Queen of the Banished

Though Rabia slept on and off the next day, Ganondorf rose early and was hard at work on something at Rabia’s desk, his large frame hunched over the low surface, scribbling frantically and occasionally muttering to himself. Rabia was propped up on pillows feeding Zaide when he stood and rolled the scroll up with a flourish.

“What were you working so hard on?” Rabia asked. He walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, taking her free hand in his.

“An offer,” he said, “and something I owe to you.” Rabia frowned.

“You’re not making any sense,” she said. “Why can’t you for once tell me the truth?”

“I’m not lying to you,” Ganondorf said.

“Withholding information is the same as a lie, Ganondorf,” she said shortly.

“I promise you, it’s for the good of everyone.”

“Yeah, that’s what you said last time and look where it got us.” She pulled away from him and handed Zaide to Kamilah for a burping, then stifled a yawn. Ganondorf nodded once and stood. The door opened, drawing all their attention as Zelda stepped in. She sat down in Ganondorf’s recently vacated seat and smiled at Rabia, setting a bag beside her on the bed.

“Rabia, I’m glad to see you awake,” she said. “How are you feeling?” She took her friends hand and squeezed. Rabia shrugged.

“I’m okay. I feel a bit like someone who’s recently been impaled and died, but I suppose that’s to be expected,” she said. Ganondorf flinched. Zelda frowned.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Am I interrupting…?” she asked, looking between them. Rabia sighed.

“No, no… I’m just tired and in a bad mood,” she muttered. Zelda hummed and reached into her bag.

“Well, I brought you something,” she said. She pulled out a book and handed it to Rabia, who took it gratefully. “I thought you might be bored,” Zelda chuckled.

“Thank you,” Rabia said. Zelda gave her a warm but gentle hug, then stood.

“I just wanted to check in,” she said. “It’s probably best for you to get some more rest.”

“Princess, a word, if you would indulge me?” Ganondorf asked. Zelda hesitated, but joined him back over by the desk and unfurled the scroll. Though Rabia tried to stay awake to sate her own curiosity, she was asleep in a matter of minutes. After reading through the paper, Zelda rolled it up and looked at Ganondorf seriously.

“After all you’ve done, you would dare to ask this favor of me?” she asked.

“I’ve hurt so many people, these past couple months,” Ganondorf said. “I don’t wish for my people to suffer for my crimes. This is my burden to bear.” Zelda nodded, once, and took the scroll.

“You’ll find out my ruling at your trial in two days time,” she said. She turned on her heel and left. Kamilah and Nabooru both looked at him curiously. Ganondorf took Zaide from Kamilah and rocked him.

“What was that?” she asked. “What do you mean, your burden to bear?” Ganondorf shook his head.

“We’ll all know, when she’s made her decision,” he said.



The next day passed in a blur, until finally Ganondorf and Rabia were kneeling on the throne room floor before Zelda and the citizens of Hyrule, heads bowed and hands bound, Nabooru and Kamilah by their sides. Rabia had hesitantly left Zaide with Link, just outside the doors. Even with the room full of people, it was silent as they awaited Zelda’s ruling. Rabia’s parents were at the front of the crowd, their faces somber.

“King Ganondorf,” Zelda finally spoke, her voice echoing throughout the chamber. “For your crimes of oppression, kidnapping, usurpation, tyranny, attempted and successful murders, and treason against the crown of Hyrule, I hereby banish you from the Kingdom of Hyrule forever, on pain of death,” Zelda said. The room was silent.

“Queen Rabia,” she turned to her friend. “Though we’ve long been friends, you and your people stood by while Ganondorf committed these and, surely, countless other crimes. Therefore, you shall all be banned from Castle Town until such time that I see fit.” There were a couple cries of outrage in the crowd as Rabia’s friends and family protested, but Zelda held up a hand and they fell silent. Rabia looked up at her from where she knelt on the stone.

“That’s a death sentence, Zelda,” she said.

“And your reign wasn’t?” Zelda countered. “Your husband has long desired the throne of Hyrule. His banishment is in the best interest of my people. You do not get to abuse my subjects and expect clemency.” Rabia gave her a cold smile.

“Perhaps, Zelda, had you seen it fit to work with us, he wouldn’t have resorted to such drastic,” she gave her husband a disgusted look, “measures.” Zelda’s eyes hardened.

“My decision is final,” she said. “You have four hours to leave Castle Town and twelve to leave the kingdom.” Zelda stood gracefully and exited the throne room. The four Gerudo were escorted out shortly after. Rabia took Zaide back from Link at the door and ignored his attempt at a goodbye as they were escorted out to the waiting armored carriage. None of them spoke as they were taken back to the valley.