Chapter Five
Zelda felt nervous...
She didn't like feeling nervous...
She sat beside her father, her hands clasped in front of her as she looked around at the Council's angry but fearful faces. She swallowed and as the doors opened her eyes fell on him.
He was dressed in his armor, leaving his cloak and shield, though she noticed that he still wore his sword. His hair was slightly disheveled and his crimson eyes were hard and bitter.
Oh yes...
They should be fearful...
Silence engulfed the room and Dark raised his brows at them. His eyes found hers and she shivered as they smoldered. He strode towards them, his boots sharp against the stones of the hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he purred and he gave a mocking dip of his head. They all straightened in their seats, shooting glares at him but he didn't seem affected by it. "I can tell by your faces that you all are pleased to see me," his lips spread in a wide grin, "if only I could say the same." One of the Council members, a portly man with a long white beard sucked in a horrified gasp and stood. Dark raised a brow at him, amusement flickering across his face.
"Are you just going to sit there and let him insult us like that, sire?" The Council member flared and her father leveled an ill contempt glare at Dark but gave a resigned sigh.
"Is that really an insult, Lord Rendel?" He asked and Lord Rendel huffed, his beady eyes glaring at Dark though Zelda saw the fear in them.
"It is, coming from a leech like him," Lord Rendel growled and Dark's eyes flashed.
"A leech?" Dark chuckled menacingly, moving towards Lord Rendel with deadly grace, "You're one to talk, old man," his eyes roamed over the man's huge belly, "considering how well you like to fill that huge belly of yours and poach off of the good King's generosity," he cocked a brow at him, "am I right?" He smoothly asked and Lord Rendel's cheeks flushed scarlet from rage and embarrassment.
Zelda bit the inside of her cheek...
Though Lord Rendel was a Council member she'd despised him for years considering the only thing he was interested was filling his own coiffeurs with rupees. He'd always been the one to undermine Zelda's ideas when it came to helping the kingdom thrive and she was enjoying seeing him put in his place.
Lord Rendel on the other hand...
Didn't seem to be enjoying it at all...
"Sire!" He shouted and Dark chuckled.
"Can't you stand on your own two feet?" Dark taunted and her father stood abruptly.
"Enough, Dark," he said his voice firm and Dark looked at him for a long moment.
Then his eyes flicked to Zelda's...
Seconds...
Minutes...
It all blurred together until finally he looked away.
"Very well, he's not a very good bantering partner," with that Dark turned and strode towards Zelda. She watched, wide-eyed as he stopped in front of her, bowing low he reached out and touched her hand, bringing it to his lips. She gasped as his lips touched her gloved hand, for she wore them to conceal the infection in her arm. Despite the silk she could feel the coolness of them.
She wanted those lips on her...
The sudden realization made her jolt slightly and a shiver raced up her spine. He felt it and smirked, his blood red eyes simmering.
"Your daughter on the other hand, proves a worthier opponent." His words were a low, seductive whisper and made the Council members gasp. Even the older women's cheeks flushed and Zelda bit the inside of her cheek. Removing her hand from his gasp she tried to give him a cool glare despite how her heart thumped madly against her ribs.
"Thank you for the compliment," her reply was terse and short but Dark didn't seem affected by it. In fact he seemed to enjoy it as he dipped his head once more. Turning he ignored her father and took the seat opposite Zelda. He lowered his form into it and a dark smirk graced his lips. She flushed and looked away, biting down on her bottom lip to keep the haughty retort from passing her lips.
Arrogant man...
Her father was watching her with interest but she avoided his gaze and after a moment of silence he cleared his throat and looked back towards Dark. Placing his hands behind his back he fixed the smiling demon with cool eyes.
"My daughter informed me that you are prepared to offer your aide in finding a cure for Link?" Dark nodded at her father's words, though his eyes never left Zelda.
She shifted and her hands clenched in her lap...
"How do you prepare to do so?" Lady Helena asked. Zelda raised her eyes to her, she the oldest one there, her eyes a light gray and filled with wisdom. Her face was emotionless as she gazed at Dark and Dark returned it. It was a long moment before he replied.
"Link was poisoned with Dark Venom, it's a poison that is harvested from a creature that lives deep within Death Mountain. There is no known cure," his eyes flitted back to Zelda and she stiffened, her hand instinctively curling around her infected arm.
Lady Helena slowly nodded, her eyes falling to rest upon Zelda's father.
"I have heard of such a monster," she tilted her head as her gray eyes came back to rest upon Dark's relaxed figure. Though he appeared to be at ease Zelda knew better.
His long, lithe body was tense, his iron muscles coiled for action...
Zelda could see it in his eyes...
"Then you know the risk of destroying it," Dark replied and she dipped her head.
"Yes," her thin lips pulled up into a light smirk, "that is why you are going to be destroying it." Dark looked at her, his face and eyes unreadable.
"Oh?" His tone implied that he wasn't but Lady Helena turned her watchful gaze on Zelda, pinning her in place before she turned her eyes back to Dark.
"I understand that you offered your aide," Her words were calm and civil but her eyes shimmered with flames.
Dark merely ginned...
"I did, but it does not mean I will become your own personal lap dog," he quirked a brow and ran it down the other Council members, falling on a particular younger lord who was watching the scene play out before him with hate in his eyes. "However, it seems that Lord Varon would happily do it for you, considering he so readily comes to your aide," his words made the younger lord's brows fly up in surprise. His jaw clamped after he recovered and glared at Dark.
"I will happily go after this creature, if Princess Zelda wishes it." His violet gaze drifted to her and she inwardly winced.
Lord Varon was a good man, strong with a wonderful heart, but she found that despite his good attributes she did not have those feelings for him despite what her father wanted.
Not to mention he was nearly twice her age...
His brown hair was peppered with gray and it gave him an older, more sophisticated appeal but it wavered in the sunlight as he looked at her.
"You see, awaiting orders from his princess, a true loyal hound." Dark taunted and Lord Varon clamped his jaw. He stood abruptly and Dark's lips lifted into another mocking grin.
"At least I know where my loyalties lie and know the true meaning of honor." His harsh words bit through the air and Zelda watched as Dark's features darkened. His crimson eyes smoldered and his mocking grin turned chilling.
Fear lanced up her spine...
"Enough," she said and stood, "I shall not send Lord Varon to retrieve the venom from the creature." The Council looked at her, confusion on their faces but she ignored them and focused her eyes on her father. "I shall go alone," her words caused them to stir but she lifted her hand for silence. "If I am correct, I know this monster Dark speaks of. I am the only one capable of harvesting the venom and making an antidote. Also I need you to send word to the Zoras and Gorons of our predicament. Perhaps they can lend aide and give information on the gathering of clouds above the desert." At her words her father shook his head.
"I cannot allow you to go alone," he was unaffected by the lethal glare she gave him.
"No one—"
"I'll go," Dark interrupted and heads turned to stare at him.
He wasn't looking at them...
But at her...
"No you can't—" Zelda started but stopped when he stood.
"I can, and I will," his chilling grin grew colder, "besides," his icy gaze fixed upon Lord Varon, "how else will you defeat the monster? Perhaps you have a skilled warrior among you besides me?" His mocking words made Lord Varon turn his gaze away. Dark smirked before turning towards Zelda and dipped his head.
"Princess," he murmured silkily before turning and leaving the room. The doors closed behind them and as they did the Council erupted into chaos.
Zelda didn't hear their angry words...
She sank into her chair and resisted the shiver that raced up her spine.
She was going to be alone with him...
Goddesses help her...
VVVV
Link never really liked nobility...
He sat in the iron stone chair, resisting the urge to roll his eyes as Midna, dressed this time in a black, sleek dress embroidered with her tribe's symbol. Her fiery orange hair was uncovered and the eerie light from outside played across the silky strands.
Beautiful...
He blinked in surprise at his thought and forced himself to focus on what they were talking about.
"It does not matter that he is from the world of light," Midna's voice was firm as she addressed the three elders. The oldest, a Twili with pale skin and eyes the color of lukewarm orange shook his head.
"How do we know that we can trust him?" He asked and Link narrowed his eyes at the elder. Midna had mentioned that there would be problems, but he never thought that it would take them nearly a day with just deciding if he was on their side or not.
Typical...
That was why he'd refused the offer from the king to join the Council. He knew that his decision had disappointed Zelda, but he'd known that deep down if he were to become involved in politics he would make a mess of things. Zelda knew this as well, but despite that they'd been able to stay friends. As he thought of her his heart constricted from loneliness.
He missed her terribly...
"I assure you, he can be." Midna replied, knocking him out of his little daze and he nodded. He didn't know the elder's name but he had a sinking suspicion he might not even be able to pronounce it even if he knew it.
"I still do not trust him," the elder Twili growled as he eyed Link suspiciously. Midna's hands tightened by her sides at his reply.
"He has done nothing to earn your suspicion," Midna growled and the elder Twili snorted.
"He is a Light Dweller, that is all I need," he stood, the black robe concealing his thin body.
"I have to agree, Princess," the next elder said. He had a bald head with ash gray colored skin and dim eyes. Midna glowered at them as she tried to control her emotions. Link watched the elders quietly. He knew that they would not trust him unless he did something drastic.
"What would you have me do?" He asked and they all looked at him. "If you wish," he inhaled a short breath and glanced at Midna," I will swear my loyalty to Princess Midna." The elders jumped and Midna's eyes grew wide.
"What no that's preposterous—" Midna started but was cut off when Link fixed her with his blue gaze.
"Enough, I am running out of time and from what the rumors are spreading, so are you. If swearing my true and undying loyalty to Princess Midna will at least ease that doubt, then I will do it." He stood and moved in front of her. Midna took a hesitant step back but he knelt down to one knee and drew the simple sword he'd been given and bowing his head, offered it to her. "Princess Midna," he began and felt the eyes of the elders on him, "with this sword, and my life I swear to give it in service to you and the people of the Twilight Realm by upholding justice and ensuring the peace." As his words came to an end he looked up at Midna.
She was staring at him...
Then slowly...
A smile blossomed across her lips...
Though it was far from pleasant...
"I accept your sword," Midna whispered while reaching out and lightly touching his brow, her fingers surprisingly warm against his temple, "and your loyalty." He nodded and stood. She smiled at him, her fiery eyes shining with triumph as she looked upon the elders. "Now that is out of the way," she stepped slightly past him to face them fully, "I propose we make the journey across the Outlands to the Sacred Temple." At her words the elders all narrowed their eyes at once. The last elder, an elderly Twili woman, with strange tattoos covering her face glowered at Midna.
"Despite his loyalty to you, Princess, having a Light Dweller set foot inside the Sacred Temple is forbidden." She warned but Midna only smiled.
"That's why I'm going with him," Midna countered and Link jolted slightly, as did the elders but he was the first to protest.
"What you can't—" Link started but Midna cut him off with a glare.
"Do not presume to tell me what to do, Link, considering you just swore your undying loyalty to me, and as for you," she turned her deadly glare upon the elders, "you may be my council but I am this kingdom's princess and I will do as I see fit." She grinned, exposing the tips of fangs. "Unless of course, you wish to overthrow me?" He question went unanswered and Link frowned. Midna nodded her head.
"Good, now Link come with me," Midna ordered as she turned and left the dome shaped room. Link dipped his head respectfully to the elders before following quickly after her.
As soon as they reached the hall and the doors closed behind them Midna whirled and fixed Link with such a penetrating glare his steps faltered.
"What in the world was going on in your head?" She snapped at him and he blinked in surprise.
"I don't understand," he murmured and she snorted, crossing her arms over her chest and cocking her hip to one side as well.
"No, I don't suppose you being a Light Dweller would know," she narrowed her fiery eyes at him, "stupid, naïve..." she mumbled as she whirled and stomped down the hall, her dress flapping madly about her legs as she quickly covered the stone covered ground. Link blinked once more and shook his head.
"Hey, wait!" He called as he trotted after her, the brown boots suddenly loud in the quiet, and surprisingly empty hall.
"Princess!" Link called when she didn't stop. Finally, when he was only a foot behind her she whirled on him. He mentally cursed as he bowled into her. She yelped and grasped his tunic tightly as his arms instinctively wrapped around her. He steadied them, his arms locked around her lower waist and heat shot up his spine.
She was so soft...
She craned her head back to look at him and fiery orange met striking blue...
And held...
His heart thumped...
Then Midna blinked and cleared her throat, as if she were remembering her anger from earlier and she stepped out of his arms. She adjusted her wrinkled dress and he straightened, feeling suddenly awkward.
"Don't be so clumsy next time," she growled and he narrowed his eyes at her.
"I wouldn't have been so clumsy if you hadn't been walking away from me," he retorted and she raised her chin.
"Don't take that tone with me," she replied and he snorted.
"Fine, but why are you so angry?" He asked and she bit her lip, her eyes going to the wall.
"When you swore your loyalty to me Link," her eyes came back to his, "You tied your life here." She whispered and he frowned, confused.
"What do you mean?" He asked and she sighed angrily.
"You're so stupid!" She hissed and threw her hands up. "You can't leave here unless the elders release you! And let me tell you," she narrowed her eyes till they were nearly slits, "they won't let you go."
"But I swore my loyalty to you!" He retorted and for a moment he thought he saw her cheeks flush at his words but before he could contemplate it she was turning away from him.
"You don't understand our laws," she answered and he rolled his eyes.
"They can't possibly be any more different than Hyrule's." He followed her up the hall as she led him back to his chambers. As they walked she looked over her shoulder at him.
"You would be surprised, hero." She turned back and kept walking, her footsteps quiet on the stones. Link sighed and after a moment followed.
Things couldn't possibly get any worse...
Or could they?
VVVV
Dark lunged...
His sword connected harshly with the steel, causing sparks to fly. He whirled, bringing it up and connecting with the wood. It splintered, bits flying as the rain poured down on him.
He didn't stop there...
The practice field was deserted, considering it was late into the night and he was the only one that prowled the castle halls. He'd become restless, on edge and the need to shed blood had filled him so suddenly that he'd nearly unsheathed his sword and attacked a nearby guard.
Knowing that would only end him up in the dungeons again he'd quickly made his way to the practice field. The dummies and obstacles would provide at least something he could vent his anger out on.
He split another log, whirling to dodge an imaginary opponent...
Lightning flashed above him...
Blue eyes flashed before his eyes...
His jaw clamped and swinging the Dark Mastersword he slid it along another steel spear, bending the practice spear. Tremors and pain ran up his arm but he ignored it and rolling clear of the swinging log he came up and bashed it with his shield.
The log swung out...
He'd told Dark that his connection with Link would falter, that their feelings would mix and collide but he never thought that it would be like this.
Pale skin...
Hair as breathtaking as the sun...
He screamed in rage and swung his sword, splitting the log...
His chest heaved and his arms felt numb as the rain poured down on him but his fiery blood hadn't cooled. His head pounded as pain engulfed his side. His blood red eyes narrowed as he turned and made his way back into the castle. The stupid girl hadn't been meant to take the challenge and go looking for the cure, but he supposed that she hadn't mentioned a word about her condition.
Naïve girl...
Did she expect sympathy from him? Is that why she played that card earlier with the Council? A growl left his throat as he made his way through the halls. The simple black shirt clung to him as did his trousers. His hair hung down around his face, escaping from the loose ponytail he'd had it in.
He went to push open his door when his side erupted in pain...
He sucked in a breath as his leg buckled and he slumped against the wall.
"Dark?" Came a quiet voice from the hallway and Dark glanced up through his wet hair to glimpse Zelda standing before him, a candle in her hand.
Perfect...
Just perfect...
"Princess," he dipped his head in a mocking bow before his body suddenly gave out. Zelda gasped as she rushed over to him, touching his shoulder.
Her hand felt blessedly cool...
"You have a fever," she frowned and glanced at his shirt. It was wet, but it looked darker along his side. "Oh Goddesses, you're bleeding." She took one of his arms and struggled to lift him. "Can you stand?" She asked and he blinked, her intoxicating scent filling his nostrils.
"Why? You can't carry me? I carried you, remember?" He taunted and she snorted while glaring at him.
"I can also leave you in the hall," she retorted and he bobbed his head. His whole body suddenly ached, the fire in his blood heating till it almost felt like it was boiling.
"Too shay," he whispered and lifted himself. She struggled to support him but they managed to get his door open and into his room. He dropped his sword and shield on the table and Zelda helped him over to the bed. He flopped down onto it, gasping as his body was racked with shivers.
"What do you think you were doing? Out there in the rain like that?" She questioned tersely as she quickly went to one the cupboards and grabbed towels and a pitcher filled with water. She turned and headed for the fireplace, throwing another log on for good measure. Putting the water on, she wiped her hands clean before scooping up the towels. He lifted a brow at her. She wore a simple gown, her hair in a simple braid but he noticed that her gloves were still on.
For a moment he forget she was a princess...
"You're lucky it's not worse than it already is," she growled as she came back over to him. "Sit up so that I can take that off," though her words were hard he saw her cheeks flush from the dim light.
"I didn't think that you wanted to undress me so badly," he murmured and she glowered at him. Turning she went to leave but his hand shot out and grasped her wrist. "No," he whispered as his thumb lightly caressed her wrist through the glove, "stay." He didn't know why he said, but it was true.
He wanted her here...
With him...
She turned back and looked down at him.
Her blue eyes were so dark...
He wanted to see them darker...
Wordlessly she lowered down onto the bed as he sat up. Avoiding his gaze she reached up and removed his shirt, exposing his alabaster skin. He saw her eyes widen, saw them darken and his gut tightened.
She was so close...
Then her eyes fell on his wound...
She gasped, leaning down to touch the bandage and his breath caught in his throat. Her fingers were gentle as she inspected the wound.
"I can't...why didn't you have someone look at this?" She whispered and his gaze darkened.
"Would someone have?" He questioned and she grew still.
"I am," she whispered and he felt her breath slide along his exposed skin. His fingers curled into the bed but he remained still. She straightened, not noticing how his eyes flashed with wanting, and moved to the fire. Taking the boiling water off of the fire she poured it into the basin and crossed back over to him. Sitting it on the dresser she dipped the cloth and leaned over him.
"It'll probably sting," she whispered and he nodded. As she pressed the cloth against his angry flesh he sucked in a quiet breath and she glanced at him. "Sorry," she murmured and he snorted.
"It's nothing," he growled and for some reason her lips spread wider into a small grin. He frowned and glared at her. "What's so funny?" He demanded and she eyed him, her blue eyes flashing.
"It always amuses me when men brush off pain. Link does that when he comes home from a mission and has an injury. He thinks that I don't know that it pains him and I find it cute that he puts up a front like that." Her voice was so soft and lilting.
Despite her mention of Link's name he found his eyes on her, unable to leave as she tended to the long, but shallow cut.
"Did you get this saving me?" She whispered softly after a moment, her fingers lingering along the wound. He stiffened, not liking how she was touching him.
"I got this trying to save my own life," his words were hard but as she looked up at him he saw the twinge of hurt.
"Right," she murmured and straightened. He looked away, his eyes going to the flames.
He didn't like this...
"Don't you usually heal?" She asked after a moment and his eyes came back to hers.
"Since Link was poisoned things have become complicated," he murmured and she tilted her head in curiosity as she tucked a loose strand of golden hair behind her pointed ear.
"Complicated?" She asked as her eyes came back to his.
"You ask too many questions," he replied and looked away. She frowned, anger flashing in her eyes before she stilled it with a short, calming breath.
"Pardon my concern," she bit out and his eyes came sharply back to hers. She ignored the words she'd spit out on impulse and wrung the cloth.
"Link and I, if our connection is weakened, share emotions, feelings." He watched her as he said the words and she stilled for a moment before she nodded.
"So if one of you is majorly injured, the other will feel it?" She asked and he nodded.
"Yes, on our own we can keep to ourselves, but together and in his weakened condition, we begin to share memories, sensations." His eyes smoldered as he looked at her.
The firelight played over her face, over her exposed collarbone and the hint of her breasts. His fingers curled tighter into his palms.
Good Goddesses...
"So?" She leaned over to grab the bandages, "You're feeling what Link feels?" Her arms came around him and softly wrapped his wound.
He didn't reply...
At his silence she looked up at him and dark blue met smoldering red...
Their bodies were only inches apart, their faces the same amount and Dark reached up, his first finger curling around a loose strand of her hair.
Her breath hitched in her throat...
"You're hair is so beautiful, like the sun," he whispered as his fingers ghosted along her cheek, "your skin is so smooth," his eyes followed his fingers as the cupped her delicate chin, his thumb stealing along her bottom lip. Her gut tightened at the wonderful sensation that shot through her. "Aye," he sighed finally answering her question as his eyes finally came back to hers, "that is why it is becoming very hard to keep my hands off of you." He leaned down and her eyes widened as his lips came within a breath of hers.
He smirked as he felt her shiver and trailing his lips along her cheek he halted at her ear.
"But don't worry, Princess," his voice caressed her ear, causing her to shiver again, "I shall restrain myself," he nibbled the bottom of her ear. A whimper left her lips as her back instinctively arched, "but unless we find the cure, I'm afraid I won't be able to, and if that happens," he pulled away to hover above her, his eyes dark with desire and hunger, "run as far and as fast as you can and pray that I don't catch you." His words caused her to quiver and he released her, not trusing himself anymore and she quickly stood, her legs shaking.
She stared at him, her eyes wide and dark before, her cheeks flushed as her chest heaved with short, quick breaths. He knew she was flustered, perhaps even aroused and it didn't help him quench the fire building in his gut. He fixed her with a cool, chilling glare and she turned and fled, slamming the door behind her as she went.
Dark watched her go...
And ignored the slight twinge of his heart...
After a moment of listening to the rain against the windows, the fire crackling in the hearth he felt his raw nerves slowly calm. He leaned over and blew out the candle, plunging him into darkness.
He didn't mind the dark...
After all...
He'd been born in the dark...
And the dark is where he'd stay...
No matter what...
VVVV
AUTHOR NOTE: Okay chapter five! Sorry it took so long to post! School has started and this was the only time I had to write! I should hopefully post a chapter a week, if not two if it's not too busy! Thank you for all the reviews and followers so far! Please continue to review and follow!