Queen of the Banished

With a combination of rest, magic, and potions, Rabia was back on her feet in a couple days. While she healed, Ganondorf hadn’t left her side for a moment. In fact, he’d hardly set Zaide down, preferring to hold his son as much as he could. That’s why, when he set Zaide into his bassinet and turned to Rabia with his undivided attention, she got worried.

“What is it, Ganondorf?” she asked. Ganondorf took her hands in his.

“I owe you an apology, for being so distant these past couple months,” he said. “I shouldn’t have put work before you. I’m sorry.” Rabia squeezed his hand.

“I forgive you, Ganondorf. I know you’ve had… a lot on your plate,” she answered.

“I’m also worried that someone may have tampered with your pregnancy, and I wasn’t there to protect either of you,” he said. “We both know there’s no other way Zaide would’ve been born a boy. I don’t know who would have done this, or why, but they could have hurt you both.” He looked at her seriously. “Did you encounter anyone who may have… done something suspicious?”

“No,” Rabia said, after a pause. “Not that I can recall.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “But we’re both okay, Ganondorf.” Rabia leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.” Ganondorf pulled her into a hug.

“I hope you’re right,” he said. “I’m going to stay right here… just to be safe.”

“I always love your company,” Rabia smirked, “And putting you on diaper duty.”



November brought cold winds and frost to Castle Town, and it wasn’t long before the townspeople were donning their heavy winter gear. Ganondorf and Rabia were walking through the wilting garden together, both of them bundled up in hats, gloves, and heavy cloaks. Ganondorf was holding a curious Zaide, who had been wrapped up in thick, warm blankets, making faces at the baby every so often as they walked. His other hand was intertwined with Rabia’s, who was content to let her husband take the lead with baby-care for now. She hadn’t been outside since giving birth and she was glad for the fresh air, even if it was freezing. Ganondorf’s chuckle broke her out of her thoughts.

“Rabia, look,” he stuck his tongue out at Zaide, who, after a moment, repeated the action, making Ganondorf laugh. Rabia smiled.

“Like father, like son,” she snorted, shaking her head. She smiled as Zaide reached out a hand towards her and let him wrap it around one of her fingers.

“He has your sass,” Ganondorf said, nudging her gently, making Rabia laugh. They walked for a little while longer, then headed back inside as Zaide began to fuss.

“He’s hungry again,” Rabia sighed. “How can someone so tiny always be so hungry?” she cooed at Zaide as she took him from Ganondorf. “I’ll be upstairs feeding him,” she added to Ganondorf. Her footsteps faded on the stone as she walked away. Ganondorf watched until she was out of sight.

We really ought to kill them… the horribly familiar voice had Ganondorf gritting his teeth. He made his way to his office and locked the door behind him, pacing the room.

“I’m not killing my wife and son,” Ganondorf growled. “They mean everything to me.”

But you don’t mean everything to them, do you? If she cared for you, she wouldn’t try so hard to stop us from getting the Triforce, would she?

“She doesn’t know anything about that,” Ganondorf muttered, running a hand through his hair.

Are you certain? You and I both know she freed the princess, and that she knows where Link is hiding. She’s the only person in such a perfect position to ruin all of m- OUR plans. We need her out of the way.

“Fine. But I’m not killing her. I’ll… distract her, while I get my armies ready for Link.”

Your distraction didn't work before. How do you know it'll work this time?

“It will.”