Starlighter: Hi, I'll make this short for you all so just enjoy this chapter and I hope you all like the outcome because we are almost to the end of the middle of the story! Lol, yeah, figure it out…will they end up together? Or will her hate consume the love left for Link.

Fooled?

Following the introduction they all sat down for a serious talk about the engagement to be. Malon sat by the King of Noreyes and simply listened to the arrangements, the agreements, and of course the Contract of Engagement, which was a simple contract signed by the soon to be weds and the parents to make the arrangement valid and to make sure that if either of the parties decided to call the wedding off they couldn't do anything because of the signed document.

To Malon it seemed they took hours just talking about arranging the entire situation to both the King's benefits, but somehow she kept glancing at Link who kept throwing sweet smiles in her direction. 'He seems like everything I grew to think he was…A pompous Prince who like his father is only greedy for more land…I wonder what they are going to do about Hyrule?' With this under her mask she smiled back at Link then turned away to start a small chat with the Queen.

After a while there was a silence as the two Kings sipped their tea elegantly. "Truly Danrios, your tea is quite exquisite. Anyhow now that we have arranged all, with your permission, I would like to rest. In which direction is the guest room?" The King of Noreyes smiled and stood to escort his guest to the guest room. "Please my friend, no need for polite talk we are among friends and I assure you that as friends you may leave whenever you wish. However I will have the contract prepared by dinner time, you may rest until then, how does that sound?" Danrios smiled. Christopher nodded and stood to follow as did Link. They all bowed in the ladies direction and kissed their hands as the women sat and smiled.

"Princess, may I escort you to your room?" Link asked politely. Malon smiled and bowed her head a little. "Of course you may Prince Link." Link chuckled and shook his head, "Please my lady simply Link. No need for titles, I never liked them much." 'I bet…but I suppose I can take this chance to know more of why you are the way you are…you greedy son of a bitch.' Malon mused to herself as she stood and bowed to her "mother" and took Link's arm.

The Queen sat and smiled gently as she watched the young couple leave. 'My precious Eleanor…what would you have thought about prince Link?' she smiled and laughed lightly. 'You would have run into my bedroom afterwards and said "Oh my goodness Mom I hate him! Get him out of here! He is WAY too perfect or at least trying to be!" But then I'm sure you would have fallen for him.' She sighed and lay back in the chair looking to the ceiling. 'My beloved daughter…I miss you.'

WITH ELEANOR AND LINK

"Truth is Princess it wasn't really my choice to be here. My father believes that I should marry a princess that has a lot more than herself to offer. For example your kingdom." Eleanor turned her head in his direction and eyed him suspiciously. "So you are saying that he chose for you the Princess of the Kingdom of Great Power? What a greedy man." Link smiled and chuckled a bit. "Indeed, however I am very thankful that he chose this Kingdom." Eleanor smiled and raised her elegant brow. "And why is that my prince?" He stopped walking and turned his full body to her. Cupping her face in his hands he kissed her forehead and stared at her lovingly. 'Malon…'

"My Prince?" she asked him a little frightened. "Forgive me; you have such an admirable beauty I couldn't resist. I must bid you a good after noon, my lady. I shall see you at dinner." He kissed her hand and bowed his head. As she watched him turn the corner and hear his steps fade her peaceful serene expression turned into a loathing scowl. "If my beauty is admirable why didn't you stay with me? Why did you leave me? Why?" tears streamed down her face as she ran into her room tripping on the dress on her way in. "STUPID DRESS!" She sat there on the floor and slammed the door shut. "I HATE YOU MORE THAN DEATH ITSELF! DO YOU HEAR ME FATE? I HATE YOU!"

WITH THE QUEEN

"My lady I heard screams from my little lady's room. I think something's terribly wrong." The Queen emerged from the chair immediately and headed to the princess' chamber. She turned to the maid and sent her away when the Queen heard faint sobs coming from the other side of the door. She knocked gently on the door and the sobs paused, "Who is it?" Malon asked softly. "It is I the Queen. Honey open the door, please, I want to know what bothers you."

Malon unlocked the door and held it open for the Queen to enter. She closed the door as soon as she was inside and opened her arms to the trembling girl in front of her. "What is the matter child?" Malon held the Queen tighter as her cries grew stronger. "M-Eleanor?" "I-I th-thought I w-wa-was o-over him! I th-thought he-he c-couldn-t h-hurt me anymore!" The Queen furrowed her brows together and patted Malon's back gently. "Who? Who couldn't hurt you anymore?"

Malon released the Queen and looked her in the eyes before speaking. She took a deep breath and began wiping her tears and clearing her throat. "Prince Link….was not always a prince…or at least he didn't always know."

WITH LINK

Link paced in his room his mind in deep turmoil. 'Who is she? Why does she look like Malon? Why do I feel she's Malon? Malon where are you now? I have to find out!' He looked up as someone came into his chambers. "My lord, do you wish a bath now or before dinner?" Link sighed and took off his cape nodding to the maid as he followed her to the bathrooms. "What was Princess Eleanor ill of?" The maid turned and let him into the rooms smiling at him curtly. "The castle staff is not allowed to talk of such matters to anyone. Especially not the young lady's illness."

Link raised his eyebrow and began to undress. "I see, can you at least tell me if it contagious? Or permanent?" The maid stiffened and grew serious with the prince. "If it is an excuse not to marry the princess I suggest you do not even bother to stay longer-"

"No no miss, you misunderstand my question. I simply wished to know if this is something I cannot cure for her or if this is something I will have to be by her side for. It was just a question."

The maid gave out a sigh of relief and nodded at the prince. "It is not permanent as far as I know. It only just occurred about eleven months ago. It was a strange illness were even though sometimes her condition bettered the paleness in her skin did not leave her. After only a few days she would be back in bed as ill as ever until recently it was like a godly recovery. She looks stronger than ever and I am very happy."

Link smiled at the maid as she left him alone to bathe. When she closed the door he laid back in the curve of the massive tub. He sighed and opened his eyes slowly, "This cannot be you then my sweet. Malon, how I wish that I could see you once more and kiss you until you beg me to stop. I wish I could hold you in my arms and never let go. I wish I could gaze into your eyes and be swallowed whole. I wish I could tell you I love you a thousand times over and whisper it in your ear a thousand times more. Malon I need you."

WITH MALON AND THE QUEEN

The Queen was speechless at hearing Malon's story. "Darling I have nothing to say except that there is nothing I can do but comfort you and help you get over your pain. Even as the Queen of Noreyes I have no power to stop something the King has approved or signed or agreed to. If I did I would. I cannot believe he did those things…what a horrible young man he is." Malon looked up and embraced the Queen as she began to sob once more. "I'm so sorry that this happened to you! I'm sorry your daughter passed away and I came to take her place in the eyes of the public. I feel your pain because I lost my father and I know that I would never agree to someone taking his place. You are a strong woman my Queen, worthy of the title you were given. But I, I am nothing but a lonely ranch girl who was born into this world to do nothing but ruin lives and ruin my own!"

"Shhh…do not speak of such, no one was born for such a horrible fate. You have suffered yes, but you can pull through. There is nothing worse than being completely alone and you are not alone. I am here with you and I am sure that if he could your uncle would be as well." Malon nodded and calmed down. "Thank you…" The Queen smiled and held the girl once more. They sat there embracing each other until a maid stepped in and interrupted. "My Queen, your highness, it is time to dress for dinner it will be ready soon." They both nodded at the maid and signaled for her to leave. They turned to each other and gave each other a quick hug before the Queen left to her chambers.

"Link…I can't believe that there is still a part of me that loves you more than anything it has ever known…That part of me is almost controlling the hate and I fear falling completely in love with you again. Link…I can't help it…I love you still!"

AT DINNER

The men were seated and awaiting the women at the table. "Chris, I have set everything as we both agreed and here is the contract along with the copy that you will keep." "Excellent! Danrios let us toast to our beautiful arrangement!" The King said with a huge smile and his cup rose to the King of Noreyes. Danrios smiled and toasted with his friends. "I hope that by the announcement ball you two will have fallen in love, I wouldn't want you to marry my daughter without her having some sort of affection for you." They laughed and toasted once more just as the women were walking in.

"My, what is all this excitement about?" The Queen asked her husband taking the seat by his side. "My lady, it is the toast of a happy man that has just sealed the arrangement of our daughter's wedding. Are you not happy my love?" The Queen smiled and raised her cup before taking a sip. "A happy mother I am. Prince Link I hope you do not disappoint me or my daughter, her happiness means the world to me. I warn you now that should any harm befall my daughter this kingdom will never be placed under your rule. "The table fell silent and all eyes shifted from the Queen to Link.

Danrios cleared his throat and smiled. "Lighten up honey, pain is a part of life and with a relationship it is even worse. Whether it is because of him or her that will be there problem not ours." "I agree!" King Christopher interrupted. They nodded in his direction and the feast began. Idle chat began as wedding arrangements followed and soon the date for the day followed after that. After dinner they headed to the drawing room for some entertainment.

"Danrios! I have heard from many around he castle that you daughter has a talent for singing!" Christopher laughed. Danrios turned a bit pale and turned to Eleanor. "Why yes my lord I do sing. Mind you I am not sure what many have said but I assure my voice is soothing. It is how I use to calm the h-the a-I mean the children! The servant's children." She smiled and stood in the center of the room. "Oh, I did not know you calmed the children with it as well. I heard you were quite a party entertainer, you sang at balls all the time." "I do, but I also sing lullabies. They should have mentioned that." She said wittily to the King of Osirian.

"Quite a spirit eh Danrios? Ha ha!" he laughed patting the King's back roughly. "Yes, she was born with it…unfortunately…." Danrios responded nervously while Christopher laughed. All fell silent as the Princess began her song.

You're my world your every breath I take.

You're my world you're every move I make.

Other eyes see the stars up in the sky, but for me they shine within your eyes.

As the trees reach for the sun above

So my arms reach up to you for love.

With your hand resting in mine, I feel powers of divine.

You're my world you are my night and day.

You're my world you're every prayer I pray.

If our love ceases to be then it's the end of my world for me.

With your hand resting in mine I feel the powers of divine.

You're my world you are my night and day

You're my world you're every payer I pray

If our love ceases to be then it's the end of my world end of my world end of my world for me.

They all stood to applaud and cheer. The Queen embraced Eleanor and congratulated her as did the King. Link stood still as a statue in awe and shock. He was confused, in almost everything the Princess did she reminded him of Malon. 'Wait…she meant to say something else not children….if I could just remember her mistake…damn!' "My Princess what a lovely voice, I must say I am beyond pleased. A beautiful voice for a beautiful woman, how perfect." Link smiled at the princess. She raised her eyebrows and walked to the Prince who was still clapping. "You may stop clapping now, I truly appreciate it, but that is enough. Quite charming aren't you? Giving the perfect compliment to the woman you are trying to woe before your wedding. My, is that how you go about enticing others? With your good looks," She brushed his face gently with her fingertips, "You're lovely words. I do hope these talents you possess are to be savored by me, and only me." She smiled at the Prince who stood now with his mouth slightly parted and a shocked expression.

"Well everyone, I must bid you goodnight I am very tired of today. Have a good sleep, Mother, Father, good night." She said and left with her lady in waiting to her room. "Well, you have a very seductive daughter there Danrios. I hope my son can handle her ha ha!" They all laughed a bit and continued talking about the wedding. Not very long after the Princess left Link also retired to his room after that they all excused themselves and left to their own rooms.

WITH DANRIOS AND THE QUEEN

"She is not allowed to do anything like that ever again! Do you hear me? As close as you two have gotten I assume there will be no problem in you telling her! Flirting with the prince like a sophisticated slut! She will never do that you hear me? I do not care how much she may loathe this plan or the Prince or whatever she is not to repeat tonight's little act!" Andeira looked at her husband and slapped him hard making his head turn the other way. "You put yourself in her position! You loathe a woman with all your being and be demanded you marry her! You put yourself in MY position. I both love and hate that girl! I protect her and yet I curse her! She is like the re-birth of MY child and I cannot turn my back on her because of it! You who do not even for one moment sit down and talk to her! Spend time with her, get to know her!" The Queen sat down defeated and began to cry. The King turned to her in rage and grabbed her harshly by her arms. "Andeira I do not want to get to know her! I do not want to talk to her or even be around her more than I have to! This pain does not only consume you but me as well! Do you think me heartless?" "I WOULD NOT REPLACE MY DAUGHTER WITH A LOOKALIKE FOR THE SAKE OF MY KINGDOM!" The King stepped back from his wife's rage and turned to look at his gardens below. "I am sorry my love….I did not know this would affect us this way, as soon as she bears the child she will be gone I promise…." He turned when he felt his wife desperately clutch his arm. "NO! No no no you cannot do this to me! NO! Do not take her from me! No, I know that she is not Eleanor but please I beg you that when she is with child and when it is born please do not take her from me!"

The King looked at his wife with great sympathy and took her into his arms. "I won't, for you I won't…She will stay if it will make you happy."

ONE MONTH LATER

The Prince and Princess had been spending every day together since his arrival. They had gone to the town below her castle and shopped for their wedding arrangements. They had gone to special places in the gardens of the castle and talked for hours and hours. It would seem that they were falling in love and it was both true and untrue. Deep inside Malon still fought against that love and hate she felt for Link but most of the time the love won. Link was always on the look out for some mistake or other that may discover her to be truly Malon but it never did. Day after day he went to his chambers secretly disappointed. It was not until now that he gave up that search and decided to be himself as most he could.

He liked her, a lot, but he did not love her. She was not Malon to him, or so he thought. She would never be Malon and to him she was like Malon's shadow. Now and then however she managed to do something or say something that resembled Malon greatly and made him want to grab her by the arms and demand she tell him she's Malon but he never did.

They walked together in the castle gardens and they rode in the carriage by sunset around the castle. He played his ocarina after dinner while she sang a song or two. In the mornings they would walk to the town and talk among the peasants about peasant life. They would sometimes have a picnic near the Grand Noreyen River and watch fish swim by in groups. In the afternoon they would ride out and play archery games after witch the loser had to do something silly on front of a crowd. In everyone's eyes they had become lovers, the perfect fairytale couple.

Four months passed and the announcement ball grew nearer and nearer. "My lady there is but one month left before your wedding is announced to the entire kingdom! Are you not excited to be wedded to such a handsome and great prince?" "Would you be? Would you be excited to marry someone like him?" Malon asked her sadly. "Are you not? Oh I know what it is, you are upset that your dear Grandmamma could not make it aren't you? I am sorry about that, but she said that she will most definitely be here for your wedding day! Now I must go so you can go to dinner, the Prince says he has a special surprise for you today! So you will not dine with your parents tonight my lady. Special request from him! Hoho!" The happy maid left the Princess alone and headed downstairs to inform Link that everything was ready. Tonight would be the final step to wooing the Princess and it had to be perfect.

'I wish I did not have to fool you like this…I wish that I were not here and happy somewhere else with the one I truly love. Malon, tonight I must forget you, tonight I must fall in love with the Princess and give up all that I felt for you. I cannot be with you, for I do not know where you are…but as my father said he knows and should I ruin this your life is forfeit. I will never forget you but I cannot love you anymore…goodbye my sweet…"

Starlighter: I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SORRY! I took like SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long in updating but I promise I will update quicker now, and I will try to update after this soon but be happy this was a LONG chapter! AND REMEMBER REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!