Hello everybody, this is Mlp fan Celine. Again, a 1000 apologize that it took me another year to complete this. You guys must be so tired of this. But I have something here that I hope you will love. Especially to all my Zelinkers out there, I think you will find this chapter satisfying your needs. I know that I loved writing this. Also, this is the longest chapter to date, so have it at you.
As you know, I write music for my story as well. So, in case you are interested: Music to listen to for this chapter: "The Spark". And while "The Romance" is for a different scene later on, I would even say a bit of that one. Hmm, maybe I should do something about that song to make it more fitting for this chapter? Well, I guess you will have to wait and see ;)
I also tried working on my gramma mistakes like present and tense. But i think that i overlooked some mistakes. Hope though that it's a much better read.
Pages: 17
Word count: 8971
The streets of Castle Town were alive with their usual evening bustle. Children ran around, playing different kinds of games with their friends, while their parents desperately tried to stop them and bring them to bed. Others strolled through the streets, finishing their last-minute shopping or heading to taverns—some to celebrate, others to spend time with friends, and a few just to enjoy a drink or two.
It was the usual bustle of Castle Town. It was normal. But Link's thoughts were far from the warmth of the lamps or the cheerful murmur of the townsfolk. He tightened his cloak around himself as the cool evening breeze brushed against his face, but it did little to soothe the unease gnawing at him.
He had just finished a conversation with Telma at her tavern, seeking her advice. She always had a way of easing his doubts or helping him calm down when his thoughts grew too heavy. After his sparring match with Zelda, he had continued training with the recruits, but once that ended for the day, he had gone straight to Telma. Also to pet her cat, Louise—but mostly to talk. Owning a tavern had given Telma a keen ability to soothe restless minds, and she had helped him sort through his thoughts countless times before. It was thanks to her that he had realized, years ago, that his feelings for Zelda were those of love and attraction. Because of that, she was the only person he trusted to talk about his feelings for the princess, and tonight, he had needed to sort them out more than ever.
Zelda's excitement from earlier replayed in his mind over and over—her radiant smile, the sparkle in her eyes when she spoke of this "Damion." It destroyed him. "It feels like the world is falling apart. Your heart shatters into small pieces, filled with jealousy, fear, and pain," he recalled Telma's words and the comforting weight of her hand on his shoulder. "You don't know what to do. But trust me, Link. While I don't know Her Majesty as well as you do, the few times I've met her? She didn't strike me as the type to give her heart away lightly," Telma had said with a gentle yet knowing smile.
But her words did little to calm the storm inside him.
Zelda had clearly given some part of her heart to this Damion, judging by how excited she had been. And that knowledge hurt. More than anything before. With the few suitors she had encountered in the past, he had always known she wasn't interested—she dismissed them so quickly. But this Damion was different. He meant something to her. Link wished he could get that kind of reaction from her, too…
A cough in front of him pulled him from his thoughts. Looking up, he locked eyes with one of two guardsmen. He really needed to stop getting lost in his own head so often. Lifting his hands, he pulled back his hood, and the guard's eyes widened slightly in recognition.
"Ah, Sir Link. We apologize—we didn't recognize you with your hood up," the guard said. Link noticed a bead of sweat rolling down the man's cheek. He never liked the nervousness he apparently inspired in others.
Before the guards could grow even more anxious, he decided to speak. "No worries. I was too lost in my thoughts to even notice where I was." He gave a small nod, and the guard in front of him let out a quiet sigh of relief.
The other guard, who had spoken before, cleared his throat. "Understood, sir. Though, if I may ask… what were you thinking about? It must be something big if you were this distracted."
Link understood the curiosity. As guards, they were trained to be observant, always on alert. And for him—at least in their eyes—it was unusual to be this lost in thought. He knew he often drifted off during meetings or when he was around Zelda, something he really needed to work on, but the guards saw him as a fearless and focused general. To see him this preoccupied was rare.
Shaking his head, he scratched the back of his neck—a habit of his when he felt slightly shy or nervous—and let out a small laugh. "Don't worry, Tod. I was just lost in personal thoughts. Nothing for you to be concerned about." He let out a silent sigh of relief when Tod and the other guard, Fred, nodded in understanding.
Right at that moment, the gate to the castle courtyard opened, and out came his good friend, Ashei. She looked around before her eyes locked onto his, and with a determined expression, she marched up to him. Placing her hands on her hips and narrowing her eyes in annoyance, she exclaimed, "Where have you been? The queen is waiting for you, yeah? She's been refusing her dinner for almost two hours now."
Link's eyes widened. Had he really been gone that long? "Shit. Was I really gone for that long?" he asked nervously. Ashei raised her left eyebrow at him. "What do you think?" she retorted, her tone growing more irritated by the second. "Come on. We don't want to keep her waiting any longer, do we, yeah?" she added before grabbing his left arm and practically dragging him into the castle.
He stumbled slightly but quickly regained his footing, falling into step beside her as they made their way through the grand corridors of Hyrule Castle. The torches lining the stone walls flickered with a warm glow, casting long shadows as they hurried along. Link being deep in his thoughts and guilt. He truly did not mean to let Zelda wait for him. He truly lost track of time this time around.
Ashei was in a hurry. Ever since the Captain, chose her as his pupil, she was taking her job quite seriously. He could understand though. He would have probably done the same thing to not disappoint his master. Tough he doesn't like the tension she emirates. Because of this, he couldn't help but ask: "Are you ok, Ashei"?
Ashei let out a sharp exhale through her nose, her shoulders briefly sagging before she tensed them again. "I'm fine", she muttered, though her tightness in her voice told a different story. Link wasn't convinced. "You're sure?", he pressed, tilting his head slightly to the side. "I know that I am late for my meeting with the queen, which I am very sorry for, but you seem rather…tense". Ashei shot him a side glance but didn't immediately respond.
For a few moments, the only sound between them was the echo of their hurried footsteps against the polished stone floor. Finally, with another sigh, she relented. "It's just…" she paused, as if debating whether to say more, then shook her head. "Never mind. It's nothing". Link frowned, not liking her answer. "If it's bothering you this much, it's not nothing".
She scoffed, though there wasn't much bite to it. "You sound like Ajan", her annoyed tone catching him a bit of guard. "Ok. How to ease the tension"? Link thought and let his mind race through different ideas he could say. Then he had an idea and smirked: "Must be why he is the captain", he said with smugness. That earned him a chuckle, something he had hoped to accomplish. But the chuckle quickly faded away as she tensed her shoulders again. A soft sigh escaped her lips. "I just don't want to mess this up, yeah? Ajan has giving me a chance, and I don't want him to regret that choice". She flexed her fingers at her sides, as if resisting the urge to clench them into fists. A gesture everyone else would have mist, but his sensitive eyes caught. She continued: "And with everything going on at the moment, Ajan and the queen judging my training, the court watching my every move, the upcoming solstice Ball…I feel like I'm walking on a tightrope".
Link nodded, understanding more than she probably realized. He may not have had a formal mentor like Ajan, but he knew the pressure of responsibility all too well. "I get it," he said simply. "But if anyone can handle it, it's you." She scoffed again, but this time, there was a ghost of a smirk on her lips. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Link." And he responded with a grin. "Was worth a try."
They rounded a corner, and Ashei picked up the pace, her posture stiffening again. "Come on. Let's just get to Zelda before she begins to starv as it's getting later and later the more we waste time". Link chuckled but followed without hesitation, feeling a little lighter despite the tension still hanging in the air. Whatever was weighing on Ashei, he'd keep an eye on her, just like she and the rest of the resistance did for him doing the twilight invasion.
They continued their walk in silence. The only sounds being their footsteps, the clanking of armour from other soldiers walking by and the last birds of the day chirping outside whenever they walked past a window. Their walk brought them to the royal wing of the castle, a place that Link has visited quite often. Even before he became General, Zelda oftentimes helped him out by getting used to castle etiquettes, as well as to see how he was doing. This is not their first dinner together, though these events are rather rare. It's not like she doesn't want these dinners; it's more the fact because of the council. At first, they didn't like her having meetings with him, a commoner. No matter his title of hero. Now, they are worried about the time. As in, him and Zelda having to fulfil duties which keeps them busy most of the time. Though Link couldn't understand that reasoning. He could always spare some time for Zelda.
They finally reached the door to the royal wing's dinning area. Link could feel his heart racing just a bit once Ashei acknowledged the two guardsmen in front of the door. "Her majesty requested sir Link for dinner". He watched as the two guardsmen nodded towards her before opening the spears, which were held like a cross in front of the door, to let Ashei knock on the door.
For a moment, there was silence. Then, Link heard Zelda's elegant voice emanating from the other side of the door: "You may enter". Ashei looked over her left shoulder, catching Link's eyes. "You ready, yeah"? to which Link gave a small nod. Turning back around, Ashei opened the door, letting the light of the room shine down on them. She entered the room, brought her fist towards her chest and bowed her head. "Your majesty, I bring you sir Link".
Ashei stepped aside after her introduction, allowing Link to enter fully. The warm glow of candlelight illuminated the elegantly set table, two chairs waiting for both of their occupants. Link looked around the room, trying to spot Zelda. His eyes finally found her, standing just beyond the open balcony doors, her silhouette outlined against the soft hues of twilight. A gentle breeze played with the loose strands of her brown hair as she gazed out over Hyrule Field.
Link hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward. Ashei gave him a quick glance before excusing herself with a small bow, letting the doors close behind her. The quiet click of the latch echoed through the room, leaving only Link and Zelda in the peaceful stillness of the evening. His mind was racing with worry. "Has she been standing there on the balcony this whole time?" he couldn't help but wonder.
Scratching the back of his head, Link began walking towards her. Every step felt like forever, and he had to catch his mind and legs before he could start running the last few meters. That wouldn't do. But at the same time, he couldn't help it. She has been waiting far longer than he wanted to and he didn't even know if she spend most, if not the whole, time waiting for him outside. She could catch a cold.
He relaxed a bit when he finally stepped foot outside the balcony, coming to a halt right behind her. He held the door with his left hand and couldn't help but ask: "You weren't waiting for me this whole time out here, were you?", his voice carrying warmth and worry. It took a few seconds before Zelda turned her head slightly, a small smile gracing her lips. "Perhaps I was," she mused, turning back to again look out at Hyrule field. "Or perhaps I simply wished for a moment of fresh air." She patted the railing on her right side, a signal for him to come closer.
Link took the invitation and walked up to the railing beside her, looking out at Hyrule field. He let out a small comforting sigh once he felt a nice, cold breeze blow through his hair. His eyes landing on the setting sun in the distance. A beautiful sight he always enjoyed seeing, even back then as a child with Rusl and Uli at his side. His sort of adoptive parents, holding him close while he stared at the setting sun with wonder.
His trip down memory lane was short lived, once the corner of his left eye caught Zelda staring at him. He felt the tip of his ears start to burn, turning slightly to look at her. It didn't help that Zelda had a small, but for him noticeable smirk on her face. "You are late", she said, though there was no accusation in her voice, just quiet amusement.
Link exhaled through his nose, rubbing the back of his neck while feeling the tip of his ears burning more and more. "I know and I am sorry. Got caught up in my thoughts", he decided to say since it wasn't completely false. Her deep blue eyes studied him, intrigued. With a slight tilt to her right and a small frown on her face, she asked: "May I ask about what", her voice carried a slight tone of worry.
Link's heart was racing. How stupid of him. He should have known that he wouldn't get out of this so easily. For a moment, he considered brushing it off as nothing. But the way she looked at him, the patience and worry in her gaze, the way she always was ready to listen, made him reconsider. "…Just…you know…things", he admitted. He saw her tilting her head to the left now, inviting him to continue. With his ears burning more and more and his heart racing as fast as possible, he continued while rubbing the back of his neck again: "The usual, you know. Training, responsibilities, the upcoming solstice ball". You, his mind added but didn't say aloud.
He noticed her expression shifting just slightly at the mention of the ball, but she didn't comment on it yet. Instead, she continued staring at him. Her gaze moving between his eyes. And Link stared back. His heart pounding while his thoughts were running wild. "Noted for next time. Don't. Be. Late". He shifted from his right foot to his left foot and back, before shifting his view and looking towards Hyrule field again. That was when he froze a bit. He could have sworn that her eyes were looking for just the tiniest of seconds down at his lips. He must have imagined that.
After a few seconds, he heard her shift, staring towards Hyrule field like he does. The silence between them stretched, comfortable yet charged with something neither of them acknowledged aloud. Eventually, Zelda slightly sighed, pushing off the railing with a graceful ease. "Come," she said, tilting her head toward the door. "Dinner is waiting, and I'd rather not have it grow cold."
Link blinked, snapping himself out of his thoughts. Right. Dinner. That was why he was here in the first place. He nodded and followed her inside, letting the warmth of the castle interior replace the crisp evening air outside.
The dining room was modest compared to the grand halls of the castle, meant for more private meals. The meal before them wasn't extravagant, but it was refined—roasted meat, fresh bread, and an assortment of vegetables, all arranged with careful attention to detail.
Zelda sat first, gesturing for Link to do the same across from her. He hesitated for just a second before settling into his seat. It wasn't his first time dining with her, yet there was always something about these private meals that made him more aware of every movement, every breath.
They began to eat in a comfortable silence. The occasional conversation flowing between them. Whenever Link talked, he did his hardest to swallow before doing so. Old habits from his Ordon life sometimes flowing through him even in the castle. For his safety of the council, Zelda found it best to teach him the way of formal life. One of those things was not talking with a full mouth. And while Uli tried teaching him that as well, knowing that the lords and ladies weren't as forgiving as his family and the people of Ordon, he had to change his way.
Despite the familiarity of the meal, Link couldn't shake the awareness that always settled in these moments with her. It wasn't like sharing dinner with Rusl and Uli, where conversation flowed without effort and silence was comfortable, even expected. Here, silence held weight. Every glance, every shift in posture, every carefully chosen word seemed to carry meaning.
Not that Zelda ever made him feel unwelcome. Quite the opposite. She had a way of making these private meals feel… natural. As if they were two ordinary people enjoying a meal rather than a Queen and her appointed General. Still, there were times, like now, when he felt the difference between them as sharply as a blade's edge.
He did, however, notice her look at him while drinking her wine. A small smile played on her lips. Link realized that she most had noticed his slight slip op and correction of his Ordon habits. Swallowing his piece of meat, he sheepishly apologized, and watched Zelda's smile grow. "Do not worry, Link. I do notice your efforts. However, while I am happy to see you try, you do not have to try so hard in my presents. I know how merciless the lords and ladies can be", her soft voice carried a hint of playfulness, "I do not want you to change completely though. Not when we are alone. So please, calm down". She elegantly took her wine glass and took a sip.
Link exhaled, feeling some of the tension in his shoulders ease. He hadn't even realized how stiff he had been sitting until she spoke. He gave her a small nod, poking at the vegetables on his plate before taking another bite. He knew she meant well, and part of him was relieved to hear her say it. Still, the habits drilled into him over the past months weren't so easily shaken, especially not when he knew how closely the nobility watched him, waiting for any misstep.
And yet, there was something reassuring in the way Zelda spoke. Not just in her words, but in the way she said them. Light, teasing, but undeniably sincere. He glanced up at her, watching as she took another slow sip of her wine. The dim candlelight softened her features, and for a moment, the title of Queen felt distant. She wasn't addressing him as a ruler would her subject, nor as a teacher correcting a student. She was simply Zelda, speaking to him. The thought made his stomach turn in an unfamiliar way.
"I'll try," he finally said, a little more awkwardly than he intended. "It's just… a hard habit to break. Knowing that everyone is watching you…". Zelda let out a soft chuckle. "I imagine so. But I'd rather you not feel as though you are walking on eggshells whenever we share a meal". Link huffed lightly, running a hand through his hair before setting his fork down. "I just… don't want to embarrass you". Zelda blinked, as if caught off guard by his words. Then, after a pause, her expression softened. "Link". She leaned forward slightly, elbows resting lightly on the table. "You've never embarrassed me".
He swallowed, resisting the urge to shift under her gaze. She tilted her head, watching him carefully, before speaking again, quieter this time. "If anything, I worry about how much weight you put on your shoulders". That caught him off guard. He stared at her for a long moment, unsure of what to say.
Zelda sighed, sitting back again, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her wine glass. "I know what they say. The nobles. The council. I know how they watch you, how they talk". Her voice didn't waver, but there was an underlying sharpness to it. "But you are not here to please them, Link. You are here because you have earned your place, not because of their approval". Her features softening a bit again. "Besides, some of the nobles have started talking positive about you. Especially after our sparing match today. They are impressed".
Link lowered his gaze, her words sitting heavy in his chest. He wasn't used to being spoken to like this. Most people simply expected him to endure it, to adapt, to become what was expected of him without question. Zelda, however, … She saw him.
Before he could find a response, Zelda's expression shifted slightly, something playful returning to her tone. "But I have to add," she added, taking another sip of wine, "it is rather amusing to see you so flustered". That made Link roll his eyes, but he couldn't quite stop the small smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Glad to be a source of entertainment". Zelda simply smiled. "Always".
Link huffed, shaking his head as he picked up his fork again. He wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to how easily Zelda could shift between sharp insight and playful teasing. It was disarming in a way that left him unsteady, not in battle, not in strategy, but in moments like this.
They continued eating, the conversation flowing more naturally now, touching on lighter subjects. Zelda mentioned something about a foreign ambassador arriving in the coming weeks, and Link mostly listened, only offering short responses here and there. He wasn't particularly interested in court politics, but he knew enough to understand how much effort Zelda had to put into balancing it all.
Still, his thoughts kept circling back to what she had said earlier. That he had earned his place. That some nobles were even beginning to speak of him favourably. It was strange, knowing that after months of struggling to fit into their world, he was finally being acknowledged by the very people who once dismissed him. He wasn't sure if he cared for their approval but hearing it from Zelda made it feel… different.
His mind wandered back to their sparring match earlier that day. She had been pushing him harder than usual. And yet, through every clash of their blades, there had been something else beneath the surface, something neither of them had spoken aloud. She had smiled at him in a way that lingered. And now, at this table, with the candlelight flickering between them, he couldn't shake the feeling that same unspoken thing was still there.
Zelda took another sip of her wine, her gaze drifting across the table before settling on him again. "You are quiet", she noted, tilting her head. "What is on your mind"? Link hesitated for a moment before answering, pushing a piece of bread around his plate. "Just thinking about earlier". Her lips quirked. "Our sparring match"? He nodded. "You were going harder than usual".
Zelda set her glass down, folding her hands together. "You could handle it". "That's not what I meant", he said, looking up at her. "You were testing me". Her expression didn't change, but he saw something flicker in her eyes for just for a moment. "Perhaps", she admitted, voice light, but he could tell there was more to it.
Link leaned back slightly, considering his next words carefully. "Did you want to see if I was good enough? Or were you trying to prove something to the others"? Zelda exhaled, a quiet chuckle escaping her. "Both". He blinked, surprised by her honesty.
"I knew you could handle it", she continued, her gaze steady. "My maid, Lara, wanted to know how our duels go. Instead of telling her, I wanted to show her. I did not, however, expect the nobles to be on their way there as well. They were talking about you, and I could not help but overhear some of them laugh about you. I decided to tell them about me going to you for a friendly duel. I wanted the nobles to see your strength and worth. And now they have".
Link let that sink in. So that's what it had been about. Not just a test for him, but a demonstration to everyone else. "You could have warned me", he muttered, picking up his cup and taking a sip of water. Zelda smiled. "That would have ruined the effect". Link sighed, but there was no real frustration in it. If anything, he felt… grateful. She had fought him not to undermine him, but to show the others exactly what he was capable of. And despite himself, he found that he didn't mind.
They sat in silence for a moment before Zelda spoke again, her voice quieter this time. "You did well, Link. I hope you know that". He looked at her then, really looked at her. There was no teasing in her expression now, no playful smirk. Just sincerity. He swallowed, setting his cup down. "Thanks".
Zelda nodded, the corners of her lips curling just slightly. Then, as if sensing the conversation had become too heavy, she picked up a piece of bread and tossed it lightly at him. Link caught it before it could hit his chest, raising an eyebrow. "Eat", she said, amusement returning to her tone. "Before you overthink yourself into another silence". He rolled his eyes, but he couldn't stop the small chuckle that escaped him. Taking a bite of the bread, he met her gaze again, shaking his head. Zelda just smiled.
As the dinner started to wound down, the easy conversation and teasing lingering between them, Zelda set her wine glass down with a quiet clink. Link, who had been finishing off the last bite of bread, noticed the slight shift in her posture. More purposeful, more intent. She was preparing to say something important. He straightened instinctively, his Ordonian upbringing and months of formal training keeping him composed, but Zelda still noticed. Her lips curved in that knowing way that always made him feel simultaneously seen and a little exposed.
"Link", she began, her voice gentle yet firm, "As you know, the solstice ball is coming up". She hesitated slightly, eyes flicking down to the rim of her glass before meeting his again. There was a flicker of something behind them, nervousness? That was rare for her. It made him sit up straighter without meaning to.
„Yes", he said calmly, "the solstice ball is a topic everyone has been talking about for weeks now". He felt himself getting tense again, remembering Zelda's excitement earlier about this…Prince Damion. Something he hadn't thought of since he arrived here, but now that the thought returned, he couldn't help his jealousy to return.
Zelda gave a small nod, her fingers gently tracing the rim of her glass again. She looked him in the eyes again. "There will be expectations", she said, more to herself than to him. "The nobility will parade themselves. Foreign dignitaries will watch". Link couldn't help but notice slight aggression in her voice. She let out a small sigh and continued. "People from other kingdoms are coming and with that, my suitors too. Suitors, that beg for my hand, that beg to be by my side that night".
Link's jaw tightened. He hated the thought of her being seen as a prize to be won. Hated the way others assumed they had a claim on her, on her time, her hand, her future, without truly knowing her. And it wasn't just his protective instinct inside of him. It was… more personal than that. Zelda studied him, as if gauging his reaction. Her next words were slower, more deliberate.
"Do you remember me saying, when I asked you for dinner, that I wanted to ask you something?" she waited for his reaction. He nodded, slow and steady, trying to keep his expression unreadable even though his heart had started to beat faster again. "I do".
Zelda drew a breath. Her hands, usually composed, clenching in her lap: "I want you by my side for the solstice ball. I want you as my partner". Link froze for a second. The words lingered in the air like a spell, wrapping around him, warm and electric and a little overwhelming. He opened his mouth, closed it again. She wanted him. Not a noble. Not a foreign prince. Him. His heart pounded louder in his ears than the music drifting from the far side of the castle walls.
"You…", he started, voice low, almost unsure he'd heard her right. "You want me to…"
"Yes." Her voice was stronger now. "I know as general; you would already be there and make sure the guards do their job that night". She leaned forward slightly, her eyes locked onto his with rare intensity. "As queen, I can always make different arrangements. If you accept, I will inform captain Ajan and Ashei of this development. You would still be able to plan with them your strategies, but they would take over your position for the night".
Link stared at her, the weight of her words slowly settling over him like fresh snow, soft, silent, but impossible to ignore. His role that night, the responsibility, the chain of command, she was willing to shift it all. For him. Zelda was never careless with her authority. Every decision she made, every order she gave, was precise, intentional. And yet here she was, offering to upend protocol just so he could stand at her side. He wasn't used to being the one offered something like that.
"…You've already thought this through", he said after a long pause, his voice quieter now, not from doubt, but from awe. Zelda gave a small, almost shy, smile. One he wasn't sure anyone else ever saw. He was captivated. "Of course I have", her voice held slight playfulness, "I do not want to be paraded around anymore than I have too". She held her head slightly to the right, eyes darting downwards. "I will not lie to you, the nobles will whisper. They will judge every move you and I will do", her looked returned to him, her shoulder shrugging un-lady like, something he found quiet endearing, "but I do not care. No matter what I do, they will always judge. That is the way of noble life".
Link took a moment, studying her as though he could memorize every line etched into her face, the gentle downturn of her lashes, the determined lift of her chin. She spoke of judgment and politics with the same ease she gave orders on the battlefield, but he knew, he knew, it will cost her something. And still, she chose to include him.
He exhaled slowly, trying to make sense of everything. "You really don't care what they'll say"? Zelda's eyes softened and she straightened herself, looking at him with sincerity. "I care what you think", she admitted, voice like a quiet breeze across a lake. "As for them? Let them whisper until they tire. They will, eventually". Link gave a small nod, unsure what to do with the warmth rising in his chest. He wasn't used to being seen like this. Chosen like this. Trusted like this.
He cleared his throat, trying to shift the weight of the moment before it overwhelmed them both. "So… what exactly will I need to do that night? Aside from standing next to you and being glared at by every noble in the room". Zelda's lips twitched with amusement, a smirk growing more and more, and he got a feeling that he will not like what is going to come next. "You will have to dance". Link froze, cheeks glowing red. Yep, definitely not something he liked to hear at all. He could see Zelda's smirk growing even more, a sign that she found this very amusing. "Of course. Did you really think to just stand there and do nothing"? She teased him, her smirk now as wide as can be.
Link shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to imagine himself dancing in front of an entire ballroom. His palms started to sweat, and his throat tightened. This was a far cry from anything he was used to. He could handle a sword, a shield, even leading troops and saving the world from Ganondorf, but dancing? That was a battlefield of a completely different kind.
"I... I thought I was just supposed to... look intimidating"? He forced a laugh, but it came out more strained than he intended. Zelda's laughter, light and warm, filled the space between them, making his heart skip a beat. "You have been apart of my guard for 4 years now and I must ask why you thought we wouldn't need to dance"? her voice caring curiosity.
Link scratched his neck, cheeks still glowing red, and coughed in his hand. "Well for starters, I was only recently promoted as general by you, as you know", he saw her smile softening, "meaning this is my first solstice ball as general", he coughed again. "Before, I either stood guard outside the ballroom or patrolled the halls, or I was in Ordon, celebrating with my family and friends".
Zelda nodded thoughtfully, her gaze softening as she listened, and a slight chuckle escaped her lips. "Ah, so you have always been on the outside looking in", she said, her voice warm, almost teasing. "That would make sense, since you always had the sharpest of eyes to see any dangers. But now you're here, Link, and you are not just a guard anymore. You're my partner in this. And that means you get to experience it all".
Link shifted uneasily in his seat, still processing the idea of standing in the middle of the ballroom, dancing. "I understand that", he said, his voice quieter now, as if he were speaking more to himself than to her. "But still... dancing? It's not exactly something I'm good at. I've never even danced in a ballroom before". A breath of laughter escaped her, gentle and warm. "You think I would invite you without planning for that too"? Her eyes sparkled now with something lighter, mischievous. "I already asked my counsellor to clear a few evenings next week."
His brows lifted. "You've arranged dance lessons"? "I have arranged us dance lessons", she corrected, almost smugly. "I might rule a kingdom, but even I need to brush up once in a while. Besides…" Her smile softened. "I'd rather learn with you than anyone else. While lord Caleb is a good dancer and has taught me much when I was younger", Link couldn't help but scrunch his nose at lord Caleb's name, "I don't think you would enjoy his company that much". She raised her left eyebrow at that and let out a small laugh after seeing is scrunched up face, probably taking great amusement out of it.
Immediately, Link had images of him and lord Caleb dancing. An image he definitely didn't like, shaking at the thought of lord Caleb's displeasing gaze, which made Zelda laugh even more. "He means well, Link", she wiped at her right eye, trying to calm down from the laughter. "I know your relationship with him is…not the best. But you should know that he just has his standards". She looked at him with soft eyes.
Link just looked at her, a frown on his face. "Too be honest…I still don't see how you see him as a "father figure" as you once said". Zelda's smile faltered for just a moment, a flicker of something more somber crossing her features before she quickly regained her composure. She took a sip from her wine glass, set her glass down on the table with a soft clink and looked at Link with a gentle but understanding gaze.
"I suppose it is not easy to see from the outside, is it"? she said, her voice quieter now, almost introspective. Her gaze turned to the balcony, looking out towards the fields. Her eyes clouded in memory. Link sat up straighter, waiting for her to say more. "I never told you a lot about it and I apologize for that, but lord Caleb and I have a… complicated history. He is not a father in the way you might imagine. But after my own father, my… real father, passed away when I was only but a child, I had to find guidance somewhere. Caleb was a good friend to my father. He respected him highly. He was the closest thing I had to someone who cared enough to try".
Link could hear the shift in her voice, the tenderness mixed with a trace of sadness. It wasn't something Zelda often spoke about, the weight of losing her father, and Link realized that he didn't fully understand how deep that wound was for her. He'd known her as the princess, and now queen, the confident leader, but this moment reminded him of her humanity, of the burdens she carried beneath the surface.
"I do not mean to make you uncomfortable, Zelda," Link said, his voice softer now. "I just… I guess I never understood why you'd look to someone like him. He's always seemed so..." Link trailed off, his thoughts finding it hard to form the words he wanted to say. "I mean, the way he treats you sometimes… it feels so... condescending. Like you're still a child to him". Zelda sighed, her expression growing more reflective. "I know he is not perfect. Far from it", she admitted. "But you have to understand, he has always been there when I did not have anyone else. And yes, his standards are… high. Ridiculously high, even. He expects perfection from me, and he is not afraid to let me know when I have fallen short. But in a strange way, it's because of that, because of his constant challenge, that I have learned to push myself. Maybe that is why I used to see him as a father figure, someone who could see beyond my royal title and demand more from me".
She paused, her eyes meeting Link's, as though searching his face for understanding. "It was not about the expectations or the harshness, Link. It was about someone believing in me, no matter how flawed I was and pushing me to become better. But I understand why it does not come across that way."
Link stayed quiet for a moment, letting her words sink in. He had always seen Lord Caleb through the lens of his own discomfort, his sense of superiority, and his distant attitude toward Zelda. But hearing her perspective, hearing how she had felt during those years, made him realize there was more to their relationship than he had imagined. She continued with a smile: "He was there whenever I needed him. Giving me comfort behind closed doors, where no one could give judgement and where expectations were thrown out the window. I own him a lot". Link's eyes softened at that. For a moment, there was no distance between them, no hierarchy of royalty or duty, just two people who understood each other in that quiet, shared space.
Link couldn't help but smile, the tension from earlier melting away. "So, I guess we won't have to invite Lord Caleb to our dance lessons, huh"? Zelda laughed again, her previous worry fading as she joined him in the light-heartedness. "Absolutely not", she said with mock seriousness. "I think we have had enough of his 'expert instruction' for one lifetime. Let us keep this between us, shall we"?
Link couldn't help but smile, glad to see her eyes regaining her sparkle again. Shaking his head in laughter, he returned to her earlier question. "Alright, Zelda. I will dance with you", his voice carried a bit of hesitation and worry, "just don't expect me to take the lead". Zelda's eyes sparkled with mischief, her smile widening as she picked up on his words. "Oh, I don't expect you to lead, Link. I think that is my job". She tilted her head slightly, her eyes glinting with humor. "You just follow my lead, and we will be fine".
Link felt a mixture of relief and nervousness settle within him at her words. Her teasing smile only made him more aware of how out of his depth he was in this whole dancing business. He shot her a sideways glance, still trying to work out how this would all unfold. "Alright, alright", he said, nodding slowly. "I'll follow your lead, but if I end up stepping on your feet, don't say I didn't warn you". Zelda's laughter echoed softly in the room, the sound light and freeing. "Oh, I am sure you will do fine. You are a quick learner, after all. And if nothing else, we will both have a laugh". Link chuckled, appreciating her light-hearted approach to it all.
As silence fell between them, Link's thoughts suddenly shifted back to his worries from earlier. Pince Damion and Zelda's excitement. Seeing her so happy while exclaiming him coming to the ball. While Zelda eased his anxious mind a little with asking him to be her partner, he couldn't help but think that she also will spend a lot of time with this prince Damion. He couldn't help his frown from appearing and Zelda most have sensed his tension, looking at him with a thoughtful expression. She cleared her throat, making him look up. "Something on your mind, Link"? her voice carried worry.
Letting out a sigh, Link looked down at his empty plate: "you know. Just this and that. Nothing to worry about", he looked up at her eyes, seeing her confusion, knowing that she doesn't believe him. Zelda's gaze didn't waver, her eyes searching his face as though trying to decipher what was really going on behind his words. She tilted her head slightly, the concern in her expression deepening. "Link", she said softly, her voice insistent, "I can tell something is bothering you and I want to help you through it. But for that, I need to know what is going on inside that head of yours. Please, you know you can tell me anything".
Link hesitated, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. He wanted to push it all aside, to avoid complicating things further, but something in Zelda's expression made it impossible to lie. Her kindness, her concern—it made him feel like he owed her more than just a half-hearted answer.
He sighed again, running a hand through his hair, frustration edging his voice. "I don't know, Zelda... it's just..." He trailed off, struggling to find the right words. "I've been thinking about Prince Damion. I know you're excited about him coming to the ball, and I get that, it's important to you. But..." His voice faltered, gaze turning downwards. With a small sigh, he apologized. "I'm sorry. I known you said that everything was going to be ok. But…I don't know". He scratched the back of his head again, not daring to look up.
After a moment of silence, he heard her standing up. With only a few footsteps following, she was by his side, putting a hand on his left shoulder. Zelda's touch was light, but grounding. Link felt his breath hitch slightly as her fingers rested gently on his shoulder, the warmth of her presence suddenly so close. She didn't speak right away, allowing the silence to stretch just long enough to offer comfort rather than tension.
"I am glad you told me", she said finally, her voice low, calm. "Even if you do not have the words for everything just yet". Link kept his gaze fixed on the table, still unsure of himself, but her hand remained steady, anchoring him. He hated feeling uncertain like this, hated the jealousy that had crept in without warning. It wasn't like him to doubt her, and yet, the fear of being left behind, of being less important, gnawed at him more than he expected.
Zelda moved slowly, kneeling slightly beside his chair so she could look up at him instead. "You don't have to apologize", she said softly. "I understand. I really do". Her voice was sincere, her eyes searching his again. "It is okay to feel unsure sometimes. And it is okay to ask questions or feel a little uneasy". Link finally lifted his head, meeting her gaze. "I don't want to seem possessive or… insecure", he admitted, his voice quiet, trying to look away from her as his cheeks started to burn up again. "I just… when you talked about him, the way your face lit up, I guess I was afraid I'd already lost before I even knew I was in the running".
When she did not replay, Link finally got the courage to look back at her and froze. Zelda's lips where slightly parted as though his words had caught her off guard. He had to take a double take when he notices slight coloration on her cheeks. Looking at the tips of her ears, he could see slight coloration there too. She was blushing? Looking back towards her eyes, he saw that hers weren't looking at his, but rather down at his lips. And this time, he was sure that he did not imagine that, because she seemed to stare at them for a while. His heart quickened as he saw her lick her lips just slightly, before she shook her head and looked away with embarrassment.
A pregnant pause. The world standing still. Link's heart was about to explode as he felt his breathing quickening, almost like he ran from castle town to Hyrule field and back. He couldn't help but be trapped in his own mind: "Was she actually…". He started to remember small incidents. Their sparing match today was not only a test from her, but the way she talked with him very teasingly…flirty… He walked further down memory lane. The small glances she gave him. The small flickers he thought to have imagined of her looking at his lips.
He heard a small cough, shook his head and saw her staring at him again. This time, a soft, fond smile was on her lips, though her cheeks where still tinted with a light shade of red. "Oh, Link…" she breathed, and before he could say more, she reached up and gently cupped his cheek, his heart beating faster and his breath caught. "You have not lost anything. Not to anyone". Her thumb brushed across his skin, and the look in her eyes shifted, warmth melting into something almost tender. "You matter to me. More than you know".
Link swallowed hard, his breath catching again at her words. His heart thundered in his chest, but it wasn't from fear, it was something else entirely. The softness in her eyes, the warmth of her hand on his cheek... it was more than comfort. It was more than kindness. It was something he'd dared to hope for, even if he hadn't allowed himself to name it. Still, he didn't move. Didn't lean into her touch or away from it. Instead, he let himself exist in that moment, soaking it in like a man starved of sunlight.
Zelda's thumb lingered for just a heartbeat longer before she let her hand fall away, her expression shifting into something more composed, though the blush hadn't entirely faded. She stood back up, her eyes never leaving his. "You deserve an explanation. And while it is easier to explain this once Damion is here, I can tell you this: While Damion and I grew up and were very close together, he is not a suitor of mine". She gave him a smirk, her playfulness returning just slightly.
Link blinked, trying to process her words. Not a suitor. The tight knot in his chest loosened, just a bit, but it didn't fully unravel. Not yet. "You're not..."? he echoed, unsure if he dared believe what he was hearing. Zelda shook her head gently, her brown hair catching the warm candlelight. "No. Never have been", she said with a small chuckle.
Link let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, a quiet, almost embarrassed laugh slipping from his lips. "Well... that's good to know", he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck as the last of his tension began to ebb. Zelda tilted her head, eyeing him with a mixture of affection and curiosity. "You thought I was in love with him", she said, not accusingly but softly, almost as if the idea genuinely surprised her.
"I didn't want to", he admitted, "but when I saw how happy you were... how excited you got..." He trailed off, then added with a wry smile, "I guess I panicked a little, even after you told me that it would be okay". She gave a soft laugh, and this time she didn't look away. "I understand. I did leave you without a lot of explanation. All will be in due time. Though I can not wait for you to meet him. He might be a bit gloomy at times and silent, but he has a heart".
He stood up as well, a little steadier now with a soft smile on his face. "Thank you… for being patient with me". Zelda looked at him for a long moment, smiling in return, before replying. "Always".
As they turned to clear the table together, a quiet comfort settled between them, unspoken, but no less powerful. Whatever doubts had haunted him before, they were quieter now. And though he still didn't understand everything, especially about this Prince Damion, he knew one thing for sure: Something has shifted between them. He didn't need to ask what did, for he already knows. And he was happy to not have imagined it this time.
As the last of the dishes were stacked neatly, Zelda placed the cloth back over the half-eaten bread and fruit. The quiet remained, not awkward but soothing, like a lullaby after a long, uncertain day. Once everything was left for easy cleanup by the kitchen staff, Link lingered near the doorway, one hand resting against the frame. He wasn't quite ready to leave, and yet, he didn't want to overstay either. His heart still hummed with the echoes of everything unspoken between them, but for once, he didn't feel overwhelmed by it. Zelda noticed, of course. She always did.
With a soft smile, she approached him. The candlelight painted a golden glow along the edge of her jaw, dancing across her collar and the strands of her hair. "You should get some rest", she said gently. "Would not want you to dance with me while falling asleep". Link smiled faintly, nodding. "First dance lesson already tomorrow"? Zelda gave a small, amused hum. "Indeed. I thought it fitting to start as soon as possible, do you not agree"? Her eyes twinkled, a playful smirk again on her lips.
His smile widened, but it was still soft, still laced with something tender. "Wouldn't have it any other way". They stood in that warm hush for another heartbeat longer before Zelda stepped forward once more. She didn't touch him this time, just stood close enough for him to feel her warmth, her presence. "Good night, Link", she said, her voice barely above a whisper, but rich with meaning. He looked into her eyes: "Good night… Zelda." Her name on his lips felt different now, like something newly precious.
He stepped out into the hallway, the flickering torchlight casting shadows along the corridor's stone walls. For a few moments, he just stood there, exhaling deeply, trying to steady the storm of thoughts and emotions still stirring within him. He smiled faintly to himself as he began to walk back toward his chambers, noticing the guards having moved to stand further up ahead instead of at the door. Probably Ashei's doing to give them a bit more privacy. He couldn't help but smile at that.
Just as he rounded the corner, Zelda's voice called out softly behind him. "Link"? He stopped, turned, and met her gaze once more. "I thought I should mention one last thing before you go", she said, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes. "Damion… is actually my cousin". The words struck him like a blunt blade. Link froze mid-step, his mouth parting slightly in shock. Her smirk grew, and before he could react, she added, "Sleep well". Then the door closed with a quiet click.
Link stood there in stunned silence, staring at the door, completely still save for the faint sound of his heartbeat hammering in his ears. "…Cousin?" he repeated under his breath, incredulous.
I know, I know. I already ended the last chapter with the lines "Wait…Prince Damion", which has a similar feeling to this chapter's ending, but I found it fitting to end it here.
Who did see that coming, huh? How many of you thought about Damion being family related to Zelda? I tried to be as subtitle as I could be. Did I succeed? Also, Zelda couldn't help but keep that small detail to herself. She found it rather amusing once she realized what Link thought about her and Damion and couldn't help but tease the poor guy just a little longer. I headcanon TP Zelda to be a playful character to the people she has a close bond too, while looking stern and emotionless in court, where it is the upmost importance to not let anyone under her skin.
And huzza, my two love bugs have now both the understanding that, yes, they are into each other. Well, Link has now. Finally. Truth be told, Zelda already had some suspicion before, which is why she loves teasing him in a flirty way (and I loved writing that). Now some of you might be wondering though: What about her panic attack in chapter 2? While yes, Zelda had a bit of doubt when it came to the court and how others saw her, seeing those nobles clap and applaud Link in the last chapter gave her the confidence that, maybe it would be okay. She will see doing the solstice ball, when everyone is watching them. And that means that yes, it gave her the boost she needed to ask Link not only for dinner, but to be her partner for the ball as well. This might be something I could write about later on, if I should ever do a "in-between story" of sorts, seeing her perspective (since this chapter was in Link's perspective).
And since some of you were wondering about "how could Zelda see Lord Caleb as a father figure?" I hope I could satisfy you a bit. There is more about to come between these two, that I promise you, but this is all you get for now.
Next up: A little time jump to one of Link and Zelda's dance lesson as well as the arrival of our Prince Damion. This is going to be interesting. Plus, we are slowly coming up to the main plot of the story, and truth be told, I can't wait to finally work on, what I like to call, the Zelly act. But first, worldbuilding.