A/N Hello readers.
Thank you to those who have taken an interest in this story.
A big thank you to Niky for their review. I'm sorry to say, but Link's evilness will only continue.
This chapter will briefly include dialogue from the Sanidin Park Ruins cutscene from BOTW with minor changes to the script.
There will also be some reference to Ocarina of Time, namely the backstory of how Link acquired Epona. Although here it will be slightly darker retelling and won't be connected to Ganondorf.
Reference to Skyward Sword.
Chapter Warning: Graphic violence, Use of explicit language and one reference to implied sexual violence
Chapter Two
Shock registered on Zelda's face. She had been rendered so completely and utterly speechless by this latest revelation, that she honestly didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Link, however was unimpressed by her reaction. His expression darkened, barely concealed rage simmering in his eyes. "What seems to be the matter, princess? Cat got your tongue?"
Finally her voice came and she scoffed. "You can't be serious. After all — "
He cut her off as he leveled a harsh gaze at her. "Of course I'm being serious. You really are to be wed to my master."
Zelda could hardly believe what was happening right now. She balled her fists at her sides, her voice sharp with emotion. "This is absurd! I cannot marry Ganondorf. No! I refuse!"
Link's eyes darkened from their usual vibrant blue to a dark gray color. "You say that as if you have a choice. Let me tell you, princess, you do not. You are to be Ganondorf's queen, so you'd better get used to being the dutiful little wife. You'll have to play the perfect blushing bride, attending to his every whim, not to mention you'll be expected to —" His eyes traveled down her body, causing her skin to crawl beneath her layers of clothing.
Zelda repressed a shudder as they roved over her far longer then she would have liked, before coming back up to meet hers. "Well, I think even a naive little princess such as yourself can guess what else traditionally has to happen, so the sooner you come to terms with this arrangement the better."
"I'd rather fuck a pig!"
Link's face crumpled in a mixture of disbelief and rage as he charged forward three steps, raising his hand menacingly, before whipping the back of his hand across her cheek.
Zelda gasped as the force slammed her head to the side. Her vision blurred and for a mind-splitting moment she wondered if she had gone blind. Pain bloomed across the entire right side of her face. She had never been on the receiving end of such physical violence before. It was not just a stinging slap across the cheek. Her lip had split open and it also felt as if her cheekbones had been fractured. The pain radiated around the back of her head, her eyes watering.
Link stared at her completely unrepentant. "That was yet another insult towards my master!" he growled. "May I need remind you, princess, that your use of such vile language will not be tolerated. You are acting like some ill-mannered little brat who is severely lacking social graces."
Sooga stepped forward in protest of Link's recent treatment towards the princess. "Was that really necessary? Such an act of violence is bound to leave a nasty bruise. Lord Ganondorf will not be pleased that you're damaging the goods before he has even had the chance to sample them. Also, as I do recall, you were the one berating us for being responsible for her little tumble earlier."
He straightened his tunic and then ran a hand through his unruly hair to put any errant strands back into place. "Yes well, she was misbehaving. But fine, point taken."
Zelda found herself quaking on the inside. Her heart was beating so loudly, she was certain everyone could hear it. She brought up her shackled wrists and cupped her throbbing cheek, whilst licking the coppery taste of blood from her lip. She was feeling nauseous and rather faint at the same time. As a matter of fact, she barely managed to stop herself from vomiting all over the gleaming, polished floor of the throne room. Apart from the pain she was in though, she also felt disgusted. She was not someone's property or some kind of object."
Link turned to address her, putting on a sickly, sweet voice. "Come along Zelda, darling," he drawled, summoning her with a snap of his fingers the way one might a pet.
She quickly hid her look of derision, instead smiling politely and obeying his command.
Whilst Link saddled up his trusty steed, Epona, he snickered in amusement at the two Gerudo and Yiga footsoldier attempting to position the princess atop a horse. She might have been a slip of a girl, but she was one feisty little firecracker who was clearly unhappy about the situation. He shouldn't worry though as he knew she was in capable hands. Larisu and Sofretti were definitely the no nonsense type of women.
"Stop struggling!" Larisu commanded, attempting to haul up the wriggling princess. She was half her size and weight, yet it took all of her strength to keep her subdued and to prevent her feet from kicking out in desperation.
"Unhand me this instant!" Zelda yelled, twisting and squirming out of the Gerudo's vise-like grip.
"Stop making this harder then it needs to be," Sofretti yelled.
The Yiga footsoldier also attempted to restrain her, but Zelda managed to kick out with her foot, catching him in the stomach, subsequently winding him.
"Then allow me to ride my own horse," Zelda ordered.
"NO! You will ride this horse, princess," Sofertti countered.
Larisu wrapped an arm around Zelda's neck in a chokehold. "Just be a good little princess and do as you're told."
A low choked noise sputtered from Zelda's lips as she struggled for breath, straining against the strong, well toned arm which was now cutting off her air supply. In response, she did the only thing she could do and clamped her teeth down into her flesh.
Larisu let out a loud grunt. "OUCH! YOU BITCH!"
Zelda collapsed, heaving and gulping for air.
Upon hearing the commotion, Link's gaze shot up. He quickly finished fitting his saddle bag and stalked across to the group who were clearly in need of his assistance. "How come the three of you can't handle one dainty princess? who may I add is in shackles."
"She bit me!" Larisu hollered, holding up her forearm which had bite marks and was trickling blood.
"If you insist on keeping me in these shackles then I wish to ride my own horse," Zelda protested. "I've already made that perfectly clear to these imbeciles here. He is a pure white stallion by the name of Storm. He's familiar with me and will be more responsive, especially considering I have limited control with steering right now." She lifted her wrists, clinking the chains in order to remind him of the fact.
"Hey! Who are you calling imbeciles?" Larisu and Sofretti both questioned in unison as they stomped towards the princess.
Still slumped on the ground, Zelda bared her teeth as they rapidly approached.
Link, in an attempt to diffuse the situation, gripped Zelda's arm and yanked her ruthlessly to her feet. "Stop this! You're acting like a Remlit. They were quite the savage little cretins too. Well at least during a nighttime."
"What did you say?" That name sounded familiar to Zelda. She could have sworn she had come across it before. However, she had no idea from where or when.
Slowly, he shook his head. No emotion on his face, but disdain. "Never mind," he whispered, before adding curtly, "Just remember that you're in no position to be making demands."
Her breath caught at his authoritative tone. "No position to be making demands?" she repeated, voice trembling. "I am still the princess and this is still my kingdom. You do not have any authority over me. Also that woman called me a bitch. What do you have to say about that use of 'vile' language?!"
Without answering her question, Link grudgingly agreed to let Zelda use her own horse, albeit with a huff of annoyance. "Sofretti, fetch the princess her horse."
"But-"
"NOW!"
Sofretti nodded. "Yes, Master Link."
"Wait! So it's okay for her to use vulgar language but not me, huh?"
Link whirled back around. "That's because the Gerudo have always been known for their sharp tongues. You, princess, should have better manners."
"Unbelievable," Zelda muttered under her breath.
A considerable amount of time had passed before Sofretti returned with the princess's horse. He was snorting, flaring his nostrils, stomping and aggressively pulling on the reins. The animal was clearly distressed at being handled by a stranger.
Zelda's face lit up slightly when she set eyes on him. She raised her hand and caressed her beloved horse's muzzle, calming him whilst taking comfort in his familiar presence. "Hello Storm," she whispered, her voice gentle and full of tenderness. Sensing her distress, he nuzzled against her hand.
Link sidled up beside her, causing her to tense as he took her arm in what would have been reassuring gesture to anyone else. But in his solid grip it did nothing to calm her nerves. He then turned to admire the Royal Horse. "Such a magnificent creature, I see."
"Thank you," Zelda replied.
Link noted that he was fitted with the Royal Saddle and Royal Bridle, purple in color with gold buckles and decorated with the Hylian Royal Crest. The forehead strap had a purple elliptical shield shaped patch with gold trim and emblazoned with a golden Triforce that rested on the horse's forehead. "He wears that like a true natural."
"Yes, but he had to earn it first," Zelda remarked.
Link raised an eyebrow. "Riiight. Well come on, Your Highness, let's get you up."
"I can manage myself, thank you very much."
"You're so damn stubborn, aren't you?" He ignored her protests and grabbed her waist, bracing her as she struggled to hoist herself onto Storm's back. With a bit of effort, he helped her into a sitting position, ensuring she wasn't going to fall or lose her balance.
He then returned to Epona in order to make the final preparations.
Once they were adequately prepared, the party set off. It was late afternoon, but there was still plenty of sunlight and the gentle breeze was cool and crisp.
Whilst Link and Zelda rode on horseback, the Gerudo and Yiga scouted ahead on foot. They stealthily moved through the landscape, checking the area for any potential danger. Despite being a peaceful kingdom, there were still certain parts of Hyrule that were known to be crawling with bandits, beasts and bugs.
Their journey to the south western area of Hyrule began with them riding through the unending grasslands of Hyrule Field. Zelda stared wistfully across at Link who was sat upright, eyes fixed ahead with a smug, triumphant grin. She loathed him so much right now, but at the very least he hadn't made any scathing retorts. It was actually quite difficult to gauge what he was thinking. His face as beautiful as it was lacked expression and was always rather stoic.
An uneasy silence hung in the air, therefore Zelda decided to talk to Storm instead. She murmured softly to soothe the animal and maintain their close bond. She would regularly go riding alone and whatever conversation she chose to have with him, she always knew he was listening.
Riding nearby, Link stole a glance at the princess. As he overheard her low mutterings, he couldn't help but wonder if she'd become completely unhinged. "Do you always talk to your horse as if he can understand you?"
It was the first time that Zelda had heard him speak to her in a somewhat civilized manner. It caught her off guard. "Oh yes. It is very soothing, and the only way he knows how I truly feel."
"Is that so?" Link said, disbelief in every word.
"Oh indeed! You should try it sometime."
Link scoffed at her suggestion. "Seriously," he retorted, clearly unimpressed. "You expect me to believe that your horse understands you? And that I should try and talk to mine like some sort of madman?" He shook his head defiantly, refusing to entertain Zelda's idea. "Not a chance," he added, a firm edge to his voice. "You see, I have some dignity left, unlike you."
"Honestly, you should really try it. I'm sure he..."
"Epona. Her name is Epona," Link informed her.
Zelda's eyes settled on the beautiful chestnut mare with her white colored tail and mane. "My apologies. She...I mean, Epona, would probably love to hear your dulcet tones."
Link wasn't entirely convinced, but perhaps one day he would try it, just not right now.
"So how long have you owned her?" Zelda asked, genuinely curious.
"Five years now. I discovered her on a farm called Lon Lon Ranch which was owned by a man called Ingo. Apparently the owner, Talon refused to sell the ranch to him so Ingo had him killed and took over its ownership. He spared Talon's daughter, Malon, forcing her into doing slave labor and goddesses knows what else. Epona here was regularly beaten and starved, so I had to rescue her."
"That was very kind of you, Link. She's very lucky to have you."
Link stiffened in shock, eyes going wide at the sound of his name. He turned his head sharply, suddenly remembering that in all the time he had been in her company, he hadn't even introduced himself to her.
"That is your name, isn't it?" Zelda confirmed.
Link ignored her question. "Do you know what I did to him, princess?"
"Huh?"
"Ingo. Do you want to take a guess at what I did to him?"
She was afraid to ask. "W-What did you do?"
"I cut off his head and mounted it on a spike."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You brutally murdered someone?!"
He shot her a glare that pierced her heart like an icy sword. "Not just anyone, princess. A Hylian who also happened to be an animal abuser and maybe even a rapist too. I wasn't going to allow him to continually mistreat that poor horse. You could say that I inadvertently saved Malon too."
Zelda started to feel woozy as if she might faint. She wouldn't...couldn't condone such violence, even if she believed the man genuinely deserved it.
They continued riding in silence, slow and steady. Link realized they were losing precious daylight hours, the sun was already beginning to dip behind the horizon, signaling the need to find somewhere to set up camp.
They pushed on, trekking through the vast field. Finally though with the sky darkening, Link scanned the surroundings, leading the group to a small secluded grove near a small woods.
"This is where we camp for the night," Link announced, breaking the silence. "There is fresh water not far from here. We can also seek shelter beneath the trees, however the weather does appear to be in our favor."
Pulling his horse to a stop, Link dismounted from Epona and then strode purposefully across to the princess where he grasped her arm firmly. With a strong tug, he hoisted her off the horse, his touch rougher than necessary. Setting her safely on the ground, he wasted no time in securing the horses by tying them to a nearby tree. He double checked their harnesses, making sure everything was secure and stable. He patted down each horse on the neck as a silent show of appreciation before turning his attention back to Zelda.
With no mercy in his eyes, Link firmly pushed Zelda to the ground, causing her body to thud against the hard dirt. He loomed over her, his gaze as cold as steel. "Sit there and don't you dare get any ideas about escaping. Believe me, you wouldn't get very far, so don't try."
"Monster!" she spat angrily. Zelda then gingerly touched her wrists which were bruised and bloody. Rubbed red raw by the constant chafing from the shackles.
He kept a controlled expression on his face as his gaze lingered on her wrists too. He felt a pang of guilt at her obvious discomfort, but he willed any feelings of remorse away, until they were completely diminished. "It's getting a little chilly, I'd better go make a start on the fire."
Whilst Link tended to the fire, the Gerudo and Yiga continued to keep their eyes sharp and alert, checking the area for any potential threats.
Link opened up his satchel and took out some provisions. He offered Zelda a share of the food. "Here, it's energizing honey candy. Gotta keep your stamina up."
Zelda glanced at it, shaking her head. "I'm not hungry."
"Fine, but don't say I didn't offer."
Later that evening the entire group were gathered around the campfire. Zelda glanced across at Link who was engaged in a lengthy discussion with the Yiga and Gerudo. She could hear bits and pieces of their hushed conversation, but it was difficult to discern exactly what they were saying.
Turning back to the crackling fire, Zelda stared blankly, watching the flames flicker and dance. Painful and silent tears began to brim in her eyes, before finally falling, trailing down her cheeks. She wished she was back at the castle, safe in her bed and this was all just a horrible nightmare. As much as she tried to mask her feelings, she was utterly terrified of what the future held. She desperately attempted to push aside the feelings of anxiety that constantly tried to well up within her, reminding herself over and over that she was going to need to get through this one way or another.
Suddenly, a loud rustling sound jolted her from her thoughts. "What was that?"
Everyone heard it, but especially Link. He quickly shuffled across to where Zelda was sitting.
"Don't move," he ordered in a low whisper.
Zelda looked about the glade, but saw nothing unusual. "Link I —"
"Don't move!" Link whispered again, more intense this time. He tilted his head slowly to the left. "There!"
Link, Zelda, the Gerdo and Yiga stared and suddenly—for the briefest of moments—they saw several large shapes moving towards them.
"I don't think we're alone." Link said, drawing his sword.