Free to Love - A Zelda x Link Fanfiction

III: Escape

Zelda's Perspective:

I trudged to the throne room at Link's nagging, brushing at the dirt that had stuck to my pants. I was not looking forward to entering the castle looking like this. I always received more disproving looks that usual when I did. I figured it had something to do with the fact that I was always practicing fighting. It wasn't deemed "ladylike." I occasionally received a few condescending looks from the men in the castle. It wasn't a woman's place to learn to fight, never mind a princess's. It didn't stop me, but I never exactly appreciated the upturned noses either way.

If I had to guess, I would be told off again by my father. Who would look forward to that? I had already prepared my argument when I walked into the throne room with another guard. Links abandoned me after hounding me into attending court. Stupid break. Although, it came to a slight surprise when I found Link kneeling before the throne when I entered. I wondered if I should kneel considering that I was planning to blatantly disrespect Father by arguing.

Before I could say anything, Father nodded curtly. "Rise," he said officially. Link obliged, straightening his spine. I could see the tension in his body as he rose. He didn't like being officially addressed by people, he preferred to blend into the shadows. I was one of the few people he opened to. He seemed very out of place, trying to prevent his shifting from foot to foot. "Zelda, my daughter," he called. I instinctively pulled back my shoulders and lifted my chin. I was in court, after all. At least I could act the part even if I didn't look it.

"It's time that you go on a journey," he began. I thought for a moment, the answer clicking quickly. I held my tongue, allowing Father to complete his apathetic monologue. "Zelda, you are destined to fulfill a prophesy, much like Link. Link, as you know, was born to wield the Sword That Seals The Darkness. You, my dear, are the princess in the prophesy. You are burdened with glorious power from the Goddess herself, Hylia."

I spared a glance at Link. He was attempting not to lean forward. He knew the prophesy as well as I did, but ai figured he was curious about where this conversation was going. I already had any idea, after listening in on court a few times and my own persuading. By persuading, I meant bringing it up at every conceivable chance before he caved. With everything reasoning to back up what i said, he eventually said "I'll think about it." And that was the closest I could get to a yes. I stifled a yawn.

"You, my daughter," Father continued, "must go out to find your power. You must go and pray. We must be prepared when Calamity Ganon attacks. However, you will not be alone. You will have your most trusted guard with you. That should be fine, I assume?"

I smiled slightly. "Yes, of course, Father. This arrangement suits me well, I think."

"Then it is settled," he declared. "You shall venture out with Link in search of your power."

I bowed my head. "Of course, Father," I agreed. "I'll prepare to leave now." I gestured for Link to follow. I began to leave, listening to Link's footsteps follow mine. Once we disappeared from Father's range of hearing, Link began to walk in unison with my own footsteps.

"Zelda? What was he talking about?" he asked. I cocked my head to his words. We entered my bedroom and I plucked my Shiekah Slate from my dresser. I had been testing it recently and I had a feeling that it could be useful outside the castle. I leaned under my bed and grabbed a leather satchel. I felt Link's concerned gaze following me. "Zelda, please," he pleaded.

"What?" I asked, turning and grinning dopily. "I get to leave! I get to explore and be free! We can visit the champions and learn about the divine beasts! I can unlock my power!" I laughed sharply in excitement, swiveling and placing the slate in my bag. He blinked in astonishment. I carefully folded a white dress into my bag, latching it shut. I turned towards him, realizing he was still frozen in shock. I pushed his arm. "Link, stand outside, I'm gonna change."

He stumbled out the door as I pushed him along, slamming the door shut. I quickly changed into pants. It would be much easier to ride in them pants a shirt versus a dress. I was nearly shaking with excitement. I changed quickly, pushing my hair from my face with two blue clips, tossing my satchel over my shoulder.

"Link, let's go," I told him. He nodded silently, nibbling on his lip nervously.

"Shouldn't we pack some food before we leave?" he asked. In my excitement, I had nearly forgotten about the basic necessities we needed to, well, survive.

"Oh, yeah," I responded, blinking and pausing mid-step. "Can you go to the kitchen and grab some stuff? I'll set up the horses." He shrugged, eyes casting a suspicious look in my direction. He probably figured I would do something stupid and, honestly, that wouldn't have been a surprise. He finally sighed, hanging his head, covering his eyes with a hand.

"Yeah, ok," he finally agreed. "I'll go get some cheese and fruit. You go grab the horses."