Inspiration: "My Curse," by Killswitch Engage. I write a chapter to this song in every story I write, always.
Author's Note: Sorry for the delay, but I am going to finish this one.
Word Count: 12,585
Chapter 27
One day earlier: Ralph's POV
After seeing my last patient, I closed up the office. No sooner than I locked the door, I was approached by Romani. She looked lovely as she always did, but she had an expression of concern on her face. I was glad to see her visit a few days prior, but admittedly I did wish she or Saria spilled the proverbial beans of their conversation. When Saria returned home that night, she uttered very little, and she seemed lost in thought. Perhaps Romani would be more willing to divulge their conversation today.
Even so, this afternoon my long time friend traveled from Dragon Roost to work with Dr. Brimstone at the castle. Apparently, there was an incident with the royal blacksmith that needed some tending to. Hopefully, it was nothing similar to what happened to the royal blacksmith in Dragon Roost. As Romani walked up, I noticed the slightly nervous mien she was trying to conceal. To be honest, she seemed to be tiptoeing around me a lot these past couple days –watching what she was saying, waiting to see how I reacted to some of her words, gauging my responses before she responded- things like that, which was odd. It only added to my suspicions of what she and Saria discussed the other night. I was certain Romani's concern had something to do with that. She may have felt that Saria disclosed something to me that Romani was trying to determine covertly, which wasn't the case at all. I decided when I got home that I would speak with my wife again regarding the matter, but only if I got nothing from Romani right now. Hopefully, I would get a clear answer.
With that, Romani stopped in front of me and oddly curtsied.
I raised a brow at her behavior.
"What's this all about?" I asked.
Romani grinned.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it," she replied, "you look so much like the king when you make that facial expression."
I stared at her taken aback.
"What?" I countered. "The king?"
Romani shook her head and giggled.
"Yes the king," she said. "It was a joke Ralph, lighten up."
I turned back to the door and groaned, making sure it was closed. I didn't reply right away when I faced her once more, but she could see my mild annoyance. She had no idea why me being compared to the king was so frustratingly ironic.
She commented on my visage.
"Ralph… come on, I'm sorry," she said, "seriously, it was just a joke. What's the big deal?"
I shook my head, walked past her, and started down the alleyway. I didn't reply right away.
"It's nothing," I replied, ignoring the question, "I should be flattered… all things considered."
Romani then caught up to me and walked in step with me. She studied my expression for a moment.
"What does that mean?" she asked.
I shook my head again.
"Really it's nothing," I replied, then changed the subject to something neutral, "how was the procedure for your patient today?"
She raised a brow at my shifting of the conversation, but she went along with it anyway.
"It went as well as it could have," she said, "performing a lung biopsy in Hyrule is much different than performing one in the confines of the dragon mines."
I nodded, not really paying attention.
"I suppose so," I replied absently.
Again, Romani caught my inflection.
"Ralph… what's wrong?" she asked emphatically.
At her tone, I stopped in my trek and turned to look at her. I stared into her eyes for a long time before finally disclosing some of my thoughts. I searched her perplexed features.
"I'm worried about Saria," I confessed finally, "she hasn't been herself lately."
Afterward, Romani looked a little surprised, got quiet, and stepped back. I found that telling.
"You're worried about her?" she asked.
I nodded and studied my friend for a moment.
"Yes," I replied.
She rubbed her shoulder nervously.
"Did she… did she say why?" she asked.
I paused before I answered. There was that suspicion again.
"No," I said, choosing to ignore her inflection, "but there are some days when she is noticeably different than other days. She's still sweet and kind, but there are times when she is just sad and withdrawn."
Romani then looked away; another telling sign.
"Well… she is pregnant again," she replied.
I shook my head.
"This is more than her pregnancy," I said. "Something is bothering her on a deeper level."
She stared at me thoughtfully.
"Do you think it could be postpartum?" she asked.
I considered that, but quickly dismissed it.
"I thought so too at first, but she has no other symptomology where Elincia is concerned," I replied, then added, "I'm wondering if she is feeling some kind of guilt in some way."
Romani appeared puzzled once more.
"Guilt?" she repeated.
I nodded.
"I know that's a strange thing for me to say, but I think it has merit," I said.
My friend studied me again.
"Why would she feel guilt?" she asked.
It was a conventional question.
"Why would anyone feel guilt?" I countered.
Romani still didn't look convinced.
"Are you sure that's the case?" she asked. "Are you it's not depression? Not every case presents the same way."
I shrugged at her cynicism.
"I don't know, you could be right," I replied, "but I can't shake this feeling of there being something else."
Romani remarked on my insistence.
"Well, how do you know?" she asked. "What has she done to make you think she feels guilty?"
I stared at my friend for a long time after her utterance, wanting to disclose some of the things I knew about Saria... the real Saria. I was battling myself, because I knew this approach would be a gamble. However, if I didn't talk to someone soon about what I was thinking, I would probably keep acting like a grouchy introvert. At this, I looked around the multi-polar alley to check if we were completely alone. I didn't want to be eavesdropped on. It seemed to be the case, but I guided Romani back over to the front of my office anyway. It was better for me to gauge the wall with a road in front of me, than two roads leading in opposite directions behind me.
I lowered my voice before I spoke again.
"Will you promise to keep what I'm about to tell you between just us?" I asked.
Romani looked at me concerned just then.
"Of course," she promised, "what is it?"
I looked away for a moment and pursed my lips together. I wasn't sure how to start this. It was going to seem odd any way I went about it. So, I figured I would go in head first.
"Do you believe in… fairytales?" I prefaced.
She suddenly stared at me taken aback.
"What?" she countered.
I fanned off her cynicism.
"Do you believe in fairytales?" I asked again.
Her concern never went away as her eyes searched my face.
"I… I guess so since fairies are real," she replied, "but I understand that not all stories warrant truth."
My brows raised almost involuntarily.
"And yet there are the goddesses, the Triforce, the evil that was once Ganondorf –all these things we were told to be skeptical of in college," I went on. "They all are real and have happened."
Romani narrowed her eyes slightly. She wasn't following me.
"What… what does that have to do with Saria?" she whispered.
I paused again, knowing that when I ventured forward I could never go back.
"We know the hero is real, Link is real," I continued. "We know that Zelda is real, that Ganondorf was real. We have evidence of who they are and what they fought for. However, what about the others in the background? What about the ones who assisted the hero on his quest? What has become of them?"
Romani suddenly looked at me mystified.
"Ralph…" she trailed.
I shook my head.
"I know you think I'm crazy, but please hear me out," I said. "What if I were to tell you the reason Saria was so afraid to tell me about her past was because she… couldn't? What if I were to tell you that she was once a huge part in the destiny of this country? What would you think of her then?"
My friend's eyes precipitously widened.
"Destiny to this country?" she repeated.
I nodded, then felt a small smile of pride come across my face at who Saria really was. I decided to take that gamble and trust my friend.
"Saria… was once the Sage of the Forest," I whispered the revelation, "but she gave it all up to become a Hylian."
Romani then stared at me stunned.
"What?" she covered her mouth. "The Sage of the Forest?"
I nodded.
"It's true," I said, "she took me to her home and her father, the Great Deku Tree, confirmed it."
Romani appeared thrown for a loop.
"Her father is a tree?" she repeated incredulously. "Ralph, you can't be serious."
I understood her confusion, but all I could do was nod.
"As out there as it sounds, it's true," I replied. "She was once a Kokiri, but she gave up her sage-ship to become a Hylian."
Romani was still trying to process everything I was divulging.
"Why would she do that?" she asked. "What could prompt a person to reject their destiny if it was so profound?"
This was where I was probably going to sound a little conspiratorial, but I didn't care.
"Love," I said simply.
Romani looked at me perplexed again.
"Love?" she said once more.
I rolled my eyes and looked away with a hint of frustration.
"Yes," I replied, "love."
Romani was quiet for a moment.
"But… but you didn't know her until she was a Hylian… right?" she inquired.
I nodded, avoiding her eyes.
"Exactly," I said.
She was quiet again, but slowly she started wading into the unfettered territory I presented.
"Are you... are you saying she loved someone before she met you?" she whispered.
I paused and nodded again.
"Yes…" I trailed.
She noted the expression on my face.
"Do you know who it was?" she asked.
I took in a deep sigh.
"Yes..." I trailed.
She waited for me to go on when I didn't.
"Who… who was it?" she asked.
It was then I gave her and obvious look and met her gaze.
"Guess," I replied anyway.
Romani stared at me thoughtfully, but after a few minutes she gasped and covered her mouth again.
"You don't mean-" she stopped herself.
I looked away once more and didn't reply.
My friend reached out and touched my shoulder.
"Ralph… are you saying Saria became a Hylian because... because of the hero?" she whispered.
I was silent for a long time. I didn't want to acknowledge that, but I knew I had to. That was exactly what I was stating. I finally nodded.
"Yes," I replied.
When I looked into my friend's eyes once more Romani still appeared shocked.
"Oh dear," she whispered.
I ran a hand through my hair at her response.
"I don't have any evidence of that," I admitted, "even the Deku Tree didn't disclose if those were her reasons, but I do have my own misgivings."
Romani gave me a sympathetic look.
"Misgivings?" she asked.
I nodded and was quiet again for a long time before I went on.
"Do you remember the tragedy at the castle a little over two years ago?" I shifted suddenly. "Sir Link and Princess Zelda's engagement party?"
Romani raised a brow.
"You mean the day King Daphnes died?" she inquired.
I nodded.
"Yes," I replied. "Well, in the aftermath of all that, I worked with Dr. Seaside in the emergency medical care unit outside of Kakariko Village for my emergency rotation. I actually took care of Saria when she was brought in. She was badly hurt in the crossfire." I paused for a moment. "During her stay, the hero actually came to visit her. He was in disguise, but there was no doubt it was him, especially since she called out his name when she awakened."
The surprise never left Romani's face.
"The hero visited Saria?" she repeated. "Even though he was engaged to the princess at the time?"
I took in a deep sigh and nodded.
"Yes," I replied, "and… and that was when I found out they were in love with each other. She kissed him right in front of me." I added bitterly, more to myself. "That cloak... those eyes... that serious disposition. That was how I discerned he was the man that visited her before we walked down the aisle on our wedding night. I saw him sitting in the back with that same cloak."
Romani took a step back in complete astonishment at my utterance.
"Then-then that means-" she tried.
I knew what she was going to say.
"Gertrude was right," I finished for her, "but I knew about the king being there before she informed me. And I knew about how they felt towards each other long before she did."
Romani was dumbstruck.
"Ralph…" she trailed, "you still married her knowing that? Knowing she loved another man?"
I already felt foolish.
"Yes," I muttered, "I thought I could replace her feelings for him. I just fell so deeply in love with her so quickly, I couldn't help myself. I almost felt bewitched. She's that enchanting."
Romani did reply to the the latter.
"I'm so sorry," she said, "what a complicated circumstance."
Afterward, I chuckled with a hint of sarcasm.
"You're telling me," I muttered, then added, "I'm actually surprised that you're being so level headed about this, especially when everyone thought I should have married you."
Romani blushed when I shifted the conversation to being about her.
"Ralph…" she trailed.
I shook my head, not wanting her pity.
"I'm sorry, I was out of line," I apologized, "I was just... I was just being honest."
She quickly stopped me.
"No," she said, "it's okay, I like it when you're honest."
I chuckled again when the red in her cheeks didn't go away.
"You still blush like a school girl," I teased, "aren't you a bit old for the that?"
The crimson never left.
"I guess so," she said, then added, "the truth of the matter is one of the reasons why I fell in love with you was because you were so honest. Even so, I was too cowardly to say anything." She paused for a moment before going on. "I… I actually still am in love with you."
I glanced at her surprised by her confession, but then she avoided my eyes.
"Romani…" I trailed, not knowing what to say.
Her eyes stung momentarily, but she never allowed herself to get too emotional.
"It's okay, it doesn't matter now," she said, "I know that's over, but I had to finally let you know."
There was a brief silence between us, where Romani ran a hand through her radiant red hair and decided to change the subject.
"I apologize," she said then asked, "anyway, why do you think Saria feels guilty now?"
I was surprised at how quickly she was willing to deflect.
"That's it?" I asked casually. "That's all you want to to say after a confession like that?"
She looked at me surprised.
"What else am I supposed to say?" she countered.
I shrugged.
"I don't know," I said honestly, "but we don't have to pretend you didn't say it."
Romani looked at me with a hint of confusion.
"I'm the one who has to deal with the emotional repercussions, not you," she stated.
I looked away from her for a moment.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that," I replied.
Her surprise never left.
"What... what are you saying?" she asked.
I took in a deep sigh and met her gaze again. I was silent for a long moment.
"I... I don't know," I said finally, "maybe I'm saying nothing at all."
Romani looked at me briefly with a hint of disbelief and rolled her eyes. She then shook her head.
"I knew it," she said to herself, "it's just as it's always been." Afterwards, she said to me, "Let's just not discuss this anymore if we aren't going to be serious." She changed the subject once again. "Why do you think Saria feels guilty?"
I didn't answer her right away. I saw the hurt she was trying to conceal in her eyes.
"Romani-" I tried.
"Please," she interrupted, "I don't want to discuss that again. Let it go."
I paused, but then tried again.
"I wasn't trying to-" I attempted.
"Please," she stopped me, "enough, seriously."
I was slightly frustrated with her stance, but I respected it.
"Fine," I said, "but I didn't mean to come off as callous."
She gave me an obvious look.
"Are you serious?" she asked. "First, you ask me about it, then you shut me down?"
Her tone was telling.
"Romani I wasn't shutting you down," I said, "I just didn't know how to respond."
She wasn't going to let that slide.
"Then why did you ask?" she demanded. "Is it just so your ego could be stroked?"
I raised my brows at her utterance and didn't reply right away.
"Of course not," I said, "I would never do that to you."
She looked away when she started getting emotional again. She kept it together though.
"Then let's move past it okay," she said, "I said it, you acknowledged it, it's over, okay?"
I shrugged again.
"Okay," I replied quietly.
There was a brief silence afterwards.
"So..." she started, "are you going to answer my question now? Why do you think Saria feels guilty?"
I stared at her for a long time before answering.
"After everything I just told you what do you think?" I countered.
Romani raised a brow, finding my tone a little curt. However, as she pondered over my implications, her eyes widened, and suddenly she looked even more astonished than before.
"Ralph…" she trailed at the epiphany.
I didn't say anything.
"No!" she whispered, shaking her head. "No, no! You can't possibly think she's-"
"-having an affair with the king?" I interrupted point blank.
Romani was stunned with how forthright I was being.
"You accused her of this?" she inquired.
I nodded.
"I was so angry I couldn't help myself," I said."With everything that's happened I honestly don't know, but I've been suspecting such."
Romani didn't know what to say.
"I'm-I'm so sorry," she whispered.
I shook my head.
"I have no idea if it's true," I confessed, "I hope to Hylia it isn't, but I can't shake this feeling of dread knowing their past together. And with her behavior lately, it is highly suspect. I don't know what to think."
Romani looked at me empathetically, but then it shifted to a hint of cynicism.
"Even with their past, wouldn't there be signs that you have picked up on?" she asked. "Has her behavior changed that drastically?"
I couldn't curtail that.
"She has changed," I said, "but I have no significant proof that it's because of my suspicions."
Romani challenged me further.
"Also, wouldn't it be hard for the king to have an affair in secret?" she countered. "Everything about the royals is written in the papers. I doubt a scandal of that magnitude would go free from such reporting. Everyone would know, including the queen."
She made a good point.
"That is true," I admitted, "but he is the hero, the man was known for getting out of near death escapes and impossible puzzles. I doubt instigating an affair would be hard for him."
My friend crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn't so sure.
"That is quite an accusation Ralph," she said.
I nodded.
"I know," I said.
Romani raised a brow.
"I don't think it's wise to accuse Saria of such things unless you have evidence," she said.
I rolled my eyes and looked away. I didn't reply.
Romani scoffed softly.
"But it seems to me you've already made up your mind," she said, "is that wise?"
I raised my brows, seeing her point.
"I hear you," I whispered, "I want to be wrong so badly Romani, but I just don't know."
Romani reached over and touched my shoulder again.
"I think you and Saria need to have a serious sit down before you go and accuse her of something so inflammatory," she said. "You don't want to ruin what could be the best thing that's ever happened to you without knowing all the facts."
She was right. It would be foolish for me to accuse Saria again without first understanding all of what might be bothering her. It could be that she was overwhelmed about being pregnant again.
I nodded.
"That is the best course of action," I agreed.
Romani attempted to grin, but this conversation was so grave it was hard to keep.
"Even so," she said, "I am sorry you're feeling like this or even suspecting anything like this. This is terrible."
My eyes searched her face.
"Me too," I whispered.
There was another brief silence between us after that, one where Romani came up to me and gave me a hug. She held me tight and rested her head on my chest. I hugged her back. To be honest, it was just what I needed.
"It's going to be okay," she whispered.
I hugged her tighter.
"I certainly hope so," I whispered back.
Afterwards, I pulled back and stared into her eyes. Romani was gazing at me in such concern. She reached up and caressed my cheek.
"Are you alright?" she whispered.
I nodded, but then took in a deep sigh.
"I think so," I whispered back.
She grinned again, but then let it fade when she allowed her gaze to linger. She got a little closer to me and I didn't prevent her from doing so. I stared into her beautiful eyes and for a moment and thought a little more of myself and not about who was waiting for me back home. I reached in a little to let her know something.
"It would have been you if it wasn't her," I whispered, "I swear to you Romani."
Romani looked at me surprised by my confession.
"What?" she whispered.
I shook my head.
"I don't need to repeat myself," I whispered, "you heard what I said."
Her eyes searched my face.
"You don't have to tell me these things Ralph," she said, "you don't have to try and make me feel better."
I stared deeply into her eyes.
"I know that," I whispered, "and I'm not."
Romani continued to stare at me dumbstruck, but then came closer to me to fill in the space between us. I didn't deter her.
"Really?" she whispered.
I nodded.
"Really," I whispered back.
When she saw I was serious, she reached up and kissed me softly on the lips. It was impulsive, but I kissed her back and unwittingly let it dawdle. I should have pulled away quickly, but I didn't. I kissed her deeper when my guard came down, and that was when our inhibitions began to falter. Romani ran her fingers through my hair and kissed me deeper, but soon she opened her eyes and pulled back from the kiss when she realized what she was doing. She stared at me shocked before she pushed herself away.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
I shook my head.
"Don't be," I replied, "I could have stopped us too."
She closed her eyes, while her features filled with remorse. Afterwards, she her ran her hands over her face.
"What was I thinking?" she groaned.
I went to try and reassure her.
"It wasn't your fault," I said, "I never should have let it get this far."
She shook her head.
"That doesn't absolve me," she said, "I know you don't belong to me. I know you are married to Saria. What was I thinking?"
She sounded like she was talking more to herself than to me.
"Romani it's okay," I insisted, "it wasn't just you. I could have stopped it too."
It didn't seem she was listening to me, because she ignored my words completely.
"I can't believe I let my guard down," she whispered. "Saria isn't the one who should be feeling guilty," she went on, again speaking more to herself than to me, "I should be feeling guilty."
My ears perked suddenly when I heard that. I stared at her for just a moment.
"I beg your pardon?" I replied.
She took in a deep sigh and didn't answer me directly.
"It's nothing," she said, "I'm just…"
I paused, waiting for her to go on, but she didn't.
"You just what?" I pressed.
She avoided my eyes and deflected just then.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered again, "I only wanted to accompany you home to speak with you, but now I realize that isn't appropriate. Please excuse me for intruding upon you."
With that, she oddly curtsied once more and attempted to walk away, but I reached for her and took hold of her elbow. This wasn't like Romani at all. She stopped in her tracks and I tugged her back to me. She was still avoiding my eyes as I stared at her concerned. I knew then she was keeping something more from me than even what I initially thought. A kiss wouldn't prompt her to respond like this, not if there wasn't something truly bothersome troubling her. However, that explained why she was so covert these last few days. Her conscience was obviously chiding her. What that something was is what I intended to find out.
"Romani…" I trailed, "what are you talking about? What's going on?"
Her breathing increased a little before she finally looked me back in the eyes. Hers looked frightened.
"Ralph…" she trailed and apologized again, "I'm so sorry."
My heart raced a little at that.
"Why?" I replied. "What do you mean?"
She looked away and tears filled her eyes.
"I…" she attempted, "I…"
She didn't finish, and my dread was starting to deepen.
"Romani…" I started, losing a bit of my patience, "what are you talking about?"
She was quiet for a long moment before she answered me once more. Her tears spilled over.
"Oh Ralph!" she sobbed gently and covered her face with her hands. "I'm terrible!"
My apprehension swelled, but I managed to keep my composure. The more she stalled, the worse my imagination got with what she intended to tell me. I remained calm, but I wasn't going to let her use her emotions to deflect.
"Romani, you can't say things like this and expect me not to wonder what you mean," I said softly. "I need you to talk to me."
She nodded and wiped her eyes.
"I know, I know," she whispered, but then she grabbed my hands and suddenly changed the subject. "Can I accompany you home? I would like to speak with Saria immediately if I could."
I stared at her taken aback just then. That deflection was certainly on par.
"You want to speak with Saria?" I repeated.
She nodded.
"Yes," she said, "please Ralph, please."
I paused for a moment to stare at her. My frustration was growing with her lack of transparency. It was obvious she wanted to disclose something serious, but she was unwilling to speak about it with me.
"No," I replied suddenly, "I want you to tell me what's going on?"
She looked at me shocked.
"Ralph please!" she begged. "Don't be stubborn now!"
I let out an audible groan.
"Why can't you just tell me?!" I demanded. "This is getting ridiculous!"
She shook her head.
"It isn't that I can't tell you, I can," she said, "I just want to speak with both of you together. It would be better if I revealed what I needed to reveal with the both of you present."
I paused again at her disclaimer and still felt irascibility, but admittedly I was relieved she didn't intend to keep me in the dark. With the way she presented herself, I thought that was her aim initially. Even so, I knew needling Romani wouldn't be the right course of action. Instead, I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and take her for her word. I decided to let her come home with me.
"Fine," I said, "but I'm holding you to your word. I want to be present with whatever you two talk about."
She nodded.
"I promise," she reassured, "that won't be an issue."
I took in another deep sigh before again taking the lead and heading down the alleyway. Romani quickly and quietly followed. The walk was short and soon we were at my residence. However, as soon as we both walked up, the door was opened and the babysitter Matilda was standing on the porch. She looked worried, while Elincia smiled when she saw me and Romani approach. My daughter reached out to me immediately, and I couldn't help but smile at her greeting when I took hold of her. However, my smile faded when once again when I saw Matilda's face.
It was then I spoke up.
"What the matter?" I asked.
Matilda bit her lower lip.
"I hate to be a worry wart sir," she started, "but Miss Saria hasn't returned yet. She's been gone since noon. She told me she would only be gone for a couple hours, but now it is well past dusk and she still isn't home."
When I heard that, dread enveloped my gut.
"She hasn't returned home?" I asked.
Matilda shook her head.
"This isn't like her," she said, "she's never late, and if she were to anticipate running behind she would have informed me before she left."
I paused then glanced over at Romani who suddenly looked pale. Catching my look, she glanced back over at me and I didn't know what to think. However, I knew I couldn't make a scene. I needed to dismiss Matilda and figure out what was going on.
"Did she seem ill before she left?" I asked anyway.
Matilda shook her head.
"Not exactly ill, but different," she said. "She was quieter than usual and seemed a little sad."
Her utterance only made my concerns deepen. I needed to find out what happened to my wife. I had to cut this conversation short.
I nodded.
"Thank you for your service today," I said, then reached in my pocket and pulled out another fifty rupees and handed it to her. "This is for your extra time."
Matilda looked at the money and shook her head.
"I can't," she said, "I wouldn't feel right. Besides, I enjoy Elincia's company."
This time I shook my head.
"You have to make a living of your own," I insisted, then placed the rupees in her hand. "You staying six hours past your intended time is taking away from your family too. I can't let you go uncompensated."
Matilda stared at me surprised, but then gratefully.
"Dr. Ralph…" she trailed.
I attempted to smile at her.
"It's okay," I promised, "go home and tend to your family, my wife is my responsibility."
Matilda sighed.
"This might seem strange to you Dr. Ralph, but I consider you, Miss Saria, and Elincia my family too," she said, "I want nothing to happen to any of you."
I appreciated her concern, but she had no idea how important Saria once was and what her potential disappearance might mean. What if she got called back to her duties to the Sacred Realm? What if something regarding her strange behavior was related to some greater threat to the kingdom? I had no idea, but I was starting to consider such. Even so, I had to make an effort to find her.
"That's very kind of you, but the best thing you could do right now is go home and ensure your own safety," I said. "You worrying will only make me worry about you too."
Matilda hesitated, but then nodded.
"Very well," she said finally, "but please keep me posted on her whereabouts."
I wasn't sure I could promise that, but I nodded anyway.
"I will certainly let you know when she returns home," I reassured.
With that, Matilda smiled at me and curtsied. She still wasn't quick to leave, but soon after she left the porch and started down the alleyway. She even turned several times to look at me and Romani standing on the porch. I knew that if Saria's whereabouts weren't ascertained soon this would turn into a huge rumor of the most salacious kind. I didn't care about rumors, but I knew the beginning of it was always vastly different from the end. When Matilda disappeared around the corner, I turned my attention to Romani who still looked pale. I didn't address her disposition now, but something told me her reaction wasn't merely overt concern.
Afterwards, I went into the house with my daughter in tow. Romani followed and closed the door. I looked around the empty home and felt a foreboding I didn't think I could feel. Even so, my first course of action was to search the house. I knew it would be futile, but I had to start somewhere. Maybe there was a clue she left behind somehow. Of course, it would make no sense for Saria to be where Matilda couldn't already find her. Nevertheless, this was where I was going to begin my search.
I went to the kitchen.
"Saria?" I called.
No one was there.
Afterwards, I went to the main living quarters.
"Saria?" I called.
No one was there.
Then I went to the latrine in the back of the house and opened the door.
"Saria?" I called.
No one was there.
Lastly, I went upstairs and searched all the rooms. They were all empty.
"Saria?" I called when I went through each of them.
No one was there.
I returned back downstairs and found Romani sitting on the couch looking destitute. Her expression was blank and she looked lost in thought. I knew she was worried, which her face clearly conveyed, but I couldn't stay here and console her right now. I had to go search the city and I couldn't do so with Elincia in tow. I walked over to Romani and tried to keep my disposition calm, but admittedly I was disconcerted inside. I had no idea where Saria could be, or where to start looking for her. However, I tried to keep my voice steady when I spoke.
"I need you stay here with Elincia," I said, "I want to go search the city."
Romani looked as though she hadn't heard me. She didn't say anything, but merely nodded finally at my utterance. Afterwards, I handed her my daughter, not bothering to ask her why she appeared the way she did. My daughter whined for just a moment, but quickly calmed down when Romani cuddled with her.
"I'll be back as soon as possible," I assured. "I have to find her."
Romani nodded again.
"I know," she whispered.
With that, I hurried out the door into the steadily darkening evening. I headed west where the next section of town was and only found vendors closing up shop for the day. I went up to a few of them and asked if they saw a girl with green hair in passing. None of them saw Saria. Afterwards, I left west Castle Town and headed for the main square leading north to the castle. The square was pretty much clear at this point, again with only a few vendors taking down their shops and putting their merchandise away. Once more, I walked up to the men packing up and asked if they saw Saria or anyone who looked similar to her, none of them saw Saria. However, an older lady in about her sixties was listening carefully nearby, and suddenly she walked up to where I was standing. She appeared to be a vendor herself when she spoke to me.
"Excuse me young man," she said, "but I couldn't help but over hear your conversation. You said you were looking for a young woman with green hair?"
I turned my attention to her immediately.
I nodded.
"Yes," I replied, "have you seen someone with that resemblance?"
To my surprise and relief she nodded.
"As a matter of fact, I have," she said, "the poor dear was having an attack of some kind, like a headache. Then suddenly it stopped and she walked away as if nothing happened. I offered to help her get to a doctor's office, but she was insistent that she was fine."
My relief left me a little.
"Do you have any idea where she went?" I asked. "I'm looking for her because she's my wife."
The lady's face melted with remorse.
"Oh my…" she whispered, "oh I 'm so sorry."
I pursed my lips together.
"Thank you for that," I said, then got back to the point, "do you know where she went when she left your company? Did she say anything at all?"
The lady practically gave her possible whereabouts away when she looked past me to the south.
"She headed for south Castle Town," she disclosed, "I know because I watched her until she left the square. I even followed her for a little bit because I was worried about her."
I attempted a smile and thanked her.
"You've been more than helpful madam, thank you." I said.
She fanned off my thanks.
"I hope you find her," she said, "just be careful."
I then turned and hurried in the opposite direction to south Castle Town. When I entered the alley it was predictably emptying. There were very few businesses here, with only the gate leading to Hyrule Field. However, most of the venues lacked a brick and mortar. They were merely street side concessions. The only patron that resided in a building was a tavern. It was similar to Hylia's Tavern, but had a different marquee. There may have been a citizen or two who saw Saria walk by and could deduce her whereabouts. I decided to go there before expanding my search to outside the city walls. When I walked in, I noticed right away that the majority of customers were soldiers. This looked to be a place where servicemen came when their shifts were over. A few of them glanced my way when they saw me come in, but my presence didn't make a stir. I then walked up to the counter and flagged down the bartender. He came over to me slowly as he cleaned a goblet.
"What would you like mate?" he asked. "A pint?"
I shook my head.
"I don't want a drink," I replied, "I just have a question about a person who might be missing."
The bartender raised his brows at that.
"We get plenty of them here," he said, then asked, "are you an investigator?"
I audibly groaned.
"No, I'm just a concerned citizen," I said, then asked, "have you seen a girl with green hair come in here?"
His expression was thoughtful for a moment.
"A girl with green hair?" he repeated.
I nodded.
"Yes," I replied.
The bartender continued to wipe his cup.
"I can't say I have," I would have remembered a woman who looked like that."
I took in a deep sigh.
"You may have not noticed her hair because she covers it with a headdress," I said. "Are you sure didn't see a woman with a headdress then?"
The bartender put the cup down and looked at me thoughtfully in that moment.
"Well, to be honest, I did see a girl like that," he admitted, "she was very pretty, too pretty to be in here quite frankly, wearing a headdress and a shawl. However, she didn't order a drink. She simply asked one of the fellas to take her some place. It was strange to be quite honest."
My heart sank because the woman he described did sound like Saria, but even more so I couldn't believe what he was disclosing to me.
"She asked one of the men here to take her some place?" I repeated.
The bartender nodded.
"She paid him a bunch of money and then left with him," he divulged.
I was beyond disconcerted when I heard that.
"What?" I whispered.
Would Saria willingly leave? I thought. But where would she go and why?
The bartender studied the expression on my face.
"Are you alright lad?" he asked. "Did you know the girl?"
I nodded and closed my eyes.
"She's…she's my wife," I muttered.
The bartender immediately looked at me with open compassion.
"Your wife?" he said surprised.
I nodded.
"Yes," I replied.
The bartender was temporarily dumbstruck.
"I'm sorry," he said, "I had no idea."
I fanned off his apology.
"Don't worry about it," I said, "you couldn't have known."
I stood there silently for a moment, where the bartender was scratching his chin. He looked to be trying to make amends for the apparent bad news. He leaned in a little on the wooden counter and gestured for me to come forward a bit. It was an unusual request, but I so did anyway. I looked at him with a bit of intrigue.
"What's going on?" I whispered.
The bartender raised a brow.
"I may… have been a little dishonest when I said I had no idea where she was asking to go," he whispered. "She pretty much addressed everyone in the bar about where she wanted to go."
I looked at him surprised by the confession.
"Excuse me?" I replied.
He tapped his hand on the bar.
"What I'm saying is, I might have a little info for you, but it won't be… free," he said.
I stared at him with a hint of disbelief. He saw that I was looking for someone I cared for and he wanted to take advantage of my despair with extortion? What a charlatan! However, I shook my head and pulled out fifty rupees from my pocket. It was all I had on me.
"Will this suffice?" I asked.
The bartender nodded.
"That will do," he said with a compliant smile. He put the rupee in his pocket and went on. "Anyway, it turns out that the young lady was seeking passage to a noble's residence."
My eyes widened.
"What?" I replied.
He nodded.
"She was asking for passage to Lady Bathory's manor," he revealed.
I froze.
I couldn't believe what I just heard.
"Lady Bathory?" I repeated.
He nodded.
"Yes," he replied.
It didn't make sense.
"Why would she want to go to Lady Bathory's manor?" I was speaking more to myself than to him.
The bartender replied anyway.
"I have no idea lad," he said, "I'm just telling you what I know."
There was a hint of empathy in his tone, but I was lost in my own thoughts in that moment. Why in the world would Saria even conceive to go off to Lady Bathory's? She didn't know her. What was truly going on here? This was more serious than I ever could have imagined. Seeing that I was at a loss, I took a step back from the counter and decided to take my leave. However, before doing so I thanked the bartender.
"I appreciate your help," I said.
He just nodded, but his compassion never left him.
"I wish I had better news for you lad," he said, then he added, "I'm sure she has a good explanation for you. Women tend to do flighty things at times for attention."
This was so much more than that, but I appreciated his concern.
"Right," was all I said in reply.
With that, I turned and took my leave. I headed back home, trying to divvy up some explanation that was feasible. I could think of none. When I returned, Romani greeted me at the door with a hopeful expression.
"Any luck?" she asked.
I just shook my head and closed my eyes.
"No, I didn't find her," I whispered, closing the door, "but I found out where she went to."
Romani looked at me surprised.
"Where she went to?" she repeated.
I nodded, then decided to be more forthcoming.
"She went to Lady Bathory's," I disclosed with as much candor as I could.
Romani's eyes widened when she heard that.
"What? Lady Bathory's?" she said shocked. "Wh-why would she go there?"
I shook my head, and found myself speaking just like the bartender.
"I have no idea," I replied and walked past her.
Romani seemed dumbstruck by the news and went to go sit back down on the couch in the living area. Her expression suddenly became withdrawn and tears sprung to her eyes. I was in the kitchen drinking some water, trying to keep it together, both worried and terrified for Saria. I had no idea how to reconcile this. I rested my hands on the table and sighed. Suddenly though, I turned and watched Romani again... carefully for a moment. She was crying fervently, more than what I thought would be deemed necessary. She took Elincia and held her close, rocking her back and forth like she was consoling her. Elincia, of course, had no idea what was going on, but her wide eyes and sweet disposition was soothed anyway. My long time friend's reaction was telling… very telling. Though, it simply could have been that she was deeply concerned for Saria. Even so, her distress had morphed into a look of regret. It was then I left the kitchen and walked back over to her.
"Romani?" I inquired softly.
She didn't answer.
I raised my brows at her reaction, then sat down next to her. This wasn't like her. I knew she was hiding something important from me.
"Romani… what's wrong?" I asked. "What aren't you telling me?"
Romani looked away when I sat down. She still remained quiet and at this point my patience was waning. I tried reasoning with her.
"Saria is gone," I said quietly, "and something tells me you know why in some way. Otherwise, you wouldn't be this emotional. I don't think I need to tell you what your stalling could mean in this situation, but I need for you not to think of yourself only in this instance and talk to me."
After my utterance her tears spilled over.
"Oh Ralph!" she sobbed suddenly. "I am so sorry!"
My stomach churned with knots at hearing that. It seemed my premonition was right.
"Out with it Romani," I replied, "I need to know what's going on."
She wiped the tears from her face and her bottom lip quivered. She took in a deep sigh before she finally started speaking. She obviously had a lot to get off her chest.
"I don't know where to begin except from the beginning," she whispered. "This all stemmed from an egregious misunderstanding, and I have admit upfront that I was jealous of your and Saria's relationship. I never outwardly tried to show it, but I felt it every time I saw the two of you together. Gertrude helped to reinforce that jealousy by always having negative things to say about Saria. Anyway, one night -actually it was the night I asked you and Saria to meet us at Hylia's Tavern- Gertrude and I… met someone."
I was trying to stay composed, but from the way she was speaking I knew this wouldn't end well.
"Who?" was all I asked in reply.
Romani paused as more tears came to her eyes.
"There was… there was a noble eavesdropping on our conversation," she whispered, "which I found odd, because Hylia's Tavern was hardly a place for a noble to recreate."
The frivolities did not concern me, but I had a feeling I knew what she was going to say next.
"What noble?" I asked anyway.
She couldn't face me and shivered.
"It was… it was Lady Bathory," she whispered.
All the blood drained from my face when she uttered that. I probably looked like a poe.
"What?" I demanded.
Romani covered her mouth as more tears ran down her cheeks.
"Lady Bathory overheard Gertrude and me speaking about Saria," she repeated. "We weren't very kind. It was then she made a deal with… one of us."
My dread mounted as I listened. I didn't reply. Romani wiped her cheeks and went on.
"She offered to pay one of us fifty thousand rupees if we decided to spy on her," she divulged. "She said to meet her weekly at the Tavern for updates."
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
"And which one of you decided to do this?" I whispered. "Was it Gertrude?"
Romani then sucked in a shocked breath and looked away from me. Her shoulders heaved and her emotions completely took over. She cried for a good minute before she composed herself to answer me once again.
"No, it-it w-wasn't Gertrude," she stammered, "it w-was me."
I looked at her surprised, but was silent at her disclosure. Considering the way she was acting, I should have known she was going to confess she was the culprit. From the moment she approached me tonight she had a look of guilt on her face. Even so, I couldn't deny that I was thrown for a loop. I was not expecting to hear that my wife was being spied on.
"You Romani?" I whispered finally.
She nodded and faced me once again.
"I started believing that Saria didn't have good intentions with you," she went on, "I wanted that to be the case so badly, but then I got to know her. I started caring about her too and Elincia. I now know why you fell in love with Saria. She's an amazing person. She's funny and kind and gentle. She's a great cook and she's a little silly with an easy going disposition. After realizing my mistake, I went to Lady Bathory and told her I couldn't spy on Saria anymore. I felt incredibly guilty for being a participant in such a terrible scheme. However, before I could do so, Lady Bathory already stated she no longer needed my 'services' as she put it. It seemed I was too late."
This was much worse than I thought.
"What would prompt you to do something like that?" I demanded, detracting for a moment. "Why?"
Romani closed her eyes.
"I told you…" she trailed, "I was jealous, and… I was still in love with you."
I took in a deep sigh and looked away, feeling my frustration turn to anger. Elincia was staring between the both of us with her wide beautiful eyes. There was a silence that followed that made me truly fear what now may have been going on with my wife. Did she realize she was being followed? Did she go to Mount Hebra to confront Lady Bathory? Did she have some other reason for reaching out to a noble? I had no idea and the more I pondered it, the more worried I became.
"Romani do you realize what you may have done by being so short sighted?" I asked finally.
She shook her head and covered her face.
"I had no idea things would end up this way," she sobbed. "I only thought I was protecting you. I didn't want you to be hurt or deceived."
My anger was starting to mount.
"The only person deceived here was you," I replied.
Romani ran her hands through her hair.
"You said it yourself that she went there on her own," she redirected, "why would she do that if she wasn't aware of Lady Bathory herself?"
I cut my eyes to her.
"She was aware because she told me that Lady Bathory was trying to make conversation with her from time to time, but it doesn't excuse what you did," I disclosed, then added, "I didn't believe her initially, but now I see how wrong I was."
Romani looked at me imploringly.
"Ralph…" she trailed.
At this point, I found talking to be useless. I needed to do something. I needed to go up there. Afterwards, I took my daughter from Romani and got up from the couch.
"I have to go after her," I said finally. "I can't sit here and do nothing."
Romani then followed suit and got up from the couch.
"Ralph… you can't go to the Bathory manor alone," she tried to reason. "That noble will have you arrested for trespassing."
I turned around and stared at her in frustration.
"Then what am I supposed to do?" I demanded. "Wait?!"
Romani stared at me with open remorse, but then made a suggestion I didn't see coming.
"There… there may be someone who could go up there and help her," she whispered, "someone who has the power to make Bathory see things in the eyes of the law."
I paused, but soon felt my eyes widen at her utterance. I knew exactly who she was talking about.
"You mean the king," I whispered.
She nodded.
"You said it yourself that they used to… care for each other," she stated, "only he could go up to that manor and demand for Saria to be returned without it looking like a peasant infestation."
I groaned immediately at her description.
"A peasant infestation?" I repeated with a hint of disgust. "How could you say such a thing?"
She held her ground.
"Because it's true," she said, "because that's how they see us. Just because you are a doctor doesn't mean you mean a thing to the nobility of Hyrule. They look at all of us the same way."
I wasn't willing to budge. I hugged my daughter closer to me.
"I'm Saria's husband," I reiterated, "she's my responsibility!"
Romani pursed her lips together.
"I understand that, but think about Elinicia," she said. "If something happens to you, she will have no one. Put your pride aside. You can plead your case before the king. Surely he won't turn you away if you explain the situation to him. That may be your only option."
There was another silence between us after that. I did not want to consider what Romani was telling me, but a part of me knew I had too. I couldn't let my pride get in the way of what was best in finding Saria. The king could send an escort and demand to have the manor searched. He could do so much more than I. Romani was right in that I probably would be turned away. What right would I have to demand to go into a noble's manor? Lady Bathory would probably lie and say Saria wasn't there to begin with. My only real choice was to plead my case before the king.
I stared in Romani's eyes in frustration.
I sighed.
"You might be right," I whispered, "I might have to go before his majesty."
She nodded.
"Go tomorrow," she said, "he allows a certain amount of the citizens to see him without an appointment."
I was relieved to hear that, but knew what that could mean.
"Then that's what I will do," I said anyway, squeezing my beautiful daughter gently in my arms. I turned my attention to her. "I'm going to find out what happened to your mommy Elincia… I promise."
What's going on Saria? I thought. What?
~SSS~
The next day
I got up early the next day and informed Dr. Seaside by letter that I would not be in the clinic seeing patients. I made arrangements for Elincia to be watched by Matilda again, and I had not yet informed my parents of Saria's disappearance. When Matilda arrived, she was still shocked Saria was not found. I did not want her or my parents to worry, and I did not want unnecessary rumors to start by my sister, but I found that might be inevitable if I didn't find Saria soon. Though, the older woman I spoke with last night may have already started talking. I did look distressed during our conversation and that was all it took for a rumor to start in Hyrule. Even so, I couldn't allow that to allay me from my mission today. I had to see the king no matter what it took. I was currently on my way to Hyrule Castle. When I arrived, I entered through the north front gate. I was stopped immediately by the guards stationed there to inquire of my whereabouts.
"State your business good sir," the guard said.
I didn't hesitate.
"I am here to see the king," I said.
The other guard then ushered me in another direction.
"The audiences for the king start around the corner," he directed, "make sure you follow the directions of the attendants."
I appreciated his promptness.
"Thank you," I said, "I will."
I was allowed to pass, but when I came to where the audiences started, I saw that the line was extremely long… longer than I expected. I took in a deep sigh and stood at the end behind an older man who was holding a bag of seed. He turned and looked at me when he heard the groan escape me.
"Tell me about it son," he said, "I didn't expect it to be like this either. I only want to talk about the bird problem."
I understood and appreciated his issue, but my audience was a little more important than farming. Even so, I acknowledged him.
"I know what you mean," I said.
Ahead, one person was admonished to go into the hall of the king and then everyone stepped forward. However, considering how many people were here, I deduced that I would not have a chance to speak with the king until the afternoon. This was not promising. The king might not be able to see me at all at this rate. I was trying to keep my composure, but I was starting to feel irritated by this apparent stall. There was very little change when an hour passed, then two hours. However, then someone unexpected showed up… someone I had a serious contention with. Lady Bathory appeared suddenly with her entourage of servants. She walked past everyone and headed straight for the door. I was aggravated beyond belief that she was going to usurp everyone, but her visit made a more gutteral reaction come from me. I nearly jumped out of line when I saw her. I didn't let her go by without at least trying to speak with her.
"My lady!" I called.
She didn't stop.
"My lady!" I called again a bit more forcefully.
It drew a reaction from one of her servants.
"Stop shouting at nobility you simpleton!" he snapped.
I wasn't surprised at the response, but the vitriol was a bit much.
"I apologize, but I must speak my lady if at all possible," I said.
Bathory glanced over at her servant.
"It's alright," she assured him, then she turned her attention to me,"who are you?" she asked curtly.
I tried to play on her sensibilities.
"You met me once before when you were with the royals during Prince Leonhart's visit," I said, "my name is Ralph, I'm a physician."
She looked at me uninterested.
"I don't know a Ralph," she said simply and attempted to go about her business.
Her deference didn't deter me, I stopped her once more.
"Well, then perhaps you remember my wife Saria," I said boldly, "the girl with the green hair."
She paused again and turned to look at me.
"The girl with the green hair?" she repeated.
I ignorantly got hopeful, I nodded.
"Yes," I said, "she's hard to forget."
Oddly, Lady Bathory stared at me for a long time before smirking.
"I'm sorry," she said, "I'm afraid she doesn't ring a bell."
With that, she headed back to the front of the line and didn't allow me to stop her again. My frustration swelled because I knew she knew who Saria was. I knew she knew who I was. She was simply going to use her status as a way to dismiss me. Bathory was lying, I could sense it all over her. I knew that bartender wasn't an outlier regarding Saria's whereabouts. He had no reason to be untruthful. What the hell had Bathory done with my wife? Why the hell would Saria go to her knowing she was such an unconventional woman? What had Saria found out that made her so compelled to go see such a woman? Was… was my wife even alive anymore? I had heard rumors that some of the nobles were into some very sadistic practices. Was my wife going to be a victim of such?
I shook my head.
No, I thought, don't think that way Ralph. Saria's alive, I know she is.
A moment later, Lady Bathory was ushered into the king's hall, leaving everyone else feeling frustrated. I wasn't surprised, but I was visibly distressed considering my reason for being here. Lady Bathory was directly or indirectly responsible for the disappearance of my wife. I was aware that the bartender told me Saria went off on her own free will, but something was pulling me… gnawing at me that that wasn't the whole story. Saria wasn't completely herself and I needed to know why. She hadn't been herself in weeks.
I have to speak with his majesty, I thought, no matter what.
For now I would to wait. I looked down the hall and saw that I was in the middle now.
And what a wait it would be.
~SSS~
Two hours later, back to the present: Link's POV
"Goddesses… I despise that woman," I muttered to myself as I watched Lady Bathory walk away from my private quarters.
After her patronizing visit, I turned and headed back to the counsel room. The walk was a rough five minutes. However, as I approached I witnessed a scene I was slightly startled by. I had another unexpected guest. He was trying to enter the chamber by force. He apparently got the news that my open audiences were over. He was being apprehended by two guards when he wouldn't settle down.
"I already told you!" one of the guards was saying. "I can't let you in! The king is not taking any more audiences for the day!"
The man was not deterred.
"Please," he was begging, "please let me through, I must speak with the king!"
The back and forth seemed to go on for several minutes. I paused again before heading down the hall, and more guards came at the sound of the commotion.
"If you don't quiet down you are going to be arrested!" one of the guards warned.
The man then had his arm rotated to his back. He continued to struggle.
"I mean his majesty no harm!" he went on. "I just need to speak with him for a few moments!"
The guards didn't let up.
"I told you no," the one directing the other guards said.
However, I suddenly looked on astonished when I finally recognized who the young man was. That flash of golden hair dispelled it all.
"Dear Hylia," I whispered to myself, "that's Ralph."
It was then I continued with my advance and sent out an order for my guards.
"It's alright!" I called. "Let him go!"
The guards looked my way surprised when they saw me approach, but they still didn't completely let him free.
"Sire, this man is irrational!" one of the guards warned. "He doesn't listen to reason!"
I hurried towards the scene.
"That isn't for you to decide!" I said, then knelt down when I saw the good doctor on his knees. "Release him!"
The guards were still reluctant, but they finally did as I commanded. They let Ralph go and I helped him to his feet. They were shocked by my intervention.
"Are you alright?" I asked.
Ralph nodded, but rubbed his shoulder. It was obviously sore.
"I am sire," he said, "thank you."
I looked around to my men and dismissed them.
"Back to your posts," I said, "there is no danger here."
The guards hesitated again.
"Sire…" one of them trailed.
I fanned off their concerns.
"I know this man personally," I reassured, "now back to your posts."
The guards all eyed Ralph, but eventually did as I commanded. I then turned my attention back to Ralph where he was momentarily avoiding my eyes. I gave him a quick once over.
"You have to be more careful," I stated, "these men are trained to kill."
Ralph then met my eyes.
"I am not afraid to die sire," he said strangely, "especially with what I need to discuss with you."
I raised my brows and stared at him taken aback.
"I beg your pardon?" I replied.
Ralph sighed and cut his eyes again.
"I need to speak with you sire, but alone," he requested.
I knew he wasn't coming here because he wanted to. He was coming here because he had to. He obviously was aware that Saria was no longer where she should have been. I deduced that was the reason for his venture here.
"Of course," I said, then gestured for him to follow me.
Ralph nodded and we headed back to my private spire once again. Once there, I opened the door for him, dismissed the guard stationed there once more, and locked the door. Ralph looked a little uneasy with my locking the door, but had no objections to it.
He spoke first.
"I apologize sire for making a scene," he said.
I sat down in my chair across the space and took in a deep sigh.
"Think nothing of it," I replied, "I can understand why you're here."
Ralph narrowed his eyes slightly at my utterance.
"Do you know why I'm here?" he asked.
I avoided his eyes for a moment and interlaced my fingers together.
"I think I do," I said, then offered for him to sit, "please take a load off your feet."
Ralph did not bother to sit down.
"Saria is missing," he said rather aptly.
I was quiet for a moment, expecting the news.
"Is she?" I asked.
Ralph rolled his eyes.
"You don't have to pretend ignorance sire," he said, "I know you know this already, especially with you just seeing Lady Bathory."
I stared at him surprised by his curt tone.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I demanded.
Ralph sighed.
"Your majesty, I come to you in an hour of need," he said, completely ignoring my question, "I know you are one of the few people that can get my wife back to me."
I paused for a moment. I was thrown for a loop by that.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
Ralph groaned.
"Please…" he begged, "please stop with the theatrics, "I know you know what I speak of. I know you know what I mean. That monster Bathory has Saria in her capture somehow."
I stood up when I heard that. I was under the impression that Saria wasn't in Bathory's company just yet. I had no idea she was already missing.
"What?" I whispered.
Ralph nodded.
"I need you to give me access," he said, without answering my question, "I need a permit stating I can search that witch's residence so I can get my wife back."
I listened to him carefully.
"Saria has gone missing?" I inquired.
Ralph's frustration seemed to mount.
"Yes sire," he said with a hint of impatience, "yes, she is gone, and I need you to draft me a letter so I can get her back."
I hesitated again.
"I… I can't do that," I said, "the law states that a peasant can never have search and seizure of a noble's residence,"
Ralph shook his head.
"Even if the noble has another man's wife?" he demanded.
I understood his frustration.
"I agree with you," I said, "but that is the law if you don't have irrefutable proof she was taken from you."
He groaned.
"Then what the hell am I supposed to do?!" he demanded.
I understood his anger.
"This will not go unchallenged," I promised.
He didn't seem to care about my promises.
"No, you get her back then!" he demanded. "You have the power! Besides, I know you still love her! If anything, get her back for that!"
I paused and stared at him surprised.
"Ralph… I do not-" I tried.
"Don't lie," he interrupted, "don't tell me you still don't care for Saria. I know you do. I know you do!"
I paused again.
"She's always going to be someone special to me," I didn't deny, "yes I do care for her, but-"
"But what?" he demanded.
I clamped my mouth shut and looked away for a moment.
"What… what has she told you?" I asked quietly.
From the corner of my eye I saw Ralph look completely blindsided by my question.
"What do you mean 'what has she told me?'" he demanded. "Is she supposed to tell me something?"
It was then I realized the guilt I thought he was about to accuse me of was not known to him. Saria hadn't disclosed to him the affair we had, and I unwittingly almost let the cat out of the bag.
I shook my head.
"Look, I apologize for what our past has brought you," I said. "I should have been more forthcoming when I went to visit her in the camp years ago. Yes, I was in love with her. A part of me loves her still and always will, but I mean you no disrespect by that Ralph, I swear."
Ralph looked away.
"I have to remember you are my king," he whispered, "but if you weren't, I wouldn't object to dueling this out to the death with you."
I raised a brow at his threat.
"Excuse me?" I replied.
Ralph didn't back down.
I looked him straight in the eyes before giving him a quick once over.
"You are a brave man, but don't be foolish," I warned. "You don't want to fight me Ralph, trust me. It would only end badly for you."
There was a tense silence between us after that. Ralph didn't mince words and I respected that about him, but I didn't want him to become delusional either. My life and past life was about fighting and being a fighter. It was what I did and do. I would never purport to be a surgeon since I did not have the training or schooling. In like manner, a man, who clearly lives his life in a clinic, should not step to a king who has lived his life in conflict. The juxtaposition simply was not there.
Ralph narrowed his eyes again.
"No…" he trailed, "no I don't want to end up dead, because I have too much to live for. However, that is why I am sacrificing my pride and asking you to go after her. I can't do it because of my life standings, but you can."
I got quiet again and nodded.
"I make this promise to you right now," I started, "I will find her and I will get her back to you."
Ralph swallowed hard and looked away.
"I thank you sire," he whispered.
I felt for him.
"Don't lose hope," I said, "Saria is not dead, I know she isn't."
He looked at me surprised.
"What?" he replied.
I didn't go into the specifics.
"Two days hence or the dawn of the third morning your wife will be returned to you," I swore. "I will personally do so."
Ralph's eyes widened.
"I... I have a feeling you know more than you are willing to disclose," he whispered.
I didn't react to that.
"That is the duality of being a king," I stated, "there are some things you cannot and will not know. However, I will find Saria and get her back to you."
Ralph's eyes searched my face more a moment and he nodded. I believe then he knew he wasn't going to get more information from me. He bowed.
"Thank you sire," he said.
I nodded.
"You are welcome," I replied, "you are dismissed."
Ralph nodded, then headed for the door. However he paused before leaving. He turned to look at me.
"In two days?" was all he asked.
I nodded.
"In two days," I replied.
With that, he opened the door and left my presence. When I was alone again, I closed my eyes and took in a deep sigh. I walked over to my window and looked out of it for a moment. I stared way past Castle Town to the horizon.
I will get you home Saria, I thought, I will get you home.
The next chapter will be up soon.