A/N: Just a quick note, I have the lemony version of 'Villainous' up to chapter 10 posted on Deviantart for your reading pleasure. Actually, there are two bonus chapters inserted in there, so it's really up to chapter 8. Ah, well. Enjoy.
Thanks for reviewing: Grassy Nol, ShadowRogueVII, Generala, Shaveza, Lady . Zayriah, ultimateCCC, Death Waltz, SoftCadence, Ancient . tree, Kyranol1, Prometheus17, TwilightPrincessZelink4Ever, Bloodspire, Twokeyz, 11lol11, ThePredicate, Astercia, Kinnix Wolf, GreenFantasy64, Dj-MamaMars, Fairy Proxi, LiddyRose, DarknessFathom, tetraforce theory, Finvarra Faerie, sincerely lola, and A True NaZaMi Fan.
Chapter 14:
Zelda stood among the lush greenery of her private garden, admiring the hydrangeas and hyacinths. Their petals were speckled with dew from the morning air, like glittering diamonds, fast receding as they evaporated beneath the heat of the sun.
Gingerly she brushed her fingers over the soft blue petals before moving on at a leisurely pace to the rosebushes. It was rare to have this time to herself, a full day with no council meetings, no social functions, and no Link - although she admitted she was starting to miss him.
It had been a week and a half since his imprisonment and during that period she'd been able to sneak in and visit him twice more. She smiled at the recollection. Jail time was apparently making him broody. During her last visit he had sat pouting in his corner on the cot, resolutely trying to ignore her. When asked he revealed that he was cross with her for issuing that he be held for five months instead of weeks, or preferably days. She'd had to remind him that under ordinary circumstances when a queen was abducted the result was death. It had made him no less petulant. Reports from the guards told that he was fast becoming restless and he was quick to snap at them for the most menial things, like walking or breathing too loudly. He scared them out of their wits and they often fought over who got to be the one to bring him his meals since nobody wanted to go near him. He'd also begun doing exercises in his cell to maintain his fitness. That was one good thing she supposed.
Perhaps she'd see if she could lure him out of him brooding corner next time when she brought him some scones. She'd have the cook bake some later today and bring a basketful when she saw Link tonight. His surliness didn't bother her, rather she thought it was decidedly amusing, this was her revenge after all, nevertheless evidently he was in need of some appeasement else he become even more bitter.
She smiled softly as she breathed in the scent of the roses. She'd been feeling exceedingly happy recently. And it was not only because Lord Raleigh and the other council members had deigned to give her some time off after the whole treaty ordeal, which Hyrule was currently prospering from. It was just…because. Just because.
Wandering along one of the stone paths, she reached the central area where four statues of large-billed birds were stationed at each corner. The space was enclosed on all sides by tall hedges, providing full privacy. A lean birch tree grew in the center among blossoming flowers and long wavy ferns. At the northernmost end a creek intersected the display, flowing gently from one end of the garden to the other where it would then join the underground waterway that led to the river. It had been manmade, its base inlaid with stone, the structure too organized, unlike the wild creeks of the forest, but Zelda still thought it was pretty, especially littered as it was with floating blossoms.
It was here, next to the creek and sequestered in its own private nook of the gardens, away from the other flora, that she found her most treasured feature. Yet another rosebush, but with roses a red so dark they appeared to be as black as night. Tentatively she glided her fingers over one that was in full bloom, drifting down the stem then gasped and quickly withdrew her hand when her ring finger got caught on a thorn.
She observed the wound, a slight prick where the tiniest amount of blood welled up. She tensed as all of a sudden a pair of strong arms surrounded her, pressing her into a chiseled chest. A chin came to rest on her head.
"You know," said Link huskily from behind her, "Black roses don't only symbolize death and suffering. They can also mean the birth of an era of hope and joy. They also inspire confidence and enthusiasm."
"Link!" she exclaimed, looking up at him with wide bewildered eyes. "How did you-?"
He scoffed, smiling fetchingly at her. "You didn't honestly believe those dungeons would hold me forever?"
"I had hoped it would," she muttered, sighing as she leaned her head back against his broad shoulder.
"Really? Forever?"
At once her ears reddened as she realized the implications of her words. "N-no! I didn't mean it like that. Only until you've served your sentence..."
He only chuckled at her and bit her ear, tongue caressing the tip. Darn it. He was teasing her again. She shouldn't take everything he said so seriously, it was liable to damage her people's image of her one day. What would they think if they knew that their hero could reduce her to a blushing little girl.
She sighed listlessly. She had known it was only a matter of time before he somehow figured out a way to break out anyways. Chances were he wouldn't even tell her how he did it, keeping that little secret to himself in case it came in handy sometime in the future.
He took a hold of her wrist and observed the glistening digit, red with blood. He then carried her wounded finger to his mouth and engulfed it in his warm moistness. His tongue soothed over the cut and Zelda closed her eyes, relishing the moment. Once he was finished and the bleeding stopped he released it and her finger tingled in the cool air.
She turned around to properly face him, her eyes connecting with his twinkling blue. "You've told me that before. About the roses."
He hummed in response.
It was actually Link who had gifted her the rare rosebush three years ago. It had been a dying little thing that he'd found during his travels and brought to her to reside in her garden. Under their combined care it had begun to thrive. Many would have called it ghastly, the black flowers dark and depressing, however, Zelda found them enchanting. A breech of nature, not unlike the Twilight. They were both dark and haunting, and one was not quite sure what to make of them so automatically assumed the worst, but when appreciated they became something glorious.
"I should call the guards," she threatened, even as she wound her arms around his waist.
"By all means," he snorted in amusement, calling her bluff.
"You could get caught," she intoned warningly.
He chuckled lowly. "These are the royal gardens. Your ridiculously large private gardens, surrounded by tall defensive walls. There are only two entrances: the gates, which are guarded at all times by no less than four soldiers, and the secret passage, which none but you and I know about. The only windows that look down onto the grounds are those from your wing of the castle, which nobody would dare enter in your absence, except for the servants, who only go in to tidy up between eight and ten in the morning. It's almost noon. The prison guards' shift had only just changed before I came here, and trust me, they won't be checking on me until supper. I seem to frighten them for some peculiar reason," he spoke darkly, smirking in humor, "I haven't the faintest why."
Zelda rolled her eyes and made certain he saw her do it. "As if you didn't intentionally scare them off with your foul mannerism."
"Charm, m'dear," he informed her prudently. "If anything I am charming. They simply couldn't handle such eloquence. The brutes."
She smiled sweetly at him. "Charming indeed."
"Naturally."
"Quite."
He stepped closer and Zelda had to tilt her head far back to look at him. His dashing smile was as compelling as usual, the wayward strands of his golden-brown hair flitting across his brow, some even long enough to flick across his high cheekbones, smooth and angular. Overall she found him irresistible, which was why, as he leaned down to brush her lips with his, she did nothing to stop him as he devoured her.
She breathed sharply through her nose as their mouths mashed together in beautiful oneness. Her head started spinning and suddenly everything around her was dotted with black spots. They parted and she stumbled, vision becoming hazy as she swooned.
"Zelda?" he called, grasping her shoulders when she lost her balance and nearly fell over. She braced weakly against him, focused on breathing deeply. "Zelda, what is it? Are you hurt?"
Without waiting for a response he picked her up and brought her over to a bench. He lay her down then bent to one knee beside her, checking her health faculties and making sure they were in order.
Her sight cleared quickly, the dizziness abating. A relief. Lately she'd been feeling rather nauseous and she couldn't say that she liked the change. In the end it would be worth it, however. For now she just had to bear with it.
"Zelda? Love, should I send for the physician?"
It warmed her that he would risk exposure simply because of a small ailment. She offered him a reassuring smile, an arm draped over her forehead to shield her eyes against the sunlight.
"I'm fine, Link. It's just a spell. I'll be right as rain in a minute or two."
The look he gave her conveyed his skepticism, but he ceded nonetheless. He tenderly stroked her hair, brushing the wisps away from her coronet then rubbing the tip of her ear fondly.
Zelda savored the sensation. Focusing on his attentions helped to ease her lingering lightheadedness. At length she sat up, brushing off his assistance as she got to her feet.
"I feel a walk would do me well," she said lethargically.
"Here," said Link, offering his arm. "So you don't trip over yourself because apparently my very presence overwhelms you." He slanted her a cheeky grin, although it held an undertone of concern.
Zelda was tempted to bat it away, but thought better of it and accepted, knowing that she might very well need the support. They started down the walkway following the shallow creek, tiny orange speckled goldfish skimming along the surface, drifting lazily with the current.
"So," Link began with an air of nonchalance, "Anything of interest happen while I've been locked up in amicable confinement?"
Zelda smiled and pondered lightly over the question. "Well, the Terminians have gone."
He snarled. "Blasted lot. About damn time they were tossed out. Far overstayed their welcome."
"They were here for less than a week," she chided before continuing on. "Minister Raleigh has been busy with overseeing the changes implemented by the treaty. I'm afraid he and the other council members have taken on my share of the work as well. I feel guilty for not helping out, but Lord Raleigh insisted that I allow them to handle the affair. I admit I am partially relieved at that and can give no complaint."
"Good for him," Link interjected stiffly.
Zelda shot him a glare. Link shrugged.
"You did all of the work beforehand, this is merely their share of it. Less than their share, actually," he hissed.
She withheld a laugh. She veered her eyes above them as they entered an archway of trees, the many branches draping over them in nets of wisteria.
"And the knights? How do they fare?"
Ah yes, there'd been another report from the guards concerning Link's imprisonment not three days ago. Apparently he'd demanded the Knights of Hyrule all see him in his cell and then had berated them from behind bars for their ineptitude and incompetence, all the while vehemently digging in the fact that had it been a true villain who had captured the queen she could have very well been beyond their reach by now and any number of foul altercations could have befallen her. He'd shamed them more than they'd ever been shamed in their entire lives and had quickly set about organizing new training regimes for them. He had also requested some writing materials in order to formulate the details to establishing a better line of defence and protective strategies. He considered it imperative that they learn from this embarrassing debacle, a disgraceful display of the knight's incompetency.
Well, as long as it kept him occupied so he was not sulking all the time.
She squeezed his arm and answered, "Carrying out your orders and wearing themselves thin day after day with training."
Only for the past two days, actually. Ashei had been in a frenzy instigating Link's changes. Using his scrawled outlines and untidy notes, she'd arranged sparring sessions for the knights and had overseen the training of the foot soldiers and guards. It was as if the entire castle had become one enormous barracks. The nobles and servants didn't know what to make of all the activity so stood by and watched and tried not to intercede. Zelda was certain that once her men were all used to these changes the fuss would die down, and Castle Town would be more protected for it.
For her part, Zelda was content to stay out of the way else she cause them undue stress with her presence. Anywhere she went the guards snapped to attention, bearing an alertness that almost bordered on paranoia. It was exasperating, so she decided to ease their worries as best as she could by remaining within the castle... for now.
He nodded. "As they should be."
Her eyes flashed with this next little snippet she would feed him. "I also heard that Sir Hadrian has taken a vacation himself now. He left for Ordon just yesterday morning."
Link abruptly came to a halt, seething under his breath, "At a time like this? Just as we're improving security measures?!"
"He's done enough by helping to track you down," said Zelda. "I offered the others a respite as well, but they refused."
"Good work ethic," Link noted approvingly, before blinking in sudden bemusement, a thought occurring to him. He peered down at her as they continued on their walk. "Why Ordon?"
Oh, this would be grand. Zelda could hardly stem her anticipation. "Word of mouth tells that he intends to go courting," she smiled wryly at him. "It appears he's taken a fancy to Ilia."
Silence descended. Then Link shook his head, laughing loudly. "Well now, that's a surprise. I can't say that I despise the match. I sort of worry though. Ilia's rambunctious and Hadrian's silent. It will be a challenge for Hadrian, what with their personalities clashing so violently."
Zelda quirked an eyebrow. "What about Ilia?"
"No no, Ilia's good."
His affirmation led her to believe that the Ordonian girl was self-assertive and capable. And why wouldn't she be? After the horrible events of the Twilight Invasion and all the hardships she'd been through it was impossible not to be.
She hummed and nodded. "I wager a wedding is soon in coming," she said then deliberated on what she was going to say next. "We may have to make our own marriage known to Hyrule very soon. Or at least arrange to have another more public one."
They neared the end of the path at the southern wall and walked along it, following the hedge.
Zelda waited for a reply from Link. She glanced at him and was taken aback when she saw that his countenance had changed to something more murderous, his body tense. An ache appeared in her heart. Was he that against others knowing?
She was allayed, however, with his next words. "Don't tell me the council is pushing you toward marriage!"
Zelda blinked and then sighed in relief. "Of course not," she answered. "My private life is of no concern of theirs. It matters not to them if I ever marry and have heirs; there are others in succession to the throne. Although they would prefer it remain in the direct line…" Goddesses, did Link see her blushing with warmth at the thought?
Link gazed at her curiously, coming to a stop and turning to her, gripping her arm loosely in his. "Then why?"
Zelda smiled heartily at him. Taking his hands, she hesitated for a moment then placed them on her stomach. His fingertips reached out and brushed her gown before his hands smoothed flat against her.
His eyes widened in realization and a look of wonder overcame his handsome visage. "You mean-?"
She nodded delightedly and breathed out, "Yes."
He looked down to where his hands were, caressing over the thin layer of her gown. "In there?"
Zelda laughed. "Yes. Where else would it be?"
The next instant Zelda squealed as her feet left the ground as Link swung her up and twirled her. Zelda laughed in delight, holding onto him as he spun her. He stopped and began planting kisses all over her face, still holding her up.
She laughed and closed her eyes as she tried to squirm away, ineffective though her attempts were while trapped in his arms. "Link!" she giggled as she felt his lips on her nose, cheeks, eyelids, mouth and chin. "It's enough!"
He drew back and Zelda slumped against his shoulders watching his face take on a mischievous gleam.
"No, it's not enough," he declared, gazing at her so intently it made her shudder. "It's never enough. I must have you now!"
Her body immediately flushed with want. Oh, the things he said to her.
The next hour passed in unfathomable bliss, both revelling in their passion and the life that it had created.
Link was awoken by the bed shifting as Zelda rushed out and dashed to the bathroom. He winced at the sounds that ensued.
Shuffling tiredly to the edge of the bed, Link got up and strode to where Zelda was leaning over the toilet, hair in disarray and tears streaming from her eyes. She breathed in a harsh gasp before once again emptying her stomach.
Link knelt beside her and gathered up her hair, pulling it out of the way. He massaged her back as she keened miserably.
He sympathized with her, could even pity her, but never in his life would he want to trade places with her. He was far too weak and cowardly and all other manner of unmanly things to be able to bear the trials of women. Not that he didn't wish that he could somehow take away her discomfort, only he was more or less out of his league in this instance.
He took in her feeble form with sad eyes. Where was that glow all pregnant women were supposed to have? Why couldn't it remain with them at all hours rather than only a few during the day, leaving them to suffer behind closed doors and out of sight for the rest of the day.
...She really did look pathetic.
He sighed disconsolately. "It's times like these that I have to remind myself how much I love you," he lamented. At that moment Zelda again upheaved into the toilet. He winced and looked away. "Repeatedly…"
She weakly smacked him on the thigh then leaned back against him as she fought to catch her breath. Luckily it never lasted long, but it did take a lot out of her.
Tenderly, Link helped her get cleaned up. Taking a rag, he washed her face and smoothed out her hair. He then took her to the basin where she washed her mouth over and over again until he thought she might drown herself.
When she was finished he picked her up and carried her from the room. Her arms were slung loosely around his neck as she buried her head in his chest, face strained and eyes drooping tiredly.
Link felt his heart pang in helplessness. There should have been a potion or something invented by now that stymied these symptoms. Actually there was, however apparently it posed too much of a risk for the babe so was essentially useless. Magic also would be tricky. One would have to have a considerable amount of control to be able to direct it properly, and in Zelda's state that would prove hazardous.
She sighed into his shoulder and snuggled against him. He shifted her to a more comfortable position.
"Heartless beasts," Link spoke softly, murmuring into her hair as he laid a comforting kiss on her head. "Even before they're born they do their utmost to make one's life miserable."
"Leave my baby alone," she mumbled, voice muffled by his nightshirt. "It can't help it that my insides are shifting around unpleasantly."
"As any mother would say," he replied, setting her down on the bed.
Zelda flopped on her back, hands rubbing her belly through her pink satin nightgown. Link lay on his side beside her and placed his hand above hers.
He wasn't too familiar with pregnancies, other than with goats, that is. He was older than all the children of Ordon and by the time he'd been living there everyone but Malo had already been born. And even then Pergie had secluded herself within her home practically the entire time she'd been pregnant. Then there'd been Uli a few years later, but by that time he'd been too busy working on the ranch and only helped her around occasionally when Rusl or the other women weren't there. She'd never shown any symptoms other than becoming larger.
"Link? What time is it?" said Zelda, leaning up on her elbows and craning to look at the timepiece on the mantel. "Link, you have to leave. They'll catch you!"
He groaned and flung an arm over her waist, burrowing his face in the covers.
Ever since finding a way to escape the dungeons a little over two months ago he'd been sneaking out to see Zelda every night in order to be with her. No one but them knew of her pregnancy and he'd be damned if he wasn't there to provide emotional and physical support. Mostly they enjoyed the late evenings together before they slept entwined in each others arms. When morning came Link would venture out and return to his cell before anyone came to check on him. The guards suspected nothing, Lord Raleigh certainly wasn't bothering with him. It had been a close call when Ashei had come down to see him right as he'd been letting himself back into his cell, but luckily that disaster had been averted. It was yet another adjustment he needed to implement into the new security act.
Plans for their second wedding were also underway, although only a select few knew it was their second. It was to be held in three weeks, on the first day of summer. The people had been both shocked and elated when Zelda had announced that she would be marrying Link. Many had been anticipating the union for years and Hyrule was practically in an uproar. Others, however, mainly Lord Raleigh, were not as fond of the idea. Old Raleigh may have wanted to see them wed - something about their acts of indecency - but he found the timing less than ideal, Link being in prison and whatnot. Link actually had hopes that this wedding would cut down the length of his sentence. The queen couldn't marry a convict after all.
Ilia and the rest of the Ordonians had also been excited at the prospect of another wedding, rather smugly at that, seeing as how they were about the only ones privy to their first. Ilia had practically barraged him with letters; the amount had veritably astounded the prison guards. In each of them she berated him for his foolish impulsivity while also exclaiming how happy she was for him before berating him again for effectively forcing the queen to marry a villain. He had half expected her to come personally to his cell to lecture him.
In reply to her letters he asked the regular questions: how the village was faring, how was everyone's health, before demanding her to add in little details about this thing she had going on with Hadrian. She was purposefully being vague about that. Typical Ilia.
"Link," said Zelda sternly, leaning over him and snapping him out of his musings. His shifted his head to look at her and his eyes at once fixated on the nice view she was unconsciously presenting to him. Her bust, plump and full, peeking out of the top of her nightdress.
He really...really...wanted to touch her...
Her eyes gazed pleadingly at him. "If you don't go now the guards will find out you've gone and they'll take extra precautions to secure you. The council might even lengthen your sentence."
He twisted around onto his back and darted his arms out. Zelda squeaked as he pulled her onto him, embracing her tightly, leaving no room for escape.
"I'll go…just not yet," he said, shutting his eyes and enjoying the feel of her soft luscious curves against his front. So very enticing... "I want to hold you for a little while longer."
A gust of breath hit his shoulder as she sighed. "Oh, very well. Ten minutes and then you must leave."
He smirked. He known she'd relent. He held her to him, hands traveling along her waist and hips.
Zelda wasn't showing yet, it was far too early for that, but her body had changed in ways that he found so very appealing. It was as if her weight had shifted around, causing her thighs to become thicker, her rear larger, and –Oh Goddesses- her breasts, how they swelled and fit snugly in his hands.
Currently those breasts were pressed against his torso and he ached to flip her over so he could play with them from behind.
She shifted on top of him, her thigh narrowly grazing into his hardness.
"What are you thinking?" she said, cheek nestled on his shoulder.
He gave her a wolfish grin and raised his eyebrows. "Do you really want to know?"
He could practically feel her roll her eyes as she muttered dryly, "Perhaps not."
Chuckling, he played with her strap before sliding it down her arm. "Perhaps yes."
Zelda huffed but made no move to replace it. Furthering his aim, he deftly took a hold of the hem of her nightwear and tugged it upward. He was dismayed, however, when Zelda rolled off him.
He sat up, one knee bent as he slung an arm over it and glared at her. "You shouldn't tease, love."
Zelda shrugged and knelt on the covers. "It's been ten minutes. You have less than a quarter hour to return to the dungeons."
Link groaned and ran a terse hand over his face. He peeked at her between his fingers, eyes gleaming. "You know...you're the queen."
She sat back on her heels, crossing her arms while levelling him an inquiring glare. "Yes. And...?"
He lowered himself to all fours and began to crawl toward her. Zelda didn't budge an inch. "And you have the power to alter my sentence. Wouldn't you rather I carry it out here?" he whispered huskily. "In your chambers. With you."
She leaned back as he hovered over her, making her fall against the mattress. "That would be less of a punishment and more of a privilege," she said in a steady tone, her words unwavering.
Determining that she was not near flustered enough, he decided to up his ministrations and glided his hands over her waist. He touched her tight stomach where the baby, their child, slept in loving comfort. He lowered his mouth to her collarbone and tasted her skin, heading down to those beautiful breasts he'd been admiring. "Precisely," he murmured.
"It-it would defeat the entire purpose," she panted then moaned as he squeezed her breast. "Ah! Link!"
He had to be careful. Her breasts had become sore and tender, he had to make sure to apply just the right amount of pressure that gave her pleasure while avoiding hurting her. She hummed in delight as he molded them in his hands. He knew exactly what to do to turn her on.
Unfortunately time was running out. If he wanted to continue this sometime before his sentence was up he'd have to leave.
He kissed her forehead and pulled away, drawing satisfaction from the dazed look in her eyes. He brushed a hand over her cheek softly. "Tonight, Zelda. I'll return tonight and then..." He gave her quivering body a full once over, openly implying what he had planned for her.
He left the bed and dressed in a plain tunic and breeches, his prison wear. Zelda shuddered from her spot lying down on the covers, and moaned lowly.
"You leave me in a wretched state," she whispered full of desire. "How cruel..."
By Farore, she was begging to be ravished and he was about to deny her. It was a sin among men! Against every instinct in his body he turned away and suppressed his urges, offering her a teasing smile over his shoulder.
"You'll just have to 'come' without me," he jeered and almost laughed out loud at her appalled expression. He strode to the wall and pressed a hidden lever, watching as a part of it vanished. Before him was a dark gaping hole that travelled through the innermost parts of the castle. He slanted her one last cheeky grin, committing the sight of her alluring sprawled out form to memory. "Be sure to call out my name."
With that he stepped through the archway and disappeared into the hidden passage, chuckling as she groaned after him.
A/N: I felt that this chapter was full of clichés :P Hope that didn't ruin the quality of it at least.
One more chapter to go! I'll try to get it out quickly for you guys. Don't want you to wait too long.
Also, I have most of the plot for 'Devious' sorted out so I intend on posting the first chapter sometime soon. Probably mid next week. I have two weeks of vacation so I'm trying to get a lot of stuff done before it's all work work work. I don't know how fast updates will be afterwards.
Twokeyz: Didn't I tell you it was a given ^.^ (I believe it was mentioned on deviantart). Baby is a must! The very idea of TP Zelda and Link getting together and having babies is so adorable, there was no stopping it.
So *clasps hands and rubs them together* baby… I'll leave the gender for you guys to vote on, I just can't make up my mind. I'll tally it up before the next chapter and we'll see from there.