Inspiration: Vlad Dracula and introspection.

Shout Outs: ZedSaid, and SuccessfulFailure thanks for reading.

Author's Note: These introductory chapters may be a bit shorter than what I usually write, but I want to make sure everything builds properly.

Word Count: 5,015

Chapter 2

Hyrule Castle, Link

There was something to be said about the prestige and beauty of Hyrule Castle. I remember coming here as a child and being in awe. Little did I realize I was going to be the future keeper of its gates. In any such case, currently it was dawn and I was standing out on the terrace looking out at the horizon. It was a beautiful crisp morning, with the spires of the castle piercing the heavens. I often came out here when I wanted to reflect or be alone, not that privacy was a real caveat given. All I had to do was look around to see the guards stationed on the towers to know I was never alone. It was the proverbial fishbowl on a grander scale. Last night when I got home, I had to take the secret passageway into my and Zelda's chamber just so I wouldn't be seen. When I arrived, she was up waiting for me like any dutiful wife. I didn't have much to say, but I thanked her for having the bed prepared for me. It was tough for me to properly deduce what I thought of my marriage.

It was complicated.

Even now, I knew Zelda was watching, waiting for me to come back inside and start our duties for the day. Zelda was the kind of woman who was very pragmatic. She didn't do things without thoroughly thinking them through first. That was probably her biggest asset, while also being her biggest vice. However, her wisdom in why she did things was unmatched. It was never a tit for tat triviality with her. She always looked at the bigger pictograph, the broader picture. She considered the kingdom's interests above all else and made her decisions accordingly. It was a distinctive patrilineal trait in a matrilineal rule of law. But, considering Zelda had been brought up primarily by her father, King Daphnes, I wasn't surprised by her pragmatism. Admittedly, it was one of the reasons why she was so affective in helping me when I was adventuring.

Needless to say, as time went on, I had to live with some of Zelda's 'the kingdom comes first' decisions. However, I was slowly learning to accept them. I understood she was a woman who generally got what she wanted, but not just for the sake of merely wanting them. There was always a reason behind her desires, and for years she wanted me. Now, she had me. I was here, I was hers, and now I was king… just as she wished it. We had been married for two months now. Zelda was a studious wife, even on days when I was bitter, but I realized that things could be much worse.

As I contemplated this, I took one last look at the skyline before returning inside to my room where life was waiting for me. I took in one last deep breath and realized how much I already missed riding on the open fields on my Epona. When I closed the terrace door, I was unsurprised to find Zelda awake and getting ready for the day. She usually awakened at dawn around the same time as me, but today she paid special attention to getting up early. She told me the other night she had an important ritual to prep for. She couldn't really go into specifics about it, but she said it was important for every princess who earned the right of the queen-ship to go through it. I understood her logic.

Presently, Zelda was sitting at the large vanity mirror that occupied the western most wall of the bed chamber. Speaking of which, the room was quite commodious for a bed chamber, with a grand divan at the center of the north wall and an ornate mural overlooking it. There was also an anteroom connected to it, where the bathtub and the artificial hot spring resided. I often wondered in the past how Zelda had such perfect skin and now I knew why. Her beauty treatments were legendary, and though we had our disagreements, I appreciated how much effort she put into her role as my queen.

I would never not give Zelda her rightful due. She was the most beautiful creature ever to grace these hallowed halls. Even as I looked at her now, her strawberry blonde hair just fell down her back in these soft lovely waves, and her creamy beige skin was without blemish. Her silhouette was slender but curvy, and I appreciated those curves very much. Those blue eyes of hers were both mysterious and haunting in that perfectly etched face she conveyed. She looked like a living breathing goddess walking among mortals. It was easy to see why she captured the hearts of most of the men in her company… she even had mine for a little while too.

I could never speak enough about all the good she had done for Hyrule and for her people. She nearly sacrificed her own life when she aided and abetted me on my quest. I was always going to be grateful to her for her sense of duty and service. I respected that about her. I even loved that about her, and it was that love that kept me from being openly acrimonious. I had to look for the good in this marriage in order to deal with it. However, even though giving her her due was necessary, the truth was Zelda and I were worlds apart in how we wanted to protect Hyrule. She had her way and I had mine, and if it were up to me, I would be free living a much simpler life. But alas, it was not to be. It simply… was not to be. There was a potent honesty in my reflection that often beckoned me to do it more, or maybe I just thought that way because I preferred being to myself these days. In either case, it was a short lived activity.

When I re-entered the room, Zelda turned and stood. Afterwards, she curtsied slightly and smiled at me. I told her she didn't have to approach me in such a fashion. I was her husband, not a divinity, but she didn't seem to mind.

"Good morning my love," she greeted in her serene voice, "did you sleep well?"

I walked over to the table and picked up some correspondence delivered the previous night before I answered her.

"I slept alright," I replied.

She walked over to me just then.

"That's good," she said, then asked, "how was the wedding?"

I paused before I answered, forgetting for a moment I told her about it.

"It was nice," I said simply.

She nodded.

"I see," she said, "did… did the bride look happy?"

I took in a deep sigh and nodded. I wanted to keep this brief.

"Yes, she did," I replied.

Zelda nodded again.

"Well, I'm glad you got to attend," she said, "I'm sure Saria was happy to see you."

I didn't have much to say regarding that either.

"Thank you," was all I said in reply.

Afterwards, there was a brief silence between us before she broke it again.

"Would you like me to have some breakfast brought for you?" she asked.

I continued going through the mail and shook my head no, then raised a brow at a letterhead that caught my attention.

What's this all about?

"Prince Leonhart?" I muttered.

Zelda grinned at my utterance.

"Oh that's right, I forgot to tell you, his highness requested a visit to the castle in the next couple months to congratulate us on our marriage."

I took in another deep sigh, clearly showing my lack of excitement regarding the visit, and groaned softly. If there was one man who got on my nerves consistently it was Prince Squallous Leonhart. He had all the affectations of a man that I couldn't stand: conceit, stupidity, and lack of foresight, but perhaps I was judging him too harshly.

"Wonderful," I said sarcastically.

Zelda giggled at my reaction.

"Don't be like that darling, he's a very important ally."

I shook my head and placed his moniker down. I had no desire to read about how much he hated me and wanted to sleep with my wife.

"I'm aware of that," I said, "he just has an odd way of showing it."

She shrugged.

"I agree," she said.

I had no other qualms regarding the news and moved on.

"Well, I suppose the upside is the sooner he gets here the sooner he can leave."

Zelda giggled again.

"That's brutal Link, he isn't that terrible."

I shrugged.

"It is what it is," I replied.

She looked to the ground suddenly and her cheeks reddened.

"Don't say that," she said softly, "you're starting to sound like my father. Besides… he'll be here in time for the formal announcement."

I looked over at her just then. I had no idea what she was talking about.

"What announcement?"

It must have been the cue she was waiting for. Zelda then took hold of my hand and guided me over to the bed. I dropped the letters back on the table and allowed her to guide me. She sat me down and looked nervous all of a sudden. She was avoiding my eyes and acting coy. This wasn't at all like her. I wasn't used to seeing her like this.

I got a little concerned.

"What's the matter darling?" I asked her softly.

She pursed her lips together and finally looked up from the bedding to me.

"Oh Link… I have some wonderful news," she started, "I had the royal physician come and examine me a few days ago because, as you know, I was feeling a little ill. Well… it turns out I was feeling a little under the weather because I'm… I'm pregnant."

I froze, looked at her taken aback, and felt my eyes widen slightly. However, I wasn't necessarily surprised considering the natural order of things. Although, I did have to say I wasn't expecting the news so soon.

"You're pregnant?" I repeated.

Zelda nodded and she was looking at me hopefully. I couldn't tell if my expression read as one of shock or just plain disbelief. Maybe it was both, but I didn't want to convey that I wasn't excited about the news. I was just thrown for a loop.

"That-that's wonderful news darling," I stammered for some odd reason.

She was pleased with my reaction and rubbed her still tiny belly.

"How far along are you?" I asked.

Zelda sighed and looked at me thoughtfully.

"The doctor says seven weeks," she replied, "so that pegs the conception right around our honeymoon."

She giggled and couldn't have looked more beautiful in that moment. That scheduling was definitely right. It was a pretty eventful week for us.

"I guess we wasted no time," I half joked.

Zelda smiled at me.

"I suppose not, but I'm not too amazed, these things are bound to happen."

I looked away just then and felt a wave of surreal disbelief come over me. I was just having a hard time wrapping my head around what was being divulged.

"I can't believe it," I said more to myself than her, "I'm going to be a father."

Zelda reached over and grabbed my hand as I said that.

"Are you pleased my love?" she whispered.

Her question sounded more like a plea than anything else. I gave her face a long once over.

"Of course," I replied, "of course, who wouldn't want to be a father?"

She smiled when I said that, then reached over and kissed me softly on the lips.

"You're going to make a wonderful father Link," she whispered when she pulled away, "just as you're going to make a wonderful king."

I appreciated her faith in me, but I was still off kilter. I was not expecting this news today.

"Thank you," I whispered back.

With that, she got up from the bed and walked back over to the dresser. I watched after her and still felt this disbelief that wouldn't let go of me.

I'm going to be a father...

"Who would have thought?" I whispered to myself.

~SSS~

Zelda

For the longest time my father told me that duty was the most important responsibility of a public official. I believed that and understood that well. There were too many distractions from the grand realities of life for people to truly comprehend that concept. So often, many of my fellow Hylians insisted that the greatest significance of their lives was what was right in front of them. Their existence was bound for and perpetuated by a means of what was superlative to them. I considered this the greatest existential crisis of Hylian-kind.

When another Hylian couldn't understand, or wouldn't understand, the viewpoint of another, then at the end of the day, what camaraderie did my people really have? What was going to motivate them to protect and look out for each other when a crisis took place? Nothing would, and that was why it was necessary for me to make sure such measures to protect them were already barred in place. One of those bars being my husband.

Link was a complicated subject.

Link was a great many things: he was brave, he was chivalrous, he was dutiful, and practical to a certain extent. However, at times he was short sighted. I state that because he is currently allowing his displeasure with me to prevent him from seeing the big picture with him as king. Last year, before he got reacquainted with a certain green haired maiden, everything was as it should have been. I was blessed with foresight, so I knew what was coming, but my husband was learning the rules as he went along. We were engaged and I couldn't have been happier, but it wasn't simply my happiness I was looking out for. I was looking out for my people as well.

At the time, there was a suppressed evil that was threatening the peace of the land. I knew of this and realized the only way to seal it was with Link's help. Naturally, I thought he would understand that considering we were already affianced. I waited for him for eight years prior to our engagement; there was little reason for me to think otherwise. I was aware that deep in his heart he had affection for his beloved friend Saria, and I could empathize with him to a certain extent, especially with her being Hylian now. He loved that Kokiri with the whole of his being for years, though he never outwardly expressed it to me. I knew because I was aware she had been there for him in his formative years as a child, and those people were hard to forget.

In short, I knew my husband didn't love me the way I loved him. However, I wasn't embittered about it, well, at least not all the time. I loved Link, but I couldn't force him to love me. I was content with my present set of circumstances, but I would have preferred a little reciprocity from him instead. It was quite evident. I felt the resentment from him some nights when he made love to me. I knew he was thinking of someone else and wished I were her, but he had sense enough to understand that she wasn't a viable option. Though he probably thought me a tyrant now, I hoped in time he would understand why I had to do what I did in the past. Link was an example of a person who could only see what was in front of him. Selfishly on his part, all he wanted was to be with his beloved Saria. However, their union would have prevented the protection of Hyrule, and though I loved Link, I loved Hyrule more. What was more important, one man's happiness, or the greater good of Hylian-kind? That sounded like a cruel question, but really, what was more important?

I knew Link would try to throw my actions back at me one day and say I was selfish too, but I never stated I wasn't. And to be fair, if his union with Saria would have benefited the entire country, I would have encouraged it wholeheartedly. I would have told him to marry her right now and have ten children if it beguiled his heart. However, again, it wasn't a practical notion. I needed Link for Hyrule's protection, it was just an added benefit that I loved and admired him so. It was my hope that over time he would forgive me and learn to love me like he used to. I felt there was a part of him that did, but I sensed most of his actions were mechanical and placating. I really wanted us to try and have a good marriage. I hoped our new baby would provide a different bond between us.

I was very excited about my pregnancy, and I knew Link would be too. However, I sensed the hesitation in his hearing the news. He was happy, but his happiness was waned when he realized again who the mother was going to be. I didn't state that for sympathy, I simply knew it was true. Even so, I couldn't wait to meet the little person growing and developing in my body. I hoped he or she looked just like Link. I would love to have a little version of him running around the castle. A little laughter was what was needed after my father's passing, and though he had his faults, I loved my late father dearly. He was instrumental in helping me see what was truly important in life.

Rest in peace papa...

Currently, I was finishing dressing for the day and preparing to have breakfast called for Link and me. There were a few things I still needed to go over with him regarding his approach to the court and I hoped to be of help to him in that regard. It wasn't easy coming into a foreign environment where one had been a spectator the majority of one's life. In Link's case, he was considered an outsider to many in the court and that was going to be a problem. Many of the men who lorded over the provinces were scholars, economists, lawyers, and politicians, and the majority of them considered Link an unlettered and ordinary man. The fact that he saved the kingdom was an afterthought to them, and many of them openly criticized me for marrying him. All they seemed to be concerned with was how his instituted policies were going to effect their bottom lines. My father reigned most of the dangerous frivolities in, but there was never a way to completely stomp out corruption. There were men who simply cared for their own interests, and their own interests only. Not everyone fared badly when Ganondorf ruled for seven years, and Link's presence was a threat to that. This arena of politics was quite different than the open fields Link was used to riding through. I was going to help him all I could.

I started years ago when we first began courting by me giving him books to study on economics and how the monarchy functioned. Link was a gifted learner and picked up on things quickly, but I gathered that was because of his experience and dealings in the world. He was quite familiar with the various cultures of Hyrule and he knew how to interact with them. It was that narrative he was going to have to espouse if he was going to be successful in guiding the court.

After my signature pink gown was on, I rang the gong as protocol for breakfast to be brought forth, then I joined Link who was now at the table. I grinned when I saw the serious expression on his handsome face. He was always so serious, even when I first met him. I guess one would be with the weight of Hyrule on their shoulders, but there was a different kind of admiration I had for his beauty now than I did back then. Link was physically beautiful to be sure, but he wasn't superficial. His beauty was all the way to the core of his being. I meant that with the way he was willing to sacrifice himself to help others. He gave up so much to protect Hyrule. Even so, that blonde hair, those sky blue eyes, that taut muscular body, and that perfectly chiseled face was a nice bonus. He was exceptional to look upon. However, I would have married him if he looked like a toad too. I admired him that much.

My thoughts made me smile and that was when he glanced over at me.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

I shook my head.

"Nothing, you just look so serious when you read."

He grunted thoughtfully at that.

"I never really considered my facial expression."

I glanced at his papers.

"Are you going over the proposal presented by Lord Filgore?" I asked, changing the subject.

He nodded.

"I was trying to read through this, but the language is so pretentious and stupid it's almost laughable."

I gave him a knowing look.

"What do you mean by that?"

Link sighed.

"The gist of his nonsense is to procure the mountains near Zora's Domain so he can 'excavate the much needed limestone for Hyrule's continued growth,'" he mocked.

I grinned with how he said that.

"So what's your objection?" I asked, playing devil's advocate.

Link put the letter down and gave me an obvious stare.

"You know what my objection is. He can't claim land and destroy the way of life for the people who already live there. That's how civil wars start."

I nodded.

"I agree."

He flicked the proposal away.

"His request is ceremoniously denied."

I interlaced my hands together.

"You're going to have to recognize that in court today."

Link picked up another letter and removed the seal.

"I'll gladly do so."

I grinned at the conviction in his voice.

"Well bravo," I said.

Link gave a mock bow and it made me chuckle. He opened the next letter and had more or less the same reaction.

"This is insane." His eyes scanned the paper.

"What now?"

He shook his head.

"What is it with these greedy businessmen and their wanting to gobble up everything?" he asked rhetorically. "Take for instance this, Vlad Rue Morgue is asking for the same land as Filgore, stating: 'that the added benefit of capacity expansion shouldn't be looked at as encroachment, but progress.' Hylia help me."

My grin widened.

"It's very frustrating, isn't it?" I replied.

Link shook his head again, put the letter down, and ran his hands over his face. He groaned softly.

"I have a much greater respect for your late father now Zelda."

I giggled softly and got quiet just then. Link then sighed and was about to pick up another letter, when I stopped him. I took hold of his hand and wanted to inquire something of him unrelated to the court.

"After the baby is born," I changed the subject, "I was thinking, I would like it very much if we tried again for another right away."

Link looked at me surprised.

"Right away?" he repeated.

I nodded.

"I would love to have more children, especially if they have your affectations Link. It's so lonely without father here and children just seem to bring everyone happiness."

He continued to stare at me, then caressed his thumb over my palm.

"What about giving your body time to recover? Are you concerned about that?"

I shook my head.

"The doctor informed me that I'm very healthy. I could probably have ten babies."

Link grinned when I said that, then nodded.

"Of course then, if that's what you want. We'll have as many children as you desire."

I pursed my lips together just then. I saw how he was careful in his wording. I usually ignored it, but this time I chose not to. There was a brief pause on my end before I went on.

"As I desire?" I repeated.

He simply nodded, then went to pick up another letter. I was silent briefly before I decided to just say what was on my mind.

"But… but is it what you desire?"

Link looked at me surprised just then.

"I'm sorry?"

I bit my lower lip, realizing I was going into unfettered territory.

"Is it what you desire Link?" I asked again.

He looked away for a moment and got quiet.

"What do you mean by that question?" he countered.

My hold on his hand tightened.

"I meant what I asked, do you want me to have your babies Link?"

He sighed and rolled his eyes in frustration for some reason. It was obvious he didn't care to discuss this.

"Zelda… if you want to have more children I'm willing to give them to you. Why are you asking me all this other nonsense all of a sudden?"

I sighed and looked away myself.

"I just want some kind of resolution of normalcy between us. I want us to at least be friendly again. I hate the walking on eggshells when you're my husband."

He didn't have much to say to me in that regard.

"We're doing what we can."

I was so frustrated with his words.

"That's your answer?" I replied incredulously. "Link, I love you, and I just want some reciprocity."

Link sat back and suddenly looked at me at a loss. He wasn't sure how to respond.

"What do you want me to say?"

I wasn't fishing for compliments.

"I just want you to be honest."

He tapped his finger on the table top.

"Have I not been kind to you? Have I not given you all that you wanted?"

I looked back over at him.

"Of course you have, you've given me everything except… except for your love," I whispered. "You've given me everything but your love."

Link looked away again and groaned.

"This is ridiculous," he muttered to himself.

I shook my head.

"It's ridiculous for a wife to desire the love of her husband?" I countered softly.

There was a brief silence where there was no immediate answer.

"Saria will you please…" he trailed finally, but didn't finish.

My throat tightened at his mishap. That was completely unfiltered.

"You mean Zelda, Link," I corrected.

He then looked over at me surprised, but afterwards closed his eyes when he realized his mistake.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that."

I had no rebuttal. It wasn't the first time he made that mix up. He slipped and said her name when he was making love to me one night a little while ago too. I just never brought it up. It was apparent he was still deeply in love with her. I took in another deep sigh and looked to the table, wishing things weren't so difficult between us. There was another brief silence that followed with Link now studying my face.

"Look," he said, breaking it, "let's not talk about this anymore. I'll have as many children as you want. I want you to be happy, and if having a bunch of little ones running around the castle gives you glee, we'll have as many as you desire, okay?"

I didn't reply to that right away. I knew he was trying to compensate for his mistake, but I didn't want compensation. I just wanted us to be friends again, not... not… this. Not this stilted cohabitation where we only existed together because we had to. Even though that was my desire, it had to be his desire too, and right now Link was still trying not to resent me for my part in keeping him away from the woman he loved. I could still see the quiet anger in his eyes when he looked at me. However, this morning I decided not to be docile, but then again I did not want to fight him. I just wanted peace.

What can I say?

"Alright," I said with a minor shrug, "alright."

At my answer, Link then got up from the table and headed towards the exit. I wasn't expecting him to be so fleeter after our conversation, but perhaps I touched a nerve today. I looked after him when I realized he was leaving prematurely.

"Do you not want your breakfast?" I called to him.

He paused in his tracks without turning to look at me. He just shook his head.

"I'm not hungry," he replied, then exited through the bedroom door before I could stop him.

When the abridging latched once more, I stared at the closed door wishing I hadn't brought up the conversation the way I had and closed my eyes. This wasn't going to be easy.

Please Link, please forgive me.

The next chapter will be up soon.