I would have to apologise for my grammatical errors and mistakes. English is not my first language. :( I admit that I can do a little more spellchecking and grammar checking but sometimes the ideas are flowing and I just want to release the stories as fast as I can! Please bear with me, will work harder next time!
Hi, Rocko! Send me a message and maybe we can work something out!
Hey Trublack! Don't worry about Symin. I think I know now which direction the story is going to go. :P
Songs for this chapter is She Is Love by Parachute and Out of my Leagueby Stephen Speaks.
Don't hate me for what's coming next.
Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Zelda.
"So how was Vah Medoh?" They were in bed, the Princess back in his arms, the curtains around so as not to be seen by the other traveler. They were in their usual position, his arm around her as she nestled her head on his shoulder.
Chief Kaneli had served them dinner and they went back down to Rito Stable after. Revali was being his haughty self. It amazed him how the Princess could spend an entire meal with the bird beside her as he bragged about his accomplishments and skills. He was sitting on the Princess's left side and he stayed silent unless asked directly.
She sighed as she made herself comfortable beside him. "It was alright. Revali seems to have figured out most of how to operate the Divine Beast."
"He has a big mou—beak." He said with a hint of annoyance.
"I can tell that you don't like him. I did warn you."
He nodded. "Yes. But I thought it wouldn't be so bad. I've never met someone who's so… full of it."
She giggled from somewhere below his chin. She was twisting and turning the fabric of his shirt on his chest. It was fast becoming frayed.
"If he'd already figured out everything, then what took you so long." He asked as he played with her hair in turn.
"He wanted to show me every inch of Vah Medoh."
"How can you stand him?" He asked in awe.
It took her a moment to answer. "There are some worse people in the Castle… Like the ministers and the other nobles who look down on me. Revali is a handful. But he is not the worst."
He kept silent as he recalled the incident during breakfast where the nobles tried to get information about her.
"Did he say anything to you?" She asked, looking up at him. Her eyes were round in the darkness.
"Nothing of importance." There was no need to tell her how Revali treated him. It wasn't important anyway. Her attention was back on his shirt as she continued to play with it.
"Do you like the bow that the Chief gave you?"
She was referring to the Great Eagle Bow that the Rito Chief, Kaneli, bestowed upon him during dinner. He accepted it gratefully and secretly rejoiced at the look on Revali's face. As the Chief has announced, it was a gift to the Hylian Champion who deserves the best weapons the Rito can provide. He recognised the flared tips that resembled gold wings and the dark blue limbs. It was the exact same bow that Revali had.
Of course, the bird did not approve. But he didn't dare show his disapproval in front of the Chief and the Princess.
"It was very kind of the chief to gift me one."
"It's the same one that Revali has, yes?" She said, "he told me all about his bow while we were in Vah Medoh."
"It is a handsome bow. Better than the ones in the castle."
The chief also gave them both Snowquill sets. They were clothes meant for cold climates fit for Hylians. The Ritos didn't really wear clothes as their feathers keep them warm. It will be very helpful if they encounter snow or go to very cold places.
"Tomorrow… Can we take a different path going back to the castle?"
He knew she didn't want to go back as soon as possible. The only other path he knew would be through the Tabantha Tundra. If memory serves him correctly, there would be at least two stables that they can rest in: the Snowfield Stable and the Serenne Stable. He relayed this to the Princess. "There would also be snow, so we can wear our Snowquills." He said.
It seemed to perk her up as she nodded vigorously. "Alright then." She said with a smile.
He smiled back at her. Sometimes, it takes little to make her happy. She settled back on his shoulder as she yawned. His fingers resumed to playing with her hair.
"Now that we've visited all the Divine Beasts, what's next?" He was wondering about where they would go after.
"The Springs again."
He could tell from the tone of her voice that it was a place she didn't want to go to. He didn't blame her. He remembers explicitly how the last visit went.
"Your birthday will be in three months… so we can't go to the Spring of Wisdom yet."
"So we either go back to the Spring of Courage or the Spring of Power."
"Alright then. But first let's get you back to the castle."
There was silence as he stared at the ceiling of his four-poster bed. When Tulin left him alone to go home earlier, it took at least another thirty minutes before Revali returned with the Princess on his back. The bird did not even acknowledge his presence when they landed on the deck where he was waiting. He didn't mind. He was just glad to see the Princess again. Her hair was windswept and her cheeks were red. He could tell she was cold so he rubbed her arms immediately, bring warmth back into her body. Revali glared at him but he didn't give a damn.
"Link?"
He was pulled out from his thoughts. "Hmm?"
"You're making me sleepy." She said softly. She was referring to him playing with her hair.
He let out a low laugh, "that's kind of the point."
She inhaled deeply as she propped herself up on her elbow, looking into his eyes. "Good night then…"
He cupped her cheek and left a lingering kiss on her lips. "Good night, Zelda." He pulled her back on his shoulder and picked up the golden strands again. Her arm was wrapped across his abdomen, holding him tight. As soon as he heard her steady breathing, he went to sleep too.
"You are dismissed, Link."
He gave the King another bow and left the room. But before closing the door behind him, he heard the King say, "how goes your praying, Zelda?"
He gulped. They got back from Rito Village after taking a longer route through the Tabantha Tundra. It was definitely a better choice as they got to play throwing snowballs at each other. They spent the night together at Serenne Stable.
When they got back to the castle, the King had sent for the Princess immediately early in the morning.
"Zelda… I have to go." He nudged her awake but she didn't budge. He woke up earlier for training but went back to bed when the Princess wouldn't stop shifting her in her sleep. It made him blush that she was now so accustomed to having him by her side, she couldn't fall asleep without being in his arms.
But Sorelia was arriving soon. And the Princess wouldn't let him go.
"Zelda…" He tried to remove the arm that was wrapped around his waist but she blearily opened her eyes and just held on tighter with a whimper. "Five more minutes, Link…" she breathed out.
He couldn't help but laugh a little at the Princess's stubbornness. But he really needed to get out of bed before Sorelia discovered him with the Princess..
After a few more nudging, finally with a sigh of relief, the Princess let him go. "I hate you." She scowled as he quickly put on his boots and strapped the Master Sword on his back. Hurrying over to his usual position, he bit his lower lip as he tried to suppress his laughter. The Princess was sitting up on the bed, her hair in disarray, a scowl on her face.
He raised his hands to placate her, "Sorelia will be here any minute!"
She rolled her eyes at him as she sighed and flopped back on the bed, disappearing in the bundle of sheets and pillows.
Sure enough, if he'd been a minute later, Sorelia knocked on the door.
He opened it and greeted the matron. "Good morning, Princess Zelda. Good morning, Master Link."
And that was his cue to leave.
But when the Princess came out of her room, dressed in her royal gown and jewels, he knew something was up. And the fact that she didn't meet her eyes on their way up to the King's study was also disturbing. But it was not his place to ask so he stayed silent.
In front of the King were the usual standard questions about how the trip went: the meeting with Purah and with Rito Chief Kaneli. The Princess did not mention the detour through Tabantha Tundra. As they moved on to more political topics, he was dismissed.
Curious as to how the conversation inside was going, he stood by the door, straining to hear any part of it. But the castle doors and walls were thick and it was futile. And since he was dismissed, he had to go.
She will call for me when she's done…
With nothing else to do, he decided to take the time and get some breakfast at the barracks. But when he got there, a sight greeted him.
There were other soldiers dressed in green roaming around the barracks, unknown faces he didn't recognise. Spotting Badek at the dining hall, he grabbed a plate of food and sat down beside him. His fellow soldier greeted and patted him on the back.
"Nice of you to drop by, Link. Did you just get back?" Badek asked in between mouthfuls. He nodded. "Where did you go this time?"
"To Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. Then on to Rito Village." He said. He was still worried about what was happening to the Princess. He then spotted a small group of green-clad soldiers a few tables away from them.
"I've heard about Rito Village. It's on top of a mountain or something?" Badek asked curiously.
He nodded. "It was cold. But they gave us Snowquill sets." He said slightly bragging.
Badek groaned in jealousy. "I've heard about those! They rarely make those for Hylians!"
He nodded as she chewed. "And the Chief gave me a Great Eagle Bow."
Badek's jaw dropped as he moaned in envy, "I've never even touched one… Even the Rito Champion Revali has one!"
He waved his hand, "i can show it to you later. I left it in my room."
Badek looked excited. "Great! And let me shoot a few arrows, neh?"
"Yes yes of course." He said with a laugh. He continued eating as other soldiers joined them for breakfast. Ronn sat on his other side as he greeted them. "Morning. Just got off night duty." He grumbled. He had dark circles under his eyes and seemed to be in a bad mood.
"Hey, Ronn. This should cheer you up. Link got a Great Eagle Bow from the Ritos." Badek leaned over him excitedly.
He was suddenly assaulted by Ronn who grabbed his arm and shook it. His food went flying into the air. He brushed the soldier off slightly annoyed as his sausage smacked him on the forehead. "Yes yes yes!" He said hurriedly so that Ronn would let him go. "You and Badek can try it out later."
Ronn gave a womanly squeal, significantly more cheerful than before and started eating with gusto. Suddenly, there was a loud laugh from the table where the green-clad soldiers were sitting. He eyed them. "Where did the green soldiers come from?" He pointed to the group in front of them.
Badek shifted in his seat. "They arrived yesterday. They're from Lurelin."
"I heard they were in the tavern last night and almost drank the whole stock." Ronn said in a low voice.
"And they've been picking duels with the other soldiers since they arrived. It was a blessing that Captain Zeke stopped it." Badek agreed.
He shifted in his seat. He didn't like the looks of the green soldiers one bit. "But what are they here for?"
Badek looked at him somewhat curiously. "They came here with Lord Numar."
All he knew about Lurelin Village is that it was located south of Hateno on the beach. But he's never heard of Lord Numar. Badek must have seen the confusion on his face and explained further, "Lord Numar is the leader of Lurelin Village."
A sense of dread filled him as his utensil froze in midair, the pieces fitting together. He remembered Purah's words. But the Princess said that the King… stopped everything. And wait—he wouldn't do that. He wouldn't do that to his own daughter. Still, the thought wouldn't leave him alone. It was just too… fitting.
Her face when she came out of her room. How she was dressed in her gown and jewels when normally, she is dressed in her usual royal clothes. How her hair was different and carefully braided. How she wouldn't look him in the eye, her expression somber as they went up to the study…
He refused to believe it. He needed to hear it from Badek.
"He is here for the Princess's hand."
What Badek told him, he didn't take it to heart. He refused to believe it. If it was…
She would have told me, right?
Why would she? It's not like you two have a relationship. You keep her company at night because she can't sleep.
But she told me that she liked it.
Who wouldn't? Still, doesn't mean that she's entitled to tell you.
But what if it's true?
If she's going to get married?
Yes… Where will that leave me?
You'll still be her knight.
But I don't want…
Your arrangement to end?
Yes.
She's the Princess, Link…
I know.
She doesn't love you the way you love her. You provide comfort to her. You are her safety net. You know this. We've talked about this.
I just didn't expect…
That what?
That it will all end so soon. The trip to Hateno… the snowball fight. The nights at the stables. Holding her in my arms. Kissing her…
The Princess might have rejected it.
Do you think?
She might have rejected the proposal. She could, you know. Then there'll still be a chance.
A chance for what? For us?
Yes.
But is he worth the chance? He remembered the same fear that troubled him before. How he was just a knight with nothing to offer her. Lord Numar… Could probably give her everything she could ask for.
And so he waited for the Princess to summon him. But the day is almost over, and no call came. He spent some time at the archery with Ronn and Badek. Afterwards, he went back to his room to freshen up and even tried to eavesdrop on the Princess's door if she was in her room but to no avail. He even tried to hunt down Sorelia or any of her other handmaidens but it would be suspicious if he started asking questions.
The library was also empty. And she wasn't in the dining hall. He peeked into the Sanctum but it was only the King with his ministers. Defeated, he went back to the barracks for dinner where Ronn and Badek were waiting for him.
"No guard duties for you tonight?" Badek asked.
He was in a bad mood and didn't want to talk to anybody. He'd been searching all day and he couldn't find the Princess. He was mostly annoyed at not being summoned either. He was supposed to stay by her side at all times!
Still, he looked forward to bed time. If he couldn't find her during the day, he'll see her at night when he comes over to sleep.
He shook his head in annoyance. "You seem to be in a bad mood." Ronn commented when he didn't answer. He saw Badek shaking his head at Ronn at the corner of his eye. He didn't mind as he ate dinner in silence. When he was done, he grabbed his sword and headed out, tapping Badek on his shoulder.
He breathed in the cool night air just as Badek handed him a cigarette.
"You're in love with the Princess."
It took him a while to answer as he lighted his cigarette. "How did you know?" He asked as he let out a puff of smoke.
"Your face went white when I told you what Lord Numar is here for." Badek said. "And you're in a bad mood now, so I guess she didn't summon you at all today."
He shuffled the dirt with the toe of his boot, avoiding Badek's eyes.
"She really didn't tell you?"
He shook his head slowly. "I think she just found out this morning. I was dismissed from her presence when the King talked to her about it."
"Can I ask… if there is something happening between the two of you?" Badek's tone was patient. He debated whether to tell his friend… but he couldn't… he needed to…tell someone. anyone. Just one.
"We've kissed a few—several times… and we sleep together." He said in a low voice, looking around just in case there were other people listening.
Badek didn't give a hint of disapproval if he had any. He just put his hands on his hips. "But you don't have a relationship?"
"It started when she panicked. And it was a way to calm her down… And then it started to become a thing…" He bit his lower lip. He would choke if he said anything else as the memories of the previous nights came rushing back.
I just want her back…
"You know… that there is a slim chance you'll end up together, right?"
"You don't have to say it. I know."
"Is she in love with you too?"
His heart sank. He knew the answer but saying it out loud… would be irrevocable. Like confirming it. And he hoped… there was a small part of him who hoped that maybe… somehow she did too.
"Between the two of us… it was always me who held her tighter. Who kissed her longer. I was hoping that… by doing that she would learn to love me." He said… he didn't care if he sounded broken. He was just… so tired of having no one to talk to. And here was Badek… asking the right questions.
"If you're looking for her… She'll be in the garden with Lord Numar. They went out for a ride earlier so that's why you couldn't find her.
That explains it.
"Are you going to tell her how you feel?"
He thought about it. There has been a lot of opportunities for him to tell her his true feelings. But he didn't. He didn't expect a suitor to cut in front of the line.
"I don't know. I'm just a knight, Badek. I have nothing to offer her."
He felt Badek's hand on his shoulder and he looked up at his friend who was gazing at him intently. "Link. You are the Hero, the Hylian Champion."
He shook his head, "I am not being dramatic, Badek. Hero or not, I have nothing. A small house in Hateno? She's been living in this." He gestured to the castle around them. "I cannot give her the life she deserves. And if she loves me, I'd rather she does, not because I'm the hero or the champion… I have no land, no army. Compared to Lord Numar, I am nothing."
Badek nodded gravely, "I understand."
He threw the spent cigarette on the ground, extinguishing it with the heel of his boot.
"Go, Link. She's in the garden. Go to her." Badek nudged him from behind.
And to finally settle his feelings… or confirm if it was true and see this Lord Numar for himself, he nodded and set off for the garden.
The moon was high in the sky as he took careful steps around the courtyard. The garden was on the other side of the castle and it will take him some time to get there.
Should I tell her how I feel?
Just… assess the moment first. And check if it's time.
He arrived at the garden several minutes later. It was a huge expanse of land with benches and a big fountain in the middle. It didn't take long for him to find the Princess, her long golden hair was glowing in the moonlight.
But she wasn't alone.
It could only be Lord Numar who was by her side. He has never judged a person's looks before but Lord Numar was not… bad-looking. He stopped in his tracks, hidden in the shadows as he watched the scene unfold in front of him.
The Princess was sitting on a bench, her hands on her lap. He couldn't hear what they were saying but he could see her lips moving. Lord Numar was sitting beside her, his elbows on his knees as he listened intently to what she was saying.
His heart fell when slowly… slowly, Lord Numar raised his arm behind her it wrapped itself around his Princess's shoulders. His hands balled into fists as he watched the lord give her a slight squeeze then kneel on the ground in front of the Princess.
No…
No…
Nooo please…
He didn't even realise that he was whispering under his breath in a silent plea to the goddesses to stop this from happening. Goddess Hylia, please… No…
The Princess has not moved. He didn't want to see what happens next but he couldn't take his eyes off her. Her head was bowed, her fingers twitching in her lap.
I cannot watch this. I have to stop her.
Stop. Don't move. Stay here.
But!
Stop. Don't do anything rash.
But still, Zelda will—
And he watched her extend her hand.
And he was crying silently, his chest heaving with sobs as Lord Numar put a ring glinting in the moonlight on the Princess's finger.
The world stood still as the stars witnessed his imperfections. His heart broke again and again with every tear he shed.
He lay in bed in his own room that night. What he saw in the garden was still fresh in his mind. It was only thanks to Badek who followed him from the barracks, that he was able to save himself from detection.
Badek led him to his home in Castle Town and gave him a strong drink— several in fact. After that, he made his way back to the castle on his own and into his room where he lay on top of his bed, fully clothed in the darkness.
The scene of Lord Numar putting the ring on her finger kept replaying over and over again in his mind. He couldn't shake it off. His eyes already stung from all the crying and he had no tears left. The Princess has not called for him the whole day.
She's done with me. She doesn't need me to keep her safe anymore.
He knew he was being dramatic. But he just could not… deal. Just this once. He wanted to let himself fall apart. He can pick up the pieces tomorrow. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Is he still her appointed knight? Tomorrow… what will happen tomorrow? Will she summon him then?
Time passed slowly as he stared at the ceiling. He had no energy left. It was so human of him to not to be able to control himself. He saw a line and he crossed it. And now that he did, there was no going back. He just wanted her back in his arms. She didn't even have to love him. He wouldn't even ask for it. He'll take what he can get.
Are you thinking of me too?
Unable to even fall asleep, he finally decided to get himself out this darkness; he got out of bed and stripped himself off his shirt. He removed his boots as well. Not even knowing what time it was except it was very late, he propped the Master Sword on his bedside table and stood in the middle of the room, staring off into the distance as he recalled the way she felt under his fingers.
He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even hear the door creak open.
"Link?"
Now I'm hearing her voice…
"Link?"
That's not a hallucination, Link. Look.
And he turned towards the door to see the Princess in her bare feet and night gown, closing the door behind her. Words choked in his throat as he bit his lip and swallowed hard. Thank the Goddess his room was so dark. She wouldn't see how much of a mess he was right now. "Wha—"
"I couldn't sleep." She said softly.
He didn't know how to act. He was half-naked in his room, drunk from his bout with Badek after seeing her accept a proposal from Lord Numar. Slowly, she made his way towards him, her feet silent on the floor. He stood frozen as she looked up at him and her hands on his shoulders.
"Were you drinking?"
He didn't want her to see him like this. It wouldn't be any different as confessing his true feelings to her. Her presence has snapped him back to reality and he grasped her wrists, putting her hands down back to her sides. He could see the disappointment in her face when he stepped back and picked up the discarded shirt on the floor. He pulled it over his head. "What is it, Princess?"
"Zelda." She said softly.
But he shook his head. It was time… to stop playing this game.
"Princess. Do you need me for something?" Every word stabbed him in the heart. He knew what she needed. She said so herself when she came in. She couldn't sleep and she needed… him.
"So…" her voice was barely a whisper. "You know…"
He shouldn't be acting like he was betrayed. Gathering his remaining self-control and pride, he kept his composure.
"Lord Numar…"
Don't say his name in front of me.
"You don't have to explain, Princess. I understand." He said. It was true. He understood her predicament. He was wrong to hope for something else, for something more. This was his fault. What he was feeling is his fault. All his.
There was silence as she made several attempts at opening her mouth but no words came out. All he wanted was to hold her close and hug her tight but he couldn't. She was in his room, practically asking for it. But if he was to settle his own feelings, he should stop crossing lines.
"Princess, is there anything else I can help you with?" He asked in a low voice.
She was hesitating… but she nodded her head slowly. It felt like heaven and earth descended upon him. He knew what she wanted. He knew what she was asking for.
Do I risk it? One last time?
Stop it. This won't make things easier.
At least let me say goodbye.
There was a blur of white nightgown and golden strands and the next thing he knew her lips where on his as she kissed him with such intensity his knees almost gave way. But he held her by the hips as she clung to him with her arms around his neck. Lifting her, she wrapped her legs around his waist and he set off towards the bed.
"Link, I need… to tell—you… something—" she said in between kisses as she knotted her fingers in his hair almost painfully.
He responded with equal fervour, kissing her words away, all sense of self-control and restraint lost as he tasted her tongue with his own. He lowered her on the bed as he hovered over her, his hand on her neck where his lips soon followed after. He kissed her down to her jaw, nipping and biting lightly as he inhaled her scent and committing it to memory. He wanted to remember everything as he ran his hands down her ribcage to her waist.
"Link!" She gasped as he sucked almost too forcefully at a spot on her neck.
It was enough to call his attention. He snapped and pulled away, pressing his forehead against hers. "I'm sorry." He murmured.
Her hand was caressing his cheek as he tried to catch his breath. Her emerald green eyes wide and searching. The tips of their noses touched as he fought to calm his racing heart. He didn't expect the Princess to jump him.
"Lord Nu—"
"Shh." He pressed his thumb against her lips. "Don't say his name. I know."
"But I didn't—"
"I saw." Two words and he bit his lower lip to stop the tears from falling. But no. I refuse to fall apart in front you.
Her fingers caressed his collarbone as he inhaled sharply, her touch leaving fiery trails. "I'm sorry." She whispered. But he shook his head as he memorised the path her fingers took from his cheek down to his neck and down to his chest. "What are you apologising for?"
"I don't know." She said under her breath.
He got off of her and laid down on the bed beside her. He held out an arm open as she snuggled beside him. Her warmth was welcoming, something he'd been looking for the whole day. He missed her so.
"We can't keep doing this, Princess." He said more to himself than to her. Especially now…
"Call me Zelda." There was a hint of pleading in her voice. But he needed to start saying no. Not just for her, but for him as well. "I just… Please?" He felt her hand on his cheek as she forced him to look at her. She had these eyes that could read through to his soul.
"Princess—"
"I have lost my freedom, Link. I don't want to lose you too. You're the only one I could trust." She whispered.
In response, he held her tightly as he turned on his side to face her, their foreheads pressed close together, the tips of their noses almost touching.
"The lord has an army. And Father wants to join forces in preparation for the Calamity. But for that to happen, he asked for my hand." She said in a small voice. "It is not what I want… but it is something the Princess must do." He held her close to his chest as tears flowed and she started to sob.
He wished he could do more. But there was none. He couldn't see a way out of it. He never expected the King to do this… But for saving the kingdom of Hyrule from the threat of Calamity Ganon… He could understand… He didn't like it… but he could understand why.
"You are the only one who understands me right now. You have seen me in all my faults… and yet you're still here." Her bottom lip was quivering and he let her cry it out. His Princess needed him and all he could think of was staying away to save himself.
How selfish you are.
"I do not know him…" she breathed out.
He stroked her hair softly. When he was young, he always thought that being royalty meant you can do anything you want. But there are some things even princesses cannot get out of. He pitied her and wished he could drain her of all her sadness.
"I am engaged… we cannot keep doing this…" she echoed his words earlier.
"You have to go back to your room. Let me take you." He said softly and started to get up but stopped when she pulled him back.
"I'll go. But… please just let me stay here for a while." She whispered. So he laid back down beside her, stroking her hair as he waited patiently. "I'm afraid of tomorrow, Link."
He caressed her cheek, pulling her to look up at him. "Tell me." Her voice was small and hoarse.
"I have no powers. The Goddesses do not hear me. Tomorrow I go back to the Springs and Lord Numar has requested Father if he can come with me."
He flinched slightly. That's his job.
"And Father said yes. For us to get to know each other more." She sniffed, her eyes glistening with fresh tears. "I am a failure, Link. And my freedom… my only freedom… the only one I had left… I do not want to marry Lord Numar."
He pressed his lips against her forehead again as he blinked back tears as well. His Princess was in pain and there is nothing he can do to alleviate it. If only… if only he could bring her back into the fields, surrounded by flowers and sunshine.
"This fate… It has trapped me in ways unimaginable." She whispered, desperation in her voice. "I didn't choose to be born as the princess. I did not ask for this… I wish… I wish—"
"I have never been a religious person, Zelda… But I believe that they… the gods and goddesses or whoever is orchestrating all of this… they do not give us problems we cannot solve. And apparently, they think you can do this. So I know you can." He said, trying to keep his voice steady.
But she shook her head, "I don't know what else I am supposed to do, Link." She buried her face in his neck as he felt her tears wet his shirt and his skin.
If I could ask the Goddesses for you, Zelda, I will.
"Shh… We'll figure it out." He whispered as he stroked her hair.
He could no longer count the number of times she had cried in his arms. But he knew that all those moments, he wished he could take her place. He would endure all the pain, fear and worries that plagued her.
"Stay with me, Link." Her voice was barely a whisper as she pulled herself away and looked into his eyes. And he let her. He stared at her emerald green eyes as if it was the only thing holding him to earth. He could never imagine what she's going through. The way her light and fears mixed under her skin has turned into a blackhole that was constantly pulling him in. She was his gravity and no one could ever love her as much as he did at that very moment. And he didn't want to let go. He will never let her go.
"I will always be with you, Zelda." He answered as he leaned and kissed her.
And he knew. There was no settling his feelings. There was no forgetting. There was no moving on. He will love her until the end of his days even if she married someone else. Even if she wasn't his.
She was out of his league but still… She is love. And she is all he needs.
That morning was one of his worsts. After making sure the coast was clear, he picked up the sleeping Princess from his bed and brought her back to her room. And he sat there by her side for Goddess-knows how long; his feet wouldn't budge.
But when the sun peeked out from the horizon, he knew he had to leave. He knew his time was up. After giving her one final kiss on the forehead as she slept, he hurried back to his room lest Sorelia catches him in tears.
Locked in his room, he collapsed on his bed that still smelled of her scent. As he cried silently, he gathered all the love that he had for the Princess and locked them all up, deep inside him. He had to be strong. Stronger than before.
He had always refused the idea of him having past lives. It was something he could not wrap his mind around. But he hoped. At that moment, he hoped as he prayed to the Goddesses and Gods and every heavenly being that existed… that if he really was a reincarnated hero… he offered up everything that he had, all that he is, that maybe… someday… the future Links and Zeldas will love each other mutually and freely. That they will end up together.
If not in this lifetime, he prayed that she loved him in the next. And the next. And the next after that.
He prayed that if he was hopeless in this life, let the other Links have a chance.
Please… For me. Please…
He has never known such pain as saying goodbye like he did last night. It was one-sided sure but it was the end. He could never hold her or kiss her again.
And so he prayed earnestly, desperately, pleading to every being who could hear him.
If not in this lifetime, then the next. Let them be together. Together forever.
See you in the next chapter.
