Author's Note: Apologies for the delay. I kind of forgot I was posting this here. The completed story is located on Archive of Our Own, so feel free to go over there and create an acct if you don't already have one. Enjoy!
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It could not be said that King Rhoam was typically an unreasonable tyrant. On the contrary, throughout Hyrule, he was reputed amongst his subjects to be fair and equitable, the embodiment of royal virtue and valor. During his youth, he had proven himself on the battlefield, leading his Royal knights into skirmishes and fighting alongside them with little regard for his safety. In later years, to the present day, he had exhibited an impartial mind and flair for diplomacy that had brought peace amongst the five races of the continent. He had also been integral in launching lucrative trade negotiations with far-off lands.
Only with his own daughter was he failing to show the more rational, amenable side of his nature. One could blame the impending doom, the uncertainty of what would come with the Calamity. All eyes were upon him to rally their forces and ensure victory for Hyrule. But, closer to the truth, perhaps he had set such high expectations on his daughter that he continued, as she had until recently, to be unable to see the forest for the trees. And therefore was blinded to how much she was suffering.
Zelda focuses on that as she stands before him on the dais in the Sanctum to petition her's and Link's case at the end of a day at court, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. King Rhoam could be reasonable when given the opportunity. If she laid out her request clearly and precisely without allowing her emotions to come into play, there was a very high probability of success.
Zelda knows she needs to head off any gossip that could start circulating regarding her relationship with Link. If her father finds out before she can speak to him, all will be lost, for he would never approve. Therefore, she had written to Impa and begged her to come to the castle for support and to be a voice of reason with King Rhoam. And also to put in an extra good word on Link's behalf if the need should arise. While her father may admire her appointed knight because he is the Hero of Hyrule, Zelda does not think a firm character reference can hurt. They need as many cards as possible stacked in their favor.
She casts her eyes to where Impa stands, just behind King Rhoam's right shoulder. The Sheikah leader gives her a slight nod of encouragement, and Zelda draws a deep breath through her nose as she returns her gaze to her father. Rhoam studies her a moment before speaking:
"It is unusual for the princess of Hyrule to bring a petition to her own court," he begins. "What would you like to request of your king, Princess Zelda?"
"I would like to address the notion of my, perhaps, taking a suitor," she announces. "I am of age, and the gossip mongers are beginning to talk."
She was not sure this was true, but Zelda knew how much her father despised gossip that reflected ill on the crown. Therefore, Impa had advised her it was the best course of action to ensure he did not immediately shoot the request down and would seriously consider it.
"Are they?" her father muses. "I have not heard any rumors of this."
"All the same, if they have not, they will soon. So it is high time I think about my future beyond the battle. I am sure the court would be thrilled if perhaps someone they held in high esteem was to agree to consider me," Zelda suggests.
King Rhoam appears thoughtful as he deliberates over her words. "It is true since you came of age, I have neglected to introduce you to potential suitors. I had been considering throwing a ball in celebration of your seventeenth birthday. I could begin the reviewing process on your behalf and invite the candidates to attend."
"I do not need a parade of young men waltzing through the ballroom vying for my affections," Zelda states with unbridled disdain at the mention of vetting possible suitors at a ball. "I have already made my choice."
She does not need to look where Captain Banzetta stands to the left of her father to know that the knight's eyes have turned upon her with the utterance of her words. King Rhoam also appears to be catching on, if his sudden stiffened posture is any indication. His steely blue eyes study her closely as he strokes his beard.
"And who, pray tell, dear daughter, would that be?" His tone was clipped and even.
"Someone I believe you would find impossible to deny is a worthy match," she replies, pressing her hands against her skirts so she will refrain from twisting them in front of her, as was her nervous habit. "A gentleman already held in high regard by all of Hyrule and is the epitome of decorum and chivalry. Sir Link."
There is a long pause as her father contemplates her words, his eyes roving past her shoulder to light upon where Link stands guard at the Sanctum's entrance. "Surely you are jesting regarding our own young hero. He is far too busy with his duties as your appointed knight and preparing for the impending battle to be bothered with such a triviality as courtship."
"I am not," Zelda firmly retorts. "It was you that ordered, nay encouraged us even, to work together. Well, we have done so admirably and have grown fond of one another. We would like your permission to pursue a romantic relationship."
Her father turns sharply to Captain Banzetta, fire in his eyes. "Were you aware of this development?"
She glances between her father and Captain Banzetta, who, to his credit, remains steadfast in his stance. His gaze locks with his king's, even though King Rhoam's eyes shoot daggers toward him.
"I was not, your majesty," Captain Banzetta calmly replies. "But, my son always puts his duty first, above all else. In that, he has never faltered."
Rhoam gives a weary sigh as he stands down. "Your truth," he acknowledges. "He has done well ensuring the safety of my daughter."
"If you are concerned this will interfere with our responsibilities," Zelda broaches, plowing ahead. "I assure you it will not."
"That is just one of my many concerns, daughter," King Rhoam affirms, turning his gaze back upon Link. "Hero of Hyrule, approach your liege."
Zelda refrains from turning to watch Link step forward, keeping her eyes trained on a spot just past her father's left shoulder. Her ears strain to hear her appointed knight's steps on the tile, but he moves without making a sound. Only when the scent of him, faint clove, and leather wafts past her does she know he has knelt just out of her peripheral line of sight.
"Rise, Sir Link," King Rhoam commands, turning his attention to the kneeling Link. "Is this your choice, or has my daughter, as your sovereign, coerced you regarding this matter?"
"In truth, it was my choice, your majesty," Link replies.
The king reflects on the answer as Impa motions Banzetta over to be included in further discourse. They both lean in, and Impa whispers in Rhoam's ear. His eyes widen as she speaks, and he looks between the two teenagers before returning his attention to Impa. She gives him an affirming nod before straightening, as does Captain Banzetta.
Rhoam weighs his thoughts as he considers the notion, and it is all Zelda can do to refrain from vocalizing more reasons for him to rule in their favor. It is difficult to gauge what he is contemplating; his furrowed brow and look of consternation could mean anything. This was the moment of truth. Would her father acquiesce, or would he deny them and reassign Link?
"I am not a complete tyrant, regardless of how you may currently think otherwise, Zelda," King Rhoam begins. "I am not so old that I do not remember what it was like to be young and in love. Therefore, I do not care to think upon what indiscretions may have occurred prior to you informing me of this."
Her father pauses, and Zelda opens her mouth to offer a rebuttal, but Rhoam raises his hand to silence her. "However, I will allow it to continue under two conditions. Firstly, your duties as Hyrule's Hero and Princess must come first; any indication to the contrary will not be tolerated. And secondly, from here on out, you will be assigned a chaperone of my choosing. This will further strain Sir Link for excursions outside the castle walls, but that is the price you will pay."
Zelda cannot believe what she is hearing. She had been so prepared to add her father's refusal to the long list of injustices put toward her that she was unsure how to feel about his leniency. She makes up her mind quickly, accepting the terms of the agreement. "As you command, Father."
He draws his attention back upon Impa and Captain Banzetta, who have resumed their positions at his side.
"Lady Impa has already made a suggestion for the role of your guardian," King Rhoam announces and beckons a page to his side. He whispers to the boy, who nods affirmatively before exiting the chamber at a fast clip. The king then turns his attention to Impa.
"Please escort Princess Zelda and Sir Link to my study," he commands her. "I will send the appointed matron after I have spoken with her."
"Yes, your majesty," Impa bows to him before stepping down from the throne and moving toward where Zelda and Link still stand.
"Father," Zelda says, looking up at him. "Thank you for this."
"Do not disappoint me," Rhoam replies, his face stern as he looks at her.
Zelda inclines her head. "We will not."
Her father's eyes narrow, and his jaw tightens. Zelda remembers him using similar rhetoric when she was younger, but she realizes how his anxiety and fear have transformed into genuine worry as she watches him. Zelda turns her attention to Impa as she approaches, and Link bows to the king before following them out of the Sanctum. Once they have exited the Sanctum and the door closes behind them, they silently head down the corridor as the decree sinks in.
"I can't believe he said yes," Zelda finally says.
"It does seem too good to be true," Link warily admits. "There has to be a catch."
"Why'd he say yes, Impa?" Zelda asks, looking over at her friend. "I mean, I wanted him to, but I didn't honestly think he would. He's been so strict about everything else."
"I told him he should grant your request, or the two of you would continue to find ways to be together, even if he reassigned Link," Impa replies.
"Impa! You were supposed to say a good word on Link's behalf!" Zelda reprimands.
"Oh, I did," Impa answers. "I reaffirmed that the new arrangement casts a stronger bond between you, which in turn ensures Link to be an even better protector for you than before. Your father could not deny that."
"That is true," Link agrees. "If he had reassigned me, I would have found a way to ensure your safety."
Zelda smiles over at him and takes his arm. "You no longer have to trail after me. We can walk arm-in-arm now. That, in and of itself, is a blessing."
When they arrive at the library, where King Rhoam's study is located, Zelda and Link settle on a settee in the corner, and Impa leans casually by the door. Rhoam's windowless study is decorated with hunting trophies, ancient maps, and scrolls, all of which combine to give the room a dark and rustic ambiance. A freshly lit fire burns in the grate, and the flickering flames' light casts a coziness to the room. Zelda has always loved spending time in her father's study; however, she cannot remember the last time she had been here and had felt so content. She entwines her fingers with Link's and lays her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you, Impa," Zelda says, and Impa smiles from the doorway.
"Um, don't thank me yet," the Sheikah leader replies, straightening from the doorjamb. "I should probably warn you about the chaperone."
She is interrupted by loud, high-pitched yapping from the library. Zelda's heart sinks, and she sits up in alarm. The chagrined expression on Impa's face tells her all she needs to know. Link looks between the two of them in confusion.
"Oh, Impa," Zelda bemoans. "You didn't."
"It was the only other way he would agree, princess," Impa apologizes.
"What?" Link asks. "What is it?"
Before Zelda can answer, a small brown dog with a pink bow scampers into the study. Link reaches down and scratches him behind the ears, and the dog whimpers in pleasure, wiggling his haunches and furiously wagging his tail.
"Richard!" a woman's contralto voice booms, and the dog begins to howl.
A shadow looms in the study's doorway, soon followed by a buxom middle-aged woman wearing a hideous fuchsia gown with a tall, frilly lace collar that flounces beneath her jowls. Her silver-streaked black hair is piled in a beehive bun, with an enormous pink bow at her crown.
"Children!" Madame Mamamu Yan cries as she spies Link and Zelda, her heavily lined red lips breaking into a wide toothy grin. "The king told me everything! It will be my honor to babysit you!"
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The boon of King Rhoam allowing Link's and Zelda's relationship had been short-lived once Madame Yan appeared. She had remained steadfast by the young couple for the remainder of that day and the following week.
Last evening, Link and Zelda had decided to walk in the gardens before she had to perform her evening prayers, but they had just entered the gate when Richard slipped out of his collar and escaped deep into the maze. Madame Yan was hysterical at the thought of her dog being lost, and Link was tasked to spend the remainder of the time chasing the little fiend through the maze and surrounding gardens. It had taken well over an hour; Link had to walk around shrubbery walls the tiny dog wiggled through. By the time he had been able to capture Richard, it was time for him and Zelda to resume their expected duties.
So there was no escaping the new and genuine restrictions to their budding relationship. Link had slept fitfully, awoken in the wee hours by an unsettling dream featuring a nymph-like creature begging on his behalf. And more disquieting were the words of her lament, asking a faceless entity to tell her how to break the curse upon him. The familiar stirrings of longing he had woken up with certainly felt like an affliction for which there was no cure save Zelda's generous kisses. With the current state of affairs, he was unsure when he would ever share an embrace with her again, let alone a kiss.
For now, they are content with accompanying one another when they are able throughout the day. Zelda was free from her courtly duties today and, after her morning prayers, asked if Link would visit the falconry with her. She wanted to add the birds housed there to the compendium she was compiling in her Sheikah slate.
As they walk through the castle, Madame Yan and Richard trail behind. The dog barks at everything, including his own shadow, and his high-pitched yelps echo against the stone walls.
"I miss the days you were following behind me," Zelda sighs.
"You despised me then," Link reminds her.
"In hindsight, I think not," she retorts. "At least you didn't bark."
"I did feel like a dog sometimes," he admits.
Zelda shakes her head with a laugh. "Oh no, if you were an animal, you would not be a dog. You'd be a wolf."
"Really?" He looks down at her as they reach the falconry, his eyes gleaming mischievously, and smiles wolfishly. "Hmm, if I had to choose an animal for you, it would be a fox."
Her cheeks pink, and she swats at his arm. "When you make remarks like that, I can never tell if you are being serious!"
His smile broadens. "I'm only being honest. As always."
Wishing he could kiss her, but knowing he cannot, Link entwines her fingers in his instead. They head towards the outbuilding that houses the large assortment of birds the falconers use to relay messages and manage any pests affecting the castle's agriculture. The guard at the gate asks Madame Yan and Richard to remain outside the fenced-in area, as the dog has become even more agitated in the presence of the caged fowl.
Link follows after Zelda as she walks along the line of cages peering within. There is a wide assortment of birds, from peregrines, falcons, and hawks, to pigeons, and she removes her slate from her belt to take a picture of each species.
"Once complete, this compendium should hold a wealth of knowledge of every living species of flora and fauna in Hyrule," Zelda expounds as she snaps a photo of a hawk. "Is this all the avians?"
"We're in luck, there is one more, and he's my favorite," Link says, leading her down the row of cages. "He usually lives at Fort Hateno, but I heard he flew in last night with a message for Robbie." They stop in front of a large cage that houses a long-horned owl with a creamy chest and deep brown wings. His dark brown feather horns flare dramatically above his golden eyes that quizzically observe them.
"His name is Kaepora Gaebora," Link informs her. "Kaepora, meet Princess Zelda."
The wizened owl turns its gaze on the princess, making a soft hoot. "What a lovely creature!" Zelda remarks with a delighted smile.
"Yes," Link agrees. "He is brilliant, too. If he could talk, I imagine he could share a wealth of wisdom with us."
"I am sure," Zelda agrees, reaching toward the owl but pausing before touching him through the bars. "Will he peck at me?"
"No, he is very gentle, but his talons are sharp," Link steps forward. "Since my father used to be stationed at Fort Hateno, I've been handling Kaepora for years and can take him out if you like."
"Yes! Please!" Zelda moves to his side as he unlatches the door and holds his left arm out for Kaepora to hop on. The owl flutters down from his perch and lands on Link's bracer.
"That's a good owl, Kaepora," Link soothes as the owl's talons firmly grip his forearm. He turns so Zelda can see him fully, and she gently strokes his back feathers.
"He is so soft," she marvels before backing away and lifting her slate. "Here, hold still so I can take his picture."
"He is one of our messenger fowl," Link informs her as she points the slate at Kaepora and snaps a photo. "Owls typically are unreliable to use as messengers, but Kaepora is an exception to that rule."
"He seems very intelligent," Zelda observes, typing what Link has just told her next to the picture of Kaepora.
"He is. He knows the way to all the military bases, as well as Hateno and Kakariko," Link explains. "That is especially useful since Kakariko, for example, is nestled deep in the mountain valley. It is difficult to travel there quickly. Kaepora can take a message there quicker than a rider on horseback."
"Yoo-hoo! Children! Are you done yet?" Madame Yan's tittering voice floats over to them, followed shortly after by high-pitched yipping from Richard. He is standing on his back haunches, front paws pressed against the fence, straining on his lead, and practically choking himself with his collar.
"She does realize you're nearly seventeen, and I'll be eighteen soon, right?" Link murmurs, looking over at their chaperone.
"It appears to escape her notice occasionally," Zelda agrees. "I suppose it is kind of sweet."
"It's…something," he grumbles, guiding Kaepora back into his cage.
Having left Richard with the disgruntled guard at the gate, Madame Yan picks her way over to them, beaming from ear to ear. "While waiting, I had the most marvelous idea, Princess Zelda! A new tailor and fabric shop in Deya Village is supposed to be absolutely divine. Why not visit today, as you have no further obligations until this evening?"
Zelda considers the request, glancing over at Link. "What do you think?"
Link looks at the sky, observing dark clouds rolling in from the east. "A storm is approaching, but it should be all right if you take a carriage to accommodate Madame Yan and Richard."
"That means you must ride point, though," Zelda laments.
"A change of scenery might be nice," he rejoins. "A diversion from the daily castle drudgery."
"It is tempting," Zelda agrees.
"Then it is decided," he answers.
So Link finds himself at the stables securing a carriage, grooming, and tacking Epona while Zelda and Madame Yan collect what they need for the short trip. As he brushes Epona's coat, she whinnies her pleasure, and Link begins thinking of ways to find a chance to spend some time alone with Zelda, if only for a moment. He had wanted nothing more than to kiss her senselessly when she had called him a wolf; if they had been alone, he would have. Unfortunately, they could not resume their previous endeavors of escaping to the secret passage or other secluded nooks, at least not anytime soon. They needed to show King Rhoam good faith, or the end result would be grim. The king had warned an increase in Link's responsibilities would be the price they would pay, but it seemed the actual cost was their burdensome chaperone.
Moving in front of Epona, he held the sides of her head and rested his forehead on her muzzle, and she blew out a contented breath. Reaching up, he strokes her between her ears. "You're a good girl, Epona," he whispers.
She lowers her head and accepts a brief rub between her eyes before nuzzling his shoulder. Taking the hint, Link exits her stall to retrieve her saddle and gear and runs into his father, leading his gray stallion out of a stall opposite. Guilt blooms beneath Link's chest as he has not spoken to Banzetta since the dinner with Aryll other than to discuss the duty roster. He regrets not telling his father about Zelda before he was blindsided the other day in court and is confident his father must not be pleased.
"I was not expecting to find you here," Banzetta begins. "But it is fortuitous as I wanted to talk to you." His father pauses, contemplating him, and Link cannot tell by the older knight's impassive expression if he is disappointed with him. "Why didn't you tell me?" his father finally asks.
"What would you have said?" Link queries.
Banzetta blows a frustrated breath. "I don't know, Link, because you never gave me an opportunity." He begins walking his horse down the row, and with a silent look at his son, Link knows he is expected to follow his father.
"It's like this, Link," Banzetta begins. "You and I don't know how to talk to each other anymore. I have tried, but you're either too busy, too preoccupied, or say it can wait."
"I'm sorry," Link apologizes. "I should have told you. It was unfair for you to answer to the king for me."
"Yes, you are right about that," his father agrees. "I am surprised it went as well as it did. You know how troubled the king is these days. Every day he wakes hoping the princess has received the goddess' blessing."
Link's expression darkens as he pauses mid-stride. His father continues a few more paces before stopping and turning to look back at his son.
"She already possesses their blessing, even if no one else cares to see that," Link bristles. "She struggles every day, giving her mind, body, and soul over to her prayers, studies, and devotions to prove her worth to him and make him happy, and it is never enough. He cares more about the power within her than the well-being of his own daughter."
Banzetta ties his horse off at a nearby post before striding back towards Link, taking his arm and pulling him forcefully into an empty stall.
"Link," his father seethes. "Now would be a time when you should hold your tongue."
"You just said you wanted me to talk to you," Link mulishly reminds him.
"Not by making seditious remarks against your king in the middle of the stables!" Banzetta hisses. "King Rhoam loves his daughter; I know this to be true. It may be difficult for you to understand, but the pressures of the crown are immense."
Link snorts. "I understand how overwhelming pressure can be, and I don't wear a crown."
Now that the dam has been broken, Link can't seem to control the incendiary words he is spouting. He glances at his father, who rolls his shoulders in frustration. Banzetta begins to speak but stops suddenly, his eyes searching Link's face, and he has not seen the haunted look lurking in his father's eyes since his mother passed away.
"And that, Link, is what I wish you would talk to me about. Everyone else sees a stoic young man when they look at you, but I am your father, and what I see is my child struggling. Do you have any idea how that makes me feel?"
Link shoves his hands into his pockets and looks down at the ground. His jaw is set in stone, and the words again refuse to come.
"I do not expect you to be able to answer that," his father states. "You will never be able to know how I feel until you are a father, yourself. It's just an unfortunate way of life. And I will admit, I cannot know what it is like to have everyones' eyes turned to you in judgment and expectation. Surely, that was the impetus for the regard you hold for the princess, and I am glad if she can bring you solace. But do you truly love her?"
"I do," Link affirms. "And when this is over, I plan to ask for her hand in marriage."
Banzetta's lips press into a thin line. "It's early days yet," he reminds Link, "and you still have much to learn. Are you prepared for what it would mean to be the consort to the future queen of Hyrule? The pressure you feel as the Hero of Hyrule will become two-fold. You will have the weight of a kingdom upon your shoulders and all the responsibilities accompanying that title."
Link had yet to consider what his further obligations to the kingdom of Hyrule would entail if he married Zelda. He had only been focused on what it was like to spend his days with her in any capacity. He doubted the strain of the crown was any worse than the albatross they currently faced with the impending rise of Calamity Ganon. Link imagined his burden becoming lighter after the battle, so there was no reason to suspect he would be unhappy. If he was content now to be at Zelda's side, surely that would not change. Even if it meant he would have to attend stuffy dinners he loathed, sit in on boring committee meetings, and deal with the pomp and circumstance of the court daily. He would do all that and more if it meant he could end the day with the Zelda that was his and his alone.
"As Hero, I already carry the weight of the kingdom upon my shoulders, you know this," Link reminds his father. "The other added responsibilities pale in comparison. And you are wrong. It may be early days, but I have seen every facet of Princess Zelda and love her with every fiber of my being. I will do anything for her and be happy anywhere with her."
Banzetta studies his son for several moments, and the conviction in his eyes slowly dies. "You are no longer a child, and I respect your decision. I will support you in this," he says slowly, his eyes growing distant. "I remember what it was like to be a young knight in love. I, too, would have done anything for your mother. I loved her more than life itself; I would have been lost if it had not been for you and Aryll. Just...do me a favor. Do not keep me in the dark in the future. I believe I still have wisdom I can bestow upon you."
"You have my word," Link promises, following his father as he exits the stall and heads back to his horse.
Banzetta unties the reins and swings into the saddle. Once he is settled, he looks down at Link. "When was the last time I told you how proud I am of you?"
"You do not need to," Link assures him. "Your actions have always spoken louder than your words."
Nodding, Link's father holds his gaze a moment longer before riding out of the stable yard. Link watches as his father's gray stallion heads down the tree-lined path that leads to the main thoroughfare of Castle Town.
He understood that his father had always been proud of him. He could remember countless times when he was just a boy when Banzetta took him out hunting and taught him to ride a horse and shoot an arrow. From a young age, he learned about what it meant to be a knight, about the hard work that came with the role, but more importantly, he learned about family. The true meaning of what it meant to be a good husband and father. Link hoped he could show his father one day that he was still watching and learning, even if he spoke little and asked fewer questions.
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Zelda rests her chin on her hand and stares glumly out the carriage window at the rolling countryside as Madame Yan prattles on about how she is certain Zelda will love the new tailor. If not for the impending storm and Zelda's entourage of Madame Yan and Richard, she would have been able to ride Storm and travel by Link's side. The matron has become a permanent fixture in Zelda's life, and the misery she felt when Link was assigned to her does not compare to what she now feels daily. Zelda has no doubt that her father knew exactly what he was doing when he appointed the gregarious middle-aged woman as her chaperone. Inwardly, she fumes, as she and Link had naively played directly into the king's hands.
She misses the quiet moments she had been able to spend with Link before. Their prim guardian only allows them to hold hands and share an occasional kiss on the cheek. Zelda daydreams almost constantly of being enveloped in his strong arms and drowning in his kisses.
She shivers slightly, remembering the exact feel of his lips upon hers, and curse the goddesses, they are now stuck in an excruciatingly painful limbo. Oh, it was to her father's credit, as always, to be one step ahead. Zelda prayed even harder, and Link trained non-stop these days because the little respites they had taken before were now hampered by a domineering third wheel. So, what else was there to do to vent the phantom hunger they lived with, always present in their minds, tormenting them with the idea of being near and unable to touch.
By the time they arrive in front of the shop, it has started to rain. The carriage driver opens the door, and Madame Yan gathers Richard before alighting from within. Zelda follows, and Link joins them on the porch after leaving Epona in the care of the driver.
When they enter the shop, they can see two of the four walls are covered from floor to ceiling with bolts of fabric from all the regions of Hyrule. Exotic silks from Gerudo, heavy wool from Tabantha, intricate chainmail from Eldin, and shimmery satin from Lanayru. There are a few dress forms draped in elaborate tunics or gowns and racks of dresses, shirts, and trousers.
Behind the counter sits a rosy-cheeked, diminutive man wearing a conical green hat with a large plume of red feathers stuck jauntily to one side. In his lap, he holds a large piece of parchment and is dexterously embroidering what looks to be a map.
He perks up immediately when they enter, and his perfectly lined bow mouth widens into a large grin. His thin eyebrows arch delicately above his black eyes, which are lined with kohl liner. When he moves from around the counter, Zelda sees the rest of his couture consisting of green tights, pointed brown boots, and a gold thread embroidered green tunic, cinched with a flamboyant red sash.
"Tingle! Tingle! Kooloo-Limpah!" he greets. "Customers! Welcome to Tingle's Tailoring and Treasure Map Emporium!"
His eyes widen when he recognizes Zelda, and he sweeps his hat off his head and bows so low his forehead touches the ground. "Your majesty, Princess Zelda! It is truly an honor!" He gushes as he rises to his full height just below her shoulder.
"The pleasure is ours, Mister Tingle," Zelda replies. "My matron has spoken highly of your work."
She indicates Madame Yan, who preens beneath the recognition. Tingle nods, but his eyes have alighted upon Link and studies him intensely. It looked as though he was taking measurements without the need for tailoring tape.
"Might I interest you, Hero, in a set of Wild shorts and tunic?" Tingle asks, giving Link another once over with a speculative eye. "No need to hide all your light beneath a bushel. I'll throw in a map to guide you to the mysterious Thyphlo Ruins at no extra charge!"
"Uh," Link backs away from the man. "Maybe some other time, Tingle. We're here for the lovely lady, Madame Yan?"
"Oh, Mr. Tingle, all my friends have had nothing but high praise regarding your artistry," Madame Yan enthuses, and Tingle visibly preens at the compliment.
As they begin discussing the tailor/map maker's talents, Zelda wanders around the shop, looking at the bolts of exotic cloth. The tailor also has an entire wall full of skeins of thread in every color imaginable. Zelda can't resist a few and picks up some gold-colored thread, along with some silver and blue. She has a few unadorned handkerchiefs she would like to stitch silent princess flowers in the corners. It will be a good use of all the time she now must spend in the company of Madame Yan.
"Do you want to give Madam Meow Meow and her BowBow the slip?" Link whispers in her ear as she places the thread on the counter. It sends a shiver down her spine, even as she laughs at his horrible nicknames.
"It's pouring down rain," she remarks, glancing over her shoulder and nodding out the window.
Link shrugs. "So? Haven't you ever danced in the rain?"
He moves away from her, wanders to a stand of gowns, and beckons Tingle over. Link gestures towards an assortment of gaudy dresses covered in bows and baubles.
"Madame Yan," he calls, pulling a particularly awful chartreuse gown with a ruffled skirt off the rack and holding it up for her approval. "I think you would look fetching in this."
Madame Yan glances his way, and her cheeks pink with his compliment. "Oh, you darling, boy. Do you think so?"
Link nods sincerely, and it is all Zelda can do not to break out with laughter. Tingle takes the gown and guides Madame Yan and Richard behind a folding dressing screen by the counter.
When she disappears behind the screen with the tailor, Link takes Zelda's hand and leans into her ear. "Tell her you are stepping outside for some fresh air."
"Madame Yan, I am going to take some air out on the porch," Zelda calls airily. "Link is accompanying me for protection."
"Don't stray far!" Madame Yan's voice floats over the folding partition. Link grabs Zelda's hand, and they make their escape.
"Oh!" she shrieks, as she exits the shop and is immediately drenched.
He doesn't stop and leads her up a hill behind the building to a large tree above the village. There is a small shrine with a stone couple at the base of the tree, and a few wilted flowers and token apples are scattered at their feet in offering. Keeping her hand firmly in his, Link reaches for her other hand and places it on his shoulder before pressing his to the small of her back and pulling her close. It is a far cry from the first dance they shared, and the heat of their closeness in the cool rain after so many days apart sends her heart racing.
"What are we doing?" Zelda asks, breath catching in her throat. Link dips his head and gently kisses the corner of her lips, and she can't help but smile at the contented sound he makes.
"We're dancing," he whispers and begins to move, drawing her out of the rain and under the canopy of the large tree. She doesn't understand how it could feel so right with him, yet it does. Everything about Link - his strength, steady steps, and how he holds her - is perfect. When his hand moves to her waist, and he places a heart-fluttering kiss on her lips, time stops, and Zelda feels the promise of a future, an undying passion forever burning bright.
They sway to the soft, gentle patter of the raindrops falling on them, the ground, and the leaves, holding each other close, lost in the moment. When they part and lift their eyes, they catch each other's gaze, and Zelda sighs.
"She'll wonder where we are soon," she states, and Link nods.
"I'll stand where she can see me," he replies. "I should take advantage of the rain and run drills in the mud."
"Don't slip down the slope," she cautions. It's a gentle incline, but the Master Sword is heavier than it looks when Link wields it. He had let her hold it once, both of them thinking perhaps something would stir within her. Instead, she had nearly dropped it, and his hand had curled over hers to prevent the blade from tilting and possibly injuring her.
"I'll be careful," he promises.
Zelda settles on the dry ground by the small shrine while Link remains in the rain. She is saddened that their short moment of shared solitude is over. She observes him draw his sword and begin to practice swings and parries in the pouring rain on the slippery, muddy ground. She marvels how he can hold her in his arms one moment, whispering sweet nothings, and then slip back into the role as her appointed knight without blinking an eye.
Of course, his father no doubt had begun training him as soon as he could walk. That would explain how easily he can compose himself; his role as a knight has become as natural to him as breathing. She wonders if he had been given a choice when he was younger, would he have maintained the path toward knighthood or perhaps have chosen something else. Zelda thinks if she had ever been given a choice, she perhaps would not have chosen to be a princess. She envied Purah and the long, productive days the Sheikah scientist spent in the Royal Tech Lab surrounded by her research projects.
Link lowers the sword and turns to her. "Were you talking…" he begins but is cut off by Madame Yan calling from the tailor shop below, and Zelda realizes she had been musing aloud. She quickly stands, brushing off her pants as Link sheathes the sword.
He beckons to her and she steps to his side. "The rain is letting up; one more bit of fun for you."
She looks at him questioningly as he sets his shield on the ground, pulls her close as he steps on, and tells her to hold tight. As soon as she had wrapped her arms around him, he launched them down the short incline. Zelda gleefully squeals as the wind and rain whip her hair, and mud splatters their clothes. He steers them toward the shop, and they coast to a stop next to the porch. Giggling, Zelda jumps off the shield just as Madame Yan steps out of the shop door and sees them.
"Princess Zelda!" she exclaims, taking in Zelda's disheveled hair and the muddy state of her traveling clothes. "Oh, you mischievous boy!" Madame Yan scolds Link as he picks up his shield and shakes off the excess mud and water.
"Madame Yan!" Zelda commands, pulling herself to her full height, placing her hands on her hips, and narrowing her eyes at their matron. "You may be our chaperone, appointed by my father, but I will kindly ask you to stop referring to us as children and Link as a boy! He is a Royal Knight, and in the future, you will address him according to the title he deserves. Do I make myself clear?"
Madame Yan purses her lips and bows politely as she looks at Zelda. "Yes, your highness," she answers. "My apologies to you and Sir Link."
"Very good," Zelda states approvingly. "Now, let's gather our purchases and head back to the castle."
She moves to stand on the porch, and as Link follows and passes by the matron, Zelda hears him ask, "Did you find the dress to your liking, Madame Yan?"
"Yes, dear bo... I mean, Sir Link," Madame Yan replies with a watery smile. He nods and leaves them to retrieve the carriage driver and Epona.
As Zelda waits for the driver to arrive, she studies Madame Yan. She did not like reprimanding the older woman, but she and Link deserved respect. It was utterly laughable that the entire fate of the kingdom rested in their hands, and yet Madame Yan thought she could treat them as if they were children who were barely out of their napkins. And even worse, Zelda's father expected her to perform miracles, stand at Link's side to seal Calamity Ganon in eternal darkness, and yet did not trust them to navigate the waters of their relationship without a watchdog. She laughs bitterly at the idiom as Richard begins barking excitedly as the carriage approaches.
She looks to where Link sits astride Epona and wishes she could leap onto Epona's back behind him, wrap her arms around Link's waist and beg him to take her far away from here.