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Zelda was never one for baking or cooking. She tried, many times in fact, but she never got the hang of it. Despite that, here she was with Link, baking Christmas cookies because he insisted so excitedly, and who was she to say no to that?
Time had been so cruel to the two of them for so long—she was grateful that her life with Link had been so smooth as of late. With Ganondorf defeated and Hyrule rebuilt, they were allowed to live peacefully, enraptured by the warmth and love they gave each other. In spite of her enormous guilt, she was happy that she ultimately decided to not send Link back to his childhood. He begged and pleaded for her not to do so—that he would help ease her guilt, that he could aid her with Hyrule, and that he loved her so dearly—and it had worked. If Zelda was sure of anything, it was that what she wanted, more than anything, was to be by Link’s side.
Although she still had her typical duties as a Queen to fulfill and mostly lived in the castle, she spent many nights with Link at a house he had bought for himself in Kakariko Village. It was a small, quiet, peaceful house that was perfect for the two of them. It had a small fireplace in the middle of the center room, along with a bedroom and washroom.
Marriage had been on Zelda’s mind for a while now that she was left to rule the Kingdom on her own. Though shewas confident that Link would not hesitate to rule it by her side as the new Hyrulean King, she didn’t want to put all that pressure on him just yet. For the time being, until she adjusted to the way things were now, she decided to hold off on that conversation. Though, with how domestic it felt in this house with him, she fought with her thoughts about asking him constantly.
This would be their first Christmas together as a couple, and she was just as excited about it as Link. Baking cookies was only the first of many holiday traditions he’d planned for them to do together. Zelda had commissioned a local artist to create stencils to use for the baking—otherwise hers would look like a random assortment of shapes.
“Oh dear,” Zelda laughed to herself as she took the first batch out of the oven, “I told you I’m not very good at this. Just look at yours compared to mine.”
Link walked over to take a look at the cookies Zelda had just placed on the table. The Christmas Trees looked more like squares, and they were nearly burnt. Still edible, she supposed, but at what cost? They didn’t look nearly as good as Link’s batch. Even as she began frosting one of the cookies, she noticed how runny it looked.
She glanced over at his face to see even a hint of laughter, but he instead smiled sweetly at them, and then back at her.
“But they’re made by you, so it doesn’t matter what they look like. It’s not a contest to see whose are better.”
Link planted a kiss atop her cheek and returned to frosting cookies at his station.
“You may be right. However, it does matter what they taste like, correct?” she asked, picking a cookie off of the tray and handing it to Link. “Go on, you tell me how it is. But don’t be biased either. Seriously, tell me if it’s completely vile.”
Link didn’t hesitate—he took a bite faster than Zelda could even process. “It may not look pretty, but it honestly doesn’t taste bad. You’re better at this than you think.”
That did come to a surprise for Zelda—this may be the first edible thing she’s made—but nonetheless, she was at least glad it came out better than she had thought.
“Oh hey,” Link interrupts her thoughts, “there’s something else I want to do with you after we finish baking cookies.”
Zelda looked at him curiously as she placed another batch of cookies into the oven. “Oh? What’s that, my love?”
“I went into Castle Town Market and I noticed one of the vendors made a new type of cookie, I think. When I asked about it, he said you can decorate it with a whole bunch of things like frosting, candy, chocolate, and the like. They were shaped like houses and are made out of gingerbread.”
“Oh my, that does sound lovely. Well, I would be delighted to decorate a gingerbread house with you. Hopefully my decorating skills are better than my baking.”
As Link rolled out the last of the cookie dough, he whipped his head around to look at Zelda. “Great! I already bought one off of him, so we can get started once we finish this last round of cookies. Oh! But we should put decorations up in the house first, too.”
Zelda squeezed a stencil of a snowman down atop the dough so the shape stays in place and wiped the excess dough off with her pink apron. “Sounds like a solid plan to me.”
While waiting for the cookies to finish baking, Link and Zelda decide to put up various Christmas decorations such as fairy lights, mistletoe, and even a Christmas tree. A fire that Link had started in the fireplace was roaring, warming up the tiny abode just enough for the both of them to feel comfortable. For once, everything in the world felt right.
The mistletoe was giving Zelda a bit of trouble. She just couldn’t get it angled right. Sighing out of frustration, she looked over at Link and that’s when an idea hit her.
“My dear Link, would you mind giving me a hand over here with the mistletoe?”
Link, who had just finishing hanging up the last of the fairy lights, rushed to his beloved’s side in a jiffy.
“Of course, my love,” Link replied as he fixed the position of the mistletoe. Zelda giggled to herself as he fell right into her trap. When Link let go of the mistletoe, Zelda stepped closer to him, looking at him lovingly.
“You know, it’s an old folktale that lovers would kiss under the mistletoe during this time of year.” A blush formed across her cheeks as she gazed into his sapphire eyes.
“Is this the real reason why you asked for my help?” He replied as he slipped his hand under her chin and pulled her face closer to his lips.
Zelda batted her eyelashes innocently. “Perhaps. I am not sure how true it is, but what does it matter? It’s something I would like to make a tradition. And who better to share my first mistletoe kiss with than you?”
Link smiled warmly at her. “Well, who would I be if I said no to that? Especially when you ask so sweetly.”
Without a second thought, their lips met, and it felt just as magical as it had the first time. His lips were soft and comforting. She felt safe within his grasp, no matter how dangerous the world was. Zelda could hear their hearts beat in tune with each other as their embrace deepened and their kiss became more passionate. Zelda had only ever dreamed of a life like this—she never imagined it would be hers to have. The thought of marriage entered her mind once more, and a shiver goes down her spine.
They had been together for awhile now, but every time they kissed, hugged, or held hands, it felt like the first time. Something that used to be so out of her reach was now right here in her hands. Was she even allowed to be this happy?
Finally, Zelda broke the kiss with a small giggle. “As much as I would love to keep kissing you, we do have a gingerbread house to decorate, you know.”
Link stroked her cheek with his thumb and nodded in agreement. “Ah, that’s right, we do. And it looks like the cookies are just about done baking, too.”
“I’ll handle the cookies, can you go get the ingredients for the houses?”
“You got it!” Link excitedly skipped to the one of the cupboards to gather the ingredients while Zelda pulled an oven mitt onto her hand. She delicately took the last of the cookies out of the oven and placed the tray on the counter so they could cool off, then took off her dirty apron and tossed it beside the cookies to clean later.
Placing the ingredients on the table, Link pulled out a chair for Zelda to sit in and motioned her over. She smiled softly as she sat down, pulling up her dress a bit so she didn’t sit on it weirdly. The gingerbread house was a lot smaller than Zelda expected.
“Goddesses, how adorable! I must say, I am a bit shocked by the size. Here I was anticipating something much bigger.”
Link chuckled at his lover’s reaction. “Why’s that? I told you it was a cookie.”
Zelda shrugged sheepishly, “This is true. I suppose I had pictured it differently in my head is all.”
Link took out the four pieces of gingerbread for the walls while Zelda opened the packaging of the other ingredients. It came with red, white, and green icing, candy canes, and various kinds of holiday-themed sprinkles. The designs of the sprinkles were something Zelda had never seen before. It brought a smile to her face.
“So, how do we get the walls to stick?” She asked, piping the white icing.
Link pondered for a moment while looking at the box it came in. “I think we’re supposed to use the icing as glue.”
Link retrieves the prepared icing from Zelda and began applying the white frosting to one of the gingerbread walls. When done, Zelda took another piece of gingerbread and stuck it to the freshly frosted one, with a little bit of pressure. Carefully, she let go of it to see if it would fall apart, and to her surprise, it stayed together.
“Success!” She exclaimed with excitement, “Now we just need to add the last two and the roof, then we can decorate.”
Link, licking icing off his fingers, smiles affectionately at her. “I hear that’s the best part. I wonder what our house will look like when we’re finished.”
“It may turn out to be a bit horrendous, but even so, I am very ecstatic to see the results of our first gingerbread house.” Suddenly, someone started knocking on the door to Link’s house. Raising a confused eyebrow, Link walked over and opened it. He was surprised to see Impa standing before him.
“Hello. Apologies for the intrusion, but the Queen is needed back at the castle.”
“I understand.” With a saddened expression, Link turned to Zelda. “Did you hear that?”
Zelda nodded wistfully as well. “Indeed. Impa, is this urgent? Is there really no way you can handle it for the time being? I am willing to come back tonight, but now really isn’t…a good time.” She motioned to the table behind them.
Practically begging her loyal companion felt improper, but she selfishly wanted to spend more time with Link, and finish their gingerbread house. Royal duties always interrupted her personal time, but she didn’t want them to come between her and Link, as well.
Impa, clearly swamped with a lot of work already, sighed in defeat. She knew how important Zelda’s time with Link was. “Do you have an estimate on when you will return tonight?”
In an attempt to help Zelda, Link chimed in. “This shouldn’t take us too long. I’d say within two hours she will be back at the castle. You have my word.”
He took a bow and Impa nodded. “Very well. There is no need to bow, I believe both of you. But, Zelda…” Zelda looked at her confidant with curious eyes as she continued her thought. “Just…consider taking your duties a bit more seriously in the future. That is all.”
With that, Impa left the premises and the two of them got back to their gingerbread making. Although, the mood was more somber than it had been before Impa’s arrival. The reality of her inner turmoil set in again.
“Everything alright?” Link asked as he put on the roof.
“It is nothing I don’t already know. She’s been on my case more than usual lately, but I understand why. I cannot say that I blame her.”
Zelda began making a wreath on the front of the house with the green frosting. “Royalty is always busy, but it seems work has been piling up for everyone as of late, and it’s stressful. She helps when she can, but she isn’t always able to.”
“I can only imagine the kind of work that comes with ruling a kingdom. I’m sorry that it’s been hectic for you and her.” Link wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in for a hug.
“It is quite alright, but thank you. I just think she believes I need help ruling the kingdom which is…not entirely inaccurate.”
“Is there anything I can do to aid you, my love?”
There was, she knew there was, but she didn’t want to subject Link to a life of royalty. Not after all they’ve—all he’s —been through.
“You’re sweet Link, but no, I would not ask that of you.” She smiled at him reassuringly, but she knew he could see through the facade. Still, though, he did not pester her.
“I understand, but please don’t hesitate to ask me for anything should you need to.” He said, planting a kiss on her cheek.
Maybe one day she would ask him—it’s not as if she hasn’t been aware of this situation—but right now is not the time for it.
Link placed red and green gumdrops all across the roof of the gingerbread house. To Zelda, he seemed to be a pro at this. At least, compared to her struggles to make cute designs, doors, and windows on the front (or back, she couldn’t tell) of the house. Perhaps she should start decorating with sprinkles, instead.
Finally, after many failed attempts to make it look as good as it was in Zelda’s head, the gingerbread house was completed.
“It came out how I predicted it would, despite my efforts to fix it up, but this was a wonderful time.” Zelda laid her head on top of Link’s shoulder for comfort. “If it weren’t for you, I’d have taken it completely apart and started again.”
“The important thing is that we had a fun time building it together, right? Time well spent, I’d say.” Link brushed the hair out of Zelda’s eyes and stroked her cheek with his thumb. “No matter how messy or good it looks, the thing that matters is it’s a product of our love.”
Zelda’s cheeks tinged pink at his encouraging words. Somehow, Link always knew what to say at the times when she needed it the most. She picked up her head off his shoulder and sighed. “Unfortunately it is time for me to retire back to the castle now. I am unsure of how hectic it is, so wish me luck.” She winked playfully.
Link knelt down on one knee and kissed the top of her hand. “Let me escort you back, My Princess. I insist.”
How he still managed to make her swoon after already winning her over was a mystery. But of course, a mystery she didn’t mind.
“Oh Link,” she giggled, “You have my gratitude. I’d be more than happy if you could.”
“Of course, sweetheart.” He stood back up and headed toward the door, “Just give me a minute to get Epona saddled up and then we can go.”
On the way to the castle, Zelda debated with herself whether or not she should bring up the idea of marriage. She had already told herself it wasn’t a good time, but the more he did for her, the more she realized how great of a team they would make.
As if Link could sense her distress, he spoke. “Are you sure you’re alright, Zelda? You seem a little distracted.”
She felt a chill go down her spine, and it wasn’t because of the cool breeze on her skin. Now was as good a time as any, she supposed. But how would he react to the news?
“Actually, there is something I’ve been wanting to ask you, but I am unsure of how to say it.”
Epona slowed down a little per Link’s request, so he could hear her better. “Just say it how it is in your head. I’ll put the pieces together.”
She looked at the ground nervous, yet smiled nonetheless. “Truthfully, yes, I do require your aid in some of the work laid out for me. However, I do not know that I can ask that of you. It would mean we would need to be wed, and then that would lead to you becoming King, and I just…can’t ask that of you.”
Link didn’t even hesitate. “I’ll do it.”
“What?”
“I’ll do it. No question about it. I told you I’d do anything to help, and I love you, so of course I’d be more than happy to marry you.”
“But, Link…I can’t do it. You’ve been through so much hardship because of Hyrule already, how could I ever ask you to rule the same country that caused you so much turmoil? I would feel incredibly guilty. You do not have to do this for me.”
Zelda wrapped her arms tighter around Link’s waist. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes, but she did her best to stop them. Suddenly, Epona stopped in her tracks. The castle was still a few miles away, so why had Link halted her?
“Link? What’s—”
They dismount for a moment so Link could pull Zelda into a strong embrace. Zelda can hear his heart beating inside his chest and it somehow calmed her nerves.
“I understand your reasoning, and I appreciate you for thinking about me. More than you realize, it means so much.” Before she could respond, he spoke again. “But, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Do you honestly thinkI haven’t already contemplated this?”
They broke free of the hug and Link held her face in his hands and looked at her intently.
“Zelda, I love you. I’ve known what it would mean if we were to get married, and it’s still something I want to do. I’ve put a lot of thought into it, and it doesn’t scare me. I don’t want to be without you, ever. Yes, ruling a country is foreign to me—and sure, it makes me a little nervous to think about—but it’s something I’m willing to do.”
Zelda blinked back her tears once more, unsure of what to say. Did she really not realize how foolish she was being to think he wouldn’t want to?
“It’s true that this kingdom has brought about chaos, but it’s also done me a lot of good. For instance, I met you, didn’t I? Then we stopped a great evil, and now I’m a hero. The least I can do is help make it a better place.”
Holding that sentiment close to her heart, she surrendered into Link’s arms for a tender embrace once more. The entire conversation had lifted a weight off her shoulders. Had it truly been this easy all along?
“Thank you, Link. That truly speaks volumes to me. If you’re sure this is what you want, I shall get started with the preparations immediately. Well, as soon as I take on whatever task is already waiting for me at the castle, that is.” She giggled thinking about it.
“I promise it is what I want, but don’t overexert yourself. We can hold off on wedding festivities until you feel you’re ready to take all of that on. Hyrule comes first, after all.”
Zelda nodded in agreement. “Understood. Once again, you have my gratitude. At the very least, I will inform Impa of this news, and we can go from there. Whatever happens should we become wed, just know that my love for you will never falter.”
“Likewise,” Link promised as they continued to ride into the sunset toward Hyrule Castle.
After all they’ve already been through together, they knew that they would be able to face anything. So long as they have each other.