## A Royal Betrayal

Zelda's eyes blazed with fury as she listened to Victoria's nonchalant dismissal of her concerns. How could she be so oblivious to the harm she had caused? The memory of the potion, the one Victoria had secretly slipped to Link, flashed in Zelda's mind. It was a cruel and deceitful act, one that had changed Link's life forever. The Hylian warrior, once known for his bravery and unwavering dedication to his friends and kingdom, was now a prisoner, bound by his own toxic secretions. "You're going to leave him locked away, aren't you?" Zelda's voice was low and menacing, her anger simmering just below the surface. "You're going to let him rot in that dungeon, all because of your own selfish desires." Victoria's expression remained calm, but a hint of curiosity crept into her eyes. "Selfish desires? Whatever do you mean, Zelda? I'm only trying to protect the kingdom from the potential dangers Link poses." Zelda's laughter was cold and mirthless. "Protect the kingdom? You're not even trying to hide it, are you? You've always been jealous of Link's connection to the land, to the people, and to the Triforce of Courage. You've always felt threatened by his presence, and now you've taken it a step further. You've tainted him, Victoria. You've made him a monster." The air seemed to grow thick with tension as Victoria's eyes narrowed. "I don't know what you're talking about, Zelda. Link is simply... inconvenienced. He'll adjust." "Inconvenienced?" Zelda's voice rose, her words dripping with scorn. "You have no idea what you've done. Hylians can't be poisonous, Victoria. It's against our nature. And now, because of your meddling, Link is forced to be isolated from the very people he swore to protect. He's developing touch deprivation, and it's eating away at him. You're destroying him, Victoria, and for what? So you can satisfy your own twisted ambitions?" Victoria's smile was like a crack in the ice, cold and calculated. "I think you're overreacting, Zelda. Link will be fine. And even if he's not, well... sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good." Zelda's eyes locked onto Victoria's, a fierce determination burning within them. "I'll never let you get away with this, Victoria. I'll find a way to free Link, no matter the cost. And when I do, you'll be the one who faces the consequences of your actions."