Chapter Seventeen
She was so beautiful...
Dark watched her sleep, his eyes taking in her soft features, her full, tempting lips and long delicate eyelashes. He reached up, trailing his fingers along the curve of her cheek, twirling around a lock seemingly made of gold. She sighed, nestling in farther beside him. He chuckled, the warmth blossoming in his chest engulfing him. He decided that he never wanted to leave, that he never wanted this to change.
He wanted this one precious moment to last forever...
But nothing lasts forever...
She sighed again, opening her eyes slowly to connect with his. He looked down into them, wanting so desperately to lean forward and kiss her but he knew that just laying in bed with her was crossing the line. Zelda didn't seem to mind and closed her eyes again, resting her head on his chest. They were quiet for what seemed like an eternity before he felt her trembling and he knew that she was crying once more. Saying nothing he tucked her in close, breathing her in as he stroked her back. After a few quiet sobs she stilled and he knew she was holding back, trying to regain her composure. He let her build that wall, for she was going to need it in a few hours when she returned to the castle.
Without him...
He put the unpleasant thought from his mind and listened to her breathing. A sigh left her lips, one so heavy he felt her sink into the bed from the weight. The dim light of morning tried to pierce the clouds outside but was making little progress, giving the false impression that it was still dark outside. She moved in closer to him, her arm tightening across his chest.
"I don't want to leave," her breath was so soft, so tired and he swallowed.
"I know," he answered honestly. Silence crept over them but there was something different about this silence. There was a comfort to it, a calmness that hadn't been there before.
But all things end...
A soft knock on the door stirred them and Dark sat up, casting one side long look at Zelda who returned it. For once he couldn't tell what she was thinking by looking into those blue eyes of hers but he didn't have time to ponder it.
"Come in," he called while rising from the bed. Tyre nudged the door open, peeking his head inside and when he saw Zelda awake it lit up.
"Ah Princess Zelda," he entered the room, placing his fist over his heart and preparing to bow but one old crone pushed past him.
"Finally ye be awake!" Cried Mildred as she hurried across the room at a surprising speed, one with which Dark had not seen her use in years. Zelda's white washed face brightened at the sight of her and she smiled as the woman gave her a heart felt hug. After the quick hug, Mildred pulled away to remain by the bedside, examining Zelda's arm. The wound had faded, the veins only a light purple now, almost normal.
"How ye feeling, missy?" Mildred asked as she continued her examination. Zelda smiled once more, though it did not reach her eyes.
"Wonderful, thank you and Agatha for all that you've done for me and Link. Is she perhaps at the castle now, tending to him?" Zelda questioned and Mildred nodded in agreement.
"Yes, she left this morning." Mildred's tone turned serious and but her face softened. "My condolences for your father, he was a great king of Hyrule." At the words Dark saw Zelda stiffen, saw her eyes begin to water and her throat tremble as she swallowed down her tears.
"Thank you," she managed, her voice quivering and Mildred patted her arm.
"Now ye eat up yer breakfast this fine young man brought you," the abrupt change of tone caused the dreariness in the room to lift as Mildred stood, "while we have a little chat. Rest up little missy, you're going to need it." The old woman ordered while wagging a finger in Zelda's direction. The princess nodded, a smile fluttering about her lips but it faltered when her gaze met Dark's. There was a question there, but one he couldn't answer nor did he have time to it seemed for the old witch grasped him about the wrist and yanked him from the room.
Down the stairs they went and Dark gritted his teeth, resisting the urge to yank his hand from her bony fingers but as they descended the stairs he caught sight of Richard and Thomas. The pair sat at the dining table, shoulders bowed with grief. At the sight of him Richard's eyes flashed with fire and scorn while Thomas merely looked away from him. Dark felt bile rise up in his stomach but he kept his shoulders square as they headed for the front door. Outside they went and around the house and just when it felt like he was going to lose his patience she released him. Whirling back around on him she fixed him with a look he knew was meant to skewer him to the wall but he merely stood there.
Finally she spoke...
"Don't you be thinkin' about leaving that girl." The sharp words cut through him like a knife and Dark narrowed his eyes in anger.
Didn't anyone understand?
"It's for the best, Mildred." Dark gritted out but the old crone snorted in disbelief.
"Says who?" She quipped and he felt his temper growing.
"Me." He bit back and she actually threw back her head and laughed. It left him staring at her in shock but the fit of laughter did not last and she quieted.
"Ah, I thought ye smarter then that boy," she stepped closer to him, her tone dropping and turning more serious, "that girl up there has gone through hell and back, ye don't abandon her now for ye's own self." She pulled away and Dark felt his whole body trembling.
He didn't want to abandon her...
But...
A flick of movement caught his attention and he turned his gaze to a group of villagers. They stood hustled together beneath the tree, heads bent together as they whispered. He could see the fear in them as they quickly turned from him, slinking away and Dark clamped his jaw.
"Do you see now?" His voice was quiet but there was no hiding the anger this time. "I have been treated with hate and distrust my entire life, I will forever bear this curse but to subject her to it," his fingers curled into his palm, "I'd rather die. You know as well as I that the people would never follow her if I remain at her side. My past is filled with blood, stained with it. They will never accept me." After he was finished Mildred looked at him a long time, her gaze undecipherable, but he meant what he said. The old witch knew he was right too, for how could he possibly hope to stay with Zelda when the entire world would see a villain beside her?
It couldn't work...
"You of all people should know that Mildred," he added softly, feeling defeated and it showed as he finished, looking up to the sky. It had darkened, the threat of the upcoming storm looming closer. The healer's lips parted but no words passed as they heard the thunder of hooves. Turning back towards the entrance Dark glimpsed the dim shine of armor.
Soldiers...
A set of six rode towards them, their mounts weighed down heavily by the armor they bore and that of their riders. Dark spied a plume of red and registered it to be a captain or lieutenant of some sort. They veered towards them and he felt the hairs on his arms rising. Wishing he had his sword he widened his stance, noting that Mildred shifted as well, moving towards the door. A few moments later and the soldiers were upon them, rearing in their sweat lathered horses. The one with the plume, a man of middle age and gruff bearing glowered at Dark. Returning the look but remaining where he was, Dark waited for the man to speak.
"I am Captain Leon of the Majesty's Royal Guard. Is her Royal Highness Princess Zelda inside this house?" The statement was direct but for some odd reason Dark wanted to deny it, to throw the man off course and send him searching elsewhere but before he could answer, the door opened behind him and there she was.
Dressed in a fresh white tunic with a dark blue vest and black trousers she leveled her eyes at the captain. Her hair was pinned back, going into a long braid and it made her look fierce, strong, but Dark knew better. Her eyes were distant and her fingers still trembled.
"Greetings, Captain Leon." The voice that left her sounded like that of a ghost's, so barren but still full of command. Surprised, but still able to react, the six soldiers quickly dismounted, lowering down to one knee and bowing their heads.
"Your majesty," they all echoed and Captain Leon raised his head.
"My sincere, and most heartfelt condolences, your highness." Captain Leon uttered, pain evident in his words, before raising himself up. "Lord Varon has sent us to escort you safely back to the castle." At the mention of the noble's name Dark stiffened, a black emotion whelming up in his chest. He swiftly forced it down, letting it slowly fade away as Zelda continued to converse with the soldiers.
Dark already knew why Lord Varon had acted so quickly. His mistrust for him was evident in their last encounter, so at news of the King's death it would only be proper to have the new queen home and chaperoned but that thought mattered little to him. His crimson eyes rested on her face, noting the lines when she tried to smile, the tightness of her lips and the rigidness of her body.
The conversation finished and she must've felt him watching her. She angled her head so that their eyes met and her lips moved. Realizing that she was now addressing him made him inwardly shake himself.
"Come again?" He asked and her brows twitched together in a light frown before she repeated herself.
"The escort and I are leaving midday, Sir Dark and it is requested by Lady Helena that you accompany us back to the castle." Zelda's voice still held that same barren note to it, but Dark caught the waver at the end.
Did she want him to go with her?
He felt warmth stirring inside him...
"I refuse," he forced the words out, making them callous to squash her hopes and his. Her face fell with barely a glimmer but it was enough to make him feel as if his throat was being ripped out.
"You refuse?" The Captain's surprised, but angry question drew Dark's attention. He fixed the other man with a cold glare but the Captain ignored it. "It is a request by the Lady Helena, you cannot refuse." The biting words left little effect on Dark.
"I believe I just did." Dark responded back, the retort sharp and Captain Leon huffed, looking to Zelda.
"Your Highness?" He questioned and Zelda remained passive until after a long pause.
"You will accompany us back, Sir Dark until the reason for Lady Helena summoning you is complete." The order was given without any emotion, without a flicker of light inside her blue eyes and it left Dark feeling hollow.
There was no anger...
No joy...
Nothing...
"Very well," he echoed, feeling as if they were miles apart from one another.
But why should it matter?
She was returning to the castle to become queen and someday wed and bear children.
Yet...
It didn't ease the pain...
Seeming to be nothing left to say, Zelda turned on her heel and headed back into the house. Tyre, who had appeared sometime during the conversation, stepped forward to talk with Captain Leon. The Sheikah directed the guards away to water their horses. Not feeling like another lecture Dark too entered the house. His things had been gathered in the corner and retrieving them he then stepped back outside. Stryder was located just outside the village and taking his pack he walked to the gate. Giving out a shrill whistle he waited until his black steed appeared before him. Sensing the dreary mood, the stallion was too passive, as his rider re-cinched the girth strap and readied the bags.
Taking the reins he led Stryder back to the house. The soldiers still milled about, tending to their horses as well. Noticing that their attention was on Mildred, who was busy with her own pack mule, Dark watched them sneer at her behind her back. Fury lurked within his veins at the sight.
Such stupidity...
He knew that Mildred knew what they were doing, but the old witch paid them no mind. Finishing up her final bag of who knew what, she turned to head back into the house. The group of soldiers had already moved off onto the other side and around the house where they were feeding their horses. One of the soldiers however, Dark didn't know nor did he care to, stepped into her path. By the look on his face, Dark knew he wanted to start a fight and he smirked to himself.
A fight he would get then...
Keeping an easy grip on the reins he came up behind Mildred, picking up on the conversation.
"It's a shame they outlawed killing witches," the guard sneered at her, "my grandfather was a witch hunter and my father too. I was just beginning my training when the king outlawed it. Tis a shame." He snickered and Mildred, her aged face icy and stoic gave him a level glare.
"Is tis a shame," she replied, "for taking away yer chance of humility." Her response may have been to high on the mark for his intelligence level, for the look of confusion was enough to even make Dark want to smile despite the black emotions that threatened to overtake him. "Now, if ye'd kindly let me pass." She went to step around him but he once again blocked her path.
"Nah I don't think so, far as I'm concerned you better take your valuables and get while you still can, because I'm starting to think you're turning hostile." His hand fell to his scabbard and deciding that this was enough, Dark stepped forward.
It was as if the solider just now noticed that he was there and Dark's lips peeled back in a sneer at the insult.
"Remove your sword from its sheath and you'll find your shoulders absent your head." The threat was given with cold malice, eyes glittering bright with the promise of bloodshed if the soldier harmed her. His face paled and his bottom lip quivered but it seemed that idiocy always managed to win out.
"You wouldn't." He hissed back, the words quivering. Dark felt a chuckle rising in his throat and he laughed, smiling wide at the soldier.
"Oh, trust me." Dark took a step forward, effectively closing the gap and he watched the man's whole body shiver, "It'd be my utmost pleasure." He purred the last word, his blood red eyes peering into that of the guard's. He quickly stepped back, prepared to turn and leave when Captain Leon rounded the corner.
"What is going on here?" The Captain demanded, for he was no fool and could see the tension in the air. He looked to his subordinate and then to Dark and back. Keeping his composure calm, nearly bored, Dark answered him.
"Settling what could have been a very unfortunate set of events," he answered simply and sent an icy glare at the soldier, "for one of your men that is. I suggest, Captain Leon," he shifted so that Mildred could step by and head into the house, "that you keep a tighter leash on your men. I'd hate for one of them to learn to keep their mouth shut the hard way." He again let a smile touch his lips, but his tone was far from friendly as were his eyes. Mildred appeared out of the house, her final things gathered, and grabbed her mule. Dark turned with her as he escorted her to the village gate. They said nothing, the silence ebbing on.
Finally she spoke...
"Despite ye stupidity boy," Mildred quirked her brow at him, "Ye a fine lad." Surprise covered his face and Mildred reached up, patting his cheek. She then mounted up on her mule and gave him a warm smile of farewell. "Take care of yourself, and remember what all this has taught ye Dark." She didn't give him anything more than that before she kicked her mule and off they went. Dark watched her go, a sour taste in his mouth.
He gave a small snort...
Since when was he so sentimental?
Not liking his change of character he swung up onto Stryder's back, the stallion's presence a comfort to him as he pondered his life.
What a sad story it really was...
Motion back at the cottage drew his attention. Zelda had appeared, dressing in more formal attire. A black tunic and trousers, her hair still in the same braid. She looked so forlorn as she mounted Dude but her hands appeared steadier as she guided the horse. The soldiers mounted up as well, forming a u shaped formation around her but leaving a respected distance. She then began to lead the convoy towards him and he felt his throat running dry. Guiding Stryder, he came to ride beside her, noting the hated glares and lack of two riders.
"Is that old knight staying here with the boy?" Dark voiced, casting his eyes back over his shoulder. Zelda dipped her chin in a nod.
"Yes, until Thomas is healed." She answered and Dark knew she would say little to him.
It'd be better this way...
Considering just being near him would tarnish her reputation with the people of Hyrule. Already he could see the mistrust building in the faces of the villagers as they rode by. Their farewells fell, along with their voices and faces.
Just as well he told himself...
Just as well...
VVVV
She didn't want to go home...
Didn't want to go back into those empty halls...
But she was the princess, no, the queen and she had to. That didn't stop the knots that formed in her stomach or how she wanted to whip Dude around and flee in the opposite direction. Biting the side of her cheek, she steeled her nerves and straightened her back.
She must be strong...
The bridge to Hyrule Castle Town was filled with the townsfolk, all dressed in somber colors to match their pain filled faces. Zelda felt her throat closing, felt the tears burning her eyes but she forced herself to wave, to let them know that she would be here for them, would take care of them.
The ride was long, nearly torturous but finally they were at the castle. The courtyard was too, filled with people wanting to offer their condolences including the Council Members. At the sight of Lady Helena, tall and graceful at the head of the precision gave her comfort, especially when she saw Impa at her side. They rode forward, halting before the crowd and dismounted. Her feet had barely touched the ground before Impa wrapped her in a tight hug. Zelda returned it, choking back the tears. After the embrace Lady Helena stepped forward and bowed her head.
"Your Majesty," she lifted her eyes, "my most deepest apologies." She whispered and Zelda nodded, grateful. The moment was ruined however, when Lord Rendel appeared. He seemed to sneak from the crowd like a rat, puffing his chest out.
The sight of him made her skin crawl...
"Yes, Princess, our deepest apologies," he didn't bow, but instead levelled a glare at Dark. The silent warrior remained impassive, his eyes glittering like hard rubies as they fixated on Lord Rendel. Though they had not spoken since leaving the village, Zelda drew comfort from his presence and strength.
How very ironic...
The thought gave fire to her veins and she felt more like a ruler than she had in days...
"Thank you, Lord Rendel." Zelda replied, turning her eyes from him to Lady Helena. "And you, Lady Helena." She softened her voice but Lord Rendel didn't seem to care about manners at the moment.
"Leave." He ordered, the word a sharp whip and Zelda blinked in surprise. Dark didn't react, remaining cold. This seemed to infuriate Lord Rendel, who opened his mouth to say more but Zelda didn't give him a chance.
"He will do no such thing, Lord Rendel until I have deemed his use for Hyrule completed." She snapped back, her voice full of command. Seemingly to remember his place, he shut his mouth but that didn't stop the hate filled glare he sent at Dark.
"As I am sure you are exhausted, Princess, please," a new voice appeared and this one belonged to Lord Varon, "allow me to accompany you inside." He was dressed in greys and blacks, his hair swept back with kind eyes. Though Zelda felt no love for him, she was glad to see him all the same.
"Yes, thank you." She took his offered arm and felt the tingles along her back. She knew Dark was watching her, but isn't this what he wanted?
After all...
He'd made it abundantly clear on numerous occasions that he didn't want her...
"Any news on Link's condition? Is he awake yet?" She asked as they climbed the steps.
"Not yet I'm afraid, your Majesty." Lord Varon answered. Disappointment filled her but perhaps this was for the better, considering having Link awake with Dark still within the castle walls wouldn't be a good thing.
The castle...
They entered through the tall, thick doors and the warm air of the castle rushed out to touch her face but she didn't feel its warmth. She felt hollow inside, thinking of her father and how he wouldn't be here. It made her legs weak and she wobbled. Lord Varon steadied her, concern etched onto his face.
"Are you alright, your Highness? Are you well?" He questioned and Zelda put on a face.
"Yes, just tired from the journey and..." she trailed off, not bearing able to voice the words just yet. Understanding Lord Varon gave a grim nod.
"Preparations have been arranged according to the King's will and testament. Later this evening, the Council would like to overlook them with you present to deem them satisfactory." Lord Varon kept his voice low, his fingers a welcome comfort on her arm as he steered her towards her private chambers. "Until then, rest, and do not let the kingdom worry you. Lady Helena and Master Impa have done a fine job with dealing with the oncoming threat." At the last word Zelda furrowed her brows.
Threat?
What threat?
"What do you mean, Lord Varon?" She questioned and he seemed to realize his mistake but it was too late now.
"As I have said, the Lady Helena and Master Impa have seen to it. If you wish to know the very exact details, you should take their company. I know little." He confessed and Zelda bit back a rough sigh.
Typical...
"Very well," they paused outside her door, "thank you for the escort Lord Varon. Send word to Impa and Lady Helena when they have a moment for I wish to speak with them." Zelda instructed and Lord Varon agreed with a bow of his head.
"Rest well, your highness," he lingered, as if he wanted to say more but then thought better of it and bowing his head one more time, turned down the hall. Zelda slipped into her rooms, everything from the smell to the shape of the furniture a welcoming comfort. Feeling tired, tired beyond her years, she slipped into her chair behind the heavy desk, craning her eyes towards the window. The sky looked as if it were ready to open up and flood the world and for a moment she wished it would.
It would certainly take care of her problems if it did...
But that was not the way to approach this...
She knew that, told herself that, but that didn't stop the single tear flowing down her cheek...
Or the other...
Or the one after that one...
She sat there, motionless, and let the tears flow down her cheeks as she watched the sky finally release its own tears upon the land.
Minutes...
Hours...
Time seemed to fade away...
But just this once...
She didn't mind...
VVVV
Dark watched Zelda as she was escorted away by Lord Varon. That same black emotion stirred within his chest but his attention was diverted away from them by Lord Rendel. The snake despised Dark because Dark knew what he was. Giving a look that reminded Dark of a vulture, Lord Rendel turned and followed the rest of the party inside after Zelda and Lord Varon, leaving him with Impa and Lady Helena.
The two remained silent, quietly judging him. Feeling like an animal on display he finally broke the silence.
"Despite having the eyes of to lovely ladies on me, I suggest we get to the point." He growled and Impa glowered at him while Lady Helena smiled softly, as if she knew something he didn't.
"Come with me, Sir Dark." The woman turned, seemingly to flow as she walked. Dark did, noting the cautious look Impa fixed him with. Brushing it off, they took a side entrance door, leading into a smaller hallway. From there they stepped into what appeared to be an office of some sorts. Lady Helena lowered herself down into one of the few chairs and Impa stood beside her.
Dark remained standing, waiting...
Finally she spoke...
"There is a threat against Princess Zelda and this kingdom. Impa's spies have discovered a large army coming from the west, and that Lord Rendel plans to undermine the young princess and take her rightful place on the throne. You, until Sir Link is able to, will serve as her guardian, Sir Dark." The blunt words were like hammer blows to his chest but he kept his composure, only lifting one brow at the last sentence.
So they still wanted him to play their lap dog until Link was awake?
But there were several bits of information he had to process...
First was the army, for why was he sending an army? That wasn't part of the deal but yet he wasn't surprised. That black demon was known for his trickery. Second was Lord Rendel undermining Zelda's rule. Dark's solution to the problem would be ramming his sword through the man's gut but he knew the plan would not be thought fondly of.
He hummed, pretending to think about it when he knew his answer.
"No." He placed his hands behind his back, locking eyes with Lady Helena, "I oversaw the quest to retrieve the antidote and it's completed so I see little reason for you to keep me here. Hyrule Castle is a fortress, easily able to keep an army out and as for the pig," he snickered, "the plan I have in mind would suit you very ill in the world of politics I'd imagine." His callous words did little to effect the older woman.
"Nor in yours, Sir Dark. You'd be hunted down for killing a Lord." Again the bluntness surprised Dark, but not at the fact that she knew what he'd been thinking. No she was a clever woman, he would have been surprised if she hadn't of known what he was thinking. What he was surprised at was how she worded it, seemingly to care about what would happen to him.
"I've already been hunted, Lady Helena," Dark pointed out, his voice grim. The reality of the words seemed to sink in but Lady Helena wasn't finished.
"Granted, but those were from your own doings in one way or another. The point here, Sir Dark, is that you've proven yourself to be a more valuable asset on our side of the board than on the other. I'd like for you to stay, especially with the life of the princess in the balance." Her tone was clear on the matter, as were her eyes but Dark sensed something lurking underneath.
"You say this as if he plans to kill her." He voiced and at her lack of reaction his brows furrowed as rage pricked his skin. "He is a fool if he thinks that the kingdom would stand for this." He hissed and Lady Helena dipped her head in a nod of agreement.
"Yes, he would be a fool but rumors have spread throughout our lands, rumors that the Princess has been seen with you and is now under your control. He will use that against her, to execute her." She explained and Dark felt his rage growing.
"So why have me stay to protect her when all I'm doing is condemning her?" He snapped but Lady Helena lifted a finger.
"Ah, be patient I will explain. It was discussed in private of what Lord Rendel really plans to do by taking the throne from her, in public he suggested for you to stay in a gesture of good faith. The other lords of course are swayed by pretty words, falling for this little trick. Have you stay, you both be condemned and taken away on a false charge of treason that Lord Rendel plans to accumulate. Thanks to Impa's spies we know what his true intentions are, otherwise we'd all be walking into a trap. That is why I ask you to stay, for the safety of our Princess until Sir Link awakens or after the Mourning Banquet when the threat to her life will be over. I cannot send you away now without risking the ire from Lord Rendel, who will call for your execution and then in turn forcing Zelda to intervene in order to save your life. That will subjugate her to a trial from the Council on call from Lord Rendel." Dark listened as she spoke, noting the carefully thought out plan, but if she was so smart then how could she not convince the Council to see things her way?
"A woman as clever as you should be able to convince the Council of this instead of acting out this elaborate charade." Dark stated but Lady Helena only smiled, a humorless one though.
"You forget, Sir Dark, I am a woman and they are men. That is all the difference they need in order to be herded like sheep by one of their own sex. Fear creates a fickle feeling within people. It can lead to great things, or it can leady to cowardly things and this, is a cowardly thing and one I can do little about where I am a woman." The cold words nearly made Dark shiver. This was indeed a formidable woman in order to be able to see past everything and look at what can be the true nature in some things.
"Very well," he already felt as if he were regretting the decision, but he would be damned if he put Zelda in harm's way, "I agree to stay until the Mourning Banquet." Lady Helena seemed pleased with his answer, as if she knew he'd agree.
"Splendid." She answered and Dark inwardly felt himself grimace.
Somehow he felt this would be far from splendid...
Far indeed...
VVVV
AUTHOR NOTE: Okay finally updated, sorry for the long waits! Just when you think life is starting to calm down it throws another snowball at you! Thank you all for reading my story and reviewing and sticking with me through this long journey! To all my other followers, yes I will definitely be continuing my other stories but I've decided to wait until after this one is finished but don't worry it shouldn't be long! Thank you all very much for your patience!