Author's Note ~ I am a firm believer that Link would have been a fool to have gone back to his childhood. I know I'm not alone in this theory either. And that's what this story is based upon. So forgive me if it does not conform to Nintendo's storyline, but I happen to like it this way. :)

This story is Rated PG~13

Most of the Characters belong to Nintendo and are used without permission simply for my own sanity's sake.

Chapter 1

With the help of the Triforce of Wisdom and the Triforce of Courage, Hyrule Castle had been recreated to its former glory. Link, the Hero of Time, had refused to return to his childhood, and I couldn't say I was disappointed. He was now a very dear friend to me. And as much as I longed for more than just a friendship with him, it was not possible. Since two days after my birth, I had been betrothed to Prince Tomman of Calatia. I hoped the marriage contract had been forgotten with the fall of Hyrule to Ganondorf, but shortly after his exile to the Evil Realm, a letter had arrived from Calatia detailing how Prince Tomman wished to be received within the month. Having never met him, I thought perhaps the joining of the two kingdoms would help strengthen Hyrule in the event Ganondorf ever returned. But already, by the wording of his letter, I did not like him. I tried to convince myself that as a Princess, I must remain diplomatic, but my growing feelings for Link made it all the more difficult to accept my destiny.

It was mostly the little things that Link did that made it so hard: the lingering hand on my shoulder, the sideways glances when he thought I wasn't looking. I couldn't be sure how he felt, and I didn't have the courage to ask. Courage was his realm.

I dealt with my torment with a quiet dignity. There was nothing I could do.

Prince Tomman arrived as scheduled. The black clouds threatened to open any second as the entourage came to a stop just before the castle steps, winding down the long dirt path. I could not see the end of his following; there must have been more than fifty attendants, along with countless soldiers. I stood at the top of the steps leading into the castle, Impa to my right and Link to my left. I glanced at Link momentarily as the train came to a stop. Our eyes locked; I couldn't be sure, but I was almost certain I could see the torment in his eyes that I felt in my very soul. The moment seemed to last an eternity; a lifetime I played out in my mind nearly every night, imagining what life would be like if only. . . I stopped myself, turning my gaze to the Prince. Wondering and imagining only made the situation worse.

The Prince dismounted, looking around. He was a tall man, standing a good head taller than Link. A deep blue velvet cloak covered his broad shoulders and a matching hat topped the well-groomed red locks. The brim of the hat shaded his eyes, but already I could tell there was something in his eyes that bothered me. A flash of disgust seemed to sneer across his face, disappearing as quickly as it had come. Tossing the reins to an attendant, his eyes fell upon me as he scaled the stone steps. He looked me up and down the way a hunter looks to his prey. "Zelda, I presume," he said, his voice flat as though he were disappointed.

"Prince Tomman," I replied, inclining my head.

"You will address me as 'My Lord,' or 'My Lord Husband,'" he snapped sharply. I could see Link out of the corner of my eye clinch his fists at the way he addressed me. I thanked the Goddesses he held his tongue.

"Yes, My Lord," I said, trying to unlock my jaw. I breathed deeply, holding my temper.

"I trust all is as I specified in my letter."

"As well as we could oblige, My Lord. You must understand that Hyrule is still recovering from the reign of an evil tyrant." Tomman rolled his eyes. The longer I stayed in his presence, the more I disliked him.

"I do not wish to hear excuses. I trust my men and attendants will be well accommodated?" he said, turning the subject away from Hyrule's past.

"We will do what we can. Had we perhaps been given notice of the great numbers you would be traveling with. . ."

"I would imagine, Princess, that you of all people would understand the great numbers in which royalty must travel."

"I'm afraid not. I travel with little more than my guardian Sheikah and the Hero of Time." He seemed to scoff at the title that had been bestowed upon Link. The Prince's eyes wandered over to him. I couldn't be sure, but I thought I could feel a hint of apprehensiveness from Tomman. "Link is all the protection I need." I bit my tongue, wanting to add a remark about with an attitude like his, it was no wonder he needed an entire army to protect him.

Link crossed his arms before him, his knuckles white as he clinched his arms. No doubt to restrain himself from pulling his sword.

"Yes, well. . ." Tomman's voice trailed off for a moment. "I wish to see my new kingdom," he said, his harsh eyes returning to me.

"My Lord," I said, biting back the urge to say something else, "perhaps we should wait to see if the weather will clear."

"I said I wish to see my kingdom." He was dangerously close to me, but I stood my ground, unyielding.

"Let me be the first to remind you," I hissed in his face, "that we are not yet wed and until that appalling moment, this is still my kingdom. Not yours." I knew that perhaps I had said too much that may have offended his Highness, but the moment was passed and it was too late to take anything back. I turned from him, walking into the castle. Impa followed closely behind me, but I caught in the reflection of a mirror in the front hall Link glaring at the Prince for a moment before following. I'm not sure if they exchanged words, but at the time, I could care little. I despised the man I would soon be calling 'husband.'