Fortitude - Chapter 4

Xxx 4 xxX

The following morning Link and I presented our decision to the Council as planned. Neither of us had come in high spirits, though I greeted the ministers with a pleasant, confident smile. Link sat rigidly beside me, not bothering to hide his displeasure.

"We have discussed Impa's suggestion to rendezvous at the borderline," I informed the Council, "and we find it an acceptable compromise. I have included this request in my response to Ashton's letter, and an emissary will depart this morning."

"Have you chosen to remain here, my Lord?" Kinsley asked Link, his brow furrowed with concern.

"I have agreed to exclude myself from the rendezvous," Link replied. "However, for the sake of appearances, I will accompany her most of the journey, and I will await her return at a small camp near the rendezvous site."

"I suppose that is acceptable," Vasilis spoke, "as long as Lord Ashton is unaware of it."

"The fact that Link will not attend the actual negotiations must never leave this chamber," I said firmly. "Link has been gracious enough to deny himself the recognition he deserves, and the least we can do is prevent gossip. His cooperation has allowed us to respond peacefully, but our tolerance is spent. If Ashton insists on further dialogue between Hyrule and Vandelius, Link will not be thrust aside."

Most of the ministers nodded their agreement, yet I caught Vasilis and Elena exchange a rather unsubtle glance. Annoyance sharpened my tongue, but Link's own irritation — a feeling he directed at me — distracted me.

Link? I tried to catch his eye, but Vasilis drew both our attention.

"We acknowledge the General's tolerance," he said, adopting a near condescending tone, "but we must strive to end this quickly and painlessly. Objectivity is key. Maintaining peace is far more important than protecting one man's pride."

"No one is disputing that, Vasilis," Link said, eyeing him coldly.

"Yes, thank you, Vasilis, for stating Link's sentiment so eloquently for us," Kinsley added dryly.

"My intentions are simple," I said quickly, eager to move on, "I will review the treaties and conclude the negotiations as peacefully as possible. Whether Ashton's intentions are equally pure remains to be seen. Link and I have expressed our desire to avoid conflict, but I will not respond to any more threats.

"Now," I added, turning my attention to Impa. "Has the Alliance been alerted to the situation?"

"Yes," she replied. "And, as you know, my presence is required at the rendezvous. With your permission, I would like to depart early — to construct the rendezvous site, as well as the nearby camp. I will await further instruction there."

"Excellent," I nodded. "If Ashton agrees to this arrangement, Link and I will join you. If Ashton refuses, I will send word for your return."

Impa nodded. "I will begin the arrangements immediately."

.

By the time I dismissed the meeting, Link was ready to storm out of the chamber. He hid his frustration well, however, keeping a calm exterior while his irritation pricked like thorns.

What is wrong? I quickened my step to match his. What did I do?

Would you stop being so obvious? came his sharp reply. You know they're watching us.

Quickly I adjusted my pace and cleared my expression, maintaining our façade as we rounded the corner. There I grabbed Link's arm and pulled him into an empty room.

"What is the matter with you?" I demanded in a harsh whisper, quietly closing the door. "Why are you being so cold?"

"You know why," he shot back. "You spoke on my behalf again."

"What —?"

"All that talk of not tolerating Ashton's disrespect toward me, praising my cooperation — it's embarrassing, Zelda."

"I embarrassed you?"

"I never asked you to defend me."

"You want me to ignore Ashton's irreverence?"

"I want you to let me take it in stride. You made me look pathetic — like I asked you to stand up for me."

I stared at him, momentarily stunned. "I did not. You entered that chamber so wound up and frustrated you saw mockery that isn't there. I said what needed to be said."

"You made me look like a child!" Link exclaimed, barely remembering to keep his voice down. "And the Council will never grant a child the Rite of Kingship."

I hesitated, aware of his rising frustration. "Link… You're making too much of this…"

"You saw their faces," he said bitterly. "I didn't imagine those looks, Zelda."

"Link, I…"

But he shook his head and turned for the door. "I have to go," he muttered. "Just forget about it."

He left before I could say another word. I stood there a while, listening to his footsteps fade.

"…I'm sorry."

xxxxxxx

That evening Link and I dined with Impa as well as Ian and Arielle. Impa and Ian talked the most, discussing their arrangements for the rendezvous site and questioning whether Ashton had some ulterior motive in reviewing the treaties. Link contributed to the conversation, partly to avoid my gaze. I didn't bother with telepathy — any confrontation would have to wait until we retired to our chambers.

So I sat picking at my meal, listening with half an ear and tasting nothing. I sensed Link's frustration had withered into something like dejected unease, which concerned me. I suspected his earlier show of anger had been misplaced, that something else entirely had caused him to lash out.

Once we had finished our meal and said our goodnights, Link and I headed upstairs to our chambers. We walked arm in arm, smiling and nodding at passersby as though nothing was wrong.

Nothing is wrong, I corrected myself. We had a quarrel, and we will resolve it.

All couples quarreled from time to time; Link and I were no exception. But I knew this was different. This involved Ashton, which meant it threatened the life Link and I had built together — the life we had barely begun.

We entered our chambers to find the fireplace lit as usual, though the flames needed kindling.

"It's cold in here," Link muttered, moving toward the hearth.

I watched him take the stoker and kindle the flames, rubbing my arms to warm myself.

"Link, I need to apologize," I said quietly, "about what happened in the meeting earlier…"

He sighed and pulled away from the now warmer, brighter flames. "I'm the one who should apologize," he said as he placed the stoker back in its holder. "I shouldn't have snapped at you."

"But you were right," I insisted. "I did speak on your behalf; I've done it before —"

"You were only trying to support me," Link soothed, coming closer to caress my shoulders.

"I'll try to be more careful," I told him. "The last thing I want to do is embarrass you…"

I trailed off when he pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"Don't give it another thought," he murmured. "You were right — I walked into that meeting all wound up, and I vented my frustration on you."

He drew me closer, and gladly I embraced him.

"This whole situation's got me wound up," he murmured, his warm hands caressing my back. "Just when I thought we were free of him…"

"I know," I murmured. "But don't worry… It will all be over soon."

He rested his head against mine, and I sensed his fear grow stronger.

"Link…" Gently I pulled away to study his face. "What is it?"

He lowered his gaze, unwilling to discuss it.

"I know something has been bothering you. I feel it, Link; I've felt it for weeks now. But you refuse to talk about it…"

He shook his head. "Talking won't make it better." He moved to pull away, but I caught his arm.

"What do you mean?" I pleaded. "We've always been able to talk…"

"It's not that I can't talk to you," he murmured. "There's just nothing left to say about it."

"About what…?"

He stared into the fire, his face lined with anxiousness. "Everything is unraveling," he whispered. "This rendezvous… it's just the beginning."

I blinked, unused to him talking in riddles, as I tended to do. "What are you saying…? What is unraveling?"

He turned to me, and I saw that same fear in his eyes — fear I had long sensed through the bond.

"Us," he answered softly. "Our marriage… My incompetence."

I furrowed my brow. "Incompetence —?"

"Nearly two years have passed, and nothing has changed. From the court's perspective, I have one simple duty to fulfill as your consort, and I have failed. That is my incompetence."

I dropped my hand and stepped back, clenching my fists with anger.

"That we have no child is my incompetence!" I cried. "My failure!"

Gently he grabbed my shoulders, calming me with a tender, sorrowful look.

"You have done nothing wrong," he assured me. "Zelda, don't you understand? Why we struggle to conceive doesn't matter to them — I will be blamed. I am a nameless commoner you took to father your child — I am disposable."

I shook my head, hearing the desperation in his hushed tone.

"Some would jump at the opportunity to break us apart," he added bitterly. "And Ashton would not hesitate to use them. How long before this — this pressure we've dealt with is thrust into the open? What can I do when Ashton tries to reclaim you?"

"You will do nothing," I said firmly. "Because nothing will come of it. You are my husband, and our vows will not be broken."

Link released my arms, drawing no comfort from my words.

"Even a marriage can be broken," he said bitterly. "You have been bound to Hyrule since birth, and you were sworn to Ashton long before you met me. He is a master deceiver, Zelda. He need only pretend he's a 'changed man,' feign some sincere interest in our culture, and blame the Retribution War on his father. The court would welcome him with open arms!"

"Link, that's ridiculous!" I exclaimed. "It would never come to that — Ashton will never step foot in Castletown! And you have more supporters than you realize — people who would never take Ashton over you! Or any foreigner, for that matter!"

Link scoffed and turned away, but I grabbed his arm, forcing him to meet my gaze.

"And how dare you talk like this to me?" I demanded. "Acting as though an annulment is something to fear, as though I would even consider it. Is that how little you trust me? You think I would be so unfaithful?"

"Of course not," he said gently, taking my hands in his. "But this has nothing to do with trust or faith. I know you would honor our vows in every possible circumstance, but you would never bring harm to our people. You would never defend our marriage to the point of war… and I would never expect you to do otherwise."

"But you're wrong, Link!" I exclaimed. "I would defend my marriage, even to the point of war!"

He stared at me, his face a look of shock.

"But that fight would not be about us," I added softly. "Not officially. Marriage is a sacred institution in our kingdom. If I allowed someone to force my annulment, I would turn my back on those beliefs so deeply embedded in our culture. I can't imagine any leader — even Ashton — would be insane enough to start a war because I chose you as my husband. Those who oppose us are entitled to their opinions, but once they try to dictate who I marry and who rules over my kingdom, I will resist them. That is my duty and my right as Queen."

Link gazed at me, evidently speechless. I sensed my passionate declaration had reassured him, but I also felt his lingering uncertainty, his reluctance to let go of his fears. Gently I took his face in my hands, kissing him softly.

"No one will come between us," I murmured. "Trust me, Link..."

He searched my face, his blue eyes clouded with worry. But what if we can't conceive? his hushed, fearful words echoed through my mind. You know I will wait as long as it takes, but they are not so patient.

I swallowed, steeling myself against that fear. I won't let them force us apart.

"But you wouldn't have a choice," he whispered. "Hyrule needs an heir…"

I hesitated, and my father's voice suddenly echoed through my mind:

Duty before desire, Zelda. You belong first and foremost to Hyrule. Let nothing interfere with that, not even love.

"No!" I cried, throwing my arms around Link's neck. "I won't leave you; not for any reason! I don't care what they say…"

He held me tight, burying his face into my shoulder. Tears burned in my throat as I clung to him, but I forced them down. I had to be strong for him.

"We still have time," I whispered, my fingers entangling with his hair. "We must have faith… The gods did not bring us this far only to let us be torn apart."

But Link sensed my doubt, much as I tried to bury it. The gods had blessed us in many ways, but they did not control our lives. All mortal life was blessed with free will, but conflicting views and selfish hearts created a world of pain and uncertainty. Link and I had chosen to face that world together; we could not rely on the gods to shield us from hardship. The Goddesses aided us in other ways, giving us strength and clarity, but they could not fulfill our every wish.

"All I can do is hold on to you," Link whispered, tightening his embrace. "Until you're forced to let me go."

He barely spoke the words before I heatedly kissed his lips. "That will never happen," I breathed. "Never."

I kissed him again and again, catching my breath when he kissed a heated path down my neck. Vaguely I felt him hoist me into his arms and head for the bedchamber, pausing only to kick the door shut.

We collapsed onto the bed, tearing off each other's clothes between constant, breathless kisses. Reality blurred into ecstasy; pleasure consumed our fears. Mouth to mouth, flesh against flesh, we knew nothing but each other, nothing but the merging of our souls into one.

xxxxxxx

As expected, nearly two weeks passed before I received Ashton's response. The message was short, and written in a hand I didn't recognize. Ashton had most likely dictated his words:

"His Majesty, Lord Ashton, will arrive at the designated rendezvous location in one week following the date of this letter. He trusts her Majesty will honor his wishes, as specified in his previous correspondence."

Traveling to the southern border by carriage meant a week's journey for Link and me as well — granted we encountered no delays. Fortunately we had prepared ahead of time, and our carriage was ready to leave that same afternoon.

Link and I had requested the smallest escort party possible, hoping to attract little attention while traveling at a faster pace. Ian arranged for a company of five guards, since additional guards had already been posted at Link's camp and the rendezvous site.

And so, after meeting with the Council to address any final questions, Link and I boarded the carriage and set off toward the South Gate, located on the far side of Castletown. I always enjoyed this route, since I could watch the townspeople go about their daily business.

Before long we entered the market square, the bustling heart of Castletown. Everywhere people hurried about, purchasing goods while merchants loudly promoted their products. Children wove through the crowd, chasing dogs or cuccoos while their parents called after them.

This glimpse of everyday life outside the castle both fascinated and saddened me, partly because it showed a simpler, peaceful existence I would never know.

Most people stopped to watch our carriage go by, and some even waved — especially the children. Many knew Link from his days as a humble soldier, and I heard them call his name in greeting. He waved back with a smile, as did I, though I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sorrow. Becoming Prince of Hyrule had placed some inevitable distance between Link and his old friends. They admired him, but the familiarity they once enjoyed had long gone.

Briefly I searched his emotions, glad to sense he did not share my sadness. Instead I felt his desire to protect them and preserve our kingdom's prosperity.

The noise of the market square had faded by the time we arrived at the South Gate, where the guards allowed us immediate passage. Our carriage slowly rolled over the massive drawbridge, then picked up speed once the wheels touched ground. Hyrule Field opened before us, leaving the walls of Castletown to shrink and eventually vanish from sight.

With a sigh I turned away from the window, already drifting into melancholy. Link, however, was determined to lift my spirits. He moved to sit across from me and rested his boots on the seat beside me. Then he reached for the small traveling bag we'd brought and retrieved a deck of cards.

Care for a game? he inquired with a smile.

I grinned and imitated his posture while he dealt a round onto a small table. I anticipated many card games during the next several days. A monotonous journey awaited us, and I was glad for any distraction.

.

Our party stopped for an hour during midday meal, allowing everyone to stretch their legs. Link and I enjoyed the change, but I also welcomed the privacy of our carriage. I had Link all to myself there, and I took great comfort in his presence. Seven years had passed since I last saw Ashton, and the thought of seeing him again left me sick with nerves.

Again and again I found myself revisiting the past, unearthing dark memories I had all but forgotten. I stared out the window, oblivious to the landscape while cold, familiar faces hovered before my mind's eye. Warnings of Ashton's personal agenda still echoed in my ears, and my heart weighed like a stone, growing heavier with each passing hour.

What could he hope to gain after all these years…?

The touch of Link's finger brushing my cheek brought me back to the present, and I turned to find him watching me with a look of concern. Wordlessly I slid toward him, nestling into the crook of his arm. Neither of us had slept much the previous night, and I knew his eyes felt as heavy as mine. Before long the gentle rhythm of the carriage had lulled us both to sleep.

.

The days passed in dull repetition, broken only by weather changes, meals, and preparing for nightfall. Link and the others would go off to hunt, and we would share a meal by campfire before retiring into our tents. The guards took turns watching over our camp, but each night passed without disturbance.

When grey storm clouds darkened the sky, our party was forced to stop in a small village for the night. The village leader welcomed us into his home, doing his best to provide for us on such short notice. Link and I retired soon after dinner, assuring his family that a warm meal and a roof over our heads was more than enough.

Our journey resumed its usual monotony, thankfully without any more rain. Each hour wore at our patience, and I grew restless with rising apprehension.

.

Finally, after six days of travel, we reached the camp Impa had prepared for Link. Through the window I saw three simple tents had been pitched, and the guards there stood to salute us. My nerves doubled as the carriage slowed to a stop — Ashton stood less than an hour away.

The guards informed us that Ashton's party had already arrived at the rendezvous site. They, along with Impa and her party, awaited me there. I felt Link take my hand — just as Ian opened the door on my side.

"No need for that, Captain," I told him. "I will proceed to the rendezvous site immediately. I need just a minute or two."

Ian nodded, his eyes shifting to Link and back to me. "As you wish, my Lady."

He closed the carriage door, and immediately Link and I reached for each other, sharing a fierce, lingering embrace.

I wish you could come with me, I whispered through the bond. I'm sorry it has to be this way…

I know, he said quietly. Don't worry about me. I'm sure he'll give you enough to deal with.

I sighed against his shoulder, tightening my arms around him. I'll finish this as quickly as possible. I just hope the years have made him more reasonable…

Link scoffed. I wouldn't count on it. I'm not sure I'd let you go at all if Impa wasn't there.

I smiled and lifted my head, bringing a hand to his cheek. "I'll be fine. Don't you worry either."

"You know that's impossible," he murmured, leaning in to kiss me. Tenderly I responded, giving him another quick kiss as he pulled away — just for good measure. Link smiled and reluctantly turned to open the door. I watched him step out of the carriage, and our eyes met before the door closed between us.

Good luck, his voice echoed through my thoughts.

Then Ian mounted his horse as my driver took the reins, and the carriage moved on toward the rendezvous site. I sat back away from the window, bracing myself for the unknown.

xxxxxxx

Less than an hour later, I stood before a large, elaborate tent — the heart of the rendezvous site — where I would soon meet Ashton face to face. Two Vandelian guards stood to the left of the entrance, and two Hylian guards to the right. Impa stood at my side, and I drew comfort in her strong, familiar presence.

"Halt!" The Vandelian guards pointed their spears at her, much to our guards' alarm.

"None but Queen Zelda may enter," the first Vandelian said gruffly, ignoring the Hylian spear pointed at his chest.

"I am the Alliance representative," she said. "My presence is required —"

"Lord Ashton has requested a private audience with her Majesty before the negotiations commence. Our own representative has been ordered to wait as well."

My calm expression nearly slipped — I had not expected to face Ashton alone.

"It's all right," I assured her, hiding my disquiet. "I won't let him start anything."

She looked at me, searching my guarded expression. "...Are you sure?"

I nodded. "I'll be fine."

The guards drew the tent flaps aside, and, steeling my nerves, I calmly walked inside.

Two torches lit the spacious interior, illuminating a large rug which covered the ground. A wooden table stood at the center, and behind it sat the man I once believed would be my husband.

Ashton.

The years had barely changed him. His defined cheekbones, slender nose, and sharp jaw line all showed minimal signs of aging. His long, dark crimson hair had been neatly tied back, though a few shorter locks curved along the side of his face — just as I remembered.

His taste in clothing remained unchanged as well. Ashton had always enjoyed the more fashionable, flamboyant attire of Vandelius, and he had dressed for the occasion. White frills laced the shirtsleeves beneath his dark jacket, matching those which fell from his collar. A large ruby brooch had been pinned there, bearing the Vandelian royal crest.

Slowly he rose to his feet, studying me with those piercing green eyes. For a moment we stood there, appraising each other in bitter silence.

"My dear Zelda," his low voice sent an unpleasant chill down my spine, "it has been far too long."

I fixed him with an icy look, suppressing heated retorts.

"Time has been kind to you," he added smoothly, his eyes wandering my body. "You look positively ravishing."

Inwardly I scowled. "Spare me the flattery, Ashton."

He clicked his tongue in disapproval. "Now, Zelda, must you be so cold? I've come in peace, after all."

"You can hardly expect me to greet you with a smile."

"And why ever not? I agreed to rendezvous here, didn't I? You speak as though my actions require tolerance."

I came forward, stopping so I faced him across the table. "I speak, Ashton, of the utter disregard you show my husband."

He narrowed his eyes. "That peasant is hardly qualified to take part in this."

"That is not for you to decide. We tolerated your demands for the sake of peace —"

"Hold your tongue, Zelda," Ashton spoke over me. "You have no idea what's happened, do you?"

I furrowed my brow, trying to appear more aggravated than confused. "What do you mean? We came to review the treaties."

He shook his head and turned away. "As I expected."

I watched as he paced the tent, no longer bothering to hide my confusion.

"Shortly after I received your proposal to rendezvous here," he began, "I received news that two small, peaceful villages near our northern border had been attacked and burned to the ground. Many innocent lives were lost — men, women, and children alike. Those who managed to survive," he added, turning to meet my gaze, "identified the perpetrators as Hylian soldiers."

Shock struck me like a frigid blast, but I managed to appear calm.

"…It grieves me to hear of this," I said carefully, "but you will need stronger evidence before you accuse my soldiers of such a crime. How could anyone possibly identify these perpetrators in the dark of night, amidst such chaos?"

"My people claim they saw men in silver armor, and the helmets they described resemble those your own soldiers wear," Ashton replied.

"You know verbal reports are no better than hearsay —"

Ashton raised a hand to silence me. "I wasn't finished."

He approached the table, and I noticed something wrapped in brown canvas lay beside the pile of paperwork.

"It would seem your soldiers desired to make a statement," Ashton told me, "since they left a rather important item behind."

"And what is that?"

He gestured to the brown canvas. "See for yourself."

I reached for the bundle, hoping he wouldn't notice my trembling hands. Inside the canvas lay a dark blue cloth, which I unfolded across the table. The fabric was soiled and burned in some places, but the large, vibrant crest sewn across the front was more than recognizable.

A soaring red phoenix… crowned by a golden Triforce.

"Our banner," I whispered, struggling to contain my horror. "This… This cannot be…"

"I proposed these negotiations with the best of intentions," Ashton said, eyeing me coldly, "and this is the response I get? The suffering of my people?"

"This is some kind of mistake," I stammered. "Whoever did this acted by their own criminal means."

"Then exactly how did they come upon this fine banner?" Ashton inquired, fingering the thick material. "This is no replica."

I had known it was authentic the moment I examined it. Its rich material and complex stitching met the high standards of our official banners. But we kept those locked safely away, and no one but Link, the Council, or I could access them.

Who could have done this?

"Someone intended to start a conflict," I said gravely. "I assure you a complete investigation will be carried out —"

"That won't be necessary," he cut me off. "I know this was not your doing… but I have no such confidence in your so-called husband."

I stared at him, barely containing my fury. "How dare you," I seethed. "Link is no warmonger, and he would never bring harm to innocent people."

Ashton waved a dismissive hand. "Spare me the speech, Zelda. His involvement makes perfect sense, considering his position as well as our history."

"Enough! Leave him out of this!"

Ashton smiled to himself, pacing the room as he thought aloud. "He must be under a great deal of stress these days… Two years, and still he's failed to beget an heir…"

I froze, feeling my throat go dry as sand.

"I always knew his filthy, common seed would be incompatible with a woman like you," he spat. "If he even accomplished that much. Tell me, Zelda, did he even know what to do with you the night he defiled you?"

I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to slap him across the face.

"Our intimacy," I hissed, glaring at him through narrowed eyes, "is none of your concern."

"It is my concern," he growled. "And that of your entire court, not to mention our friends in the Alliance."

Slowly he moved around the table, circling behind me as he walked the tent's interior.

"Tell me," he said, clasping his hands behind his back, "how many fruitless years will it take before the peasant is cast aside?"

"That will never happen," I said firmly.

"Are you sure about that? Few nobles have the luxury of marrying for love… Are you prepared to become Hyrule's childless, selfish queen? For a marriage your own subjects believe is cursed? Hyrule's reputation is already dwindling, Zelda…"

I swallowed hard, struggling to find a response. "You have your own reputation to worry about, Ashton."

"That," he said, lifting a finger, "is what makes my proposal so desirable. It would benefit both Hyrule and Vandelius."

I studied him, unnerved by the devious gleam in his eyes. "Your proposal?"

He drew closer, and I lifted my chin to hold his gaze.

"To be entirely honest," he said in a lower, more dangerous tone, "it's more of an ultimatum."

He snatched my arm, making me wince with pain. "You will divorce that scum you call husband," he seethed, his breath hot on my cheek, "and fulfill what should have been… with me."

Instinctively I summoned my magic, igniting a flame in my hands. Startled, Ashton released me and backed away, stopping when he bumped the table.

"Have you lost your mind?" I hissed, extinguishing the flame. "Marriage is out of the question!"

He scowled, his features dark with anger. "You may want to reconsider once you've heard my alternative."

"And that would be?"

His eyes bore into mine, cold and unblinking.

"A declaration of war."