A/N Welcome to another chapter. Apologies for taking so long to get this chapter out. Busy, busy, busy.

Thank you for those who have reviewed and continue to support this story it really means a lot.

This chapter will be very much Ganondorf/Zelda/Nabooru centric with a minor role for Link & Aveil.

CHAPTER WARNING. Descriptions of Violence. Minor Sexual innuendo.

Chapter Eleven.

"A token of our impending union, Princess Zelda. It has been long overdue."

Inhaling a deep breath, Zelda kept her composure, choosing to remain polite, calm and temperate as Ganondorf placed a chaste kiss to her knuckles. She would endeavor to play her part. Not that of a scared girl, but of a princess — a leader.

Once the initial formalities had been exchanged, the Gerudo King maintained a brooding silence as he took a step back to orient himself. He stood rigidly, hands clasped behind his back as he closely inspected the young woman standing before him. It was only then did he come to realize that he had been so enthralled — so memorized by the Hylian Princess, that he had somehow overlooked her less-then-appropriate and unkempt appearance. Judging by the sweat that beaded on her brow, the drenched strands of disheveled blonde hair plastered to her forehead, and her dusty, tattered and torn clothing, someone had failed in their mission to preserve her decadence. He could even smell the grime of the arid wasteland caking her skin. It was a stark contrast to the regal and refined elegance she normally embodied as Princess of Hyrule.

"By the Gods! What a wretched sight you present!" Ganondorf's piercing gaze shifted from Zelda to Link who continued to kneel beside her. "You incompetent fool! How dare you deliver the princess to me in this state! Your assignment was to not only bring me the princess, but to ensure her presentation on arrival. He gestured disdainfully towards her with his hand. "Now look at her — a bedraggled, filthy waif, barely fit for a commoner's hovel, let alone a royal guest and my bride-to-be."

Link let out a slow, measured breath, before his shoulders sagged under the weight of his master's displeasure. "Master, forgive me. I..." he hesitated, then gathered his courage. "I did my best. The princess has been in...well to put it mildly, a few precarious positions since she was first apprehended. I simply thought it best to prioritize her immediate survival over appearance."

Ganondorf's expression darkened. He snorted in derision, his eyes narrowing into slits. "Survival is one thing, Link. Presentation is quite another. Had you exercised a modicum of care and consideration, the princess might have looked less like a desert beggar and more like the valuable commodity that she is."

Link solemnly bowed lower, shoulders slumped, his shaggy blond hair flopping forward. "I truly apologize, Master. I know I fell short of your expectations. It won't happen again." His calloused hands clenched into fists at his sides, a physical manifestation of the chagrin eating away at him from within. Despite his rugged appearance, a hint of vulnerability flickered in Link's cerulean blue eyes, revealing a side of him rarely seen by anyone, least of all Ganondorf.

The Gerudo king noticed the flicker, and his lip turned up into a cruel smile. He took a step closer to Link, his massive, inhumanly, muscular frame looming over the younger man, whilst his fetid breath ghosted across his face. He then leaned in, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "See that you don't, boy. Failure is a luxury I can ill afford, especially when it comes to something as important as the princess's...allure."

"I understand, Master. I swear that I will not disappoint you again," Link vowed, his voice steady despite his roiling stomach.

Ganondorf turned his attention back to Zelda, cupping her face with his large bejeweled hand, forcing her green orbs to meet his. Almost tenderly, his thumb stroked over the swell of her cheek. "If you are to rule by my side, then I have explicit expectations for you, Princess. I will not have you looking like some disagreeable wench. As a future queen you will be clean, presentable and pleasing to the eye. Well...my eye anyway."

Zelda shifted nervously as she endured the weight of his gaze. "So your wish is to parade me around like some sort of trophy then?"

"Of course not, Princess. I only ask that you continue making a good impression. That you remain an obedient and dutiful future queen. One that is willing to fulfill all of her obligations."

The princess didn't blink or even react. Instead, she just lowered her eyes, staring at the floor, whilst her hands began fisting together. Zelda then exhaled, not realizing she was holding her breath.

Rough fingers grabbed her chin, forcing her gaze upwards. "Look at me," Ganondorf demanded calmly. Zelda realized that he was grinning at her, displaying false affability. She wanted to scream, but something was holding her back. She was mesmerized by him, yet terrified of him at the same time. "I believe that you possess far greater qualities than just a pretty face, Princess Zelda. Perhaps in good time, they'll reveal themselves to me."

As the scene continued to unfold, Link swallowed back his conflicted feelings towards Zelda. He didn't appreciate the way Ganondorf stared at her. The way he licked his lips as though she were merely a tool to his rise in power. He shook his head in despair. No! he thought. He had to continue playing the part of his loyal servant, regardless of any personal feelings he may or may not have had.

Blinking, the princess returned to her senses as she jerked out of Ganondorf's grip. "Let go of me!" she spat vehemently.

Amused laughter reverberated around the room as the Gerudo King removed his hand. "As you wish, Princess. After all, there is plenty of time for us to get to know each other a little better. In time, you may even come to appreciate this little arrangement," his deep voice ruminated loudly.

Suddenly, Zelda felt rather light headed, like she wasn't getting enough air. As she slowly gained her resolve, her eyes flashed with defiance as she faced Ganondorf's tyranny. "Never!" she declared, her voice steady and unwavering. "I do not...and will not agree to this. This is nothing but a sham, a marriage of convenience, a scheme to gain power, nothing—"

"SILENCE!" Ganondorf's face contorted in unbridled rage as he cut her off by forcefully grabbing her throat, squeezing, almost crushing her windpipe. She fought angrily, squirming and struggling, but his grip was tight. She reached up with her hands, clawing desperately, yet his grip didn't yield. He lowered his voice, making it sound more threatening. "As charming and delightful that you are, my dear. Do not mistake my interest for tolerance of your poor behavior. Remember, you have no say in any of this. I already have control over you. You will bend to me, do as I say, whether you like it or not."

Zelda, continued to struggle, gasping for breath, the room spinning violently. In response, Ganondorf's hands only tightened, his breathing quickened, almost ...passionate as he choked her. Her vision was becoming duller, white bleeding into the edges. A grimace of pain froze on her face. Everything was becoming blurred, causing her bleak imagination to run wild — was this to be the end?

Link, for reasons unknown was sent into a frenzied panic. An unaccustomed feeling of protectiveness surged in his chest, unlike anything he had experienced before. He clenched his fingers so tight he thought they would crack. Damn the princess and her penchant for making his resolve crumble. He leapt to his feet. "Enough! Stop this!" A sharp inhale, audible through his flared nostrils, eyes wide with incredulous alarm, skin waxen with perspiration. He could see her flailing, gasping for breath, lips turning blue. "You're going to kill her."

Ganondorf's gaze sharpened into knives as he watched the staggered rise and fall of Link's shoulders. He cocked his head with curiosity. "What did you say?"

"I SAID, YOU'RE GOING TO KILL HER!" Link roared, his eyes alight with fervor.

"You seemed to have forgotten your place. You do not command me!" Ganondorf's voice grew with considerable intensity.

Link attempted to steady his breath. "All I was meaning to say, Master, is that the princess is of no use to you if she's dead."

Ganondorf sneered inwardly, before he tossed Zelda onto the stone floor. As she laid sprawled out on the ground, she clutched her throat and gasped her breath. She was powerless to move, speak or catch her breath. She felt paralyzed. The Gerudo King's anger then rose to greater heights as his eyes snapped to Link's. "Do not underestimate me, boy. Speak out of turn again and I will happily receive your head on a pike. Now go! Leave us!"

Link's face turned as pale as freshly fallen snow, and a wave of self-deprecation washed over him. "But Master..."

"GET OUT! and summon Nabooru, immediately!"

Link's emotions were warring. Much to his chagrin, he offered a curt bow and then reluctantly vacated the room.

Ganondorf turned his attention back to Zelda who was still on the floor. He began circling around her, smiling wickedly, his hungry eyes roaming over her. "Three's a crowd, isn't that right, Your Highness?"

Zelda's heart thudded so hard it hurt her chest. Fear seeped into her, slow, cold, and unrelenting. She reared backwards, instantly scrambling away from his cruel leer.

"Get up," he ordered.

To her own surprise, she obeyed, slowly rising to her feet. She let out a wince. It actually hurt to stand.

They stood face-to-face for a moment in silence. Ganondorf's lips twisted into a smile. He seemed unsympathetic, unperturbed by her pain and discomfort. He gazed intensely at her. "Well, let's not waste anymore time, there is much to prepare for." His gaze bore into hers, a chilling intensity that made her skin crawl. His ever present grin widened. "It's almost time for you to assume your rightful place, Princess."

Nabooru entered the ominously lit throne room, the eerie silence that greeted her unnerving. She absentmindedly rubbed her arms to keep warm despite the warmth of the room. Why was she suddenly feeling like this? She was a Gerudo Warrior, one who had served Ganondorf loyally and faithfully for many years. During that time, she had never once judged or questioned his actions or decisions. However, this situation with Zelda had left her on edge, yet despite an overwhelming concern for the young princess and her future, she could not abandon her duty to her master.

Ganondorf gestured for the warrior to approach. "Greetings, Nabooru." His deep voice echoed through the chamber, a subtle undercurrent of power and command lacing every word.

She offered a curt bow. "You summoned me, My Lord."

His piercing gaze locked onto hers, searching for any hint of insubordination or defiance, his keen instincts alert for any sign of betrayal. Seeing none, his gloved hand beckoned her closer. "Yes. I require a favor from you."

She stepped even closer, her eyes fixed on her king. "Command me, Master," she said, her voice low and husky.

In a fluid motion, his long fingers brushed against Nabooru's cheek, a caress that sent a shiver down her spine. "As you can see, the princess here is in rather need of a good scrub. Escort her to the bathing chambers and ensure she is...accommodated in a manner fitting her royal stature. In other words, thoroughly cleaned and primped using the finest oils. Also, see to it that a suitable room is prepared in the guest wing. Her Highness will spend the night under guard and we shall reconvene at dawn. See that she is...comfortable. For now."

The Gerudo inclined her head in acknowledgment, her expression impassive "As you wish." Nabooru turned towards the princess, smiling warmly as her gloved hand closed around her arm. When both women had departed, Ganondorf strode over to the large window overlooking the desert dunes, now cloaked in darkness. His mind was already turning to the schemes he would set in motion come morning. The princess might have a temporary reprieve, but her fate was all but sealed under his tyranny.

Wordlessly, Nabooru continued guiding Zelda through the winding corridors until they reached the bathing chamber. It was a sumptuous spaced adorned with intricate mosaics and fragrant candles. The air was warm and humid, carrying the scent of exotic spices and oils. "Princess," the Gerudo began, her voice low and measured. She gestured to the large sunken pool at the center of the room, its surface covered in shimmering oils, scented herbs and floating bubbles. "This is where you will bathe. The temperature should be comfortable, but please, inform me if it not to your liking."

Zelda nodded. "Okay."

"There are fresh towels, clean undergarments, a gown and a robe," Nabooru informed her. "I shall be just outside. Let me know if you need anything or to let me know when you are done."

Finally alone, Zelda shakily peeled away her soiled clothes, throwing them aside until she stood there stark naked. She lowered herself into the water which thankfully was just the right temperature. For several minutes, she soaked in the ambiance, playing idly with the bubbles floating over the surface, something that she enjoyed immensely as a young child. The princess then wavered back and forth a few more times before finally reaching for a flower-scented soap. She lathered it, then carefully started scrubbing the grime and dirt from her pale skin until it glowed like alabaster. She had even tried to keep a comfortable conversation going with Nabooru, but she had yet to receive a response.

Nabooru listened, but offered nothing but her silence and a listening ear.

Once meticulously clean, Zelda stepped out of the tub and quickly toweled herself dry. She then proceeded to put on the sheer nightgown which left little to the imagination. Thank goodness she was able to protect her modesty with the silk robe provided.

The walk to the guest wing was once again carried out in near silence. When they reached the room which was to be her bed chamber, Nabooru showed her inside. It was a simple room, nothing fancy. There was a large four poster bed complete with heavy looking drapes, a bookcase which was lined with a handful of dusty old tomes and a single desk and a chair.

Zelda's hands felt clammy and she could scarcely breathe. Eventually though, she cleared her throat. "Tell me the truth."

The warrior look confused. "About what, Princess?"

"About all of this! The fact that you were never my friend. It was all just pretend. Why?" Zelda questioned, equally hoping for an answer.

"I wasn't pretending, trust me," Nabooru assured her. "However, what you fail to realize, Princess, is that I am a Gerudo warrior and I live to serve my master, Lord Ganondorf."

Her exterior was composed, calm and level-headed, but inside she was screaming. "One might call that blind loyalty," Zelda whispered in a deflated tone.

Nabooru needed to keep her expression detached, yet somehow there was nothing detached about the way her insides twisted, especially when she knew deep down that Zelda spoke the truth. "I do still hold a great deal of fondness for you, Princess, honestly I do."

The sincerity in her voice made something in Zelda's chest ache in a way that had nothing to do with her situation. She closed her eyes, unable to look at Nabooru's face any longer.

"That is why you need to obey and do everything that is expected of you. It'll be much easier for you if you do. Believe me, you do not want to do or say anything that could jeopardize this wedding."

The princess barely seemed able to keep her tears back. "Why should I placate him?!" There was anger in Zelda's voice now. "He is forcing me into a marriage I neither consented to or even want for that matter. When my father passed away, and I became Hyrule's sole ruler, my hope...my hope was that I would at least have a say in who I wanted to share my life with. But seemingly even that choice has been stolen away from me."

"For all of your wisdom, Princess, you are extremely naive. This isn't about your hopes or desires any longer. If you wish to protect your kingdom, then this union is necessary. Ganondorf is merciless, calculating and dangerous. Would you rather he have your subjects kneeling down to him in abject subservience? or slaughtered one by one like cattle?"

Zelda's eyes widened briefly as her mind began to fill with a series of brutal images. She growled in frustration

With gentle fingers, Nabooru guided the princess's head towards hers. "Sometimes, life takes us down a path we didn't choose. But remember, marriage can be more then just love and duty. Now try to get some rest. Things will look brighter in the morning, I promise you."

The princess narrowed her eyes indignantly, but nodded her head in acquiescence nonetheless.

Ganondorf's eyes narrowed as he stepped into his private chambers, taken aback by the unexpected visitor. "Ah, Aveil, my precious pet. To what do I owe the pleasure of your unannounced visit." The Gerudo King's deep, commanding voice rumbled as he closed the door behind him. He removed his cloak and draped it over the back of a nearby chair, his muscular arms flexing subtly as he did so. His gaze remained fixed intently on his advisor as he reached for a goblet and poured himself a noble pursuit — a popular beverage among his people.

"Why? Are you only seeing your loyal advisors on an appointment only basis now, is that it?"

"Ganondorf Dragmire does not suffer fools gladly," he said, implying that he expected a good reason for her intrusion. "Speak your mind, my pet. What tidings or request have you come bearing for your king?"

"Well...it concerns the princess," Aveil purred, picking up one of the voltfruits that were arranged on a silver platter

Ganondorf sank himself down into his red chaise lounge, adjusting his large frame until he was comfortable. "The princess? What about her?" he asked in a gravelly tone.

Aveil leisurely crossed the room, coming to stand behind him. She wrapped her arms around his taut neck, realizing how tense his muscles were. "Clearly, you've already met with her. So, I was just wondering if you have felt anything...anything at all? A connection perhaps?"

Ganondorf's muscular form relaxed slightly under Aveil's sensual massage, a low guttural growl emanating from his chest. He tilted his head back, his eyes closing in bliss at her touch.

The Gerudo quirked a sly grin and drawled. "Or were you simply mistaken and she has not an ounce of goddess blood running through her veins. After all, I think them being a no show whilst Larisu was being feasted on by the Molduga pretty much confirmed that!"

As soon as her words registered, Ganondorf's features hardened, his eyes snapping open to fix a piercing glare on his advisor. "Mistaken?!" His voice was a menacing snarl, as his hands shot up to grip her wrists in an iron grasp. "I have spent centuries waiting for the princess who bears the blood of that wretched goddess. I know it is there, coursing through her like a tantalizing elixir. That divine essence which will allow me unimaginable power. I just need to be patient." He yanked Aveil's hands away from his neck, his grip tightening. "You question my judgement at your peril, my pet. I am the one who has conquered kingdoms and bent reality to my will. I know what it means to hold the power of the gods in one's grasp. I will have that again."

Aveil hissed and her breath seized at the avalanche of crushing pain. She was almost sure every bone was about to crack and crumble into dust.

Releasing her wrists, Ganondorf stood up, his towering form looming over her. "I suggest you remember your place, Aveil."

The Gerudo huffed out in indignation. "Well goddess or not, she should still be forced to feel immeasurable pain - loss for what her kind did to us."

Ganondorf's gaze turned cold and calculating, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "Patience, my pet. My marriage to the princess needs to be secure before we start a mass slaughter."

She rolled her eyes at him. "So, you're still going through with it then?"

"It is but a clever ruse to gain the trust of the Hylians," Ganondorf reminded her with a sigh of agitation. "You always worry too much. It is unhealthy and unnecessary."

"Well someone has to worry. Anyone would think you have genuine feelings for that spoiled brat."

"Have I reminded you lately that you are disposable to me. I don't have to keep you around, you know? However, if you must know, I have every intention of causing the princess pain. Unimaginable agony that will shatter her will and leave her begging for mercy." His eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire as he spoke, his voice dripping with sadistic intent. "The Gerudo have suffered at the hands of Hyrule's rulers for far too long. It is only fitting that the princess experience a fraction of the torment we have endured." He began pacing the room. "The bloodline of the Hyrulean royal family has been tainted by their ancestors' cruelty. Every drop of it deserves to be punished, made to atone for the sins of the past. The princess — my soon to be bride will be a queen of suffering, a living testament to the price of defiance against Ganondorf Dragmire."