Re-edited 2/12

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I do not own The Legend of Zelda or The Princess Bride.

Chapter I

Ambivalence

Weeks had passed since my last ride, and I would not tolerate another passing by.

His Majesty, my father, had forced me to engage in a three-week, intensive study of the neighboring kingdom, Haladin. All customs, history, and sovereign names were now deeply engraved in my mind and I had begun dreaming about a kingdom I had never seen.

My patience for this study was at an end; I was aching to feel the wind on my face. I was constantly reprimanded for such frivolities, but I paid them no mind. My eighteenth year was quickly approaching and I had little time left before I was forever shackled to the throne; never to leave, never to know joy… forever in solitude.

My excitement for escape waned in the slightest, but I would not be distracted by such disheartening thoughts. Sneaking out the gardener's door in the west wing, I quickly made my way across the sloping lawns of Hyrule Castle. I reached the stables and carefully lifted my skirts as I walked across the hay-strewn floor, searching for my mare, Saravin.

Further inside, I heard a faint humming echoing gently from the last stall. The voice was calming and lovely, nigh seductive. I approached the stall and curiously peered in to see whom the beautiful voice belonged to.

A boy with golden hair stood by an auburn mare with a white mane, gently brushing her coat. I recognized the horse immediately, and realized to whom the appealing voice must belong to.

The boy turned around suddenly, startled, his eyes widening as he fell into a bow. "Forgive me, My Lady. I did not hear you approach." He was my personal Guardian, Sir Link Ordon, the boy I had known since I was naught twelve years old.

I was surprised at this discovery, and my face shaded red as I chided myself for admiring his voice, though I knew not why I felt such embarrassment. I looked away and I shook my head in an attempt to regain my composure. "I came unannounced; do not apologize, Guardian."

"As you wish."

That was his reply to nearly everything I asked of him. He did not object or complain; he never had. At one time I called him by name, but those days had long since past.

I had first met Link in the summer of our eleventh year, in the private gardens of the castle and befriended him. He was serving as an attendee in the barracks of the Hylian Army when suddenly one day, he was promoted to begin training for knighthood. After surpassing men who were seven years his senior, his talent was quickly recognized by the commander of the Hylian Army and my father, the king.

As the autumn approached in our thirteenth year, Link was bestowed with the title, "Guardian to Her Royal Highness, Princess Zelda of Hyrule," and I was glad of it and my fondness for him grew further. However, just before our sixteenth year, he became distant, quiet, and refused to address me by name; changing from "Lady Zelda," to "My Lady."

Link and my attendant, Impa, were the only ones who had earned the right to address me by such a familiar title. His sudden change of character confounded me to the extent of madness. I tried with patience to understand him, but his coldness became too unbearable for me to continue caring for our friendship. I began to feel very lonely, wishing he had never become my Royal Guardian; however, I found solace in realizing that he at least refrained from addressing me as "Your Highness," as everyone else did.

And thus, our bond began to unravel and our relationship diminished into nothing but a mere master and servant relationship.

"How can I assist My Lady?" Link asked, averting his eyes from mine.

And I was bothered by it. "The horses are to be prepared by midday tomorrow. It's been ages since our last outing," I demanded.

"I shall inform the stable workers at once," he answered.

"I wish for you take care of the preparations. As Epona's only caretaker, your work surpasses that of three."

"Thank you," he added quietly.

I dismissed his gratitude and continued. "Please be sure to polish my saddle; I want to see my face shining in it by morning."

"As you wish." Link's eyes then met mine.

For some unknown reason, heat rose to my face. "I-I take my leave now, Guardian. Good day." Turning on my heel, I swiftly left the stables. When reached the door, I glanced back hesitantly and found his eyes still upon me. My face reddened once again and I hurried away from the stables.

These odd misgivings I had as of late had increased in the past month. I did not understand why I felt so aggravated, so flustered, when I spoke to Link. Nor did I know why I had become so aware of the words I spoke to him.

Shaking my head inwardly, I made my way back to the castle.

The following morning, I awoke early, too eager for my outing. I dressed quickly and went down to the dining hall to join my father for the morning meal. He spoke of the new treaty for Haladin that had been drawn up by the councilmen and of the approaching Spring Moon Celebration.

"Zelda, I must remind you," he started, "to be prepared in your studies of Haladin. King Dragmire is sending his ambassador, Count Agahnim to meet with us during the week of Spring Moon."

Though I was Hyrule's princess, I had no interest in politics. To entertain nobility, foreign and familiar, was not something I enjoyed. I was not fooled by all their fronts and masquerades; I despised observing the forced smiles and accepting false flattery.

"Father," I began; I was only allowed to address him so in private. "Do you not think next week is too soon?" I was surprised at the short notice. The treaty between Hyrule and Haladin was not planned to be finalized until the end of spring.

"I thought it would be more… inviting, if negotiations were held on one of our most celebrated festivals," he answered merrily, taking a drink from his glass and wiping his graying brown mustache with a napkin.

I studied his hazel eyes, trying to read through his words. "I suppose, but it seems needless to draw out a simple signing… unless," I paused, "there is perhaps more to discuss?"

My father saw through my inquiry and cleared his throat with raised brows. "It is nothing you need concern yourself with, Zelda," he replied. "You are not of age to know of such things. After your eighteenth year commemoration, you will be invited to sit in the council."

I gave up my attempt at conversation with my father and finished my tea and bread. I then excused myself and left for the library. Since the Haladians were to arrive the following week, I decided to study the names and histories once more.

The King of Haladin, Opeous Dragmire, was currently very ill, and his adopted nephew and only heir, Prince Ganondorf, was presiding in his place. King Opeous's closest advisor, Count Agahnim Ronan, would serve as Haladin's ambassador to Hyrule for the time being. Discussions of an alliance had only existed for a year; there had been no need for Haladin to appoint an ambassador for the country was rumored to be very hostile. Haladin had only recently recovered from war with its neighboring country to the north, Ilander. Ilander was defeated after a short campaign and Haladin gained many of its provinces.

This was why my father sought favorable relations with Haladin. Though Hyrule was indeed the largest and most prosperous kingdom in all the land, well protected by mountains, deserts, and forests, my father detested warfare and wished for peace between us and our aggressive neighbor.

I recited from the scrolls for quite some time before returning to my chambers to change. I dressed in a lavender riding dress and tied my hair up neatly. Taking off my formal crown, I fastened a silver circlet around my head. After pulling on my riding boots I hurried to the stables; I could not help but smile as I approached.

Link was prepared with the horses, waiting patiently for my arrival. Two guards stood at his side, already mounted on horseback.

"Good afternoon, Guardian, men." I greeted.

The guards bowed their heads and smiled politely.

"My Lady," Link acknowledged with a slight bow. He then helped me onto Saravin and swung himself onto Epona with ease. "Our destination?" he asked.

I paused thoughtfully, nudging my horse forward.

"The field roundabout?" he suggested.

"I would prefer East Hill. The flowering trees may be in full bloom."

Link turned to the guards. "Tave, Juri, an escort to the drawbridge will suffice."

They nodded and I was glad I would only have to be followed by Link. My father insisted on making a parade of my outings and though I knew it was for my protection, it was bothersome nonetheless. As we made our way through Castleton, the townspeople parted and bowed respectfully. I smiled forcibly and urged Saravin to hurry on. The admiring eyes and attention put me ill at ease. I laughed mirthlessly to myself; I was frightened of my own people.

Reaching the drawbridge, I thanked the guards and Link dismissed them. Whipping the reins, Saravin broke out into a gallop across Hyrule Field, Link not far behind me. The open plain stretched out endlessly, the closest thing I could feel to freedom overcoming me as I breathed in the fresh air. Coming upon the Crossroads, we turned to the southeast road. Riding on a little ways, we turned again to the pathway leading to East Hill. Soon enough, the pathway became lined with beautiful blossoming trees, the pale petals blanketing the lush greenery as if it were snow.

Link and I rode on, taking just over an hour to reach our destination. We dismounted at the top of East Hill and Link untied his saddle from Epona to let her graze freely. As I opened the satchel tied to Saravin's saddle, I watched Link remove his sword from his back and straighten his navy tunic and taupe leggings He then began to knead his shoulder, closing his eyes with a look of discomfort. Did the burden of his sword cause him to ache?

At that moment, I caught myself. Why was I so concerned? Frowning, I turned away; perhaps a walk about would clear my head. I patted my horse and left her an apple before starting down the other side of the hill towards Kokiri Forest.

"My Lady?" Link called.

I ignored him and continued on.

He called to me again and as I turned to answer, he was rushing towards me, making his way down the incline with ease.

"Where are you going?" he asked with accusation.

"Into Kokiri," I answered hesitantly, turning from Link, "for… wildflowers." It was merely a lie to escape from him, if only for a while.

He grabbed my hand. "You cannot go alone."

My face shaded at his reprimand. "Unhand me." I pulled away forcefully, expecting to fight his grip, but as I tugged away he released my hand and I stumbled back. His eyes widened and he reached for me again. His sudden lunge caused us both to lose our balance and we tumbled down the hill, our entwined bodies nothing more than a blur. My breath was taken and my head spun as our speed increased. I shut my eyes tightly, beginning to feel ill.

Finally, we collapsed into a tangled heap on the bottom. I lay there catching my breath and slowly opened my eyes, finding my hair strewn about my face. I sat up, and rubbed my head in attempt to alleviate the throbbing… and I realized I was resting atop Link. My eyes widened and I blushed heavily, feeling my heart racing. I quickly slid off him to escape our compromising position and moved away, attempting to steady my breath.

And the odd sensation I felt only around him manifested once again. But what was the cause? When had I begun to first take notice? I tried recalled the first instance I felt a change…

It was the week I finished my ancient Hylian studies two months ago.

One particular evening after supper, my father had tried to discuss eligible suitors and the prospect of matrimony but I would not let him finish his lecture. I fled from the dining hall and bumped into Link as I turned the corner. He steadied me and inquired of my welfare. Though his features were blurred from my tears, there was no mistaking the concern in his eyes. I was taken aback by such a look, but did not stop to ponder this sudden warmth. I hurried on and made my way to the stone bridge that led to the tallest tower in the castle.

None ever ventured there—apart from myself—for the tower was only used in times of warfare. It had become one of my personal sanctuaries. I roughly pushed the hatch open and rushed up the last steps. I breathed deeply, trying to calm myself. It was cold atop the tower, but I did not mind; the icy air froze my tears away.

The moon was bright and the surrounding stars were barely visible under its light. Though I was calmed by the beauty of the night, it was not enough to distract me from the matter at hand. I knew that it was my duty to marry and ascend the throne… but I was not yet prepared. I was still a child in so many ways, and had not the courage to rule alongside a strange prince from a distant kingdom. I would be pushed aside, as my husband—whom I would never love—ruled my kingdom.

Was I destined to lead such an empty life?

As I paced across the roof, lost in my musings, I did not hear the tread of footsteps on the stairs. I gasped audibly when a hand lightly touched my shoulder.

"My Lady? Are you alright?" Link had followed me after all.

I sighed unevenly and resisted the urge to collapse into sobs again. I shook off his hand. "Did His Majesty send you?" I asked curtly, my voice threatening to quake.

"He did not… but if I can be of any—"

"No…" I interjected. "You can do nothing, Guardian, so please spare me your false sincerity." He said nothing more and my head fell, ashamed at my sudden outburst. "Forgive me… I should not have…" I could not finish my apology and turned to face him.

Link stepped towards me, holding up a cloak. Hesitantly, he wrapped it around me and I looked up at him, finding something I had not seen for years; tenderness. His steel eyes had melted into a deep, unreadable blue.

And I could not look away. With the moonlight casting an ethereal light upon him, his cold disposition seemed to have softened, if only a little. It felt as if Link was the boy he once was…

His hands moved to my neck and carefully pulled the folds of the cloak together, hooking the clasps.

Unconsciously, my hand rested upon his. "I wish… my father could see how unreasonable his expectations are. He bothers not to hear my concerns, yet I cannot oppose him." I took an uneven breath. "I cannot escape this impending prison." Tears formed in my eyes again, and I tried to blink them away.

"You will not be alone," Link whispered. "My duties entail more than protection alone. I do not believe My Lady has considered that." He then fell silent for a moment. "I am yours until the end of our days."

My eyes widened in the slightest at his words, and for the first time, I felt something stir within me… the fluttering of my heart. I could not speak and simply folded my hand into his.

Link closed his eyes and his brows furrowed; then I could no longer feel his hand beneath mine. "We should not linger; it is unseasonably cold." His eyes had suddenly returned to the steely gaze I knew too well.

I said nothing and followed him back down the stairs.

…I had not thought about that sudden display of affection since that night and as I remembered, I wondered how I did not notice Link's peculiar tenderness until now.

The memories of that night faded and I looked down to Link. He lay still in the grass and I studied him intently, trying to comprehend why I felt such strange things in his presence.

His face was pleasant enough to look upon; I had heard many maidens claim he was handsome, but his features could not have been the cause for the stirring within me. I bit my lip, suddenly filled with anger. He was nothing more than my guardian… why this frustration?

Link then sat up slowly, shaking his head. "Are you hurt, My Lady?"

I turned away.

"Forgive me, I meant not for us to fall."

"I know," I replied coldly. As I moved to stand up, he grabbed my arm and turned me towards him. His eyes searched mine, attempting to detect any hint of a lie concerning my welfare. I was caught off guard at his touch; he was usually so impassive.

My anger faltered and my heart quickened. As I gazed at Link, I found his untidy, golden hair sweeping across his silver blue eyes… endearing. My face shaded, his hand upon my arm sending a peculiar tingling sensation through me. I pulled away and stood to distance myself from him and out of this sudden admiration.

I pressed onward to the forest and Link followed me still.

"You cannot go—"

"I am gathering flowers, and you will not follow me," I commanded.

"And what if you are lost?" he inquired impatiently through his teeth.

"Then I shall ask a fairy for direction."

Link ignored my quibble and continued after me. "As your Guardian, I insist you stay; it is too perilous," he warned in a low voice.

I glared at him in disbelief; Link had not argued with me in years. His sudden impudence infuriated and intrigued me. "You are my Guardian, and I order you to stay." I did not wish to resort to using authority, but I knew he would not disobey; he never had.

His eyes narrowed in the slightest, flashing dangerously. "As you wish." His voice was nearly a growl.

I felt myself cower. "I shall be but a moment!" I called as I rushed into the cover of the forest. I did not know why I attempted to assuage him. Why should it matter whether he was concerned for me? I should not care if he cared for me more than a guardian should. Those days of wishing to be friends once more had long since passed and I had given up hope.

I slowed once I was well into the forest. The trees were thick, growing close together and as I navigated my way through the brush and foliage, I came upon a small meadow. A lone tree stump grew in the middle of it, surrounded by beautiful, white flowers. The sun shone through the trees and illuminated the petals; the meadow looked as if it were glowing. I smiled and carefully began to gather some flowers. It took only minutes to collect a few handfuls, but I did not wish to return so quickly.

I fell into the tall grass, feeling the warm breeze caress my skin, the scent of oak and ash trees filling me. Closing my eyes, I simply lay there, basking in this short lived freedom. Some time passed, I knew not how long I stayed there, but dark, passing clouds prompted me to leave. Sighing, I decided it was best to return; I had caused Link enough trouble.

Slowly, I sat up and brushed the pollen and petals off my gown. Giving one last sigh, I turned to leave when suddenly I heard a low growl from the shadows of the trees. I stilled, a chill creeping up my spine. I looked about warily for any sign of movement when just then, a large wolf lunged from the underbrush onto the stump in the middle of the meadow. Its crimson eyes gleamed hungrily even beneath the darkened skies as it snarled, baring its dagger-like teeth.

It was a beast… an ancient monster called a wolfo.

How could this be? Creatures of the night had not dwelt in Hyrule for nearly five hundred years! My body motionless, I could not cry for help. The wolfo's eyes narrowed, coiling its body as it preparing to spring.

I had little training in the ways of magic and tried to remember any spells that would immobilize the beast, but I could not recall any; I was deathly frightened for I had only read of this mythical beast. It was even more terrifying than I imagined.

"Run!" the wind howled.

I dropped the flowers and fled. The wolfo lunged at my sudden movement and chased after me. I could hear it ripping through the brush behind and I ran faster, nearly tripping over my skirts.

"Guardian!" I called breathlessly, my voice barely audible. I called for him again, but could not raise my voice. I weaved through the trees, trying desperately to lose the wolfo. I turned to gauge its distance when I tripped over a tree root. I fell hard to the ground and struggled to regain my breath against the dirt. I filled my lungs with as much air as possible and screamed Link's name.

The wolfo leapt at me and as I rolled out of the way, its claws grazed my right arm.

Blood began to soak my sleeve and the wolfo bounded away, circling about before attacking once more. I whispered Link's name, realizing it was useless; he would not disobey me. I curled into myself and prepared to be torn apart.

As I closed my eyes, I suddenly heard a loud, crashing noise and a whimper from the beast. I looked up and found Link standing over me.

…And was overcome with relief.

The wolfo slunk back, baring its teeth at Link and eyeing the sword. It paced about, trying to find an opening, but Link carefully stepped around me, following its every move. Finally, it charged and Link tensed as he readied his sword. The wolfo was mere feet away and I thought it was going to catch him when, just as the wolfo descended, Link thrust the sword into its chest and twisted the flesh. Piercing cries echoed in the forest as the wolfo continued to snap its jaws, foam dripping from its black lips. Link flung the dying body against a nearby tree trunk, and I heard a sickening snap.

The wolfo did not stir.

My head began to spin and I realized I held my breath and let out a haggard sigh. Had that creature truly been a monster of old? How was Link able to dispatch it so quickly? There was no such training for the knights…

"…How… how did you—?"

"It doesn't matter," Link snapped. He cleaned his sword and sheathed it as he turned to me. A deep scowl was etched on his face, his eyes burning. "Are you hurt?"

I looked away, ashamed; his furious gaze was chastisement enough. "Nay." I whispered.

Link knelt beside me and offered me a hand. I looked at him, and the anger in his eyes subsided in the slightest. I hesitantly reached for him and he helped me up. I put a hand over my wound in attempt to hide it as we started forward, but Link clicked his tongue impatiently and gathered me into his arms with ease.

My face shaded deeply at such intimacy. "I-I can walk," I said unsteadily. Though I felt weak, I wished not to burden him more than I already had.

"You're injured," he spoke through his teeth.

No more words were exchanged as we made our way through Kokiri and soon enough we reached the edge of the forest. Not moments later, the wound upon my arm began to throb.

I slumped in Link's arms. "… I am sorry," I began quietly, trying to distract myself from the pain. "For not heeding your warning, I knew not there would be…" I trailed off. We emerged into the sunlight and Link simply shook his head. It was apparent my attempts at an apology would be of no use and I said nothing more.

He carried me up the hill and finally set me down on the grass. He then dug into the pockets of his saddle and pulled out white dressings and a canteen. He rolled up a dressing and drenched it with the water. When he pulled up my sleeve to examine the wound, the stinging coursed through my entire arm and I winced. He gently pressed the wet cloth against the bloodied slashes and my breath hitched.

Link locked eyes with me, questioning me without words.

I began to feel faint. "Tis' nothing," I disregarded.

He looked away with a grimace and continued to clean the wound. He then wrapped a bandage around it, the pain dulling slightly from the pressure.

I thanked him with shy sincerity and he glanced at me.

"We should leave now, it will be dusk soon."

I simply nodded and sat there as he left to gather the horses. I watched him intently as he saddled them, trying to make sense of his arbitrary changes between coldness and gentleness… but I still had no answers.

"His Majesty must be informed of the beast upon our return," he added, heading back with the horses in tow. "There may be more of them."

Suddenly my vision clouded and a cold shiver ran through my body. "In-Indeed," I struggled to say, the ache in my arm increased ten fold and I could not breathe. I collapsed, clutching my arm, desperate for the pain to subside.

Link dropped the reins and rushed over. "My Lady?" He knelt beside me, gathering me into his arms but I could not answer him, everything was blackening…

The last thing I heard was Link calling for me... by name.