Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda or any of its affiliated characters. duh

Zelda's Choice

The First Event: Confusing Signals and Desperate Declarations

Time passed. Autumn shed its leaves and winter showed its face, bringing with it a bitterness to the air and a gloominess to the sky. The ground turned into a sloppy, mucky mess, and the grass lost its green color to a muddy brown. Few birds flew in the open air, preferring the warmer weather of far-away southern countries.

Preparations for the balls were underway: more and more people arrived at the castle bringing with them fancy carriages, thorough-bred horses, and silks, satins, and velvets that would make any person drool in ecstasy. Tasty delights and expensive wines traveled from distant areas and foreign countries. The ballroom was scrubbed until it truly did shine---the yellow striated marble floor gleamed in the little sunlight that beamed inside from the lofty windows. The glass in the windows was wiped and dusted, but it was difficult work because they were so very tall. It took more than one week to finish the work. The thrones were newly upholstered, and the wood of the chairs was cleaned and oiled. Everyone seemed to be in a dither over the upcoming events.

Zelda was, in some senses, caught up in the events, but she strived to maintain a level head and calm façade. She still prickled slightly when she thought of the purpose of the balls, to show her off to any available man, to let any male know she was available for the plucking. Maybe not to such an extreme extent, but sometimes it certainly felt that way.

Kyanel strove to always been in her company; Link strove to avoid her. The few times when she saw Link it was when she was with the duke. Damn her luck! She didn't completely understand the man: maybe he loved her, maybe he was disgusted with her, or maybe he simply felt unworthy in her company. Zelda was confused. Very confused.

She wanted to spend her time with Link. She, in reality, spent her time with Kyanel, because she knew it was what her father wanted. It was what everyone seemed to want. But not her. Duty and need - where is line drawn? Zelda's mind was muddled; ironically, she was grateful for the balls. At least they would be distracting.

* * * *

Zelda squeaked softly when she felt all of the air from her lungs being expelled. Her corset gave her little room to move, nay, to even breathe! Maids helped her into her skirt, and then they buttoned her bodice. Finally dressed, Zelda looked at herself in the mirror.

Her mouth made a little o. Her skirt and bodice were a soft pink. The skirt opened up down the middle to show a creamy underskirt, which was embroidered with silver thread along the bottom. The sleeves on her bodice opened at her wrists, and lengths of the same creamy cloth as the underskirt fell near the ground. Both parts of the ensemble were also embroidered with tiny, silver rosebuds. A maid tied a satin white rope around her waist, which hung down to the middle of her skirt. The colors were perfect for her complexion and hair color.

"Your Highness," a maid asked timidly, tapping her shoulder. "Would you like your hair to be done now?" Zelda turned and nodded. She walked to her vanity and sat in the cushiony chair.

Her long, golden hair was made into multiple braids and then twisted upon her head, while strings of tiny pearls were intertwined. To her cheeks and lips a soft rouge was added. Pearl earrings hung from her pointed ears, and a matching pearl necklace was hung around her slender neck. Zelda looked into the mirror of her vanity, and she truly felt beautiful.

Last minute preparations had people scurrying to and fro all day long. Mounds of food were cooked, and the guests finally had feasted an hour ago. Thankfully, someone had been prudent and had served a water-downed wine. The people had eventually been dismissed to prepare for the ball, which was what Zelda was doing right at that moment.

Feeling ready, Zelda put her heeled slippers on and walked into the parlor, where her father was waiting. He stood up when she entered.

"My Zelda, you look lovely!" The king took her hand and kissed her cheek. "You remind me of the Goddesses themselves." Zelda beamed with pleasure.

"You don't look too dreadful yourself, Father," she added, taking in his appearance. The King of Hyrule wore a deep red jacket and pants, which were embroidered with gold thread. The color even masked his ever-developing abdomen.

The king chuckled. "Ever the courtier, daughter." He took her arm. "Shall we be off?" Zelda nodded. Stepping through the door, the pair walked through the hallways to the upper level of the balcony.

When they arrived, a trumpet fanfare played. Arm in arm, the king and his daughter walked down the marble steps to the ballroom floor, where the crowds of people were waiting. The fanfare finished, and a waltz commenced. Zelda began the night with a dance with her father. The crowd, taking the cue, began the dance also.

Violin and cello players performed lovingly upon their instruments. Sweet flutes added to the melody, while the unique sound of the oboes added to the harmony. A single harp player carried much of the song; its dulcet sound was soothing.

The waltz was quickly finished, and another one took its place. Zelda danced with many different men throughout the night, but she constantly looked for Link. He wasn't to be seen. Her heart squeezed. How she wanted just one dance with him!

She did dance with Kyanel, however. Many times, actually. He smiled his famous smile, and his dancing skills were quite good. He certainly would be a suitable match.

Zelda began to go into herself, thinking about Link, and as a result became quiet. She was desperate in her attempt to spot him, to just see him for one moment. Severe disappointment was threatening to take over.

"Your Highness," Kyanel said softly, for he was her current dancing partner, "is something the matter?"

Zelda looked up into his emerald eyes. "Oh, I apologize for my rudeness. I was simply thinking." That was the extent of their conversation. Finally stating that she needed a rest, Zelda walked over to a table covered in food and refreshments. She took a glass of wine and sipped it slowly, not particularly wanting to dance again.

Zelda sighed. Was she going to ruin such an important event over a man she could never have? It wasn't long in finding an answer: yes, she added to herself, she would. Zelda left the ballroom, wanting to take a walk in the gardens.

Going outside, the air instantly changed to a chilly breeze. The moon shown full in the sky, its glow yellow upon the land. Zelda shivered slightly, but continued to walk. Torches lit along the paths; Zelda listened to soft giggles and talk that resounded throughout the gardens. She followed the torch-lit paths.

She didn't know how much time passed when she came upon a lone shadow -most people were in groups or pairs. The soft light of the moon illuminated Link sitting on a bench. Zelda's heart stopped.

"Link!" she cried. She quickly walked up to him, where he rose in response. "I didn't think you had come…I…" Her voice trailed away. The backdrop of the moon gave him a celestial glow. He wore a dark green coat with black pants and boots. His hair was neatly braided with a black ribbon tied on the end. Zelda flushed; he was stunning.

"I, Link, you look wonderful," she said softly. His cheeks became a deep red.

"Thank you," he stuttered. "You look beautiful, too, Zelda." She smiled and took his hand.

"You're such a jerk, you know that? I've been looking for you all night!" Zelda led him away from the bench.

"Why?" he asked, his voice showing his surprise.

"Because, I want to dance with you."

Link shook his head. "Zelda, I don't dance," he stammered.

Zelda looked into his eyes and raised an eyebrow. "Yes, you do; we'll dance right here if you prefer. No one will see us, and we can still hear the music." She took his hand and placed it around her waist, and then she placed her own hand in his. "Dance with me, Link," she whispered. He complied.

Zelda felt her heart swell with love. Link, truth be told, was a terrible dancer, but his intense concentration made her smile. He was perfection in the truest sense of the word. She wanted that moment to be frozen in time.

The music changed to a slow, melancholy song. Zelda stopped the dancing, desperate to show Link how she felt. The fact that she couldn't ever be with him never crossed her mind, right then. Love can be so blind.

She brought his head down to hers, and her lips met with his. But then he pulled away, from both her lips and her embrace.

"Why do you do this?" Link asked harshly, his eyes narrowed.

Zelda stared at him, feeling as if she had just been slapped. "Link, I…don't you understand?" she asked lamely.

He shook his head violently. "You are a cruel woman, Zelda. Why do you toy with me?"

"What are you talking about? Link, I - "

He interrupted her. "You know as well as I do that I am a bastard son, of no importance or worth. Why do you make me perceive that you care for me, and then spend your time with that duke of yours? Why, Zelda?!" Link's face was flushed with hurt.

Zelda couldn't respond. What was he saying? She would never use him. But…but…was she sending such confusing signals? Tears burning in her eyes, Zelda watched as Link turned to leave.

"Wait, Link! Don't you understand?!" He continued to walk away. She grabbed his hand. "Damn it, Link, I love you!" He only stiffened in response, and then left her there, alone.

Falling to ground, she sobbed bitterly.