What's The Catch?

The Hylian cleared his throat rudely, insisting that the ceremony continue. I peeled myself away from my new husband and stood before my throne, while Ganondorf sat in his and waited.

Kotake asked, "Will you solemnly swear to govern the Gerudo people according to the laws set forth by the Goddess of the Sand?"

I nodded curtly and proudly answered, "I will."

The Hylian elder asked, "Will you solemnly promise to uphold the sanctity of the kingdom of Hyrule, and to never forsake its people, to always use the power vested in you by our goddesses to defend them?"

Tears brimmed my eyes again, as I said, "I do." Koume and Kotake tilted their brooms forward slightly to offer a respectful bow. The Hylian elder shrank to his knees, and the other witnesses in the room followed. I turned to Ganondorf when he stood. He held my hand and guided me to my rightful place. This symbolized his promise to always uphold my honor.

The guests trickled out of the room.

The last to leave were Koume and Kotake, and their wicked laughing echoed in the room as they vanished.  "Finally," Ganondorf said, exasperated, and sat in his throne.

I sighed, content. We were finally alone again, and I was ready to enjoy a private conversation, but did not anticipate his topic of discussion.

"You swore many oaths today, declared your marriage vows before the goddesses, without even knowing the entire truth of what to expect from our union," he said mysteriously, only glancing at me. I stared at him skeptically. What was he going on about? His expression became serious. What had I just gotten myself into? He twisted to face me, and added, "Before I reveal this information to you, you need to make the most important promise."

"Anything, my king," I said earnestly.

"Never lie to me. Never hide from me. When the time comes to face my enemies, stand against them without fear," he said gravely. "If I must entrust the Triforce to you, swear that you will protect it with your life."

I felt a shiver skip up my spine. My throat went dry. "I swear."

"Then there is something you must understand because I will honor the same promise," he said, continuing in a dark tone.

"You're scaring me. Is something wrong?" I searched his eyes. "Are you dying?" I asked out of fear.

He chuckled, amused. "Quite the opposite, my queen. You see, I am no mere Gerudo King," he explained. "I was not born to my whore mother by natural means. There is a reason she did not survive my birth, and the witches raised me. I am the Demon King, Demise, reincarnated to complete the Triforce and my vengeance against the goddess Hylia and her hero."

"Am I the only one you have told?" I asked in astonishment, my eyes wide.

"There is no other who deserves this knowledge," he confirmed.

I grasped his battle worn hands in mine and contemplatively searched the unique lines of his palms as if the words I searched for were written there. "Then I will be pleased to cage this secret in my heart and allow my love to flow over the brim," I confessed. "I am only more eager that you have chosen me as your queen." He grinned when I looked up at his eyes, and then I frowned. "But..."

"What is it?" He sounded confused. Was he really that unaware of what I was about to ask?

"Does this mean I will grow old and die, while you will live forever?" I wondered.

His laugh was so rich that he tilted his head back and his shoulders shook with amusement. I admired him in that moment, and adored the way the candle light danced against his features. I was impressed by how easily I could conjure true laughter from him. With his amusement contained, he kissed my knuckles tenderly and said, "You have much to learn. Would I marry you just to watch you die? No, you will live at my side forever!"

There you have it. The beginning of happily ever after, if forever lasted seven years that is. Yes, yes, on the surface it all seems perfect. I'd never trade a moment of my happiness for anything, but eternity is a long time to live.