Sorry it's taken a while to update. I was on holiday last week and had no internet access...boo. However, the good news is that not only is this chapter complete (and ready to give you some insight into the workings of our poor hero's mind) but also the next chapter is half complete. Thank you to every one who is reading this, I hope you are all still enjoying this (R&R to let me know!) and thank you to MageWriter14 for your continued support. I really appreciate it! Anyways, onwards...
Chapter Eight – Devotion
Link's POV
"…And I pray that you grant me the power, wisdom and courage to continue to do my duty to this land that you created. Help me overcome my own folly and forgive me for my weakness. Please bless the King and the Princess and give unto them health and happiness and protect this world from the evil that lies beyond our sight.
Amen."
I bow to the altar and stand. I raise my eyes to the statue of the three Goddesses, Din, Nayru and Farore and smile. It is only with their grace and strength that I have been able to cope thus far. I come here early every morning so that my prayers are not overheard.
They stare down at me – lifeless representations of the ones who created this earth and though I know they are but statues, I feel awed in their presence. It is as though they use the eyes of the statue's to gaze upon me. Their bodies swirl around an image of the Triforce. I glance at my left hand. Sometimes after I have prayed, the mark on my hand glows, as if the gods themselves are answering me.
Today the gods do not answer me. I bow once more and turn.
Varjo is standing watching me. I jump in shock and he grins.
"Do you come here everyday?" He asks as I walk towards him. I nod in answer. "How very pious of you." He remarks. He takes my arm in a friendly gesture and together we walk from the room. I find it disheartening to find how very few people in the castle pray to the gods. I wonder if Varjo does.
"So, what are your plans today?"
"I don't know." That is the best response I can come up with at such short notice. I could tell Varjo that my plans depend entirely on what the Princess has in mind. If she has any more suitors visiting, I must stay on guard outside her door, ready to rescue her at a moment's notice. If she does not have any suitors, she may want to go horse riding, practice archery or just read with me. Varjo would think those activities a waste of my time and would advise me to let the Princess fight her own battles. He hasn't got a single chivalrous bone in his body.
"Let me guess, you have to ask Madam first?" Varjo still has that trick of reading my mind, although to be fair, as I am the personal servant of the Princess, it goes without saying that I am entirely at her beck and call. My silence answers his question. To my surprise, Varjo stops in his tracks, and for once manages to look serious. "You know, you ought to be careful, Link. People are beginning to get suspicious."
"About what?"
"You and the Princess. There are rumours flying around the castle that she prefers you to any of her suitors." Varjo doesn't smile as he says this. To be honest, I don't feel like smiling myself. If it were true, it would be entirely inappropriate and I would be likely be executed for my impudence.
"That's nonsense." The Princess treats me with complete indifferent despite the fact she says I am her friend.
"I am just warning you to be on your guard. I believe you – you are my friend, I have no reason to doubt you. I do not believe the Princess would be so blind to her duty either. It is just that since you have been here, she has encouraged you to behave in a manner which leads many to suggest you are in love with her."
Oh gods, no. I have been so careful to hide that. I can feel my cheeks beginning to burn. "That is nonsense."
Varjo grins at me. "I'd go for a little more conviction in your voice when you're lying, Link. Also try to look the person accusing you in the eye. It might convince them to believe you. Unfortunately, as your cheeks are red and you are looking at the floor, I imagine you are not telling me the entire truth. She is very beautiful, isn't she?"
This is getting worse and worse by the moment. His words conjure in my mind the vision I have so much difficultly dispelling. Of course the Princess is beautiful. She has the face of a goddess and her body is small and perfectly formed. Her mouth is one designed for kissing and her eyes are endlessly deep and wise. But it is not her face that I fell in love with. I hastily choke down the unwise admission burning in my throat and dismiss my vision from my mind. I must distract Varjo's attention. And so I grin at him. "Fancy her yourself, do you?"
Varjo smirks a little. "I think any man would find her a little difficult to resist."
"Exactly." I reply.
Varjo laughs at this. "Well anyway, just be on your guard. I wouldn't like you to get in trouble."
"I know. Believe it or not but I do try to avoid that." I resist the urge to sigh with relief that the dangerous topic has been discontinued. We walk on for a while in silence. "So where are we going?" I ask.
"The King wishes to see you."
I can't say that this prospect fills me with glee.
Since I have been here, I have pretty much avoided the King. I am sure, as I have been told, that he is a perfectly kind, benevolent ruler but I still wish to avoid any close contact with him. The history of my family doesn't exactly lend itself to his favour. I wonder what he wants of me. Perhaps I will be reprimanded for dealing with the Princess's suitors so effectively. Or perhaps King Daphnes wishes to quiz me himself on my relationship with his daughter.
"It's nothing bad, I promise." Varjo has again confounded me by reading my mind. Just how does he do that? I am still puzzling over this curious trick as we enter the Kings private sitting room.
The first thing I notice is that the Princess is seated near the window. The pale morning sunlight reflects off her hair, casting an aura around her. I can see by the sullen twist of her mouth she is not happy. I am quick to look away from her. After Varjo's words it would be incredibly unwise of me to stare at her. Varjo and I bow in unison. I suppose we must look like dancers when we do that – I have noticed that there are many similarities between Varjo and myself. Even down to the way we walk. Of course, Varjo always will be the more confident of us. He is at ease in any situation. I am not. He knows how to act in every situation. I do not.
Now is not the time to compare myself unfavourably with my friend. I guess it is because he actually could aspire to the Princess's hand, whereas I could not.
King Daphnes welcomes us both in an affable manner. There is no strain or hidden anger in his eyes so I relax a little. He strokes his beard thoughtfully as he looks from Varjo to myself. It is impossible to know what he is thinking.
"Sir Link."
I jump at the sound of my name. I am still not used to being addressed to as 'Sir'. I am after all, still a farm boy at heart. I know better than to reply to this, I merely turn my attention to the King and bow again.
"Why do you suppose the Princess is unable to choose a suitor?"
My heart begins to pound uncomfortably in my chest at this question. Oh god. Now what do I do? My hands curl into fists. I only notice this when I feel my nails digging into my palm. I hastily try to relax. I gulp and try to speak but no words will come out. Oh gods, give me the courage to speak.
I feel that I have been silent for too long. I can hear Varjo chuckling to himself. To my horror, I find my gaze is being dragged uncontrollably towards the Princess. This cannot be happening. "Uh…" I manage to stammer and then my tongue, which now feels like it is made of wood, gives up. What in Hyrule should I do?
"Father, this is ridiculous." The Princess's voice saves me from my certain doom. I realise I am still staring at her and quickly turn my attention back to the floor. It's amazing how detailed the patterns on this carpet are. "Link has nothing to do with this."
Disappointing but true.
"You see," She continues, in that same cool manner, "I do not choose to accept any of the suitors provided for I do not believe that any of them have the necessary qualities to be King of Hyrule. I would not want a weak man to step into your shoes, father. Nor would wed a man that could not command my respect. None of the men who have approached me so far have demonstrated that they have the calibre to rule this country with me. That is why I cannot choose a partner - no man yet presented to me is good enough. It has nothing to do with Link."
King Daphnes frowns at her words. It would be so simple if I were the cause of her reluctance to marry. If I was distracting her attention, I would be disposed of and then the Princess would be forced into choosing another suitor. However, the King has to heed her words. He believes that she is the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom. If he believes that then he must accept her words – Hyrule must have a King who has the strength and compassion to lead her. And one who can at least command the respect of the Princess if they cannot win her heart. She alone has the wisdom to choose such a man.
"So your head has told you that none of the suitors are good enough?" She nods in answer and smiles slightly. "Well then, what of your heart?"
The Princess gasps slightly. I can see that she is offended. "Do you suspect that I am hoping to be able to make an emotional selection for the choice of my mate, father?" I can tell from her voice she is furious although she is trying to conceal it. "It is my duty to my country to marry the man best suited to be King. I hope that I shall respect such a man; indeed I must respect such a man, for he will rule with me. I should not wish to love such a man though. A King and Queen bound by their emotions make weak rulers. Marriage is an alliance, forged between countries or great peoples. I will marry for policy and the benefit of our beloved country, not for the desires of my heart. I am not some peasant ruled by her desires."
King Daphnes looks at her with some surprise. Varjo and I say nothing. It is not our place to comment. Whilst I can understand her points, I don't agree with her. But whoever said she was a warm-hearted girl anyway? I personally think she is afraid of what would happen if she fell in love. I think she is frightened of losing somebody dear. She has a barrier up around herself that not even her closest friends, myself included, can penetrate.
"Very well, I apologise if I have insulted you." King Daphnes still sounds as though he is suffering from shock. I wonder if he had loved her mother? "Regardless of your opinion though, my daughter, you must marry."
"I know that…"
"And it must be soon." He interrupts her without even blinking. I glance up and see that again she looks annoyed. She is so cute when she is irritated. I hastily wipe that thought from my mind. It is not my place to lust after the Princess. I am a farmer not a courtier. I have no right to look at her.
I wish she wasn't so pretty!
"Why soon?"
"The people want an heir. I want a grandson. Is that not a sufficient reason?" His voice is quite kindly considering his words. "As you say your marriage will form an alliance. Whether that is with another country or whether it will merely serve to ally the people to you, it must be done. It is your duty."
"I know it is my duty." The Princess jumps to her feet, her eyes flash with anger and a kind of sadness. "I know what I must do…" I hear a telltale sniff and my heart goes out to her. Were we alone in her chambers, I would take her hands in mine and tell her that she would be all right. I would kneel at her feet and swear that I would protect her. I cannot bear to see her upset. And she knows that. Which is a very bad thing.
"I just cannot find the right man, father." She has managed to control her tears but her voice is pathetically weak. I don't think any man could stand against such weapons.
"Nonsense, Princess." I glance to my right; it appears that Varjo is not at all impressed by her theatrics. He smiles at her. The King seems rather amazed by him. She seems rather annoyed.
"Oh, let me guess – you, Varjo, are going to offer yourself as a candidate?" She is actually sneering at him. Although I know it is pointless to hope, a little part of me is glad to see she has no preference for him.
"Only if you desired me, Princess." Varjo's rejoinder is as quick as it is suggestive. The Princess gasps and then to our surprise, she starts to laugh.
The King is again nonplussed.
"So what are you suggesting - a tournament to win my hand? Or perhaps a masked ball where I shall dance until I find the perfect partner?"
"Oh nothing so rustic and dull." He laughs.
I actually quite like the sound of both of those ideas but clearly I am the only person in the room of that opinion. Then again, I am probably the only person in the room who had a vision of winning the hand of the Princess by beating all her other suitors into a pulp. Come to think of it, that probably wouldn't be too pleasant and I am less than useless at dancing. Maybe it is not such a good idea!
"What then?"
"I am surprised you did not think of this yourself, highness." Varjo smiles his most irritating smile at her and I can see her jaw clench in anger. "It is simple really – why not ask the gods?"
"The gods?" The Princess chokes. An angry flush spreads across her face. "Probably because I do not believe in them!"
Varjo largely ignores this piece of blasphemy but I can tell by the way the Princess's eyes are flashing he is grinning at her again. He certainly knows how to annoy her. "Whether you believe or not is your prerogative." He remarks coolly. "But it is said that the Gods always communicate with the Princess Zelda and offer her guidance in her time of need. Isn't that right, Link?"
"Hm? Oh, well yes it is said that the first Princess Zelda was blessed with visions?"
"Yes and it's also said that she could transform herself into a man. I can hardly believe that rubbish." Retorts Zelda. I have to admit I am a little taken aback by her attitude. I have never met anybody so opposed to religion and mythology as her. I just wish this attitude of hers could cure me of my passion. But I know it won't.
"We are not here to discuss the ancient legends." Decides King Daphnes. "Zelda you would be wise to listen to the stories of the past and learn from them. You were born with that mark on your hand for a reason."
"The very same mark I have never seen?"
The King sighs at this. For a moment I think he is defeated. I think I may have underestimated him for the next moment he rebounds with the words, "If you held Link's left hand with your right it would appear."
I for one know this is untrue. I have held her hands before and no Triforce mark appeared on either of our hands. However if she says as much to her father I will be in serious trouble. He would be highly offended to realise I had the audacity to comfort her. He would not understand that I must do what I can to be her support. I cannot deny or control the urge to protect her. It is part of my own heritage. That feeling runs in my blood.
"Perhaps it would if I believed, father." The Princess has saved me again. "I cannot pretend I believe the old legends but if it pleases you I will attempt to communicate with the gods."
"How can you communicate with something you have no faith in?" The words come out of my mouth before I can check them. The Princess turns her azure gaze on me thoughtfully. It is almost impossible to know what she is thinking; her face is an expressionless mask.
"She can at least try. You never know, it may actually convince her that there is more to this world than what she can see with her little eyes." Varjo's dulcet tones break my concentration and I realise that I am, yet again, staring at the Princess and yet again, Varjo has offended her. "And the best place for her to try would be at the Temple of Time. It is said that in ancient Hyrule there was a door there that led to the Sacred Realm."
"Really?" The Princess is putting on her best sarcastic manner.
"Indeed." Varjo is still unimpressed by her theatrics. "And if that is true, which I have no reason to believe it is not, then that would be the best place in which to communicate with the gods, especially for such a little doubter as you, Princess."
"You have a point." I am surprised that the King lets Varjo get away with insulting his daughter so readily. I'm sure if I spoke to her with such audacity I'd be dismissed instantly. In fact, I'm surprised Varjo gets away with a lot of things in the castle. I wonder why?
"If you are willing, Zelda, then you must journey at once to the Temple and seek the wisdom of the gods." I don't think the King is actually going to allow the Princess a choice in the matter. "It will do you good to see the world. Now then, where are the ruins…?"
"Actually they are in my own little province of Faron."
I'd forgotten Varjo is also the Duke of Faron. It's strange that, considering that Faron borders Ordon Province, I'd never heard of him before I was brought to the castle. And technically the ruins aren't in Faron but in the woods beyond that. And technically they are not part of Hyrule but are owned by the Skull Kids and if the Princess trespasses there, she could be in a lot of danger. I wonder if I should say anything…?
"Well then, Duke Varjo of Faron, are you going to escort my daughter there?"
"If it pleases you of course I will. Shall I take a retinue of soldiers too, your majesty?" I have to admire his address. I'm willing to bet that 'babysitting the princess' (as he would describe it) is the last thing he wants to do.
"I would prefer the escort of Link." I glance up and see she is smiling slightly at me. I didn't hear wrong then? "You yourself have said he was born to be my protector, father. What better protection could I ask for?"
I can see from the innocence of that smile, she is up to something.
"Zelda, it pains me to tell you but…"
"I know the rumours. Do you think I can be attended to by a gaggle of women all day and not hear what they say about me?" She interrupts quite ruthlessly. "Of course, they think it impossible for me to be attended to by a handsome man without falling head over heels in love with him." I am flattered that she would describe me as handsome. "It is not true. And what better way to prove that to our subjects than for them to see that you think nothing of this ridiculous scandal. Let me ride out with him. Let it be seen that you trust him. Let them all see that Link is only my attendant." That hurt a little. I see a light smile twisting her lips again. "But let them see that he is also my friend." She adds gently. That softens the blow a little.
"No, it is too risky."
"How is it different than sending Varjo with me? Surely he would be the more scandalous escort, given that he is a known flirt and potential aspirant for my hand?
"Not quite yet, Princess." I hear Varjo chuckle.
I can see the King's resolve is weakening. His heavy eyebrows are pulled into a frown as he thinks this through.
"Your Majesty, you could just send both Varjo and I with the Princess." Again I have spoken without thinking. Now I have earned the surprise, annoyance and amusement of the room's inhabitants in turn. Ah - that spot on the carpet is so interesting today!
"I suppose that might work…" Says the surprised King Daphnes.
"I need no other escort than you." Says my annoyed fair lady.
"Not a bad plan." I'll let you guess who was amused.
The Princess is a notable horsewoman. She handles the cavorting Aurora a grace and skill that is rarely seen. Aurora was given to her as a sixteenth birthday present. I am mounted on Embarr, the very same horse I had started breaking in two years ago. All of my horses are now stationed at the castle. They do not belong to me anymore – they are the property of Hyrule but I still think of them as my own. After all I did raise them and train most of them. It is hard to let go of my past so easily although my life as a rancher sometimes feels like it was in another lifetime.
It is unwise to reflect on the past too deeply. Though I enjoy working in the castle and though I know it is my duty to love and protect the Princess I do sometimes find myself reminiscing. I didn't realise how much my freedom meant to me until it was taken away so swiftly.
I mustn't think about that night or the horrendous nights thereafter as I was dragged to the castle. It will only make me resentful. It was my fate and I cannot argue with that. I always knew that one day I would be called upon to serve the Princess. It is in my blood. It is my heritage, and my curse.
I can feel the eyes of my curse upon me, so I look up.
When she smiles I feel as though the sun has just burst forth from behind storm clouds. Her eyes light up with mischief and life and her cheeks flush with colour. Everything around her fades into dull grey. She is smiling at me and that makes every sacrifice I have made worthwhile.
"You are quiet, Sir Link." She remarks as she directs her horse through the parting crowds. She seems unconscious of the stares of the people though I know she is uneasy. I am not oblivious to them and I feel a bead of sweat on my forehead. I can guess what they are all thinking. The rumours about the Princess and me have become so virulent recently that even I have heard them. The crowd parts and cheers her but behind their euphoria, I can sense the tension in them.
I wish Varjo were here.
He left the castle with us, seated on a magnificent black stallion and escorted us to outskirts of Castletown but then said he had forgotten something and had to go back. He promised to join back up with us and insisted we went on ahead.
I wonder if he truly has forgotten something or if the demon of mischief that I know lives in his head had prompted him to get me into more trouble. Now it seems that I am riding out alone with the Princess. This will only add fuel to the fire of words against me. I just hope he rejoins us before we get to Ordon. I can imagine what people would say if I arrived alone with the Princess asking for lodging.
There is nothing I can do but try to pretend, like the Princess, that I do not see the accusing stares or hear the whispers of the men and women as they press in on us. I know that my relationship with her is innocent. I have done nothing wrong and neither has she. Even if we had, it would be nobody's business but our own. I fortify myself with this thought as I take a steadying breath and give the Princess my full attention.
As I return her smile I find it is remarkably easy to ignore the crowd. My eyes only see her.
She is so beautiful.