I stare up at the twilight- shrouded castle and ignore the apprehension that comes over me. Now that I'm here, my bravery has left me, but my determination still thrives. I wave my hands and teleport to the top of the stairs. The massive oak double doors creak open.
He has sensed my presence.
My sword is sheathed at my right, but i place a hand on the hilt. No one knows that i have come here and i begin to wonder if i should have told someone. No, i knew that i had to come alone. It is the only way he will speak with me.
As i enter the castle, the heavy oak doors slam shut behind me. I jump, startled by the noise. A chuckle resonates throughout the spacious throne room and i know who it belongs to. I look to the throne and, sure enough, there he sits. I am too far away to see his expression. I teleport a few feet from the throne and curtsy.
"Lord Ganondorf." I mumur.
When i straighten, he is standing in front of me. His golden gaze pierces through my glassy blue eyes. Ganon takes my hand and raises it to his lips.
"Princess Zelda."
He releases my hand and steps back.
"What brings you to my humble twilight realm alone?"
He emphasizes the word alone. I fight the urge to shudder and take a deep breath.
"I am here to negotiate peace, my Lord. I did not wish for you to feel threatened. That is why i came alone."
I manage to keep my voice from quivering.
Lord Ganondorf chuckles menacingly, returning to his throne.
"Why, my dear princess, i could never feel threatened by you. On the contrary, your presence comforts me, for now i know that Hyrule is without its princess and mine for the taking."
My eyes widen at his words and anger courses through me.
"You shall not lay a hand on my kingdom," i state boldly.
Irritation flashes in Ganon's eyes. He stands and advances toward me. My hand flies to the hilt of my sword. He glances at my sword and meets my gaze once more.
"And who will stop me? You?"
I square my shoulders and lift my head high.
"I will if i must, but i do not wish to fight you, my Lord. You have power beyond any imagining and i simply wish for you to use it for good."
Lord Ganondorf is too close for comfort. I notice his sharp features and dark skin in the twilight. His eyes shine with amusement.
"You see the best in others even if it is not there, Princess. Did you expect me to make peace with you? I wonder if you have forgotten who i am, what I've done."
I cannot hold his gaze any longer. I stare at my white gloves and regret coming here alone.
"I remember everything that you have done. I know to whom i am speaking to. And i also know why you act as such."
Ganon grips my chin and forces my eyes to his. Hot rage and an unreadable emotion dances in those eyes.
"Then why did you dare come here?"
"Because your wrath upon Hyrule is my fault and i wish to make up for what I've done to you."
Before i can react, his hand is around my throat.
"You wish to make up for what you've done? You can make up for it by dying, Princess." he spits through clenched teeth.
He has lifted me off my feet. Black spots cross my vision and my lungs burn from lack of oxygen. But i do not beg him to release me. Instead, i croak what may be my last words.
"If that is the price... so be it."
Ganon's face is contorted in a mask of fury. But in an instant, his expression changes and he looks apologetic. He removes his hand and i crumple to the ground, coughing and gasping for air.
I watch as he opens a twilight portal. Then he turns and hauls me onto my feet, dragging me through it. We appear in a sparse room, decorated with only a bed and a wardrobe.
Ganon turns me toward him, avoiding my eyes, and takes my hand. He produces a bracelet and tightens it around my right wrist. It is cold and smooth. The people of this realm call it twilight metal. There is a circular gold gem set in the center. Ganon holds my hand a second too long before he lets go and disappears back through the portal, closing it behind him.
