Shortly after the meeting had commenced, there was an obscene amount of bickering between the counsel nobles. Sitting in the council room at the long wooden table, the members berated each other relentlessly as the queen of Hyrule had to endure their arguing at the head of the table.
"Preposterous!" A much older man exclaimed, throwing his hand up with a reddened face, "You would have us die at the hand of Gannon's return than invest into our walls?!"
"Gannon is not returning, Walter," Lord Blanchard scolded the old man sternly.
His grey hair bristled with anger as he tossed his glare upon the pudgy lord. "You! You shouldn't be speaking! All this nonsense of 'rekindling old traditions', you weren't even born when they were enforced!"
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please," Lord Serian spoke calmly, "We are accomplishing nothing with this gay banter. Perhaps if we cool ourselves down, we may proceed with our business effectively."
The two men ignored him and continued to shout.
"Your majesty, please tell him how ridiculous he's being!" Lord Walter bellowed.
Zelda kept her composer as she spoke and stood up from her seat at the table. "I believe that you are both being ridiculous. Lord Serian is correct, we have accomplished nothing with the two of you shouting over the rest of the council." The room silenced as she spoke, not daring to interrupt the queen. "Now, If we can act like adults and actually address issues as we are intended to do, we may continue. Otherwise, I declare this meeting is over."
"Your majesty," Lord Serian spoke up quietly, "What is your progress on finding a consort?"
Zelda remained silent, turning away from the council as she pushed in her chair, "I have no comments on the situation." She gave one look to the silent lords and ladies before softly speaking and leaving the room, "Meeting adjourned."
Quietly making her way through the twisting halls of the castle, Zelda quickly fled in hopes of avoiding any nobles for the remainder of the night. Her mind raced as she walked. It was far too late for a meeting and she was far too tired to sit through the irrational arguments. Every meeting was like this lately. She may only find herself lucky that they mentioned her search for a consort instead of shouting about it. In truth, she had no interest in any noblemen and she certainly wouldn't allow them to pick one out for her. She did not like this, bit she understood why it was necessary. She was twenty-two years old and the sole monarch of Hyrule. If something did happen to her, the kingdom would be doomed.
Not paying attention to her surroundings as her mind rush, she turned a corner and bumped into someone. "I'm sorry-" Zelda began to apologize, her hand instinctually pressing out against their chest as she rose her eyes up to see the deep blue pools of the Hero of Twilight, "...Sir Link."
He stood taller, her face at about his chest level. His eyes were still as soft as the somber look on his face while his features had sharpened. With her hand still on his pectoral, she could certainly confirm that he was stronger as well. He had grown up so much since the invasion.
"I apologize for my absent mindedness," She said, taking her hand away and averting her eyes for a moment before looking at him again. "It's late, I figured you would be asleep at this hour."
"You look troubled," Link murmured, brushing off her attempt at changing the subject.
His voice caught her off guard. It was strong and soothing when he spoke, a comforting tone behind it. It was truly a shame that he did not like to speak.
She clasped her hand in front of her, "It's nothing, I am just tired."
He eyed her softly with those blue orbs, his expression content, "I'm not a stranger, you know. You are allowed to talk to me."
Zelda flushed a bit, "I'm aware. It's just a bit difficult to resume as if no time has passed."
He nodded with a small hum.
She took hold of his hand and pulled him into the nearest doorway, "Let's not stand out here. I do not want to run into council members at the moment."
Link compiled, following her into what appeared to be Her Majesty's study.
She released his hand and let out a sigh of relief once inside, turning to him with a smile. "How have you been?" Zelda asked him with a pleasant hum.
His eyes wandering about the room as he replied casually, "Keeping busy most days, trying not to die others."
She gave him a small laugh, "I'm sure your travels are all but simple."
"Simple, no. Fun, always," Link smirked, browsing the leather spines of the shelves.
"Have you come across anything interesting recently?"
"Artifacts?"
"Not necessarily. Anything you may deem fascinating," The queen questioned, watching him pursue the books.
He hummed contently and cracked open the cover, "Yes, actually."
"Care to indulge me?" She bemused.
"Of course, your majesty," Link replied, redirecting his attention to the queen.
Zelda tsked, taking the book from his hand and closing it. "We are not strangers, you know," she teased him with a soft smirk.
He chuckled, looking down to her gentle features, "I apologize."
"You are forgiven." Zelda mused, placing the novel on the desk besides her, "Perhaps now you could continue?"
The hero smirked faintly, "Then, you shall humor me?"
She gave him a perplexed look, "How so?"
"I elaborate on my findings and you'll be honest with me," Link requested, folding his arms loosely across his chest.
"Very well," Zelda spoke kindly, letting out a small sigh, "I shall grant your wish. But first, your findings."
He gave her a soft nod, before digging through one of his leather pouches and fishing out a necklace. A beautiful silver chain held the small shimmering fragment. Zelda rose a brow at him before he spoke, "Well, I may not have found it on the ground, but I'd say it fascinated me. May I?"
Zelda silently allowed him to step behind her and fasten the chain around her neck before admiring.
Link smiled, his eyes showing the genuine happiness he felt.
She took a hand mirror from her desk and looked at her reflection, also seeing Link admiring his handy work as well as the gem. "It's beautiful," Zelda told him, setting the mirror back where she kept it.
"Maybe so, but it doesn't begin to compare to your beauty," He replied with a smile.
"You flatter me," She giggled.
Link unfolded his arms and stepped forward across the floor, "Although true, I'm serious."
Zelda turned to look at him and gave him a small smile, "Well, I appreciate your honesty then."
He smirked before his face became concerned, "So, what's troubling you?"
She sighed deeply and rubbed her temple, closing her eyes with minor irritation, "The council has been persistent on certain matters."
Link's eyes were soft and caring as he stepped towards her, "Zelda."
She dropped her hand and looked up at him sympathetically, "It's all right, I promise you."
"Is there any way I can help you feel better?"
His voice was strong and gentle as those blue eyes shone with something she'd never seen before. No one had ever looked at her that way except for the Hero of Twilight. It made her heart skip a beat. He was very kind and honest to her always, ready to do anything he could to help. This sweet man had done the impossible while still maintaining his manners and a sense of humor, saving all of Hyrule and the Twilight realm. Link was a gentleman.
Zelda thought for a short moment as she gazed up into his deep blue eyes. Love. It was devoted, unwavering love that shone in his deep blue eyes. It sparked something inside her and made her pulse quicken. She cared deeply for this man.
She placed her delicate hand against him and felt his heartbeat like a horse's gallop in his chest. He was absolutely mesmerized by her.
"Perhaps there is..." Zelda's voice trailed off, her skin turning hot as she looked at him. She snaked her hand up his chest and to his cheek, "if you'll let me…"
"Anything," Link replied, his voice husky and his face red. Those eyes poured his very soul into that simple word.
She kissed his lips, her hands slipping into his hair as she pulled him to her.
His hand found her waist and kept her close, his other hand held her cheek as they parted.
Her breath was shaky as his was hot against her skin. Zelda twitched her fingers against his skull and hummed contently. Link's eyes never lost that love as he looked at her, now half-lidded and hazy.
"Could you escort me to your chamber…?" She asked him.
Link pressed his lips to hers in a short peck before replying, "Nothing would make me happier."
The two swept from the room and down the hall, hardly making it through his doorway before she whispered pleadingly, her lips lingering over his.
"Take me..."