AN- Hiya, readers, I've decided to write the first chapter and see how it goes from there. This story will be for older readers, so please do keep that in mind. Also this is my first Zelda fic, so it might not be perfect.

This will be a botw theme, but will mention characters NOT from botw too.

In case you want an in depth summary of the whole story:
Princess Zelda never thought that Ganon would have ever had the chance of being resurrected by an old foe, Vaati. With Ganon back, his burning hatred is the most vengeful it has ever been. Without hesitation, he charges, full throttle with his newly attained army, kidnapping the vulnerable princess in the process. Instead of overpowering the kingdom of Hyrule with force, he decides what better way then to use Zelda to destroy it for him. While his power remains weak, he struggles to keep his composure, so he erases the poor princesses memories and fills her empty mind with a mouth full of lies. Lies which included Hyrule being the enemy and not him... lies in which causes her to want revenge... and its better served cold. (Eventual ZeLink)

Rated: T

Thoughts are openly welcomed.

Chapter 1: Prologue.

Princess Zelda composed herself steadily, retaining her excitement from opening such wonderful gifts. Each single tear of the wrapping paper only ameliorated her spirits as if she were an infant. In fact, she now began her training as queen of Hyrule, protector of the light realm. All to be expected of her, she was now sixteen and on her father's passing there needed to be a new ruler.

Despite feeling overwhelmed by it all, as the heir to the throne, much was expected from her. Ministers, Councillors, advisers would naturally step in to give her a helping hand, but they possessed no stream of royal blood, no trace of nobility. And so she could rely on no one to take charge but her own self.

After Calamity Ganon's demise, the princess began restocking Hyrule, reclaiming the livelihood it once possessed. Once a week she would visit different parts of Hyrule, offering her humble apologies for the catastrophe that had abolished their crops, houses and such. Hateno village didn't fair so well prior to the great battle, most of it was brutally destroyed, leaving the unfortunate towns folk in rubble. Many citizens suffered grave injuries or even some were killed due to the guardians that littered Hyrule, swarming the villages menacingly.

She had failed. She had allowed that monster to shatter what hope was left in her doomed kingdom. Only it never truly vanquished, for Link, the chosen one wielded the master sword which held the capability to defeat Ganon. On discovering her sealing powers, the princess ordered her knight to be taken to the shrine of resurrection to recover from his major injuries. Bravely, she sought out the tarnished castle, clouded by the shroud of darkness that Ganon had created. On behalf of that pig murdering her father, her friends and her people, Zelda decided to face Ganon alone. By herself she trekked through many hardships to reach the palace, until her innocent face stood in front of the tyrant who showed no mercy.

With a struggle, with a duel, her sealing power finally kicked in. Blasting the beast backwards, she managed to contain his monstrous intentions as long as it would take for Link to finish what she had started. Waiting nervously for a hundred years was no easy task, his will power was extremely arduous which made containing him mentally and physically draining.

But hope never truly depleted, for when Link returned as the man he once was, he gathered enough strength to wield his blade before sneaking to Hyrule castle. Ganon was relentless even as he slowly diminished with help from Zelda's powers. Link would have to face his hardest challenge yet, by defeating him Hyrule would be relieved of such atrocity. It was worth fighting for. Especially worth fighting for his princess.

Zelda tore open the last gift, brushing aside any troubling thoughts of despair. It revealed itself to be a necklace, a pearl necklace. Carefully cradling it in her hands, she noticed a note which had been attached to the inside of the box it lay in.

My Princess,
I hope you've had a peaceful birthday.
My apologies for leaving so urgently this morning, but you know how it is, duty calls.
I wasn't sure what to get the princess who has everything, but I hope you like what I chose.

Yours truly,
Link.

P.S - Meet me in the woods tonight at seven.

She couldn't help but blush. She'd felt strongly towards her knight for a while now, but the exhausting period of time in which she worked her hardest to fully restore her kingdom, she'd had no time for soppy romance. Unclipping the necklace, she strung it up around her neck and clipped it back into place. It was almost time to meet Link, she'd better hurry and change into something more suitable.

With a quick frantic rush around her chambers, she hurriedly swung open her wardrobe and gazed helplessly as to what to wear. Colours ranging from the brightest yellow's to the dimmest black's and intricate detail lay on every single gown. It was only unfortunate that she had lost most of her garments during the war as her bedroom was raided for any sort of magic, whilst being torn apart in the process. The dresses she had recently obtained were from the kingdom of Lorule in fact. Hilda, her twin sister had wanted nothing more than to aid her during her hour of need. And when she was rid of mostly everything she had owned, Hilda sailed with her crew members days later to Hyrule, offering her plenty of temporary clothes.

Zelda felt rude accepting such a gracious offer, but Hilda insisted she take them. She honestly had been a true saviour in that frenzied moment of time. With little help, with little guidance she realised that might of been at her breaking point. As they say, every person has their breaking point. Zelda felt stranded, alone, isolated and weak. Even with Link and his heart-warming smiles, dashing personality and optimism it was clear that even surrounded by the people she loved, she still felt pretty empty.

Hilda had stayed for a couple of weeks, fussing around Hyrule to help her sister in any possible way she could. Spending time with Hilda worked wonders for her state of mind, she was so comedic that every moment was savoured and cherished dearly. Once she had sorted out the plans regarding a reunion for all four districts, it was time to shift on with the several memorial services. As painful as it was, it was the correct way to handle the situation.

Duties and errands were delayed much by the whole kingdom celebrating the defeat of Ganon, but withdrawn from their peaceful lives for countless years deserved a good ol' gala in the palace to replenish their health.

Yanking out an adventurous sort of outfit, covered with silver silk and a fresh white trim on the jacket, she matched it up with a pair of black leggings and began changing. Once changed, the princess wandered over to her mirror and gazed in it, hoping she would find herself appealing.

Do I always look this fat? Ugh why is my hair so frizzy?!

Zelda pondered for a few more minutes, before her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a soft knock on her door. Curiously, she wandered over quickly and pulled her door wide open. There before her stood Mimikins, one of her most trusted handmaids. Mimikins was a young girl with striking blue eyes, accompanied by her luscious blonde locks and her warm-earthed smile. In her arms, sat a pile of sheets, clothing and other fabrics.

"Good evening, your highness," Mimikins greeted the princess, giving a short curtsy.

"And to you too, Mimi," said Zelda. "But please, I've told you this. Call me Zelda," said the princess, giving a light giggle.

Zelda had become quite fond with this young girl, being the only servant in her life to have made a real connection with. Apart from Impa who had once served at the castle, Mimi had opened her royal highness into a new perspective of life. She retained this sapient tone whenever Zelda would talk to her for comfort, it made her feel safe and warm as though her mother was still with her. Or as though her second mother Urbosa, still watched over her from the heavens.

"O-Ok Z-Zelda... I'm just here to tidy away these clothes, if now is a good time?" Mimi stuttered shyly.

"Your timing is perfect, but I must be going. So, when you are finished please close the door on your way out." Zelda gave a graceful curtsy, strolling pass the young maid.

Waltzing down the many halls, Zelda held her head up high when greeting any servants or guards that she happened to encounter. Jolting down a few stairwells, she batted her eyes; she was too excited to stop, even when taking a step outside with her winter coat on and realising it was freezing. Link was too important to ignore, every encounter with him was something special, something beyond her wildest dreams. How could one guy be so perfect?

She recalled once a time when he would speak only if necessary for he didn't want to bare any burden. Now however, his fluent speech became the highlight of her day for it was her who had taken the time to help him regain his confidence in speaking. Reaching the end of the hall, she turned her body to open a large oak door leading out to the western porch. This porch was nothing special, but it consisted of the items most vital for her trip out in the blizzard. Her wintry garments, including her furry boots, equipped with extra padding in the soles. To her misfortune, she had always suffered badly with sore feet, which required her to wear extra padded footwear.

Not forgetting her trusty pair of fluffy gloves and some earmuffs, which she would only wear if it was absolutely necessary. Due to the fact that she found them rather itchy and uncomfortable, conspicuously when tidbits of snow, blew there way between her ears and the inner part of the earmuffs. Or worse! When snow storms became too overpowering, leaving a thousand flakes perched on the fur. Here comes the bad news... WHEN THE SNOW MELTS.

Once the flakes had melted, her earmuffs would be soaking wet, unable to be used for at least a couple of days of drying by a fireplace. And so for that reason, she refrained from using them as she found them to be more trouble than they're worth.

Zelda pulled on her gloves, wrapped her scarf around her neck and slid on her snow boots for the wintry climate. There was no doubt that stepping outside gave her cold feet, but as a child she remembered loving the snow and its fun activities surrounding it. Without alerting the guards, she set out to the snow covered woods of Faron to find her handsome knight.

Doesn't quite go as well as handsome Prince... does it? If only he was a prince, I could marry him without proceeding through the diplomatic laws. Unfortunately since Link is only technically a commoner, many would frown upon the idea of a soon to be queen, marrying a simple village boy. But! He is a knight soon, so that must count for something? Zelda's thoughts scrambled around in her mind, creating a whirl pool of distraction.

Keeping her pace, she finally reached the woods in which she saw Link, standing directly underneath a blossom tree, although the delicate flowers had wilted in this bitter coldness. Approaching Link, he gazed at her breathless, smirking slightly the sight of his beautiful princess.

She only hoped to god she wouldn't let her guard down. As much as she desired for him to kiss her romantically underneath the snow covered trees, she knew she had no time for relationships at this moment in time. Maybe, just maybe once the kingdom flourished like it had a hundred years ago, would be the perfect opportunity to confess her buried feelings to Link.

"Glad you could make it, Princess," Link smiled, yearning to pull her into a soft embrace.

Zelda couldn't help but smile awkwardly. Little did she know, it wasn't just Link eyeing her up, but a cloaked figure also watched the two heroes. For behind a thicket, the masked man clasped his hands together excitedly, letting off a diminutive, sour grin...

AN- Thoughts would be helpful.