Chapter 6

Zelda wa struck by a feeling of deja vu as she sat in her library researching. She had done this same thing to find Link's family, the Dassins. She had found them, all right, and they had changed her life. Especially Chezdon. But she could never tell anyone that, never! It was hard, though, to keep a secret when Link was around. He could read her mind if he wanted to.
The queen shook away those thoughts and focused on the task at hand. She needed to find out if Malon's new baby could prove a useful tool in finding a way to get divorced, so that-
Wait! If she fell in love, it would all work out! But she couldn't tell Chezdon. What if he didn't share her feelings?
"Anybody'd be crazy not to fall in love with you." Zelda remembered her father's words, so long ago. She hadn't dared to hope he'd been right then, and she was hesitant even now. Still...
Again, she stopped her mind from wondering and dropped her attention to the book in front of her. It was a boring book, but no more boring than any other legal document she'd ever had to read. She read it for a solid hour before stopping to give her eyes a rest.
There was a knock on the door. "Yes?" called Zelda.
"Your Highness, a visitor." came Raby's voice, "Chezdon, His Majesty's brother."
Zelda brightened and felt her heart skip a beat, but she was a bit puzzled. "Send him in."
The door opened and Chezdon entered, saying, "I know I should be talking to my brother, but I was told he's asleep, so I'll talk to you instead."
"Have a seat." she smiled up at him and moved some papers off a chair. He eased into it, and moved as though he were stiff.
"Sorry it's so late, but I was helping at the ranch. Tough work, but it never hurts to help a friend or two. Good deeds always come back to you, anyway, so even the selfish have motivation to be nice."
"Yeah." she felt stupid at her simple comment, but she couldn't think of what to say. This was the first time they had ever been alone together, as long as she could remember. And if this had ever happened before, she would have remembered.
"Well, anyway, I came here to talk about Saria, the baby. Have you seen her yet?"
Zelda nodded. "She's... beautiful, isn't she?"
He smiled, "Yeah, she is. But I was thinking, looking at her, well, you know how Link and Malon had their relationship before the will..."
"I know what you're thinking. And I'm pretty sure it's true. Link said it works out. I'm just looking to find out if they can get divorced because of this. You know I don't really love Link, don't you?"
"Of course. Someday you'll find the right man. Wouldn't it be funny if you and Darvin-?" he was almost laughing when Zelda cut him off.
"Don't even think it! He's so stuck up. I need a guy who knows the world doesn't revolve around him."
"That's an important lesson in life. I learned that the hard way when Kiana came into my life, and doubly so when Link showed up. But I can truly appreciate love now, loving your family." he paused and seemed to be looking through her for a moment, then he said, "I think I'll know when I find the right woman. It think... I'll feel it, right away. That a sledgehammer, you know? Whenever I get a crush on a girl, it hits me like that. Just, whack, right across the head, when I see her. I think true love would hit like a crush, but twice as hard. That might hurt." he added, with a worried expression.
Zelda smiled and said gently, "Maybe true love would be more gentle with your heart."
He returned her smile with one of his own, a lopsided little smirk that made her melt. "Maybe."
There was a moment of silence, and they just looked at each other. When Chezdon blinked, his expression changed to one of surprise, and he rose.
"Well, that's all I wanted to say. Just a little question."
"If you ever want to just stop and say hi, come on over. I usually stay up later than Link, so if you want to talk to someone late, I'll be here."
Chezdon smiled and nodded, then silently left the room. Zelda watched him go and closed the door quietly behind him. She thought of him for a moment. He didn't look like Link. Where Link had blonde hair, cut short, Chezdon's hair was dark brown and rather long for a man. Although Link was quite strong, he hid it behind a small frame, and let loose his muscle power when he needed it. His brother was built like a bear, and was the same size as Link though he was two years younger. He had dark eyes (unlike Link's blue ones) which sparkled and looked happy all the time. Looking at those eyes she understood why she thought he was so wonderful.
Link and Chezdon had similar personalities. If they had been raised the same way, they would act like twins. The difference was experience. Physical battle had hardened Link, while Chezdon had dealt with his emotional problems. His father leaving, his two siblings stealing his thunder, and then his father's reuturn. He would have been able to take a hit like Link, he was born with muscle, and he sure could take care of himself.
So unlike Link. Chezdon was his father's son, Link took after his mother.
Zelda ventured to think that Chezdon was perfect.
Suddenly, Link entered the room and broke her trance. She was surprised to see him. Hadn't Chezdon said he was asleep?
"Was Chezdon just in here?" he asked.
"Yes... he said you were in bed. What are you doing up?"
A knowing smile appeared on Link's lips. "Oh... just wondered. I was asleep, like you said. I'll go back to bed now. See you in the morning." He turned to leave, and Zelda knew from his tone of voice that he was hiding something.