She felt his eyes upon her. It made her cheeks flush, her back tingle. She had finally caught his attention, finally made him see her instead of just the princess.

She had requested her maids to make a late adjustment to her travelling attire before setting out on this latest excursion. Zelda had originally ordered a two layer travelling tunic, in royal blue, with a set of loose-fitting trousers for comfort. The day before they had left Hyrule Castle, however, she had made a commission for a different pair of leggings.

The new garment she had requested was tight. It was made to fit her form perfectly, the measurements taken with royal exactness. The black garment countured her legs and hugged her hips tightly. The royal maids had tried to make Zelda reconsider her decision – it was, in their opinion, "not fitting a princess" – but had, after her insistence, quickly carried out her demand.

This had been a plan brewing for months within the young princess' mind. Though, this specific idea had been a last-minute thought. She had at many times felt regret over the decision, but now that she had seen the results, Zelda was convinced that this was the way to do it.

The plan was to tempt Link. To tempt him to the point where he would act up. Where he would make a move, where he would overstep the boundaries.

Until now she had not been entirely certain that Link actually had feelings for her, it had all just been a suspicion. His reaction now was not proper confirmation either, but it certainly lent credence to the theory.

Even if her enticing him wouldn't lead to that, it had at least shown Zelda that Link wasn't perfect in his righteousness. He was apparently not above staring.

Zelda swayed her hips more than usual as she walked down the old road. Another decision she had made, by far the more scandalous, was to forgo her briefs. The leggings hugged her rear so tightly it was certain to leave little to the imagination of her appointed knight. But he could do nothing to act upon this.

Not, at least, if he wanted to keep his honour, not to mention his position as the princess' appointed knight.

It was positively thrilling.

This had of course not been her first attempt, nore would it probably be her last. Zelda had been trying to get Link to step out of line ever since she was first put under his watch. She had tried to break him in every way she could think – first carefully through stubbornness and unwillingness to do as ordered, then more aggressively, and perhaps embarrassingly, by shouting and screaming at him – but it had all failed.

This more carnal method seemed more promising. Link rarely reacted to her tantrums, staying focused and calm. However, the young hero seemed far more susceptible to her body than her words.

Zelda did feel bad sometimes for how he treated the boy – even though he was older than she, there was something youthful about how he carried himself. Link wasn't unkind toward her, and he wasn't to blame for being successful where she wasn't. He never disobeyed Zelda, but for the times when her father had ordered him to. Under different circumstances Zelda might even have liked her bodyguard. But as things were, he was a reminder of her failure, and he was an obstacle for her research.

There was also something unsettling about the knight. He was always so observant, his eyes staring through her. He also rarely partook in konversation, Zelda never knew what he thought or how he felt.

The few times she had gotten Link to talk, she had been surprised at how articulate he was. In fact, he seemed to have a profound sense for talking. He chose his words with such care, never saying more than necessary, yet, also never less. Zelda supposed Link just didn't think his thoughts were worth relaying.

If there weren't more pressing matters at hand, Zelda wouldn't have minded spending more time trying to get a piece of the champion's locked up mind. But, again, as things were, there was no time for such indulgences.

The princess pushed on, moving up the steep incline ahead.

"It's getting late," Zelda said, breaking a long silence. She felt Link's eyes leaving her behind when she spoke. "We won't get much farther tonight, it might be time to set up camp. Hopefully we will be able to make it to Trillby Valley before the end of tomorrow. Then it should not be more than one or two more days of travel"

They were just north of the Lanayru wetlands, making their way toward Goron City in Death Mountain. They were to meet with the goron champion, Daruk, and check on his progress on taming and controlling the divine beast, Vah Rudania, which he had been assigned.

For today, however, it was time to set up camp and prepare supper before nightfall. They found a small patch of ground – surrounded by a half circle of trees – not too far from the road.

Zelda started setting up their tent, as Link collected rocks and firewood, lighting a fire and preparing to cook them a dinner.

They only had one tent. This was another part of Zelda's plan. Another thing her maiden's had objected to. If her father hadn't been occupied by more pressing duties, Zelda was certain she would not have gotten away with any of this.

She had decided only to bring one tent for the trip, meaning she and her knight would have to share it. This idea was less haphazard than her garment change. Zelda had thought long and hard about the risks, and had been afraid she might go too far.

But now her mind was set. She would break Link, tempt him till he could not resist any longer. Whatever it took.

After eating, Zelda entered the tent, telling Link not to follow until she told him he could. The knight, loyal as always, did as she said.

Closing the tent flaps behind her, the princess sat down, untying her hair, letting out the tight braids. She pulled off her boots and socks, and removed her tunic and undershirt. She folded and piled the clothes before continuing to undress.

Standing again – back bent to fit in the cramped tent – Zelda slid her thumbs under the tight fabric of her leggings. With an awkward shuffle, she managed to peel the garment from her hips and long, slender legs. Revealed was her firm round rear, as well as the smooth mound of her nether lips.

Zelda sat back down once more, before undoing her brassier, freeing her chest. Her nipples poked out excitedly, the anticipation of the moment stirring within the young princess.

She folded the trousers, placing them, and last the brassiere, atop the pile of clothes.

After fully undressing, Zelda, now fully naked, tucked into her bedroll, only her head visible, sticking up out of the covers.

Her body was flushed, excited.

"You can enter now!" Zelda called.

A few moments later Link came through the tent flap. He looked at her, his face tired and worn, maybe even a little annoyance in his eyes, that was rare. Then he looked at the pile of her clothes, his eyes quickly flew back to her, and then away to fixate on a particularly interesting spot on the tent canvas.

Link crouched awkwardly in the tent, seeming unsure what to do. Zelda thought she could see a little red on his cheeks. He slowly moved to lay down on his own bedroll.

"Are you going to sleep in your travelling clothes?" Zelda hadn't really meant to say anything, but now that she had, she doubled down. "I admire your dedication to the champion's tunic, and what it represents, but you don't need to sleep in it."

Link didn't answer – though he seldom did, of course – but he looked back at her. Zelda felt the urge to laugh. The look of befuddlement on Link's face was truly endearing.

"I will turn away if you want to change," Zelda said, turning to face the canvas wall.

It was dead quiet for a few moments in the small tent. Then there was the rustling of cloth as Link unbuckled his belt and got out of his trousers and tunic. Zelda felt her heart thump within her chest.

When Link had settled into his covers Zelda turned to look at him. Their eyes met, Link was blushing.

"Good night, Link," Zelda whispered.

Zelda awoke to the quiet sound of birds chirping. It was bright inside the tent, sunlight piercing the fabric to illuminate the inside. By the princess' guess it was probably sometime past eight.

She found Link's bedroll empty when she turned to it. Then she noticed melodic humming coming from outside the tent. The voice was approaching, the sound getting louder. When she thought he was just outside, Link stopped his song, the pleasant tones replaced by the klinking of pots and pans.

Is he making breakfast? Zelda thought.

She knew Link had a knack for the culinary, but she had not expected sutch service out here in the wilds. Still, she could not help but to feel hungry as the sissling and fizzing of cooking.

The tent was warm and stuffy. The canvas was thick and isolating, made to keep the inside heated through a cold night. In the morning sunlight, however, the trapped, warm air made it feel like a sauna.

Zelda slipped out of her covers, sitting upright in the low tent. As she rose, her bare chest was revealed to the hot air. She suddenly remembered the night before, and blushed deeply as she moved to dress, suddenly desperate to hide her nakedness.

What had she been thinking? Her little plan to break down Link's patience now seemed completely mad. Hylia, she was the hair to the throne, princess of Hyrule! How had she come to this?

She hurriedly put on her brassiere, somewhat restoring her sense of decency. Then she was reminded of her lack of underpants. So set on her plan had she been that, not only had she not worn any the day before, she had not packed any at all for the entire journey.

Resenting her past self, Zelda pulled on her tight leggings, soft undershirt, and blue travelling tunic. Finally clothed, the princess tied her hair. She made a simple knot, not bothering with any intricate braids – after all, Link was the only person who was going to see her for at least another day, before they reached Goron City.

It wasn't quite so bad, she supposed. Zelda did feel safe with Link, and as long as she stopped intentionally baiting him, he would not act. She was almost certain of it.

Still, part of her dignity was probably forever lost in the eyes of Hyrule's hero. He would likely never see her the same way again.

Pushing down her regrets and discomfort, Zelda moved the tent flap aside, exiting out into a flow of golden rays cascading down around her – the dew-sprinkled grass sparkling like jewellery.

At once she forgot her earlier worries, the show of the morning sun in the wilds filling her with stronger emotions.

Link had re-ignited the firepit they had constructed the night before, a cooking pan situated over it, eggs and vegetables on the frye inside. The hero himself was crouching a few feet away, once again humming to himself, as he picked out a handful of herbs from the brush.

The princess was astonished at what had been accomplished in – what she assumed was – such a short time, and with next to nothing of their actual packed provisions used. Link had somehow both found the eggs and the various wild vegetables within the area, and had even managed to scrounge up fresh rock salt, which he had ground against a rock, and sprinkled on the contents of the pan.

Link wore a broad smile as he returned to the fire, ripping the herbs apart and letting them fall into the pan. Moments later he invited Zelda to join him by the fire, handing her a plate of the freshly made breakfast.

They ate in silence – not out of the ordinary, considering Link's nature – and Zelda once again wondered upon the goings on within the young hero's mind. She was a curious person, and – despite her frustrations with him – sincerely wanted to understand her knight. She felt a strong pull toward him somehow.

However, his silence, though expected, was, on this occasion, perturbing to the princess. She was afraid that her scheme would damage his perception of her. The fact that he didn't speak to her made this feeling more pronounced.

Of course, it was most likely all in her head, and she acknowledged that. However, she could not shake the sense that she had truly messed up.

After breakfast they repacked their gear and readied themselves for the day's journey. Despite her worries, nothing seemed amiss between the two companions. Not until the trek started.

As usual, Link trailed behind her, keeping watch, making sure she was safe. But, this time, just like the day before, his eyes seemed fixed upon her. His gaze burned holes in Zelda's rear, as the tight fabric moved over it as she walked.

Now more than in the morning, Zelda regretted her decisions. She felt embarrassment, humiliation. She felt dirty.

And worst of all, a part of her felt thrilled.

Just as it had before, knowing that he desired her made her stomach flutter. She felt hot even as the wind picked up, and a light rain started to fall. They didn't get much further before needing to find shelter from the increasing downpour. They crouched down in a small hollow in a rock wall, just large enough to fit them both.

Zelda still wore a deep blush as the two settled into the hollow. It was cramped for two people, and with their bags they were forced to press together tightly.

Her wet clothes clung to her body, her soaked, long hair cascading down her back. Zelda suspected that her backside was, even more, clearly visible through the now damp fabric. Luckily she was pressed tightly against the rock.

As they sat huddled in the cavity, silence came upon them once again. This time, she was certain it had an element of tension to it.

Zelda ventured a glance at the knight. His stiff posture, complimented by a light reddened face, confirmed her strong suspicions. Link had been looking at her butt as they had been making their way up the hill.

Again she felt a thrill. Her heart drummed quickly within her breast, and her own face deepened in colour. She wanted to say something, anything. She needed this moment to end, needed the quiet to stop.

"You are too quiet," she finally said. It wasn't really what she had intended, she didn't want to start an argument, but nothing better had come to her.

"I don't like having to be the one to carry every conversation all the time. It gets tiresome. Besides, it does not befit a hero not to engage with those he saves. Frankly, I find it disrespectful.

"Even now you don't try to defend yourself. Have you no honour, knight!" she snapped, not sure where her anger had come from.

Help, she thought, why am I just digging a deeper grave!

Link looked at her. His expression gave away little of his mind, yet, Zelda had a feeling she knew what he thought.

She felt suddenly ashamed to have opened her mouth. The new silence, the new tension, was not of lust, but hurt. That was worse.

The quiet continued. Link's gaze was firmly locked onto something far in the distance. Zelda's mind was filled with guilt, consumed with remorse, yet too weak to act upon it. Pinned together as they were, the princess could feel Link's slow breathing. Somehow this increased her own anxiety.

They sat like that – cramped into the small cave together with their luggage – for what felt like an hour. The rain persisted, streaming down in front of them. Finally, Link stirred. He rose, exiting out into the rain.

Just outside, he paused. He told her to stay, not turning around, and then continuing down the path.

Left behind, Zelda waited. She leaned against the stack of rucksacks and travelling gear, listening to the patter of the rain outside the hollow.

How did I let this happen? Zelda thought. How did I let my jealousy mess everything up? And now Link is gone. In the end even he got tired of me. She suddenly felt tears threatening to well up, her eyes itching.

She was cold and wet. Her clothes stuck to her body, the damp cloth creating goosebumps across her skin. She was tired and hungry. There was foodstuffs somewhere among their equipment, but Zelda knew neither where they were, nor how to prepare any of it. Link might be an avid sheff, but the princess had always been seen to by an extensive kitchen staff.

So, she remained where she sat, contemplating her situation. She had been abandoned, left by the person meant to protect her, forced to look after their bags in the cramped knock of a hillside, rain pouring down outside.

Suddenly her guilt and worry washed away, replaced by an unexpected anger. How dare he leave me! Zelda thought. I am his princess, and he, my bodyguard! This is the only thing he is around to do, his very job. How dare he leave me in this cold, wet, cramped cave!

With an abrupt jump, Zelda rose from her place in the hollow. At once she was covered by the icy rain, it quickly soaked through the fabric that had not yet been invaded by water.

Still, without a second thought, Zelda stormed out into the wet grass. She stalked back and forth a few times, the movement acting as an outlet for her built up frustrations. Then, determined to prove her worth, she turned down one of the dirt paths in search of proper shelter.

I don't need him! she thought, her mind forceful and steadfast. I'll find a better place to camp, and when he returns, he will see that I only keep him around out of mercy for him. He was going to beg for her to let him into the tent, warm and dry, under the protection of a cave.

Zelda walked with a stubborn gate, trudging through the muddy ground as her boots slowly filled with water. Before long her garments were so drenched that it felt like she was wearing nothing at all, but for the added weight.

All around her the constant drum of the downpour rattled against the ground. The constant sound only added to her vexation.

Yet, bitterness could not drive her forever. Zelda soon lost hope of finding some kind of cover from the heavy showers. Her mood soured and her energy drained, she came to a stop at a boulder under a wide tree.

Out of vitality and out of spirit – and with a muddled mind, not thinking quite rationally – Zelda finally hunkered down on the flat rock. The tree, despite its broad branches, did not offer much in way of protection. The leaves were already heavy with the rain, and only worked to funnel in down to the prone princess.

Despite her circumstances, despite all rational thought. Despite the cold and the wet, Zelda fell into a deep slumber, laying on the narrow rock. Her mind consumed by anger and frustration, now in deep dreams.