Chapter 5

The day had passed and night fell over Hyrule. Zelda was in her study as usual researching Sheikah technology and ways it could be used to help Hyrule. A familiar knocked sounded at her door causing Zelda to smile.

"Come in, Link," Zelda called happily.

The young knight entered the room and grinned when he saw Zelda's smiling face. He bent down to place a sweet kiss on her forehead. Zelda giggled and placed her hand on her forehead where Link had kissed. Both of their faces turned pink.

"That was a bold move for you. You must be in a good mood," Zelda teased.

"Hmph," Link chuckled as he laid down on Zelda's couch, "Today was a good day. It was nice seeing everyone, but I'm also happy to have some time away from everyone. Except you, of course."

"Of course," Zelda reassured.

Zelda took a deep breath and collected her thoughts before continuing.

"Link, I think we need to talk about…about us and our relationship," Zelda stared at the notebook on her desk too embarrassed to look at Link. She nervously doodled circles on the page.

Link turned his head to look towards Zelda and sat up on the couch.

"Okay…I actually wanted to talk about that as well, but you go first," Link said.

Zelda took another deep breath, placed her pen on the desk, and turned her chair so she was facing Link. She stared deep into his blue eyes.

"When my father initially chose you as my appointed knight, I was resentful and I envied your natural talent for everything. I was still struggling to awaken my power, and yet everything came so easily to you. That's why I was so mean to you at first. But as time passed, and you saved me repeatedly from monsters and the Yiga clan, I slowly fell in love with you. I realized how foolish I was when you were nothing but kind to me and stayed by my side without question," Zelda paused as tears welled in her eyes. She continued, "The night Calamity Ganon awakened, and you fell in Hyrule field, I felt a piece of me die as you faded away in my arms. I awakened my sealing power too late and I lost everything that night, but you were the biggest thing I lost. I still haven't forgiven myself for everything I put you through, and I am so sorry."

Zelda's tears fell as she bared her heart to Link. Link felt his own heart break hearing Zelda be so vulnerable. He had no idea she felt this way. He could not think of anything to say and felt his actions would speak louder. Link stood from the couch, crossed the room, and stood in front of Zelda. He grasped her hands and gently pulled her to her feet, then pulled her into a tight embrace. Zelda buried her face in Link's shoulder as her body was racked by sobs clutching him tightly.

"I'm so sorry, Link," Zelda cried.

"Please don't apologize, Zelda. I never blamed you for anything," Link soothed.

Zelda continued to cry and Link felt it was time for him to say his piece.

"I'm not sure when exactly I fell for you, but I always admired your wisdom and your drive to learn. I saw how hard you prayed and studied even though your father never appreciated your efforts. And…I always thought you were beautiful, especially when you discovered something new. The way your face would light up every time…it almost made me forget the pressure that was placed on me as the hero of Hyrule."

Zelda's cries began to slow and her grip on Link began to loosen. Link slowly released his embrace and placed his hands on her arms. Zelda's hands came to rest on Link's chest as they stared longingly into each other's eyes.

"I love you, Link," Zelda spoke softly.

"I love you too," Link responded as he closed the gap between them pressing his lips eagerly to hers.

A small moan escaped Zelda as her hands fisted into his shirt. Encouraged by Zelda's actions, Link tilted his head to kiss her deeper and brought his hands up to her face using his thumbs to wipe the remaining tears away. His hands then made their way to her hair, and he was surprised how soft it was as his fingers tangled further. Zelda gasped as her own hands made their way to Link's hair and lightly tugged at the hair tie keeping the majority of his hair pulled back. Her fingers entwined in his long hair as it spilled around his shoulders.

Their first kiss the night before was sweet and tentative, but this one felt passionate and fiery. Years of pent-up emotions finally came loose as Link and Zelda tangled their hands in each other's hair and kissed with more passion than they thought possible. Link stepped forward without realizing it and pushed Zelda against her desk. The loud noise of Zelda's body hitting the desk startled both of them and their lips separated. They panted heavily as they gazed into each other's eyes, hands still in the other person's hair.

"Link," Zelda breathed, "you're amazing."

"And you are a goddess," Link said with a coy smile.

Zelda laughed and kissed Link again though this kiss was tender and sweet. She released his hair and placed her hands on his shoulders as she gazed lovingly into his eyes. Link's hands rested on her cheeks cradling her face.

"Link, will you court me?"

"Nothing would make me happier."

Link and Zelda's courtship was well received by everyone, and they were actually teased since many people thought they were already together. The young couple was quite embarrassed to hear this but they were happy. They courted for almost a year since they felt it would be unwise to have a large, expensive wedding when Hyrule still needed to repair itself. Link and Zelda also thought there was no need to rush since they had their entire lives ahead of them. After a year had passed, Hyrule was mostly restored and they felt it was the right time to announce their engagement. Everyone at the castle was thrilled since it had been more than one hundred years since a royal wedding. Everything was extravagant and over the top even though Zelda said it was not necessary. It was a beautiful spring day and the ceremony took place at the Temple of Time. Every race of Hyrule was represented from the Zora, Rito, Gorons, Gerudo, Sheikah, and Hylians. Everything was perfect and congratulations were shared all around. After the wedding ceremony, Link and Zelda were coronated as king and queen and the rest of the night was filled with drinking and dancing.

As the party began to wind down, Zelda noticed Link speaking with Sidon and realized Link was very red-faced looking like he would die from embarrassment. Sidon simply clapped Link on the back and guffawed. Zelda smiled and walked over to the two gentlemen hoping to save Link from the conversation.

"King Sidon, if I may, I would like to retire for the night with my husband," Zelda spoke kindly.

"Oh yes! It has been a long day and I know you two are ready for alone time," Sidon eagerly responded and gave Link his signature smile.

Link's face turned an even darker shade of red which Zelda did not think was possible. She quickly figured out what Sidon had told Link to get him so worked up. Her own face turned a light shade of pink as she quickly looped her arm through Link's arm.

"We shall be on our way," Zelda said hurriedly and pulled Link away from Sidon.

"Good evening, you two," Sidon called as he winked in their direction.

Arm in arm the new king and queen made their way out of the ballroom and towards Zelda's room, now their room.

"Thank you for removing me from that conversation," Link spoke suddenly. Most of their walk through the castle had been silent.

"Oh, you're welcome," Zelda quickly responded.

Link and Zelda had agreed to wait until their wedding night to consummate their relationship so they would honor tradition. Zelda had received some bedroom advice as well from her ladies in waiting though she was far too nervous and embarrassed to do some of the things they suggested. Being the princess of Hyrule she was very sheltered and had no experience with men. The only information she knew about intercourse was what she had read in books. However, she loved Link with her whole heart and was ready to give him everything.