Chapter 10 - The Punishment
Link stood before the king of Hyrule, timid and shaking. The king gave him a cold, stern glance as he sat up in his throne. "Tell me, Link son of Knight Rolez, why did you seduce my daughter in front of my whole kingdom?"
"I didn't seduce her!" Link exclaimed in defense. "I don't even know what that means! All I did was kiss her!"
"And that's just awful!" the king roared. "You are only ten years old!"
"I thought it was just a sign of friendship!" the boy cried, stepping forward. "And Zelda's my best friend!"
"Not anymore she isn't!" his highness bellowed. "You are never allowed to see Princess Zelda again! Go back to your forest or die in what ever way seems most suitable to you!"
It was over. Malon had won. Link would never be able to see Zelda again. And there was nothing he could do about it. He found himself falling to his knees and weeping.
"No!" came a harsh, female voice. Link and the king looked to the door in surprise. There Princess Zelda stood, in her nightgown and night cap, with a stern look on her face. "I won't let you do that!" She rushed in, followed by Impa. Link got up, just to be enveloped in Zelda's embrace. "Oh, Link," she sobbed. "I'll never let my father punish you! You're my best friend!"
"You're my best friend, too," Link said with tears of joy. He gently patted her on the back.
"I don't understand!" the king exclaimed, utterly confused. "Zelda, wouldn't you want this boy punished after what he did to you?"
Princess Zelda released Link and came up to her father. "No, Daddy, you don't understand. Link didn't kiss me against my own free will. We both agreed to try kissing 'cause we though it's what friends do. And we're best friends." Link came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her.
"Yeah, best friends," the little Hylian boy put in, looking over at Zelda.
"So it was all a misunderstanding?" the king asked, in an outraged tone.
"Yes," Impa replied, approaching the throne. "An innocent little misunderstanding."
The king cracked a relieved smile and wiped the sweat off his brow. "What a relief. I really didn't want you to be banned from here, son," he told Link kindly. "You're the hero of Hyrule and my daughter's best friend after all."
"Oh, thank you, your highness!" Impa exclaimed. She was so happy and relieved that she accidentally hugged the old king. Realizing her mistake, she quickly stepped back and apologized. "Sorry, sir."
The king nodded then turned to Link and Zelda. "I'm sorry about this. You see, I thought Zelda wanted you to be punished. I was so oblivious to your distress, Zelda. Please forgive me."
Link and Zelda nodded and replied simultaneously, "We do."
The king beamed, relieved that he was so easily forgiven. Then, suddenly he realized something. "What are you doing in your nightgown, young lady?" he asked strictly.
Zelda's face suddenly turned crimson. "I-I was in such a hurry to get down here that I guess I forgot to change. I'll be right back!" She quickly scurried out of the throne room.
The king snapped his fingers and a servant rushed in. The servant had combed-back black hair, light eyebrows, and lines on his pale face. He wore a gold and white uniform and brown leather boots. "Yes your highness?" he asked meekly.
"Yes, Hasulfel, would you please bring tea and cakes for this special occasion?" the king asked.
"Yes, your highness," Hasulfel replied, bowing. Then he turned and raced out.
Five minutes later, Zelda rejoined the group. She was wearing a simple yellow dress that went down to her knees. It had white lacing on the neck line.
"Hi, Zel, you look pretty," Link commented with a grin.
Zelda blushed. "Well, you look handsome in your usual green tunic," she said, trying not to be shy.
Just then, Hasulfel returned with a cart of cakes and tea. He set the cart in the middle of the throne room, and then left.
"Eat, drink, be merry!" the king exclaimed, rising from his throne. So he, Impa, Link, and Zelda, gathered around the cart and did just that.
"Wow, this is great!" Link exclaimed, crumbs falling out from his mouth. "I've never tasted cakes like these before!"
"That's because they're Hylian cakes," Zelda said, turning to him and lightly tapping the tip of his cute nose.
Impa snickered, trying not to spit out her mouthful of tea. That would be very impolite.
"You know, you still are entitled to a punishment, Mr. Link," the king said, taking a sip of his tea.
A look of worry came over Impa, Zelda, and Link's faces. "I am?" Link asked nervously, gulping.
"Yes," the king answered, his face becoming strict. "And I have just the perfect one for you. Impa and I have to attend a meeting soon and I don't want to leave Zelda unattended. Your punishment is you must baby sit Zelda today in Hyrule Field. Think you can handle it, or would you rather have K.P. duty for a year?"
A broad smile came across Link's face. "No, I can handle it!" he exclaimed, looking over at the king and then at Zelda. "I've got to speak to her anyways."
"Alright, then," the king said. "After we finish our cakes and tea, you take her out to Hyrule Field. But make sure to protect her!"
"Oh, I will!" the boy promised. "I'll risk my life to protect my Zelda!"
Author's Note: Sorry for another short chapter, I didn't know what else to write. Anyways, I hoped you like it. Chapter 11 will be the last, and I hope it will be longer than this.