Cursed Fate

Chapter three

-Four months later-

Link had spent his nights guarding outside of Zelda's bedroom door for four months now. He felt uneasy about Xavier. Unfortunately he has become comfortable around here. He has started to give orders, most have started to grow on him. Zelda hasn't. She wants him gone. There have been times where Link has been afraid that she would over heat and just start beating the man. Though, he can't blame her. Link has come close to hitting him as well. He isn't to fond of how he flirts with her.

'Speak of the devil.' Link rolled his eyes as he thought quietly to himself when he saw Xavier.

"I would like to see my Princess. Step aside." Those words had already started Link's fuse.

"She hasn't given me notice as to if she is awake or not."

"Step aside." Xavier went to grab the door handle when Link placed his arm in his way. Suddenly his cheek stung. In one swift movement the Prince had slapped him. The sound rang through the hall. Perfect timing for Zelda to swing her door open.

"Z-Zelda!" Xavier smiled and went to hug her, she pushed him away.

"What did you do?" Her voice was quiet and stern. Link finally regained his stance and did his best to not touch his now slightly swollen cheek. Zelda instantly turned.

"Link!" She raised her hand and gently touched his tender face, he winced slightly.

"I'm fine..."

"He was out of line Zelly!" She harshly turned to this so called Prince.

"Do not call me that. My name is Zelda. You will always and only call me Zelda. In fact, you should put the word Princess in front of that! And I swear... If you lay a hand on him again, when he is doing his job, you will be sorry." Xavier was stunned, he had no words. Link had a small grin.

"Come on, Link, let's get some ice on your face." Zelda grabbed his arm and they walked.

"One day, fair Princess..." Xavier said to himself as he smirked with a sinister feel. Zelda sat with Link in a small room as she held an ice pack to his cheek.

"I'm fine, Zelda..." She sighed and removed the pack gently touched his cheek, he winced.

"You are not fine." Zelda placed the ice back on.

"Hey, Zelly?" Link smiled,

"Can I start calling you that?" Zelda's heart sang, she nodded.

"It sounds better when you say it, so yes." Link beamed, he didn't feel the pain through his smile, which only made him smile more.

"I don't like that guy..."

"Neither do I." Zelda agreed with him but looked away.

"Zelly?" Link tried to look at her face,

"What is it?"

"W-Well... I hate Xavier. I hate him! I refuse to marry him..." Zelda looked back to Link, he had a calm face.

"I know, Zel." He paused and took a slow breath.

"I don't want you to marry him either..."

"Huh... Then you're the first." Link gently sighed and scratched the back of his head.

"Hey, Zelda?" She curiously looked at him and gave him her full attention.

"If Xavier isn't someone you would marry, who would it be? I-I mean, I'm only asking as a friend! But there had to be someone, isn't there?"

"That's an odd question to ask, Link." Zelda lightly chuckled as Link blushed quietly.

"I know! But hey, what's the harm in asking?"

"Well, there has always been this one boy. He's handsome, smart, well trained in combat. I've had a lot of pleasant conversations with him! He is rather nice..." Zelda averted his eyes as she smiled. Link's heart slowly broke, of course it wasn't him. What was he thinking? Though, it did amuse him for the time.

"Oh, is that so?" Zelda gave a nod.

"It wasn't until just recently that I've noticed a change in my affection toward him. I would say I love him but, I'm not sure..." Link couldn't help but smile a little at the small hope he had. Then he realized.

"Wait, what's his name?" It may be a silly question considering the circumstances, but he felt like he should. Maybe it was about him! But those chances are slim.

"T-That's not important right now!" Zelda avoided his eyes.

"Is that because it's of me?" Link smirked, he just wanted to bug her but her face went red. He tried to look at her with his surprised face.

"W-Wait... Is it about me?" Zelda opened her mouth to say something but she stuttered.

"Zel? Do you... Love me?" Link could feel his face slowly start to warm up.

"W-Well... Uh, you see..." Zelda took a deep breath and looked at him.

"Yes." Zelda smiled as she watched Link's face light up. Next thing she knew he had her in his grip, in a tight hug. She finally did it. Zelda finally did it. Link didn't hide how he felt toward her. Considering he pulled her into a hug right away.

"Do you feel the same, Link?" Zelda could hear him gently chuckle.

"I realized I loved you after I became your personal knight. I've never laid my eyes on another girl like I've done with you, Zelly." At his words the only thing Zelda's impulse told her to do was tighten her grip around him.

"I don't want to get married..." Her voice was quiet, like she was scared suddenly. Link started to rub her back.

"I know. I'm going to do everything in my power to do something."

"Why can't we run away and get married ourselves?" Zelda felt slightly offended when he chuckled.

"Zelda... You are the Princess. I'm just a knight. Everyone would think I had kidnapped you, resulting in me being thrown in the dungeon, or worse, getting killed."

"I love you, Link. I've known that for a long time. The sad thing is, is that, I've never realized until now... I understand that it is my duty as a Princess to keep the royal name going, but what's the use if I don't love him? Besides, he gives me the creeps." Zelda pulled back to look at his face. He has such chiseled features and she couldn't resist lifted her hand to rest on his cheek.

"I don't trust him, Link. Not one bit." He nodded to Zelda in agreement.

"The first time I saw him I didn't like him." Then his warm hand was on her delicate one.

"But no matter what, Zelda, I will always protect you." His smile caught her breath and made her heart skip. Zelda was now sure she loves her best friend, Link felt just the same. He raised a hand to her face gently and stroked her soft cheek with a gentle touch. Zelda leaned into his hand and within a long blink Link was suddenly inches away. Zelda could feel her face starting to burn as he opened his mouth slightly and with a whisper he asked.

"May I kiss you, Princess?" Zelda didn't hesitate once as she nodded. Once Link touched his lips to hers he never wanted to let go. Zelda's arms snaked around him as Link had a hand on the back of her neck. The kiss had deepened for a moment then Link pulled away, though it tugged at his heart. Zelda already missed him but decided to kiss his cheek.

"I love you, Link. Please, never leave me..."

"I wouldn't dream of it."