Death By Princess {Complete}

CH 28

Lillian is waiting like Link asked her and then she hears someone enter the house like a gale of hot wind. "Is that you?" she calls out.

No response. She is hesitant now, frozen in place as to what she might encounter. "Link?" she says nervously.

"Yeah, it's me. You can come out," he says. She feels like she could melt to the floor.

"How did it go?" she says.

"Unusual."

"How so?"

He shakes his head, still trying to make sense of what happened. "I couldn't find them. I looked everywhere but they were gone."

"Like they disappeared?" says Lillian trying to understand what is so unsettling about that.

"More like... they got what they wanted and left." They look at each other, trying to decipher what's too come. "I know Eli is with his teacher and they practiced this evacuation but I'm worried about him especially with Gannondorf's presence."

"But the Kamahawkee have nothing to do with Gannondorf. They hate him as much as we do."

"I know but It's all too weird. I suspect Gannondorf knows about Eli and now these guys show up all of a sudden hating on me, though I no longer live in Hylia. I just got a bad feeling and I wish I could see Eli. I just need to know he is safe."

"I'm sure he is fine, Link. The kids were long gone before they showed up. It won't be long and they will get the signal that it's safe to come back. He'll be back safe and sound."

Link isn't convinced and he won't pretend that he is. Not when it comes to the safety of his son. They are accompanied by a commotion outside. "What now?" says Lillan as they head out.

"Elule!" roars Gannondorf. "It was you the whole time?"

The little girl is looking shamefully down at the ground while her father towers over her.

"Answer me!"

"Yes father, it was me."

"Did he put you up to this?" He spat each word, spittle flying every which way.

"It was my idea," she whispers.

"Then why? Why would you do this?"

"I just didn't want him to get hurt," she says wiping her tears in her sleeve.

"Where is he now?"

"Back at the base."

"You are in serious trouble," he says glowering at her.

"You are being too harsh, Dear," says Zelda. "She was only trying to help her friend."

Gannondorf shoves Zelda away. "Do not call me Dear. You knew about this?"

"I had no idea," she says. "I wouldn't dream of letting Elule get involved with this." There is a amusement behind her words though and it's hard for even her to hide it.

"I don't believe you for one moment," he says raising his arm. Zelda winces in anticipation of his heavy as strong hand coming in contact with her delicate face.

But it doesn't.

"You're hitting women now?"

Zelda turns around. Her heart beat accelerates at the sight of Link there. She notices a baldric around his shoulder holding his sheathed sword. Her heart lights up seeing the Link that she remembers from her childhood. The Link that she fell in love with. The Link she was willing to run away with.

It was just as surreal for Link and while Zelda did things most may not forgive, he will not allow anyone to raise their hand or voice to her. Even if it is her husband.

Gannondorf looks at him and drops his hand to his side. "I could have predicted so much."

"Link," says Zelda, "just go."

"I won't. Gannondorf, you have taken my love, my purpose, and chased me out of my home. No longer." Link remains calm with every word but Zelda isn't sure if it's because he is determined or defeated. He isn't sure either. "Even if that means my demise," he adds.

Lillian is right behind Link, every word he says is a jab in her tender heart. She feels shame that part of her-- a large part at that -- hopes that Link will leave. Anything that allows them to be together.

"No, Link. You have your son to think about," says Lillian, acting upon her jealousy.

"I fear that as long as I'm alive, he will be in danger. This won't end, Lillian."

Lillian grips her fists. "Are you happy, your highness? Your selfishness has ruined the life of the only person that I cared about. The only person that you have ever probably cared for you, besides yourself. What the hell is even the matter with you?" Tears are streaming down her face now.

Zelda bends down close to her daughter. "Elule, please go find something to do and let the grown ups talk in private." She leaves but stays close enough so she knows her parents are safe. She is only happy enough to get away from her father, fearing another lecture and punishment. She wonders why her Dad hates Eli and his dad so much. He should be happy that Mommy has another child. She is happy that she has brother, anyways.

By now, the majority of the adults in the village and flocked around the altercation.

"I'd like to talk with Link privately," announces Gannondorf. "After that, the villagers and I can discuss the deal as my team will begin mining tomorrow."

"Not without a fight," says a man drawing his sword.

Gannondorf huffs. "I have three times the amount of men that's here. More if I want it. Men that have been trained by the most skilled knights in the land. You really think you are up for a fight? Just bare in mind, you have no chance of survival and I bet the lot of you have children depending on you. Is that really what you want for them?" The villager slowly lowers his guard. He has a point. They never had a reason to fight and their village is small. It may be safer to allow Gannondorf to do what he wants to Winterton.

Gannondorf brushes past everyone with Link following behind him. Lillian and Zelda lock eyes for a moment. But a moment is all Lillian can handle before the hatred sets in. She turns her back to the princess and walks away.

"Lillian, wait. I wanted to thank you for helping Link raise our son."

Lillian stops, her feet heavy. "Our son," she whispers.

"Excuse me?"

Lillian turns on her heels. "You may have given birth to Eli but you were too much of a coward to raise him and that's your loss. I have to make one thing clear which is I didn't do it for you. I did it because I love Link and along way, come to love Eli too." By now, servants are between them, protecting Zelda. "Of course you came along and ruined this too. If anything happens to them, it will be on you. I swear... I will kill you," says Lillian pointing her finger. Lillian is close enough to Zelda that she can feel her breath which stings like fire to the flesh.

"That's enough!" says one of the guards who has to push Lillian away. Lillian and Zelda lock eyes for a moment. Again, the moment is brief and when it's over, Lillian walks away.