Hello everyone!
Thank you to tank7063, rilish, FoShow506, darkshinobi100, obeseone, ShiNoPerusona, SwaggyStiles, Arianna007, and NoSignalBlueScreen for adding this story to their favorites list and/or following!
Responses to Reviews:
KHLostEmpress: Thanks for your review! I know the councillor's theories are stupid lol but the whole teaching politics and economics thing is only part of it. They've got wayy too many unreasonable issues with commoners. And damn, she deserves to stand up for her and Link, let her abuse her power just this once shall she ;) mwahaha
TheDragonKnights: Haha oops, I know that one was stressful! And for PTSD, I haven't really placed the pin on it yet, but it does sound like something that I will try to weave into the story later into the chapters. Thank you for your review!
StraightedgeWingZero: That's a good suggestion, actually! I'm just afraid the Percival's too ashamed to admit it out of fear for her reputation, but he might be able to overcome it for the sake of the hero and queen! I will truly consider adding it during the next few chapters. Thank you!
James Birdsong: Thank you very much :)
Awakening5: Hah, Link's definitely got something brewing, but even hero's are caught off-guard once in a while! No spoilers just yet ;) Thank you!
Lunitari: Aww I know, Zelda's in such a difficult situation. I can't imagine what it would be like for her, but things always have a way of working out! Thank you for your review!
FierceDietyLinkMask: Oh god in a terribly icky way or in a omg this is adorable way? Fingers crossed and much thanks for the latter! ;)
Mr. Fancycakes: Aww no! I hope you enjoyed! Thank you :)
SwaggyStiles: Thank you very much for your reviews, I loved them! Yes, there will definitely be a happy ending, but it will be a long time coming. And so sorry for the cliffhanger! I hope you enjoy this chapter :)
NoSignalBlueScreen: Wow, I'm truly flattered! I'm glad that my writing stands out to you and the story is interesting, it's always amazing to hear such great feedback. Thank you so much!
Soo sorry guys for the cliffhanger. I was originally going to stretch it out, but I decided this chapter would be better this way instead. Thank you all for your support! Any critiques and suggestions are also welcome.
And now, without further ado, chapter 14!
The morning musk rose with the dawn, a cloud of white curling around her toes as she trudged through the gardens. Dew sat on the blooms and the buds, but the smell was almost intoxicating to her with heightened senses and she wished she could just cough and be excused.
But Zelda knew this moment was coming, she prepared for it all her life, and now she had to face it once and for all.
Percival paced in front of the marble statue by the castle's entrance, just as she expected, but brightened up upon seeing her approach. Then, almost immediately after, he flushed: bashful and cowardly as always. She was only more sorely reminded that this man wasn't the same as the one she held dear in her heart, one braver than all.
He approached her, beet red, and took her hands in his. "Zelda, my lady," he greeted.
"My lord," she replied, bowing her head politely.
"How are you this morning?"
Awful, she wanted to say. Awful and afraid. "I am well. And you?"
"Truthfully," he said with a small smile, "I'm terribly nervous." Percival looked at her for reassurance, for a smile perhaps, and yet she didn't supply him with any response. She didn't mean to be harsh or rude, but she found that smiling at the moment was harder than it seemed and she was exhausted enough as it was.
"You see, my queen, I…" He paused for a moment, eyes growing distant as he searched in his mind for the words he rehearsed. "I visited Hyrule by my father's wishes and in hopes to explore the kingdom I've only ever heard legends of. I wasn't disappointed; no, I was amazed by the land, by the people, and…and by you.
"Truth be told, I don't know much about you other than that you are by the far the finest queen these kingdoms have ever seen. After these last few weeks, you've proven to be kind, beautiful and above all wise, and that's all that I need to know. I wish dearly to introduce you to my family, my kingdom, and I want to be sitting beside you for the rest of my life."
He licked his dry lips before bowing in front of her and she felt her heart shatter like glass, shards probing at her insides. A small velvet box slipped out of the pocket of his purple tunic and he clapped the lid open to reveal a silver ring with a shimmering ruby. "Zelda Nohansen Harkinian, will you do me the honor of being my queen?"
This moment didn't shock her: the ring, his words, the idea, but staring into the man's eyes frightened her; he was a kind man, she knew, but his emerald gaze didn't reflect any love, not towards her at least. She wondered then if he'd be happy with a marriage based on convenience. He held his breath, looking more distressed and flushed by the minute.
Zelda cared for another, yes, but she could never love someone more than she loved the entirety of her kingdom. All she could wish and pray for was that they were provided for and could depend on their king and queen.
Chancellor Cole was a smart man, one her father trusted deeply and who knew more about the kingdom than even she did. He knew what would be best: a king who could tie the kingdoms together, fortify the military, provide for the kingdom and understand the responsibilities.
But she couldn't help thinking the entirety of the last week she spent with Percival - believing deep in her heart - that with time Link could be the best king for Hyrule, better than a prince who knew the system or could tie his kingdom to hers. That Link's courage, wisdom and strength were what they needed, more than anything, and that just couldn't be taught.
"I…" she started, closing her eyes out of fear of letting him know how she truly felt.
After a very long moment, considering his question with serious intent, she answered.
The ringing of steel in the training yards was louder than he remembered it. The hero found himself back beside the commander after what felt like months - when they both knew it'd only been almost two weeks - discussing his line of work for the day. He'd already thanked his chief for standing up for him and apologized to him possibly a dozen times over the past week, but he still felt guilty and slightly nervous after leaving the commander alone with the squires at such a stressful time of the year. They were elevated to the rank of knighthood earlier in the year by a Lord - who stood in for the queen - and now began their rigorous training.
Link hoped that he could make it up to his chief that day by working twice as hard.
To start, the hero went up against one of the youngest and weakest knights, Thaddeus yet again, to teach him some helpful techniques.
"Try doing a horizontal slice," he requested and the young man just nodded with confusion.
When he swung his blade, Link ducked and rolled to the side to lightly jab him in the back, and Thaddeus stumbled forward. "Do you think you can try that?" Link asked, grazing a palm against the metal steel of his blade.
He frowned in doubt but nodded anyway. "I can try." Then, the hero stepped, sliced, and the young knight ducked and somersaulted behind him. Quickly, he tapped the back of his knees and Link staggered - only slightly, before spinning around.
"That was good," he said. "Now let's see if you can use it in a battle."
The two backed away, slipping into their ready positions, and awaited the other's move. After a silent moment on the hero's part, the younger knight jumped to strike, bouncing against the horizontal hold of his opponent's blade. Just as Link shoved him back, he overheard two knights gossiping beside them. "Hey, did you hear about the queen?"
Instinctively, his pointed ear perked up, even as he deflected Thaddeus's blows. Despite his initial plan, he stayed in the defensive to focus on overhearing what they had to say.
"What? You mean about this morning?" the other responded.
He ducked out of the way of a strike.
"Yeah, everyone's been talking about it!"
The younger knight frustratingly sliced horizontally.
"Can you believe it?"
The blades met, both pushing their weight into their swords.
"Of course, everyone's been expecting the prince to propose!"
And for a moment, Link's guard dropped, easing his grip on the hilt, and he stumbled to the ground with a huff. All eyes landed on him and Thaddeus only gaped in surprise, proud and yet confused; that wasn't part of the lesson.
The hero panted as his mind raced and skin flushed. The younger knight stretched out his hand to help him up and he took it impassively, still baffled by the other's words.
The queen was getting married?!
Of course Link knew what the princes sought for, given how they spoke about and to her, but he never expected that one would actually propose to her so soon. They barely knew her and she them.
His heartbeat elevated significantly, staring blankly at the ground as he tried to process the information.
Link cared about her, he knew, but he thought he had more time: more time to get to know her and more time to settle in. Thinking about it now, he only realized how foolish it was to think like it; the princes couldn't wait here forever to woo her like he could. They had their own schedules and kingdoms.
His hand raked under his signature green cap, through his messy hair, and he finally noticed that all the knights stared at him in disbelief.
"Huh?" he asked dumbly.
"Are-Are you okay, Commander Link?" Thaddeus asked, cocking his head in confusion.
He blinked, realizing he must've looked insane to them for losing his balance and turning red all of a sudden, and bobbed his head.
"Yes, I just…" he started, "I just remembered something, that's all."
He wanted to speak with her, really he did. He wanted to convince her not to marry him just that moment, but he promised himself and his chief he'd be on his best behavior today and running after the queen would only make things worse. Biting the inside of his cheek, he slid into position again and nodded to the younger man.
What would she want to talk to him for, anyways? She had a wedding to plan.
Link didn't go after her once practice was over. He didn't think he could face her after hearing the news or even stay in the castle, and so he turned to the person who always knew how to cheer him up. Leaving the palace felt strange, after being stuck there for weeks, and yet Castle Town was the same bustling capital with the same busy people like it was before.
The tavern welcomed him with warmth, almost empty for the day he noted, and he received a great grin from Telma upon entering. "Link, honey! Where've you been?" she questioned, hands planted on her hips.
He tottered over the red rug and sat down on a wooden bar stool, giving her a small smile despite his true feelings. "Sorry, I've been working," he answered plainly. It was true, somewhat, but he conveniently left out being imprisoned and taking care of the ailing queen.
"Yes, that's right. Second-in-command, aren't you? Finally, someone's ought to teach those men how to take care of the country! And how's that been?" She grabbed a glass from beneath the counter and held up a bottle. "Would you like a drink?"
"Yes, please," he said a little too pleadingly. A cork popped and a stream of bronze filled the glass to the brim as he watched with temptation. "It's been good, busy I guess."
"I'll bet," she said with a laugh. The glass slid into his hands. "Wish I could say the same. It's been quiet here without the rowdy group in the back." He nodded pensively, glancing briefly at the empty table and taking a sip. She narrowed her eyes to examine him.
"Now, I don't mean to be rude honey, but what brought you here? Something's the matter, isn't it?"
He stared down at his glass, sloshing the liquid inside and shaking his head. "I just wanted to say hi."
"Link dear, you know I love your company, but it's hard to believe you came just to visit me when you're wearin' such a long face." The barkeep leaned her elbow on the table as she raised an eyebrow expectantly.
The hero tipped the glass to take a drink, the strong bitter taste burning his throat and sending a cool wave through his veins. Finally, he sighed. "I like this girl…" he started bashfully, "and I don't…she doesn't-"
Telma grinned, knowing the young man was shy and almost never social, and yet finally opened his mind to starting a relationship with someone. Not to mention how sweet he looked when he was shy. "Now who in their right mind would say no to a handsome man like you?"
"She didn't say no…technically," he said before gulping down another fair portion of his drink. He wiped his lips with his glove.
"You haven't asked her, have you? Now don't go telling me you of all men are scared of women."
He tugged on his hat in embarrassment, feeling his cheeks and the ends of his ears go rosy. "No…!" He took a shaking breath. "It – It's more complicated than that."
She tapped her fingers on the counter, raising her eyebrows in suspicion. "How so?"
Gnawing on his lip anxiously, he searched his head for a way to tell her. "Did you hear the queen's getting married?"
She looked confused for a moment at the sudden change in topic before realization dawned on her. "Oh, I see. And so this news isn't so great, is it?" she asked, resisting the knowing smirk she felt creeping up.
He snorted, trying to seem indifferent, before the feeling of dread washed over him. Great news for the queen maybe. At length, he shook his head. "No," he murmured.
Telma stared at him shrewdly before straightening up and grabbing a cloth from beneath the counter. She could tell that he was feeling hurt enough as it was; she didn't need to make him feel any more embarrassed. Absently, she scrubbed the table. "Then you should know," she began, her lips twitching, "that she didn't say yes."
"What?" he asked, looking up at her in disbelief.
"Word around town is that the queen said she needed some time to think about the prince's proposal." Finally, she smiled teasingly. "You wouldn't have anything to do with it, now would you?"
The young knight blinked a few times before feeling his body swell with excitement. If she didn't say yes, then that mean he still had a chance to stop her from marrying Percival.
"Listen good honey, if a woman doesn't say yes to a man, she said no. Now don't go ruining your chance, you hear me?!"
Trembling, he nodded, downed his drink and set some rupees on the counter.
"Thanks, Telma," he said, before she slapped him lightly on the shoulder with the rag. The barkeep watched with amusement as he slipped out of the bar quicker than she's ever seen him run.
Much later in the evening, the queen stood on her balcony, staring as the orange of dusk dissipated into twilight. The last ginger kiss of the sun reminded her of the fiery red of her dearest friend's hair, the color of her eyes and the light of her honest words.
She knew Midna would help her then, tell her what she believed and what she should do. For her, rules were just roadblocks to find a detour around; there was nothing that would stop her from doing what she wanted.
Zelda wasn't like that. She wasn't brave or headstrong; she considered all of her routes thoroughly before even taking a careful step in the direction. But as convincing as her wisdom seemed, it didn't do any good for her yet.
Shifting her gaze to the black of night, the queen couldn't make out the stars and so she sighed heavily, leaning into the stone railing.
She couldn't decide whether putting of her answer was a judgment based off impulse or instinct. But either way, she knew she couldn't delay for much longer; eventually, she'd have to agree to the prince's proposal. She wasn't sure why she didn't say yes just to get the worst part of it over with.
No, that wasn't true. She knew she put it off in hopes that he would come and stop her from making a foolish decision, in hopes that he would tell her what she wanted to hear instead. But she was wrong, obviously, about his feelings. He was nowhere to be found; he didn't even attend dinner with her as he usually did.
With a heavy breath, she straightened herself and stepped back from the railing with one last longing gaze into the night sky.
As she turned to leave though, she heard the rustle of leaves from the gardens below her balcony and felt her heart skip a beat in fear of someone coming to attack her then and there. Holding her breath, she leaned over the ledge and called, "Who goes there?"
Clumsily, a man scampered out of the bushes, cloaked in the green of the shrubberies so that she couldn't make out his figure.
"It's...It's me, Link," he called out, a little breathless, and she exhaled in relief.
Then, finally realizing that he was outside her chambers late at night, her anxiety returned to her tenfold. "Why did you come here?"
"I need to talk to you," he stated simply. "Can you meet me outside?"
"I-It's late," she said shakily, keeping her voice low before regaining a semblance of her composure. "Can't it wait until tomorrow?"
"No, it can't Zelda, please." He waited a moment for her to respond, but she didn't know what to say. "Please."
Her heart racing in her chest, she nodded in agreement - more to herself since he could hardly see her - and replied, "Wait there."
The queen was both excited and nervous as she slipped back into her chambers and changed into a simple blue gown. For a brief moment, she considered climbing down the vines crawling around her terrace in order to avoid Lady Katherine's line of questioning before realizing how suspicious she'd look if someone caught her. Instead, she sneakily opened the door to the sitting room only to find that the maid wasn't there at all. Usually, Irene would be there before her, waiting and preparing her for bed, but Katherine was nowhere to be seen. Relieved and yet confused, she left to the gardens outside her room.
The walk to where he waited was short enough to avoid the patrolling guards or busy maids, much to her relief. He stood there patiently in his green tunic and with a bag slumped over his shoulder. Without explanation, he held out his hand and said, "Come with me."
Eying him warily, she placed her bare hand on his before he laced his fingers through hers and led her across the courtyards. He was quiet all the while, so much so that she could only hear their trekking footsteps across the stone pathways and the rustle of the breeze through the shrubs.
At last, he stopped before a gate, opening it to expose the smell of fresh hay and sound of trotting hooves. With a clink and a clatter, he walked out the proud chestnut mare with a small smile, and she found him in his element; the scent and sight of him with his horse reminded her that he was once a simple goat-herder, living in a quaint village, laidback and free. Something that she took away from him.
"You know Epona." He was stroking the ivory mane and she noted the way the horse, naturally, leaned into his gentle touch.
"Yes." A sequence of memories flashed back to her: the fight with the Evil King, golden arrows, ghost stallions, and the misplaced mourning of her dear friend. And then there were sand dunes at dawn: the ride back from the desert. "She's certainly a beautiful horse," she said. Her words made him smile.
"She really is." He paused for a moment and then nodded. "Let's go then."
"Go?" she asked.
Her reluctance worried him suddenly, afraid that she'd say no and leave him out there. "I…I wanna show you something." Link waited nervously, fidgeting with the reins, for her answer.
"Okay," she answered, simple and trusting.
He hoisted her onto the saddle before seating himself in front and pulling on the reins. With a whinny, Epona kicked into speed and they set out, rolling hills green on the horizon.
The queen watched with wonder as the field bowled out beneath them, brilliantly green and pure, the pounding of hooves and the smell of grass invigorating. The grounds were vast, much like the desert, and early blooming flowers dotted the field untainted of blood.
He didn't stop though, not for a long while riding south of the castle, the stone fortress dwindling in the distance. At that point, she had questions, lots of them, but she didn't know which to ask and how. So they rode in silence until Link led Epona to a stop, on top of a lonely hill and under a single tree.
He hopped off quickly, turning to offer her a hand, but she already pushed herself off on the other end. And so instead he pulled out two cotton blankets, set one on the ground with a jar of fruits, and sat himself on top. She stared for a moment and he just pat the ground. "Sit," he said, not commanding but inviting.
She gathered her soft blue skirts around her and sat down, and he wrapped the blanket around her shoulders. Instinctively she tugged the cloth closer, pressing it to her chest. "You're not cold?" she inquired, watching him content in his thin green tunic. It was a warm night, one of the first few since the snow melted, but it was still chilly as the sun had gone down.
Link just shrugged. "No, not really."
She looked away, twiddling with the frayed edges of the blanket. "Why'd you bring me here?" she asked, realizing he had no intention of explaining himself.
"You said you never saw a shooting star before, so I thought it might be nice to stargaze."
It was such a simple answer, but she smiled anyways. Zelda told him that she never saw a shooting star months ago, back in Gerudo Desert, and no one she knew would care to remember such a trifling detail like that about her for so long. It meant something to her that he treasured her words enough to not only listen but to remember.
He loosened the lid of the jar with a small pop and offered it to her first. Warily, she grabbed a few of the fruits, bit into one and tasted the strong tangy taste, foreign to her taste buds that were so used to saccharine treats. They were delicious, rich with raw flavor, and she wondered how she'd never taste something so wonderful and pure of Hyrule's fertile reap.
Getting more comfortable, she took up his suggestion and stared up into the night sky, examining the burning white lights thousands of miles above. There were so many stars; it was almost unbelievable.
He pointed up to a row of three stars and said, "There's the three sister stars," he paused and led his fingers west, "and Nayru's gift."
"They're so beautiful," she said wistfully, entranced by the light.
The knight smiled at her, but she was so lost in the night sky that she failed to notice how he was staring. Her chestnut hair was loose, messy from the wind and free from braids and crowns. Aegean eyes shimmered and he couldn't tell if they reflected the light of the stars like a mirror or if they always shined that way.
It was just like the night in the desert, he realized. She was just as graceful and beautiful but he knew her now, he uncovered secrets that she held and discovered the wonderful person she was. Mindlessly, he tugged at the grass and spun the blades between his fingers.
"Can I ask you something?"
She turned to face him curiously, but he kept his eyes on the ground. "Of course." Would she be so quick to answer if she knew his question, he wondered?
"Why did you say no to the prince's proposal?" When she didn't answer for a while, he turned his gaze up to examine her. She wasn't upset or offended but nervous, almost shy. Her teeth pulled at her lower lip and he felt a rush of craving, instinctively leaning in closer.
"Link…" she breathed.
"Why?"
If her words could fail her, her eyes could not, revealing all the suppressed emotion she kept bottled within. Lightly, he brushed the side of her chin with his fingers and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was tentative and slow, her lips soft on his and his rough on hers. Her hand reached around the back of his neck, savoring the taste of him, sweet and strong, the way his lips moved on her, inexperienced but still curious and eager.
When he pulled back, he didn't stray too far, searching her wide eyes intently. His cheeks must've been blazing, but she was also flustered and surprised. He wanted to know what she was thinking.
"Don't marry him, Zelda," he said, requested, and she swallowed heavily. "Marry me."
Undone, she struggled to answer. "You? …Want to marry me?"
If it was any other situation, he would've laughed at his stately queen left fumbling for words, but he was serious and afraid and he had no idea whether she'd truly accept his proposal. "Yes, I do."
"Link…I can't just-"
"I know," he interrupted, eyes glazed with something between nervousness and determination. After a moment, he sighed. "I'm a goat herder, Zelda. I don't have much to offer you and I don't want to be king. But…if you want to marry me too, we'll find a way." He paused. "Do you…do you want to marry me?"
Her hand slid from the back of his neck to his collar, watching it carefully, and his breathing quickened. "It's been a long time since I've cared for another," she said shakily, watching the pulse of his neck as he gulped. Her eyes shot up. "You've changed that."
Link watched her dumbly for a moment before his face split into a grin. Without warning, he pulled her in for another kiss and she could feel his smile on her lips.
A short while later, she drew away. "It will be difficult, though, Link. I don't even know if…"
"If it's possible?" he supplied and she tensed up. "Anything's possible, Zelda, believe me." He laughed nervously and a reluctant smile pulled at her lips. "We'll find a way. I promise."
Her eyes glossed with unshed tears, foolishly excited. This was the moment that they waited for, fought for and deserved. They were inexperienced, confused and downright terrified, but they knew they had something to fight for: each other. They had no idea what lied in wait back at the castle or how they could explain themselves, but they had that moment in Hyrule Field alone and for that while nothing else mattered.
She exhaled and nodded her head, smiling in thanks to his kindness and sincerity. In return, he grabbed her hand.
They turned their gaze to the stars, but for a long time, the sky stood still. Time in itself seemed to stand still. Then, a shooting star shattered the tranquility as if the sky were glass and Zelda started as if it rattled.
"Did you wish for anything?" he asked, slightly amused.
"Wish?"
"Yeah," he said, "you're supposed to wish on shooting stars."
"Oh," she replied, genuinely surprised, and quirked her lip. "…Then I wish for the council's approval."
Laughing nervously with a small blush, he said, "Me too."
She placed her empty hand over their intertwined ones and examined him tenderly. His lips parted, swallowing as her intense gaze left him floundering. "Do you…want to go back now?" he asked.
Zelda looked back at the stars and he exhaled in relief. She knew they'd have to go back eventually and she couldn't even begin to imagine how a panic would begin once they found out the queen wasn't in her room. But she was so happy, under the stars and alone with Link, and she barely left the castle for anything. The last time she escaped the courtyard was when she and Link visited Castle Town together and that was weeks ago.
"Let us wait a while longer," she decided, and he didn't mind at all.
Zelda was awakened the next day by a blinding warm light. Her eyes fluttered open to see a sunrise over the vast expanse of green fields and the hero lying beside her, sleeping soundly and holding her hand in his.
Her heart began to palpitate, slightly from the recollection of the previous night and out of panic, realizing that she didn't return to the castle last night. If they wished to announce – or better yet, request – their engagement to the council, they certainly weren't off to a good start.
She shook his shoulder, calling out, "Link."
It took him a second to wake up, shifting his expression from confusion, to glee, to realization. "Oh!" he exclaimed, sitting up in a matter of seconds.
The two gathered the belongings and mounted Epona, setting off straight to Hyrule Castle. Once they arrived, the knight hopped off and helped the queen down before they both stood awkwardly across from one another.
"I'll wait a while before returning," he stated suddenly and she was glad for his wit. If they were both to appear in Castle Town nearing the same time, it'd raise suspicions that weren't welcome to either of them. Zelda nodded. "Here." He pulled out one of the blankets and wrapped it around her like a cloak and she smiled from beneath the makeshift hood.
"Thank you," she leaned in to give him a brief kiss on the cheek, "for everything." He flushed, watching her intently while she turned on her heel and headed to the castle.
"Outrageous!" he boomed, loud enough to bounce off the walls of his office. "Do you understand the uproar that ensued when your maid announced that you weren't in your chambers at night?"
"Yes, I do," she replied calmly. "I apologize, I should've left word with the guard."
"Where could you have possibly been for the entire night?" Cole asked, furiously throwing up his hands.
"I feel, as queen, it should be perfectly acceptable for me to use my free time as I wish," she said, folding her hands eloquently in her lap.
"This is more than what's acceptable; this is a matter of safety! Not to mention the panic that presented itself. Prince Percival and the guards were up all night scouring the town!"
She remained silent for a moment, feeling truly guilty for making them worry and search for her. "I'm sorry."
He glared at her before his expression softened and he turned away to hide it. "A queen shouldn't be out late at night. It's dangerous. What could've possibly prompted such behavior from you, Your Majesty?"
"I needed time to think," she said, partially true. "And I've come to a realization: I cannot marry Prince Percival."
"Wha- What ever do you mean, Your Majesty?!" he asked, eyes widened.
"I don't believe it's a wise decision," she explained. "The prince is a kind and clever man, though I fear is too cowardly to be Hyrule's king. I need a brave man to rule by my side, one who's not afraid of making decisions and taking charge, and that's something Percival simply is not."
He stood and circled his desk, sitting on the fine wood to peer closer into Zelda's expression and searching to see if he could spot any blush or worry lines. But she didn't even twitch.
"Your Majesty, we've already spoken of this. You understand why Hyrule requires a man of nobility."
Zelda stood abruptly so that she could look down upon him and show her authority. "I know what is best for Hyrule. I'm queen after all," she insisted. "If I believe that a man that possesses the goddesses' true virtues would make a finer king, and you can't convince me otherwise. I want what's best for Hyrule."
"And I want what's best for you!" he bellowed, and after a moment he pressed his thumb and index finger on his temples. "Your Majesty, I've been serving the Royal Family since your father took up the throne. He was the finest king I've ever known and he respected the kingdom's laws better than any other man. I respect him, in turn, enough to wish to protect his legacy."
She held her breath as he continued, "Let's say that you choose a common man to take up the throne. He wouldn't know the first thing about politics and economics, requiring months, maybe even years of training. And let's say that he in time is able to grasp the foundation of being a king and we foolishly trust him to make a decision. What if that decision costs homes, rupees, or worse, lives?
"Now that is the best scenario I can consider. What if, instead, he only wishes to marry you for riches and power? Din forbid, what if he tries to assassinate you to take the crown? A prince wouldn't do such a thing; he would have his own crown if he chose a princess of another kingdom, which would not be as difficult for him to do. Do you understand the severity of your request? The lives of Hyrule, your own life, would be in danger. I can't risk it."
"The man I'd choose would never do that."
Cole waited a moment before responding. "You mean to tell me, then, that you've already considered the man you would choose?"
"Of course I have," she answered, straightening out her shoulders and preparing herself for the blow. "I trust Sir Link would best fit the title of king. He's saved Hyrule and been declared a hero by the goddesses themselves. Not only this, but he has the perfect balance of wisdom, courage and strength."
The chancellor began pacing the floors with his head still resting between his fingers. Zelda folded her hands before her as she waited in a pool of her own anxiety. "And let's say that I agree Sir Link would make a fine king. What about the others? If you wish to maintain peace within the castle, how would you present this idea to the other chancellors or to Prince Percival himself? It would humiliating to decline him for a commoner!"
"Sir Link is not a commoner, he is a hero. The people understand this and they treat him as if he were a prince in his own right. It wouldn't be as humiliating as you say if the prince were to compete for my hand with a man who has the same level of respect."
She paused, stepping forward carefully and Cole stopped his pacing.
"Chancellor Cole, if I was to present this idea to court, I would need to have your backing." Then, taking a deep breath, she finished, "More importantly, as my father's closest advisor, I would ask for your blessing. You are the only person my father truly trusted and the closest connection I have to him. Please, I ask for your consent."
After her request seeped into his mind, the man who stood at the far end of the room looked like he was about to drop his jaw. Zelda, the same little girl who ran around the castle, who stood proud beside her father – the man he held in highest esteem – and the girl who never begged for anything was asking him now for his approval as if he was her father himself.
Shaking his head, he approached Zelda and put his hands on her shoulders.
"I see you're clearly your father's daughter." He laughed, wrinkled eyes creased to hold his own emotions drawn. "You have my approval, Your Majesty. Only because I admire Sir Link and because you are the wisest queen Hyrule could ask for. I trust your judgment."
She bowed her head, holding back her own emotions, and said, "Thank you, Chancellor."
So it wouldn't raise suspicions, Zelda delayed telling the knight about the great news until dinnertime. She waited for him as always at the end of the table, though that time, he felt awkward and skittish as he sat down. The gravity of his proposal was weighing down on him the entire day.
He didn't regret asking for her hand, not at all, but he was afraid – terrified – of being in the mix of nobility. It was the one place in the castle he didn't feel safe or comfortable in and as Zelda's husband, he would have to be smack in the middle of it. Not only that but Link didn't know the first thing about being a husband, much less the queen's.
"Good evening, Link," she said with a great grin, and it did wonders to elevate his worry: seeing her reminded him of why he was so quick to propose.
"Good evening, Zelda," he replied. The servers sent in two bowls of greens and vegetables, and the two munched quietly, awkwardly, on their meals.
She lifted a napkin to her face, dabbing her lips and setting it back on her lap. "I have good news," she stated proudly, grabbing a glass and taking a sip. He looked at her curiously.
"I spoke to Chancellor Cole early today and he agreed to back our marriage proposal in court." His eyebrows shot up in surprise. Cole, of all councilors, approved of him marrying the queen? It shouldn't have surprised him as much as it did, given how the chancellor protected him in court last time.
He smiled regardless. "That's great news!"
"It is," she agreed. "We may not speak of it until the court date approaches, however. Especially not to Prince Percival, but I'm sure you've already figured that out for yourself."
"I won't, don't worry."
She then looked off to her bowl. "There's something else we need to speak of." An eyebrow rose and she looked back at him. "You see, the chancellor brought to my attention that if we were to get married, you'd have the choice to be king or a prince consort."
"I don't understand," he said, pinching his eyebrows.
"Well, as king, you'd be responsible for many of the duties I partake in, as well as given the right to make choices regarding Hyrule's politics. A prince consort, however, wouldn't have these responsibilities."
The latter sounded more appealing to him already, but he still didn't quite understand. "What would I do as the consort then?"
"You'd be free to continue as second-in-command, which I'm afraid may not be possible if you were to be king." Stirring the leaves within her bowl, she continued, "You're only true responsibilities as prince consort would be to attend formal events…and…well, produce heirs."
"Oh, so then…" he said plainly, staring into his bowl as he processed the words. "Oh…you mean…"
Zelda tried to hold back her smile as the man blushed fervently, turning his head away from her to hide his reddening cheeks. She was also flustered, but she was also much more familiar with these ideas, being coached from young to accept them and be comfortable about it.
"You needn't worry about such things so soon; that's simply what your duties would include."
He fiddled with his fork for a moment. "What would you want me to choose?" he finally asked.
"I believe you'd make a great king," she started and he worked up the courage to look back at her. "Though, I'd never ask you to relinquish your duty as a commander. The choice is ultimately yours and I trust you will make a wise decision."
"I would have to give up being a knight to be a king?"
"No, you couldn't lose your knighthood status, but you wouldn't be able to train with the other squires and knights. You'd have too many other responsibilities so you wouldn't have time, though granted, it's common that kings take hunting trips with their men. Given how well you care for animals, you could use that time to duel instead. Princes normally wouldn't be given leave to train either, but the exception would be made in your case given how well you perform as a commander."
Naturally, the idea of being a prince consort appealed to Link much more than being a king would: he didn't care for power and he really did like his job already. But he also felt guilty to have to leave Zelda to take care of the kingdom all on her own. He'd have to really consider his options before the court date approached.
"Okay, Zelda. I'll think about it." She nodded with a smile before returning her attentions to her meal. "Zelda?" he asked suddenly.
"Yes?"
His eyes searched hers; his cheeks still tinted pink. "Do you really think we can do this…get married, I mean?"
Taken by surprise by the worry and fear in his voice, she smiled as if it'd ease his qualms. "Of course I do." Her hand reached for his across the table and she squeezed it lightly for reassurance. "I really do."