#ganondrf thirst

[gav-san]

THE QUEEN OF THE KING

10/15

Previous/Next

It’s the rumble of thunder that’s the first alert of the intensity of the oncoming storm. Topaz eyes, lined with thick black koal appraise the sky as the storm clouds roll in, large, dark and foreboding, narrowing in worry at the sight.

She didn’t know if their sand seal pelt would hold, or if they’d be reduced to waiting in a cold mess. Or worse, in one of those small Hyrulian tents, so very different square and smelly, the rough wool woven than in the cheap dye. It was not their custom to bunk separately. Nabooru thought they were silly, to have so many small, weak places that would be easy to attack. Their Gerudo tent was large, meant to fit many more people, and was much easier to set up and remove.

Nabooru couldn’t wait to return where the rain only came during the rainy season, unlike this wet, claustrophobic land.

“Captain. He is almost ready.” Minah said with a firm voice, hands behind her back, and Nabooru turned in attention.

She flicked her gaze to the center of the large tent where the Gerudo Guard had decamped.

The King kneeled, perfectly still, breathing deeply. He was near naked, wearing what amounted to a small cloth that covered the tops of his thighs and intimate areas. The rest of his body was gleaming, covered in pungent cactus rose oil and careful bands of rhythmical marks. Marks that snaked and covered his flesh like vines, sacred Gerudian symbols of unity, kingship, and destiny.

The King's Guards stood around him, fingers gleaming in the colors of the marks. And now, there was one space left, and one last preparation before the King could begin his hunt. And in the back, awaiting her word, Dinah stood, representing the King’s family, as he had none of his own left. She had come into the camp much later than expected, adding to Nabooru’s many fears and worries.

What path had the princess taken?

“He’s fallen into the Trance.” Minah added, breaking Nabooru’s thoughts, biting her own lip.

Nabooru took in a deep breath, steeling herself. She had carry to Gerudo, with the balance of things so delicate.

There was no time more vulnerable than this, for a Gerudo King. Without his senses, his mind, his magic he could easily fall victim to a number of horrifying possibilities. Not in the least which was hurting anyone who stood between him and his bride.

“I doubt he’ll wake until he’s brought her back.” Nabooru says, motioning for the ritual to continue.

But there was no choice, and she could be of no help.

There were things every Gerudo ruler had to do, and so far, the King had yet to fail. So she had to have hope.

A very necessary thing now, seeing as the King they were preparing was about to kidnap a woman that many in Hyrule considered their temporary queen regent. And while the King of Hyrule had given what amounted to a marriage agreement, the Gerudo knew better than to trust one outside of their own.

Which is why they had chosen to decamp away from the main group, and why the Gerudo would be well on their way to the desert by the time the rest of Hyrule knew of their deeds.

But the general pushed back her shoulders and walked to the king, mouth set in a firm line. There was no turning back, and the ceremony had already started.

Minah approached her again, this time holding a small brass vial of needy perfume, hitting the air with the sweltering smell of magic, among other things. Nabooru carefully accepted the vial, wary not to spill it.

Magic could be such a fickle thing.

With a nod, she steps forward, awaiting Dinah.

For a moment, Nabooru finds it hard to find her confidence, a strange thing for her to doubt her own inner circle. Dinah was full of worry, that was clear. But the ceremony would be broken if she could not perform her duty.

She watches the older woman, she clenches her jaw and nods to herself, gloved fingers tight. She has decided, steeling herself against her own feelings. The large box she is carrying weighs down her steps, but she does not stop again.

Four steps and she is at her side. The entire room watches, riveted in attention as they taste the magic releasing, the binding spells being readied as she sets it before the king, kneeling.

“To this duty, I bind you.” She says, chin straight. It only takes her a moment to unlatch the gold of the chest, letting the warm interior cast light on her face. The top thudded against the thin rugs they had set down for his comfort.

The King nods.

“To my daughter, I wind your fate.” Dinah continues, voice soft.

It’s like a halo from the hot desert sun that falls over the king, alighting the marks on him into shimmering bands the color of the rainbow.

A good sign, though entirely expected. The King had long worked to be worthy of the moment so that the magic would accept him.

Nabooru glanced down, into the chest.

There, resting on a cushion of red silk, are the Bands of the King’s Wife.

A specific title, as these are no jewels for a Gerudo Queen, but specifically the consort of a Gerudo King. Two for his thighs, two for each ankle, and a similar pattern for his arms, all engraved with the stories of old and engraved with the sacred triangles of the Goddesses.

They are made to protect his wife, in nearly any situation, once they are on. It’s a necessary part of taking a ‘stolen’ bride; They are dangerous, even to themselves.

The Bands are pure gold, mined and purified from the finest material, shimmering even in this low light. And though the King’s eyes are closed, he senses his beloved, feeling the power in the bands that bind them. A trail only he could sense, as the magic fulls him further in, thrummed under his skin as he stretches out his arms.

“I place this gift on you to deliver,” Dinah says, “And to the desert, you shall return.”

Dinah carefully pulls them out, still wearing gloves. One by one she places them on him. And though they look as if they should be too small, they seamlessly go over each dip of muscle and sinew.

As Dinah takes the last piece out, Nabooru shuts the box, latching it firmly.

Dinah holds it before the King’s brow, for it is a crown for his head. Shaped like the high noon sun, set with a large ruby that rests nobly on his brow. She carefully arranges it in his hair, pinning and twining gold and scarlet.

“I give you a crown, and ask you to return to me with a daughter.” She whispers, throat thick with emotion. She steps back, brows furrowed.

Nabooru nods at her expert braiding of the King’s locks in the front. He looks regal, leaving the back loosely to hang wildly down his back like a true beast of the dunes. He shines, colored like a late sunset.

And the king opens his eyes, looking at Dinah. Nabooru braces herself, knowing that it’s not Ganondorf that is here. It is, but it isn’t.

Even if his voice sounds the same.

“I accept this crown, but I shall return to you not only with a daughter but also a queen.” He states, voice deep. It’s not the tone, but the power he holds that makes the woman around him step back.

The power of the King pushes them aside as the King rises. He takes Dinah’s hand, now bereft of gloves, raising her, before leaving her.

All the women parted, letting the King pass, steps weighty with meaning. His body moves with an unnatural smoothness and walks perfectly straight. He made his way to the front of the tent, his gold clinking heavily as he dramatically ducked to exit the low exit.

He only pauses a moment, head-turning in a direction that seems random to Nabooru, but is no doubt the magic leading him.

For a moment, he glances back, eyes unnaturally back.

“Prepare for my Queen. We meet at the end of the forest.”

Then he was gone.

A collective breath is released as the women disband, moving to answer their King’s command. Nabooru folds her arms, moving to the entrance of the tent again, looking out, doing her best not to lose her nerves.

Minah, holding a shaking Dinah’s shoulders, comes up next to Nabooru.

“We will go ahead to prepare.” Minah didn’t need to say that it’s clea Dinah was in great need of medicine that their outpost unit had. The one waiting for them at the end of the forest.

“Go. I will send word to the Desert that we have been successful.” Nabooru says, letting them pass. “Do not send further word. I will track the King and intercept him and his bride. His nerve is weak and he will need help.”

“General Urbosa is going to be pissed if you break tradition.” She said with a frown, including some choice Gerudan swear words in the mix. Dinah just nodded, face pale.

“She will get her chance to chastise me.” Nabooru says, going to wrap her belt and swords around her. “But I do not trust these Hyrulians.”

–X–

The soil is like wet tar under your feet, squelchy, and dark. It coats your feet, fills the space between your toes, and becomes like a trap of its own making. One whose purpose is to suck you into the ground like sliding down the throat of an ancient beast.

The thin woolen cloak catches painfully into the black claws of brambles and you try not to cry aloud as thorns scrape your once pristine hands.

Your fingernails were cracked, some half torn-off, lost to hitting that tree some miles back. Or was that climbing that boulder? Or when you stumbled through that stream?

At some point, you had reopened the wounds on your throat and hands. And while you wrapped them as well as you could, there would be no stopping the itchy painful reminders, the pain of everything.

You had not expected to so clearly recall the night your home had gone up in flames taking everything you had loved. It surprised you that fire could rage so wildly so quickly, the colors so bright it could be like day and not night.

It seems that this day of endless pain would seamlessly transition into an endless night of one. Once again.

Wild, uncontrolled fear tasted the same.

At first, when you heard the whiny of horses, you thought the Gerudo had found you, and you had nearly given in. You were so tired, so hungry. Pain shot up your feet with every step, and you shook in a chill, hiding in the bushes, waiting to see that great black horse that would dash out of nowhere and swoop you up.

Until you realized who it was- and it was not your expected captor..

The Gerudo King, you knew, would be far better than this wild hog who now chased you. Not an actual hog, which would also be better than this.

“PRIN-CESS!” The singsong voice is called, nasally and nasty.

The Archbishop.

His company laughs with him as they catcall at you, leisurely tracking your steps. Why make haste when your prey has not the dogs and arrows you do?

“The King has declared that anyone who finds his runaway niece may marry her! They say you wish to run away with your secret sweetheart! But we know the truth, don’t ask!” They sing song, making a mess of the forest they trample under the hesitant hooves of their ponies. The Hylian king has abandoned you for peace!” They continued with their jaunts, and it’s clear they know of some of what has happened.

You held your breath as a man broke from the bushes, an arrow at the ready. You recognized him as one of the many priests who pandered to the Archbishop. You furrow deeper into the mud.

“He didn’t want the Gerudo King to see his daughter and covet her!” A thin voice say, making you freeze.

The man made no effort in concealing himself, calling loudly at you, letting you know just what precisely the Archbishop wanted to do with you.

Violent, unspeakable things.

You would barely be a person if they had their way. It was clear that spite had long turned to murderous intent.

If one of his men found you, you would not be leaving alive. You closed in one yourself, taking a deep breath as he disappeared into the trees on the other side.

You needed a better disguise if you were to escape and remain alive. And live you must as you needed to destroy the Archbishop for what he is doing.

You found yourself blistering at the idea, but nevertheless picked up some of the thick, gloopy dirt under you. Smearing down your face and body, thick goop covered your visage and the unholy necklace you had been gifted. Your hair became a matted disaster, and your clothes were thick with mud.

All the work of your maids, ruined, you growled in your throat. But it should do something to help cover your smell before they dared release their hounds on you. You hoped one day to be able to apologize to Tapo for ruining her beautiful clothes. Or to be able to thoroughly scream at the Gerudo King for the hell he’s put you through.

Rising you slowly push your way through cutting bushes. Step by step you hide like a doe, avoiding men who tramble and screech. You are almost at the break of trees, where you can see the road twisting up into the path. If you can pass the road unseen, then make your way through the tall fields of grass, you will reach the mouth of Mount Lanayru. From there you can beg sanctuary to the folks who live in Hatano Village. They are known for taking in women and helping them reach the monastery.

You had been forced to squeeze under some thick foliage for this part, to reach the road unseen. On hands and knees you twist your head to look around, seeing none. Rising slowly, you hide in the shade of a large tree, readying yourself to dash over the gap.

With wide eyes, you look at the field of yellow grass before you dig your ruined heels in the dirt.

Your mind said run, but every fiber of your being was saying that this was a trap. With the utmost certainty, you needed to run, every second wasting precious time. But you struggled to make that first step.

You must have been very deep in your thoughts not to hear the person sneaking up behind you, his large hands covering your mouth before you could make a peep.

“Quiet! Do you want that old fraud to find you?” A familiar, irritating voice says.

“CA-pt-N!“ You say behind his fingers, greatly relieved to see your favorite daily nemesis. The captain of the guard shushes you, pulling you down.

“Quiet-” He says, pulling you back under a large bush. “They are waiting for you to cross that. They knew you planned to go to the monastery- Good Goddess, is that the infamous brown dress?”

You rip away from him, smoothing down your muddied wear. He runs a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath.

“What a day.” He mutters. “I’m glad that old Gerudo woman clued me in. Still took me forever to track you. Man, you really must be part wolf.”

You flinch, offended. The captain of the guard was like a good friend, albeit a rather insensitive one.

“That is not important. What IS important is that you take me to the nearest chapel and marry me!” You demand, and he raises a brow. “I must be able to stay and serve Zelda, and I will serve faithfully as your wife to do so!” You fold your arms, voice daring him to disagree.

And though you know you don’t look particularly marriageable, you are still mad when he gives a dry laugh.

“Ah yes, what every man wants! A wife who only married him because she wants his help!” He chuffs. You shake your head.

“That’s not the only reason! We- we- are old friends! We have history! It’s a good match!” You declare, and he snorts. But then his eyes soften and he raises his hand to pat you on the head.

“You know, half a year ago, I would’ve said yes,” He admits, “But I can’t in good conscience marry you now, even to help you.”

Your eyes go wide.

“You… you’re in love?” You say, and he laughs.

“Actually, I’ve been married for two weeks.” He says with a soft smile. “With a baby on the way. I had planned to abscond to go live with Malliya in the desert when the Gerudo all leave.”

Your jaw drops open. “But-but-“

“Yeah, I know we sort of had something, but then I met my warrior woman and realized that I never wanted to look at another woman again. Besides, the day I saw you talk with the Gerudo King I knew you’d never look at me the way you look at him.”

You kneel as straight as you can, mouth in a snarl.

“I DO NOT love him!” You growl, and this time he folds his arms, mouth quirked to the side. “I demand you take me to the monastery! Or give me a horse to do so!”

He chuckles, patting your hand, and this time you push him back.

“Okay, okay. You can ‘steal’ my horse, but the Gerudo Commander said I can’t interfere if I want citizenship.”

You push him back, moving to stand.

“Where is Archibalo?” You demand, fiercely, trying to keep down your emotions

#romance #fanfic #ganondorf x reader #gosh dangit rehydrated ganon thirst art #hot desert daddy ganon #ganondrf thirst #breath of the wild #botw #loz #link #zelda #gav-san

[gav-san]

The Queen of the King 4/15

Previous / Next

Morning sunlight beamed brightly upon the king of the Gerudo, and he could help marvel at how soft it was. The desert sun seemed to burst upon the sand like a fire, appearing and causing every beetle and beast to find a patch of sweet relief in the rare sliver of shade.

Here the light was softer, even quieter. The blue in the sky was stronger, and clouds rose thick with swells and fluff. He hoped that he could experience at least one heavy storm in the Hylian castle, to engrave the majesty of thunder and lightning in his brain. Once he returned to Gerudo town, there would be little rain, and even less green to be found.

Flanked by two guards, Ganondorf thought his march to the castle may seem less intimidating, but at the look of the residents who he passed through Castletown, it seems that it may have been in vain.

Hylians openly gave him a double-take as he entered his view, those not seeing him flinching if he passed close by, as if his near presence threatened their lives. And no amount of wishing or reassurances would stop whispers of old tales passed around to children of the old goddesses and the curse of the Gerudo. It seems that despite Hyrule’s short memories, their wariness of him was embedded deep in their bones.

Ganondorf wondered if any of those things knew the real stories.

Not that it mattered this time.

This time, there was hope. For both he, and these unfortunate Hylians.

One, in exchange for thousands, he thought, would be a fitting price.

After all, the Gerudo King always stole his bride, and willingness was never a factor, merely a bonus. The desert hardly boasted a proud reputation of ease and familiarity, and few foreigners could see its true value.

But he felt the Hylian King, perhaps, would see the worth of peace.

One daughter.

A lifetime of peace.

---XXX---

“Princess! He’s coming!”

You grumble into your pillow, smooshing your face deeper into the silk.

“I don’t wanna... see the prince... of Termina. He smells like old cheese… and likes to pinch my armmm…..”

Tapo, the unfortunate woman chosen to be your morning chambermaid spared little attention to your nighttime muttering as she rushed to your bed.

“Princess!” She says shrilly, enough to wave you from your doze.

“Uh?” You mumble drool pooling down your chin, hair looking like a pile of hay the pigs had found.

“The Gerudo King!” Tapo declares, hands clasping one another as she makes a dramatic pose, “IS HERE!”

“HERE?”

“HERE!”

“ALREADY!”

“YES MY LADY!”

“CALL THE CAVALRY!” You cry, and two more attendants rush in as you jump from the bed. The one bearing breakfast is nearly knocked off her feet as you push her aside, barely managing to catch herself on the bedside table.

“NO TIME! JUST DRESS ME!”

The other attempts to help Tapo dress you, but she pushes the young girl away, hissing at her lack of expertise.

And indeed, a day early, the King was here, and you were not emotionally prepared. Nor had you finished all the details of the room he was staying in.

Oh, goddess, the king would make snide comments for a year if the Gerudo King complained about his attendants trying to help him dress.

The moment the last silk slipper was slipped over your embroidered silk stockings you rushed out the door, leaving behind the two attendants. Tapo was able to keep up, but only just, doing her best to straighten any slight thread or hair that attempted to mutiny her fair design. After all, she had spared no effort in preparing a gorgeous gown for the occasion.

You looked much like a fairy queen in your creamy white gown, delicate silver flowers embroidered with white pearls. Chiffon fluttered around your legs, and your elegant, practiced dash made you look as if you were floating. With your bright, royal hair done up with flowers and slightly jeweled tiara, you would not be taken for a child again. And by the sounds of the courtiers and guards you passed, you knew that you would not be.

You raced across the machicolation that connected the women's apartments to the curtain wall, dashing down the first parapet walk in order to gaze out the large windows adjacent to the gatehouse, below the brattice.

There, shaded by height and the bright morning lights, you placed your hands against the cool stone and leaned forward expectantly. The cool wind blew a curl of your hair as you did, and Tapo yelled at the dangerous motion.

Your eyes burned a moment to the bright lights below, taking a moment to adjust.

Finally, he was here. The one who had caused all of your headaches and late nights, and who even seemed to haunt your nightmares.

The star of this show.

The king of the Gerudo.

And then, you caught your first glimpse of him.

And your heart jumped into your throat.

.

.

.

Experience has led you to know that the average Gerudo woman was thicker than the royal cook’s oatmeal. Like, even thicker than one baked into a cookie with chunks of chocolate.

But you hadn’t realized that it extended to their men.

Before all this, you hadn’t even realized the Gerudo Tribe had men before this whole debacle, much less that he could be the Gerudo king. But the recent weeks had both piqued your interest and caught you wondering more and more about what he would be like.

And there’s no other race he could be with the bright red-orange red mane tumbling down his back, laced with gold and jewels. He also wore the same strong features as his kind, including a sharp jaw and nose.

This man.

This beast.

The King of the Gerudo.

He’s thick , more solid than some of the trees lining the garden path, and you can tell because his shirt is missing.

Bronze skin shimmers in the light, so much revealed you almost choke at the indecency of his garb. It was clearly mere adornment for the cords of muscles that flex as he moves. Thick hair covers his body, twisting over his chest, down over his abdomen, and disappearing under the robes and belt that drape over his midsection.

Not that you’re staring or anything.

If all that wasn’t proof enough of his origin, his height dwarfed the nearest soldier by a good foot. He was giant, probably over seven feet!

You are unable to deny he was a magnificent sight.

And it strikes a chord of uncomfortable terror in you. Your own words, a prophecy that threatened to strangle you.

The words catch in your throat.

You shake your head.

No!

You reminded yourself viciously, the stone facade cutting into your hands. Surely, you have proven your great worth to your uncle. He would never let his own blood mixed with someone such as this-

Your heart beats fast.

...

This tall, swarthy beast of a man.

You are a mere slip of a being next to him, and the implication that there was a man in the world overwhelmingly suited for your tastes is a tad thrilling.

No matter, you think, there is no reason to think too hard about the matter.

Your stomach felt strange as he shifted his weight, head-turning to take in the lavish gardens of the inner court.

You don’t stop watching them. And you don’t bother hiding as he looks towards your window perch, knowing the shadowed windows should hide you from his eyes. But now, in this gown, you can’t help feel revealed, unready he turns.

You knew from his reputation that they were a startling color, but you wondered if it was your imagination, or if they were such a clear amber, clear and intelligent as he paused to look over. It shouldn’t be possible, at this height, to see the color of someone’s eyes.

Your shoulders stiffened as his eyes connected with yours.

His lips twitched as you blinked, your mind racing in disbelief.

No, surely not, the window was too dark for him to see in! There was no way he could see you, so you're not sure why you feel so alarmed.

Perhaps there was a bird or something he was looking at?

You glance to see what he could be looking at, but on his return, he is still looking your way.

A shudder runs down your spine, an unpleasant, revolting feeling of uncloaking. It makes you feel unsafe, unsure, and helpless.

You have no doubt you would be like a bunny compared to his height. A normal woman, no, a normal Gerudo might break in half, trying to please a man that large.

He would pulverize your hips if he tried-

You near choke, tilting your head away.

What were you thinking?

Appalled, and ill at ease, you step back, putting a hand to your cheeks. They’re hot, oh so hot, and have you ever blushed so hard that it stung before?

You can swear you see him smirk and it’s almost disturbing that you don’t find him ugly and disgusting.

You don’t realize how long you’ve been staring until Tapo touches your shoulder, and you jump out of your skin, much like a cat.

Frantic, you nervously give her a sharp look and she apologizes.

You twist back, but the Gerudo is no longer looking up.

One of his guards, a very tall Gerudo woman, is saying something to him, but they are too far away for you to hear.

Freed from his attention, you reel back away from the window, fleeing from the room and the heavy beating of your heart. You ignore the catcalls from some of the ruder guards, and even some concerned calls from the nicer ones. Tapo calls to you, worried, her voice strained, wondering if she had upset you so.

After reassuring her that she is fine and that you are just feeling a bit unwell, you decide that perhaps you should stay in your quarters, deep within the princess’s wing.

Feigning sickness you refuse your Uncle’s call, saying that you are unwell.

And though you heavily avoided the Gerudo envoy and the entire wing of the castle they were staying in, you felt like golden eyes were following you the rest of the day.

And you were missed.

---XXX---

Arranged in her temporary rooms, Ganondorf sat leisurely on a large, thick chair, one that was indeed specially made for his frame. He knew this, because he knew, much like how the trappings and meals and manners of the servants suited his tastes.

“She listened.” Naboroou said in Gerudan, a gleam in her eyes. “And took notes. Dinah has been keeping watch over her, and training her. She’s just as you remembered.”

The king leaned back, arms folded and a pleased smile on his face.

“Yes. Without a doubt.” He declared, waving a hand. “The king was also more flexible to our request than expected.”

Naboroou put an arm to her chest, as did the other guards.

“When shall we commence?”

Ganondorf looked out the window, to the large moon hanging pearlescent in the sky.

“Let’s try her mettle. I am curious to see her in action.”

“As you wish, my king.”

#ganondrf thirst #ganondorf x reader #gosh dangit rehydrated ganon thirst art #swarthy thick desert men are my thing #kidnapping #stolen bride #gav story

[gav-san]

The Queen of the King 2/15

Ganondorf/Reader

Once every one hundred years, a King is born to the Gerudo, and this king is required to find a Queen of a different race.

In order for this stubborn king to find a bride worthy of his ambitions, he comes to Hyrule, under the guise of renewing the treaty between the two lands. Unfortunately for you, he quickly finds the one woman for whom he is eager to wage a war over.

Previous --- Next

The days passed far too quickly.

Zelda was sent off to visit her Zora friends almost immediately, leaving her with no time to prepare anything. And you were finding that perhaps the King had a point in sending Zelda away. With so many details that could go wrong, this visit might get the better of you.

You spent too many hours in the library, attempting to find any clues to provide the perfect stay for the Gerudo envoy and their elusive king. But with Hylian’s long-standing tradition of looking down on the Gerudo meant that there was little actual evidence of their traditions and ways, and it left you winded trying to figure it out.

With few other choices, you opened your wallet and began networking with servants, searching for any Gerudo women in the walls of the castle. This proved to be mildly more successful. You managed to find a single old grandmother who lived with her five granddaughters, who were awed and quite happy to be invited to afternoon tea.

Your careful preparation of confections and sandwiches loosened their lips plenty, and they regaled you with many tales of the Gerudo and their desert, almost verging on the fantastical.

While skeptical of their advice, you had little choice but to decorate and prepare as best you could, and hoped that you didn’t mix up the similar red hue for the solstice celebrations with the one used for when a young girl blooms into a woman. They were very, very difficult to tell apart in certain lights.

And with little less than half a day you knew that you and many servants would not be sleeping tonight. And in the end, you were forced to beg permission to use some of the knights to help in the preparations, much to the amusement of the chief guard captain who relentlessly teased you at any opportunity.

You chose a beautiful group of rooms in the guest wing in the castle for their visit, One close enough to your rooms that you could come at a moment’s notice, with plenty of windows and sunlight. With views out toward the lake you figured they’d probably be awed by the sheer amount of water. Or something like that.

You purchased the most vibrant dyed fabrics from the market vendors and draped the rooms as best as possible, hoping to somewhat mimic the look of the old Gerudos home.

Not to be outdone, also arranged for the king to wear his most ornate jewels and outfits since he’d have to compete with the Gerudo’s rather ostentatious gear.

And that wasn’t even half the work.

Food was going to be an issue that you would need special care, and thankfully due to trade documents, you got a reasonably decent idea of what you could serve for meals.

Though most of the castle was sure to grumble about expense and taste, you instructed the cook to serve spicy food, plenty of game, and many vegetables. For dessert, you had a litany of Hylia's most decadent fruits, including a rare commodity; cake, made from real sugar cane.

As much as you’d like to think that you hardly aspire to fill your days with pointless tasks, you can’t help wondering how nice it is to have a place and a task. You had always strived to be indispensable to the king, to the point where he didn’t want you to leave.

With less than ten minutes left until the envoy arrived you finally presented yourself before the king.

“The castle is ready, my lord.” You said grandly, bowing deeply.

“Ah, always leaving things till the last moment, my dear niece.” He smiled, jovially, eyes bright and with none of the dark circles you sported under your own eyes.

You refrained from speaking your mind or swearing an oath of violence upon him. Instead, you merely smiled and stood as he gave you leave to stand behind him.

Then the throne room doors opened, and the Gerudo women entered.

The first thing you noticed was their fiery red hair, braided and rolled into intricate designs on their heads. Tall, long-limbed, and impossibly graceful, the delegation was all you had imagined.

The next thing you noticed is there was no King among them.

It was not uncommon for a forward delegation to announce the arrival of a king, but it was not the custom of the Gerudo.

Which meant, somewhere in Hyrule, there was a Gerudo man not being watched by the King's guards.

You glance at your uncle, who has also made this observation, along with the rest of the court. But dignity made him unable and unwilling to acknowledge this oversight.

The presenter cleared his throat and stepped forward. You could see the sweat on his forehead, indicating he was very concerned about introducing the foreign names.

The butchery that would have been done of the names was one of legend, one familiar to all those with unfortunately difficult or foreign names, and normally would be gossip.

Except the speaker was cut off, and the tallest woman stepped forward, hand out.

“I Nabooru, the second chieftain of the Gerudo do present myself before you, O King of Hyrule. I come bringing offerings of peace and friendship.” You can’t help but be entranced by her accent, something so unfamiliar and delightful to your ears. To be honest as much as you were dreading this visit, you were rather enthralled with these Gerudo women and their woman-led culture.

It takes you a moment to snap out of your daze, but thankfully, most of the court had also fallen under the Gerudo spell.

It gave time for two of the women behind Nabooru to come to the front, effortlessly carrying a large traveling trunk, thick with iron between them. They set them before the King’s Dias, preparing to open it with thick keys that jangled from their belts.

The king himself leaned forward in anticipation.

The court fell silent as they revealed the inner contents. The gasp deep in your chest threatens to escape you, and you pull it back. But you are unable to control how wide your eyes open, and the way your mouth drops open.

Hundred of sharp, vibrant, jewels. Each cut with the mesmerizing expertise that only the Gerudo knew.

You glance to the king and see he no longer looks quite as regal and controlled as he should, greed clear in his eyes.

Turning back, you compose yourself, and rather cynically can’t help think the Gerudo have rather overprepared for a treaty that was somewhat expected.

Nabooru leaned down, picking up a large ruby, and showcasing it. She offered it to the King, and with a nod, the Chief Royal Guard took the jewel to him.

“These are just a taste of the gifts we are here to offer in our treaty. And when Lord Ganondorf shall arrive he shall bring more!” She declared as the King took the piece and watched it sparkle in the morning light.

You could see the mouths in the court begin to water.

“Welcome!” The King boomed. “We are glad to accept such generous tidings and have prepared for you the utmost of luxuries for your visit. Though, your fine crafts may see us lacking.” His gleeful voice hardly conceals his merriment, and to your wariness, you can see the Gerudo women glace between each other, as if they already had the upper hand.

Though you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to deny it.

“I doubt that sir,” Nabooru said, and you admire the careful way she’s managing the meeting, and the strong hand she had arrived with. “That jewel is simply a way to convince you to forgive us for arriving so abruptly, and since our King is late. Our King has been so taken by your green fields and blue lakes that he wished to take extra time and admire the area. This is his first time visiting your marvelous kingdom.”

The King looked mildly placated.

“Of course, it is no problem. My daughter has taken to wandering the lands for such a purpose.”

“We have heard many tales of the young princess Zelda and her gifts of prophecy,” Nabooru said. “Is this she, the beauty behind you?”

You realize that she is referring to you, and can’t help being offended and flattered. Offended that she could take you for a kid (you aren’t that short), and flattered that such foreign beauties would consider you to be a beauty.

Your uncle laughs.

“No, no, this is my niece. Princess Zelda is currently on a diplomatic mission elsewhere. I have no other heir to offer as a host, and I hope not to insult you by offering my lovely niece in her place to ensure your stay is pleasant.” If you hadn’t been drilled with court etiquette, you might have kicked a pot at the king. You held your chin forward, eyes down, bowing as she nodded to accept you.

Nabooru seemed to be unworried about the change in plans. “We are more than honored to be under the care of your moon princess.”

You blinked at the title they gave you, immediately breaking your deep bow in sheer bewilderment to look up.

Your uncle glanced over, apparently just as confused.

“Moon princess?” He asked, looking back at you, causing you to tilt your head in confusion.

Nabooru nodded, smiling widely in your direction. You blinked in confusion at the new title, a bit irritated.

“Her hair shines like the moon and her eyes sparkle like stars in the desert sky. We have long awaited a woman of such a description.” Nabooru declared. It was impossible to hide from the staring now. You knew that the Chief of Guards would be conveniently near your door tonight, whispering praises of your hair and eyes. You were getting far too much attention, and the others in the court would never let you live such a name down.

The entire court was looking between you, the king, and the Gerudo faction with bated breath. After all, you had declared prophecy to be a thing you adhered to.

You did not look at the Gerudo women, feigning a bashful embarrassment, keeping an eye on the court to know just what the rest thought of this pronouncement. The prognosis was not in your favor.

“The Gerudo have prophecies concerning this?” The king said, and you swore he sounded almost excited.

“Indeed.” Nabooru chimed. “It is one of our prophecies that Hyrule shall offer its moon to watch over the Gerudo, and strengthen our bonds of friendship.”

Even you, with all your refinement, were finding it hard to keep a straight face. You knew that you must be white as snow, if not almost purple from holding your tongue.

Just what were the Gerudo inferring?

“Well then, who am I to disregard such a thing?” You uncle-king said pleasantly. “Our little moon princess shall ensure you a seamless stay, and I shall accept the Gerudo King when he arrives.”

You do your best not to cringe.

“Excellent, your majesty,” Nabooru said, clearly very pleased. “King Ganondorf shall arrive before you shortly.”

--X--

“Of course, my lord, I’m happy to lend a bit of gossip to anyone with such wares!” Kilton said happily, rubbing his short white beard as he examined the monster fangs in his hand. “My Lord, how did you manage to acquire such fine Molduga tusks?”

Ganondorf kept his hood low, though he knew in the darkness few would be able to make him out anyhow.

“Do you think the Gerudo King lacks in battle prowess? I tore them from his mouth myself. Now merchant, tell me what I wish to know.” The merchant placed the items to his side, moving to fold his hands together.

“Of course, my lord. It’s just a wonder that the price of these wonderful items is mere common gossip. Now, let's see...” He pulled out his books. “There are several noblewomen who fit the description of your request-“

He began listing them, and their family, but stopped as the Gerudo King raised his hand.

“I do not seek a noblewoman to dance pretty for me. I am looking for a capable warrior and only happens to have been born where women aren’t given swords. I need the leader among these nobles, someone who leads the rabble. The wolf.”

“The wolf of society?” Kilton said quietly. “Or the rose?”

“The one above all others.” He said, not delineating the difference.

For a moment there was silence between the two, as Kilton stroked the tusk. He considered his options, and if what he was about to say could be linked back to him. He glanced at the tall Gerudo, weighing his options and coming to a decision.

Finally, he spoke.

“Three summers ago there was a terrible plague that consumed many of Hyrule wheat fields. Normally many would have suffered greatly and died but the King placed a woman in charge of the problem, much to the anger of his ministers.”

“A woman?” Ganondorf inquired, “It is unusual for Hylian women to be given such tasks.”

“Yes, indeed. It is out of custom, but the princess is known for her proficiency in such problems. She opened the warehouses, delegated supplies, and went out to the fields and discovered the problem was a beetle infestation.”

“A princess… who has capabilities beyond a learned advisor?” Ganondorf replied, stroking his beard. “The Hylian’s Ruler’s daughter?”

“No, my lord. She is his niece, gifted with the title after her noble parents passed away. She was taught by her scholar father, and the people love her, but the nobility does not. To them, she is a usurper, power-hungry and vicious. The ministers call her a cold-footed wolf lying in wait to use the princess for her own ends.”

“A wolf?” Ganondorf said, sounding as if he was savoring the description.

“Exactly so. A very small one, if I may add.” He said with a wry grin. “She is little but mighty. I am wary of running afoul of her temper.”

Ganondorf grinned wildly, folding his arms.

“And the Hylian King. Is he attached to such a mind?” He queried. “Or is he a fool who can only see potential when it comes in the form of a male?”

“The king extends his grace as far as she is useful.” Kilton said, strangely honest, “But, my lord, I have a tale of a prophecy that may interest you, of course, to ensure this business stays between us, and you find this meeting worth further business between us.”

“Oh?” Ganondorf said, folding his arms again, amused as he measured the strange small man before him. Kilton bowed, giving a large flourish as he did so.

“Several years ago, at hey coming of age, the princess said she received a prophecy-“

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[gav-san]

Chapter 4, King of the Queen here!

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