Welcome to chapter fourteen! I honestly wasn't sure if I would have the energy to update today, but upon reading all my wonderful reviews, I decided to try! So here you go! And thanks again to all my reviewers since I updated- theorganizedmess; Omega87; The Al Bhed Princess; Spiritual Stone; Ygfi; Belle89; TheGoddessKnight; Ericketiting; Kariah; Me;) ; Gir Crazy; adrian-air-fire; Lachlan; Sheik's twin; Infernal Flame Zero; lilykat14.

Disclaimer: I do not own any aspect of the Legend of Zelda series.

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After a lovely ride, Link and I arrived at Lake Hylia. We dismounted Epona and let her graze freely, knowing that even if she wandered off, Link could summon her with the ocarina. Link and I sat next to each other on the dock, removing our boots and sticking our feet in the cool, crystal blue water. We baited our lines and dropped them in, and waited only a few minutes for the first catch for both of us.

After less than an hour, both of us had caught three small fish each, just enough for an early lunch. As Link built a makeshift spit, I cleaned the fish, not bothered in the least by the mess. While the fish cooked, Link and I sat in the shade of a nearby tree and talked.

"I'm really glad you came with me, Zelda," he commented, smiling at me.

"I'm glad, too," I answered, returning his grin. "I hardly ever get away from the castle for anything fun, but now that I have, I couldn't have picked better company."

Link suddenly moved closer to me, stretching his arm across my shoulders. I snuggled up against him, resting my head on his shoulder and closing my eyes. Both of us sighed happily, but that happiness ended a moment later.

"Uh, Princess, I think the fish is ready!" Link said, gently nudging me. I opened my eyes and saw that the flames had climbed so high, they were scorching the fish.

"Oh, no, our lunch!" I squealed, jumping up. Link got up as well, removing his tunic and using it to beat down the fire. He handed me his cap, and I went to the lake and filled it with water, then came back and threw the water onto the flames.

The fire finally died down, and we carefully removed the spit and slid off the fish. The bottom portions were burnt, but the meat inside was fully cooked and okay to eat.

As Link and I cut off the burnt parts with his dagger, we looked at each other and burst out laughing. "Some chefs we are," I giggled.

"I know I won't be writing a cookbook anytime soon," Link joked.

After a couple minutes, we finally settled down enough to eat. Noticing how bony the fish were, I presented a challenge to Link. "I bet I can spit the bones further than you!"

Link feigned a look of shock. "Why, Princess, how un-ladylike of you!" he said. "But I accept your challenge."

"Okay, then, here's how it works. We'll aim for that tree over there. While it's your turn, I'll stand over there to see where yours land, and vice-versa. We get three turns each."

"And what is the prize for the winner?"

"Oh, you mean me?" I teased. "If I win, you have to give me a kiss on the cheek."

Link raised his eyebrows. "And if I win?"

"Well, we'll figure it out, but it's not like that's going to happen!"

"Okay," he agreed, and we shook on it.

Link was up first. I went over to the tree and watched where his fish bones landed, marking each spot with a small stone. We then traded places, and after my turn, I went back over to see the results. I had won on my last turn, by merely an inch.

I started to gloat, but stopped when Link took my hands and looked me in the eyes. He stepped closer to me, a serious look on his face. He moved towards my cheek, but hesitated. Next thing I knew, I was feeling his soft, warm lips on mine.

The kiss lasted by a few seconds, but I never remember feeling anything so amazing in my life. After he pulled back, we just stood there, lost in each other's eyes, before I finally spoke up.

"Link... that wasn't part of the prize..." I murmured dreamily.

"I know," he smiled.

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As we mounted Epona less than half an hour later, after cleaning up and gathering our things, something occurred to me. As much as I hated to acknowledge it, I felt I had no choice.

"Link," I turned to face him after he settled in behind me. "I can't do this."

"Can't do what?" he asked, concerned.

"I can't be with you like this."

"What are you talking about?"

"I know you love someone else."

Link's expression suddenly changed. "How did you know I love someone?"

Uh-oh. "I have my ways."

"But, Zel, I... oh, nevermind."

The rest of the ride home was quiet.

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I cheered Link on from my seat next to my father. It was the last round of the sword fighting tournament, and Link was facing off against one of the other soldiers. After a short fight, he won easily, making him champion. I went down to present him the trophy, and although he was clearly happy to have won, he still seemed quite aloof, just as he did all afternoon.

As members of the nobility and close friends of my father piled into the ballroom for the feast, Impa pulled me aside.

"Princess, I notice that Link has been acting quite distant since you got home from your fishing trip. Whatever is the matter?"

"He kissed me," I whispered.

"He did? Oh, wonderful!"

"Not wonderful."

Impa frowned. "What do you mean? I thought you loved him."

"I do, but he loves someone else."

Impa shook her head. "Your Grace, how can you be so oblivious? Link has eyes for you, and you alone. If he kissed you, it's because he really wanted to, not just because he lost a challenge."

I blushed. "How did you know?"

She grinned. "I just do. Anyway, trust me, he loves you. I know I've told you this already, but it seems you still don't realize it."

Well, she did have a point about the kiss, but still...

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As everyone else dined, I pored over all that had happened that day. I eventually concluded that I would have to find solid proof that Link loved me, assuming that after what I said earlier, he wouldn't be admitting it to me anytime soon.

I resolved to go into town the next day, so Madame Hexe could make one last appearance. I would confess what I did to Malon and genuinely apologize to her. And hopefully, Link would come visit me in my gypsy form, so I could somehow figure out whether he loves me or not.

As the servants cleared the table for dessert, I went over to Sir Cullen, asking him to escort me to town the next day, so I could set him up with Malon. She was actually at the feast, and she waved to me at that moment from her seat in the corner of the room. I was tempted to tell her the truth then, but I knew it was neither the time nor place.

A little later, Link went with me up to my room, preparing to camp out in the drawing room once again.

"Good night," he whispered, a little harshly. Not waiting for me to respond, he went into his room and yanked the curtain shut.

"Good night, my love," I murmured.

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