Welcome to Gaia! ::

She grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze. "I know you didn't mean to."

They reached the inner castle grounds where the king was waiting. The king stood up and walked over to them. "My daughter." He said in a rumbling yet friendly voice. He saw Scar Scale and raised an eyebrow, "And a Zora." He looked at the knight. "Explain." The knight looked confused for a second, "My lord, the princess said that you requested the presence of the Duke of Zora's."

The knight scowled and struck the Zora with the hilt of his sword, "When you speak to the king you shall address him as 'sire' or 'lord' you filthy-" Zelda glared at him, "I wish that you do not strike our guest again good sir knight." Zelda hissed. The king stoked his beard slowly, "Perhaps I did send for you. My age has affected my memory."

"Ah, yes. No I remember," The king started, "I called you here so that we may discuss political business between our two races."

Next he turned to Zelda, "Now as for you... What on earth were you doing wandering around outside the safety of the castle walls? And, take no offense Duke, but in the Zora's domain, no less. What were you thinking?" "I was merely curious to see the Zora you requested for father. I was rather impatient and decided to sneak out and catch a glimpse of him."

"Lies!" The knight shouted and pointed an accusing finger at him, "Your race couldn't wait to get their slimy fingers on the poor princess!"

"Enough!" The king roared, "They do not know of the power she holds." He hissed at the knights. They gulped. The king turned to Scar Scale, "I believe you are tired from your travels. My knights shall show you to your room now."

Zelda stared after Scar Scale as they left through a door. The king looked at her very seriously. "They could have taken you prisoner. Who knows, maybe even the Triforce. It was very fortunate that the Duke had enough honor not to harm you." "What do you mean?" Zelda asked. "Perhaps you have not heard, it's time I tell you of the current.. er.. difficulties we have been having with the Zoras." The king began, "You see, as king of Hyrule I receive homage from each of the races. The Zoras were noticeably absent at the ceremony. We later sent a messenger to inquire about this. Their response was that they found themselves superior to us and did not need to pay tribute to us. We sent more messengers but they disappeared. Next they sent a message to us saying that they would capture any of the royal family and make us they pay them homage in order to get our family back. Naturally we're trying to find a peaceful end to this. Hopefully this Duke shall help." The king finished.