Chapter Seven

Zelda

It had happened almost overnight. One moment, the castle was full of Hylians, of those she had grown around, who had helped raise her. She had been foolish enough to believe Ganondorf would let them continue in their positions, that he would let the higher-ups leave with their lives at least. Goddesses, she had been so naive. She had watched on in horror as the commander of her Royal Guard alongside her royal advisors were hanged

He had sent word to the desert for the surviving Gerudo to join him, his new kingdom, and they had come without delay. Zelda could not remember ever seeing so many women in one place at one time, let alone so many deadly weapons. All were armed, and all seemed unafraid and willing to use them. She had heard rumors that only one Gerudo male was born every century, but she had never dreamed that to be an accurate statement. She was unsure to be pleased or terrified that the text had been accurate.

She still wore her black mourning clothes, still covered her head with a black veil. Less than a fortnight had passed, and Ganondorf had already removed any trace of the Royal Family ad their crest from the castle. She had no doubt the symbols would be removed from the remainder of the kingdom as well.

Slowly, she made her way to the throne room, to Ganondorf's throne room. Mercifully, he had allowed her free reign of the castle, save for the dungeons where the defeated Hero was kept. If she remained loyal, he had promised to let her roam un-escorted as well. She entered the throne room, and reluctantly knelt before the wicked man sitting before her. "Your Grace," she greeted, trying her best to keep the venom she felt from her tongue.

He smirked and leaned back in the chair. Zelda had noticed he was always in armor, though she could not fault him for that. As evil as he was, the man was not stupid. He knew he had enemies that could strike at any time. Two Gerudo women were at his side, one standing, one sitting next to the throne, though she noticed Ganondorf sat with enough room for another upon the throne. "You kneel before Ganondorf Dragmire," the standing woman spoke, pride in her tone. "First of His Name, King of Gerudo and of Hyrule."

"Rise, Princess," the man spoke, using her title as one would a curse for the Goddesses. She stood gracefully, keeping her expression as neutral as possible, even despite the hate she felt growing within her. "It seems as though the Zora prince and Goron patriarch have declined our invitation."

"I am saddened by such news," she replied, knowing it was the only safe response. She was grateful they remained in their respective locations. The Zora could always abandon their domain for another water-covered region outside of Hyrule, and the Gerudo would be foolish to take military action against the Gorons.

"Not to worry," Ganondorf waved a dismissive hand. "We will deal with them in time." She heard footsteps behind her, and watched as Ganondorf's gaze left her and focused to her left. She turned slightly to see another Gerudo woman approaching the throne, not kneeling before Ganondorf as she had seen the others do, save for the two at his side.

"Sav'aaq," she greeted the usurper. Zelda quickly looked her over. She was younger than Ganondorf, but older than herself. Instead of carrying a long, curved blade as she had seen the others carry, she had a dagger at her hip.

"Sav'aaq," Ganondorf nodded approvingly. The Princess watched as the woman sat beside the Demon King on the throne, as the woman smirked down at her before turning back to the man.

"I bring information, blood of my blood," the woman spoke, half-looking at Ganondorf, half-looking at Zelda. Ganondorf nodded thoughtfully and motioned for her to continue. "You were right," she spoke. "The voe is weak, as all are, save for you." A shudder went down Zelda's spine. She held no doubt in her mind they were discussing Link. "The Resistance travels south, toward the Hero's former home in the Ordon province." Zelda shut her eyes and stared down at the floor, wondering what would have caused Link to reveal such sensitive information, to sell out his friends, the ones who had been at his side through the invasion plan... "A vai by the name of Ashei leads them," the woman continued.

"Well done, blood of my blood," Ganondorf responded and turned to face the Gerudo sitting beside the throne. "Gather your best. Burn every village between here and there to the ground. Show the people that everyone suffers when a few rebel." Zelda could not help herself from glaring at the man, though for once he paid her no mind. "Take who you can from Ordon prisoner," the man continued. "We will publicly execute anyone found to have assisted this little resistance."

"At once, blood of my blood," the woman stood and left the room. Zelda's mind raced. She had to find a way to send word to her supporters, to warn them of what was to come... But it was risky, perhaps to risky to even try. She needed to get to Link, to know what had caused him to reveal their location, to make sure he was even still alive...

"You did well, Amunet," Zelda watched as Ganondorf pulled the Gerudo sharing the Throne onto his lap, as the woman smirked down at the Princess and rested her head on the Demon King's shoulder. "Worry not, Princess," he spoke directly to Zelda, causing nothing but more hatred to spark within her. "This is just the beginning."