Chapter Five
It was difficult to focus, a challenge to even breathe, let alone eat this royal delicacy. But she was so desperately beautiful, that there was a pang of longing -and guilt- that pained the pit of his stomach.
The princess's maidens had taken her to clean up after the humiliating duel between them, to change into a more formal, proper attire. And upon request of the king, Link had been trampled by several of Zelda's ladies as well, who hastily and giggly led the boy to the castle, informed him to strip to a thin robe, and prepared a bath for him. They were there, too, once he had gotten in: scrubbing at his tense back, cleaning his blonde hair. It was the most bizarre instance ever.
Malon was not going to be happy about this.
Her name presented itself in his mind when he was left in some form of privacy behind a curtain to change into some rather interesting clothing the servants had brought out for him. He was able to see the figures of the maidens whom lingered for him, and knew that they were most likely giggling girlishly over his silhouette. A blush overcoming his cheeks, Link only hurried to dress faster.
It was hard, however, because Malon had indeed plagued his mind now, as the gentle image of her face would not leave him. An overwhelming burden of guilt captured his lungs, suffocating him. The girl had been waiting for him all day, and here he was, ogling the princess.
And thus, he was at the large dining table, seated between Impa and Nabooru, which a fair gap between their chairs. They had eyed him carefully as he sat, the boy moving awkwardly from the unease of the breeches and shirt he was wearing. And the hat was gone as well, leaving his hair a ruffled, wet mess, the loose ends tied into a tiny ponytail in the back.
Oddly, the two older women were smiling at him.
"You clean up well, young man."
Impa had spoken first, her back straight, and elbows dare not touching the glossy wooden table adorned with a silken cloth. She did however, bat her eyelashes in a taunting fashion, rubbing at her chin.
"Don't get used to it," the blonde informed her, wrinkling his nose a bit. "This isn't something I plan on getting accustomed to."
What occurred next very much bewildered him, as Nabooru and Impa shot one another a very obvious and apparent stare, and they simultaneous grinned, oddly. And chuckled. As if they knew something and were amused by it.
"It's alright, Link," the Gerudo beauty at last remarked to the young man beside her, her slender fingers lightly tapping the table. Her eyes had narrowed toward him, but in a seductive, vixenish form. "I think I rather enjoy you more in tights anyway. I get a better gander at your thighs that way."
Link blushed. Impa frowned.
"That is rather inappropriate to say at the king's dining hall, Miss Nabooru," she lectured. However, the lady laughed, her fingertips lightly placed upon her mouth as she did so.
"I simply gave the boy a compliment."
"It is not the time and place for your cougar antics."
"Cougar? I consider myself more of a tigress."
Observing them go back and forth for a while, it seemed to relieve him, as Link sat back against his seat, exhaling a breath of relief, as the sound of the ladies' bickering voices relaxed him.
Yet, his ease only lasted for a short moment.
"Shush, you maddening wench! The princess is here!"
At the sound of Impa's harsh whisper, Link swiftly arched his back, scrambling a bit to sit up straight, clearing his throat most noticeably. There was an odd tremor that came to his heart now, and it was beating so strongly that he could feel the pressure bang against his chest. In the corner of his eye, he glanced over at the stairway.
And immediately his neck shifted sharply.
Was there a gawk to his stare, a quaver to his lip? Had his mouth opened most improperly? Were his eyes ample and nearly bulging from their sockets? He wasn't quite sure. All the lad knew was that the delicate creature before him was disgustingly beautiful. So lovely, in fact, it almost repulsed him. But not quite.
The image of the princess he had battled with was completely gone now, almost eerily. No more was the young woman garbed in Gerudo attire, flaunting the dangerous curves and thickness of her legs, the bare curl of her waist. Instead, the princess appeared to have grown four inches, her skirts lifted as she descended the staircase with her maidens, exposing the glass heels she wore.
Her hair was let down now, flowing freely and wavily, showing off its true, daring length. Her locks ceased at her derriere, and were curled voluptuously at the ends, and bounced with volume as she moved, the bright hue of the blonde glistening maddeningly.
She glowed, overall, stepping into the dining hall, and merely standing before the long, rectangular table, her hands clasped together before her gently, her arms adorned with creamy pink, satin gloves. Her magenta painted lips curved into a delicate smile, while her eyes closed accordingly, revealing the shimmery lavender glossed over her lids, as well as the flutter of her thick, black lashes.
How had this transformation occurred? Link seemed to have gotten used to her Gerudo appeal, from the short time he had seen her in it. Now, she looked like an utter goddess. With her long, glittering gown of tender pink satins, distracting and attractive gold plates at her shoulders, glimmering jewel earrings dangling from her lobes.
"Close your mouth, boy."
Link had expected it to be the king, as he had instructed him with those exact same words earlier. However, the voice was too feminine, and when he at last regained himself, he gandered over at the source of the demand, only to see Impa.
Oddly, she smiled at him.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Link had repositioned himself on the seat, tugging at the collar of his shirt, the fabric itching at his skin. His blue eyes focused on Impa nervously for a moment, causing him to gulp once again, his cheeks suddenly burning.
"Pardon me."
The woman laughed however, simply looking at the princess now, observing her walk to her seat, and sitting beside the king, across from them.
And their eyes locked.
Blue with blue was a deadly combination, as Link found himself in this dire situation. Was this planned? That the princess would be seated almost exactly across from him? That the moment she raised her face, their gazes would be secure?
Something seemed peculiar.
Collectively, Link looked at both ladies seated next to him, lifting a suspicious brow. However, Nabooru and Impa seemed strangely distracted, appearing eerily innocent as well. The Gerudo lovely was studying her nails, as the Sheikan woman on his opposing side was ordering a servant to fill her wine glass. Odd.
He fixated his stare at Zelda yet again, and she smiled towards him.
"How handsome," she beamed delicately.
There was a sudden weakness to his knees.
Ruffling timidly at his hair, Link stammered for a moment, biting his bottom lip. "Uh, w-what?"
"The maidens tidied you up well." Again, she smiled. Almost too innocently as well.
Forcing out a chuckle, he rubbed at the back of his head sheepishly. "Thank you, Princess."
"Zelda."
He blinked. "I'm sorry. Zelda."
Her smile was melting him.
Before they were served, there was a brief introduction by the king, as he welcomed his lovely daughter back from her travel and training, and everyone clapped for the blushing princess.
Link stared at the lavish plate of colorful fruit before him before actually taking a bite.
"Now, daughter, please enchant us with details of your experience at Gerudo Valley."
Zelda had been eating rather intently, with her elbows comfortably on the table to Link's amusement, but Impa's glaring disapproval. At her father's request, the girl elongated her slouched back, placing a whole strawberry in her mouth and chewing with a satisfied expression. The sight of her was odd...but undeniably cute.
"Forgive her, your majesty," spoke Impa sternly, her gaze towards the princess harsh. "Your daughter must regain her manners and lesson of propriety, since her absence has dulled her mind a bit."
The princess frowned at the woman's sour comment, wrinkling her nose as she further leaned onto the table, a coy smile curving her lips while she stared at her directly.
"It is quite alright, Lady Impa," Harkinian spoke, grinning gleefully as he patted his rebellious daughter on the back. "My princess has just returned. I am feeling rather lenient."
And at his words, she dabbed at several grapes with her fork, putting them all her in mouth.
Link couldn't help but chuckle at Zelda's playful taunts, as well as Impa's composed, yet apparently fuming reaction. The woman's arms were folded across her chest now, her head tilted as she glared rather collectively at the princess.
"Well, my darling," she spoke somewhat direly. "Why don't you do as your father, the king, instructed and delight us all with your exploits as a barbarian in training."
Nabooru cleared her throat at that statement. "The prude is correct, princess. Go ahead." The two ladies shot each other smiles- forced, painful looking grins.
Now Zelda further leaned on the table, her back almost horizontal now, as she merrily rested her face against her palms. Tilting her face, she beamed.
"Where do I begin?"
She seemed to perk when she glance towards Link, and he couldn't help but smile in return.
Now, she suddenly lifted herself to sit up straight once more, her shoulders hunched in excitement, the silly smile on her face addictive and adorable.
From her zeal, she lifted a glossy fork and knife, holding one in each hand, as if to demonstrate.
"I learned the ways of the Gerudo thieves!" At that, she crossed her silverware. There were some gasps from the long table, but the king chuckled at his daughter's exuberance.
"Continue, dear."
"I learned the art of sword-fighting in the style of the Gerudo!" Again, blissfully, she exampled.
"I was taught the appropriate means of self-defense, as well as the effective techniques of Gerudo seduction during battle!"
Interestingly, everyone's attention was focused intently on the young girl's bold retelling.
"We trained during the nights, and slept through the day. The Gerudo showed me how to maintain beauty as a warrior, and had me undergo strenuous exercises to shape my body to a form where I could fight more effectively and distract my enemies with my voluptuous figure."
She grinned at a sheepish Link after that statement.
The king, however, seemed very pleased at his daughter's story, clapping lightly with an approving nod, causing the whole table to applaud for her.
"I am pleased to know that the year of your strenuous absence has been fruitful." With a tender gleam in his eyes, the man of authority gently caressed Zelda's shoulder.
"I have missed you greatly, my flower."
Placing the silverware back onto the plate, the princess smiled affectionately. "As did I."
Almost too quick of a transition, the king's focus shot towards Link.
"And this young man has been here all day awaiting your arrival."
Again, those secretive smirks from Nabooru and Impa.
Link looked at the king with a timid expression, beginning to fiddle his fingers in apprehension. Zelda now focused her gaze on him, posture perfect, a flutter to her lashes. He fumbled to speak.
"Well, indeed, I came to deliver milk from the ranch-"
"Oh, do you still assist there?"
The princess's voice was rather delicate, and uncannily girlish. She seemed to really be interested.
He blinked at her, pausing before answering her question. "Yes, I have. More often this past year."
"Really? Why is that? I would expect you to be on a marvelous adventure!"
He didn't know how to directly respond to Zelda's inquiry, as there was very much one grand reason why he had been spending so much time at the Lon Lon Ranch.
"Well, I have become rather close to the owner's..." He stopped himself before adding the delicate noun daughter.
Now, Impa joined into the conversation, more interested than she should have been. "Talon, is it? How has he been doing lately? I kind of missed seeing that fellow around here."
Taking a strained sip of beverage, Link cleared his throat. "He is well. Really."
"And Malon? His daughter? She had always been such a delight."
Unfortunately, the lad had taken another sip, and at the mention of her name, began to cough heartily. Nabooru responded immediately, patting his back hastily.
"Excuse me," he gestured, his cheeks reddening.
A look of intrigue had suddenly consumed Zelda's face now, her brow arched in suspicion, as any trace of a smile fled her face. Carefully, she rubbed at her chin.
"I remember Malon, vaguely," she remarked rather solemnly. "She was quite a dreary girl, if I recall correctly. Is she still so defenseless?"
"Zelda."
The princess barely glanced at her disapproving aunt, who had sternly and directly addressed her. Instead, her gaze focused intently on Link, as she lifted her brows in a manner that suggested for him to continue.
The young man seemed to become rather angered and flustered at her gesture, feeling very defensive towards his girlfriend. He attempted to remain collective, but her stare was taunting now, and he couldn't help but raise his brows in the same intimidating manner.
"Well, your highness," he addressed the princess properly.
"Zelda-"
"I am courting her."
She closed her mouth abruptly, every ounce of color instantly drained from her already pale complexion. Suddenly, the hall became silent, and Nabooru and Impa again exchanged glances. However, they no longer smiled, but their expressions were filled with worry and unease.
Slowly, Zelda allowed her face to smile subtly, as a small chuckle escaped her throat. Readjusting her position of the seat, she blinked several times. "Um, I beg your pardon."
A part of him immediately regretted confessing his relationship with the beautiful farm girl. Yet, Zelda's intimidation had urged him to admit, and a part of him had not felt so guilty.
"I have been seeing Malon," he readdressed, more slowly this time, "romantically."
The stillness was uncanny, especially Zelda's.
It was obvious that it took everything in her to remain calm, perhaps even fight back tears. She only leaned her forehead against her palm, delicately, forcing a smile on her quivering lips.
"Well, I congratulate you both then," she spoke with an unsteady voice. A single tear slid down her cheek, and quickly she rubbed the moist droplet with her gloved knuckles, rising from her seat unexpectedly.
"Excuse me."
She walked out of the capacious room briskly, her body stiff as she moved. Several maidens had jumped up from the table, but the king ordered them to sit back down once again.
"Ladies, please remain seated. Let the princess be for a moment." Now he looked at Link, shaking his head disappointed. "Young man, you should learn to choose your words more carefully."
Feeling a burden plague at his chest, Link slapped his palms against his forehead, bewildered at a maddening extent.
"Was it...something I said?"
"You billowing moron!"
He didn't know what hit him when Impa sent her stiff hand to smack the back of his head harshly. Biting down hard at his lip, Link clenched his jaw, tasting his own blood. Before he could get in a word, the white-haired woman exploded towards him.
She rose from her seat, now using vivid hand gestures. "Why do you think the princess would respond in such a manner to your little romantic interlude with the rancher's daughter? Who do you think she has been talking about obsessively the past year she was gone? Who do you think she was trying to impress, spent every free second thinking about? Why do you think she blushes every damn time she ganders at you?"
Link blinked, scratching at his head nervously, speechless.
Nabooru beside him, sighed, her gaze focused solely downward as she spiraled her finger against the table's satin covering.
"The girl is quite frankly in love with you, young man."
He didn't know how to respond to that. A dumbfounded expression had claimed his face.
"She is in love with me?" The tone of his voice was rather tender.
The king sighed, his hands resting on top of his lap, as he gazed at the young man across from him with a lowered face.
"Perhaps you should go speak to her." He paused. "Link."
He knew he couldn't get out of this one.
The guards had led him to her room, closing the doors behind him as he stepped inside.
Why the princess had agreed to allow him inside was a beguiling mystery to him, and he noticed a figure at her massive bed, observing her silhouette through the sheer curtains. As he approached her steadily, he noticed that she sat at the edge of her bed, her back very hunched.
Pulling at the curtains, he peaked at her. His voice was soft. "Princess?"
She flinched, suddenly straightening her back, but dared not look up at him. At the sound of her sniffle, he tried once more.
"Zelda."
To his astonishment, she looked up.
The condition of her face immediately startled him, as tears helplessly trickled down her cheeks, her eyes glittering in a manner that suggested she had been crying for a while now. A gasp escaping his throat, Link sat beside her, hoping to comfort the trembling girl as he began to caress her hair affectionately.
"Zelda, please don't cry. I'm sorry, I didn't know-"
She pulled away from him, however, rather harshly, messily wiping her face with her palms. "Don't apologize for my selfishness." Her voice was shaky, exasperated. "And I really don't wish for you to see me like this. I'm supposed to be like the Gerudo women now, strong and brave and-"
"It isn't cowardly to cry."
At the sound of his gentleness, Zelda sharply turned her body to face him once more, sniffling lightly as she continued to wipe the tears streaming down her flesh.
Scooting closer to her, the young man smiled. "You are strong, Zelda. And I should have been able to see how you felt for me. It was very inconsiderate of me to...be so blunt about my relationship."
At the mention of the subject, her gaze focused downward.
"The fact that you were blunt didn't hurt me. It is the fact that it is a reality."
Link sighed, rubbing at his forehead now.
"If it helps any," he began with unease, "the moment I saw you step out of the carriage, I became rather smitten."
Had he chosen the correct words? Link wasn't quite sure. But it did stir the princess a little, as she calmly rested her hands on her lap, looking at him gently.
"Honestly?" she asked for confirmation.
Carefully, he nodded. "I did miss you. But there is no denying how much you changed. And when I saw you again, I became so flustered."
She seemed to inch closer and closer to him at his every word, and he could not find it in him to back away.
"I missed you dearly." It was the softest he had ever heard the girl speak, her eyes twinkling from the candlelight. At that instant, she did not look or give the aura of a Gerudo warrior, but instead of a beautiful, sweet princess. And maybe that was why he didn't resist when she kissed him.
It was a soft and delicate touch, as she moved her mouth against his slowly. After the brief moment, they parted, but only kept a tiny distance from one another, their gazes locked.
And again, she leaned her face forward to his, kissing him once more, this time allowing her hands to travel from the safety of her lap to embrace his face, pulling his closer to her.
He was rather taken aback from her bold gesture, and probably should have pulled away, remaining faithful to Malon. Yet, all sense of reason fled his mind, his soul. Completely, he became immersed in her, allowing himself to kiss her, hold her, allow her lips to glide against his mouth relentlessly.
She had parted her lips for him, deepening the kiss, as a tender, feminine gasp remained stifled in her throat. Her mouth swerved rather fiercely against him, her mouth watering, moistening his own. It was an exasperating, maddening touch. He had never kissed Malon so intensely, as Zelda seemed to instigate the progression of their session, leading the kiss, allowing it to become more fervent and sloppy.
Their breaths were heavy, as she continued to gasp within his mouth, her body moving closer to his now, scrambling to crawl onto him, her hands clutching desperately at his shoulders.
His mind was racing, heart beating rapidly within his chest, banging like a wild drum. He wanted to let her touch him, progress, allow her to fill his desires. He was intoxicated by the haunting scent of her body, the feel of her breath. And yet, he couldn't allow this to continue between them, the guilt he carried taking away from the actual enjoyment.
Carefully, he detached her from himself.
"This isn't right, princess," he spoke quietly, turning away from her. "I'm, I'm with Malon. I don't want to hurt her."
"But I love you," she gently begged of him, touching his arm as a saddened gleam plagued her eyes. "It has taken me a year to build up the strength to tell you. I trained diligently not to defend myself by a means that did not involve magic, but to be more like you. To be more courageous."
He looked back at her now, a frown tugging at his lips.
And when their gazes locked, her expression softened. "I want to...prove my love to you."
Immediately, he reddened at her gesture. "Wait, what?"
She smiled, but it was very weak. Looking towards her lap, she fumbled with her fingers. "I want...you to have me, Link. I want to love you in every way I can."
Was this a dream? Could this really have been occurring? Was the most beautiful and richest girl of Hyrule offering him a chance to bed her?
As tempting as the offer sounded, however, he gently refused her.
Stroking her hair, he gently shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I can't. I could never use you like that, or Malon."
More tears welled up in her eyes at the actuality of his words.
With a sigh, she carefully removed herself from him, standing up slowly. "Alright then. I understand." She looked at him only briefly. "Then, I guess you should be leaving."
And he did. Sadly, he left her alone.
Darkness had claimed the night's sky, and Link realized he had overstayed his welcome. He had told Malon he would not be gone for too long, and yet he had managed to spend the whole day at the castle, even wearing completely different clothing. After properly giving the king a farewell, Link was escorted to leave.
Yet, before he completely exited the castle, Impa had stopped him.
She had handed him his tunic and apparel, which was moist as he held it in clutches.
"The maidens had cleaned this for you," she spoke, almost emotionless.
Timidly, he accepted them from her with a nod. "Thank you." With a sharp turn of his heel, he attempted to leave once more.
"Wait, Link."
He turned to stare at her, his blue eyes ample. Gulping, he replied, "Yes?"
Sighing, the woman walked closer to him, her shoulder brushing against his as her arms crossed over her chest. There was a graveness to her gawk.
"I want to warn you...about the princess."
With a bite of his tongue, he listened.
"The princess has been with the Gerudo for a year, as you know. And, she has been very much...influenced by them."
Holding his damp clothes a little more tightly now, he nodded accordingly. This only made Impa's expression turn more solemn.
"Every night those women would talk about sex, quite graphically, and the princess has been more than enlightened of the details they shared. Through their art style, they have trained her to become a vixen, Link."
He wanted to speak, but he was at a loss for words. Where was Impa going with this?
"I just want to warn you. That, if you do decide to seek some kind of relationship with her, whether it be friendly or romantic...to beware of her antics. Because you could both get into a heaping mess."
Link had never seen the woman more serious than she was at this point, and he could only nervously agree to her warning, exhaling deeply.
"Yes, Lady Impa," he noted. "I will make sure of that."
Climbing onto Epona that night -who had been waiting so patiently for him by the gates- he left the castle feeling a sense of dread and a heavy burden choking at his throat. It had been an eventful day, and he never once thought that so many feelings would arise the instant he saw the princess. He had convinced himself that he cared for Malon, perhaps even loved her. Yet, with Zelda, there were new feelings now, and he didn't know what to do with them.
In actuality, he liked both girls.
Very much.
And Zelda had asked him to sleep with her. That thought replayed itself repeatedly in his mind the whole ride to the ranch.