The sun had just begun to rise over the Gerudo sands when Zelda felt a hand shake her shoulder until she woke up. She sat up in bed, blue eyes wide as she looked around frantically.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Ganondorf replied gruffly. "It's just time to go. The carriage is ready when you are, so get ready and head down." His point made, he left.
Zelda quickly changed out of her nightgown and added it to her bag of possessions before putting on the near entirety of her Sheikah garb. The only piece she left off was her turban. Her mask hung loose around her neck. She slung her pack over her shoulder and headed into the light.
Outside, the carriage was ready to leave, pulled by two black Gerudo stallions. The tan tarp covering her ride was decorated in blue and red markings – both linear and square – something Zelda had learned to recognize as the Gerudo style.
"Isn't this going to look a bit suspicious?" Zelda asked, motioning to the clearly Gerudo carriage.
Ganondorf shook his head. "We often head to the capital for supplies. If anything, that's what they'll assume we're doing."
She supposed there was no arguing with that.
As soon as Zelda had climbed into the back, Ganondorf cracked the reigns and the horses began to run. They left the fortress behind and crossed over the well-guarded bridge. It wasn't long before hooves met the dirt paths outside of Gerudo territory.
Zelda watched as trees and fences disappeared over the horizon from the back of the carriage. It had been so long since she had was last able to just watch the scenery roll by. It made her feel like a princess again.
Signs began to dot the countryside, pointing to nearby settlements. This way to Lon Village; that way to Kakariko. The castle approached menacingly from the front, and Zelda turned her attention to it. Her heart raced in her chest. It was like the capital would swallow her whole at any time, but it didn't.
Ganondorf slowed the carriage, then stopped it. "We're here," he said and tied the reigns to a post.
"I can see that."
Zelda put on her mask and turban and followed him across the long bridge leading to Hyrule Castle Town. The stone buildings loomed tall, casting shadows onto the two.
"Don't be afraid," Ganondorf told her.
"It's not that easy," she said.
Soon, the bridge was behind them. They were in town now. Zelda could feel the stares of the townsfolk burn into her on all sides. Suspicion. And not of the Gerudo king, but of the princess in disguise
"They're looking at me," Zelda said.
"Of course they are. Sheikah haven't been seen here in nearly three years.
She shot a stony glare at Ganondorf. "You didn't think to tell me that?"
"I didn't think it would be this bad," he insisted.
"But it is."
"Not to worry, Sheik. I have a plan."
He took her hand and led her away from the main roads. The king took her through back roads and dark alleys until he stopped at an old, boarded up shop. It looked abandoned.
"Here we are," he said. "An old friend's bazaar."
He held the door open for her. She hesitantly walked in, but he followed with ease. He wasn't frightened by the torn clothes, toppled barrels, or deep shadows. Instead, he called out into the darkness: "Cain, come out." His voice echoed in the dark shop. "It's me, Ganondorf."
"I'm here," a deep voice grumbled as a man stepped out from the shadows. He eyed the two carefully, before turning his full attention to the Gerudo king. "What are you thinking, bringing a Sheikah here?" Cain pointed a grubby finger at Zelda who took a step back.
He wasn't too much of a looker himself. He wore a brown leather jacket with the sleeves torn off and dark slacks. One eye was larger than the other, but both were rimmed with red. His head shone bald, but his giant beard and hairy chest and stomach were more than enough to make up for it.
All in all – a strange and unattractive man.
"Hey," Zelda hissed. "Can this man be trusted?"
The shop owned harrumphed. "I can hear you, girly. And I'll have you know, I'm a man of character, still loyal to the crown."
"Of the Gerudo?"
"And of this country."
Zelda pulled her mask down and smiled. "Few have such courage to admit their loyalties these days."
Ganondorf cleared his throat. "Cain, I want an outfit for my friend, Sheik."
"Any requirements?"
"We'll be traveling the continent, so it must survive that."
"Understood. Let me see what I can find for you." That said, he disappeared into the back of the shop. Several long minutes passed in silence before the man returned. "This good?"
He placed a pile of clothes on the counter and motioned for Zelda to take a look. She did. On top was a short sleeved white top with blue decorations, a dark blue obi with tan symbols, a dark grey obi to wear on top of the other, violet slacks, and brown boots.
"Well, Miss? What do you think?"
She nodded and smiled. "It's perfect."
"Well, go and change in the back." He waved her off, and she went to do as told.
She came back a few moments later and twirled before the two men. "Looks good, right?"
They nodded in agreement.
"Aye, girly," Cain said. "And I gave just one finishing touch over to Ganny."
"I told you not to call me that…" Ganondorf groaned and shook his head. "Anyway, come here, Sheik."
She closed the distance between them, letting him turn her so her back faced him. She felt hands and cloth at her neck.
"What are you doing?"
"It's a choker," he said.
She raised a hand and fingered the metallic emblem hanging from the choker. "The Hylian crest."
Cain nodded. "Yes'm. Ganny explained it all. Just know I'll never a speak a word of it to no one."
Zelda glanced at the Gerudo king. Just what all did you tell him?" she asked through grit teeth.
"That you are the princess, Sheik. Don't worry. He can be trusted." He put an arm around her and turned her towards the door. "We can't stay here much longer."
"What about my payment?" Cain demanded.
"How much do you want?" Ganondorf asked.
"I don't want your money. I want those clothes. Don't see Sheikah stuff too often anymore."
Zelda gave a small shrug and handed the clothes over. "If that's what you want, I'm more than happy to give it to you," she said. "Will that be all?"
"Aye, now get going. Your friends are out there somewhere. You've gotta find them."
"We will," Zelda promised.