A/N:
Well, I'm back /w another chapter. I'm so happy /w all of the reviews I've gotten for just one chapter! I hope everyone continues to like it! Now, on /w the show…!
Disclaimer: No one actually reads this. I mean, I could put some really bad words here and no one would notice. I could just not say anything related to LOZ and it wouldn't matter b/c this is just a bunch of letters that somehow form words that no one gives a bleep about. I mean, seriously. I mean, I'm just rambling here, and you're not even doing anything about. Seriously. I mean, I really don't own LOZ, so don't go and get your panties in a twist or anything. I mean, c'mon. O.o
Chapter II
The water was icy cold; so frigid, in fact, that Zelda felt her toes and fingertips beginning to go numb. But not yet – first she must experience the pain, the pain that felt as if miniature knives were puncturing her delicate body. She eyed her bluing skin detachedly as more freezing water was poured upon her head and her back by attendants. The priest of Nayru, the Goddess of love and fertility (among other things), intoned blandly words Zelda did not understand as he stood before her. Wryly, she wondered if he were truly so absorbed that he did not even notice her naked form. Somehow she had a distinct feeling that it was nothing new to the elderly gentlemen.
Her wedding was but hours away – Zelda was currently undergoing the purification ceremony where she was forced to bathe while a priest blessed her and prayed for her good health, fruitful marriage, and fertility. It was rather embarrassing, having some strange man be in attendance whilst she was completely nude, not to mention shivering from the chill. Thankfully, it lasted for not more than some minutes; shaking, Zelda quickly wrapped the towels about her body and stepped from the metal tub filled to the brim. She was then led the next chamber, where she was to be oiled with expensive perfumes, so as to aid in the outcome of the wedding night, so she was told.
The priest was escorted in the opposite direction while Zelda entered the room and found herself nude once again, albeit in front of only fellow females. They chattered excitedly as they rubbed the atrocious smelling oils into her skin. Zelda wrinkled her nose at the scent. Could they not find perfumes more delicate, less abrasive? As her skin was literally rubbed raw, Zelda's irritation grew. How more demeaning could this day become?
Her skin now flushed from the rough massage, Zelda raised a leg obediently as the ladies began to dress her, like a young girl's doll. First were the delicate undergarments: chemises and pantaloons and stockings of the finest linen, edged with lace of the best quality in the whole of Hyrule. Next were the petticoats, one on top of the other; they swished any time Zelda moved her body, to her complete annoyance; then there was the corset, which caused the princess to swear inwardly as it sucked the breath right out of her lungs. Then there was the underskirt and matching under-bodice, which were the color of silver, like the clouds after a storm. The bodice included sleeves that hung to Zelda's waist.
Lastly, was the gown itself, which was made of two parts: the bodice and the skirt. Zelda found herself admiring its craftsmanship, despite herself. Both the bodice and the skirt were of the deepest sapphire and made from the softest silk. Embroideries of silver thread adorned both pieces of clothing, matching the underskirt and bodice; sapphires adorned the section that lay between her breasts and the ends of the skirt. Her feet were fit into delicate slippers of the same design.
The ladies about her twittered with delight, and murmured compliments of all kinds. "So lovely, Your Royal Highness!" or "Your husband will not be able to keep his eyes off of you, Your Royal Highness!" were many of the phrases Zelda heard as she was led to the nearby vanity table and made to sit in the chair before the expansive mirror. Rouge was painted upon her face and her forehead and nose were powdered with white talc. As her lips were adorned with color, one lady in particular began to twist her lovely hair into a complicated design.
"I do so hope Your Royal Highness will enjoy this style. Only ladies of the highest importance receive my services, and for you, it is even more special," the hair dresser remarked happily as she twisted Zelda's hair and pinned it tightly. Zelda felt her scalp pulled taut at the woman's ministrations, but she most certainly knew her craft. She quickly found her hair wound with ribbons and tiny pearls; as the woman was about the pin the veil, she stopped when the item was lightly taken from her grasp.
"Allow me to attend to his matter, good woman. This is, of course, my daughter's day of matrimony, and I would be sorely vexed if I was not able to be apart of something so monumental." Zelda watched as the hair dresser curtsied and stood a distance away, before the woman behind her continued, "Everyone is dismissed for the time being. A mother must advise her daughter in areas not fit for some ears."
The ladies twittered, some in laughter, some in annoyance, but obeyed nonetheless. When all had exited and it was but the two women in the room, Zelda closed her eyes as she felt the veil being pinned upon her head.
Lady Annika, the widow of the King of Hyrule, was a fairly young woman, only a decade or so older than Zelda herself. Possessed of slight stature and hair the color of copper, she was considered beautiful by many; many, however, eyed her with distrust when they looked into her eyes, which always seemed to be filled with coldness.
Annika was allowed to keep her title and her place in the palace after the death of her husband even though she had borne him no more heirs, but in truth, she possessed no greater power than any laundry maid laboring on the levels below. Establishing herself as Zelda's long lost mother, Annika fussed over the young woman as if she were still but an infant. But her concern was false: Zelda had discovered that instantly.
"You look lovely, my dear," Annika complimented with a sigh as she shoved pins onto Zelda's scalp. The princess winced slightly at her rough ministrations. "You have become such a beautiful lady. A true woman of stature. Why, when I was your age I was still thin as a twig with not a curve in sight." Annika took a pin from her mouth and placed it tightly next to Zelda's right ear; she sighed once again. "And now you are to be married to that legendary hero, who I might add, is quite handsome. I do believe tonight will be ever so delightful for the both of you."
Zelda felt her insides twist, but she remained silent. Clenching her jaw, she continued to listen to Annika's honeyed voice.
"Now, I am certain you are aware of the true reason I sent those silly twits away. A mother must speak to her daughter of important concerns. Zelda, let us be honest, are you a virgin?"
The veil fell over Zelda's entire face, masking her humiliating blush. Let her believe that I listen to her, she thought inwardly. Let her believe that she holds influence here. That is all she will ever be allowed.
Annika placed her head over Zelda's shoulder as the princess neutrally replied, "Yes." Her stomach roiled at the scent of her step-mother: the smell of honeysuckle and jasmine, too sweet and too abrasive.
"You are not lying to me, now?" Annika asked good-naturedly. "For I will admit to not being particularly pure on my own wedding night." She smiled, her canines exposed in a feral grin, like a predator after its prey.
"I do not lie," Zelda answered gruffly. "If you must be certain, then bring a physician here and have me examined," she added harshly, "for I am not any tavern whore to be bedding men before my due."
Annika laughed airily, although Zelda noticed the way her eyes narrowed at her specifically aimed taunt. "No need to be so dramatic, my dear!" her step-mother proclaimed with a wave of her hand. "It was merely a question, from a mother to her daughter." The elder woman stood straight and placed her hands upon Zelda's shoulders, her long nails digging into her skin. "Now," she began, "do you have any questions about tonight, since it is assumed that you are not well-informed from your own experiences?"
Her tone was condescending; Zelda overlooked the gibe. "I have none," was her bland reply. Even if the Goddesses were to strike her down as she sat, never would Zelda ask advice when it came to the arts of the bedchamber from her step-mother.
"Oh, come, now, my dear, do not be squeamish. Every young woman is filled with questions." Annika squeezed her shoulders more tightly.
Zelda clinched her fists in irritation. Thankfully, the uncomfortable interlude was interrupted by the announcement that it was, indeed, time for the Princess Zelda to leave for the Temple.
Zelda rose and smoothed her skirt. "I thank you, Lady Annika, for your attendance upon this important day," she said stiffly. "Your graciousness will not be forgotten."
Finding herself amidst the chattering of the excited ladies, Zelda could literally feel the glare of Annika upon her neck, searing the skin with its heat.
Know your place, Annika, Zelda intoned silently. For it is I who is the Princess of Hyrule. Looking back, she saw Lady Annika smile and blow a kiss to her step-daughter before exiting the room with her own attendants.
Zelda shivered.
In most tales one reads, weddings are portrayed as exceedingly romantic, filled with love and happy tears of the couple as they exchange vows and pledge their lives to each other. The man and woman cannot keep their eyes from one another's faces; sweet words of love are whispered periodically throughout the ceremony. When it is complete, everyone celebrates and all is joyful, for what is better than a wedding?
Link, on the other hand, was bored out of his Goddesses' forsaken mind. Never had he possessed a greater desire to stab someone through the throat without true motive at heart, preferably the High Priest Rauru who stood before him and the heavily veiled Zelda, droning words that held no meaning to his ears. His knees and uppers thighs were beginning to ache from kneeling from so long – despite having stamina that few could match. Silently swearing very dirty words he had come upon during his extensive travels, Link clenched his jaw and continued to endure the painful ceremony. He had agreed to it, he reminded himself.
Rauru turned from the couple a moment to be given a small, golden decanter; pouring some type of liquid from it onto his palm, he began to sprinkle it upon Zelda and Link's heads, while continuing to drone nonsense.
Dammit, Link swore inwardly as drops of what he assumed was water fell down his forehead and upon his cheeks. How much longer is this going to last?
Finally, after what seemed to be hours, Rauru motioned for the two to stand. Creakily, Link came to his feet once more and faced Zelda, who's gaze happened to be centered on the marble floor, rather than her soon-to-be spouse's face. Link's mood soured even more. Must she be so despondent? For Goddesses' sake, I'm not that revolting.
Am I?
His mental question went unanswered, obviously, as he was now preoccupied with reciting his vows of marriage, which to his complete joy, were in Ancient Hylian. Not a particularly simple language to speak, one might add.
Slipping a band of gold upon Zelda's finger after his recitation, Link breathed a sigh of relief, for his part was now complete, and he had been lucky enough to not make a fool of himself. The Hero of Legend had never been one for complicated linguistics.
Zelda now did her part of the ceremony, reciting vows that were almost the same as Link's, except that they consisted of more womanly matters such as bearing her husband many sons and daughters (for that was a wife's chief responsibility). Her voice was quiet and low; he could not read her blank expression, especially since her supposedly beautiful face was smothered with gauzy veils. Her voice trailing away, she slipped a similar ring onto Link's digit before letting his hand drop, as if she were disgusted by his touch.
Link frowned. What was the matter with this woman? Weren't all females supposed to be jumping for joy at their weddings? He had long been told that a woman dreamt of her wedding since being but a small girl; was Zelda different? He sighed inwardly. Goddesses, this was going to be more complicated than he had originally believed.
Rauru motioned them to kneel, again, before the altar of Nayru, to personally pray to the Goddess for her blessings upon the marriage. Link repeated the same words over and over again, his voice soft and his focus diverted.
Dear Sweet Nayru, he prayed silently, his hands folded and eyes closed, have mercy on me this day. Preserve my spirit, for I know not where this path may lead, whether to joy or complete ruin. Guide me, guide me on this day and the days ahead.
After the prayers, the couple stood once again and wreaths of lilies were placed upon their heads. The crowd clapped lightly as they acknowledged Rauru's pronouncement that they were now husband and wife. Link felt his heart squeeze unexpectedly; what in Goddesses' name had led him to the altar of matrimony? Was he mad?
Leaning forward, Link lifted the veils from his newlywed wife's face to give her the custom kiss upon the cheek. To his surprise, he found her blue, almost violet, eyes filled with tears, her lips quivering with repressed sobs. As they spilled down her cheeks, Link knew for certain that they were not of joy, but sadness. Sadness at a life forever altered. He kissed her cheek lightly, but was inevitably left with the taste of salt upon his lips.
Zelda kissed her husband in turn, leaving a trace of tears upon Link's face. She attempted to smile, but it was weak, half-hearted. Taking her gloved hand, Link led her out of the Temple, his mind whirling as people happily threw lilies in their wake, the smell of them overcoming the senses.
They were quickly placed in the luxurious carriage that awaited them outside the doors of the Temple. Climbing inside, Link made certain to avoid stepping on Zelda's expansive skirts before sitting down upon the seat opposite from her.
It was silent as the carriage moved forward, deafening and unbearable. As Link gazed upon the Princess Zelda, now his wife who would be sharing his life, he swallowed, attempted to parch his dry throat. This was mad. This entire marriage was a sham, and he knew it.
He looked out the window instead, not able to abide the sight of his new wife as tears continued to fall down her cheeks.
The moon had risen and the stars were shining, yet these aspects of nature went unnoticed by Zelda, who felt completely exhausted after the day's monumental occurrences. Tiredly, she began to unpin her uncomfortable veil after taking off her gloves, her head aching with fatigue.
The wedding had gone smoothly, without any major difficulties, and it had been surprisingly simple, albeit long and tedious. Link had seemed indifferent to the whole ceremony, as if he were doing nothing more than browsing the marketplace for fresh vegetables. It rankled Zelda, his uncaring attitude toward something that affected both of their lives so drastically. Angered, she yanked out a pin roughly, causing a small clump of hair to come along with it. Swearing softly at the sudden pain, Zelda had no greater desire than to throw a chair across the room, if it would aid in her dispelling her anger.
But she did not. She was a princess, and princesses most certainly did not throw random pieces of furniture across the room, no matter the situation. Instead, she clinched her fist around the pin and bit her lip.
Deep inside, Zelda knew that her anger was due to her own actions, but found it easier to feel blindly and blame it on the one man she hated the most at that moment. She did not want to think about the way she had lost her self-control and cried pitifully at her own wedding, in front of so many dignified guests who continued to think of her no more than a little girl. And now, she had merely proved the point even more. She was a little girl who could not hold her emotions in check.
Tears were forming, unbidden, in her eyes again, but she snapped them shut and willed them away. She would not weep, for princesses do not cry. Princesses do not feel.
Finding her composure once more, Zelda finished the task of unpinning her veil before taking off her heavy jewelry and placing them neatly upon the vanity table. Many a maid would have been glad to help her in this task, but Zelda was in no mood to converse with people, no matter how lowly their station. Unfortunately, her gown was so complex that she was forced to call a servant for assistance, anyhow.
The young servant girl chattered happily as she aided in unbuttoning and unlacing the princess. Zelda's head was literally pounding, and the noise was not helping in her recovery. Finally cut to the quick, she snapped, "Oh, do desist in your useless chatter. I am exhausted and in no mood to listen to it."
The girl's eyes widened before she curtsied. "I apologize, Your Royal Highness," she murmured.
She said not a word thereafter.
Her hair brushed, her body clothed in a fresh nightgown, Zelda gratefully fell upon her bed. The fire in the hearth burned brightly, causing shadows to dance upon the walls. As she was about to close her eyes to fall into a deep sleep, there was a knock upon the door.
"It's Link," a voice called, "May I come in?"
Zelda stared at the door a moment before climbing from the bed to cover herself in a long robe. Going to the door, she opened it to find her new husband standing at the threshold, clothed in no more than a tunic and hose. She gripped the sides of her robe tightly to her body.
"Are you going to let me in or not?" he asked after a moment of complete silence. He furrowed his blonde brows in annoyance. "Well…?" he asked once again when Zelda remained unresponsive.
"What are you doing here? It is almost midnight. Are you not exhausted?" Zelda inquired huffily. She stepped from the doorway, however, to allow Link entrance into her chambers. She shut the door behind him.
"I thought we might talk," was his response as he placed himself onto a nearby chair and propped his feet upon the matching ottoman. "You know, husband to wife, wife to husband."
Zelda sniffed in annoyance at his rude behavior. Had he no manners? "Could we not have this 'conversation' tomorrow, when the sun has risen and all have slept through the night? You must be inhuman if you are not exhausted from today's events." Despite herself, she sat down in a chair across from him and folded her hands daintily in her lap.
Link grinned, his canines sparkling in the wavering firelight. "Yet despite your intentions, you allowed me into your chambers. What would be the point if I left now?" He folded his hands across his chest and raised an eyebrow in question.
"If you are to be here, in my chambers, disturbing me, the least you could do is get to the point so I might go to bed as soon as possible," she snapped. "I am weary beyond belief and my head aches with fatigue."
"Fine, fine," he replied with a wave of a hand. Smirking, he lazily gazed at Zelda and stated blandly, "You know, my dear wife, tonight is our wedding night. Might it be more enjoyable if we were in the same room?"
Zelda took a sharp intake of breath at his gall, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Anger erupting within her, her eyes narrowed and her fists clenched. In a surprisingly cool voice, she responded, "You cannot suggest that we act upon this when we, or at least I, are so very tired. Am I right?"
Link shrugged. "And will that be your excuse tomorrow night, and the following night, and the next night?" he asked loftily. "You know, people will talk if there are no children. And you, my dear wife, have a duty to your people, to produce suitable heirs, and with whom better than your own personal consort?" His eyes narrowed as he continued to smile predatorily.
Zelda was close to erupting, her anger and loathing toward this man were so great. "This is a matter for another day," was all she could reply.
"But will not your throne be compromised if you're believed to be barren?"
"I will simply whisper in a few ears that it is not barrenness, but lack of virility from my husband," Zelda answered lightly. She smiled when she noticed a flush form upon Link's cheeks. Men think with nothing but their loins, she reminded herself.
Link rose stiffly and nodded. "I believe this conversation is complete. Call upon me whenever you wish for my services," he added sharply before exiting the room, the door closing softly behind him, surprisingly enough.
Zelda felt herself trembling with not just anger, but fear, for what Link had brought to light made her heart twist and her stomach roil. He is right, she admitted. One day, one day, I have to, I have to do this for my kingdom. But, Dear Goddesses, not yet. Not yet.
Falling upon her bed, her face buried in the pillows, Princess Zelda of Hyrule cried herself to sleep.
Er, wow, how was that? Now, please don't be hating Linkie poo at the moment b/c next chapter will bring his perspective on things and make him seem less like a total SOB. (bwhahaha) Um, I hoped you enjoyed this. So romantic. (laughs evilly) Oh, and remember, this is rated PG-13, so it'll be a bit more mature (as you can tell) than some of my other fics. And, no, that does not mean I'm doing a lemon or lime or anything like that. (I ain't no pervert) NOW REVIEW! BWHAHAHA!
funky-squirrel: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it thus far! Be prepared for eventual fluff! (muwhahaha)
LaAriella: Thank you! I'm really excited about this one; it is different from what I usually do, which makes it all the more interesting, ne? :D
anyone: Thanks! I will! xD
Faceless Serenity: I don't know if I would call this brilliant…but it's nice to think about! :D Thank you so much for the review! :D:D:D
CrazygurlMadness: Yes, my muse has not died and is still currently chomping at the bit. I really can't remember the last time I had one that was so…persistent. (now I sound REALLY insane) I do hope it doesn't die, b/c I'm always sad when my muses die. (sniffles)
Delrious: Thanks for the advice! I'll try and follow it. :D
Greki: Thank you! xD
CD: I hope you enjoyed this chapter, too! :)
sawyerzelda: Oh, good, I'm glad I'm not the only one. It would be bad if I really was going insane… OO Thanks so much for the review, as always! :D
magnum326: Wow, thank you! I'll definitely be updating this b/c my muse would throw random objects at me if I didn't. Lol XD
Selah Ex Animo: Thank you very much! I hope you continue to enjoy this fic even though it isn't Malink (which you mentioned in your bio that you prefer). I really enjoy reviews like yours; they're very encouraging. :D:D:D
Nagem: Actually, I debated whether or not to post this b/c I was afraid it was too cliché. But don't worry! It will not be swimming with cliché-ness (I hate that)! It will be quite original (at least I hope so). xD
Story Weaver1: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! =D
Azure Raelin: Oh, ok. (runs away)
Kalel: I don't think it would be TOO demeaning to be a consort. You would still be married to the most powerful person in the land, right? But yes, poor Link and Zelda. I have officially made their lives hell. Muwhahahaha xD
Lost Soul 01: I agree, I hate romance fics that have the pair fall in love in a couple of days. I mean, romance is already so unrealistic, no need to add to it… (not to sound like a pessimist, mind you) I'm looking forward to writing this hate-hate relationship. Fun fun fun. :D:D:D
Atchika: Crumbs are good, but I prefer entire morsels. (chomps)
nightwanderer: Thanks so much! I hope it'll continue to be enjoyable! =)
ZeldaChik63: Yeah, sometimes can be soooo annoying. Bleh :P It's temperamental. And no, you don't sound like an idiot, although too much caffeine will do that to you. (laughs evilly) Oo
Sakurelle: I really wanted to do a fic where Link wasn't always so nice and Zelda wasn't exactly the perfect woman. Makes them more realistic, really. You can only read so many stories about Link as the greatest guy in the entire world… (sigh, I have that problem…)
scarygothchick: Well, to sound cliché, practice makes perfect! Lol, Just recently reading fics that I wrote one or two years ago showed me that I have improved significantly (they sucked :P). But thank you for reviewing! I hope you keep enjoying! :D
aslan-chic: Yes, conflict is good. I heart conflict. (lol) And to answer your question, "naught" is a pronoun that means "nothing", "not anything", etc, etc. It's just a fancy word that I have taken a liking to. Hehehe xD
Perfect Soldier 01: Thanks! I hope this fic will continue to be interesting. Lol I loathe boring stories… (falls asleep on keyboard)