Cursed Fate

Chapter five

Where ever Zelda went, Link followed close behind. They weren't very thrilled today, there was a special meeting and Link was requested to be there. Zelda had a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach.

"Link... I don't want to go to this meeting..." Zelda looked up at him, they were already walking down the hall.

"Why is that? It will probably just be a normal meeting." Link looked back at her with a smile, Zelda only shook her head.

"I have a bad feeling about this..."

"Then I'll stay close by you." Link gave his arm to her as she wrapped her arm around his. Zelda nodded as they approached the door for the meeting, she took a deep breath, straightened her back, let go of Link's arm and she entered. Link followed behind her.

"Welcome, Princess." Thane stood with a bow. Zelda felt her heart sink as no one had an expression on their face. She only nodded and took her seat. Xavier was beside her and he flashed a smile at her, she payed no attention. Link stood behind Zelda's chair.

"Well, shall we start?" Zelda looked around after her question. Thane nodded, gathering some papers.

"The first, and really only thing, that we must look at... Is..." Thane took a breath.

"You're guard, Link, must resign."

"Excuse me?" Zelda shot her head up, she knew it...

"Link can no longer aid you. You have Prince Xavier now. We can place Link in the front lines for battle." Link took a step forward,

"If I may speak... Zelda does need my aid. She is strong but only to a point. What if Xavier isn't enough to protect her? He has no skills, no experience, he cannot protect the Princess! She does not love him and you are willing to force an unhappy life her way? You are all selfish."

"Link, would you ple-"

"Xavier has tried to rape the Princess!" Link's heart was pounding. He wasn't about to risk the fall of this Kingdom... The fall of his Princess. Xavier slammed his hands down on the table and stood,

"That is a lie! Why in the world would I try something like that? I am a civil Prince!"

"Bullshit!" Link snapped.

"Commander Link! That is enough!" Thane budded in. Link took a step back again.

"I apologize... I don't know what came over me." Link had steam spewing from his ears, if that was even possible. Now Zelda stood, she has had enough.

"And if I refuse this sudden change?"

"I'm sorry Princess, but Xavier was clear with his request." Thane cleaned up some papers as he continued.

"It makes good sense. You are to marry him so why would you need two men to look after you?" Zelda took a moment to take that in. Link could see her rage rising.

"Can I not take care of myself?"

"Princess, that's not what I meant to say."

"But you said it! I would much rather like a guard than a pompous jerk!" Zelda was mad. She would fight this even if the next morning came.

"Princess Zelda. Please. With the things Xavier has said... We can no longer put trust into Link, we had no idea of the things he was doing. He kept you quiet about everything as well, didn't he?" Thane sighed as Zelda gave a very confused look.

"What in the name of Din are you talking about!" She could burst with the rage that filled her body.

"Hasn't Link forced himself on you? Xavier has told us he witnessed this, and some other things I... Wish not to say..." Thane shook his head, "Now that I think of it, he shouldn't even be in the castle." Link could not believe anything he was hearing.

"Link has been my guard for years! Why would he ever do something like that? He has never touched me!" Zelda was on the verge of tears.

"Princess, we must take a royals word over a guard. I'm sorry but Link will have to remove himself from the castle." Link's eyes widened. If he left Xavier could do anything... He could take the throne, Zelda...

"No, please!" Link grew frantic,

"So what about a royal's word against another royal's?" Zelda had no expression on her face, Link will not leave this castle...

~

Xavier and Zelda fought against each others words about Link. Zelda being all truths, Xavier lying.
"You would take this man's word who you have known for only a few months!? You wouldn't even trust your own Princess...?" Thane was trying to avoid eye contact, he couldn't just ignore Zelda's words, she was in a panic.

"But, Princess Zelda, we cannot be sure if Link has-"

"I'm terribly sorry to interrupt again, but I have been Zelda's guard ever since I was old enough to be a knight. I know my words may not be considered but please listen. I have been in this castle since I was child. Always by Zelda's side! Now you are considering that I have... Taken her without her consent? That is a monstrous thing! I would never, in all my life, disrespect the Princess." Link was very firm with his words, Zelda gazed at him and Xavier was not happy.

"Council. You are willing to doubt me about the things that I have seen with my own eyes? It was cruel! Horrifying! I regret not coming to you sooner... Even a man who has been somewhere for years can turn into a monster in a heartbeat!"

Thane had to take a moment. He rubbed his temples, "This meeting will continue tomorrow morning... Please... Give the council time to think."

Zelda sighed, "Everyone is dismissed."

Link escorted Zelda back to her room, she walked behind, Link stayed in front. Once they finally reached her door from what seemed like hours. Link opened her door, he thought it better to keep his distance at this moment,

"Goodnight, Princess Zelda." Link bowed to her, "Link... I don't want you to leave..." Zelda stood in the doorway of her room.

"I won't, Zelda... I won't leave you..."