~ Chapter 2 ~

“A letter for you, your Majesty.”

I sat in my study, looking over various papers that sat in tidy piles about my desk. Treaties to review, reports to familiarize myself with… I sometimes wondered how long it had been since my desk had been clear. Or had it ever been clear…?

“From whom?” I asked rather monotonously, not even bothering to look up from my papers.

“King Ashton of Vandelius, your Grace.”

I froze for a moment, my eyes still staring down at the papers but no longer seeing the words. Slowly I willed myself to look up toward the waiting attendant and the neatly folded parchment in his hand. Wordlessly I lifted my hand and took the letter, feeling my heart sink the moment I touched it.

Holding it with both hands resting upon my desk, I gazed at the familiar handwriting on the front: To her Majesty, Queen Zelda Ariadne Harkinian of Hyrule.

“…Thank you,” I finally addressed the attendant, my eyes still fixed upon the letter. “You may go.”

The attendant did as told and left, quietly closing the door behind him.

I simply sat there in silence, overwhelmed with feelings of confusion, anger, and dread as I studied the unopened letter in my hands.

“…What could you possibly want…?” I murmured aloud.

Knowing Ashton, and knowing the past we’ve unfortunately shared, I knew it couldn’t be anything good.

Vandelius was a prosperous kingdom located south of Hyrule. It was considered an ally of Hyrule, though in reality the two kingdoms’ once strong relationship has suffered somewhat in the last four to five years.

Shortly after I was born, King Elithor of Vandelius and my father came to an agreement that strengthened their previously weak alliance. I, the new Princess of Hyrule, and Elithor’s four-year-old son, Ashton, were engaged to be married when I came of age. While the Council had approved of my father’s decision, there had been rumors that he’d been pressured into the arrangement. He had still been struggling with grief over the loss of my mother, who had died shortly after giving birth to me. However, my father denied every accusation and remained true to his promise for almost sixteen years.

As a child I had never thought much about my engagement, as such matters were not yet important to me. Ashton and his parents would often come to visit, and though Ashton had always been very courteous to me, he was always so distant. Bored, even. For a while, the age difference between us had prevented Ashton from taking any real interest in me. I was just a little girl in his eyes.

Everything began to change, however, as I entered my thirteenth year. My young mind had become filled with silly, naive thoughts of romance, and my body had begun to develop the more ‘desirable’ feminine traits. Suddenly my handsome fiancé was very much attracted to me, showering me with flattery and extravagant gifts of flowers and jewels, and I was quickly swept away by it all. Ashton had proceeded to rapidly push our relationship into the physical stage, and I, the somewhat shy and innocent princess, had gone right along with it. It had been overwhelming at first, as Ashton would sometimes - though unsuccessfully - attempt to pressure me into breaking my vow of chastity. Still, I had convinced myself that I was living the romantic life every girl dreamed about. I had been infatuated with Ashton’s courteous charms and flattered by his aggressive affections…and I had truly believed it was love.

…What a fool I had been.

Link, who has been my best friend since I was ten years old, had known Ashton was not the man he presented himself to be. Although Ashton was very possessive of me, Link knew he was no gentleman and suspected him of being unfaithful to me. He had often tried to warn me of this, but I had refused to listen, and we would argue about it every time. Eventually Link gave up and backed off.

When war befell Hyrule, my father sent me to Vandelius for my own protection. I was fifteen and one year away from becoming Ashton’s bride. Though I had not wanted to leave home, I had told myself I could begin to adjusting to life in Vandelius, as I would be living there for many years once Ashton and I were married. Ashton, however, had finally grown tired of the façade he always presented to me, and during my stay I had come to see him for the deceitful, selfish man he truly was. When the war ended, I returned home broken-hearted, ashamed, and depressed.

The lingering sadness of war had still remained in Hyrule when I returned, and so I had spoken of my unpleasant experiences to no one. Eventually, however, as I began to spend more time with Link again, I admitted to him what happened in Vandelius and apologized for not listening to him before. Link had been wonderfully understanding, of course, but the fact that I still intended to marry Ashton had frustrated him. All I could do was try my very hardest to forget about my bleak future in Vandelius and enjoy my precious time in Hyrule before it all came to an end.

This became harder and harder to do, however, as Link and I grew closer and closer. Both of us had been quietly suffering from a deep loneliness, and we had found comfort in each other. It took a couple months, but eventually our friendship secretly grew into a much deeper relationship- one I would call romantic, but I feel the word would cheapen what we had. Where Ashton had resorted to flattery and empty clichés, Link had simply been his usual sweet and honest self. Where Ashton had been aggressively physical, Link was wonderfully tender and selfless. The feelings Link inspired in me were warm, pure, and lacked any trace of the fear or uncertainty I’d felt with Ashton. Before I even knew what was happening, I had fallen in love with Link - truly in love - and the realization had frightened me.

Link had tried to talk to me about breaking my engagement to Ashton, but I would not hear of it. Such a move could have permanently damaged Hyrule’s relationship with Vandelius, perhaps even to the point of war, and I would not risk my kingdom for my selfish desires. As my sixteenth birthday crept closer, Ashton came to stay in Hyrule and I found myself trapped within a classic love triangle that would only end in tragedy. Things took a turn for the worse when Ashton learned of my feelings for Link and threatened to expose us if I did not stop seeing him. Stripped of any more options, I was forced to end my relationship with Link.

From that point on, Link and I did not speak to one another, as I was too afraid, and he knew I would only reject him again. We were miserable, to say the least. Finally, on the night of my sixteenth birthday celebration, I went to him one last time. I had tried to say goodbye to him, to put an end to the pain from our previous relationship, but Link had other things on his mind. He had taken me in his arms and held me tightly, promising he would make things work if I would only give him another chance. He had pleaded with me to trust him, and finally, though fearfully, I agreed.

Link had known there was only one person who could possibly make our supposedly forbidden future together possible: my father, the king. So, after days of preparing what he would say, Link sat down with him and discussed the situation. After a day and a night of thinking it over, my father had summoned the both of us to his study and miraculously granted Link permission to court me. Link and I had been stunned, to say the least, and while Link had graciously thanked him, I’d been reduced to tears of pure joy and relief.

My engagement to Ashton was officially severed about one week before Link’s and my courtship was announced, and I was certain Hyrule would lose Vandelius as an ally because of it. However, King Elithor had always secretly been a softhearted man and had come to be quite fond of me over the years. Though he’d been disappointed by the sudden turn of events, he had agreed to my father’s terms.

Ashton, however, had not taken it so well. Not only did he lust for me terribly, he also could not stand the fact that ‘a no-good peasant had stolen what was rightfully his.’ Ashton had gone to me in a fit of rage and tried to overpower me with fear as he always had. But I did not give in to him. I had stood my ground and told Ashton he was no longer a part of my life, which had only aggravated him further. Blinded by fury, Ashton had then proceeded to challenge Link to a duel, which he lost disgracefully.

In the end, Ashton was escorted from the castle by four guards, all the while shouting threats and insults at me, Link, and even my father. That had been almost five years ago, but I could still hear his angry shouts ringing in my mind, clear as day.

“Mark my words, Zelda…I won’t rest until I see your precious peasant dead!”

I closed my eyes and exhaled slowly before opening them again and returning my attention back to the letter. Flipping it over, I stared at the familiar wax seal featuring the Vandelian royal crest before roughly breaking it open. Wishing to just get the whole ordeal over with, I hurriedly unfolded the parchment and began to read:

My dearest Zelda,

It is my sincerest hope that you are doing well, and that this letter reaches you in the best of health. Though I’m sure you are more than curious to know how I’ve been these last four years, I shan’t waste what little time you have rambling on about the past. I would much prefer to address the present, and so I shall.

As I’m sure you know, the relations between Hyrule and Vandelius have been impressively strong considering all that has happened between us. This was because of my father of course, whom I’ve always found to be gracious to a fault. As you know, however, he is no longer a part of this world, and thus no longer here to uphold the peace treaty that was signed all those years ago. Now that I am king, I find that I have no reason to uphold any such contract. I’m quite certain I need not explain myself, as you should know precisely what I am referring to. On the other hand, I have no desire to continue this painful conflict between you and I, and I would be more than willing to negotiate with someone as lovely and esteemed as yourself.

If you wish to keep the peace treaty, or any other treaty Vandelius shares with Hyrule for that matter, then it would be in your highest interest to schedule a rendezvous here in Vandelius. It would also be wise of you to note that I do not negotiate with commoners, and if one happens to be in your company when you cross the border into my kingdom, then I will consider it a deliberate act of disrespect and the negotiations will not take place. Believe me when I tell you that such a turn of events will not bode well for Hyrule.

I sincerely look forward to hearing from your Grace.

My eyes fell upon his familiar signature, accompanied by the stamped seal of the Vandelian royal family before I slowly lowered my hand and let the parchment rest on my desk. For a long, painful moment I sat there in silence, unable to properly react. Feelings of rage and anxiety swept through me like a violent storm, but I could only sit there in silence. My eyes stared directly into the floor of my study, but I saw nothing. All I could see was Ashton’s despicable grin as he wrote the letter, relishing every moment as he so carefully formed each letter of each aggravating word…

“…You inconceivable wretch,” I finally hissed through grit teeth.

It was just as I had feared. Ever since the death of King Elithor less than three months ago, I had worried that the alliance between Hyrule and Vandelius would crumble once Ashton inherited the throne. I had hoped his ministers would keep him from doing anything too rash, but it seemed Ashton was finding subtler ways to go about it.

I sighed heavily and closed my eyes, leaning my head against one hand to massage my throbbing forehead.

Ashton claimed he wished to negotiate, but I knew him well enough to suspect his idea of ‘negotiating’ was quite different from mine. I feared he would place me in a position what would force me to abide by his wishes, just as he had done in the past…

No! I thought stubbornly, opening my eyes and slamming my palm against the desk. He has no power over me; I will not bend to his will!

The other infuriating part of his letter that evoked a strong sense of dread within me was when he so crudely referred to Link. Not only had he spoken of Link as though he was some sort of illegitimate acquaintance of mine, he had deliberately demanded that my own husband did not accompany me to Vandelius. Such a request was beyond disrespectful in courtly society; it was simply unheard of. No one would dare suggest something so outrageous, especially to one of the opposite sex. But because Link was only a common-born consort, I knew it would be widely overlooked.

How dare they dismiss him like that?

A sharp knock at the door interrupted my troubled thoughts and I sighed before sitting up straight.

“Come in,” I said, failing to make my voice pleasant.

The door opened and I was relieved to see my personal advisor, Impa, enter the room.

“Is this a bad time?” she asked me calmly, her crimson eyes noting the grave expression on my face.

“No, no, it’s all right,” I assured her. “Actually your timing is perfect. Something…came up.”

“Oh?” Impa inquired in the same calm voice, taking a seat before my desk. “More bad news?”

I sighed and picked up the letter on my desk and handed it to her.

“See for yourself,” I said solemnly.

I watched her face as she read it, but the Sheikah expressed no emotion save for the occasional twitch of her brow. Finally she lowered the letter into her lap and looked up to somberly meet my gaze.

“Link will not take this well,” she murmured quietly.

“You think?” I exclaimed with bitter sarcasm. “Impa, his demands are outrageous! He’s practically threatening me, and he’s forcing me to just cast Link aside, which I will not do!”

Impa sighed lightly.

“You may not have a choice,” she told me quietly.

“Impa…” I said anxiously. “This is Vandelius- this is Ashton we are discussing here…” I shook my head in frustration. “I can’t go there without Link…I won’t.”

“Zelda…”

“I can’t do that to him, Impa…” I whispered fervently, meeting her gaze almost angrily.

She sat back in her chair with a sigh.

“Before you make up your mind,” she said gently, “you should discuss this matter with the Council.”

I held her gaze for a moment longer before looking away dispiritedly.

“…Summon the Council, then.”

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“His terms are indeed demanding…especially considering the fragility of the situation…”

Seated at the head of the Council Table, I turned my head to address Lady Elena.

“His terms are outrageous,” I said impatiently, “and he’s shown great disregard for my husband. Why should I cooperate with him when I have every reason to refuse?”

“This would normally be true,” Vasilis spoke up, “but considering the… precarious history between Hyrule and Vandelius, I think it would be wise to show a little more forgiveness.”

“The only reason our history with Vandelius is precarious, Vasilis, is because Ashton has made it so,” I argued shortly. “If Ashton was truly concerned about improving Hylian-Vandelian relations, then he would have offered to come and negotiate here, not demand I come to him.”

“He’s trying to gain the advantage by threatening to completely break away unless he gets what he wants,” Kinsley added gruffly. “Giving into those threats would make Hyrule appear gullible or too eager to please. I say we refuse Ashton’s demands and let him break off the treaty. It’ll do him more harm than us.”

“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” Vasilis rebutted, eyeing Kinsley disapprovingly. “Not only would we lose a powerful ally, but refusing King Ashton’s terms would make Hyrule appear arrogant to the neighboring kingdoms. Considering how skeptical they already are toward us, losing Vandelius would not be in our best interest.”

I sighed with frustration before sitting back in my chair and folding my arms.

“I will not go without my husband,” I stated firmly.

The ministers exchanged uneasy glances amongst one another.

“Your Majesty…” Elena said carefully. “You have traveled without him before…”

“That’s not the point,” I sternly cut her off, leaning forward to rest my arms on the table. “Ashton hasn’t simply requested my presence alone; he has demanded that my husband stay behind, and I will not tolerate anyone dismissing him or our marriage.”

“But King Ashton does not even recognize your marriage...”

“Then I shall see to it that he does!”

The Council fell silent, clearly uncomfortable with my stubbornness.

“…If all Ashton truly aims to achieve is an annulment between you and the Prince, then you have every right to simply end the negotiations and return to Hyrule,” Timothus finally suggested.

Kinsley nodded in agreement.

“Ashton is probably threatening to break the peace treaty to show how serious he is about the whole thing,” he said calmly. “If the negotiations fail, the worse that could happen is a declaration of war, but I doubt even Ashton would bring his personal desires to the battlefield.”

“I wouldn’t be so certain about that, Lord Kinsley,” Lady Elena argued. “He is something of a dictator.”

“No, it’s too ridiculous,” Impa cut in. “Hyrule has presented no real reason to declare war, so he doesn't even have anything to use for an ulterior motive.”

There was another pause until Matteus spoke.

“I say you should carry out the negotiations,” he stated. “If anything, it will show that Hyrule has nothing but good intentions.”

“And what of my husband?” I demanded, anger seeping into my voice. “Am I to just leave him behind to become a laughingstock?”

“No one has to know Prince Link was forbidden to accompany you, your Majesty,” Renae told me gently. “The contents of the letter can be kept secret.”

I shook my head dismissively.

“I very much doubt it would remain a secret for long, Lady Renae.”

“That’s just a risk you’ll have to take, then, your Majesty,” Vasilis interjected. “Like King Ashton, you cannot afford to bring your personal feelings into the matter.”

I tensed at the minister’s words and turned to address him directly.

“Anyone who disrespects my husband disrespects me,” I declared, eying him coldly. “Thus I feel inclined to refuse him.”

“Your Majesty, the neighboring kingdoms simply aren’t recognizing the Prince as royalty,” Matteus bluntly replied. “As you know, it is causing some problems, and-”

“They are the ones causing the problems,” I cut him off sharply, “and it is all because of their narrow, prejudiced views. It is my hope that they will one day see that the circumstances of a man’s birth do not define or reflect his worth, and that respect should be earned, not inherited. A good king is a man with justice and honor in his heart; whether he has royal blood in his veins does not matter. There have been plenty of royals who have displayed little to no integrity, Ashton included.” I held their gazes for a moment longer before sighing and shaking my head. “However, I also realize that such enlightenment will take time, and so I currently have little choice but to tolerate Ashton’s narrow views and offensive demands.” I paused then, still unwilling to make a decision in favor of the negotiations. “I will contemplate this further and present you with my decision tomorrow morning.”

The councilors expressed their assent, which allowed me to adjourn the meeting.

I left the Council Chambers feeling more frustrated and anxious than I had walking in. Nearly a week had passed since Link’s last evaluation meeting had been held, but I knew it still troubled him. The problems surrounding Link’s social status always haunted him in some form or another. And now, just when the sting from that last meeting was finally beginning to wear off, I’d have to go and deliver a far more painful blow with Ashton’s letter?

I couldn’t do it; I just couldn’t do it…

A hand on my shoulder broke my troubled thoughts and I turned to see Impa wearing her usual serious expression.

“Are you all right?” she asked me quietly.

I nodded, if rather gloomily.

“Can you spare another five minutes or so?” I asked her.

“As long as you need.”

I smiled appreciatively and invited her to walk with me.

The two of us made our way back to my study, and Impa closed the door as I fell into my chair with a heavy sigh.

“…There’s just no way to soften this blow, is there?” I mournfully pondered aloud.

“For Link, you mean,” Impa said quietly as she lowered herself into a chair near my desk.

I nodded sadly and fell silent for a moment.

“…I worry about him, Impa,” I finally spoke, my voice hushed.

A brief, knowing smile tugged at her lips.

“Yes, I can’t remember a time when you haven’t,” she replied, the slightest hint of amusement in her tone.

“No,” I shook my head gently. “That’s not what I mean.” My shoulders drooped slightly as I turned to look out a nearby window. “…Something has been bothering him…something I think he’s very afraid of… But he chooses not to speak of it, and I don’t know why.”

“Have you ever approached him about it?”

“Of course,” I solemnly replied, glancing toward her briefly. “But it doesn’t do any good. He simply denies anything’s wrong and forces a smile.” I sighed softly before returning my gaze to the window. “I know he’s not being honest, and it worries me.”

“Why would Link keep anything from you?” Impa pondered quizzically. “That’s so unlike him…”

I was quiet a moment before answering.

“I know he’s embarrassed…” I began slowly, “…because he blames himself for nearly every political mishap, but…” I shook my head sadly. “It’s something deeper than that.”

“And you have no idea why this is.”

Again I fell silent, contemplating her words.

“…Sometimes I wonder if he fears being…cast out,” I told her quietly.

“Cast out?” she echoed inquisitively. “As in…an annulment?”

I nodded slowly, my gaze still fixed on the window.

“He knows I love him; I know he does, but…” I turned my head to look at Impa. “I think he still feels a little bit like an intruder, unwelcome and unwanted in the world of politics. I think he fears that, as more and more problems arise with our marriage, it will reach a point when I have no choice but to let him go, for the sake of Hyrule… So yes, I believe he might fear an eventual annulment.” I furrowed my brow as a worrisome thought occurred to me. “But if that’s true…then he would have to doubt my faithfulness to him…”

“Perhaps that’s why he won’t speak of it,” Impa suggested softly. “Maybe he’s ashamed of his own fears.”

“Oh, Link,” I sighed wearily, closing my eyes and resting my head against my hand. “I truly hope that’s not the case.”

“The question is,” Impa solemnly pondered aloud, “which are you first: Hyrule’s queen…or Link’s wife?”

I swallowed, feeling my heart lurch painfully at her words.

“I sometimes ask myself the same thing,” I admitted softly, “and I try my very hardest to be both. But Link might think that’s impossible…”

“And he fears you would be forced to choose queen over wife,” Impa finished quietly.

“Yes,” I whispered sadly, bringing my gaze back toward the window. “…Sometimes even I fear that.”

Impa drew a deep breath and released it.

“When do you plan on discussing the negotiations with him?” she asked me calmly.

“Not until later this evening,” I answered her somberly, turning my head to meet her crimson gaze. “I don’t want to trouble him with it while he’s on duty.”

“Of course.”

Another long moment of silence passed, a sign that our conversation had reached its end.

“I suppose I should go attend court before I’m missed,” I said finally, sighing as I rose to my feet.

Impa gave me one of her small sympathetic smiles and stood as well.

“Try not to worry too much about Link,” she said quietly, reaching over to touch my shoulder gently. “It will be all right.”

I nodded halfheartedly as Impa gave my shoulder a quick squeeze before leaving the room and closing the door behind her. I remained in my study, however, leaning against my desk and enjoying the peace and quiet before I left to face the noisy gossip of the court.

Gossip, I thought bitterly to myself. That’s the last thing I need right now.

Nonetheless, I stood and slowly headed for the court, my heart growing heavier with every step.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The main halls were already occupied by lords and ladies of all ages, each garbed in their finest and clustered into their own familiar cliques. My presence became known almost immediately after I entered the broad doorway, as each person turned to greet me with a reverent nod or curtsy as I passed them by. Nearly everyone’s unwavering attention was focused on me alone, and I suddenly found myself longing for Link’s reassuring presence beside me. Though not all of the nobles approved of Link becoming the Prince of Hyrule, most of them would never dare say so to his face. Link was still the esteemed military General, and his calm, collected demeanor had always given him an intimidating air of importance. I never had to worry about discussing the ‘political matters’ of my marriage when Link was around.

Unfortunately for me, Link would not attend court until evening, as he had his military duties to fulfill, and I was certain the supposedly private matters of our marriage would come up at some point.

“Oh, your Majesty, there you are!”

Sighing inwardly, I turned to see my ladies in waiting hurrying toward me with great enthusiasm. Eagerly they swarmed around me like bees to a bed of flowers, and I mentally prepared myself for whatever pointless drabble they presented that afternoon. Their favorite subjects often consisted of their perfect children, their unsatisfactory husbands, the desirable unmarried noblemen, and, of course, my own marriage.

Today was no exception, I soon found out.

“…I hear he had some scandalous affair with a lady from Tar Alem.”

“Tar Alem?”

“But that’s impossible!”

“I heard he has a secret Gerudo mistress.”

“No, that’s Lord Marson…”

“Truly? But isn’t his wife expecting?”

“You don’t seem to be taking much interest in the conversation, your Grace,” a lower voice suddenly surfaced amidst the enthusiastic chatter.

I turned toward the owner of the voice and frowned slightly. Lady Alicia Grefaire.

She was a pretty young woman with long blonde hair and emerald green eyes, and was once greatly desired by the young nobles of the court. Eventually she was swept away by a man she had believed to be the love of her life, only to find him locked in the arms of a young common woman less than one year into their marriage. She was forced to keep it a secret, however, and it wasn’t until after another year of unsuccessful marriage that her husband finally demanded a divorce. Her marriage had left her with nothing but a broken heart and a forever tainted reputation. Because of her past, she was less desired within the court, and was forced to rely on strictly physical advances to catch a courtier’s eye. Her downfall could be called tragic, as it was one she has never quite recovered from, and it has left her a bitter, selfish woman.

“I find such talk to be inappropriate,” I told her disapprovingly. “Those are private matters and should not be discussed so casually in public.”

“Oh, but my Lady,” a rosy-faced woman called Margarete spoke up, “there is little else to talk about!”

The giggles that followed did nothing to help ease my irritation.

“Of course, your Grace will never have to worry about anything scandalous like that,” another piped up cheerfully.

“Lady Sophia!”

“To even suggest such a thing!”

“Prince Link is a true gentleman! He would never-”

“All right, that’s enough,” I interrupted them calmly. “I’m sure you can think of something more appropriate to discuss than my husband’s fidelity.”

“Oh, forgive us, my Lady,” Sophia apologized rather sheepishly. “It’s just that his Highness is such a fascinating topic of conversation…”

“Yes, yes,” Margarete joined in enthusiastically. “Sometimes I forget he was born a commoner…”

I furrowed my brow at this comment.

“There are just as many common gentlemen as there are noblemen, if not more,” I stated firmly but calmly.

“Truly, my Lady?”

“I’d believe it,” Lady Catrine commented dryly. “Considering my husband’s manners…”

“Perhaps I should look outside the noble court for my husband,” Sophia pondered aloud. “Though I doubt I'd find any as charming as his Highness…”

The ladies giggled into their fans yet again, and I fought to keep from rolling my eyes. Was I ever like that…? I wondered exasperatedly. A small smile then tugged at my lips as I pictured Link’s subtly uncomfortable expression upon overhearing such a conversation.

“...As lovely as those qualities are, they are not what makes a king.”

My smile dissipated as Alicia's words reached my ears, and I stopped practically mid-step to meet her steady gaze. The other ladies also stopped and followed my gaze.

“Exactly what are you implying, Lady Alicia?” I addressed her in a rather sharp tone. “You believe my husband lacks the qualities of a king?”

Unfazed, the woman gave a small, innocent shrug.

“He was recently denied by the Council, was he not?” she inquired simply. “Again, I hasten to add. After so many refusals, I find myself wondering whether he will ever be fit to rule...”

I felt my blood boil at this brazen comment, especially when a few of the ladies nodded in agreement.

“That is my husband you speak of so loosely,” I responded in a low, icy tone. “It is not your place to judge him, and you should not speak of things you know so little about.”

Alicia determinedly held my gaze for half a moment before bowing her head.

“Forgive me, your Grace.”

Lady Margarete sighed and dramatically brought her fan up near her face.

“Oh, but Prince Link is so very handsome,” she swooned, fanning her face with a dreamy smile. “He may never be king, but he at least looks like one...”

To my horror, this remark only caused another burst of giggles.

“Yes, I don't know how you keep your hands off of him, your Majesty...”

“How is it that there is no heir yet?”

It was that last comment that finally snapped the thinning thread of my tolerance.

“Enough of this!” I burst out suddenly, no longer bothering to control the anger in my voice.

“The women fell silent and looked at me in surprise.

“How dare you,” I addressed them in a hushed but sharp tone. “How dare you speak of my husband in such a manner? He is not an object for your petty amusements; he is your prince, your superior, and you will refer to him as such.”

The women were all rendered speechless and now stared at me in shock. Barely a moment passed before the weight of everything I’d said fell back on me, and I found myself feeling somewhat lightheaded. I couldn't remember the last time I had lost my temper like that in court, and I didn’t know whether to feel pride or regret.

“I'm afraid I must take my leave,” I told them in a quieter voice, bringing a hand to my temple. “…I do not feel well.”

Without waiting for their response, I turned and hurriedly left the hall, ignoring the inquisitive looks of other lords and ladies as I passed them by. Once I was a comfortable distance away I stopped and tiredly leant back against the corridor wall. My face was still flushed and my heart still pounded against my chest as the ladies’ mocking laughter still rang in my ears. In the past, the women of the court had never dared to speak of my father in such a manner…certainly not to my face, at least. Why now did they speak of my husband with such a lack of reverence…?

You know why.

I sighed wearily and shook my head. It hadn’t been the first time they’d spoken of him so freely, as though he was just another attractive courtier and not the Prince of Hyrule…so why had I gotten so angry? I had always done so well in the past, tolerating every foolish, girlish remark, or quietly chiding them whenever they went too far, but today I…

I furrowed my brow suddenly, realizing it had been the comment about an heir that had snapped my patience. Why...? Nearly two years had passed since Link and I had married, but a child still had yet to come. It wasn't that we didn't want children, heavens no. Nature simply hadn't taken its course yet, a fact which admittedly did worry me from time to time… Though Link and I had agreed that things were still a little too hectic for children, I knew for a fact that he was still just as open to the possibility as I was.

In truth, the women had spoken of something important to me in such a flippant manner, so of course it had bothered me. To have a child with Link would bring me immeasurable joy, and I did not wish to hear it referred to in such a demoralizing way. Link's and my child may very well be the successor of Hyrule's throne, but he or she would still be our child; the living proof of our love. He or she would not be conceived through obligation and duty, as most princes and princesses are. For Link and me, it was all very personal, very... intimate.

It then occurred to me that as the heir our child was never going to be a private matter, so I might as well get used to the idea of people talking about it in court. Perhaps then my real fear was the possibility of the court disregarding my children as they did my husband. Would things never change?

“Your Majesty?”

I was shaken out of my thoughts and looked up to see a young maid looking at me curiously.

“May I be of some aid to your Majesty?” she asked me timidly.

Straightening, I shook my head and forced a smile.

“No, thank you, I was just on my way back to my chambers.”

“Yes, your Majesty.” The maid promptly returned to her chores while I started off toward my chambers, though it took only a moment before I realized I did not actually wish to go there. The peace and quiet of my room would only lead me to wallow in the worrisome thoughts that currently occupied my mind, and I had no desire to dwell on that any longer. What I needed was a distraction.

Impa was currently unavailable, and I had no desire to return to court so...

Link?

I smiled and shook my head. That was wishful thinking, for I knew he was hard at work out on the training grounds. The general did not have time to answer to his wife's silly needs. Even so, something inside me had grabbed hold of the idea and refused to let go. It berated me for dismissing it before I'd even tried anything and begged me to go see Link anyway.

He'll understand, it assured me. It sounded desperate and was surprisingly difficult to ignore.

Suddenly I found myself standing in front of the door to my chambers. The little voice inside me was now screaming as I reached for the doorknob, and I felt myself becoming more and more flustered. The castle walls seemed to close in on me, suffocating me...

Goddesses forbid I should be a little spontaneous for once!

I pulled my hand away from the doorknob and breathed a sigh of relief. I had made my decision. I would go see Link, and maybe just this once he could accompany me on a small outing. It would be a lovely change of scenery for the both of us. Nodding to myself, I headed for the training grounds, and this time my heart grew lighter with every step.

Ummm...where's chapter 1?

it was here but i think she edited over it by mistake.
you can find some of chapter 1 here: https://www.vizzed.com/vizzedboard/thread.php?id=4718