To the guest who suggested an interesting pairing—your wish is my command. This one is for you. Tell me what you think, k?

Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Zelda.

I was just on my way out when one of the maids call for my attention.

"The President is asking for you."

I sigh heavily. The guys are waiting for me at the club. Besides—it's late. Why is he asking for me right now? Whatever it is, he could talk to me in the morning.

"Master?"

I snap at her voice and just drag my hands through my hair in frustration. "Fine. Okay."

She makes a small bow and lets me past. I hurry to his office at the second floor and knock—begrudgingly. I'm not a little kid anymore that he can order around. But still—gotta please the old man. I enter the room when I hear his voice telling me to come in.

Without any sort of preamble, he looks up at me and beckons me closer. "This is the girl you're going to marry. She's the only daughter of HyHo." My father hands me a photograph. "She's still young. Sixteen. But we can announce the engagement then you can get married in two years or so."

What the fuck? SIXTEEN?! That's not even legal yet! I'm fucking ten years older than her! Does he think he can just tell me what to do? And who is this bitch anyway? Just because she's the daughter of HyHo—the fastest-growing conglomerate and—

—I look at the photo in my hand. She's smiling in this picture. Her long blonde hair is golden sunshine and she's wearing a blue dress that is in contrast with her porcelain skin. Her eyes…

Fuck.

Her eyes.

Her eyes are emerald orbs—and I cannot… I cannot look away.

I am breathless. My earlier annoyance is fading fast.

"Like her?"

I feel myself nod.

"Good. They're in Japan now. But her Father is bringing her back here in England in a few weeks so we can finalise the preparations."

He waves his hand at me and I take it as a sign of dismissal. I get out of his room still looking at her picture. I am mesmerised. I am… Fuck. What is this? My heart is pounding out of my chest and I cannot…

I take a deep breath and put the picture in my wallet. I'll look at it some more later. My phone rings and I answer it without looking at who it is. "Yow, bitch." My friend from university, Koh, greets me from the other end with a snarl.

"You expect to be a lawyer with that attitude?" I growl back as I get out of the house and jog to my car that was parked at the driveway.

"Whatever, asshole. What the fuck is taking you so long? We're here already."

"Yeah. I'm on my way. Old man just had something to tell me."

"Hurry up. The girls are here already." Kohga ends the call abruptly and I throw the phone to the empty car seat beside me. I slid into the driver's seat and start driving out of the driveway.

My mind is strangely blank. The picture is inside my wallet and I have an itch to take it out and look at it again. She's in a school uniform in the picture, making me feel like a dirty old man. But this… this is not unusual.

Engagements between huge companies second-generation sons and daughters to foster stronger relationships between the two families are not frowned upon and sometimes even expected. I just…

The old man has been hinting about this for a long time—ever since I was announced as his heir. Initially, I was against the idea. The fact that I cannot choose a girl of my own and just go on with the old man's whims is repulsive and ridiculous. But seeing her picture…

This beautiful girl is to be my wife?

Damn… I have no objections. Who would? With a small smile on my face, I step on the gas and speed up to the club where my bastards of friends are waiting.

I've had a lot to drink. I have a pleasant buzz in my head and I feel calm. My mind is still on her picture but I managed to not take it out to look at it. The pulsing lights and loud music from the club does nothing to distract me. I am alone in our private booth overlooking the club. My friends are downstairs getting their girls for the nights.

On a normal night, I would be there joining them. But nope. Fuck no.

I can't even bring myself to do it. There was a model—I hooked up with her before and fucked her against the bathroom stall two? Three? weeks ago—she kept on flirting with me as soon as I got in. But I wasn't in the mood and asked her to shove off.

Married. Getting married. I'm twenty-six and I'm going to get married to someone I have never met before in my whole life. All I know is she's blonde and fucking beautiful but what if… what if she's a damn psycho or someone crazy. What if she stabs me in my sleep?!

Damn that old man. Now I feel trapped—not as bad as it sounds if your hostage-taker is a bombshell but still. I sigh heavily. I am not in a position to reject the engagement. My old man would go nuts if I do. And with someone as perfect as her… would it really hurt? I feel like I've won the fucking lottery.

My gaze wanders to the dance floor. I can spot Koh dancing with a tall brunette. His face is buried in her neck and she's clearly enjoying it. Atta boy. I take a sip of my whiskey and fail to notice a dark-haired girl sit beside me.

"You mind?"

I look at her. She's beautiful. Her long black hair cascades past her shoulders and she's sexy as hell. I feel like I know her from somewhere… I shake my head and gesture to the empty seats. "Not really."

I look back down at the dance floor. Koh is now kissing the brunette almost aggressively. I feel the familiar stirring in my lower belly. It's been… what? I've been so busy at work this is the first time I've been out in weeks. Seeing Koh in action has me feeling a little starved for affection myself. I remember the picture in my pocket.

But I feel fingers against my arm. I look up to see the girl beside me. "The least you could do is talk to me."

I raise an eyebrow and look at her properly. She's dressed to get some tonight—that I know of. Her boobs are out there. I can tell she's also younger than me. "Do I know you?" I ask.

She giggles. Hmmm. It's obvious she's flirting with me. "You might. I'm pretty famous."

I raise an eyebrow. Honestly, I don't give a fuck. But she's running her fingers up my arm and I feel lust running through my veins. "Your name?"

But she shakes her head. "I don't think we're at that stage yet."

I knock back the rest of my drink and put the empty glass down. She's so close, leaning over. I have a full view of her impressive cleavage and I watch as she licks her lips. She's wearing a seductive skin-tight black dress and I find myself thinking… that I want to peel it off of her skin. The picture… I put the picture at the back of my head for now. If I'm going to get married… Tied down… soon… Might as well. "Then… which stage are we on now?" I ask her.

She looks at me with half-lidded eyes. Her eyes are unnaturally green—contact lenses, I'm sure of it. They're the wrong shade. "Want to dance?" She asks, pointing to the dance floor. I shrug at this girl who wouldn't tell me her name. This girl with the wrong shade of green eyes takes my hand and I get up, letting her lead me to the dance floor. My thoughts are still on the picture. But as she gyrates and pushes her hips against me—I forget about the blonde girl for a while. As I feel her lips pressed upon my own, I forget her… for a while.

It is against my… rules… to sleep with someone twice. One-night stands are called one-nighters for a reason. But damn. That girl was good. She told me her name is Nicole. She's an American-Japanese actress which is how I felt familiar because I've probably seen some of her works before. She's twenty—Totally fine by me. And now she's here in my office, sucking my cock off while I try to finish a report for my meeting this afternoon. Her teeth grazes me as I shift my leg and I yelp. "Fuck."

She lets me go with a pop and continues to stroke me. "Sorry. Don't move so much."

She's wedged underneath my desk. And I feel just the slightest bit of guilt. Okay, fine. This morning, I was looking through my wallet for my credit card when I ordered some coffee… and her picture. I saw her picture again. So I ended up calling Nicole over. I didn't think she'd be over quickly and at lunch time too. I just fucked her over my desk and once more while she straddled me on my chair. She's insatiable and I have lots more to give.

Her tongue traces my balls and I twitch in her hand. Fuck. I disappear back inside her mouth and she sucks me hard. I try to control myself as she goes fast, bobbing up and down on my length—I swallow the groans as I grip the edge of the desk firmly. Thoughts of finishing the report flies away as she finishes me off.

I cum in her mouth like she wants. She swallows, licking her lips. Damn. She gets out from under the desk and I pull my pants back up. She fixes her blouse and she sits on my lap. I hold the small of her back so she doesn't fall. We do not have a relationship. But she's been my sex partner ever since the night we met at the club a month ago. We fucked in the car and I made the mistake of asking for her number and calling her the next day for another round.

"I forgot to tell you." She says as she looks at the monitor uninterestingly and strokes the back of my head instead. "I'll be leaving for Japan next week."

That is hardly a surprise. She did tell me that she's here to visit her stepfather and won't be staying long. But I do feel a little bit of loss. If she's gone, I'd have to look for another girl to have sex with—not that it'll be a problem. But the convenience of having her at my beck and call will be sorely missed.

"For work?"

"Yeah. I have a new movie about to shoot so I need to get back soon." She gets off my lap and grabs her bag. "I have to go. I have to meet up with the 'rents."

I nod as she bends down to kiss me briefly. "Thanks for today." I say.

"Call me tomorrow. Or whenever. I leave on Sunday." She says with a wave as she leaves my office.

"She's very pretty." We're in her hotel suite. She's on her stomach on the bed, lounging casually. I'm near the window smoking. This is the most we've talked about each other. It's her last night. She's flying out tomorrow. Asked with what I'm going to be doing for the next few weeks, I told her I was going to get married to someone I have never met before and showed her the picture. "But young. Too young."

"Sixteen." I said. I can see the skyline from here. I finish my cigarette and light another one.

"Wew, you pedo." She giggles.

"You're also young." I say.

"At least, I'm legal." She snaps. I look at her form on the bed. She's naked. Very naked. And beautiful. My legs and arms are deliciously sore. There are fiery lines on my back because of her scratching. She's perfect. But there was a second there… While she was on top of me, rolling her hips forward, moaning in endless pleasure—that her long black hair changed to blonde hair and her unnaturally green eyes became emeralds—I couldn't look away. I know what it means.

I'm in love with the girl in the picture. I made some internet searches. Her name is Zelda. Fitting… for a princess… for a princess. I cannot wait until she's right in front of me and I know… I will love her more. I will love only her. It takes insurmountable effort not to say her name while having sex with Nicole. But she's on my mind… constantly.

Even now.

The girl I see on the bed has long blonde hair. Her eyes are looking at me—gazing into my soul and I feel exposed—stripped bare.

"So when are you going to meet her?"

"Next week. I'm picking her up from the airport." I say in a clipped voice.

"Does she know you're coming?"

I shake my head. I don't know. I don't know if she even knows that I exist. Did her father tell her that she's getting married? To a stranger? Does she have my picture too? Does she know what I look like?

What if she doesn't like the way I look? What if I'm… too old? What if she has a boyfriend? Easy. I'd crush him. And I'm fucking handsome. But the what-if's are swirling around in my head and I can't sift through them. There are too many. It is unlike me to worry about something so trivial as this. But there is something about her eyes… That makes me want to claim them. Some sort of primal urge to possess her and own her.

I want her to look only at me.

"That'll be quite a shock." Nicole sighs from the bed. I hear it creak and she gets up, naked. She approaches me slowly, sensually—her hips sashaying seductively. "Enough. I'm leaving tomorrow and we're talking about this girl. I want more of you and your dick." To prove her point, she touches me and I immediately feel myself respond.

I finish my cigarette quickly and push her against the glass. She hits it with her hands, giggling. "People might see." She purrs. It's easier this way when I can't see her face. Her long black hair is instantly the colour I like and prefer. With my foot, I nudge her feet apart and palm my erection. Tracing her from behind, I thrust hard and she yelps. I steady her hips with my hands. "Let them see."

It's been years. Eight? Nine? Ten? I'm not sure exactly. I stopped counting. But I remember that day like it was yesterday:

I am at the airport then with my keys hanging off my fingers. I am waiting at the arrivals of Heathrow. I know her flight because my father sent me a text this morning. I'm dressed carefully… I ditched the suit—I'm older than her by ten years and am already employed… But there's no need to parade that in front of her. There's no need to scare her away when we're meeting for the first time.

I was expecting them to come in via a private jet—since they're HyHo. But I have heard… that they're not flashy that way—especially the daughter.

I like her more already.

Her picture has been blown up to the human-size proportions and is hanging off the far side of my bedroom so she'll be the first thing I see when I wake up. I scratch my head. I… should… have that removed as soon as possible. She'll think I'm a fucking creep.

I am. But that's not the point. And there's no need for her to know that.

I hear the announcement from the speakers and check the board. They've landed a good thirty minutes ago. Most probably, they're at baggage claim. I look around—there is no security waiting, no black guys in suits. There are also no reporters around—none that I can see. Hyrule family is famous—but not the type to attract screaming and rowdy fans.

My eyes are on the gate. People are now starting to come out and I know… I know what she looks like. I'm anticipating. Every time someone comes out—I am immediately disappointed to see she's not the blonde girl I was expecting. But the hope rises again as the person passes and I wait for the next one.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. Slightly annoyed, I take it out and answer it.

I remember that fucking phone call like it was yesterday. I can still feel the anger bubbling under the surface. The disappointment and annoyance… is indescribable. The engagement has been cancelled by HyHo. We didn't get any information as to why. It was abrupt. I drove back home in a rage. I couldn't function for the rest of the day and snapped at everybody at work. It took a week… for me… to adjust.

But that was a long time ago. I took some time off—flew to Japan… to where she is—hoping to catch a glimpse. But she's… hidden. I couldn't find her. It took me several trips back and forth—trying to pinpoint where she is. There is no news if she ever came back to England or if she's somewhere else. She stopped showing up to HyHo corporate events. She doesn't have traces in social networking sites. When pressed upon by the media, the constant statement would be that the princess is pursuing her education and would like to be left alone in her privacy.

For the last ten years… the only image I have of her is now faded in my wallet. In my head, she might be older now, her body fuller—she must be fucking more beautiful now. She'd be twenty-six. There are no more pictures of her being released. No sightings—no paparazzi shots. It's like she disappeared off the face of the earth. I don't know what she looks like now. I can only imagine.

Thoughts of if she has a boyfriend… when did she lose her virginity… to whom… what is she studying now? Fuck. These thoughts keep me up at night. But I managed… After working in a sub company of Gerudo Inc, —I have managed to finally secure a position in HyHo. My family connections have would have helped but I got here on my own accord. I have met the chairman… He does not seem to know who I am. I am training under Numar, his personal assistant—so I am like his second assistant.

I have been hounding the steps of the Chairman and NUmar. But I have not heard of any news of the princess. Her name is not spoken within the walls of the company. The Chairman does not mention her. There are no correspondences. There are no emails. There are no messages. It's like she does not exist. All I know… is she must be here. If the Chairman is here, then it means I am in the right country.

So I spend as much free time as I can to wander around—hoping that I can see her in the mall while she's out buying clothes. Or maybe I can see her in the supermarket. Anywhere. It's like I'm looking for a needle in a haystack only there is a million haystacks and she's not a needle but a golden strand of hair.

There is one consolation.

I've met Nicole again. She's been sharing my bed. And just like before, we have no relationship. We have needs. She's always stressed that she cannot date because of her career. And I don't mind. Having sex with her is easier than going out and getting it from different girls. She's a big hit now. Wilder in the sheets, though. We have not mentioned my failed engagement. I think she has forgotten—or deliberately does not mention it. I don't mind.

"Another one?" The bartender asks.

I nod. The pulsing lights of the bar slash club is irritating. I don't even know what I'm doing here. I was just driving around randomly hoping to catch her. But like the thousand other attempts at finding her, I've failed. I'm running out of places to look. The statistical probability of us being in the same place at the same time is next to nothing in a population of almost ten million.

Besides… would she even be in a bar like this? This place… does not suit her. The dance floor is filled with gyrating and grinding bodies. There's even one couple sucking their faces off of each other. I scan the crowd again and my heart jumps. Blonde. I do a double-take—almost halfway out of my seat—but no. That's not the right shade at the counter. And that person is a guy. Fuck. My drink arrives and I drain it immediately. Pissed—annoyed, I take out my phone and dial Nicole's number.

"Heya, big boy."

"Where are you?"

"Shoot's wrapping up. Want to come over?"

I sigh heavily and do another hopeless scan of the crowd. "Yeah."

"Go. I'll be there in twenty."

I tuck the phone back into my pocket and heave myself out of the chair. Maybe tomorrow I'll try the malls again. I squeeze through the dance floor and get out of the club. The night air is cool against my skin and clears my mind. I need another cigarette.

I stop by a bench and start smoking—eyeing this gorgeous bike in front of me. I miss mine back home. Finishing off my cig, I go back to my car the long way around and smoke another three more before getting in. When I pass by the same street, the bike is gone.

I study the document in front of me. The Chairman is planning to get a private endorser for HyHo. I don't get it… His daughter will do more than a good job to do that but… she's still nowhere to be found. I look through the papers again.

There are four candidates now. I don't know these upstarts but after reviewing their profiles and backgrounds, I know them more than I know myself. Numar asked me to pick the last two candidates.

I'm contemplating between this one guy and this Link.

I like Link better. Not that I'm fucking gay. But I'm drawn to him because he's blonde. And there's something about his smile that makes me want to punch him in the face. Also he's a foreigner which is more… fitting with a foreign company like HyHo.

Also because Nicole has been mentioning him a lot lately. He's her latest conquest. She has this upcoming series that will start shooting soon and has only agreed to do it if Link will be given a significant role in it.

I take their folders out of the pile and bring them over to Numar's office. He looks over them. "Final?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. I'll let him choose then we will have the meeting later this afternoon."

"Do you need me there too, Sir?"

But Numar shakes his head. "It's alright. It won't be long. Please take care of the materials for the presentation tomorrow."

I nod and take my leave.

Nicole has not been answering my texts. But I saw on television that she's on a photoshoot back in Europe so… that's that. I am sexually frustrated. I need release. Work has been going on fine—I'm the wonder boy behind Numar. I was planning to go to the club—maybe pick up some girls—but I ended up in the mall instead.

I went to Ziya and absent-mindedly bought a few shirts—shirts I don't really need. I walk around aimlessly and my attention is caught by a necklace. The emerald pendant is shining brightly and all I could think of is it was the same colour of her eyes.

I feel tightness in my chest. Just when I am about to give up and losing hope, something always reminds me her. I have tons of unopened jewellery boxes at home, hundreds of gifts still wrapped in their packages collecting dust—waiting to be presented to her. I know this is stupid. I cannot find her…

But I am still hoping that I will see her.

I stop near the elevators and look over the glass balcony, surveying the sight before me. I take out her picture from my wallet and look at it again. The edges are frayed and yellowing. It smells of leather and her eyes are no longer as green as that first day. Her smile is almost gone from the creases. Sighing, I put it back in my pocket. There is a commotion downstairs. I squint and look more closely. The crowd is chanting Link's name.

Link. This fucker seems to be everywhere lately. Slightly annoyed, I watch as a bunch of mall security guards lead a blonde guy out of the restaurant. He's holding on to a woman. I can't see her properly. I don't know why but I am amused at how he has this concern and annoyance on his face. He's holding her tight against his chest. She's covered in a jacket and a cap.

Got to hand it to him. She's completely hidden. From what I've read from his profile, he's rarely had any scandals and he's insanely private about his personal life. So… who is this girl? Must be someone he's dating on the side. Most probably. And the way he's hiding her, she must not be from the same industry.

I stay and watch as he hurries her out of my sight, the crowd following. Reporters and paparazzi are hounding his every step.

I wonder how Nicole will react to this.

"I found your princess."

I leap out of my seat. Nicole has just come back from her trip. But as soon as she stepped into the room, she threw aside her bag and divested herself off her coat.

"What—?" My voice is stuck within my throat and I feel the blood rushing into my ears.

"I found your princess." She repeated, taking off her clothes.

"What the fuck do you mean?" I ask again. Her hands are flying off my shirt, unbuttoning and stripping me. I stood there in shock—I cannot… Just when I feel like there is no hope—

"It means exactly what I mean." Her mouth is on my chest but I grab her shoulders and force her to still. She yelps and pouts. "You're not going to let me touch you unless I tell you everything aren't you?"

"Nicole—" I growl.

But she sighs and moves to sit on the bed, crossing her legs. "Fine."

My heart is hammering out of my chest but I keep my composure. What the fuck? I've been out there looking for her almost every night after work and every weekend—but Nicole—shit fuck wait hold up—

"I was at the Happiness reading. Link was there. And so is your princess." She says haughtily. I do not say anything—just standing there in the middle of the room half-naked. "She was with him. She's with him."

"With… him?"

"She's his girlfriend. Or so she says." She says with an annoyed look.

It clicks…

So that means… the woman in the mall… The one Link was escorting out… is her? I cannot believe how close I was!

"Hey. Snap out of it. I thought you're over her already?" She demands.

I shake my head and grab my cigarettes. I take one in my mouth immediately and light up. "You mean…. Link's girlfriend is her?"

Nicole nods. "That's how she introduced herself."

Fuck.

She's here.

She's here.

I take a deep breath.

"Is this thing still going on? I thought the engagement was cancelled?" I hear the creak of the bedsprings and feel her hands on my chest from behind. I can feel her breasts pressed against my back. My thoughts are running wild.

"It is." I say in a clipped voice. Link… I knew he was a fucker. But how… How is it that he found her and I couldn't? Where did they meet? Have they been together all this time? How long has she been his? No! This is not possible! She's mine!

"You still like her that much?"

I don't answer. I want her with me. I need her with me. Link… he doesn't deserve her. I deserve her. I've been in love with her for the past ten years. Who is this Link anyway? He's a celebrity. He could be cheating on her. He could be a playboy. Fuck.

"I have a plan."

The word 'plan' catches my attention. "What do you mean?"

"Link will be starring with me in Happiness. I can keep an eye on him. I'll make him fall in love with me. Then you can go get your princess."

"You still like him that much?" I ask with a smirk. Sometimes, Nicole makes sense.

"Link is supposed to be with me. We're perfect for each other." She says with a coy smile. I turn around as she leaves open-mouthed kisses on my chest. I feel myself responding despite the ringing in my ears.

"I'll try to find out more for you. Where she lives—where she hangs out—if she comes to set, I'll tell you immediately." She sighs and breathes—the air tickling my nipples. "That way, we can get what we both want, yes?"

I don't like this.

Despite my desire to claim her for myself… I want to do it the right way. Getting her by scrupulous means would… damage her. And I want her pure. Despite my raging hard on for the blonde princess, my dignity wants her to come to me of her own accord. I want her to realise that I am the better choice. That we should proceed with the engagement and just get married and I will make her happy.

"Can we talk about this later? I'm wet and I need to get fucked." Nicole slips her hand inside my pants and grips me tight in her palm. I hiss as she strokes me almost harshly. She gets on her knees and pulls down my pants.

I look down at her. Her eyes are back to emerald and her hair is blonde and long and fuck— One step closer. Now I know you're here, princess. I will make you mine.

Luck is on my side. Numar has me under oath not to tell anyone about the Chairman's condition. And she's… coming back. The news hit me like sunlight.

"The Chairman will be contacting his daughter and we will have a meeting. If things go as planned, you will be her personal assistant." Numar says. I am standing in front of his desk. I keep my face calm but I am dancing in a field of fucking sunflowers deep inside.

Nicole has been on the move. I didn't tell her to stop it. Nor did I tell her to go on with it. She can do whatever she wants. I'm just worried that the most recent scandal—about Link walking out on her during a shoot—will hurt the princess negatively. I do not deny that I kind of like it. Maybe they broke up.

I like that idea.

And now that she's finally—finally coming into the company—I will meet her—see her.

"You only need to provide her with secretarial duties and whatever else she asks for—keep her schedule clean and organized—handle her mail and any overflow from her work. Basically, just what I have been doing for the Chairman."

"Alright." I say. I have to restrain myself from acting like a fucking teenager.

"I will send for you when it is set. You are dismissed for the rest of the day."

I leave Numar's office and I hurry off to mine. Yesterday, I had no idea if I would even meet her in this lifetime. The next, I will be her personal assistant. Fuck. Yes. Thanks, life.

Finally—things are looking up. I gather my stuff and leave the office—maybe I'll drop by the mall—get a few shirts or something.

I know I am acting like a crazed teenager in heat—but what do you do when you're about to meet the love of your life?

I reach the mall and get the stuff that I need. But I need coffee as well. So I decide to go to the cafe and pop in for a bit before I go. But when I enter the premises, something shocks me. My heart is thumping loud and fast against my chest and I have to remind myself to breathe.

There she is, right in front of me. I am witnessing perfection. All the waiting—all the searching—all the efforts, time and patience I spent on my quest to have her right in front of me—ends now. The air seems to have stilled as I see her with a friend, laden with shopping bags. I watch her as she puts down the bags and gets up to go to the counter. My feet seems to be moving on their own as I approach her.

And I bump into her. She stumbles and my hands catch her. She's so soft… How can she be so fucking soft? Her hair whips around me and she smells of vanilla and lavender and fuck my heart is thumping but she's looking at me like I'm a fucking weirdo.

I break into an awkward smile. "Apologies, I wasn't paying attention." I let her go, my fingers are tingling from coming into contact with her bare skin. Ahhh shit shit shit. "I'm really sorry that I bumped into you. Please, allow me to buy your drinks for you." Allow me to buy everything else for you from now on.

She takes an immediate step back. "No, it's okay. You didn't do it on purpose."

I might have had.

My phone rings. Dammit. Fucking wrong timing. I look to see Numar's name on the screen and I cannot help but curse as I ignore it. She's paying now. And I pull out my own card quickly to intercept her. "Drinks on me as an apology." Am I being too direct? I am being too direct. Fuck. I don't want to scare her away. I see a flash of annoyance on her face and I fear I've done just that.

"Thank you. But you didn't have to do that." She takes the receipt and I follow her to the claiming area. "I told you I would."

"And I told you it is not necessary." She's avoiding my eyes. And I can't blame her. I should walk away now but my feet are not listening to me. She's finally here in front of me and no—no I don't want to let go of this moment—this chance—this opportunity.

"I meant no offence. I just wanted to make it up to you." Fuck. What else do I say? "I feel like I've seen you before. Are you a model?"

She shakes her lovely golden head and I am mesmerised both at the sight of her and at my weak attempts at starting a conversation. "Is that a pick-up line?"

I fucked up. "Oh no. Trust me, Miss. I am not trying to pick you up. That was a legitimate question." Fuck. Shut up now. Shut. Up. Now.

"No, I am not a model."

"Interesting." I nod. My phone rings again and I curse inwardly. I know it's Numar. I take it immediately. "Yes?"

She does not say goodbye. But she gives me a slight bow and hurries off to her table with her drinks. Defeated, I move away.

"Are you still in the vicinity?"

"Still here…" I say, my eyes still on her as I move out of the cafe—all thoughts of getting my own drink out of my head.

"Good. Be here tomorrow just in case. The Chairman will try to get her here as well."

I might have failed today—flustered and fucking stupid—but I get another chance. Tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll do better. A permanent smile is on my face as I leave the mall. Nicole texts me but I ignore it. Nope. Not today, Nicole. I have some things I need to prepare for.

I have to remember that she's with Link. I have to conduct myself appropriately. A part of me wants to rip that guy apart—she's mine.

AAA

It's been ten thousand years… I've been bidding my time in this wretched dungeons. I can feel… my power growing… It won't be long now…

My trusty minions…

They told me that the reincarnation will be soon. I no longer have to wait for years. I will be so powerful, no one… No one will be able to stop me. Not even the beaming beacon of hope walking around the castle above me. Not even her.

The minion said she does not have her powers yet. Good…

I can crush the Hero. It'll be easy. I've been hiding out here… biding my time… for ten thousand years… They can prepare all they want. But I can defeat them. They cannot defeat me.

I open my eyes abruptly with a heavy feeling in my chest. My room is dark but moonlight is streaming in from the gap in the curtains. I clutch at my heart—as it races against my palm. I take deep breaths.

Minions? Defeat? Powers? Hero? What the fuck was that dream about?

I turn on my side. My skin is tingling—as if with anticipation over something I cannot name. My eyes dart across the room to her portrait on the wall. Slowly, it fills me with calm that slows down whatever it is that is rushing through me. I close my eyes again. But the stifling heat and darkness I felt from my dream lingers. I kick off the covers and go back to sleep—thinking nothing of it.

We've met. We've met. We've met.

Her eyes are even more magnificent than when I first saw them on the picture. She's so beautiful—its beyond words. Time slows down around her as she looks at me with such fierceness. Her hand… I shook her hand… Her skin is so soft and she still smells of the same lavender and vanilla. It is safe to say I am enchanted.

She leaves the conference room quickly after the introduction. She flinches at the sight of me when I come in but recovers quickly. Numar and the Chairman gives me some more documents to review in preparation to serving her as much as I can in terms of business but then sends me to get some coffee.

We have an excellent array of caffeine choices in the pantry but I… after meeting her for officially today… need a breath of fresh air. I decide to go and take a walk—heading towards the cafe at the corner instead.

I step inside only to spot her at the corner. She's with someone though. And I recognise that blonde hair immediately even if he's wearing a cap. The fuck he's doing here? They haven't seen me. They're immersed in their own little world. I go further inside and line up at the counter while keeping an eye out for them.

I am bursting with jealousy and annoyance but I take deep breaths to calm myself down. Seeing them both in front of me… I took that as a nasty rumour but seeing them right now… Fuck. It just makes things so real. But I take a deep breath. I'm confident that the longer we spend time with each other, she's going to finally realise that we are the better match. This Link… will pass. It's better this way, that I see them. Better than not knowing what the fuck is happening behind my back. I see him lean forward and kiss her on the forehead. My fist clenches as he whispers something in her ear. I get my coffee with some pastries and decide to approach them. I fix myself before I approach —of course.

They're holding hands. Naturally. I can tell from his body language that he's not one to shy away from showing how he feels with her. He's… got the love locked in his eyes. "Hmmm… Now I feel like I am really handsome." I don't blame him. I'd probably won't be able to keep my hands off of her too if I was him.

Narcissist. Fucking show-off.

"You are. That morning… after the first night. All I could think of was that you are too perfect to be in bed with me." She giggles.

This is not a conversation I should be taking part in. It takes the strength of self-control I built over the years for me not to react. Of course. Of course they would be… intimate. But the knowledge that this fucker got his way with her already is sending flashing signals across my head.

"I was thinking the exact same thing." He answers.

I gulp. "Lady Zelda." I interrupt them both. She jumps slightly in her chair. I know she is surprised. I can see it on her face.

"I thought it was you. I was right. I am out to buy coffee for Numar and the Chairman." I gesture to what I was holding.

She stands up and so does he. He's… tall. But still not as tall as me. I take pride in that. I study him cautiously even though his image is engraved on the inside of my skull as I studied his portfolio and profile. "Apologies, Lady Zelda. I didn't know you have company."

But Link smiles and removes his cap. I am taken back to the image from the bar… That one time I was out looking for her and I ended up in that club place… There was a blonde guy on the counter. Was that him? I shake the thought away as he extends his hand. I shake it. "Hi, I'm Link."

"Ahh! Link, the celebrity. You are the private endorser for HyHo." I practically gave you that job you son of a bitch. "I was not aware that you two knew each other. Is this a meeting regarding the Chairman's pet project?" It's better to play dumb. But I can see her trying very hard not to fidget. I sense the awkwardness in the air.

She says my name. She says it seriously. She looks at me with the same fierceness she greeted me earlier.

"Yes, Lady Zelda?"

"Drop the 'lady.'"

"Then Miss Zelda." I almost split into a smile. She's so fucking stubborn I love it.

"This is not a meeting about the pet project."

I know that she's hiding the relationship from the Chairman and the public. It's both for their benefit. Because Link's 'value' as the most eligible bachelor would drop as soon as he's confirmed 'taken' and since she's just starting to take over the company—it would not be a good idea to be involved in such news. "Oh. Apologies for my assumptions. I was not aware that you are friends. The Chairman has not mentioned anything of the sort to me." I added that sentence just for fun actually.

But my phone rings. I see relief on her face as she nods and I take it. It's Numar. And he's looking for me. I tell him I am on my way back. "I am afraid that Numar needs me back at the office. I have to leave first. I look forward to tomorrow, Miss Zelda." I incline my head at them. And I grudgingly turn towards the fucker. "And it was nice to see you, Link."

They wave goodbye but as soon as I was out of the cafe, I realise that my palms hurt. My nails dug into the skin so painfully while I was clenching hard the first time. The image of him kissing her on the forehead again makes me want to turn around and burn him alive on the spot.

I remember the dream from last night. And I wish to myself that the Hero I wanted to defeat in that dream would be him. Because he's no fucking hero. I'd crush him and won't be able to fucking defeat me.

Working with Zelda is pleasant. Very pleasant. It's been a week. I know that Link takes her to work and picks her up after. I've been watching out for any opportunities during late-night meetings where I would offer to take her home but she's quick to shake her head.

I've met Link another time—when we had the worker's council meeting. It was… not pleasant to see him again. She had already confided in me about her relationship. This is good. What's important is that I have her trust. She should be able to tell me anything and everything—not just stuff about for work but also about her personal life. This pace is good. There is no hurry. I've been waiting for ten years—this is nothing.

She's warmed up considerably given the proximity of our work-related tasks. I follow her everywhere and I am at her beck and call. I handle her schedule. She might have Link at home—but I have her all to myself majority of the day. I'm practically her work-husband. She relies on me to step in and help whenever she gets in a bind—which is rare.

Honestly, Numar did say that she's been trained for this. But even I am amazed at her efficiency and knowledge about the job. No one would think that this is her first time. But I can see her uneasiness sometimes even though it is very well hidden. I know she's exhausted. And I've been picking up as much work as I can to get the load off of her shoulders.

It's Saturday and I am lounging half-naked in front of my desk in my office at home. The Chinese investors are requesting amendments to the contract. I already know what to do but I need her input and approval regarding the changes before I send it back to the lawyers to draft. It's almost lunch time. I'm not sure if she'll be sleeping in or what. But the idea of calling her—and interrupting her sweet time with that fucker brings a smile to my face. I call her. But she doesn't answer.

I try again. The excuse 'it's for work' gives me courage. It's a shame I can't see the annoyed look on his face if ever there is one. I dial for another six times—dejected that she didn't answer any of it. Must be sleeping…

I review the document again. I lose track of time but quickly start again when my phone rings. I see her name and I automatically smile. She sounds tired so I explain it to her quickly. I feel a little guilty but the sound of her voice is heavenly to my ears. She hangs up and I take a cigarette to smoke while getting up.

Sighing—it won't take long. She did say that she'd be done by lunch time. I pop in the bathroom to take a shower. As efficient as she is, I am not surprised when I come out after soaking to see that she's already done. I wonder for a while if she has somewhere to go to that's why she hurried. I don't have her schedule during the weekend—as much as I would like to.

I reassure myself that it's because it was work. Not because she has a date or something. The week with her is the beginning of us building our relationship. Sooner or later—she'll rely on me more and then I'll be such a permanent fixture in her life—without me, she'll be lost.

I take pride in this knowing that every sacrifice I am making will be fruitful soon enough.

I'm in the middle of amending the contract with the changes she approved when I hear my phone ring. My heart skips a beat as I see her name flash across the screen. Hurriedly, I answer it. "Turn the TV on." She says in a slightly broken voice that was more angry than in despair.

I get up and grab the remote. The entertainment news is on. They're… announcing… an engagement between Link and Nicole Masaki.

Fuck.

Nicole…

What did you do?

"Ganon, sue them. Sue them all." She says.

—Mackenziiee