The Legend: Part II

The Legend: Part II: Chapter 25 - The Road to Recovery

Zelda's P.O.V

As the day progressed Link did not awaken. He was alive and that's all it mattered, but he was in no shape to fight Armani in a duel. I remained by his side and waited patiently for him to stir. Suddenly there was a quiet knock at the door. "Come in." I stated. The door opened to reveal Armani. "How is he?" Armani asked as he stood opposite from me. "He's better." I sighed. "It seems he won't be able to battle me in the duel tomorrow then?" Armani inquired. "Can't we just move the date?" I suggested. "There's no time for that Zelda. Its now or never." Armani snapped. Suddenly I realized something. "You did this!" I exclaimed. Armani's facial expression suddenly changed to worry. "I don't know what you're talking about." Armani laughed nervously. "Link has no enemies besides you! You were worried he would beat you so you poisoned him knowing he wouldn't be able to fight! You cheated." I explained. "You have no evidence." Armani chuckled. "Just your measly intuition." He added. "I won't marry you." I snapped. "Will you really risk war Zelda? Would you risk sending you beloved Link into battle once more? From what I heard he perished before and you brought him back. What makes you think that won't happen again?" Armani chuckled.  I felt defeated. "Get out." I whispered. "What was that Milady, I didn't quite catch that?" He laughed. "Get out!" I shouted. Armani ignored me and leaned over Link. He gently stroked his cheek maliciously. "Soon Link will be out of the picture and it will just be you and me, Zelda." Armani whispered. "Don't touch him!" I exclaimed. "I think I'll take my leave now Milady. Make sure Link is there for the duel otherwise I suggest you prepare for your wedding dress fitting." Armani laughed as he left the room. I was so angry. I wanted nothing more than to beat that spoiled prince. I was fuming but just as I was about to blow a gasket, Link stirred. "Zelda?" He murmured. "I'm here." I answered. Slowly Link opened his eyes. His vibrant blue eyes returned and were no longer discolored. Link tried to sit up but then cried out in pain. "Try not to move." I suggested as I helped him lie back down. "What happened?" He asked. "You were poisoned." I answered. "At the pub." Link stated with realization. "What do you mean?" I questioned. "I was offered a drink from a stranger. I thought it was out of kindness so I drank it. I didn't want to insult the donor." Link explained. "We found you passed out before the castle. You were basically dead." I explained. "Why is my chest all bandaged up if I was poisoned?" Link as as he looked over himself. "This type of poison was like nothing we have ever seen. The poison seemed to be mixed with some sort of black magic. It created a growth within your lungs that filled both your mouth and throat. You were choking and couldn't breathe. I send word for Laura and she had to cut you open to get rid of the growth. She saved you." I explained. Link coughed slightly and reached for the glass on his bedside table. I grabbed it for him and brought it to his lips. "Sip slowly." I suggested. He did so until he signaled to me he was finished. "Thanks Zellie." He whispered. "Anytime." I giggled as I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. We were both silent for a while until Link gathered enough strength to speak again. "Did Armani agree to the terms? Link asked. "He did." I sighed. "That's great!" Link exclaimed. "Link you  are in no shape to fight in a duel." I explained. "I'll be fine." Link stated as he tried to sit up. Suddenly his bandages began to turn red. "Link you'll open your wound!" I exclaimed as I pushed him back down. Link gasped in pain as he began to bleed. "I'm fine, I think I only ripped through a few stitches." Link cried. I dug through Laura's medical kit to find a need and thread and a roll of fresh bandages. "I need you to sit up very slowly Link." I instructed. He did so and once he was fully upright I began to remove his bandages. Once they were off I inspected his wound. Most of his stitches stayed intact except two. I gently pulled the extra string out of his flesh and knotted the ends. Link gasped in pain. "I'm sorry." I apologized. "It's okay." Link groaned. I then took the needle and placed it over the candle on Link's bedside table. Once the needle was sterilized I sewed Link back up and re-bandaged him. "Thank you." He sighed as he slowly lied back down. "You can't fight Armani tomorrow." I stated. Link frowned. "I have to. I won't loose you to him." Link explained. "And I won't loose you to him! He will kill you!" I exclaimed. Link seemed as if was about to keep arguing but he closed his mouth and turned on his side facing away from me. "I'll let you get some rest." I stated as I stood up and made my way towards the door. "Wait." Link stated. I turned to face him to see he was now sitting up. "It will be okay Zellie." He stated. I nodded my head in acknowledgement and then left the room.