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When Zelda heard Riju giggle during her report of their victory over Calamity Ganon she shrugged it off as a slip-up of a child. But then, a guard covered a laugh with a cough just when she detailed how Link heroically delivered the ending blow. Blinking, she continued until someone chuckled to her left.
Oh, it was Link, right? Diplomatic meetings bored him to death and he had heard the same story already at the Ritos, Zoras, and Gorons. Surely, he played a prank on her — something that he had, much to her surprise, started ever since they left Kakariko.
Straightening her back into the most regal pose she could muster, she began again, this time giving regards from Impa.
When Riju raised her hand to hide a grin, Zelda swirled around and glared at Link. Was he giving her bunny ears behind her back, or what?
Round, blue eyes blinked back at her and he couldn't be a better picture of a dutiful knight if he tried.
Gritting her teeth, she turned back, albeit on high alert. Something was going on and since it was only the two of them apart from serious-faced guards, it must be him.
At least Riju had pulled herself together again.
"So, you plan to re-establish the monarchy?"
Zelda focussed. "The plan is to find out what the people need and want. It's not a matter of course that I'll reclaim the throne."
Riju giggled. Again. "So, no coronation?"
What in Hylia's name was so funny about the word 'coronation'? The girl had a decent crown herself!
Enough! If her knight thought he could make fun of her during a meeting, he was in for a surprise. A golden shield caught her attention - it was polished enough to reflect everything behind her.
She narrowed her eyes, but Link did… nothing. He stood still, clad from head to toe in light linen to protect him from the desert sun. Hm.
"And Link?" Riju inquired, grinning. "What are your plans?"
Bularia (Bularia!) snorted and Zelda's gaze flew to the shield.
Behind Link, two Koroks dramatically dropped their sticks and indulged in a passionate kiss, dipping each other with clashing masks.
Oh, Goddess. It hadn't been Link! These two menaces had illustrated everything in an amateur theater!
Spinning around, she chased them and pulled one of them out of a vase at their legs. "You! What are you doing!?"
The Korok murmured, "We were curious about what you wanted the Deku Tree to tell Mr. Hero so we followed you. But everything is always so boooooring…"
Zelda grinned when she felt not only Link's curious gaze on her. "You mean when the Deku Tree advised me to tell him myself?”
The Korok nodded enthusiastically while the other blew kisses in the air.
“I wanted to tell him that I love…” Link met her eyes, blushing furiously. “... his fruitcake recipe.”
Link laughed and the others booed, but she smiled it away.
Love confessions were better without an audience.