Sorry for the last chapter. I cannot stand the thought of sadness. We already have enough of that tin the world.

Let me fix all your broken hearts. Don't forget to leave me a review, okay?

Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Zelda.

"So how was last night?" Badek asked.

He leaned against the cold stone wall with his arms crossed. He grunted.

"That bad, huh?"

He shook his head. "She came over. Around midnight." He breathed out. Badek seemed impressed with surprise on his face, "Honestly, I didn't expect that." He let out a low whistle. "She really came over to your room?"

He nodded. "She was distraught. Kept on saying that she didn't want to marry Lord Numar."

Badek shrugged. "Well… She could have said no."

He shook his head, "knowing her… Nahh. She'll do it if its for Hyrule."

"But still. If I was Prince, I wouldn't agree to it." Badek said with a scowl.

"That's how selfless she is." He said with a small smile.

"Well, what happened this morning?"

"I brought her back to her room when she fell asleep." He said as he went to Badek's side and looked out the window too.

Guardians were prowling the grounds, being led by the Sheikah researchers. It was a flashback to the memory where after being scolded by the King, he brought her to the field of flowers. That was the first night… Their first kiss… the way she melted in his arms when he gave her what she asked for—what she wanted. She was soft and pliant as he crushed her to his ches—

"Do you think the Princess likes you too?" Badek asked, bringing him back to reality.

He thought about it. There was a part of him that believed it. "I think she likes me. But she doesn't know that she does. Or something."

"She wouldn't ask you to kiss her if she wasn't at least a bit attracted."

He blushed at Badek's words and he couldn't help grinning. "I can hope, yeah."

"Trust me, Link. There are feelings there. She might just be in denial or just haven't realised it yet. But there is."

"Alright, alright. But still too late." He said sadly. The thought that the Princess liked him was enough to fill his heart with warmth. But under the current circumstances… even if she did, everything was too late.

"Where is the Princess, anyway?" Badek asked after a while. He had taken out his cigarettes and handed one to Link.

He shrugged. "With the King. They had meetings with the ministers."

"That's going to take all day." His friend commented.

He had no idea about how politics actually worked. "Why?"

"Along with the army, our little Lord friend is also bringing in some money. It's quite a sizeable amount from what I've heard so they had to talk about it."

He frowned. Goddess damn it. Rub it in my face, will you? "I haven't seen her since this morning." He said.

"Well, you probably won't until they're done. But hey, Link?"

"Hmm?"

"Last night, did you get to tell her how you feel?"

He shook his head. It was one of the things he regretted and debated whether to tell her. But last night, he kept on chickening out.

Badek hit him on the arm and he groaned in pain as he clutched the sore spot. "Ow!" He yelped.

"You had nothing to lose, Link. That was your chance. You told me yourself, you have nothing. So you have nothing to lose. Why didn't you?" Badek said in a hushed whisper.

He shook his head as he rubbed the sore spot. "I don't know, okay? I chickened out."

Badek was looking at him with a grimace. "You know for the Hylian Champion, you are a coward."

He laughed weakly. "I can face any opponent but this thing… I couldn't do it last night."

That earned him another beating from Badek who was laughing openly now. "This might be my only chance to beat up the Hero!"

When Badek finally let him go, he was sore all over and they were both catching their breaths. "You shouldn't have beaten me up. I am already hurt you know."

But his friend just laughed at him.

Three months passed. It was the worst months of his life. He was no longer the Princess's appointed knight.

He could remember the day he was dismissed from her presence like it was yesterday. He was called by the King into his study and he had come hurriedly.

You are dismissed from being the Princess's appointed knight to give you more time and training as the Hylian Champion.

It echoed on his mind every time he caught a glimpse of his Princess who seemed miles and miles away from him.

Lord Numar has practically moved in to the castle when he replaced him, hounding the Princess's footsteps. When she came out to do her praying at the springs, she was accompanied by a full company of green-clad soldiers with her handmaids and the lord himself.

It became a Goddess-damned field trip.

He could count on one hand the number of encounters they had. He still guarded her door nightly but as a normal soldier and not as her knight. He still stayed in the same bedroom beside her as his status of Hylian Champion was still intact, but otherwise, he stayed in the barracks.

And so he spent more and more time with his fellow soldiers, barely sleeping in his room. Badek kept him company faithfully along with Ron. He joined them most of the times for clearing parties as they went to forests and got rid of monsters who were being sighted more than usual.

He must have slain hundreds of Bokoblins and Moblins by now. He killed dozens of Lizalfos but nothing. Nothing could fill the emptiness he felt in his heart. He was the Hylian Champion who was just waiting for the Calamity to appear.

His Princess… When he sees her, she was silent and sullen. And she wouldn't even meet his eyes anymore. Her days are filled with endless tutelage from the ministers as they prepared her for royal duties.

And when she speaks, her voice was hollow.

Her cheekiness and vivaciousness has been stripped away. He could swear that she has also lost weight. He has not seen here with a Sheikah Slate for several weeks now even though she frequented the springs at least a few times a week.

And he wanted to be by her side.

But not once. Not once did she ask for him. And it filled him with such desperation, he was out drinking with Badek and the other soldiers almost every night then. It was like all they went through together was meaningless. Just a mere memory.

He always prided himself in knowing that he knew the Princess best. And he likes to think that still. He knew that she was ignoring him because she wanted to concentrate on getting her powers and being the dutiful Princess of Hyrule. But he knew that she was feeling trapped in a life she did not ask for.

He used to hoped that every knock on his door would reveal her figure but that moment never came. He could not help feeling used and angry. For the first few weeks, he repeated the same prayer of the future Links and Zeldas ending up together. But he didn't even know if anybody was listening. So he gave up.

He gave up on praying and just went on with his boring life of clearing forests and fighting off monsters and night duties. He exhausted himself beyond what he is usually used to just so when he collapsed on his bed, he had no time to think about her or her eyes or her lips or skin.

He became sullen and irritable. Moody and prone to temper. The soldiers have taken to not talking to him when he entered the barracks in a bad mood. But during the later parts… He had spent so much energy being angry, he didn't have enough strength to continue. And so he withdrew inside himself.

Countless times, Badek had to shake him to get back to reality. He was always staring off into space or looking out into the distance. Badek has tried to cheer him up. And he was grateful for his friend's efforts. But he just simply didn't want to… feel anymore.

It's both a blessing and curse to feel everything so deeply and yet feel nothing at the same time.

It was a week before the Princess's birthday. As the start of the traditional week-long celebration of her coming of age, there was a feast tonight.

He had just finished his bath after a hurried breakfast in the barracks. He was just getting dressed when there was a knock on the door. He opened it to see a green-clad soldier with a sneer on his face.

"Master Link?" The soldier asked in a rather high-pitched voice that was irksome.

"Yes?" He asked as he dried his hair with a towel, not even bothering with greetings.

"Lord Numar requests for your presence at the library." He said with a hesitant bow, unsure of how the Hylian Champion should be addressed.

He nodded. "I will come."

Then the soldier left to leave him to finish dressing. He hurried to the library when he was done and saw Lord Numar up close for the first time as he pored over a large tome.

His skin was the colour of honey or caramel. And his black hair was slightly long and wavy. He had a broad good-natured face and a slightly muscular frame. When Link entered the room, he looked up and grinned.

"Ahh! The Hylian Champion that I have heard so much about." He stood up and met him halfway, grabbing his hand to shake it. "A pleasure, a pleasure to have you."

He has been introduced to the Lord Numar before but his presence was just evidence of how much he had lost. And he avoided him as much as he could. He needed no reminder of the Princess's fate and his.

He was slightly taken aback but Lord Numar pushed him into a chair where cups of tea were waiting for both of them. He waved a hand to one of the green-clad soldiers who were guarding the doors. They nodded and left the library to give them privacy.

"Please have some tea." He pointed to the cup in front of him. He sat stiffly on the edge of his chair, waiting for the lord who was lounging casually on his armchair, chin on his intertwined fingers as he was scrutinised from head to toe. He didn't touch the tea.

"It is certainly a pleasure to meet you, Link." He said with a friendly smile.

"The pleasure is mine, Lord Numar." He said, inclining his head. He was uncomfortable. Aside from the Princess, this is the only noble that has been casual with him. It was unexpected… He kind of hoped that Lord Numar was as annoying as Revali so he could hate him in peace.

"Oh, please! Call me Numar. All this 'Lord' business is taxing." He waved it off jovially. "I have heard about your… I do not mean to offend you, pardon me—but I have heard of how young you are. The Princess told me so many things about you and I must say, you are not what I expected."

He found it strange that his age is now an issue, three months later. He couldn't tell if the Lord was mocking him. But he could sense no hostility from the noble and he let it slide. He didn't say anything though. He knew what was coming next.

"What were you expecting, Lor—Numar?" He caught himself just in time.

"Relaaax, Link. You look so stiff." He said with a laugh as he leaned forward. "Lurelin is at the bottom of Hyrule. So news travel a little slow. But I was updated during my time here. I have heard stories about your unparalleled skills and wish to see them in action. As the Princess's appointed knight, please forgive me, I would like to know for myself about your capabilities as the Hylian Champion." He shifted in his seat as he took a sip from his own cup. "A sparring, perhaps? Something we can show on tonight's feast?"

It was a reasonable request, one that he will not back down from. If the duel happened a few weeks before, it would have been a different story. He'd be itching to find out the skills of the person who took his knight's job from under his feet. But right now, he just didn't care. "As you wish, Lord Numar." He accepted.

The lord clapped his hands in delight. "I must say I am excited. The way the Princess spoke about you truly got me curious."

He tried not to think too much about it —about her, really. But if it is true… then the Princess still speaks of him from time to time.

"I hope that I can satisfy your curiosity."

"I have no doubt about it, Link! That's settled then! Tonight then, yes? Or do you have something better to do?" The lord took another sip. "Now let's talk as friends. How old are you?"

"Seventeen." He slowly took his cup out of the saucer and took a sip. It was very hot and nearly scalded his tongue.

"One would say that you are around your twenties! Still, I am thirty, Link. We are not so far from each other."

Thirty?! The Princess is sixteen for Goddess's sake! How can the King do this?! He fought to keep his face passive.

"I first met Princess Zelda when she was a very young and I was not yet the Lord of Lurelin. But ever since, her beauty is unparalleled—the kind of beauty that can move mountains, empty oceans—you get what I mean." He chuckled sheepishly. "I heard that the King is looking to expand his army in preparation for the calamity. And I found the chance to see the Princess again."

He didn't say anything. He did not ask for an explanation but was still glad to hear it.

"At first, I was here to offer the King my army as he is my King after all. But when I arrived, the Princess was not here. She was out with you on one of her little adventures."

The Lord had these… hand gestures when he explained things. He found it… distracting so he stared at a spot on his chin instead. His mind was drifting but he fought to keep his concentration. Not having any sleep at all was not helping.

"At first, it worried me that the Princess is with you. I mean, two teenagers in close proximity with each other… something is bound to happen." The lord seemed to be waiting for him to say something. When he didn't, Lord Numar cleared his throat. "Tell me, Link. Do you find the Princess beautiful as well?"

The question was easy enough. "Yes."

Lord Numar nodded at his answer, there was a hint of suspicion on his face. But when he didn't elaborate anymore, he shook his head. "I saw paintings of her beauty all around the castle. And I found myself falling in love with her. So I asked the King for his permission." He looked at Link intently. "I am pleased that he approved."

"It is perhaps too late, but I congratulate you on your engagement, Lord Numar." He said in a steady voice.

The lord smiled. "Thank you, Link. I hope that you do not take into offence that I am now the Princess's appointed knight."

As well as her fiancé. You took everything from me. But he shook his head. "No offence taken, Lord Numar."

"Link, Link… Your youth… is wasted away. Look at me. I am thirty now. The demanding responsibilities of running a little town takes the goodness out of life. We are trapped by our professions. Do you ever wish that you are just out there in the world instead of here in the castle?"

He begged to disagree. Being a knight did not trap him in anyway. It was what he wanted to do and found pleasure in it. He found the Princess and she is worth it. He never regretted being a knight. It has caused him pain beyond he never expected he could endure. But it also brought him the Princess.

"No, Lord Numar." He cleared his throat.

He seemed surprised by his answer. "Really? Even without the calamity, you would still choose to be a swordsman?"

He nodded without hesitating.

"Well… As for me, I long for the openness of the ocean. I have invited the Princess to see Lurelin, you know. But it is very far from here. And also… with the threat of the Calamity, I doubt she will ever leave."

Maybe you should go back on your own.

"Well, Link. Thank you for indulging me a bit of your time today. I look forward to our duel tonight."

And he took his leave from Lord Numar with a bow.

He spent the rest of the days with the soldiers, practicing archery in the ranges with Badek and Ronn. When the sky started to darken, he went back up to his room to prepare.

After a quick shower, he put on his linen shirt and the Champions tunic over it. It was the same tunic that the Princess made with her hands. It's been a long time since he has worn it… As he fingered the material, he remembered their nights together. He felt the familiar pull of sadness tug at his heart strings. And before he could succumb to them, he waved them away. Determined to not break down tonight.

Dressed and ready, he looked out the window to see that night has already fallen. The feast would be starting soon at the town square, the same place where the tournament was held.

It was quite a walk but he relished the cool night air. Badek met him on the entrance of the castle and they went together.

"Are you nervous?" Badek asked.

He shook his head.

"You know, Link…I am worried about you."

He knew that Badek has been trying to have this conversation with him for weeks now. He managed to avoid most of them but tonight, his mind is strangely blank.

"It's been months. You are not yourself. Are you sure you want to do this?"

The lights of the town square greeted them. There were several paper lanterns lining the streets. Kids were running about. There was a smell of baked apples in the air and the festive talk of the people around them. The atmosphere was too… cheerful for his liking.

"It's like you lost your… will to live." Badek commented as they continued to where the duel will be held.

"Don't worry, my friend. I will be fine." He said monotonously.

They reached the same wide enclosure where he won the Master Sword. It brought him memories of when he first laid eyes on her… Her long golden hair… How he knew that he would love her forever.

His fellow soldiers greeted him on his arrival and he smiled listlessly to pats on the back and shoulders. But before he could enter the enclosure, Badek pulled him roughly to the side.

"Link. You do know what you are doing right?" Badek asked him.

He looked into he good-natured face of his friend and nodded. "Yes, Badek. I am fine."

"Concentrate, Link. Focus. A mistake will cost you your life."

But he wasn't listening. He just wanted to get it over with. And before Badek could say another word, he pulled himself free and stepped inside the enclosure just as a bell was rung.

"Tonight! Lord Numar of Lurelin, appointed knight of Princess Zelda, along with the Hylian Champion, Link, will showcase their skills in honour of the start of the Princess's birthday!" An announcer shouted above the crowd who has fallen silent.

He tried to search himself for anything… Any motivation. Nothing. His friend Badek was right. As he stood there, he realised that he was not himself. But no matter. Everything he could ever want has already been taken from him.

The Princess was gone. And she is never coming back to him. She will never be back in his arms. She was the only thing he ever wanted in this life. And she is out of his reach. If only…

A push from behind him startled him. His name was being called. And he walked towards the middle of the yard where Lord Numar was already waiting. He stood beside him and he looked up.

It was the same platform from when the tournament was held. And the Princess was glowing tonight. She looked so beautiful, it was almost painful to look at her.

Zelda… have you been eating? You lost some weight you know. And you certainly need more sleep. You have bags under your eyes. Stop hitting me! I was kidding! How are our Divine Beasts? How are you? Do you miss me? I miss you a lot, you know. Even Epona misses you. Are you not sleeping well these days? Come here, I will keep you safe.

Her hair was braided elaborately today. And she was in a gown of white. She looked so beautiful as she talked to the King, a small smile on her face. It hurt his heart to look at her so he turned away and stared straight ahead instead. But seeing her… It's been so long since he did. And it awakened the sleeping feelings inside him that he so carefully tucked inside.

After the announcements, the whole world went silent around him as it does when he prepares himself for battle. He could not hear the announcer's words. He could not hear Lord Numar as they bowed to each other and then towards the platform where the King and the Princess were watching.

As the match started and Lord Numar got into position, his mind was elsewhere.

It was back in her room, a hand on the small of her back as he held her so she will not fall out the window. She was sighing into his lips as she asked him to kiss her.

It was back on her bed as he fought to calm his racing heart, her hands wandering the planes of his chest and abdomen as he sucked at her lower lip, making her whisper his name.

It was back in his room on that last night. When her long creamy legs were wrapped around his waist and he was tasting her breath.

A sharp clang of metal on metal woke him up! And he snapped to attention to see that Lord Numar has pounced on him, locking swords with him. He gritted his teeth as he pushed with all his might. The lord backed up and so did he as he fought to keep his concentration.

He could hear Badek screaming from behind him amidst the shouts and cheers, "Focus, Link! Focus!"

Gathering all that was remaining of his concentration, he steeled himself for the next blow. Her lips were still on his mind and he tried to push it away.

The lord pounced on him again and his reflexes were faster this time! He swerved to his right just in time but narrowly avoided the follow-up swing of the sword.

He cursed under his breath. This was not him. This was not him fighting.

Goddess damn it, LinK! Pull yourself together!

Link… kiss me.

Stop it! Don't think about it!

His opponent lunged, narrowly missing stomach as he jumped and flipped backwards.

If I promise not to wander… would you kiss me again?

Focus, Link! Focus!

He blinked furiously as he focused on what was in front of him. Lord Numar had a longsword, almost the same length and build as the Master Sword. It would be quite a reach. I have to step back—

More…

Go away. He winced internally.

"What's wrong, Hero? I hope you are not going easy on me." Lord Numar said with a sneer.

He shook his head and gripped the Master Sword tighter in his hand as he inhaled deeply to clear his head.

The next attack was easier to predict. His movements were sluggish and his arms didn't seem to want to follow his mind, but he managed to block the attack which was aimed at his side. He leaped back, breathing heavily.

Focus, Link. Anticipate his moves. You can see them.

I never knew what safe was… until you—

Focus, Link.

This time it was him who attacked first. He summoned forth his self-control and unleashed a continuous onslaught of blows at Lord Numar who surprisingly managed to dodge and block all of it. He flowed from one position to another.

Faster, Link. Faster! You can go faster. Faster!

Link… I don't want to lose you too.

Faster, Link!

With a grunt, he delivered the last of his attack and leapt backwards. His breathing was heavy after such an offensive move. But he was not the only one. The lord looked surprised at the sudden turn-around of events. His brow was furrowed and he was staring at Link with a furious gaze.

With a yell, they both leaped forward and their swords met again.

Amidst the fighting, Lord Numar was highly skilled. He was certainly the best he has ever fought before.

But he…refuses…to… give… up!

With massive effort, he somersaulted into the air, avoiding a deadly slash by Lord Numar's blade. As he landed on his feet, pain erupted on his side and he dropped on his knees as he clutched at it.

His vision swam in front of him as he felt warm sticky wetness on his fingers. He looked down to see blood seeping into his Champion's tunic. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself back on his feet amidst the spectator's gasps.

I thought… I dodged that…

At the sight of blood, Lord Numar dropped his guard and retreated, "perhaps we should stop, Link."

But he shook his head. Rage was building inside him, threatening to erupt. This man. THIS MAN. This man took the Princess from him. He does not… get to walk away…

He growled under his breath. "Do not turn your back on me, Lord Numar." He hissed. Ignoring the searing pain on his side, he pounced!

With every blow and swing he delivered, he channeled every ounce of his pent-up frustration and desperation! He began the most complex series of positions he has ever known, improvising with every turn! He kept up a barrage of attacks until the lord was overwhelmed! He didn't stop until his opponent was on his back… the point of his sword at his neck.

The crowd erupted around him. And he released his opponent, sheathing the Master Sword.

He felt… a sense of peace within him. Without his anger… he felt more… like himself. His side was still smarting as he helped the lord up on his feet.

"And the winner is… Link!"

He could hear Badek shouting himself hoarse as for the first time in several weeks… he felt like himself. He looked up at the platform.

The Princess… she had worry lined in her face. And she was looking at him directly. For the first time in a long time… Green met blue… and he smiled as he wallowed in the depths of her emerald orbs. Granted she was several feet away, but she was here now. And he was here now. And they see each other.

He smiled at her and she nodded at him, blinking back tears.

As the King stood up on his feet, he got down on one knee and bowed his head. Lord Numar did the same beside him. The crowd silenced itself.

"That was excellent, Lord Numar, Link. Thank you. Please rise."

He got back up on his feet. His side was aching badly and he didn't want to ruin his Champion's tunic more. There was already a large slash on the cloth. His wound was long… But he could tell that it was not that deep.

The King waved his hand as a sign of dismissing him but Lord Numar spoke up.

"If I may, your Highness."

The crowd hushed again at his voice.

"What is it?" King Rhoam asked.

"It is our honour and pleasure that you have graced us with your presence. As another gift to my fiancee, the Princess, I have a proposition to make."

His curiosity was peaked. He looked at his opponent at the corner of his eye.

"How about a bet?"

He could not deny that he was surprised. A bet?

"Interesting. What do you propose?" The King has sat back down heavily in his chair. The crowd waited with bated breath. He was stunned. Is this some sort of tournament or competition now?

"On the eve of the Princess's birthday, a trial by combat for the title of Hylian Champion."

His head whipped around to face the lord. Just what do you think you are getting at?!

"I think it would be fitting, that as the Princess's appointed knight and fiancé, I am the Hylian Champion as well." He added. "I would like to be given the chance to try."

He stared at the lord incredulously. And it dawned on him. That this showcase was a trap. To test his skills… and present this proposition to the King. But it has been unheard of! Once a Champion has been chosen… he or she remains to be the Champion!

Ahh… but that is not the case. It is the Master Sword who decides.

He could feel the sword pulsing on his back. It has become a part of him… And he will fight to the death for it.

He looked over at the Princess. There was a flash of panic in her eyes so minute no one but himself would have noticed it. But he did. He noticed it. He knew it. He has seen it before. He knew her more than anybody.

Feeling a little bit of panic himself, he looked over at King Rhoam who was staring intently at Lord Numar. The King was obviously thinking about it. "And what if Link wins?"

All eyes turned to him. He felt an insurmountable amount of dislike towards Lord Numar who was smiling at him. You fake. First my Princess… then as her knight. Now you want to be Hylian Champion. Must you take that as well?

"Tell me, Link. Is there anything else you want in this world?"

The Princess.

"Perhaps… a mansion? Land? Treasures? Lordship? Titles?… All of them?" The lord counted them off in his fingers.

His hands balled into fists. Fool. You think I want money? Fame?

He was staring straight ahead at the Princess. Her fingers where twisted into knots as she nervously frayed the handkerchief on her lap. He knew that look in her eyes. He knew she needed him to be beside her. He was her safe place. Without him, she would feel even more trapped in the life she so desperately wanted to escape.

He took a huge breath. It was time to crawl out of the hole he'd been digging himself in. It was evident in the Princess that she needed saving.

And even though he was no longer her appointed knight… He vowed to protect her from all the evils of the world. And he will not rest until he has done that.

He had to save her.

And save himself in the process too.

With this realisation, he felt the familiar pulsing of the Master Sword on his back. And he knew what he had to do. It crept into he recesses of his mind, clearing all doubt and fear. It was a welcomed presence, one he has not felt for a long time—like a long lost friend.

So he shook his head, "No, my Lord."

But Lord Numar did not stop. He leaned closer, "are you sure, Link? There is nothing we can offer you? Just think of it as a gift to the Princess."

"I do not want riches, my Lord." He said steadily.

"What is it then, Link?" This time, it was not the lord who asked but the King. He looked up at the platform. He felt the familiar tugging of the Master Sword. Tendrils of exhilaration and clarity spread throughout his body as he straightened up. It filled him with courage… to continue and voice out what he knew he had to do.

He knew what he wanted.

He knew the ultimate gift he could ever give to the Princess.

On your birthday, Zelda… I give you back your freedom in the only way I know how.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He looked at the Princess directly. "I ask to be reinstated as the Princess's appointed knight."

"Is that it?" Lord Numar snapped, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

But he shook his head, never taking his eyes of her beautiful face he could spend lifetimes looking at. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. It spoke of pain and entrapment and desperation. It spoke of her sleepless nights he knew she spent crying until she fell asleep. Beneath her strong facade, he knew she was crumbling.

I promised to you that I will always be at your service, Zelda. I will never leave your side. Forgive me if I've been gone for so long…

Let me save you. Let me save us.

On your birthday, my gift to you is me.

He took a deep breath and said in a loud voice, "and I ask for the Princess's hand in marriage."

Told you. :)