Chapter Ten – Secrets
Zelda's POV
Finally my heart has stopped thumping in my ears. I am taking deep breaths in between sipping on a glass of warm milk. I cannot take my eyes off the Zora; I think his name is Rheyan. I don't remember the last time I saw a Zora so close but they used to visit the castle regularly.
Link is sitting next to me. I do not know if that is a comfort or not. The Zora are our enemies and yet Link seems to know this one. I do not know what to think. The Zora looks harmless enough. He's not tried anything yet but surely I am a target for their machinations. And how does Link know him?
I simply must find out and if the answer does not come up in this quiet conversation they are having (and that we are all listening to) I will order him to tell me.
"I am sorry to come here, Link." The Zora says. "I would not have if there was an alternative."
"I know, Rheyan." Says Link. "What's the matter?"
"It's your sister."
His what? As I look at him in surprise, I see that everyone gathered around this small table where we are seated is looking at him in confusion. Perhaps I am not the only who is alarmed by this.
"Priya? What has she done now?"
The Zora, Rheyan, looks around at us all, as we shamelessly eavesdrop and scratches his head. "I think we need to talk alone." He says much to our disappointment. Strangely enough Link looks at me at the Zora talks. The look he gives me is odd – it's almost apologetic. Then just when I think things can't get any stranger, he says in that soft tone of his, "No, I have to include Zelda in this."
The Zora's gaze unnerves me. His eyes are so cold yet he is so serene it is unnatural. "It is your decision." Link smiles at me and gently takes my hand in his.
"Princess, please will you come with me?"
I gaze at my hand in his. I do not know if I know him anymore but one thing is for sure, I still trust him. I feel his hand shaking slightly. I know Link can be uneasy at times but I have never known him to be nervous. I know he is watching me with those intense eyes but I cannot look at him. I am so confused! What do I do? I glance over at Varjo and see that he's smiling slightly. I think he's laughing at me again and I hope that the glare I send him is strong enough to quell his mischief. The new mayor is sitting next to him and I notice (not for the first time that day) she is glowering at me.
Surely she is not jealous of Link and I, is she?
It's not like I am attracted to him…much or that Link likes me. Well, maybe that is a slight inaccuracy - everyone seems to think he's in love with me but I can't for the life of me imagine why they would.
Especially when they compare me to his friend, Mali. She is absolutely stunning and there's no way I could compete with her, even if I wanted to, which I don't. She has a fantastic body, beautiful red hair and huge green eyes. She is so sparkly and entertaining I feel so dull in comparison. All I can say about myself is that I was born lucky. I have done nothing to make myself stand out. She is the mayor of her village – the first woman ever to get such a job, she is so popular and confident and has such energy she absolutely overwhelms me.
"Princess?" I hear Link whisper, recalling me to my surroundings. Perhaps I have been musing for too long for as I glance up, I see that all eyes in the room are on me. I know I am blushing because my skin is burning. I hate it when that happens!
What am I to do? I look up at Link and see those guileless blue eyes still gazing at me. There is always something hidden in his eyes, just beyond my reach. Perhaps I am now to discover the secret. I stand and withdraw my hand from his clasp and stand up. Link and his friend Rheyan take this as an indication that I am willing to listen to them.
I can feel the eyes of all the villagers on me as Link leads me away from the fire. Out of habit I rest my hand on his arm and because it is cold, I walk close to him. We walk perfectly in step. I thought I knew him so well yet it seems I barely knew him at all. Yet I do not feel afraid, only curious. The Zora is silent and walks behind us. So far he has not betrayed any agitation. Surely he must feel slightly awkward given the situation. I wish I possessed an ounce of his poise.
We head out of the village and up a long slope. The path is so overgrown and unused that I can barely make out its course. It is littered with rocks and knotty weeds. Link seems to be as sure footed as the goats that wander his village. So far he hasn't stumbled. Rheyan has already stubbed his toe on a rock, I know because I heard him cursing softly.
I am glad I am holding Link's hand as we traipse along.
Wait – I am holding Link's hand?
I glance down and see that Link's fingers are gently entwined with mine. I do not remember that happening! I wonder where he's leading me?
Strangely enough, I feel no compunction to draw Link's attention to the fact he is being impudent. To touch my hand in such a forward manner is improper but it comforts me. I hold on just a little bit tighter and he glances down at me and smiles.
And it happens again.
I feel stupid and light-headed, just like when we were dancing. I lower my gaze. My cheeks must be bright red because I know they are burning. Why does he have such an effect on me? And why is it only started to happen recently? I steal another glance at his profile. He is handsome, I've always admitted that but until recently, I did not care. I have always admired his looks but sometimes I find myself drinking in the vision of him. Sometimes when he looks at me, I feel my heart jumping or I get butterflies in my stomach.
Oh Goddesses, I think I like Link.
Link has led us to a deserted little shack on top of a hill. It looks very chaotic. There are a number of tumbledown outbuildings scattered around a central courtyard. It all looks very overgrown. The whole area has been taken over by long grass and weeds, I feel them snagging at my dress as we walk forward.
I know better than to make any comment on the neglect I see around me. This is Link's village and I would not want any stray comment from my lips to offend him. I think he is rather sensitive about his hometown. I noticed that when we were riding. I had the impression that he thought it was too primitive to house a princess and that I would dislike it.
I think there is a lot Link should learn about me. Ordona Village is very pretty. I liked the people and I felt very welcome there. Apart from the Mayor, everybody was very kind to me. I think I surprised them with my simple tastes. Of course, my upbringing has taught me to behave with manners and humility. I should never be above being pleased. However, I do not see how anybody could dislike such warm-hearted and pleasant people. The food they served was equal to anything I have eaten in the castle and the entertainment was, in my opinion, better. I certainly enjoyed watching the dancing and taking my part in it.
I glance at Link as I remember the dance. He is lost in thought. I can tell from his face that he is unhappy. Perhaps this place holds many bad memories for him.
He leads us to what I presume is the main house. Sure enough, after we cross the threshold I find myself in an open room. It is eerie. It is as though it was abandoned at a moment's notice. Were it not so dusty and moth-eaten, I would imagine that the owner was just outside, tending to his livestock. Any moment he would walk in and sit by the fire. I hear the sound of rats squeaking and shudder and I just know that there are thousands of bugs all watching me.
Nevertheless, I am determined not to show any weakness in front of the Zora. After all, he is our enemy and even if this is all some horrible plot to kidnap me, I will be strong to the very end. I am amazed to find that I am still not afraid. Perhaps it is because Link is standing so close to me and I trust him to protect me.
He sets the lantern he was carrying onto the table in the centre of the room and looks around. I can still see that haunted look in his eyes and for the first time in my life, I feel the urge to comfort him. I swiftly quell this. It is one thing for me to find him attractive. It is another matter entirely for me to develop feelings for him. That would be a disaster for both of us. It wouldn't help Hyrule either. I am mindful of my duty to my country although not long ago I remember despising the very same thing.
"I'm sorry it's so dusty in here." Link's voice cuts into my thoughts. I notice that he has placed his cloak over one of the chairs near the table. He bids me to sit there. Once I am seated, he and the Zora follow suit. For a while all is silent. Above the constant scratching and scrabbling of the rats, I hear an owl hoot outside.
"Princess, there is something I must tell you." It is as if the owl has prompted him to speak. Finally we arrive at the moment of truth. I am entirely unprotected and must rely on my wits to save me. Oh help! My wits have never been my best asset. I turn my polite attention to Link and indicate he may continue.
"I'm not entirely sure how to tell you this…" He scratches his head – a sure sign of agitation and cannot meet my gaze. This is getting even better. I grip my hands together and notice that my heart rate has (for once) slowed. In fact, my blood seems to be running colder.
"Zelda, I knew your mother."
Two things make me gasp in surprise. Firstly the nature of his announcement, secondly, it is the first time I have ever heard him say my name. "What… how?" I stammer. If my heart was slow before, it is beating incredibly fast now. In fact, I think I am going to be sick.
"I didn't know until I met you who she was." Says Link quickly; evidently taking into account the fact I have gone a sickly green colour.
"But how?" I really don't understand. My mother died when I was five. At the most Link is two years older than me – so how did he know her? And why do I have this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something dreadful is about to happen. I just know it.
The Zora stands at this point and leaves the room. I don't care anymore about him or what he might be planning. I just want to know about my mother. And then I remember something – the first day I ever saw Link. That moment when our eyes met he had looked… horrified. Was it because of her? I manage to convey a few of my thoughts to him. Granted not many but fortunately Link seems to understand.
"I didn't know until I met you that she was your mother." Link's voice is purposely calm and collected. I know he is trying to sooth my fears. "You look quite like her. Only she had golden hair and blue eyes."
I barely remember such detail about her, how does Link know?
"She came here with my father." Even in the dim torchlight Link looks embarrassed. A little of what he is trying to get at is seeping into my brain but I dare not put these thoughts into words. I just motion for him to continue. And so he does.
"I suppose there is no easy way to say this to you but… my father ran off with your mother."
He's right there is no easy way to say that. I blink in surprise. I cannot think of anything to say. To be honest, there isn't anything to say. Quite a lot of what I have been taught about my mother has just been turned on its head. I don't know whether to cry or scream.
Link grimaces and stands. As he paces the floor he continues speaking, "Your mother lived with us for a couple of years on the outskirts of Zora's domain and then my father bought this ranch. He settled here with me and left Nell, your mother, in the care of the Zora's." He sighs and sits back down. "My half-sister and brother still live there although I have not seen them for many years."
I can only stare at him. I am horrified and fascinated. I am amazed by how calmly I am taking this. "Is she still alive?" I cannot deny the hope that is building inside me as I ask. I think I already know the answer.
"I'm sorry. She died six years ago."
I nod. I expected that. Six years ago I was twelve. Impa disappeared that year. I would have been grateful for my mother's guidance at that time. I had no female companion to rely on and my body was changing in, to what was to a twelve year old me, a terrifying manner. I still do not know how I should feel. Should I feel angry with her for abandoning me? Should I feel regret that I never knew her? Should I weep for my loss? Should I rage at Link for hiding this from me?
I take a calming breath and smile weakly at him. Whatever else happens, I know this is not his fault. As I smile, a cloud of worry disappears from Link's face. I do not realise I have reached my hand towards him until he takes it in his clasp. For a long moment I just gaze at him. I am so lost in this moment, drowning in my feelings of confusion and doubt that when Rheyan pushes the door open again I physically jump.
Link lets go of my hand as if it had just scalded him and he jumps to his feet. I see Rheyan's eyes flick from his face to mine and the tiniest smile appears on his lips. He has brought me a beaker of water.
I only remember that Rheyan is a Zora, and therefore my enemy after I have gulped down about half of the glass. Which probably means I am now poisoned.
"Are you able to leave, Link?" He asks. His eyes are fixed on the glass, which has just shattered on the floor after falling from my hands. I am convinced I feel sick. I have been poisoned. I know it. I can see that the Zora is trying not to laugh at me - The heartless monster.
"I haven't asked yet." Link too gives me an odd look. "Um, are you alright, Princess?"
If he cannot see that I am poisoned and am about to die then he must be in on this too. The water might have tasted lovely and might have been refreshing but there is no doubt in my mind that there is foul play at work. One hand is clamped over my mouth, the other over my stomach. I am convinced that any moment now I will keel over.
"The water was not poisoned if that's what is bothering you." Rheyan cannot hide the amusement from his deep voice. "I have no reason to murder you, Princess. The Zora's have no argument with you personally."
"But we are enemies." I wail. Any moment now…
"Yes, but do you know why we are?" He asks softly.
I stare up at this giant creature who is currently in the process of murdering me and realise that, no, I don't know why we are enemies. I hardly see how it matters either. And so I tell him.
"Have you ever heard of Zola Warriors?" I shake my head. I am sure that if I open my mouth, I will vomit.
"The Zola warriors are Zora's that turned against your father." He explains. He is still perfectly at ease and if anything seems even more relaxed than he had before. Probably because he has almost accomplished his mission. I am nearly dead. I just know it. "Their revolt was led by our own Princess Ruaela. She objected to your father's plans to dam the sacred river. Our people had long worshipped the Zora River. It is the source of life in Hyrule. We are its guardians. To dam it would be to cut off the country's lifeblood. Your father would not listen to our diplomats and so Princess Ruaela decided to embark on a campaign of guerrilla warfare against him. When she was captured, she was executed without trial."
Rheyan doesn't seem bitter about this. He is so strange. "Your father does not admit to issuing that order. In fact, nobody in Hyrule will take responsibility for it. That is why we are enemies, Princess. Imagine if that had happened to you."
I am imagining it and that is why I think he has poisoned me.
"The reason why we would never harm you is that you are not responsible for the actions of your countrymen. The Zora do not blame you for the loss of our Princess. Besides, your mother was our Queen's closest friend. She has strictly forbidden any Zora from harming you. Considering we harbour your half-brother and sister within our walls, it would seem a little illogical for me to then hurt you. The only thing I will do to hurt you is remove Link from your presence for a little while."
I am too tired and my brain is too overwhelmed to take offence at this statement. To be honest, everyone else in the country thinks Link and I are lovers, what does it matter if the Zora think so too. "Why do you need him to go to the Zora's domain?" I ask. That probably adds fuel to the fire of gossip.
"We need Link to see his sister." Rheyan smiles slightly at me. "I suppose she is your sister too."
And then it hits me. He's right. I have two half-siblings. And then I start crying.
Meh, I'm not happy with this chapter. It's not exactly how I intended it to be but never mind. The story is deviating slightly from my original plot but I hope it still makes sense. Please R&R to let me know. Next Chapter is Link's POV…