Translated by MissQuestions-LaAmazingNabo
Beta reader: Chameleon Eyes
Thanks to both of them for their work.

The Legend of Zelda series and its characters are property of Nintendo.

Chapter 1
Engagement

A bit more than a year had passed since Midna's departure. Great efforts to repair damaged parts of the castle during the Twilight Invasion, and other buildings scattered throughout Hyrule, had been made since then.

Just as Zelda suggested, Link had gone back to Ordon but appeared many weeks later at the castle, accepting the princess's offer to name him a member of the castle's guard, in addition to helping with repairs. Adapting to castle life had taken a while for him at first – it was so ceremonious and full of formalisms – but the young hero demonstrated that not only was he skillful with a sword, he was also an intelligent man with a sharp mind, which, thanks to Zelda's help, made him able to learn all he needed to know about and how to behave in record time.

Before long, Link proved that he could surpass the castle's guards in ability and skill, and thus the princess gave him the tasks of teaching the young ones and being her personal bodyguard.

As the repairs went on, the princess noted that life – be it within the castle or in Castle Town – was taking back its course and calmness of old, and as such both she and Link became immersed in their everyday duties. Both had a very organized schedule. While every morning Zelda shut herself in her study to dedicate herself to her duties as a princess: signing treaties, meet up with mandatories, finding solutions to problems that might affect the kingdom, and many other chores, Link committed himself to training recruits. In the evenings Her Highness took walks within the castle's gardens, went shopping in town, or rode Hyrule's prairies by horse, and since Link was her personal guard, his duty was to accompany her. Once a week, the princess had to meet with the Council to discuss important matters of the kingdom; Link went at these meetings with her, but he was not allowed to intervene, he had to stay behind and towards the left of the princess as his status of a guard.

The evenings that they spent together were pleasant for both. They would talk a lot, getting to know each other better, sharing their problems and concerns. Soon they became good friends, but as time passed the princess began to notice that her feelings for the young man went beyond that.

"Tell me Link, are you going to the festival that's being held within two days in Castle Town at night?"

Zelda and Link were sitting on a stone bench in one of the castle's gardens. She had an open book over her lap, while he whittled a chunk of wood.

"Probably," he answered without pausing in his work. "Why do you ask? Did you want to go?"

"It would be entertaining, but I do not feel like calling too much attention, and surely my presence would coax many people."

"You could always go in disguise. If you take off the circlet and dress and do your hair in another style, I am sure it would be hard for people to recognize you."

"You think so?"

"Of course," he said, putting the piece of wood and knife aside to look at her. "Your people are used to seeing their princess dress in magnificent clothing and shining jewelry. If you go dressed in a plain manner, many will think you look like her at most. They probably wouldn't pay any attention to you and treat you like a stranger."

"But your duty is to accompany me, wouldn't it be suspicious if a woman who looks like the princess shows up with the hero?" she asked, looking at him in an inquisitive manner.

"My case is similar to yours, Your Highness," he said with a small laugh. "If I take off my green tunic and cap, the people wouldn't even glance at me."

Zelda turned her gaze at the book on her lap and remained pensive. After a moment, she noticed his hand over her right shoulder and saw that he was leaning towards her.

"Come on, it will be fun," he said with a big smile.

Everybody knew that touching any member of royalty in that manner was considered a great insult and an affront, but Zelda let Link do it, it was a privilege she had given him as the chosen hero of the gods and for being such good friends; not to mention that she liked this spontaneity and any type of contact with the young hero.

Zelda looked at him directly in the eyes. His blue eyes shone intensely, full of excitement. She liked it when they shone that way, she would see it every time he lifted a sword or when they rode. They were very pretty and they made her heart beat quickly.

"Very well," she said, averting her gaze slightly from his.

"You'll see; we're going to have fun."

Link thereupon placed his right arm around her, pulling her close to him. These types of spontaneous and innocent acts from his part, which Zelda liked so much, were reproached by many in the castle, but she didn't want – and wasn't going to – do anything about it. She liked Link just the way he was, and she was not going to make him change because of the formalisms, protocol, and nobles' puritan ideas.

The evening of the festival Zelda had to meet with the Council, like every other fifth day of the week. The meeting was becoming longer than usual, with taxes being a long and difficult subject to discuss.

When they finally finished discussing and it seemed the meeting was finally over, Zelda took a peek at her left. Link was still standing there, his mind elsewhere. She could see his boredom reflected on his eyes, and the longing to run out of there in the way he constantly shifted his weight from foot to foot.

"There's only one more subject left to discuss, Your Highness." Zelda heard a council member call out. She was surprised to hear that, monetary concerns typically placed an end to these meetings. "It's regarding your coronation and marriage."

Marriage? Again with the matter of marriage? She had been eluding that subject for some time. She did not feel like she was prepared for it, and neither did she believe it was the right moment.

"We believe is about time you claim your title as queen," another member said. "You have been postponing it since everyone has been busy with tasks of reconstruction. But those tasks are over now and we believe the time has come."

"In regards of marriage," said a third, "we believe having a man by your side shall reaffirm your position. Besides that, it is about time we had an heir."

"I do not believe our beloved kingdom's economic situation is favorable enough as to manage a royal wedding and all it entails," the princess replied. "Also, as you may know, tradition dictates that royalty must seek union with Hylians, whose ears are as long and pointed as mine, and we all know how these scant within the nobility as of late."

Said tradition was instated in the royal family many generations back. In those days, it was noted that less and less children were born with pointed ears each day, the signs of the Hylian race. In lieu of that, the royal family decided to conserve that blood and perpetuate it, since it would have been wrong to impose such to their subjects.

"You know the law does not demand you marry a noble," said a fourth member. "Provided he comes from a good family and has a good reputation."

Zelda sighed. The council kept pestering her with comments and questions about the subject, listing possible suitors and demanding that she make a decision soon. Once again, the young woman turned her gaze towards the hero. Link's stare was not absent anymore, he seemed very attentive to the matter and was frowning slightly. If only they let her marry him, she wouldn't have a problem. She observed him carefully. The young man had grown many centimeters in a year and his face seemed more masculine. She contemplated the beauty of his features dreamily until she saw it, the solution to her 'little' problem; a solution in the form of long and adorably pointed ears. How could she had not notice before? She wanted to slap herself for not doing so. She had been thinking that the young hero would be the perfect man to govern by her side for some time, not just because of the feelings she had for him, but for the intelligence, honor, and generosity he had shown.

"Gentlemen," Zelda called with a great smile, "I believe I have a solution for this. It has been in front of us for such a long time but none of us has seen it until now. Sir Link, here present, has a good reputation," she said, signaling the young hero with a hand. "He is not the chosen hero of the gods for nothing, and he has saved us all from a cruel and despondent tyrant. Besides, the people adores him. I am certain he is the ideal man."

Everyone looked at him. He stood there, stiff as a board, his eyes wide as saucers and his mouth hung open as he tried to articulate any words, but he seemed speechless.

"But Your Highness," replied one of the members. "Sir Link is just a commoner, what will the people say if…?"

"He is a hero, my Lord," the princess interrupted with a tone of voice that left no discussion. "And one chosen by the gods themselves; there is no title more noble than that. I know Sir Link is an intelligent man and will realize the role assigned to him perfectly." Zelda paused briefly and looked at the hero, who still hadn't found his voice. "As long as he accepts, of course."

The members of the council looked at each other, whispering amongst themselves. Zelda glanced at Link again. It seemed that he had given up trying to speak, instead opting to look at her in an inquisitive manner. The princess sighed and spoke up:

"I believe it is best if we leave this matter for the moment. Let us have this week to reflect. You may state your opinions in the next meeting."

And with that, Zelda hurried to stand from her seat and leave through the door, followed closely by Link. Neither said a word while they set towards her chambers. When they found themselves at the door, she turned towards him. The young man's expression was unreadable. It looked thoughtful but did not show any emotion.

"I shall be preparing myself for the festival tonight. Come for me in an hour."

"Yes, Your Highness," replied the young man, and then he walked towards his own room, which was located next to the princess's for security purposes.

Zelda sighed for a third time and entered her bedroom.

The Central Square at Castle Town was crowded with people. Food stands, like smoked meat, sweets, and other delicacies, were installed in the southern parts of the plaza, where folks swarmed around them, attracted by their exquisite smell. Near the fountain, street artists entertained the public with juggling, tricks, and music. Zelda observed everything around her as she walked through the plaza with her bodyguard. It had been a while since she last attended a festival at the town so she did not want to miss a single detail.

Luckily no one had paid much them attention, it seemed they did not recognize them. She had chosen to wear a simple blue dress, which she borrowed from one of her maids, plain boots, and did her hair in a high ponytail. Link had also opted for a dress change. The young man had donned a maroon tunic and black pants instead of his hero's clothes, and high-kneed boots similar to those he wore normally. Despite the change, he carried a sword as usual, but not his shield.

Zelda stopped and looked at him. He hadn't said anything since they left the castle, and he remained serious and thoughtful.

"You are very quiet. You ought to be relishing in the atmosphere. Is something the matter?" The only response she got was his gaze on hers. "Is it because of the meeting?" Still no answer; he looked downwards. "You shouldn't worry about it; you have a whole week to meditate the issue."

That said, she continued to walk but stopped once she noticed that Link had not followed.

"Link?"

"I don't understand." Zelda simply tilted her head to a side and arched her eyebrows. "Why did you choose me for this? And why so suddenly? You could have consulted me beforehand; it is much unexpected."

Zelda sighed, for the fourth time that day, took his hand and led him towards an isolated corner, far from the people. They were together, almost touching, and she spoke to him in a soft voice so only he may hear:

"Link, this is also unexpected for me. It was an idea that came to me at that moment, but I still think it is for the best." Zelda looked at him in the eyes, those blue and beautiful eyes, and he did the same, while listening raptly; it made the princess feel shivers down her back. "It has been a year since we have known each other, and in that time we have forged a good friendship. I know that you are a brave man, who faces his problems and does not hide from them, and intelligent, and good, and honest, and willing to fight for others until your last breath; all those things are qualities I have always believed to be ideal for the future king of Hyrule."

"But I cannot – and do not want to – be king, Your Highness." His voice was soft, too. "I am a man of action, I do not have the patience to sit, to read and sign papers and listen to the problems of the people, and even less to resolve them. Unless they require the use of my sword," he added with a slight smile.

Zelda lowered her gaze and remained thoughtful for an instant. She knew since the beginning that Link would refuse the crown, but even so she still wished he accepted. She was certain that their union would cheer her people and of benefit for the kingdom. Also, she had to admit, it would make her very happy, but that had to remain on second plane. She looked up again, and placed a hand on his cheek.

"There is no need for you to become king if you do not wish to, you may simply be my consort. You are to merely stay at my side and advise me, help me when I am in need, which you already do with enough frequency."

Link stared at her in silence, thinking, until he sighed and smiled. Zelda then noticed how he took her hand and moved it up to his lips.

"Then it shall be an honor for me to be your consort, Your Highness," he said after kissing her knuckles.

Zelda's heart thumped rapidly. It had accelerated the instant she felt the warmth of his hand and the softness of his lips over her hand, and she could not stop the blush that tinged her cheeks. It was the first time she'd seen Link perform such gesture. She was used to slight, innocent touches and other physical contact which she knew where part of the hero's character, but that small kiss, that small smile, and why not, the fact that he accepted to marry her out of the blue had blocked her brain, made her incapable of thinking of anything other than the man before her.

"A- are you sure?" Link nodded. "Do you not prefer to think this over?" He shook his head. "Is there not a woman that might be of your interest?" He shook his head again. "What of your friend Ilia?"

"Ilia and I are just friends, I have never loved her that way. I will not deny there was a time I did think we would marry, we were expected to and it wasn't like I had many options, but as I said once, life in Ordon is not for me anymore. That option disappeared the instant I was dragged into the Twilight for the first time."

"Do you not wish to wait for a woman you love?"

"I could ask you the same question, princess. Do you not prefer to marry a man that you love?"

And isn't that what she was trying to do? As much she tried to convince herself she was doing this for her people, the real reason was because she loved him. But she was not going to allow anyone to know that. If they did, there was the risk that the Council might deny her of it.

"A princess is not allowed to love," she replied, averting her gaze. "A princess' duty is to do what is best for her kingdom. For the denizens of Hyrule, you are a symbol of prosperity – a godsend – and I am completely certain they will see this union as a divine design."

He kept quiet, thinking. Zelda looked at the plaza. Many people were looking at them, trying to hide their giggles and murmurs, that's when she realized Link was still holding her hand and their close proximity with each other. It seemed he hadn't noticed they were being watched.

"You have not answered my question, Link."

The hero closed his eyes and squeezed her hand gently.

"Just as Her Highness has her duties, I as the hero have mine as well. My duty is to protect this kingdom and all its inhabitants. If you believe this is for the best, then I will not hesitate. Besides…" He looked at her, but did not elaborate.

"Besides?"

"Besides, I don't know what would end up happening if I refuse."

Zelda had the feeling she knew what he was referring to.

"I may be a bit naïve, but I have a good ear and I know what the service has been commenting about us." Link scratched the tip of his nose, embarrassed. "I've heard them say how we spend a lot of time together, that it is improper for a princess to speak and have physical contact with a commoner, that in the end, it does not matter how much of a hero I am, I am still a simple goat herder." Zelda tried to say something, but he didn't let her. "I know what you are thinking Your Highness, I know who I am, and what I have done." Zelda looked down, feeling self-conscious. "I have also heard that the day you marry our relationship would not be permitted, and though you shall be queen and have power over matters of the kingdom, in private matters you will not, for you are still a woman, and unfortunately, your husband is to be above you."

The princess knew this well. It was one of the reasons why she had avoided the subject of marriage with the Council all this time. She knew that if she married, though Link would still be with her, for he was her guardian, their pleasant conversations and long walks in solitude would have to come to an end.

"This is the primary motive for which I agreed to this." Link placed his free hand on her cheek. "The friendship we share is very important to me, Zelda."

Few were the times in which the princess has been called by name, normally it was Her Highness or Princess, but those few time had made it sound like music to her ears.

"I believe we must move on, Your Highness. We are calling too much attention."

So he did notice? Zelda smiled and saw how he released her hand and offered his arm like a gentleman for her to hold. She took his arm and together they continued their stroll through Castle Town's festival.

Zelda and Link found themselves in the Council's meeting room waiting for its members to appear. She was seated in her chair as always, but instead of sitting the proper way, she was reclined to a side with her legs stretched in front of her and turned towards Link. He also wasn't in his usual position, with his right arm resting over the back of Zelda's chair. They were talking, as they usually did when they were alone.

"You think the Council will approve our proposal, Your Highness?"

"I hope so, I will have to insist if not, and I am a very persistent person."

Link tried hard to stifle a laugh at that comment. Suddenly the doors, the ones that were at the other side of the room, began to open. They corrected their positions and observed how eleven council members entered the room and sat in their respective seats.

"Have you reached a decision about the issue that was left pendant last week?" Zelda asked once everyone had sat down.

The members eyed each other until their spokesperson, the one nearest to the princess, stood up.

"We did, Your Highness," he said. "We have studied the proposition and found it satisfactory," Zelda smiled at that statement, "however, we must set a condition for it."

"And what would that be?"

"Although Sir Link has demonstrated his worth and honesty, we believe that is not appropriate for someone of common birth to be crowned king." The spokesman paused before continuing. "So we shall accept him as your consort, but only you may have the crown."

"It's perfect," Zelda said happily. "That was exactly Link's condition to accept."

The members of the council looked at the hero in surprise, and Zelda knew why. They thought that someone as pure and honest to not take an opportunity towards power did not exist, and that not even the chosen hero was like that, how wrong they had been. Grinning happily, Link returned their looks. It was amusing to see the faces of astonishment and stupefaction of those who saw him with arrogance and contempt.