Chapter 3

Malon checked the mirror again; making sure nothing was out of place. A black cotton dress graced her slender figure and her hair was in a single braid down her back. Her cheeks had a rosy glow about them and her eyes gleamed with happiness. Ingo's words stung, but her mind refused to believe them. Link did love her. Even if he hadn't admitted it yet, she was sure of it. At least she hoped she was.

Her fingers toyed with the necklace dangling from her neck. She really wanted to wear it, but decided against it, knowing Ingo would've been furious. After securing her belongings, she descended the steps and found her waiting guest sitting in the living room, staring awkwardly at the ground. He drummed his fingers against his knees. Ingo sat in the arm chair scowling at the young man. Malon cleared her throat and smiled as Link perked up. "You look amazing," he said walking over to her. He was dressed in his best tunic, a bright red one with the matching hat.

"You're wearing your fancy pants," She whispered in a teasing tone.

"Awww how can you tell," he asked.

"No holes," She replied.

They laughed together and Malon glanced over at Ingo. His eyes were traveling up and down her body, following her every curve. Malon shifted uncomfortably, "Ready," she asked.

"After you," Link said opening the front door.

Malon stepped out into the evening air and was met by a cool draft. A horse drawn coach stood waiting just outside the front door. Malon stepped forward and immediately recognized the finely bred horses. "Beautiful…" she whispered, staring at their sleek white fur.

"Yeah," Link came up beside her and scratched his head, "It's on loan from the royals. Zelda wants it back before it turns back into a pumpkin though."

She grabbed his hand, "We better hurry then."

He helped her into the carriage and the ride to Hyrule Castle Town was full of laughter and reminiscing. And quite to Malon's dismay, the subject turned to Ingo, "What's his deal anyway," Link asked.

Malon's gaze became fixed on the embroidery of the curtains covering the carriage windows. She had no idea what his "deal" was. She rubbed her hand over her arm lightly, stopping where she knew the bruise that she had received earlier that day to be. He had grabbed her arm when he learned that she was going out for dinner.

"And what am I to eat," he demanded, snaking his hand around her slender arm.

Malon snatched away from him, "You are a grown man. I'm sure you'll figure something out."

Ingo growled in frustration, leaving her alone.

Malon shook her head to rid her mind of any thoughts of Ingo. They had arrived at their destination, The Angel's Haven. This was no time to dwell on Ingo. Link exited the carriage first then turned to help his companion. They stepped into the dimly lit dining area and were seated at a table for two in a corner of the room. "Order whatever you want. It's on me," Link said unfolding his menu.

Malon opened her menu and began searching the food items, carefully reading the description of each. The majority of the food she had never even heard of. She looked over at Link and saw that he was nodding his head as he read. He caught her staring at him and he smiled, "So my dear, what will you have?"

Malon looked back at her menu, "Honestly…I've never heard of most of these things."

Link sighed and she looked up, alarmed. Had she said something wrong?

"Finally someone else who doesn't know what the heck water crescent is," Link said, his smile broadening, "I have to eat that junk at the castle all the time. And let me tell you: I am a big, burly man. I want a steak."

Malon hid her smile behind her hand, as the waiter approached the table, "What can I get for you this evening?"
"What do you say, Red? Steak?"

She nodded in agreement. "So that's a steak for both of you," The waiter asked.

"Yes sir," Link said, "But listen here, pal, we don't want one of them things you can eat with a toothpick. We want real steaks. I mean like the whole freaking cow."

This earned another laugh from Malon. The waiter nodded then disappeared into the kitchen. Link took a sip of his water then turned his attention to Malon, "You said Talon's in Ruto Town, right?"

She nodded, "Yeah, he should be back tomorrow morning actually."

Link's eyes shifted nervously. There was something bothering him. She could tell. "What is it," she asked, trying to catch his gaze.

He looked down at his napkin and talked in a rare yet serious tone, "I heard rumors about you and the potion shop owner…" he began.

Malon looked puzzled. The potion shop owner? When she didn't respond, Link raised his head, "Do you even know what I am talking about?"

She shook her head, "No…"

"You know the guy…that owns the shop next to the Items Shop."

That's when it dawned on her, "Oh, oh, oh…yeah I remember him. I turned him down," she explained quickly.

Link's eyes lit up, "Really?"

She nodded vigorously. "Good." He said simply.

The waiter returned a short time after and set their plates down in front of them. The two began eating and within an hour's time, more than half of their steaks were gone. Malon sat back in her chair with her hand over her stomach, "I can't eat another bite," she groaned.

"Me neither." Link sat back as well, "But man that sure was good, huh, Red?"

Malon smiled in agreement.

The waiter returned and handed Link the bill. His eyes grew large as he stared at the price, "Man I can barely afford the air in this place."

"I can help pay you know. I have mon…"

Link put up his hand, "Don't worry about it. I got it," he said.

"All right," Malon said, sitting back hesitantly.

He pulled out his wallet and counted out the exact amount. The waiter accepted the money and thanked the couple.

Link stood and pulled out Malon's chair, "Let's get out of here before they start charging to breathe," he said taking her hand and leading her outside.

The carriage was waiting patiently for them upon their return. A few passersby stopped them before they could get in it, however. "Out on a date, eh?" one said, playfully nudging Link.

"She's just a friend," Link replied. Malon bristled a bit at his statement.

The other man leaned over and glanced at Malon, "That don't look like her majesty. I thought you were engaged to the princess."

Link looked over at Malon, taking note of her reaction. She was obviously getting upset. "I really need to get her home," he said, taking Malon's arm and helping her into the carriage.

He got in after her and sat beside her. Their return trip was not as interesting. Malon was silent the whole way, ignoring Link's attempts at small talk. Once they reached her front door, she got out without his help. "Malon…will you talk to me?" he said, reaching for her hand only for her to snatch it away.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she demanded.

"Tell you what?"

"About you and Zelda," she shrieked.

"Because there's nothing to tell."

"Well honestly Link those two men wouldn't just make that up."

"They are just rumors…" he began but was cut off.

"Save it," she said putting her hand up, "I don't think it's a good idea for you to come around here anymore."

"Why not?"

"I don't want people's tongues to wag about the princess's fiancé," She said before opening the door.

"Malon, wait…I'm not engaged to Zelda. Because I…" the door slammed in his face before he could finish, "…love you." Link shook his head. There had to be way to fix this. "But I had better let her calm down first," his mind concluded. He would come back in a day or two and explain the situation.
Malon leaned against the door, as tears began slipping down her cheeks. Ingo's words burned her ears. He was right…Link didn't love her and she had been a foolish girl to believe otherwise. She rushed through the living room toward the stairs but stopped dead in her tracks when she spied Ingo sitting on the steps, waiting for her. He spoke with a taunting voice, "Heard the little spat with your elf. Told you he didn't love you, whelp. No one does. The only reason your father tolerates you is cause you're his spawn." His mouth twisted into a cruel grin as Malon pushed past him and ran into her room. He had a surprise waiting for her in there as well.

Malon stared in sheer disbelief at the mess before her. Her clothes had been strewn all over the floor; the sheets and quilt had been ripped from her bed. All of her personal trinkets were scattered on the floor, most of them smashed. The ribbons her father had bought her had been cut to shreds. Her precious jewelry box lay turned over, her jewelry spread out everywhere. As she searched through the items, her fears were confirmed. Ingo had taken the necklace. Her breathing became heavy and uneven when she noticed the only picture she had of her mother and father together. It was laying there on her pillow with a pocket knife stabbed through it. She picked it up, and pulled the knife out. He had stabbed it through Talon's face, leaving her mother's completely intact. She stood staring at the hole, wishing it would swallow her. She jumped when the door opened, "You have a visitor," Ingo said in a normal tone, as if nothing was wrong.

Malon took a deep breath and walked out of the room, shooting Ingo a bold glance. Down in the dining room, she found her visitor to be a Hylian soldier, wearing the standard coat of mail and shield. "Yes? May I help you," she said, trying to calm her shaking voice.

"Are you Miss Malon," the soldier asked.

"Yes?"

"I don't know how to tell you this…but there's been an accident."

"Accident? What kind of accident?"

"Your father…he was thrown from his horse this afternoon."

"But he's okay, right," she asked, her concern growing.

"I'm sorry Miss. He didn't make it," The guard whispered.

Malon placed her hand on her stomach, a strong feeling of nausea sweeping through her. The guard shook his head, "I'm terribly sorry, Miss," He repeated.

Malon straightened, "LIES!"

Her voice echoed against the high ceiling, startling the unsuspecting guard.

"I beg your pardon, ma'am," he said totally taken aback.

"All lies! My father knows how to ride horses! He wouldn't get himself thrown off of one," She restated frantically as tears began slipping down her cheeks.

The guard nodded slowly, "I know this must be hard for you…but…"

He fell backwards against a nearby wall, bewildered, as the girl threw herself into his arms, sobbing helplessly.