The princess, left the chambers and walked hurriedly the castle gates, she grimaced she didn't want to be late or see what he would be like again when he was angry; the events after the banquet with the elites were still vivid in her mind. Despite the noon sun casting its warm rays across the landscape, the atmosphere felt chilling, foretelling a harsh winter ahead. As the Hylian princess hastened towards the castle gates, a subtle shift in Ganondorf's demeanor caught her attention. For a fleeting moment, she sensed a hint of admiration in his gaze as he beheld her approaching form. It was as though he, too, was momentarily captivated by her beauty, his usual facade of dominance momentarily faltering in the presence of her grace.
However, the fleeting glimpse of vulnerability quickly dissipated, replaced by the familiar arrogance that characterized Ganondorf's demeanor. As she reached his side, she noticed him caressing his steed with an unexpected tenderness, a stark contrast to his usual aura of violence and intimidation. His mocking comment pierced the air, drawing her back to the reality of their strained relationship: "Princess, I said we were going to the desert, not the north pole," he remarked, his tone dripping with disdainful amusement. The subtle hint of vulnerability she had glimpsed earlier vanished entirely, replaced once again by the familiar facade of superiority and mockery. With a forced smile, the Hylian throne's heiress replied, "My apologies, Your Majesty, I must have mistaken your warmth for the desert sun." Her words carried a subtle defiance, a reminder that beneath his facade of power, she remained steadfast in her resolve. The Gerudo monarch's expression hardened at his soon-to-be bride's retort, his golden eyes narrowing with thinly veiled irritation. "You would do well not to mistake my patience for weakness, Princess," he replied, his voice low and authoritative. "Remember your place." His words hung in the air, a subtle warning against any further insubordination.
The soon-to-be queen's heart sank as she heard the evil king's words, her nerves and senses heightening as her heart began to race in an instant. The dark tyrant continued sternly: "We will be riding across the desert to reach Gerudo Town. We will be making a half day's ride across the desert, and if we're lucky we will avoid any sandstorms or other dangers that may arise while crossing the desert, understood, princess?"
She averted her gaze and answered emotionlessly: "Yes, my lord"
Ganondorf noticed the way in which his fiancee had answered his command and chuckled softly to himself, his grin widening into a slight smirk before he spoke: "Good. Now, I will help you up to the back of my horse and we can be off." The Gerudo warlord hoisted the Hylian royal, put her on the horse's back, and mounted the steed right behind her.
The Hylian lady felt quite uneasy at the distance between them, she took a deep inhalation and asked: "What are we going to do in Gerudo town?"
Ganondorf smiled confidently as he answered the princess's question:"We are going to present you to the Gerudo dignitaries as my chosen bride, princess. I have arranged a grand celebration with the Gerudo nobles and dignitaries, and I will present you openly to the entire town where they will all swear an oath of loyalty to our union. Once we have done that, we shall then travel back here with the dignitaries to hold the coronation and wedding ceremony."
The soon-to-be demon king's bride nodded weakly as her dark fiance instructed his horse to start going forward in a slow trot through applying inward pressure on the horse's side with his legs, she couldn't speak or utter a single word, her eyes began to glisten and her throat choked up; she felt her heart sink deeply and her stomach knot at the mention of their wedding, a feeling of dread and despair overwhelming her, she swallowed back the tears that threatened to fall
The Gerudo tyrant took notice of the emotions that seemed to be welling up in the princess's eyes and her throat. He could hardly contain his grin, his eyes narrow into slits of cruel amusement as he saw the emotional reaction to his wedding plans. the dark lord continued, seemingly enjoying every moment of it: "I see that my plans have affected you personally. Your emotional display is quite amusing, princess. I like it how you are unable to hide your fear and worry behind that pretty little face of yours. Tell me dear, are you afraid of our wedding?"
The Hylian lady stayed silent and looked away, Ganondorf laughed to himself and his smirk grew even wider: "Princess, I asked you a question: are you afraid of our wedding? There's no need to be shy, answer my question."
the captive royal felt a slight tinge of irritation in the Gerudo king's tone, as her resentment built up she forced herself to speak emotionlessly: "I am looking forward to our wedding and coronation, my lord"
A small chuckle left the Gerudo king's mouth, he found this to be quite humorous and he chose to continue pressing the issue: "Oh indeed, you are looking forward to it dear? I had thought with that look of fear on your face and the way your throat is choking up that you would be afraid and unwilling. But I am curious dear, is it the thought of marrying me that makes you afraid and uneasy or is it something else?"
The soon-to-be Hylian queen was not going to make him feel the pleasure of seeing her afraid, vulnerable or any other weak state, she put on an impassive mask and answered in the same tone: "you must be mistaken my lord, I feel absolutely fine."
This comment seemed to make the Gerudo King even more amused and his grin widened even further. It was clear that he believed he could see straight through the princess's attempts to feign composure and he chose to press even further: "Is that so? How brave of you to say so dear. Do you think I don't see through that little facade of yours? I know very well that my plans fill you with dread and fear, and I am thoroughly looking forward to making you a nervous wreck, Princess."
Is this what he wanted; breaking her spirit, seeing her fall? Well, she was not going to give him this gratification. The princess doubled her efforts and said in poisonously sweet tone: "I am elated and looking forward our wedding and your coronation my lord, I will make sure it will go smoothly and be memorable."
'I hope you die and choke on the food and drink, and die during the wedding!' she thought to herself.
The despot's eyes narrowed into slits of frustration and he gave a slight frown upon hearing the tone of the princess's voice, but he did not show his annoyance. Instead the he shrugged his shoulders and laughed: "My dear, you are quite the actress aren't you. But I see right through your words and I can see your eyes glisten with tears that you keep back. Your act will not deter me, I know that you are afraid." The captive princess answered her voice dripping with sarcasm: "Those are tears of joy, my lord"
The royal oppressor laughed coldly and smirked, his voice taking on a mockingly sweet tone: "Oh yes, I see now. Your tears of joy are quite apparent. You are just overflowing with joy and happiness, aren't you dear?" The fallen princess glared daggers at him and answered: "why yes of course, my lord."
The dark ruler laughed once more and then looked ahead, choosing to ignore the comment, then slowed his horse's pace as the desert heat began to increase and the air around them was filled with sand and dust.
While Zelda rode with Ganondorf atop his towering horse, the weight of impending events bore down on her with suffocating intensity. Helplessness, dread, and a profound sadness engulfed her as they approached Gerudo Town. Yet, amidst her turmoil, the stark beauty of the desert landscape captivated her attention. The sandy expanses stretched endlessly before them, punctuated by rocky outcroppings and occasional oases that shimmered like mirages in the distance. Canyons carved by ancient rivers, cliffs towering against the horizon, and valleys nestled between the dunes painted a breathtaking panorama. Uncomfortable at first, it was the Hylian lady's inaugural encounter with such rugged terrain, but with each passing moment, she found herself drawn deeper into the mesmerizing allure of the desert. Despite the tumult of her emotions, a sense of wonder blossomed within her, allowing her to momentarily set aside her apprehensions and lose herself in the splendor of the Gerudo Desert's untamed beauty.
The Dark king took notice of the way that the Gerudo desert captivated his fiancee's attention, and the way that she stared out at the beauty of the desert landscape with wonder. For a brief moment his smirk faded and he too felt something stir inside of him. The harsh desert landscape with its towering dunes and rocky outcroppings, it's sweeping valleys and the sand and dust filling the air, all contributed to its own deadly beauty. The desert, his homeland, held both a deep-rooted love and a simmering hatred within his heart. Each passing moment brought forth memories of his upbringing amidst the harsh sands and scorching sun, a testament to the resilience and strength of the Gerudo people. Despite the desolation and unforgiving nature of the desert, there was a raw beauty that stirred something primal within him. The sandy expanses, rocky outcroppings, and occasional oases spoke to the untamed spirit of the land, echoing the fierce determination that flowed through his veins. Yet, intertwined with his love for the desert was a bitter resentment, a reminder of the hardships endured and the sacrifices made. The same sands that bore witness to his triumphs also harbored the echoes of his struggles and ambitions, a constant reminder of the burdens he carried as both an outcast and a ruler.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the vast expanse of the Gerudo Desert, a serene calmness settled over the landscape. The sky transitioned into a canvas of vibrant hues, blending shades of deep purple, fiery orange, and dusky pink, creating a breathtaking display of twilight beauty. The shifting colors painted the dunes in an ethereal glow, casting mysterious shadows and highlighting the rugged terrain. Amidst this beauty, there lingered an undeniable sense of mystery, as if the desert held secrets waiting to be uncovered beneath its shifting sands. However, amidst its allure, it also exuded a deathly beauty. The harsh landscape, with its towering dunes and rocky outcroppings, spoke of the unforgiving nature of the desert. Hidden dangers lurked in the shadows, and the scorching sun could be both friend and foe to those who dared to traverse its expanse. Despite its perilous reputation, there was an undeniable allure to the desert's ruggedness, a sense of primal beauty that stirred something deep within the soul.
The Gerudo king continued his silent observation of the princess and his surroundings, he appreciated the majesty of the desert; the unforgiving yet majestic beauty of the shifting sands, the towering dunes and rocky outcroppings. But that environment was also shrouded in a sense of malice and danger, it was hostile and harsh, its beauty a lure for those who wished to explore its secrets. As the darkness spread across the desert, the shifting sands became a vast canvas of black, a sea of silent mystery.
As they galloped through the desert, the wind began to pick up, carrying with it fine grains of sand that stung their skin. The Hylian lady felt her wicked betrothed becoming alarmed He tightened his grip on the reins, urging his horse to quicken its pace towards a nearby canyon wall."Princess, hold on tight!" Ganondorf commanded, his voice cutting through the rising wind. Zelda's heart pounded in her chest as she clung to the saddle, her eyes wide with fear. The swirling sand obscured her vision, whipping against her face and clothes. She felt a sense of dread overwhelming her. They reached the shelter of the canyon wall, and the Gerudo king swiftly dismounted, guiding his captive bride down from the horse. With practiced ease, he drew a complex magic circle in the sand, imbuing it with his power. "Stay within the circle," he instructed, his voice firm but reassuring. TThe Hylian princess trembled with terror, her senses assaulted by the unfamiliar and perilous Gerudo Desert. The hot, gritty sand chafed against her skin. The acrid scent of desert dust filled her nostrils, while the eerie silence of the canyon amplified the echoes of her sobs. A profound sense of loneliness enveloped her, suffocating her in its grip, as she knelt on the unforgiving ground, feeling utterly insignificant in the vast expanse of the desert. Each sob reverberated through her, echoing off the canyon walls, as she grappled with the merciless intensity of her anguish and distress, trapped in Ganondorf's cruel game. As the sandstorm descended upon them with full force, the poor lady prepared herself for the harsh blow, but her fiance raised his hands, channeling his magic to strengthen the protective barrier. The howling wind and swirling sand battered against the magical shield, yet it held firm, deflecting the worst of the storm's fury. Zelda watched in awe as Ganondorf's power held back the destructive force of nature. Despite the chaos raging outside the circle, for the first time in her life she felt strangely safe within its confines, protected by Ganondorf's magic.
Minutes passed like hours as the sandstorm raged on, but eventually, its intensity began to wane. With a final surge of power, Ganondorf dispersed the magic circle, allowing the sandstorm to dissipate into the desert night. Zelda emerged from the shelter of the magic circle, her hair tousled and her clothes coated in a fine layer of sand. She looked up at Ganondorf with gratitude and admiration shining in her eyes."Thank you, lord Ganondorf," she stammered her voice filled with awe, disbelief and a deep sense of relief. "Your magic saved us." her soon-to-be husband nodded, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. "It was nothing," he replied with a hint of arrogance. And then added: "Princess, let's have a break." The Hylian throne's heiress nodded gratefully at the offer, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. She felt the tension in her body ease, like a weight being lifted off her shoulders, and welcomed the feeling of relaxation that washed over her. It was a rare moment of respite in the midst of their tumultuous journey, and she cherished it, grateful for the evil king's unexpected act of kindness.
The dark leader and the royal lady sat silently together in the darkness of the desert, watching the stars flicker against the black night sky. They both allowed themselves to enjoy the respite from the turmoil and tension of the past few days, and the night air was filled with the sound of their quiet breathing. In that moment, there were no thoughts of the hardships to come, only the calmness of the night and the feeling of peace.
Zelda looked at Ganondorf with curiosity as he retrieved a metal teapot and two small tea glasses out of his saddlebag, The sight of such delicate items amidst the ruggedness of the desert landscape surprised her, but she said nothing, allowing herself to be drawn into the unfolding moment. The Gerudo monarch's movements were deliberate and graceful as he filled the teapot with water from a canteen, his actions imbued with a sense of quiet reverence. With a snap of his finger, he lit a fire, eliciting a small gasp of wonder and surprise from the princess, he tended to the fire with practiced ease, adding small twigs and dried brush to feed the flames. The crackling of the fire and the scent of burning wood filled the air, creating a sense of coziness amidst the desolate desert landscape. As he placed the teapot over the fire, the aroma of fragrant tea leaves and spices filled the air, mingling with the scent of sand and desert flowers. The princess watched in fascination as the dark king poured the steaming tea into the glasses.
The Gerudo warlord finished pouring the tea and offered his fiancee a small glass. The scent of the fragrant tea leaves wafted through the air and she took a deep breath as she was drawn into the moment. The captive princess could not help but stare at the dark king, a feeling of peace and fascination washing over her as he handled the tea cup with a practiced ease. Although he was evil, his actions exuded a certain kindness and grace. She had never seen him in a gentle state like this, it was almost as if she was witnessing another version of him.
Zelda took a tentative sip of the tea, only to immediately recoil at the intense spiciness that assaulted her taste buds. She coughed and sputtered, her eyes watering from the unexpected strength of the brew."Lord Ganondorf, this tea is... it's..." the princess struggled to find the right words, her throat burning from the fiery concoction. The dark ruler watched her with amusement, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Is it too strong for you, princess?" the soon-to-be Hylian queen cleared her throat, trying to compose herself. "It's just... a bit intense. Do you have any milk?"
"Milk?" The Gerudo monarch raised an eyebrow, a look of incredulity crossing his face. "Mixing tea with milk is an abomination. Only Hyrulean people can commit such a culinary crime and survive it." The soon-to-be bride frowned, feeling a spark of indignation rise within her. "Hylians," she corrected him. "And for your information, tea with milk is a common practice in Hyrule. It helps to balance out the flavors and makes the tea more palatable." The dark king chuckled at his fiancee's correction, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ah, yes, Hylians," he conceded, though his smirk remained firmly in place. "But here in the Gerudo Desert, we prefer our tea strong and unadulterated. No milk to dilute its potency." The soon-to-be queen's frown deepened, her frustration growing. "Well, I'm not from the Gerudo Desert, am I?" she retorted, her voice tinged with annoyance. "And frankly, I don't care for your so-called 'pure' tea. It's like drinking liquid fire!" Ganondorf's smirk widened into a grin as he watched Zelda's exasperation. "Perhaps it's time you tried drinking tea the right way for once in your life," he teased, pouring himself another cup of the potent brew.
The tyrant took a sip from his tea, savoring the strong flavor as it filled his mouth. He could feel the Hylian princess' irritation rising with each passing comment, but he couldn't help himself from pushing her more: "There's always an adjustment period when it comes to discovering a new experience, Princess," Ganondorf continued, taking another sip of his tea. "That which is too spicy will become palatable in time, given enough exposure. So, my dear, I encourage you to continue drinking the tea without any milk added."
Zelda looked at the tea with a mix of exasperation and resignation, her lips pressed into a thin line. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her frustration in check, before finally speaking in a determined tone:"I will never enjoy or drink such a tea," she declared firmly, her gaze meeting her wicked fiance with unwavering resolve. The latter raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes at the fallen royal's defiance. "We shall see," he replied cryptically, taking another sip of his tea.
The desert leader sipped his tea and grinned as he watched the Hylian royal take a deep breath, her resolve set to never yield to his persistence. He could see that she was a fighter, and he respected that about her. But he also saw an opportunity here to break her down, to weaken her stubbornness. So he continued to push her: "You don't know that," he said, his eyes never leaving her. "People change, Princess, and this tea might just be one of those things that you adjust to eventually. Time will tell."
With a resigned sigh, the soon-to-be queen averted her gaze and chose to be silent. She was never going to change, and that, she was sure of it. This tea was still going to be disgustingly strong, she would still drink tea with milk, and Ganondorf would always be the monstrous tyrant who invaded and destroyed her country, no matter what he said or did. She would always loathe him and her upcoming marriage with him, but she would comply in order to save what was left of her country and her people. As the dark lord rose to his feet, his imposing figure casting a shadow against the flickering firelight, he extended a hand to help his soon-to-be bride up. "Come, Princess," he said, his voice softer than before but no less commanding. "It's time we continue our journey to Gerudo Town. We should arrive by midnight if we maintain our current pace."
Zelda hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over Ganondorf's outstretched palm. But then, with a steely resolve, she took his hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet. Though she despised him with every fiber of her being, she knew that she had no choice but to follow him, at least for now.
The evil king hoisted Zelda up and placed her on the back of his horse. With practiced ease, he swung himself onto the steed right behind her and set off into the desert night, Zelda couldn't shake the feeling of dread that lingered in the pit of her stomach. But she squared her shoulders and forced herself to focus on the task at hand. For the sake of Hyrule and its people, she would endure whatever trials lay ahead, no matter how difficult or painful they may be.
The desert tyrant and his captive bride rode the horse through the dark night, the gentle rocking of the horse's movements comforting the Hylian lady as she clung to the saddle and tried to keep her emotions in check. Her thoughts were filled with bitter resignation as she accepted her fate as the demon king's wife. But she could not shake the feeling that something was amiss. There was a strange dissonance between the way he spoke to her and the way she had always pictured him interacting with her. Could it be...? But no, she ignored the thought that came to her mind.
Ganondorf guided the horse through the harsh desert landscape, its steady stride covering the miles with surprising speed. After a few hours of riding in silence, they drew closer to Gerudo Town, the distant lights shimmering like beacons in the darkness. The dark ruler slowed his horse to a walk, allowing it to catch its breath. The Hylian lady was sitting silently, lost in her thoughts. Her soon-to-be husband let the silence linger for a few minutes before breaking it gently, his tone polite but steady: "Princess, may I ask you a question?" The royal lady felt herself pulled out of her reverie and answered: "you may". The desert leader waited a beat before continuing: "Is this your first time traveling into the desert?" the princess thought for a few seconds and answered: "yes it's my first time" The dark lord nodded, his expression softening slightly. He seemed to be genuinely curious about his fiancee. "Well, I imagine it must be quite different from what you are used to in Hyrule," he said, a hint of understanding in his tone.
"Indeed it was quite frightening seeing a sandstorm right before me...even though I have heard of it before" Zelda averted her gaze and continued: "thank you for saving me again" Ganondorf smiled, his face softening more still: "You have nothing to thank me for, Princess," he replied. "It is simply my duty to protect you." His expression darkened slightly, his tone turning more stern. "After all, you are my bride-to-be..."
The captive princess' eyes widened with indignation as she heard him continue: "...you know, for a little thing like you, you are surprisingly tough." The dark leader's expression remained stoic as he saw the fury welling up inside the princess at his comment, but he did not retract it."Is it your pride that prevents you from accepting my praise?" he asked, his tone mocking. "Or is there another reason?"
The princess looked at him with a mix of exasperation and shock, the nerve of him saying that! "that was no praise, it was a back handed compliment!" she retorted sharply.
Ganondorf grinned, his tone still mocking the princess. He had succeeded in his goal of infuriating her. "A back-handed compliment is still a compliment," he replied, his tone now patronizing. "After all, to think a little thing like you could endure a sandstorm like that is nothing short of impressive."
The princess answered spitefully: "I do not care about your opinion, as a matter of fact, I am one of the tallest in Hylian standart!"
The wicked leader smirked, amused at the princess's outburst of prideful indignation. "Oh, yes," he responded sarcastically, "You are so very tall, I am sure that among the Hylians, you are considered to be quite a giraffe."
The Hylian royal was now fuming, her soon-to-be husband's arrogance and mocking attitude only made her all the more infuriated. She was not used to such condescension from him, and she could feel her anger beginning to simmer and bubble. She glared at him, not even bothering to hide her frustration. She took a deep breath to calm herself down and chose to not answer him and fall into his game of power and mockery. The Gerudo warlord watched her with amusement as his fiancee tried to contain her anger, her breathing slowing down and her expression settling into a grim frown. He knew that he had gotten under her skin, and he was tempted to keep up the act just to see how far he could push her before she would finally snap. But he refrained from doing so for now, and remained silent. they approached the gates of Gerudo Town, Zelda's eyes widened in awe at the sight before her.
Rising from the desert sands like a fortress of old, the gates of Gerudo Town stood tall and imposing, their weathered stone walls adorned with intricate carvings and symbols of the Gerudo people. Two massive wooden doors, reinforced with iron bands and adorned with ornate designs, loomed ahead, flanked by towering watchtowers that overlooked the surrounding desert landscape. Torches mounted on the walls cast flickering shadows across the sand, illuminating the path to the entrance. Atop the gates, a pair of stone statues stood guard, their stoic expressions serving as a silent warning to all who approached. With their arms crossed over their chests and eyes narrowed in vigilance, they seemed to survey the desert with an unwavering gaze, their presence commanding respect and reverence. As Ganondorf was leading his horse towards the gate, he kept an eye on his soon-to-be bride, watching her gaze and admiration for the imposing gates of desert town. Seeing her reaction, he couldn't help but feel a little bit of admiration himself.
"Impressive, aren't they?" he asked, his tone more solemn than before. "A feat of architecture and defense that is a testament to the strength and resiliance of my people." His face darkned and then he added: "No matter how many times the Hylian Royal family tried to destroy us." she looked up in surprise, her thoughts interrupted unexpectedly, Zelda answered:"the Royal family has always been fair, they would never seek to destroy others," she began, her voice wavering slightly. "Surely... it was done out of duty, to protect Hyrule at any cost."
The princess was indeed impressed and didn't expect such a sight, especially since she was told that the Gerudo were a tribe of savages, scheming thieves that were envious of the prosperity and power of Hyrule's kingdom. It was common knowledge, everyone knew it.
"Duty and security are just fancy ways of saying conquest and control," the desert leader argued, an angry edge now creeping back into his voice. "Hyrule has always deemed itself entitled to anything and everything. From my home and my people, they always wished to lay claim to whatever they desired. So no, you are wrong, Princess. The Royal Family didn't invade the Gerudo Desert out of duty, but out of greed and self-interest."
Zelda listened to Ganondorf's words, the weight of his accusations hanging heavy in the air. Though she wanted to refute his claims, to defend the honor of her family and her kingdom, she decided against that; she was too scared to anger him further especially after he saved her life from the sandstorm. She knew deep inside of her heart, her father was a good man who didn't deserve to die in the war, all of his actions were driven by the kindness of his heart, that's why he was called the Kind king. The wicked lord's golden amber eyes narrowed at her response, sensing her hesitancy and fear to disagree with him. He could tell that he had struck a sensitive nerve, perhaps even a soft spot that he could easily press to his advantage.
He decided not to push the issue further, at least not yet. Instead, he let the words linger for another moment before speaking again:"Your silence says a lot more than your words, Princess."
The Hylian soon-to-be queen met her betrothed's penetrating gaze with a mixture of defiance and apprehension, knowing that her silence spoke volumes. She braced herself for his next move, steeling her resolve to stand firm in the face of his probing."It's not silence, lord Ganondorf," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "It's reflection. I'm considering your perspective, as difficult as it may be for me to accept."
She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "But know this: my silence does not equate to agreement. I will always stand up for what I believe is right, even if it means challenging those in power."
The dark monarch was clearly surprised by the captive princess's defiant response, although he quickly regained his composure and continued to watch her carefully. "I see," he said, his tone now more amused, yet somewhat impressed as well. "Then let me ask you this, Princess: When have you ever stood up for anything? All I've seen from you is your constant obedience to your father, to your people. What beliefs do you have aside from following orders?"
The vessel of wisedom felt a flicker of indignation at the evil king's words, but she remained composed, refusing to let his taunts rattle her. She met his gaze squarely, her eyes shining with determination.
"I may have fulfilled my duties as a princess and followed the orders of my father and my people," she began, her voice steady and unwavering. "But that does not mean I lack beliefs or convictions of my own." She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing: "I believe in justice, in compassion, and in fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves."
Ganondorf raised an eyebrow, almost mockingly. He seemed to find humor in her words."Justice, compassion, and fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves..." he repeated. "And you expect me to believe that those are your beliefs? That's hilarious. Those are the beliefs of Hyruleans if I've ever heard any. And yet you expect me to believe they are your own, that you somehow came up with them on your own, without any influence or pressure from them?"
The princess jaw clenched at the desert lord's mocking tone, but she refused to back down. She met his gaze with unwavering resolve, refusing to let his skepticism undermine her beliefs. "Hylians!", she rectified sharply, then added:"Just because those beliefs are common among my people does not diminish their validity or sincerity," she replied, her voice steady despite the frustration bubbling within her. "And yes, they are my beliefs, regardless of whether they align with the values of my nation or not."
The Gerudo monarch kept staring at her, a smirk on his face, clearly not convinced of her words. His tone was still mocking: "Ah yes, I see," he said, his voice oozing with sarcasm. "So, I suppose you also believe in the hero, then? The virtuous Prince who rides out on his white steed, rescuing the damsel in distress?"
Zelda felt a surge of emotion welling up within her as her soon-to-be evil husband words cut through her defenses like a knife. The mention of the hero, her beloved Link, stirred a tumultuous mix of grief, anger, and longing within her. She clenched her fists, struggling to maintain her composure in the face of demon king's taunts.
"Yes, I believe in the hero," she replied, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "But not in the way you seem to think. Link was more than just a hero—he was my friend, my confidant, my... my sweetheart."
The words caught in her throat, choked by the weight of her grief. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment. But she forced herself to continue, to confront the painful truth head-on: "And yes, he may have ridden out on his steed to save me countless times, but he was also a symbol of hope and courage for all of Hyrule," she continued, her voice gaining strength with each word: "He embodied the ideals of justice and selflessness, qualities that I admire and strive to uphold in his memory."
Ganondorf saw the flood of emotion welling up within the princess, her eyes glistening with both anger and grief. His mocking tone and twisted smirk evaporated in a heartbeat at the sight of her raw vulnerability. For a moment, he forgot all about the war, the endless struggle between their two nations. His eyes narrowed as he watched her, and all the while he could sense the depth of her love and sorrow for the fallen hero. He averted his gaze.
Zelda Stayed silent for the rest of the ride, she could have sworn she had seen a strange gleam in the Gerudo king's eyes, was it longing? envy?She was not sure, but then decided to ignore it. Of course The evil king wouldn't feel these kinds of feeling, he was cold, calculating, manipulative and heartless, a true demon king. They, finally, arrived at the gate of The Gerudo town. Both of the royal couple dismounted the horse, the reins were handed to a gerudo guard standing nearby. The latter took them and led the horse away, while the desert leader and his Hylian fiancee walked towards the gate to the town. Gerudo king remained silent as they crossed the threshold, his eyes still watchful and alert as they entered the city.