I don't own Legend of Zelda. Enjoy! :)

Chapter Six

Meeting the Prince

Nerves filled Zelda as she waited in one of the many drawing rooms in the castle. When she and her escorts arrived at Foerin Castle, thousands upon thousands of people stood outside the gates and on the sides of the streets, trying to get a glimpse of the Prince's bride-to-be. Zelda waved to the crowd as the carriage drew closer to the gates of the castle and then to the grand stairs. She was greeted by King Doulin and Queen Merrissan, along with their three sons and two daughters. Her fiancé wasn't there and the King profoundly apologized about his absence; his son rode out early this morning to one of the smaller towns to settle a commotion—Zelda voiced her understanding. She was invited to wait inside and she accepted. Now she sat in an armchair, sipping on tea as she waited for her future-husband.

A soft knock vibrated on the door, it opening to the head of the eldest child and Prince poking in.

"Sorry to disturb you, Princess Zelda, but may I join you?"

"Yes, of course, Prince Brighton. What do I owe you the pleasure?"

"I thought I should get to know my soon-to-be sister-in-law. You are marrying my brother."

"Of course. And as we are to be in-laws, perhaps we could forego formal titles and address each other by our first name, Brighton."

"But of course Zelda." The Prince moved to the armchair across from her, sitting in the comfy seat while pulling out a cigar and lighting it. He offered one to her.

"Do you fancy a smoke?"

"No, thank you."

"Ah, such a pity. Anyways, before my little brother arrives from his duties, may I ask you a few… Personal questions? It's all in his interest of course." He took a drag, waiting for her answer.

"You may ask, but I may not answer—"

"Ah, but you will. While my brother is marrying, to say, into your family, you are not yet hooked and are a guest of this castle. 'Til then, you shall answer any questions I have. Or do you have something to hide, Zelda?"

Zelda internally curled at the way the Brighton said her name, but she nodded, "Of course; please forgive my rudeness."

"You are forgiven. Now, as I was saying, I have a few questions. Are you in perfect health?"

"Yes."

"Do you bleed regularly?"

"Yes."

"Do you have a lover?"

"No." Zelda held his gaze as he asked that last question, the man's dark-brown eyes searching hers. A smile broke across his and he relaxed in the chair, taking a puff.

"That's good to hear. Sorry about the questions, but it's important that you're in good health and what not and that neither you nor my brother have lovers—can't risk having a Princess who is barren nor risk having bastard children having a chance succeeding the throne."

"Sounds like you had experience."

"Quite so—my sister Arline, was betrothed to some prince from a small kingdom that already had a bastard son, while my brother Johoan's ex-wife was barren. We're careful now in whom is chosen as a bride or groom."

"And I am to assume my fiancé is in good health and doesn't have a lover."

Brighton chuckle at that, "He's an in great condition—always going outside: hunting, horseback riding; even doing heavy lifting for any of the servants that need help—doesn't allow status to get in the way of help. As for lovers, he has none. He always seemed to ignore the advances he gets from women that are both poor and rich. Always said he would wait for the girl who is to be his wife. He's very different from my brothers and I."

"So you had a few flings I'm guessing."

"More than a few—Brighton was popular among the ladies."

Both the Prince and the Princess turned their heads at the newcomer, a young man around Zelda's age taking his gloves off as he entered the room.

"Sorry to keep you waiting Princess Zelda, but a terrible debate happened in a nearby village. But it gives me pleasure to finally meet you in person. I am Prince Tierian." He gently grabbed her hand and lightly kissed her knuckles, his hazel eyes looking into hers. "I hope my brother wasn't boring you with his talking."

"Oh, brother, if you weren't so concerned with a petty trouble in a small village, perhaps you'll be entertaining her instead of me."

"Dear God, tell me you haven't asked her the questions?"

"Of course I did; have to make sure she's worthy of you and not some royal slut—pardon my words. And now I shall excuse myself and meet up with my wife. Good day to you Tierian and to you Zelda." And with a smirk to them both, the eldest Prince left.

"I'm so sorry about my brother—he's very protective of his siblings; wants the best for us all."

"It's alright, I can understand where he's coming from. It's also a pleasure to meet you, Prince Brighton." Zelda slightly bowed her head.

"Yes. Well, my parents planed our whole day together and since I delayed it by a few hours, perhaps it be wise of me to start our day and show you around my home before we have lunch."

"That sounds great."

"So… How was your day with the Prince?"

"It was strange, really—I don't how Prince Tierian is going to fit in at Hyrule."

Zelda and Link were walking around in the large maze Tierian's family owned. The Prince showed her this area from before, saying it was a great place to get away from his family sometimes. The man was an enigma. While showing her his home, Tierian was a happy-go fellow, pointing out things he find exciting and thanking the servants for their help, even if they were just taking a break. And he would help them too! A few times, he would get his hands dirty: help hang up laundry, scrub the floors, put away the dishes—even chased the chickens! It baffled her and yet assumed her as well; a royal who wasn't afraid of dirty work.

"His brothers had to scold him each time for leaving me behind to help out the servants."

"This Tierian sounds like a decent prince."

"He is—don't how the King of Hyrule would respond to his quirks."

"It won't be long now…"

Silence fell between as they reached the middle of the maze, a giant cream-colored gazebo standing, offering protection. They sat inside, gaining a break from the sun, watching the yellow orb slowly descending. Zelda closed her eyes, enjoying the slight warm breeze that passed through. She felt a light touch on her cheek and she opened her eyes and saw Link was really close, his hand cupping her face, his eyes staring into hers. When he inched closer, Zelda put her hand on his lips and gently pushed him away.

"Link… You know we can't." Link gave a sad smile before he laughed and pulled away.

"I know—I won't jeopardize your mission. When do you have to get back?" Zelda looked at the setting sun.

"Soon. But we can spend a few moments more."

And they watched the sun set, a little sadness hanging in the air.

Zelda sat on the balcony, watching the stars twinkle. Conversations at dinner were mostly about the wedding: which cathedral it was going to be held at, where the banquet would take place, how many boutiques of flowers—yada yada yada. She didn't have much say in those matters; just nodding her head or pointing out a few things she wanted. The main theme of the event is the two hundredth anniversary of the Kingdom and they were to be wed on the morrow of the happy day.

Tomorrow, she'll no longer be Sheik. Tomorrow, she will be taken to bed as Zelda and live her life as woman—which shouldn't be too hard to do since she has seven years' worth of practice; though she wasn't looking forward to anymore bleeding cycles.

There was a light knock before the person joined her. She gave a smile to Lithe who nodded at her. He hadn't talked to her about her and Link yet and she assumed that's why he showed himself now.

"I know you think that I'm here to scold you about what happened a few nights ago, but frankly, I'm not." That put a shocking face on Zelda—he wasn't angry?

"Why? Why would you allow that to happen? I'm not regretting what happened between Link and I, but I thought with the talk—"

"Yes, you thought correct. I didn't want anything to blossom between you two. But the Hylian gave a word or two in your defense before that night and I agree with him." He stepped towards her and hugged her close, whispering in their tongue.

"What has been asked of you for many years is a great burden thrust upon you at such a young age—too young. We kin-blood assumed you would be alright with this and that you would do anything to keep our tribe from extinction. What emotional and mental state you were in because of our frantic—and thoughtless—decision left you in, we put in the back of our minds. All Sheikah are trained to conceal our emotions and such, but we didn't think what this decision would cost—has cost you. You gave up everything for your tribe, for your family. I think a little indulgence on your part was rightfully due. I'm sorry such a fate has been bestowed upon you. Your kin will never forget what you have done and shall be there for you—forever."

Lithe pulled back and lightly kissed her forehead. "May the fire in your blood always burn bright, Sheik. And don't worry; I'll make sure no one crashes your wedding." Zelda laughed.

"Thank you, Lithe. Now go to Reven—Goddesses' knows she's pacing, waiting for you."

"As you wish, Princess." And Lithe jumped to the roof and disappeared. Zelda looked at the stars again and smiled big, knowing no matter what, her clan would always be there.

After he and Zelda parted ways, Link trudged to the barracks when a slim woman stepped in his path, her long, silver hair gleaming in the night.

"Sir Link I presume?"

"Yes, and who are you Miss?"

"A servant to my Master—he wishes to speak with you."

"I'm sorry, but I am to going have to decline. Goodnight." And Link moved passed her, but he hadn't gotten a couple steps before he was surrounded by Foerin soldiers.

"I'm sorry, but it wasn't a request. Now come with me—my Master is waiting and he's not a patient man."

Lithe watched the two guards moved away before entering one the towers. He and Reven scouted the castle grounds and find this tower not well guarded and not kept well—a perfect spot to be near Sheik, but keep their distance. He closed the door and looked around the dim-lighted space, looking for Reven. When he didn't spot her, he whistled lowly, hearing for a response. None. Cautiously, he moved in, unsheathing his weapon. He neared the center of the room when he saw Reven's body near the wall, her form in the fetal position. He wanted to immediately go to her, but his instincts made him stay put and search for any threats in the shadows. Lithe heard Reven moan and he felt relief that she was still alive, but he stayed where he is, waiting for something to happen.

"That poor Sheikah—moaning and groaning in pain and yet, you do nothing to help her."

Lithe tensed as he heard the bodiless voice, ignoring the taunt. He kept looking around: up, left, right, behind—nothing. His widen as he felt the cool metal of a weapon posed on his neck from behind.

"You Sheikah are masters working in shadows—but I am the Master of Shadow itself." Before Lithe could react, he received a blow to the head and blacked out.

Link kept his face blank as he was escorted by the woman and her bodyguards through a tunnel. He assumed they were underground by the musk in the air and the incline from the start of this trek—he was blindfolded most of the time. There wasn't much to see anyways, just the stone walls that was lit by the torches the soldiers carried. The walls reflected from the flames a bit, so Link knew this was man made and wherever his was being taken to must be some kind of hideout or meeting place. When the tunnel opened up into a cavern, Link was greeted by someone he didn't expect to see.

"Hello. I'm sure you've seen me around the castle, but let me introduce myself. I am Prince Brighton, the first born and Heir to the Foerin Kingdom. And you, my good sir, I have been anxious to meet."