Destined for Calamity (zelink)

Chapter 31

Seeing her for the first time in months at the knighting ceremony was far more difficult than Link had anticipated. As she entered the room, his eyes inevitably fell upon her, the sight a shock that left him mesmerized, her radiance grabbing everyone's attention. It felt like an eternity since he last laid eyes on her, her hair now short—a testament to the turmoil he had inadvertently added to her life.

When she spoke his name, he felt shivers down his spine, the mere sound resonating with a familiarity that was now forbidden. Unfortunately, the contract he had made prohibited from speaking to her, even more forming any kind of friendship. He believed distance was therefore the only answer, a shield against the vulnerability that threatened to breach his carefully constructed walls. Yet, despite his concerted efforts, what he felt for her proved to be inevitable.

When their eyes finally met, a magnetic force seemed to draw them together, his heart fluttering, betraying the stoic exterior he sought to maintain. It was a silent acknowledgment of the emotions he had tried so hard to suppress, a testament to the power she held over him despite the constraints imposed by their agreement. He then kneeled as she officialized the contract, appointing him her personal knight, further cementing the new distance imposing itself between them. The weight of his decision pressed on his shoulders, sacrificing the ease of a close connection for the formality of duty.

Their last interaction had been proof of his internal conflict, a clear demonstration of the tension that had settled between them. He couldn't even utter a single word, a stark realization that he had been tactless in handling her valid emotional outburst. In that moment, her words had been difficult to hear, a tempest of emotions swirling within him, and he found himself at a loss for a proper response.

Yet, despite the internal turmoil, a resolute determination burned within him. The appointment as her personal knight marked a shift—a commitment to be close to her at all times. The realization that he now had the opportunity to protect and serve her in a more intimate capacity fueled his resolve. He was willing to do anything to keep that newfound closeness intact, to stand by her side as a steadfast guardian and ally.

And so, it began. The following day, as the sunlight filtered through the windows, Link greeted Zelda at her door, welcoming her with a shy nod as their gazes met. It marked the start of an unexpected routine, an abrupt shift in the cadence of his daily living.

The first few days had been the most difficult, a whirlwind of emotions stirring within him whenever he was around her. In the months leading up to his return, he had yearned to see her, hoping for a reunion with a mix of faith and nostalgia. However, the reality of his situation since his return brought forth an unexpected wave of frustration. Their interactions were strained, painted with veneer professionalism that belied the genuine connection they once shared. Zelda greeted him with a practiced indifference, her unhappiness evident, and Link wished he could reveal the truth. He longed for her to know that he cared for her deeply. At first, he was taken aback by the shift in her demeanor, his surprise obvious, but as he understood the pain she carried, his emotions deepened. In fact, their exchanges were limited to silence, but their constant proximity was unmistakable—he was always there, by her side. The unspoken tension in the air mirrored the uncharted territory of their evolving relationship, leaving Link grappling with his desire to bridge the gap and the constraints imposed by the circumstances that surrounded them.

The inevitability of stealing glances at her became a part of their unspoken routine, their eyes meeting more often than words passed between them. Soon enough, the uneasiness at her sight transformed into a sense of familiarity and ease. The unspoken understanding between them grew, characterized by these furtive glances and silent acknowledgments. His silent companionship became a part of her routine, and the initial awkwardness gave way to a subtle understanding. Despite the absence of words, a silent language seemed to develop between them—an unspoken connection that rendered words unnecessary. In a way, it felt like he was reconnecting with Zelda.