Chapter Four
“Irony”
Zelda sat inside her room alone. A few pictures lined her wall. On her study was a framed picture of her and Link. It was taken on their little vacation to the town of Windfall, it was full of memories.
Zelda was in her nightgown, rolling the ring Link gave her between her fingers. She was deep in thought. Maybe she had overreacted and had acted before thinking?
She felt so stupid. She shouldn’t have treated Link that way. He didn’t deserve it.
There was a knock on her door.
“Who is it?” she asked.
The door opened, “It’s me.” Zelda heard Link’s voice and turned, “Link?”
It was Derek. Zelda sighed to herself for getting so worked up. Derek blinked and looked behind him, “No, I’m Derek...remember?”
Zelda smiled sheepishly, “Sorry, I’m just...not quite myself.” Derek asked, “Why are you still up?” Zelda glanced down at the ring in her hand, she said, “Oh, I just...couldn’t sleep, that’s all.”
Derek pondered something, “Is something on your mind?” she glanced at him and shook her head, “Yeah. But, I don’t want to talk about it right now. It’s personal.”
He smiled understandingly, “I understand.” He walked up to her and sat beside her on the bed, “This day has probably been a very stressful day for you. I mean, I’d be too if I just found out I was engaged to someone I never met before.”
Zelda looked at Derek for a moment and nodded, “Are you feeling the same way?”
Derek smiled, “Of course. I’m trying to cover up my feelings so I can help you through. That’s all.”
Zelda glanced back down, “Oh, thanks.” She placed the ring on the study.
Derek inquired, “I take it that that isn’t the only thing on your mind?” Zelda shook her head, “I’m sorry, but...I don’t feel like I can tell anyone about it right now.”
Derek places his hand on her’s “Look, I know that you just knew me for one day, and I’m still a stranger to you, but just know that, since we’re engaged, you can be open to me and tell me what’s bothering you, okay? I’ll try my best to be helpful to you.”
He gave her hand a squeeze and kissed her lightly on the lips, before heading for the door, he opened it and said over his shoulder, “Good night.”
“Good night.” Zelda replied.
Derek left the room and shut the door, locking it behind him. Zelda touched her lips.
She whispered to herself “...That kiss...”
The kiss was full of memories. She glanced at the door and then back out her window. She sighed, “I don’t know what to do...” she touched her lips again, suddenly, she realized something terrible, “Oh no...Am I...falling for Derek?”
Derek walked down the halls towards the guest’s quarters. He stopped in front of his room and pulled out a key and unlocked the door, stepping in.
He locked the door behind him and turned back around. He jumped in surprise, seeing someone standing in front of him.
Derek sighed, realizing who it was, “Chancellor Gale, what are you doing here?”
Gale smiled and spoke, “I’m here to reconfirm our deal.” Derek shook his head and nodded, “Yes, I know. You’ll get the crown and I get the money. Don’t worry too much. You’ll be the new king and I’ll no longer be cursed with my wretched title.”
Gale nodded, “And the Princess?” Derek smiled, “Don’t worry about it, she’s easy prey.”
Gale handed Derek a scroll. Derek opened the scroll and asked, “What’s this?”
Gale replied, “It’s directions to the Temple of Sages, like you requested. One of my people managed to get his hands on it.”
Derek nodded, “Yes, thank you.” Gale walked by Derek and opened the door, before he left, he added, “By the way...”
Derek placed the scroll down on the counter, “Yes?”
“Just what are you planning to do there?” Derek smiled, “Don’t worry about it. I’m just going to do a little bit of ...investigating.”
