(A/N) The Festival of Din is a week-long celebration in Hyrule, so each of the next seven chapters consist of one day of the Festival. Enjoy!


Link walked across the airport terminal to the baggage claim. He was back in Hyrule for the Festival of Din, an epic week-long festival hosted in Castletown he had only ever heard tales about in Calatia. He couldn't wait to see Zelda again; he had missed her a lot more than he would care to admit. It was like everything he did while in his hometown, Link wished his girlfriend was there to experience with him. Nothing seemed as exciting when Zelda wasn't there for him to share it with.

But Link was excited. He was a few short minutes away from seeing his gorgeous Princess again. Link bounced on the balls of his feet while waiting for his suitcase to appear on the carousel. He was eager to see Zelda and complain about how boring Calatia was and how much he missed Hyrule and Castletown. How he had previously passed the time by simply skating all over his parents' orchard was beyond him. He felt like he belonged in the big, bustling city of Castletown. But enough about the city, Link was determined to see his girl.

He grabbed his suitcase as soon as he saw it and practically ran to the exit of the airport. There, just outside the doors, was one of the trademark black SUVs used by the Royal Family. However, instead of seeing his beautiful Princess standing ready to greet him, Link saw Dover leaning nonchalantly against the doors of the car. Not that he wasn't happy to see one of his good friends, it's just that Dover was obviously not the person he was expecting.

"You don't have to look that disappointed," Dover rolled his eyes. "Zelda wanted to come, but she's swamped planning for the Festival."

"She's planning the Festival?" Link asked as he put his suitcase in the trunk of the car.

"It's one of the traditional jobs of the Princess," Dover shrugged. "She's been doing it for years, but she wanted this Festival to be over the top just for you, so don't complain if she can't spend that much time with you before the Festival." Dover skewered him with a sharp glare before climbing into the driver seat.

"How did she manage to plan the Festivals during the school year?" Link asked as he got into the passenger side of the SUV. The Festivals of Nayru and Farore were in November and March respectively, but Link never remembered Zelda saying anything about planning them.

"She got a pass because it was her first year in college and all," Dover explained. "I think she still laid out an overall plan or something though."

Link spent the rest of the drive to the castle trying to get details about the Festival out of Dover. The Sheikah was tightlipped, refusing to say anything about the surprises Zelda apparently had in store for him over the Festival week. As much as he tried, Link couldn't keep up with Dover's sarcastic and witty quips.

Dover pulled into the drive in front of the castle and put the car in park, "Zelda's probably in the second floor of the library. I'll get your suitcase and put it in the same room you were in at the beginning of the summer."

"Thanks, man," Link smiled and bolted out of the car and up the gravel path that led to the front doors. If he remembered correctly, there was a secret passage behind a second floor statue that led to a bookcase on the second floor of the library.

Link couldn't stop smiling as he climbed the narrow, steep staircase of the secret passage. He was going to see Zelda. They were only apart for, what, almost eight weeks, but it felt far too long to Link. Zelda kept him grounded; she was the constant rock in the whirlwind of his life. He needed her around all the time to make smart decisions for him because he was absolutely clueless without her. Link paused in his steps. He knew he loved Zelda, and he had told her as much, but this felt deeper. Was it because he hadn't seen her in a while? That had to be it; the past eight weeks had seen a build-up of feelings that Link had been unable to express.

Link continued to the end of the passage and quietly slipped open the bookcase that concealed the exit. Just as he remembered, Link had ended up on the second floor of the library, where Zelda was said to be. Link heard the distant sound of voices and quietly walked toward a table surrounded by people. There Zelda was sitting with Keira talking in soft voices with the numerous people. They all had large pieces of paper or huge binders brandished in the Princess' face. To her credit, Zelda was completely calm in the face of all the people seeking her attention and approval. An idea popped into Link's head, and he silently approached his girlfriend and her entourage.

"The idea was to center around warm colors," Zelda said as she contemplated the design in front of her. "As much as I like the concept of contrasting with dark colors, purple and blue aren't the right choices for that."

"Yes, Your Highness," the designer that held the paper bowed slightly before rolling up the design and leaving.

Zelda then turned her attention to the next piece of paper, "I love the red ranunculus as the highlight of the centerpiece. And the plumerias are just gorgeous." She turned to the next person who appeared to be the assistant of the flower person. "And we're using gladioli for the garden party decorations, yes?"

"Yes, Your Highness," the assistant nodded. "We thought of using shades of orange, red, and yellow per your instructions and accenting with gloriosa flowers."

"You know, Davis," Zelda placed a thoughtful finger on her chin. "There is a hybrid of gladioli that's a mix of yellow and orange. We should use those to accent the pieces outside as well."

"Excellent idea, Princess," Davis smiled. The flower people then bowed and took their leave.

Link smiled. He was standing at the table, and Zelda hadn't even noticed him. Keira raised her eyebrow at him, and he just smirked back.

"So that was my dress for the Closing Ball and flowers for the centerpieces for the Opening Ball and the garden party," Zelda crossed some items off the list in front of her. "What next, Keira?"

"How about taking a break and greeting you boyfriend?" Link asked nonchalantly.

Zelda's eye snapped to him and her mouth fell open, "Link!" She scrambled up out of her seat and rushed around the table to tackle him in a hug. "I can't believe I forgot when you were coming in. I was going to meet you at the airport, but then the caterers called saying they needed to move up the tasting for the garden party and then they wanted to go ahead and present the dinner for the Closing Ball as well, and then I was going to meet you at the door, but then the designers came and then my dress and the flowers, -"

"Yeah, you need a break," Link looked over Zelda's shoulder at Keira. "Can we get, like, an hour for lunch?"

"Sure, you lovebirds," Keira rolled her eyes as Link stuck his tongue out. "Meet back here at, say, two?"

"Yes, ma'am," the many designers picked up their many papers and binders and bustled out of the library as quietly as possible.

Link turned back to Zelda, who was still grinning deliriously.

"Wow," Link couldn't stop smiling either. "Dover wasn't kidding when he said you were super busy. All those guys were here just for a dress and flowers?"

"Among other things, yes," Zelda laughed a little. "It gets crazy in the last few days. All the last minute details always pile up on each other, but I can handle it. I always handle it."

They finally broke apart, and Zelda took Link's hand. The Princess led Link to the kitchens where they had a fabulously informal lunch in Link's opinion.

"How long have you been planning these festivals?" Link asked around a mouthful of a BLT sandwich. "Dover said it was, like, the Princess' job to plan all these, but you never told me."

"Yeah," Zelda waved her hand dismissively. "I've been helping with these festivals since I was at least ten and started heading the planning since I was fourteen."

Link almost spat his drink out, "You were so young. How did you even, like, how? When you were fourteen?"

"The life of a Princess," Zelda sighed. "I've been raised to do this since I was born. Some of the responsibilities got put on hold because I was starting college, but eventually, I'll have to be a full time Princess and college student."

"That sounds difficult," Link shook his head. Dang his girlfriend was tough.

"I've been doing this all my life, Link," Zelda gave him a small smile. "And I have to say, I haven't had this much fun planning a Festival since the first time I got to plan the masked ball during the Festival of Nayru. Let me tell you, the parties are going to be great. I have so many surprises in store for you, Mister, you will never be able to have fun at another party because my party will put every other party in the world to shame."

"You seem pretty confident about that," Link laughed as slices of chocolate cake were set in front of them for dessert. "I can't wait to enjoy this epic party that will put every other party to shame."

Zelda gave him a severe stare, "Don't be sarcastic with me. This party will be amazing. It will be talked about for years. The only thing the stupid talk show hosts will be able to say about this party is 'How will Zelda ever be able to top this amazing spectacle of a Festival?' You, Link Erdos, will have your socks knocked off!"

"Alright, alright," Link threw his hands up in defense and accidently dropped his bite of cake on the ground. "I will be completely unsarcastic and fully prepared to have my socks knocked off by the amazing-ness of your party."

The four days before the Opening Ball, Link tailed behind Zelda like a loyal dog. He helped her carry all of her things and went to taste test all of the upcoming lunches and dinners with her. He had fittings for all of the suits Zelda had gotten for him to wear to the many balls and formal dinners in the upcoming week. As if she could read his mind, Zelda always had a break scheduled just when he thought he was going to tear his hair out due to the confinement and rigid structure of the castle.

Farore, she was amazing. Link had no idea how Zelda did all of this planning without going insane. Just these last minute decisions were driving him crazy. How the flowers had to look and the location of each booth for the carnival and the schedule for the Dueling Tournament. There were also some things in the planning she refused to tell him about, which was odd because she told him everything. He assumed these were the amazing parties that were meant to knock his socks off. She hid her secrets very well; Link suspected she had the Sheikah helping her so he wouldn't find anything out.

"I'm sorry this is so crazy," Zelda sighed as they relaxed as the evening sun shone on the rose gardens they were walking through. "And I hope you're okay with the suits. You don't hate the suits, right?"

"Oh no, the suits are just…" Link ran his fingers through his bangs. "I'm just not that used to them."

"I know," Zelda gave him a sweet smile. "And I double checked with Father to make sure you only have to wear the whole suit during dinners and our first dance during the balls. I hope that helps."

"You're doing so much for me, Zelda," he slung his arm around her shoulders and dragged her into a side hug. "And on top of your other planning. You're just so amazing."

"Oh I know," she teasingly poked Link in the side. "Are you ready for the Opening Ball tomorrow?"

"Ready to embarrass myself in front of all your noble friends?" Link asked laughing. "Of course, yes."

Zelda swatted Link's arm this time, "You are not going to embarrass yourself. All of my noble friends are just like normal people, and Malon will be there with her sisters and Dover and Keira and Sheik. So don't worry; it'll be okay."

"If you say so."

Link got to sleep in until nine the next morning, which was saying something since it was the day of the Opening Ball. He took a long, lazy shower and went down for a late breakfast in the kitchens. Zelda wasn't there, but Link was content watching the busy kitchen staff go about their routine. Eventually, he was found by Sheik who dragged him to some sort of secret game room that was passed up during his first tour of the castle.

"We need an extra player," Sheik explained as Link was guided to sit on a bean bag beside Dover. "And we don't want you to have a panic attack before you have to get dressed."

"You're so thoughtful," Link sarcastically put a hand over his heart. He was soon laughing and joking with the other guys in the game room while playing an alien invasion game he had never heard of but was doing surprisingly well at.

Around four-thirty, Keira showed up and kicked all of the boys out of the game room so that they could get dressed on time. Link walked back to his room with Sheik.

"You're meeting Malon at the ball, right?" Link asked. Like Zelda, he had been helping to get the couple together over the spring semester. Link prided himself in being more subtle than the Princess about it.

"Yeah," Sheik's eyes crinkled in an unseen smile. "I can't wait to see her in a dress, if her sisters can force her in one."

Link laughed along with Sheik. Neither had ever seen Malon wear a skirt let alone a dress, and Link wondered if Malon would even comply with the white tie dress code. Sheik told Link about his last date with Malon while they dressed. Apparently the red-head had put him to work on the Lon Lon Ranch so that the Sheikah would better understand her down-to-earth roots. Sheik had met Malon's older sister, Cremia, and younger sister, Romani, and had somehow been roped into marriage talk with her father, Talon. Despite the awkward conversations and backbreaking work, Sheik had grown closer with Malon.

"I was kinda hoping to make everything official tonight," Sheik confessed as he rewrapped his usual muffler over the lower half of his face.

"Official like, official official?" Link asked as he attempted to tie his bowtie.

Sheik nodded, but Link could tell he was nervous and excited by the look in his crimson eyes.

"Zelda would be proud, man," Link smiled widely. He stood in front of the mirror above the dresser. He was in a crisp black tuxedo with a garnet colored vest and bowtie he was assured matched Zelda's dress perfectly. But his bowtie just didn't look right. And his hair was a mess. Dear Farore, he was going to make a fool of himself tonight.

"Link, you're going to be just fine," Sheik pulled on his shoulder so that Link faced him and began fixing his bowtie. "During dinner, if you feel uncomfortable just listen and respond when spoken to. You can let Zelda do all the talking and just enjoy the food."

"Great, just enjoy the food," Link nodded and turned to face the mirror again. "What about the dancing?"

"King Rian and Zelda will open with the first dance," Sheik explain while Link attempted to tame his unruly hair. The green streak in his bangs clashed magnificently with the red in his tuxedo. "You don't have to dance with Zelda, but at least one dance is expected. Just pick an easy song, maybe a waltz."

Link took a deep breath, "Am I really going to be able to do this?"

"Yes," Sheik said with a hidden smile. "Now let's go get our girls."

Link followed the Sheikah down the hall and out of the residential wing. Many of the Royal visitors had rooms somewhere in the massive wing of the castle, but Link had thankfully not run into any of them yet. The boys stopped at the entrance hall. They talked with Dover and Keira so it would seem like they were doing something. Keira was wearing a low cut black dress that had diamond cutouts around the waist and faded to red down the skirt in a way that reminded Link of fire.

New people were showing up every minute, and eventually Sheik left to go find Malon. The red-head greeted Link with a hug. He couldn't believe Malon was actually wearing a dress, but her long sleeve, knee length, cherry red lace dress looked amazing with her cowgirl boots and cream tights.

Ten minutes before dinner was supposed to start, Zelda finally descended the stairs to polite applause. At Keira's prompting, Link went to meet her at the bottom of the stairs. Her garnet dress rested off her shoulders, while the full skirt accented her tiny waist. She wore a simple gold tiara dotted with rubies that sat beautifully in her blonde curls. In Link's eyes, she was every bit the beautiful Princess she was born to be.

"You look amazing," Link said breathlessly as he took his Princess' arm.

"As do you," she giggled. "You clean up well, Link."

"You don't have to act too shocked," Link resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Zelda led them toward a group of people Link had never met before.

"This is Queen Ambi of Labrynna and her son, Prince Ralph," Zelda whispered as they neared the Queen and her entourage. "Ralph is our age, and he loves Oracles." An amused smirk spread across her face as if she was attempting to stifle her laughter.

"The band Oracles?" Link asked, not understanding the inside joke that Zelda seemed privy to.

"You'll see soon," it looked like it was all Zelda could do to not laugh as she smiled and waved. "Queen Ambi, I'm so delighted that you could make it. And you, Ralph, I have plenty of surprises in store for us teenaged guests." She sent a wink to a young man with rather flamboyantly styled red hair.

"Zelda, darling," Queen Ambi swept forward and hugged the Princess gently. "Amazing as always, my dear. I cannot wait to see the ballroom and the rest of the events this week."

"And who might this charming young man be?" one of the ladies in Queen Ambi's entourage asked as she stared pointedly at Link.

"Oh, where are my manners?" Zelda laughed airily. "This is Link Erdos of Calatia. He is my boyfriend and escort for this week." Link then began a round of shaking everyone's hand as they introduced themselves. "This will be his first Festival in Hyrule, so I made sure to pull out all the stops."

"This will be such a treat for you, Link," the Queen gave him a small smile. "Princess Zelda knows how to plan the best Festivals in all of the Goddesses' Realm."

"Queen Ambi, you are too kind," Zelda smiled at the Queen. "I'm just doing my duty to Hyrule. Now if you'll excuse us, Link and I must greet our other guests."

The Queen, Ralph, and the entourage waved their goodbyes as Link half escorted, half followed Zelda to the next huddle of important guests. After meeting President Dotour of Termina and his family, Prime Minister Whitaker of Hyrule, and expertly avoiding some pompous looking Prince Zelda said was from Arcadia, Zelda finally stopped in front of a tall, dark haired girl, who, by the looks of her tiara, had to be a Princess.

"Hilda, save me," Zelda let go of Link's arm for the first time that night to cling to the girl's arm.

"Zelda, dear, there is no need to be overdramatic," Hilda chided with an amused smile on her face. "Dinner will start any minute now."

"I know," Zelda whined. "I just want the fun to start. I planned out all this fun stuff, so where is it?"

"And you keep telling me to be patient," Link huffed as he crossed his arms. Normally, Link wouldn't dare to be flippant around nobles, but Zelda was going to be casual with this Princess, then he would follow her lead.

"So this is the Mystery Beau," Hilda turned her maroon eyes to him. Link wrinkled his nose at the old tabloid reference.

"Oh Nayru, Hilda, I'm sorry," Zelda threw a shocked hand over her mouth. "I promised to introduce you. Hilda, this is Link, and Link, this is Crown Princess Hilda of Lorule."

Link shook Hilda's hand, "So this is the Hilda I always hear about. Don't worry Princess; they were mostly good things."

A sly smile crept over Hilda's face, "I like you. Do you have any brothers? Cute close relatives?"

"Hilda!" Zelda rebuked. However, Zelda's reprimands and Hilda's cackles were stopped short by the entrance of the King.

Link had talked with King Rian all of two times in his life, and thankfully the King had looked less intimidating then than he did now. Link didn't know if it was the impeccable tuxedo he wore or the crown on his head, but for some reason, Link was very afraid of actually having to talk with the King.

Zelda turned to whisper in his ear, "You're not sitting next to Father, and the only thing he will probably ask is how Calatia is this summer and if you're having fun so far. Is that okay?"

Relief swept over Link like a calming wind. He looked back at his girlfriend with a smile, "Have I told you you're the best?"

"Multiple times," Zelda linked her arm through his again. "Now let's go eat."

Link sat through four courses of salads with too many fruits, appetizers that should be their own meal, one amazing steak, and the best peach cobbler and ice cream he had ever tasted. He was seated in between Zelda and Princess Hilda and across from Prince Ralph. Link was delighted to spend half the meal talking with Ralph about the band Oracles which transitioned into talk about the Indigo-Go's which then transitioned into trashing tabloids. After Link was completely stuffed and ready to take a nap, everyone left to get cocktails in the entrance chamber while the ballroom was transformed from a dining area into a dance floor.

Again Link half escorted, half followed Zelda around as she greeted and introduced Link to the guests she didn't get to before dinner. Link met President Ruul of Holodrum, Prime Minister Plen of Labrynna, and Queen Seline from his home Calatia. Link was proud to say he had a decent conversation with Queen Seline about the mountains of Calatia and the beauty of the cottonwood seeds floating about the air like snow.

Next it was on to the nobility of Hyrule. Link had learned most of the House names from his Intro to Federal Government class first semester, but he hadn't met any of the Lords and Ladies. Zelda stuck to introducing him to nobles who were close in age to them, like Olivia Llewellyn who was going to be a sophomore at Hochschule, the private college down by Kakariko Village. Most of the noble kids were very nice and welcoming, not looking down on Link because of his 'common' birth. Some, however, barely acknowledged him after their initial introduction, and Link couldn't help but notice that most of those who did were guys. But Zelda brushed it off, so Link brushed it off.

After about thirty minutes, people began to trickle back into the ballroom. Link walked back in with Ashton Ellsworth and Edaline Quincy since Zelda would be accompanied by her father, and together they would walk in last.

"So are you having fun at your first ball, Link?" Edaline asked as they lazily strolled through the ballroom.

"It's nothing like I'd thought it would be; that's for sure," Link ran his fingers through his bangs. "I feel like I'm just following Zelda and meeting people whose names I'll never remember. But some of it has been great like talking with Prince Ralph at dinner."

"And talking with us right?" Edaline raised her eyebrows while Ashton laughed.

"Oh of course," Link chuckled with them. "You guys are probably the nicest nobles I've met this evening."

"Yes, some of the men aren't too happy with Zelda's choice of escort this week," Ashton motioned to a couple of noblemen who couldn't be more than five years older than Link. "Garrett Carlisle and Derek Quincy are particularly jealous this time around."

"Quincy?" Link glanced sideways at Edaline.

"Yes, my brother, Derek, was hoping to be chosen as the Princess' escort for this Festival," Edaline rolled her eyes. "He was convinced that she would pick another noble this time since she had chosen other noblemen as escorts for the previous Festivals despite being in a relationship with you."

Link frowned at the thought. Zelda had told him about this a few weeks before the Festival of Nayru last November. It was tradition for the Princess to have a male escort during the week of the Festivals, but since Link was going back to Calatia for fall break, Zelda would have to choose between one of the noblemen around her age. Link had felt a little nervous about the whole proposition until Zelda assured him that she would pick noblemen she knew had no interest in her and would understand that they were escorting her as a friend.

"Don't worry, mate," Ashton clapped him on the shoulder reassuringly. "When I escorted her for the Festival of Farore last March, all she could talk about was how much you would have loved the festivities. Those two don't know what they're thinking hoping to be the Princess' escort; all she talks about is you anyway."

"So I've been told," Link laughed nervously.

"It's so adorable how close you two are," Edaline smiled dreamily. "And you've only been together for, -"

"About eight months," Link supplied.

"Eight months, wow," Edaline continued, her smile growing wider. "Zelda's so lucky to have a boy like you. I've never seen her more happy than when she's with you."

Link didn't know what to say to the noblewoman, but luckily King Rian and Zelda entered at that moment. Again Link was struck by how beautiful she looked. Like many in the room, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Welcome, all," the King began when he and Zelda reached the center of the dance floor. "Welcome to the Festival of the Goddess of Power, Din, She who created the earth for us to live and thrive on. This week, may we all remember and give thanks for the gifts She has given us."

"Let the Festival begin!" Zelda called out. The crowd applauded and cheered as the music began. King Rian bowed to his daughter, and Zelda curtseyed, signaling the beginning of the first dance.

The King and Princess danced alone for a short while before they were joined, to polite applause, by President Dotour and his wife. Soon other couples joined the dancing. Link saw Keira laughing while she danced with Dover, and Sheik holding Malon close.

"I would ask you to dance," Link told Edaline. "But I've been told my first dance needs to be with Zelda."

"Understandable since you are her escort," Edaline winked at him. "It would be best if you grabbed her for the next dance. Gives a good impression to the other nobles."

Link nodded. A few seconds later, the first song ended. Link followed Edaline's advice and quickly walked to Zelda's side.

"May I have this dance, Princess?" he gave her his best winning smile.

She smiled back before saying, "Of course, Link."

Link took his girlfriend's hand and led her back to the middle of the dance floor.

"And I thought you were nervous about dancing with me," Zelda teased as they started to dance.

"Some of these nobles need to remember that we are actually together," Link said as he glanced over at the offending noblemen. "And I need to prove that I'm worthy of being a Princess' escort."

Zelda raised her eyebrows in pleasant surprise, "I didn't know you had a jealous side. It's kind of hot." Link laughed at her antics. "No really, I like this assertiveness. Link Erdos, the college rebel, slowly corrupting the impressionable Darling Princess of Hyrule."

"Don't give those tabloids new ammunition," Link laughed. "Next they'll be saying I got you listening to hard rock music."

"Which we all know is the spawn of the Dark One," Zelda smiled. Link twirled her a few times, and she erupted into giggles.

They continued talking throughout their dance. Zelda asked him what he thought of the ball and if he was making any new friends. Link felt like a first grader at a new school explaining his conversations with Ashton Ellsworth and Edaline Quincy. They got lost in each other, so much so that Link didn't even let go of Zelda as their dance ended and the next one began.

It wasn't until Zelda insisted she needed a drink that they finally left the dance floor. Link could feel many eyes following them and a few glares he assumed were from Garrett Carlisle and Derek Quincy.

"Zelda, dear," Hilda called as they neared the punch table. "You are hogging Link. Why don't you go dance with your Prime Minister or something?"

"But I think there's someone coming who would like a dance with you, Hilda," Zelda pursed her lips in an attempt to not laugh.

Hilda looked over her shoulder at the man Zelda indicated, "Oh Sweet Din, not now." Hilda glanced back around to Link before a devious smile crossed her face. Link swallowed nervously.

"Good evening, Princess Hilda," a young man with hair almost the same purple-ish black color as Hilda's walked up. His green eyes were determinedly looking everywhere except at the Princess. "I was wondering if I wanted, I mean, if you wanted because you don't have to if you don't want to, -"

"Ravio," Hilda smiled, and the young man instantly closed his mouth. She hooked her arm through his and steered his to face Link and Zelda. "Have you meet Princess Zelda's escort for the week? Link is quite the charming young man."

"Ah, no I haven't," Ravio smiled nervously. He held his hand out to Link. "I'm Ravio Kaufman. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Link Erdos," Link shook Ravio's hand. "And the pleasure is all mine."

"Why don't you two talk while Zelda and I get drinks?" Hilda wrapped her arm around Zelda and steered her away before either man could answer.

Link rolled his eyes, "I guess we'll wait here and talk 'til they come back." He decided to take his tuxedo jacket off and roll up his shirt sleeves since he had finished his first dance with Zelda.

Ravio's face fell, "She's been avoiding me all night. My father told me to go ask Princess Hilda to dance, but I'm too nervous to even ask her."

"Man, that's rough," Link drew on all the relationship advice he had heard Zelda spout to Malon over the past year. "Why is it so important for you to dance with Hilda?"

"I'm one of her suitors," Ravio explained. "But I don't think she likes me all that much."

"Nah," Link looked over at the Princesses who were idly chatting by the punch table. "She's just trying to see if you really care. You just gotta keep up with her, and don't let the rejection get to you. The hard thing is not coming across as too clingy or desperate. Since you're pursuing her, let her take the lead until she opens up to you."

"How do you know so much about that?" Ravio asked in awe.

"That was my first few weeks with Zelda," Link laughed. "She wouldn't even tell me her name at first; I had to guess it."

Ravio smiled. Most of his nervousness seemed to be gone by now. "Really? Princess Zelda always seemed so shy when we were younger."

"You knew her when you were younger?" Link asked surprised. Zelda still didn't share too much of her childhood with him.

"Yeah," Ravio's eyes brightened. "Princess Hilda and I were the only nobles close in age to her, so whenever King Rian and Princess Zelda would visit Lorule, we would all play together." Ravio's smile faltered slightly. "But she was always so quiet and shy. I think the reason Princess Hilda liked her so much was because she could order Princess Zelda around."

"They seem like really good friends now," Link looked back over at the Princesses to see them walking back toward them. "Hey, Ravio?" The young nobleman brought his attention back to Link. "When Hilda and Zelda get back here, don't call them Princess."

Ravio gave Link a confused stare.

"I mean just call them 'Hilda' and 'Zelda.' No 'Princess' in front," Link explained. "See if that gets you a dance with your Princess."

Ravio's green eyes widened in understanding before he nodded eagerly.

"Did you miss us?" Hilda cooed as she rejoined their little circle.

"Here," Zelda handed both Link and Ravio a drink while taking her own from Hilda.

"Actually, Hilda," Ravio spoke before Link could answer. He smiled in approval at the Lorulean. "Link and I were just getting acquainted. He was telling me about the time, -"

"Man, Ravio, not in front of the girls," Link interrupted with a laugh. Ravio gave him a sheepish smile as if apologizing for the nonexistent inside joke.

Hilda's maroon eyes whipped back and forth between Ravio and Link. Link could tell she noticed the new found confidence Ravio had acquired.

"Anyway, Hilda," Ravio held his hand out toward the Princess. "Would you please join me for this dance?"

Hilda took Ravio's hand while staring sideways at Link, "Sure."

Zelda moved to stand by Link as the two of them watched Ravio escort Hilda out onto the dance floor.

"What did you two really talk about?" she asked.

"I'm not at liberty to say," Link took a discreet sip of his drink to hide his smile. "It's against the Bro Code."

The rest of the night passed rather smoothly. Link and Zelda mingled with more notable people and continued to dance the night away. Link was very happy to find out that since he was Zelda's escort, he could deny other men when they asked to dance with Zelda. He very smugly stole the dance from Garrett Carlisle, Derek Quincy, and the very pompous Prince Zelda was avoiding earlier. Eventually, Link caught up to a very happy Sheik who had successfully asked Malon to be his girlfriend.

Quicker than Link realized, midnight rolled around, and Zelda began to make her final rounds to say thank you and goodnight to all the important guests. By the time they left the ballroom almost an hour later, Link could tell that Zelda was practically dead on her feet. Before she could protest, Link insisted on walking her to her room. Considering the Princess was slightly buzzed from the party, he decided this was a good idea. Zelda was giggling and tripping up the stairs now that she didn't have to be a perfect, dignified Princess.

"I had such a great time tonight," Zelda sighed as they finally reached her room. "You are a much better escort than the other men I've been with. I mean, Ashton was okay, and Bryce and Barclay were hilarious, but there's just something about finally being with my boyfriend."

Link laughed at Zelda's rambles while he helped her undress to her slip. He helped take all the pins out of her hair and unzip her dress. After she returned from changing and taking off her make-up in the bathroom, Link tucked her into bed. As he left, he asked a passing maid to bring a glass of water and some aspirin to the Princess' room just in case.