Chapter 4
Zelda took her time arranging her supplies in the guest room. She only brought necessities along, a practice which she felt like she could easily adopt if she were not subject to the expectations of royalty. Admiring how Link never allowed himself to become burdened with possessions caused her impassive expression to break into a smile. Her perplexing feelings toward him, however, returned with a vengeance, refusing to remain unaddressed any longer. What exactly did she hope to accomplish from her stay at the ranch? Why was she deliberately placing herself in a position that would only incite gossip and suspicion once she returned to the castle?
She didn't have an answer to her questions, and was so engrossed in her thoughts of Link that she failed to notice Malon standing in the doorway until she caught her reflection in the mirror.
"Oh!" Zelda gasped, dropping the brush she held.
Malon rushed to pick it up. "Sorry to startle you, Your Highness. I just came to see if I could get you anything."
"No, thank you, Malon," Zelda replied, studying her intently.
During his visits to the castle, Link would often speak fondly of his time at Lon Lon Ranch, especially of the hospitality of Malon. Zelda always knew Malon was a dear friend to Link, but she hadn't been aware of how stunning she was! Malon's sweet and genuine nature only added to her beauty, which she imagined was capable of enchanting anyone in her vicinity.
Even Link? She pondered momentarily before Malon interrupted her reverie.
She shifted uneasily, revealing the true nature of her visit. "I apologize for my behavior earlier…"
"Oh, please don't worry!" Zelda chimed in without skipping a beat. "I just hope I am not intruding and I'm sorry you had no advanced notice. Link seemed to think you would be okay with it."
Malon's face softened at the mention of Link. "Yes, Link knows me very well…"
Zelda nodded in consideration. "I see…Link and I have also known each other for many years and I know he would never deliberately do something to offend a friend."
As the two exchanged stories about their history with Link, Zelda found herself overcome with emotions that were unfamiliar to her and emotions she was not altogether sure she trusted. Immediately, she recognized Malon's affection for Link, but it wasn't until Malon shared a story of Link rescuing her ranch from bandits a year ago that she realized Malon's feelings were a reflection of her own. She, too, was in love with Link!
But how can that be? Zelda insisted, stubbornly refusing to accept the astonishing realization her mind just unveiled. I've known Link for years…how could I just be aware of this now? Besides, I'm betrothed…
Malon, too, seemed aware of Zelda's tenderness for Link as their friendly reminiscing had suddenly transformed into a subtle competition. It was so subtle that the challenge rested more on the implication of what was being said rather than the actual words.
"Link really does love traveling, Your Highness…in fact, I'm not even sure how long he intends to stay in Hyrule."
"Perhaps he would love his travels more with the right company," Zelda suggested.
Malon's eyes widened briefly in surprise at the nature of their conversation, but she quickly rose to the challenge. "Someone whose wanderlust matched his own."
"Someone who could provide for herself…" Zelda replied, feeling confident that Malon would back down at the mention of wealth. Nothing could have prepared Zelda for Malon's retort.
"Someone who could leave her life of luxury behind and accompany him."
Shocked, Zelda blinked and started to respond several times but found any response that came to her mind a feeble retort. Obviously sensing her resignation, Malon dropped the matter and changed the subject. While Zelda normally valued such humility, she found it now only fueled her fury. How she wished Malon would have grinned triumphantly or said any conceited remark. Anything to validate her frustration! It was after she was left to her thoughts that Zelda found herself gazing at the Triforce of Wisdom engraved on her hand. As if attempting to communicate with her, the Triforce glowed a light blue before fading to match her pale complexion.
Instead of providing her the clarity and guidance she desperately sought regarding her perplexing newfound affection for Link, she only found herself more bewildered. That bewilderment soon transformed into a foreboding she could not shake for the remainder of the day.
Awakening to the crow of the Lon Lon cucco, Link wasted no time gathering some light provisions and fishing rods. He promised to take Zelda around parts of Hyrule she had not had the opportunity to traverse and fishing at Lake Hylia if time permitted. As he was securing the supplies to Epona's saddlebag, he noticed Malon struggling to transfer a jug of milk to the Conestoga wagon she used to transport ranch products to various parts of Hyrule. Resting the poles against the barn, he hustled over.
"Here, allow me…" Link spoke, hoisting the jug upon the trailer. The gaze she favored him with was void of the contempt that governed her demeanor yesterday.
"Oh, thank you, Link…" she trailed in a manner that seemed to suggest she had more to say. "Listen, about earlier…"
Link shook his head. "Don't worry about it," he responded in stride before proceeding to inform her of the castle intruder.
Now she understood and felt more ashamed than ever at her behavior, yet to her delight, Link made no mention of it as he apologized for failing to consider how his mysterious absence must have impacted her.
"It's okay, Link. I had no idea what was going on and I was just worried…" She stepped closer and clasped his hands tenderly. The meaningful gaze he favored her with emboldened her to speak more candidly. "You mean so much to me and I hope you don't ever forget that."
Failing to prevent her face from turning deep crimson, she glanced down, beholding the daisies that blossomed around them. Link occasionally would gift her a bouquet of wild flowers during his stay, explaining it was to express his gratitude for her hospitality during his time at the ranch. How she wished his intention for bestowing such a gift matched her unrequited love for him, but nevertheless, his thoughtfulness caused her to crack a smile.
"I know, Malon, and I likewise value you more than you know," he replied with a sincerity that made her heart flutter. Perhaps after all of these frustrating years he finally understood how she felt. Perhaps he returned her affections and, like her, was too timid to confess them. Only as she pulled away and glanced into his eyes, her hopes were dashed.
"I'm taking Zelda around Hyrule this morning. Would you like to join us?"
A disenchantment swept over her face which she hurried to turn away and conceal. However, she did not react fast enough.
"Malon?" Link spoke, gently reaching for her arm. "What's wrong?"
At his touch, she sighed. How could he be so oblivious to her love for him after she had just been so vulnerable? This was not the first time either. On his last visit the two shared a sunset stroll around the ranch, during which she braved herself to inquire of his romantic life. He immediately chuckled, doubting that anyone would choose to commit to a wandering mercenary such as himself. Disregarding him, she acknowledged all of the qualities she'd come to admire in him, explaining that whoever won his heart would be the luckiest maiden in the world. Instead of detecting her obvious interest, he broke into a grin and quipped, "Let me know when you find her!"
"Malon?" he repeated, his handsome face etched in concern.
Forcing a smile, she turned to face him. "Nothing's wrong. Just forget it, Link."
He easily saw through her charade. "You can tell me anything, Malon. I care a lot about you and whatever it is I promise I won't be angry."
Malon sighed. Link sure wasn't making this easy! Suddenly, a concern came to her that she hadn't considered before, which temporarily displaced her despair. "Listen, Link…don't you find it odd?"
"Find what odd?" he asked, gazing down at her perplexedly.
"The princess. The fact that she's here when she is betrothed. She never once mentioned her fiancé to you?"
"I was curious, but I didn't want to pry…I'm sure she'll confide in us when she's ready," Link spoke assuredly, although he didn't appear convinced himself.
"I don't know, Link," Malon spoke, apprehensively. "Something just doesn't seem right."
"What are you really concerned about, Malon?"
Feeling her longing return, she glanced down, finding that the daisies which moments ago made her smile now just served as irritating reminders of Link's obliviousness. She was about to reply when she noticed Zelda approaching. Link's attention was quickly swept away the moment she acknowledged them, and it was clear to see that her unrivaled beauty even captivated Link who appeared awestruck at the way her regal gown accentuated her perfect contours. Even the way the princess mounted and sat atop Epona was the definition of elegance. How could she compete with that? As they departed the ranch, she smiled dismally, chastising herself for not confessing her feelings to Link the many opportunities she had throughout the years.
"I've finished it!" Wade declared.
Reeve glanced at the bottle uneasily. "Are you sure it will work? After all, you aren't known to stick to directions or plans."
"I assure you, dear brother. Everything is under control. One sip of this and the princess' affections for the swordsman will fade." Wade spoke confidently.
"Well if you're sure…" Reeve trailed until another thought occurred to him. "And what of her fiancé? How can we eliminate him from the picture?"
Wade chuckled. "Don't even give him another thought, brother."
There was something about the certainty in his voice that Reeve couldn't question, but it wasn't long before Reeve's mind was again in turmoil. Wade seemed so sure of himself suddenly…maybe his brother wasn't so dense and if so, did he plan this all along? What were his real intentions for the princess?
