A/N: This chapter is going to give you more insight into what's happening with Zelda...those with faint of heart might want to stop reading. Anyway: on to the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Legend of Zelda...or Link...oh and that guy in the closet...yeah, just ignore him, he isn't Link. Really...he isn't. ;)

Chapter 13: Fearful Prices

Zelda sank back into the shadows as she watched Malon and Link embrace passionately. Somewhere in Zelda's heart she knew deep down that she would never know that kind of happiness. She would never know what it felt like to have someone care for you and do anything to protect you. She would never know how it felt to feel someone's arms wrapped around her lovingly; she would never hear whispers of love or trust. Perhaps she would marry one day, but it would be for the sake of Hyrule...not because of love.

The walls of the castle seemed colder and more ominous as she slipped into a secret passageway. The way was lit by only a few torches hanging on the wall, casting fiery shadows to dance on the wall. In her hurry she stumbled slightly, forcing her to lean against the wall in assistance. Knowing what awaited her at the end of the hallway frightened her and she let out a small cry. Although her tears were numerous, all bottled up inside, she only let a few trickle down her face. Regaining her posture, she continued down the dark hall.

Reaching the end of the passageway, she hesitated slightly before entering the door. She savored her last bitter sweet moments of freedom before entering the room. All her decisions had led her to this point. There was no going back now, no second chances. She turned the knob slowly and opened the ancient door. Quietly she walked into the pitch black room. A feeling of dread came over her as she proudly walked further in.

Suddenly the door shut. Zelda whirled around to stair straight into the face of darkness. His eyes were but cold yellow specks that sank into his blackened face. His body remained in the darkness, as it would continue to do for centuries until the spell had fully worn off. He took a step toward her and she could feel her pulse quicken and her heart race. Several torches lit instantly with a snap of his fingers.

"Weakling," the voice whispered. Another snap and the flames went out.

Zelda looked around, alarmed. She began to back up, until she was fully against the wall. She glided her hands against the coarse stone of the castle walls. The walls provided no comfort at all for the sole reason that it remainded her that she was trapped. That this castle would be her death. That she would die at the hands of a murderer, a criminal.

"Betrayer," a voice whispered in her ear. She could feel his breath and it made her skin crawl. Never once did he take his eyes off of the princess.

Zelda turned to see where he was, but was only met with blinding pain as she was sent flying across the room. She brought her hand up to her head and felt a sticky liquid. Blood...her blood. She knew he was staring at her, she could almost feel the weight of his murderous glare. She had disappointed him...and the price for failure was death, maybe even a fate worse than death.

"Coward." She turned toward the voice again, but it was once again silent.

Was this going to be the way she died? Murdered by a mysterious voice in the darkness? No, I must not give up. I will not surrender. For if I do...it will cost the lives of hundreds, maybe more. I will take whatever he has to dish out. I will never let him hurt anyone...never again. I made a mistake...I will answer for it this time. No one will take my place or pay my price.

"Traitor." Zelda felt her neck begin to tighten and then she was raised above the ground, a taut fist holding her up.

She would take the beatings...she would endure the pain. The torches again flamed up and fear gripped her heart. Breathing became more and more difficult as he tightened his hold on her. His hands were cold and rough, just as was his heart. There would be no mercy shown to her from him.

"Did you really think that you could betray me and get away with it?" He made a tsking sound as he threw her to the ground ruthlessly. "I know that you are prepared to die...but that would be letting you off too easy. I have other things in mind for you, my dear princess."

"Leave me..." Zelda tried to say as she struggled for more air.

"Now, now, now. That is no way to treat a guest. I thought you would have been more hospitable, being a princess and all," he smirked.

"I will not let you hurt them," Zelda stated bravely.

Her words might as well have fallen on deaf ears. "Tiny princess. You cannot stop me!"

Zelda stood up and gingerly held her side. "You will never get away with...this. Link will...stop you."

"Perhaps, we shall see." He turned his back to her and she lunged at him boldly, but it was a futile attempt as he quickly turned around and grabbed her pushing her to the ground and him on top of her. "Not a smart move. But I will say I do think it is much more comfortable down here."

"Get...off...of me." Zelda squirmed under his weight, and knowing what was going to happen to her made her fight even more.

"The King of Theives takes orders from no one!" Ganondorf laughed as he began ripping off Zelda's dress, though even he was not prepared for the resistance that he was about to recieve.

A/N: Pretty dark, I know. I bet you kinda feel bad for her now, huh?