Death By Princess {Complete}

CH 37

"In here," says Zelda. Link slips into the room after Zelda and looks around wearily.

"Aren't we at risk of being caught?"

Zelda shakes her head. "Gannondorf may live here but I have lived her in multiple incarnations. Let's just say there are some things that a wife ought to keep from her husband even about his own home. He doesn't know half the secret rooms here."

She opens up a closet and takes out some appropriate garments of clothes and weaponry for the two of them. Zelda doesn't hesitate slipping out of her dress to change. Link watches her in awe.

"Link, if there is anytime you're going to get distracted, now isn't one of them."

He turns his gaze from Zelda's body, face red, and begins to change as well.

"So, what exactly is your plan?" says Link.

"I know Gannondorf's schedule better than he does. Right about know he is debriefing about his mission then he will disappear into his study for alone time. That's exactly where we'll meet him."

Link picks up his sword and swings it around a few times. "I'm glad I decided to teach Eli how to use a sword because it gave me the opportunity to brush up on my skill. Though I must say, it is like riding a bike."

"Well you have been practicing longer than all the guards here combined."

He smiles. "That is true."

"Alright, let's go. I know a secret route to his study."

***

"Will Dad soon be back, Lillian?"

"I think they're going to need more than 30 minutes, kid."

He groans. "What can I do to pass the time?"

"I have one idea," says Lillian. "Though there might be one thing. I haven't haven't been asleep in over thirty-six hours and I'm useless sleep deprived. Are you okay with being on guard while I get some rest?"

"Yeah! I can do that."

"Great. And if you hear or see... or smell or taste of feel anything weird, wake me immediately. Got it?"

"Uh-huh."

"That so? Then what did I say then?"

"You said if anything weird happens to wake you up."

"You got it kid." She lays back and it doesn't take long until Eli can hear her snores.

Eli sits in front of the door but his enthusiasm quickly subsides. "What's the point if nothing happens?"

He feels as if he may doze off but a scratch at the door wakes him. He wonders if he may have been dreaming until he hears it again.

"A mouse, I wonder?"

He slides a crate over to the door and climbs it so he can look out the grate. He gasps at the the face that is looking back, falling to the door.

"Ouch," he says rubbing his bottom. "Lillian?"

"Wait, kid. It's okay. No need to wake the girl. Your name is Eli ain't it? Oh, I bet I'm right. I also bet you're the son of Link and our Queen."

Curious, Eli steps back up on the crate. The person has stepped back revealing a skinny, hunched back man who has an awfully receded hairline and an eye patch. Intrigued, Eli says, "How do you know me, sir?"

"Why. You're the Queen's bastard son and true heir to the throne. All of the land knows you! You're a bit of a celebrity, you know."

"I am?"

"Oh, indeed. But don't worry. I won't tell anyone that you're here."

"Oh... kay. Say, how did you get out of your cell?"

"Oh my boy, I've been down here a long time. Let's just say I know opportunity when I see it. Oh, owww," he cries in pain.

"What's the matter?"

"It's been many moons since I've eaten. Actually, I was wondering if you could help me. I figured if anyone would help me it would be the prince... soon to be king. I mean, you do have a moral responsibility to help the land."

"I guess you're right... but I can't get out of here either."

"The girl," he says nodding his head to Lillian. "I believe she has a key."

"Oh." Eli jumps off the crate then walks halfway to Lillian before stopping and going back to the door. "What a second. Why should I open my door to a prisoner?"

"You saw all the people down here. Do you really think we have all fell into temptation and committed sin?"

Eli shrugs. "I don't even know what they means, sir."

"That's right. You never saw the Old Hyrule. These lands were a very different place when your mother and grandparents were in charge. Food and shelter a-plenty. But Gannondorf... he took it all from us. So what if I stole a loaf of a bread and seared meat from the market? I'm Goddamn hungry! Do you see where I'm coming from? I'm sure a true king-to-be would."

Eli jumps down again and sticks his hand into Lillian's pocket and retrieves the key. Then he moves the crate aside and unlocks the door. He opens it slowly and peers out but sees no one  then he steps out and looks down the corridor.

"I'm down here kid!"

"Hey, wait up!"

Eli runs after him and makes a right where he saw the man disappear too. Again, he isn't there.

"Behind ya!"

Eli turns around and the man is standing behind him with a large sack that he puts over Eli's head and body then he picks him up over his shoulder.

"I got him! I got the bastard! Now Gannondorf can finally promote me."

Eli shrieks which brings Lillian to her feet. "Eli? Eli!" She notices the missing key and open door. "That little shit!" she says and she runs out of the cell to where she heard him scream.