Disclaimer: I don't own the Zelda franchise nor am I affiliated with it. Nintendo and its creator Shigeru Miyamoto own it. (did you guess that all ready? huh)

Zelda's Choice

The Final Event: Confessions of Love

The solstice marked the beginning of winter. At high noon, the sun was positioned at its most southern point, although it was unbeknownst to most of the population. The temperature continued to be cold, but the sky was a clear blue, without a cloud in sight. Trees had lost all of their leaves, and were skeletal and withered.

After the next ball, everyone would be leaving for their homes. Zelda was glad for it - she was exhausted. But the day wasn't over yet.

The Princess of Hyrule was being readied once again. She wore a scarlet velvet gown with saffron colored ribbons adorning the wrists, waist, and bottom hem. Her golden hair fell down her back in thick waves; in her hand was a mask made with glass beads ranging from red to orange to yellow. Her costume was to look like a phoenix - the fiery bird that reincarnates itself from its own ashes.

She joined the festivities. She danced with many different partners. It was no different than the previous balls. She smiled and giggled and spoke prettily until she felt completely fatigued. Pleading that she was bone-tired, Zelda was able to leave the ballroom behind.

She fell asleep thinking of Link.

* * * *

Almost everyone was gone from Hyrule Castle. Weary guests bade servants to pack mounds of clothing and toiletries, and eventually set off to their own homes. Duke Kyanel left; he kissed the Princess of Hyrule lightly on the cheek, and never looked back.

Zelda knew what she had to do. Walking quickly through the castle hallways, she came to Link's apartments. His rooms were in the older section of the stronghold and were not as luxurious as her own. She knocked softly on his door.

"Come in," Link called from inside. Zelda opened the door slowly, for she was anxious and slightly afraid. She stepped in, and then waited.

Link had on his normal attire of white hose and a dark green tunic. His hair, however, was not in its usual ponytail; it fell loosely on his broad shoulders. He looked up at her and was silent.

"Hello, Link," she said quietly, not knowing what to say. He continued to watch her with his sharp blue eyes. Zelda took the liberty to sit in a chair next to him. Silence continued, making the pair uncomfortable. Link shifted his position while Zelda wrung her hands. Eventually she said, "I've been needing to speak with you for a while now. About…everything," she ended lamely.

"All right," he replied slowly.

Zelda sighed. "You never did allow me to explain, Link." She looked down at her hands. "I didn't lie when I said I loved you," she whispered.

"What about the Duke?" he asked roughly.

"He's gone," she replied, looking up at him once again. "I spent time with him because I felt obligated. It was foolish of me, and I apologize. Please believe me when I say that I would have rather have spent that time with you." Zelda began to reach for his hand, but stopped herself. "Please…" she murmured.

"So now I am to forgive you, am I correct? It is not that simple, Zelda! You have naively played with men's hearts!" Link rose with a long sigh. He positioned himself at the hearth, his back to her. Tapping his fingers on the dusty marble, he said, "I don't know what to think anymore, Zelda. I don't know what to believe - "

"Believe me when I say that I love you!" Zelda exclaimed, hurrying to his side. "I never meant to hurt you." She bit the inside of her cheek, close to tears. "I…"

He interrupted. "I know you meant no harm, but do you not know that we can never be together?" Link put his face in his hands. "I am a bastard son, Zelda. Your love is both sweet and bitter to me.

Zelda took his hand, forcing him to look at her. "There as to be a way, Link. Your father could have been high-ranking, and even if he had been a servant, your mother was a duchess!" She kissed his fingers. "Oh, Link, I love you so."

He stared at her once again. Taking her face in his hands, he replied, "Do you know how long I waited for you to say those words? That when you said that you loved me in the gardens, that my heart was filled with joy?" He ran one hand through her hair. "I have loved you for an eternity, it seems like."

But then he pulled away, making Zelda gasp softly. He turned around, folding his arms. "We cannot do this," he whispered harshly.

Zelda's heart squeezed. "Oh, Link." She went and stood in front of him, taking his arm. "I know there is a way," she replied firmly, "I know."

"That is wishful thinking." His eyes projected his sadness over the matter. "You are being cruel to yourself, Zelda - "

"No!" she exclaimed, "Do not patronize me, Link! I will make a way!" Her voice was so vehement that Link didn't reply for some time.

He did, eventually, pull her close, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "I believe you," he said, smiling a little. "And I would never patronize you." Then he kissed her.

It was the sweetest, most tender kiss Zelda had ever received. Every emotion and passion from both of them was shown with that kiss. Link kissed every inch of her face - her nose, ears, lips, and hair. He kissed the hollow of her neck, which made her sigh. Zelda wrapped her arms around his neck, running her fingers through his hair.

After quite a long passage of time, they pulled apart to catch their breath. Link whispered his love to her over and over again, while she replied in kind. They were unaware of their social status at that moment. They were only aware of each other and each other's love. It was the only thing that mattered.