Prologue:
He was young and wild. Like the horse grass whipping about on the open Hyrulian field. Stretching out on the picnic blanket I plucked from my mothers dusty space in the attic, my fingers rub through his messy blonde hair. I remember the scent of pastry fruit tarts he managed to pillage from the castle's kitchen and the fresh honey and tea I stole from the cart beside my fathers room. The dripping tea cups chattering lightly as the wind rustles our blanket brushing my long brown hair across my scraped cheeks. We are young here - young and blissful - young and untouched - young and naïve - young and in love.
Not that fairy tale love where the knight saves the princess, but love like a person loves a good story. Love like the warmth of the sun on our skin. Love like the smell of lilies in the castle gardens. Young love. Fleeting love. Love before love even makes sense.
He rubs his thumb across my golden skin tracing a scar along the front of my leg. A scar he most likely had given me.
"My father is going to kill me," he says as worry lines meet between his dark eyebrows. I smile, putting my finger to his lips. Untouched by anyone besides me.
"He can wait," I say.
"You're right," he agrees.
We sit here longer listening to the wind kick up dirt and grass. Not wanting to leave this moment. This last moment. This final fleeting moment of peace with each other. We both know it won't last. The sun will set as it always does and with it bring the end of an era. The end of our era.
"I hate this," I finally say as the sun begins to dip beneath the Dueling Peaks. I know it's time, but I am not ready to let go. He is silent, as he almost always is, but I can feel what he is feeling. We have always been blessed with the ability to read one another. After being best friends for over 6 years it comes easily. He tenses, gripping my fingers as he comes to a seated position in front of me. Squeezing them tenderly. Holding on to some heat - some piece - some moment - anything.
We stay locked to each other as the sun dips below the horizon and twilight falls on the land of Hyrule.
It's time. I know it's time. This is the last moment. Our last moment as just us. Link and Dream. Just a pair of innocent twelve year olds without the weight of the world on our backs. It is the moment I hold on to the hardest. His wild heart and mine. He was young and wild. He was mine.
I can feel the warm summer heat beating down on my cheeks as the barrage of knocking on my bedroom door startles me out of the moment. Our moment.
"Dreamana. You better be up." her loud voice thunders from behind the door. What is she going on about this early in the morning? I sit up rubbing away the good memories.
"Dreamana!"
"I'm Awake!" I screech back.
"Good. It's a big day. You're expected to be at the welcoming this afternoon...Do you hear me?"
"I heard you Zelda!" I yell back to my sister.
"Good." She retorts as I hear her turn and walk off.
Zelda. My too perfect sister. The hero of time. The stuff of legend was in reality the most annoying human I have ever known. She constantly reminds me of how unneeded I am in this castle and quite honestly barks orders better than the lieutenant general.
I roll out of bed making my way to the closet mirror. Stopping to examine myself. I am no longer the gangly, awkward twelve year old with messy brown hair. I've grown into my body. Never feeling right in it, but still impressive. Compared to Zelda I was always thought of as the ugly duckling in the family, but could now give her a run for her money. It all means little to me.
I look out the window and the sun is barely peeking over the mountains. It's the crack of dawn. I scoff thinking of how I could have stayed happily in that memory. Our memory. I roll my eyes and contemplate making my way back to bed and sleeping for the rest of the day. What's the point? My dream world is just that - dreams. I opt to clear my mind. Moving to my wardrobe and pulling off the back panel revealing a dark secret. My new secret. My new love. The black cloak and mask with tattered men's trousers.
Chapter 1: Return
The light sound of horse hoofs knock across the stone path. It's calming. Like the patter of rain against the leaves that kept me sain over the last ten years. Ten years. Ten years away from my home. Fighting to live and learning to fight. Father said it would make me the man I am meant to be. The hero I am destined to become. Ten years in an elite training camp has definitely turned me into something, but a hero? I'm not sure.
The weight of my gear on my back, the infamous hylian shield, gifted to me by the King before I left to train and the Master Sword destined to me at birth. The physical weight was no comparison to the metaphorical weight. The world quite literally rides on my back like a bunch of bricks crushing me as I push back. Training was supposed to show me how to carry that weight, but really it made me more fearful of when it crushes me. I feel heavy, empty, and dead. Father said that is part of the job. My job. I'm the hero.
I'm the hero.
The sun begins to peak out from behind the leaves as we enter into Hyrulian territory. Home. The air is different here, almost sweeter. A fond memory crosses my mind. Only for a split second do I hear the laughter of two rambunctious children who spent their days on the plains of Hyrule. I shake it off.
No.
I can't think about that anymore. I have a purpose. I'm the hero. That child is gone and so are those childish days.
But, what about her?
Her brown messy hair and rebellious spirit. I try not to think about her. When I do the pit in my stomach aches. The pit that longs for her. For normalcy. The pit that could never be because I'm the hero.
Still, I wonder how she's changed. I guess we will know soon enough.
"Link." My father calls. I was lost in thought and am now at least twenty paces behind. I rush to catch up hoping he doesn't notice my drifting mind.
"Sorry father." I say catching up.
He looks at me straight faced, cold as he always has been.
"No daydreaming." I can feel his silent judgment. He worried I wasn't ready to return yet. He worried I wasn't disciplined enough yet. Or maybe he worried she would distract me. Either way it wasn't up to him. Duty calls. I'm the hero after all.
The path leads us on for some time now, but eventually we find the gates to Castle Town. The clop of my horse's hoofs ring out as the guards acknowledge us. Almost in awe. Of course they know exactly who we are, I would be surprised to come upon someone who didn't know me. Stardom definitely was not a virtue, but I could tell my father loved it. He ate up the attention like a greedy child at the desert table. Being the father of Link the Hero of Time had its perks I suppose. He was able to use me to rise in his station and military career. I never minded, but she did.
I wonder if she is still here. No. Stop.
I catch myself drifting again. To her, as I always did.
I can hear the chatter as we pass, but ignore it. Never letting them see it gets to me. My father however smiles from ear to ear, occasionally waving at the gathering crowd. The hero has returned. I'm the hero.
The sudden clash of shields and sound of heavy running shoes makes my horse uneasy as I try to calm her, but when an arrow lodges it in the wall inches from my fathers head I realize what makes her uneasy. Our heads whip to the left catching the glimpse of castle guards falling from the second story of shop windows. Then a dark figure drops to the ground below.
He is wearing dark trousers, a large hood that covers his face and a loose fitting black shirt that waves in the wind. The true ensemble of a villain.
"THIEF!" I hear the guardsmen call as they stammer after him. As fast as he is there, he is gone once more. Like a shadow. My father calms his horse and signals me. We whip our horses down the alley way following the heavy footsteps of the guards men and we are in chase. I can feel my heart pounding behind my chest piece.
The thief is fast and cunning. Gliding across the stone ground, barely touching it. He climbs up the large stone wall ahead of us as our horses come to a rearing stop. Adrenaline kicks in and I dismount and jump the wall in pursuit. I can hear my father calling me to stop, but I can't now this is far too intriguing and adrenaline inducing. I haven't felt this excited for a game of chase since... well, her. The thief moves hastily across a wooden pergola and down a drain pipe to which I follow with ease. He doesn't slow so neither do I. We jump countless rooftops and yards.
I can tell he is tiring when he begins throwing things to slow me, to which I move over with ease. I haven't been this exhilarated in months. He climbs a ladder and I follow in suit. He kicks the ladder down. I jump avoiding his kick and grab his leg. It's small for a man. Perhaps the oversized clothing makes up for his size. I rear him down the ladder to which he counters with a kick knocking me back. This is getting interesting.
We play this game cat and mouse. Hero and villain. Swift hand to hand combat like I'm back at the training center. The thundering steps begin to close in on us as we continue our one on one. He is nervous now trying to get away but I won't let him. He jumps past me making his way to the window but I snag his collar forcing him back. The voices are getting louder as the guardsmen begin to close it. I just have to hold him there a few minutes longer and they will assist in his arrest but the villains' moves are getting more precise. Each knocking me back. He is a good fighter, but so am I. We match each other well. Move to move. Strike to strike. Finally we are beginning to wear thin. We are both panting as block his only exit.
He pulls a knife at the exact moment I do. I was trying to avoid this kind of violence.
"Don't do something you will regret." I say. The perp stops in his tracks and inhales sharply. Surprised I'm not sure. He stands before me frozen.
"Link?" The voice startles me. It's a woman's voice coming from the villain. I'm shocked to hear it. This woman knows me somehow and is intentionally masquerading as a man.
"Do I…" I begin but the voices are just on the other side of the door. She knows it too. It's the end of the line now. But as if I could be anymore shocked she throws a punch straight to my face and I fall back slicing my blade through the air and meeting it across her ribs. She yelps as I fall backwards through the canopy wall straight onto my ass. I open my eyes moments later and she is gone.
"Don't worry too much about it my lord. That damn thief has been a pain in our asses for months now, " Commander Jansen says as he walks with us towards the gates of the castle.
"You've been dealing with the same thief for months and haven't caught him," my father growls.
"He's slippery sir," Jansen replies. He is the commander of the Castle Town guard.
"Or you're not doing your jobs," my father snorts.
"With all due respect, not even Link could catch him," Jansen says and my fathers head whips so quickly I think his head might snap.
"It is not our job to deal with petty thieves," he growls. Jansen had a point though, the man was skilled or women really. Gods that voice. "You're dismissed Jansen."
We hurry on ahead leaving the man gaping behind us, it's not his fault my father is generally an asshole to everyone who undermines him. It just so happened to be her favorite activity. We hurry through the front castle doors, my father ignoring the bowing members of the house as he hurries us up the stairs to the receiving room. The castle is exactly as I remember it. Nothing has changed, the same white marble banisters we slid down as kids still remain unscathed, the same marble floors we slid across, the same stained windows. It was all like walking through a memory. I can't help but gape.
"Link," my father growls and I realize I was lost in thought once more. The look he is giving me is nothing short of furious.
"Sorry," I manage but he doesn't care.
"Don't let that start again. Am I understood?"
"Yes father."
"The last thing we need right now are distractions."
"I'm not distracted, just…" I stop myself because it's a lie I was distracted, being home was distracting.
"Don't make me regret bringing you back home," he warns. I don't get a chance to respond before the doors are flung open and the trumpets begin to sound through the echoing great room.
My heart stumbles as I look towards the end of the walkway to find the King waiting for our arrival in all his grandeur. I grew up knowing the king well. My father has been a lieutenant general since I was five. We moved into the castle after my mother passed and it was foretold of my prophecy. The king wanted us close. I grew up in these walls playing with his own children. I grew up as practically his own child. I loved it especially after losing my mother. Father however didn't agree with my choice of company.
We make our way down the walkway towards the dias. The air in the room was hot, heavy and suffocating. To the right of the king I notice the group of women to which Zelda is the forefront, clad in marble white and pastel blues and pinks. Very Zelday. The ladies among her I don't recognize. I don't see her. Something in my heart dies at the thought but I continue forwards.
My father comes to a stop and we both bow deep. The King's face is sullen as he examines us and it feels as if I'm an ant under a magnifying glance.
What if he doesn't find me worthy?
"Rise," the king's low baritone booms.
We rise as he steps closer, off of the dais. He rounds me, large body assessing me as I hold my chin high. He comes to stop in front of me, hard look unflinching. I hold my breath until I see his face crack into a grin and a loud laughter escapes him, large belly bouncing from the force.
"My how you've grown my boy," he laughs, slapping me hard on my shoulder before bringing me into a large hug. It is unexpected but not unwelcome. He was like a second father to me after all. My father stands unflinching as the king pulls back and then hugs my father in the same manner.
"Lord Marato! It looks like the training has done wonders on our boy," the king says. It fills me with pride that he still counts me as his boy.
"It sure has your majesty," my father says, unflinching that the king laid claim to me. He would never dare undermine the king in front of him.
"And you were worried he wasn't prepared for a swift return," the king says, stepping back onto the dais.
"I was wrong of course your majesty," my father says calmly but I know those words hurt him.
"Well Link my boy, welcome home. We are all excited for your return and trust your training went well," the king says plopping down onto the throne. The same throne we played pretend on for years.
"Yes Majesty."
"Did you learn much from the training?"
"Yes Majesty."
"Do you feel you're ready for your destiny my boy?"
"Yes Majesty." It is the same rehearsed answer every time I am addressed by a member of the royal family as instructed by my father. No more no less.
"Come my boy, tell me about your favorite skill," the king demands and I stumble because the rehearsed response does not suffice.
"I…uh," I try, but draw a blank. I look to my father, mouth gaping, looking like a complete fool I suppose. He only sneers at me to answer. I can feel my face flush as I look for any piece of my training I at all enjoyed, but really I spent my days in the mud, getting the shit beat out of me and then spent my nights missing home, missing her.
"I enjoyed swords Majesty," I finally land on, scrambling for any piece of personality behind the one drilled into me.
"Good good," he says, accepting the half-assed answer. "Ah yes, you remember my daughter Zelda."
He jesters to the gapping group of women who fan themselves with matching feather fans.
They look like peacocks.
I swear it's her voice sometimes I hear in my head.
Zelda steps forward and nods at me, pink flushing her high cheekbones. I bow deep for her.
"Link. Of course. My how you've grown," she says in a voice that sounds of birds singing. She is beautiful, of course she always has been. She was always delicate like a flower, very opposite of her sister who was beautiful like fires mesmerizing flames.
"Majesty," I say in return. The other ladies giggle at my response, why, I have no idea.
"Good good," the king says. "I do have another daughter…" he starts and my stomach falls further.
Is she not here? Did something happen? Is she somewhere else?
"Alas, she is not here," he growls scowling at Zelda who throws her arms up in innocence.
"I woke her this morning, father. Bright and early to be ready for today, but when I went back to retrieve her there was no answer at her door." Zelda explains.
My father huffs discreetly as if it is normal, but I know Dream. She wouldn't miss my return for the world. I suppose it's been ten years, maybe I don't know her as well as I once did.
"I'm here," a voice calls from the other end of the room. The voice of windchimes sends heat through my body as we all whip to the source and she enters, practically running across the space and my mouth falls open as I lay eyes on the most beautiful woman I have ever seen with a voice that I almost know.
Dream
His hair is so long.
It's the first thing I notice as I cross the room and then my heart stops when I see him in his entirety. The same beautiful blue eyes, hard sharp lines, hard soft lips. Lips I want to touch just to be sure it's real. Then I notice the differences, the way he stands, the hard powerful muscles I don't remember on the gangly twelve year old. He's grown. He is no longer that boy.
My beaded white and gold dress hisses across the marble floor. The black boots under the dress are not visible thank the gods because I didn't have time to change when I made it home. I unbound my brown braided hair halfway to appear semi put together, but in truth my stomach won't stop doing somersaults at the sight of him. Link. My Link was home.
I come to a halting stop as I approach my father's side. The group of sneering ladies maids my sister keeps with her at all times on the other side can't stop pinching their faces in annoyance as I brush away a bead of sweat. I only barely made it through the window maybe five minutes before and I'm sure I look like a crazy person.
"Apologies father," I say, placing a peck on his cheek. I know it will calm the storm brewing from my lateness. He was easily swayed by me. His eyes soften immediately and I see Zelda bristle. Their relationship has been strained these days. Luckily as the unwanted and unneeded child it meant there was little pressure on me and thus my father and I got along better.
"Dreamana, my youngest does not have a grasp on time," my father gestures towards me and it's then I let myself look at Link again, heart stumbling at the fine specimen in front of me. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen. I had always thought he was handsome but now…
"Of course Majesty," Lord Marato croaks, giving me a short bow, nothing short of dishonorable, but I expect nothing less of the snake. I don't acknowledge him as I normally do and instead am transfixed on the man in front of me. He is transfixed on me as if he has seen a ghost.
"Link," I whisper but he hears it and when I see the famous smirk sneak onto his face my heart nearly explodes. Link. My Link was home. I can't help but rush from the dais and throw my arms around him. He stiffens almost immediately as the ladies maids and my sisters gasp in sequence. He was warm and solid and I wanted to convince myself that this was real, that he was real.
I feel him become indecisive if he should return the hug but eventually he gives in and hugs me back.
"Dreamana," my sister bellows and yanks me back. I released him reluctantly. "That was highly improper."
"Indeed." Lord Marato sneers. I ignore them as I step back. Link's face is hard but the pinks of his cheeks are shining.
"Apologies," I offer but don't even try to sound sincere because I wasn't sorry.
"Unnecessary Majesty," he replies with a bow far more formal than I want.
"Well at least you remember each other," my father says with a throaty laugh. He knows how much I missed Link. We were inseparable for years as children. It was inevitable to become close. "Well now that all the formalities are taken care of, how about dinner?"
He stands and barrels for the adjoining formal dining area. He claps Lord Marato on the shoulder and steers him out. Link turns to follow and I hurry to catch up to him, but am caught by Zelda.
"You look like shit," she growls.
"Thanks for the compliment," I say, trying to hurry from her grasp. I want a second with Link.
"I woke you at dawn because I knew you were going to be late and still you show up like you rolled out of bed." she sneers but I hurry past. Zelda's critiques on me are nothing new. She had a way of making me feel small. She resented me for having no responsibilities besides existing.
I practically run to keep up. When I get close enough I slow to a walk at his side.
"So…how was it?" I say as casually as I can, trying to contain the excitement of being close enough to touch him.
"How was what?" He whispers looking hard at his father back. He's trying to go unnoticed by the Lord. I'm sure the Lord warned him to stay far away from me, but the Link I know doesn't care.
"Training…duh. You're going to tell me all about it right?" I say lowering my voice, but the Lord's head shoots around to us and sneers. I can feel Link stiffen beside me as he takes a visible step away.
"Apologies Majesty, but I don't have time to talk," he says in his best brainwashed voice. It's forced but my heart still plummets.
"Maybe another time," I whisper but the Lord has backed up a step.
"Majesty," he sneers, clutching Links shoulder with far too much force. "But Link is a very important commander now. He has much more important responsibilities." He says the last part with a glare at Link.
"I'm sure your inflated ego can handle people talking," I shoot back at the Lord. He stiffens from the tone and I can't help the boost it gives me.
"Dreamana," I hear my father warn, but I don't back down. I never back down from him. "Come sit." My father commands and we do. Link not saying a word to disobey his father. His eyes won't even meet mine as I search this man for the boy I once knew.
"Looks like someone's hopes are dashed," the ladies maids hiss and for the first time in years I once again feel like that lonely child sitting on the empty rooftop.
We all make our way around the table and I am seated beside Link. I had it set that way so that we could talk but his father won't stop glaring at us both. I try to keep my questions casual as I search for any hint of my friend.
"So…did you meet a lot of people on your travels," I ask as the first dishes are set down in front of us.
"Yes Majesty," is his reply but he won't meet my stare. I want to see his eyes, see the torment behind them as he tries to stay on his best behavior as I am doing as well.
"Did you learn a lot of hand to hand combat," Look at me.
"Yes Majesty."
"Did you miss home?" Did you miss me?
"Yes Majesty."
"Did you make friends?" How many asses did your dad make you kiss?
"Yes Majesty."
Every question has the same response and every 'Yes Majesty' has my heart sinking lower and lower until I can't find it in myself to keep searching. I had seen enough. Link wasn't in there anymore and this person was a stranger wearing his face.
Link
"You won't believe the state of affairs the researchers are in. The artifacts just become more and more volatile. I'm not sure how much more I can take from their constant nagging for more research funds, as if we aren't fighting a war to the south. Now they want me to be prepared for internal struggle."
The king drones on with my father but my head is void of thought. All I can think about is her warmth. That warm body wrapped around me felt like home and for the first time in years I let myself feel safe. I wanted to hold her forever but then reality set back in and the disappointment on my fathers face had me second guessing everything. Second guessing missing her, but gods did I miss her.
Her unbowed brown hair smelled of lavender and honey, exactly how she liked her tea and her body felt full and strong. She was definitely not the same gangly girl I left. She was a full grown woman and my gods, was she everything I imagined her to be.
"If we send more money to research, the funding for the soldiers will be cut. We can't take that loss right now." My father growls.
"The people can't take another tax," the king says.
"The people will have to deal with it," my father sneers.
I see her shift across the table and prepare myself from the fight I know is coming. I could tell when the subject came up about recruiting in the capital. She hates every idea my father has, she especially hates war and has always hated it, but as a woman she has little knowledge of it I'm sure.
"Perhaps we can find other means," the king suggests as he sucks down his third brandy of the night. I don't recall the king drinking much as a child so this is new.
"The men are in need of new uniforms my lord and with recruitment up in the younger demographic we must make more suitable clothing for the youth."
"Maybe if you stop recruiting children you wouldn't need child sized uniforms or coffins," Dream pipes in and it's the comment I had been waiting for all night.
The table grows quiet as they all turn to her.
She has balls, I'll give her that.
"Dreamana," Zelda warns, but as usual Dream doesn't give a shit. I've always admired that about her.
"I'm only saying it seems like an easily avoidable expense," Dream sneers with a tilt of the head I recognize all too well as the pouncing pose. She's ready to rip his throat out.
"Not that you know anything about it, but we do not discourage younger people from joining the cause," my father says and I wonder if he even believes his own bullshit. I know the answer of course.
"The only reason they join is to get food and shelter since none of the public aid ever trickles down to the neediest citizens," she challenges.
"Dreamana," the king warns this time, but it's no use if they have each other both in their sights.
"There are plenty of outreach programs to the needy," my father says with a laugh. Dreamana goes red and I know she's about to start ripping into him.
"We also do our fundraising ball Dream," Zelda chimes in as if appalled that she had forgotten their efforts.
"And who oversees the distribution of that money Zelda," Dream sneers at her sister.
"Well it's sent into a pot that goes to families involved of course," Zelda says with huff, but I can tell she really has no idea where the money goes.
"Have any of you even spent time with the lower class citizens? They are dying and starving and looking for a way out of poverty and when these recruitment wagons come through promising aid people are desperate enough to take it without knowing the full scope." Dream argues and it's amazing to see her so collected and thoughtful. I'm mesmerized yet she won't look at me.
"Have you?" My father challenges and when I think she might answer she looks away. "That's what I thought."
"I know the people who work in this castle. I know the stories they tell and the families they support and they are the fortunate ones. There are people in need of real help that don't get it. I want any of you to go out there and try to live a day in their shoes," she finally says and I can't help but swell with pride at her response. This woman was good as I knew she always was.
"Well unfortunately I have a job to do," my father replies dryly and I almost turn to slap him for the unsympathetic response. I can see Dream stiffen, but she doesn't respond. "Speaking of jobs, Commander Jensen needs a swift replacement."
"Jensen? Why?" The king says between bites.
"The thief that continues to evade capture," my father hisses.
"Ah yes. That's been quite the subject these days," the king says and I can see Dream go to full attention.
"A subject that should have been taken care of long before. Jensen is a poor excuse for a commander if he can't catch one lowly thief."
I am able to sneak a glance at Dream right as she turns her eyes towards her plate. It is the first time I have seen here even remotely demure. Warning bells go off in my head as, I swear, a ghost of a smile graces her lips.
"Well Jensen has been loyal to the crown for some time, Lucious," the king replies.
"For too long. He is too comfortable with his position," my father replies while stuffing another mouthful of food into his mouth.
"Sort of like a leach," Dreamana chimes.
"Yes a leech," my fathers nods. "That's the first valuable information you've provided today, Majesty. Thank you."
"Sort of like you," she sneers. I practically choke on my food attempting to contain the laughter, but it doesn't go unnoticed. My fathers eyes shoot to me as I scramble to choke down the water.
"You know, sort of like you leech off the crown because of the importance of your son," Dremana adds.
"Dreamana you're at the limit," the king bites out with an authoritative sneer that bodes of trouble. It's enough to put my tail between my legs and run. Dreamana offers a smug smile but lets the subject lie.
"So you came into contact with the thief," the king says with a snort.
"Yes he robbed a bank carriage and got away. We pursued of course but it was of little use considering the Castle Town guards couldn't even keep up to arrest him," my father growls.
"Her," I say without thought and somehow my eyes fall to Dream.
"Excuse me," my father growls.
"The thief was a female," I say, still not looking away from her. My subconscious was yelling something at me.
"A girl you say," the king says with a huff.
"You didn't mention that before," my father sneers at me.
"You didn't ask," I say, but I can tell by the tone I'll get a stern punishment later.
"You're sure it's a girl," the king asks.
"Yes I heard her voice." Dream won't even look at me as she pushes around vegetables on her plate.
"What did she say," the king asks and I prepare to tell him but I see Dream shrink further. Suspicion flaring.
"I…I don't remember," I say. Who exactly was I protecting at this point, but something in me is telling me to lie.
"Well then how could you know it was a girl," my father scoffs. "Besides, why on earth would a female be stealing?"
"I'm not sure father," I reply because if it is Dreamana she has no need to steal.
"She must be some sort of transient or witch," my father jokes, but I can see Dream stiffen again. "Perhaps she is some half-bred."
"Do you not think a female is capable of taking on a man, Lord Marato?" Dreamana says, cocking her head once more.
"Women and their delicate sensibilities would never have the stomach for such dark deeds," my father sneers.
"I fear you know very little about women if you think they are too delicate to take what they want," Dreamana challenges.
"Well, any type of woman I am with would never have the capability to be such a snake. The women I prefer are demure and know their place in our society," my father says.
"Well that explains it," Dream says with a mischievous look.
"Explain's what exactly," my father demands.
"Why you know so little about women my lord," she says with a cunning smile. "No woman would be caught dead with such a pig headed small dicked male like yourself."
The whole table goes silent as my fathers face goes red. I can't believe she just said that.
"Dreamana," the king growls.
"Don't bother," she sneers, throwing her napkin down. "I lost my appetite far before." She looks at me with eyes I've never seen. Eyes that are wounded and I realize I wounded her. "Enjoy your dinners."
She stands and there is an audible gasp from the other side of the table as her white and gold gown is now covered in red. Red from her abdomen, across her ribs. The answer I was looking for.
"Dreamana my gods," Zelda says, shooting to her feet. "What on earth?"
Dreamana finally looks down at herself and sees the stained red. Her face goes pale.
"Dreamana," the king says as he rises with Zelda. "What happened?"
"I…" she tries.
"What did you do?" Zelda says and I see Dreams' eyes fall to me. I narrow my gaze and she looks away, flushed.
"I cut myself while sewing," she lies.
"Sewing? You don't know how to sew," Zelda says suspiciously.
"Which is probably why I cut myself. You know me father. I'm terrible at all that stuff," she says, trying to convince the king who buys it. I'm not even remotely believing her and neither does Zelda.
"I'll send for a doctor," the king says, signaling for a squire.
"No," Dreamana begs. "It's a small cut. I can take care of it myself."
"Dreamana your bleeding all over," Zelda tries.
"Zelda, it's just a cut. Don't worry," she hurries out of the room without another word and it turns out she and I have much more to discuss than just my training.
"I apologize for my daughter," the king says with a huff as he falls back into his seat. "She is quite the free spirit as you remember."
"Indeed," my father says with a bite. He didn't even react to that situation because he could care less.
"Well I suppose we should retire. We have a long day ahead of us," the king says and my father nods in agreement standing as I follow in suit.
"Link, my boy, do me a favor? Please go and check on Dream. Let me know if I need to call a doctor," the king says and some hope blooms in my chest. I get to be alone with her finally.
"Majesty, there are others who could go," my father tries but the king raises his hand.
"Is there a problem with my order Lord Marato," the king growls. It's enough to shut my father up but I can tell that he is not done with this fight.
"Of course Majesty," I reply because I do want a minute with her.
"Good," the king says leaving the room. Zelda and the ladies maids a step behind.
I turn to make my way towards her room when my father clutches my elbow hard.
"Do not forget your place, boy," he warns. I only nod as I yank from his grip and continue on my mission. I want to see her. I want to be alone. I want to demand answers.