilt I felt. I wrote that law in the hopes of keeping Link away from Midna, and that was a fallacy. Keeping two people who sincerely loved each other away from each other was wrong, I knew that, but I was so angry.

I was so bitter and angry.

Anger was a powerful, but deadly emotion, and I rarely let such feelings overcome me. It was why I was bestowed with the Triforce of Wisdom. The women in my family were to extol temperance and restraint with each decision made. That was my duty and responsibility as the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom. However, even though I was wrong, and I knew of the consequences of my actions, there was still one thing I couldn't allow or overlook, and that was that Link had lied to me. I was fully aware of my part in this mess, but that still didn't excuse his actions. He outright told me a falsehood to my face with no reservations. He knew what he had done, he knew he had been caught regarding it, but instead of just coming clean, he thought he could get by on his laurels like in the past. Unfortunately for him, that wasn't the case, and the whimsical words were over. I couldn't just bypass his fibs. If I allowed him to slide, then others would think it would be okay to defy me as well. It was a no win situation for me, and it sincerely made me wonder about what else he had lied to me about in the past. I had always taken what Link said at his word, at face value. Never questioning him because I trusted him... but he betrayed that trust, and now I had to rethink every decision I ever made with him. I wasn't going to take his punishment further than thirty days, but that should have been sufficient enough time for him to think and understand that I was serious.

I stopped again and stared at the closed doors of the terrace.

Why did this have to happen this way? I wondered. Why?

As if in tandem with my thoughts, there was suddenly a knock on my door. I raised a brow and looked on perplexed.

Who in the world is calling on me at his hour of the morning? I wondered. Why can't it wait until later?

Knowing I wouldn't get an answer just standing there, I called out a reply.

"Who is it?" I said with a slight impatience.

There was a brief pause.

"It's your servant Sir Shad my lady," the scholar replied.

I raised a brow.

Shad? I wondered, knowing it had to be important.

"Come in," I said.

A moment later, Shad opened the door and came into the room. There was a troubled look on his face and he seemed distressed about something. I was immediately on alert, and I hoped whatever he was going to tell me had nothing to do with Link's well being. I already felt bad enough for what I had done to the hero.

"What can I do for you Shad?" I asked wasting no time.

The scholar bowed and walked a few steps towards me. He stopped short and tried to get his bearings together before he spoke.

"Your majesty we have a problem," he started rather bluntly.

My eyes widened after hearing that.

"A problem?" I repeated.

He nodded.

"Yes my lady, a problem," he said, than paused and added, "the people... the people didn't take too kindly about the news regarding Master Link."

I felt my body stiffen at that. I had a terrible feeling something like this was going to happen.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Shad didn't beat around the bush.

"I mean we've arrested seven people already for trying to attack the soldiers," he replied. "Some of the citizens have resulted to downright barbaric behavior, and it is all at the expense of this decree, some warranted, some not."

I looked at him stunned.

"What?" I whispered. "Was anyone hurt?"

He took a step forward.

"Not that I know of, nothing like that has been reported," he replied, "but my lady if you don't do something quickly, you are going lose whatever law and order you had with the citizens. They believe you are wrong in your endeavors to have Master Link arrested."

I bit my lower lip in minor disbelief. Everything was slowly swirling out of control.

"This is madness," I said more to myself than to him.

Shad couldn't have agreed more.

"That may be true," he said, "but we need to do something about it. I recommend increasing the presence of the guard."

I looked at him like he was insane. That was the last thing I wanted.

"And turn Hyrule into a police state?" I replied. "Don't be ridiculous. The people have right to civil protest."

Shad groaned slightly.

"If the citizens were doing civil protest I would agree with you," he replied, "however, your majesty I am afraid you may not have another option. It's starting to get more and more out of control."

I narrowed my eyes slightly at him.

"There's always another option Sir Shad," I replied, "we just need to think of one."

He looked at me incredulously and shook his head.

"Are you serious?" he demanded.

I looked at him surprised regarding his tone.

"Watch your tone advisor," I warned, "and yes, I'm dead serious."

One of the blood vessel in his forehead looked like it was ready to pop.

"Your majesty... may I speak freely?" he asked all of a sudden.

I knew what that meant, so I decided to circumvent him with another inquiry.

"Why?" I replied.

He didn't seem to mind the question.

"Because I think you need at bit of truth," he replied boldly.

I looked at him taken aback.

"Excuse me?" I replied.

Shad took another step forward and didn't wait for my answer.

"With all due respect your majesty," he started, "you were the one that prompted to have Master Link arrested with such vague inclinations as to why. You were the one who wanted to have him brought in for a night time tribunal, the first in Hylian history I might add. You were the one who decided to have a decree of the most controversial proportions read in the middle of the night to the people. And yet and still you are the one expecting the people to take this news with a blind eye and a turning of the other cheek. Excuse my expression, but you sound incredibly arrogant in your presumptions of the people's reactions!"

I was dumbfounded.

I was so lost for words I took several steps back.

"Have you forgotten to whom you are speaking?" I demanded. "Have you lost all knowledge of your place my good man? How dare you proceed this way?! I am your queen!"

Shad took in a deep groan.

"No I haven't," he replied boldly, "and I apologize if you deemed anything I said to you in disrespect, but I think you need a small dose of reality my lady. Whatever is prompting you to take such actions, I sincerely hope you reevaluate them. If not, you are going to have mayhem on your hands. The people have already made their choice."

It was subtle, but I felt my stomach churn a little. I knew he was right, I just didn't want to face it. I even turned away to look at the closed doors of the terrace. There was a long sobering silence between us, and it only made me contemplate the gravity of what was going on even more. I had turned what was supposed to be a small judiciary matter into a public spectacle. How was I going to change it? How was I going to right this horrible wrong?

While I pondered that, Shad took another step forward with the intention of breaking the quiet.

"Your majesty..." he trailed, then paused for a moment, "I... I know you're in love with the young master. I know you care for him very much, and I ask you that you truly ask yourself why you are doing this. He has been a loyal servant to you, though not perfect, and he has always looked out for Hyrule's best interest. At the end of the day, only you know what he has done, looking for the Twilight Realm or not, but to brand him as a traitor for such actions..." Shad paused and shook his head. "Don't you think that's a bit extreme? Do you really feel that such a designation is justified? Do you really think Link is a traitor?"

It was as though all of my thoughts from my previous introspection were spilling from his lips in the here and now. It was only then that I knew I wasn't fooling anyone. I could deceive myself all I wanted to, but the Shad saw what I was doing, the nobles probably knew what I was doing, and the people... the people probably saw through me as well. They were too keen and objective to just accept mere decrees on my part, and much of that was due to the dark history of my bloodline. They needed and deserved an explanation, a proper explanation.

However, I still didn't answer.

Shad sighed at my silence.

"Whenever you think it necessary, please speak with the people," he implored, "they need to know what you're thinking. They need to understand the actions of their queen."

I knew that all too well.

Afterwards, without waiting for a dismissal from me, Shad turned and walked towards the entrance. When I heard the tumblers dislodge and the abridging of the door separate, then and only then did I turn around. The room was once again empty with only me in it, and now I was aware of how badly things had gotten. The people loved their hero, and they felt I had taken him away from them. I couldn't blame them, in a way they were right, I did take him away. They were more right than they could have imagined.

I have to do something about this, I thought, I can't stand idly by and do nothing.

Without thinking another second, I immediately walked to the anteroom and rung the gong in the back there. A moment later, there was an unsurprising knock on the door, and I didn't hesitate to open it. Shad's face reappeared on the other side, and this time he looked a little more hopeful.

"You called my lady?" he asked.

I paused for a moment and looked past him. I knew I had to get a handle on things. I just needed to talk to my people. With that, I gave my orders.

"Dictate a letter under my seal," I started, "at dawn ride out and have everyone brought to the square so that I may address them personally." I finally looked him in the eyes. "You're right Shad, the people do have a right to know what's going on."

He didn't let it show outright, but I could see the look of relief in his eyes.

"As you say my lady," he bowed, then added, "thank you."

I shook my head.

"No," I corrected, "thank you Shad."

With that, the scholar turned and hurried down the hall to carry out my commands. I withdrew a little and closed the door. I closed my eyes and took in a troubled breath. How was I going to explain my actions sufficiently to the people? Would they even understand? Would it be enough?

I certainly hoped so.

I walked back over to the marble table in the center of the room and sat down. I rubbed the back of my neck, tired from the long day, and decided I should try and retire for sleep's sake. I had been up for hours worrying and contemplating things I now had to live with, and nothing good was going to come of that. Besides, I needed to think about having enough energy when I addressed the people. I couldn't be a bumbling woman when I addressed them. They were already showing signs of distrust in me and I needed to get their confidence back.

I can't let this situation turn into a scandal that once enveloped my family in the past, I thought, I just can't.

It was then I got up, and got ready for bed. When I was under the comforters of my sheets, I stared at the mural of Hylia and the Hero of Skies the way I did every night. They looked so happy, so content. I always wondered about those two. What was their life like? Were they truly content with what the goddesses contended for them? How did they make things works? And more importantly in the case of my current situation:

What would you do? I wondered.

My gaze shifted to the picture of my grandfather and grandmother, and for a moment it looked like my grandfather was staring at me hard and scoldingly. He was a great man, and I knew he wouldn't approve of my actions one bit. It was rumored that he was actually forced into marrying my grandmother... forced. I didn't know all the details, but it made me very sad that he didn't get to live the life he wanted. Was his circumstances similar to Link's? Was he was forced to leae someone he loved? I would never know those answers.

I had to look away from the portrait, because I knew my conscience was bothering me once again. Was I making the same mistake my grandmother allegedly made? Was I forcing myself onto a situation I had no right to? Her blood did flow through my veins... and though I didn't feel I had the right, I suddenly thought about Link in all this. Was he okay in that cold cell? What was he thinking about me? Would he ever forgive me? Would I ever forgive myself? Only time would tell.

Time, and a little thing called hope.

Barely being able to keep my eyes open any longer I finally went to sleep. I cradled my pillow in the hopes of getting some solace. However, it was the most restless night I ever had.

~SSS~

Eight Thirty in the Morning, The Throne Room

I tried to reason with myself several times that I should have just stayed awake. When I woke up this morning I had a scorching headache, and my dear Lidya steered clear of my path as had everything ready for me. I must have looked like a nightmare, but my dear friend complimented me anyway in my silver gown with a gold emblem of the Triforce on the bottom. I had slight circles under my eyes and my scleras were pink tinged from the lack of sleep and crying I had done.

When I entered my throne room I cleared the seating area of all the ladies and nobles. I wanted to be alone, and I didn't want their incessant chatter in my ear. I was in no mood for their snide and silly comments. I had to blink several times to keep my eyes open, but that didn't stop the hustle and bustle of the morning from resounding through my door. I witnessed first hand, while I was escorted with my guards, the merits of Shad's words. There was a the long line of people waiting to see me. It was almost unbelievable. There were people of every kind, noble and peasant alike, waiting to see me. Even Agitha was there, but I didn't believe she was going to talk to me about the plight of the bug nation this time.

I will be honest, I felt a little taken aback at the poignancy of the people's position without first hearing a word from me. I was already deemed the 'bad queen' without so much as a defense bestowed to my honor. However, that was the irony of life. I had done the same thing to Link, and in a way entrapped him. Fate and karma were two impeccably ironic things, and it wasn't like me to say this, but damn they could be a bitch.

Hylia forgive me for such thoughts, I pondered.

I sat on my throne, getting a feel for what I anticipated to be a long morning, and started going over the mailbag of correspondence I received... yes mailbag. Most of the letters were grievances against Link, when my courtier approached my throne regarding a request.

I was planning to address the people before I took audiences, as I was sure that was what the request was.

"Yes?" I said without looking up.

The messenger cleared his throat.

"Your majesty, you have a visitor requesting to speak to you," he said.

I cut my eyes to him momentarily in mild annoyance.

Is he serious? I wondered. Does he not think I know that? Did he not see the line of people waiting for me?

"I'm sure I do," I said with a hint of sarcasm, "will you be so kind to tell me who it is?"

He realized how silly he sounded, and then became more specific.

"Forgive me my lady," he said, "what I meant to say was that Master Bastion has requested an audience to speak with you."

When I heard that, I almost rolled my eyes at Bastion's name. I knew if there was any trouble regarding Link, Bastion wouldn't be too far behind him. The two men were like brothers, and honestly I wasn't in the mood for a lecture from him. I already was aware how wrong I was, and how much Link had done for Hyrule and the like. But even still, he may have had other news, so instead of being pigheaded, I decided to grant the soldier his request.

I hope I don't regret this, I thought.

"Please tell him to come in," I replied.

The courtier turned and headed for the door, while I braced myself for what I thought was going to be a loquacious duel. A few seconds later, Bastion was presented before me at the foot of my steps, looking at me with a nondescript expression, probably as impetuous as ever. I wasn't sure what to make of it, but I was not looking forward to this. I was sure there was a storm brewing behind his magnificent blue eyes, as blue as my grandfather's. His eyes reminded me of what a disappointed sibling would be like if I had any.

Thank Hylia I'm an only child, I thought in a rather spoiled manner.

"Good morning your majesty," he greeted respectfully, "I'm sure you know why I'm here."

I raised a brow and scoffed a little.

"I could only imagine," I replied.

He gave me a knowing look, then scanned the empty hall, probably grateful no one else was there while he spoke to me. He then went on without further cuing.

"There's discord with the people regarding Master Link," he said, getting straight to the point, "I'm here to ask what you plan to do about it."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

Oh, is that right? I thought with a little indignation.

"First off soldier," I started, "it isn't the place for subordinates to question their queen. Second, I had planned to address the citizens in half an hour. I'm sure you heard the decree by now my good man. I had it industriously circulated at the seventh hour of morning."

The expression on his face dimmed with my tone.

"Yes your majesty, I have heard it," he said, "I just wanted to see if I could be of any assisstance to you."

I went back to looking through my mail.

"If you're here to tell me about more of this," I stated holding up my mail, "you can spare me, I know how the people feel in this matter."

Bastion shook his head in disbelief.

"Do you?" he asked.

I looked up just then.

"Indeed I do," I said defiantly, "and I caution you to weigh your words carefully."

I could see the slight contempt in his eyes.

"Or what?" he replied boldly. "You'll do to me what you did to Master Link? You'll throw me in jail for speaking my mind?"

I looked at him shocked, but I wasn't going to let him bait me.

"Soldier, I won't warn you again," I said, "I suggest you watch your tongue if you want to get anywhere with me. You will show this throne the respect it deserves!"

This time Bastion scoffed.

"I'm sure you think this is a cavalier time," he continued boldly, "but many in your provinces do not. They are demanding an explanation for why you jailed their hero."

I looked at him stunned and felt my eyes widen.

"Their hero? How dare you speak to me in such a fashion?" I replied. "I think none of this is cavalier!"

He took a step forward.

"With all due respect your majesty," he started, "then act like. You can't appear smug and think that it won't get a rise out of people. The citizens are angry my lady. You have to proceed with this delicately."

I stood up just then. I was tired of everyone assuming what I was feeling. It was easy for them to put the target on me because I wore the crown. I was automatically the villain because I was rich and powerful and couldn't relate to a poor peasant like Link. Well, they were wrong, I was in love with that poor peasant, and no one stopped to think about my feelings in all this. I wasn't the ice queen that everyone assumed I was, and Link wasn't the innocent bystander that everyone assumed he was. We were two people in a horribly complicated mess. Yes, I was wrong. Yes, I should have been the bigger person. However, I was still Hylian, flesh and blood, I was going to make mistakes.

"I realize that Master Bastion," I said finally, "but this matter is more than what meets the eye."

He just stared at me for a moment, as if he knew exactly what I was talking about.

"I'm more aware than you think my lady," he said, "I know why you're so angry with the hero."

I felt my eyes widen again at his words. I couldn't explain why, but I believed him more than I wanted to let on.

"Master Bastion..." I trailed but didn't go on.

He looked at me for moment with open empathy.

"I'm sorry about what happened between the two of you your majesty," he went on, "and I do believe he was wrong for his actions. However, there are now bigger issues at stake in the here and now."

I took in a deep sigh and sat back down.

"I know that," I replied.

Bastion took another step forward and changed the subject slightly.

"I don't want to be premature," he cautioned, "but I think the smell of rebellion is in the air if you don't proceed carefully my lady. The people have a very strong devotion to Master Link, and if this matter isn't squashed soon, you may be looking at full fledged mayhem."

It felt like deja vu, as Shad said similar things to me just the previous night.

"I understand," I said, "and that's what I plan on doing. That's why I plan to speak with them shortly."

Bastion shook his head as if he didn't believe me.

"You're going to have to do more than a speech my lady," he said, "the people were in an uproar last night after hearing about what happened to the hero."

I looked at him surprised. I was tired of his unwarranted and unfiltered advice. I knew what needed to be done, however I inquired of what he meant anyway.

"What do you mean?" I replied.

Bastion didn't hesitate.

"I believe it would be in the best interest of the country if you had Link set free immediately," he replied.

I looked at him dumbfounded.

"You can't be serious!" I demanded. "Have him released at the behest of the people, when he was sent to jail for treason? Don't be ridiculous!"

He narrowed his eyes at me.

"You know as well as I that the only reason you wrote a law against him going to the Twilight Realm was because of his love for a woman named Midna my lady," he stated boldly. "That whole law was written to appease your vanity! You're better than that your majesty. If you proceed this way, you'll be no better than the rotten kings of old!"

I looked at him stunned. How in the world did he know that? How in the world could he have possibly hit the nail on top of the proverbial head the way he did? I had no idea he was that much in the mix of Link's personal life. However, that shouldn't have been too shocking because he was the hero's best friend. But even still, that didn't stop me from being thrown for a loop with his blunt words. I had no reply for him. There was a brief silence between us before he broke it.

Bastion pursed his lips together and closed his eyes, looking like he regretted some of the things he said.

"Forgive me for speaking out of turn and for being so disrespectful," he uttered quietly, "I didn't mean to be so harsh my lady."

I looked away from him feeling a little shaken.

"There's no need for you to apologize at what's true good sir," I replied quietly.

Afterwards, there was another silence between us, an awkward, but thoughtful one. I wanted to right this wrong so badly, but how was I do that without appearing weak to the people? How was I to do that without giving in to my own misgivings? I didn't have a clear answer, and that was because I acted out of jealousy and anger instead of mildness and restraint. I felt frustrated, and that frustration manifested itself by way of tears. I didn't bother to wipe them away, because I was weary of always having to appear strong when I didn't feel strong. Today, I just didn't feel strong, but it wasn't because I wasn't trying, my conscience was just engulfing me.

Master Bastion saw my tears and looked at me remorsefully.

"It's going to be okay my lady," he said quietly.

I shook my head just then and sighed.

"How?" I whispered. "How when I've done so much wrong? Can you tell me that soldier?"

I looked back down and then wiped my cheeks.

He took another step towards me.

"You'll figure out a way," he assured, "you just have to start with the right thing now."

I scoffed a little in disbelief.

"I wish it were that easy," I said, now fidgeting with my hands, "life is so much simpler for a soldier."

Another silence engulfed us, but briefly after it started I was surprised the young soldiers actions. Master Bastion unsheathed his sword, placed it on the ground, unabashedly came up the steps of my throne, and took me in a tight, loving hug. I was shocked at his bold inclinations. He was just as reckless as Link it seemed.

"What are you-" I tried.

"I wanted him to marry you Zelda," he whispered in my ear out of nowhere, "I really did. I fought with him at times because I considered him such a fool, but he has made his choice. In my mind, you will always be better for him, but you cannot deny a person the right to feel what they feel."

I choked up immediately at his words.

"Master Bastion-" I tried.

"Please let me finish," he interrupted quietly again, "I promise I will never address you this way again, but you must let me finish."

I was stunned, and I didn't know why, but I felt compelled to listen to him. I looked him in the eyes... they were so warm, so caring.

"Very well," I replied.

He let me go after that and stood up. He walked back down the steps, turned around, and addressed me in the manner with which he had done when he first came in.

"I apologize to you for my presumptuousness," he said, "but you looked like you needed a hug."

I tried to smile at his kind words.

"Thank you," I replied, "I did."

Bastion simply nodded.

"I am always going to be loyal to you and to Hyrule," he said, "so no matter what you decide I will follow your commands implicitly. However, just remember that you represent the new beginning to ending the corruption that existed in Hyrule's royal family. There are many out there who still remember what the kings of old have done. Don't let that be you your majesty. I know you have a heavy burden being queen, but just remember that mercy is better in the eyes of the people than vengeance. You're not a vengeful woman."

I was silent at his utterances and looked down at the floor.

"I... I will consider what you have said," I replied,.

Bastion nodded again.

"Please do," he replied, then bowed, "I bid you good day my lady."

With that, I watched as he turned and headed out the door. When the door closed behind him, I sighed.

"He's right," I whispered, "he's right."

I then closed my eyes and got my bearings together to face the people. I was going to need all the wisdom I could conjure to get them to understand, and that still probably wouldn't be enough. Afterwards, I stood up from my throne and headed towards the door. Out there was an angry crowd of people. I needed to act with grace and dignity.

Hylia if you have any wisdom to impart, I'm in great need of it now, I thought.

I sighed before opening the door, hoping against all hope the people would at least give me a chance.

"Whoever said being a queen was easy was never a queen," I whispered.

With that, I opened the door and went to confront the people. Hyrule would never be the same after that.