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Present day
As she was roused from her deep slumber, the Princess of Hyrule stirred about and rubbed the sleep away from her eyes, allowing them to adjust to her surroundings. Glancing out the window, she’d guess she still had most of an hour before sunrise.
Though it was still too early for most of the town to be awake, the silence was not misplaced, nor unwelcome. That being said, there was absolutely no reason for her to be up at this time. Still, she made no motion to go back to sleep for the anticipation of a new day had set in. Especially given the fact that she had spent long days the past few weeks focusing her efforts on the new school in Hateno.
Since repairs to the castle had not been placed high on the priority list, Link had offered her sanction in his home. Initially, she was hesitant. Mostly because she didn't want to feel as though she were taking something that was rightfully his. But, he insisted and eventually, she came to accept his gracious offer.
Before long, she'd transformed his armory into a cozy abode for them to enjoy after long days of aiding others. Seeing as she cherished the quaintness that came with her current housing situation, the castle remained low on the list. Now that Bolson had put in an additional room to the house, she even had a space which allowed her to concentrate in the moments she wished to work in solitude.
Soft, rhythmic breaths pulled her away from her thoughts.
With slow, minuscule movements, Zelda turned away from the window to lay her gaze upon the sleeping figure next to her. The person to whom the home belonged to, where they resided together for the past few years. The Hero who'd been chosen and burdened with the responsibility for her safety was also the captor of her deepest respects, and subsequently (though not unexpectedly), her very own heart.
In hindsight, she should have seen it coming in lieu of their turbulent start. Not a day passed that she didn’t regret treating him so terribly in the beginning.
She could still recall the very first time she laid eyes on him as if it were yesterday despite it having occurred over a hundred years ago…
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Approximately 110 years ago
"Would you care for some apples for your fruit cake, your Highness?"
"This is not the peak season for apples," a younger Princess of Hyrule stated matter-of-factly, a tone she perfected since the start of her preteen years. "What about wildberries?"
"I shall consult the merchant," her maid answered before heading to speak with the merchant of the stall. The princess continued onwards to take a glance at the other food vendors in Castle Town as she searched for the next ingredient on the list.
The King had her start a rigorous training routine since the death of their beloved queen several years ago. Since then, she had a habit of interweaving research in whatever free time she had and by midday, she obtained a craving for something sweet. Most, if not all, of the kitchen staff were aware of the princess’ unsalvageable sweet tooth, as well as her favorite dessert.
Unfortunately, the chefs informed her they had run out of fruit. Much to their benefit, and her own, she rather enjoyed spending time outside of the castle. Even if it did require having a maid and several royal guards by her side to complete a mundane task such as picking up fresh fruit from the nearby markets.
As she wandered amongst the crowds, something caught her eye at merchant's stall selling exotic goods. Sitting at a bench nearby was a young Hylian boy who looked to be around her age. Messy blond hair, oversized chain mail and perhaps the most stunning pair of blue eyes she’d ever seen.
Luckily for her, the pair of royal guards who accompanied her were mesmerized by the ripened durians — which had been doing exceptionally well this year, she might add — and she was able to get a little closer to the boy without drawing any attention. She landed a few steps away from the stall and found herself unable to look away, completely taken by him. What kept her captivated wasn't his smaller stature among the other knights. Nor was it the training broadsword on his back that was nearly twice his size.
It was his appetite.
He was in the process of finishing off what appeared to be his third plate of food given the two dirtied, empty ones next to him. She had never seen someone enjoy eating so much. It also shocked her to see how one could consume such copious amounts of food and remain so...small. Yet something told her she shouldn’t be deceived by his innocuous appearance. Despite the obvious age and size difference between him and the other knights, she suspected there was good reason for him to be with them during an apparent lunch break.
When he finally finished, he patted his mouth with a napkin.
Well, at least he has some form of manners, she thought, amused. Her eyes trailed along his figure until they landed on the splotch of sauce directly over his cheekbone.
How...how did he manage to get sauce there?!
Suddenly, a delightful sound reached her ears. A soft, unhindered laugh. Lighthearted and feminine. Sweet and innocent.
Then, the trance lifted. All amusement abandoned her when she realized that the sound had come from her.
Remembering who and where she was at the current moment, she quickly pressed her hand over her mouth but it was too late. The guards had caught wind of it, their attention diverted from the durians. Instead, they stared at her as though she'd spoken another language.
The jovial action seemed so foreign as she couldn’t remember the last time she smiled since her mother’s passing five years ago, let alone laugh.
Apparently, neither could they.
To make matters worse, the Hylian boy was staring directly at her. With a napkin to halfway to his face and nowhere close to that spot of sauce.
The young princess felt her ears burn as she fought the urge to laugh again.
Had he heard her?
Gems of curious sapphire shone brightly as they became fixated on her. His eyes were wide and shimmered in the daylight as they kept the others’ gaze, unwilling to be the one to break it.
“Your Highness, are you ready?”
Zelda begrudgingly tore her gaze away from the boy and turned to face her maid holding a bucket of wildberries. Slowly, she nodded and the maid went to inform the guards they were ready to leave. Zelda took the moment alone to spare a last minute glance at the boy with the ferocious appetite but by the time she looked back, he was gone.
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A few weeks later, the news came that one of the knights had finally pulled the sword that seals the darkness from its pedestal. What astounded everyone was his age. She heard the chosen one was apparently only twelve, almost thirteen years of age, not even a year older than herself.
While everyone else in the kingdom, including her own father, was ecstatic with the news, Zelda herself was unable to weld such emotion. If anything, it worsened her mood. The prophecy was coming true and the news only added to the weight heavy in her heart as it forced her to the reality of her own destiny which had yet to be fulfilled. Tomorrow, she planned to set a course for Gerudo Town and be escorted up the mountain range there to pray.
At least Urbosa would be there to accompany her.
Zelda stared down at her dormant hand, sighing heavily in disappointment as she prepared for another sleepless night.
When she woke up the next morning, she blinked the sleep away, surprised she managed to fall asleep after all. Then, she recalled her last thoughts were of the boy from the market. Not that she had any reason to do so but something about him enticed her. Though she feared she would never come to find out what that was, for their paths surely wouldn't cross again. Even if she wanted to seek him out, she wouldn't be able to.
If only she'd gotten his name...
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As it turns out, twelve year old Zelda was only a precursor to what sixteen year old Zelda would be like.
As she matured into a young adult, her interests continued to revolve around research in the ancient Sheikah technology, much to her father's displeasure. Several occasions occurred where she attempted to persuade him that the tech would be beneficial to understand in the coming battle with Ganon. As usual, he agreed with that sentiment but did not believe she had any business to be involved, for she had her own duty.
Using every spare moment she had to pray was the only way she would find herself in a field where Robbie and Purah were researching newly discovered guardians. They were fascinating creations and Zelda was in awe of what they were capable of. One could only imagine the advantage they would provide when the Calamity eventually came about.
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon where they set up just outside of Hateno Village near Purah's lab. Everything had been going swimmingly and it had been a productive day in regards to their research.
Zelda headed back to their station to pack her belongings for the day in preparation to return home just in time for dinner. All was seemingly normal until she heard the commotion from the village grow louder, the screams of terror accumulating.
Then the explosions came.
She ran back towards the village to find one of the guardians had gone astray and begun acting haywire, blasting lasers in random directions and leaving destruction in its wake. Several shops already lost their merchandise and the residents were running away from the guardian in pursuit. Purah let out a sound of distress as she and Robbie took cover.
"Your Highness, get away from here!"
But Zelda couldn't move from her spot. Instead, she was frozen. Unable to act. Luckily for her, she wasn't in close proximity to the guardian. But there was an unlucky villager whom the guardian had its sights set on.
Zelda could only watch, horrified as it charged its laser, preparing to strike.
They had yet to discover any countermeasures for those beams. What could they possibly do to stop—
"Link, wait—!"
Zelda’s thoughts came to an abrupt halt as a Hylian boy ran out with a tattered pot lid in hand, throwing his body between the guardian and the villager. She watched as he stared down the guardian without the slightest hint of fear or hesitation.
The guardian unleashed its laser and Zelda held her breath, bracing for the impact and certain death.
It never came.
Before her very own eyes, he had performed a perfect parry, deflecting the beam back towards the guardian, defeating it.
With a flimsy pot lid, no less.
Once the shock of what had occurred sank in, cheers and claps erupted from the villagers around them. With reluctant cheers from Robbie and Purah since the boy damaged their primary research subject, in spite of his heroic act.
When the targeted villager came up to the boy and thanked him, Zelda took the opportunity to study the Hylian a bit closer. Something about him seemed so...familiar.
That’s when it hit her.
It was the same boy from the market...the blue-eyed boy with the enormous appetite. Except he wasn't much of a boy anymore.
Zelda remained still, unable to do or say anything but watch the scene pan out in front of her.
“You should be proud, Arn," an older gentleman exclaimed over the shouts of hoorah. "Your son’s talent knows no bounds.”
Arn. She'd heard her father address someone with that name before. One who typically wore knight's armor and came from a long lineage to devote themselves entirely to protect the royal family. Today, he looked like any another Hylian. Wearing a simple tunic and trousers while taking a stroll through town. And the young boy who had his back turned to her, Link — someone she never thought she'd see again — was his son.
Zelda knew she should have been thrilled. A villager had been saved from what could have been a traumatizing incident. She finally knew the market boy’s name and how to seek him out. On top of that, he turned out to be a hero! The entire event was a spectacle to bear witness to. Except she couldn't bring herself to be happy or impressed.
Not when she was otherwise preoccupied with staring at the gleaming sword on his back.
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It wasn't long after the news broke out when the king decided to make the young Hylian her own appointed knight. The very same boy who inadvertently made her laugh for the first time years after her mother's death was also the boy who would be a constant reminder of her failures.
How ironic.
The chosen hero who would also soon be granted the title of the Hylian Champion, thus setting the course for finding the other four to pilot the Divine Beasts. Revali was the first one she sought out, mostly because she knew he would be the most difficult to get a hold of and secure. Come to find if there was anything they saw eye to eye on, it was their resentment and/or hesitation towards her appointed knight.
The others that followed were much easier to enlist. Daruk was consistent in his optimism in helping others and Urbosa always gave her full support in anything Zelda sought out to do.
After acquiring all three, she paid Mipha a visit in the Domain to inquire her on a preposition. When she asked her to become the pilot of Vah Ruta, Mipha in return asked who the other champions were. Zelda struggled to tell her of the last one, still adjusting to her new dynamic with her appointed knight.
Initial nerves were quickly replaced with uncertainty and irritation. He never spoke. Not once. Not to her or anyone they met in their travels. When she looked at him, he would only look back with a blank expression. And it made everything all the more difficult. At the mention of Link's name, she noticed how Mipha retracted within herself. She turned red. Well, redder. Like she was embarrassed by the mere concept of him. This reaction only intensified Zelda's frustrations. How could a person who never spoke or showed any emotion able to inflict that sort of reaction—?
"Princess? Is everything alright?"
It would seem she was not discreet with her frustrations.
“May I ask you something, Mipha? As a friend?” Mipha’s facial expression softened even further. Goddesses above, how she wished she could one day be as compassionate as the Zora princess was.
“Please. What is on your mind?”
“How much do you know about the Hylian Champion?” Zelda asked uneasily, hoping that this wouldn't spark a conversation about his annoyingly pleasant features.
She'd already heard enough of that from her observant handmaidens.
“Oh,” Mipha exhaled, seeming flustered. "I met him when he was very young. He used to come to the Domain with his father during the summer months," the Zora princess explained, clearly fond of the memories. "Link was always such a reckless child. But he was so carefree and cheerful. Always smiled when he looked up at you with those innocent, blue eyes of his. Always so eager to learn and beaming with curiosity and wonder. Always sparring with the adult swordsmen, and part of the reason for his frequent visits here," she laughed fondly. "He often spoke of his victories during healing sessions."
Zelda was surprised at how much more personable and open he was as a child. How she wished she got to know him when she had a chance at the market. Before time became their enemy, turning them into two of the most important pieces to fulfill a prophecy. Before he became selectively mute.
Perhaps he didn’t like to speak of his achievements around her.
More realistically, he probably didn’t think it was worth his time to talk to such a disappointment; a princess destined for failure.
"How old was he?"
"I believe he was around the Hylian age of four at the time, if you can imagine. He stopped coming a long time ago but he came by a few months ago. I couldn't believe how fast he'd grown," she answered with a hint of sadness. "Why do you ask?”
“My father has assigned him to be my appointed knight,” upon Zelda’s admission, Mipha’s face fell but she failed to notice. “He’s obligated to accompany me on my excursions and he's to follow me around so closely, yet I know nothing about him. Or what he’s thinking.”
"Oh, I see. Why don't you try asking him?" Mipha suggested. "Perhaps you could find some common ground?"
"I have tried.” More times than she’d openly admit to anyone. “He must think me a failure,” she admitted pitifully. "A Princess with the blood of the Goddess who can’t even fulfill her destiny.”
Shocked, Mipha gasped in astonishment, “He said that to you?”
“No. He hasn’t said a single word to me," Zelda sighed. "I didn’t even know he could speak.”
"He certainly did when he was younger. Though, he was noticeably more reserved when he came by more recently," Mipha hummed in consideration at her words. "Admittedly, he's grown since I last saw him, but I do know this. Despite outward appearances, I do believe he’s still the kind spirit I’ve come to know all those years ago. Link is always listening, even when you don't think he is. There's more to him than meets the eye, Princess Zelda. My hope is to find out what that is one day." She gave a sad smile. "If he'll let me."
With a sinking feeling, Zelda thought back to the drawing for Zora armor she caught a glimpse of in her quarters. In conjunction with Mipha asking for Link's measurements upon her arrival since she'd crafted a tunic for him previously.
For some inexplicable reason, she didn't feel like talking about him anymore.
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The next few weeks that followed were some of the more difficult ones. Research was going absolutely nowhere and her knight continued to be diligent at his job, following her everywhere she went.
Just when things couldn't get any worse, Urbosa betrayed her.
Zelda ended up falling asleep on top Vah Naboris after a long day of surveying when all of a sudden, a loud, thunderous crash came out of nowhere, jolting her into consciousness. When her eyes opened, there he was. Like some sort of persistent nightmare she wasn't able to shake off, even in reality. Any residual sleep faded away when Urbosa began to laugh. Then the most peculiar thing happened. She could see the corner of his mouth twitch ever so slightly in amusement.
Was he—he was smirking! The nerve of him! Zelda scoffed, hating that her most trustworthy friend—practically the closest thing she had to a mother—had sided with him. But most of all, she hated that his stupid smirk kept her awake throughout most of the night.
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The next day, everything changed.
Without a thought for his own life, he saved her.
They were on their way out of the Gerudo Desert and stopped at Kara Kara Bazaar for some last minute supplies. A strange female merchant tried to lure her away and before they knew it, a group of Yiga ambushed them. It was clearly a thought out plot. One group set off to distract Link, keeping him preoccupied while another select few chased Zelda as she ran for cover.
They managed to catch up to her in their pursuit. Then she stumbled over her feet and was on the ground, defenseless.
This was it, she thought. This was where it would end. All that work, the countless hours she spent in freezing waters. All for a power she couldn't access.
It really was all for nothing.
Zelda closed her eyes, in preparation for what she hoped was a painless and swift end. But before the weapon could make its deadly strike, she heard an angry yell and a sharp ching as two metal objects collided.
Followed by a heavy thud.
Hesitantly, she cracked her eyes open to see what happened. Only to be startled by Link stepping out in front of her, completely unscathed. She tried not to pay any mind to the Yiga assassin laying lifeless beside her. Not when her average heighted savior was standing tall in front of her.
When the other two assassins fled and left their dead companion in the sand, Link quickly surveyed the area. Once he deemed it to be safe, he sheathed the sword in its scabbard before holding his hand out for her to take.
Stunned, she stared at his hand between them. The very hand that had killed someone not thirty seconds ago before taking it with a shaky grip. Once she was back on her feet, Zelda watched with bated breath when Link turned away, walking on without a word.
Later, Zelda recounted the recent events in her diary and made a promise to herself she would try to talking to him again. Perhaps accompanied with an apology.
She owed him that much.
Zelda decided to take that opportunity when they sat down for dinner that night. She stared at her half-eaten meat and rice bowl while Link was polishing off his second. She steadied herself, taking in a slow breath before speaking.
"Link?"
He froze mid-chew, staring at her in mild surprise. Probably because she’d never directly addressed him by his name before.
Previously, it was always Hero or Champion or That Boy. But here, anything other than Link seemed unfit.
She suppressed the newfound nerves arising in her belly in favor of completing the task at hand. What she would give to have an ounce of Farore's blessings right now.
"I…” she swallowed, “I have come to the long overdue conclusion that I have been rather...difficult to be around as of late." She paused, only having his unwavering gaze as an indicator of his undivided attention.
"I won’t delve into details of my lack of success as I’m sure you’ve heard the rumours yourself. Regardless, my behavior towards you has been inexcusable. Taking out my frustrations from my own failures on you is immensely immature and entirely unfair.” As she stated her faults, her voice never wavered. In fact, the more she spoke, the more confident she became. “Yet, despite everything, you remained true to your duty to me. Even with me acting out my childish grievances, you stood by my side to protect me. I will never forget that,” she concluded earnestly.
While she hadn’t expected any sort of response, he was able to manage a curt nod. Followed by the slightest hint of a smile. Zelda found herself appreciating the sight.
"You know, you have quite a lovely smile," she noted before she could stop herself. But when he flushed a bright red, she couldn't help but be pleased with his reaction. But any mirth she felt faded when reality caught up to her. “Perhaps I shouldn’t be the one to talk. No one’s seen me smile or heard me laugh in years. Not since—” she trailed off, biting down on her lower lip.
Link chose that moment to look away, seeming to be deep in thought whilst staring at his bowl. Thinking she’d said something wrong, Zelda decided to stop while she was ahead and chose that to be an appropriate time to conclude her olive branch.
”We should get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow,” she admitted dutifully. Willing her hyperactive brain to stop, Zelda walked towards the tent and tried to focus on the positive aspects of tonight. She hoped things would be different but doubts kept creeping their way back in.
Just as she approached the tent, something made her stop dead in her tracks.
"...I have."
Her ears twitched as she tried to process what she just heard. That voice, while unfamiliar, was distinctly male. As far as she knew, they were the only ones here in the middle of the woods. Stunned, she turned around to face her companion. He was still staring down at his bowl, avoiding eye contact.
Did...did he just—?
Clearing her throat, she attempted to compose her thoughts. "W-what? What did you...?" Still, she fumbled with her words.
The word you're looking for is 'say,' Zelda. You wanted to ask 'what did he say' because your silent knight said something. To you.
When Link looked up from his half emptied second bowl with intent in his gaze, it took everything she had not to look away.
"I’ve seen you smile before. Once," he said softly, "In the markets."
Floored, Zelda could only stare at him.
She could tell his voice was a bit raspy from disuse but it didn't matter. Because after all this time, he finally spoke and he actually remembered her and while she was horrified at the same time, it didn't matter because she got to hear his beautiful voice for the first time.
She only hoped that it wouldn’t be the last.
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Little by little, bit by bit, Link began to open up to her.
Much to Zelda’s delight, he spoke more frequently over the next few weeks, whether it be agreeing with an idea of hers or making subtle quips whenever they encountered strange travelers.
As a result, they grew closer outside of their established dynamic as Princess and knight. Zelda would dare say they were well on their way to being friends.
In that, she began to sense a certain reservation within him. Something he kept to himself and desperately wished to keep it so.
She tried several different tactics, between offering to lend him some of her books to sharing some of her research and acquiring new knowledge with him. Much to her surprise, he seemed genuinely intrigued by the information she shared with him. The tactics she used were beneficial but she needed something better.
Like any proper researcher, Zelda knew to take the time to study her subject. Taking Link as an example; he was kind enough to offer small talk and was relatively positive whenever he strayed from remaining neutral. Though there was one thing that Zelda noticed ignited a spark in his eyes like nothing else…
Link usually cooked for them on their travels but one night, she offered to make dinner. One of the richer meals she’d been served as a specialty dish was a hearty radish soup. She had seen the chefs make it before and decided this was it. This was her way in.
"Are the flavors satisfactory?" She asked with a hesitant smile as he scarfed down the dish.
"Mhmm,” he hummed with utmost glee despite his mouth being stuffed full.
She chuckled in amusement, delighted he was appreciating the craft of her efforts, "I'm pleased to hear that. It's not often I get to cook. Not that I mind, obviously. You've done such a marvelous job in our travels together, I can hardly complain."
He swallowed, his cheeks lightly flushed at the compliment. "I like food."
She grinned wryly at him, "I hadn't noticed."
Link gave a shy smile in response and continued to finish off his bowl before he went back for seconds.
She stared down at her own half eaten bowl and inhaled deeply.
It was now or never.
"Link?"
He continued to slurp up his soup but had slowed down slightly. A sign which told her he was listening.
"If you don't mind my asking, why is it that you're so silent all the time?"
His slurping stopped. His bowl dropped to his lap and he sat still. Pondering. For a moment, she regretted asking something personal so outright. She could tell it was difficult for him to express, but he did anyway.
By the end, the moon had set and Zelda had an entirely different perspective of her knight.
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Present day
Zelda smiled as she reminisced, curling into Link's side as he slept on.
Looking back, pushing him away was one of the hardest things she’d done. At the time, it was the logical action to take though she noticed a sensation — a longing — deep within her and she never knew why. Despite how rough things were in the beginning, she had always felt safe with him close by.
But now, she knew it was because she was pushing away the very thing she needed in her life.
Consistency. Security. Lack of judgement. But most of all, she needed someone who understood the burdens and pressures placed upon her.
Just as she understood his own.
Their intertwined fates were only the icing on top of what she remained willfully ignorant to in her time of indifference. Not like she knew then what she was so painfully aware of now.
Slowly and gradually with the passing of moments spent together, she’d been falling for her knight.
She remembered the struggles of unlocking her power like they were yesterday. Yet, when she unleashed her sealing power to save him, nothing felt more natural. Though really, was that so far-fetched? To have unlocked her power protecting her loyal knight, who stayed by her side right up until the very end. No other thoughts crossed her mind when she put herself in front of him to take the final hit. For in that moment, she would have done anything to take away his pain and suffering.
Even if it meant her demise.
Instinctively, she knew very well that it should have been her death. The only thought running through her mind was she could have bought Link time to escape. He was the best hope in saving all of Hyrule. Logic and reasoning told her the situation required her to do anything to keep him alive, for he was the one person she had yet to fail.
And Goddesses be damned if she lost another person she loved that day.
Despite her success in unlocking her power, she was too late. Her shock and elation at the golden rays of light surrounding them plummeted when she heard a thud come from behind.
Followed by a pained grunt.
The Hylian Champion, her appointed knight, her dearest friend, her Link, had fallen.
As the adrenaline faded, his exhaustion and wounds were catching up to him. For someone who always seemed to be steps ahead of the enemy, time was working against him. A painful reminder that despite displaying great skill and indomitability, he was mortal like the rest of them.
Zelda looked down as Link shifted in his sleep, continuing to watch him longingly as she revisited old memories.
Despite nearly freezing to death after hours of praying in the springs, she never knew great pain like she did that moment. She never knew devastation until his body gave out in her arms, still as the sands of Gerudo Desert from fighting for the kingdom that would lay in ruins.
For their friends and family that died in vain.
For the princess he swore his allegiance to and would eventually forget, albeit temporarily.
After tasking herself in separating the sword from its master so they may heal separately, she fell into a stasis, losing all Earthly tethers as she waited for Link to return.
It proved only one thing. Even after all these years, her faith in him never faltered.
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The day Link finally awakened, both she and Ganon were able to sense the shift in dynamic. What were two sides of the coin was slowly regaining its third point. So he pressed on. And she pressed harder, concentrating all of her energy on keeping the Calamity captive while Link regained his strength and memories. Since being in her non physical form, she could vaguely hear the faint whispers of the past champions as they guided him.
She could practically feel beaming pride from Daruk;
"Give my regards to the Princess."
How she longed for the day he would do so. Then there was the usual arrogance, with a surprising hint of satisfaction, from Revali.
"Your job is far from finished, you know. The princess has been waiting an awfully long time…"
So she had. Though she also knew she would wait until the ends of the world for him, as she had done so time and time again.
"Save her, Link...save the princess...save Princess Zelda… "
The pain and longing in Mipha’s voice was something she would never forget. The tone of someone letting go of a love they would never have the chance to experience.
Then there was Urbosa…
"You take good care of the Princess. Oh, and also...take good care of Hyrule…"
The implication in her words never failed to ruddy her cheeks. Especially when she came to find he had read her diary…and had been inside her room...
She cursed at herself for leaving it wide open on her desk. But she needed to focus on the task at hand. Because as they felt him approach the sanctum, she could feel Ganon’s strength returning as hers weakened.
Then suddenly, large bursts of blue energy came from all directions. The Divine Beasts. The attacks allowed her to feel the presence of the late Champions as if they were in the room with her.
Then he burst through the castle doors, donning that blue tunic she made all those years ago. He was armed with the sword she laid to rest within the safety of the Korok Forest all those years ago. Where she reassured its master would come for the blade blessed by the same goddess whose blood ran through her very veins. Now a low hum sounded from the sword and resonated throughout the sanctum.
She had been keeping watch over him the entire time he regained his strength so it wasn't like she hadn't seen him since they laid him to rest. But seeing him in person and feeling his courage and the efforts of his many triumphs radiate reminded her. The pieces of the triforce had been united and all three were conscious of each other's presence...
With a final push, the barrier shattered and his amorphous form fell to the ground below.
Their gazes shifted.
Ganon turned around to face him.
Link drew his sword.
A sea of emotions let loose. And her dam broke with a single thought ringing through her mind...
Protect him.
One thing was certain; she would do whatever it took to ensure she never failed him again.
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In the weeks following their victory, Zelda came to find that in many ways, Link was still the same loyal, compassionate and unyielding knight who'd stolen her heart years ago.
He was still reserved and true to his duty as always, but he was certainly more open than he had been before. Everyone recognized him as the heroic, traveling Hylian boy who sought to help others. Eventually, they came to realize he and the fallen chosen hero from a hundred years past were the one and the very same.
It was a bit strange to know that most of these people did not exist when she last set foot on the ground in her physical form. The Goddess' descendent and her Hero. Reunited once more to restore peace to the land.
To properly grief all that they lost and relish in the potential of the future with hopes in restoring Hyrule to its former glory. Or perhaps, even greater than before.
Even as Zelda set out to aid others in repairing the damage that’d been done to the kingdom, he opted to remain by her side. Rarely did they let one another out of each other's sight.
And thus, leading her to her next issue.
Having grown closer to him, she discovered that there was indeed truth to Mipha's words in her description of him. It was also through the time they spent together when Zelda was constantly bombarded of another apparent fact — Link was attractive, and exceptionally so.
Like before, she found herself lost in her act of watching him from afar when he trained. He never gave notice before and if he did, he didn't seem to mind it.
Until one day, Zelda was walking from the castle to the training grounds where he trained the newer members for the royal guard down below the bridge she stood upon. Upon hearing the commotion, she peered over the edge to witness Link going down the line of trainees. He went from knocking one trainee off his feet to reprimanding another for being reckless.
It brought her back to when she told him something similar a hundred years ago and the progress they'd made since then. How she'd seen him slay one enemy after another in such a practiced form while getting a few scrapes and cuts himself. And here he stood, alive and well, teaching his discipline to others. It was quite a spectacle to behold. She grew lost in thought, completely oblivious to just how long she'd been staring at him. Until everyone in the yard caught sight of their Princess and all turned their attention to her while she was blatantly eyeing up their captain.
Their strict and stoic captain who stared back with a slight grin that turned her legs into chu-chu jelly.
With cheeks as red as Hylian chilis, she turned around swiftly and left without another word.
Later, they met in private where she introduced the notion of setting up a lookout point just beyond the castle town ruins.
Without wasting another second, Link took out all of the newly drawn maps and started to point out the best locations he could recall from his travels. Zelda could only watch in admiration, unable to break her focus in seeing him speak so freely and strategically.
Link’s eyes shone with an excitement that was uniquely his own. Subtle, but able to come through in his actions and mannerisms more than in words. Instantly, it made her think of the version of the person Mipha had originally described. It brought her back to the young boy she first saw in the markets.
A shining beacon of light in her darkest time.
And just like before, she laughed.
Link abruptly stopped mid-sentence, giving her a bemused expression. Blushing, she opened her mouth to explain she wasn't laughing at him but she knew words wouldn't properly convey how she felt in that moment. Instead, she'd learned from him that actions were a far more potent means of conviction. Sudden movements were always a risk, but sometimes they were necessary.
Without preamble, she stepped forward and with a firm grip on his well-worn tunic, she pulled him close, swiftly capturing the soft lips that had been going on about emergency shelters and a skyview tower.
Feeling his surprise, she pressed softly. With just enough pressure to express her wants but light enough for him to pull away if he so wished. Zelda could hear the light flutter of parchment falling to the floor as Link lost his grip on the maps, freeing up his hands to tug her impossibly closer into a warm, loving embrace.
This.
Him.
It was everything.
.
.
.
In the days that followed, she grew to notice his gaze lingering on her more and more so — not that it was blatantly obvious to anyone besides her. It was that way in the private moments they shared. When they could steal away from prying eyes and have precious time in each other’s company to get reacquainted in old ways and new.
Especially when she decided to partake in archery training out of nowhere one day. The other knights, her own included, gave her dubious looks. Nevertheless, she persisted and they went about with the training as normal.
Link would offer few words in his instructions; concise and to-the-point with the other soldiers, whether it be in relation to their posture or aim. For Zelda, he tried to offer the same but she insisted she would benefit with a more hands-on approach. While maintaining an impassive expression, he did as she requested. With the other knights preoccupied with their own training, Link reduced the gap between them by physically adjusting her in such a way that it felt like he had full control of her body. Like she were an extension of him.
Oftentimes, this gentle touch left her with a strange, dull ache in her lower belly. A whimper would escape when he’d accidentally brush along bare skin as her shirt lifted slightly from drawing back the bowstring. He froze momentarily before continuing his firm grip on her waist. The first shot after he made his adjustments flew and made a centered impact on her target. Zelda erupted with giddiness and turned to see Link's reaction but she’d found that his eyes hadn't drifted from her for a second.
Instead of taking pride in her success, it would seem target practice was the furthest thing on his mind given how his irises adopted a darker hue.
It was the first time she had ever seen him look at her that way. Like he was a starving man and she was the most delectable meal he had seen in decades.
After that moment, the bright shimmer of budding love in Link's eyes would darken into a sultry version of what they once were, and like a switch, he only expressed that side of him whenever they were alone. Those moments were few and far in between with the daily tasks they set out to accomplish, leaving only the evenings to indulge in their carnal desires. They came to find that amount of time was more than sufficient.
Their first time together felt like a reunion of sorts. Like two magnets finding their way to each other from opposite ends after being separated for lifetimes.
One evening, after a particularly long and stressful day of surveying, they collided into a heated kiss. The building tension snapped like a twig as they pushed past any lingering barriers of hesitation. As they gave into their need for the other like their lives depended on it.
Despite their mutual eagerness, they took their time. While they gradually lost themselves in one another, their hands roamed in their respective journeys to uncover uncharted territory until it wasn't enough.
His hands landed on the small of her back, pulling at the stays on her blouse.
Her own fell to the belts keeping his weapons and armor in place.
The scars she obtained were few and far fetched in comparison to his; daily reminders of what they’d lost. What they fought for. What they gained at the end of it all.
Naturally, she grew nervous when she reached for his trousers. But when she heard the throaty groan he emitted once she laid hands on him, it was all the motivation she needed to press onward.
Light thuds sounded as their discarded layers fell to the floor one by one, until there was nothing but unresolved tension and desire between them. It wasn't long before Link's patience wore through, allowing him to press forward until they were no longer separate entities. His actions had always been meaningful—intentional—and tonight was no exception.
That night, those light, accidental touches became deliberate. The fantasies and impulses they neglect themselves to act upon in favor of the kingdom finally became reality. The words and thoughts they were forced to keep to themselves were unveiled in a flurry of rushed, passionate whispers. His movements showed every ounce of his devotion, his desire to satisfy his princess. Filling the gap that had been left empty as friends as they steadily worked their way to becoming lovers.
As his motions escalated in intensity, Link proved himself to be as merciless between the sheets just as he was on the battlefield. While the century long slumber had been temporarily detrimental to his memories and stamina, it had certainly done well for his libido.
Most of her words came out incoherently as they were lost in the throes of passion. But the important ones still managed to come through.
”Don’t stop—”
”Yes Link, yes—”
And finally,
"I love you."
Zelda could feel the shift when a particularly powerful thrust sent her soaring through the stars, causing her to let out a euphoric cry. She was certain that had her power lingered, searing light would have burst free—if only for a moment—from her physical body and illuminated every corner of the village.
Gradually, she came down and her breathing began to slow. Her eyes finally landed on Link who simply stared at her in adoration.
“I...I…”
But she didn’t finish, for Link had recaptured her lips before she could.
He had always been a man of action, not so much as one of words. And much like during their budding friendship, she knew exactly what he was trying to convey.
I love you, too.
.
.
.
Present Day
Before they knew it, four whole years had passed since they vanquished the Calamity. Hyrule was at peace. The Princess was safe. The Hero was alive and well. Above all else, they stayed committed to their respective duties to the kingdom and as a result, they decided to keep their romance discreet for the time being.
It was hardly the first time Zelda’s thoughts dwelled on their past, and it surely won’t be the last. But it did allow her to appreciate everything that had come to be. She missed the Champions and her father dearly. But she could rest easy knowing they had passed on after their spirits had been avenged.
Which brought her full circle to the present. To a day in age where she gained a new group of friends who promised their aid in rebuilding. To a reawakened Hyrule with its people clamoring to restore it to its former glory. Perhaps, even beyond. To the promise of a future with the one she cared for most of all.
Zelda didn’t process when Link’s light snoring abated. Or when his rhythmic breathing shifted. All she knew was the moment beams of morning sun peeked through the window and reflected off his sleep-riddled eyes, the world ceased to exist.
She'd been told that particular blue was often associated as a symbol of the royal family. While she’d seen the stunning blue waters of the Lurelin Sea and utilized the vibrant blue flames that lit up the corners of their world like beacons of hope, nothing quite compared to the ocean deep pools she'd often find staring back at her.
"Good morning." She smiled at him, reaching up to stroke his unruly hair in an attempt to tidy it.
He cast a languid grin in response.
“Did you sleep well?”
He made a sound before taking her hand and leading it downward. Past toned muscle and a trail of hair. Beneath the waistband of his trunks.
“I see. Someone slept very well,” Zelda said lightly as she trailed along heated skin before taking him in a gentle grasp. Link sighed, arching into her touch as she stroked him. “It was a good dream, then?”
Dazed, he nodded.
“What was it about?”
He cast her a wicked gaze before swiftly straddling her and seizing her lips in a desperate kiss. His hold on her was at once gentle and fierce. A touch that was uniquely his, and was only utilized on her.
"Link—" she mewled as he broke off, continuing to nibble along her jawline. "It's past sunrise.”
Undeterred, he hummed lowly against her skin. His fingers trailed lower to test her readiness.
"We’re going to be late. Riju is expecting you for your training session.”
“You worry too much.”
It was obvious he was in no rush and his voice was husky from sleep and arousal. Already, she could feel her resolve meeting its quick end when she felt him shifting his trunks down.
“W-we have a schedule to keep. And I’d rather the Gerudo not start gossiping about us aga—ah!"
She let out a soft cry, her body seizing with her words when Link sheathed himself inside her. At once, the air in her lungs left her, the blood in her veins pumped faster the moment they connected. The fullness he provided, along with the blissful stretch to accommodate him, never failed to take her breath away.
He stilled for a moment, as if to take in the feeling of her mostly bare against him — warm and tight around him. All with time they did not currently have.
Once she adjusted, she huffed stubbornly.
"Start moving, or I will take care of it myself."
She could feel his smirk widen against her neck. The vibrations from a low chuckle escaped him as he pulled back only to thrust forward again.
And again.
"Link…"
Her arms draped around his neck and his breathing grew shaky as he reacted to his name being said in such an amorous manner. He quickly flipped them over, the change in position allowing him to sink in deeper. Sighing with relief, his hand reached up to tug her nightgown free while the other steadied her hips.
Their movements were slow and measured. Unrushed despite her earlier protests.
She keened at the familiar buildup of pressure. Their gentle rocking caused her supple breasts to bounce slightly, enticing him.
Then, he sat up, his head rising to greet her breasts while a hand drifted down between her legs. All to heighten her senses to bring her to an inevitable end.
With this shift, she ground down and pulled him closer as he drove himself into her deeper, harder from below. She let out soft mewls, the pressure within her nearing its breaking point.
“Goddesses…” she panted, nails digging deeper into his shoulders. With a sharp thrust upwards, she let out a blissful moan. Her nipple fell from his lips and his eyes shot open. Feral and lecherous and filled with nothing but unadulterated love and fervor for her.
She absolutely loves him like this. When all composure leaves him and there's nothing left but his purified need to chase after her release until the force of orgasm takes him.
She smiled when Link’s low pants and groans filled her ears. Judging from his harsh breaths, he was close—so close—but she knew he was holding out. He always wanted her to get there first. Just when she thought she had him beat, he brought her head closer, his lips grazing over the sensitive, reddened points of her ears.
"Zelda."
He keeps going until she tightens around him. And when he feels her release, he slows back down.
With a final drawn out cry of his name, Zelda's back arched. Her high hitting wave after wave, gasping and grinding into him while writhing in his lap. Link quickly followed behind with a deep, guttural groan, filling her with the warmth of his essence.
Finally, her body gave out and she collapsed on top of him. Her current position caused his head to nestle in between pink-tipped, heaving breasts.
"Goddesses above, you're incorrigible," she said, muffled into his pillow.
He chuckled, swiftly rolling them with her on her back and leveling them so he could bump her nose with his own.
“I love you, too.”
Once her breathing became normal, she spoke again. “We need to send a notice to Riju that we will be late.”
Shaking his head, Link slowly extracted himself from her. His softening length taking some of their combined fluids with it as he pulled himself onto his feet.
“No?” Zelda asked incredulously. “Why wouldn’t we—” she paused. “You didn’t tell her…”
“She guessed," he supplied sheepishly as he straightened his trunks and reached for his clothes at the foot of the bed.
Aghast, she exclaimed in disbelief.
“And you didn't feel the need to tell me—?”
He shrugged. “Someone was going to find out sooner or later,” he said simply, donning his tunic.
Zelda watched longingly as Link casually dressed, latching his belts and undoing all the hard work she put into removing them the night before.
While she'd love nothing more than to make others aware of their personal relationship, she knew her ascension to the throne would eventually come into question. And while she suspected there wouldn't be any objection to Link taking his place beside her, some might question her advocating for him to remain a royal knight.
She knew he'd come to enjoy the position and had no intention in taking that from him in favor of being a prince consort. Of course, that was a conversation yet to be had. In truth, she would have done whatever he wished so long as he was happy. Either way, there was still so much to accomplish before that could happen. Maybe one day soon, but for now, having him by her side was more than enough.
Once he'd tied his hair back, he tilted her face up to meet his and with a solemn smile, Link leaned down to kiss her, soft and slow. Even though her head was still hazy, she knew this act as it came every morning. A silent affirmation of their commitment; of what they shared beyond their duties to the kingdom.
Zelda sighed regretfully when he pulled back, knowing the time to switch from devoted lovers to Princess and her loyal knight had come.
"Right. Let me get dressed and we can head into Gerudo Town." She stood and made their bed while Link fetched their travel gear. "Later, we’ll need to meet with Purah at Lookout Landing. They've acquired reports of a strange gloom causing people to fall ill so we'll have to investigate further." Zelda paused for a brief moment, taking comfort in the subtle sounds of Link’s shuffling in the background. "Perhaps afterwards, we can finally consider venturing into more personal endeavors?" She hinted suggestively, pulling her nightgown over her head and dropping it on the bed just as he returned with her travel clothes.
Link maintained a professional pose with an impassive expression; the picture perfect image of a devout, Hyrulian knight. But that didn't stop his gaze from darkening with intent and flashing with mischief as it fell over her nude form.
“As my princess commands."
.
.
.