AN: Hello everyone, and thank you for taking the time to read my story! Before you begin, I would like to stress that this story is categorized as romance/drama for a reason, as it mainly focuses on Link and Zelda's relationship as they face various trials together. So if you don't like lots of drama and romance, you might want to stay away from this one. There is a solid plot of course, so don't assume it's just a bunch of sappy scenes weakly strung together. At least, that's what I tried to avoid. With that said, I hope you enjoy my story. Thanks again! :)

Full Synopsis:Nearly fifteen years have passed since Link and Zelda sealed Ganondorf away and restored peace to Hyrule. Now married, the two of them lead a happy but stressful life together. Zelda, now Queen and sole ruler of Hyrule, fights to maintain alliances that have weakened since her marriage, while Link, Prince Consort of Hyrule, struggles to gain proper recognition from the High Council so he may one day take the throne at his wife's side.

These issues soon prove to be the least of their troubles, however, when Zelda's former fiancé, King Ashton of the kingdom Vandelius, returns with a vengeance. Aided by mysterious dark forces, Ashton aims to take back not only his former bride but her kingdom as well...

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Fortitude

Chapter I

Darkness.

Ceaselessly it stretched out before me, surrounding me. It permeated the very core of my being, clogging my mind and choking my spirit. I groped for an anchor, something to keep me grounded…

But then, gradually, the darkness began to clear.

Two orange glows materialized in the distance, their mirrored forms sharpening into torches. At last my eyes could adjust, and in the feeble light I observed my surroundings. I stood in what appeared to be a dark corridor. The walls were solid rock, rough and dirty, but there was something else…something that just barely caught the light…

Metal bars. Rusted with age, they lined the walls on either side before fading into darkness beyond the torches. It was then that I realized…

I was standing in a dungeon.

The air was alarmingly thick, and an unnatural chill clung to me, seeping deep into my flesh. It was difficult to breath, difficult to think…

Wearing only a simple nightdress, I trembled as I stepped forward, aware of the dirt and grime that clung to my feet—

Then I froze. Low, unnatural groans had suddenly drifted from the nearby cells, a sound I knew all too well.

Through my peripheral vision I saw dark shapes rise to their feet, slowly. I was seized with a twisted temptation to stare the figure directly in the eyes, but I resisted. I knew what would happen if I gave in.

Instead I pressed on, passing the cells as quickly as my stiff body would allow. The groans followed my every step; it was unusually difficult to ignore them. My confidence grew as I neared the torches, rising all the higher when I spied a metal door at the far end of the corridor. I broke into a run, desperate to reach it and leave that cursed place…

Then suddenly a terrible, unnatural scream tore the silence, ringing through my ears and snuffing out whatever warmth I'd retained. A cry escaped my own lips as I pressed my hands to my ears, stumbling blindly. My body slammed into the bars of another cell, sagging against them as I gasped for air.

Make it stop, make it stop…

It felt like hours before the scream finally broke off, its last eerie note echoing into silence.

Slowly my hands left my ears to grip the bars of the cell I'd collided with. I pressed my forehead against their cold surface, waiting for my lingering fear to pass.

Then suddenly I became aware of another quieter sound, coming from that very cell. Quickly I released my grasp and stepped away, listening warily. But it wasn't a groan; it was…panting. Someone in that cell—a man, by the sound of it—was breathing heavily, more so than I was.

A man? Here among ReDeads?

Caution and concern warred within me, but the latter feeling soon prevailed. I peered into the cell, and as my eyes adjusted I could see the prisoner inside was indeed a man.

Stripped from the waist up, he sat against the far wall. His arms stretched high above his head, held up by chains, and his body sagged tiredly beneath them. His head fell limp toward his chest, his face hidden by dirty, overgrown hair. Save for the rise and fall of his chest, he was completely still. Save for his shuddering breaths, he was completely silent.

It was a pitiful sight.

A wave of sympathy swept through me, urging me to look closer. I gripped the bars and opened my mouth to speak…

A metallic creak cut me off, and with a gasp I jumped back to face the far door.

A dark figure strode forward, leaving the door open behind him. Tall and cloaked, he held an ominous air, and the way he ignored my presence confused me.

"Who are you?" I addressed him sharply. "What is this place?"

He walked forward in silence, as though he hadn't seen or heard me at all.

"Stay away!" I shouted, taking a few steps back. "Tell me why I'm here!"

Again he did not respond. I watched, dumbfounded, as he paused before the prisoner's cell and drew out a rusted key. My eyes flicked toward the prisoner, watching as he slowly lifted his head…

Ice cold shock jolted me the moment I saw his face. My hands flew to my mouth in horror, muffing my gasp as I gazed wide-eyed at the prisoner's exhausted face. There was no mistaking it…I knew that face too well. Blue eyes, still so beautiful yet now…haunted. That rebellious spark I knew and loved was barely visible now, strained with misery and fatigue.

"Link…" I whispered once I'd found my voice. "Darling, it's me; what has happened to you?"

But he gave no response.

Furious, I grit my teeth and whirled about, snatching at the stranger's arm.

"What have you done to him, you—"

I gasped when my hand passed right through him, and a strange tingling sensation shot up my arm.

What…?

I looked at the man in bewilderment—he hadn't even flinched. It was as though I didn't exist.

But that was impossible; it had to be a…

A dream.

I closed my eyes with a rush of understanding.

Of course. It was all a dream—a nightmare. I was merely an observer. No matter how much I desired it, I could not interact with anyone, and I could not alter the events I witnessed.

Relief surged through me, only to dissipate when the stranger unlocked the cell and stepped inside. I clutched the bars, my heart pounding as I watched him approach his prisoner. Link's head lolled to the side and rested wearily against his arm. His eyes were half open; he appeared only half-conscious.

He grabbed Link's chin and jerked his face closer. I strained to hear what he said but caught only sharp, indiscernible whispers before he roughly pulled away. Link merely sank back against the wall, staring unseeingly ahead.

After rummaging in his robes, the stranger then reached up to clamp a pair of shackles around Link's wrists before unlocking those which chained them to the wall. Links arms fell limp to the floor, his shackles hitting the stone with a dull metallic thud. He made no move to escape but sat there motionless, as though nothing had changed.

The stranger promptly tucked the key away.

"Get up," he ordered gruffly.

But Link did not move.

"I said get up."

Again Link refused. Whether he was attempting rebelliousness or was too exhausted to obey, I could not tell.

"Link…" I whispered fearfully.

Aggravated, the stranger bent down and snatched Link's elbow, jerking him to his feet and shoving him forward. Link stumbled but managed to walk out of his cell. His chains dragged along the ground, rattling with his every step.

I jumped when the cell door clanged shut. A sense of foreboding struck me as I followed them toward the corridor's exit, anxious to know what lay ahead…

Then suddenly I was struggling to lift my feet, as though I wore invisible iron boots. Link and the stranger moved on ahead, and helplessly I watched as Link vanished through the doorway.

No…no, wait!

I dragged myself forward, desperate to catch up…

Link—Link, I'm here!

But I never made it; not before the stranger had slammed the door behind him. I grabbed the knob only seconds later…

But it would not turn.

Panic rose up inside me.

"Let me through!" I shouted, pounding my fists against the door. "What are you doing to him?"

Nothing happened.

"Don't you dare hurt him!" I screamed. "Don't you touchhim!"

The air thickened around me, suffocating me…

"No, no, please…Link! Link!"

Then there was darkness…overwhelming darkness…

"Liiiink!"

"Zelda?"

My eyes flew open as I gasped. There he was, the same face from my dream, though the dirt and grime—as well as his fatigue—had left him. His eyes were clear and focused, his handsome features drawn with concern.

"Zelda," he repeated, stroking my hair. "Sweetheart, you were crying… Are you all right?"

Dazedly I reached for his cheek, caught somewhere between the nightmare and reality. The cold atmosphere I'd left still lingered in my mind, and my body remained stiff with fear…

Zelda, Link's voice echoed through my thoughts, please answer…

His warmth flowed through our telepathic bond, breaking through my trance. I sat up in a rush of need, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck and pressing my face against his shoulder. He sighed with relief, holding me close as he shifted into a sitting position.

"You're trembling," he murmured, rubbing my back. "What's got you so shaken, hmm…?"

"It was that dream again," I whispered, clutching his back. "The one with you in that awful place…"

"The same dream?" I could sense his surprise. "Are you sure?"

I nodded against his shoulder.

"But this time…I saw a man…" I paused to recall his image. "He wore a dark hood over his head, and he… he forced you out of your cell…"

"He forced me out of my cell?"

I pulled away to meet his gaze, my hands gripping his shoulders. "He forced you into another room…I-I wanted to follow, but I couldn't, and I…I knew something terrible was going to happen… I wanted so badly to help you, but I couldn't—"

"Zelda, Zelda," he spoke over me, cradling my face in his hands. "You're safe now—we both are. Everything's all right."

"No, you don't understand," I said, shaking my head anxiously. "It's always so real…and there's always such a strong sense of foreboding. Link, I…"

I threw my arms around his neck, pressing my face into his shoulder once again. It frightened me to say the word aloud—it made everything I'd seen so much more real.

"…I think it's a premonition," I whispered.

He held me close, and I felt him release a deep, slow breath. Though he tried to hide it, I could feel his unease through our connection.

"Then we'll get through it," he finally said, his voice soft. "Just as we always have."

I sat back, letting my hands rest against his chest.

"But it scares me, Link. If anything ever happened to you, I'd…"

He pulled me closer, soothing me with warm kisses.

"Nothing will happen to me," he murmured, resting his forehead against mine.

"You don't know that…"

"I know you're having these dreams for a reason," he replied, holding my gaze. "And if it is a premonition, we'll see it through, just as we've always done."

I lowered my gaze with a sigh, idly trailing my fingers along his chest as he watched my face.

"I don't mean to dismiss you," he said, stroking my cheek, "but there isn't much we can do right now…"

"I know," I mumbled. "It's okay."

He sighed, his guilt drifting through the connection.

"Come here, darling…"

I did so willingly, burying my face against his throat while he sank back against the pillows.

Don't worry, he soothed, kissing my forehead. Everything will be all right. I promise.

I sighed, knowing he couldn't make such a promise, but I concealed these feelings. Link was right—there wasn't anything we could do about it. There had been no recent signs of danger, no threats made against him. If I had indeed seen a premonition, there was time to prepare yet.

Link's hand stroked up and down my back, but I could feel him slipping back into sleep. I closed my eyes, reveling in his touch until his hand slowed to a stop against my spine. I stayed awake a while longer, pondering the details of my dream until his quiet, rhythmic breathing lulled me back into dreamless slumber.

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"A council meeting. What a lovely way to start the day."

It was early morning, and a cold light poured through our bedroom windows as Link and I readied ourselves for the day ahead. Being Queen and Prince Consort of Hyrule, Link and I naturally had a few rooms to ourselves. Our bedroom was large and spacious, furnished with elegant bureaus, wardrobes, chairs, and tables of beautiful mahogany. Warm off-white walls complemented the furniture, which featured rich green cushions. A thick comforter of the same design covered our oversized bed—the centerpiece of the room. Several pictographs had been placed here and there, and beautiful paintings hung from the walls. On the floor was a gorgeous Gerudo rug—a wedding gift from Nabooru, Queen of the Gerudo. But perhaps the loveliest feature of our bedroom was the balcony and the glass doors which led out to it.

Joined to the bedroom was our sitting room, which consisted primarily of tables, chairs, sofas, and a piano. Like our bedroom, it had a grand fireplace—reading by the fire was a pastime Link and I both enjoyed. The walls of the sitting room were a hushed blue, while complementary white and blue cushions adorned the furniture. Another Gerudo rug, one almost as beautiful as our bedroom rug, covered the wooden floor.

Also joined to the bedroom was a smaller, unused room, which Link and I intended to make a nursery once we had children. Finally there was the master bath, conveniently located and between the bedroom and the sitting room, as it was accessible from either place.

Our chambers were grand-we lived in a castle, after all—but Link and I had made them home. These rooms were my sanctuary, as long as he shared them with me.

With a humorless laugh I sat down at my vanity, eyeing Link through the mirror.

"If you were king you'd have to meet with them nearly every day, you know."

"Yes, but they'd be my advisors," he countered, "and not the judges they are now. Plus I'd be with you." His reflection smiled at mine.

I smiled back sweetly, pretending to be coy as I busied myself with my hairbrush.

The day's council meeting was unlike the meetings I attended on a daily basis. In fact, it was hardly a council meeting at all, since the ministers weren't so much advising as they were evaluating—evaluating Link, that was.

.

About five months after he and I married—which had been over two years ago—my father passed away from an illness he'd been struggling with for a long time. The High Council had urged me to take the throne as soon as possible, and my coronation had occurred within that same month. Link, however, had been denied the crown.

This was all because he had been born "common." He had been an orphan all his life and knew nothing of his family background. Indeed, it was possible Link had descended from nobility, but without evidence he'd been assigned middle class status. Serving as a military officer had earned him a knight's status in the royal court, but that still placed him one level beneath lordship. A knight could marry into nobility if the opportunity presented itself, but marrying into royalty was out of the question.

For centuries, Hyrulean law has required a princess wed only a prince or, in some rare cases, a high nobleman to preserve the "purity" of the royal lineage. Courtship between a princess and a commoner was strictly forbidden, even if that commoner had somehow achieved noble status. Needless to say, my courtship with Link had created a great deal of controversy. My father and the Council had debated the matter of our engagement for weeks before settling upon an agreement. It was decided that, once Link and I married, he would remain Prince Consort until the Council deemed him worthy of kingship.

Although I was not the first queen to rule alone, I was one of few. Hyrule's monarchy was meant to be ruled by a king and a queen, side by side, each with their own duties. A lone monarch must thus bear twice the amount of responsibility, and because I was still unfamiliar with many of the kingly duties, this had proven quite challenging for me.

Every day Link was forced to watch me bear my responsibilities alone. Every day he struggled to earn the Council's approval so he could take his rightful place at my side, but to no avail. So far, it had been a long and frustrating road for the both of us.

Ever since Link became Prince Consort, the Council had held monthly meetings to evaluate his conduct. If the ministers found no fault for three consecutive meetings, Link could take the next step toward kingship. Unfortunately, he had never come close to achieving this, as the Council always found some excuse to hold him back.

Link's chances appeared slim, but in reality he held about half of the Council's support. The opposed ministers offered increasingly weak arguments to support their position, especially when their opposition clearly stemmed from an old-fashioned prejudice against Link's common background.

"I think it will go well today," I said cheerfully, selecting a pair of earrings from my drawer.

Link cast me a cynical glance as he fastened the cuff of his sleeve.

"I'm sure they'll find some reason to deny me," he said. "They always do."

"There's no need to be pessimistic. You did so well in the last meeting."

He crossed the room and came to stand behind my chair.

"I'm not being pessimistic," he replied, leaning down to kiss my cheek. "I'm simply speaking the truth."

"Well, they'll have to see the error of their ways eventually," I retorted, turning my head to attach the second earring. "Otherwise they're just fools."

He left my side with a quiet laugh.

"I certainly hope you have no fools on your Council. Though sometimes I do wonder…"

I sighed, knowing precisely whom Link had referred to. Lord Vasilis Durithan was a well respected council member who had long served the Royal Family as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Vasilis was a traditional man and a fervent believer in preserving the "purity" of the royal bloodline. There was no question about it—introducing Link's common blood into the royal line disgusted him. Ever since Link and I were children, Vasilis had always disapproved of his presence in the castle and had scolded me for spending so much time with him. He had openly opposed our courtship and objected to our engagement, claiming Link would taint the pure bloodline, alienate the kingdom, and anger the gods. My father, who had respected Link a great deal, threatened to remove Vasilis from the Council if he did not learn to control himself. Since then, Vasilis continued to oppose Link in smaller ways, and did everything in his power to ensure Link remained nothing more than my consort.

"Vasilis isn't the only reason you haven't been coronated, Link."

"I know, I know," he muttered. "But he is the most opposed to it."

I sighed, watching him move to gaze out the balcony doors. His circlet, a simple gold piece featuring a small raised Triforce, still lay on the nearby bureau. I picked it up and went to him, smoothing his hair back to set the circlet in place. Lowering my hand, I smiled when his hair fell over the circlet and around his eyes.

"There," I said softly, brushing my fingertips along his face. "Handsome as always."

He gave me a dry look but leaned forward to kiss me—just as a timid knock sounded from the sitting room door.

"My Lord and Lady?" a muffled voice called.

Link pulled away with a sigh.

"Come, love," he said gently, "the scrutinizers await."

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The Council Chamber was a smaller room with tall windows and a vaulted ceiling. Long tapestries featuring Hyrule's royal crest hung in rows of three along opposite walls, giving the room a simple yet sophisticated feel. A large table occupied the center of the room, along with nine elaborately carved chairs—one for each council member and one for myself. The ends of the table were wide enough for two chairs, but ever since my mother passed away there had been no need for two. Both my father and I had served as sole monarchs and attended council meetings alone. The second chair was sometimes brought out on special occasions, such as today, when Link was permitted to sit at my side.

As usual, the ministers had already gathered when Link and I entered. Reverently they rose from their chairs while two servants closed the double doors behind us. Link and I approached the head of the table and stood before our own places.

"Councilors," I greeted them with a nod, as did Link. "Please be seated."

They obliged, taking their seats as Link I took ours. All eight ministers were present, sitting in rows of four on either side of Link and me. To Link's right sat Lord Pierson, Minister of Imperial Affairs; Lord Timothus, Minister of State Affairs; Lady Renae, Minister of Religious Affairs; and Lord Kinsley, Minister of Military Affairs and Link's personal advisor.

Ten years ago, at the age of fourteen, Link became a soldier of the Hylian Royal Army. Due to inexperience and emotional conflict, he had endured a difficult start for the first few months. However, the late Captain Shayne Anders showed an immediate interest in Link's skills and helped him understand what it meant to be a soldier. Link's true potential soon began to show, and Captain Shayne promoted him to Lieutenant of the Fifth Company after only two years of service. He also brought Link before Lord Kinsley, who proceeded to test Link's skills. After only a few meetings, Kinsley had proclaimed Link a natural-born strategist and military genius.

Nearly one year later, Captain Shayne was killed on the battlefield, and my father, who had been quite impressed with Link, offered him Shayne's position. Link was unusually young to be Captain, but he accepted my father's offer. Less than one year later, war befell Hyrule once again—and lasted nearly five years. General Keiton, leader of the military and second only to my father, had lost his life mere months before the war ended. Once again my father had turned to Link, and in the midst of war and uncertainty, Link became General of the Royal Army at age twenty-one. It was unheard of, but Link had not faltered, and Hyrule claimed victory within the next two months.

After our marriage, Link had retained his position as General, simply because a Prince Consort had so little political power. Only a full-fledged king or queen could command the Royal Army. So because Link's status was lower than mine, I held power over the military, not him. However, because I had no military training or experience, I had kept Link as my general and unofficially handed military command over to him. I knew this choice put me in a vulnerable position, but I trusted Link with my life. Lord Kinsley was always ready and willing to advise him, so Link wasn't forced to shoulder the burden alone.

Across Lord Kinsley sat Lord Matteus, Minister of the Treasury. To his right sat Lord Vasilis, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Lady Elena, Minister of Judicial Affairs. To her right and my left sat Impa, my childhood caretaker who now served as my Council Dignitary. Impa was not an official minister of any particular department, but more of a personal advisor to me. Her duty within the Council involved keeping the ministers in check and informing me of their activities. She was, essentially, the bridge between me and the Council.

"Let us begin," I addressed the ministers. "Mistress Impa, if you would, please."

She nodded and rose from her chair, eyeing each of the ministers before speaking in a calm, clear voice. As the only known survivor of the supposedly lost Sheikan race, Impa's striking appearance contributed to her intimidating demeanor. She dressed simply, usually in dark, form-fitting clothes, and her snow-white hair was always pulled back into a tight tail. Her most notable feature, however, were her blood red eyes—something all Sheikah inherited. Despite her appearance, however, Impa was the closest person I had to a mother, since my own had died shortly after my death. I loved her dearly, as she did me.

"As you all know," she began, "we have gathered to discuss Prince Link's eligibility for kingship." She then sat back down and folded her hands. "Lord Pierson," she addressed the minister, "what have you to say on the matter?"

He shifted slightly and cleared his throat.

"I have no complaints," he said. "The prince makes a daily appearance in court, and he properly greets our honored guests with her Majesty. He has also worked with Sir Ian to improve castle security. Prince Link is very much involved with the activities occurring both within and without the castle, and so, as of today, I have no complaints."

"Thank you, Lord Pierson," Impa nodded. "And you, Lord Timothus?"

"I, too, have no complaints," the minister replied. "His Highness has continued to show great concern for the citizens of Hyrule. As I've already stated in our last meeting, he has effectively used what little power he has as to aid the poor and the homeless." Timothus shrugged lightly. "Frankly, I would like nothing better than to see what he could accomplish as a full-fledged monarch."

"I agree with Lord Timothus," Lady Renae spoke up. "Prince Link has demonstrated in more ways than one that he is ready to take the throne. The lack of a king has put pressure on Hyrule's monarchy for months now, and I believe coronating his Highness would only strengthen our reputation—"

"Speak for yourself, Minister," Lord Vasilis interrupted coldly. "The prince may do a fine job within his own kingdom, but his conduct outside of Hyrule is still sorely lacking."

Forcing my face to remain neutral, I turned to give Vasilis my attention. I could feel Link's tension as he sat silently beside me, bracing himself for humiliation.

"Recently his Highness traveled to the kingdom of Malchevia to personally negotiate a trade agreement with King Helmerin," Vasilis continued. "The negotiations failed."

"What?" Link exclaimed, forgetting to control his tone. "You must be mistaken. The negotiations were a success. King Helmerin signed the treaty—"

"And severed it nearly one week ago," Vasilis finished.

Link fell speechless a moment, and the silence, though brief, was deafening.

"Why was I never informed of this?" he inquired.

Oh no…

I tensed suddenly, suppressing the desire to prevent what Vasilis was about to say.

"It no longer concerned you," he replied. "King Helmerin made it quite clear he did not wish to negotiate with you again. In fact, we wouldn't have a treaty at all if her Majesty hadn't smoothed things over for you."

I stiffened, closing my eyes as my heart sank painfully. A thick tension had filled the room, and I didn't dare turn my head toward Link.

"…I see," Link finally spoke, his voice tight but remarkably controlled. "And did King Helmerin provide any sort of explanation for this sudden change of mind?"

"He claimed you had deceived him," Lord Matteus spoke up, eying Link with disapproval.

"Deceived him? That's…absurd; I did nothing of the sort."

"Clearly you left a bad impression in some way."

"This isn't the first time either," Vasilis contributed. "If you continue to offend the rulers of our neighboring kingdoms, it could jeopardize Hyrule's place in the Alliance."

"Now just a minute," Lord Kinsley spoke. "That's something of an exaggeration, Vasilis; don't you think?"

"I do not," the elder minister snapped. "And, as Minister of Military Affairs, you should be far more concerned, Kinsley."

"That's enough," I said, raising my hand for silence. "Bickering will accomplish nothing, gentlemen; please restrain yourselves."

They exchanged dark looks but settled back against their chairs.

.

Link's chances did not improve as the meeting progressed, as the councilors continued to argue over his conduct in foreign relations. Impa contributed little to the discussion but cast several concerned glances in Link's direction while I struggled to keep everyone in order. Link had fallen silent, however, and finally he turned to look at me.

Please end this,his quiet plea echoed through my mind. I sighed and cleared my throat.

"Councilors," I said, my voice echoing loudly through the chamber. Immediately they fell silent. "Since you have, once again, failed to settle on any kind of agreement, I urge you to further explore the issue of foreign affairs. Hopefully, by the next evaluation, you will have settled on some sort of agreement, or at least come to understand each side of this controversy. Mistress Impa will keep me updated on your progress. You are dismissed."

The ministers rose from their chairs, bowed their heads, and quietly filed out of the room. Impa lagged behind, but, knowing Link and I wished to discuss the situation alone, simply placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and left, closing the doors behind her.

It was a rare occurrence for Link and I to share an uncomfortable silence, but that moment was definitely one of them. Unable to stand it any longer, I spoke first.

"Link, I—"

"If you're going to clean up my messes," he cut me off, his blue eyes boring into mine, "I would like to know about it."

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I just… I didn't have the heart to tell you…"

"You don't have to protect me from the truth, Zelda. I'm not a child."

"I know that… and I'm so sorry; it was foolish of me."

Link studied me another moment before looking away and rising to his feet.

"I don't know what to do anymore," he said wearily, walking toward a nearby window and resting his hands on the sill. "Not only do I have to earn the Council's approval, but the neighboring kingdoms' as well?"

"No," I said softly, going to stand at his side. "No, Link, the neighboring kingdoms do not hold sway over the entire Council."

He sighed and shook his head.

"Politics, history, philosophy, etiquette, I've studied it all for years now. I've always done everything that's expected of me, but it will never be enough. I will never be enough," he added miserably.

"Link…" I placed a hand on his shoulder, caressing it briefly. "Look at me."

Slowly he turned, meeting my gaze with dispirited eyes.

"It's been nearly two years since we married," I reminded him gently, "and barely a year has passed since I took the throne. For people so deeply rooted in their old traditional ways, that's not very much time. They are still adjusting to you. To us. One day they will realize what a blessing you are to Hyrule. Just give it time, darling."

He pondered my words before shaking his head.

"Once a commoner, always a commoner," he said, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. "That's how it is for them, Zelda. It's fine that I succeed in the military, but as a king…" he sighed and furrowed his brow. "As a king I will only taint the royal bloodline and destroy Hyrule's grand reputation."

"Link, you know that's nonsense."

"Then what do they fear, Zelda?" he asked, frustration seeping back into his tone. "They hold an undying prejudice over something I can never change. How can I possibly gain their approval when their minds are already closed?"

"You just carry on the way you always have," I soothed, cupping his cheek. "They need time, Link."

Again he shook his head.

"Their minds are set," he argued. "Even time won't change that."

"Link…"

My hand left his cheek as he straightened and turned for the door.

"I should go; I'm late enough as it is."

But I caught his hand, causing him to meet my troubled gaze.

"I'm so sorry, Link," I whispered. "If I could make it better I would…"

"Sweetheart, I know you would," he soothed, taking my face in his hands. "I don't hold anything against you."

"But I want you to be happy…"

"I am happy…"

"No," I shook my head sadly. "No, you're not."

"I just want to be at your side," he said gently. "Working with you, the way it should be."

"But you are at my side, Link; you're my husband…"

"And I'm thankful for that every day." He sighed and tucked a stray wisp of hair behind my ear. "I just wish I didn't make things so difficult."

"You're not the one making things difficult," I said firmly. "I have never blamed you for any of that nonsense, and I never will." Smiling fondly, I slipped my arms around his waist. "Believe it or not, I am proud to call you my husband."

He gave me a cynical look, but I caught the hint of an appreciative smile.

"Even when our so-called allies snub you or sever age-old treaties because of me?" he asked.

"Absolutely," I murmured, burying my face against his collar.

"You're impossible." He sighed and dropped a kiss to the top of my head. But I do love you.

We slipped back into the hall a few minutes later, supposedly unnoticed. Link reached for my hand and brought it to his lips.

"My Lady," he said, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. It was his formal way of bidding me farewell, a reverent gesture he used only in public.

I smiled and squeezed his fingers, feeling him squeeze back before he dropped my hand and headed off toward the military training grounds. I watched him go, slipping back into my worried state—when a chill suddenly ran down my spine. Instinctively I turned to see Vasilis watching a short distance away. He quickly turned to walk away, but I had seen the disapproval in his eyes.