Chapter 1: Whispers in the Castle Walls

The sun had just set over the kingdom of Hyrule, casting a warm orange glow over the bustling streets of the capital city. The air was filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and the clanging of swords from the training grounds. But amidst all the hustle and bustle, there was a sense of unease that hung in the air like a palpable mist. "I heard it's Darunia, the Goron Champion," whispered a young woman to her friend as they walked down the street. "I heard he's been bedridden for weeks, and no one is allowed to see him." "Don't be ridiculous," replied her friend, a tall, lanky man with a mischievous grin. "Darunia is as sturdy as a rock. He can withstand anything. Besides, I heard it's really Impa, Zelda's own nurse, who's been taken ill." The two friends continued on their way, lost in conversation, as they wove through the crowds of people. Meanwhile, in the castle, a group of high-ranking officials huddled in a secret meeting room, their voices hushed but their faces grave with concern. "We can't let her find out," said one of the officials, a stout man with a thick beard. "She'll lose control, and the entire kingdom will be at risk." "Agreed," said another, a slender woman with piercing green eyes. "But we can't keep it from her forever. She's not a fool, and she already suspects." "Suspects?" The stout man raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?" The woman leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've seen the way she's been snooping around, asking questions, poking her nose into places it doesn't belong. She's getting close, and we need to take action before she discovers the truth." Just then, a knock at the door interrupted the meeting. "Enter," called out the stout man. A young servant girl entered, curtsying low. "Forgive me, milords, but Princess Zelda requests a meeting with the castle's physician. She says it's urgent." The officials exchanged worried glances. This was exactly what they had been trying to prevent. "Send the physician to her chambers immediately," ordered the stout man. "And make sure to...misdirect her, shall we say, if she asks any questions." The servant girl nodded and scurried off, as the officials continued their hushed conversation, their words laced with worry and deceit. Meanwhile, Princess Zelda sat in her chambers, her brow furrowed in concern. She had been sensing that something was off, that someone close to her was hiding something. And she had a sinking feeling that she knew exactly who it might be. "Impa?" she called out to her nurse, who was busy tidying up the room. "I need to speak with the physician. Now." Impa's eyes flickered, just for a moment, before she smiled and replied, "Of course, Your Highness. I'll send for him right away." But Zelda's eyes narrowed, her suspicions already racing ahead. Was Impa hiding something? And what exactly was going on in the castle that she wasn't being told?