Inspirations: A Few Good Men "...Do you you want answers?" Jack Nicholson asked. "I think I'm entitled to them!" Tom Cruise replied. If you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend it lol. It inspired the last part of this chapter. Also too, never assume people, never assume.
Original Shout Out: "S" thanks for reviewing (you have a unique mantra going on with that name lol), and Henslight
New Shout Outs: Link-the-lightbringer, Amanda, Fabulanova780, and UltimateOtukuGirl100 thanks for reading new readers.
Author Note: Reedited 4/9/2012; ADDENDUM Reedited 1/11/2013.
Chapter 7
I stared at the note confused.
I still see you traitor? I thought perplexed. They're referring to me? But how? Why?
I subsided my perplexity for a moment when I heard a pounding on my front door.
"Sir Link!" a guard called out in alarm. "Are you alright? Sir, please answer your door if you can hear me!"
I better handle this pronto, I thought.
I quickly pocketed the message and went to answer the door.
"Sir!" the guard said in relief when he saw me. "Thank the goddess you're alright."
I merely nodded and looked beyond him.
"Did you see who it was?" I asked.
The guard nodded.
"There are several guards giving chase to a rider clothed in all black," he told me, "they've just been dispatched."
I chewed on my bottom lip when he said that.
Who in the hell is this rider in black? I thought.
"Report to the captain and tell him to ready his platoon, we're going to scour the countryside," I ordered, "I'll meet with them in half an hour."
"Yes sir," the guard replied, and headed back to the castle.
I closed the door and took in a deep troubled breath.
What the hell is going on? I wondered. First the note to the throne room, now this. Who the hell considers me a traitor?
I pondered on the that for a moment, and then a sobering thought went through my mind.
Wait a minute, I discerned, that means the first note was to me too.
I felt my eyes inadvertently widen when I realized the implications of the situation. Things were getting more and more convoluted, and they weren't making any sense. I was lost in my introspection, when I finally glanced up and saw Saria standing at the top of the staircase. She was staring down at me concerned.
"What is it?" she asked me, looking worried.
I didn't answer immediately.
I honestly don't know, I thought.
Saria got more unsettled with my silence.
"Link…" she trailed, coming down the stairs, "what's going on?"
That's what I'm trying to figure out, I thought.
"Get dressed," I verbalized, not answering her question, "I need to get you home."
Saria halted and looked at me puzzled.
"Now?" she asked.
I raised my eyebrows at her.
"Yes, now," I replied, not meaning to be short, but really, I was too preoccupied with what just transpired.
Saria didn't say another thing. She just nodded, and went to gather her things. I watched her for a moment, but then turned my attention back to my broken window.
"You have no idea what's going on around you, do you?" Zant's voice echoed through my mind.
I swallowed hard at the cryptic premonition.
None of this makes sense, I thought.
"You might be right Zant," I said to myself, then went and changed into a fresh green tunic and boots. "You just might be right, you crazy bastard."
Saria came out of my room fully dressed a few minutes later. She was rewrapping her headdress while she was walking down the stairs. She hurried to gather her satchel, then came and stood in front of me.
"I'm ready," she said.
I nodded.
"Let's go," I said.
We left my villa through the back door, and exited Castle Town via the alleyways. We had to be cautious because the guard was doubled. When the area was clear, we head for the drawbridge. Once we were out on Hyrule Field, I called for Epona. I helped Saria on my strong mare, and giddied in haste to Kakariko impasse. We arrived at the village passage just before dawn. Saria dismounted and scuttled up the steps. She turned around and looked at me before going in with slight distress in her eyes.
I know just how you feel, I thought.
"Please, be careful," she said to me.
I stared into her pretty eyes and nodded.
"I will," I replied, trying to grin, "get inside, I'll see you later."
I then turned and rode off.
Saria stood and stared after me for a moment, before venturing up the stairs to Kakariko Village.
~SSS~
Actions of a Slave: The Assassin's Narrative
The killer walked up an incline over the foliage bare ground and started for their resting place. However, they stopped walking when they noticed something they weren't expecting.
What's this? the assassin thought, looking at a specific box that was never usually out of place.
The slave made it a point to memorize all the typography and land mappings of all the forests and the nearby towns. When anything was out of place, they knew.
Is my employer trying to contact me again? the killer wondered.
Knowing there was only one way to find out, the assassin walked over to the disturbed crate and looked beyond it. The killer raised their eyebrows when they saw there was a package waiting for them.
It was just as I thought, they pondered and went to pick up the box.
The assassin opened the lid to the small box and saw that there was a stationery inside. The slave read the contents, then quickly moved the crate back to its normal position.
Well, the killer thought, isn't this interesting. It looks like my employer wants to expand the chest board.
The assassin pocketed the note and looked at the rising sun.
It's your move now, white knight of Hyrule, the slave thought, but you better be careful, because the winds and dragons are coming for you. They're coming, and you're about to be ensnared.
With that, the killer took off running before the sun gave away their presence.
~SSS~
Saria's POV
I opened the door slowly to the shop and peered inside. My heart was beating fast because I was nervous, thinking gramps was up waiting for me. Fortunately, the room was dark and there was no evidence of his presence anywhere. I went inside and closed the door quietly behind me. I crept across the room to the stairwell in the back leading to the upstairs bedrooms. However, before I could get there, a lantern was lit from the other side of the room. I turned at the illumination in surprise. My heart was pounding a million beats per second when I saw gramps's disapproving facial expression.
Oh no, I thought.
"H-hey," I tried to sound casual, "what are you doing up?"
Gramps didn't hide his disregard. He even seemed insulted that I tried such an approach.
"You know very well why I'm up!" he stated. "I was worried sick about you!"
I took in a sigh at his tone.
Was I really expecting any different? I wondered.
"I'm sorry gramps," I apologized, "I got sick, and needed to rest."
His eyes got wide when he heard me say that.
"You're sorry?" he repeated. "Saria, do you have any idea what people are saying about you?" he demanded. "I've been doing damage control since you left. Everyone knew you left with master Link! Everyone!"
I felt my throat tighten when he said that.
Is that why...? a strange thought came and went through my head, but I didn't share it.
I looked away from him.
"I can't worry about that," I said, "I didn't do anything wrong."
Gramps was shaking his head.
"It doesn't matter!" he said upset, but then tried to calm down. He took in a deep breath, and came over to where I was standing. "Saria, my dear, I'm afraid for you. You have no idea how important that young man is."
I raised my eyebrows.
Yes, I thought, I do."
"Gramps, it isn't a big deal," I tried to reassure.
He grunted upset.
"You keep fooling yourself with that idiotic stance," he divulged, "what you do doesn't just effect you Saria."
What is he talking about? I wondered, but didn't ask.
"Well, as idiotic as you may think it is," I said, "you won't have to worry about anything gramps, we're only friends."
He gave me a serious look just then. I tried not to be bothered by his gaze, but that was proving impossible.
What's this? I wondered.
"No Saria, I am worried," he said to me, "I think the matter just got much more grave."
I gave him a puzzled look when he said that, but then realized why when he reached in his pocket and pulled out a royal stationery. My eyes widened at the sight of it.
Wait a minute... I thought confused, is that...?
"What is that?" I asked, thinking I already knew.
Gramps sighed and handed it to me.
"I have no idea what the contents are," he said, "I just know a royal guard came and delivered this personally. He left me with strict instructions that I give it to you."
I swallowed hard at hearing that.
What could this mean? I wondered, and didn't waste time waiting to find out.
I tore open the seal and scanned the letter.
Oh no, I thought.
I felt my heart flutter for a moment. I had to sit down before I fell over. Gramps saw the look on my face, and his concern never went away.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
I shook my head and looked at him.
"You're right gramps," I whispered, "the matter just got more grave."
~SSS~
A Half an Hour Later: Link's POV
I rode back to the drawbridge and noticed the captain of the guard giving me a offhanded look.
What's this all about? I wondered.
"Is there a problem?" I asked him when I approached.
The captain looked beyond me to where I had come from.
"I had no idea you left Castle Town already," he replied, "I just saw you ride in from the north which, quite frankly, is odd."
Divert this Link, I told myself.
I raised my eyebrows.
"There are stranger things captain," I said to him, about to drop the matter, "like hooded archers getting past our defenses. I suggest you focus on that defect, and let me worry about where I ride."
The captain looked at me surprised and that effectively shut him up.
"Your orders?" he asked, redirecting his concerns.
That's more like it, I thought.
"We going to search the forests," I said, "particularly Faron Woods. I believe whoever did this is probably dwelling there."
"Yes sir!" the captain replied.
The platoon broke off and rode south east. We spent the next several hours searching and questioning anyone who looked remotely suspicious. Most everyone we halted had no clue as to why we were questioning them, and it didn't help that we had to be evasive. I was hoping something would come of the endeavor, but it seemed like another dead end. Whoever was doing this was a trained professional. I couldn't help but think about where he had been hiding this entire time. He vanished, then suddenly resurfaced after two and a half months of inactivity. The threat of Ganondorf was gone, true, but now this Zant character and whoever was working with him was trying to make their move.
"The encroachment has begun," I remembered the assassin's words. If you're infringing on our territory then where the hell are you?
After all the dead ends and seemingly breached resources, I called off the search. I made more progress by myself yesterday, and that was purely by coincidence. I knew I was going to have to take matters in my own hands. Why would a hunter come out of hiding if he can see my entire platoon coming from a mile away? It was ridiculous to think such.
This is going to need more intimate handling, I thought, I have to do this alone.
However, that wasn't my only concern, I needed to speak with Daphnes. Whatever he was hiding I needed to know, and I needed to know it now. Before heading to Castle Town however, I decided to go to Kakariko Village and check on Saria. I knew I had only dropped her off a few hours ago, but I wanted to make sure she was okay. The other night was… pretty intense. I wanted to dispel any uncomfortable feelings either one of us had with immediacy. I didn't want something like the other night to ruin our friendship. I cared too much about what was forming between us to let it go to the wayside over a silly mistake.
Saria's too good of a person to be treated like that, I thought. I'm sure she understands why we had to stop.
I dismounted and headed into the village. Unfortunately, the person I think hated me the most was there to greet me, Cujo. I tried to ignore him, but strangely when I tried to walk by him he stepped in my path.
What's all this about? I wondered.
I took in a deep irritated breath.
"I don't have time for this Cujo," I said to him with a raised brow, "I'm busy."
Cujo gave me a cold stare, and narrowed his myopic blue eyes.
"If anything happens to her because of your selfishness…" he trailed.
I looked at him puzzled just then, because he actually sounded lucid.
What is he talking about? I wondered.
"I don't understand," I said to him perplexed, "what are you referring to?"
Cujo nodded knowingly and pursed his lips together.
"I saw her come in at dawn," he accused, "she better be okay!"
It took me a moment to catch what he was saying, but then I realized he was speaking about Saria.
He saw her come home? I thought, but then felt a sudden pang of worry. I didn't want to believe it, but he was actually making sense. If he saw her come in, I wonder who else was watching her.
"You... didn't tell anyone, did you Cujo?" I asked.
Cujo got indignant at that.
"And what if I did?" he demanded.
I was frustrated with his answer. I didn't need this right now. Saria didn't need this right now.
"If you did, you're only making things hard for Ms. Saria," I said, "you know not everyone cares about her the way you do. If you told anyone something benign, there's no telling what they'll do to her."
Cujo scoffed at my words.
"I didn't tell anyone anything!" he divulged finally. "I just don't want her getting hurt!"
Even though he was completely nuts, I thought that was very kind of him.
At least he's looking out for her, I pondered.
"I wouldn't hurt Saria, Cujo," I reassured him, "she's my friend. She got sick, so I took care of her before I dropped her off."
The expression on his face only got more repulsed. I probably was better off not explaining anything to him because it didn't seem to ease his mind.
"That's all that had better been taken care of!" he threatened, and then abruptly walked away.
I stared after him and inadvertently felt a terrible sense of dread well into my stomach.
If he sees a problem, then I can only imagine what the sane town's people must think, I thought.
I sighed, having to let that go, and continued on my way to the shop. However, I stopped momentarily to greet the woman I had seen a couple months ago when she was receiving her dress consultation.
Let's see if my concern has any weight, I thought, wanting to assess the situation.
"Good morning madam," I greeted her with a smile.
The woman stopped short of me and gave me a long once over. Her face had unhidden icy disdain.
"Good morning master Link," she replied without any emotion.
I paused and looked at her strange for a moment.
Oh boy, I thought.
"Is… your family well?" I went on, trying to understand her aloofness.
She looked at me upset. Apparently, this woman felt I had no reason to be inquiring about her affairs.
"Quite well, good sir," she said to me, then added, "how's yours?"
I tried to keep my expression stoic, but my inquiry turned to perception.
She knows I don't have any family, I thought, she's obviously referring to something else, but my question is: what? Did everyone stay up to see what time Saria came home? My goddess, don't they have other things better to do with their time, than to wonder about one woman?
"Uh…" I trailed, feeling a little uncomfortable with the inflection in her tone, "the king and the princess are fine, thank you for asking."
I noticed she narrowed her eyes slightly when I said that. It was almost as if I had garnered her full disapproval with my words.
"You be sure to take good care of our princess," she said, "I'm sure that's at the forefront of your thoughts."
I raised my eyebrows at her direct dig at me character, but decided not to take it any further.
I have to get to the bottom of this, I thought.
"Um… I will," I said, then bowed my head at her, "I bid you good day."
She turned her nose up slightly.
"Hmph!" she grunted and walked away.
I watched after her for a moment, and the unsettled feeling never went away.
If what happened last night did get out, how the hell did it spread so quickly? I wondered. Who could have possibly known that...? I stopped my recourse for a moment, and had an obvious epiphany just then.That damn guard!
I quickly decided it was in my best interest to ignore everyone and head straight for the dress shop.
If the people are doing this to me I can only imagine how they are treating Saria, I thought.
I hurried up the stairs. On the way up, I was receiving oblong stares from everyone.
This is bad, I thought, ignoring everyone, I can only picture what Castle Town is going to be like.
I opened the door and saw Saria behind the counter. She had a semi distressed look on her face, and she blushed when she saw me. I noticed she was reading a letter. Actually, it looked like she'd been reading it, because it was stationed in the pocket at the front of her dress. When she saw me, she quickly put it away. I did a quick scan of the room and noticed several wooden crates, and packing utensils.
What in the world…? I wondered. What's going on?
I tried to act natural, and nodded when I saw the elderly shop owner, but he only glared back.
Great, I thought sarcastic, now even he is upset with me.
I turned my attention back to Saria.
"Hey," I said quietly.
She stroked her hands through her hair with unease.
"Hey," she replied back.
Saria looked nervous and uncomfortable.
This is what I didn't want for her, I thought, feeling a measure of guilt.
"Can you talk?" I asked, realizing that probably wasn't the best thing to do.
Saria looked at me worried and didn't answer. She glanced over to the adjacent counter where the old man was standing. I nodded, showing I understood her concern. Saria then pointed for me to follow her to the store room. I went and followed her immediately. The old man was watching us suspiciously.
This is worse than I thought, I pondered.
"He's just going to help me take down a bin," Saria reassured him.
She took hold of my hand, and hurried me inside the storage room. She turned on the lantern used to light up the closet, and quickly shut the door behind us. When we were alone, she kept her voice low and raised her eyebrows upset.
"What are you doing here?" she asked me alarmed.
I understood her tone. Visiting her like this wasn't the smartest thing for me to do, considering the current situation. However, I wasn't just going to abandon her to the naysayers. That wasn't the kind of friend I was.
"What's going on?" I asked, ignoring her question.
She swallowed hard and anxiously stroked her hair behind her ears.
"I-I'm moving," she said quietly.
I couldn't hide my shock.
Moving? I thought perplexed.
"What?" I demanded with a slightly raised voice.
"Shh!" Saria hushed me, then looked back down at her hands. "He'll hear you!"
I couldn't believe it.
"Where are you going to go?" I asked.
She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders in doubt.
"Lake Hylia I guess," she said quietly, "I really don't know."
"Lake Hylia?" I repeated incredulous.
I knew there was no way she would be able to make a living by moving to Lake Hylia. No one would commute all that way to have a dress made.
No one.
Why would Daphnes do something like this to her? I pondered angrily, perceiving it was the king's anger that precipitated these actions.
"Who the hell is going to buy your dresses out there?" I asked upset. "The Zoras?"
Saria was quiet for a moment.
"It's okay," she said finally, "I just got the okay for a really huge contract."
I looked at her puzzled.
"What contract?" I asked.
Saria bit her lower lip.
"To make the princess's coronation dress," she replied quietly.
I looked at her dumbfounded.
I thought it was going to be made by a seamstress from Gerudo Valley, I thought. This doesn't make any sense! Damn you Daphnes!
"The king commissioned you?" I asked in disbelief.
She didn't reply right away.
"It wasn't the king," she said quietly.
I looked at her flummoxed.
What? I thought.
"Well, then who?" I asked, already having an idea, but not letting it be made known.
Saria looked away from me, not wanting to answer.
Why is she hesitating? I thought.
"Who commissioned you Saria?" I asked a little impatient.
"It was… it was the princess," she divulged finally.
I drew back a little, surprised by the revelation.
Wait a minute, what? I wondered bewildered. The princess?
"What?" I demanded, needing to hear that again.
She wouldn't look at me.
"I was commissioned by the princess," Saria repeated.
I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it.
"Under what conditions?" I demanded.
Saria pursed her lips together.
"Under the condition that I never see you again," she said to me.
I felt like I had the wind knocked out of me just then. This didn't make any sense to me. A simple accusation of what 'could have' transpired between Saria and I, wouldn't warrant such an irrational reaction from the princess. She wasn't that kind of woman.
Zelda wouldn't do something like this, I thought incredulous, she wouldn't deliberately try to hurt someone.
"That-that can't be true!" I said dubiously. "There must be a misunderstanding."
Saria raised her eyebrows and shrugged.
"It's true," she said quietly, "I wish I could say otherwise."
I didn't like this, and I didn't like the idea of the princess being accused of such erroneous things. She wasn't a petty, childish person, and she certainly wouldn't undermine someone's livelihood over a misconception. I felt a sudden wave of indignation run through me on my fiance's behalf.
I'm not going to let that slide, I thought.
"There has to be a mistake," I insisted, "Zelda isn't capable of such things."
Saria looked up into my eyes, and was taken aback by my words and tone just then. She took a step back and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Are you... are you accusing me of making it up?" she asked.
I stared back into her eyes and didn't want to verbalize it, but that was exactly what I was thinking. There was something about this situation that wasn't sitting right with me.
"Saria..." I trailed, not finishing.
Saria dropped her mouth slightly in disbelief, and narrowed her eyes at me.
"I can't believe you would think something like that about me," she said slightly upset, "why would I make something like this up?"
That was a good question, and one I didn't answer right away. I did have my suspicions about her, and I was trying to see if they were warranted or not. Ever since she acted the way she did last night, my view changed of her a little bit. I knew that wasn't exactly fair, but I'd been propositioned too many times, by too many beautiful women not to recognize the same song and dance when something was amiss. When I interrogated loose girls and brothel dwellers for crimes, the first thing they did was relate it back to some deficiency in the other woman. I wasn't stating those determinants weren't true, maybe they were. However, there was always a pattern of insecurity with women like that: they come at a man, the man rejects them, they start badgering the other woman, and it becomes cyclical. They always blame someone else for why they act the way they do. It seemed a bit extreme of me to have Saria comped in with women like that, but now I felt as though I didn't have a choice. I still thought she was a beautiful, sweet girl, but the way she tried to seduce me was in line with behaviors of women like that. Now, with this accusation on Zelda's character I was on guard.
"Saria-" I tried.
"No!" she interrupted, clearly upset that I insinuated such a thing. "I want you to answer me."
I narrowed my eyes slightly, and took in a deep breath.
No, you don't, I thought.
"Saria..." I trailed with a sigh, "come on, this isn't like you."
Her eyes widened at my words.
"So, you do think I'm lying!" she accused, she scoffed and shook her head. "Wow, and here I thought you would believe me!" she said. "Why don't you just say what you really mean then Link? It's obvious you think contrary to what I'm telling you!"
The anger in her voice I thought was unwarranted and unnecessary.
She doesn't have to pump up the theatrics for me, I thought, I can already see through it.
"Look," I said, trying to come in at this from a reasonable angle, "I probably said that wrong-"
"Don't give me that!" she interrupted again. "Don't try to be politically correct with me! I want you to say what you really feel!"
I raised an eyebrow and felt my composure starting to wane. I was getting tired of this. I didn't like to argue with people I cared about, and right now Saria was pushing it.
"Saria..." I trailed again as a warning.
The expression on her face never changed.
"Just say it Link!" she demanded.
I looked away from her for a moment and took in a deep frustrated breath. I didn't want to talk about this like this, but it seemed I was being given no choice.
Give her what she wants, I thought.
"Okay, fine," I said with a nonchalant shrug, "are you just saying this because you're angry at me because of yesterday?" I demanded suddenly, not beating around the bush and saying exactly what I meant.
Saria looked up at me surprised. Her eyes widened slightly.
"What?" she replied incredulous.
I didn't answer her and looked away for a moment. I didn't want to take the conversation in that direction, but it seemed it I had no choice.
"You heard me," I muttered, without looking at her.
Saria got indignant just then.
"Why would I uproot my entire life just to get a rise out of you?" she demanded. "I don't have to lie to you! Last night had nothing to do with this! It was just a stupid mistake! I thought you of all people would understand that! Why would I need to lie to you over a stupid mistake?"
I looked back over at her, and didn't know what came over me suddenly. I felt my breath accelerate, and a surge of anger flow through me. I didn't know where it came from, or why exactly, but it was there. Maybe it was the stress of the ongoing investigation. Maybe it was the indignation I felt for Zelda's honor. Or, maybe it was the idea of me being a 'stupid mistake' as Saria put it. I was a man. I had my pride, and one thing I absolutely couldn't stand was when people used other people for primal satisfaction. It didn't matter why, or for what reason, I just didn't like it. Being a hero, I understood that empty feeling all too well, and to be considered a 'stupid mistake,' or another 'would be' conquest of Saria's, made that dormant insecurity of mine resurface within me. It made me think of what she said to me when I had her pinned against my pillows.
"I like it when a man knows what he wants..." her voice echoed through my mind. You like that, huh? I thought upset. Well, I'll just test that notion.
"But you would lie to me, wouldn't you!" I started in a rather nasty manner. "It looks like I had you pegged wrong from the start, didn't I? You had me fooled, didn't you? I thought you were a good, decent girl. It turns out you're nothing more than an insecure, man leech! You'll do whatever it takes to hurt someone else just as long as you get satisfaction! I didn't think you were that type, but I guess I was wrong! Don't try to be vindictive towards Zelda because I rejected you!"
Saria's eyes widened and she stared at me in complete disbelief. She took another step back, and her eyes filled with tears, but she blinked several times so she wouldn't cry. She trembled slightly as my words registered in her head. She uncrossed her arms, and abruptly slapped me across the face hard... as hard as she could it seemed. The force behind it forced my face in the opposite direction. I wasn't going to lie, that hurt. For a girl with a slender build, that was one hell of a hit, but considering she fought so well, I wasn't surprised.
I guess I had that coming, I thought.
"How-how dare you!" she said to me angrily. "Who told you to come in here and bother me?" she shot back. "I am none of those things you accused me of being! I am not a man leech! I only went with you yesterday because I thought you wanted to help me! If you hadn't come here insisting that I-" she didn't finish because she felt herself getting emotional. "Get the hell out of here, you bastard!" she screamed at me, not caring if the old man heard.
I kept my face turned away as the stinging subsided. I was angry with myself because I didn't use more rational judgement. I knew I was out of line with my comments, and I only said those things to her because I was upset. I didn't mean any of it.
Why did I say those things to her? I thought. She didn't deserve that.
All of a sudden, the door to the storage closet opened and the old man glared at me.
"What the hell is going on in here?" he demanded.
I swallowed hard and didn't answer.
Great, I thought, things are going from bad to worse.
Saria covered her mouth as tears refilled her eyes. She hurried out the storage room past the old man.
"Sir Link was just leaving," she replied with her voice breaking.
I stood there, wishing I had bitten my tongue.
Damn it! I thought, angry at myself.
The old man narrowed his eyes at me.
"I blame you for this," the bazaar owner said to me, "if she hadn't met you, she'd still be able to stay here!"
I pursed my lips frustrated, hating the ring of truth behind his words.
He's right, I thought.
The old man stepped aside to clear my passage way.
"Get out," he said to me quietly.
I looked at him, not really blaming him for being upset with me.
I just hurt someone he loves, I thought.
I merely nodded, and quickly move past him, but I paused when I saw Saria's back to me at her soon to be vacant counter.
"Saria-" I tried, wanting to apologize.
"Just go," she interrupted, not looking at me.
I stared at her and took in a deep, unsettling breath, and decided to just go, but before I left Saria spoke again.
"Maybe you don't know your princess as well as you think you do Link," she said to me cryptically.
I turned back to look at her, her back was still to me. I didn't let it show, but I couldn't but feel a sense of a premonition coming from her words. However, I chose to ignore it.
Zelda wouldn't do something like that, I thought with finality, she isn't that kind of person.
I didn't reply and I exited.
~SSS~
The ride back to Castle Town was a hard one, and it was noon when I arrived. I walked towards my villa, seriously regretting that latest encounter with Saria.
I was out of line, I thought with guilt, I said some very hateful things to her. I wouldn't be surprised if she hated me now.
I walked through the town square and immediately noticed the scrutiny I was under.
I knew it would be like this, I thought, I'm going to kill that guard when I find out his rank and station.
I tried to take it sagaciously and ignore it, but I was in no mood for the theatrics.
These people have no idea, I thought, they only want to know what they want to know.
Before I headed home, I headed to the general bazaar on the west side of town to buy a new glass for my broken window. I entered the shop and the burly gentleman who was usually warm and friendly, froze up.
Great, I thought sarcastic.
"Good afternoon," I tried to greet him.
He eyed me for a moment.
"Good afternoon," he said to me stiffly.
I stared at him for a minute, but just let it pass.
Whatever, I thought, I don't have time for this.
"I need some glass," I said, getting to the point.
He raised his eyebrows at me knowingly.
"Yes," he replied dry, "I heard, about the uh... the incident yesterday."
I merely stared at him, sensing the undercurrent of sarcasm.
Just go about your business Link, I thought.
"Do you have any?" I asked, ignoring his tone.
The man merely nodded and went to get it. When he came, back he set it down on the counter. I looked it over to make sure it was what I needed.
"How much?" I asked, wanting to get it and get out of there.
"Fifty rupees," he said quickly.
I raised my eyebrows.
For glass? I thought, remembering it being priced for thirty rupees. What the hell is it made of? Golden sand?
"Is it newly reinforced?" I asked, not trying to get hustled.
The man shook his head no.
"Then why the price hike?" I asked.
He stared at me and narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Fine," he said to me, "thirty rupees."
That's right, you ingrate, I thought with irritation.
I shook my head, frustrated with his attitude, but instead of wasting energy worrying about it, I paid him the thirty rupees and left.
I should expect this kind of treatment for a while, I thought, quickly walking through town square, especially if everyone knows what happened… or thinks they know what happened.
The staring and whispering never abated, the only way I could ignore it, was to hood myself. I headed to back to my villa in a hurry. I took in a deep breath when I closed my door.
I need to see Zelda, I thought all of a sudden, I need to see her and know she's okay, and I need to talk to the king.
It was a good thing I had already promised to spend time with the princess that day. I was going to head over to the castle after I fixed my window. I finished the first task without any issue. The glass fit perfectly in the frame and I saved myself twenty rupees. I then washed up, shaved, and changed into my blue tunic. Zelda always told me she liked how I looked in blue.
I hope Zelda is a lot more civil than the town's folks, I thought.
I left my villa and went to Hyrule Castle via the square. On my way there, I received a few scoffs and head shakings of disapproval.
I ignored it, but I knew the influence of this attitude was permeating throughout the castle. I sighed realizing I had to make the best of it. When I got past the gate, I headed into the garden where I knew Zelda would be.
Zelda turned when she heard me approach, and a huge smile spread across her face. I smiled back, not being able to help myself, it was infectious. She then ran up to me, and practically jumped into my arms. She kissed me immediately. I raised my eyebrows surprised.
Someone is happy to see me, I thought with a smirk, and kissed her back.
When she pulled away she stared into my eyes.
"I'm so glad you're here," she said to me happily, "you have no idea how much I've been looking forward to today."
When she said that, I felt a slight pang of guilt.
She's so honest with her feelings, I thought.
"I've missed you too princess," I replied.
Zelda quickly took my hand.
"Come," she said, "I've prepared a lunch and carriage to take us some place special. I've made sure the chef prepared all your favorites."
I smiled at her, feeling the remorse swell inside me.
Why didn't I thin yesterday through better? I wondered.
"All my favorites, huh?" I said.
"Yes," she said, her smile never leaving, "I want today to be perfect."
I almost couldn't stand myself.
Does she not know? I wondered.
"It will be perfect," I promised.
Zelda smiled wider and reached up to kiss me again.
"I know it will," she said, when she pulled away.
We then left the garden and exited through the side entrance adjacent to the north end of Hyrule field.
We rode for several miles and stopped near the entrance of Lake Hylia. When we descended, Zelda took it upon herself to set up the blanket and picnic. I tried to help, but she wouldn't have it. She wouldn't even allow the servants to help her, and once she was done, she sent them away.
"Come back for us at dusk," she told them.
The servants merely nodded and rode away. Zelda then turned to me. She came up to me and wrapped her arms around my neck.
"Now I have you all to myself," she said softly.
I knew I should've been ecstatic that she was being so civil, but honestly I found it a little strange.
Does she really not know? I wondered.
"Zelda-" I began.
She put a finger to my lips.
"None of that," she interrupted, "no serious talk today."
I stared into her eyes and felt extremely culpable.
"Okay," I replied, putting my arms around her waist, "what would you like to talk about?"
Zelda smiled at my inherent interest in her.
"I just want you and I to be at peace today," she said, "we'll shut everything out, except for the two of us, okay."
I nodded.
"Okay," I said, "that sounds good to me."
Zelda then gestured for me to sit down and began to fixing me a plate. All this attention she was giving me was making me uneasy. It was a little unorthodox, even for her.
"Zelda you don't have to cater to me," I said to her, feeling a little uncomfortable with the most powerful woman in the country waiting on me hand and foot.
She smiled at me.
"I want to," she said simply, and then put my plate aside for a second and nuzzled up close to me. "You don't seem to understand how a woman's mind works."
You are most certainly right about that, I thought.
"That's true," I replied.
She stared into my eyes.
"I want to take care of you," she whispered to me, "you're the best thing in my life right now, Link. You have no idea how much I need you."
I looked at her somberly and kissed her nose. One thing I always admired about Zelda is that she was always true to herself. She never smudged herself with variances on her core personality. She was who she was, and she was a woman who felt and cared deeply.
It should be treason to be this faithful, I thought.
"I need you too," I whispered back; I was sincere with that.
I did need her, she helped me stay sane. She grinned at me and pecked me softly on the lips. She then edged back to continue preparing my plate.
"I think the only thing I love more than you, is Hyrule," she said absently, putting a roasted pheasant leg and some grapes on a plate and handing it to me.
I raised my eyebrows and nodded.
"That's to be expected," I replied taking the plate from her, "she's your mother country, and you're a descendant of the goddess herself."
Zelda paused for a moment and looked out at the horizon. She pulled her knees to her chest and looked at the grassy expanses as the wind blew in her hair.
"Isn't she beautiful Link?" she whispered abruptly. "Would you not give your life for her?"
I looked at Zelda seriously and admired her unrelenting spirit, then gazed out at Hyrule field per her request. The blue sky hovered its sapphire brilliance, over the green open landscapes and pockets of woodlands. With Gerudo Desert and Death Mountain stationed in the background.
Hyrule is beautiful, I thought.
"Of course," I said, "I'd die for her Zelda."
Zelda looked back over at me when I said that.
"I know you would," she said seriously, "and so would I. I will do anything to protect her from her enemies. That is my duty as a sage."
I nodded and looked at her, I was surprised at the sudden shift into the serious conversation. It was actually too serious for my liking. After what had taken place earlier, I wanted to stay as far away from contrite subjects as possible. I decided to change the subject.
There's no way this woman would do anything to hurt anyone, I thought, thinking about my previous conversation with Saria. There has to be another explanation.
"So, tell me about the coronation ceremony," I said abruptly.
Zelda put some grapes on a tray for herself and sat next to me.
"The coronation is royal rite that every princess must initiate to become queen of Hyrule," Zelda began, "I have to prove I'm worthy to be queen."
I looked at her puzzled, but then smiled.
"I would say you've already done that," I replied candidly, "you've kept the seal intact, you've warned your father about Ganondorf, and you've helped me as Sheik. No one can deny whether or not you are worthy."
Zelda smiled at me.
"Thank you Link," she replied, "but even still, there is another danger on the horizon and I must stop it."
I sighed when she said that.
The Interlopers, I thought.
There was a certain undercurrent of urgency in her tone that wasn't there before. I put my plate down, and took her in my arms.
"You won't face that alone," I whispered against her hair, "with my dying breath I will protect Hyrule and you."
I felt her cling to me in relief when I said that.
"Thank you," she said, "you have no idea how much that means to me."
I squeezed her softly.
She's carrying such a heavy burden as a sage, I thought. It's similar to what I have to deal with as the hero.
Even still, the mood was too dense. I wanted to get away from this.
"Enough with this serious talk, let's talk about your coronation ceremony," I said, changing the subject, "what exactly does it entail?"
Zelda smiled and shrugged.
"Well, it's just a role play really," she replied, "I dress up as Hylia and the people come to pay me my thanks. I'm doing it midsummer's day, one month before the engagement party."
I raised my eyebrows surprised.
"That's next month," I said, not realizing how quick the time went by.
"Yes," she replied with a smile, "I know."
I knew I told Zelda to inform me when the arrangements were made. However, it seemed lost track of the time. We spent the next few hours discussing plans for the wedding and who was coming to the engagement party. I smiled at Zelda, grateful she had something to be happy about, but even as I sat there with her, I couldn't shake Saria's words from my mind.
There has to be a misunderstanding, I thought, there has to be some reason.
"So…" I began, "did you ever contact that Gerudo seamstress you were telling me about?"
Zelda nodded.
"Yes, actually I did," she replied matter-of-fact, "she told me she'd be honored to design my wedding dress."
I grinned when she said that.
"I knew she would," I replied.
Zelda snuggled closer to me.
"You did say that, didn't you?" she said to me happily.
We were silent for a few moments, quietly enjoying the soon to be sunset. I hesitated for a moment, not knowing if I should ask about the dress for the coronation, but decided to anyway.
Why not? I thought.
"Is... she making your dress for the coronation as well?" I asked suddenly, trying to sound casual.
I noticed a subtle shift in Zelda's manner when I asked her that. She stiffened slightly in my arms.
What's this? I thought.
"I went to her for just my wedding dress," she said simply.
I raised my eyebrows in expectance, waiting for her to go on, but she didn't.
"So…" I trailed, "who's making your dress for the coronation? Did you find someone new?"
Zelda got quiet after I asked that.
"Yes, I found someone new," she replied.
I knew she was trying to be evasive, the question was: why?
"So, who's making it for you?" I asked.
Zelda wrapped her arms around my waist, and rested her head against my chest just then.
"I'm bored of this subject," she said, "let's talk about something else."
Now, I knew for a certain she was trying to avoid the discussion.
This isn't like her, I thought.
"No Zelda," I said, pulling her back so I could look into her eyes, "I want you to answer my question."
Zelda stared at me surprised for a moment, and narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Why?" she asked all of a sudden, her voice had lost a little of its softness.
What is this change in attitude about? I wondered.
"No reason," I said, "I'd just like to know."
She stared into my eyes for a long time.
"So... why worry about it, my love?" she replied. "Isn't the important thing that I look beautiful?"
I drew back a little sensing a hint of duplicity.
Oh no, I thought.
"I'm always going to think you look beautiful," I replied, "what I don't understand is, why you're making such a big deal about telling me the name of the seamstress."
Zelda turned away and huffed upset.
"And I don't understand why you're all of a sudden interested in women's attire," she shot back, a little more forcefully than I think even she intended to.
I looked at her feeling an abrupt sense of dread.
Was Saria right? I thought.
"Are you alright?" I asked her.
Zelda forced a smile across her face after I asked her that.
"I'm fine," she replied.
I stared into her eyes.
"Then, why are you being so defensive?" I asked point blank.
She looked away.
"I'm not," she said quickly.
Yes, you are, I thought.
"Then, tell me who's making your dress," I said, not letting up.
Maybe it was my tone because her eyes narrowed immediately.
"Why?" she demanded sharply. "Do you already know who it is Link?"
Her tone surprised me.
"What?" I asked, trying to be evasive myself now.
"Why are you so concerned about my dress?" she demanded abruptly. "Why are you bringing this up so suddenly Link?"
I couldn't believe how upset she was getting.
"Zelda-" I tried.
"Have you been to see her?" she interrupted, getting up. "Did she complain to you about not being able to see you anymore?"
I looked at her shocked.
It's true? I thought in disbelief.
"You-you actually told her that?" I asked incredulously, getting up myself now.
Zelda swallowed hard and looked away.
"I know all about you and that seamstress Link," she divulged, "I've known for quite some time now."
I was dumbfounded, the entire time she was playing me for a fool.
"Are you… are you insane?" I couldn't think of anything else to say. "How could you do that? Saria doesn't deserve that. You may have butchered her chances of making a living! You don't even know what happened!"
Zelda looked like she was ready to kill me.
"Is that her name?" she demanded. "Saria?"
"Yes!" I defended, losing my cool.
"I've tried with all my might to overlook your betrayal to me yesterday, and this is the thanks I get?" she demanded.
I lost my composure at that.
"What betrayal?" I shot back. "I saved a friend from dying, that's all! Is a good deed considered a betrayal to you, princess?"
Zelda nodded egregiously.
"Of course my love," she said sarcastic, "after you took her on a rendezvous to who knows where!"
I took a step back and raised my eyebrows in alarm when she divulged that.
Wait a minute, what? I thought.
"How do you know that?" I demanded.
Zelda stiffened, realizing she had said too much.
"How do I know what?" she asked, trying to be evasive.
I narrowed my eyes and looked at her suspicious.
"Are you… are you having me watched?" I demanded in disbelief.
Zelda didn't answer immediately.
"You're going to be the future king of Hyrule," she detracted in an adroit fashion.
I was pissed.
"Is that a yes?" I demanded.
Zelda's throat tightened, and she nodded her reply.
"I-I had to," she replied, "I was never seeing you."
I was beyond pissed. I looked away and ran a hand through my hair.
I can't believe this is happening! I thought. I can't believe Zelda would stoop so low!
"You call this trust?" I said angry. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
Zelda looked at me indignant.
"Don't try to blame this all on me!" she replied. "You have plenty to answer for!"
I opened my mouth about to say something, but decided against it.
"You know what," I said disquieted, and backing up, "I don't need this right now."
I then turned, and quickly began walking away.
Zelda eyes widened in horror. As I walked, I saw the carriage approach in the opposite direction.
"Link wait!" she called out to me immediately running after me. "The carriage is here!"
I don't want to ride in your damn carriage, I thought upset.
I didn't stop, I wanted to get away from there as quickly as possible.
I can't believe she was having me watched! I thought. All this time, I thought it was Daphnes.
"Link!" she called out to me, she sounded desperate.
I still didn't stop.
Zelda paused, watching me in disbelief.
"By my authority as princess of Hyrule I command you to stop!" she said authoritatively, knowing her best trump card was her power.
I closed my eyes, hating my innate obedience as a soldier and stopped. I also didn't want to make more of a scene in front of her servants than was already being procured.
This is the last thing I wanted, I thought.
I heard Zelda quickly hurry towards me. Tears were streaming down her face when she finally faced me.
"You cant-you can't leave!" she said to me with a very broken voice. "We'll go back to the castle together."
I looked away from her hating to see her cry like that. I didn't matter if I was upset, I still didn't like to see her cry.
"Zelda I'm done talking about this," I said quietly, hoping she would move.
Zelda quickly wiped her eyes.
"Please forgive me Link," she begged, "I just never see you anymore, and when the guard told me about that woman I was so distraught. I couldn't imagine you in the arms of another, and I guess my jealousy overtook me."
I didn't reply, I could see out of the corner of my eye the driver whispering something to the door stop.
Great, this is all we need, I thought.
"Link please," Zelda said, throwing herself at my chest and wrapping her arms around my waist.
I can't believe I said those things to Saria when she was telling me the truth, I thought angry at myself. I can't believe I hurt her so badly with what I said.
"I don't understand why you had me followed," I said absent, pulling her back to look into her eyes.
"Link…" Zelda trailed with an inflection of helplessness, "I'm sorry."
I stood there quiet for a long moment.
"So am I," I said, and let her go to move past her.
Zelda grabbed at my tunic.
I pulled away.
"No," she whispered fearfully.
I began power walking to Castle Town.
I can't believe this, I thought, wishing I had been more prudent, how could I have been so damn blind?
"Link!" Zelda called to me.
I didn't turn around.
"Link!" Zelda cried out one last time.
It's no use I was gone, and I was not turning back.
So much for a perfect day, I thought upset.
I arrived at Castle Town at dusk stayed in my villa for the rest of the night. I knew I needed to go and apologize to Saria as soon as possible.
~SSS~
The next morning I heard an urgent knock on my door. I rose a little groggy from sleep and slumbered downstairs to answer.
"What is it?" I yawned, wiping my eyes.
The guard saluted and announced his message.
"Sir, his majesty, king Daphnes, requests an immediate audience with you," the soldier told me.
What? I thought.
I immediately woke up at hearing that.
Daphnes wants to speak now? I wondered.
I nodded, giving the guard my full attention.
"I'll be right there," I said, then closed the door.
It looks like he's finally ready to talk, I thought.
I hurried to get ready and went to Hyrule Castle. I was escorted to the counsel room expecting to only see his majesty, but was surprised to see Zelda there as well. They both looked upset.
What's going on? I wondered.
I bowed, and exchanged glances between the both of them.
"You called for me my lord?" I asked, addressing Daphnes.
Daphnes stared at me for a moment.
"Yes," he replied, "it seems we have a situation on our hands."
That's putting it lightly to say the least, I thought.
"Yes, that is true," I replied.
Daphnes paused.
"So, you are ready to talk of what I speak of?" he said to me cryptically.
"Yes, I am sire," I continued, thinking we're on the same wavelength of thought, "I believe this conversation is long overdue."
Daphnes raised his eyebrows
"Long overdue you say?" he repeated.
I nodded and shrugged in honesty.
"Frankly, yes," I replied.
Daphnes narrowed his eyes at me in abrupt indignation.
"Then would you care to explain," Daphnes demanded all of a sudden.
I looked at him strange, then shifted my gaze to Zelda. If her eyes could kill, I would have been dead.
What the hell is going on here? I wondered.
"I don't understand," I replied confused.
The king narrowed his eyes at me.
"Perhaps I should enlighten you," Daphnes snapped, "there's a rumor of the most unsavory kind being spread about you and a young woman."
I felt my mouth nearly drop. I couldn't believe it, Zelda was so angry about yesterday, she wanted to humiliate me in front of her father.
I can't believe this! I thought. He's referring to that situation? What about Zant? What about the Interlopers?
My throat tightened in anger.
"With all due respect sire, a rumor is a rumor," I replied.
Daphnes looked at me precociously. He glanced over at his daughter, then back at me.
"Are you making light of this?" he demanded.
Yes, I thought with irritation.
"No," I said, "of course not, but to entertain such an insignificant caveat when there are other more pressing matters is ridiculous."
I saw Zelda's eyes widen out of the corner of my eye, and Daphnes rose from his throne and came down a couple steps at my reply. He stared at me like he was ready to strangle me. The feeling of contempt was more than mutual.
This is insane! I thought.
The king came down another step before he addressed me.
"My daughter's honor is not an insignificant caveat," Daphnes said to me through nearly clenched teeth. "The respect of the throne is not an insignificant caveat."
I narrowed my eyes slightly, having to control my temper.
"I'm aware of that," I replied.
Daphnes stared at me hard before he asked his next question.
"What happened?" he demanded abruptly.
I swallowed hard, and took in a deep breath.
Evade Link, I told myself.
"What are you referring to sire?" I inquired.
"Don't play dumb with me Link!" Daphnes snapped.
Everyone wants dirty details, I thought, well, neither one of them will get that from me.
"The young woman came down with purple chu jelly toxicity," I divulged. "The only remedy is blue potion. I had one at my villa. I gave it to her. She recovered, and has since gone home."
Daphnes was staring at me with indifference once I finished speaking. I didn't care if he believed me one way or the other.
"Why were you out with this young woman?" Daphnes demanded.
I took in a deep breath, and then looked over at Zelda. When our eyes met, she quickly looked away.
She knows this is wrong, I thought angry.
"She's a friend," I said simply, "I am still allowed to have friends, aren't I?"
Daphnes narrowed his eyes.
"Watch your tone," he said lowly.
"Of course, sire," I said with a hint of sarcasm.
He was silent again, as if deciding whether or not to believe me.
"She had what kind of toxicity?" he asked me again carefully.
I knew that would get your attention, I thought.
"Purple chu jelly," I replied.
Daphnes paused his assault for a brief moment.
"That's only native to…" he trailed, muttering to himself.
Ordon, I finished for him in my head, you've got some explaining to do, you bastard.
Daphnes shook his head of his momentary daze.
"That woman stayed the night with you?" he redirected.
It's like he hadn't heard a word I said! I thought.
"She-" I tried.
"Answer the question!" Daphnes interrupted explosively.
I looked at him dumbfounded, and had to remember where I was, and what I represented. That nearly flared what little composure I had in that moment.
"Yes," I said finally, "she spent the night at my villa."
I saw out of the corner of my eye Zelda turn away. She started crying. I didn't understand her tears, she hadn't even given me a chance to explain, and now she's hearing about it in the most irrational way possible. I closed my eyes, not wanting to discuss such a controversial matter in such an oblong way.
This is not how this is supposed to go! I thought, feeling more and more aggravation.
"And did you make love with this woman?" Daphnes went on relentlessly.
I felt my mouth drop.
"What?" I demanded.
Daphnes came down another step.
"I didn't stutter... boy," he replied, but then added, "now answer the question."
I had to give Daphnes credit, he knew which buttons to push. I looked over at Zelda, she would not look at me.
"No," I said finally, "I did not make love with that woman."
Daphnes stared directly into my eyes.
"Are you lying?" he asked me.
That was it, my composure left me just then.
"Am I lying?" I repeated. "I don't have to lie to you sire. Nothing happened!"
"Watch it!" Daphnes snapped. "You're already on thin ice with me!"
Oh yeah? I thought, about to do the unthinkable. We're about to see how thin the ice is really going to get.
I cleared my throat before I proceeded.
"Perhaps his majesty would like to explain his activities over the past few weeks," I divulged boldly.
Daphnes looked at me shocked.
"What?" he demanded. "You dare to question me?"
I didn't care. I had had enough.
I'm tired of the run around, I thought, I want some answers!
"Just what did you tell the Deku Tree to keep from me?" I demanded, ignoring his question. "Why did you seek counsel with the guardian privately?"
Daphnes looked livid.
"Silence!" he exclaimed.
"How do you know Zant?" I went on not caring. "What connection does that creature have to the royal family?"
The king's eyes widened when I said the name.
"You insolent son of a-" Daphnes started.
"Why are you developing territories, and deliberately keeping them off the grid?" I interrupted, not caring about the repercussions. "When were you going to tell me about Ordon, you bastard? Why the hell are you keeping everyone in the dark Daphnes? Why damn you?"
That was it.
Daphnes lost it, hurried down the steps, and drew his sword. He lunged at me, and went to strike. I quickly drew my blade and parried his attack. I then side stepped out of his way.
"Father!" Zelda screamed. "No!"
Daphnes turned back around to face me. He raised his blade again. I raised mine to defend. One of us was about to be put down, and I knew it wasn't the king.
This is about to get ugly, I thought.
Zelda got up from her throne, and hurried down the steps to get in front of me. When the king saw his daughter's actions, Daphnes immediately halted his assault. The tension in the air was palpable. Everyone was breathing hard, and on edge. I put my sword away. Zelda was standing with her arms stretched out in front of me. Daphnes stared into her eyes, and slowly he lowered his sword. He then sheathed it and went back over to his throne. My pulse was ready to burst. I heard Zelda sigh in relief when the potential catastrophe was averted. However, I knew that wasn't the end.
What now? I wondered, waiting for the repercussions.
I heard the steady drum of footsteps coming towards the counsel room door.
A platoon is coming, I thought in dread, I'm about to be arrested.
As if prophetically reading my mind, Daphnes spoke.
"You are hereby relinquished of all your duties as First Knight of Hyrule," he commanded. "You are forbidden to come within a thousand feet of my daughter, or you will be beheaded."
I closed my eyes at the sentence, already expecting it.
Beheaded... I thought of the gravity.
Zelda gasped.
"What?" her voice was barely audible, when she turned to look at her father.
The platoon rushed through the door with swords drawn. I stood there with no intention of fighting back.
Let's just get this over with, I thought.
Some of the members of the guard look perplexed.
"We heard swords sire," the captain said to the king, "was there an attempt on your life?"
Daphnes sat up in his throne and glared at me.
"Escort the former First Knight to the dungeon," Daphnes decreed, ignoring the guard's questions. "He is to be stripped of his privileges, and to remain in custody for thirty days."
The guards looked at the king shocked, but went forth with his orders.
"Y-yes sire!" the captain replied.
The captain removed my sword and signet ring with a trembling hand. I knew he was confused as to what had just transpired. He then nodded for me to be shackled and handcuffed. I looked down at my bonds in disbelief.
This is like a nightmare, I thought, and sighed. This is all happening because of a silly mistake.
Zelda looked like her heart just stopped. The guards surrounded me, and began leading me to the exit.
"Wait!" Zelda called out to them, and they halted, she then faced me. She caressed my cheek softly, and stared into my eyes. "I never meant for this to happen."
I just looked at her for a moment, not really blaming her.
It is what it is, I thought.
"Of course not, your highness," I said quietly.
Daphnes saw that and got angry.
"Zelda!" Daphnes growled. "Get away from him!"
Zelda hesitated, and her eyes instantly filled with tears.
"Please, forgive me," she begged.
I nodded wanting to get this over with.
"Please, stand aside princess," I replied.
I was then led away.
Please write a review and tell me what you think. The next chapter will be up Sunday.