Hello readers! Chapter 147 is finally here! This time Link has been given a very unexpected request from the princess, but for what purpose, and where will it lead to...?
"Gerudo King Link, may I have a word with you?" Zelda spoke walking up to Link.
Link looked up from a book, "Huh? What's up Your Highness?"
It was a fine morning as Link was at the royal study, reading through some scrolls and books. It was only a mere two weeks until the meeting with King Reinald and the Hylian Parliament was to take place. Nabooru and the others were busy at the moment making the last preparations for the meeting, so Link was preoccupying himself for the day.
"What are you reading there?" Zelda asked, leaning over to get a good look at the book.
"Just some legal books, thought it might help me get more involved with the meeting." Link said. He looked back down and tiled his head, "This one's hard to read though, I haven't seen words this complicated."
"..." Zelda stared down at the book for a moment, before taking it from Link, turning it right-side-up and handing it back to him, with an amused grin, "Does that help at all?"
"Ah, yeah." Link said sweatdropping, "So what did you want to ask me?"
"Weeeell..." Zelda trailed off a bit, tapping her finger against her cheek, "I was wondering if you'd like to be an escort for me today?"
"An escort?" Link asked raising an eyebrow, he turned a little red and coughed out, "Um, I-I'm flattered Princess, but... aren't you married?"
Zelda looked confused, "Huh? What do you mea-" she then cut herself off and turned bright red, she laughed out and waved her hands dismissively, "Ah ha ha, no no no! Not that kind of escort! What I mean is if you'd like to go with me out into town for the day!"
"Ooooh, I see! That makes a lot more sense!" Link said with relief.
Then after a moment he exclaimed, "Wait, no, that makes even less sense! You're really planning to go out to the market town?! Is that even allowed? What would you father or husband say?"
"Generally, it wouldn't do for the princess to go out..." Zelda shook her head, then sported a small smile, "...but I can assure you that won't be a problem!"
"Well... okay, I suppose." Link reluctantly nodded, "But how are we going to leave without getting caught?"
"Don't worry about that. Just go to your room and get yourself ready." Zelda spoke with a wink, "One of my servants will be arriving there shortly to give you what you'll need!"
"Huh?"
Link stood in his bedroom wearing a buttoned tan coat over a white dress shirt, along with black pants and black shoes. He was also wearing a wig that made his hair appear to be long, straight and black-colored. He looked almost like a completely different person.
"Wonder what Zelda's plan is," Link muttered as he fashioned the last button on. "And what does she want to do out in the market town all of a sudden?"
There was a knock at the door, making him gulp a bit nervously and open it. Impa was standing there in her usual skin-tight outfit. She looked him up and down and smirked lightly.
"Looking good there Link. Ready for your outing today?" Impa asked.
"Yeah, do you know what's going on?" Link asked, "The princess wouldn't tell me anything."
"You'll see soon enough." chuckled Impa, "Come on, shake a leg."
Impa led Link out to the back of the castle. There he saw a few guards watching over the area, including Sir Knave, looking like he had recovered well from fending off Marceau the Mirror. There was a carriage with a horse ready to leave immediately.
"Greetings Gerudo King Link! Good to see you've arrived so quickly!" Knave saluted.
"Hey, be quiet you idiot!" said another knight nudging him, "No one besides us can know about this!"
"Oof, sorry..." Knave whimpered.
Link chuckled a little at Knave's clumsiness, then his gaze turned to a mysterious-looking woman standing by the carriage. She wore a white sunhat and a form-fitting white dress with an exposed right shoulder at the top, and was cut off at the bottom exposing her left leg. She also had on a pair of sunglasses, some simple earrings, and some light makeup. One particular thing he noticed was she had wavy, long blonde hair.
"Why hello there handsome." spoke the woman with an alluring voice with a hint of a dignified air, adjusting down her glasses to let him see a pair of familiar sapphire blue eyes, "Ready for our trip?"
"You're kidding..." Link spoke with his jaw dropped, realizing it was Princess Zelda.
"Have fun you two. Me and the boys here will cover for you." Impa nodded.
"Uh, okay." Link spoke, as he and Zelda climbed into the carriage, and the coachman snapped the horse reins, riding off through the back gate.
Link sat nervously in the carriage as it went down the road. He glanced out to see it was going through a forest and heading towards the front of the castle town. He glanced over at Zelda who was looking over her facial features in a pocket mirror, then down at her outfit and how well it hugged her frame, showing off her curves, as well as her exposed leg.
"Now before we arrive in town, we should discuss our plan." Zelda spoke up, snapping Link out of his stare, "You and I will be posing as a nobleman and noblewoman. We're an engaged couple from a small kingdom in the south called Encaligo."
"Ha-Have you done this before?" Link asked, moreso surprised that they were going to pose as a couple, "Impa told me you never go out into town."
"Tell me, did she say 'Zelda' never goes out?" the princess asked with her knowing grin.
"I... think so." Link said, thinking back to when Impa mentioned it at the Goron Hot Spring, "Why?"
"Because I'm not going to be Zelda today." the princess winked, "For the time we're out in town, I'll be Lady Sotreia and you're going to be the noble Sir Talolph."
"Oooooh, I get it now." Link realized. He scratched his head in confusion, "But why noblemen? Wouldn't it be more discreet to dress as villagers or travelers?"
"I tried that before in the past when Impa escorted me out here. But the more I spoke to people in town, they noted I gave off too much of a regal air for a commoner." Zelda explained, "It's one thing to disguise myself as a knight with all that armor, but making myself look like a normal woman was trickier."
Zelda leaned back in her seat and crossed her left leg over her right, Link tried his hardest not to look.
"So I've gone with this disguise instead, to ironically stand out less by becoming a visiting noblewoman from another nation."
"Huh, I guess that makes sense." Link said, "So I'm going to be... uh, Sir... Talcum?"
"That's 'Sir Talolph'." Zelda giggled, "I hope your fiance Aviel hasn't rubbed off too much on you."
"Ah heh heh..." Link grinned sheepishly, "Where did you get the name Lady Sotreia anyway?"
"It was Ruto's idea. I had discussed my plan to go out into town and she gave me a number of ideas for names to use." Zelda spoke, "She was rather amused to hear that I was going out like this."
"Heh, Ruto's always has been the rebellious type." Link nodded. He hesitated a little, before asking, "And you're sure Prince Darius won't mind us doing this?"
"... ...Darius is a good husband, but I feel he can be too overprotective of me at times..." Zelda said, she glanced to Link and smiled, "But not to worry, Impa will be covering for us, and what he doesn't know won't hurt him."
"I-I see..." Link spoke, though still felt somewhat nervous about it.
Soon the carriage had gone around the walls of the castle area and to the front of the drawbridge that led into Hyrule Market Town. A guard was allowing a few travelers to come in when he saw a young black-haired man in a coat stepping out of a carriage and bringing up his hand to help a woman in a white dress step out from it. The guard smirked lightly as the two came up to him.
"Greetings folks, can I see your identification?" the guard asked.
"Yes, we have it right here." Zelda spoke, taking some papers from her handbag and showing them to the guard. Link stood nervously as the guard read over the papers and nodded.
"Everything looks to be in order, have a pleasant day Lady Sotreia and Sir Talolph."
As the two walked down the street that led into town, Link whispered, "How'd you pull that off?"
"That gate guard knows me already." Zelda said, "I was waiting to do this until his shift today."
"You really planned this out, huh?" Link whistled, "That's pretty clever of you Princess Ze-"
Zelda put a finger to Link's lips, making his eyes widen.
"I said my name was Lady Sotreia, try to remember it so we don't get found out." she turned and went off on her way, "Now come along, Sir Talolph."
Link stood in shock at her brazen act for a moment, before sticking his hands in his pockets, and sported an annoyed pout as he followed after Zelda muttering to himself,
"Well ex-cuuuuuse me, Princess."
Link and Zelda walked through Hyrule Market Town, taking in the traditionally joyous air. The music playing was lively as ever, and the people were hustling and bustling around going about their day. Zelda took in the sights with bright enthusiasm hidden behind her sunglasses. Link noticed some people watching the two, but thanks to their disguises it seemed no one recognized either of them as being the new Gerudo King or the beloved Hylian princess. As Zelda lead Link around everywhere, it was clear to him she had a plan of where she wanted to go and at what time.
A few of the people came by to greet Zelda and she returned the gestures. Link noted they all referred to her as Lady Sotreia. She introduced 'Sir Talolph' to them all, and Link made the effort to politely greet them as he figured a decent nobleman would.
"Looks like you've got quite a name for yourself here, even if it's fake." Link whispered to the princess after the people dispersed.
"It wasn't my intention at first, but it worked out pretty well for me as a cover. And it's so nice to be able to make friends with the citizens!" Zelda nodded, she stepped ahead and spun around, looking to Link with a bright smile, "Now come along Sir Talolph, there's so much I want to do today!"
"Alright, lead the way!" Link nodded, following after her.
Their travels soon took them to a marketplace where Zelda started looking over each of the stands and seeing what they had to offer.
One of the first places was a clothing store. What they sold wasn't anything too fancy, but it was well designed and moderately priced. Zelda started looking carefully through the clothing as Link watched. If there was one thing he learned from his time with all his fiances, it was when they went shopping to be on standby and wait patiently for them.
"These pants are cute!" Zelda spoke cheerfully, putting them to her waist to compare the size, "I love this place, I always seem to find at least two or three things I like!"
"I'm surprised you shop here, Lady Sotreia." Link commented, "I would had figured you'd just get your clothing tailored."
"Mostly just my dresses and such, but once in a while I do enjoy wearing something more casual." Zelda spoke, she scratched her cheek, "Ah ha ha, I know it's not very befitting of my status, but..."
"Nah, if that's what you like then go for it." Link grinned, "If anything, I think it'd be nice to see you in causal clothes."
"Really? I appreciate that." Zelda said with a smile. She then noted something on sale, a silky light blue pajama shirt with matching pants, "Oooh, I love the feel of this fabric! I think I'll take these as well!"
Link chuckled a bit, despite living as royalty her whole life, she always had this down-to-earth side ever since she was a young girl, and it was something he took a lot of fascination in.
Soon Zelda made her purchases and the two left the store, with Link carrying the bags.
"I didn't say you had to carry them." Zelda pointed out.
"Eh, I just feel like helping you out." Link shrugged, having been plenty used to it with the girls.
"...alright, if you insist!" Zelda giggled as the two went to see the marketplace stands.
They soon arrived at an equipment stand run by one short merchant with a long thin beard showing off his weapons and armor to some people. There was a large burly man standing by the merchant's side with his arms folded, leering down at anyone who came near the merchandise.
"Ah, greetings." the merchant spoke to Link and Zelda, "You two look as if you come from a place of high prestige, would you care to see my wares?"
"..." the large burly man glared down at the two of them, but Zelda leaned forward to look everything over without a care, Link stayed on his guard just in case.
"Hmm... quite a nice variety of inventory you have here." Zelda spoke looking over the merchandise.
"They seem pretty pricey though." Link pointed out a pair of gauntlets that were 3,000 rupees.
"But the price is quite worth it." the man spoke with a wide grin, showing he had two gold teeth in place of his front ones, "Take a look at these for instance," he reached down and pulled out a rather fancy-looking silver plated shield, "This is a impenetrable shield that's capable of deflecting any attack, ensuring it's owner can never be harmed."
"I see..." Zelda spoke.
"And I have another fine item," he said pulling out a sword in a glass case, "This is a blade that's so mighty it can pierce through any means of defense, ensuring them victory against even the strongest armored warrior. Combined in the right hands, these two pieces of equipment are completely unstoppable!"
"Is that so...? How fascinating." Zelda commented, "It's certainly something to consider. I have been meaning to get new equipment for my guardsmen..."
"It would please me to know they would be in good hands!" the merchant said rubbing his hands together, "Naturally for such incredible power, these would fetch a high price. But for a beautiful noblewoman such as yourself, I'm willing to part with them for a mere... say, 50,000 rupees!"
"Jees, that's way out of our price range." spoke a traveler nearby.
"I'd have to sell my home just to pay for half of that." muttered a villager.
"Well if these are too much, I have much cheaper inventory that's almost as good!" said the merchant, pulling out some equipment that was much cheaper by comparison, but still quite pricey. Many of the villagers started gathered around to look at the wares.
One villager said, "This sword is only 1200! That's way more reasonable!"
"This helmet looks quite good! I'll take it!" said a traveler, starting to count out 2,000 rupees for it.
"Thank you so much!" the merchant said giddily.
"...there is just one thing I'd like to comment on." Zelda spoke up all of a sudden, silencing the rest of the crowd.
"Huh?" the merchant looked to her just as he was about to accept the rupees for the helmet.
"You said before that this shield is so indestructible that it could repel any attack, right?" Zelda asked.
"Indeed it does!" the merchant said, "Legend has it this shield once protected a legendary warrior from an attack by the vile Helmasaur King!"
"...and you said this sword is so mighty that it can penetrate any type of defense." Zelda said.
Link paused for a moment thinking about where she was going with this, and his eyes to widen in surprise and he chuckled a little.
"Yes, that's true! Struck down the vile fortress dragon Onox in a single blow!" the merchant nodded, "That's why I'm willing to part with them for only-"
"So tell me... what would happen if this sword struck against this shield?" Zelda spoke.
"Eh?" the merchant asked, as the people around them looked to each other confused, "W-Well, uh... obviously the sword would just deflect off the shield!"
"But I thought you said this sword could penetrate any defense?" Zelda said.
"T-That's..." the merchant broke out into a cold sweat.
"Hey, she's right..." spoke one person, "He did say that."
"Was this guy trying to scam her?" spoke another.
"Using such contradictory information isn't very befitting of a merchant here in Hyrule Market Town." Zelda said with a glare, "I wonder what the Royal Family would feel about you selling weapons and armor required to protect one's life under such fraudulent claims?"
"Y-You can't threaten me like that!" the merchant stammered, "You have no proof of such a thing!"
But Zelda then swung her exposed left leg up into the air and brought it down on the table, managing to break it in half. The people looked in shock at the noblewoman's surprising power, and even more surprised to see most of the weapons and equipment had been chipped or broken just from the impact of the table collapsing.
"What th-, they were that weak? I was just about buy that helmet!" exclaimed a customer.
"...damnit..." the merchant said narrowing his eyes at Zelda, he looked to the large burly man beside him, "We may have to take our leave after all. Deal with this woman before she snitches us out!"
"...of course, boss." the burly man cracked his knuckles as he brought back his fist and swung it right at Zelda. The princess was about to evade it, but the man's arm was suddenly grabbed by Link.
"Hey... what do you think you're doing, you bastard?" Link said narrowing his eyes.
"L- Sir Talolph..." Zelda gasped out in surprise.
'This nobleman... he's way stronger than he appears...' the burly man thought as a drop of sweat ran down his head. He tried to swing out his other fist, but Link grabbed it as well and with incredible strength, hurled and slammed the giant man down onto the remains of the table.
When the dust cleared the burly man laid back on the broken equipment in a daze, and the villagers saw even the 'mightiest sword' and the 'impenetrable shield' had both broken into pieces.
"What? They broke that easily?!" spoke a customer.
"So she was right! You ripoff artist!" shouted a second one at the merchant.
"Oh crap crap crap!" the merchant backed up slightly, and ran away out of the market town, so scared that he didn't even bother to take the rupees he had acquired.
The villagers cheered out for the two for exposing the merchant's scheme, but they decided to leave before the knights arrived so as not to make anymore of a scene.
"Nice work back there Lady Sotreia." Link grinned to Zelda as they went around a corner.
"I had heard about that scam artist from Impa. From what our investigation has gathered, that man was peddling his false wares under the authority of Duke Geronim of the Hylian Parliament." Zelda explained, narrowing her eyes.
"Those guys again..." Link frowned.
"But she didn't have actual proof to have him officially investigated, so I felt I needed to see into it for myself." Zelda explained, she swept back a lock of hair and spoke with a small smile, "By the way, thank you for helping me out with that bodyguard. I wasn't prepared for the merchant to have backup like that."
"You seemed like you had it under control, but I couldn't help myself." chuckled Link as the two went back to walking, "So how long have you been doing this noblewoman act anyway?"
"A couple years now." Zelda said, "This is a sort of personal mission to me."
"You just go around evaluating how the kingdom's running with your own eyes?"
"Exactly. I have advisors and tutors who try to keep me up to date with matters in the kingdom, but at times it seems too much information is often kept from me. I'm certain the Hylian Parliament is doing what they can to silence them about it..." she looked out at an old couple passing by, "While Impa has been able to help with various investigations on my behalf, I feel there's some things I need to do for myself."
"Like with that merchant." Link nodded, "That's pretty noble of you Princess."
"My father insists on making me remain in the palace for my own safety, especially with all that's happened these past years."
She found herself recalling back when Link was being controlled by the Fierce Deity, and she and Impa had confronted Captain Andreas at the waterfall bridge to try and make his knights fall back.
"Heh... your princess? She's merely a figurehead of the royal family, her sole goal being to breed and produce the next heir in her line. She has no influence over me or the Parliament outside of pointing out trivial technicalities in the law. It won't be long before we have no need for her, or the royal family."
Zelda shook her head, "But I couldn't agree to that, which is why I started going out like this."
"Prince Darius doesn't want you to either?" Link asked.
"He's just concerned with my safety as well. He can be rather bit overbearing at times, though I can understand why they'd feel that way." Zelda said.
"Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Man impersonating the infamous Widowmaker sentenced to death for the attempted assassination of the king!"
Link and Zelda looked to see a young boy walking down the road carrying a stack of newspapers, waving a one out as villagers past by him.
"Tsk, another one? Big surprise." spoke one of the villagers rolling his eyes.
"Wouldn't be surprised if someone eventually did do in that king of ours." said another, "Good riddance I say."
"...as you can see the Royal Family isn't on the best of terms with the public right now." Zelda said, "Sometimes I wonder if I'm really making much change with what I've tried to do..."
Link frowned at her words, after a moment of thought, he decided to do something daring, and reached out and took her hand.
Zelda yelped out in surprise, "Ack! S-Sir Talolph, are you...?!"
"Come on, we're supposed to be an engaged couple right?" Link grinned, pulling her closer and giving her hand a squeeze, "Now how about you wipe off that frown for a while and let's go have some fun!"
Zelda stared at Link, before smiling and nodding, "Okay!"
"Oops, out of arrows again." Zelda sweatdropped as she lowered her bow.
Link had brought Zelda over to the archery shooting galley parlor. While Link was managing to take most of not all of his targets in each game, Zelda was having some difficulty. The princess could only watch helplessly as the last moving target went by, she had only managed to hit half of them with all her arrows,
"I don't know how you manage to get all those perfect scares at this game, Talolph!"
"Well for one I don't just fire five or six arrows at one target while screaming at the top of my lungs." Link commented with a smarmy grin.
"I can't help it, I panic when the targets jump up and down so suddenly!" Zelda complained.
"You should hold back your bow and focus on one precise shot " Link said, putting down more rupees replay the game, "Watch this,"
Zelda stepped back and watched carefully as Link pulled back his bow, and as the targets started to appear, he shot off arrows in quick succession, hitting each one with a single shot.
"Like that, okay?" Link said.
"It's easy for you when you've done it your whole life!" Zelda exclaimed, stomping her foot in a fit.
'She's grown in a lot of ways, but I guess some things never change.' Link thought in amusement as he recalled back to their childhood...
Flashback, nine years ago.
An eleven year old Link pulled back his bow and fired some arrows into a series of swaying targets hanging from a tree branch in the Hyrule Castle Courtyard. He managed to get a bullseye on four out of five of the targets.
"Very impressive." spoke his mentor Impa, "You've done this quite a lot haven't you?"
"Yep!" Link nodded, "Thanks for setting up these targets for me to practice on!"
"Of course, I need to make sure you're fully prepared for your upcoming journey." Impa nodded.
Meanwhile a young princess Zelda was sitting on the grass, leaning forward on her arms and watching him intently. Beside her was Link's trusty steed Epona, also watching.
"Link is really giving it his all." Zelda spoke to Epona, "Whatever reason he has for leaving, it must be for something really important..."
Epona sputtered in response as the princess watched Link fire another arrow at the bullseye he missed, this time managing to hit it dead center. She saw Impa happily complimented him on correcting his miss, and she thought deeply to herself.
"I wonder..." Zelda walked over to the two, "Lady Impa, could I possibly try this archery thing?"
"I don't know about that, my princess." Impa said, "It can be rather technical and dangerous."
"Let me give it a try, just this once!" Zelda said, "I promise I'll do my best!"
"Weeeell..." Impa was clearly hesitant.
"I think it'd be good for her!" Link said cheerfully, handing her his bow, "Here, give it a try!"
"Okay!" Zelda nodded, as Link helped her get into position.
Zelda looked at one of the targets carefully, and held up the bow. She tried to pull on the strong, but her hand slipped and let go of it, making her squeak out in surprise. She pulled on the string again, but this time it smacked against the back of her hand and made her drop it to the ground.
"My princess, are you okay?!" Impa exclaimed in a panic, "I'll go get you some bandages!"
"Z-Zelda, you don't have to-" Link started.
"No, I'm fine!" Zelda exclaimed, though she clearly had little tears in her eyes from the pain in her hand, "I can do this!"
Zelda then brought up the bow again and quickly fired it off, the arrow went shooting high into the air, completely missing the target and ricocheted off the castle wall. It went off in multiple directions before coming right at Link. He ducked down just at the right moment, causing it to fly through his hat and stabbing into a tree.
"Oopsies." Zelda sweatdropped, "Sorry Link!"
"Uh, it's okay... you're learning." Link said sweatdropping, he removed his cap from the arrow and put it back on his head, "Hold on. Lemme see if I can help you with that."
"Huh?" Zelda asked as Link then took her arms and positioned her in such a way that she was holding the bow firmly and straight. He pulled her arm back so she could know how much arm strength she had to put into it.
"Alright now keep it steady." Link said.
"Ah, o-okay!" Zelda said with a bright red face, as with the position he had her in, Link was practically hugging her from behind.
"Okay, now let go!" Link encouraged her.
She nodded and with that, Zelda released the arrow and it went flying forward, striking into the side of the target.
"I hit it!" Zelda exclaimed, dropping the bow and hopping up and down, "Did you see that Lady Impa? I hit it! Link, I actually hit it!"
"That was great Zelda!" Link said with a big grin, "I knew you could do it!"
"Impressive, my princess." Impa chuckled, though she was personally more interested in the expression Zelda made when Link was positioning her, "Say, it's getting to be about lunch time, how about we take a break?"
"Hold on, I wanna try it again by myself!" Zelda said grabbing the bow and an arrow.
Impa spoke, "Uh, princess, I don't know if you're ready to..."
"Just one more try!" Zelda said, aiming the bow as carefully as she could and firing it, but unfortunately the arrow went flying past the target and quickly went bouncing off the stone walls. They couldn't even keep track of where it was going until it impacted right into-
"Gack!"
Link was standing tall and stiff as he felt an intense amount of pain, as the arrow had managed to deflect off a wall and impact right into his rear end. His face turned bright red as he clenched his teeth.
"Y-YEEEEOOWW!"
Impa and Zelda both watched as Link launched high into the air from the pain of the arrow, before impacting into the ground face first.
"Oh no Link, I'm so sorry!" Zelda exclaimed in a panic, "Please hang in there!"
"I'll... go round up the medical staff." Impa said sweatdropping.
End flashback
'I couldn't sit for a week after that.' Link thought to himself sweatdropping as he watched Zelda trying to play the game again. The princess pulled back her bow and hit a stationary target, but just as the targets started moving in pairs, she panicked and started firing more wildly.
"Come on come on come on, aaaaarrgh!" Zelda shouted out in frustration that she missed every shot and ran out of arrows in the process, throwing the bow to the ground in a fit,
"Hey, don't take it out on the bow! We'll lose our deposit!" Link protested.
"Hmph. This game cheats!" Zelda said folding her arms and sporting a pouty face.
"Heh heh, look at that hoity toity noblewoman trying to play the archery game." snickered a man walking by with another.
"Yeah, a high class snob like her should just be busy going to those fancy parties or popping out heirs." chuckled the man's friend.
Link just glared at them, had he not been in disguise as a nobleman, he probably would have knocked both their lights out, but instead turned back and focused on Zelda. The princess was staring downwards and clenching her fists. It was clear they hit a sore spot for her.
"How about we go somewhere else Lady Sotreia?" Link suggested putting a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
"Okay..." Zelda spoke in a small voice as he led her off.
"Thank you for waiting, here's your drinks."
It was the afternoon as Link and Zelda decided to take a break at a small cafe where they sat at an outdoor table area. A waitress she set down two cups of tea to Link and Zelda before leaving.
"This place is pretty nice, you come here often?" Link asked the princess.
"Mm-hmm. I stumbled on it shortly after I adapted the name Lady Sotreia." Zelda spoke, taking a sip of tea and looked to be in bliss from the taste, "The drinks are great, and it's isolated so I don't attract too much attention, so it became one of my favorite places to go whenever I come out here."
"Have you tried the cake yet?" Link asked looking at the menu, "I think I might get something."
"Ehh, I actually haven't." Zelda shook her head with an uneasy smile, "Trying to make sure I can still fit in this dress."
"How about I order a slice and you can have a bite?" Link offered.
"Ugh, don't tempt me again with your gluttonous ways." Zelda stuck her tongue out. "If I didn't know any better I'd swear you were trying to make every girl you know fat."
Link laughed out as he went to look over the dessert menu, but then a new voice spoke up.
"Lady Sotreia, I thought that was you!" it came from a woman who had gotten up from her table and approached the two, and they saw she was holding a baby in her arm, "A pleasure to see you again!"
"Oh, the pleasure's all mine Mrs. Phofe!" Zelda spoke with a polite bow of her head, "I see you've been blessed with a new child since I last visited."
"Yes, her name is Ida." the woman laughed, "She's so sweet, truly is a blessing from the goddesses. Of course all of my other children have been as well!"
"Of course..." Zelda smiled softly as she gazed back down at the baby, and Link couldn't help but notice a hint of longing in her eyes.
The mother looked to Link, "And who's this strapping young man? Could he be the one you mentioned before?"
"Uh huh, this is my fiance, Sir Talolph." she introduced Link to the woman, "He hails from the country of Langstrom, my father introduced us some time ago, and we became engaged shortly after."
Link adjusted his shirt collar and bowed his head, "Pleasure to meet you Maam."
"That's wonderful! Congratulations to you both!" the woman spoke cheerfully, "He seems like such a fine gentleman, and so good looking and well-built! I'm sure he'll give you many fine, healthy children of your own someday!"
"Oh, thank you..." Zelda giggled while Link turned red with embarrassment. The mother bid them farewell and went off on her way. When the mother was gone, Zelda looked to the side and sighed a little, "..."
"...Lady Sotreia?" Link asked.
"...so has Prince Darius already told you?" Zelda asked in a quiet voice so as not to allow anyone to hear, "Why he's so hesitant to have a child, has to do with what happened to my mother...?"
Link was a little startled that she brought that up, and his expression told her all she needed to know.
"Thought so." she sighed, "Sorry, it's a bit of a sore subject right now for me..."
"Princess..." Link whispered softly.
"I'm Lady Sotreia right now remember?" Zelda said, putting down the rupees for their tea and going off, "Now come on there's a few more places I'd like to see before night falls.."
Link stared down, thinking about what he could possibly do for Zelda, before following after her.
The day continued on into nighttime. After they had finished Zelda's errands, they arrived at a tavern for dinner before they would head back to the castle. It was a pretty rowdy place with lots of music and dancing, with many of the patrons being travelers and adventurers. There were the twin brothers Cecil and Owan juggling empty bottles as Cecil was making jokes at his brother's expense. The big burly guys who ran the archery gallery and the general store were both there having drinks as well.
Link meanwhile was focused on the rack of pork ribs and seasoned potato wedges he was eating.
"Looks like you've found a new favorite place to go." Zelda giggled as she had a small plate of grilled cucco. She noted while he was getting a lot of sauce on his face, he was able to avoid getting any on his outfit.
"I'll say, this is the kind of place Reirousa would love too!" Link grinned, eating a potato wedge before grabbing at another rib, "I'll have to take her out here sometime."
"It's sweet that you think so much of your fiances like that." Zelda nodded with a warm smile, she took another bite of her cucco meat, but feel a gurgling in her stomach, "Um, I'll be back in a second. I just need to use the washroom."
"Okay, have fun." Link nodded as Zelda got up and walked off.
'I was worried at first, but I'm glad I could have this day to hang out with Zelda. She's really become such a fascinating woman.' Link thought, 'She's going through a lot of her own problems, but she's so much more approachable than I remember in the dark future...'
Link watched Zelda swept her hair to the side as she walked off, and he couldn't help but notice how the dress' design showed off her bare back, and his eyes gazed down to the slight curve of her hips moving left and right. The young king then suddenly realized what he was doing and snapped out of it.
'Ugh, down! Bad Link!' he mentally scolded himself, 'I've been too used to being around single women in Gerudo Town. I got to be more careful about that around here..."
Link focused on finishing the last pork rib from his meal and wiped his face clean. He was wondering if he should order some dessert there since he missed getting something at the cafe, but then a new voice spoke up.
"Excuse me good sir," spoke a female voice, Link looked up to see a pretty woman with a slim figure, long reddish-brown hair, and wearing a simple but lovely dress, "If I may be so forward, may I have a dance with you?"
After looking at her for a moment, Link was startled to recognize her as Darling, the lady of the former couple of 'Honey and Darling' that would spin in an embrace together in the center of Hyrule Market Town. After an accident during the talent show that resulted in him kissing her however, she had broken up her boyfriend in order to pursue Link instead.
"A-Ah, I apologize, but I have my fiance with me." Link said politely, gesturing to the other meal plate.
"Oh I doubt she would care that much," Darling spoke with a giggle, holding out her hand, "Now come, and let us both step with the grace of flamingos into the tranquil lagoon of dance!"
"Hey, what are you- gack!"
Link was suddenly grabbed by the hand and yanked up by Darling. She took both his hands in her own, and she started moving him gracefully along the dance floor. Link was caught so off guard by her forwardness that he found himself forced to go with the flow and danced with her. Link stepped carefully as he and Darling's foot movement went left and right in tune to the music.
"You are quite a fine dancer." spoke Darling with a lovely smile.
"I've... practiced a lot with my fiance." Link said. He was referring to Nemisa, but hoping that Darling would get the hint and let go of him before Zelda came back out.
"I see, well I hope that when I properly meet her and your Gerudo fiances that I may absorb her techniques for my own, hee hee." Darling whispered with a knowing grin.
Link was caught off guard by that, and he was a little nervous at how closely she looked into his eyes, "Ah ha ha... so you figured out who I was?"
"I recognized your handsome face hidden under that dark wig all too easily my desert king." Darling said softly, bringing her body closer to his, "I wouldn't have asked for this dance otherwise."
'Maybe I should have worn a fake mustache as well.' Link thought, surprised at how sharp this girl was, "Listen, can... you do me a favor and not tell anyone about what me and my friend are doing tonight? It's a personal matter."
"Of course my beloved, my lips shall remain sealed for all but your own." she spoke, "But only if you show me what you can truly do on this polished floor of rhythmic passion."
"...alright then." Link said with growing confidence, as he put one hand to her hip and started to take the lead in the dance, stepping back and forth and then doing a twirl.
Just as they started getting into the dance Zelda returned from the washroom. She was surprised to see Link dancing with the girl known around town as Darling who she heard had recently broken up with her boyfriend Honey.
"By the goddesses. To think he was the one who had captured her heart...!" Zelda gasped.
The music perked up more as Link sent her spinning out and pulled her back into his embrace. Darling sighed blissfully as she leaned against his chest, and Zelda took note of the blissful smile she had.
"Woah, check out those two!" spoke one tavern patron.
"That's Darling right? I had heard she got a new boyfriend." said a woman, "He's a handsome one!"
Link blushed a little at their words, but kept up with the dancing. As he spun Darling around, he looked back over at Zelda sitting at the table, and saw she was watching them with an amused smile on her face, letting him know this was probably okay to do.
"Tell me, that pretty woman with the shining golden locks, is she one of your fiances?" Darling spoke, it was apparent she didn't recognize her as Princess Zelda.
"Ah heh..." he chuckled somewhat nervously, "Not at all. She's just a... close friend, and I'm doing her a favor tonight." he shook his head, "Besides, she's taken anyway."
"Hee hee... as I recall, I was once taken myself, but that didn't stop you from capturing my lips for your own." Darling said leaning closer, she stroked Link's cheek with deep passion in her eyes, "And I've learned that when you take hold of a maiden King Link, they will never desire to let go..."
Link blushed a little at her compliment, and found himself reflecting on how much he was starting to enjoy Darling's company. She had a pretty face and a nice slim body, and while she could get too carried away with her affection, she had a way with her flowery words, and seeemed truly passionate about what she wanted. He'd need to get to know Darling better first, but he wondered if maybe dating her wasn't that bad of an idea...?
But then he thought about the last thing she said, and how furious Honey was when the two had kissed. He looked back at Zelda sitting at their table, finding himself thinking about the weird but earnest Prince Darius all of a sudden, and felt a small bit of guilt creep up on him...
The music soon winded down after that, as Link and Darling finished their dance. They gave each other a bow as the crowd clapped out for them both. Link took her hand and gave it a gentleman's kiss.
"Thanks for the dance, I gotta admit I had some fun." Link grinned, "Maybe we can do this again some time soon?"
"I'd be quite honored." Darling spoke with a smile, before going off on her way, while Link sat back down on his table with Zelda patiently waiting for him.
"Well, well, I see you enjoyed yourself." she said.
"Gotta hand it to her, she's pretty good." Link grinned.
The next song started up, one much louder than the last, and more people went out to the dance floor.
"So .Sir Talolph.." Zelda spoke, glancing aside and twirling a strand of hair around her finger, "Did you... perhaps wish to have a dance together ourselves?"
Link paused on that note, thinking about what Darling said before, "Uh, m-maybe we outta get going, before things gets too wild and noisy here."
"Alright... I suppose that would be a good idea." Zelda nodded, trying to get up, but suddenly groaned out in pain.
"You okay there?" Link asked.
"Sort of, I think these stupid heeled shoes are getting to me." Zelda groaned.
"Oh hold on!" Link said, scrambling up and putting an arm around her shoulder to hold her up, "Let me help you Ze-" he caught himself in his words, "...L-Lady Sotreia."
"T-Thanks Sir Talolph..." Zelda spoke, as he helped her out of the tavern.
Some villagers going down the street after just getting home from work or out partying that night were treated to the sight of a finely dressed man trying to escort a beautiful woman down the road, while carrying some shopping bags at the same time.
"Ugh, why didn't I think to buy regular shoes when I had a chance?" Zelda asked as Link carefully escorted her down the street, "All the stores are closed by now!"
"It's okay, I got you." Link assured her.
"I swear whoever invented high heeled shoes hates feet, and wants to see them die!" Zelda complained.
Link rolled his eyes, though he was amused by these rare moments of Zelda cutely showing her slightly childish attitude.
"Huh, what happened?"
"Oh my goddesses, this is horrible!"
The two came to a stop when they turned a corner and noticed a commotion up ahead. There was a number of torches sticking up from a crowd in the distance, and upon closer inspection they saw it was a group of knights crowded around something.
"What's going on?" Link asked a bystander.
"Looks like that Widowmaker struck again tonight." the villager spoke, "Another nobleman's body was just found, and the knights're investigatin' into it."
"Oh no, no another one..." Zelda whispered, looking down with a pained look in her eyes, "How much longer is this going to go on for...?"
"I think we might have more immediate problems, Lady Sotreia." Link whispered back, "If the knights see us and try to get information it might blow our identity."
"Yeah, good point." Zelda nodded, "I guess we'll have to hide out somewhere for the night until this blows over."
"Huh? F-For the night?" Link asked.
"Um..."
Link now found himself standing at at an open door, holding Zelda up with one arm and her shopping bags with the other arm.
All alone.
In a private room with just a single bed.
Unable to make it back to Hyrule Castle thanks to the incident with the murder, they had no choice but to check into an inn for that night. They had tried to get a double bed room, but they were all occupied.
Zelda walked forward and sat herself down on the bed, removing her high heeled shoes and gasped out in relief of the freedom her feet now had,
"Finally, now I can get out of these shoes! May the goddesses bless carpeted floors!"
Link meanwhile could only stand there blankly and think to himself how much trouble he was now in.
And that ends this week's chapter! Next time, it's a grueling test of Link's self-control as he and Zelda are stuck alone over night... What will come about from this night? Find out next time!
Thanks everyone for waiting patiently through my hiatus. I'm getting back in a writing mood, and I promise I'll try not to take another extended break like this for a long while.
And thank you all for reading, please leave a like, follow, comment or send me a Private Message at your leisure! Your feedback is always encouraged!