I hope you all like the story so far. As always, I apologize for mistakes and will try to fix them. I am quite happy with how this is turning out and hope to keep writing regularly…but you know how life is.

3

xxxXXXxxx

I inhaled the comforting scent of the pages of the old, heavy book in my lap. The library was one of the only places that remained in the castle where I was certain I would not be disturbed. I was trying to concentrate on my studies; familiarizing myself with Hyrule's history. My father had always voiced the importance of historic events, believing that the royal family still possessed some of the ancestral powers that legends described. I had never felt it, but he believed I possessed such power, saying the subtle marking on the back of my hand proved its existence. I have often argued with him, as he wanted me to pray to the goddesses and try and harness this ethereal power. I had never taken the matter seriously until now, having nothing else to turn to.

The number of guards patrolling the castle grounds increased in the days following the night I met...him. My absence was noted when I did not make an appearance at breakfast the morning following and the prince had retaliated by keeping me confined to the castle grounds. I had originally planned to return to the castle that night…if I had, my outing would have gone unnoticed. But after everything that transpired that evening, I did not feel that it was safe to leave the inn alone. I now regret my impulsive decision to leave the castle to begin with, not realizing how dangerous Hyrule had become.

When I returned to the castle at daybreak, I had attempted to sneak through the back corridors that I had used to leave. I had hoped that there was a chance that I would be unnoticed. Unfortunately, I was caught by one of the prince's soldiers, and he immediately took me to Prince Ganon. I had resisted at first, struggling to free myself from his strong grasp, but he forced me to comply. As he escorted me to the prince, he told me how worried the prince was about my welfare. I had nearly rolled my eyes, knowing that in truth, he needed me alive to secure the throne.

The Erevanian guard took me to what was formerly my father's study. He had ushered me inside the dimly lit room and shut heavy wood door behind me, leaving me alone with the prince. He was sitting at my father's large desk, focused on his writing as if he had not heard me enter. I swallowed nervously as I knew not what he was going to do with me. After a moment, he finally gazed up to me and smiled his usual fictitious grin, making me inwardly cringe. His eyes were fiery amber, almost glowing in the dim candlelight. For the first time, I felt truly afraid of what he was capable of.

He spoke in his usual false voice, telling me how grateful he was that I was unharmed. He stood and approached me, taking my hands in his. I had nearly flinched at his course touch but I stopped myself, knowing full well that making him angry would only heighten my punishment. I played the part well; sounding like the submissive princess that I knew he wanted me to be. I must have appeased him, because he only promised to increase the security of the castle, still giving me free roam within.

Thankful, I had turned to leave as I thought he was finished reprimanding me, but he was not. He snatched my hand and pulled me back to him. He was disturbingly close to me, making my stomach drop. I had sworn that I could smell a trace of whiskey on his breath. He took his hands and pulled my face to him and kissed me on the forehead and called me 'my sweet wife to be' before dismissing me. I nearly retched before hurrying back to my chambers, sickened by his attempt at intimacy.

I slammed the book closed on my lap as I recalled the feeling. My attempts to concentrate were in vain as too many thoughts clouded my mind. Eyeing the symbol on the back of my hand, I sighed as hopelessness washed over me. I rose and placed the book on the table, leaving it for another time. I wandered over to one of the great arched windows and looked up at the faint stars in the skies of twilight. As I gazed at the sky, the darkening blue color reminded me of the man that rescued me.

That night, when I looked into his fierce azure eyes, my breath had stilled. I had this overwhelming feeling that I had seen him before…but I could not place when or where…it vexed me so. He must have served in the castle before the usurper took over, but there were too many positions to determine where. I want to see him again; I must know where he came from…who he is…his real name.

I find it difficult to sleep at night as this mysterious man consumes my thoughts. I replay the events of that night in my mind, remembering the warm feeling in my heart when I looked upon his face. I was surprised when he let go of my hand, allowing me to push back the hood hiding his identity. His wild appearance was enticing, more so than the quintessential tidiness of most noblemen that I have met. My breath had stopped when his eyes met mine, sending an odd sensation through me. I have never lost my composure in such a way. Ever since he left me, my unrelenting intrigue in him has been maddening; I cannot conclude as to why he is constantly crossing my mind. I closed my eyes, and felt my heartbeat in my chest as I remembered…

"Lost in thought, Your Highness?"

I jumped and turned around to see a figure standing before me. I was relieved to see that it was Impa, my nursemaid, standing with her arms crossed. I brought my hand to my chest and tried to calm myself. She was the only person left in the castle that I knew I could trust…she was like a mother to me.

"Impa…you startled me." I said between breaths. Being of the Sheikah race, she always snuck up on me, something I could never get accustomed to.

"Pardon me, I did not mean to frighten you…however you do make it much too easy." We both smiled to each other, knowing full well it was the truth.

"What is it, Impa?" Her teasing gave me hope that she bore good news.

"His grace, Prince Ganon, had to return to Erevan, leaving Count Valin in control. He shall be back in a few weeks time for the Masquerade Ball in honour of your…betrothal."

My heart leapt in my chest, but then dropped again. I had completely forgotten about the festivities that he had arranged. It made me sick to further solidify the betrothal, but I promised myself that I would use my few weeks of freedom to figure out how to end it.

"Why must he travel to Erevan?"

"…His stepfather, the King of Erevan, has passed. He must go pay his respects."

The news did not shock me, nor did it change the circumstances of the situation. The king was so old that the prince was already ruling the kingdom of Erevan. His stepfather, ridden with dementia, was merely acting as an advisor. Though I doubted that the prince even listened to his council.

"I suppose that makes him the new king of Erevan?"

"It does, but he will not be king of Hyrule legitimately until you…wed him. As of now, he is still only in power by military force. The two kingdoms are yet to be united." I looked down in sadness and she lowered her voice. "…Do not worry, I am sure we will find a way to be rid of him."

"Has there been word of my father?"

"I am sorry to say that there has not been word of His Majesty…" I felt tears form in my eyes. "…But I am sure he is well…and is coming back to exile the usurper."

"I do hope so, Impa."

"…I have been ordered to escort you to your chambers for the night, though." I nodded in acceptance. She did this every night now, as it was prince's way to be sure I remained in the castle.

"I understand."

I was not yet tired, but I did not argue with her. I sighed to myself and she led me out of the library and walked me through the dark hallways, and up the staircase to my chambers. She led me inside my bedroom and helped me out of my gown and into my nightdress. Once she finished, she bid me goodnight and I climbed into my canopy bed.

I lay there, staring at the draping fabric of my canopy. My thoughts again wandered to Robin Hood. I wondered if he was well...and if he has thought of me too since that night. I shut my eyes and tried to shake away the thought of him, but my efforts were in vain. I had to try and see him again.

My eyes flew open and I sprung from my bed, whipping the covers off of me. I went to my wardrobe and changed into a simple violet dress. Grabbing my old cloak, I swung it around me and went to the door of my bedroom. I leaned against it, listened for the footsteps of Impa or a patrolling guard. I heard nothing and slowly opened my grand, white door, peering through the crack. The dim light from the torches did not allow me much of a view, but I felt that I was safe to leave.

I quickly slipped out of my chambers, silently shutting the door behind me. I released the handle and began to make my way down the hallway. The dim lighting made me uneasy as I could easily run into a guard without any warning. I felt fear begin to rush through my veins as I hastily crept down the stairs, making my way to the basement corridors; my best chance of escape. The eyes of the people in the paintings on the walls seemed to follow me as I roamed through the darkness. I felt a chill run down my spine and quickened my pace.

I had nearly reached the turn that led to one of the basement staircases, when I heard voices approaching me from afar. I froze, listening, trying to determine the direction they were heading. As they grew louder I panicked. I quickly crouched in the shadows of a stone statue; just in time for Count Valin and a woman I did not know to step into the light of a nearby torch. I assumed she was his wife, based on the way she held onto his arm as they strolled. I held my breath and remained frozen, hoping they did not know of my presence.

"I do not understand why that princess resists His Grace. She is lucky that he has even bothered with her." The woman spoke in a wicked tone.

"Our lord has his reasons, my love." My suspicions were correct: she was indeed the countess. "However, if I were the prince...or king, I would be rid of her and make you my queen. Your beauty and wit surpasses hers." The countess smiled and leaned into her husband. He kissed the top of her head; slightly messing up her perfectly combed deep brown hair.

"You speak the truth and yet, he continues to pursue the naive girl." I felt my stomach turn as I realized that she was referring to me.

"He argues that it is the most desirable way to secure his position. The people of this kingdom will better accept him if he keeps her by his side." They walked past my hiding place and I silently let out a breath as I watched them walk away.

"I suppose…"

"Do not fret, my love. It does not mean that her reign as queen will be...long." My blood turned to ice and I felt as if the floor beneath me fell away. Somehow, I remained hidden in the darkness as the sounds of their combined laughter faded away. I hoped that their words were mere suggestion, but the pit in my stomach assured me it was most likely truth. I clenched my hand that had the marking on it and left the cover of the statue.

I nearly ran down the hallway, quickly approaching the turn to the basement. My heartbeat was in my throat and I tried to take in deeper breaths to calm it; telling myself it was okay repeatedly in my mind. Reaching the corridor to the staircase, I looked back to be sure the count and his wife were not following me before abruptly turning the corner. Not looking in the direction I was now headed, I gasped as I ran into something...rather someone.

"Whatever are you running from, My Dear?" A pair of strong, cold hands grabbed both of my shoulders, steadying me from the impact of the collision. I froze at the phony voice that I knew too well, now face-to-face with my betrothed.

"Pardon me, Your Grace, I was merely searching for you...I simply wished to bid you farewell and offer my condolences." Despite my terror, I was glad that I managed to keep my regal composure, knowing that one wrong word would be my ruin. If I told him the truth...I did not want to even imagine how he would retaliate.

"Ah, so the nursemaid has told you. I had wished to speak to you myself." His amber eyes seemed to flash in the torchlight. "My father's passing is tragic, yes, but the real tragedy is that I must be apart from you when I travel to Erevan for the funeral." I bit my tongue to suppress a gag, yet I retained my regal face.

"Indeed...I shall anxiously await your return." He smiled, pleased by my response.

"Do not fret, I shall be back in time for the ball." He took a step closer to me and it took all of my willpower to remain standing where I was. "I would not miss it for the world."

"Neither would I." I breathlessly forced the words off my tongue. He leaned in closer and brushed a strand of hair from my face. My muscles froze at his coarse touch. Before I knew it, his lips briefly met mine. I pulled away first, shocked and horrified. He had left a bitter taste in my mouth.

"I am afraid I must depart tonight...but I shall count the days until my return." He released me and I slowly backed away from him, appalled.

"I shall as well," I nearly whispered; I had little strength left, "Be safe...my prince."

I turned and walked back around the corner I had just come around, before he could say anything else to me. I walked with haste until I reached the staircase that led to the hallway of my chambers. As I climbed the stairs, my composure was slowly slipping from me and my breaths became shallower. By the time I reached the top, I was sobbing in a panic. I broke into a run and felt tears flow down my cheeks.

I reached my bedroom and quickly entered, slamming my door behind me. I slid down the back of it and brought my knees to my chest. I had no control over my breathing and my face fell into my arms. I sat there crying uncontrollably, wishing for the same comforting embrace I had received in the rain nights ago...by him.