Woo-hoo, chapter ten! I'm really enjoying writing this story. :) But I do start school again tomorrow, so I'm not sure how much time I'll have for updates from this point. :(

Anyway, an important note: I know the summary is a bit misleading, as I seem to have strayed quite a bit from the original storyline. However, I finally got to where I need to be, and you'll see what I mean as you read the chapter. So, here you go, enjoy! Thank you to my reviewers since my update- Linkfizzle; Ygfi; Ericketiting; Omega87; Kariah; ME;); Infernal Flame Zero; adrian-air-fire; KaizenYokoshima; Belle89; Silvara; Futuristic-dudette; The Al Bhed Princess; lilykat14; Gir Crazy; Sakurelle.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda series, in whole or in part.

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I awoke in the middle of the night and surrendered to the urge to draw back the curtain slightly and check on Link. He was sleeping on his side, breathing softly, his blonde locks falling in his face.

He's so beautiful, I mused, smiling. As I watched him sleep, I sighed, imagining waking up next to him every morning. Oh, how I longed for him!

Link began to stir, rolling onto his back and opening his eyes. I dropped the curtain, but it was too late.

"Princess?" he spoke softly. "Is that you?"

"Yes, Link."

"May I come in?"

"Of course."

Link yanked back the curtain and stepped into my room, into the moonlight streaming in through the window. I gasped- he looked so gorgeous. When he pushed his hair out of his face, his cerulean eyes glittered in the soft light. I got lost in them momentarily.

I was sitting on the edge of the bed, not caring that I wore only a nightgown. As he walked closer to me, I finally broke my gaze, and my eyes left his face. It was then that I noticed he was shirtless.

Oh, goddesses, give me strength, I thought, trying my hardest not to jump him. Every muscle now exposed to me was carved and sculpted to perfection. His tan skin only acted to emphasize the beauty that was his upper body. I drew a deep breath and released it slowly, doing my best to calm myself.

"Princess, are you okay?" he asked, snapping me out of my trance.

"Uh, yes, I'm fine," I stuttered, looking into his eyes again. "I just had a weird dream, is all."

"Do you need a warm glass of milk?" he teased in a friendly tone.

No, but I could use a kiss. "Ha ha. Look, everything's fine, so just go back to sleep."

"If you insist, but seriously, I think I'd feel better if I sit with you until you fall back asleep. I know you've had some visions before, so I want to make sure nothing funny is going on around here. Why don't you get settled in, and I'll check the rooms once more."

"Okay." I crawled under the covers and watched Link move about the rooms, checking them thoroughly. I reveled in the sight of his muscular back, delighted that he slept shirtless. These are the kinds of things that dreams are made of, at least mine!

Link returned a moment later. "Is there anything I can do for you before you go to sleep?" he inquired, pulling a chair next to the bed.

"Not at all," I insisted. "Good night, Link, and thanks."

"Anything for you, Zel. Good night." With that, Link bent over me and kissed my cheek. Whoa- he kissed me?

I hid my smile until I rolled onto my other side, facing away from him. I'm never washing this cheek again! I thought, a wide-grin creasing my face. And that is how I fell asleep- smiling and thinking of Link.

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I awoke early, yet after dawn, for once. I stretched and greeted the day with a smile, recalling the simple act of affection that Link had showed, that ended up meaning so much. Or did it? Perhaps that's just the kind of person he was, and it didn't mean anything.

My happiness faded slightly. Surely that must be it- he was concerned and simply trying to comfort me. My smile turned into frown as I wondered how many other young women he'd kissed like that. Or kissed at all, for that matter.

I dragged myself out of bed and went to the window, staring out at Hyrule, bathed in the lazy morning sunlight. At least I'd be going into town that day to give out more advice. Despite Malon's visit, I've been quite enjoying my time as a gypsy.

Something occurred to me at that moment, and I looked towards the drawing room. Noticing the curtain was pulled back, I entered and also saw that Link's bedding had been folded up and put in the corner, a piece of paper atop the stack. Going over and picking it up, I realized that it was a note, scrawled in Link's cucco-scratch writing.

Dear Princess,

I am sorry I could not stay until you got up, but I needed to go into town for something. I should be back this afternoon. I have already spoken with the king and Impa, and they have assigned you two temporary guards, who should be outside your bedroom right now. Until later,

-Link

I sighed and held the note to my heart. Returning to my room, I gazed back out the window, half-expecting to see him making his way through the courtyard, although deep down I knew that he must've left some time ago, and rather quietly at that. I went to my wardrobe and dressed for breakfast, then pulled my hair back from my face, twisting it into a loose bun and pinning it. I opened the door and greeted the guards, who bowed before me and escorted me downstairs.

"Good morning, dearest," my father greeted me, standing up and giving me a warm hug. "Link tells me you had a bad dream. Are you alright?"

"Great, Father. I will be returning to town after breakfast."

"Whatever for?"

"Our agreement, Father," I reminded him with a smile.

"Oh, of course."

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The guards set up the tent more quickly this time, again hiding behind the curtain with Impa. I sat at my table, awaiting my first customer. Much to my surprise, in walked... Link?

"Madame Hexe?"

"Yes, young man?" Despite my nerves, at least my accent still sounded authentic.

"Oh, I'm glad to see you at last. I came very early, having heard from some townspeople of your wonderful talent. When you weren't here, I feared you left town. But someone was kind enough to inform me that you usually do not arrive until late morning or early afternoon. May I be seated?"

"Of course." Link settled into the seat across from me. "And what is your name?"

"Link."

"Ah, a fine name. Are you perhaps left-handed?"

"Yes," his eyes widened. "However did you know?"

"Because of where your sword lies, of course."

"Of course," he blushed.

"But besides that, your name comes from the word meaning 'left' in my native tongue. But enough of that. What is it you need?"

"Well, there's this young woman I love. She has this long, gorgeous hair, creamy skin, light eyes, and an amazing body. Yesterday, she was wearing this dress that fit perfectly in all the right places. But she's not only stunning. She's intelligent, witty, funny, kind, and caring. She is just all-around wonderful."

"She does sound wonderful. What is the problem, then?" I commented, trying to hide my jealousy.

"I'm too shy to confess my love for her, because I'm not sure how she feels. I finally got up the courage to kiss her yesterday, but it was just a simple, innocent one. I'm sure she saw it as nothing more than a friendly act."

He kissed Malon? I fumed. "And you would like to know what to do, I suppose."

"That would be nice," he chuckled.

"Well, here is what I suggest..."

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