To Capture the Heart of a Hero
Chapter 60 – What Makes a King
"S-Seriously?" Link stammered, nearly spitting out his pumpkin juice as he did so.
"I'm completely serious," Telma replied casually. Unlike her usual playful self, she seemed a bit somber today. Perhaps it was because of the news she was sharing. News which had simply blown the Hero's mind.
Not only had Zelda and Shad been attacked the other day, they had also decided to end their relationship.
Link cursed a bit as he wiped his lips free of any leaking juice. He realized that this was the problem with spending all of his time in Ordon. It meant that he always had to hear important news like this second hand. And it wasn't that he cared for the gossip or anything of that sort. He just wanted to know that his friends were okay and free from harm.
Fortunately, he had decided to pay Telma a visit today, and the friendly barmaid was always happy to catch him up to speed.
"I don't understand," Link said as he set his drink down on the counter. "They actually separated?"
"That's what Auru told me," Telma answered with a shrug. "And I confirmed it when Shad came in here to mope the other day."
Link frowned, feeling more than a little conflicted by this news. "But…why? I thought that he and Zelda were getting along really well. I thought that they were…well, happy together."
Telma nodded to show that she understood. "I know, honey. I honestly thought the same. Especially after I saw the two of them dancing at the ball together. A rather unexpected couple, but a sweet one for sure." She paused and produced a sad smile. "Unfortunately, I can't tell you what happened between them after that attack. Auru didn't have a lot of details, and Shad was so despondent that he barely said a word."
"Is…Is he okay?" Link asked hesitantly.
"He's what you'd expect. A little sad and riddled with guilt. Clearly, he blames himself for what happened. Not sure why though. Bulblin attacks happen without warning and he shouldn't fault himself for that." She sighed a bit. "But I suppose that's what a broken heart can do to you."
"Where is he now?"
"Gone. Told me that he wanted to head to some ruins near Kakariko Village and study them for a few days. He sounded like he was hoping to distract himself from his woes. Poor fellow…"
Link nodded in agreement. He too felt sorry for Shad, and if he were still in the area, Link would have certainly wanted to pay him a visit. To provide him with some support and comfort, and make sure that he wasn't being too hard on himself. But the hero soon sighed and shook his head. If the scholar had the energy to pick himself up and continue his studies, then he must be doing at least somewhat okay.
Besides, there was someone else who he was concerned for.
"And Zelda?" Link asked as he raised his cup to his lips. "Is she okay?"
"Sorry, honey, couldn't tell ya," Telma said with another shake of her head. "News from the castle has been quiet lately, and of course, our lovely Princess so rarely chooses to pay me a visit. She's always such a stick in the mud, trying to keep me at arms' length like that."
Telma finally smirked and Link felt compelled to return it. It was nice to see that she was still willing to be a little playful, in spite of the topic.
"Maybe I should stop by the castle and see her," Link suggested. "Make sure that she's not blaming herself like Shad is. I know that she's prone to that sort of thing."
"Hmm, maybe you should," Telma agreed, looking thoughtful. "After surviving an attack and parting ways with someone close to her, I'm sure that she'd appreciate having a friend by her side."
"I wish I could be there for her more often," Link admitted. "Just knowing that she was attacked makes me feel a little guilty. Like maybe if I had been there, things would have been different."
Telma shot him a surprisingly stern look. "Oh no, don't you go and start blaming yourself too. We honestly have enough of that around here and you're only making things worse."
She said it so matter-of-factly that Link couldn't help but laugh in response. "I know, you're right. The attack was unexpected and no one should be at fault for it."
"Good," Telma replied with a nod of approval. "If you understand that, then I'm sure that you can make the others understand too. Now go on and git. It sounds like you have work to do."
Link smiled before draining the last of his pumpkin juice. "Thanks, Telma."
"Anytime, honey. Oh, and do me a favor, would ya? If you get the chance to find out what happened between Shad and Zelda, come back and let me know. I always love to stay on top of the latest drama."
Link shook his head as he rose to leave. As always, he felt that Telma was too nosy for her own good.
It was approaching evening when Link made it to the gates of the castle. With winter looming on the horizon, the days had naturally started to grow shorter and colder. Fortunately, Link was easily recognized and always welcome within the castle's halls, so no time or warmth was wasted. It was always nice to feel so at home in this large stone monument.
However, while it seemed that entering the castle was the easy part, trying to locate the Princess was another matter entirely. With all of her schedules and duties, she could practically be anywhere at any given moment, and that wasn't even considering whether or not she would be able to spare the time to see him. But Link wasn't too concerned. He had a feeling that Zelda would always be happy to set aside time for him, so long as he asked politely. And besides, he was only doing this for her sake.
With no solid clues to follow, Link chose the simplest course of action. He decided to ask around to see if anyone could help point him in the Princess's direction. Unfortunately, many of the passersby were just as clueless as he was, but he did eventually find a maid whom he recognized and carried the information he desired.
"Ah, yes, Her Highness mentioned that she was off to visit her father in the infirmary this afternoon. You might be able to find her there."
Link frowned a bit. "Er…is this something that I shouldn't be interrupting?"
The maid laughed before waving a hand. "Oh no, Hero, I wouldn't worry about that. Both His Majesty and Her Highness are very fond of you and I'm sure they'd be happy to see you."
"Oh, good to know." Link relaxed a bit. The royals had always been kind and patient with him, and he truly appreciated that.
"Would you like me to show you the way to the infirmary?" the maid offered.
"No, I already know it. Thanks, Rita."
The maid known as Rita suddenly blushed a bit before giving a quick curtsy and scurrying off. Link could only laugh to himself. He assumed the maid was a little flustered to realize that the Hero actually knew her by name. Not that it should have come as any surprise. Link had slowly started to recognize quite a few servants around the castle, especially those that diligently supported his friend.
With nothing holding him back, Link made his way to the infirmary. However, upon arriving there, he found the scene to be strangely silent. The room was bathed in the soft yellow glow of the twilight filtering through the windows. The beds were empty, and their shadows grew long on the floor. There wasn't a soul in sight.
Fortunately, a brief yet familiar cough sounded from behind the curtain at the far end of the room, signaling that Link wasn't truly alone. He soon made his way over and pulled the curtain aside, only to be greeted by King Caius and no one else.
"Ah," the monarch said in mild surprise. He took a second to get his cough under control before turning to Link with tired eyes. "If it isn't our Kingdom's courageous Hero."
"Hello, sir," Link said with a small bow, trying to be as respectful as possible. "I hope you can pardon my interruption. Is this a bad time?"
"There's never a bad time for you to arrive, my boy. I can assure you of that." Caius grinned before resting his back against the headboard. "It is always an honor when our paths cross."
"That's what I should be saying to you," Link said with a smile. After spending a few months getting to know the King better, the Hero finally felt that he could be comfortable and somewhat casual with him. At the very least, he was a far cry from the nervous mess that had graced their initial introduction. "I don't have to stay though. That is, if you need your rest."
The King waved a hand in dismissal. "Nonsense. Please sit."
Link did as he was told and patiently waited while Caius subjugated another cough that threatened to escape him. The Hero couldn't help but produce a sympathetic expression. The monarch honestly looked much worse for wear than he had back at the ball. It was clear that the poison that ran through his veins still had him at its absolute mercy.
"Are you doing well?" Link eventually felt compelled to ask.
"As well as I can be," Caius replied sadly. "Every day feels like a test of my endurance, but I take it in stride. My people expect a lot from me, and I expect even more. So as long as I continue to draw breath, I shall fight this battle."
"That's very admirable," Link commended him. "I hope things start to improve, and sooner rather than later."
"Aye, you and everyone else," he agreed. He then stopped and shook his head. "But please, enough about my health. That's practically all I ever hear about, and it's so depressing to boot. I'd much rather hear what has brought you here today, lad."
Link smiled while appearing a little guilty. "Well, truth be told, I was actually looking for Zelda. I heard that she might be here."
"Ah, I'm afraid you missed her. She departed a short while ago, insisting that I get some sleep. Not that I can manage much with this wretched cough." As if on cue, the King stifled another pained sound. He soon sighed. "That daughter of mine. I feel that she worries far too much for me when she has enough issues of her own to deal with."
Link couldn't help but smile some more. "I feel like Zelda would say the same thing about you."
Caius chuckled at this. "Ha ha, yes, perhaps she would. It seems that you know our family well, Link."
"Well enough," the Hero agreed humbly. "That's actually why I was looking for Zelda. I heard about the recent Bulblin attack and wanted to make sure that she was okay."
The King straightened up a bit, his expression growing serious. "Ah, yes, a tragedy that is."
"And, well…I heard about what happened with Shad as well."
"Yes, it seems that my daughter's woes refuse to cease lately." Caius sighed again, this time appearing more tired than ever before. "Do not mistake my words. I am grateful that the two of them came out of that situation unharmed. But it is rather tragic that events played out in such a way. And even though Zelda has assured me that she is doing fine, I fear that she may be putting on a brave face."
"It's that bad, huh?" Link asked. Although if he were being honest, he had already come to expect this outcome.
"I'm afraid so. She doesn't tell me these things, you know. She simply doesn't want me to worry. But I can tell when she's distraught, no matter how well she thinks she's able to hide it." The King paused before smiling. "Which is why I'm grateful that she has friends like you to confide in."
Link blinked a bit, surprised by this conclusion. "Huh? You think that Zelda will share her troubles with me before she'll share them with you?"
"Why, of course," Caius said matter-of-factly. "No matter who you are, there will always be some discussions that you feel you can only share with a close friend. It is my understanding that even Princesses are vulnerable to this."
Link slowly nodded. Thinking back to his childhood, he supposed there were certain things that he felt he could only ever talk to Ilia about. The loss of his parents, for example. But he soon shook his head. He had other things to focus on.
"Well, I'd like to find Zelda and talk to her about it, just to make sure she's okay. But, to be honest, I'm still not entirely sure what took place. I mean, I heard the details of the Bulblin attack, but what happened after that is a mystery to me…" Link frowned a bit and looked to the floor. "Forgive me. I know it's none of my business, but-"
The King quickly raised a hand in order to silence him. When he cast his gaze to Link, his eyes were surprisingly fierce. "Zelda's wellbeing will always be your business, lad. I think we both know that."
Link was stunned by how much conviction was contained in the monarch's tone. Nevertheless, he nodded.
Noting his approval, Caius continued. "You wish to know why Zelda and Shad have separated, don't you?"
"Yes, sir. I'd be grateful for any details you could share."
"And your reason for wanting to know this is not simply to partake in the latest castle gossip, is it?"
"Of course not, sir. It's only for Zelda's sake."
The King grinned, showing his playful side for a moment before appearing proud and trusting. "Tell me, Link. You have witnessed Zelda fight before, have you not?"
"I have," Link said with a nod. Even now, he could recall her every battle with him. How she fired light arrows at Ganondorf while they chased him on horseback. The way she dismembered ReDeads at the Arbiter's Grounds. And of course, he could still recall the duel that was shared between them in Ordon. How her eyes lit up like fire and her expression was nothing but fierce and determined.
The look on Link's face must have been enough to convey his understanding, for Caius soon nodded in return before continuing. "That ferocity with which she fights was witnessed firsthand by Shad. From what I can gather, Zelda mercilessly tore the Bulblins to shreds right in front of the scholar. Not that she can be blamed for her actions. It was a life and death situation, and her first priority was the safety of her companions. If anything, I commend her bravery and readiness in the face of danger."
"Of course," Link replied, absolutely agreeing.
"However, it seems the poor scholar was not prepared for such a sight. Such a dangerous side to what he believed was a perfectly innocent Princess. Again, don't mistake my words. I'm certain that the lad was thankful to have his life spared on that day. Unfortunately, it seems he realized that Zelda was not quite who he believed she was. And once Zelda realized this in turn, she felt that it would be best if they went their separate ways."
The Hero was silent for a while, trying to take all of this in. It was strange, he thought, to hear that Shad would be so rattled by such an encounter. After all, he was a hardened member of the Resistance. Someone who had even helped storm the castle at the end of the Twilight Invasion. And despite all of the fighting and killing committed by both Hero and Resistance alike, the young scholar had never seemed intimidated by any of them. So what was the issue here?
Caius smiled softly as he watched Link's expression. Being the wise ruler that he was, he easily managed to surmise the boy's thoughts. "I hope you don't think less of Shad for this. Zelda and I certainly don't. It's only natural that you carry certain expectations when you pursue a romantic partner. And perhaps for Shad, the thought of being with someone who could behave so cold and merciless at any given moment was simply unbearable. Which is a perfectly respectable response when such a thing comes about unexpectedly. But alas, Zelda will not settle for anyone who doesn't accept her for who she is."
Link frowned some more. Okay, perhaps he did understand Shad's side of things a bit better. He too could very well have been stunned by Zelda's actions if he hadn't known her well enough ahead of time. But if this were the case, then he had to wonder, was Zelda making the right choice here?
"Forgive me if I'm misunderstanding," Link began carefully, "but I thought that Zelda and Shad were very happy together. Was she certain that she wanted to separate from him? I mean, Shad has always been a pretty understanding guy. I'm sure he could have come around, if given the chance."
Caius smiled a bit, as if amused by his words. "You are nothing if not merciful, Link, and I appreciate that about you. Nevertheless, I trust my daughter wholeheartedly. If she believed that she was better off breaking away from Shad, then I fully support her decision. She may be young, but she is wise and of sound mind. I know that she wouldn't have decided such things if they weren't for the best."
"I trust and support her too," Link tried to clarify. "I just…hope that she isn't making a mistake."
There was silence for a moment after this. The King eyed the Hero carefully, as if lost in thought. Eventually he sighed and shook his head. "Perhaps I spoke too soon. Earlier, I claimed that you know our family rather well, but it seems that you still have a lot to learn."
Link blinked, feeling a little lost. "I'm not sure I understand…"
"No, you don't," the King agreed. "Not that you can be faulted for such a thing. There is hardly anyone in the world who can truly understand the hardships that come with a life of royalty."
"Then help me understand," Link insisted. "Please, sir."
"Always so earnest, aren't you?" Caius asked with an amused smile. "Very well. Do you recall what I said a moment ago? About how we carry certain expectations when pursuing romance? Well, I'm afraid to say that no one is cursed by this more than my own daughter."
Link deeply frowned, his expression almost turning grim. "What do you mean?"
It wasn't long before the King's expression mirrored his own. "Link, you must understand. When Zelda chooses to pursue a partner, she is not simply looking for a husband. She is also searching for a leader. A King. Someone who is brave. Someone who is wise. Someone who will support her throughout all her years as this Kingdom's matriarch. Her title and responsibilities will never allow her to select someone who is unfit for the role, and because of this, it can be incredibly difficult for her to find the love that she deserves."
Link was silent. He honestly didn't know what to say.
"Now do you understand her choices a little better? In Shad, she saw someone who did not have what it took to be a leader. To support her through all the hardships she is sure to endure as Queen. It would not have been right to string him along any further if the end result was destined to be unfavorable."
"So…she chose to put her duties before her own desires?" Link asked quietly.
"In a way, yes. That certainly seems to be the leading reason for her decision, although I wouldn't exclude it as the only one. As I said earlier, Zelda will not settle for someone who does not accept her completely. She deserves to find someone who loves her unconditionally, just as everyone else does. But again, because of the criteria with which she has been burdened, it can be a tremendously difficult task to accomplish."
"She wants to find love while also bearing the weight of her Kingdom," Link surmised.
"Yes. Not exactly easy, is it?" Caius asked with a frown. "Occasionally, a royal might strike fortune, and find themselves a perfect partner that meets all of the requirements of their responsibilities. But it is not often so, and thus, we are usually forced to turn to suitors. Actively seeking out partners who could be capable of leading a Kingdom alongside us, where the question of love is completely undetermined." At this, the monarch sighed, appearing tired once more. "Forgive me. I always find this to be a difficult topic to approach. I consider it a shame that we have to resort to such things, and I hate speaking of it. But I understand that this is the duty of royalty, and Zelda understands this too."
Link slowly nodded. For the first time, he felt like he could understand as well. At the very least, he could sympathize with everything that Zelda had to endure on top of being a leader. To know that all of her life decisions would forever and always be tied to her title was…well, it was honestly a little heartbreaking.
"Has she tried searching for love first and allowing the qualities of a King to come later?"
The monarch was silent, apparently stunned by such a query. Link didn't feel like he could blame him. He had honestly surprised himself with that question too. He didn't know what had compelled him to say it, but now that he had, he eagerly awaited an answer.
"Yes, she considered attempting that once, but I'm afraid it did not work in her favor," Caius replied vaguely. Link wished to question him about this, but it seemed that the King was insistent on carrying on. "And anyway, things are rarely as simple and straightforward as you are making them out to be. Both love and the qualities of leadership are not easy to attain. In fact, I daresay that this could be the greatest hurdle of Zelda's career."
Link swallowed, his expression as grim as ever. He hated hearing this. That Zelda might never get the chance to be happy. That she might never find a love she deserved while also satisfying the duties that had been instilled on her at birth. Was it really so impossible? Was this really something that was worthy of standing in the way of Zelda's happiness? Standing in the way of the rest of her life?
His tone ringing hollow, Link dared to voice his thoughts aloud.
"Is it really so difficult to be a King?"
Again, there was silence. A painful, awkward, terrifying silence. Link wondered if he had gone too far. If he had insulted the King's very position, even if he had no intention of doing so.
Fortunately, it wasn't long before the monarch spoke up, using perhaps the gentlest voice the Hero had ever heard from him. "Link, answer me honestly. What would you do if you were asked to step up and become a King?"
The silence returned, just as terrible as ever. No, this time it was worse, because Link was the one fueling it by struggling to provide an answer. What would he do? If he were asked to be King?
Never in his life did he expect such a question to be posed.
"I don't know," he finally admitted. "I'd…have to really think about it. I mean, I've been raised as a ranch hand all my life. I'm not sure if I'd be fit for the role."
The monarch raised his eyebrows. "Ah, so it is not as easy as you expected, hmm?"
Link shut his mouth, feeling both stumped and tricked. Gathering his courage, he went to speak up again. "Maybe I'm not the best choice for the role…but I would do it if I had to. If Hyrule turned to me and asked for a leader. I'd honestly do whatever it takes to fulfill that position, even if I'm not qualified."
"You would readily take on such a hefty responsibility?" Caius asked with raised eyebrows.
Link gave a firm nod, letting all of his doubts wash away. "I would do anything if it meant that Hyrule could be safe. If it meant that I could be useful. If it meant that…"
The Hero paused, his voice trailing off. The words that had been conjured in his mind halted before they escaped his throat. And the reason for this was simple. He was utterly stunned by the truth of them.
If it meant that Zelda could be happy…
Link shut his jaw as his cheeks turned a little red. He meant those words, of course, but he was still surprised by how far he was willing to go for her. And yet, at the same time, he felt like he shouldn't have been surprised in the slightest. The thought had formed naturally, after all.
Caius soon chuckled. Whether it was at his expression or at his passionate words, Link didn't know.
"Don't sell yourself too short, Link" the King said encouragingly. "You are still the Hero who saved this Kingdom, after all. You know what it's like to hold the fate of an entire country in your hands, and because of this, I have a feeling that you'd make a better King than most."
Link blushed some more, growing embarrassed. This felt like praise that he did not deserve, and as always, it was so much harder to receive it when it came from a person of great importance.
"Thank you, sir," Link answered humbly. "Although, I have no desire to ever become a monarch. I think that you and Zelda are the only leaders that this Kingdom will ever require."
"How flattering," Caius replied, looking as charmed as ever. "I always appreciate your support. You've done more for my family and Kingdom than you can ever know."
"I give my support freely, sir."
"I know you do, lad," the King replied with another chuckle and shake of his head. It soon deteriorated into a cough, but it was stifled just as quickly. "Nevertheless, perhaps it is time to send your support to the person who needs it most. We can sit here and talk for hours, but I'm afraid it won't do Zelda any good."
"You're saying that I should go and talk to her now?" Link asked.
"I think we both know that would be best. It's as I said earlier. The thing she needs most right now is a friend. And I'm sure she has very few friends who are as kind and understanding as you, Link."
Again, the Hero felt like blushing, but he tried to steel himself and remain strong. "I just hope that I'm actually able to help…By the way, do you know where I can find her? I'm afraid that the infirmary was my only lead."
"Of course," Caius said with a nod. "I suggest trying the balcony up near the royal living chambers. She sometimes retreats there when she wishes to lose herself in thought."
"Got it," Link said, nodding back. "I'll see what I can do for her."
"You have my utmost gratitude, Hero," Caius said before bowing his head. "At times, I believe that the only position more difficult than being a King, is being a father. It can be rather frustrating, to wish nothing but the best for your daughter and yet not knowing how to provide it for her. So I truly am grateful that I can rely on people like you. You shall forever hold my respect."
"You are far too kind," Link insisted with a small smile. "And thank you for sharing so much with me. I promise to not let your words of wisdom go to waste."
"I pray that they don't," Caius said with a grin. "Now, be off. Whether she realizes it or not, I'm certain that Zelda awaits your company."
"Then time is of the essence," Link agreed, his smile turning into a grin of his own. He soon stood and prepared to take his leave. However, as he reached the curtain that partitioned the rooms, the King called out to him one last time.
"Link." The Hero stopped and glanced back. "One final thing that you should know before you depart. There's an old Hylian saying that Zelda believes wholeheartedly. It claims that a true King is the first to charge and the last to retreat. He is a man of great courage, and the people's faith in him never wavers. He is loyal, honorable, and true. That is what makes a King of Hyrule."
Link frowned a bit, wondering why the monarch had chosen to share this with him at the last second. The man himself merely smirked before waving him off.
"Perhaps you could aid Zelda in finding someone that meets these criteria. In time, of course."
"Oh, of course," Link happily agreed, finally realizing what he was getting at. "I promise to take these words to heart."
The King gratefully bowed his head again and Link did the same in turn, properly sealing their farewell like a signature. The Hero then set off into the depths of the castle once more, hoping to find the Princess. The only difference was that this time, the world, and his understanding of it, felt like it had shifted just ever so slightly.
Fun fact: Rita was a maid that I mentioned back in chapter 6 of this story, and since then she has not appeared even once until now, in chapter 60. At one point, I thought she might become a more prominent character. Someone who would appear by Zelda's side from time to time. But as the story progressed, I realized that I simply didn't need her lol. But rest assured, she's still around and she'll happily poke her head into the story every once in a while :)