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Chapter Seven – The start of something new

Zelda's POV

Duty.

I hate that word.

Before be, grovelling on his knees is Prince Larenzo of Holodrum. Yes, he still looks like a Hylian Loach. And, yes, he still wants to marry me. Despite my previous six letters politely declining his flattering proposal, he has appeared in person to make a renewed attempt for my heart and hand.

It is my duty to hear him out.

It is my duty to marry. I accept that - I am the sole heir to the throne of Hyrule and I must ensure the succession of my family. I am prepared for this. I accept it and I believe I shall be a good wife and mother when the time comes.

It is my duty to sit and listen politely and refrain from thinking about the way the sun shines so brightly just outside my window or the plans that have been ruined due to Larenzo's untimely arrival.

It is my duty to behave as a Princess. I cannot interrupt his droning voice and I must appear to be interested.

It is my duty to allow him to take my hands in his limp clasp and kiss them both with that fishy wet mouth of his. I must even smile a little.

It is my duty to resist the urge to shudder. I must remain calm and collected. And I must never let him know that I would sooner die than say 'yes' to his proposal. I must not let him see how much his touch repulses me.

It is my duty to be kind.

Duty – how I hate that word!


Half an hour later and he is still trying to convince me to accept his offer. I am losing my patience. I cannot expect to be rescued from this, for my father has forbidden the guards from interrupting this interview. It is easy for him to tell me that I must hear the man out yet remain adamant in my refusal. I must tell him that Hyrule does not seek and alliance with Holodrum. He is not sitting here listening to a smug little worm of a man droning on about how he loves me.

He is older than my father and I find even the idea of marrying him quite revolting.

He refuses to listen to me. Perhaps he thinks if he asks me enough times I will eventually give in. Were it a simple matter not involving my own happiness, I probably would. But this is not a simple matter. This is my future and the future of my people. The only reason I am not rude to him is that I am trying not to wound his pride.

It is strange how two years can change a person.

Standing on that balcony two years ago, I never would have believed that his words would have had such an impact on me. That Link found me conceited and spoilt did not worry me at the time. I was so angry that I cared not for his opinion. He was right about me though. I was conceited and spoilt.

Before that night I had never considered how a persons words and actions would affect the hearts of others. It was not until he had been banished to Outset and I began to think how I would feel if I was dragged from all that I knew and loved that I felt the impact of his words. I had never thought of my subjects as people before. I always thought they were there to serve me - their future queen.

And once I began considering that and remembering the look of confusion on his face as he was dragged before my father, merely because he was believed to be my protector, I realised that he would blame me. That blame would lead to hatred. His words on the balcony confirmed that. I believed that for those two long years of exile, his hatred for me would only increase.

I became determined that when he came home, he would find me a changed person. The conceited little girl would be gone and in her place would be a Princess, determined to lead her people with kindness and altruism. And since that time, although I do have my moments, I do try to consider others before myself. I believe it will make me a better ruler. A monarch is there to serve their country. The country is not there to serve a monarch.

I hardly knew what to think when I was informed he was returning to Hyrule. My entire birthday was ruined because I was so afraid he would still think I was a rude little girl.

How my fears were unfounded. I do believe Link is incapable of bearing a grudge against anyone. He was so kind and so understanding when we spoke I felt as though I had known him all my life. And when I told him that I was trying not to be a conceited brat anymore, he laughed and said he was trying not to be a simple peasant and asked me how I thought he was doing.

And from that moment on we became friends.

I wonder what he is doing today?

A movement captures my attention again. I flush as I realise my mind has been wandering. Larenzo stands only a mere breath away from me. His pallid face is so close I can see the veins and warts previously concealed and his rancid breath washes over me.

It is my duty to remain perfectly composed. My heart ignores its duty as it begins to go into a panic.

"Larenzo – what are you doing?" I stammer. I take a step back but his face does not distance itself from me.

This man is older than my father. Gods, what am I to do?

"Princess…I cannot bear it anymore." His voice is low and full of desire. I step back again. Gods, how can I stop him?

"Prince, please…" I begin. My voice is squeaky with panic and my whole body is trembling with fear. I am not a weakling. I am the Princess of the most powerful country in the world. I can handle this.

My little pep talk does nothing to boost my confidence. In fact, I think I am feeling worse. What does this beast intend? What will I do? Oh gods, I am so frightened.

I jump with alarm as his arms enfold my waist and he pulls me closer.

"I must have you, Princess." His voice is thick and his eyes are dark. He towers over me. He is a big man and his bulk gives him strength. I feel tiny and fragile next to him. It is not a good feeling. It is my duty to be calm and strong in this nightmare but I do not stop my body from struggling against him.

"Unhand me." I order in the strongest voice I can muster.

"Nonsense." He breathes over me and I struggle with renewed vigour. "You just need a little persuasion, my little Princess…"

"No!" I scream. His vile face gets closer. Oh gods, someone please help me.

"What, in the name of Din, do you think you are doing?"

By Farore, Din and Nayru I have never been more relieved in my life. Larenzo jumps and I wrench myself from his loathsome grasp. Link marches across the room and with one hand pulls me so that I am stood behind him. My panic abates instantly. This is the first time I have ever been rescued in such a manner and though I wish I had been able to help myself, I own that it is nice to be stood behind a tall, strong and (admittedly) handsome man who is ready and willing to fight your battles for you.

Larenzo flushes as he meets Link's eyes. "Who are you?" He snarls.

"It does not matter." For one who is so serene and calm, Link sounds furious. I notice that he has drawn his sword. "Get out."

Larenzo's hand impulsively reaches for his own sword hilt. "I wouldn't if I were you." Link's voice is a little softer now but he raises his sword so that it its point is resting against Prince Larenzo's neck.

A flash of recognition burns in Larenzo's eyes as his contemptuous gaze washes over Link. "Oh, you are that pathetic little farmer they employed to look after her, aren't you? What's your name – Lunk?"

"Link."

"Whatever. Understand this, Peasant, you would do well to withdraw this pretty little sword and leave this instant. You're out of your depth, boy." I flush with embarrassment. Is it not bad enough that Larenzo has been caught trying to molest me but now he must insult my friend?

To my surprise, Link starts to laugh. "My place, Sir, is right here at the side of my Princess." I have to admit, that is sweet of him, considering he was practically forced into this job. "I don't care what you think of me but I will not have you causing her any embarrassment. It is my duty and privilege to ensure the Princess is happy at all times. If you are bothering her, I will have no choice but to remove you from her presence." I hear the threatening note as it creeps back into his voice. "Thus, Your Highness, you have two options, either leave now with your dignity in tact or I will throw you from the castle. It is your choice."

Larenzo surely knows he has been beaten. Especially since Link's next words are addressed to me, "Is he bothering you, Princess?" I glance over to where Larenzo squirms. Link still holds the point of his sword against his plump neck.

"Prince Larenzo." I am pleased to note my voice has returned to its usual timbre and I have stopped shaking. I step out from behind Link though I know that I am still so close I can feel his body heat. His presence gives me courage. I nod at him and he withdraws his sword. "Understand me, sir. I will never marry you. I would ask you to leave."

There is nothing for him to do but bow and beat a hasty retreat. Link calls a couple of guards to escort him from my presence. As soon as he is gone, my legs give way under me. For the second time in the space of as many minutes, Link rescues me.

When I am seated on a chair a moment later, with Link kneeling at my feet gazing up at me, anxiety writ in those big blue eyes of his I begin to think that having a sworn protector isn't such a bad thing after all.


I sometimes wonder if Link likes me. Occasionally when I glance his way I see a strange look in his eyes, a kind of beautiful pain that is his alone to bear. I cannot describe it fully for I see the look so rarely but it does make me curious.

I can hardly remember the time before he was here with me. Two months have passed since the Larenzo incident and here I am again, facing yet another marriage proposal. It seems the celebration of my eighteenth birthday was the trigger that opened the floodgates to my would-be suitors.

The current specimen is the Duke Inorost of Snowpeak. To his credit, he is a better prospect than Larenzo. He is not bad looking, he has wealth to his name and he is still in his prime. It would be a good political match for we need the territory but his limbs are so long and from what I can see, hairy he looks like a tektite, and he is so boring. So boring that I can in fact feel my brain switching off as he continues to drone on.

His voice is comparable to pouring rain - rain that hasn't stopped for three days. It is my duty to hear him out and be polite but I am desperate to say something, anything, to stop this dirge. This being the seventh proposal I have received in the last month I am getting good at knowing what to say. Well it isn't like I haven't had the practice!

And even if all else fails, I now have a secret weapon in my arsenal. It's probably about time to use it. I cough softly. When Inorost does not even pause for breath, let alone give me chance to speak, I cough again.

Right on cue there comes a soft knock on the chamber door. I hope my apology to Inorost is sincere and my relief does not show on my face. I grant the intruder entrance. If anything this gives me a chance to dismiss my poor suitor gently.

The door opens slowly to reveal Link. My secret weapon has arrived.

I smile warmly at him and I see the hint of a grin on his face as he bows. Next to me Inorost scrambles to his feet, his face red with annoyance. Perhaps it is the vision of a much younger, and let me be honest for a moment, far more desirable man than he can ever be, on the threshold of my chamber that angers him so. Or perhaps he is annoyed to be found flung on the floor, kissing the hem of my dress.

"Princess, I do apologise for intruding." Link's soft voice is like music to my ears, especially after Inorost's mournful tones. He faces the duke and nods in greeting. "Your grace."

"What is it?" I try to make my voice sound impatient and hide the smile from my face.

"I did not realise you were still engaged." He replies, the twinkle in his eyes almost makes a choke of laughter escape but I retain iron control over myself.

"Lord Inorost was just leaving."

Inorost has no intention of leaving, he signals this by sitting down resolutely on the chair he had so recently vacated in favour of throwing himself at my feet. Link looks a little bemused by this. I control my urge to giggle.

"You are intruding, Sir." Even when he is trying to reprimand a servant his voice sounds tired and woeful. He would never make a good king. "The Princess and I were not to be disturbed."

"True, sir, but that instruction is over an hour old and I was getting worried. It is my duty to protect her from…um… people and I wondered if she was being detained against her will." How Link can say all that with a straight face is beyond me. I try to turn my giggles into a coughing fit.

Inorost is clearly offended. He jumps up from the chair, as he does, his long legs get tangled and he almost falls flat on his face. It is my duty to step in and smooth his ruffled feathers but I cannot. It has only taken one look at Link's face – a picture of sheer astonishment – to reduce me to tears of laughter.

Link has clearly been learning the ropes from Varjo.

"L-lord…Ino…rost …" I manage to utter his name between gasps. "I'm so sorry but I can…"

"Not accept your flattering proposal." Link finishes my sentence for me when I fall into fits of giggles again. He smiles sympathetically at the offended man and says, "I'm afraid to tell you, my lord, that the Princess is a flirt." He glances over at me and shakes his head. "It is unfortunate, I know, and you are not the first who has been shot down by her. She promises the world and never delivers. Why, only last week, King Orwald of Termina was sent packing with nothing but her lies to console him."

What a blatant lie! King Orwald only visited to discuss policy with my father.

"And the week before that, our own Duke Faron almost sent himself into exile, so broken was his heart when she so cruelly rejected him. I would count yourself fortunate, sir, that you still have your obvious vigour and charm about you."

Duke Faron is better known as Varjo and I think the great lake would freeze over before anyone could deflate his ego. I swear I will kill Link as soon as I can get my hands around his throat.

Link smiles sweetly at the Prince. "I am certain there are many better prospects for a handsome man like you in this world than this flirt."

Inorost is now purple with rage. I have calmed my giggles. "Link, do go away." I order him but he stands his ground.

"Princess, I believe it is best for your poor suitor to have his opportunity to escape you." He replies in that same serene tone.

I could kill him.

I take a step forward but he stops me by raising his hand. "Allow me to escort you, your grace." He grins at me as he takes poor Inorost's arm in a friendly, vice-like grip and steers him towards the door. Despite his protests and anger, he is led inexorably away from my side. I hear Link's voice advising Inorost that he has just escaped a veritable vipers nest and that he should thank the gods for such release. The door is closed firmly behind the poor duke and I thank the gods on my own account for sending me such a man as Link to protect me.

As soon as Link has made sure Inorost has been safely escorted away from me he returns. How somebody so placid and sweet as he is can be so rude is beyond me. He is a constant source of amusement and amazement to me.

"Link?"

"Yes, Princess?"

I bound over to him and hug him. I think he rather surprised by this. "Thank you." I kiss his cheek and to my amusement he blushes. I see that odd look in his eyes again for a tiny moment and then it is gone. Perhaps he does like me.

It is strange how two years can change someone so completely.


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