The deliberations lasted the entirety of dinner. The two leaders began simply with back and forth questions about the state of their respective kingdoms. How they were prospering, how accessible certain resources were, their struggles and accomplishments in recent history. It was a very diplomatic start, one that Zelda insisted with using. Business should always be addressed first and foremost before any sort of socializing was acceptable. Ganondorf understood the sentiment, so he indulged her questions with honesty, just as she had answered his inquiries. With recent attacks of those anonymous creatures aside, both kingdoms were doing rather fine. This brought no ease to Zelda's worrisome mind. So, Hyrule truly was the sole recipient of these attacks. Her disappointment was well hidden, but Ganondorf had already seen that expression before. He knew why it claimed her face. In all truth, he really had no clue why these creatures were attacking Hyrule, but he was thankful for it. It gave him the opportunity to be so close to Wisdom, to snatch it up before it was too late.
Even without the Triforce, Zelda was a formidable being. Her wisdom was unchallenged, similar to the beauty and grace she exuded. If she willed it, the entire world would bow to her whims. When she stood, she stood tall. She'll make a fool of the whole world with one breath. Her influence was something to be intimidated by, but not Ganondorf. He was beyond frustrated that she could have the world wrapped around a string on her finger so easily, but she did not. Maybe it was more impressive than anything, but the Gerudo king could not steal himself away from his indulgences. He may not have the luck to be in the position she had found herself in, but he had his freedom.
Dinner had been served, and yet the two leaders continued on with their conversation. Strange, as every leader is taught to never eat while negotiating terms. It was just bad manners. Yet, the two of them remained animated as they ate, never skipping a beat as their food was served and consumed. Neither showed offense to it. They both knew that their conversation was just that absorbing. Talk eventually wandered away from politics and turned towards their personal interests. Ganondorf had informed Zelda of his appreciation of Hyrule—which was no lie, as he wished to rule this kingdom as well as those beyond it—and his sympathy for her constant strife with these creatures. Zelda accepted his answers, but she still was hesitant to believe them in entirety. Similarly, she answered his questions as they came. She spoke of her morals, her aspirations, and her actions leading to those aspirations. He was exceptionally curious on her desires, which Zelda would normally find offensive if it were from any other man. Admittedly, she could not hide away her amusement with their conversation and only knew how to fuel their discussion further. His next question bounced off of her like those before, but it had taken her a moment to hear just what he was asking. Once she did, the Queen brought a napkin to her lips and brushed away a droplet of water that lingered from her last sip out of an ornate goblet.
"I'm sorry?"
"I asked if you have had any suitors come forward. Be that of your father's design, your search, or if it be men coming to court you on their own accord."
"Are you implying something, my Lord?" Zelda asked incredulously, a bit playfully as well if you listened to it hard enough. Ganondorf had become accustomed to her voice already and picked up on the tone easily. The look she gave him was that of mild interest. No, she wasn't falling for the man before her—of course not—but his question left her interested. He gave a look that was stubbornness personified. He was expectant of her answer before he'd give away his. With the roll of her vibrant eyes, she clicked her tongue before answering him. "I used to," She began quietly, clearing her throat after a moment. "My father—fortunately for me—gave up on the sentiment of aligning any sort of marriage for me without my proper consent. I was a rather difficult child."
"Or one who knows what they do and do not want." Ganondorf noted in between a break in her sentence, but he motioned for her to continue with her answer after he spoke.
"I suppose I did know better of it, you're right. I've never fancied any suitor, in all honesty. I understand that, as the Queen, creating a line of succession is my most responsible duty I could be given. I simply cannot fall under that mentality though. Perhaps when I have held peace in my land, I will consider marriages, but these nuisances have kept me rather wrapped up as you can imagine." She paused and gave him an innocent stare, though all that Ganondorf could see is the mischievous glow beneath her deep seas for eyes. He knew what she wanted, and he gave a breath of annoyance at it. As he grumbled, a hand reached up to rub at his neck.
"All I imply is my curiosity. If this pact will form, I'd also like to know if there would be another ruler—"
"I will be the only ruler of Hyrule, until the day I die. None other will succeeded it before then. Not my future husband nor any of my advisers." Zelda firmly spoke, unaffected by the fact that she rudely interrupted him. He had broken up her thoughts mid-sentence, so he didn't take offense. It was out of character for her to act so improperly. The courageous heart that thrummed inside her chest began to shine through in her voice and expression. Ganondorf gave her a knowing grin, one void of any darkness.
"Can't argue with that." He replied quietly, resting an elbow on the table so that he could lean over and use his palm as a cradle for his chin. Ganondorf did not even know how he was growing so comfortable in her presence. If he wanted to—right here and now—he could snatch the Triforce out of Zelda's fragile frame. The thought sparked a strange expression on his face. It was one of confusion. Why doesn't he do just that? It would be simple enough, and they were all alone. Yet, he was far too amused in her company, as was she by the looks of it. It was a peculiar thing for him, abnormal even. After a moment of consideration, Ganondorf rose from his seat and walked over to Zelda's side at a slow pace. It left the Queen somewhat anxious, if not the littlest bit excited. She wanted to focus on bringing a just rule for her people so that peace could return to Hyrule. It was her duty to focus on just that. Despite that, all she wanted to do was have a little break from the insanity which was being a Queen. Ganondorf was just that and more. Not only did he break apart the bland path she was on, but he brought with him an allegiance which could help restore Hyrule to peace. He was just beside her shoulder, so close that she could feel the heat radiate off his body. Even with the armor on, Ganondorf emitted a heat so reminiscent of the Summer breeze, the same warmth that she pondered in when she first sent him a letter. A shared stare told Zelda to be wary, yet every fiber of her being screamed out to the unknown. A simple head tilt was all the sign she gave to Ganondorf, asking silently what he was doing. A quietly laughter from the taller man filled the small space between them. He fell to one knee and leaned forward, offering up his empty palm for her to take.
"Before I say yes to this allegiance and we send our advisers through fire while tying together the details, I would very much like to ask you for a dance." He spoke coolly, though his words were as hot as the desert days. Heavy, engulfing, surrounding the Queen with a strange warmth. She faltered, and it was so obvious that she had not expected the action. Zelda hated that she appeared so obvious, but Ganondorf appreciated it. It was her humanity showing through. No matter how perfect she seemed, she was still a young woman underneath it all. Very far underneath it all, but she was there. There was only a split second hesitation before her silken white hand found Ganondorf's larger, olive-kissed hand. A simple nod came from her as he rose from his bent position and led them away from the dining room. He knew that the terrace—where the fight had been at—was a very open place and otherwise seemed like an area vacant unless there was training to be had. He was able to navigate to the main entrance without her assistance, which boosted his pride. Once outside, Ganondorf gave her a small bow and smiled appreciatively as Zelda mirrored his action with a deep curtsy. Zelda fumbled for a minute as they slipped into their dancer's stance. The Hylian was standing a breath away from the Gerudo King, her hand poised up and out from her body while still wrapped in his digits, while her other hand found a comfortable position below his shoulder. With his free hand, Ganondorf rested it within the small of her back, supporting her for when they began their twirls. The man couldn't help but release a hearty laughter at the sight of the Queen.
"Zelda," he cooed quietly, tilting his head to get a better view of her humbled face. "Are you not a dancer? How do you hope to become a great leader of a nation without mastering the art of footwork?"
"Oh, I do apologize, Ganondorf, I suppose I was far too busy with my lessons as a child." She retorted dryly, giving him a look of mild frustration. This was not her field of expertise, and he knew it. It was uncomfortable for her to be in such a situation, not to mention it was with the enigmatic Gerudo. It also didn't help matters when he spoke to her in such soothing tones. No, she was not swooning, that would be absurd. Though, any who might walk past the two leaders would think otherwise. The man only laughed on in response, albeit quieter than before. This caused her to glance away from him out of embarrassment. "I'm very happy that my folly can bring you such genuine amusement."
"It is not your folly that amuses me."
"Then what is it?"
"You're actually quite a decent dancer, you should be more relaxed." He chimed pleasantly. "You have no folly."
"Yes, but..." Zelda began, her hesitance in taking his words to heart showing through. This was a ploy, and if not, it was charismatic politics at work. The Gerudo had a way of crawling beneath her skin and making home there. One breath could leave her tensed up. It was unknown why she became so edgy. He could not be trusted yet, but she did not fear him. He merely had that effect on her. It was as if her heart had known him for longer than she realized. Similar to how two old souls interact so fluently, nearly becoming one entity. Not quite like that though, since she has never known him before this. Once some courage was mustered in her throat, she finished her quiet stammering. "It is not my forte, and anything I am not practiced in leaves me feeling...well, less than. What if I fall?" Her voice was hushed, barely above a whisper. Her eyes rose to meet his stare, a sort of electricity sparking as she did so. Somehow, they shifted closer without realizing, their fronts now pressed against the other with gentle care. That, and had his hand always pressed so flush against her back like that? It was at this point that their private dance on the nightly terrace started to conclude. When he spoke next, his voice had also lowered in volume, sounding so much like the low rumbling of thunder before it kisses the earth with bolts of life and energy.
"Oh, my darling...what if you fly?"