Foolish Thoughts
By SP

I promised myself that I would never look for him. That I would not require his advice or guidance for any matter that could possibly arise. That he was useless. I did not need him, and there was no chance that he would need me for any trifling matter. We would continue our lives as if we never came in contact in the first place. I thought that would be the best idea for both of us.

How could I be so wrong?

He reluctantly departed for his small village after his last battle. He pleaded, and almost begged to stay in Castle Town to help bring full peace to the Kingdom. But I had none of it. I simply stated that I believed his duty was done. His destiny was fulfilled, as so many Heroes before him have done. How could he possibly even help me? I made him go. I watched him go.

I would not say that I did not expect that my duties would be so… taxing. I realized that so much work would be thrown at me as soon as Hyrule was free of evil. Rather, I did not expect all the pressure that I had to shoulder. There was so much to be done in such a small frame of time! I had to plan new settlements and towns in sparsely populated areas, I had to convince the stubborn, hard-headed Hylians to move to those desolate areas, I had to redirect trade, transportation and road systems, I had to resolve the problem of our agricultural and industrial atrophying, and I had to reconstruct Hyrule's failing economy! The renovations and reconstruction of Hyrule Castle was slowly completed, since there just was not enough money to do everything at once. It was a necessity, since I could not stand some of the summer homes that my family owned by Lake Hylia and Faron Woods, and various peoples would complain about "the Princess not living up to her father's legacy," or "the Princess enjoys living in squalor" and nagging comments of the sort. It was mainly the traditional nobles that would complain, and I had to listen to them. Besides being the home of our government, Hyrule Castle also had to play host to the various noble families that resided in it. Some of them would assist in political matters – others would just watch and judge every little thing I did.

The scrutiny of every creature in my Kingdom, no matter their race, wealth, occupation, social class, or level of education, is probably worse than the actual pressures of ruling this god-forsaken land. Everyone chatters and gossips about the same things, whether it takes place in the seediest taverns, in the Market, in the alleyways, or even in the gardens and halls of my damn Castle. They whisper behind my back, and they are a constant presence everywhere I go. It is as if they are incessant little fruit flies, always buzzing in front of my eyelashes, yet I am never able to kill them. The majority of the masses want to know what fashions I am wearing (as if I care), what suitors I am entertaining (as if I would get married soon) and what families have my favor (as if any family of nobility would). It is better that I don't pay attention to them. However… there is a small faction of people that do not chatter about the same old gossip. They want the truth over a certain "incident" that occurred in Hyrule just a few weeks ago. They mutter and grumble about how I have not commented on my sudden disappearance, the black, freakish monsters that would troll the towns to kill other beings, and the sightings of a peculiar swordsman, always looking for something… naturally, I would ignore them. I would keep my head down and retreat to my study, where I could slave away without being interrupted. But lately, some issues have forced me to go outside my sanctuary.

The Hylian Army was literally a laughingstock. I was embarrassed to know that they were my subjects. Those "soldiers" have not defended anything besides Castle Town for ages, and their lazy lifestyle was all too apparent. Every man, from the common guard to the highest General, treated their positions as jokes. They paraded up and down the city by day, but openly whored, gambled, and drank when the moon rose in the sky. However, there was no plausible way that I could discipline these men. I was a woman, for starters, that they would never listen to. And I had no idea where to start if I even took control of the military. Sure, I know the basics of how to use a sword, but that would not be enough to teach hundreds of men how to defend an entire kingdom. Plus I couldn't balance running the country and our military simultaneously. Even the Council knew that. No matter how much I dislike sitting in a hot, stuffy room with twelve angry men who constantly argue about the most trivial of things – they had a point. I needed help.

Luckily for my subjects (and for myself), they had no full idea what trouble what Hyrule was in. I kept quiet about what was ailing the kingdom, and I didn't make my appeal for help quite so public. I simply issued a proclamation asking for men to fill officer positions in the military, through an interview. Most Hylians foolishly thought that this was a draft, and stayed gar away from Castle Town. But a few men actually asked for an appointment, much to my surprise. Most of them were daft, dumb, drunk, or had no idea what they were in for. I was quickly let down by this little experiment.

Link was one of the first applicants to arrive in Castle Town. Damn him. I delayed setting up his appointment as late as I could, and pushed the date even farther back. The Council noticed, but they did not complain. They thought I was just overworked; nothing out of the ordinary. But he lodged at a tavern on the south side of the city for weeks, waiting for a page to bring him to the castle. He gave alms to the poor and entertained orphans. He almost bought out entire shops and stands and visited even the most derelict parts of town, as if he was a damn saint (oh gods, please forgive me for that)! But really, there must be some mistake in him. Maybe he has body odor. Maybe he is an egomaniac. I've never really heard him talk, so maybe he has a lisp. Or maybe he relishes in killing every monster that came within a meter of him. Sure, he's a bloodthirsty maniac that saved my life. Too bad he's generous, chivalrous, handsome… oh dear. I need to stop thinking about him in a positive light. He would be any girl's knight-in-shining-armor.

Strictly speaking, princesses are not allowed to fall in love with simple knights or heroes. They have to keep their heads down and their lips closed. They have to let men decide that their future can be. Some princesses are joyful that their fathers let them marry their heroes, and their lives together are full of happiness, love, and delight. Others are forcibly separated from their loves. They are doomed to depression and anger over losing their knight. They will forever compare every man and suitor to the one that was taken away. But there is a third type of princess. That category is often forgotten, since their stories would be poor fairy tales. This princess has no father or brothers, no uncles or guardians to make decisions for her. She has to decide for herself what she wants, needs, and what is required of her at that particular point in time. Most princesses would run away with their champion, not caring about the repercussions of that action. However, the story of the princess who chooses to leave their hero is dull. She will forever wonder "what if?" She will live out her life as a shade of the woman she once was, damaged by the choice that forever changed her life.

I have to fix this country. I have to save Hyrule from chaos. I have to focus my entire being on my duties before worrying about myself. My kingdom will always come first. And frankly, I can not sacrifice my entire being on my one-sided love of a simple goat herder.

It was impossible to further postpone my appointment with Link. I tried all the usual tricks – faking illness, procrastinating on my work, and even lying about setting up silly galas or balls. But the council was unperturbed, and eventually sent a page to Telma's without informing me. Even though I was caught unawares the morning of the interview, I was determined to dazzle Link. I had to intimidate him out of being an officer, even though he was a perfect candidate for the job! He was unparalleled in combat, he was a master strategist and tactician, and he could inspire the most cowardly of men. I knew there was no way he couldn't exceed my expectations. But he had to be caught unprepared by my questions. Who knows who would be watching us? He needed to seem like just another dumb country boy, who went to the city to chase a ridiculous dream. I had to challenge him, or at least appear to be. I wouldn't want to get bored during this.

xxx

I can not believe it! The cheeky little bastard basically wormed his way into being an officer! He charmed me into giving him the damn job! He breezed his way through every question I threw at him, as if he knew what was coming for him! His etiquette was impeccable; I'll give him that. But still! I half-expected him to call me "Zelda" instead of a more formal title when we were introduced. I sort of wanted him to do so. After all, we have been through a lot together, right? Saving the kingdom should qualify as being "a lot." However, I refrained from calling him Link. I had to disguise that I held any previous feeling or affection for him. I knew that my ruse would easily disintegrate if I looked at me for too long, or if I giggled at one of his jokes. I knew I would blush, stammer, or nervously twirl a strand of hair in order to deal with him.

Goodness, I sound like a lovesick fool!

So I modestly kept my head down on the cobblestones in the gardens. We walked and chatted for an hour or so. I asked him simple questions about the state of Hyrule and about warfare, and he quickly replied, without speaking of his first-hand knowledge of these matters. He didn't even bother to dress up for the occasion – he was still wearing that worn green tunic that he wore that last time I saw him, which was many weeks ago. Sure, he looked cleaned up. He only shaved. He held my hand in the crook of his arm as we wandered through the gardens. He slyly mentioned that I was cold compared to him, even though it was a mild spring day. I didn't even notice how much time had flown by before link bid my adieu and left me standing alone, leaving me to ponder the puzzle that was Link.

He didn't mention the Twight. Or Ganondorf. Or even Midna. He didn't mention the Mirror. He barely mentioned Ordon. He didn't care to notice how I took so much more time and effort to look more… attractive. He acted as if this was the first time we met, which was exactly what I did. He was serious while being charming, he was witty while being sober, and he was engaging while being distant.

The next few hours went by in a blur. One of the older councilmen, Lord Kadem or something, immediately escorted me up to my study as soon as Link took leave of me. He jabbered away at what a "fine man" Link is, and how he would bring a "new dynamic and view" to the council, and just praising and analyzing every little thing he said! Really, does he want to make it that obvious that he was eavesdropping? But I was off in my own world, silently hating and cursing every bone in Link's body, and also wishing and hoping that he could fall in love with me. I mechanically nodded and murmured with Kadem at appropriate parts of his long-winded speech. Before long I found that we arrived at my study, back in the castle. I was in my high-backed (and high uncomfortable) chair behind my desk, with a document in hand. Kadem was across from me, still talking about that damn Link! I think he was waiting for me to read and sign the paper… I set my eyes in a narrow squint and quickly scanned the tiny print.
"…The man known as Link Shepherd from the providence of Ordona shall be given command of one brigade of soldiers and recruits in the Hylian Military to train in warfare, survival, and strategy. If he shows great fortitude and courage, he may be eligible to obtain nobility and promotions at the whim of her grace, Princess Zelda Nohanson deHyrule, Duchess of Rastivo in the Lanayru Providence and Marchioness of Kjellshire in the Eldin Providence…"

I gave up on reading any more, since there was no need. I knew that the same thing would be repeated ten different times, with unneeded clauses and disclaimers in it. I lazily inked a nearby quill and jotted down my signature. I tossed the paper back to the ecstatic Kadem, and dismissed the man. I knew there would by an uproar if I didn't let Link be an officer. He was the one perfect candidate. The Council and I would have a row, and it would be a pain to explain why I wouldn't want Link to be an officer.

The balcony doors of my study were thrown open, inviting the wind and light inside while I could observe southern Hyrule Field. The sun was leisurely setting as I slouched against my chair. The vibrant orange-and-pink rays were cast against the many bookcases and armchairs in the room. It looked like someone took a paintbrush and hurriedly slapped the colors on a blank canvas. But it was still beautiful. I had to will myself to not fall asleep right then and there! Once again, my thoughts were drawn back to the Hero. I wondered what would change when Link started to live at the Castle. I knew he would be in the barracks with his men, and he would be busy trying to train them. My mood started to light up – I wouldn't have to see Link often! But as an officer, he would have to attend Council meetings, balls located in the Castle, and he would have to report to me about his progress with his brigade. So he would be a common sight around the grounds. He will certainly become the obsession of several silly noblewomen! But would he even be successful at teaching a ragged group of recruits how to fight? Would he fail?

No, of course not. A reasoned voice whispered.
Would he ignore me? Would he seek me out? Could we even be confidants? Or simply even friends?

Could he even be your suitor? Or lover? That voice spoke out again, but it was stronger than before. It is highly possible! Who knows what the court's influence will make him think or do?
I shook my head while smiling to myself. I somehow I had find a way to stop falling for this boy. Maybe this is just a sick joke that the gods are playing on me. This would definitely not be the first time that Hyrule's Crown Princess fell for her Hero.
But this was definitely the first – and last – time I would ever allow myself to totally, unconditionally, and absolutely fall in love with Link.


AN: Hi there! I actually wrote this up really quickly - it only took me a few days, which is quite suprising for me. It usually takes weeks for me to get something written down. But I thoroughly enjoyed writing this. I made up some places and names so Zelda could have more titles than just "Princess." I wanted to make her royal lineage seem more realistic or believable and to make Hyrule seem densley populated (since half of it is empty fields). Anyhoo, I hope you enjoyed this, and please review!

Thanks,
SP