Link got up from their place in the fields, starting to pack away their things while the princess slept. Her skin may have glowed in the moonlight but her hair reflected the sun, the beautiful gold shimmering as it lay across her face. He could watch it forever if he was given the chance to. If only there weren't more pressing matters, like the fact he needed to get her home to the castle as soon as possible.
He had to rid himself of all the images in his head; sure, the night before wasn't perfect but he could still feel her skin against his hands, her lips on his as the connected in a way he thought would never truly happen. Then they'd slept and everything felt right like he had always imagined life would be when he finally met the right person, just like his mother had told him when he was a little boy. It didn't matter if it was awkward at the time; the memory of their naked bodies together, expressing something so raw was still something special to him and he hoped the princess felt the same.
Zelda slowly woke up, sitting up as Link prepared some breakfast. ''You didn't let me sleep too long, did you?'' she asked and Link shook his head.
''It's still early. If we leave after we eat, we should get to the wetlands by tonight,'' he said and Zelda nodded.
She got up and took one of the bowls, eating from it quietly. Only two more days out in the wild before she was returned to the castle. She almost felt like turning around and going back to the shrine of power because it had been way too easy after the struggles on Mount Lanayru. They walked in, she prayed, they walked out; when was anything ever that easy? It felt like it had been a dream, particularly with the night they'd just had together.
Link gathered up the sleeping bags and the horses, preparing them to set off again. ''The sooner we get moving, the more time you'll get to be ready for the coronation.''
He could feel the uneasiness in the air as they tried to work out how things had changed. The night had been special but given the circumstances, who was to say when or if it would ever happen again. They'd pushed past their worries and awkwardness and finally shared the moment that they previous thought wouldn't happen until after they were well and truly back at the castle, possibly even married. Surely they were now officially together as a couple, no longer in that state of limbo between friends and lovers.
She looked uncomfortable as she got up on her horse. She didn't even sit right. ''Are you alright, Princess?''
Zelda turned her head to look at him. He expected her to correct him as he realised he'd said the wrong thing, but she didn't. ''Yeah, I'm fine.''
He walked over to her horse, looking up as he held the reins. ''What is it?''
She looked embarrassed and sore. ''I didn't expect to still feel it now,'' she said and Link frowned. ''It's not bad. It's still just thought it'd be okay by now. It's getting better all the time so don't worry about me.''
He let go of the reins and went back to his horse, getting up on its back. ''Just tell me if you want to stop and rest,'' he said and she nodded. It did ease as the day went on but she did have to stop a few times just to try and stretch.
She was quiet, even when they stopped for the night. They stopped at one of the stables again, the princess taking herself to bed early as Link couldn't help but feel a sense of uneasiness. He knew that'd they'd probably rushed into having sex but this was really just proving it to him. She could barely look at him and it was only getting worse as the day went on.
He sat outside by the fire pot, making something up to fill that small amount of hunger he still had. He didn't need it but while he had the opportunity, he wasn't going to waste it. Who knew how much they'd eat in the morning before they had to rush off to continue their journey. He used a ladle to mix the broth, tasting a bit to see whether it was okay. If it turned out alright, he considered making it for breakfast as some sort of alternative to the usual meals he made. It wasn't anything special in the end; when they only had a day worth of travel left, it wasn't worth making something for them both that he wasn't sure she'd like.
He walked back inside after the small meal. He looked at her asleep in her bed, still looking upset in her dreams. He looked at the innkeeper who was sweeping up outside, resisting the urge to touch her face and kiss her. This wasn't meant to happen this way. He barely slept himself, waking up as he heard movement around the stables in the early hours. He got up to see the princess getting out of bed as quietly as she could manage but it still wasn't quiet enough when they were in the same room. She knew he heard people moving miles away when they were outdoors, he could hear her moving in a room.
He sat up and the princess turned a little to look at him. ''I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you,'' she said and Link shook his head. He got up, watching her move very carefully. Zelda may not have been looking at him directly but she could see what he was doing. She was still whispering so only he would hear, aware of the others in the room. ''I feel better now. It was like I'd been riding a horse for too long, just less on my legs and more…''
He could understand why but he didn't think they'd been that rough to make her feel sore for the entire day after. Then again, it was the first time and he had never really asked. He didn't want to dwell on it too long, particularly as they weren't alone and if it was better, there was no use in getting worried over it. ''As long as it's better.''
She nodded, getting up as she gathered her things. ''We should keep moving so we can get back to the castle,'' she said and Link grabbed his bag, putting it on his back.
She went straight to the horses instead of the cooking pot, getting on her horse's back. ''Princess-'' Link said as she began to move.
He got on the back of his own, following her as they travelled. She only stopped when he could see she was so hungry she was shaking, her stomach audible enough he could hear it from a few metres away.
''Zelda, please talk to me,'' he said, uncomfortable with her silence. He was beginning to understand why she found it so frustrating when he was quiet, why she had insisted until he finally gave up and started to let the thoughts come out. He'd give anything just to know what was running through her head so he could stop making assumptions and start fixing it.
Zelda only looked more upset as she got off of her horse, reaching up to try and get an apple that was slightly out of her reach. She suddenly burst into tears and Link felt even more confused, walking over to use the tip of his sword to cut the stem so it'd fall into his hand. He offered it to her but she had curled up, tears running down her cheeks.
He got down on the ground, putting a hand on her arm as he tried to work out what to do. ''Did I do something?''
Zelda shook her head as she tried to contain herself. ''I'm just so scared,'' she said and Link waited for her to continue. ''It's all too much. It's just hit me like a hinox or even an ancient beast; I'm going to be queen in just a few days. Everybody is going to be watching my every move, they'll rely on me. And it's not like Ganon — just use my powers and once he's sealed away I'm done — but it's until I die. Everyone in the whole entire world will be relying on everything I do and say until I die. What if I mess up? What if there's war? What if people die because I don't give them the resources they need in time? What do I do?''
Link wished he could relieve her stresses but there was nothing he could do but listen. ''You'll do fine, Princess. No one can ask you to be perfect. All you can do is what you think is best,'' he insisted.
''How can you say that? It's been almost two days and you don't look at me the same. I shouldn't have asked you to have sex with me if I knew you would be like this-'' she said and Link felt confused.
''Like what?'' he asked and Zelda finally looked in his eyes.
''Like you're sorry for me. Like you think I'm precious. Like I'm damaged and need to be held and helped like a child.''
Link frowned. ''That's not what I'm thinking,'' he said and Zelda still seemed convinced. Given her frantic mental state, he wasn't sure he'd ever convince her otherwise.
''Of course you won't admit it. Princess Zelda, damaged and fragile now she's let a man take advantage of her-''
Link held her shoulders, making her look into his eyes. ''Zelda, that is not what I think. I think you are beautiful and I wish we could do the other night all over again so it could be even more perfect like you deserve, though now it's clear I should have said no again. You weren't ready.''
Zelda went quiet as Link wiped the tears from her face. ''I thought I was but there's so much else going on, it didn't matter,'' she admitted. ''It was too sudden.''
Link felt awful. He'd still been thinking that it had been a wonderful night and here she was crying because she'd been completely overwhelmed. He wasn't even sure it was what they'd done that had upset her; it was all the time after when he had let her keep her silence, letting her sit in her own thoughts until she'd convinced herself that things weren't going to be alright.
''Is there anything I can do to make it right?'' he asked and Zelda seemed unsure. ''You're still not sure about us.''
Zelda looked sorry. ''There's just too much happening. I can't even think without getting overwhelmed. I need some time and I know that doesn't work for you so maybe we should-''
Link had never felt so much pain all at once. He knew what she meant and it wasn't good for him. ''Okay.''
''Link,'' she said as she tried to get his attention. ''It's just not the right time for me. Maybe some day but I can't even say for certain that I'll ever know for sure. You shouldn't wait for something that might not ever happen.''
''That's fine, Princess,'' he said as he took his hand away. It was probably inappropriate now she was telling him they shouldn't be together. All he felt was regret; he'd finally thought she might have loved him back and he was completely wrong.
''Zelda,'' she corrected. She still wanted them to be friends, assuming that things would go back to the way they were. She still trusted him above all others and he was her closest friend; she deserved the ability to use his name.
''If you don't mind, I'd rather not right now,'' he said as he got up. ''We should get you back to the castle. You're just panicking because we're not there yet. Once we're back and the stress of the ceremony is over, you'll be fine.''
Zelda could see he was upset, even beyond the fact he'd immediately forced a neutral expression on his face. He grabbed some more fruit for her and handed it over, letting her eat before they set off. He pushed them on even after it got dark, riding through the old castle town and arriving at the castle in the late hours of the night.
The workers were all scattered, running around to make sure the princess could be settled into bed. Link left her as soon as he knew she was in safe hands, finding himself a spot in the old academy. He supposed he'd be starting there in the morning so he may as well have been there to get everything ready.
He woke up to knocking on the door, the smell of food wafting through. ''Good morning. The princess said you won't have food supplies yet and you should be fed,'' the woman said and Link sat up, feeling the aches and pains of sleeping for so long away from his bed.
''Thank you,'' he said as he got up and took the tray. ''I'm going to get the academy ready today. Please tell the princess just to send for me if she needs me.''
He was surprised to see they'd managed to reconstruct it so quickly. There wasn't any equipment but it was shelter and an adequate space. He grabbed some of the swords that were tossed in a corner, finding some of the old bows that needed to be restrung. He needed everything to be ready.
''Sir.''
Link jumped as he turned to look at the former assassin. ''How do you do that? You are silent.''
''With a lot of practice,'' Grax replied. ''Can I help you with anything? I really want you to accept me into the royal guard. I know my past is not ideal but it makes me the perfect soldier.''
Link sighed. If he wasn't going to leave him alone, he could use him to help. ''Get the word out. Anyone who wants to be in the royal guard is to be in the old training fields tomorrow at dawn. Academy training starts then. Bring your weapons.''
Grax nodded and left, just as silently as he came. Link prepared the bows and swords with polish and new strings, lining them back against the walls like they had been in the past. All to protect his princess. No, not his princess anymore. It still hurt, those words sitting inside of him as he bottled the feelings up for as long as he could manage. He found what was probably the last training dummy, tearing it to shreds with his sword within minutes to try and get them out without yelling or tearing the entire building apart.
It wasn't fair. She'd started it; she kissed him first. She convinced him to try a relationship, she told him she was ready and wanted him and she had broken his heart when he thought they had finally committed to something real. He should have known when she didn't tell him she loved him back.
Why was he so stupid?
Zelda sat on what was about to be her throne, trying to recite the lines she was being told off by heart. Her advisors were trying to be patient but she had three days to learn everything she needed to, which was a task most other royals spent weeks preparing for. ''I'm sorry, start again,'' she said as she got mixed up in her words. Why was she finding it so hard to concentrate? Her inability to remember her words was only making her more anxious, leading to more distracted thoughts.
''How about we pick this up tomorrow?'' one of the women asked, bowing her head slightly. ''You have a visitor waiting.''
Zelda got up, unsure of who it would be. She stepped out into the parlour, surprised by the stranger who stood there. ''Hello, I'm not sure we've met.''
The man looked perhaps in his mid-twenties, a Hylian with dark hair and light skin. He got down on one knee, taking the princess' hand as she got close to kiss it. ''Forgive my intrusion, Princess. I know you are very busy.''
''Yes, I am so I would appreciate it if you could tell me why you're here,'' she replied. The man got up and looked into her eyes.
''My grandmother sent me. She told me that you would be looking for a husband soon,'' he said and Zelda frowned. ''I had to introduce myself. My name is Braun and I have found your beauty and intelligence outstanding since I saw you walk through my village with your knight. I had to take the chance if it was the only one I ever got.''
He was certainly bold and wasn't difficult on the eye either. Zelda took a deep breath. ''I am very sorry but until after the coronation, I don't have time for any social engagements.''
''Then let's just walk around the castle. One lap just to talk to you and let you get to know me. Please do me the honour, Princess,'' he insisted. She sighed and nodded, making her way out to one of the walkways that circled the castle.
He was quite charming. She laughed and felt comfortable with him, listening to his stories of childhood in a small village, trying to become a well-rounded man. He was clever but not smarter than her, and he was strong but not more than he'd need for simple defence. He was balanced in every aspect, with a variety of adequate skills but with nothing in particular that he had mastered. In a way, learning all of those skills was his art of choice.
''Is that the academy?'' Braun asked as they circled the outside. ''I heard training starts tomorrow. Your knight is certainly taking the rebuilding of the guard very seriously.''
Zelda nodded. ''I wouldn't expect any less,'' she said as she peered over the wall; remembering what the old version had looked like. It was very similar but missing all of the old character; the dents in the walls, broken tiles on the roof and missing paint from training exercises all gone awry.
She watched as she saw Link bringing out some of the rubbish, the knight looking up in her direction. ''Should we keep moving, Princess? I didn't mean to distract you,'' Braun suggested as he put a hand on Zelda's arm. Zelda turned, completely missing Link's change in facial expression as she looked at the man beside her.
''Yes, let's keep going,'' she said as Braun walked beside her, his hands on her arms to make sure she didn't fall over one of the patches that still needed to be fixed.
Link waited until they were out of sight and earshot, throwing one of the bins as far as he could out of anger and pain. It had barely been a day and she was moving on. He could clearly see what his intentions were from a distance, so blatantly in public. What did Link mean to her now? What had he ever meant? Was he just like an old teddy bear, there to hold or talk to when convenient but thrown away as soon as she didn't want him anymore?
''Is something wrong, sir?'' Grax's voice carried, the man standing behind him and waiting.
''Get a sword,'' Link said without hesitation, walking back inside to find his own. He walked back out and Grax was cautious but ready. ''If you think you're good enough to be accepted straight into the royal guard then you're going to have to prove it. Fight me.''
Grax nodded. ''As you wish.''
Link moved first, his sword making contact with the man's as he felt all of his emotion bubbling up inside of him. He was blocked, taking another swing which was deflected, forcing him to catch a blow from the man. It went on for much longer than Link had anticipated; he was a master swordsman, the best in all of Hyrule. His lack of concentration wasn't helping; he should have had this man's sword on the ground within the first minute and yet here they were, still sparing an hour later.
Sweat dropped down his brow as Grax looked just as fatigued. Link could feel all of his anger disappearing as each blow came and went. He made what should have been the final swing, the sword making contact as Grax returned it with enough pressure the sword in Link's hand went flying.
Link looked at his hand, feeling the air against the sweat that lined it before curling it into a fist. That hadn't happened for a long time. Grax walked over and picked up the sword, bringing it back to the knight whom was still frozen.
''Does that mean I'm in, sir?'' Grax asked and Link looked at him with no bias for the first time, his feelings relatively neutral. He almost felt some respect; even on his bad days, Link was never an easy opponent. There was a way that Link could tell many things about a man by the way he fought, a way that he could never explain. Grax had fought with such determination and resilience, profiling his every move until he knew the exact time to make his true return strike. Grax had wanted this with every bone in his body; it was something Link could understand and empathise with.
Link reached out and took the man's hand. ''Yeah. You're in.''
''Thank you,'' Grax said, looking overjoyed by the news. He could almost pick up the younger looking man and hug him. ''Tomorrow, dawn. Training starts, right? I may not be in the academy but I should still train.''
Link nodded. He looked up at the sky, noticing that it was starting to get dark. He felt empty, all of his anger gone and replaced by nothingness. ''Yes. Go get a good night's sleep. It won't be easy,'' he said as he began to walk back into the academy.
He lay down in his sleeping bag, curling his arm around the pillow made of clothes. There was a quiet knock on the door before it opened and closed. He didn't even have to turn to see who it was. ''Link, I was coming to see if you'd like to join me for dinner instead of eating out here,'' Zelda said as she walked in, her shoes clicking against the wooden floor. She saw him already lying in bed, a frown forming on her face. ''Are you okay? You haven't caught the fever I had, have you?''
Link shook his head. His voice was quiet and emotionless, almost monotone as he spoke. ''Early morning. If it's okay, I think I'll just go to bed, Princess.''
Zelda hesitated but nodded. ''Alright then. I'm sorry to have disturbed you.'' She closed the door, waiting a moment to let the image of Link sink in. She genuinely hoped it was just fatigue, making her way back to the castle.
Link felt something hot and wet run over the bridge of his nose, running down the other cheek. Why did he open up to her? Why was he so stupid when he should have known this would happen? She'd never told him she loved him back, even after they'd spent the night together. He couldn't even think of the last time he'd actually cried. He hadn't when his father died, so it was probably back when he was a child still mourning the loss of his mother. He'd been four years old and grown to learn to hide it, keeping his emotions to himself as he trained to become a soldier like his father. Emotions would only make him vulnerable. It was okay to be friendly, to have fun and to be happy but close bonds were just weaknesses to be exposed. He knew that and he'd let them out again anyway. He'd trusted the princess and she'd torn his heart out, leaving him ready to lie on the floor and never get up again.
But overall, one thing had hurt him the most; why did she find it so easy to pretend nothing had happened at all?
So this probably clears up a bit of what happened with the lemon in the previous chapter as they were meant to be a single combined chapter but I split it up so people could read what they were comfortable with. I know a lot of people thought it was a bit sudden as it seemed to happen out of just about nowhere, which is exactly how it was meant to be portrayed as shown in this chapter where it hopefully became a bit clearer they knew they'd rushed into it. Let me know what you think and keep that feedback coming; it does help me make sure I've covered everything I need to so it all makes sense. Until next time!