The Legend: Part II

The Legend: Part II: Chapter 9 - King Daltus

Zelda's P.O.V

It had been a few days since I had seen Link. I feared the worst. He had overheard Armani when he had mentioned our arranged marriage. But I had denied him until he had shown me further proof of this treaty between Hyrule and Termina. Armani had sent for his father and all of his advisors from Termina. They had arrived to Hyrule just this morning. To be a good host I offered them housing in the castle and invited them to a welcoming lunch. Though Armani had already seen my worst side that didn't mean his Father, the King of Termina, couldn't be swayed. "Your Highness! My have you grown!" The king of Termina exclaimed as he entered the throne room where Armani and I had waited for them. "She is beautiful isn't she father?" Armani added. "Such a beautiful flower!" His father exclaimed. "Not without its thorns though." Armani whispered under his breath. I narrowed my eyes at him in annoyance. "Nothing has changed I can see. You two always fought when you were younger." The King laughed.  "I hope my son hasn't too much trouble my Queen." Armani's Father chuckled as he gently punched his son in the arm. Armani held his arm in pain as he tried not to cry out. "You resemble my father in so many ways." I laughed. "I must say thats the first time I've seen you smile in all the time I've been here." Armani stated smugly. "And its a beautiful smile at that. Just like her mother's." Armani's Father added. Armani rolled his eyes and wandered towards the window. "How was your trip overall I hope it wasn't too stressful your Higness?" I inquired. "It was fairly smooth. And please call me Daltus." Armani's father chuckled. The man was fairly kind and happy unlike his son who was controlling and rude. "Shall we get down to business then Sire?" One of Daltus advisors stated. "Not yet let me get settled in first!" Daltus snapped. Suddenly I could see where Armani got his temper from. The advisor then lowered his head in embarrassment and left the room with the other advisors. "Let me take a look at you love." Daltus demanded as he took my hand and suggested for me to spin around. "Gorgeous! You look just like your mother its scary!" He laughed. I blushed at his compliment. "Except for your eyes. You have your father's eyes." He corrected. " We were just as heartbroken as you when we heard the news of his passing." Armani stated as he continued to look out the window. "Thank you for your condolences." I stated formally. "So where's this Hero of Hyrule I've heard so much about? He seems like the stuff out of legend!" Daltus exclaimed. "Yes I wish to meet him as well." Armani added. "He is currently training recruits for the Royal Guard. But I'm sure we can have an audience with him." I stated with a heavy heart. Link and I hadn't seen one another since the night we made love. I now feared that he felt betrayed and assumed our love as a lie. "Is that him?" Armani questioned as he pointed out towards the window. Far below on the ground was the training camp where Link stood surrounded by his pupils. "It seems he is sparring." I stated as we looked on. "Oh I wish to see the great warrior in action!" Daltus demanded. "That can be arranged. Follow me." I instructed. Daltus and Armani followed behind me until we reached the training grounds. A crowd had gathered to watch Link. Guards and trainees all cheered as they watched. It was difficult to see what exactly what was happening until I was noticed. The cheering stopped and the crowd opened up to reveal Link with a sword in hand. He was shirtless and covered in sweat. While his opponent laid curled up on the ground holding his bleeding nose. "It seemed we missed the action." Armani chuckled. Suddenly all the guards bowed and greeted me. "Hello everyone." I greeted back. I walked forward through the crowd until I met Link. His stare was unnerving as he breathed heavily and used the back of his hand to wipe his brow. "Is this the great Hero of Hyrule?" Armani inquired sounded unimpressed. "Yes I have to say I imagined him much bigger." Daltus laughed. "Great company." Link scoffed under his breath. Luckily it was quiet enough that they couldn't hear him but I was close enough that I could. I hid a laugh as I covered my mouth and looked at Link. He grinned at me until he looked at Armani. Then suddenly his smile quickly turned into a frown. "How may I be of service to you my Higness?" Link asked. "I have guests here who wish to observe your great strength." I explained. Link raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Of course." Link sighed. "I wish to see him spar." Armani demanded. "Yes let's bear witness to this man's heroism!" Daltus exclaimed. "It would be my honor." Link stated through gritted teeth. Link always hated being put in the center of attention. He didn't deserve this. Chairs were brought for us as Link studied the crowd for his next opponent. "Ronin! Mido! You're up!" Link shouted.