A Pirate's Life For Me; Zelink, Pirate AU (The Legend Of Zelda)

Chapter Twelve; Arrangements

Zelda sucked in her breath as Impa tightened the corset around her waist. "Accursed thing," she spat.

"Well, look on the bright side; your stomach is healed now and it doesn't hurt as much."

"Whoop de doo," she said and rolled her eyes. Her breath caught as Impa yanked again.

"Done."

In that particular dress, the corset was on the outside; which she actually liked. The real reason she hated corsets was simply a practical response. She couldn't move or bend fast enough in castle formal in order to fight at all.

That didn't stop her from having a knife hidden in her dress. A pirate she would always be, if only in spirit.

She let out a shaky breath and then walked to the balcony so she could survey the land for awhile to wait for something to happen. Today was the day the prince would arrive. Over those past three days, she had been battling with her own sense. Could it be possible that Link was indeed a prince? Could an arranged marriage possibly be what he was running from after all? 

She never allowed herself to believe or get her hopes up... But... What if?

Then something finally happened; the carriage arrived.

She bent over the railing as she tried to get a closer look. "Impa! My telescope."

"Don't let anyone see that," she warned as she held it out.

Zelda grabbed it and quickly surveyed the carriage door. An older man exited first, he had dark brown hair and had a fine mustache that proudly branched from his face. Then a young, light haired man stepped out, dressed regally.

Her chest tightened. She wasn't sure if it was in relief or... with some sort of disappointment.

It wasn't him.

She disappeared back into her rooms before anyone could spot her spying. Then she waited for her father to summon her to the hall.

Of course, it wasn't him. What could she have been thinking? That would have been ridiculous. On top of that, it would have been a complete disaster. He knew who she was. He would have recognized her, she was sure of that. And then where would that lead? The whole of Hyrule realizing that their Princess Zelda was also the Dread Pirate Tetra. She almost laughed aloud at her foolishness and naivety.  

She stared at her reflection in the mirror. She looked different; older. Even in the few months she'd been back. She was willing to bet that this boring life could leech years from anyone in a matter of weeks.

The summons came to her almost an hour later. She gathered herself and then made her way to the throne room. As she passed halls and doorways she tried her best to compose herself for what was coming. If that man she had seen was indeed Prince Link, then she supposed it wouldn't be so bad. He had at least seemed good looking through her telescope.

She entered through the back door and the servant lead her towards the thrones. "This is where I was told to let you wait," she said, and then curtsied before backing out of the room.

Zelda sighed. More waiting; she'd figured as much. Although she had hoped her parents wouldn't put her through that... but they probably weren't even thinking of her mental state. They and the royal family of Faron were probably already cooking up plans; starring her as the main ingredient.

Zelda groaned and her hand drifted to her corset. She could barely breathe, and her chest was starting to ache as if she had just received a very tight bear hug around her fresh scar.

Finally, she heard the opening of the door, and she was visited by the rather stupid desire to hide behind the thrones. She was more nervous about this than she had been before dangerous raids. Even the battle where she killed Lynel.

She would much rather trust in the strength of her arm than the skill of human interaction.

She was jumpy for nothing, as her parents were the only ones to enter.

They walked up and nodded to her.

She tried to force a smile but found that she simply couldn't.

"Here they come," her father announced.

Zelda turned and watched as the two men walked up the hall, several servants trailing after them.

"A pleasure to meet you, Prince Link," she greeted formally.

The light haired man looked confused. "Pardon?" he said, "No, you misunderstand," he paused. "I am not Link." 

Zelda frowned. Wait... What? "Then where is he?"

"He was being-" Not Link began, then he said, "We thought it best for you to meet in private."

She looked to her father, and he nodded.

"Alright, private it is then. Which room?" she asked, grateful she had a knife in her dress.

"Follow me," a servant bowed.

She nodded and left with her. 

"Nervous, milady?" the servant asked her as they went down the halls. 

"I suppose that would be a word for it," she replied lightly. Nervous... terrified... I don't know what to expect. I expected my parents to be with me. She pressed her lips together and then halted outside of the door. You're a big girl. A former pirate captain. You can handle meeting a prince without them. She sharply took in one last breath. "I'll take it from here. You're dismissed."

Zelda stared at the door and then reached for the handle, only to hesitate again. Why was meeting a prince infinitely harder than fighting a battle? The Tetra in her would rather be stabbed.

She shook the thought away as a memory helpfully reminded her of the true pain of getting a grievous injury, and with that, she suddenly felt she was being ridiculous.

Zelda took the handle and turned it gently, pushing the door in and stepping after it. She turned and surveyed the room. At first glance, she thought it was empty, but then she noticed a man standing on the balcony. He looked like he was contemplating jumping off of it. 

Was he scared of meeting her? Or did he just really not want to... 

She stepped forward and then hesitated again. Sighing, she pushed back her shoulders and then she tucked a piece of hair behind her pointed ear. Then Zelda strode forward confidently, her heels clicking against the ground.

The prince turned away from the rail and looked towards her.

Their eyes locked and then both of their expressions changed to that of complete and utter shock.

They both yelled at the same time, "You!"