Chapter 5: Friendship?
~Zelda's mind was bewildered and her heart fluttered out of control as the brown cloak was lowered and the identity of the man was revealed.
"Link!" The Princess exclaimed, a look of joy overcoming her features.
She couldn't help herself as she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him warmly. He returned her embrace, seeming very happy to see her, as well. He held the crown out and placed it on her head, while Impa accepted her camera to hold onto.
"I thought it was high time I come and see you, Princess Zelda," Link told her, smiling.
She smiled back at him.
"I want you to keep this crown. I had a feeling one of the pieces would catch your eye, and I wanted to be here to purchase it. Would you accept my gift?"
"Yes, of course," she replied automatically, not needing to think about it at all, as she would have had to had he been a mere stranger.
They hugged again.
"I hope you will accept my invitation to lunch?" Zelda asked him. "It will give us a chance to catch up."
"I wouldn't miss it for anything," Link assured her.
Sometimes the way Link spoke, and the actions he took, like coming here today and buying the crown for her as a present, made Zelda think that he had feelings for her similar to hers for him, though she couldn't be entirely sure. She had no way to know, and she wasn't about to ask him outright. Zelda was way too shy for that.
Link's mind was a mass of confusion where Zelda was concerned. She was easily the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen or met. But she was one of the Seven Sages. She'd helped him save the now prosperous kingdom of Hyrule, and he had saved her from Ganondorf's evil clutches.
Impa watched the two carry on with only mild interest. They were both almost adults, and old enough to make their own decisions. She did think they would make an adorable couple. Him, the handsome Hero of Time, a Hylian in his own right, just like Zelda. Her, the fair Princess of this beautiful land. Together, they could rule fearlessly and greatly.
The pair spoke a bit more, about the balmy weather, and the auction, then Impa and Zelda returned to the Castle to prepare for lunch.
Naturally, Zelda wanted to change her attire. She couldn't very well face Link again, without putting on her best dress. She slipped into a light blue, form-fitting, floor length, beautiful dress that accentuated her maturing body. She'd always been a small young girl, but she'd been becoming more curvaceous as she grew into a lovely woman. She wanted Link to notice those changes in her. He didn't know it yet, but she planned to have him rule by her side one day, as her husband.~