This story is written for ShadowQueenMidna, because we're both severely lacking in the Zelink fluffies!

Warning: Rated M for mature scenes of fluffiness and sappy content, as well as some steamy romance and innuendos. If you like that stuff then enjoy!

Also this is meant to be a lighthearted fiction, very little seriousness involved, a complete contrast to one of the other stories I have which also takes place in Twilight Princess. Zelda will not be a cold and calculative monarch and the world will not be so angst riddled. I'm mostly going to be practicing my banter, so any advice and comments you have are welcome!

Disclaimer: Nintendo owns LoZ, not me *sobs in a corner*


Villainous

Chapter 1:

Link grit his teeth as he stared down at the guards. Of all the bloody stubborn...!

"Let me pass!"

It was a forceful command and under regular circumstances the guards would have jumped to obey forthwith. However, this time they must have been threatened with punishment of unspeakable horror, for they maintained their stations and faced him with daring reserve. They both stared ahead, unwilling to catch his eyes lest they flinch and cave. Link knew how it was with guards. It was almost enough to inspire admiration from him.

But Link was not in a decent mood, and as such their resilient virtue was taken as obstinate stubbornness.

"Are your minds too feeble to comprehend? Step aside!" He took a step forward and in response the pair of guards crossed their spears, effectively blocking the maple doors that led to Zelda's study.

"I am sorry, Sir Link," spoke the right guard, "But we have our orders. The queen will see no one."

It took all of his control not to draw his sword and put them in their place. He did not do so for one reason and that was because he'd promised Zelda he wouldn't carry a bare blade in the castle unless there was a serious threat. Even four years after the Twilight Invasion, people still panicked at the sight of a drawn sword in the hallways, thinking that they were once again under siege.

Instead he passed a hand through rough ragged hair, having long discarded his cap and hero outfit for finer and moderately more uncomfortable apparel as befitted his station as queen's champion.

Queen Zelda, at twenty-one, had ascended the throne and taken her rightful place as ruler of Hyrule. The coronation had been originally intended to take place right after her twentieth birthday, as was tradition, but then the matter of Zant arose, inevitably delaying it until well after the reconstruction efforts had begun. Zelda had refused to pass the ceremony until her people were sheltered and cared for.

That was his Zelda. Putting the wellbeing of others before her own. But Goddesses above, sometimes he wished she'd consider her needs in lieu of others. Couldn't she realize it was impossible to fend for every single living being in all of Hyrule? Apparently not, if her boundless generosity was anything to go by. She'd have dipped into her own account long ago to support them if her ministers hadn't prevented her.

Link fingered his sword, seriously considering violating that promise. "If you won't comply then I'll just have to forcefully remove you myself." There was a sharp zing of metal as he flicked it out partially to show that he wasn't bluffing.

A steely voice rang through the corridor.

"Sir Link, if you do not stand down right this moment and let these men tend to their posts then I shall have you forcefully removed from the castle grounds."

The guards visibly slumped in relief upon the arrival of the newcomer.

Sword snapping back into its sheath, Link whirled around to face the man, a frown instantly in place. "You're not her keeper, Lord Raleigh."

Lord Leon Raleigh was a member on Zelda's council and her closest advisor in matters of the state. He was getting on in years, as was apparent by the grey streaks in his sideburns and the wrinkles, which drew ugly lines across his brow whenever he frowned – which was more often than not. He was a man of intellect and had been a thorn in Link's side ever since he'd moved into the castle. He seemed to think that Link's lack of formal education somehow made him more barbaric in nature. To him Link was just a callous swordsman with no dignity to his name, despite the extensive feats he'd accomplished and the fact that he'd saved their land and then princess from a rule of tyranny.

How he despised the man.

"Don't take what he say's to heart," Zelda had told him once as she'd comforted him one night after having thrown an angry diatribe. "He is brusque in manner, but he means well."

That had always been something Link could never see, at least when it came to him. No, the minister did not always mean well. Often he was just plain interference.

The minister narrowed his eyes and motioned to the guards. They started forward, spears raised.

"She's been locked up in her study for days," Link said defensively, eyeing the guards and just daring them to go ahead and try to throw him out. They wavered just the slightest bit and paused in their advance. "How do you know she's not dead or dying?"

Lord Raleigh thrust his chin high and gave a haughty scoff. "Don't be a fool. The queen is attending to important business of state as she has been for weeks. She has much to do and little time to dally with ruffian swordsmen who claim to be the general of the Golden Legion. We have servants who attend to her whenever she calls for them. I'm certain if anything were wrong they'd inform me. If your presence is not specifically requested then you have no right to enter."

To hell he had no right! He was her champion, her advisor and protector, so why was it that he was not permitted to go near her? Ludicrous!

Baring his teeth, Link replied tersely. "I am assigned to her majesty's protection. I should at least be allowed in the same room as her."

"And provide distraction she does not need?" asked Lord Raleigh coldly. "I think it's best that you retire for the night, Sir Link."

"The night is when assassins abound," he said pointedly.

Eyebrow twitching, the minister turned abruptly on his heels. "Nevertheless, she will not see anyone. Not even you, hero."

Link opened his mouth to reply but a voice interfered from beyond the heavy doors, muffled but still familiar.

"Link? Is that you?"

He sent a smirk at the pompous lord, whose shoulders perceptively stiffened. He faced the doors and spoke loudly, "Zelda, I-"

"If you could take your conversation elsewhere that would be much appreciated, thank you. The noise is disturbing."

Link blinked in astonishment. Then the full range of her words hit him and he was left gaping. He was cut to the quick and almost staggered back from shear disbelief. Had she just…? Did she… dismiss him? HIM? Her closest friend and confidant?

Her singsong voice, no matter how pleasant, was tinged with slight irritation. He knew that tone, was well acquainted with it. It was not to be trifled with under any circumstance.

She truly did not wish to see him…

The minister shot him a smug smile from over his shoulder. "To the green room, hero?"

Link scowled, his jaw clenching. He swerved to move down the hall. "No. We're finished here."

Shoulders squared stiffly, he stormed down the corridor, intending to get as far away from the minister as he possibly could. Lord Raleigh's loud laughter rang after him, echoing maddeningly as it bounced off the smooth castle walls.

"Pleeeease, Lord Raleigh. I require silence."

Again her words were polite but tinged with an undertone of exasperation and slight impatience.

The minister spluttered before quickly muttering an apology through the door.

Link increased his pace, smiling as he turned a corner.


Four years had passed since the Twilight Invasion and in that time drastic changes had been implemented into the security system of Hyrule Castle and Castle Town. As queen's champion, Link had been given the authority to make these changes and his first order of business had been to whip the soldiers back into shape. Straight following he had selected the best of them, the ones he deemed most advanced and virtuous, to rise up the ranks as the new knightly order of Hyrule. It hadn't mattered whether they were from noble or common background, he'd had Queen Zelda's support and that was all he'd needed to see them swiftly knighted. He'd instilled in them the ancient values of the former order, those same values that he upheld with unfailing reverence, and made of them an example for others to follow. They'd become leaders of the nation, providing assistance when it was needed and doing their utmost to serve their ruler with unwavering loyalty.

Link had next scrutinized their defences and sought to cover up the numerous weak spots that enemies could easily exploit. Most importantly, he'd doubled the guards in the castle and plotted multiple escape routes for her majesty should another unfortunate incidence occur.

His memories lingered on those long hours spent going over those plans. Blessed hours spent in solitude with Zelda. Only about half of that time was used productively, for the other half they'd done…other things…

Nevertheless, by the end he'd made her go through the escape plan over and over, only satisfied when he was certain she could do it half asleep. He still remembered what she'd said back then as he had pushed her to the brink of collapse.

"How I detest you, Link. Does your cruelty know no bounds?"

His reply had been blunt, "If being mean will save your life, then so be it. I'd rather you lived to hate me than have me regret being too kind to you."

Uncharacteristically, she had stuck out her tongue. A brash move, and one that had ignited many stirrings within him. Hours more had been spent after that doing those other things.

They lived in a well-earned era of peace. Because of their conjoined fates and experiences at the hands of the Twilight, he and Zelda had formed an irreplaceable bond. Even when it was all over they couldn't bear to part and resume their normal lives as if nothing had ever happened, so they sought each other out. They could often be found wandering the gardens together or riding in the fields. He was her guard and she his queen, but somewhere along the lines they had become something more.

Presently found Link patrolling the outer battlements. The high elevation of the wall offered him a view of both sides, to his right a sprawling town, and to his left a clear green vista, Western Hyrule Field. He had just completed his weekly inspection of the troops and was now overseeing their first line of defence, keenly surveying it for faults.

Accompanying him was a knight by the name of Sir Hadrian of Tarrence, the very first man he'd chosen to become a knight of the new order.

Link nodded at the soldiers he passed, hands clasped behind his back and posture rigid. Apparently something in his demeanour had caught Hadrian's attention for the man made sure to keep a good two feet of space between them and continuously cast him obscure glances from the corner of his eyes.

Link caught him glancing once again and his patience waned. He inclined his head, starting in an abrupt manner, "Is there something on your mind, Hadrian? If so, do relieve yourself and spit it out."


Hadrian winced. It was easy to forget how perceptive Link was, and how volatile he could be at times. "If I may say so… You don't appear to be in a good mood this morning."

Link snorted in disregard, "Nonsense. I'm in the best of moods. Perfectly chipper." Suddenly he whirled and thrust a finger at an unsuspecting soldier. "You there! Straighten that posture, if I catch you slouching once more I'll have you rung up and put on display!"

The soldier stammered and snapped to attention, almost breaking his back in the process. "Y-yes Sir – I - I mean, yes milord!"

"You had it right the first time! Know how to properly address people. Any uncertainty you have an enemy can exploit to his own advantage. Am I clear?"

The soldier trembled under Link's fierce gaze. "V-very clear, sir."

Link gave a stiff nod, "Good man. I see you learn fast."

As if he hadn't just emotionally traumatized a full-grown man out of the next four to six years of his life, Link continued on down the walkway on the lookout for any more slackers, the poor souls.

Hadrian sighed and murmured, "Chipper, indeed." Link's ear's twitched but he opted not to respond. It seemed that if they were to get anywhere he'd have to push a little more forcefully.

"Link, you know that if there's anything at all bothering you, you may unburden yourself on me," he said in a voice of deep concern. "You have my ears and I'm not one inclined to judge a man no matter who he is and no matter what his troubles are. I've seen enough - lived through enough - to know and even understand that the strongest of men are capable of succumbing to their emotions."

Link slowed his trod then stopped altogether, shoulders slumping. He exhaled lightly and looked at Hadrian, "I know you mean well, but there are some things in this world that cannot be fixed by talking about it."

"Come now, it cannot be all that bad," said Hadrian lightly, as they started walking again. Word must have spread, for every soldier they saw from thereon was on high alert and saluted Link with fast sharpness.

Link looked not to be paying attention to them at all, suddenly lost in his own musings. "To you, perhaps not."

"Even so, you'll feel better after you've had your say about it," Hadrian responded. "And who knows, if it is as serious as you make it out to be, perhaps we can bounce ideas on how to go about rectifying whatever it is that plagues you so."

Link was silent for a moment then he buckled, and once he got started talking it became a challenge to keep up as the words tumbled out of his mouth. Hadrian was amazed he was capable of speaking so much all in one go, but listened attentively.

At first – to no surprise - he ranted about Lord Raleigh, a very important minister and a person normal people would not want to be heard complaining about in public. His anger then devolved to the common affairs of state, the meetings and delegations he had to attend, before he derailed completely and spoke about her majesty.

Hadrian knew of the alliance the queen was working all hours to forge between Hyrule and their neighboring country, Termina, and how it was of vital importance that it be done as quickly as possible. They offered trade and resources that Hyrule could benefit greatly from, and they were a coastal country, which gave the treaty even more importance. He also knew of Link's very close relationship with the queen, and that he could become quite jealous when it came to her. He may have accepted that he was required to share her with the people, that was as long as he was beside her for the most part, but this time away from her must have been torture on his soul.

Hadrian listened with an attentive ear, pitying him all the while.

"I'm her champion, for Goddesses sake! I should damn well be allowed to see her," Link spat. "But no! She sends me away, as if I'm a pest! An annoyance!"

Rolling his shoulders, Hadrian determined to defend their queen, "She is busy. Don't worry about it. Once the treaty is signed it shall be over and done with. It won't be long now."

Link stomped as he walked, "It better not be." He then released a long breath of frustration. He looked over to peer at the glistening green landscape, dotted with the occasional tree. His eyes took on a far-seeing glaze. "I don't know what it is, but being away from her like this…I lose myself. I feel as though a part of my soul has been stripped from me. There is warmth only when I'm around her."

Hadrian smiled. "Ah, love in all its shining glory."

Link did not question how Hadrian knew of his feelings towards the queen. He'd been in love with her ever since he'd witnessed first hand the lengths she went to in order to expedite the restoration of her country. He had done nothing since to hide his ardor for her.

"It's maddening…"

"Yet men would give their souls for a fleeting chance at it."

Link laughed softly, "No wonder the women folk call us crazy."

"Crazy how we so easily succumb to their wicked wiles?" said Hadrian, shooting Link a grin.

"Wicked indeed," said Link with a small smile. "And none more wicked than the queen herself." His smile abruptly vanished as a frown manifested in its place. "And therein lies the problem. She's the queen, I can't ask of her to devote herself solely to me. As much as the idea is appealing, I can never be that selfish. Yet she spreads herself so thinly to accommodate absolutely everyone, the time that I have with her is too brief for my liking."

"You must admit, she is very social and manages well doling out her attention," Hadrian scratched his short scruff of beard. "But I do agree. Some time to herself, and some time with her champion, would do her well. When was the last time she had some time off?"

The hero replied almost immediately, "Two years ago."

Hadrian peered at him curiously. "That trip to Ordon? I remember she was so insistent on visiting your place of birth. And all it took was one cute pout to have you agreeing to it."

Link huffed. "It took a lot more than that."

"If you say so."

"I do."

Hadrian shook his head in wry amusement.

They were approaching the end of their route. The western gatehouse loomed before them, two turrets standing erect on either side of a tall gate, from which archers were positioned. Each end had a lever that controlled the raising and lowering of the drawbridge. As it was during daylight hours, the drawbridge was currently lowered and the massive doors open. A team of soldiers patrolled the lower regions, inspecting anyone passing in or out of the town.

The gatekeeper noticed them and waved. Hadrian hailed him with an energetic wave of his own while Link only raised his hand in a half-hearted motion.

"I've been a real shrew today, haven't I?" Link admitted bashfully.

He couldn't help but tease the hero a little. "Not at all. You've been a shrew for the better part of an entire two weeks at least, now."

This was met with coarse grumbling from Link who had to force down his ire once they reached the gatehouse.

Seeing as how he was less likely to tear off any heads, Hadrian opted to do most of the talking. He began by asking for the regular report.

"Nothing suspicious on around here," said the gatekeeper, a stout man by the name of Cyrus. "Hyrule is the most protected it's ever been, to my account that is. It's like a tightly woven net. No fish is able to swim through it without us allowing it. Won't see any villains stepping foot in the town anytime soon. They'd be stopped before they made it halfway to the gate."

Hadrian smiled pleasantly at the man. His confidence was reassuring. "That is good and all, but you must know that villains don't always take the direct approach as we would have them. Some operate on deceit to gain entrance. Lies come easy to them and you may be fooled. And there are others who are already within the walls. No matter our efforts, where there is a large populace always a number of those people will defer to crime as their way of living. Also not everyone is as loyal to the crown as we are. It is impossible for her majesty to please everybody, and some would go to great lengths to see her fall."

Cyrus tensed, tightening his hold around his javelin, his expression one of severity. "We keep a sharp eye out for those felons. And even if we don't catch them, we certainly don't make life any easier for them. Besides, they aren't a true threat. Compared to the queen's champion they're like flightless guay. Sir Link would have them down and restrained in a matter of seconds, wouldn't you, Sir?"

At the mention of his name, Link blinked and nodded. It was evident, however, that his mind was currently elsewhere. "Certainly. Whatever you say."

Cyrus beamed while Hadrian eyed the hero up and down. It was unlike Link to be so distracted while attending to his duties, especially when it comprised of overseeing the safety and protection of the queen.

"Not many can measure up to Sir Link's capabilities," he conceded truthfully, stroking his chin while eyeing Link oddly. He turned back to the gatekeeper. "Why, none but Sir Link is able to get past our guards, and for the life of me I've never quite figured out how he does it. He can creep up on a keaton if he wanted to. Only he could slip in and out of the castle without being caught. We are only lucky that his loyalty lies with Hyrule rather than elsewhere. If Link were the villain I fear that even with all our soldiers and knights combined we still wouldn't have skill enough to defend the castle from him."

Link abruptly shot his head up, blinking in what could only be described as sudden amazement.

Both gatekeeper and knight glanced at him in confusion.

"Is something the matter, Link?" Hadrian asked hesitantly, wondering if something they'd said had struck a nerve.

But then Link smiled widely. Hadrian could practically see the grey cloud that had been hovering over his head for weeks slowly shrink and vanish altogether. It was a tad frightening how drastically the hero's mood changed.

He froze as he found himself clasped by the shoulders, Link's bright face beaming widely at him. "That's it! Sir Hadrian, you are brilliant!"

Hadrian cast his eyes wildly about, somewhat embarrassed. "Er – ah – of course, Li – ahhh, Sir Link."

Link abruptly let him go and pivoted on his heel, charging down the nearest flight of stairs.

Hadrian stared after him as the hero reached the ground and wove expertly into the crowded street. He and the gatekeeper shared similar expressions of bemusement.

"What was that about?" said Cyrus, scratching the back of his neck.

He shrugged, "Hell if I know." He swept his eyes over the buildings and stalls below, watching the people rushing around as they carried on their daily work. The wind blew a coarse breeze in his face, a dog barked. Link was already lost to sight, and Hadrian could only surmise that he was thundering full pelt toward the castle.

He sighed. They were about finished their rounds anyways. May as well head back. Calling goodbye to Cyrus, he started down the ramparts at a much more leisurely pace. He'd never understand Link's idiosyncrasies, and he doubted he ever would. It was a waste of time and energy to think about.

As he made his way slowly to the castle he didn't know then that his words, seemingly innocent in nature, would inspire Link to carry out his next course of action. He was not to know that he had started a reaction that could only end in disaster.


Sometimes she found she had conflicting feelings about her office. Often it was a haven of sorts, somewhere to retreat to when the activity at court became too much for her. She liked to nestle down on the plush sofa with a good book, letting the warmth of the fireplace wash over her and nursing a warm cup of tea. Those were moments of bliss. Other times, more recently that is, it was a prison. It was not high up in a tower like the room Zant had locked her in during the invasion, but it did share other aspects. For one, the longer she stayed the more the walls seemed to close in around her, and everything became more oppressive. She felt…cold, trapped, only this time it was of her own choosing. Technically she could leave whenever she wanted, but she'd forbidden herself from stepping foot out of the room as long as there was work to be done. Or at least until nightfall, which was more hours away than she cared to think about.

Zelda worked diligently at her desk, a sturdy mahogany; a beautiful antique that had been passed down through a series of royal successors, embellished with golden marking and depictions of triforces at each corner. It was well polished with not a scratch lining its elegant surface.

She dabbed her quill in the ink pot and continued her writing, eyes growing heavy. She covered a yawn and stared at the wall. Really, she was too tired to be thinking. Perhaps if she just closed her eyes…only for a moment…just a short nap.

Gradually, her body slumped and tilted to the side. All at once she shot up, slamming a fist down on the desk.

No! There was work to be done and she was almost finished. She could sleep all she wanted after.

She sighed as she noticed a black splotch had been made on the paper from where her pen had dripped. She planted the pen back in the inkwell and waved her hand over the parchment. The spilled ink rose from the paper and with a flick of her wrist, slithered back into the jar.

Apparently she needed a break. She rose from her chair and rang for tea before going to lie down on the sofa, then decided against it and sat up straight. She didn't need her body shutting down quite yet.

Later, she promised herself. Later.

Idly she glanced over at the door, her thoughts directed to that last encounter with Link.

Guilt welled up in her chest as she thought back to a few days ago. She felt horrible for sending him away like that, but he was a big distraction for her. Whenever he was nearby it was as if she was compelled to have no other thoughts but of him. Now that she thought about it, he tended to crop up in her mind a lot when he wasn't anywhere nearby too. For some reason her attention always revolved around him.

Hmmm… Must be his dashing good looks. He'd managed to infatuate half the ladies at court with his appearance alone. Goodness knows his personality was nothing to vie for. He was about as antisocial as a redead, and whenever he did speak it was very blunt and factual as if he were planning out war strategies. He just didn't see the point in light talk. It was a wonder how he had made it into numerous social circles; they must have found his serious demeanour charming.

Yet there was something about him that she couldn't help but cherish. Every time he smiled good-naturedly at a stranger, how he was never above doing the simplest little tasks if it meant assisting another, or how he took on the most difficult challenges with that warrior gleam in his eye. That gleam, like the one he'd had during their final confrontation against Ganondorf, made her heart flutter every time…

It was just so damn sensual.

She missed him… She'd barely seen him ever since she began working on this blasted treaty, and when she did it was in mere glimpses. He'd be down in the yard, training with his troops, while she glided along a corridor two stories above, catching sight of him as she peered out a window.

And how she loved watching him train. Summer especially proved to be the best time for Link-watching. The days would be so hot that he would take off his tunic and undershirt to fight bare-chested. It never ceased to mesmerize her as she studied all those bumps and ridges that formed the contours of his muscles, sweat gleaming off his skin making him shine in the light of the sun. More than once she'd been guilty of stealing his hawkeye mask just to ogle him from afar. Of all the ladies who spied on him, she satisfied herself with knowing she always had the best view.

Her musings were interrupted as her tea arrived, carried in by a petite maid who set the tray down on her desk, poured a cup, and lastly turned to her with a curtsy.

"Is there anything else you'll be needing, majesty?"

Zelda waved a dismissive hand. "That will be all for now."

"As your majesty wishes."

The door clicked shut on her departure and Zelda got up, moving back toward the desk. She plopped down in the chair and carried her cup to her lips, breathing in the warm steam before sipping softly.

Moderately refreshed, she decided to get some more work done. The thought of Link in all his shirtless glory was ample motivation to finish as soon as possible; it was nearing the end of spring after all.

A cool wind blew in through the window, breaking into two paths on either side of her chair and rustling the edges of her papers. Zelda moved a glass paperweight over the stack and continued writing.

Soon loud voices could be heard coming from outside.

Zelda thought nothing of it and flicked her hand above her head. The window slammed shut and a small click signalled that it had latched.

Her ears flicked at the almost indistinct sound of a clink...

That was the only warning she had before the windows behind her burst inward, shattering into thousands of pieces. Zelda just managed to swerve around, erecting a barrier in the same motion, in time to divert the glass. She let the shield fall and raised her arms for an attack. A pair of startling blue eyes caught the light as they entered into the room and peered at her from within the frame.

Slowly she put her hands down, eyebrows high on her head. "Link?" They then angled downward to form a confused frown. "Link, what are you doing?"

Link climbed through the window and strode forward, boots crunching on the shards. Her eyes widened as she took in his…unusual appearance. He had seemingly discarded his noble's garments to wear leathers in various shades of grey and black. Slung across his shoulders was a cloak fastened in the front by a silver clasp. His eyes gleamed from beneath his hood.

Her breath caught, heart pounding frantically within her chest.

He smiled a devious little smirk that spoke of naughty naughty things.

"Why, my little queen... I'm here to kidnap you."


I was so nervous posting this. I have never written anything so sappy before, but meh, first time for everything. (Sappy content will actually be in the later chapters :P)