AN: I am not a gamer. I am not overly familiar with everything that happens in the games. If a game requires you to be able to walk in a straight line or uses more than a joystick and a single button, then I most likely can't play it. But I enjoy watching other people play. Specifically my daughter. It was her love of this universe that sparked my interest and then I just fell in love with the ZeLink pairing. So please don't pick my story apart pointing out inaccuracies. Consider this an alternate universe, anything goes story.

Warning, this story will be rated T for language, adult situations and sensuality. I will keep it teen, but on occasion, I may write an additional M rated scene that will only be available by request. These scenes will be implies in the Teen version and are not required to follow along. If you like reading the extra scenes, just send me a quick pm. Please don't request these scenes if you are under 18. They may deal with very graphic content or mature subject matter than might be a trigger to some.

I do not own The Legend of Zelda or it's original characters. Only the story line is mine. I hope you enjoy.

I take one more look in the full-length mirror as my father enters the room. He looks pleased with my appearance. Why wouldn't he? I'm wearing one of my finest gowns, and my corset is tight enough to make me look like I have that perfect, yet unattainable figure that appeals to men. The fact that I can barely breathe in this thing doesn't seem to phase him.

"You look lovely my dear."

I roll my eyes and cross my arms over my chest. "Do I really have to do this? I've heard some terrible rumors about King Ghirahim."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous. King Ghirahim is a wonderful ruler, his people love him." My father takes a step closer and dangles a heart-shaped locket in front of my face. "This belonged to your mother. She wore it the day she was introduced to me." My father's hands reach around my neck as he hangs the locket in its place.

My heart rate begins to speed up, and I start to feel dizzy. "I can't do this. I can't marry a man I've never met."

"That's why you're meeting him tonight. The wedding isn't for another few weeks."

"Father, I want to marry for love. I've told you that since I was a child."

"Yes, and I've done everything in my power to make that happen. You have met with every eligible suitor from here to Kakariko Village. Many of which you spend a lot of time with. Yet you claim not to love any of them. Well, I'm sorry Zelda, but we are out of time. You can't hold on to these childhood fantasies any longer. Our military is weak, and the money is almost gone. It won't be much longer that we can protect our people without an alliance with the neighboring kingdoms. You already know this."

A tear runs down my cheek, because I know he's right. If I want my people to survive, I have to give up my freedom. I have to become Ghirahim's new wife. "But he is so different than we are."

"That has nothing to do with it. His kingdom is the strongest of the members of the peace treaty. He has the best military, unlimited amounts of gold and an open spot to rule by his side. Unfortunately, for us, that is all that matters." My father pressed his forehead against mine. "Remember what I taught you about being royalty?"

I swallow hard as I recite the lesson that has been burned into my mind. "A good ruler does not sit back and allow his people to serve him, but stands with open arms and does everything in his power to serve his people."

"That's right. We can't be selfish and let our people down just because it is not our will. They depend on us for their lives. There are somethings we have to sacrifice for the good of the kingdom. Now, I need you to compose yourself, have your maidens liven up your face and hair, then meet me in the great hall to greet our guests. I expect you will be on your best behavior this evening so that Ghirahim will not back out of our agreement."

"As you wish father." I watch him walk out of my room before a flood of tears overtakes me.

My handmaiden, Impa passes me a hanky, a look of sympathy staring back at me as she strokes my hair gently. "Your father is right. The people in the village are suffering. We lost more than half our soldiers in the last battle. We won't survive another. Would you rather marry a good king or allow an evil one to take over by force?"

"I know he's right." I try to wipe away the tears but more appear. "I know what my duty is, and what I must do for my people. I just need a few minutes to say goodbye to my childhood. The Zelda I used to be must be forgotten. I have to become someone else. I have to grow up. I just never thought it would happen so soon."

"So soon princess? You will turn eighteen in three days."

"And yet I still feel like a child. I want to make all the wrong choices for all the wrong reasons."

Impa smiles. "That is something you will never grow out of, no matter how old you get. The difference between being an adult and being a child is making the right decisions because you have to not because you want to. Life isn't easy for any of us, but accepting your new responsibilities instead of fighting them will make it easier to bare. Trust me, I speak from experience. This way you can go to sleep each night knowing your people are safe and well fed." She strokes my hair one last time. "I'll go get you some calming tea to relax you a bit. King Ghirahim will be here within the hour, and you must be ready."

I wipe my face again as Impa leaves through the servant's entrance. She has always been good to me and always tried to make my royal responsibilities seem less demanding than a young girl sees them. Her comforting has always worked. Even tonight, I feel my soft heart harden knowing what my future must become. I watch the practiced hands of my maidens as they apply my makeup in a way I never have before. Tonight I can't look like a carefree teenager. Tonight I have to be a desirable future queen to King Ghirahim. Tonight I say goodbye to the Zelda I once was and become a woman I've never met.

I meet my father in the great hall ten minutes later. He takes my hand and smiles with pride at the site of his little girl now looking fully grown up. "King Ghirahim is a lucky man. You are the most beautiful woman in the kingdom."

"I hope he will see more than just how I look," I reply, just as the heavy metal door swings open and several guards enter with a pale man walking several paces behind. I swallow hard as I perform the royal curtsy that is expected of me.

"King Ghirahim," my father bows his head to the newcomer. "We are honored to have you in our kingdom." Then he turns to me. "May I present my daughter, Princess Zelda."

I bow my head shrinking down even lower than I already am in my bow. "Your Highness. I am honored to make your acquaintance."

Ghirahim doesn't look the least bit interested in the formalities and immediately takes my hand and pulls me back up to a standing position.

"Let's skip the pleasantries. We are both in need of something that the other can offer. There is no point in dragging this out longer than it needs to be. I've had a long journey, and for this evening, I'd like nothing more than a room to rest in."

"Of course." My father signals one of the guards to come forward, but Ghirahim stops the guard in his tracks.

"I'd like the Princess to show me to my room if you don't mind."

I take a step back, unsure how to reply. This is a very unusual request. I may be this man's future bride, but for the time being, I should not be left alone with him. It is an improper request. I pray that my father refuses, but I know he won't. We can't take any chances of King Ghirahim pulling out of our agreement.

"Of course," my father agrees hesitantly. "But I insist on accompanying you both. I will see to it myself that your room is our finest and you have everything you require during your stay."

I let out a silent sigh of relief as my father takes my hand and leads us towards the central staircase.

Ghirahim frowns, apparently displeased with my father's reply, but he nods his head and follows close behind us.

My heart is beating much faster than it should be. I know I should try to at least like Ghirahim, but as of yet, I only find him cold and calculating.

Once we make it to the largest guest suite in the castle, my father opens up with more small talk. "The room has been visited by many royals before you. I have never heard a complaint."

Ghirahim looks around quickly. "It will have to do. I'll be ready to complete our negotiations at dawn, and we shall be leaving by noon as agreed upon." Ghirahim turns to me. "Are you already packed Princess?"

"Packed?" I look to my father for an explanation. "Packed for what?"

Ghirahim's mouth turns up in a grin. "Why, to come move into my kingdom. I want you to feel comfortable there so your father and I agreed you would come back with me to get settled in before the wedding. I think two weeks should be sufficient time for you to familiarize yourself with your new home."

"What?" I can't believe my father didn't tell me about this sooner. I squeeze his hand, trying my best to keep myself under control. "I'm leaving here tomorrow?"

My father looks sad. "It is for the best my daughter. I will be there in ten days to attend the wedding festivities. Your maidens can go with you if you desire and King Ghirahim has promised to have one of his best knights watch over you. You need to see your new kingdom, meet your new people before you get married."

"But father, I…"

"That is my decision, and it is final." He snaps back. "Now go to your room and get some rest. You have a busy day ahead of you."

I should have known better than to question my father, especially in front of king Ghirahim, but I felt he was handing me over like a piece of property, without even discussing it with me first. "Yes, father." I try to hide the hurt from my voice. Ghirahim takes my hand and kisses my knuckles lightly as I retreat to the other side of the balcony where my room is.

My door is opened for me by a servant who is standing nearby. As soon as I'm closed in, I run to my bed, collapsing in tears and fear of what my future might bring.