A/N: Ah, it makes me sad to be so close to the ending of these! D: I'm so happy though for those of you who review every time; your words are much appreciated, and I can't tell you how much they mean. This one if for the theme Stress. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Owns nothing

Man's Worst Fear

Link had been dreading this meeting ever since he had finally plucked up enough courage to ask the Princess of the entire kingdom of Hyrule to marry him- a backwoods common blood nobody. Oh sure, he had saved the land from falling into blood and shadow for all eternity, but did that make him worthy enough to marry his beloved Zelda?

She certainly seemed to think so. But then she argued that even if he was nothing more than a poor farm boy she would still believe he was worthy of her. Link pointed out that if he was, then they never would have met. She'd laughed at that, telling him he was being silly. Well, maybe he was. But most men who went to ask the father's permission to marry their daughter didn't have to worry about whether or not he'd either execute him or have the army chase him from one end of the country to the other.

In any case, his love for Zelda was enough to spurn him into the meeting with the King. He had polished his boots until he could nearly see his own face in the reflection and chose his outfit with care- one that Zelda had remarked made him look extremely dashing and impressive. Then, his palms damp with sweat, he stood outside the throne room doors, waiting nervously until he was announced.

There was a kind of buzz in his ears as he walked toward the thrones where the King and Princess sat, waiting for him. Zelda was smiling at him brightly, but the King's face was as expressionless as always, staring down solemnly at the young hero.

Link bowed and knelt respectfully, placing his hand over his heart as a sign of respect and his pledge before nervously stating his request. For a moment there was nothing but silence in the hall, then the King stood, his robes rustling as he walked forward. Link was staring frozen at the expensive shoes before him, and was startled when warm hands were on his shoulders, pulling him to his feet. For a moment the King studied the younger man's face, then smiled slowly and embraced him. Link felt his eyes widen and heard the King's warm voice speaking to him.

"I could not hope for a better man to be my daughter's husband."