Chapter Text
The fingers of my free hand tangle idly in my Knight's fur as I sit on the sofa reading various reports. We learned a few winters ago that late nights in my study are far more pleasant and warm when he's in his wolf form rather than his natural apearence.
My brow furrows in annoyance as I realize what isn't in my pile of reports. "Link, would you mind fetching Ashei's report regarding the new recruits for me? It seems it's missing once again."
Link pulls his shaggy head off my lap, rolling his eyes in a comical way that I'm certain true wolves are incapable of, and I can't help but giggle softly. He returns to his human form mid jump to the ground, and shakes his head in exasperation. "Of course my Queen, would you like me to return with a stick or a ball as well?"
I grin teasingly at the young man before me. "Just the report is needed, but if you'd like to join me for a glass of wine, I wouldn't be opposed if you detour to the cellar."
Link smirks, his sharper than normal canine teeth peaking out from between his lips, as he bows slightly and heads out the door.
The room is far colder, both in temperature and atmosphere, without the company of a friend, but I simply draw a blanket around my shoulders and continue reading trade and tax reports for the few minutes in silence before my Knight returns with my missing report in one hand and two wine glasses in the other, with a bottle tucked under his arm.
I grin, placing the papers back on the table next to the warm fire and patting the cushion next to me. Instead of shifting back into his wolf form as he typically does on such cold nights, Link remains human as he sits next to me, and begins pouring glasses of wine for both of us. I accept the glass happily.
I notice him watching me with keen eyes as I take a sip, the fruity liquid warming my throat and settling comfortably in my stomach. I raise an eyebrow at him over the rim of my glass, smirking as I lower it again. "You're not usually keen to shed your warm fur in such weather, let alone remain human for long. Is something on your mind, Link?"
Link shifts nervously, his fingers tracing the rim of his own glass in what looks like an unconscious movement. I watch him, the discomfort clear on his face, and tilt my head in curiosity.
"If there's something troubling you, my Knight, you know you can always speak freely with me."
"Not troubling." Link hesitates before answering further, his canine teeth peeking out again. "Just... I enjoy your friendship my Queen. More than I should. And I know I'm better at protecting you in such weather as a wolf, but I can't exactly talk with you in howls.
I smile widely at his confession, "I'm honored to have your friendship and company, whether as my Knight or guard dog. Frankly I have never had a friend as dear to me, nor felt so safe even guarded by my whole army."
Link cracks a tooth sharpened grin again, looking at me in such a way that makes my stomach flutter. "Keepin' you safer than your army can isn't that hard of a feat."
I giggle, but grab the report he retrieved, and wave it in his face. "Not any more. You know as well as I that under Ashei's training they've become fairly formidible. But even then, I wouldn't trade your protection for anything." I reply, my smile softening as I let my eyes linger on Link for a moment longer, simply admiring the way the light of the fire dances in his eyes.
Link holds my gaze, and then the fire crackles softly, reminding us both of the cold night outside. He clears his throat, and his gaze shifts as he looks down into his wine glass. "You're right, as always, my Queen. An entire squad of them actually proved a chalenge for me in the sparring ring yesterday."
Raising my eyebrow inquisitively, I pry further, "Oh? Would this happen to be the squad that your young foster brother is a part of?"
Link blushes slightly at my insinuation. "...yes. But I wasn't going easy on them. Yeah, I've given Colin some pointers, and he's probably shared 'em with his squad, but they almost had me a few times."
I allow myself to sink comfortably back into the cushions, simply listening as Link boasts about the younger man. For all that he is usually hesitant to speak of matters of importance or in formal settings, his family from Ordon has always been a topic he is willing to speak on endlessly. I simply smile softly as he moves from discussing Colin's acheivements, to their younger sister who apparently asked him for horseback riding lessons recently, his voice filled with familial pride and affection. He's so animated and happy, that I find myself lost in his voice, not truly hearing the words, and simply admiring him.
The firelight dances over his features, casting shadows under his cheekbones and highlighting the gold flecks in his blue eyes. The contemplative look on his face brings my attention to his lips, which are currently curved up in a soft, fond smile.
I lick my lips, suddenly feeling a bit too warm. I take another sip of my wine, hoping that the cool liquid will help cool me down, but the alcohol only manages to increase the heat spreading through my body. I shift slightly, crossing one leg over the other and readjusting the throw blanket around my shoulders.
I try to steer my thoughts away from the growing heat, reminding myself of the friendship and professionalism that has evolved over the years between Link and myself. As his Queen it would be innapropriate for me to make any romantic advance, and as his friend it would be reckless, and both factors would endanger his trust in me.
I bring the glass to my lips, as if to take another sip, but find myself hesitating as I watch him. His eyes snap to mine, as if he could sense my intent, and hold my gaze.
The atmosphere in the room shifts, becoming thick with tension. I can feel my breathing grow heavier as I try and fail to break his gaze. I clear my throat awkwardly, and find myself unable to speak, instead returning to my own mind as it races with the implications of my realization.
I can't help but be drawn into those icy blue eyes of his as he gazes at me, seeming to wait for me to break the tension that has settled between us.
My mind flicks back to the war, to the goat herder that became my knight. I was just a girl then, a sad and scared princess who had just lost my father, my kingdom, and my freedom in mere days. He was the one who saved me, freed me, restored my kingdom, and eventually made me laugh again.
Even our first meeting, an imprisoned princess and a wolf, I always felt drawn to and safe with him - a fact I'm sure Midna would tease me endlessly about were she still in this realm. But even her loss has been softened by Link's light in my life.
"My Queen?"
I'm snapped back to the present moment by his question, and feel more heat rise to my cheeks in embarasment. "I'm sorry, could you repeat your question? I was lost in thought."
"I asked if you're feeling alright. You're very flushed, and more distracted than usual, like you might have a fever." Link shifts closer, moving a hand to my forehead almost instinctively.
His hand is warm, and it causes me to close my eyes for a moment, relishing in the gentle touch. I open them again, questioning his actions, but Link just smiles softly at me.
"You don't feel like you're burnin' up, but I wanted to make sure you're okay. You seem flustered."
I blink, hesitating for a moment as I consider lying to him, but discard that thought quickly. I've never lied to him, and I don't want to start now. But he is so close, closer than he's ever been in human form, his hand still on my face, his face mere inches away, and I find myself tongue tied.
I'm a queen, and I've lost my ability to speak in front of my own knight, because I am suddenly aware of just how close we are. It's unnerving, but I can't find it in myself to move away. Link asks again, his eyes searching my own. I find myself lost in the warmth and care I see reflected there, and it takes me a moment to respond.
"I-I'm fine." I stammer, pulling myself back together.
His hand drops from my face, but he doesn't move away. I can feel the heat radiating off his body, and I suddenly feel very small, tucked up next to him on the sofa. He watches me, those sharp eyes studying me as if trying to gauge my mood. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, and force a smile. "I'm fine, truly. Just caught up in memories, I suppose."
Link studies me for a moment longer, then nods. "Alright, my Queen. If you're sure." He replies, still watching me intently. I can't help but feel a bit self-conscious under his gaze, especially with the growing flush that refuses to leave my cheeks. I take another sip of my wine, hoping it will help to calm my nerves.
Link, sensing my unease, shifts position slightly, putting some much needed distance between us, before continuing his previous train of thought - now some story about Epona bucking him off into a lake the other day.
Instead of laughing as I usually would, my mouth goes dry as the image of Link's wet tunic clinging to his muscles enters my mind.
I set my wine glass down on the table with a shake of my head, trying to dismiss the inappropriate thought, and murmur a fitting response to Link's story. "I trust she had her reasons." I manage to say, attempting to lighten the mood. I watch his eyes sparkle and a slow smile spread across his face.
He smirks, that damn wolfish grin, "I'm not sure that only giving her one sugar cube and an apple as a treat rather than more of each counts as a valid reason."
"Well maybe she's just trying to teach you how to spoil a lady." I fire back unthinking, blushing again and freezing as I realize how that could be interpreted. Usually a half a glass of wine is nowhere near enough to loosen my tongue like this, but I feel completely intoxicated at the moment.
Link leans closer again. "I promise, that I know very well how to treat a lady." Link's low voice sends a shiver down my spine, and his breath tickles my ear, bringing yet more warmth to my cheeks.
In a move far more impulsive than I typically allow, I crash my mouth into his. It barely lasts a second before my brain catches up and I pull away, but I'm already breathless and my lips tingle from the feel of his.
Link looks just as stunned as I feel, his eyes wide.
I can feel my chest heaving as I try to steady my ragged breathing. I just kissed someone. Not only that, I kissed Link, the Hero, my Knight, my only friend. And I want to do it again.
Link seems to recover first, reaching out tentatively towards my cheek, cupping it gently. "Zelda, are you sure-?" He starts, but stops as I lean into his hand, nodding ever so slightly.
His eyes darken in a way I've never seen, and that predatory smile returns to his lips, sending shivers down my spine. Then his lips are on mine again, far more firmly and heated than our very brief first kiss.
It's a pure moment of passion and adrenaline, the likes of which I have never experienced before. I melt against him, my arms winding around his shoulders and pulling him closer to me.
He growls slightly as my hand tangles into his hair, and my heart skips a beat.
It's a sound I've heard him make countless times before – both as a human and a wolf, in battle of any sort, whether a spar, actual combat, or even some stuck up noble making a backhanded comment. Never towards me other than when we duel. But it lacks the threatening tone it carries even in training, and sends a thrill down my spine.
I gasp into the kiss as his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me closer until there's not even a breath between us. His teeth tug on my lower lip, and I open for him instinctively, willing and eager to taste more of him and let him taste me.
I moan into the kiss, causing Link to break away and pant against my lips. "Zelda, you have to tell me to stop if you want me to." He growls out, eyes flashing a dangerous shade of blue.
I know I should. I know it's reckless and impulsive and stupid. But I can't bring myself to say it. "Don't stop, Link. Please." I whisper, gasping as his hands cup my face.
And then he's on me again. Ravaging my mouth with fierce animalistic kisses, and all I can do is moan and beg for more. His hands are in my hair, tugging and twisting as he deepens the kiss. I lose myself in it, in him, and in the overwhelming flood of emotions that threaten to drown me.
I can't get enough, and it seems he feels the same.
I had never thought about how intimate a kiss could be, but with Link it's as if I'm being consumed by a wild, fierce creature who only I can tame. I feel his hands wandering down my body, and I arch into him with a whimper. I'm lost in the moment, and I never want to come back to reality.
My fingers tangle in the fabric of Link's tunic, pulling him closer as his lips move to my cheek, my jaw, then down my neck, kissing and nipping with his teeth.
I gasp and shiver, arching my back in an attempt to get closer to him. I can feel the heat of his breath through the thin fabric of my dress, and I desperately want to feel his lips on my bare skin.
Fumbling, I find the hem of his tunic, and begin to tug it upwards. Link takes the hint, breaking his assault on my neck only long enough to pull his tunic over his head, before descending on my neck again.
I shiver, running my fingers through his long, messy hair as I tug him closer to me. His stubble scrapes against my cheekbone, but I barely register it. All I can focus on are his lips against my skin.
My hands run down the planes of his chest, tracing through the soft curls of his chest hair as I map the curves of his muscles.
I let out a soft sigh, and Link's lips travel from my neck to my collarbone. I feel his fingers at the laces of my dress, tugging gently, reaching for my bare skin beneath.
"Link," I gasp as his hand skims the curve of my breast over the low cut fabric. My own hands trace the healed over scars from countless battles, the old wounds on his back standing in stark contrast to the firm, soft skin around them.
Link growls softly again, the vibration in his chest sending ripples of pleasure through me.
His lips close around my nipple through the fabric of my dress, and he gently sucks, tugging and twisting the sensitive bud. I cry out, my fingers tightening in his hair as I arch my back, presenting him my breast. He eagerly accepts, fingers dragging the top of my dress down until it pools at my waist, exposing my breasts to his eager touch.
His tongue and teeth then tease the other nipple, tickling the sensitive peak before sucking it into his warm mouth, shooting pleasurable bolts of lightning down to my toes.
I arch my back further, urging him to continue and take more of me into his talented mouth. He obliges, greedily accepting all I have to offer him. He's like a man starved - no, he's ravenous as a wolf. Kissing, licking, and softly biting with the feral desperation of a wild animal devouring their prey.
Link's rough hands massage my breasts eagerly, around the hard tips that seem to beg for more of his attention.
"Mmm," I moan, unable to restrain myself as I push against him, silently begging him to continue.
My grip tightens in his tousled locks, pulling him down further on me, as he practically smothers himself between my cleavage. How can such aggressive contact feel so thrillingly good? I thought I knew what desire was, but this, this is some new level of pleasure.
I want him to keep going, keep touching, kissing, and devouring me. My heart races as Link's mouth explores every inch of my chest, leaving fire and lust in its wake. I can feel my undergarments dampen with arousal as an ache shoots through my core, at his every touch.
Desperate to taste him again, I roll us over, shifting our positions so that I'm seated on his lap and can kiss him properly again, pressing our bare chests together and biting his lip in response to his every nip.
He gasps at my first bite, then groans as I begin to shift my hips feeling the heat of lust pooling between my thighs.
Link's hands settle on the curve of my arse, and he squeezes firmly, his nails digging in slightly even through my dress. I can feel him, hardened beneath me, pressing through his breeches. I grind experimentally against him, wanting to feel him closer.
And he stops.
He releases my lip from between his teeth, lifts me off his lap, and suddenly he's sitting on a chair several feet away.
I blink, startled at the sudden change of pace, and simply sit there gasping, trying to process what just happened.
Link is staring at me with wide eyes and a blush creeping up his cheeks. "We can't do this, Zelda," he says, his voice hoarse.
I stare at him, my breath still coming in pants. "Right. It ... it would be improper. I ... I'm sorry for being too forward my Hero." Trying to hide both my blush and tears of embarassment that threaten to spill over, I frantically begin pulling my dress back over my chest and arms. "I'll see myself back to my room. If you wish to be reassigned..."
Link cuts me off with his arms around me and his lips on my forehead. "No. I'm sorry. You did nothing wrong my Queen. I ... I am just..." he gulps audibly "I love you my Queen. And you deserve better. You deserve..."
I cut him off with a kiss. "I deserve a man who loves me, and I love in return. I love you too." I breathe out, leaning into his embrace and pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
Link shudders beneath my lips, and his arms tighten around my waist. I feel a familiar heat build within me as my fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him closer still. I deepen the kiss, moaning against his lips as the hunger that had subsided only moments ago returns with a vengeance.
He pulls away again, softly this time, and simply rests his forehead against mine. "No. As you said, it's improper."
A half sigh leaves my mouth, "Right. That doesn't change the facts though. Link, you're my dearest friend, I love you, and I want you in a way one should only want their spouse." I whisper, the weight of the words hitting me as they leave my mouth.
Link closes his eyes, as if pained at my words. "Zelda, I-" he starts, before cutting himself off with a shake of his head. He looks at me, his blue eyes full of pain and hesitation.
"Please, just tell me what's wrong. I want to understand." I plead, hating seeing him pained in any way.
Link sighs, running a hand through his tousled blond hair. "I... its not... no matter our love... I..." he breaks off awkwardly and I can't help but stare at him in confusion.
"Link, whatever it is, it doesn't change anything for me. Loving eachother is enough, and making love can wait till we're both comfortable. And if it's propriety you're worried about, we can begin legally courting. You know my council has been pestering me to court someone for years anyway and..."
My rambling is ended by his lips moving against my colarbone. "They've been pestering you about a husband, not courting."
Turning my head I press a kiss to his temple. "Isn't that the same eventually when we're already in love?" I ask, my voice soft and gentle as I speak against his hair.
Link shakes his head, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. "No, my Queen. It's not. Your courting is a formal process of getting to know one another with the intent to marry. It's far different than simply loving. And it's not propriety that concerns me."
I frown, further confused by his words. "Then what is it that concerns you, Link? You can trust me with anything, you know that."
He looks away, staring off into the distance.
I can see his ears turning pink, a sure sign that he is embarrassed. I study his face, my fingers tracing gentle paths over his cheekbones. He leans into my touch, closing his eyes. The firelight casts its warmth over both of us, exceptionally golden in this moment.
"Link, please," I whisper, patience lacing my words.
"Before the war, I was just a goatherd, a simple village boy. Now I'm only half man and half beast. I..."
"You are a man, and I love you no matter your form. I would rather my only contact with any living being simply be cuddling into your fur than to even hold the arm of any man who isn't you." I declare, genuine sincerity ringing in my voice.
His eyes snap to mine immediately, wide and blue. He stares at me for a moment, seeming to weigh my words, and then he nods curtly. "Very well, my Queen, I shall begin courting you."
I smile, relieved, and then lean forward to press my lips to his. His arm tightens around my back, pulling me closer, deepening the kiss. I hum against his lips, losing myself in the sensation.
Breaking the tender kiss he simply holds me and presses his lips to my forhead. Smiling softly, I tuck my head into the crook of his neck, breathing in the heady smell of his presence so close and reveling in the pure rightness of our bodies pressed together.
"Thank you, my Hero."