A/N: I am rating this chapter M just in case, dont want to get in trouble.

Chapter 12

We continued the long trip to Snowpeak, our stay at the Zora's palace had been divine; we had been received with welcoming arms by the King and Queen. Our horses were fed and watered, they even specialized a special tonic to help them for the long road ahead. The Zora King had been supportive of my fathers decision to ask for the wisteria kings aid and he said that if need be he would send some of his strongest warriors to help in the cause, after all Hyrule was their home.

The only unpleasant part of our short stay was seeing the Princess of the Zora's, Ruto, behaving flirtatiously with Link. For the first time in my life I felt an overwhelming sense of jealousy, I couldn't see another woman getting his attention the way that she was. No doubt she was an exotic beauty but there was no need to behave in such a manner, especially with a man. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and wrapped Link's warm cloak tighter around my body as I continued to think about Ruto's behavior with Link.

Had he found her attractive?

Had he found her more beautiful than me?

Had he been with other women before?

I shook my head trying to get rid of these thoughts. If he had been with other women in the past that was his business, I need not worry about his past experiences. But it didn't get rid of the burning jealousy I felt at this moment; I tried to imagine the type of woman he would have been with, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Would he be sexually attracted to me?

No, it didn't make sense to think like this, we could never be; he would rather see me in the arms of another and all because he was afraid of losing me. The irony of it all.

I opened the curtains of the window, I was getting tired of being in the dark perhaps I could occupy my mind on the scenery around me. As I did I caught sight of Link, galloping at full speed on Epona, he must be exhausted; all the knights were, even the horses. I would need to repay them somehow for coming along with me, but for now the important part was getting to the Mountain by tomorrow evening, when I assumed the King of Wisteria would be waiting for us.

Before we departed Link explained to me that going through the mountain pass would be difficult to do with everyone, that it would be best if the rest of the party went around the pass; Link and I would go thorough the mountain alone. We would be alone for the first time since our conversation in the gardens, what would I say to him? How should I act with him now, should I be formal, informal? I shook my loose locks as I debated with myself.

I hadn't even thought about what I would say to the King when we arrived, how could I convince him to aid us in the war with Elred, my father said the King was a noble man but just how noble could he be that he would be willing to sacrifice the resources necessary to help us and at what cost to us; And at what cost for the King of Elred, was he so thirsty for power that he was willing to sacrifice his men?

War seemed so pointless to me, it tore apart so many families.

If war really did break out then we would be forced to send our best men to the front, including Link…

I really hoped that this alliance between Hyrule and Wisteria was just a precaution.

As the sun began to set I guessed we must be nearing the pass, we would stop for the night and get a full nights rest before departing again early in the morning, I was in need of a good nights sleep, we all were. I closed the curtains and tried to get comfortable it would still be a few hours before we found a decent place to stay for the night. As I continued to think about tomorrow I found myself fumbling with Link's ring, I wondered how things would have been different if his father had not been murdered, if he would have stayed in Hyrule by my side, he would have surely inherited his father's position, but would we be romantically involved?

My thoughts were interrupted as I felt the carriage come to a stop

Getting up from where I lay I gently pulled curtains, it was dark out and I could only see the shadows of the knights as they moved around. I went to the opposite side of the carriage and pulled the curtains slightly, there I saw a small lodge, most of the lights were out but there was one that illuminated the front door and one illuminating what I assumed might be the living room. Hopefully there would be enough space for everyone. I caught sight of Link gently knocking on the front door, not even a minute after the door opened and a young woman appeared. She couldn't have been older than fifteen, she was short and thin, her hair was blond and short and her eyes were the most beautiful shade of green.

Link spoke to her and I could tell by her demeanor that Link intimidated her.

I chuckled, I understood how she felt, Link was intimidating, not because he seemed like an evil man but because he was so handsome, men like Link were rare. Tall and well-built handsome features and the most alluring pair of cobalt blue eyes I had ever seen. I felt a blush creep up on my face as I thought in more detail about how well-built Link was, I had seen him shirtless not too long ago. As I continued to watch their interaction I saw Link signal the rest of the knights, the knights began moving around. What was going on, I wish somebody would tell me something?

Just then I saw Link walking towards the carriage, not wanting him to know that I was watching I quickly moved to the opposite side of the carriage and waited patiently for him to knock.

"Princess" he spoke

Moving towards the door I opened it just enough to where I could only see him, "Is everything alright?" I asked, feeling the coldness of the air

"We have been fortunate enough to find a lodge with enough space for everyone; they even agreed to tend to the horses." He looked tired; his eyes were red from lack of sleep.

"Very well, this will do then, thank you Link" I said as I began to head towards the door

Link held out his hand and just when I thought things were going smoothly again, I slipped on the ice that had built on the steps of the carriage and fell. My slip must have caught him by surprise because unlike last time he fell back too. Luckily for me the Knights were tending to the horses in the stables so we were alone; no one could see that the princess of Hyrule was lying on top of her Captain.

Links arms were wrapped around my waist, my hands on his chest, I could feel his heart beating strongly against my gloved hands, our faces were inches away and I could not look away from his mesmerizing gaze. His hands begun to trace the curves of my waist and slowly he lifted one of his hands and brought it to my cheek, softly caressing it His gaze fell from my eyes to my lips and following suit, slowly I brought my face closer to his to the point where I could feel his breath on my lips and without a second thought I placed my lips upon his own.

The kiss was soft and gentle, his lips moved in perfect sync with mine, it amazed me how perfectly our lips seemed to fit together, like a puzzle. His hands began tracing the outline of my waist and then the curve of my back, up and down. My hands cupped his face as I continued to kiss his lips. The kiss was smooth and sweet everything I could have expected from my first kiss with Link; at that moment everything was pure bliss.

Slowly, to my dismay, we parted; he returned his gaze to my eyes while his hand continued to caress my cheek, "Zelda are you alright" he whispered.

"Yes "I whispered back. Slowly Link pushed himself off the floor and then helped me up on my feet, as he did so he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to his body, there was heat in his eyes, with his other hand he lifted my head up by my chin and without any words he kissed me once again. The kiss this time around was passionate yet tender; his tongue slowly parted my lips which I was more than willing to accept. I locked my arms around his neck pulling him closer to my body, in return Link held me tightly, running his hands up and down my back.

"Sir Link is everything alright" a voice came from the stables.

Link and I parted, we were out of breath, and both of us were blushing "Yes, I am taking the Princess inside now, be sure to tend to the horses" he responded, a bit annoyed.

Clearing his throat Link walked past me and shut the carriage door, I couldn't believe we had just kissed. I could feel the heat on my face as the sensation of his lips lingered.

"Zelda are you ready" he asked, giving me his arm. The heat and passion that had been present before was gone, he seemed just as shocked as I was.

"Yes" I whispered unable to speak clearly.

That night after a warm dinner and bath I found it difficult to sleep, the memory of that kiss wouldn't allow me to rest. I lay there in the small bed fumbling with Link's ring, I wanted more. I wanted to feel him again, to be that close to him. Unable to stand it any longer I got up from the bed and exited my bedroom. I walked down to the end of the hall to where Links room was. I didn't know what I was doing but I walked down there anyways, the hall was dark and cold, the only light that glowed brightly was the light from the moon peeking in from the lace curtains. I shivered as the cold floor made contact with my bare feet. As I stood in front of his door, my hand froze on the knob. What was I doing?

Link was probably fast asleep, and even if he wasn't, what was the purpose of me coming here anyway. What was I going to accomplish? Frustrated I leaned my back against the door, what was happening to me, what was this feeling that made me come here to his room. I wanted to feel his hands on my body again; I wanted to feel his lips again, to feel his tongue inside my mouth again. I needed to know if he still loved me, if he missed me, if at any point during these last few weeks he regretted anything….

As my mind continued to wander I had yet to realize that an audience was present, startled I let out a gasp

"Link!" how long had he been standing there?

He was leaning against the corner of the wall and from what little light illuminated the hall I could see Link's bare chest glistening. His hair was wet and only a towel covered his extremities, embarrassed by his appearance I quickly averted my eyes, instantly feeling a blush come across my face. My heart was thumping hard against my chest and I began to get nervous.

"Zelda, what are you doing outside my room" he asked, banter present in his voice

I could hardly think of a plausible excuse to give him, his eyes were teasing and like before there was heat in his eyes, a heat that I now felt within rising within my body.

"I…I wanted to say good night, and I wanted to thank you for…" my voice trailed off as Link got closer to me.

"Yes?" he whispered, his voice was seductive and it caused something inside to stir.

"Link, I…." I wanted to tell him that I loved him that I wished to be his and his alone. But that couldn't be, whatever was happening inside me I had to control and with a soft smile I looked back up at Link.

"Link thank you for what you have done so far, I am so sorry if I disturbed you good night" I said

As I began to walk away Links hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me back towards him, his hands held me tight against his body and without giving me a chance to protest he lowered his lips to mine. I welcomed the kiss and gently I placed my hands on his wet, bare chest and slowly slid them up behind his neck, his hands wandered around the curves of my waist as the kiss deepened; I could hear Link fumbling with the door knob trying to get it open and when he did he gently lifted me off my feet and walked inside, never breaking the kiss.

I broke the kiss and gazed straight into his eyes and without thinking I told him I loved him, he stopped in his tracks and gently he put me down.

"Zelda, my Zelda" he said as he brought his hand to my cheek, tenderness present in his voice. I brought my hand to his and held it, the light of the fire flickered and it was the only thing that at this moment seemed real.

"Zelda I am so sorry…I" he started to speak, but I didn't want to talk about that now. Gently I placed my finger on his lips; we would talk about this tomorrow because right now all I wanted was to be with him, to love him to stay by his side.

Having made up my mind about tonight I slowly stepped away from Link and slowly began to unlace my night gown. A pink stain appeared across Links face and I followed his gaze downward as my night gown slid down my body. I could feel my own face blush knowing I was bare, but I had made up my mind, even if this was the only night I would be with Link I would make sure that it was Link who took me first.

Link undid the knot that held up his towel and just as he did the towel slid down his legs revealing his manhood. I shied away from staring, I had never seen one before and I didn't know what was appropriate at this moment. I could feel my heart race quicker at the sight of his exposed body and I started to feel nervous. What if I couldn't please him, what if I messed up somehow?

Beginning to get anxious I started to sweat and I could feel my hands getting clammy. Was I really prepared to give myself to him?

As Link closed the distance between us I hoped that Link wouldn't be able to see just how nervous I was. He picked up my gaze to his and gently started caressing my hair, his eyes were soft and loving and just before he engulfed me in another passionate kiss he leaned down and whispered in my ear I love you Zelda.

Hearing those words replaced my uneasiness with pure bliss and as I smiled at Link, his face got closer until finally our lips met.

He carried me to the bed where he moved his lips to my neck and then to other parts of my body, a small moan escaped from my lips and as it did I noticed Link's actions intensified. His hands explored every inch of my body as he continued to kiss me everywhere, instinctively I arched my back so as to allow him to explore further. His touch was soft yet passionate; everything he did to me resulted in pure satisfaction. Slowly he brought his lips back to my own as he hovered over me and right before he was ready to take me, he looked straight into my eyes.

"I love you" he whispered, his breath shallow

And just as he said it I felt his manhood penetrate me, at that moment I was his and his alone, and no one would ever change that because it was then that my innocence was taken by the man I loved.

For the rest of that night our bodies continued to move in cosmic rhythm as we became engulfed in each other's embrace.

I woke up a few hours later to the sound of footsteps and metal, as I shifted in my sleep I realized that the sheets were cold on the other side, Link was no longer next to me. I opened my eyes and slowly last night's memories came flooding in. We had made love last night and it had been everything I would have expected and more. After, Link asked me to stay with him, he said he wanted to be my side as I slept. I smiled as I recalled every single detail we had both experienced. I heard his footsteps coming closer and I felt his weight on the bed as he sat next to my naked body. Slowly he traced his fingers down my back, he knew I was awake.

I felt Link lean in closer I could feel the weight of his body shift the bed ever so slightly, he then placed a soft kiss on my shoulder. "Zelda I know you're awake" he said in a hushed tone.

I turned my body around and faced him, a smile present on my face.

"Good Morning Link" I lifted my hand and gently touched his cheek. Link was fully dressed by now and he seemed rested. Gently he leaned against my hand and smiled.

"Zelda it's time to get up, we must head out" he said softly

Nodding my head I picked myself off and sat holding the sheets to cover my chest, I then leaned in closer to Link and kissed his lips softly. He returned the gesture and cupped my face deepening the kiss, slowly we parted, as we continued to gaze into each other's eyes a knock suddenly interrupted us. Instinctively I pulled the covers closer to my body and Link got up from the bed and stood protectively behind the door

"Sir the carriage is ready the horses have been fed and watered we are ready to depart."

"Thank you, I will wake the Princess" he said as he turned his attentions back to me.

I could hear the Knights footsteps echo down the hall as he walked away; hurriedly I got up from the bed, sheets clinging to my body as I tried to find my nightgown. "Link where is my night gown I am sure I left it here last night" I said as I continued to search for it.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips causing me to look at him; there in his hand was my night gown.

"Oh you found it" I said as I extended my hand to him

Link moved the night gown out of my reach his eyes were playful.

"It will cost something" he said smiling seductively

"Oh" I said truly confused,

He lifted his finger to his lips and playfully tapped them, he wanted a kiss. A smile spread across my face, he was teasing me. I decided I would play his little game and comply but not without turning the game on him, trying my best to appear seductive I closed the distance between us, gently removing the sheets that covered my naked body. As I let them fall Link's smile faded and I followed his eyes as they took in my bare body; his cheeks slightly flushed. Once I was in front of him I stood on the tips of my toes and gave him a kiss.

Without a word and a dumbfounded look on his face, Link placed my gown in my hand, cheeks slightly flushed he cleared his throat and looked away as I dressed myself.

"You should hurry, the faster we head out the sooner we will reach the Mountains" he said as he continued to shy away from me. Had I really embarrassed him?

"Link is everything alright, was the kiss not to your liking" I asked feeling a bit embarrassed myself.

"No, no it's not that it's just that.." he trailed off, he seemed nervous now like he was trying to hold something in.

I looked at him trying to uncover what he was hiding

"It's just that what you just did, I liked it and it made me want you again.." he whispered cheeks flaring bright red as he looked away

"Oh" I answered feeling the same flush come to my face.

"Anyways you should hurry and get dressed, we should head out soon" his smile returning to his face

Nodding I rushed out of his bedroom and practically ran down the hall to my room, once inside I couldn't help but smile at the unexpected turn of events. Link and I had made love; he had told me he loved me. I felt my heart fill with happiness, a happiness that I had not felt in a very long time. I waltzed over to the small trunk that lay by the foot of the bed and opened it. From the trunk I pulled out a warm pair of trousers a blouse and a warm coat with matching hat and gloves. I would wear Link's cloak over it just in case the weather really was as frosty as Link thought it would be. I put on my riding boots and decided I should leave my hair down; it would give me extra protection against the cold wind. As I finished getting dressed I called out to Link who had been waiting outside, he gently picked up my trunk and before we left the small room I took it upon myself to give Link one last kiss before we set off.