Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Link stood on a balcony of the castle, watching the five brilliant souls from the future make their way to the sky and disappear. He felt exhausted - uninterrupted hours of fighting against a cursed monster will do that to you sometimes. Beside him, ever close by his side, Princess Zelda said a short prayer.

Too close.

He knew if he turned his head, he would see her bathed in golden light - the last rays of a setting sun gleaming on her hair and jewelry. Just the way he had seen her as she ran to rescue him from the shards of Calamity Ganon with her powers only yesterday, with some sort of emotion etched into the lines of her face. So he tried to keep looking straight ahead over the balcony instead and focus on the moment.

He sure tried.

He was thwarted by a gentle weight on his shoulder. Instinctively, he tensed and glanced at his shoulder to see the princess, shining and radiant, leaning on him. He cursed inwardly and tried to ignore his skyrocketing temperature. If he was exhausted, she must be on the verge of passing out. Unlike him, she didn’t have any formal military training to help her stamina. He wrapped his arm around her and supported her to a nearby rock and she sighed with relief. He knelt by her side and kept his hand on her back in case she showed any signs of reduced consciousness.

“Little Bird, are you all right?” Urbosa knelt in front of Zelda, studying her carefully.

“I…believe so,” Zelda murmured from her place on Link’s shoulder. “I am positively spent after the battle and I shall need to rest soon.”

Urbosa smiled gently down at her. “And you certainly have earned it. You fought bravely today. Your mother would be so proud. Young man,” her eyes snapped to Link, “will you be able to escort the princess to her chambers?”

Link dipped his head in a brief nod.

“Then please, take care of her. I will speak with King Rhoam and assist the others in finding accommodations for the night. I’ll send you a relief as soon as I can.”

“Thank you, Urbosa,” Mipha said, “We would be most grateful for your help. I will be all right for now, so I will tend to the wounded and stay in the infirmary for the night. Please do not worry on my behalf.”

“That is kind of you, Mipha, thank you.”

“Good night!” called Daruk.

Mipha bowed to the princess and left quickly.

“I will go with you to see the king. I’m sure my many talents will be useful to him now.” Revali smirked and cast a sideways glance at Link. “Unlike some, whose measly purpose is already finished.”

“Yeah, yeah, talents and nonsense. I’ll go with you two and see if there’s anything I can do.” Daruk patted Revali as gently as he was apparently able to do so, and the squawks could be heard miles away. “Good night, Princess and little guy! See you in the morning!”

Link bowed to his friends on their way out, then turned back to the princess. He stood first, gently, so as not to harm the head that slid off his shoulder and helped the princess stand, his hand still protectively on her back. Zelda’s feet took a hesitant step forward and trembled gently in place, getting ready for another step.

The castle had been partially destroyed with the battle they had just won, and Zelda’s room was on the far side of the castle. They would have to walk through all the debris to get there. Link judged distances and turned back to the princess.

“I know it’s not exactly appropriate, but would you please allow me to carry you?”

“I certainly couldn’t ask that of you. You’ve been fighting just as I have and I do not want you to waste your energy on my behalf after all you’ve done for Hyrule today.”

“Princess, please. I’m concerned for your safety. You won’t make it back easily by walking on your own. You appear to be at your limits.”

She bit her lip thoughtfully, eyes cast towards the ground.

“Besides,” Link continued, “I don’t consider it a waste. In fact, I think it’s absolutely necessary as a victory lap!”

Princess Zelda giggled. “Well, I have never had a victory lap before, and I am curious… Very well! Let us take a victory lap and I will express my gratitude to you at another time!”

“Then let’s go!” Link said, grinning. His arm pulled her closer and wrapped around her arms, then he leaned down and pulled her knees together and up–

Zelda shrieked with laughter and clung to Link’s chest as he raced around the corridors and passageways of Hyrule Castle, only slowing once they approached Zelda’s room. He leaned down and gently set her feet on the floor of the hallway, then stood to ensure that she was steady before he let go completely.

“Wait here. Could have monsters.”

She nodded, still matching the grin on his face with her brilliant smile and set to work on her hair with her fingers.

Link slid the Master Sword from its sheath and very slowly turned the knob to Zelda’s room. His steps whispered and his eyes bored into all areas big enough to fit a monster for a general-approved reconnaissance. He popped back out of the room just a few minutes later.

“Are there any monsters under the bed?” she asked.

“None, Princess!”

“Any in the closet?”

“None, Princess!”

“Not even,” she breathed as she drew closer, “in the tub, Sir Link?”

His eyebrows decided to attempt flight. With the ghost of his smile still on his face, he said, softly, “None, Princess.”

“Good.” She inhaled quickly and her eyes dropped from his. “Thank you very much for all that you have done for me, especially in the past few days. There is nothing I could have accomplished without you. Please just know how happy it makes me that you are still here by my side.”

“Of course, Princess. It is my honor and duty to be with you always.”

She smiled, and before he knew it, he found just the barest trace of arms around his neck and lips on his cheek as she closed the door with a quick, “Good night, Sir Link! And thank you very much for the victory lap!”

Huh.

He had heard the soldiers talking about celebrations with mountains of food that were promised to be held in their honor and his stomach grumbled. There was talk of rupees, land, and titles that were to be handed out. But, even if the only prize he received was this quiet moment in the hallway outside of the princess’ room, he would be satisfied. There could be no other treasure in the world he would value as much as her smile and the slightest hope of her feelings.

He pulled his hand away from the spot she’d touched on his face and set his back to the door. The princess deserved a restful slumber after the day she’d had. He would keep her safe.

After all, he was a humble man. He had nothing else to offer her.

Chapter Text

Link had a full day off to rest, per Urbosa’s orders.  On his way to his next shift, there was a spring in his step, apples in his pocket, a whistle on his lips, and a barely formed thought in his mind of a glowing, grinning princess.  He instead found the worried face of Sir Bertrand.

He nodded quickly to him and asked, “Eventful shift?”

“Actually, no. The princess hasn’t woken up at all.”

Link thought carefully.  She had just fought and sealed the Calamity away, which was a tiring feat all on its own.  Never mind that she had barely slept in the days before the Calamity making every preparation possible before it arrived.  “Please get a healer quickly.  It may be nothing, but…”

Sir Bertrand didn’t even bother with the formalities of the changing of the guard and bolted down the hallway.

Link took up his post, his fingers turning white on his sword as he imagined the worst-case scenario and begged Sir Bertrand silently to hurry it up already!

He rounded the corner a moment later with Mipha in tow, and Link turned on his heel immediately to knock on the princess’ door.  After a breath with no response, Link shoved the door open and led the way into Zelda’s room.

Nothing seemed out of place.

Mipha rushed to Princess Zelda, who seemed to be peacefully sleeping in bed.  Link took up a position with his back to the bed and stared out the door to prevent him from thinking of the curl of her hand next to her face and the strands of gold spun across her pillow.  He dismissed Sir Bertrand, who thankfully, hadn’t stepped into the bedroom.  And then, he waited.

He surveyed the bookshelf in his line of sight.  Much larger than any bookshelf he’d ever seen, it filled the entirety of the south wall.  She had all sorts of books there, fiction, history, science…  anything her brilliant mind took an interest in.  He wondered if she had a book on flowers and scanned through the shelves.

He heard a small cough behind him and decided that meant he was allowed to turn around.  Mipha closed the curtains around the giant, four-poster bed.

“How is she?”

Mipha smiled gently.  “Please do not worry.  She simply overexerted herself in the past few days.  She will need about a week of rest and at least one good-sized meal every day.  She’ll need to be woken up every morning to ensure she eats.  The rest of the day, you may let her rest as needed.”

“I am on day shift this week.  I’ll see to it and report to the king on her progress.”

“Please, if there is anything else you need, come to me right away.  I will be spending much of my time in the infirmary with the wounded.  We are running low on supplies, so I am afraid my Grace is more needed than I would prefer.”  Mipha lowered her head and shook it.  “Princess Zelda should wake shortly.  I’ll send for breakfast to be brought up.  In the meantime, I must be on my way.”

“Take care of yourself, Mipha.”

“You as well, Link.”  Mipha gave him a gentle pat on his shoulder and a smile as she left.

Link exhaled a breath he hadn’t known he was holding.  He moved quietly to wait outside the door when he heard the sound of the curtain being drawn back.  “Sir Link?”

“Good morning, Princess.”

“...Why are you in my bedroom?”

Link flushed.  “I apologize, Princess.  You slept for nearly two days and I called for a healer to check on you.  I was standing guard from my position inside the door.  Mipha just left and I was about to.”

“Two days?”

“Yes, Princess.”  He let a moment of silence hang between them before blundering on.  “A-anyway, Mipha says you’re just really tired and that you need to rest.  But you also have to eat at least once a day and they’re getting you some breakfast now.”

“Oh.”

“Are you hungry now?  I have apples.”

“That would be lovely, if you would care to join me.  But, first, please allow me to dress.”

“Of course, Princess.”  WIth a righteous amount of restraint, Link walked straight through the door and closed it without another word.

A soft tap on the door let him know she was ready.  He turned as she opened the door in an invitation.  “Please, join me for breakfast.  I trust that you are hungry?”

“Always, Princess.”

She laughed and sat down on a comfortable-looking red velvet chair.  Link dragged its twin slightly over to the side, so he could keep watch on the length of the hallway, then pulled out his apples to share.

“Thank you very much,” she said, biting into the apple.  “Could I ask you a favor?”

“Yes, Princess?”

“Would you mind, when we’re alone, if you could just call me Zelda?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” she said, emphatically.  “I would prefer to think that after all we have endured together that we might be friendlier beyond royal titles and obligations?”

Link noted the careful way she structured her words.  Not friends , just friendlier .  Which could mean that she had little regard for him at all or it could mean that she was hoping, one day, to be more than friends.  He didn’t want to get his hopes up, but friends don’t normally kiss each other on the cheek!

“I-if it’s too much to ask, please do tell me.  I don’t want to presume anything-”

“No, no, it’s fine…Zelda.  Thank you for thinking so highly of me.”  She smiled again at that, a beautiful, blinding smile that made Link’s heart jump.  He dropped his eyes to his apple with a quick smile of his own and a deep blush.  “Um…  Could you please also call me just Link?”

“Of course!  It would be my pleasure, Link.”

Link’s eyes darted out at Zelda, then at the hallway, then back at Zelda.  “So… how are you feeling?”

She sighed.  “I feel so tired that I think my arms could just fall off and I wouldn’t even care.  I’m terribly heartbroken with the losses we have suffered.  And yet, I cannot deny that I am thrilled that I awoke the sacred power and we were able to accomplish our mission.”

“Makes sense.”

“I think my next research project will be rebuilding dear Terrako.”

“That’s a great idea, Zelda.”

“If I built him before, when I was much younger, I should still have the ability to build him again.  The most important thing is to make a list of supplies and find them all, and then work with Robbie and Purah on putting him back together again!”

Link chuckled gently.  “Pr- Zelda, I am impressed by your drive and work ethic, but please remember that you need to rest for the next week.  Take it easy for now and we’ll all pitch in to help.”

“But there are so many other things that are in more desperate need of attention.  We have rebuilding and wounded soldiers to care for, and I couldn’t possibly-”

“Your little robot saved our lives.  Speaking purely practically, I’m sure he can be of more use to us in the future than we realize.  What do you need for him?”

In no time at all, Zelda was happily scribbling away at a list of supplies and chattering animatedly.  “Unfortunately, since Terrako is so much smaller than other guardians, we will have to find the particular pieces that were used to make him in the first place, then repair all the pieces as needed, and finally, assemble them all together again.  I have the blessed screw we need already-”

“What’s a blessed screw?”

“Oh, it is similar to a regular ancient screw, but there is some sort of energy that we do not yet understand that emanates out of it,” she said, moving to her writing desk and pulling out a glowing screw.  “This activated Terrako when I built him the first time, so there must be something that inspires sentience as part of the energy, but-”

A maid rapped on the open door.

“Oh, apologies, please enter.”

“Good morning, Princess, Sir Link.  Here is your breakfast,” she said.  “Lady Mipha requested a variety of different foods for you this morning to help you regain your strength.”

“Thank you very much.  Please set it down on the table.”

“Of course, Princess.”  The maid curtsied and left.

Zelda returned to her seat and grabbed a roll and butter.  “Anyway, as I was saying, there is not a lot we know about the ancient technology; and I have yet to see any other blessed screws, so progress on researching its purpose will be very slow.  All that is known at the moment is that it is absolutely essential for Terrako to function properly.”

“I see.”  Link carefully poured her tea and she nodded, thanking him.

“You should have some too.  You said you’re always hungry.”

“Eat whatever you want to eat first, you need it more!”

“Link, I am exhausted.  It is impossible to finish this whole meal before I fall back asleep and I would much rather keep your company while I have it.”

“I’ll stay with you, but I won’t eat.”

Zelda huffed and shoved a fresh roll and some jam at him.  “There, you’ve touched it.  Eat. ”

Link sighed and began to very, very slowly pick at the roll.  He had a suspicion that Zelda would try to force him to eat more if it appeared he didn’t have any food.  She’d probably claim it was rude of her to eat in front of him if he wasn’t eating or something like that.

“What do you think will happen next?” Zelda asked, reaching for some cut fruit.

With a shrug, he responded, “Probably a lot of celebrations and banquets, if the other knights have anything to say about it.”

“Yes, most likely.  I assume they will begin in the next week or so - once the most pressing issues have been tended to.  Father will need my help planning the events held at the castle, so I will need to meet with him today.”

“Maybe save it for another day.  You’ll be too tired.  I’ll let him know you request a meeting when I report to him tonight about your health.”

“You will report to him about my health?”

“Mipha said to.”

“Do not blame this on Mipha!”

“She’s a healer!  And he needs to know!”

She huffed again.  “What will you report to my father?”

He met her eyes, green as the plains they had traveled together.  “U-uh, well,” he quickly averted his gaze.  “That you have exhausted yourself in the line of duty and are required to take a week of rest per Lady Mipha’s orders.  And that you’ll need a maid to bring you breakfast every morning and wake you to ensure you eat.”

“Anything else?”

“Do you want me to report anything else, Princess?”

“Zelda.”

“Right, Zelda.”  He glanced back into her eyes again and found her staring at him with a slightly pink color in her cheeks.  “Um, did you want-?”

“Nothing about last night, correct?”

He felt the heat rising in his face again.  “You make it sound so scandalous.”

“Link, please do not report it to my father."

"If you don't want me to, I won't," he said, glancing nervously at her.  "I just hope it's not because you regret-"

"Oh, no, not at all.  It just feels…early, I suppose.  I prefer to spend more time with each other before making anything known to him."

"Then let's do that.  I'll probably be escorting you once you're ready to travel again, so maybe we can do some activities together along the way."

"That would be lovely.  I shall look forward to it."

Half an hour later, Link stood guard outside Zelda’s room with a new, soft spot on his cheek.

His grin hadn’t faded.

Chapter Text

When Link was relieved of his shift that evening, he found King Rhoam still at work in a makeshift camp outside the castle.  A guard announced his presence.

"Sir Link, Knight to Princess Zelda and Champion of Hyrule!"

Link quickly fell to the ground to kneel.

"Stand, Sir Link.  I would like to personally thank you for all you have done for Hyrule and for my daughter."

Link stood and bowed.  "It is my pleasure to do my duty for Hyrule and Your Majesty."

"Your unwavering devotion to your duty is commendable," the king said, smiling faintly.  "What do you have to report at this hour?"

Link relayed Mipha's instructions on Zelda's condition and Zelda's request for a meeting with full precision and no emotion.  He conveniently left out the part about Zelda's innocent kisses.

King Rhoam thoughtfully ran a hand through his beard.  "We shouldn't push her too far.  Let's tentatively schedule a meeting for this Thursday morning. She can reschedule for a later date, if needed."

Link bowed again, deeply.  "I will inform her.  Thank you, Your Majesty."

"And while you are here, may I ask a favor of you?"

"Of course, Your Majesty."

"Could you speak to the other Champions regarding the remaining monster camps?  Since most of our forces are occupied in search and rescue at the moment, having the Divine Beasts take care of the most dangerous work would be very helpful."

"Yes, Your Majesty.  Should I include Lady Mipha in the raids on the monster camps?  She has been instrumental in caring for the wounded soldiers the past few days."

"I trust your judgment on this, Sir Link.  Please ask Lady Mipha to stay behind and continue her work with healing."

"It will be done.". Link bowed (again!  One of these days, his back would snap) and excused himself from the tent.  It was already dark, so the other Champions were most likely asleep.  Besides, he reasoned that Zelda was a Champion too, so she should be there.  There was absolutely no other reason he sent a few servants the next morning to invite the others to a meeting in Zelda’s chambers after her breakfast.

Definitely nothing selfish about it at all.

Sir Stephen was not a difficult man to find.  Link slipped into the dining hall and was immediately accosted.

“LIIIINK!”

“Hyaugh.”  Link said eloquently.

Stephen relaxed his grip around Link’s poor, constricted shoulders.  “You really did it, man!  We’re so proud of you!”

“Oh, uh, thanks…?”

Stephen grinned and practically started dragging Link over to a table.  “Anyway, come sit with us and tell us all about it!”

“Actually, I had a favor to ask you.”

“Oh?  What is it?”

“There’s a Champions meeting in about an hour and I’m supposed to be guarding the princess.  Could you cover me?”

“Of course!  Anything for the hero of the hour!”  Stephen performed the most flamboyant bow Link had ever seen.  “Or of the day, or the week, or the year…”

Link rolled his eyes and shoved Stephen lightly in the arm.  “Don’t get starstruck.  And I won’t be giving out autographs.”

“Sure, sure, whatever.  Just wait until the ladies start asking and your answer’ll change.”  Stephen leaned in close.  “By the way, look off to your left.”

Link followed Stephen’s directions to a small group of knights around their age, who turned away, blushing and giggling when they noticed his eyes on them.  He raised his eyebrows at Stephen.

“We could do a little bet on how long you last before giving an autograph to one of those fine ladies.”

“Don’t use me as your excuse to talk to Dame Sophia!  I have guard duty.”

At least Stephen had the decency to blush.

“Anyway, thanks for helping me out today.  I’ll see you at the princess’ room in an hour.  Don’t get too distracted!”  Link ran away courageously before Stephen could come back to his senses.  He was not going to be late for breakfast with Zelda.

After all, he shouldn’t keep a princess waiting.

Chapter Text

Link was just on time.  After a quick greeting and changing of the guard with Sir Bertrand, Link tapped the door to announce his presence.

“Good morning!”

“Good morning!  It’s me.”

“Link!”  The door swung open to reveal Zelda’s beaming smile.  “Come in!  Naomi brought breakfast early today.” She ushered him over to the seats and shoved a pastry in his hand.  “Oh, you absolutely have to tell me everything that happened with Father, and when the meeting is!  I am so excited!”

Link grinned and filled her in on the details of the meetings.  “Sorry to surprise you with the Champions meetings today, but it was urgent and I thought you’d want to be included.”

“Please, there is no need to apologize.  This is perfect!  I think…we’ll need a map, some paper, and a pen,” she said, eyes shining and already pulling things out of her messy desk.  “Though I am afraid we don’t have enough seats here for everyone.”

“I’ll stand.  Daruk will probably be fine on the floor and I don’t think I’ve ever seen Revali sit down anyway.”

Zelda stifled a giggle.  “He sits down!”

“Sure, but have you ever seen it happen?”

“Maybe not, but I am certain he is fully capable of it.”

“He may be capable of it, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t mess up his poor feathers!  What a disgrace it would be if he had a single feather out of place!”

Zelda actually laughed at that one.  Link’s mouth surged upwards in a smile on its own.  She had a nice laugh, he decided.  He’d like to make her laugh again.

Naturally, he couldn’t help but to continue.  “The day I see Revali sit down will be the day I die of shock.”

She snorted .

And then immediately covered her face.  “Oh, I’m terribly sorry, please excuse me.  I just need a moment to recover.”

Link stood and gently pulled her hand away.  “Your Highness, I solemnly swear that I have never seen anything more adorable in the world.”

Zelda blushed bright red.  Link was still holding her hand, and he figured he should probably do something about that.  He raised her hand and lightly pressed his lips to the back of her hand before gently returning it to her side.

“And I’ve seen a lot of dogs too,” he said, making eye contact with his boots and running his hand through the hair at the back of his head.  “They’re, uh, pretty cute.”  Link was pretty sure he wasn’t supposed to compare a princess to a dog, and now he had messed everything up-

“...they are, aren’t they?”  Zelda whispered.

Oh.  Okay, great.

Link felt a soft touch on his cheek and blinked before meeting Zelda’s eyes again.  She had a gentle smile and a soft light in her eyes.  "I think you are pretty cute too."

If Link wasn't blushing before, he sure was now.

Zelda stepped forward very slowly, eyes slightly lower than his.  It was weird, because she was taller and it must be uncomfortable for her.  Maybe she was just too embarrassed to look him in the eyes at the moment.  But she was getting really close-

And then he heard footsteps approaching the hallway.

Zelda nearly yelped and leaped away, her hand shooting away from his face.  She began to frantically mess with the papers on the table instead, as if she could cover her blush by looking focused enough.  Link swept the empty breakfast tray off the table and turned away from the door to set it down on Zelda's desk.  Which was a mess, so he'd have to spend even more time clearing a space for the tray.  Yep, that was definitely a task he needed to do.  Right now.   He peeked back to check for any threats, but it was just Urbosa.

"Good morning, Little Bird."

"G-good morning, Urbosa."

Urbosa raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

Link was running out of excuses to keep looking at the desk.  He had to turn around and rejoin Zelda at the table.  He ignored Urbosa's stare boring into his skull and refrained from thinking about looking at Zelda.

"Well…" Urbosa dragged the sound of that one word through the air.

"Y-yes?" Zelda stuttered out.

"Oh, it’s nothing.  Don't worry," Urbosa said as she glared at Link, who was very worried.  “How have you been feeling, Princess?  I hope you have been resting like Mipha told you to."

"Oh, yes, I have been.”

“Good.”  Urbosa relaxed her stare on Link to smile fondly at Zelda.  “Please take care of yourself.  You are very precious to us.”

“Thank you, Urbosa.  I will do my best.”

“Princess!”  Daruk announced his presence with a shout.

“Maybe you should attempt to lower your voice before you bumble in.  The princess is still recovering.”

“Oh, right.  Thanks, Revali.”

Zelda giggled.  "Good morning, both of you!"

Link made a quick nod when Sir Stephen arrived to take his post outside the door, but didn’t leave Zelda’s side.  He was happy to watch as she chatted animatedly with the other Champions.  Zelda was distracted, but he did not miss the way Urbosa pulled her chair so she would be seated directly across from Zelda, and by extension, Link.  He tried not to flinch.

The sound of clanging metal interrupted Zelda’s conversation and Mipha burst into the room.

“Apologies…I was tending to….a patient…  Lost track of time.”

“Have a seat, Mipha,”  Daruk said, helping her into the remaining chair.

“We are so happy you were able to attend at all.  A slight delay is not any trouble.”  Zelda’s smile was absolutely radiant.

Link gave Mipha a small smile and a nod.  She didn’t appear to relax, though.

“If everyone is ready, we can begin.”

Daruk plopped down near the table and Link shared a smile with Zelda as Revali sniffed and crossed his arms, but did not sit down.

“My father has asked that we address some of the monsters with the divine beasts. Our soldiers have been patrolling and clearing areas near the castle and forts; however, a significant portion of our forces are weakened from the fight against the Calamity.  If we can eliminate the strongest enemies, we would ease the burden on the soldiers and significantly decrease the amount of time needed to restore the kingdom.”

The other Champions nodded in agreement.

“I thought it might be best to divide and conquer, so to speak.  Each of you and your divine beasts will cover one region in particular, centered around your homes.  I will draw the suggested borders here on the map - where is my pen?”

Link very gingerly stepped next to Zelda and handed her the pen off the table.

“Ah, um, thank you.”

He gave her a small nod and returned to his place slightly behind her.  Urbosa’s eyebrow arched upwards again.

“As I was saying, I suggest these borders.  It divides the area into four roughly equal sections.”

“Princess, if I may,” Revali interjected.  “These borders would prevent Mipha from working in the infirmary at the castle.  Why don’t you entrust both the Rito and Zora area to me?”

“No need,” said Urbosa, eyes briefly leaving Link’s to glance at Revali.  “Gerudo Desert suffered the least in the Calamity.  My soldiers can take care of everything on their own while I look after the Zora area.”

Revali puffed up, but Urbosa silenced him with a wave of her hand.

“Besides, logistically, it would make more sense if you flew by Gerudo Desert every once in a while rather than fly across the whole kingdom to Zora’s Domain.  You wouldn’t mind, of course?”

“Of course not, I can handle it just fine.”

“Then that’s settled.”

Daruk rubbed his chin.  “This does leave the castle a bit unprotected though, if we’re all at the corners of the kingdom.”

“Well, Link and I will still be here.  We can do whatever needs to be done,” Mipha said.

Link nodded.  “I can do some extra patrols at night and on my days off.”

“Just make sure you both rest enough.  I do not want either of you getting hurt for my sake.”  Zelda’s hands folded neatly together, as if she could bury her worries inside the palm of her hand.

Urbosa’s eyes lingered on Zelda, then briefly flicked back to Link.

Mipha smiled and assured Zelda that she would be careful.  “Speaking of which, Princess, it is about time for you to rest again.  Is there anything else you’d like to discuss with us while we are here?”

“Oh, no that was all.  I apologize for keeping you so long.”

“There is no need to apologize, Princess.  Please, send for me right away if you need anything at all.”

“Thank you, Mipha.  You are so kind.”

The Champions filed out slowly, wishing Zelda a very brief recovery and to let them know what they could do for her.  Urbosa, last to leave, had smiled at Link and winked.  “You take good care of the Princess for me.”

She promptly left him alone with Zelda in the room, blushing quite a bit more than he should have been.

Chapter Text

When his shift ended, Link headed out to Hyrule Field. There had been some fantastic clam chowder for dinner that night, so he had plenty of energy to work off.

And quite a few thoughts to think, too.

Hyrule Field had been the hardest hit area, since it was so close to Calamity Ganon when it appeared at the castle. Link focused on hunting down some of the stray Guardians in the area.

Ready his shield.

Count his breaths.

Parry the blast.

Strike with all his might.

Zelda seemed…different, somehow, after the Calamity. She seemed far more relaxed around him, and yet, very restless. She had initiated quite a lot of physical contact that wasn't entirely appropriate between them.

Ready, count, parry, strike.

Honestly, Link had thought the first kiss had been a one-time "Congrats! We didn’t die!" kind of kiss. It was pretty nice, but he hadn’t expected it to slip into a habit. Zelda had given him another kiss on the cheek after the meeting today, even after Urbosa nearly shredded Link with her eyes alone. And he had kissed her hand, oh gosh, he was such an idiot-

He swung his sword just a bit more roughly, as if he could cut the thought in half with a simple arc of his blade. He had to stop, there was nothing else to it. It was entirely inappropriate for a man like him to expect kisses from the princess, especially the princess that he was supposed to protect. Too many people in history had died because their protector was too busy being distracted by beauty and not busy enough actually protecting them.

Ready, count, parry, strike.

Zelda was indeed very beautiful. That was okay to think, he reasoned, since everyone at court said so anyway. Although, personally, he found her unrestrained excitement the most entrancing. Whether she was studying herbs, wildlife, or technology, she always carried out her work with an infectious energy that brought a smile to Link’s face.

Link’s breaths steadied into a meditative pace as he turned to face yet another Guardian. Ready, count, parry, strike.

He never saw her as happy as she was when she was researching something. She seemed to shine even brighter when she was out doing “field work”. Link didn’t know why she called it that. They sure went to a lot of mountains and lakes to do “field” work.

Ready, count, parry, strike.

Honestly, Link admitted to himself, most of her research didn’t make a whole lot of sense to him. He was pretty good at following her instructions, like swinging his sword at things and taste-testing concoctions. He didn’t always understand why she wanted him to do those things, but he was delighted to see her happy.

Ready, count, parry, strike.

He loved it when she-

Oh.

Link froze, mid-thrust. Oh.

The beeping of the Guardian’s laser suddenly tugged at the edges of his brain. He cursed and ducked into a roll, just in time for the laser to explode harmlessly behind him.

He charged forward with a cry, severing a leg from the Guardian in the process. This was a situation that he had no idea how to resolve. He needed help.

And he’d have to talk to Zelda. He cursed again, under his breath.

Maybe he could put off the talk until he got help first.

That seemed reasonable. He would get some help, then he’d talk to Zelda. It wouldn’t make sense the other way around, right?

It was a rational plan, he told himself later that night as he took out a pen and paper. A strategic decision, he reassured himself as he posted his letter early the next morning. A prudent action, he thought, as he made his way to Zelda’s room.

He definitely wasn’t scared. Not at all.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sir Osmund was on duty this morning, when Link took his place. Once he had exchanged brief pleasantries and the knight left the hallway corridor, Link softly tapped the door. She might not even be awake yet. Maybe she was resting a little longer before her meeting with the king.

His hopes were (thankfully and yet regrettably) misplaced.

Zelda nearly popped out of the door like a jack in the box. "Link, good morning! Oh, it is a wonderful morning! Come in and have breakfast!"

She grabbed his hand and practically dragged him in, apparently ignoring his protests of "Eyahhhh!" in favor of dropping food in his hands and forcefully seating him.

"I have already begun preparations for the meeting this morning with my father. There is so much I want to discuss with him!”

Link listened politely with a half-smile on his face as Zelda animatedly rambled on about the people they had met in their journey and all of the problems she had heard from them. She had just been discussing how to improve safety measures at outposts throughout the kingdom, when suddenly she faltered.

“Link, I am a bit nervous.”

“Why?”

“I suppose…it is simply that this is the first meeting. I know I learned so much about the issues we must address while we fought the Calamity, but that was not our priority. I fear that I have missed an important detail or prepared a proposal of an ineffective solution. I wish only that my father finds me worthy to assist him in leading the people of Hyrule.”

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about. You've already done so much.”

Zelda's smile warmed him like the sun. "Thank you, Link. I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate your belief in me." She chatted away, organizing her thoughts and putting final touches on some of her points before Link escorted her to her long-anticipated meeting with the king.

Precisely two hours later, Zelda emerged from the king’s meeting tent. She walked stiffly towards her study, and Link, still on duty, quietly followed her there.

She motioned for him to enter and closed the door behind her, then dropped her notes on her desk with a sigh.

“Did the meeting go well, Princess?”

“Oh, yes! Father seemed pleased with everything I prepared.”

Link did not think she sounded particularly pleased.

“Although,” she sighed, sinking into her chair. “I missed something.”

“What is it?”

Her eyes met his for just a brief second, then, she very slowly said, “I forgot that I am now of age.”

“Um, okay?”

She sighed again, and dropped his gaze. “We were so busy preparing for the Calamity that I forgot my seventeenth birthday had already passed."

Link vaguely remembered hearing Zelda discussing her birthday right before Calamity Ganon appeared, but he had also been just a little bit busy preventing the apocalypse, so he felt a bit fuzzy on the details.

Zelda continued, "Since I am now of age, one of the pressing issues in the kingdom is the issue of my marriage.”

Oh, Link thought, avoiding her gaze. Maybe I should have waited to send that letter.

Chapter Text

That night, Link found himself back in Hyrule Field.  If he had needed meditative, methodical Guardian hunting last night, he definitely needed it more today.

Zelda, for the first time since they defeated Calamity Ganon, hadn’t kissed him.  He’d left her room after breakfast and turned back towards the door, like he had the last few days, and was simply met with the door closing in his face.

It made sense, of course.  She’d marry someone who was rich and powerful; a count or a duke at minimum.  Someone who could stay by her side while she ruled and who she could proudly present as the nation’s king.

Someone who wasn’t him.

Link decided he didn’t want to think for the rest of the night.

Link didn’t want to think the next morning, either.  His head throbbed when he sat up to massage his shield shoulder.  The faster these Guardians went down, the better.

Once he had convinced himself to leave the bed, he grabbed an apple from the dining hall and rushed to the post office.  Maybe she hadn’t responded yet, but there wasn’t any harm in checking, right?

“Sir Link?” asked the postman.

He nodded.  The postman rifled through a sheaf of letters before handing him an envelope.  Link ducked into a quick bow and rushed outside, away from prying eyes over his shoulder.  He tore the envelope open and read the letter as fast as possible.

Dear Link,

Finally, a letter from you!  I thought the lack of letters meant you were too busy with all the saving-the-world stuff, but apparently not, if you’ve been going around falling in love this whole time!  I fear you’ve neglected me!

My advice is simple: listen to her.  Give her things she mentions she would like, take her to do things she says are fun, things like that.  Be kind and polite - don’t do anything stupid.

Your favorite sister,

Aryll

p.s. You’d better tell me all about this “lady”, right away.  If you don’t respond by the time you come home next, I will bring it up in front of Father in the most embarrassing way I can think of.  And I have plenty of time to think, little brother.

Link sighed and stuffed the note (threat) in his pocket.  He should have asked his father instead.

Link stood facing away from Zelda's door.  Just yesterday, he would have knocked without any hesitation, but now…. Maybe if she didn't want to continue kissing him, she might also want to stop eating breakfast with him.

But it sure seemed a lot lonelier out here than usual.

Ever so softly, quiet enough that he could easily blame it on an accident, his knuckles tapped the door three times.

"Sir Link?"

They were back to formal names, it seemed.  “Good morning, Princess."

The door creaked open and Zelda greeted him with a shy smile, before opening the door wider in invitation.  Link followed her in.

“Breakfast will be here soon.  Please, have a seat.”

Link nodded, and pulled one of the seats to face the hallway.

Zelda sat and clasped her hands.

Link’s fingers tapped on his knees.  He racked his brain, but had no idea what topics he should bring up.  So, Calamity Ganon, huh?   seemed a bit too soon and upsetting.  Hopefully there aren’t any more great evils waiting around Hyrule Castle to terrorize us seemed absolutely forbidden, like he would jinx the whole situation if he uttered those words.  And he absolutely could not bring up Hey, would it be okay if I kissed you?  Because I’d really, really like to and-

Zelda cleared her throat.  “I’ve been reading all the royal marriage laws to familiarize myself with any expectations my father might have for me.”

Link frowned.  This topic was not exactly what he wanted to think about, but he nodded encouragingly.

“The law and formal policy written on the topic that I found thus far is fairly sparse.  Essentially, the only real requirements are that I must marry someone in good standing with the kingdom and produce an heir.”

Link really did not want to think about Zelda producing an heir at the moment.  It was already awkward enough without his body deciding to raise its own temperature.

“However, there’s been a fairly consistent trend that the monarch’s spouse was chosen from the nobility at Castletown or a Hylian province, like my father chose my mother.  But there are a few examples of the monarch choosing a spouse outside of these restrictions.  I wrote a list of the data somewhere here, let me see if I can find it!”

Link waited quietly, staring at the hallway.  He was still on guard duty, after all.

In the distance, a maid turned around the corner, carrying a breakfast tray towards Zelda’s room.

He didn’t remember any blonde maids on Zelda’s staff.

He shot a quick glance at Zelda, but she was busy shuffling through some papers and apparently hadn’t looked at the maid at all.  He turned his focus back to the maid, who set the tray-

Were those bananas?

Link stood, very slowly, fingers brushing the pommel of his sword.  He didn’t want to assume anything, after everything Master Kogha and Sooga had done, but this was highly suspicious.

The maid straightened, and for a moment, Link thought she would walk right out and nothing would happen.

But no, she had to pull out a knife.  Of course.

He jumped into action, batting away the knife with the edge of his shield and slashing towards the maid’s stomach.  She grinned and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Behind him, Zelda gasped.

He pushed Zelda against the wall.

“L-Link!  What are you-?”

He pressed his back against her, covering them both with his shield, and scanned the room for any sign of a reappearing Yiga.

They waited for what felt like eons.

Suddenly, there was laughter to his left.  He pivoted to face it, took a blow on his shield, then struck back with his sword.  He couldn’t fully commit to it, though, a step away meant an opening to Zelda, and he was not about to let them get a single cut on her.

She continued this precarious waltz, attacking from all angles, tempting Link away from Zelda to attack her instead.  Link grit his teeth, mirroring her movements, controlling his steps - never more than half a step away from the Princess at all times.

Finally, the assassin danced too close to his blade.  Link took advantage of the proximity and sliced through flesh with a loud grunt.

For a moment, he didn’t move.

Neither did the assassin.

Zelda squirmed against his back.

He flushed, and quickly stepped away to give her more space.  “Apologies, I-”

She blushed and waved it off with a smile.  “You were doing your job.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, just barely meeting her eyes to smile back at her.  Thank goodness no one had caught them in that position.  Sure, it was a classic bodyguarding technique, but Link didn’t think he would be able to stand up to Sir Stephen’s romantically-inclined interrogation afterward.  “Are you all right?”

“Yes, I think so.  Thanks to you, of course.”  Zelda smiled wider at him, drawing Link’s attention down towards her lips.  They were still very close, he could easily lean in and-

No.  He cleared his throat and looked away.  She had to marry someone else, he reminded himself.  He wouldn’t be allowed to kiss her, even if he wanted to.

“What about you, Link?  Are you all right?”

He nodded, still avoiding her gaze.

“Oh, thank goodness.  I’m so glad.”  Link thought he heard relief in her voice.  It was kind of her to be concerned for him.

Her hand rested on his shoulder.  Link’s eyes shot back up to Zelda’s.  Like a man possessed, Link gently took her hand from his shoulder, kissed it, and returned it to her side, eyes never leaving the blush blooming brightly over her cheeks.

Curse his treasonous heart.

“Let’s get you to safety, Princess.”

Chapter Text

The king’s tent was crowded. Link shoved his way through, making way for Zelda. Sir Bertrand, Sir Osmund, and Sir Stephen all followed behind, summoned by the alarm.

“Zelda! You’re safe!”

Zelda ran towards her father and embraced him tightly. “I am glad to see you well too, Father!”

Link nodded to the rest of the knights and approached the King’s Guard. An older knight stepped forward.

Link shook the offered hand. “Sir Mateo.”

“Sir Link. Your report, please.”

Link quietly recounted the incident to him. “It is my recommendation that the King and the Princess be relocated to a more defensive position inside castle walls. Master Kohga should be contacted and questioned.”

Sir Mateo nodded. “I agree with your assessment of the situation. There are too many civilians around the tent.”

Link dipped his head again in a brief nod.

“Well done, Link,” said Sir Mateo, eyes crinkling at the corners. “I still remember your first report - you’ve improved since then!”

Link flushed and stammered out a few words.

Sir Mateo laughed jovially. “Your Majesty,” he said, turning to the King. “I believe we are ready to give our report. Sir Link, could you please describe the incident again?”

Link stood a little straighter as the King’s eyes fell on him and retold the incident and his advice.

“Thank you, Sir Link. You have been successful in keeping my daughter safe, and I truly cannot commend you enough.”

Link bowed.

The King continued. “However, I must insist on a different plan for tonight. I have no intention of leaving the tent.”

Link blinked. He started to open his mouth to protest-

“Your Majesty, if I may,” Sir Mateo interrupted. “I agree with Sir Link. The castle is better equipped to keep both you and Her Highness safe. We do not know if the would-be assassin was working alone, so it isn’t unreasonable to expect another attack. While we investigate, our priority remains your safety.”

“Yes, I understand. But we’ve just experienced a massive destruction of our kingdom. Our people need morale and support. I must be here, on the ground with them, as an example of our resilience.”

Link waited for Sir Mateo to continue pressing his case, but he only bowed.

“As you wish, Your Majesty. Princess?”

Zelda startled. “Yes?”

“Would you like to remain with His Majesty in a tent outside or return to the castle?”

“Yes, I… I will remain with my father in a tent outside as well.”

“Princess,” Link said quietly. “You just got attacked and you still need to rest. Please consider staying in the castle.”

She met his eyes. “Thank you for your concern, Sir Link, but I will stay outside. If it helps the people of Hyrule to know that their king and princess are here with them, then I will do my part as well.”

Link frowned. Zelda looked away.

Sir Mateo bowed. “Of course, Princess.”