I had way too much fun writing this! I don't own Legend of Zelda.

The next morning, my movement was slightly hindered. I opened my eyes to see Jorn smiling down at me. He brushed back my messy hair and whispered, "Good morning."

I snuggled in his arms. "Good morning, my prince."

He squeezed me to himself. "You're really adorable when you sleep."

I kissed his chest. "How long have you been awake?"

"Maybe an hour or so. You looked so peaceful. I didn't want to disturb you."

"Thank you. That's the best sleep I've had in months." My kisses traveled down and across his ribs and abs.

"What are you doing?"

I grinned mischievously. "Would you like to find out?"

Jorn shuddered as my fingertips brushed his waist. "Goddess, woman." His fingers messed through my hair and he guided my chin back to his mouth. His lips pressed along my jawline. There was a rising firmness against my hip. I reached down as my lips found his.

A knock on the door was all the warning we received before Kylar walked into the room. His eyes landed on the two of us tangled together. He fought a losing battle trying to keep a straight face. Jorn cursed and tossed a blanket over our nakedness.

Kylar cleared his throat. "I see morning stiffness runs in the family."

"Dammit, Kylar. What are you doing here?"

Kylar covered his smile with a hand. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but the morning is nearly spent and your father and I were beginning to worry." He glanced away. "Of course, now I see you probably didn't get much sleep and needed the rest."

"Kylar!" Jorn shouted indignantly.

"I brought fresh clothes for you both," he said ignoring Jorn's outburst. "And I needed to see you, Link." He gestured to my silver cuffs. "I need to remove those now."

"Oh."

Jorn grabbed my hand. "I was wondering why she was wearing them like that." I shot Jorn a questioning look. He glared at Kylar. "You didn't tell her?"

"Tell me what?"

Jorn's hand covered a cuff. "These are the reason everyone thought we were promised. Those are worn by the queen of the tribe. They were my mother's before you even though she never had the chance to wear them. They are a matching set to the gold bands me and my father wear."

"They're supposed to go above my bicep?"

"Yes," Kylar explained, "but we didn't have time to get them sized to you and Hanaka was afraid you'd run if you thought we were forcing you into anything."

"Not the other reasons?"

Kylar's smile finally faltered. "It was a gamble."

I stood and kissed Kylar's cheek. "Thank you for coming to check on us, papa."

Kylar's smile flickered again. "Do I even want to know where your mouth has been, sunshine?"

A pillow connected with Kylar's head. He shot Jorn a dirty look. "Watch it, boy."

"Then stop speaking to her with such nasty insinuations!"

Kylar grabbed my hands and slipped the cuffs off. "You should visit the hot springs before coming to the central hall. Though I suppose a cold bath would do you more good, Jorn."

"Kylar, I swear to the gods if you don't shut up..."

Kylar laughed and retreated to the door. "You wouldn't be able to catch me disarmed as you are, boy."

Jorn chucked another pillow at him. Kylar's laughter faded down the hall. Jorn eased himself from the bed. The source of his discomfort was obvious. I asked, "Do you need my help with that?"

He glanced down at himself and grimaced. "I don't think that would be wise. If I let you, we may never make it to the central hall."

A giggle escaped me. I slipped on the simple gray tunic and matching pants. Jorn grimaced as he buckled his pants. He decided to ditch the shirt and started tying his boots. He groaned and muttered, "I can't believe I have to go out like this."

"No one will doubt your masculinity," I added hopefully.

"Not helpful." Jorn sighed, "Let's get this over with."

When we left the bedroom, Karis turned to look. She glanced at Jorn's waist and winked. In the hall, many women giggled as we passed. Jorn kept his head high. A few whistles followed us. He nearly stopped walking. His ears were slowly turning bright red.

I glared. He whispered, "Ignore them."

Someone said a bit too loud, "Seems he's gotten over his shy phase. Wonder if she'd mind sharing?"

I stopped. Jorn's shoulders lifted. He looked down at me. "It's alright. They do this to everyone."

"Not to you." I reached up and draped myself on his neck. I kissed him erotically. His hands travelled down my chest and behind me, pulling my hips against him. I saw his eyes close and glared at the women. Jorn's tongue stretched deeper into my wide open mouth.

The women nodded in defeat and walked away. I closed my eyes, hands running through his hair. When Jorn pulled back for breath, he wrapped an arm around my waist and we continued.

In the hall, he looked down at himself again and cursed. The front of his pants was soaked. He muttered, "I guess we should have dealt with it earlier."

"Sorry. I didn't want them to talk about you like that."

Jorn kissed me again. I was glad for the wall behind me. His eyes held mine. "Thank you. I think you've put an end to their mean words."

We continued through the less trafficked sections of the fortress until we reached the hot springs. A sunken pool steamed as hot water continuously fed into it. I walked to the water's edge and tested the depth. It came up to my knee on the first step. A shelf ran the length of the side so I could sit while I cleaned up.

We eased into the water. Jorn rinsed off his pants and laid them out to dry. I sat in front of Jorn between his legs. When I rested my head against his shoulder, he began massaging my chest and arms. I groaned and shut my eyes. Jorn's hands hesitated as they went lower. I whispered in his ear, "You can touch me, Jorn. I'm your's, nadara."

He crossed his arms under my breasts and kissed me. "Who taught you that word?"

"Kylar told me the meaning after you were taken from me," I answered. "I lost one father and gained two more."

"You called him papa. He's always been Kylar to me. I mean, I know he's my step-father, but I could never call him that."

"He loves me like a daughter and I know he loves you too. Even Karis and Tonya seem glad to dote on me."

Jorn rolled his shoulders behind me. "Karis was the one who taught me about... everything relating to our activities last night. She was a patient teacher."

"She told me you were a gentle lover," I admitted.

"She would know," he shot back almost bitterly. He sighed and let his hands roam over my body. I waited patiently for him to explain.

After five minutes, he said, "When a boy is placed on a team, they are expected to learn everything a warrior needs to know. This includes meeting a woman and helping her join the tribe. When the time comes, we go to the harem or our teachers and learn first hand about the pleasures of the flesh. By my age, I should have slept with five or more men and women on a consistent basis. Of course, that doesn't take into account the rules that were put in place seven years ago.

"Me and Stephan messed around as kids, but once Karis told me what it meant, I couldn't finish. She held me and I cried all night in her arms. I only returned for information after that."

"Her offer suddenly makes more sense."

Jorn's hands squeezed my thighs. "And what was that?"

I whispered what she'd told me. He covered the flush on his cheeks by kissing my neck. He asked, "Would it be too forward of me to ask you to take her up on that?"

I smirked. "Why not now? I'm not unfamiliar with what she described. And I can breathe underwater."

Jorn's hips shifted behind me. "We have to keep our appointment."

I turned and straddled his legs. "Let them wait."

Jorn's lips smiled against mine. I pressed myself to him as he grabbed my ass. I let out a husky laugh. Jorn bit my lip.

"Jorn, Link!"

A child's shout made us separate. Jorn pushed me away and I went under. I came up and wiped my hair out of my eyes. Sharif and Dani had ditched their clothes. They ran and jumped into the hot spring. I let out a playful scream as they splashed me.

"There you are." The squad entered the spa. Stephan folded his arms. "We've been looking everywhere for you."

Sharif jumped on my back and hung off my neck. "What do you think of the hot tub?"

I dove underwater and swam beneath the teenager, scooping him into my arms. I lifted and tossed him while he screamed in delight. Jorn and I laughed and Sharif swam back by Dani. Jorn grinned at the wolves. "Are you planning on standing there or are you getting in?"

The twins immediately started removing their clothes. Darius folded his arms. "We were told to find you."

"And you have. Come on, Darius. Lighten up," I teased.

Stephan and Rashan began undressing. Nasha turned. He was up to his knees in the water. "Yeah, Darius." He shot a look to Stephan.

Darius took a step back. "No. Guys, don't!"

It was too late. Stephan, Rashan, and Navid pushed and pulled Darius over to the pool while Nasha struggled to get Dani and Sharif out of the way. Our laughter echoed over their struggles and complaints. Then the whole lot of them crashed into the water. The wave they made splashed out of the pool.

They came up laughing. Darius pulled his shirt off and chucked it at the wall. He smiled while asking, "Was that really necessary?"

I knew he wasn't actually mad. I back floated over to them and threw an arm over Rashan's shoulders. "How'd you all sleep?"

"Better than the last few nights," Rashan muttered.

Nasha countered with a look at his brother, "Though some of us had more rest than others."

Hands wrapped around my waist from behind. Jorn said over my shoulder. "I'm just glad we're out of the tower."

I leaned into him. The others quieted too. Dani and Sharif played without noticing. After a minute, Jorn towed me to the side. "I'll help you get cleaned up."

We walked to a shallow pool. The water came up to my knees. Jorn brought over a stone jar and removed the lid. The sweet scent of flowers hit me in force. "Sit," Jorn's command was a soft whisper.

As I complied, he dipped his fingers into the fragrant concoction. His hands scrubbed and massaged my shoulders and neck before he began to wash my hair. I stifled a moan. Goddess, I hadn't known how good it felt to have someone else wash your hair.

I glanced back, eyes filled with lust. Jorn's knowing smirk told me he had his desired effect. He leaned forward and whispered, "Later, nadara."

"You're cruel." His hands traveled down my arms. I teased lightheartedly, "I know how to bathe."

He kissed my palm before covering my hand in scented bubbles. "Tell me to stop and I will. Our relationship must be built on trust."

I grabbed his hand and rinsed the soap away. I slowly placed my lips to his palm. "I do trust you, Jorn, with my life."

He turned my head and kissed my mouth as I closed my eyes. There was a splash from the other pool. When I looked over, Rashan was covering Sharif's eyes and avoiding eye contact. Darius waded to Dani and pulled him by the elbow to where the others blocked his view.

I laid back, half in the water, as Jorn continued washing my body. When I was covered in soft soap, he scrubbed himself until the skin was raw. I sat up and took the sponge from his hand. "Not so rough. You'll bleed."

He propped his arms on his knees and I scrubbed his back. Navid and Darius joined us and used the jar of soap as well. I asked, "When were you going to tell me about you two?"

Darius huffed a laugh. "We sort of told you back in Kakariko in that basement... and quite a few times after."

I thought back and my jaw dropped. "Goddess, that was what that meant?"

Navid giggled and tossed a handful of bubbles at Darius's chest. "He told me. I found your innocence sweet, but now I'm wondering if you're really as innocent as we thought."

"Apparently Kylar feels the same way."

Navid sat beside me. He whispered conspiratorially, "Wanna talk about it?" There was a shy smile on his face.

Did the gerudo talk about their personal sex lives? I'd have to ask Kylar. I repeated what was becoming my mantra. "Let me think about it."

Navid leaned his head on my shoulder and squeezed my hand. Then he went back to helping Darius wash. I focused on Jorn's hair. It was short, so I massaged his scalp for a few extra minutes.

Jorn stood. Before I could, he slipped his soapy arms under me and carried me back to the deeper pool. The hot water was a shock after sitting out for so long. He waded out until I was floating.

The water lifted me from his arms. Then he dove underwater. I followed. The bubbles tickled my skin as a gentle current washed them away. I grinned at Jorn. He smiled back before resurfacing for air.

When we were clean and tired of swimming, we dressed and started toward the central hall. Dani and Sharif left to go play. Jorn's pants were nearly dry, but they clung to his legs and hips. Darius had abandoned his shirt entirely.

We knocked and Hanaka said, "Come in." Hanaka raised his eyes, then immediately resumed what he was working on. "Kylar control yourself."

Kylar had bit his lip and turned his back to us as soon as we entered. His shoulders were shaking so hard he grabbed onto the desk for support. Hanaka shook his head. "Since you've finally arrived, do you mind telling me why half the captains have come to congratulate me? They're convinced you two claimed each other in the harem's main hall."

Kylar turned back, a grin on his face. "You didn't."

Jorn and I shared a look. He started, "I mean, it's not a traditional claiming, but given the circumstances..." He shrugged. His arm snaked around my waist and pulled me to his side. "Will you accept Link as my bride, father?"

Hanaka looked to me. "Are you accepting this? No one forced you?"

I shook my head. "We made the choice together."

"Then you have my blessing. Honestly, this is the best possible outcome. However, this means I'll have to accelerate all of your training."

The others behind me straightened up. I said, "I thought they were warriors."

Kylar explained, "To be the queen's guard, they need to be accepted into the homeguard at minimum. A position similar to mine is ideal."

"For now, we'll continue a two man post, Link. My own team will be the queen's guard until the wolves are ready. And I'll need to speak to Tonya first." Hanaka's tone left no debate. "Are you ready to receive your bands, Link? Kylar told me he explained their meaning. Once you wear them, it's final."

I looked up at Jorn. He nodded. Looking to my friends, they nodded and saluted. Stephan reassured, "We're with you whatever you decide."

I smiled to Hanaka. "Yes, da. I'm ready."

Hanaka stood from his desk. "Kylar, will you inform the silversmith and meet us in the infirmary?"

Kylar wrapped me in a one armed hug and kissed my forehead when he passed. Hanaka offered an arm. Jorn relinquished his hold on me. When we entered the infirmary, Hanaka said, "Stephan, find Tonya. Tell her to prepare the burn kit."

We went to a table and I sat on the edge. Hanaka explained, "These bands will be yours until your son finds a wife. Then, she will inherit one. The second will be her's once she inherits your title."

"Is that why you and Jorn only wear one?"

Jorn nodded. He went on to explain, "The silver needs to be warm when its molded. There will be a scar beneath the band."

"Thanks for telling me," I replied even though I was slightly worried.

Jorn touched his forehead to mine, one hand on my neck. "You're strong. You can handle the heat. I know it."

Tonya and Kylar returned at the same time. A strong man wearing thick leather gloves held a hot crucible. Kylar set a cast iron plate on the counter and the silversmith lowered his burden. He opened a satchel and laid out several iron forms.

"Does she understand, Hanaka?" He asked in a gruff voice.

"Yes."

The silversmith pulled a cloth measuring tape from a pocket. "I need your measurements to have it fit right." Once he had triple checked his measurements, he lifted my arm and rotated my shoulder. "Hold her here, prince."

He layered cloth then leather on my upper arm. "This will be unpleasant. To make a permanent armlet, the silver has to be hot. I'm sorry, there is no other way."

Jorn gripped my hand. The silversmith opened the crucible. Liquid silver poured into one of the molds. While it was still soft, he tipped the bar into a gloved hand. With careful expertise, he laid the silver bar over the leather.

Goddess, it burned! Even through the leather it felt like I was being branded. Though, in truth, I was. Everyone who saw would know I was the gerudo queen.

The silversmith used tools to shape the metal. He used a small spoon to fill the gap and smoothed the whole thing to one beautiful peice. "You handled that like a warrior. Let's start on the second while that cools."

I let my head fall back. Sweat dripped from my brow. I prayed I wouldn't pass out.

I was panting when the silversmith packed his things. By squeezing Jorn's hand, I had managed not to scream, but I was almost sure I had bruised his fingers. Hanaka helped me sit up. "Does it hurt?"

"Not so much now."

"Check it, Tonya."

Her soft fingers pushed the bands up. The skin was bright pink. "An ointment will help. Keep it bandaged overnight."

When she finished, the bands were uncomfortably high. They were two fingers wide and half an inch high off my skin. The silversmith had rounded them beautifully. The new silver gleamed. I found myself staring as I admired them.

The curtain was drawn. A crowd had gathered. Hanaka smiled and gave my hand to Jorn. Jorn took it and bowed. Then he pulled me to him and we kissed for all to see.

Hanaka called, "Spread the word. Your future queen is before you!"

I grinned as the wolves howled and the people cheered. Hanaka threw an arm over my shoulder. We led a procession to the mess hall. Many congratulated us. The line seemed never ending. Eventually, Kylar's men found us and the well wishers dispersed to eat.

I sat down. I doubted I'd ever spoken so much before. Jorn leaned his head on my shoulder. Hanaka pushed a plate heaped with meat toward us. "You need protein."

Jorn grabbed a handful and ate almost grudgingly. I realized how hungry I actually was. The team followed suit packing in the calories they were lacking. We slowed down after an hour.

Kylar was leaning into Hanaka. He murmured, "I think they're done."

"Nope," Nasha countered. He reached for another pork rib.

Hanaka's team chuckled. I moaned. "Don't make me laugh."

Hanaka stretched backward. "It's a good thing the dance is tomorrow then."

"Dance?" I looked to Jorn. "We haven't since..."

Jorn kissed my temple smearing meat juices in my hair. "Don't worry. I'll lead."

Rashan yawned followed by the twins. Jachim stood. "You should all head to bed. Tomorrow's going to be a long day. No hanky panky." He glared at Hanaka and Kylar longer than the rest of us.

We took our leave. The entire mess hall stood and bowed as we passed. Orla stopped me in the hall with a hug. She asked, "Can we have her now?"

Hanaka signaled to Gret and Nadov. "The women are expecting you, Link. Say your good-nights here."

I held Jorn's hands in both of mine. "I take it this is another tradition?"

Jorn closed his eyes and kissed my knuckles. "I'll see you tomorrow evening."

I sighed a ragged breath. "This separation is cruel."

Jorn's lip quirked. "And what do you think I'm feeling?"

I kissed his cheek. "Goodnight, my prince."

Jorn's fingers trailed through my hair. "Sleep well, nadara."

I shivered as he said it. Goddess, I wanted him to take me now. I didn't care who saw. A hand pried our's apart. Orla suggested, "Let's go before you undress each other. Navid, you coming?"

Navid, Gret, and Nadov came with us to the harem. We entered a bedroom. Orla said, "Clean up and rest. We'll see you in the morning."

"What about you two?"

Navid answered, "We still have work to do tonight. Good night, Link."

There was a lot of chattering and giggling happening in the next room the following morning. When I opened the door, they all turned to look at me. I covered my mouth in shock.

A beautiful dress hung against the wall. The riches of the tribe adorned it. A jewel encrusted headdress just begged to be worn. Tonya asked, "Do you like it?"

I blinked back tears. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

They smiled proudly to each other. Then they helped me dress. The short sleeves revealed my silver bands. Jewels draped over my chest. They were secured around my neck to a bejeweled collar. My stomach was covered by sheer silk revealing the muscles beneath. The skirt was split into sections. The jewels on the belt traveled down each panel.

Then they added more jewelry. Chains of silver and diamonds circled and draped down my legs. Wide belts with coins and bells circled my ankles and wrists. Karis began to arrange my hair.

The other women and Navid gossiped with me. They explained what was expected of me at the dance. Snacks were devoured. At last, Karis finished securing the headdress. She turned me to face the mirror. I couldn't believe the transformation. Karis rubbed my arms and said, "I knew you'd be a worthy bride. There is no doubt you're a queen, Link."

I turned and hugged her. "Thank you. Thank all of you."

They had tears in their eyes. Orla and Navid held my hands as we walked toward the amphitheater. The halls were completely deserted. The torchlight reflected off my dress and sent rainbows of color onto the walls as I passed.

We stopped at the door. Tonya said, "I'll let them know you're ready."

She disappeared through the door. I asked suddenly nervous, "What if I can't do it?"

Orla shook her head. "You'll be fine."

The double doors opened. I took a deep breath and entered. My guards flanked me a few steps behind. The only sound was the bells announcing my footsteps.

I stopped before Hanaka and curtsied low, holding for a beat. Hanaka bowed at the waist with one hand behind his back. I stood when he did. I took another deep breath and opened my mouth to sing.

Nitara had spent hours teaching me this morning. I didn't miss a note. The acoustics carried the sound well. I held my breath at the end. They hadn't told me what came next.

Warm hands held mine at the same time Jorn began to sing behind me. His voice sent chills down my spine. At the end, he whispered in my ear, "Now together."

He squeezed my hands. At his cue, I started again. His bass notes formed a chilling counter melody to my high pitches. They blended perfectly. I shivered again. Then a guitar picked up the melody. A drum carried the beat. The tempo increased and a few warriors began to clap rhythmically. At last, a horn joined.

Jorn walked around me and took my hand. His other circled my side and settled in the small of my back. As the song repeated, we began to dance. Jorn led us through a series of steps and turns all while keeping me close. He grinned and put his hands on my waist to lift me.

He spun once before setting me on my feet and continuing. I whispered in his ear, "Do you trust me?"

"You doubt me, nadara?" he teased.

I called up Din's fire. The living flames snaked around us. We remained unscathed within its embrace. We danced as one, a hylian, a gerudo, and the goddesses. When we came to a stop, the flames grew then disappeared. The crowd roared. We held each other unable to keep the smiles off our faces.

I finally looked at my husband's clothes. He was dressed simply in white pants and a long blue vest. The only defining peice was the high collar. And yet, he looked perfectly handsome. I laid my head against his bare chest. "I didn't know you could sing."

Jorn's strong arms enfolded me. I didn't want to leave him. Someone tapped my shoulder. "You need to speak."

Jorn nodded to me. I took a step back. Facing the tribe, I raised my voice. "Thank you all for coming tonight. On behalf of my husband and I, the future king and queen, let the dancing commence."

The crowd cheered again. Hanaka took my hand and led me back to the center. "You're a natural leader, princess." The minstrels began to play. "And you shine like the stars. Your father would be proud of the woman you've become."

I sighed and placed my head against his shoulder. "I know. He told me many times in the forest of my dreams."

"Have you forgiven him?"

"No, but I'm no longer angry."

Hanaka rubbed my back. "It's a start." We danced slowly. Then, "Thank you."

I looked up. "For what?"

Hanaka kissed my forehead. "For allowing me to be your father." The music ended. Hanaka bowed. "I have to hand you off now. You should dance with each captain at least once, but don't be afraid to turn them away if you get tired. And Jorn's allowed to cut in as often as he wishes. My whole squad is your guard tonight, so enjoy it. This is my gift to you."

He offered my hand to Kylar. I smiled. "Good evening, papa."

He winked with a grin. "You're beautiful, sunshine."

We talked and laughed. When it was time, another took his place. The men struck conversation. More than a few women danced with me as well. It seemed Nitara had forgiven me for all the drama I'd put Darius through.

After several hours, I saw another familiar face. Malachai grinned down at me. I gave a weak smile. We stepped quickly alongside the other pairs. He coaxed, "I told you to smile more. The way you look at the prince, I can see he was the one you visited those nights past. Did I ever stand a chance against him?"

His hands gripped my arms, fingers brushing silver, as he led me in a dip. He whispered in my ear, "I could still be your lover. Appoint my team as the queen's guard. I'll show you how an experienced warrior makes love."

A hand gripped Malachai's shoulder. Jorn forced a smile. "Mind if I cut in?"

I dropped Malachai's hands like they were on fire. Jorn wrapped an arm around my waist and spirited me away from him. I sighed into Jorn's neck. "Thank you."

"I could tell he was making you uncomfortable." We danced through several songs together while my nerves settled.

"May I, brother?"

I smiled to Stephan. Jorn gave him my hand. During the pause before the song began, Stephan said, "To think the only reason I know you is because you were the only one crazy enough to pursue a gerudo warrior." We started to move. "That day in the field must have been fate."

I chuckled, "Or maybe I was foolish. Still, I held my own against you."

He grinned. "We should have had you duel Kylar." After twirling through the circuit, he said, "The others are jealous. They all want to dance with you."

I countered, "They only have to ask. They're my men after all."

Stephan kissed my cheek. "You're too precious. They're newly appointed. It would be presumptuous of them when so many others don't dare to ask for a dance."

"Then I'll have to ask them," I voiced what he was hinting at.

"The favor of a queen is highly prized. You'd give them no higher honor." Stephan bowed. "We'll save you a seat when you want a rest."

Orla tapped my shoulder. I hugged her and offered Stephan's hand. They danced slow, bodies close and oblivious of the speed of the song. Tonya and Karis found me and we danced a flamboyant jig from their homeland.

When we finished, I was parched and our of breath. I signaled to Jorn and we finally left the dance floor. We filled our glasses and sought out our squad. The twins were showing off. Rashan elbowed Darius when he saw us. They all stood tall to meet us and bowed. I waved them off. "It's just us, guys."

Navid and Nasha broke formality first. I hugged both of them in turn. Darius held me a moment longer. "I'm glad we found you, Link. Thank you for returning with us. And I'm sorry I lied about you carrying my child. And that I forced you to kiss me."

I looked into his face. There was a slight flush to his cheeks and he was very warm. "Have you been drinking?"

Navid stroked Darius's arm when he stepped back. "You need to stop beating yourself up about that."

I smiled. "What you did was to protect me. You made me feel safe during a frightening time. You would make a great father and you deserve the chance to raise a son. I would gladly carry a child for you and Navid. I'm proud of you." I turned to everyone. "I'm proud of us."

I spent the rest of the evening dancing with my friends. At last we could stay awake no longer. A soft kiss on my shoulder made me smile. Jorn's hands on my waist guided me to the door. I barely noticed the presence of our father's men.

We walked out into the moonlight. The wine made my tongue tingle and my body warm. Jorn led me to where horses waited. He lifted me onto his mount. My legs hung on one side. In one motion, he mounted behind me and held me to his chest.

Our guards hung back lending us our privacy. Jorn's chin rested on my head. "I don't think I told you how beautiful you look."

I kissed his neck. "Go on."

Jorn's laugh was a hot gust on my hair. "Even the stars can't outshine you tonight. The moon is jealous of your radiance." His hand absentmindedly stroked my skin through the silk. "My mother loved the stars. I wish you could have met her."

We stopped by the waterfall. A statue had been carved into the rock. A doorway led deeper into the butte. We left our horse and entered. A bed surrounded by gold and precious metals waited. A statue of the goddess was carved behind it.

Jorn walked backward holding my hand. "Tonight we consummate our marriage. Our vows we say are ours alone. I told you our relationship is built on trust. If at any time you want me to stop, you only need to say it."

He knelt. I knelt before him. He reached up and put a hand behind my neck. He smiled, but there was no nervousness as he said, "I love you, Link. I will never leave you. I will never let another hold your place in my heart while it still beats. You are mine, my nadara, and I am yours."

I kissed him, holding his face in my hands. I whispered against his lips, "I love you, Jorn. I will never leave your side. No one shall replace you in the depths of my soul. Nadara, I am yours and you are mine."

I pushed the vest off his shoulders as his hand reached for the laces of my dress. We never made it to the bed and the waterfall drowned out every sound.

Heehee. Like I said, I really tried hard not to let this ship sail. Please read and review.