If you'd like to check out my story with fanart on Archive of our own: /works/48498889
The situation was undeniably challenging, to say the least, acclimating to the myriad royal protocols and the intricacies of rules and etiquette. The hours were consumed by a flurry of activity, the demands of my role as princess unrelenting, a constant reminder of the weight of responsibility that now rested on my shoulders. The days were filled with purpose, but they were also marked by an unshakeable sense of isolation. Frequently, I would express my desire to escape the confines of the castle, craving the freedom of open air and the simple pleasure of a walk. It was a small rebellion against the gilded cage I found myself in, a way to reclaim a semblance of normalcy amidst the wealth and formality that surrounded me.
In those stolen moments, I would seek comfort in Link's presence. Amidst the castle's grandeur and the numerous personnel, he became an anchor, a familiar figure in the midst of the unknown. Before even arriving at the castle, I had learnt that he had been conscripted into the castle defense services, allowing him to partake in the contest. As I wandered the courtyard, Gralens would frequently seek me out, engaging in discussions about the guards' training and their preparations for the upcoming contest. It was an opportunity for him to showcase his own abilities, often boasting about his prowess. I listened attentively, though my patience wore thin with each self-congratulatory remark. Politely but firmly, I would find a way to bring our conversations to an end.
One day, as Gralens continued his habitual monologue, I happened to catch Link's watchful gaze from a distance. His expression was different, a shadow of displeasure darkening his features. Our eyes locked, and he held my gaze for a lingering moment. Seeming to recognize his demeanor, he abruptly looked away, returning his focus back to his rigorous training regimen. I watched him intently, a swirl of curiosity bubbling within me, his reaction piquing my interest. Unfortunately, the day pressed on, and duty called me back inside, where I attended to my obligations. As the evening descended, I had completed my tasks, affording me the opportunity to step out once again for my customary evening , amidst the dimming light, I was pleased to discover Link still engrossed in his training near the knights' corridor. The rhythmic clash of wood echoed through the courtyard, punctuating the quiet castle grounds.
"Glad to find you here," I greeted as I approached Link. He paused in his training, turning to look at me for a moment before returning to his practice, his movements fluid and precise. The air held a quiet intensity, a palpable energy that seemed to surround us.
"What are you doing here?" Link inquired, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. Duty once again imposed its silent barrier, creating a subtle but palpable distance between us.
"I could ask you the same," I replied, my gaze fixed on him as he continued his training. I yearned to initiate a conversation to close the gap between us, but I wasn't sure where to begin. It had been quite a while since we had last spoken.
"Don't hang out with Gralens. He's bad news." Link said in between his breaths and hits, interrupting the silence that had settled between us. His words seemed to allude to the forced conversations I had to endure with Gralens during my strolls in the courtyard.
"Why?" I inquired. Link paused again and straightened up, standing tall. He then shifted his focus to me, his gaze meeting mine, studying me for a brief moment.
"Just trust me," he urged, his tone sincere. There was a gravity in his voice, a plea for me to heed his advice. As I gazed at him, a sense of nostalgia washed over me. I found myself missing his protective person, and I was grateful that the bond between us still held strong. In that moment, a surge of happiness washed over me, making it hard to take him seriously.
"What's this?" I said, my tone serious, though a glimmer of amusement danced in my eyes. I took a few deliberate steps towards Link, studying him for a moment before tilting my head and breaking into a playful smile.
"Is this jealousy?" My voice was teasing, the words trailing off in a light-hearted manner. Link let out a displeased sigh, impatience evident in his expression.
"I'm being serious," Link insisted, his expression unwavering and determined. My playful smile gradually faded, replaced by a more contemplative gaze.
"I'm just looking out for you," he added after a brief pause, his voice softening. I regarded him for a moment, then couldn't help but let out a giggle. There was something about his protective demeanor that touched me, even if it did come off as slightly overbearing at times.
"This is pointless," Link finally stated, his voice tinged with frustration. He picked up his stuff and let out a sigh before continuing, "I'll see you around." With that, he turned his back to me, leaving me standing there, a mix of emotions swirling within me.
As I observed him leaving, a fleeting wish danced through my thoughts, yearning for more time in his company. His departure was quite abrupt and I wondered if I should have been more serious about his request. Yet, despite the brevity of our conversation, there lingered within me a quiet contentment. The mere chance to exchange words with him had left a comforting warmth in my heart.
With each passing day, the impending competition drew nearer. Time seemed to slip through my fingers, a whirlwind of new experiences and unfamiliar routines. A new task had been added to my list, one of studying, for I had to learn ancient techniques before practicing them in training.
At long last, I returned to my room, the weight of the day settling upon me. I sank onto the edge of the bed, gazing wearily at the stack of documents and tasks that awaited my attention. The demands of my role were ceaseless, and it was easy to become consumed by the never-ending workload. Realizing the need for a moment of respite, I pushed myself up and made my way to the balcony, craving the cool afternoon air.
As I stepped out, my eyes were drawn to the courtyard below. It was a familiar sight, the guards gathered in focused determination, their training echoing through the air. Amidst the sea of dedicated guards, one figure stood out. It was Link, his presence commanding attention. Every movement was deliberate, his vigilance and resolve apparent in the precision of his actions. His skill was undeniable, a testament to the experiences that had shaped him. However, my focus shifted when I noticed Link swiftly turning his attention towards a group of guards casting subtle glances in my direction. The hushed exchange between them remained beyond my hearing, but it was evident that something had ignited a spark of fury within Link. In an instant, he pivoted with a steely determination, closing the distance between himself and one of the guards with an intensity that was palpable. It was a startling turn of events, a display of raw emotion that I hadn't anticipated, nor had I wished to witness.
The air crackled with tension, the atmosphere growing charged as Link confronted the perceived source of his displeasure. A sudden eruption of violence shattered the courtyard's usual calm, a brawl escalating before my eyes. It was a terribly mismatched affair for Link. Four guards converged upon him, their coordinated attacks relentless. In a display of remarkable skill, Link managed to incapacitate two of his assailants, his movements swift and precise. Yet, weighed down by their formidable armor and outnumbered, he was ultimately overpowered. The struggle reached its climax as Link was driven to the ground, the clash of weapons and armor a cacophony that echoed through the courtyard. The sight sent a surge of panic coursing through me, my heart pounding in rhythm with each strike.
Without a second thought, I fled my room, darting down the multiple flights of stairs until I reached the ground floor. I burst through the doors and sprinted towards the training grounds. The scene that met my eyes was one of chaos. Link and the other guards were in the midst of being separated, their heated altercation now disrupted by Gralens. His voice carried authority as he announced the disqualification of Link and the other men involved in the skirmish. My heart pounded, concern for Link overwhelming me.
Link's eyes bore into Gralens with an intensity that could have melted steel. The air grew thick with tension as their gazes locked, a silent exchange of grievances that needed no words. Then, with a sudden, fierce motion, Link whirled away, wrenching his equipment from his body and sending it crashing to the ground. The resounding impact echoed through the courtyard, a visceral manifestation of his frustration and discontentment.
I took determined steps towards Gralens, fully prepared to engage in a dispute with him. However, before I could utter anything, a familiar voice spoke out to me, a single word halting me in my tracks, "Manners". It was none other than Impa standing behind me. Her message was clear, reminding me of my image and the weight of my role. As the crowd gathered around us, I swiftly scanned the area and decided to head back to the castle.
I promised myself to meet with Gralens later in hopes to glean some answers about the source of his direct orders. Not too long after, when my schedule permitted, I politely excused myself and made my way outside. As I neared the entrance to the knights' corridor, I spotted Gralens in the midst of a group of knights. Putting on a mask of friendliness, I smiled as our eyes met, prompting him to come over. As we walked together, we entered the knights corridor and arrived at a more reclusive area, our conversation dancing around the castle's workload and our respective obligations. Time ticked by, and as our exchange drew to a close, I expressed gratitude for his willingness to chat, though my inquiry remained fruitless.
Just as I turned to leave, Gralens' hand shot out, firmly gripping my wrist and holding me back, prompting me to turn around and face him. It was an unexpected move, catching me off guard. Before I could react, he leaned in for a kiss. Instinctively, I raised my hand, pushing against his mouth with a forceful determination, breaking free from his grasp. The moment hung heavy in the air, an awkward tension filling the space between us.
"What do you think you're doing?" I seethed, my anger flaring. I locked eyes with him, expecting some semblance of remorse or shame. Instead, he averted his gaze, a disdainful look etched across his face. A bitter chuckle escaped his lips before he spoke, his voice dripping with mockery.
"This is how you play your little games, isn't it? All those rumors about you, they seem to have some truth. No wonder so many people can't stand you. Now I see why!" His words cut through the air, each one sharper than the last. Rumors? This was the first I'd heard of such things.
"I would suggest you leave," I spat, turning away, unwilling to subject myself to any more of his vitriol.
"You put on this act of kindness, all for attention, don't you? But deep down, you're just as selfish and rude as the rest of them. Admit it, you're lonely, aren't you?" he sneered, a bitter laugh punctuating his words. His taunts hung heavily in the air, daring me to respond. I turned back to face him, my jaw clenched in frustration. The smug satisfaction on his face was unmistakable.
A sudden interruption brought a momentary pause to the charged atmosphere. A voice, familiar and comforting, broke through the tension. It was Link. I felt a surge of gratitude wash over me as he seemed to always be there when I needed him.
"Everything okay?" he asked, his tone tinged with concern. I didn't look away from Gralens, my gaze remaining fixed on him. Gralens scorned as his eyes laid on Link.
"Are you the lost puppy that followed her to the castle? Or perhaps a stalker?" Gralens sneered, his contemptuous words directed at Link.
"At least I don't have to force myself on a girl for her to notice me." Link quickly replied.
"What did you say to me?" Gralens spat, a look of disdain painting his face.
"Got a problem?" Link said, stepping forward, facing him. A few seconds passed as they observed each other, Link's face wearing a menacing expression.
"Leave before I report you," I finally said to Gralens. He cast one last glance our way and scoffed before finally leaving us alone. The silence hung heavy, and I could sense Link's gaze fixed on me.
"I want to know what goes on in that mind of yours," he finally said, anger in his tone. I looked at him, my face expressionless.
"Is this really who you're choosing to spend your time with?" he then asked. I gazed at him, not uttering a word. In reality, I didn't know what to say. He had every reason to be frustrated, after all, he had warned me about Gralens. But what Link didn't understand were my true intentions in speaking with him.
"You're really something, you know that?" Link's voice carried a blend of discontent and genuine disappointment. I couldn't help but ponder whether his frustration stemmed from my apparent disregard of his advice or if it was tied to the amount of time I spent in Gralens' company. Perhaps he had hoped for my company instead? I couldn't shake the thought that his disqualification might have also played a role in his demeanor.
We locked eyes, a silent exchange of emotions passing between us. The words welled up inside me, aching to be spoken. I longed to tell him how I felt, to let him know that I did care, that I preferred his company… Then, Link took a step forward, moving past me. Just as he was about to leave, a surge of urgency coursed through me, and I reached out, grabbing his wrist. Time seemed to stretch, the world around us fading into the background as we stood there, locked in a charged moment.
Slowly, Link withdrew his arm from my grasp, a subtle yet definitive movement that left me standing there alone. I watched in silence as he walked away, the echo of his steps resonating in the empty space, a poignant reminder of the rift that had formed between us. In that moment, my thoughts raced, and without overthinking, I started to follow him, keeping pace behind him. He passed through a few halls and finally arrived outside, where the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the courtyard.
"Link, please, hear me out," I implored. He stopped in his tracks and took a deep breath in before turning to face me, his expression carefully neutral, yet his eyes held a hint of emotion, perhaps weariness. I could sense the weight of our conversation on him, and I wanted to ensure he understood my intentions.
"I was only talking to him to figure out who he was getting these orders from. I honestly couldn't bear the thought of having someone else constantly by my side," I explained, my voice tinged with a mix of frustration and sincerity. As the words tumbled from my lips, I could feel the warmth creeping up my cheeks. It was becoming painfully clear that I couldn't bear to be separated from him any longer. This divide between us felt insufferable.
"I wasn't just 'lonely,' as many people might think," I began, my voice steady but earnest. "And it certainly wasn't about seeking attention. I was just... trying to make sense of my feelings." Each word carried the weight of my sincerity, a genuine attempt to convey the complexity of my emotions to Link. It was a vulnerable moment, an opening for him to understand the true motives behind my actions. The seconds seemed to stretch, and I found myself fixated on my own hands. There was a tumultuous feeling swirling in my stomach, my heart pounding in my throat. I took a deep breath in, forcing myself to face my heartache. As I fidgeted with my fingers, I finally mustered my courage to be truthful.
"Link, I... I need you to understand. This isn't about favoring one person over another. It's about trust, about feeling safe," I stammered, my voice wavering. "You've always been my protector, the one I could rely on. I didn't want that to change." The words hung in the air, laden with the weight of my emotions. In that moment, I realized that my feelings for Link ran deeper than I had ever let myself admit. It wasn't just about protection; it was about a connection that I couldn't bear to lose.
"If I've fallen for you, then what comes next? If I confess that even in a crowd, it's you I long for, that every passing minute without you feels like an eternity... What then, Link?" We locked eyes, and in his gaze, I saw the reflection of my own pain, a shared ache that transcended our words. As moments slipped by, my heart raced, yet a sudden weight of melancholy settled in, like an oncoming tide of sorrow.
"See what I mean?... You're right. This is pointless," I declared, my resolve unwavering. I took a step forward, intent on leaving. But just as I passed him, he seized my wrist and pulled me back to face him. Our eyes locked, a charged silence enveloping us. Dark's eyes, once filled with determination and the weight of his secrets, now held a vulnerability I had never seen before. It was as if the walls he had built around himself were crumbling.
His gaze shifted, briefly tracing over my lips. And then, in an unexpected turn, he closed the distance between us. I felt the warmth of his hand against my cheek as he leaned and pressed his lips against mine, a gentle yet fervent kiss that sent a wave of electricity through me. Although surprise covered me, I eventually closed my eyes and surrendered to the warmth of his lips against mine, the sensation filling my heart with a strange mix of longing and fulfillment. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us in that stolen moment. His touch was tender yet filled with an underlying intensity, setting my senses ablaze. Our bodies pressed together, and I could feel the heat radiating between us. My cheeks burned, a flush of warmth spreading across my skin. Instinctively, my hands found their way to him, fingers gripping onto his frame, pulling him even closer. In response, he tightened his hold, drawing me in as a surge of shivers cascaded down my spine. Every heartbeat seemed to synchronize, creating a rhythm that was uniquely ours. It was a kiss that held the promise of a new beginning, a moment of solace amid the chaos of our world.