Inspiration: "You don't know what you've got... until you f*$k up," X-men Days of Future's Past, just the title.

Special Shout Out: This is to all my regulars readers who read and review, thank you for your support and for being so enthusiastic. You all are wonderful.

Shout Outs: KuZaganHW, explodingbunnies52, and Skittycreamstar.

Reedited 6/28/2014

Word Count: 5,291

Chapter 9

I looked at the queen of Hyrule slightly taken aback at the news.

"Her majesty has been attacked?" I repeated, wanting to be sure I heard correctly.

Zelda nodded, and concern spread across her lovely face.

"I'm preparing for my departure to Dragon Roost today," she said. "I have to make sure that her majesty is alright myself, and I can only do that if I see her with my own eyes."

From behind Bastion gave her majesty a wayward look.

"Forgive me for saying so madam," he started, "but do you think that's wise? Wouldn't two powerful monarchs in one place be an assassin's dream come true?"

I initially was going to agree with Zelda, but after hearing Bastion's reasoning, I saw his point.

That is valid, I thought.

"He makes some good reasoning your majesty," I stated, "wouldn't this play into whoever's hands that tried to fell Queen Constance?"

Just then, I felt my eyes narrow with the recent divulgence of Vincent and Morgana being gone from the city now too. I was suddenly seeing the connection.

How convenient , I thought.

However, I didn't say anything regarding that.

Zelda bit her lower lip and sighed at the question.

"I've thought of that, and decided to keep my visit there brief," she divulged, "but the Roostians need to know their greatest ally is in their corner. Constance has been nothing but gracious to me in the past and even now. I need to be there for her, she would do no less for me."

I understood her point, but I couldn't help but think part of the reason she wanted to go was to help comfort Prince Elbourne. I was aware of his absence in Hyrule, and I was sure part of that was because of his antics at the ball. Zelda and Elbourne had a history, a history that was deep and solidified in friendship. Even with his foolhardy behavior at the party, I knew Zelda wasn't just going to cast him aside. She wasn't that kind of person. She cared for him in a way that she would never care for me, and I wasn't going to lie, that fact made me a little jealous of him. However, considering my actions the previous night, I had no right to be jealous. Even still, that didn't take the mild feeling of displeasure away. I knew she was worried about him. However, I didn't say anything regarding that either, and simply nodded.

"I see," was all I said in return, "well then, if I may make a suggestion your majesty, I think someone from the CIT needs to accompany you. There's no telling when this said killer may strike again."

Zelda paused, but then nodded very slowly. She stared straight into my eyes, and that was when I knew she wanted me to be the one to accompany her. However, I wasn't going to volunteer. In fact, I wasn't going to go unless she commanded me to herself. I was hardly able to look her in the face, much less be her companion for several days. My conscience was bothering me that much already. Bastion must have sensed what she was going to suggest, but then preempted her request with his own.

"Is there any way you would allow me to accompany you to Dragon Roost my lady?" he asked. "I could be of service to you due to my ties there."

I didn't let it show, but I was secretly relieved.

Thank you my friend, I thought.

Zelda looked from me to him in surprise. She did not share my enthusiasm.

"Well..." she trailed, but then looked back over at me hopefully, "I was going to ask if you both would accompany me, but it would probably be best if it was just one of you along with my escort. I want to nip this in the bud immediately, but I need to make sure things run smoothly here in my absence."

I nodded at her reasoning.

"Of course," I replied, but she was still silently wanting me to super-cede Bastion's suggestion. However, that wasn't going to happen. Honestly, there was no way that could happen. This was the best course of action for everyone.

"Then... the matter has been decided," she said, then turned her attention back to Bastion, "please be ready to depart by midday," she told him, "and please don't pack too heavy, we'll only be staying two or three days at the most."

Bastion immediately bowed after her utterance.

"Yes, your majesty," he replied.

Zelda then clasped her hands together.

"You may go to get ready," she said to him.

Bastion nodded, then afterwards left. However, before leaving out the door, he glanced back at me and gave me a look of warning. I knew what he was trying to convey and got his message loud and clear. I just wasn't sure I could do anything about it now. Zelda saw our little exchange, and when Bastion left, she turned her head slightly to look at the guard standing next to her. I had a feeling she was going to want to talk to me alone.

"Will you leave us for a moment," she said softly.

I was right.

The guard bowed, then promptly followed her order. When we were alone, Zelda turned her attention back to me. I wanted to avoid her eyes, but that would only make her more suspicious than she already was. There was a brief silence between us before I decided to break it.

I might as well, I thought.

"Is... something the matter?" I started, already having a feeling of how this was going to go.

Zelda took in a deep breath as her eyes searched my face for a moment. She was trying to hide the concern she was feeling.

"I don't know," she said honestly, "I was just about to ask you the same thing."

This time I did look away, but I shook my head at her reply.

"Everything is fine," I replied.

She knew I wasn't being honest and took a step towards me.

"Is it?" she questioned.

I didn't want to delve if I didn't have to.

"Yes," I replied.

Zelda was quiet at my reply and looked me over several times.

"No... everything isn't fine," she perceived, "something's troubling you, and it's troubling you enough to quarrel with Master Bastion about it. However, for whatever reason, you do not wish to share it with me."

That was true, but the truth of the matter was, I couldn't share anything with her.

I closed my eyes and shook my head again.

"I promise you your majesty, everything is fine," I tried to reassure.

She was quiet for again, and unbeknownst to me I had just given myself away. She took another step forward.

"'Your majesty' Link?" she repeated. "Now I know you're telling me a falsehood, you know you're supposed to call me by my name when we're alone." She searched my face once more. "I want the truth Link, why were you and Bastion quarreling just now?"

I opened my eyes and stared at her. I could see the concern in her face. I could see a great deal of things in her perfect face actually: I could see her love, I could see her wisdom, I could see her cool, calm temperance... I could see everything. She was really unlike any woman I had ever known, and I wanted so much to be those things for her that she was for me. However, this time my betrayal was too great. I didn't deserve her, but at the same time, I didn't want to lose her either. This was my dilemma, and that was when I was aware I wanted something I couldn't have. All it was going to do in the end was bring us both a great deal of pain. The truth of the matter was, I was going to have to come clean about Midna eventually. Why I kept prolonging the inevitable was beyond me. I couldn't keep stringing Zelda along as Bastion had reprimanded, but looking at her now was making this hard.

Deflect if you can, I told myself.

"We, uh, we weren't quarreling," I said, trying to think quickly, "we just had a misunderstanding of ideals for a moment."

Zelda raised a brow, not believing a word.

"A misunderstanding or ideals?" she repeated with a sigh. "Really?"

It was pretty pathetic, but it was the best I could do in the moment.

"Yes," I replied.

She rolled her eyes annoyed then planted them back on me.

"Okay..." she trailed sarcastically, "however, I will mind you that you looked like you were ready to duel with him. I saw how tightly gripped you had his collar. You're going to have to do better than that."

I hesitated for a moment at her words, but then again tried to circumvent them.

"Zelda I-"

She groaned slightly.

"Enough of the run around, that isn't going to work on me," she interrupted, then added, "I want the truth."

I stared at her again, trying to figure a way out of this dilemma without arousing her suspicions even more. Sadly, however, I was going to sound as ridiculous as I sounded before.

"We... we were talking about logistics," I uttered without any real conviction.

If I didn't believe it, how would she?

Zelda sighed.

"Link..." she trailed, but I could tell I was trying her patience, "logistics wouldn't get you in an uproar, try again."

I looked away from her and bit my lower lip, once again trying to think.

"We were comparing Master Swords and he said his was bigger than mine," I said.

That was just stupid.

Zelda looked at me like I was crazy and mildly confused.

"You were comparing Master Swords?" she repeated.

I nodded, but that didn't clear any perplexity for her.

"There's only one Master Sword, Link," she said logically, missing the whole point, "how could you compare two?"

I grunted, realizing my own idiocy for bringing that up. Zelda wasn't aware of peasant colloquialisms, it was just a silly thing for me to say.

"Never mind," I said and ran a hand through my blonde hair.

She sighed again, waiting for me to continue.

"Well?" she asked.

I scratched the back of my neck.

"Uh... I, uh, said you were prettier than Ashei and that upset him," I stated pathetically.

At this point Zelda ran a gloved hand over her face and shook her head in complete disbelief.

"Are you serious?" she demanded. "Are you really that childish? Do you think Bastion is that immature?"

I knew how stupid I sounded, but what else could I do? I didn't reply, and she was growing tired of this.

"Is this the best you can come up with? Silliness that has no real bearing?" she asked. "Why don't you tell me what's really going on? I thought you weren't going to lie to me anymore."

At her utterance, I cut my eyes back to hers and realized I was running out of options. I was going to need to do something drastic to get her mind on something else. I couldn't have her needling me about this any longer, or I would slip and tell her everything, and right now her mind needed to be on her objective. I gave her another once quick over, and in a minute decision I came up to her and wrapped my arms around her waist. She looked up at me surprised at my forwardness.

"Wait a minute, what are you-" she tried, but I pressed my mouth against hers ardently before she could finish, and there were no more questions after that.

However, instead of her succumbing like she normally did, she tried resisting me. She held her hands up to push away from my chest, but that only made me hold onto her tighter, and kiss her deeper so she wouldn't get away. She paused when I forced her mouth open more aggressively than I normally would and slipped my tongue inside to get a taste of her from the inside. When she understood that I wasn't going to let her go, she stood still for the moment, and just let me kiss her. After a few moments, Zelda eventually started kissing me back. However, even with her affections, she was trying to show restraint. But I knew her defenses were caving when her breath got in synchronization with mine. Even then, she tried to show self will by pulling away.

She looked at me determined.

"Link-" she tried to whisper, but I wouldn't let her utter a word.

I can't let her speak right now, I told myself.

I kissed her again, and slowly started backing her up against a stone wall nearby. She continued allow this situation to happen, but her eyes shot wide open when I lifted her off the ground up against the wall. She immediately wrapped her legs around my waist to have a better foothold and grip so as not to fall. It was a completely an involuntary action on her part, but I had no intentions of letting her fall. She was as light as a feather. However, with the way I was kissing her and holding onto her, she probably assumed I was going to take this in a direction I shouldn't. But, I had no intention of doing that either. I just wanted her to know that she was every bit as sexy and wonderful as the woman she did not yet know I was in love with. Of course, that didn't make sense. However, nothing I did recently made sense. That seemed to be a current theme for me.

The moment went on and I kissed her harder. I knew now she was nervous with my affections, as this wasn't like me. She wasn't used to me being quite so forthcoming, but even still, I didn't stop. In fact, I wasn't exactly sure how, but I was certain in some ways what I was doing was making matters worse. Women were emotional creatures, and with my display, I was making Zelda fall a little deeper, making her feelings for me a little stronger, making everything a lot more confusing than it had to be. In short, I was doing what Auru warned me not to, and that was play with this woman's heart. And when I pulled away and she looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes, I knew she was smitten even more, especially with how I had her propped in my arms as if she had been my lover for years. This wasn't some secret rendezvous over the course of time, we were in the goddamned Situation Room where tactical ploys were discussed.

With the here and now, I thought, this was one hell of a situation.

Zelda stared at me with a slightly confused expression and her breathing was accelerated. There was a brief silence before she spoke.

"What has gotten into you?" she whispered, with her face flushed. "Do you know if someone comes in and sees us in such a state, they'll believe that those rumors won't be rumors any longer!"

I just stared at her and pressed my forehead against hers.

"I thought you didn't care about that," I whispered.

That really wasn't the right thing to say.

Zelda looked at me frustrated.

"This is hardly the time for you to be using such silly logic," she scolded quietly.

I knew she was right.

"I know, and I'm sorry," I replied, "I... I'm just going to miss you when you're gone."

She looked at me stunned, and didn't quite understand my actions related to my words. I was acting too extreme.

"I'm not going to live in Dragon Roost Link," she whispered, "I'm just going to make sure the queen is alright, that's all."

I was aware of that. I just needed some kind of scapegoat. I simply nodded, then looked away from her eyes as my expression turned worrisome. She stared back at me still knowing I wasn't being truthful.

"What is it?" she whispered. "What's really bothering you?"

When she asked me that second question, I looked into her eyes and felt the guilt of what I had done come to the fore of my mind once more.

Whats really bothering me... I couldn't but think again.

I took in a deep sigh and shook my head.

"I told you I'm fine," I replied.

Zelda reached up and caressed my cheek. She knew I wasn't being honest, but rather than pushing the issue more, she decided to let the matter go. Instead, she cupped my face with her soft hands and kissed me once more. I was surprised at her emboldened state, but her sense of affection was warm and caring. She wasn't aggressive and needy like me, because her love was coming from a place of confidence, not insecurity and guilt. She didn't have to convince me or herself of anything because she knew she was in love with me, and I knew she was in love with me. She was one of the kindest, gentlest, humblest women I knew, and all she was trying to do was comfort me.

Zelda kissed me softly, and then wrapped her arms around my neck and held me close. I still had her lifted off the ground in my arms against the wall, and I fully expected her to protest soon. After all, she wasn't some brothel girl who wanted to be man handled and treated obscenely. However, I wasn't going to lie, she didn't seem to mind my aggressive handling either. In many ways, she seemed to be enjoying the casual sexuality of the situation. Her legs even tightened around my waist when she thought I was going to release her. I was very much aware that there was another side to Zelda -a sexy, free side that she rarely showed. I saw a brief glimpse of it in the tower when she let her guard down the night of the party. However, even still, she was very guarded with her sensuousness. It wasn't something that was easy for her to express. Zelda was so used to keeping up appearances for the sake of the throne, that being honest with herself in this regard probably scared her. But, even with that all in consideration, here she was trying to be a comfort to me, here she was being loving towards me at total risk to herself, having no idea of what was really going on with me. After a few moments, I pulled away and hugged her tight. Zelda hugged me back, still worried about my odd behavior.

"Perhaps we can talk more readily when I get back from Dragon Roost," she whispered in my ear after she stroked my hair. "You'll be less stressed then, and I won't be so rushed."

It wouldn't have mattered if she spoke to me now, then, or in days of future's past, I would still feel the guilt I was feeling.

"Perhaps you're right," I whispered back.

Zelda looked into my eyes and smiled at me. She caressed my cheek and searched my face.

"I am right," she replied, "you just need some time to sort whatever it is out that's bothering you."

Time would only make things worse for me, but I simply nodded at her words and looked to the floor. Zelda's concern never went away.

"Please my darling," she whispered, "sort whatever it is out." She paused for a moment. "I need you Link, and I need you with a clear heart and mind. You're one of the few men I completely trust, and that's because you've earned it with your forthrightness and honesty. I... I know you said to me once a little while ago that you felt honored to be in my presence. Well, I must say, I feel honored to be in yours. Not only are you an honorable man and a great hero, you're a man of integrity, and your integrity can't be bought or sold to any of the corrupt officials of the court."

I made sure not to let it show, but I felt my heart sink after hearing her utter that. I closed my eyes, because I knew her feelings were true. I knew she wasn't just providing lip service, she meant every word that came out of her mouth. I had no idea how to reply to any of that, or even if I should.

I don't want to lose her, I thought.

"Zelda..." was all I could say, and swallowed hard.

She smiled again and sighed.

"It's going to be okay," she said softly, "we're together now, and you never have to worry about me leaving your side again, ever."

I couldn't face her after hearing that.

"Thank you for your loyalty," I replied.

She came close and kissed me again softly.

"Thank you for yours," she whispered, but then looked over at the door. "Now, I better be going, my escort is going to start worrying if he hasn't already."

I nodded, but was hesitant to release her. I wasn't sure why, but I felt like this was the last time I was going to be able to be with her this way -to touch her so freely, to kiss her, to hold her tight in my arms. For some odd reason, I suddenly had a very strong feeling of foreboding for the future. Something was telling me that if I didn't tell her how precious she was to me right here and now, that I probably never would. I was in love with Midna, true, but there was no denying that I still loved Zelda very much. There was no way I could just cast her aside. When she tried to release herself from my hold, I didn't loosen my grip, and that puzzled her. I was aware she needed to get going.

"Link..." she trailed, "I really must go. I can't delay any longer."

I paused as I stared into her eyes. I didn't reply right away.

"Please..." I said out of nowhere, "please, delay your departure to the early afternoon."

She looked at me mildly confused all of a sudden.

"I don't understand Link... why?" she asked. "The Dragon Roost matter is very serious. I would need an exacting reason."

My eyes searched her face that eventually ended up staring at her mouth.

"Because I... because I want to take you back to your chambers and make love to you," I said boldly without thinking.

Zelda's eyes immediately widened and she looked at me stunned.

"W-What?" she stammered. "Wh-what are you t-talking about?"

I didn't deflect.

"Please," I begged quietly, "you heard what I asked of you."

Zelda edged back slightly with the limited space we had between us and shook her head no.

"We-we can't," she continued to stammer, "I have obligations, and-"

I didn't care about her obligations.

"Zelda I need you right now," I interrupted, and shook my head for no apparent reason, "I just have this crazy feeling in my gut that if I don't show you how much I care for you, you may never really know."

She blushed uncontrollably now, and then looked to the floor.

"I-I'm afraid a request like that right now is out of the question," she said, "you have to understand-"

I wasn't trying to hear any of that right now, and instead of letting her go on, I interrupted her again by kissing her fervently. I thought with her current words that she would pull away and stop this, but she was actually just as passionate as I when she kissed me back. She even was expressing a neediness in her mouth that wasn't there previously. It was probably her way of telling me she loved me without having to say it. She was so precious... she was so perfect... and I had betrayed that all. I tried not to think about that, but that was proving difficult. We let the next few minutes become clouded with our passion for each other. There was a silence tempered only with our unrequited lust for each other, I meant our heavy breathing, and soft moaning. The moment was longer than either of us anticipated, and when I pulled away for a recant of her previous answer, she looked nervous. Nervous, scared, and confused. We were silent again for a few seconds before she spoke.

"I... I want to be close to you too Link," she whispered honestly, "you have no idea how much, but it would be very irresponsible for me and for the people if I stayed behind for my own pleasure. I know you know that."

I sighed, fully aware she was right, and looked away from her eyes just then. What I was asking of her was ridiculous and selfish. The only reason I was so adamant about being close to her was for my own guilty reasons. I thought somehow, if I made love with her that perhaps it would make what happened last night go away. Not necessarily with what happened with Ilia, that was a mistake set in stone, I would never be able to take that back. However, I was thinking more on the lines of Midna. I kept telling myself, and trying to convince myself, that she was no longer a factor, but the truth of the matter was, that just wasn't true. She was a factor, and I needed to find some way to let her go again. In the here and now, I was thinking maybe if I made Zelda all mine, maybe, just maybe, I would forget Midna once more. Yes, I was aware it was a self centered notion, but when Midna was simply an after thought, I gave my all to Zelda, and that's what Zelda deserved. I did love her and I wanted to protect her. I sincerely wanted to keep the queen of Hyrule's well being above my own, but if I didn't take steps to preempt that now, I probably never would.

I still had my face turned away when I contemplated all this. However, she soon turned my face back to look at hers.

"But..." she added quietly, "I can promise you when I return, that if you ask such a request of me again, that I will say yes."

I knew she was trying to give me hope, but with how convoluted my life was becoming, I wasn't sure I would ask her such a request again. I sincerely felt like I didn't deserve her.

"Alright," I said anyway.

Zelda then wrapped her arms around my waist, and rested her head on my chest.

"You really are incorrigible, aren't you?" she whispered happily.

It only made me feel worse.

"I... I know," I whispered back.

With that, she let me go, and I stepped back to give her room to straighten herself up. Zelda ran her hand over her braided hair and realigned her skirts. I wasn't aware how quickly a person could get disheveled without thinking about it. After she was done grooming, she smiled at me once more before turning and heading for the door, however, before she could open it, I stopped her.

"Zelda wait," I called.

The queen halted immediately and turned at the sound of my voice. The alarm must have startled her.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

I gave her several once overs, then looked away.

"Are you more concerned about the queen or the prince?" I asked boldly. "Which is it?"

Zelda looked at me taken aback.

"Link..." she trailed, "what are you talking about?"

I wasn't sure why I was bringing this up. There was no reason for it. I walked over to where she was standing and stared her straight in the eyes.

"Are you in love with him?" I asked out of nowhere.

The queen looked at me like I was crazy.

"What?" she asked.

My eyes searched her face.

"Is the reason you're in such a hurry because Elbourne's out there waiting for you?" I asked, now as more of a demand than anything.

Zelda took a step back and looked at me like I was insane.

"Link-" she tried.

"Is he?" I interrupted. "I know he's in love with you."

She looked at me concerned, but then she narrowed her eyes slightly in contempt. She didn't understand why I was bringing this up now.

"Are you trying to make me upset with you?" she demanded quietly. "I don't understand this accusatory tone of your voice. I won't even entertain this subject. You already know the answer to that question. Stop with this nonsense Link."

I looked away from her, knowing she was right.

"Zelda-" I tried.

This time she interrupted me.

"Stop it!" she snapped quietly. "I don't want to hear anything else on the matter, do you understand me?"

I didn't face her and merely nodded at her question. I had a stern expression on my face.

That wasn't good enough for Zelda.

"I want an answer Link," she said.

I took in a deep sigh then met her eyes once more.

"Yes, I understand you," I said finally.

Zelda took a step back and shook her head in disappointment.

"You know me better than that," she said, "you know us better than that."

I winced slightly at that last part, not sure if there was going to be an 'us' after my apparent revelation last night. Without waiting for my reply, Zelda left the room and headed back to her chambers. I couldn't blame her, she had a kingdom to rule, and I was supposed to be helping her in that, not sulking about my stupidity.

I sighed and stared at the closed door, then went back to the table where Bastion had left his book. The page was still opened to the riddle latent paragraphs that he showed me before. The second one still needed deciphering. It was time I started prioritizing what was right. I had no idea what was going down with Vincent and Morgana, but I was going to today. I needed to get to work, the rest of the CIT was doing their jobs. It was time I did mine.