Author's Note: Welcome back everyone! I hope you've all had a wonderful week!
So turns out I had a lot more revising and editing to do with this chapter than I thought so that's why it's up a little later than I thought it would be this time last week. I think I finally got it to the quality I wanted though. This one wound up a bit on the longer side by comparison to the usual average too, but that's okay. It's not *too* long I don't think, though if I had ended this chapter with the scene I originally planned to, it would have been lol, but instead that scene will start the next chapter.
As a reminder, "-dono" is used here when someone of high status refers to someone else of importance though not necessarily of equal standing, and "-sama" is a high level of respect, used to address Royalty in this case.
Otherwise, that's all I have up front. I hope you enjoy the latest chapter and I'll see you at the end!
Book II – Family
Chapter 5 – Resolve
To the Esteemed Master Link,
I hope this letter finds you well. It has been some time since last we met meaningfully with one another. If memory serves me correctly, aside from brief acknowledgements at the Champions' Ball, we have not sat down together since the Calamity itself was on our doorstep. Our interactions, though rare, have always been quite pleasant and I can only hope your move to the Necluda Region has brought you peace of mind and spirit.
With that said, it is with no small measure of regret that I write to you today. Recently, I was informed that a member of our Kingdom's Royal Family, the illustrious Princess Zelda, has been living alongside you in the young Hateno Village. Though I can attest to the quality of your character, I and many of the other nobles feel it nevertheless inappropriate for a member of the Royal Family to be residing so far from the safety of the Castle. After much discussion and debate, the nobility has seen fit to present a united front and appeal our concerns to His Majesty, the King, with the earnest hope that dear Princess Zelda returns to the safety of Hyrule Castle before the end of this calendar month.
Though I certainly would never wish to complicate your personal life, there comes a point where my own preferences simply cannot measure up to the responsibilities demanded of me as one of Hyrule's elite leaders. I am not, however, willing to disregard entirely your opinion on the subject, given that our Princess Zelda has entered into an agreement of marriage with you. As acting head of the nobility, I will patiently await your response on this matter before arranging a meeting with His Majesty. If our position is strengthened by your own recognition of the impropriety of the situation, I doubt there will be much issue to be had with our discussion, nor with the inevitable resolution.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience and trust your letter will bring a smile to my face. Until then, I hope the world continues to treat you well.
Sincerely yours,
Duke Parcy Nell
"Is…something wrong?"
Zelda's worried voice broke through the haze of frustration that clouded Link's mind.
The correspondence from Duke Nell – now crumpled in his tightly clenched fist - had arrived at Ira's earlier that day and Link had picked it up on his way home for dinner with Zelda. He had been helping Glenne and the others train that afternoon and, ever considerate and kind, Zelda had again offered to make dinner for the two of them while he was out. His intention was to return home and have a relaxing evening with his fiancée without focusing on anything else but having seen the sender's name attached to the letter, Link couldn't stop himself from opening it on his way back.
Now he was seething with anger.
"Sorry to come home and immediately worry you. But…I guess you could say something's wrong, yeah," he admitted, holding out the slightly crushed letter to her.
Zelda read it, her eyes widening and narrowing at various points. In the end, her face settled into a mixture of fear and frustration.
"I…um…what does this mean?"
"It means the nobility is no better than the Yiga. They want to take you away from here, away from your home. But I promise you have nothing to worry about, Zelda; I won't let that happen."
"You…won't?"
"Of course not. You're not going anywhere."
"Link…"
He began to pace the kitchen, scowling and spitting words of anger as he thought aloud.
"That pompous coward. I've hated every interaction I've ever been forced to endure with him over the years and now he has the gall to send a letter informing us that he plans to move towards taking you away from Hateno? What a miserable bottom feeder."
Zelda didn't say anything; she simply looked on in surprise as Link decried the Duke, his frustrations having reached a boiling point they never usually did.
"I've got to have something to force him to back off. But…although we know the King supports us, even he might think it's necessary to bend to a request from the united nobility. That's not going to happen. I absolutely will not let you be taken away from here. You will never go back to being Hilda's slave at the Castle. I'll take you and flee to Termina or some other distant country long before that happens. This is your home now."
"L-Link…"
Zelda seemed anxious but Link couldn't manage to stop his tirade, his mind working faster than his mouth could even keep up.
"So how do I deal with this…? I could approach the King himself and explain the situation. Although…if he would consider bending to the nobility in the first place, that might not do a lot of good. And I don't really want to threaten leaving Hyrule if I can avoid it. Hmm…how about this then? I could rip the unity of the nobility apart personally…though meeting with that many of them would take a long time and I only have so many favors I can offer. It wouldn't be that effective anyway since Nell is the highest ranked among them. As long as he stands by this idea, the rest of those drones will follow along obediently and accept his desires."
"Y…you don't…"
"So that leaves…meeting with the man himself. Nell wants to hear from me before the end of the month, but I get the feeling it's just a formal courtesy - he would just disregard anything I said in a letter. So I won't afford him the chance. I'll give him a response he can't ignore by going there personally and meeting with him. Do I have something to make him listen…?"
As Link's mind raced, searching for the solution, he realized he might have what he needed to force Nell to stand down after all. It was a memory from many years ago…one that had happened on a stormy night just before the Calamity. In fact…that might be exactly what he had hoped for.
Nearby, Zelda's eyes had widened considerably, her gentle voice prying its way through his thoughts.
"You mean to travel all the way to the Nell Estate…just for me?"
Link gave her the first smile he'd managed since he'd opened the letter.
"Of course. I'd travel much further than that if it meant keeping you safe."
"L-Link…I…um…"
"I think I have a way of making him shut up and listen to me, too. I'll have to be a little more direct than I'm used to though…" he muttered, more to himself again.
"I'm…are you…"
"Even someone like Nell could never ignore a debt, right?"
His fiancée looked quite guilty as she averted her gaze and bit her lip.
"Link…you don't…have to go this far…"
Her sudden words caught him off guard. He had known Zelda for nearly three months now. In the grand scheme of things, that wasn't very long, but he felt he had a decent grasp on her personality and the implications of the things she said to him. Occasionally, though, she surprised him with something he wasn't expecting. This was one of those moments.
Perhaps it was the precarious emotional state he was in having read Nell's letter, having been told that his fiancée was going to be taken away from him and he'd return to living in a cold, empty house all by himself, but he was much less composed than usual. Perhaps he had also gotten used to the fact that he and Zelda were often on the same page as of late. In fact, he felt they were growing quite close at long last, something he was thrilled to experience every day.
So when Zelda said those usually innocuous words to him, he felt an unfamiliar but powerful sensation…and it wasn't a very pleasant one. His face and ears grew uncomfortably hot with sudden shame, his vision tunneling slightly as his body seized up from the unexpected shock. He felt his heart plunge into the depths of his stomach, perhaps even into a cold, black abyss that had opened up beneath his feet.
Not even the stoic, ever composed Link could manage to hide the very real hurt that flashed across his face.
Zelda noticed at once, her face twisting in sorrow as she extended a timid hand towards him and opened her mouth…but her words failed her.
It was as if Link had been snapped rudely back to reality. He had been carrying on about how to fix the situation but…what if she didn't want him to…?
"Um," he began awkwardly, doing his best to pull himself together, "if…if you'd rather I not…then I don't want to disrespect your wishes…"
Zelda opened and closed her mouth, trying and failing to respond again. She probably didn't know how to react to this…he'd never appeared so vulnerable to her. Somewhere in his heart, he felt embarrassed that she had seen such a side of him but…even he wouldn't have been able to hide how sad he was given the situation…
But he owed it to her to respect her autonomy; nobody else in her life ever had before. Even if it meant…he was alone again. He took an unusually shaky breath and forced himself to speak as calmly as he could.
"I'm…sorry, Zelda. I've been standing her talking about you like…like you're mine. I hope you know…I think much more highly of you than that. I…got so caught up in my own thoughts and feelings that I didn't even stop to consider yours, though. I shouldn't be making choices for you like that; I'm really sorry. If…if you'd rather I not say or do anything…then I won't-"
"T-that's not it!"
Link was taken by surprise when her voice, much louder than usual, interrupted his words. He hadn't realized he had averted his eyes from hers so much so that he was now staring at the floor beneath him. He hadn't realized his voice had shrunk to an almost miniscule volume, quite unlike the way he usually spoke with her.
And a moment later, he was equally surprised to feel her crash into him and wrap her arms around his midsection, clinging tightly to him.
Pulling himself back to reality as best he could, he realized that Zelda had buried her face against his chest, shaking her head again and again. When he tried to adjust to get a better view of her, she only held tighter. She had never done this before…
"Z-Zelda?"
"I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice muffled by his clothing. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Link. I'm so sorry."
He felt a sad smile cross his lips. Did she feel bad for telling him the truth…? She was always so considerate of everyone around her.
He took another shaky breath and tried to put on a brave face for her.
"Zelda, it's okay. You don't have to apologize to me for being honest; I understand. Even if it's not what I wanted to hear, I still respect-"
"T-that's not how I feel!"
In an instant, Link's crushing sadness was replaced entirely by abject confusion. Despite the uncertainty he was now consumed by…he was grateful for it. Not knowing what was going on was far more preferable than thinking she wanted to leave him.
It was then that he finally noticed her body trembling and shaking…she was crying against him. Remembering where he was and who it was that had instinctively clung to him like this, Link pulled her into a close hug.
"Um…Zelda? I don't mean to sound like I'm interrogating you but…how come you said you didn't want me to go take care of things with Nell then?"
She shook her head over and over again before finally lifting her face and sniffling. Crystalline tears were streaming down her cheeks.
"I…wasn't saying…what I really feel. I saw how angry you were about the letter and I…just wanted to make things better for you. I was afraid…I was the cause of all this."
"Zelda…"
"So I thought…maybe it would be easier to just accept things. I thought if I just gave up…you wouldn't be so upset for me – I don't like seeing you upset. For a moment there, I thought…I was being nothing but an inconvenience to you after all…"
"You could never be an inconvenience to me."
"I…really do believe you when you say that. But I…still doubt myself sometimes…even now. And then I said something selfish and thoughtless…and I really hurt you. I…I…I'm so sorry…"
"Hey, it's okay-"
"It's not okay!" she interrupted with more force than he'd ever heard. She was almost yelling now, likely at herself, desperate to make her thoughts heard. "You've…done nothing but care for me…show me kindness I've never even imagined in my most wonderful dreams. But I…I said those cruel words to you without even thinking about how you'd take them…"
Link felt his stomach twist in anticipation.
"Then you…don't want to go back to the Castle?"
"No…I really don't" she assured him, shaking her head harder as if to illustrate her point. "I never want to go back there. I meant what I said when you rescued me from the Yiga – I want to stay here…with you. But…I said what I did because…even after all you've done for me…I still sometimes don't feel like I deserve it. B-but…that was before I realized how much my selfish thinking would hurt you! I'm…so very sorry."
Link squeezed her a bit closer.
"Zelda, I promise I understand. You don't have to keep apologizing-"
"Y-you know I don't think very much of myself. But…someone like me who's lived the way I have for the last twelve years should know exactly how hurtful words can be. I'm…so sorry I didn't choose mine more carefully…please don't think I want to leave here…please don't think I want to leave you…I don't ever want that to happen."
Link's anxieties all but melted away at her reassuring words. He reached out and brushed a few tears from her cheeks before giving her a gentle smile, his heart calm again at last. He certainly wasn't enjoying seeing her cry, but he felt so much lighter after hearing her say she wanted to stay with him. If that were the case, then everything else would work out; there was no reason to be worried.
"Zelda, I'm sorry too. I jumped to conclusions without making sure those were your real thoughts. I know it's still a little difficult for you to express what you're thinking sometimes, even with me, but…I still assumed things way too quickly. Even if I was a little thrown off from that stupid letter, I should have made sure before thinking the worst about you…"
Zelda sniffled and met his gaze.
"It would help…if I could just be honest with you from the start," she murmured.
"Hey, you've come a long way from the day we met. Don't beat yourself up for not being exactly where you want to be already; these things take time."
"Link…"
"Hah, listen to me – lecturing you like I didn't just assume such awful things about someone so important to me. I'm really sorry about that again…"
"It's…okay. I'm…I haven't believed my presence is enough to bring anyone happiness in so long. But…as long as you want me here with you…please know that I want to stay."
"Guess that means you're staying forever, then."
Zelda's cheeks flushed crimson and she managed a tiny smile at last.
"I-if…you'll have me forever then…I'll gladly stay forever…"
"Forgive me, Zelda?"
"O…only…if you forgive me too…"
She was so sweet and adorable without even realizing it.
"I'm not upset with you in the slightest…just with myself for going to extremes. But of course I forgive you."
"T-then…of course I forgive you too. And I'm sorry…"
"Hey, you don't have to apologize anymore. We're okay now, right?"
"If you…as long as you're feeling better…"
"I promise I am. I could never be unhappy with you by my side."
"I…um…I feel…the same way…"
Link pulled Zelda back into a much calmer embrace this time, both slowly relaxing into the presence of the other. He was frustrated with himself for coming unglued so easily. Sure, Nell's letter had rattled him, but to assume Zelda wanted to leave him when she had spoken a phrase she had uttered so many times since their meeting wasn't very like him at all. He was usually much more aware of her than that.
She had told him after her kidnapping that she wanted to stay with him. That he had turned around and doubted those words of hers just a month and a half later made him want to hit himself for being so thoughtless. Zelda wasn't like all the other people that had used him in the past.
When he gave the situation some real thought, though, he realized his gut reaction likely stemmed from fear. He was afraid that Zelda would be taken away. He was afraid of her leaving. He was afraid of losing her. Somewhere along the way, the stoic loner he had become after the Calamity had disappeared thanks to her constant light. She didn't even have to try in order to capture his heart day in and day out.
'I won't make the mistake of doubting her like that again. Zelda…isn't like anyone else I've ever met. I can trust her, every bit as much as she's come to trust me. I won't lose sight of that a second time.'
After several long moments of holding one another, Link eased backwards, brushing the last remnants of mostly dried tears from Zelda's cheeks again.
"Are you feeling better?"
Zelda met his gaze with unwavering eyes.
"Are…are you?"
He laughed lightly and nodded, showing her a warm smile.
"Much better thanks to you."
"I…am too."
"Then we're both okay now?"
Zelda nodded, relaxing again.
"I…I think so."
"I'm really glad."
"So am I."
"Hey, I need your help."
"M-my help?"
"I want to write a response to Nell so I can mail it to him tomorrow; I'm not going to let him do whatever he wants and disregard your happiness and mine. But if I write it alone, it'll end up really curt and angry. Will you help me write it so it's at least somewhat cordial?"
Link delighted for just a moment in Zelda's genuine surprise. He figured she was taken aback that he wanted her help with such a thing, but no matter the reason, it was incredibly adorable.
'I won't let anyone take her away. As long as she wants to stay here, nobody will change that. Ever.'
"I…would be happy to help you," she agreed with a tiny smile. "But…what are we going to say? You were planning to travel to the Nell Estate, right?"
"Yeah. I'll explain my idea before we write, don't worry; you can help me come up with a real plan. But before all that…why don't you come along with me this time?"
Her eyes grew extremely wide at his words.
"M-me?"
"Of course. The last time I left you here, the Yiga came and kidnapped you; I'm not going to take that chance again. Besides, I'd feel a lot better having you with me when I confront Nell. And…that seven-hour carriage ride to Castle Town doesn't sound nearly as bad if I have you to share it with."
A scarlet blush bloomed to life on Zelda's cheeks yet again and she averted her eyes, even as a small smile took up residence on her pink lips.
"I…would be more than happy to join you then. I think your company…would make any journey wonderful…no matter the destination…"
Link felt his own cheeks heat up but tried to keep himself under control. His face had already betrayed him once since he'd returned home.
"This might even work out better, actually," he mused. At Zelda's curious look, he continued. "I figured Nell would just try to dismiss me, even in person. But with you there, he can't refuse to hear us out. What noble could ever turn away the Princess when she came personally to visit him?"
Zelda watched him in wonder for a moment before a surprisingly mischievous twinkle began to glimmer in her eye.
"I…like that idea a lot. I know most people don't see me as real Royalty, but…if my title will help this time, then I'm glad for it. Let's make sure Duke Nell doesn't get to have his way."
Link could swear he fell in love all over again as she said those words. It was the first time in his memory that Zelda had uttered something with such intent and confidence behind it. And the first time she'd been compelled to do so was when he had proposed they work as a team. It seemed that, despite their brief misunderstanding and the threat of Nell's letter itself, they were still finding ways to grow even closer.
The thought filled Link with a calm certainty that resonated through every corner of his heart.
"Please come in Zelda-sama, Link-sama."
A young woman wearing a lavish servant's uniform opened the door to the Nell Estate, greeting Zelda and Link and welcoming them inside. Zelda wasn't used to being shown any courtesy as a Princess so the greeting made her feel a bit uneasy, but today she would accept it all. This was all part of their plan.
Several days had passed since Duke Nell's letter had arrived in Hateno. That same night, Zelda and Link had crafted a response to him, detailing their desire to meet personally. Rather than give him a chance to refuse, they had scheduled a carriage to take them to Castle Town the day after their letter arrived. Zelda had explained that nobles had a special courier service that delivered their mail once it arrived in Castle Town – there was no chance their response would be delayed nor any possibility that the Duke would be unaware of their impending visit.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Link had masterminded the majority of the plan, though Zelda was proud of herself for assisting in a few small ways. At Link's request, she had agreed to looking as intimidating as possible for their visit, using her title to the fullest. It wasn't something that came easily to her, but it wouldn't really matter if Link's trump card worked effectively. He hadn't revealed exactly what it was just yet, but she knew he had some effective way of proving his point to Duke Nell.
With all the preparations made, they set out several days later. The trip to Castle Town had been largely uneventful. They left extremely early in the morning so they would arrive closer to midday than evening, hoping to avoid spending too many days away from home. Zelda was so tired that morning, though, that she had fallen back to sleep almost immediately after their departure. When she awakened a few hours later, Link was happily allowing her the use of his shoulder as a pillow.
The realization that she had been sleeping against him made her blush badly…but it also made her heart flutter in her chest.
Despite the guilt over their misunderstanding the night Duke Nell's letter had arrived, Zelda was very…focused on Link lately. Though she had always thought very highly of him, she was becoming more unsure of her own feelings.
After their game of Confessions with Aryll and Mipha the week prior, she had been doing a lot of thinking. Link clearly held her feelings and happiness in very high esteem; he'd never had said something as wonderful as he'd admitted to during the romance confession, otherwise. Her happiness made him happy too…those words had replayed in his head over and over again as she'd fallen asleep for the next several nights.
It was becoming increasingly clear to her that Link really did have romantic feelings for her. He had never told her as much, though, probably so as to not overwhelm her. Between Mipha's assurances and the way he sometimes grew bashful in her presence, it seemed likely. But what had proven this to her beyond the shadow of a doubt was his reaction the night she had so poorly chosen her words – that he could look so badly hurt at the prospect of her leaving was a rather obvious sign that he must care very deeply for her…
Though the thought made her burn up with embarrassment, it was time she accepted that he felt love for her; she didn't want to hurt him again, even if it had been unintentional.
From there, Zelda had been consumed by one enormous question – did she feel the same way he did? She certainly had strong feelings about Link but she wasn't sure if it was love or something lesser. She wasn't uncertain about his character or the like, either; it was simply that she had never before experienced romantic love in all her life.
In truth, she had barely experienced platonic love, either.
The amount of people she'd had the opportunity to meet throughout her life was extremely small and her familiarity with romance and attraction almost nonexistent. That was another reason she had wished to talk to Aryll and Mipha about things but as she'd learned during the Confessions game…they really didn't have much experience either. Mipha had never even so much as been on a date herself and Aryll, while having had quite a few first dates, had rarely ever been on a second.
Everyone in her new life, herself included, seemed to be rather unfamiliar with love and romance.
She put those thoughts aside, however, when they had at last arrived in Castle Town and checked into their upscale inn for the evening. Though Zelda had assured Link she could survive staying overnight at the Castle, he was adamant that she never be subjected to that again; he knew the guest rooms were a point of pain for her. She deeply appreciated his consideration of her…and it was something that made her heart flutter in that once-unfamiliar way.
For the first time in more than two months, Zelda had donned her Royal dress, freshly stitched and repaired to perfection by Lissa. The tailor had done such a magnificent job mending its wear and tear that Zelda would have believed it were actually a replacement made to absolute perfection. But somehow, it was still the original. This new version of her familiar dress seemed lighter, as well…as if all the bitter memories stitched into its fabric had been unwoven during the process.
Their goal was for Zelda to look as much like a representative of the Royal Family as possible. She knew she didn't have it in her to bend the Duke to her whims the way Hilda often did, but her appearance alone might do plenty to throw him off if she looked the part of an official Princess. Link had dressed in his Champion's Tunic, something Zelda didn't quite understand. He had simply said it was an important touch, but she was still uncertain as to why.
And so, Zelda and Link journeyed by carriage to the Nell Estate just to the east of Castle Town. Their carriage ferried them along a carefully maintained road lined with apple trees and pristine white fencing, arriving at their destination as the afternoon sun was halfway through its descent towards the horizon. And the sharply dressed maid that had answered the door now led them into the lavish den, most likely the site of their meeting with Duke Nell himself.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable as our honored guests," the young woman said in an unfalteringly polite tone. "I shall personally make the Duke aware of your presence and my colleagues will provide you with refreshments momentarily. If you'll please excuse me."
She bowed deeply before leaving the den, drawing an ornate set of mahogany double doors shut behind her to give them privacy.
"Quite the reception," Link muttered, his eyes darting around the room, taking in every expensive accent.
Valuable portraits and paintings hung on every blank bit of wall space. Gold and silver was more abundant in color than the beige carpeting itself and the scarlet accents of the upholstery drew the eye without effort. Glass figurines and other small art installations decorated several shelves while others were lined with an abundance of books, most of which appeared to have never once been opened.
"It really is. I've never been here myself, but Hilda always mentioned how extravagant the Nell Estate is."
"It's almost gaudy. Do people really live their daily lives like this?"
"Most of the nobility does…"
"At least it doesn't come at the expense of the rest of the citizens. I can only imagine the uproar if it did."
"Apparently my great ancestor faced a problem just like that," Zelda murmured, trying to remember that specific tale from her studies growing up. "Hyrule was very near a complete civilian riot at the time, but my great-great-grandfather made sweeping overhauls to the way wealth was distributed throughout the Kingdom to avoid disaster. Despite the loud protests of the nobility, he knew it was the only way to safeguard this place."
"I never knew that," Link admitted, his face thoughtful. "I suppose if the Kingdom tore itself to pieces, there would be no point in preparing for Ganon's return at all, would there? You know, that gives me even more confidence about our plan."
"It does?"
"It sounds like Hyrule has a history of the Royal Family putting the nobility in its place for the sake of the future. Sounds a lot like what we aim to make happen here today, doesn't it?"
Zelda felt a small smile cross her lips.
"It does."
Across the next several minutes, many servants of the Nell Estate brought out plates and trays filled with various confections to go alongside the tea they were offered. That tea was delightfully warm, no doubt as a means of staying the harsh cold that had long since settled over the Kingdom. Zelda was quite glad to partake in it – their short walk from the carriage to the main entrance had been long enough to chill her to the bone.
It wasn't long before Duke Nell himself entered the room with no small measure of surprise on his face. He was a rather unassuming man, of average height and stature. His formerly black hair had begun to gray slightly, though that was the only obvious sign Zelda could have pointed to that betrayed his age. His complexion was smooth, his eyes sharp, and his movements as swift as any of the younger lords and ladies of the Kingdom. Perhaps to make up for his average appearance, he very deliberately presented himself as the face of the nobility in Hyrule, a man decorated by a legacy of success, not to mention the pedigree of his lineage.
Zelda silently encouraged herself not to shrink back in his presence. Her goal today was to make him unsettled.
"W-why, what a pleasant surprise to see you again Link-dono, Zelda-sama," Nell began in a rather befuddled voice. "Your letter mentioned that you wanted to visit but I wasn't expecting you quite so soon. I had every intention of sparing you the trouble of making the journey out here personally."
Link gave him the stiffest smile she'd ever seen him wear.
"We were both in agreement that we couldn't keep the head of the nobility himself waiting on an audience, especially after your first letter. It seemed wise to come by sooner than later so we could be apprised of the situation and discuss things with you."
Despite the fact that Link hated formal interactions like these, he really did conduct himself in quite a skilled manner. It was as if the situation was entirely natural to him. Zelda marveled at his ability to don such a mask at the drop of a hat.
"I quite appreciate your consideration," Nell conceded, plastering a phony smile of his own on his lips. There was no way he was actually happy to see them in his den; he had hoped to get out of this without ever once meeting Zelda and Link face-to-face, to have his way with no pushback.
About that time, the door to the den clattered open and a confused voice called out rather absentmindedly.
"Father, why is the den shut? We aren't expecting any company today-"
But the speaker stopped short as Zelda and Link turned their attention to the doorway.
Ruli Nell, the Duke's oldest daughter and Hilda's closest confidant, stood in the entrance with a stunned look on her face. Zelda recalled that Hilda had once implied Link had stricken her and banished her from his home in Hateno. Of course, knowing Link as well as she now did, no part of her believed that for a second. But…it was rather amusing to watch Ruli's trademark composure all but vanish as her eyes fell upon the two of them.
"L-Link? And Zelda?"
Link greeted her with the same smile he'd forced himself to put on moments before, but Zelda noticed the corners of his lips twitch slightly, almost as if he were amused by something.
"Ruli, how nice to see you again. It's been a long time now, hasn't it?"
"I-indeed it has!" She tried to recover with an overly enthusiastic voice and forced a smile onto her face.
"I'm glad to see you've been well. But perhaps a little too well if you'd forget proper decorum."
"Proper decorum?" Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Link continued, feigning obliviousness to her annoyance.
"You addressed one of our Princesses so casually just then. Surely you, as heir to the Nell Estate, shouldn't be one to slip up and speak to Zelda like she's just another ordinary person on the street."
Zelda understood exactly what he was doing. Link knew she didn't really care that Ruli show her any kind of respect; it had been a long time since someone of any real import had, after all. But he was doing this to get under her skin. No doubt he surmised that Ruli, well known to be one of Hilda's closest friends, looked down her nose at Zelda and likely always had.
Normally, Zelda would have protested, insisted that Ruli didn't need to correct herself at all. She had never viewed herself as anything but unworthy of sharing the noblewoman's company. But over the last many days, she had grown more and more upset over the idea that Nell family wanted to bring her back to the Castle where she would suffer under Hilda's thumb again and, more importantly, be separated from Link.
So she said nothing.
"W-well," Ruli deflected, "I've known Zelda for as long as I've known Hilda, you know. We're close friends!"
Link nodded thoughtfully.
"Ah, is that so? I must've been mistaken, then – when Zelda mentioned the people who really cared about her, I didn't think I heard your name on that list."
"I-I must have been!" She was doubling down now.
Zelda could see from the way his mirth settled that Link had had his fun and was preparing to return their focus to the more pressing matters at hand…but Duke Nell himself cleared his throat and shook his head.
"Ruli, Link-dono and Zelda-sama are my esteemed guests today. Regardless of personal relationships, there is a time and place for formality, and this is it. As acting head of the nobility, I cannot allow any disrespect to the Royal Family. Please, correct your earlier phrasing."
Zelda, suppressing her shock at being recognized in such a manner, chanced a glance at Ruli. She looked like she might burst a blood vessel. She thought as poorly of Zelda as Hilda herself did. Though Zelda had been lucky enough not to cross paths with Ruli for some time now, she had often frequented the Castle, especially just after the Calamity. And after the incident with Impa at the celebration luncheon, Zelda had come to dislike Hilda's friends for the way they had supported the Crown Princess in humiliating the poor Sheikah girl.
Even Zelda had to admit…in the tiniest, darkest little corner of her heart, she was happy to hear Ruli's father chastise her.
"Of…course, Father," Ruli managed through her tightly clenched jaw, even going so far as to incline her head just slightly. "Please, forgive my rudeness in addressing you so casually…Zelda…sama."
The corners of Link's mouth twitched more noticeably but he maintained his composure and glanced back at Zelda. There was no way she could miss the satisfied twinkle in his eye.
"Well? Is that enough to make up for it, Zelda?" he asked, very pointedly using her given name. It was the first time Zelda had seen Link be so vindictive. It was…rather nice that he was doing so for her.
Putting those thoughts aside, Zelda nodded and offered what she hoped was an easy smile.
"That's…more than enough."
Duke Nell took it upon himself to usher things along.
"Ruli, please give me some time along with our guests. We have a few things to discuss and I wouldn't want to trouble them for too long. They've already taken the time to journey all the way here, after all."
"Wait, is this about-"
"I'll come sit down with you later, Ruli," Nell intoned with an air of finality.
Ruli looked like she might protest; it was probable that her Father had never shooed her away in such a manner before. Likely she thought him her loudest supporter who could do no wrong, so this was certain to come as a shock.
Zelda knew better than to think too highly of Duke Nell, though, especially after what Melo had told she and Link – Nell had left starving orphans of a terrible monster attack to fend for themselves within the walls of Castle Town and hadn't lifted even a single finger to aid them when he was tasked to do so by her own father. But even aside from that grievous wrong, Nell had long been a contemptible man.
Though she hadn't ever felt herself worthy of judging anyone, there was something about the Duke that unsettled her. He had always been party to the fact that she had been all but stripped of her Royal duties and influence, though he wasn't aware of the specifics of her situation. Never once had the head of the nobility questioned why one of the Twin Princesses of Hyrule never attended any important meetings, almost as if he were glad her influence couldn't interfere with his own.
He carried himself with striking confidence and spoke in a manner that seemed to imply he saw himself as equal to the King. Though her father had never been challenged so directly before this current situation, Zelda wouldn't have been surprised to wake up one morning and hear that Duke Nell had incited a plan to install himself as the King and oust the current Royal Family from power…though even he likely had enough tact not to bring about civil war just after the Calamity had been averted and a new age of peace and prosperity had arrived.
After another word of insistence from her father, Ruli finally conceded, bowing her head again and leaving the den, closing the double doors behind her. Alone with Duke Nell now, Zelda and Link turned their full attention to him. The Duke gestured to the rather showy set of sofas that formed a small sitting area.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable. I'm sure I have no need to inquire as to what you wish to discuss today."
"Indeed," Link answered, offering Zelda his hand.
Though every bit of her wanted to hesitate and hide her blushing face, she steadied herself and made believe that she was calm and in control. It was an opportunity to appear very casually close in a way that even the Duke himself couldn't deny. To that end, Zelda placed her hand in Link's and allowed him to lead her gently to the sofa before they sat close together.
"In the interest of sparing you any further time wasted, why don't we begin?" Nell offered.
"By all means."
"Well, you already know where I stand on the current situation. As I said in my letter, I believe it to be deeply inappropriate that a member of Hyrule's Royal Family, the Second Princess no less, is living anywhere other than the safety of the Castle. Such a thing is dangerous to the future of the Kingdom and I wish to see things remedied at quickly as possible."
There were many logical holes Zelda could have poked in his argument – the fact that he had never once cared about her safety or wellbeing, the fact that the Castle had been the place where Calamity Ganon had erupted from nearly six years ago – but none of that would make a difference. Logic wouldn't matter here; the Duke's desires superseded his ability to entertain something as trivial as rationality.
Zelda watched Link's face during the Duke's diatribe. He was trying his hardest not to scowl. So far, it was working.
"Certainly, I can understand your thinking. However, this was ordered by the Crown Princess and the King himself. Surely that counts for more than all of our individual opinions might, wouldn't you agree?"
Without faltering, Nell continued, that nauseating smoothness of his still dripping from his voice.
"This is a novel situation, as I'm sure you'd agree. Even the Royal Family can make mistakes from time to time; it is the duty of the nobility to assist in those instances."
Zelda felt her heart begin beating faster. It was the same feeling she had been overcome by when Aisen had insulted Impa to her face in Kakariko Village weeks ago. Even though she had never been of any use to her Father or sister…she still didn't like hearing this man speak poorly of them.
In an uncharacteristic display of confidence, Zelda spoke before Link could respond.
"I would ask that you…not forget…whose presence you sit in. My father and sister…possess great wisdom and have always acted in the best interest of Hyrule…"
Though she faltered some, Link gave her hand a subtle squeeze, silently supporting her. The only thing he'd asked was that she present herself as officially as possible; he hadn't once asked her to say anything at all. Her words a moment before had been entirely her own.
Nell, somewhat surprisingly, fumbled and pivoted to saving face as quickly as possible. Perhaps the idea that she might relay his words to Hilda or her father caused him to react in such a manner.
"O-of course, Zelda-sama. I would never dream of disrespecting your family, I assure you. I was simply acknowledging that, Royalty or nobility or otherwise, we're all just people at the end of the day. People make mistakes, as I'm sure you're no doubt aware."
Zelda hesitated, unsure of how to respond to that, but Link came to her rescue as usual.
"Oh, I'm sure Zelda is well versed in the mistakes those surrounding the Royal Family are capable of making. But regardless, your stance is that you and the nobility are 'correcting' a mistake the King made in sending Zelda to Hateno to live with me?"
"Thought regrettable, that is what I believe to be the truth."
"And what of our marriage? Is your intent to disregard the fact that Zelda and I are to be married by request of His Majesty?"
Nell shook his head and showed him a calm smile.
"Of course not. At the appointed time of your union, you will have officially married into the Royal Family, Link-dono. I'm quite certain there will be no problem with you residing in the Castle alongside Zelda-sama. Perhaps your life will be a bit different than it currently is, but that is a small price to pay for the safety of our Princess, wouldn't you say?"
For the first time, Link's façade of calm broke. Zelda was sure he hated the idea of his own life being decided like that for him, certainly after all he'd sacrificed for Hyrule over the years. He had fled Castle Town with his family because he had grown miserable after the Calamity; of course he didn't want to return here.
For the second time in minutes, Zelda surprised herself – frustration overwhelmed her and she spoke with more bite than she might ever have.
"T-that is not for you to decide."
Two pairs of eyes turned to her, both filled with surprise. She almost wilted under the sudden attention, but Link kindly and knowingly turned his face back towards Nell, squeezing her hand yet again. Before her anger fizzled out, she forced herself to continue, latching onto his comforting touch for support.
"Link is…not a knight. He is in no way obligated to…change his personal life because someone of the nobility demands it. The Royal Family and the nobility…we exist to serve and protect the citizens of Hyrule…not the other way around."
"On the contrary, Zelda-sama, I only want you to be safe; whether or not Link-dono chooses to relocate to the Castle would be entirely up to him. I'm sure he feels the same way about your safety, as well; after that kidnapping business at the end of last year, Hateno Village seems an unsafe place for you to reside."
Zelda balked. Nell knew about the Yiga Clan and their actions? It made sense if word had also gotten to Aisen in the Castle. She wasn't sure how to proceed from here…
Link, of course, held his ground.
"You believe Zelda to be unsafe with the hero who felled Calamity Ganon?"
She watched as he actively fought down a grimace at his own words – Zelda knew he hated sounding or appearing arrogant in any situation.
"Of course not; were anyone but you by her side, the Yiga likely would have succeeded in their plot to abduct Zelda-sama. However, you cannot deny that she was safer in the Castle than in your village. She was never once kidnapped in the twenty-two years she lived within its walls."
Zelda wasn't sure where to go from here. Nell had a frustratingly sound argument, even though she knew he didn't care one bit for her personal safety. Nobody in Central Hyrule had concerned themselves with her in more than a decade; whatever the reason the Duke had suddenly taken an interest in her place of residence, it certainly wasn't for selfless intentions.
"So," Link continued, his voice measured, "this is your position and you refuse to negotiate it?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot in good conscience do so."
"Even though Zelda is extremely happy where she is?"
"I'm sure the Castle holds even more happiness for the Second Princess of Hyrule."
"Even though Hilda and the King ordered her to Hateno?"
"As I said, it is the responsibility of the nobility to act as counsel to the Royal Family when necessary. In fact, it is my duty especially, given that I am the head of said nobility."
"So we're incapable of seeing eye to eye on this, then," Link conceded.
"If you simply agree that Zelda-sama would be much safer were she to return to the Castle, we can present our decision to His Majesty together – I'm sure he wouldn't find fault with such logic if the two of you were to agree with me."
"I'm afraid that won't be happening," Link insisted, his eyes boring into the Duke.
"Regrettable. I hadn't wanted to force the situation forward in such a manner."
"Oh, I'm quite certain you'll find a way to sleep at night after all is said and done."
"Your frustration is understandable. I would be foolish not to expect it."
"Do you love your family, Duke Nell?"
"I'm…sorry?"
Link had taken the man completely by surprise. In truth, he had taken Zelda quite by surprise as well. He hadn't revealed just what his plan was to deal with the Duke if they found themselves at an impasse, but he had assured her he had one. It was the reason he had worn his Champion's Tunic, the reason he had insisted on a face-to-face meeting rather than a letter. He had…something more than he'd yet revealed.
"Your family," Link reiterated, his eyes intense. "Do you love them?"
"Of course I do, though I fail to see the merit in such a question."
"It's an incredible thing, family," he mused, gazing pointedly around the room. "We're all born into a family of at least one. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not. But eventually, most people are compelled to form a family of their own. Do you think it has to do with loneliness?"
"I…can't say I've ever pondered such queries before. I started my own family because I was obligated to as the eldest son of House Nell; it was my responsibility to inherit the role of head of the nobility and, as such, to produce heirs to later do the same."
"And yet, you love that family you formed."
"Indeed, I do. Very much so."
"Amazing, that. Even though you were all but forced to marry for status and obligation, you still found real love. You should consider yourself quite lucky."
"I have long felt such things. But why do you bring this up now?"
Link didn't answer his question, instead taking a different approach.
"Incidentally, you've had two great loves in your life, have you not?"
The Duke was silent for a long moment before he nodded.
"I have. My first wife was lost to us far too early in her life. But I was fortunate enough to find another who gave her heart to me and filled the void left in my own. My daughters from my first union have come to adore her as well."
"Most people cannot claim to have such fortune. If I'm not mistaken, you were even blessed with a fourth child."
Zelda wasn't quite sure where Link was going with all this, but she chose to sit back and trust his judgment. He had never once failed her. She knew he wouldn't fail now, not for how impassioned he had been since receiving the Duke's letter.
The man spoke again, his eyes soft.
"I was. My wife gave birth to her just two months before the Calamity. She turned five this past spring."
"I'm sure Ruli and your older daughters dote on her as if she were a princess herself, don't they?"
The man chuckled and a warm smile spread across his lips. Zelda had never seen him look like this before.
"They really do. Ruli especially has been more than happy to spoil her at any opportunity possible. Watching them together is a gift I cherish each and every day that comes."
"That's a beautiful thing."
"I quite agree."
"I have a story I'd like to share with you, Duke Nell."
"Oh?"
"It's a story that happened days before Ganon resurrected and began his assault on Hyrule, a story about a stormy night that shaped the future of a certain household."
"Hm? Whatever could this have to do with our conversation at hand? I must say, your sudden changes of topic are quite jarring, Link-dono."
Link simply offered him a calm smile.
"Oh, I would never dream of wasting your time – this is very relevant, I assure you. This story is of the night I saved your family's lives."
Zelda gasped lightly and leaned forward. She wasn't the only one that responded in surprise, though. Duke Nell's eyes had widened considerably.
"I've never heard of such a thing happening; what are you talking about?"
"Exactly what I said. Would you like to hear the tale?"
The Duke took a calming breath before nodding.
"I would. I should know if I owe you a debt I've been until now unaware of."
Zelda very much wanted to hear this story as well.
"I'd be happy to share, then. Days before the Calamity, the monsters around the Kingdom were increasing in number and their violent tendencies were growing. As Ganon pushed against his seal, more of his malice magic seeped into Hyrule. And as that happened, the beasts under his command became stronger and stronger. They were beginning to pose a threat even to the heavily populated areas they usually dared not enter. To that end, myself, Hilda, and the other Champions took up the task of safeguarding our individual regions as much as possible leading up to Ganon's revival.
"Central Hyrule is, of course, the most populous region of all, so Hilda and I enlisted the aid of several soldiers to patrol the area. And one night, just as a terrible storm rolled in, I found myself alone on the eastern end of Castle Town. Several soldiers were injured in the days before and we were running short of capable men and women. Given that I possessed the Master Sword, I was perfectly willing to patrol by myself; I was more effective against monsters than a regular knight, you see."
The Duke nodded.
"I have heard as much. But…well, I suppose we'll get to the purpose shortly, won't we?"
"We will. As rain began to fall, I happened to hear the snarling of Ganon's forces. I carefully approached, using the storm to mask my presence, and found a horde of silver Moblins and Bokoblins traveling the main road. Monsters had never been so bold as to walk out in the open like that, but as I'm sure you know, silver class monsters are among the strongest in the world. With Ganon's resurrection close at hand, their power was mightier than ever and their confidence at an all time high. Even with the Master Sword, I would have a very difficult time taking them down without help.
"So I followed them instead. I had hoped they would follow the road out of Central Hyrule and continue to the east towards Dueling Peaks. There was far less a chance they would find anyone living out there. But they didn't do that, unfortunately. Instead, they turned somewhat north, following the main road until it gave way to a rather steep hill, one dotted with apple trees and brilliant white fencing."
Duke Nell swallowed hard. Zelda had picked up on it too – Link was describing the approach to the Nell Estate.
"Between the darkness of the night and the sheets of rain obscuring the world around me, I wasn't sure where I actually was. By the time I realized the monsters were approaching your manor, Duke Nell, it was far too late to come up with a plan. There were only two options available to me – hurry to secure some backup and hope the monsters wouldn't be able to force their way into your home in the meantime, or place myself between your family and a pack of silver class beasts and hope that I alone would be enough. I had only this Champion's Tunic I'm wearing right now and the Master Sword on my back; it wasn't much to rely on."
A shiver passed through Duke Nell's body and Zelda suddenly understood why Link had dressed so particularly for their visit. Seeing the exact image of the man who had saved his loved ones on that stormy night surely made the tale that much more powerful for the Duke.
"Of course, I couldn't let anything happen to an innocent family while I was so close by and could make a difference. It didn't matter to me that the head of the nobility lived at the end of that road; you were an innocent man with an innocent family. If I abandoned you all, I would never be able to forgive myself.
"So I leapt out of hiding and assaulted the monsters with every ounce of power and skill I had. I'm not exaggerating when I say Ganon's increased flow of magic made them significantly more powerful than ever before. That group was without a doubt the most resilient and powerful of Ganon's forces I had ever faced. My life was in danger more often than not throughout the course of that battle. But after a long, grueling duel, I felled them each and every one.
"I didn't wish to leave right away in case more monsters were bold enough to walk right up to your manor; I had never seen them behave like that before and I wasn't willing to leave things to chance. It wasn't long before one of the regular patrols passed by to make sure your estate was secure. I explained the situation and left them to keep watch, with instructions to make use of a loud horn if they were attacked again. Fortunately, they weren't, and the rest of the night passed peacefully.
"I'm sure you remember the morning after, Duke. Don't you recall a small group of soldiers warning you away from a smoldering heap of monsters as the sun devoured them the next morning?"
Duke Nell considered him for several moments before his eyes widened.
"Now that you mention it…I do. They assured me it was just a small band of stragglers but…it was something much more serious, wasn't it?"
"Indeed, it was. I asked them to hide the severity of the threat so you and your family weren't frightened. Things could have turned out so much worse…but luckily, I was enough to stop them that night."
"I am more indebted to you than I first realized, Link-dono."
"I didn't do it to earn a favor from you or anything; like I said, I just wanted to help someone innocent. Especially when it came to that group of monsters. Are you familiar with what beasts like that would do to a defenseless family…?"
The Duke shook his head and Zelda felt a shiver pass along her arms. He wasn't done yet? Wasn't that enough to force Nell to give up his desire to separate them? Even for as stubborn as he seemed, the knowledge that the person sitting across from him had saved his family's life was certainly enough to force him to retract his scheme, right?
But it seemed Link wanted to make things even more certain.
"I…am not aware, no," Nell admitted.
"I'd seen it too many times at that point in my life. Moblins are sadistic creatures, especially as they grow more powerful. If that band of monsters had made it to your door, they'd have beaten it down with their clubs before searching each and every room methodically for the people who lived inside. Then, one by one, they would have killed your oldest daughters…likely in front of each other. If they had found you and your wife asleep, that would only have made matters worse…"
The Duke's face paled but he dared not breathe a word.
"When Moblins find people that are clearly bonded to one another, they take great delight in inflicting as much misery as possible. They'd have incapacitated you with their clubs until you could no longer move before killing your wife right before your very eyes…though it wouldn't have been a swift death. After letting you suffer in your misery until they tired of it, they would have killed you as well."
Zelda felt her eyes widen in horror but it was nothing compared to the sight of Duke Nell mirroring her action across the sitting area. Of course, his own eyes widened to a much higher degree.
"And that's to say nothing of the Bokoblins…those little devil spawn aren't nearly as sophisticated in their thinking as Moblins are, but that almost makes them more dangerous. They're driven by a desire to feed and nothing more. The Moblins would have let them ransack the house in search of food after they were finished. And if they had found your newborn daughter…they wouldn't have thought twice about turning her into a late night snack-"
"Enough!"
Duke Nell was trembling badly as he shouted. His face was white as a sheet and his eyes looked panicked like Zelda had never seen them. She had no positive feelings towards the man herself, but it was rather incredible that Link had managed to reduce him to such a state. She almost pitied him…
"Ah, my apologies; I probably should have omitted that last part," Link offered, inclining his head.
"W…why tell me things like that?" Nell demanded. It sounded more like he was begging Link to stop than overcome by anger, however.
"This all came up when we started discussing family, remember?"
"I do."
"Well, I suppose I was hoping to illustrate something to you. Your family came dangerously close to losing their lives that night in a horrific fashion, the family you adore so deeply. I spared them from that fate. And yet, you sent me a letter the other day informing me that you wish to dismantle my family before it even has the chance to flourish the way yours has."
Duke Nell's eyes widened yet again. This time, Zelda suppressed both a fierce blush and a small smile – this was Link's trump card. She tried not to dwell too much on the fact that Link seemed to be implying that they would start a family together someday…it was likely just to prove his point to the Duke. Surely that was the case…
"Imagine the feeling, Duke Nell. What if, instead of leaping out in front of a horde of silver Moblins and Bokoblins all alone, I instead sent you a letter that afternoon informing you that your family would be destroyed that evening and that I was even going to go out of my way to facilitate it. Imagine if I were to light torches and set them along your white fencing to guide those beasts right to your front door; maybe I even broke the lock on the main entrance for them. Isn't that effectively what you're trying to do to Zelda and I right now? To gleefully destroy us without a care in the world for our feelings in the matter?"
"I…didn't…"
"I don't want to presume the worst about you, of course; I'm sure it's difficult to put yourself in the position I just described without understanding the consequences of your actions. That's why I wanted to tell you this story personally – to help you understand just how important this is to me. Though I've only known Zelda for a short time, she is as irreplaceable to me as your wife or daughters are to you. There is no challenge I wouldn't rise to meet, no confrontation I wouldn't overcome, if it meant keeping her safe. That includes this one."
"Link-dono…I…"
"I don't want to leave any room for misunderstanding, though. So, just once, allow me to say things as clearly as possible, and I do hope you'll forgive my rudeness in phrasing my thoughts this way."
Zelda watched him with bated breath, curious what words were about to leave his mouth. She was so focused on his speech that she hadn't even given into the temptation to bury her face in her hands when he spoke of how important she was to him…
Link cleared his throat, his blue eyes staring hard at Duke Nell.
"I stopped those monsters from destroying your family that night; don't you dare presume to destroy mine. I won't allow anyone, no matter who they may be, to take Zelda from her new home and her new happiness. That's a promise I'll keep for the rest of my life, no matter what actions I may have to take to do so."
Finished at last, Link took a breath and sat back. She had never heard him speak for so long so willingly. It was yet another sign that he meant every word he said. Zelda herself was so overwhelmed by his kindness and determination that she had even forgotten her own embarrassment hearing such flattering words from him.
Duke Nell took a few moments to collect himself, still rattled from Link's story and the aftermath of it. Finally, he took a long, slow breath and locked eyes with Link. His face was much more sincere than it had been that afternoon; the air of smug certainty had evaporated completely.
"I believe I have deeply misunderstood the situation, Link-dono. Regardless of tradition…I cannot spit in the face of the man who rescued my family from a hellish fate. Rest assured…I will take it upon myself to inform the rest of the nobility that we will not be pursuing such thoughtless action as to forcibly separate yourself and Zelda-sama. I believe I may have been rash in my desires to do so. After everything you've told me today, I realize I owe my own happiness to you and you alone; I do hope you will accept my sincerest apologies for my arrogance."
Zelda all but lit up hearing those words. It had taken a fair amount of effort to dissuade the Duke, but Link had done it. As usual, he wielded his masterful understanding of the world just as well as he wielded the Blade of Evil's Bane. She felt her heart grow light for the first time in days.
She was even beginning to reevaluate her opinion of the Duke…but only slightly. At least it had become clear that his love for his family was very real. Link had likely been banking on that himself.
"I very much appreciate your consideration, Duke Nell, and I thank you for your willingness to change your position where Zelda and I are concerned. I won't forget your kindness and understanding."
Zelda was well aware that Link all but detested the Duke as a result of this debacle, but he was also cognizant of the fact that having him on their side was a benefit going forward. Maintaining a cordial relationship with the man was helpful.
"Link-dono, you owe me nothing. I apologize again for causing you and Zelda-sama such distress. My concerns are likely unfounded anyway - you averted the issue of the Yiga swiftly and kept Zelda-sama safe; I have no doubt she will never be in danger again as long as you are by her side. I suppose I'll simply have to report my failure in this matter and accept whatever punishment comes my way."
"Your…failure?" Link repeated, stunned at last.
"Ah, my apologies. It seems that Ruli was quite hoping for Zelda-sama to return home to her sister. Apparently, the Crown Princess is terribly lonely without her. After getting my daughter's hopes up, I'll have to accept her anger with me."
Link frowned. Zelda knew exactly why and it had nothing to do with Ruli. Though she may have been the one to put the thought in Duke Nell's head, she hadn't come up with the idea alone. With those few words, their culprit became as clear as day…
Hilda had done this.
Perhaps she had done it because she missed tormenting Zelda. Perhaps she had wished to hurt them both by separating them. Perhaps she had even just been bored and wanted to see if she could twist Duke Nell around her little finger as she had so often made a game of in the past.
"Well, we'll have to pass along our apologies to Hilda ourselves then," Link concluded, choosing to swallow the rest of his no doubt angry thoughts for the moment. "But I do wish to thank you for your understanding yet again. And rest assured, Zelda will be entirely safe with me."
"I am certain your words are the truth; my own family is also safe thanks to you."
"And I couldn't be happier for that fact. However, I believe we've intruded on your afternoon long enough, Duke Nell. Thank you for hosting us today."
Zelda followed Link's lead and rose to her feet. Nell leapt to his own and bowed his head.
"I am always happy to welcome the two of you as my honored guests. I apologize again for causing such turmoil in your lives and I do hope you'll accept my humble apology."
"It's all in the past now," Link assured him.
Zelda nodded her own agreement.
"I…believe it is, too."
After a short goodbye, Zelda and Link left the Nell Estate, returning to the carriage that had taken them there. It wasn't long before they were on their way back towards Castle Town. Everything had gone well. Even when Zelda hadn't seen a way to force the Duke to yield, Link had managed to resolve the situation as if he'd written a script for the afternoon that everyone was forced to follow. But even so, she couldn't get the specifics of Link's story out of her head.
"Did…all of that really happen?" she asked at last.
Link laughed lightly.
"I really did save the Nell Estate from a pack of monsters, yes. But…well, the situation wasn't nearly as dire as I made it sound."
"It wasn't?"
"To start with, there was only one Moblin. But even if you ignore the numbers…none of them were actually silver. They were stronger than usual thanks to Ganon's malice, but even then they didn't pose much of a threat. I was mostly just banking on the fact that Nell wouldn't remember what color they'd actually been based on what little he'd seen that morning. I figured painting myself against extreme odds would make the story more impactful."
Zelda finally laughed lightly.
"Well, I think it was quite effective. I didn't expect we'd leave the Nell Estate today with everything resolved that easily."
"I hoped we would, but I hadn't planned on it either. I figured I'd have to discuss things personally with the King or even threaten something more drastic, but it seems like my story worked. Though I was worried maybe I went a bit too far in telling him what those monsters would have done…"
"I won't say the thought of it didn't upset me as well, but…I watched Duke Nell's face as you told your story – that was the part that really got under his skin and made him appreciate the gravity of the situation. So I wouldn't say you went too far at all."
"Thanks. I'm sorry I didn't tell you what I was planning beforehand. I didn't really want to go that far if I could avoid it and I didn't want you to have to hear all those details more than once. That and I also didn't want to ask you to lie for me."
Zelda felt her heart flutter again. He was always so considerate of her…
"You…can always ask me to support you, no matter what that may look like," she assured him, trying desperately to keep her voice steady.
It seemed Link was the one caught off guard this time as his eyes widened in surprise. A moment later, a calm smile stole his handsome face.
"Thank you, Zelda. And thank you for defending me in there too; that's the second time now I've seen you do that and it's always amazing to witness."
Her cheeks caught fire again but she managed a tiny smile all the same.
"T-thank you. You don't think I overstepped…?"
"Not at all. You're the person Nell should be trying most to appeal to, anyway – you're a Princess, after all."
"For once…I'm quite glad he perceived me that way. I think it helped things in the end."
"I do too. But speaking of Princess…I'm sure you picked up on it too, huh?"
"Yes…Hilda was the one who set this up. She did her very best to force me back to the Castle and separate us against our wills…"
Link scowled.
"Honestly, I'm surprised I didn't think to suspect her earlier. I mean, sure, it's possible it wasn't actually her but…let's be honest. It just seems strange for her to go against your father's wishes so directly, especially after she proposed sending you to Hateno."
"It wouldn't surprise me if she simply changed her mind; she's always been quick to do so. I think…she probably used Ruli to convince Duke Nell to do it. She knew Father would ignore her requests to bring me back after she was the one who proposed it, but if the nobility forced his hand, she would get what she wanted anyway."
"How devious."
"Indeed…"
"Speaking of your father, though," Link continued, relaxing into the cushioned seat they shared, "I was planning to visit him before nightfall to let him know to keep an eye on things with the nobles. I won't name Nell directly, but I do want to make him aware of things so he can stop this from happening if it ever comes up again."
Zelda nodded.
"I think…that's a great idea."
"Are you okay staying at the inn by yourself for a while? I figured I'd go to the Castle alone. When I come back, we can go find somewhere to have dinner, if that sounds okay to you."
Zelda bit her lip for a moment.
"Um…actually…I was hoping…I could go with you…"
Link's eyes widened in surprise.
"Of course you can. I was just thinking maybe you wouldn't want to go to the Castle so soon. Are you…okay going back?"
She took a steadying breath and nodded.
"Y-yes. I…don't want to hide from my own family forever. I want…to show them that I'm capable of something."
Link took her hand in his and squeezed. It made her heart flip.
"You're capable of so much more than they know. Come with me, then."
Zelda's smile widened.
"R…really?"
"Really. You'll be safe with me, no matter where we are; I promise. Besides…I'd like your father to see how much happier you are in Hateno, too."
"L…Link…"
"But if you change your mind or feel overwhelmed at all, please let me know, okay? I'm here to support you, no matter what."
Despite the fact that Zelda would again come face to face with her father very soon, her heart was surprisingly light. It had everything to do with Link's comforting presence. Having him by her side made her feel…stronger than perhaps she'd ever felt. Maybe she could face her family head on for the first time in more than a decade.
And she fully trusted Link would be there for her regardless of what may come to pass.
"I will. T-thank you, Link."
10/20/2023
Post-Chapter Note: Welcome back everyone and thank you for reading the latest chapter!
This one took a lot of editing and revising to make sure I was pleased with it. The first scene with Link and Zelda's miscommunication was hard to get exactly right, but I didn't want to axe it completely because I felt it served a few important purposes. First, they wouldn't actually be able to communicate flawlessly after only knowing each other for three months so it felt realistic that there would be missteps here and there. Second, I wanted it to serve as a loud signal to Zelda that Link absolutely is in love with her (or at least falling in love with her); showing her his genuine, unguarded reaction when he misunderstood things was important to get her to finally accept the truth of his feelings. And last, I wanted them to have a chance to talk through their misunderstanding instead of it blowing up into a huge problem, mostly as a means to assure them that they can be honest and communicate directly with the other. I also firmly believe the basis of a functional and successful relationship is open communication and I just wanted them to have that moment; if there's one thing I wish happened more in reality, it's that lol
Anyway, the scene with Duke Nell wasn't supposed to be *that* long, but uh...it turned out to be exactly that long LOL! I always wanted Link to take the offensive and prove that he really would do anything to protect Zelda and keep her safe and happy, no matter what anyone else said or thought, but it was fun to have Zelda supporting him too, using what she learned from her time in Kakariko with Impa yet again.
I did almost cut the bit with Ruli coming into the den from the chapter, though - it doesn't have much plot relevance at all and if I were actually publishing a story like this somewhere (obviously not with Zelda characters in that case), then I would axe those pages because they don't really serve a purpose. But with a posting like this, I thought it would just be fun to show Link knocking her down a peg while making her bow her head to Zelda after all the disrespect she'd endured because of Ruli. So I left it in so we could have a little selfish catharsis at her expense.
Link's story was something that had popped into my head a long time ago. My ultimate goal with that was to do exactly as he said - illustrate just how important Zelda is to him and how protective of her he really is. Obviously Zelda has a lot on her mind right now between doing her best to intimidate Duke Nell and now staring down a reunion with her father for the first time since she left the Castle, but don't worry...a lot of what Link said about her will be replaying in her mind again and again the next time she's alone with her thoughts!
This was the first big conflict I imagined with regards to this arc and I hope it was a decent one. Until now, Link has pretty much been in control of every situation, barring the Yiga kidnapping which he swiftly stole control of. I thought it was important to see him on the backfoot for a while and for Zelda to support him in coming up with a plan to handle Nell as another means of bringing them closer. Of course, when these two work together, what chance did he really stand? I figured it would also take a rather extreme situation to force Zelda to confront Link's affection for her instead of believing it was impossible; as you can see, she's slowly starting to get there. Do you think she'll keep figuring out her own feelings too?
Also it was a nice way to get Zelda and Link back to Castle Town for a reunion with Rhoam for the first time since Chapter 1. Most of you probably suspected something like this since this Book is called "Family;" I've seen a few comments theorizing it!
Anyway, that's more than enough out of me. I'm gonna go play Super Mario Bros. Wonder now lol, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and thank you so much for reading the latest chapter! I'll be back again next Friday with more as usual. Until then, take care everyone and I'll see you in the next one!