Hello again! Welcome to chapter five! I've gotten some requests to make the chapters slightly longer, so I will try to add a few paragraphs. I try to keep my chapters around the same length (page wise) to make it more consistent. I will also be updating more frequently. Perhaps not everyday, but at least every few days, or so I hope. Now that I'm able to type again (albeit my finger is still wrapped), I'll be churning out updates for a lot of my stories.
At any rate, thank you to my reviewers since my last update- Dragonkid1191; sasukeuchiha180; readergirl-290; Lachlan; Sakurelle; Sheik's twin; lagenerala; Ygfi; and Futuristic-dudette.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda series, in whole or in part.
The servants spread out a huge blanket and began to lay out the food. Well, at least we managed to get here without too many pressing questions from those idiots, I mused, looking at the suitors. Once our midday meal was ready, everyone focused on getting their food. I craned my neck to try and see Link while they were distracted. I saw a flash of green in a nearby tree...
"Fair Princess, might I ask what it is that captures the glance of your so lovely eyes?" Prince Alden asked.
I do mind if you ask, kiss-up! I shouted in my head. Thinking quickly, I focused back on the people around me. "Oh, I simply thought I saw a beautiful bird singing in a tree," I lied. Thankfully they'll never know that it's really the love of my life watching over me.
Now that my father wasn't around- he actually had too many things to do back at the castle- I really could eat as much as I wanted. And I did, and took joy in watching the suitors as they observed my appetite.
"I hope that your appetite for life is more easily satiated," Alden commented.
"Well, they say that variety is the spice of life," I answered through gritted teeth as I continued to pile my plate high with at least one of nearly everything.
I could swear I heard Link snickering from the treetops as I ate, clearly much unlike the dainty, refined princess that the suitors were expecting. Sure, I could be those things- when I wanted to be. But right now it was much more fun to show them my true colors.
As our luncheon continued, the young men continued to ask me questions, many of them quite nosy and detailed, as it were. It seems my father had already informed them of what he believed every eligible bachelor coming to court me should know- my temperament, my education level, my interests, and some family history. But the worst was yet to come, holding itself off until the end of the meal.
"Princess, your father, leader of this lovely kingdom, tells me that you have quite the healthy form, as even your riding clothes would indicate. Once we marry, how do you intend to maintain such a figure? I certainly hope you will exhibit some self-control when it comes time to eat," Prince Erick said snootily.
Luckily he was seated next to me. It made it that much easier to slap him.
As Epona strode casually ahead of the rest of the party, I looked back with a muffled laugh at the large red welt on Erick's cheek that was my doing. I couldn't help but beam with pride, as it was the finest job I'd done in some time.
The slap had pretty much discouraged any other invasive questions that the suitors may have had. However, that wasn't to say that they had kept quiet. As they continued to yell to me to slow down, I patted Epona's head gently. She stopped for a moment to look back, her eyes shifting up at me. I had to giggle; it was if her expression matched mine, as I had already rolled my eyes too many times to count that day.
The suitors seemed to think we were stopping for them. Boy, would I teach them a lesson!
Epona broke into a light trot, gradually increasing her pace. Then, almost out of nowhere, she went into a full gallop, tramping grass and weeds and kicking up dust. I looked behind and was delighted to see that my luncheon "companions" had indeed fallen behind significantly. Just as I wanted.
The journey to the picnic spot that had taken half an hour earlier took only ten minutes on the way back due to Epona's speed. Teagan was quick, but no wonder Link let me borrow Epona. Hopefully my father wouldn't ask questions later, but even if he did, I would just tell him what Link told me- Teagan was too tired. It wasn't exactly a lie.
I led Epona to the stables and into her stall next to Teagan, giving both of them several carrots. Teagan whinnied happily at Epona's company and nuzzled his snout against her. Gosh, even my horse was in love with Link's. If this isn't destiny, I don't know what is. And once my father realizes it, even he wouldn't be stupid enough to argue with it. I hope.
I hurried to the castle before the others could catch up. I could hear their horses nearing, so I snaked through the secret passages up to my room. I made it safely; all I had left to do now was to come up with some good excuses to convince my father that my antics were for good reason.
I had a few minutes to think before my father came storming into my room, Impa at his heels, trying to calm him.
"Zelda, what is the meaning of all this?" he shouted, his face red with rage.
"Whatever do you speak of, Father?" I asked with a straight face. I may have been cowering inside, but I learned long ago how to disguise it.
"The servants tell me that on the return trip, you took off with Link's horse, abandoning them and the suitors. You tell me right now, young lady, why would you do such a thing? And what were you doing with Epona in the first place?"
"Teagan was too tired from the other day, so Link insisted I borrow her."
"Fine, but that still doesn't explain why you left in such a hurry."
"Well, Father, I had this overwhelming sense of an evil presence, and I guess I panicked. When I got back here, I quickly realized that I was just being paranoid, so I came to my room to change and catch my breath. I was just about to dress for the evening meal, when you entered." Good one, Zelda, I mused. After all, I do possess the power to sense evil. I just conveniently left out the fact that I didn't sense it today, at least not in the way that would send me into panic mode.
My father sighed. "Forgive me then, Zelda, for being so rude. But please, if you must hurry off again, at least inform the persons with you first." He turned around to leave, but stopped, as if having a sudden recollection. He spoke again without looking back at me. "Later we'll discuss your punishment for slapping Prince Erick."
"Yes, Father," I said obediently. Once the door closed, however, I burst into a fit of laughter.
"Princess, whatever is so funny?" Impa spoke up. Uh-oh. I had neglected to notice that she'd stayed behind to help me dress for dinner.
"I'm... sorry... Impa," I mumbled through my subsiding laughter.
"Sorry for what? Slapping Prince Erick, or lying to your father? Or both? Although I'm inclined to believe that you are sorry for neither. You're just sorry that I caught you."
My face fell. "Okay, Impa, truth be told, you're right. I'm not sorry for either."
Impa shook her head in disapproval, increasing my embarrassment. "Princess, what has gotten into you? Your father told you that you must pick a suitor."
"You don't understand, Impa. The suitors just aren't right for me."
"Because of Link, right?"
"No. Well, yes. That's part of it. But you should've been there earlier, Impa. You want to know the real reason I slapped Erick? Because he commented about not understanding how I could keep my form with my eating habits. Where does he get off saying such things?"
Impa sighed. "You're right, Princess. That is not his place. But you know how King Harkinian feels about you choosing a husband. Specifically one of noble birth. But before you get any more distraught, let me tell you that I have learned of your agreement with him. And if you promise to indulge your father a little more by being nicer to the suitors, I will aid you in your disguise sooner."
I smiled at her. "Thank you so much, Impa. I promise to be polite to them, provided that they don't overstep their boundaries. And even if they do, I won't be so quick to assault them."
Impa smiled back. "I'm glad to hear that. Now let's get you dressed for dinner; you have a certain young man to impress."
I looked at her quizzically, causing her smile to broaden. "Yes, Princess, I mean Link."
"Good," I said with satisfaction, truly happy for the first time since seeing my love earlier.
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