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Chapter Text

"I...See you later."

The princess and hero walked out of the Arbiter's Grounds feeling indignant. After the mirror shattered, like a supernova into thousands of shimmering stars, it felt almost sickening to stay there. Link, still shocked and distraught, waved his hand dismissively and muttered a quiet, "We should get outta here."

Perhaps that wasn't proper etiquette - or even proper Hylian for that matter - but even the stately princess of Hyrule didn't catch his slip-up. She, too, was hurt by Midna's departure.

A rift was torn between two dimensions. They both felt it and they knew Midna did as well. Like two sides of a coin, both worlds depended on one another for balance and existence. But like two sides of a coin, they could never come into contact with one another. They all knew the consequences of that.

So the walk out of the ancient prison was silent, save for the slashing of the few monsters Link quickly and almost viscously killed. There were times when Zelda wanted to speak up and offer reassurance to him, as she understood the agony he was going through.

She was just as hurt as he was, but she'd learned at a young age the difficulties of losing a loved one and how to manage the grief as gracefully as possible. Link, on the other hand, spent a considerable amount of time with Midna and undoubtedly had a deep connection with her. She couldn't speak to his ability to cope with such suffering, but she could plainly see that it was hitting him hard.

Zelda knew - from the short time that she'd known the hero - that he was kind and caring. He was much better at forming relationships with others and cherishing them deeply, and she could only imagine how difficult this must have been for him.

But she quickly decided against speaking up: her intuition kicked in and told her that all he needed was time and space to recover. As the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom, she learned to trust her intuition.

Long after the sun had set from the sky, Link and Zelda made their way to the Cave of Ordeals. He should've probably remembered that he had Ilia's charm and that Epona would have taken both him and the princess back to Hyrule Field quicker than walking would've, but at this point, he was exhausted.

The only thing keeping him walking was pure adrenaline and the rate of his mind reeling at two different speeds: the realization that Midna was gone and the question of what he was going to do with his life now.

His journey had changed everything. In a matter of moments, he'd lost his friends, was taken into the twilight, and transformed into a beast, and that was before he even knew he was the hero. His only way of coping with it was to take each day at a time. For months, he'd pushed all the changes and trauma to the back of his mind if only to navigate each temple and slay every monster.

But now, without a kingdom to save, reality had come crashing down and there was nothing he could do to stop it. It wasn't until Zelda spoke up that he broke out of his reverie.

"It's late. We should rest and move forward in the morning." She was right, Link knew, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to lie down and be alone with his thoughts just then.

But after a moment, he realized Princess Zelda was probably just as exhausted as he was. And more than that, she was the princess: he couldn't let her go on just because he was afraid of his thoughts. Surrendering to an inevitably difficult night, he led her under a shelf of rock and prepared to set up camp.

After she settled down, he asked the princess to wait - with no explanation, but at this point, she might as well trust him with her life - and he walked off into the distance.

Zelda was once again alone with her thoughts, and it wasn't long before her mind returned to the castle, her home, and its undeniably damaged state from the battle with Ganondorf. The place she'd been raised in, the halls she'd walked through countlessly, the paintings she memorized that were hanging along each wall: all of it was surely ruined.

She silently prayed that no one was near the castle as it fell; her heavy heart could no longer stand any more tragedies. Secretly as well, she hoped to herself that her most treasured belongings didn't tumble with the towers either.

But that was no way to think. There was no time to linger in the past. After all that happened, she should be thinking of moving forward. And she was just going through solutions and plans on reconstruction - and wondering if her kingdom could even afford that at this point - when she saw Link trotting back with shards of wood.

Her eyebrows rose the slightest in confusion. How could he find wood in the desert? She opened her mouth to ask him exactly that, but he interrupted her before she had the chance.

"Bulblin camps," he answered, predicting her question without missing a beat. Still, even after all he'd done, he never ceased to surprise her. "Hopefully, this will be enough to keep us warm for the night."

She nodded slowly, eyes getting lost in the distance as she drifted back into her thoughts. Was that the most he'd ever said to her? His voice was foreign, with an accent she couldn't name. Then again, there weren't many times that they'd seen each other, much less any time suitable for a proper conversation. It would be wise of her to try to get to know the hero who saved her country, but he was hardly in a position to talk now.

He was sitting cross-legged, frustrated at the lack of progress he'd made with the fire. It was usually so easy for him to make one - he'd done it so many times before. Maybe it was the exhaustion that was getting to him or maybe his mind was muddled from all the feelings mustering inside him. Without all the hype of battles and temples, it was harder to fight the battles raging within his mind.

Zelda reached out to him with open palms, a sympathetic expression softening the edges of her face. He glanced up at her with a look of confusion etched into his features and handed over the knife and flint. She simply started striking the stone, and within minutes a spark ignited and the fire was lit.

For the first moment since the Arbiter's Grounds, Link focused on the princess of light. She looked just as tired as he must've. Her eyes were heavy, her hair was disheveled, and her white gown was covered in dirt and sand. He even noticed that goosebumps raised all of the skin that was exposed to him and yet she hadn't complained in the least.

He wished he had a blanket or something to offer her, but there wasn't anything like that in his pouch and he never thought to bring one on his journey before. But at least they got the fire going.

He wondered how Zelda knew how to make a fire or that she would know any basic survival skills, considering that she'd been stuck in a castle her whole life. He'd discussed Princess Zelda with Midna many times before, and he always got the impression that she was as regal and refined as royalty can be. Perhaps he knew less about the princess than he thought.

"So…" His mouth was dry and he was too tired to hold a conversation, but he felt almost embarrassed to keep quiet around the princess. Was it considered rude to be silent for this long? At this point, he wasn't sure what to say, so he settled for the first thing that came to mind. "Are you all right? I-I mean, I'm sorry you have to be out in the cold like this-"

She held out her gloved hand and shook her head lightly. "There's no need to worry about me." She smiled then, subtly and practiced, and said, "I'm sure I can handle one night in the desert considering all you've endured for our kingdom." He noticed she didn't refer to Hyrule as her kingdom. It was under her rule, wasn't it?

In response to her subtle compliment, he shook his head, his wheat-colored bangs covering his eyes from hers. The conversation faded into silence again, with Link staring into the fire and Zelda curling closer to it for warmth.

"There's a wondrous view of the night sky here, don't you think?" Link tore his eyes from the splintering heat to find the amazement in her gaze and followed it up to the stars above.

"Yeah, it's nice," he replied, grateful for her efforts to keep the conversation going. It did well to distract him from his thoughts, too. "If you're lucky, you might even see a shooting star."

"Truthfully," she began, and he noticed her voice was unwavering, "I've never seen one before. The lights of Castle Town are much too bright to get a clear view of the stars." He smiled softly at her, at the way she looked at the sky like she'd never seen it before, and took the opportunity to truly look at her.

Her eyes, with the lights of the fire dancing in their reflection, were an unusual shade of blue. They were so pale, they were almost silver. The color re-painted the image in his mind of shimmering stones or the steel of his blade.

Her braided hair fell across her back and somehow, with all the frizzes and snarls, looked nice to him. It was a color similar to the bark of the trees back in Ordon and the earth of Hyrule. She turned to him, catching his stare, and he felt himself blush in embarrassment. Her eyes were intense and focused, and he briefly wondered if she could read his mind. It wouldn't be hard to believe.

But the princess simply offered him a small smile. "It's getting late. I fear dawn is approaching soon." Her voice was calm and he let out a tremulous breath. "We should rest now before we begin our trip back to Hyrule in the morning." He nodded in agreement and it wasn't long before they settled down for sleep on opposite ends of the fire.

There were too many thoughts running through his head at the moment. It was just that morning he was racing through Castle Town with Midna, packing up on potions and arrows. Now the King of Darkness was gone, Midna had returned home forever, and he was alone in the desert with the princess of his kingdom.

He blamed these rampant thoughts solely on his exhaustion and was sure that the beating of his heart was built up from the stress and confusion of the day. Everything, he thought, would make more sense in the morning.

He curled up tighter and edged closer to the fire. As his eyelids got heavier, he felt more and more relaxed. Exhaustion engulfed his mixed emotions and before he knew it, he drifted off to sleep.

He would sort out all of his thoughts in the morning.

Chapter Text

The golden light of dawn washed over the sands in the desert. All was silent, save for the yawn of the teenage hero and the cricks of aching joints as he stretched out his muscles. He reached for the hilt of his sword blindly, still in a sleepy daze, and called out for Midna. When she didn't respond, he got agitated and opened his heavy eyes to the vivid and warm sunlight. He groaned and asked in a louder, more annoyed tone, "Midna, where are-"

He stopped then, after getting a clear view of his surroundings, and felt grief wash over him again. There before him were the charred remains of a fire that had died down and a princess lost in sleep, sprawled uncomfortably over her bed of sand. The events of the past evening flooded back to him and his face fell in retaliation.

All he had known and been accustomed to for the last few months was gone. But he swiftly stopped the thoughts before they had a chance to race back. He had a duty to the princess: he had to commit to getting her home safely. These thoughts could wait until afterward. Driven, he walked over to the princess and knelt by her side.

But just as quickly, he froze, unsure. He couldn't touch her to wake her up, but he certainly didn't want to scare her by yelling. He settled for something in between.

"Your Highness," he said softly. She didn't respond, but he expected that with how exhausted she was last night. A little louder, he repeated, "Your Highness, it's morning-"

She awoke with a start and he flinched, taken off guard. The fear in her eyes was a stark difference from her usually calm demeanor. It was the first time the princess ever showed any sort of weakness around him. It was her first awakening since being held prisoner, not considering the incident with Ganondorf. What did Zant and his minions do to make her so afraid in the mornings? The thought turned his stomach.

"It's morning, Your Highness. We should head back to Hyrule now." She released a shaky breath before nodding. He took a step back as she collected herself and offered his hand to her.

The princess glanced up at him and gave him a gracious smile before taking him up on his offer. He noticed as he pulled her up to a standing position, even through her gloves, that her hands were freezing. He frowned deeply at her.

"Is something the matter?"

"Ye - No. I mean...your hands are cold. Are you feeling all right?"

She nodded with another one of her infamous small smiles and responded, "I'm quite all right, but I appreciate your concern. Thank you."

It was that morning that he learned she was really good at lying - if her frequent sneezing on their way back was any indication.

Link finally remembered that he had Ilia's charm, and Epona rode them over the dunes and the green fields back to the gates of the castle. They didn't speak much, but he noticed that the princess didn't seem to be bothered by it.

The young hero then pulled Zelda off of Epona effortlessly, setting her back on the uneven ground. She patted down her dress, looked up at him, and for a moment, it almost looked like she wasn't sure what to say. Link shifted between feet, uncomfortable with the silence.

"Thank you, hero," she finally said, and he frowned, but she carried on, making him believe that she hadn't noticed it, "for all of your efforts and contributions. Not only for our kingdom but for my sake as well. Your efforts will not go unrewarded." She paused, then, "What do you plan to do now?"

He looked down, unsure of himself, and knotted his hands behind his back. "Well, to be honest, Your Highness, I'm not sure." He swallowed, and the lump in his throat cut him off before he could continue.

She looked down for a split second, then up again, forcing him to meet her pale gaze so suddenly. Her expression and voice were softer now, appearing to be something between grateful and pitiful for him. He didn't blame her.

"You're welcome to stay in the castle if you wish. Of course, there's much to be done here and if you would feel more comfortable in Ordon, that'd be completely understandable."

He nodded slowly, swallowing again. He was going to respond, but she wasn't done.

"If you'd choose to leave for Ordon and return when the renovations are finished, I'd have a letter sent for you. Just know that you're welcome here if you ever wish to stay. You will be provided for properly."

She finished then and his head spun with all of the options she laid out. But he remembered something that he had to do.

"I have kids - I mean, the children from my village. They're in Kakariko now. I should bring them home. Then I'll come back." He made that commitment before he even made it in his mind. He wasn't as quick with words as he was with actions, it seemed. Was it too late to go back on it now?

She gave a smile and nod before saying, "Of course. Farewell, hero, and safe travels." He returned her nod with one of his own. The princess strode away and he watched her walk up the stairs and onto the bridge. She paused for a moment, turned, and kindly said, "I hope to see you back in Hyrule soon."

Link found himself at Eldin's spring in Kakariko Village. By then, the sun was high in the sky and the heat was almost unbearable. Link shifted uncomfortably in the warmth, wishing he could jump into the sparkling spring to cool off. Yet, like he had throughout his journey, he endured. He was used to putting his missions before his own needs.

Rusl immediately came to Kakariko Village for his son and to check up on all the others. Everyone was up in the inn packing their things, so the old swordsman took it upon himself to bring their bags from the inn and leave them beside the carriage, which left him running back and forth.

Meanwhile, Renado was helping Link prepare the carriage for their trip home. Well, barely helping, that is. He seemed more interested in the state of Hyrule and whether everyone was all right, so Link tried to explain everything the best that he could.

By the time Link finished telling him what happened to the castle, Renado looked devastated. "How are the citizens? Are they safe?" The hero felt saddened then, realizing that in his tired and confused state, he hadn't checked how the people of Castle Town were.

"I-I'm not sure."

"Hm." The shaman pondered for a second. "Well, I suppose I could send a letter to Telma and check with her. Some of our brothers of the Goron tribe live in Castle Town. I hope they're all well. We must keep them all in our prayers now. Surely the goddesses will aid us in the aftermath of this tragedy."

Link nodded. It'd be terrible to have even more casualties in the wake of everything Hyrule already suffered through.

"And the princess, how does she fare?" Link patted down Epona and realized he hadn't mentioned anything about the princess to Renado. He frowned to himself before looking up at the older man with a face even the wise shaman couldn't read.

"She's okay."

Renado's eyes narrowed in confusion at his plainness. He was ready to ask if he was all right when they heard Ilia shout from the inn. "Hey!" With a smile, she ran up the dirt path. "Are you ready to go?"

Link nodded again and turned to the shaman, but Renado was the first to speak. "It will be hard to see you all go, but it's good to know that you're all safe to return home. You have my many thanks for all that you have done for this village," he said. "Please send my word to Mayor Bo when you arrive."

Less than a day later, they found themselves back in Ordon, stopping only for a few breaks along the way. Link had gone ahead of the group, ensuring that the fields were clear of any monsters, and was the first to arrive back in the village.

By the time they reached the gates to Ordon, everyone was restless and ready to be back in their own homes. The kids all bolted out of the carriage and made a run for their homes, while Rusl sighed longingly, pulling the horse and carriage behind him. Ilia, however, noticed that Link paused at his home.

"Aren't you coming, Link?"

"I'll be there. I'm just going to tie Epona up. You go ahead."

She nodded, understanding, and followed after the rest of them.

It'd been so long since he had been in Ordon. No, that wasn't true - not entirely. It just didn't feel like his village, his home, without everyone safe and sound. He reveled in the relief that it brought him. After Epona was unburdened, Link gave her a gentle pat, looked up at his home in the tree above him, and climbed up the ladder.

It was dusty, to say the least, but he could make out the subtle tracks on the floor: his footprints from when he needed to grab something in a hurry. He brushed his calloused finger along the pictures on the walls, leaving a line of clarity along the way. Glancing at his finger, he got embarrassed at his overly sentimental state and brushed it onto his dirty green tunic.

He figured he'd have to clean up his room sometime or another, so he leaned the Master Sword and Hylian shield up against the wall and grabbed the broom instead. It allotted him a moment of peace, sweeping away the mess that had accumulated while he was gone.

He opened the door and swept the dust off the porch, letting the wind catch it and carry it away. He sighed then and sat down on the edge of his porch, just enjoying the scent of hay and the summer breeze.

The young hero watched as the sun set on the horizon. Amber painted the skies and shone a light on the emerald leaves hiding in the shadows. As Link admired the serene view, he wondered if it symbolized anything.

Mayor Bo decided that there was a need for a celebration. They were rare in Ordon, if Link could even remember a time when he'd been to one since it was a small village. Most occasions could be celebrated with a quick congratulations and a pat on the back.

But Link saved Hyrule. They weren't sure from what, maybe, but if anything deserved a celebration, it was this.

The party was held in the mayor's home and consisted of a simple dinner: delicious pumpkin soup made by Pergie herself. The delicious smell filled the air, tempting the hungry guests.

The room was warmed up with laughter and hearty conversation as everyone traded stories and reminisced. It seemed that they were all ready to jump back into life as they knew it.

Although Link was taken care of by the villagers as a young orphan, all of their celebrating made him uncomfortable. For some reason, he felt excluded.

He was grateful that they were all safe and happy, but nobody here knew the extent of the efforts he'd gone to. He knew that Rusl, Ilia, and some of the children had a vague idea, but doing something and hearing about it were two very different things.

All of the villagers were teary-eyed when thanking him for bringing their children home, but soon enough, as Link expected, they had questions.

Most of them consisted of variations of: "Where did you go off to for all that time?", "What happened to Hyrule?", "What were those horrible, dark beasts?" and finally, "Is everyone else okay?" Link tried to explain the best that he could, but he knew there were some things that he just had to leave out.

He avoided the topic of Ganondorf as if it hadn't happened and weaved his way around speaking about Zant directly. He didn't mention the cold nights on Snowpeak or the blistering heat in Gerudo Desert, and any discussion of monsters was clumsily evaded.

All of his stories were sugarcoated and toned down to appease his adoptive family, finding a way to make his legendary experience less legendary.

Everyone was welcoming and thoroughly invested in each of his stories, and part of him felt anxious as if he would slip up and say something that he shouldn't. Soon enough, the loud clinking of milk jugs and the cheers of his name drowned out his worries, and he was more than eager to finally indulge in the bowl before him, filled generously with his favorite meal.

Once dinner was over, everyone fanned out in different directions. After staying for hours in the stuffy and warm dinner hall, Link felt even colder when he stepped into the brisk night air.

It was late; everything fell silent, save for the wind whistling its way through the trees. He finally found his excuse to go home and sleep, so he wandered off in the general direction of his house.

On his way, the hero watched as the children all hugged one another – just a little bit tighter than they were used to – and followed their parents into the safety of their home. He saw the candlelight in each home blaze for just a little bit longer as they all said their goodnights.

Link warmed up at the sight, but he turned away before he could get any more emotional. Before he made his way up the hill, he heard a familiar voice call out to him.

"Link! Hey, wait up!"

"Ilia?" he said, surprised and a little agitated. Tiredness wore him down, and all he wanted was to go home and lie on his bed after the commotion of the day - not to mention the last few months.

"Could we go for a walk, maybe?"

Her nervous tone struck a chord with him and he felt the need to comply. They talked about the celebration as they walked past his house and into Ordona Spring. Ilia was composed and calm, but he felt an underlying tension in her voice that made him nervous as well. He decided to wait and see if he would tell her if something was wrong.

"Did you see Jaggle's face when he found out about Malo Mart?"

She burst out laughing in response as they walked into the spring, the small waves lapping over their feet. When they entered the sacred spring, however, her smile faded. As she looked around, a flood of memories rushed back to her. "I'm sorry for making you walk with me. I know you must be tired-"

"No, it's okay. Don't worry about it."

"I just wanted to say some things, actually."

He nodded, encouraging her to continue. Her hands were folded in front of her and she avoided eye contact, which was strange to him since she was usually the confident one.

"I'm sorry for what I might've said after I lost my memory. I feel terrible. I never thought that I could forget you…"

He shook his head. "Ilia, it's okay. It wasn't your fault."

"No, wait, let me finish." He bit his lip but nodded. "I never thought I could forget you because I…I care deeply for you, Link. I always have, you know that… but now that we're both home and safe after everything that's happened, it feels different."

Her hands twisted in and around themselves before she briskly turned away, stepping away from him as she stepped closer to the rushing water.

"You see, Link, you and me have known each other for a really long time, growing up in this village together. We were always safe here in Ordon.

"But when those…monsters came and attacked, I was so scared. I knew you'd come for me. I even told the woman that I was imprisoned with. I told her you'd come and save us all, but it was still terrifying."

Link watched her pace, the way her bare feet splashed in the shallow pool. "And then when I lost my memory, I forgot that you were coming, and I don't think I've ever felt so helpless and afraid. It put everything in perspective.

"I love you, Link. I feel safe with you. I feel happy knowing that you're always beside me."

Link's lips parted as he watched her turn abruptly to him. "I want that, Link. To stay beside you in Ordon for the rest of our lives. I can't imagine being anywhere else."

His eyes clouded over as he processed her words. He was shocked – no, not really. He knew how she felt – to some degree, and he knew that he felt the same way for her.

Or at least he did once. Did he still feel that way? He still cared for her so much, but a tight knot formed in his chest at the thought of those feelings being romantic.

He wouldn't deny that he was infatuated with her growing up. She was his age; she was beautiful, smart, and kind to everyone.

But what she just said, about staying in Ordon for the rest of his life, made all the worries and confusion he felt those last few days come back to him tenfold.

"It's okay," she said quickly and guiltily. He stood motionless, and yet it was clear that Ilia knew him too well for his own good. "I know this is a lot to take in after just coming back, but I wanted to say it before I could change my mind about telling you. I can see you need time…"

He swallowed and shook his head, but his words failed him yet again. Ilia gave him a kind smile and a friendly hug before deciding to run off. She wasn't sure what else she could say.

Chapter Text

After four months, Zelda simply figured Link wouldn't be coming back anytime soon. She was busy enough with all of her council's conferences and construction consultations she attended, but even the princess would admit that the thought of him stuck with her.

He was her savior after all. But as the dedicated monarch she'd always been, she went about her business, focused on and devoted only to her country.

All of the volunteers had put their best foot forward, hoping to impress both Zelda and the councilmen. Even the lazy knights were put to work. After a stern talk with various council members and the princess herself, they were proven to be quite helpful. It seemed that Hyrule's knights were useful for anything that didn't involve their assigned duties.

By this time, summer had bled into autumn and many of her people were insistent on rebuilding Her Highness's home before the high winds of winter. Already, most destruction of Castle Town was repaired and much of the castle was restored.

Days in Castle Town were crowded with the heavy stench of sweat and cement, while pubs were jam-packed with soldiers and celebrations at night. Many of the citizens of Hyrule were rejoicing, grateful to be uplifted from the shadow that cast over them for so long.

Most people didn't know or quite understand all of the occurrences that plagued the provinces for so long. Their basic grasp of it was that there was a threat of a nameless evil. However, a mysterious knight soon rescued them from their dread, with only a crystal encasing the castle as an unexplainable souvenir.

It wasn't until the crystal shattered and the castle tumbled that they felt truly free of the nameless evil.

Since this was the case, Princess Zelda wasn't accused of having any involvement with the invasion but rather was seen as another victim of the strange occurrences. Only the councilmen were skeptical of the war strategies in place and were very clear on their orders of polishing them up.

Even so, the lack of blame didn't lessen her guilt and she worked twice as hard to reinforce her dedication and duty as the sovereign of Hyrule – and, of course, straighten out the guard. She'd grown much in terms of strength and wisdom, knowing that she would serve her kingdom better than ever before.

Not only did she feel she owed the kingdom all the time she had, but she'd admit it was a nice distraction. Zelda couldn't – or at least wouldn't – forget the Twilight War. She blamed the flashbacks on every destroyed artifact she passed by as if the debris was simply mocking her. She accused anything that was colored green as a conspiracy against the monarchy and would've had it banished if she could.

The princess was cursed to remember all the suffering that Hyrule had endured, especially her closest friend and a certain hero clad in green.

"Your Highness!" Her Highness's advisor, Cole, spoke up rather loudly, the tone demanding her attention. She threw him a look that said "What could possibly be so important that you frighten me so?" and he blubbered an apology.

"My deepest apologies, Your Highness, I only meant to inform you that it isn't safe to go through this corridor. I must advise you against it."

She frowned and turned to face him. "I appreciate your regard for my safety, Chancellor Cole, but I've already received clearance from the construction workers to ascend. And I'd prefer to do so on my own."

The chancellor frowned at her unusually hostile tone but bowed politely and walked down the staircase anyhow.

Zelda glanced up at the familiar tower, now in shambles, and climbed up hastily. Once she reached the room she'd gotten much too accustomed to, the princess allowed herself the shudder that was aching to crawl down her back.

This was the room where she'd been thrown into, the one where she'd been abused regularly during the first few months of the war. This was where a mischievous imp found her way into her chambers, where they exchanged stories of how Zant usurped their kingdoms. And this was where a beast with blue eyes waltzed into her life.

She felt an ache in her chest and allowed herself to sink into her agony in her solitary confinement. Tumbling to the floor, her blue gown cascaded all around her as she dropped her face into her hands.

And she wept. The princess of Hyrule wept for what felt like hours in the bitter cold of her tower, remembering all of the pain that her people were forced to endure.

She remembered the slash of the whip, the cuts and burns on her skin, and the stench of blood that permeated the room. The words they used to torment her were forever engraved in her mind: what a horrible princess she was and all the terrible things that would happen to her kingdom. Zelda even recalled the short-lived relief that washed over her when she first met both Midna and the hero.

She choked on her sobs, telling herself it was all over repeatedly and trying so desperately to get it into her mind. Just being in the room disillusioned her, made her feel trapped and sickened, as if she'd never left. It wasn't like the princess to show any emotion, much less cry, for she had to remain strong and balanced as the face of the monarchy.

But here alone, not even she could withstand the wretched memories that rushed back to her. After a long moment, she wiped her tears and slid across the cold stone floor to the other side of the room in an attempt to collect herself.

The councilmen ordered that every room that was to be refurbished be emptied and the belongings moved to a safer place for the time being. While everyone quickly cleaned out the rest of the rooms, Zelda requested that they leave this certain tower alone until she visited it first, yet she held it off for as long as she could.

She'd finally taken it upon herself to ascend the tower without mentioning it to any of the chairmen or the guards. But now that she was here, she was painfully reminded of why it took her so long to commit herself to the task.

She stood carefully, holding onto the wooden bed for balance, and hurried to gather her things. The princess picked up the scratchy blanket that brought her comfort in her time of need and the old cloak she left behind after her sacrifice for Midna, and hung them over her arm before grabbing her other valuables.

From its hiding place under her bed, she pulled out a wooden box that was so timeworn that even if the prison guard found it, he would've left it aside. Inside were some of her most treasured belongings: pictographs of her parents, some of her mother's necklaces, and other keepsakes of her childhood that she'd managed to preserve. Then she stood, more than ready to leave the room when a gleam caught her eye.

There on the floor was a broken mirror catching daylight. She bent down, picked up a large broken shard of glass, and brought it closer for inspection.

The mirror reflected a good portion of her face, despite the stains and dust gathering on the glass. It clearly showed her weary red eyes, the result of overworking and tiring herself out on those restless nights. It reflected the makeup stains after her moment of grief, her face red and swollen.

Then, for just a flash of a second, she saw a shadow looming over her and dropped it so suddenly that it shattered on the ground. With trembling hands, she raced out of the door and didn't turn around again.

The villagers of Ordon got back into the habit of their daily lives quicker than he expected. They barely mentioned the quest, save for when the children begged him to tell them his stories and the late-night talks with Rusl in Faron's Spring. Everyone got back to business and life eventually went back to normal for almost all the villagers.

Link was leaning up against the barn, reading a cliché book about the misadventures of a hero and his efforts to save the damsel in distress. His insincere chuckles pierced through the quiet afternoon and caused the goat that was grazing beside him to scurry away. He turned the page curtly and shook his head.

It was so typical, terribly predictable, and completely unrealistic. The hero was portrayed as a perfect man who couldn't make a single mistake, and all of his efforts were so greatly appreciated and thoroughly "rewarded" by the damsel herself.

Truly, to save a woman - or any person for that matter - was noble. But doing it to make an impression? Not so much. If heroes truly were like that, he wondered if anything would ever get done. He tossed the book to the ground with a huff and settled for watching the goats instead.

The day was pleasant, like many in his humble village. There was a chilly breeze stirring the trees but he hardly noticed it after experiencing the glacial chill on Snowpeak Mountain and the bitter nights in Gerudo Desert.

Truthfully, any chill would've been worth it regardless, knowing that he could watch the trees transform into brilliant colors during the late months in Ordon. He'd never tire from the sight.

Before long, his thoughts began to drift to the Twilight War again, which was not unusual for the Hero of Twilight. He began to reflect on how he got pulled into his adventure and these thoughts led him back to her. If it weren't for Midna, he could've never known what happened to Hyrule or had to go to temples in search of the Fused Shadow and mirror shards.

But he knew he couldn't blame the Twili for everything that happened, considering he was the hero destined by the gods anyway, and he certainly held no ill will towards her. The truth of it was that the pain of losing her and putting his adventure behind him had paralyzed him for the last few months.

He supposed it would've been easier, maybe, if Midna hadn't found him, but he knew that it wouldn't have been better. All that he'd done and gone through was worth it to have seen all that he had seen and to meet his friends along the way. There were definitely horrible memories and experiences he wished he could forget, but it was the little moments that were so extraordinary and made it all worth it.

He could never forget the picturesque sights of the sunrise on Lake Hylia, where the morning sunlight reflected back onto the shimmering clear water or the refreshing feeling of jumping into the cool water on those sweltering summer days.

He'd always remember the feeling of being on Snowpeak Mountain in the middle of the night, the feeling of being so close to the heavens that he could touch the stars and hear the gods.

And if it weren't for his journey, he probably never would've met the shaman and his daughter Luda, or Prince Ralis of the Zora. He could've never known the mountain dwellers and how they were as tough as rocks but so gentle and kind regardless. Link may have never known what he could accomplish or who he truly was if he hadn't been swept up into the whirlwind of the Twilight Invasion.

He realized that because he met Midna, he was able to accomplish all that he had and become the man he was now. It was to her he owed his success and now they could never enjoy the peace they worked so hard to restore together. The hero knew that she did what she thought was best for both realms and he admired her resilience in that matter.

Still, he wished that she was safe and happy back in the Twilight Realm, and would sometimes think of their journey together too. The thought filled him with hope and brought him relief in the moments when he missed her dearly.

After some time, the sun dipped dangerously close to the horizon so Link got up and started herding the goats up under Fado's request. Afterward, with a small wave to ranch hand, he led Epona down to the village and strode lazily in the vague direction of his home.

Usually, someone would run up to him and start a casual conversation and maybe even ask him for a small favor. Maybe that's why it felt so weird when he got to his house in the trees without being beckoned; he even wondered if he was starting to feel bored.

Link still couldn't believe it'd been four months since he defeated Ganondorf. It just went by so fast that he could hardly keep up. He remembered promising the princess his return all that long ago, but he could never get himself to saddle Epona and ride back to Hyrule.

He hadn't even stepped out of Faron since coming home. It wasn't that he didn't want to go to Hyrule or see how things were there; it was just that any motivation to go back was lost to another task around the village.

But there he was, after another one of those restless days with absolutely nothing to do, and yet he was hoping that maybe someone would come along with a task that would delay him from going back anytime soon. He pondered why he'd been avoiding it for so long, but could never come to a conclusion.

He dropped off his belongings by the door before clumsily knocking over the broom leaning on his wall, causing his other possessions to tip over and collapse. The hero wiped his eyes tiredly before dropping to the ground to gather everything that fell over. He picked up the Master Sword, still in its sheath, and the shield he carried on his journey before placing them on the wall.

Perhaps he should've returned the sword to its rightful place in Hyrule after bringing everyone home. Now with his undivided attention, it almost felt as if the sword was begging to be returned to rest after such a long journey. He bit his lip uneasily and considered it for a moment, knowing that if he stood up, all motivation would be lost and he wouldn't consider it again for another four months or so.

He knew it was the right thing to do, so what was holding him back? Link doubted he'd ever be comfortable leaving Ordon for good. Could he say goodbye to yet another thing he held dear? But then again, was it ever his choice to make?

The early sun blazed through the window of his room, getting into his eyes and making him wish he closed the curtains when he had the chance. But even the mighty hero needed comfort and the stars courteously did their part on those long, sleepless nights.

He gave into the morning sun's demand to wake up and stretched out the cricks in his joints, preparing for another lethargic day in the village. However, when he opened the door, he quickly realized that the day wouldn't be like the others.

Ilia had her fist up as if she were ready to knock on the same door Link had unexpectedly swung open. They both held their mouths open in shock before Ilia's expression quickly shifted to anger, which only further surprised Link. She burst through the door and stuck an accusing finger up to his chest, forcing him to back up with his hands raised in a weak attempt at surrender.

"How dare you, Link? I've been so patient and understanding with you for these past few months but you've been completely inconsiderate of my feelings!"

At this point, she'd backed him up against the wall, yet he was quiet in defeat. He knew where she was going with this.

"Don't you remember that I confessed my feelings to you four months ago? Do you know how hard that was for me? And yet, you haven't said a single word to let me know how you feel in return!"

She almost looked like she was about the cry but she braved on, keeping a fierce and determined look on her face. She wasn't going down without a fight.

She half-expected him to defend himself with some lame excuse about being hurt and confused after his adventure, but instead, he looked so defeated. She lowered her finger in resignation.

"I'm sorry, Ilia."

It was all he said for a long while. She wasn't all that surprised: she was always the more talkative one of the two. The only sounds that could be heard were their quiet, alternating breaths.

"I'm sorry. I know I should've told you this sooner, but I…" He choked on his words again and looked down in shame. Ilia drew in a deep breath, not as surprised as she was disappointed.

"It's okay. I know. You don't have to say it. I've known for a while now."

He met her eyes for a second, his brows raised and his lips set in a frown. She smiled warmly at the look of confusion on his face, but sulked immediately afterward, realizing that he wasn't hers anymore, if he ever was.

"You were always different. But after your journey, I think you finally realized it."

"What?"

"Oh, come on," she said playfully, but he could hear the pain in her voice. "Don't tell me you didn't notice the mark on your hand and those pointy ears of yours." She took another shaky breath. "You're different, Link. Different from Ordon, different from me. You need more than this… and well, no one is stopping you now."

Ilia waited a minute to let Link take in her words before backing off slowly. When she saw that he fell short of a response, she turned abruptly and exited the house, closing the door behind her. It wasn't until she was out of earshot that she ran home with tears streaking her cheeks.

Chapter Text

Link strapped the sheath and shield onto his back for the first time in a long while. He only recently realized that the Master Sword was much heavier than all the swords he was used to growing up, just like all his armor and chainmail were.

By then, he figured that his adrenaline distracted him from many things on his journey, and he was realizing and remembering things here and there that he hadn't noticed before. Over time, he was due to appreciate all that Hyrule had to offer to a sober man.

The young hero stretched out his shoulder and brushed his fingers through the unruly hair he'd tucked under his signature green cap. Once he felt somewhat prepared – at least physically - he swept up the knapsack full of his belongings and, for what might've been the last time, left his home without a sound.

He announced that he'd be leaving Ordon to the villagers four nights ago and devoted the last few days to spending time with his good friends and packing his things. Everyone was devastated to hear that he was leaving, but none of them seemed to be all that surprised. It was almost as if they were all expecting it.

Even so, that didn't make any of this easier for any of the villagers, and their emotional goodbyes were just as sincere as his. It was especially hard leaving Ilia after what happened between them. They'd always been close friends and he'd grown to care for her deeply.

But it was the way he felt and its extent that made things difficult for them. Throughout their lives, they were expected to get married: they were best friends, and two of the only villagers that were the same age. It was so practical that they even made Link believe it too. But it always lacked something, something he couldn't name, and for that, he couldn't accept her in that way.

After their argument - if it could even be considered one - Link had taken it upon himself to profusely apologize to her. He valued their friendship so much that the thought of losing her was too painful to think about.

Ilia accepted his apology, despite the pain she felt, and they spent some time together before he left. He was grateful that he could still have her as his friend despite everything.

As soon as he stepped out of his home, Link took a deep breath, feeling the brisk autumn air course through him. He closed his eyes at the sensation, knowing that Ordon was the only province he'd ever been to that had such fresh, clean air. Nowhere in Hyrule could replace the levity that his hometown brought him, physically and mentally.

Thinking that if he stayed up there for any longer he might convince himself to stay, Link hurried down the ladder. He spent a few minutes saddling Epona before asking, "You're gonna miss Ordon, aren't you? I know. Me too."

He combed his fingers through her mane and the brown mare leaned into his embrace, nickering in response. "Hyrule will be good for us, you'll see," he promised, although even Epona could tell he wasn't sure of that himself.

He climbed onto her back with an uneasy weight sitting in his chest and set off into the scarlet forest as the sun rose over the treetops. By noon, he found himself north of Faron Woods and stopped in his tracks. Just as he'd been many months ago, Rusl stood on the tree trunk with his golden-feathered friend, talons latched onto his forearm.

He gave him a gentle smile, setting the golden Cucco clucking about on the ground, and said, "I figured you'd come here." Link smiled softly in return and climbed up beside him.

The two of them watched silently as the wind slipped through the crimson trees, the tiny birds chirping as they hopped from branch to branch. The sun gave light to all the red and orange leaves, almost making it appear as if they were set on fire.

"Ordon will miss you."

"I'll miss Ordon," he replied without missing a beat.

The older man chuckled lightly in response. A little shakily, he said, "You know, when I first met you, I knew you'd be something special. Maybe it was fate or something like that, but I felt it in my gut and I never doubted it since. You proved me right, son." He lightly slapped Link on the back and the young man took a deep breath.

The word son didn't shock the hero - his good friend had called him that many times before. But Rusl was more than that: he was the closest figure to a father he had and never failed to treat him as if he were his son. He was the one to find him in the woods as a kid and took him in as his own.

Link knew that he could always depend on him. "Just know you're always welcome in Ordon. This will always be your home and you'll always have a family here."

"Thank you, Rusl, for everything. Really, you've done so much for me. I can't thank you enough."

"Enough of that." He waved Link's efforts at thanks away before he could get any more emotional. "That's what family is for anyways."

The older man went quiet for a moment, almost as if he was considering saying something else. He decided against it and they lapsed into another comfortable silence. Link turned away to watch the swaying trees and the aging bark for another long moment.

At length, Rusl spoke up again. "I brought you something."

From the sack he carried around his shoulders, he pulled out a long object and handed it to Link. In his hands was the sword of Ordon he forged all that long ago, wrapped carefully in a delicate cloth.

"Consider this a going away present." He smiled. "Bring it to Hyrule for me, will you?"

The world was so still and silent that it almost brought discomfort to the hero. The Sacred Grove always threw him off for reasons he couldn't comprehend, but without his traveling companion and the pestering skull kid leaping around, it felt all the more lonely.

His footsteps grew heavier and the crunches of the fallen leaves got louder, drowning out the chirping of the birds and wind through the leaves as he stepped deeper into the ruins.

His soiled boots sauntered over the Triforce embedded into the earth below him, and he paid it nothing more or nothing less than an earnest glance. He solemnly examined the statues that could no longer speak to him, now worn out by moss and fading away as time betrayed them.

He quickened his step and finally found himself in front of the dreaded pedestal. Slowly and unsurely, he unsheathed the sacred sword.

For just a moment, it was Link and a sword. Nothing else. No heroes, no past, and no expectations. He stroked the sharp edges longingly, wondering how long it would be before another hero would release it from its slumber. He hoped it wouldn't be for another long while; both the sword and Hyrule were exhausted.

But caressing the sword triggered memories within his mind. It reminded him of when he was there for the first time, as a canine, and the time he returned to find the third mirror shard.

He was reminded of every monster he slashed away, every beast he slayed. All the temples and what they held within them, all the puzzles he had to solve, were all playing back in his mind.

He also remembered just how stressed and hasty he'd been and wondered what would've happened if he hadn't rushed out those final days. Maybe if he took the breaks that he deserved.

What if he slept a healthy amount of time on those nights he stayed up fighting? Would the Twilight Invasion still torment Hyrule? Would Midna still be there?

Link shook his wild thoughts away, reprimanding himself for being so childish. He was a child of war, the bearer of the Triforce of Courage. He saved Hyrule and the Twilight Realm, and that was more than enough for him. Now was the time to be brave in a kind of way he hadn't experienced before. This was letting go.

He raised the steel above his head and struck it into the pedestal once more. After a lingering moment, he peeled his hands away from the hilt and turned away.

Did any of the other heroes, he wondered, have such a difficult time saying goodbye to this blade?

The quill danced gracefully upon the paper as the princess scribbled away. After being absent from her duties for so long, she had plenty of paperwork to catch up on. And so she'd been stuck in a spare room on the first floor of her castle for the majority of the last few months and was working hard to meet the demands of her country.

Perhaps stuck wasn't the best term, considering how willingly she threw herself into her work. In her youth, she didn't appreciate her rank and never understood why she had to be trapped in the castle with nothing but lessons of politics and history to keep her busy.

After witnessing the consequences of her thoughtlessness firsthand, she promised herself to never again treat her duty to her people as anything less than her first priority.

The only conversations she upheld for the last few weeks were strictly business and she preferred it that way, knowing that any personal affairs would tempt her to loosen up on her work ethic. Now, only the mahogany desk and her ink were her friends.

Suddenly, a knock on the door echoed through the room, scaring her slightly and making her mess up her signature. "Your Highness, it's Lady Irene. May I come in?"

Zelda collected her bearings before speaking up. "Yes, come in."

Once upon a time, Lady Irene had been Zelda's nursemaid. But after raising her with great care, she'd become the princess's lady's maid. As a child, she was even good friends with Irene's son and daughter. But as she grew up, she barely had time to speak with any of her friends and they drifted apart, especially due to the recent events.

Her nursemaid walked in with a mug and a big smile gracing her features. She was small and portly with dark hair, and she almost always wore a cheerful expression. Zelda found that her kind smiles always brought her great comfort.

"I'm really sorry to interrupt you while you work, but you've been stuck in for so long I just had to see if you were okay! I brought some tea if you'd like." She handed the mug to her and the princess took it with a gracious nod. "This was your favorite when you were young."

"Thank you, but you needn't go through the trouble."

"Nonsense." She waved spiritedly. "It was no trouble at all." She paused for a second as Zelda took a sip of the tea. The heat soothed her sore hands and warmed her from the chill gathering in the study. "How are you, Your Highness? You must be tired from all this work."

"I'm well and the work is no trouble. I'm glad to do all that I can for Hyrule."

The nursemaid mused for a second, nodding slowly. "Aye, I know you're a tough one. I don't mean to pry, Your Highness, but it hurts to see you so overworked."

Zelda smiled softly and shook her head. "Do not worry yourself over me. How do you fare, Lady Irene? I've heard Ethel is expecting. That must be exciting. You must wish her my congratulations."

"Ah, yes. It's real busy around the house with a babe along the way, so between you and me, working in the castle is starting to feel like I'm taking a break. Even with all this ruckus lately," she jested.

"But really, there's been so much going on around here. You need a break. How about taking a walk in town for a bit? I'm sure your responsibilities can wait an hour or so."

Zelda looked down into the mug in thought, trailing a finger along its lip. She was exhausted and after taking a moment to stop and consider it, she really wished she could go outside for some fresh air.

It had been a long time since she considered her well-being. Lately, she'd been so busy with her work and the council that it was almost as if she forgot she was a person at all. But she knew that she'd already been distracted from her responsibilities enough and she didn't want to jeopardize any more time.

"I think your people would love to see your shining face," Irene continued, and Zelda's heart fluttered at the sentiment. "It's been so long since they've seen their princess and a little smile from you would do them a good service."

Well, she had done her fair share of work. If she kept the same effort up, she could get through the rest in a few short hours. Perhaps a stroll would be nice, and it'd certainly do well to see her people again.

After all, her duty was to her people first and foremost, and if she could get all this paperwork done in time anyhow, there'd be no harm in taking a short stroll through Castle Town.

"I believe you're quite right, Lady Irene. Thank you." Irene nodded kindly in response. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave." The princess then stood and her nursemaid saw her off with a curtsy.

"Of course, Your Highness. I'll come to see you again soon."

Castle Town was as lively as ever. The capital was bustling, full of anxious and cheerful citizens racing to get from place to place. Zelda loved how alive and well everyone seemed. It was such a good feeling after the stark contrast of darkness and pain that beset the kingdom not too long ago.

Many people took note of her presence, bowing respectfully and flashing a courteous grin her way. As diplomatic as her responses were, she couldn't help but feel guilt and dread wash over her at their signs of respect. She swallowed her affliction at their jovial faces, knowing that she was responsible for their recent sorrow and misery.

She would've told her council, the kingdom, and anyone who would've listened that she surrendered to the King of Shadows - if only just for them to know and so she could get it off her chest.

But if she so much hinted at her failures, they could've forced her to abdicate and she'd never have the chance to make it up to them all. She could never give them all they truly deserved, which was what she aimed to do and worked for every day. Instead, the princess kept her woes to herself, locked safely and guarded deep within her heart.

By then, Zelda had walked into one of the alleys to the west, which was just as crowded and busy as the main square. A small stray pup followed at her heel and she couldn't help but stoop low and pet its bristly fur. It let out a small yip in response and she scratched it behind the ears.

As she moved forward, she heard a group of children gossiping about the new game within the tent and who'd be brave enough to play it. The word "brave" struck a cord within her and she pressed forward.

The young princess saw some knights hiding out within the backstreets, sipping on liquor, who then hurried to look busy once they noticed her approaching.

There were some interesting buildings she took note of as well, like a small clubhouse of some sort called Agatha's Castle, which she was sure wasn't there before the Twilight Invasion. Zelda was curious, she'd admit, but she figured she could investigate it later.

For a brief moment, she overheard something about how talented and accurate the psychic was before getting overtaken by a wave of fragrances and noise. She found herself in the southern throughway of Castle Town, where stalls were set up with various goods and products from all over Hyrule.

Strolling up the market, she stopped and gazed at all the treasures on display, including fruits, flowers, jewelry, and other delicacies. Once the shopkeepers noticed her, they were all too eager to catch her attention as well.

"Your Highness! Over here!"

"These jewels would look beautiful on you, Your Highness!"

"Perhaps the princess would enjoy this tasty apple?"

Zelda smiled as she politely waved away their offers. She was making her way through the hustle and bustle when a busy patron knocked into her.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, seemingly unaware of who he ran into. Zelda, on the other hand, recognized the voice and looked up at him cautiously.

"Link?"

Chapter Text

The sight of the princess in broad daylight sent shivers down Link's spine. It'd been a long time since he stood in her regal presence and he found the self-assurance that he'd been building up descend back into a bottomless pit of trepidation.

He hadn't thought much about what he would say when he saw the princess again, so he certainly wasn't prepared for this chance encounter. The hero was expecting at least another while to prepare but of course, the goddesses always had a plan set out for him.

He wasn't sure how to explain his absence after promising to return to her – or rather, her kingdom - just short of five months ago, and he could feel the anxiety swell inside him as she walked him to a nearby backstreet. Although he expected her to be upset at his dishonesty, she wore an expression completely polar to anger. The princess of Hyrule actually seemed surprised by his arrival.

"Hero," she addressed formally and he frowned, naturally. "It's nice to see you again. What brings you to Hyrule?" Link was taken aback by her question, but then he remembered that they hadn't seen each other in five months and he hadn't made any effort to keep his word. Maybe she'd given up waiting on his promise or maybe she hadn't even given it a second thought. Either way, she didn't seem bothered by his falsehood and ignored the ordeal entirely.

"I came to see if everyone is okay and maybe… help somehow." He seemed unsure of himself and yet his voice was stronger and his usual resilient demeanor had returned. The dirt and blood smeared on his green tunic was washed off and his tanned skin was clear and fresh. Even his fine golden hair seemed more lustrous - but that could've just been because they weren't standing in the middle of a battlefield with the ever-so-raging King of Evil chasing them.

Instead, they stood facing one another in an alleyway near the market. It was less frenzied compared to the rush of impatient patrons and hectic construction workers running through Castle Town with heavy loads, and she appreciated the privacy.

Zelda recognized this passage as the one leading to a pub, where she was told most of her knights escaped in the late evenings. It was quiet, giving them a chance to go over things that two unlikely acquaintances might have to go over. She was also grateful to be hidden away from some of the citizens who might overhear their conversation or see them together and wander off, spreading rumors about the mysterious knight with their princess.

"So you intend to stay in Castle Town, then?" Link bit his lip - maybe in thought, or even anxiety – and nodded. Truth be told, he hadn't thought it through yet. He pictured himself back on the road, sleeping beneath the stars just as he had on his adventure. But he didn't want to tell the princess that. "Well then, you're more than welcome to stay in Hyrule Castle where you will be properly accommodated. My kingdom and I are still indebted to you, hero, so you'll be given the rank of knighthood and a suitable position if you'd like."

Link, for all the expressions he could have worn – boastful, proud, excited – looked bashful, scratching the back of his head timidly. He seemed to choose his next words with much difficulty. "Your Highness…I didn't…I wouldn't want to bother you." He was disappointed by his word choice. Was it offensive to stutter in the presence of royalty? Why couldn't he speak properly all of a sudden?

"Nonsense, hero. It's the least we can do for you. There's no need to make haste, so you may stay in the castle until you feel you're prepared to make any decisions. If you're ready, I'd be delighted to escort you back there now." She certainly didn't seem eager to waste time and it made Link even more anxious than he remembered being around her. He glanced in the direction of the tavern, wondering whether he should follow her or make up an excuse to leave quickly before he reluctantly nodded.

Many knights and members of the council were baffled as the princess led Link through the corridors of the castle. Zelda paused momentarily to speak with a couple of guards while Link stood off to the side in silence. The hero could feel their curious stares on all sides, but he paid them no mind: he was too intrigued by the interior of the palace. He'd been to the castle before, seen a good portion of it no less, but he didn't exactly have the time to admire the treasures it held within.

As the princess escorted him through the corridors, Link took it all in. Everything from the portraits of noblemen to the tapestries of Hyrule's emblems boggled his mind. The carpet underneath him was soft, even through his boots, compared to all the rough and coarse paths he'd taken before, and his steps had to adjust to the sensation. He even worried he'd stain the royal blue fabric with his mucky footwear. His eyes studied all the intricate details carved into the walls and skirted the doorframes that they ambled through. Guilt even flashed through him as he realized how expensive the porcelain vases that he smashed and crashed in a hurry must've actually been.

The princess, either uninterested or maybe too comfortable with these riches, pressed on, so Link took in all the sights that he could and took note to explore the castle in-depth later. Eventually, they made their way into a hall adorned with many doors.

Zelda found the room she'd been searching for and stood before the door in thought. "I hope this room is suitable for your needs. Not many rooms are available at this time, I'm afraid." She unlocked the door with a key from her pocket. It swung open with a creak and the key found its way into his hands.

He clasped his fingers over it, realizing that it unlocked something completely different than the gates in temples that he was used to. The princess gestured for him to go inside and with a polite nod, he stepped in.

The room was grand, to say the least, and his face fell in surprise. It was twice the size of his home in Ordon and had furniture finer than he could've ever imagined. Sitting on the right side of the room was a large canopy bed, draped in a light green duvet and complex patterns etched into the wooden columns at each end. On each side were bedside tables holding candles in brass vessels and at the foot of the bed was a short tan sofa with golden embroidery.

There was a clean brown rug covering the wooden floorboards and a desk with a chair tucked in, both of which were made out of rich wood. He also noticed a fireplace with fresh-cut logs across the bed, a dresser beside it, and a few vases lining the walls. At the far end, there was a large window with curtains that matched the linens tucked away at each end, with a beautiful view of Castle Town.

"Hm," Zelda mused from right behind him, and Link, who was still in shock and hadn't heard her follow him in, recoiled. "I truly had no idea that the linens were green in this room. I suppose the goddesses have a sense of humor."

Curiously, he looked back at her and found an amused smile tugging at her lips. Link grinned at the sight: the princess had a lovely smile and a mischievous sense of humor, which was surprising. "Do you like it?"

"Huh?"

"The room, I mean. How do you like your room?"

"Oh," he exclaimed, snapping himself out of his thoughts. He glanced back at the room for a moment before meeting her eyes with modesty. "Your Highness, it's too much. I-I can't accept this."

She shook her head and sighed softly. "Link," she started, and he was glad to hear her call him by his name and not his title. "This room pales to the extraordinary efforts you've overcome in our kingdom's namesake. I know I can never repay you for all that you've endured, but I hope you'll accept this small token of appreciation and, of course, anything else that I can offer you."

Link looked around the room again before his shoulders slumped down in acceptance. He didn't know how to say he didn't feel like he would feel comfortable taking it, that it was great and beautiful but it was far too extraordinary for him. But he could see that it meant a lot to her, to give him this room. After a moment, he turned back to her with his eyes creased and a sheepish grin. "Thank you, Your Highness. It's more than I could ever ask for."

The princess smiled, partially to the hero and partially to herself, proud that she could do something for him in return. She was indeed gratified by this small accomplishment and took solace from his excitability.

After a brief lapse of silence, the princess spoke up again. "Pardon me but I must take my leave. You're free to explore the castle to your liking and if there's anything you may need, please don't hesitate to ask one of the guards or servants. If anyone should give you trouble, please let them know that they can speak directly with me." She paused in thought for a moment.

"If I may, I'd like to request that you join me for dinner this evening. We have much to discuss and I would appreciate it if you could lend me your time." His mouth fell open: he never expected to dine with the princess herself. But she was in a rush and probably didn't have time for his shock to wear off, so he quickly nodded in response.

"Splendid. Dinner will be held in the dining hall and begins at seven sharp. Now if you may excuse me, I must be on my way." She gave him another small smile and went off into the halls again.

Link found himself walking through the streets of Castle Town again. By then, it was early evening and the cool air was refreshing after the hustle and bustle of the day. The streets were less busy than they were earlier, but idle people still hung around or strolled through the lonely alleys. Sweaty men heaved heavy tons of wood and cement; last-minute shoppers made purchases from the tired salesmen, who'd long given up yelling out promotions and encouraging customers to come over.

The guards, too, were on their evening patrol and strolled along with their lances held high above their heads, proud for one reason or another. The hero found it amusing that no one paid them any mind. He ran across the cobblestone paths and passed the patrons until he made his way down to a familiar pub.

The stench of ale enveloped him once he entered Telma's bar, but by then he'd grown used to it. The few customers were sitting around the tables with mugs of ale, not drunk but maybe just a little bit tipsy. It was still relatively empty in the bar, which wasn't all that unusual to see in the early evenings. Once he walked in, he was immediately recognized.

"Why, if it isn't Link himself! Hon', come over here!" Link walked over to the friendly barkeep, sparing a glance at the table in the back. He was surprised to see it was empty. Telma, noticing his confusion, answered the question before he could ask. "They're all gone now, what with Hyrule being saved and all. Truth be told, they'd come by here frequently for a while, waitin' for you to come along.

"Where've you been? I heard you went back to your village with Ilia and the bunch, but you still didn't drop in before you left to say goodbye to little ol' me. Now, that's hardly what I'd call 'hero behavior'." She laughed good-naturedly. "How's Ilia? Doing well, I hope."

Link thought back to one of his last conversations with his good friend. He was still disappointed in himself for the way he treated her and still felt guilty for how heartbroken she'd been. But after the tension wore off, they spent long hours on one of his last few days in Ordon, mostly just talking about how simple life was when they were children. He'd done his fair share of almost ruining their friendship, but it was never intentional and he truly hoped to never lose the bond that they shared. "She's okay. Everyone's better now that they're back home."

"That's great to hear, honey. So then, what brings you back to Castle Town? As much as we've missed you here, the letter Renado sent told me you were stayin' in Ordon."

"I…I've decided to stay here, actually." He wanted to say more. She was a good friend of his and had a sharp ear for anything he felt like sharing. The hero wanted to explain how Ordon suddenly didn't feel the same way anymore and he realized that he felt some sort of drive to return back to Hyrule. Back to Castle Town, where he can do and be more than the ranch hand he always thought he'd be. But for some reason, he didn't know how to put it all into words. Luckily, Telma seemed to understand exactly what he meant.

"Things just aren't the same, eh? I know, many of the people who stop by have been feelin' the same way. But if it's for better or for worse, well, we'll just see about that, won't we?" She smirked mischievously.

Link wasn't sure what that meant, but then again, the playful barkeep could be rather confusing at times anyway. Still, he appreciated her company. They'd become a close friend since the incident with Prince Ralis. In more than one sense, she aided him and his friends in saving Hyrule: by introducing him to the resistance, saving Ilia and Ralis from the streets of Castle Town, and providing a route for him and Midna to travel in her time of need – although admittedly she had no idea about that.

Telma also had a cheerful demeanor that could lift his and everyone else's spirit in the bar with just the twinkle of her laugh. She was good-hearted and pure, although she could be jokingly inappropriate at times, but that was just another thing to love about her. It was a shame that the shaman didn't retaliate her feelings - they might've been good for one another.

Never one to favor quietness, she decided to continue the conversation. "I'll let the group know you stopped by. Maybe they'll drop in sometime soon to visit you. I'll send a letter to you, so don't you worry." He smiled gratefully and nodded. "Now how about you take a seat and have a drink - on the house of course. But I should probably warn you, it can get rowdy once the knights stop by."

He truly wanted to stay and talk with his friend, since that was his initial intention when returning to Castle Town. He also expected the resistance to be here. But he wasn't sure if had the time and he definitely wasn't eager to keep the princess waiting. "Actually, I have to go meet with," his sentence faltered for a moment, trying to hide that he'd be dining with the princess, "...someone. I'm sorry but I should get going."

Luckily, she let the instance slide, her acceptance of Link's awkward ways overriding her curiosity. "Of course, darlin'. Don't forget to visit sometime soon. Take care!"

"Thanks. You too," he replied with a grin and waved her goodnight.

By the time he made his way to the dining hall, the princess was sitting patiently at the far end of the long table. The dark wood table was draped in navy silk, had fourteen chairs tucked in, and was in the center of the huge room. Vases filled with exotic plants sat beside the ginormous window, taking up the wall to his right. More tapestries of the provinces of Hyrule and oil paintings of noblemen and women adorned all the other walls.

He noticed there were only two table settings: his seat was facing the window with the view of Castle Town and was placed closest to hers. Realizing that he was her only guest for the evening, he questioned whether she always ate alone. It was weird to imagine someone eating alone: no one ever did in Ordon. And considering how important Zelda was and how many people she knew, it was even more surprising to think of her sitting in this large room all alone. Without wasting another minute, he made his way over to her.

"I'm sorry. Am I late?"

"No, don't worry. You're right on time. Please, take a seat." She gestured towards the chair and he sat down immediately. Once he saw the table setting up close, he felt his face heat up in embarrassment. There must've been a dozen utensils in front of him and he had no idea what to do with them. He wasn't sure if the princess knew or not, but back in Ordon, there were only three utensils and their purposes were pretty straightforward.

Zelda seemed to notice his apprehension and smiled warmly. "It's quite all right, Link." His blue eyes met hers. "Feel free to use anything that you're comfortable with. I'll admit all of these formalities can be rather confusing, but it's only you and I dining, and I don't wish for you to be so formal with me."

He bit his lip in embarrassment and simply nodded. Although her words were comforting, he couldn't help feeling belittled. Being in the presence of royalty, especially with Zelda's decorum, was overwhelming. It was then that he wondered if he made the right choice by accepting her invitation to dine that night.

Before long, servants came around the wooden table and handed the hero and the princess bowls of warm chicken broth. The inviting smell filled the room, and both thanked all the servers courteously as they hustled around. "Tell me, how do the villagers of Ordon fare?" The princess's soft voice was heard over the clanking of dinner plates.

"They're all safe and doing okay. Everything's back to normal now."

"That's certainly good news." She picked up the silver spoon on her far right and Link was careful to do the same. "I've heard horrible news about what happened to the children. It's a relief to know that they're okay." She looked up at him with a sincere expression and he smiled back sadly.

"All of us were worried too, so it was great to bring them back home." He thought for a minute and continued, "I wanted to ask: is everyone in Castle Town okay? After…what happened with the castle and everything."

"Yes," the young princess answered. "Everyone's doing well here. In fact, the citizens have been rejoicing in the peace and we've even gotten many volunteers to aid in rebuilding the castle. It does well to see such benevolence and humanity after such a difficult time."

He nodded silently in reflection and took a spoonful of the warm soup. The taste was magnificent, flavor bursting in every corner of his mouth, and was seasoned with spices he was unfamiliar with. But still, there was something in the pumpkin soup from Ordon that he might've just favored over this.

They sat in silence for quite some time, and Link was in the familiar position of fretting about how or if he should start a conversation with the princess. He didn't have to worry for too long though, because soon enough she spoke up for him. "I must admit, it's quite shameful that I don't know much about the man who saved my kingdom. Please, tell me about yourself."

The question caught Link off-guard and he put the spoon he was holding back in the bowl. He wasn't sure what a royal would like to know about a humble goatherder and his lackluster lifestyle. He cleared his throat, looking into his bowl as he considered what to say. "Of course, Your Highness. What do you want to know?"

"Hm," she hummed in thought. "Would you tell me about your life in Ordon? I'm curious to know, were you always trained in combat?"

"No, there aren't a lotta uses for it in my village. I learned some tricks from Rusl while I was –" Her expression shifted for a second: her mouth opened ever so slightly and her eyes slightly widened. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Is something wrong, Your Highness?"

She looked off to the side, as if she were weighing her options, but then decided to settle for a simple response. "I apologize. It's nothing." She shook her head lightly and took a small breath before giving him a practiced smile. "Please, continue."

"Oh…okay. A good friend of mine taught me how to use a sword when I was younger so that I could help clear out any monsters that came from Faron Woods. But my job in the village was to herd the goats."

Princess Zelda looked up with a look of pure astonishment at his last statement. She was in no mind to judge him or any of the villagers who did a fine job of providing for the kingdom but to hear that the hero himself wasn't professionally trained in combat was surprising, to say the least. To train in the art of one thing and then to successfully and gracefully commit to another so quickly was certainly no small feat.

"You've surely come a long way to become such a fine swordsman, indeed. How admirable." She trailed off in thought before asking, "Tell me, Link, what's your age?"

"I'm seventeen," he replied after taking another spoonful of soup. She was only more surprised and impressed by his answer, and a rush of guilt flushed through her veins. He was certainly young - too young - to be a hero. All he'd seen and done when he, like all the others, should be laid back and free to enjoy his youth. And yet, he'd been put through such suffering because of her mistakes.

The princess set down her spoon gently and met his eyes. "I would like to apologize, Link. All that you and Midna endured was due to my foolish mistakes. As the ruler of Hyrule, I should have been more cautious and wise in my decisions. And yet, you had to pay the price in my stead. It's unfair to you and I'm deeply sorry."

The despair in her voice and the expression on her face placed a heaviness in his heart. He knew she blamed herself for the invasion; even from the first day they met in the stingy tower, he saw the pain in her eyes as she retold the story of Zant barging into the throne room. He wished she wouldn't blame herself for the way things turned out but he wasn't sure how to explain that to her. He wasn't even sure he was in a place to state his opinion on that.

"I can't accept your apology. I-I mean, I don't blame you for what happened. I think Hyrule wouldn't have been safe either way after Zant's attack. If you didn't do what you did, what would've happened to everyone?" He offered her a small, timid smile.

Honestly, though, his heart was racing: he wasn't used to talking for so long all at once, especially not to royalty. "Besides, I'm glad that I was able to help and that everyone is safe. Please, Your Highness, don't apologize."

"You did much more than 'help' as far as I'm concerned." She paused before sighing in defeat and returned his smile. "Thank you, Link. I'm truly grateful for all that you've done."

He nodded, and silence overtook them again. The young hero looked out through the window and settled for admiring the view. The lights of Castle Town really did obscure the view of the stars, he realized. The firelight shone brightly from all the storefronts and gates, washing the stone surfaces with a warm orange glow that was similar to the leaves on the autumn trees dotting the horizon.

The sight was beautiful, to say the least: he could see everything from the fountain spewing crystal clear water in the center of Castle Town to Death Mountain emerging magnificently from the horizon. Although the heavens were blotted out, Hyrule in all its majesty stood out strikingly against the twilight, and it seemed that the kingdom brought forth a light of its own.

Startling him out of his thought, servers rallied in to switch out their plates with their next meal and set a plate with a portion of meat and a loaf of bread before him. After thanking them politely again, the servers hurried out and left the two alone once more.

Before Zelda even picked up her fork and knife, she started up the conversation again. "Now, there are other matters which I would like to discuss with you." He nodded patiently as he broke the bread on his plate. "The citizens of Hyrule don't fully comprehend what happened during the Twilight Invasion, and although I have previously made a ceremonial speech to the people, I've avoided revealing your identity to preserve your privacy. However, I wouldn't like to deny you the title which you deserve and I would be glad to formally announce you and your deeds to Hyrule if you'd approve."

He cringed slightly, and Zelda's smile almost seemed amused. "I understand that you still need time to think this over. Don't worry. I don't wish for you to make haste in your decision. However, I would appreciate it if you'd join me in tomorrow's court so that I may introduce you to the council. This way, you'll be welcome in all parts of the castle grounds. Perhaps we could discuss a suitable position for you as well. Have you thought at all if you'd accept the title of knighthood and perhaps a post in the guard?"

"Your Highness, I said I wanted to help. If you think that's a good fit for me, then that's okay with me too."

"Of course, Link. I truly believe you'd make an admirable knight."

He looked out through the window again, a slight flush in his cheeks. "Thank you, Your Highness."

She shook her head. "The pleasure is mine… Now let me not keep you from your meal any longer. Please." She gestured to the plate and he chuckled bashfully at her lightheartedness. The tension in the room was uplifted by the sound and their meal could finally be enjoyed in full.

Chapter Text

Link made his way through the darkened hallways back to his chambers. It was an unusual feeling to be in the castle as a guest rather than just a hero on a mission, he realized, as he unlocked the door before him.

The night didn't wash out the magnificence of his room and it still took him by surprise in his tired state when he entered it. A surge of guilt flooded through him as his kind, humble soul couldn't understand why he would ever deserve such luxury when many others were much more worthy. Some of them were even his closest friends.

He pushed away his depreciating thoughts - they would do no good at this hour - and made his way across the plush carpet. He then hastened to grab his knapsack of belongings so that he could switch out of his uncomfortable chainmail and gear into lighter wear. The young hero stumbled over his clothes, hopping around in a lame effort to get out of his tunic and into his nightclothes. Without wasting another minute, he hurried to the other side of the room and fell back into the large bed.

Link was surprised by the way he melted into the soft mattress and downy pillows; he was never accustomed to such luxury in Ordon, and even less so on his adventures. His guilty and modest thoughts were inching in once more, but he was too tired to argue with himself that night. Instead, he drifted off to sleep without giving so much of a glance out the window.

The next morning, Link found his way to the councilor court with Princess Zelda by his side. She personally escorted the young hero so that there'd be no trouble, since he was technically a 'stranger' roaming the halls, and Link was grateful for it. Once the princess entered the court, he saw that all noise quieted down and all the council members rose in respect. He'd never seen anyone command everyone's attention that way, but she had that air about her that didn't surprise him all too much.

"Good morning, everyone," she greeted cordially. "You may all take your seats." Everyone followed her orders in silence as she made her way to the podium while Link stood quietly at her side.

"Before we may begin our discussion, there's someone I'd like to introduce to the court." Their eyes followed her gesture to the man clad in green at her left. "Link is a good friend of mine. I'd ask that you may all show him the respect that you might show me."

The councilmen exchanged uncertain glances. Who was this man and how could he possibly deserve the respect given only to royalty? Even Link was rather surprised by her word choice.

The princess knew that if she let this conversation carry on more than necessary or acted as if it was a serious deal with the councilors, they'd only be more dubious of her decision. Therefore, she didn't falter at their dumbfounded expressions and continued simply. "I've granted him chambers within our castle and I demand that he shall be treated with the utmost grace and kindness. If Link is to request or need anything, he shall be served accordingly. Is this understood?"

The room remained silent for a while, but Zelda stayed patient and poised until the short man next to her, clothed in deep red velvet, piped up. "I'm afraid this is all so sudden, Your Highness. To accept a strange man - a commoner no less - within Hyrule Castle is both extremely improper and dangerous to the residents within."

"Chancellor Cole is correct, Your Highness. How can we be sure this man is not a threat to us or our country?" another agreed.

Although Link was both surprised and a little offended by their rude words, he couldn't help seeing the irony in their worries considering the lengths he went to to protect Hyrule. But Zelda was quick to denounce the senseless comments, wasting no time with the chancellors' ignorant comments or even sparing a glance towards the hero.

"As your princess, I assure you that I have no intentions of welcoming a threat within the kingdom." Once she said it out loud, she faltered a little, swallowed, and mentally shook off the antsy feeling. "Link has earned my trust and by accusing him of being such a threat, you are doubting me as well."

The gathering silenced at that: no one in their right mind would ever doubt the princess.

"With that being said," she continued, "I request that he be given the rank of knighthood and soon after, a position alongside Commander Eagus of the guard."

The crowd collectively gasped. "Your Highness," a small man clad in expensive, purple attire piped up. "If I may ask, what has this Link done to deserve such a rank?"

Zelda folded her hands before her and met his brown eyes with a stone-cold gaze. She was in no patient state of mind to bicker over such arguments over the Hero of Hyrule. "Link has accomplished great deeds in the name of Hyrule and therefore is deserving of one of the highest ranks available. However, it's against my better judgment to bestow such a task on him as of now and therefore I wish to give him the position of Assistant to Commander in Chief."

Link, startled, looked over at Zelda in alarm. When she asked him to take up a position in the guard, she didn't mention anything about having to command an army.

"That's already a big enough responsibility, Your Highness. This man…he hasn't been trained under our guard and is no nobleman so he could make up for this. I implore you to think over this decision," Chancellor Cole argued.

"I have considered this decision well enough. It was your wishes that I might straighten out the guard and I believe that Link has the ability to help train our knights with his unrivaled skill and knowledge." She finally stole a glance at the hero, and at seeing his disturbed expression, sighed. "There's still time before this may be arranged," she announced, although it was more directed at Link than the council members. "However, I'd like an order to be filled so that there will be no complications when the time comes. Regardless, Link will be knighted immediately. If there are any other objections, I ask that you speak now." She wasn't too eager to hear their objections actually, but it was necessary to discuss these things in court and she was eager to get it over with.

Another man dressed in exquisite claret robes at the far end of the table spoke. "All we know of Link is his name. It would be vital that we know more about him before we can arrange for this. Might I request that he inform us of his origins?"

Princess Zelda turned back to Link and gestured for him to introduce himself. He was terribly uncomfortable under the glares of the councilmen and he hardly knew the formalities, but the hero stepped up regardless. "I'm," he cleared his throat, "from Ordon."

"Ordon, you say? Is that not the new village?"

"Well, Link, have you had any training in combat in Ordon?"

The young hero licked his dry lips nervously. "No…not really. I mean, I used to herd goats, but I was trained by-"

"A goat herder?!" one man interrupted, flabbergasted, while the others erupted in laughter and petty jokes.

"How quaint."

"Shameful! How could the princess even propose such a thing?"

"That's hardly a qualification."

"A ranch hand?" Chancellor Cole scoffed. "Am I hearing this correctly? Your Highness, you cannot be ser-"

"Enough!" The princess's strong voice silenced the court and everyone recoiled in fear. Even Link was thoroughly stunned at her outburst; he'd never seen her angry before. "You will treat Link with respect! It's due to his efforts that you are alive and well, and I will not stand to have you belittle him. If I hear that anyone troubles Link, I will personally see to penalize him or her accordingly. Now, without further disturbances, I declare that an order must be placed for his position and he will be knighted immediately. This court is terminated for the time being. You're all dismissed."

With disgruntled murmurs, the crowd dispersed from the courtroom. Once they were left alone, Zelda leaned on the redwood table, holding one gloved hand to her head with her fingers pressed against her temples. She didn't mean to burst out in anger but the sensitive topic made her more irritable than usual. "I apologize, Link. I'm truly appalled by the way they treated you. I assure you it will not happen again."

"It's okay," he replied quickly and shifted awkwardly. He was embarrassed and hurt by all of their offensive and degrading comments, but he also felt bad for how upset she got about it - much more than he did - and so he offered a consoling smile.

The princess regarded him curiously, eyebrows pinched, and then took a small shaky breath. She pushed herself off the table and composed herself before saying, "I hope I didn't frighten you with my proposition. I believe that a high position in the guard might be best for both Hyrule and yourself. However, there's still time to reconsider."

Link thought for a moment, dropping his eyes to the ground. He was afraid of that responsibility, terrified even. How could he be ready to lead an army? He wasn't even sure if he was emotionally stable enough to stand on his own feet. But it wasn't about him, was it? It was about Hyrule. As the hero of a country, shouldn't he be devoted to it?

Sighing heavily, he shook his head. "No…it's okay." He swallowed before continuing, "I'd be glad to help."

"Thank you, Link. I truly believe you will make Hyrule strong again."

Bashfully, his eyes darted away and it was then that he noticed it. Her arms were folded across her chest, almost like she was hugging herself, and her fingers twitched around her upper arms as if she was trying to keep from trembling. He paused, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Your Highness, are you all right?"

The princess caught his gaze and dropped her hands. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just a little shaken up. Don't worry yourself."

Link remembered Zelda saying something along those lines all those months ago when he asked if she felt ill. She lied then too.

Zelda took a short break in her office to finish any paperwork she could get her hands on. The distraction did well for her frazzled nerves as she sat there, signature after signature. She couldn't believe how rude the council members were to Link. No, that was a lie. She expected it; she expected that the councilmen wouldn't be all that accepting of a stranger, a villager no less, as they were all ignorant and arrogant Hylians who couldn't concern themselves with anybody who didn't have a title of nobility. The princess scoffed to herself and shook her head a little, but kept her eyes trained on the papers before her.

Implying Link's heroic exploits to the council was necessary, she reminded herself. It wasn't her initial intention and it surely wasn't her decision to make, but to make him a part of the ranks and to give him the treatment she promised, she had to at least hint at it with them. Perhaps the word would get out and rumors would spread, but then again, she highly doubted that any of the pompous nobles would spread around that a former goat-herder was the hero of Hyrule.

The stressed monarch dipped the quill a little too harshly at the thought.

The only thing she did feel slightly guilty about was surprising Link the way that she did: by throwing the position of second-in-command at him. She knew, however, that he was deserving of it and too highly skilled to be assigned as a regular knight. His best fit would be where he could help train the knights, but not be the only one in charge and be overwhelmed by the responsibility. When they first discussed it, she never actually specified what position she wished to give him and she knew he was too modest to accept such a rank in any other situation.

It'd be good for him, she thought to herself.

Unfortunately, the princess knew she had to return to the council later that same day. Many discussions needed to take place and the little dispute cut them all short.

As of late, the council members were insistent on the sovereign monarch being both crowned and married. It didn't bother Zelda, since it was her responsibility and duty as the princess. At age twenty-one, which she previously turned in the early spring, the princess was to have a coronation to declare her status as sovereign of Hyrule.

However, due to the plight that overcame the kingdom, the ceremony obviously couldn't take place. But that was all well and done now, and the castle was almost fully rebuilt; it was time to seriously consider it. It was important for the citizens of Hyrule to have a stable monarch who could protect and represent them.

After her coronation, she had to find a man to rule by her side. Although the kingdom of Hyrule had made enough headway to accept a woman as sovereign, it was still necessary for her to get married and produce an heir. Of course, the nobles were insistent on Zelda marrying a prince or noble of a neighboring kingdom so that they could both fortify the bonds with said country and strengthen the economy, but the princess hardly minded. She'd do anything for Hyrule.

It was staying around the council members that would drive her mad. Even as a princess, she was in no position to replace them on her own, and so she was doomed to hear their greedy demands until she could just so easily drown in them. All that kept her going for so long was the thought of the kingdom at its best, reminding herself that that was all she could ever ask of the goddesses.

After a few short weeks, preparations for the knighting ceremony began. Coincidently, the preparations for his knighthood would hold off her coronation for the time being. The councilmen weren't too pleased or eager to agree with the prospect, but it was Zelda's command that Link be knighted and recruited to reinforce the guard by springtime.

It was custom in Hyrule for squires to be knighted on the eve of a new year so that they'd be ready to defend and protect their homeland by spring. It was much too early in the year to conduct a true ceremony, but Princess Zelda knew that he'd be able to properly train the squires if he had his ceremony first. After all, Hyrule's best interest was her top priority, and strengthening the guard would secure the citizens' safety.

Furthermore, she saw no reason to make Link wait any longer for his knighthood, nor could he present himself as the Assistant to Commander in Chief without one. And so, she decided to hold a special ceremony in place for him alone.

She was sure that doing so would call attention to Link, and result in a rash of interrogations and fresh gossip, so the young hero finally agreed that she could announce his title on the day of the ceremony. It was clear to her that he had no interest in being known as the hero - quite the contrary, actually.

However, with all the attention that was brought upon him after the meeting with the councilors - which spread like wildfire, much to her surprise - and his upcoming recruitment, he realized that it'd be far easier to put a name to his face. Indeed, it'd cause a great uproar and a lot of attention that the hero didn't wish for, but over time the excitement would fade and he'd be able to go about his duties unbothered. If the questions were left unanswered, however, the curiosity would linger and new theories or gossip would unfold over time.

The princess didn't have much time to spend with the hero since she was always caught up in her duties, but he'd taken it upon himself to meet her for dinner anytime he was in town. Link, according to the gossip, was spotted in Kakariko and at times Zora's domain, and Zelda had seen him slip in and out of town every so often. She figured he had friends to meet and connect with in the regions, and so he did so before his duties were assigned to him the following week.

Now that the knighting ceremony was fast approaching, he'd settled himself in for what might be a long time in Hyrule Castle. He even had Epona properly cared for in the royal stables and that assured her he wasn't leaving anytime soon.

She didn't want him to limit himself to the borders of Hyrule, but she felt that giving him the second-in-command position would be a good balance for him and the kingdom. Although it was a great and significant role in the ranks, it wasn't as heavy as the charge of the commander or involved the responsibility of lands and people he'd get if he were a Lord. Still, Link took it upon himself to take his new job and responsibility seriously, and Zelda was both grateful and relieved.

The following week was hectic with all the servants hurrying around with their preparations. The throne room had to be arranged, the feast organized, and Link was forced to go through fast-paced lessons all in time for the ceremony. A Hylian minister helped Link prepare for the rituals that would take place on the eve of the dubbing, and he had to withstand lessons in chivalry and other customs expected of a Hylian knight.

It was also tradition that after the ceremony, there'd be a grand feast in honor of the knights. Despite Link's modest protests, she decided that there would be a feast, a smaller one, with the friends he made during his time in the castle and nobility in order to maintain peace within the castle walls. She asked if he'd like to invite his friends from other provinces, but he was too modest to ask them to travel all that way for him. Either way, she wished that he'd enjoy the celebration, for it was long overdue and he truly did deserve it.

Link found himself eating lunch on a stone bench in the castle courtyard. The scenery lost its attraction in between the wonders of autumn and the silent beauty of winter. At the moment, what was left of the bushes in the courtyard was frail and dying as the seasons changed and the temperature dropped. The cool air barely bothered Link, even after so long, since he'd grown accustomed to quick changes in temperature. But he really could use some color or brightness; the sight was far too gloomy for him.

For the last few days, Link would wait until twilight washed over the kingdom to find solace and beauty in contrast to the melancholy backdrop that came with the end of the season. It also reminded him greatly of his good friend, and the thought of her comforted him when he was sad or lost.

He'd taken the lunch break mainly to get away from all of the preparations he'd taken part in, but he found that he wasn't all that hungry. He munched away at his pastry with mild interest, relieved by his short reprieve and having nothing else to do with it.

Link just about finished his lunch when he heard shouting coming from the entrance to the courtyard and took a glance in that direction. Racing through the gates was a familiar and rather strange postman, barely clad in white clothes and a red cap on top of his head.

Then, "Mr. Link! WAAAAAAIT!"

Link couldn't help but sigh, partially annoyed and just a little bit amused. At full speed, the eccentric man ran towards Link, and the hero in green stood up patiently.

Perhaps too enthusiastically, the postman delivered the letter and ran off just as quickly. When he was out of sight, the hero peeled open the envelope and found himself pleasantly surprised by its contents.

Link snuck out of the castle courtyard so that he could meet with his friends before having to return to the eventful palace. He pushed his way through the busy patrons in Castle Town before finding his way to the pub.

Once he walked in, the group sitting in the back of the bar looked upwards simultaneously. Before he could make another move, the group cheered his name and went up to him with hearty handshakes and pats on the back, causing Link to stumble on his feet.

"Marvelous work, my boy! You saved Hyrule!"

"Long time, no see, old chum!"

"How's it being a hero, eh?"

Link was flustered by all their flattering remarks. Thankfully Telma, who was still standing behind her bar table, noticed.

"Now don't suffocate the poor man!" She chuckled heartily. "Why don't you all take a seat in the back and I'll whip you up some drinks?" The group reluctantly moved aside and led him to the back, chattering all the while.

"Where have you been, lad? We haven't seen you in months. We were worried for you," Auru said, and with the statement came a twinge of guilt. After his adventure, Link wasn't in much of a state to visit anyone. But still, he figured he owed his good friends and former allies the trip - or at least a letter.

"I'm sorry," he said a little quietly. "I was in Ordon."

"Catching up, I suppose," Shad remarked pensively. "How long were you gone for? Weeks, perhaps?"

Ashei slapped the scholar on the shoulder. "No way. It must've been months. He's been fightin' long before we met him, yeah?"

"Never mind that. How've you been, my boy? What brings you back to Hyrule?" Auru inquired, and the hero wasn't sure how to answer. Should he tell them he'd been working in the castle? But then, a thought came to him as he was reminded of his knighthood ceremony.

"Actually…" he began, but before he had a chance to ask, he heard the door creak open and shut behind him. He glanced over and was surprised to see Rusl, decked out in his armor and gear, enter the bar.

"My, you're just in time! Go on and take a seat. Link just stopped by," Telma commented as she began filling some mugs with ale.

"Thanks, Tel'," he said with a nonchalant nod as he peeled off his helmet and set it aside. When he approached the table, he noted Link's surprised expression.

"You think I'd hear word of you and my good friends returning to Castle Town and not pay a visit?" He snickered good-naturedly. "After eighteen years of raising you and you still don't know me?" Link chuckled a little. "So what did I miss?"

"Link here was just telling us why he made his way back to Hyrule. Sorry boy, what was it you were saying?"

Feeling warm with everyone's eager gaze on him, he simply blurted out, "Princess Zelda is having me knighted."

Everyone cheered, clapping enthusiastically and shouting lively as Telma came around with mugs. "Is that true, honey? How amazing!" Link shrunk slightly under all of their cheers, gripping the mug tightly. The frosty glass cooled his sweaty palms and soothed him in the slightest. "When's it gonna be?"

"The end of the week. And well…since you're all here, would you like to come?" It felt weird asking everyone to watch him get knighted, but he figured it was worth it to have his friends there. "Princess Zelda said that I could bring guests and I'd like for you all to come."

Rusl and Auru traded unnamable glances, but Shad and Telma's excitement distracted him from it. The scholar immediately began sharing his knowledge about the ceremony with Ashei, while Telma was asking all about what time it was and what was involved.

Link answered her questions the best that he could, feeling a little suffocated by all the attention. At times, Shad even politely intervened, eager to share his knowledge with the barkeep as well.

"It'll be a large event surely," the scholar stated. "It's a great honor to be invited, even more so to be knighted by the princess herself."

"I'm sure," Telma responded. "But Link here is gonna make a fine knight if I do say so myself. And it's no doubting the princess thinks the same, too." She winked and Link flushed modestly. "Not to say that your good looks have got much to do with it, but it certainly doesn't hurt!"

Rusl waved away her flirtations playfully, smiling at Link in turn. "Now don't hassle Link. He's so red, he could be a kargarok!" he teased. "All joking aside, Link, you really will make a great knight. Everyone in Ordon is so proud of you and they'll be even more so now - if that's even possible." Link's expression softened with gratitude and he nodded to his good friend.

Well into the afternoon, everyone went his or her separate ways with Link heading back to the castle to finish up his day's work. In the end, everyone agreed to come; in honor of their good friend, how couldn't they? But Link noticed some poor hidden reluctance by the two older men. At times, it was almost as if they had something to say, but they concealed it under their sincere congratulations and compliments.

The day of the Knighting Ceremony finally made way and Link was flustered the whole morning. He followed all of the minister's instructions the day before with a weird feeling bubbling in his chest. He thought it'd fade away by morning, but unfortunately, it persisted all through the night. Since some of the minister's instructions were to pray before bed to the great goddesses, Link snuck a small prayer for Midna in and it made him feel the slightest bit better.

Link stood at the far end of the throne room, waiting behind curtains that were put up for his privacy before the ceremony. He saw many seats were arranged on both sides of the room and he searched among them for his friends. Finally, he spotted them in the far back row, looking both excited and anxious for their friend. It warmed his heart to see that they came just for him.

Although the throne room was flawlessly restored - just like nearly the rest of the castle - Link couldn't see the room as anything other than how it was the first time he stepped in it. He even stole a quick glance at the throne to make sure Ganondorf wasn't sitting on it.

Once he saw the princess seated there instead, listening attentively to the herald at her side making his customary speech, his heart stopped clear in his chest. Zelda sat on her marble throne, elegantly poised, with her slender fingers tented over the armrests.

Her chestnut hair was pleasantly braided, as it usually was, gold pauldrons sat on her shoulders, and her gilded crown stood regally on the top of her head. She was dressed in an ivory gown with intricate golden stitching, looking as heavenly as the golden goddesses themselves. It almost appeared that light from the heavens found its way directly onto her chair, the first sunlight he'd seen in days.

Heat climbed on his cheeks and he forced himself to look away, feeling at odds about staring at her like that, and tugged on his armor instead. It wasn't as uncomfortable as he thought it'd be - it almost felt natural to wear it - but he was starting to feel antsy as the herald finished up his speech.

A herald blew a horn from the princess's side, announcing the start of the ceremony. It was the moment he'd been preparing for so long. He heard the herald call out, "The Crown now calls Link from Ordon Village to come before this Court and Company." Another man escorted him across the plush blue carpet to kneel before the princess.

"Your Highness, here before you comes Link to bear the Hylian arms."

Zelda stood then, eyes trained on the top of his head and he raised his sharp blue eyes to meet hers. The side of his lip rose ever so slightly in a smile.

With a voice soft but strong, she announced, "Before me kneels the hero of this land, who has blessed this land with the sacred light to cast away evil. It's due to Link's benevolence that Hyrule may live in a peaceful era once again." Collective gasps and murmuring came from all ends of the room, but Link kept his eyes on hers. She allowed the announcement to settle over the room for a moment before continuing, "I thank thee, Hero, with the blessings of the Goddesses, with knighthood which I shall now bestow to you.

"May witnesses bear the knighting that I, Princess of Hyrule, pronounce upon thee." The Ordon blade, which Link requested be used for the ceremony, was handed to Zelda by the sword bearer before he bowed politely and stepped back. "Link of Ordon, you've been deemed fit for this high estate and have indicated your willingness to accept this honor from my hand. Do you now swear by all that you hold sacred, true, and holy that you will honor and defend the Crown and Kingdom of Hyrule?"

"I will," he promised, voice strong.

"That you will be wise in the name of Nayru, strong in the name of Din, and courageous in the name of Farore in the battles you face in Hyrule's name?"

"I will."

"That you will honor, protect, and defend, drawing your blade only for just cause?"

"I will."

"Then having sworn these oaths, know that I, Zelda Nohansen Harkinian, by right of arms, Princess of Hyrule, do dub you with this sword and by all that you hold sacred, true, and holy." The sword in her hands tapped lightly on his left shoulder. "Once for Wisdom…" Tapped once on his head. "Twice for Power..." And finally tapped on his right shoulder. "Thrice for courage. Rise, Sir Link," the princess proclaimed. Once he stood before her, she placed the blade into his hands and he grasped it surely.

"Accept this sword, which I now hand to you. Remember that you shall use it to defend this realm and all who look to you. Wear it proud in the name of this kingdom. Wield it with courage." She gave him a small, almost imperceptible smile.

The herald then rehearsed a speech in his name before shouting, "For Sir Link, hip hip hurray!" The crowd stood and cheered his name, screams bouncing off the marble walls, and he turned to face them with modest pride. There was something about knighthood that assured him that he was right at home.

The feast wasn't as small as the princess promised. To be fair, however, he was sure she'd seen much grander celebrations that didn't seem as huge to her as it did to him. The feast wasn't held in the usual dining hall he'd grown accustomed to, but was held in a small banquet hall - not the largest one in the castle, he was sure - and had multiple tables spread throughout. There was a table for the princess herself with a couple of nobles at her side, a few tables for the nobility and other knights he'd gotten to know, and one for his friends from the resistance.

The room was elaborate, even more so than the ones he'd already seen. Indigo banners bearing Hylian symbols hung from the tiled ceilings, while shields and swords hung along the walls. The seats were all made from cold stone marble, the tables draped in plum-colored cloths and detailed with fine violet stitching. He felt a little bit embarrassed to have such an extravagant celebration in his name. Even the attention that the others gave him flustered him and made their questions all the more difficult to answer.

He sat at the table with the former resistance but took the time to introduce himself to some of the knights and nobles he wasn't yet acquainted with. He even met with Commander Eagus, who was going to be his new head in just a short couple of days. He was a kind and enthusiastic fellow, which Link was glad for. The hero also made his rounds with people he'd already met who congratulated him, asked questions, and thanked him over and over for his contributions to the kingdom.

The feast was rich with fruits and meats that he'd already been served while dining with the princess, but he was happy to see how hungrily and excitedly his friends were to eat these delectable meals. He spoke with everyone who approached him and discussed the ceremony with all of his friends. For the first time in a long while, he finally began fully enjoying himself. After the meal, music started to play and everyone was forced to get up, mingle, and dance with the other attendees.

The hero found Rusl and Auru walking towards him before long. The older men were fidgeting, anxious, and uncomfortable but eager to speak with Link, so he smiled graciously. "Link, my boy," Auru called out. "Congratulations, you were great! You certainly will be a terrific knight." His small talk was so rehearsed that even the hero could recognize that it was leading up to something more important.

"Thank you." He nodded in response. "I'm glad you could come."

"Well then, how're you feeling?"

"Great," he answered, shifting his feet. "And you?"

Rusl spoke up then, quiet and nervous. "Well, Link…actually there's something we need to talk to you about."

Link nodded patiently, eyebrow quirked in curiosity. Rusl opened his mouth but was interrupted at that moment by a thundering voice.

"Aren't you…Rusl, Auru?! My word, it is you!" He heard Commander Eagus shout from across the hall, and Link looked over his shoulder in confusion. "I haven't seen you in ages! Not since...Not since that battle."

Rusl remained quiet in repentance while Auru spoke quietly. "Yes, it's been quite a while."

"Auru! You've healed well, I can see. But Rusl, my good sir, where have you been all this while? I haven't even got a letter from you! My, if I didn't know any better, I'd mistaken you for dead!"

Link observed them with furrowed eyebrows. "How do you know each other?"

Commander Eagus turned to the hero with a jovial expression. "Link, my boy, these two men were some of my greatest knights!" Link's whipped his head back to Rusl, his eyes wide. He never told him that. Rusl simply held his gaze in silence. "You see, I've trained Auru and Rusl here since they were about your age. Great knights, I'll say. They fought many great battles in Hyrule's name. Haven't seen them since a particularly hard one – almost twenty years back. We lost many great men that day."

"What happened?"

Eagus waited a moment to see if either of the men would speak up but when they remained silent, he answered, "We had enemies piling in from the neighboring kingdom – Arcadia, I think it was. Auru got hurt something bad, and stepped out of the game for a bit, and I haven't heard from him since. But Rusl here disappeared without letting anyone know. Last I saw him, he was riding out in Hyrule Field with a lil' baby wrapped up in his arms." Link's eyes widened even further, wondering if he heard that correctly, while Eagus continued, "Great Goddesses, it does good to see you both safe. I've been worried for years."

Link had to take a step back. Rusl was leaving Hyrule Castle with a baby a little less than twenty years ago? Did that mean…?

Meanwhile, Eagus finally noticed how uncomfortable the knights were. "Are you folks all right?"

"Link, can I talk with you?" Rusl requested abruptly, ignoring the commander's question. The hero nodded, muddled, and followed the older man.

"Did I say something wrong?" Eagus asked as he, Auru, and another pair of eyes watched the two leave the ballroom.

Chapter Text

"I'm sorry for hiding this from you, Link."

Link stood in an empty hallway across from Rusl. There was no one around and no noise nor lights, besides the flitting torches on the walls and what little moonlight streamed in through the tall windows. Shadows darkened every line and crinkle on Rusl's grim expression, making him look older and more weathered.

Link's stomach was in knots. He wasn't sure what Rusl was about to say, but some sick feeling in his gut told him it wasn't going to be good.

"I think it might be better if you take a seat," he suggested and led the hero to a nearby bench. As they sat, Rusl tucked his hands beneath his legs and dropped his head. For a few moments, it looked as though he was carefully picking his words. "Link, I'm not sure how else to say this. I knew your parents."

It was a good thing he took a seat because his head was whipped by a dizzy spell. Shutting his eyes, Link placed a hand on his head. It took him a moment before he could think of what to say, but when he did, it came out in a hoarse breath. "How…?"

Rusl seemed to understand what he was asking. "I met your father in the army. I know I owe you more than that, but I'm not sure how much you're ready to hear. Maybe it'd be better to talk about it in the morning."

"Just tell me, Rusl." His eyes opened and he looked at him pleadingly. "Please."

Rusl nodded slowly. He looked away then, and his gaze went distant. "Auru, he and I all trained together," he began, "but I felt a brotherhood with your father that was unlike anything I've ever known. He was the strongest and bravest man I've ever met. The kindest too.

"I met your mother shortly after. She was an amazing woman: generous and smart beyond belief. I watched them fall in love, and eventually, they got married and had you.

"But your mother died giving birth and I'd never seen your father more devastated. If it weren't for you, I'm not sure he would've survived the heartache. He loved you more than anything."

The old man shook his head, but Link was waiting there, holding his breath and hanging onto his every word, and so he quickly gathered himself.

"It was in the battle against Arcadia that your father saved my life. I blame myself for it every day. If I'd been faster, or stronger...maybe he'd still be here.

"He used his last breath to ask me to take care of you - to keep you safe. I left the battle, grabbed you and Uli, and we headed straight to Ordon. It was where Uli and I grew up, and we knew you'd be safe there. Mayor Bo was kind enough to welcome us back."

When he was done, Rusl turned his head to look at him. Link was quiet as he tried to take it all in, and Rusl waited patiently. Then, in a small voice, he asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Rusl sighed and shook his head again. "I don't have a good enough reason. I wanted to, I really did, but it was just incredibly difficult.

"When you were younger, I thought it'd be better if you didn't know too much about Hyrule. I thought I could keep you safe in Ordon. But when you grew older and stronger with a sword, I saw that you were more than capable of protecting yourself. That's why I wanted you to deliver that sword so long ago. And also because I knew your father would've wanted you to see Hyrule. He loved it so much.

"But by then I was afraid to tell you the truth. I thought that you would've hated us - ran away even - for hiding it from you for so long. Looking back now, I know that I was wrong. I should've told you from the start. You deserved to know. I'm so sorry, Link."

"You…" Link stood up, which might've not been the best choice because his head spun again and he nearly lost his balance. Rusl jumped up and grabbed his arm to keep him upright, but Link wrenched away from him.

"No…" the hero said, before repeating more surely, "No."

Rusl flinched, surprised by the force in his voice. There was pain in his teal eyes as he warily examined Link.

"You knew them…" he started, looking off into the distance before narrowing his sharp eyes at the older knight. "And you kept it from me all this time. I trusted you, Rusl. I don't…I can't…"

There was a pang in Rusl's chest. Things were playing out exactly as he always feared. Link caught the sad look in his eyes and tore his gaze away. He couldn't take it. He shook his head and took a few steps back. "I...I have to go."

Without another word, he turned on his heel and took off. While he wasn't quite running, he must've strode quite a way.

Rusl must've torn away from his shocked reverie; he called out Link's name over and over again. The hero could hear the echo of his footsteps racing after him for a short while before they faded away. The older man was too weak and tired to keep up with Link as he raced out of the castle.

His heavy armor clanked and clattered as his boot slid into the stirrup. The hero pushed himself onto his brown mare's saddle and kicked her rear to speed up and out of the stables. Hay and fallen leaves crunched under Epona's thundering hooves as she rode off towards Hyrule Field, her rider tugging at and burying his face into her ivory mane. Epona seemed to find her way through Hyrule Field without her master's guidance, leading him up a short hill with a wooden fence and beside a lone tree.

Once she was pulled to a halt, he pushed off of her and unsheathed the Ordon sword from the scabbard at his side without a moment's thought. He swung it at the wooden fence clumsily, slicing divots into the rigid posts in his unfettered state.

As a young orphan, Link wanted more than anything to know who his father and mother were, where they were from, or what they did. He wanted to know if they were alive or dead, didn't want him or couldn't afford him, and anything else his mind could conjure up on those dark and lonely nights as a kid. For his entire life, he didn't even know their names.

He had questions that Rusl had answers to all along, but he kept it from him and it boiled his blood. All he knew - or thought - as a child was that he was abandoned in Faron Woods; he sometimes thought that he wasn't even wanted by his parents. But he was wrong. His parents cared for him, they loved him, and Rusl denied him the comfort that would've come from knowing that all along.

The thought fell on him quite hard and his sword struck the fence awkwardly, the blade tolling and sending a shock up his arm. Giving up his pointless fit, he threw the blade aside and shook his arm to relieve some of the discomfort. Then, leaning against the fence, he slid to the frostbitten grass beneath him.

The night was still, a pitch-black sky fading into auburn tones. Twilight. But his eyes were trained on the ground: he knew he wouldn't find solace in the stars that night.

He drew his knees close to him and leaned his head against uneven wooden posts. The strumming of the beetles and the whistling of the early winter wind couldn't drown out the racing thoughts in his mind, sitting there alone in the field.

Link would never understand why Rusl would keep something like that from him as a child. What was so terrifying about telling someone about where he came from or who loved him? There was nothing he could do about it now, he knew, but it hurt him to know that the man he trusted the most kept something this important from him for so long. He wasn't sure if he could ever see Rusl the same way again.

The hero dug his nails into his scalp, tugging at the ends of his unruly hair, and buried his head in his knees. It felt like the goddesses were trying their hardest to make the hero fall into despair. He just kept losing the people he cherished the most: Midna, Ilia, and Rusl, all just in a matter of weeks. Was that his reward from the goddesses for saving Hyrule?

Link felt his swollen cheeks sting with salty tears as they slid down his face. He couldn't remember the last time he cried, but with his body aching and his mind churning, he was too exhausted to fight it off. Once the moon rose high into the sky, the hero cried out all of his energy and slipped into sleep under the blanket of the night and on the grassy fields of Hyrule.

The councilors' court took place that very next morning. Even after a long night of festivities, Princess Zelda strode towards the courtroom gracefully and with her head held high.

The previous night's scene slipped by most of the guests, she was sure, for even if people had overheard the conversation as she had, they either had no insight to understand what it meant or were too inebriated to process it. Besides, it was far more interesting that the hero of their land had finally been announced and the news was soon spread around the kingdom for everyone to hear.

She, on the other hand, found the previous night's incident circling her mind. Zelda was only a toddler when the Battle of Arcadia had started. She'd lost her innocence to it, having to witness the bloodshed on her doorstep for the next couple of years. As much as Lady Irene and her parents tried to keep her from witnessing the tragedies that befell the kingdom, it didn't last, as her curious mind and energetic feet raced around the halls enough to catch a glimpse or two out of the windows. She'd seen enough to understand how frightening war was, even at such a young age.

The aftermath of the battle was no easier. The sight of blood overturned dirt, and scattered pieces of armor tainted the first image of Hyrule Field she could remember. She stood by her parent's side in the throne room, watching as they gave thanks to all the knights who fought in the war and respect to all who were lost to it. Among some of the few names declared as lost was Rusl himself for no one knew what happened to him. That was why she was so shocked when Link mentioned his name all that while ago.

But at the feast, she was able to piece together what might've taken place in the battle just from the small tidbits of information she overheard. Just a few weeks ago, Link disclosed to her that he was trained in the art of combat by Rusl and she already knew he was raised in Ordon, but she now figured he was brought up under the older knight's roof. And since he'd only recently turned eighteen years old, she understood that he must've been born to a knight lost in Arcadia's battle nearly twenty years before. It was quite obvious that Rusl wasn't his blood father by the shape of his ears and the way Link spoke of him.

That being said, she assumed Link didn't know of his origins given his reaction to what Commander Eagus said. Zelda could only pity the hero for it all. Although she understood how difficult the loss of a loved one could be, she couldn't even begin to fathom how it'd feel to never know them at all - not even with the Triforce of Wisdom on her side.

The princess shook away her contemplation as she came face to face with the entrance to the courtroom and pushed the doors open. The council silenced upon her arrival, standing in respect until she stopped behind the podium.

"Good morning, everyone," she greeted, getting only monotonic and disorderly responses. "Please be seated." As everyone shuffled back into their seats, she turned to the courtier responsible for the day's agenda. "Chancellor Foster, please do state the issues we're to discuss today."

"Your Highness, the court today has requested to speak of the issues surrounding your crowning and betrothal." He nodded politely before taking his seat and Zelda folded her hands neatly on the podium.

"Chancellors, you may begin the discussion."

"Your Highness," Chancellor Cole began, "there's no more time to waste! The people of Hyrule have gone long enough without a stable monarch. It's time to secure your position as queen." The murmurs in the crowd assured her – as if she didn't already know – that the rest of the court was in agreement.

"It's written in the Hylian Law that if the heir is to not assume the throne by his or her twenty-first birthday, they must be forced to abdicate," Chancellor Sherman stated with a matter-of-factly finger pointed in the air. "You've kept Hyrule waiting for too long!"

"Of course," Chancellor Benson started a little shakily, "there have been legitimate occurrences that prevented Her Highness from doing so. It's only fair that she may be given the fair chance to assume the throne now."

"That's all rational and true, but Her Highness must do so immediately before the citizens of our kingdom lose faith in their monarchy for letting their lives fall into the hands of… that boy."

Zelda frowned at this, intervening at the ignorant comment. "I do hope, Chancellor Carter, that it isn't Sir Link, the Hero of Hyrule, of whom you speak in that tone."

"Why, Your Highness, pardon me for saying so, but your regards for this man are impractical." She cocked a delicate eyebrow slightly, pale eyes bearing into his and daring him to explain just why it is so 'impractical' to keep Link in high regard. "That man's a commoner with no professional background in swordsmanship! Moreover, he doesn't provide any proof of his exploits. It's difficult to believe such an impossible thing as that he may be the hero of our kingdom."

"Do my words hold no value for you that you cannot believe them? Or would you rather we return to such a tragic time so you may bear witness to the horrors that Sir Link has faced so that you may understand better?"

"Your Highness, you shouldn't take coldly to Chancellor Carter's rationalizations. It only makes sense that we'd have questions about the sudden announcement that this-this goat herder is the Hero of Hyrule. After all, it wasn't revealed to the council when we were first introduced to him."

The princess took a small breath before stating, "It wasn't my announcement to make. It was only after Sir Link gave me his approval that I revealed his accomplishments at the dubbing, for it's his decision to make. It's your discretion to believe that he's the Hero of Hyrule, but I will not allow you to abolish nor question his title in my presence."

She paused for a moment before continuing. "Now, if we may carry on with the proceedings, I'd like to declare that I'm more than willing to assume the throne. It was only with Hyrule's best wishes that I chose to delay the coronation but with the reconstruction almost completed and Sir Link in place to fortify our army, I see no reason why my coronation cannot take place as soon as possible."

"Then it's to be done," Chancellor Cole announced. "Her Highness will have her crowning within these upcoming weeks."

"We will also need to discuss to whom we'll send these invitations. It's important that we may discuss possible suitors for you, Your Highness."

"Prince Edmund of Termina is said to be a strong and wise man, Your Highness," one courtier remarked.

"I'd say that Prince Fletcher of Holodrum would make a fine match. He's to assume his own throne soon enough, for his father is said to be ill as of late."

"Let us not forget the Prince Percival of Labyrnna."

"There are many other dukes as well that'd make great kings. We must look into these possible suitors as well."

"We shall, Chancellor Sherman. All of these men shall have invitations," Chancellor Cole responded, scribbling down the names with his quill. "They may all be fine matches, but we shall see for ourselves once they arrive which may be best, if that's all right with you, Your Highness."

"Of course, Chancellor Cole. Be sure to send out invitations to all the noblemen and women of these neighboring countries. It's for Hyrule that we may maintain peace with the kingdoms along our borders."

The council dragged on for another hour or so, discussing other details of the princess' coronation before Zelda dismissed them all. The young monarch gathered her belongings and slipped out of the court before heading back to her study.

Link awoke at dawn to find himself in Hyrule Field. For just a short moment, he thought that he was still on his adventure, taking one of his short reprieves before heading back to another monster-infested temple. But after taking a quick glance at his armor, the recollections of last night's events flooded back to him and he had to place a hand on the dew-kissed ground to keep balance.

He found Epona grazing a few feet away, mounted onto her saddle, and rode back to Hyrule Castle reluctantly. As he led Epona by the reins through Castle Town's southern throughway, many citizens recognized him by his armor and stared at him in utter amazement.

"Is that…?"

"I think it is!"

"That's the Hero of Hyrule!"

"Young man, could you really be the savior of our land?" an elderly woman stopped him and he frowned sadly. Although he was still exhausted and upset, he respectfully spared her a nod, and an uproar of gasps and cheers came from anybody who overheard.

He tried to scurry through the market, pushing through the throng of patrons that were already crowding the area, and the many people who heard of his arrival and elbowed one another so that they might get closer to him.

"Thank you, Hero!" many shouted, bowing respectfully as he passed.

"I knew it was him all along," another commented.

"How amazing!"

"He's so handsome!"

He hurried back to the stables after shoving his way past everyone, regretting his choice to come back to Hyrule Castle so soon. Since he didn't have to start his job right away, maybe he should've hidden in Kakariko Village for a while.

Link unsaddled Epona brushed her mane, and fed her with hay before he headed back. Though a few servants were working in the stables that would've done it for him, it wasn't that often that he saw his horse nowadays and he didn't mind caring for her as he used to. Besides, he was in no rush to return to the castle if it was even half as chaotic as it was in Castle Town.

Eventually, though, he found his way back to the palace halls, running into many servants who'd stop and ask him about being the hero. The young man tried as politely as he could to avoid their questions, but it was so often that he ran into someone who wanted to know more about his exploits that he was beginning to feel frustrated.

By the time the princess intersected his path, he was just about done with everyone's interrogations and almost failed to see who he rudely tried to slip by. But the princess caught his eye and was quick to catch his attention also.

"Sir Link," she greeted, which wasn't a title all that appealing to him, but at least it was an improvement from being called 'hero'. "How do you fare? I haven't seen you since last night and I've been worried."

He darted his eyes away from her piercing stare. The princess and many others worked hard to prepare for his celebration, he knew, and he abandoned it all on a whim. Although he needed the space given the circumstances, he still felt a little guilty for running away. "I'm sorry," was all he said.

She waved away his apology politely. "So long that you're all right, Sir Link, there's no need to apologize. It's no consequence that you may have missed out on the late portion of the festivities. Many people departed from the celebration soon after." He nodded a little, slightly disengaged from the conversation.

But with a few simple words, she managed to grab his attention immediately. "Nevertheless, it's with great luck that I find you. There was something I was hoping to show you. Would you come with me?"

Link nodded inquisitively, staring at her back for a second in confusion as she walked along, but he caught up effortlessly once he came to. Although he had many questions, the hero stayed quiet and followed her through the halls.

The princess led the hero to a pair of large stone doors. She gracefully reached out for a torch that hung outside the room and the old iron doors groaned as she pushed them open. Link would admit that her silence was a bit eerie, but he thought it was foolish considering all he'd seen, so he followed her through the doors with silent curiosity.

The hall was too dark to see anything. Only the torch the princess held shone a small ring of light around them, casting shadows at their toes. The young monarch slowly lit up the torches along the stonewalls with the one in her gloved hand, exposing the room piece by piece and igniting his interest with every flame.

The walls were decorated with portraits of various men and women posed solemnly and regally, while dark wood tables were covered in soft blue fabrics and leaned up against the walls. A crimson plush carpet was spread across the stone floor, instead of the blue that ran over most of the castle's flooring. The torchlights soon brightened up the room and she went to stand at his side.

"Your Highness," he paused nervously, "where are we?"

"This is The Hall of the Greats," she answered simply. She stepped further into the room and his feet hastened to follow. "There are pictographs of the knights and their families all around this hall. You may take a look around." He followed after her and, true to the princess's word, found tarnished, old pictures of men in armor surrounded by friends or children.

Each pictograph told a story. There was one of a man holding his child tightly with some bags on the ground beside them, some pictures of knights hugging and cheering, and there was one of a man with his wife embracing one another after what appeared to be a voyage. The images, though faded and tattered, were preserved in glass and labeled with names. It meant something to him to know that Hyrule would remember these men and women, and forever value their efforts.

His heart stopped abruptly and he paused in his step when he noticed three familiar faces in one of the older photos. The bottom of the frame read, "Sir Rusl, Lady Uli, Sir Daphnes, Lady Marie, Sir Auru." He stared at it for a long moment before he raised the wooden frame to examine it closer in utter disbelief.

Link forced himself to accept that he'd never see his parents, even in a photo, as he grew up. For too long he awaited them. As a child, he used to believe that maybe they were still waiting for him but it was always to no avail. They never came around.

Yet, right there in his hands, was undeniably a picture of his family and their friends. His eyes creased as he took the image in.

The man stood tall and proud, wearing silver armor and holding a helmet under one arm and his wife's hand with his other. His father looked similar to him in facial features but with dark hair instead. The expression he wore was tough, his face and body hardened with battles and rigorous training.

His mother, in contrast, was short and wore a simple nice dress. She had a beautiful grin, her eyes squinted slightly in merriment. Her hair was short, tucked behind her Hylian ears, and was a lighter color than Link's.

He brushed his finger across the surface of the frame, longing to see them before him. He wanted to talk to them, hear their voice, their beliefs, the retelling of their finest memories, and even their lectures. It'd been too long since he allowed himself to miss them or dream such wild dreams, but just seeing them in the picture brought it all back.

They seemed like such wonderful people. There was no denying that his father appeared quite resilient and strong, but the way his arms were locked around his wife and his helmet showed him that he was a good man, and Link thought that was admirable. His mother, meanwhile, was so beautiful and happy; it was obvious that she was a friendly, loving woman. She looked as though she loved the world, and Link knew it must've loved her back just as easily. Together, they seemed like an unusual but inseparable pair, and the thought touched his heart with warmth and love.

"You may keep it," Zelda spoke up softly, knowingly, and he looked up at her with surprise. His face then softened with gratitude as he realized what she'd suggested. He wanted this picture. He wanted to see his family every day, even if it was just a pictograph on his bedside table, and he was grateful that she willingly gave him a piece of Hyrule's vault so that he might keep it with him at all times. Link swallowed some of his emotion and closed his eyes, holding the frame closer to him for just a moment.

The princess then walked away, giving him some time alone.

After a few more moments of admiring the photo, he stepped deeper into the hall, looking at many of the other brave soldiers and paying them his sincere respect. He found that Commander Eagus was in many of the recent pictographs of the knights. Many of the oil paintings, however, were of nobles, which he could guess by the expensive clothes they wore.

As he walked deeper into the hall, he found the princess standing outside yet another door. Again, she had his curiosity piqued. Once she heard his heavy footsteps behind her, she opened the door and asked with a voice as soft as silk, "You recall the Legends of Hyrule, don't you?"

"Some of it," he admitted. She nodded in understanding before lighting up the walls in that room as well.

"This is the Hall of Legends," she explained before he could ask, and with every lit torch, he began to realize why.

More portraits decorated the walls, this time of men and women with similar features. The display cases were made of rich wood and had silk pillows within, protecting the esteemed treasures that lay within.

In each display case were noteworthy trinkets from different eras, some of which looked familiar from texts he'd come across when he was growing up or were mentioned by his good friend Renado.

Closest to him was a great shrine that had "The Hero of Time" inscribed in gold above it. There was a young man who looked remarkably similar to Link in the portrait above the glass case. He had light golden hair that was messy like his and intense blue eyes. His face was strong: jaw set and well defined and eyes narrowed dangerously, like a true warrior. What he noticed, however, was that the man didn't wear the green tunic as the Light Spirit Faron had suggested. He wore armor almost identical to the spirit who entrusted him with the hidden skills, except that the plates were so clean that they shone instead of being worn by moss and ivy.

A thought struck him then, and he wasn't sure if he was allowed to entertain it. Could that be his spirit? A cold shiver ran down his spine. If he'd truly met a legend like the Hero of Time, he wouldn't know what to think. It was both an honor and yet completely and utterly unnerving to think that he might've met such a strong and noble hero. Was he even deserving of such a thing? Had he shamed him when he made a mistake or did he make him proud by his accomplishments? How the thought brought him both rewarding exhilaration and cold-blooded fear.

Next to his image was one of the princess, whose name was also Zelda according to the Hylian inscription below. Her hair was strawberry gold, braided neatly and tugged behind her shoulders, showing her lovely face. She wore exquisite clothes of the finest fabrics, but her expression was soft and gentle. Her eyes were bright and cerulean, obscured by beautiful long lashes.

In the glass case before him was a shining sapphire instrument, the stone surface glimmering in the dim candlelight. "This instrument," the princess stated, noticing where his eyes landed, "is the Ocarina of Time. It's rumored to have the ability to send Hylians through space and time."

"Do you believe it?" he asked, not all that fazed. The hero traveled through both space and time by using Midna's warping ability for the former and having traveled to the past in the ruins of the ancient temple. Still, it was amazing to think that an instrument could perform both these tasks easily, and he was interested in hearing Zelda's views on the subject.

"It'd explain why the hero was given his title," she noted and examined the portrait above. "Although it seems unlikely, I cannot help but think it's true. The heroes of the past have long achieved the impossible, all far beyond belief. It was the design of the goddesses that the wielders of the Triforce of Courage and Wisdom might save Hyrule from any blight that may fall upon it, even if that meant that they may have to bend some of nature's laws to do so."

Link nodded; of course, he believed that. He'd seen and overcome many things that one may label as impossible, not excluding transforming into a wolf on more than one occasion.

They walked past many of the other displays of the other heroes, seeing remnants of the Legend of the Minish and the Legend of the Four Sword, one of the cases holding the blade itself. They stopped before the very last at the very end of the room: the shrine of the Hero of the Sky and the Goddess Hylia's incarnate. They stared at the portrait with their undivided attention.

Could this really be where it began? Could they really be connected through blood and spirit to these heroes of legend?

He took a deep breath as he took it all in: all the heroes and their stories, all the artifacts and portraits preserved and protected, even through the tumble that the castle had taken. It was all here and it was all so beautiful, and it brought them both a sense of belonging.

But he was curious. Why'd she think to bring him here? He bit his lip, wondering for just a brief moment if he should so much as ask, before taking the plunge.

"This hall has brought me great comfort in my times of need," she answered. "It's easier to forget our difficulties once we realize how small we are compared to something as expansive as the past. I suppose how we're granted with the same gifts of the goddesses may bind our amity to these legends as well." The princess turned to him then and looked into his eyes, bearing warmth and sincerity within her steel blue gaze.

"Link, though you've been granted immeasurable courage, it doesn't mean that you must be brave through every hardship. Courage does not mean boundless bravery just the same as wisdom doesn't mean infinite knowledge. We aren't gifted to be resilient nor do we have our faults taken away from us.

"What I mean to say is that it's okay to be afraid or lost at times. To ask for help or to take a step back doesn't show weakness: it shows that you're able to acknowledge your limitations and approach them wholeheartedly."

The hero looked at the young monarch with astonishment. How could she so easily read through him to understand how he was feeling? It was unnerving to think that the princess could understand his emotions and thoughts as if they were bound together in mind and spirit. Perhaps it wasn't all that far off from the truth considering their gifts' from the goddesses.

Even so, it was uncharacteristic of her to take time out of her busy schedule to show him a place like this, far from her study, to bring him comfort in his time of need. He knew she valued her work greatly, putting Hyrule before everything and anything else. And although she was always kind and generous, it was surprising to see that, for even just a moment, she cherished him enough to disregard her duties for his sake.

The instance reminded him greatly of when Midna was ailing and yet Zelda had so willingly sacrificed her light, her life, to save her. It seemed to him that although the princess seemed cold, stoic, and rather stiff at times, she'd proven to be selfless, caring, and above all, real.

"Thank you, Your Highness." He smiled warmly and she returned it without hesitation. "It's amazing."

"It truly is. The legends are so very great and inspiring, it's remarkable to think how we may be a part of it." She paused for a moment and then glanced down sorrowfully. "Yet they cast large shadows upon us. More so you than what I've had to face."

He hadn't given much thought to what he'd do next.

Without meeting her gaze, his calloused knuckles, bare against her gloves, brushed against hers, and though she started, she didn't move. There were protocols - what was proper and improper - and their proximity alone must've broken at least one of them. And yet, it wasn't until he hooked a finger onto hers that she became disarmed.

Zelda drew in a trembling breath. Her gaze followed his every move until he eased his hand around hers and her eyes shot to his.

She would've reprimanded him for breaching contact with a royal, but she was taken by surprise. No one ever dared to touch her before outside of proper etiquette, and yet Link, despite being the epitome of chivalrous, ventured to take her hand.

But she knew that he was hurting. How could she deny him such a simple touch for the sake of her pride? That was all it was: comfort.

His voice was low as he said, "It's not your fault." His eyes finally flashed to hers. "Why do you still think it is?"

Zelda took a shuddering breath, glancing back at the portrait of the goddess Hylia's incarnate. "The citizens of this kingdom deserve a monarch that's able to fight off any invasion. Not only did I fail at this, but I also surrendered the people's safety because I knew I alone wouldn't be able to protect them. It was cowardly of me to do so and all of Hyrule had to suffer for my mistakes.

"The entire war could've just as easily been avoided if I'd just been more prepared. So many people were lost, and those who weren't were living in constant fear." She shook her head sadly, swallowing so that she wouldn't choke up. "You cannot touch blood without it staining your fingers."

"You weren't the one to invade another kingdom, Your Highness," Link reminded her and she spared him a dubious glance over her shoulder. With a swallow, he shrugged. "Besides, shadows aren't all that bad, right?"

She let out a breath and shook her head. "No, they're not."

"Do you miss her?"

Her shoulders tensed, feeling her walls of emotional security brace for impact. The princess never really spoke of her feelings or deepest pains with anybody, so it wasn't easy to answer even such a simple question. But perhaps it'd be good closure for both of them. Midna was someone she cherished deeply and she knew that the hero felt the same way.

"Yes. Every day, I miss her."

They stood quietly for a moment in the flickering torchlight, hand in hand, holding together the broken shards of all that they were.

"A myth in Termina states that their world was once parallel to Hyrule. People and places mirrored this world, almost like an echo across another dimension. That's what I imagine Midna to be, my other half…She was like that for you as well, was she not?"

"I guess so. Midna was everything I wasn't."

The moment lapsed into another period of silence, both lost in their thoughts. "Midna knew what was best for both realms of light and twilight. Her decision was brave and selfless, but I know she misses us the same as we do."

"I know. I just hope that she's okay."

Zelda smiled delicately and perhaps just a little surer of herself. "She will be." The hero's deep blue eyes softened and he nodded with a smile.

The sight warmed the princess's heart: how could he be so caring for others, even when he was feeling so torn himself? Not to mention that he so easily understood the only part of her she'd just begun understanding herself.

And for a mere instant, Zelda laced her fingers through his, tightening her grasp, and he tensed. But nearly as quickly as she did it, she let go. She may have been a queen with many riches, but she could not afford an open heart.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I must return to my duties. Please excuse me." The princess turned on her heel and strode out of the Hall of Legends, leaving the hero confused in her wake.

Chapter Text

After waiting for so long, it was finally time to prepare for Princess Zelda's coronation. Invitations were sent to the neighboring kingdoms, citizens of Hyrule organized Castle Town's festivities, and servants scurried around the palace to make arrangements for the ceremony and ball.

If it was even possible, the castle was more hectic than it was for the hero's knighting ceremony. Fortunately enough for him, Link didn't have to participate in any of the preparations this time around. He had his own duties to focus on.

It was his first day of training the knights alongside Commander Eagus. The hero felt anxious and ill-equipped for it. The fact that Hyrule's entire army depended on how well he could give his expertise and attend to Eagus' demands wasn't to be taken lightly after all. He might've been a great swordsman and a so-called 'hero', but he was no leader.

It surprised and terrified him when Princess Zelda suddenly sprung the Assistant to Commander in Chief position on him in front of the council. She didn't so much as mention it to him beforehand, but she probably guessed that he wouldn't have accepted it if she did. The princess really was cunning, it seemed.

After he slipped into his hero's tunic - which both Commander Eagus and Princess Zelda thought would be wise to wear on his first day of training - he grabbed the Ordon sword and his Hylian shield and headed out to the training yards.

The gusts of wind were bit by winter's frozen jaw while flakes of snow fell upon the land, and yet Link felt as if it were nothing but a powerful breeze. His experience on Snowpeak Mountain had prepared him for the mighty winter coming along, which no other knight-in-training could claim for himself.

Luckily enough for the soldiers, however, the grounds were enclosed by the castle walls so that they were protected from the cold winds. Link noticed the other trainees still shuddered and chattered their teeth at the bitter air and had to remind himself not to criticize them for it: they hadn't experienced things the way he did.

Upon entering the courtyard, Commander Eagus noticed his arrival and stopped handing out equipment to trudge over to him. "Aye Link!"

"Good morning, Commander Eagus," he responded politely, while his chief loomed over him in an intimidating kind of way. Link could understand why Zelda would have this man as her commander: with his armor hiding his usual cheerful expression, the large man appeared menacing and mysterious.

But then the older knight slapped Link on the back, instantly shattering the illusion of his sternness. "No need to be so formal here, Link. This is where we train to be 'stone-cold warriors'!" Eagus shouted the last part so that the squires might overhear it and knocked at his large chest in a tough sort of way. Then he continued a little more quietly, leaning closer to Link. "Now what happened to you, my boy? I got worried when you disappeared with Rusl the other night! Is everything all right?"

Link bit his lip. He hadn't spoken to Rusl since that evening. His anger had somewhat shifted to feelings of pain and betrayal, but he still wasn't sure how to confront him after what happened. Besides, the hero stayed away from Telma's bar and all members of the resistance to avoid running into him unsuspectingly, so he didn't even know if Rusl was still in Castle Town.

But it wasn't the place nor time to discuss it, and Link wasn't even sure if he wanted to share his feelings with his supervisor. So he nodded sharply and lied, "It was just a misunderstanding."

"Ah, that's good, my boy! Then let's not waste another minute." Commander Eagus gave Link a short and simple tour of the grounds, just so that he wouldn't get lost and have at least some sense of his surroundings.

The training yards were large quarters, divided into sections to practice different exercises and drills such as archery and swordsmanship. The equipment was messily stored in wooden shelves and crates between the stone arches surrounding the grounds, targets were lined up against the far end of the enclosure, and practice dummies were arranged around all the other sides. Link noted that many of the knights-in-training laid back and chatted with one another while others lazily slipped into their armor.

Every soldier who saw and recognized him by his forest green tunic stood stiff, frightened, and possibly even intimidated. He nodded or smiled lightly if he made eye contact, relieving them a little of their misplaced anxiety.

After getting Link accustomed to the grounds, Eagus stood in the center of the area and blew a sharp whistle through his fingers. He motioned for Link to stand by his side as all the other squires crowded around them. His big voice boomed through the courtyard, "'Morning, everyone!" Responses rumbled from the throng of men, all of their knowing eyes locked on the young hero's.

"I have an announcement today. From now on, Link here – you might know him better as the hero himself – will be your new second-in-command. He's got plenty of great suggestions and a whole lotta experience, so if he's got any demands you follow them, you hear me?" A murmur droned from the crowd and Eagus found that appeasing enough. "Great! Now let's get started."

Commander Eagus shouted a few of the regular drills and the men followed them reluctantly. They must've been intimidated while Link watched them, at times stealing glances in his direction.

The soldiers fought weakly and disorderly in the courtyard, sweat building up just from the warm-ups and practice, and Eagus' incoherent shouting could be heard over the clashing of blades and exasperated grunts.

The hero watched with furrowed brows as men toppled over themselves and swung their swords with no grace or aptitude. During each battle, Link mindlessly assumed each of the soldier's weaknesses, predicted both their strikes and defenses and calculated how they should've attacked instead. It came so naturally to him that their inept attempts to parry or strike frustrated his now-irritable self.

A long while later, Eagus called for a short break and sauntered back to Link. "So what do you think, Link? Any good?" The hero pursed his lips nervously. How could he tell his superior that that was possibly the most disturbing display of swordplay he'd ever witnessed?

He didn't have to, for it was written all over his face, and Eagus frowned in disappointment. "All right my boy, you gotta help me out here. Go on ahead and show the group what you've got so we can see your fighting style."

Link scratched his neck nervously under the daunting gaze of the commander but nodded anyway. The hero brandished his sword as he walked out to the center of the courtyard while Eagus' shrill whistle resonated through the space once more. Then, he ordered a squire to come forward.

A built man, perhaps a few years older than Link, pushed his way to the front of the crowd and approached him silently. He clutched the hilt of his sword as he pulled it out, the sound of metal scraping against leather echoing amongst the crowd, which remained silent in awe. Brandy slid into a defensive position and Link's sharp eyes watched his every move intently.

The older man charged forward, his sword slashing against Link's as the hero effortlessly deflected his blow with his blade, steel against steel vibrating against the still air and traveling up the squire's wrist. The hero had caught him vulnerable as he clenched his fist tighter to withstand the pain and shoved him backward with a grunt.

Navy blue eyes watched intently and readily as he calculated his next move, where he then jumped to the side and sliced forward, and where Link's blade met his without a moment's hesitation. His failed attempts continued for a few exasperating tries as Link stayed on the defensive, while the crowd's eyes and ears trained to the sight of the hero's quick movements and the grunts of an older man resonating over the clashes of blades.

In his desperation, the squire thrust his sword forward and Link backflipped with ease, momentarily hovering over the steel blade meant to stab at his chest before he gracefully fell right before it. His opponent watched with amazement, and the hero took the moment to his advantage as he sidestepped, rolled, and struck him against the back of his knees. The soldier tumbled to the ground, skidding against the frost-covered cobblestones as Link aimed the tip of his sword at the back of his throat. His opponent felt the cold steel linger against his skin and breathed heavily against the ground as he slid his hands up in surrender.

The cheers and clapping echoed throughout the yard while the young hero offered his hand to his opponent to help him stand and the older man sulked, both surprised and embarrassed. They shook hands as Link handed him the sword that the knight-in-training dropped before ambling back into the crowd.

Commander Eagus clapped loudly and chuckled deep in his chest as he shouted, "Amazing, Link! Now that is swordplay!"

For the rest of the afternoon, Link was in charge of the army. It felt natural almost, as Eagus followed in his tracks and noted the way the hero would fix the squires' postures while he walked past. Link watched each of the soldier's duel, giving them pointers along the way and even more suggestions afterward. The day seemed short, for Link forgot his nervous and silent ways as he fought and taught in the arena, having so much to say and so little time.

Zelda sat at one end of the long dark table, going over a list of guests to be invited to her coronation. She took a small sip of tea from her porcelain cup without peeling her eyes from the long sheet of paper and only looked up when she heard the door at the far end open and shut. The princess set the teacup and paper aside, giving a small smile to the hero as he made his way to sit beside her.

"Good evening, Sir Link," she greeted cordially.

"Good evening, Your Highness."

"It was your first day in your new position, was it not? You must tell me how it went." The servants then made their rounds, handing out steaming bowls of stew, whilst Link and Zelda thanked them politely and continued with their conversation.

"It went well, I think. Commander Eagus is a good leader and it's great working with him."

"That's good to hear. The commander is indeed a great man. He's been training the knights of Hyrule for a long time. He was even a good friend of my father's. And how did today's training go?"

His face flushed at this. He was in no place to tell the princess that her soon-to-be knights were terrible at their job. But then, much to his confusion, her lips curled in amusement.

"I suspected as much. You mustn't be nervous to tell me how the squires' are doing: I already know that they aren't that skilled." Link's face flushed deeper at how she politely and yet bluntly called him out. "That's why I've appointed you to be their second-in-command. I truly believe that you'll be able to teach them proper swordsmanship. Though Commander Eagus is a good man, his strategies are old and outdated, so perhaps you can provide them with a fresh perspective."

"I hope so, Your Highness. But I doubt I could be a good leader like him."

"That's not what I heard from Commander Eagus. On the contrary, for he told me that the squires admired your skill and you've already inspired them greatly." The hero cocked an eyebrow: had she really checked how his first day of work went, even with her busy schedule?

The princess must've assumed he doubted what she said as she continued. "Perhaps you're too humble to see, Sir Link, but you have the means to encourage many young knights to take their responsibilities seriously by just your courage and skill. It won't be soon, I'm sure, as all great things come with time, but one day you'll make a great commander. I wouldn't appoint you to your position if I didn't believe so."

"Thank you, Your Highness," he said, with a bashful smile from her praise. He then took a small spoonful of the scorching hot stew, having already memorized the place settings for himself. "How're you doing?"

"I've been well. I'm sure you have heard I'm soon to be crowned so I apologize that the palace has been rather busy as of late," she said with her eyes trained on her meal, sipping her soup mannerly before setting the spoon back into the bowl. She then turned her gaze back to him. "I have means to ask of you to attend the ceremony, Sir Link."

He raised his eyebrows in surprise. He wasn't a noble and only highly esteemed members of the castle were allowed to attend such a prestige occasion. "I didn't…" He trailed off, looking off to the sides. He wasn't sure what he wanted to say. "I mean… of course, Your Highness. If you want me to."

"Thank you, Sir Link. I'd truly appreciate it if you'd come," she said earnestly. "Royal events have the tendency to be rather stiff and exasperating at times, so it'd nice to have a friend for support."

That was the first time the princess had ever shown a regard for Link in a personal way and he was quick to notice it. She thought of him as a friend. He wondered how many people were lucky enough to have her friendship. His blush returned as he nodded firmly with a familiar grin. "Well then, Your Highness, I'll be there."

Then, in what must've been a trick of light, the princess smiled shyly, a small demure pull of her delicate lips showing him her first act of bashfulness that he'd ever seen. But as soon as it came, it disappeared, making Link question if he could've imagined such a thing.

"And congratulations, Your Highness," he said, retaliating in her compliments for that evening, and ducked his head with a discerning smile. "You'll make a great queen."

Suddenly, the princess lowered her spoon back to the bowl and closed her eyes, as if to shield the very depths of her soul from him. Her soft, warm smile returned tenfold, and when she opened her eyes again, they were glossy with sincere gratitude. "Thank you, Link," she said, forgetting his title for just a moment.

And he didn't mind.

The next week slipped by with the same busy routine for everyone within the castle walls. Just a short while after sending the invitations to dukes and princes alike, the princess received a flood of eager responses, all with the same message: they'd be delighted to attend.

On top of all her regular duties to her kingdom, the princess now had the responsibility to choose the linens, place settings, candlelight, music, and all other small details for the ball preceding her coronation. Not only this, but she also had to practice her crowning ceremony with the Hylian minister and had to meet with the arriving suitors.

Thus so, Princess Zelda was royally exhausted. Her make-up didn't conceal the bags under her eyes and her busy schedule even denied her the ability to eat at times. Lady Irene, along with some of Zelda's ladies-in-waiting, did their best to get her back into healthy habits, but it was no use: the princess always brushed them off, saying that she had it all under control. They all knew that it wasn't true, but the princess hated pity and was too stubborn to put even her health before Hyrule.

That very day, Zelda was prepared to meet with Prince Fletcher of Holodrum, who was one of the first nobles to arrive at Hyrule for her celebration. The princess was clad in a soft pink gown, her golden diadem sitting on her braided, russet hair and matching pauldrons resting on her shoulders. Her head was held high with her hands folded before her as she awaited the prince's arrival in her castle courtyard.

A short while later, the blaring of trumpets sounded by the hands of two heralds, and from between them strode Prince Fletcher. The prince was very tall and had pale skin and dark slicked-back hair. He proudly wore a silky red tunic, ornamented with a golden broach and a matching belt buckle. His shoulders were draped with the fur coat of a buck and his stride was confident as he came to bow before her.

"What an honor it is to meet you, Princess Zelda," he stated, taking her gloved hand in his and kissing it deeply, while his brown eyes gazed into her steel-blue ones. "Looking upon you, I'm obliged to say that the rumors don't do you justice: you're more beautiful than all the jewels in Holodrum." The oil of his hand seeped through the silk of her glove, but she waited politely for him to stand before she pulled her hand back.

"The honor's mine, Prince Fletcher. I've heard many great things of you and your kingdom, and it's such a pleasure to finally be acquainted with you."

The prince seemed to enjoy her flattery, for he smirked cockily and shrugged with one shoulder, mocking modesty. "It's Hyrule that I'm truly fascinated by. Why just as I walked in, I was surrounded by a flock of admirers. You wouldn't believe it, but I don't even get that esteem from my own subjects."

Zelda bit the inside of her cheek and nodded. "Perhaps we should take a stroll through the castle gardens so that you can see more of the majesty that is Hyrule," she offered kindly, and he grinned, foolishly believing that the princess was entranced by his charm already. Fletcher took Zelda by the arm and walked them through the courtyard boastfully, with several of the princess's guards trailing shortly behind them.

"I hope you don't mind me asking but how does the king fare? I've heard many terrible things and I do pray they're not true."

"Unfortunately, princess," he responded, "they must all be true. My father's been feeling ill as of late and we're at our wits end with how to aid him. It was a shame that he couldn't make it to this event: our fathers were once great friends, you know. He wishes that I may send you all the best, however."

"I accept his congratulations with much gratitude, for I do remember my father speaking well of Holodrum and His Majesty. I shall keep your father in my prayers, as I do hope that the king is brought back to full health soon."

"And I, Princess, accept your kindness with a humble and gracious heart," he said with a grin. "You're very kind, my lady, much like your father." She gave him a genuine smile in return and he continued with confidence. "Though it's your stunning beauty that entrances me most. You must have many men arriving at the castle to court you, do you not? Although, I have no fear, for I'll fight for your hand if that's what you'd ask."

"I assure you that wouldn't be necessary. Nonetheless, it's much too soon to discuss these matters, wouldn't you agree? After all, we've just been acquainted. I'd like to know more about you and your kingdom."

"Of course, princess. If it's about myself that you wonder, I have much to tell you. You see, I've spent many days hunting with my father and his knights, but as of late the king was unable to accompany our ventures and I've taken the responsibility upon myself. I'm rather proficient at the sport as you can see." He gestured towards the coat around his neck and Zelda's nose twitched imperceptibly.

"I caught this buck with my men last season. He was a large one, I'll say, and feisty too. No other man could take him down."

She peeled her eyes off the poor animal and nodded with reluctance. "And how are politics in Holodrum?"

"They're well, I suppose. I've been rather busy as of late, tending to my other duties." He noted the dissatisfaction in the princess's expression and stumbled to correct himself.

"Of course, that'll be the first thing I look into once I return. Politics is one of the many important responsibilities that stem from being royal, I'm sure you know. It could even be my priority." He snickered nervously and Zelda spared him a small smile.

"Most surely, my lord."

"And how's Hyrule doing? I've heard some strange rumors and I've been much too curious to know the truth."

"Of what rumors do you speak, Prince Fletcher?" Zelda asked though she knew what he meant. Still, she wasn't eager to share the events with him, or anyone for that matter.

"There's a tale that a war of sorts took place, but I was quick to hope that they are as tales can be."

Zelda hesitated for a moment before explaining, "Not necessarily, my lord. It was more similar to an invasion, but the goddesses were benevolent and gifted these lands with a hero. Chance be it that you might run into him at the ball; he's a very generous knight."

The prince's face soured with jealousy. "I'm sure that'd be a lucky instance indeed." Then he paused in consideration and smirked once again. "However, I'm sure I'll be preoccupied," he said with a suggestive tone, grabbing her hand briskly and spinning her around to face him.

She inhaled sharply and tried to take a step back, but he forced her against it. "This is hardly proper, my lord. Best not get carried away," she said, hiding her apprehension beneath her strong voice.

"There's no shame in getting to know one another, my lady," he insisted, eyes trained on her lips.

"I most certainly agree, Prince Fletcher. Though I wish not to be hasty, as I'm sure you understand. Unless of course, you're quick in all your endeavors, then I must digress."

His brown eyes widened and he pulled away in a hurry. "I'm afraid you're greatly mistaken, my lady, for I'm anything but quick." Then, realizing that she'd so cleverly snuck her way out of his grasp, he stepped closer once again.

"I apologize for overstepping my boundaries, princess. Though, do remember this: a queen must always follow her king's orders once they wed."

At this, Zelda smartly hid her disgust.

Link's regular duties did well to soothe his nerves, as he always found comfort in swordplay. For him, it was a channel where he could release his frustration and he was happy to use it for the greater good. Every knight that he worked alongside had improved his skill to a certain degree and Commander Eagus was thoroughly impressed.

The captain soon caught on to the hero's pointers and suggestions and resumed his duties of commanding with Link's influence. The two knights worked together late into the night to create effective battle strategies and practice scenarios.

The hero also made a few good friends from his time at the castle and found that many knights and servants alike treated him with a kindness that he didn't receive from the upper class. He didn't pay it any mind though, caring little about the disdain the nobles held for him. It wouldn't stop him from enjoying his new life in the palace or his work in the barracks.

When evening made way, the hero stuck around to help clear away the equipment. Eagus patted him lightly on the shoulder as he walked past and the squires gave Link a friendly look or two as they left the arena, chatting all the while. He'd file the day as a fruitful success.

For the first time in a long while, he felt comfortable. It wasn't the kind of comfort that came from homecooked meals or from being around his friends in Ordon - although those were wonderful things as well. It was more like he felt he was in the right place, doing the right thing. Teaching the squires his techniques made him forget that he was a shy man; it made him feel powerful, as if what he did made a difference, and all his energy and knowledge went towards an important cause. If this was what being second-in-command would be like, maybe he wouldn't mind it all that much.

The sound of shuffling and frustrated grunts broke his train of thought, so the young hero hung up the last shield onto some pegs and walked over towards the sound, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Once he found the source of the noises to be an older and shorter woman carrying a heavy load of dirty towels, he reached out to help her.

"Mind if I help you with that?" he asked politely, and the old woman, startled by his voice and blinded by the fabrics, jumped up in fear.

"Who-" she started, but was silenced upon seeing the man in armor before her, who grabbed the towels from her shaking grasp.

"Sorry for scaring you." He laughed kindly and she gaped once she got a clear view of the hero.

"Could you be - the hero, oh my!" She bowed feverishly, avoiding eye contact with the young man.

"Please," he said with a small frown, "it's okay. The name's Link." She still didn't rise from her position. "And you are?"

She shook slightly as she stood upright, answering him with a shaky voice, "I'm Lady Irene, her- Sir Link. It's so great to meet you."

"You too," he said, trailing off before asking as politely as he could, "Do you mind telling me where I should leave these?"

"Oh! Well – er – I'll show you," she answered, before turning on her heel and leading him through the lower halls, into the servants' quarters.

The halls were packed with servants rushing around, so Link did his best to sidestep around and through them all. Many seemed to recognize him yet again, murmuring to each other and sending him admiring looks as they passed along. The pathways, hectic and crammed, were muggier and yet darker than the ones he'd come to know above.

The heated halls so greatly contrasted the frozen courtyards that even the hero couldn't help but notice it. Every physical aspect - from the wooden doorways to the people's clothes - seemed plainer, but the liveliness filled up the area brightly in a way the higher chambers couldn't. After shoving through the crowds, Lady Irene opened up an old wooden door to a laundry station.

In the large room, basins were spilling over with bubbly water, and clothes of fine fabrics within were tugged and dragged across boards made of iron and wood. More clothes were suspended by pins on lines going out a window and hung out to dry.

The room was thick with steam from the washbasins and lit up by flickering candlelights glowing throughout the simple room.

Scullery maids eyed him suspiciously as he dropped off the towels in the pile that Lady Irene directed him to, wondering what business the hero of Hyrule would have to do there.

"I'm sorry for bringing you all this way. It wouldn't be much trouble for me to bring the load myself," Irene said, folding her hands nervously.

The hero smiled kindly and shook his head. "It's okay, I don't mind. A lot is going on in the castle, so you must be busy."

"Aye, all for the princess's coronation. It's chaotic but long overdue if you ask me."

"Where is the princess, anyway?" Irene side-glanced at him dubiously. "I-I mean, I haven't seen her for a few days."

She smirked before shaking her head. "She's been busy with her duties. She's meeting some prince today, I think."

Link frowned a little. "From where?"

"I'm not sure. Holodrum, maybe." He hummed in response. "I heard you were invited to the gala," Irene mentioned with delight. "That must be exciting. The balls here are usually impressive."

"I guess so."

"I'll watch the ceremony for my lady, but I have the evening to spend with my children at home." He smiled and nodded thoughtfully. "Now, I won't keep you any longer. And I should resume my duties as well, Sir Link."

"Is there anything else I can help you with first?"

Irene cocked an eyebrow in surprise. "No, you've done enough already. Thank you for your help, but that's all."

As he turned and headed out, Irene couldn't help but think how nice it was to make an acquaintance with the hero himself. He truly was as kind and humble as they said.

After weeks of preparing and meeting dukes, princes, lords, and ladies, Zelda's coronation day finally arrived.

The young woman patiently sat through the morning with her ladies pulling and curling her chestnut hair, lavishing her skin with creams, coating her face with makeup, and many other agonizing proceedings without any complaints. The process took hours and Zelda ached in her skin, but it'd all be worth it for the day's event.

Though she knew being crowned queen was a serious and significant step, Zelda couldn't deny feeling a bit of girlish excitement. It was an honor to accept the crown, which many of her ancestors had so graciously done before her. And though she believed it was an honor that she didn't deserve, she'd accept it with all her heart, for she believed serving the kingdom with all her strength was the very least she could do in return for the terror she gave rise to.

Once her skin and hair preparations were done, one of her maids instructed her to stand for her gown. The princess slithered into the layers of sapphire satin while the maids hinged her pauldrons onto her shoulders and placed a white fabric bearing the Hylian symbol across her waist. And for the last time, her golden diadem was placed onto her forehead.

When she was ready, the maids moved aside so that she could take a look at the finished result. The princess gave a small nod to all the servants and approached the tall mirror standing in the corner.

Her eyes lit up, cocking her head as she skimmed over her appearance. Her chestnut hair was tied upon her head with expert styling: there wasn't a single hair out of place or falling apart.

Though it uncomfortably pulled at her head, she wouldn't deny it looked marvelous. And with her eyes darkened slightly and lips painted, her face shone with elegant beauty.

She examined the handiwork, twisting to look over her dress and gloved hands pulling on her skirts. Her deep blue bodice tightened against her torso and was veiled in delicate lace, and it flourished at her waist with dozens of layers of fabric. The skirt from her waist was held with a golden belt that matched the pauldrons sitting on her shoulders.

"You look beautiful, Your Highness," one maid remarked kindly, while many others were quick to agree.

"Thank you, Lady Katherine," Zelda said as she turned to face them. "Yet it's a fruit of all your labor. I must thank you for your time today."

"Of course, Your Highness."

Then, there was a quick knock on the door. A maid greeted the herald, and he walked in and announced, "It's time, Your Highness. The guests have arrived and the ceremony is due to start. Are you ready?"

The princess nodded firmly and slid across her chambers. "Let's not keep them waiting."

The ceremony, like many others, was held in the throne room. Already, Zelda had seen it under many people's rule: her parents, briefly Ganondorf's, and now rightfully hers.

The entire crowd silenced upon her arrival, all eyes directed at her as she glided across the aisle with poise and fortitude. She heard the sharp intake of gasps pierce the silent room from all directions, all entranced by the beauty that was their princess and very soon-to-be queen.

Perhaps more than anyone, Link was proud to watch her become queen. He hadn't known her for very long, but they'd met in what was likely the most difficult part of both their lives - an unusual kinship forged in the fires of war.

They were the only ones in the light realm who experienced and understood the full extent of the Twilight Invasion - the only ones who knew the true evil that pervaded their land.

He knew more than anyone the lengths she'd gone through to protect her kingdom: he watched her give her spirit to Midna so that she could fight for their kingdoms another day; he watched her pray to the light spirits for arrows imbued with powerful magic and then watched her plunder Ganondorf with those very same light arrows, sitting astride Epona with only her thighs gripping the saddle.

Though they didn't see it, she risked everything for Hyrule. She loved the kingdom, and they needed her.

Her dress trailed over the stairs to the dais, rippling gracefully with every step. And when she finally climbed to the top, her face, tired and worn, was alit with pride. At last, she was ready to take the place that she'd prepared her whole life for. Her rosy cheeks were hidden, however, as she bowed before the minister and he began the ceremony.

"Do you solemnly swear to govern Hyrule under the respectful laws and customs within reason? Will you present Hyrule with wisdom, power, and courage to pursue law, justice, and mercy in all judgments? Do you hereby swear to practice all of your power to protect Hyrule to the best of your abilities?"

With a small intake of air, she announced, "I solemnly swear so to do."

"Then with the goddesses' vigilant attention, we present to you today, Zelda Nohansen Harkinian who stands before you as benevolent Princess of Hyrule to be presented to you as Queen of Hyrule."

Two representatives then held out a velvet pillow each, one empty and the other that held a golden crown, encrusted with diamonds and crystals. The minister took hold of the diadem at her head, placed it upon the empty cushion, and set the more extravagant crown upon her head carefully.

Zelda rose, meeting the minister's gaze with respect and well-concealed excitement, and he handed her another pillow holding a ceremonial orb and a scepter. She clutched them both tightly in her hands before spinning towards the crowd, head held high and eyes set straight before her, appearing as though the heavy gold in her hands weighed nothing more than two feathers on her fingertips.

"By the blessings of the goddesses and with the holy properties in hand, may you take up this crown and all that it bears to represent, for you shall hereby grace Hyrule with your wisdom, power, and courage as queen. Zelda Nohansen Harkinian, Queen of Hyrule."

In his formal knight attire, Link shuffled uncomfortably. He was standing as poised as he could manage, watching foreign dignitaries prance around the grand hall, making merry conversation and possibly political allies. Councilors clad in expensive fabrics greeted one another with handshakes and practiced smiles while princes laughed heartily amongst each other.

The ballroom was magnificent, far larger than any room he'd ever been in before. Grand golden chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, the candles' glow alight upon every rehearsed smile and champagne flute. Soft concerto music kept the guests entertained, but all he could hear was the clinking of gilded goblets, echoing as if they were blades on a battlefield.

Royal blue cloths were draped over the tables around the dance floor, where all the attendees had gathered after dinner. But Link stood by one of the tall windows, sipping idly at the red wine a servant handed him earlier.

It wasn't that Link was bored, really. Many nobles approached him with questions about his accomplishments, eager to hear from the hero himself as though he was a spectacle, the newest exhibit in their collection.

Though they all appeared polite and eager, Link could feel the underlying distaste in their mouths and just knew they were laughing about his country mannerisms once they were out of earshot.

He felt completely out of place and he couldn't figure out why the princess - now queen - thought inviting him was a good idea.

She had yet to speak with him at all. Drifting across the great hall like a fallen flake of snow, Zelda was pulled aside by dukes and princes alike. His chest ached as he watched Zelda, as lovely as ever, holding hands with different men - some handsome, others tall, and all richer than he could fathom.

It wasn't jealousy, of course. He was simply protective: one look at them mustered up the same anxiety that he'd get before a battle. Surely Zelda felt it too.

Suddenly, the music swelled with levity and many men rushed to the queen's side to ask her to dance. She took the hand of the first man who reached her and was carried away to the center of the floor.

Other couples rushed to dance alongside them, colorful silks flying across the room with every spin. A few women strutted in front of Link, as if to get his attention, but his eyes followed Zelda the entire time.

Many songs began and ended and Link wondered if Zelda forgot she asked him to come. Whether she had or she hadn't, she certainly didn't care if he stayed. He escaped through an open door that led to the courtyard.

For a long moment, leaning against the parapet, Link felt so alone. He'd given up his life in Ordon for the adventure that might've lied elsewhere but got caught up in becoming a commander all too quickly.

Though he loved his new job, he wasn't fit for palace life. It was nothing like life in a village, and his accomplishments meant little without a dignified title to go with them. He was a goat herder and saving Hyrule was never going to change that.

A cloud plumed from his lips as he sighed, watching the snowfall. Outside, the world was quiet, and the calm moment allowed him to still his mind for just a while.

After a short time, a familiar voice called out to him. "Sir Link."

Her soft voice was enough to carry over the faint music from the hall and he turned to face her. With gloved hands folded before her, she stood tall in the doorway.

"Your Highness," he replied dryly.

She approached him, her skirts shuffling with each sure step in his direction. He watched as her hands settled on the stone railing before turning back to watch the falling snow. But as he tried to return to his contemplations, he found her presence irritated him for some reason.

"Shouldn't you be dancing with a prince or something?" Just as the harsh words left his lips, he regretted saying them.

She gave him an arch look. "Perhaps I should. Though that's hardly your decision to make."

He sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude."

"It's all right, Link. I apologize for not greeting you sooner. It was unfair of me after you so kindly agreed to attend. As I told you, these events can be exasperating, but that's hardly an excuse."

"It's fine."

"Why don't you come inside? Is the party not to your liking?"

"It is," he answered quickly and then trailed off, unsure of himself.

"You don't have to stay. You've attended the ceremony and that's all I could ask of you, Link. Perhaps the festivities in Castle Town would be more to your liking."

With his gaze downcast, he simply shook his head. Then, an idea struck him. Hands nervously clutching the rails, he uttered, "Come with me."

Zelda's breath hitched. "I beg your pardon."

"Come with me," he repeated, turning his head to face her. His messy blond hair had come undone of its formal styling and fell in front of his crispy blue eyes. "I'm sure everyone in Castle Town would love to see you."

"Though that offer sounds charming, I can't simply leave the ball. There are dignitaries and princes I have matters to discuss with."

"We wouldn't be gone for long. You can come back after." He paused and Zelda was ready to argue, but he was quicker. "Besides, don't your people deserve to see you too?"

Her resolve began to break, but he couldn't see it. Perhaps going into town would be a wise decision. It wasn't every day that she could be amongst her citizens, and given her coronation, it'd be nice to see whom she became queen for.

It was difficult to simply abandon the reception. If anyone were to notice that she slipped away, especially with Link, she'd get a stern talking to from the council.

But that was it right? She was queen now, and any power the council held over her as princess was revoked.

The princes would surely still seek her attention during their stay in the palace, foreign dignitaries busied themselves with talk of treaties and trade, and it wasn't like she hadn't already devoted hours to the cause anyway.

The event now was more social than advantageous, so perhaps the wisest decision would be to go with Link. Even for just a little while.

Zelda took a deep breath and he braced himself, ready to hear her say no. "Let's waste no time, then." The hero blinked, stunned, as the queen picked up her skirts, glided right past him, and climbed down the stairs without a moment's notice.

"You are coming, aren't you?" Then she flashed him a smile and Link was quick to follow her.

Chapter Text

Delicate snowflakes stood out strikingly against the dusky sky and the knots of her chestnut hair. It was silent in the castle courtyard, save for their footsteps plodding through the snow and a nearby owl hooting.

"Have you ever been to a Castle Town event?" she inquired at last, puncturing a hole through the built-up silence.

"No, I never left Faron Woods before the attack," he admitted. "But that day, I was supposed to go to the festival and present the sword that…that Rusl forged."

She was quiet for a moment, out of respect for his pain, before realizing that the lingering silence might further trouble him. "The festival was long suspended before that. Though of course, there were no representatives to send to Ordona to deliver the message."

"Well, I ended up seeing more of Hyrule than any other Hylian, anyhow."

"Most definitely."

"How about you, Your Highness? How much of Hyrule have you seen?"

She sighed softly and shook her head. "Regrettably, not much. There weren't many times it was safe or wise to leave the castle. The Mirror Chamber is the furthest I've ever traveled to before."

Link's mouth fell open. How could a monarch not see her own kingdom? "You really ought to see the kingdom, Your Highness. It's really beautiful."

"I agree. Perhaps one day."

"I could always take you if you'd like."

Her small smile softened. "If I were ever to see Hyrule, you'd be the first I'd ask to be my escort." A light blush dusted his cheeks, and he gave her a flustered smile as they continued to walk along.

Cheerful melodies of flutes and fiddles streamed from the gates as the queen and hero walked down the stairs. What must've been the entire town rejoiced, dancing around the crystalized fountain, twirling and laughing in the falling snow.

Crowds of people buzzed to find one another, while couples hid behind the stone arches and snuck into alleyways for solitude. Market stands were opened and moved to the center square, and store owners shouted discounts for the special occasion. The warm candlelight that lit up the town felt two times as bright, illuminating the glowing faces of the Hylians and nearly thawing the ice that cased the Triforce above the fountain.

Unbeknownst to him, Zelda took a deep breath before they entered the square. The sight of her people safe and happy, truly happy, warmed her to her very soul.

"Come on, Your Highness." He waved with a smile as he stepped through the gates.

But as soon as Zelda revealed herself to the masses, she heard people shouting excitedly, "It's the queen!" The Hylians gathered before her, some bowing, others observing, all with happy smiles plastered on their faces.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty."

"You look so beautiful, Your Majesty!"

"What a lovely queen the goddesses gave us!"

Children pulled at her skirts, laughing joyously, while babies looked at her with curiosity in their big, clear eyes.

Zelda considered for a moment whether she should make a formal introduction or a speech of some kind, but at that moment, she was so dazzled by light and sound that she wasn't sure what she could say. 'Thank you' or 'I'm sorry?'

The young monarch didn't know if she wanted to smile, frown, cheer, or cry: the happiness that radiated from the people made her feel both grateful and guilty. How ironic it was that they celebrated her reign.

But it was as she regarded the people, her people, celebrating her reign that she remembered why she accepted the crown in the first place. They stood before her, drenched in snow and still perspiring from the celebrations, all for her crowning day.

She didn't accept the crown because she made a mistake and felt guilty for it: she did it because she loved them. With all her heart, she cared for these wonderful Hylians who were back to their true forms and safe, who made mistakes and trusted her blindly, who cared and loved without hesitation.

And so the queen laughed.

The twinkling sound, so foreign to her people, made them wonder if she was mocking them at first. But she shook her head lightly, thanking everyone who congratulated her and returning the compliments they gave her with ease. She ruffled the scruffy hair of the boy who tugged at her dress and kissed the babies' foreheads, blessing them with any power she had.

The people were left gaping in surprise. It wasn't that they didn't know that she was kind, but rather that she never displayed it so purely.

The hero watched with wonder from beyond the throng of people, just as taken back by the queen's sudden change in character. Once the crowd settled back to their festivities, he approached her with a grin that she returned graciously. Though he managed to quell his surprise at the sound of her laughter, he couldn't hide his excitement.

"Want to go explore?"

"I'd love to."

For the evening, they celebrated with the townspeople and answered all the questions that they bombarded the queen, and at times the hero, with. They admired the jewels and treasures displayed on the market stands and snacked on samples of food as they passed by. As kids played in the freshly fallen snow, a rogue snowball hit the hero and he playfully retaliated while Zelda laughed joyously. The evening was so beautiful that neither of them wanted it to end.

But sadly, Link promised to return the queen to the ball before it got too late and so they both reluctantly said their goodbyes to the crowd.

However, as they followed the footprints that they'd taken earlier through the courtyard, the hero stopped suddenly. When Zelda realized he wasn't walking beside her, she turned slightly and looked at him curiously. "Link, are you all right?"

"Yes, I…" He hesitated, looking over her shoulder rather than holding her gaze. "Would it be okay if I asked for one more thing tonight?"

A brow arched as she made a full spin to face him, her skirts rippling like sapphire waves. "What is it you'd request?"

His dark blue eyes suddenly met hers. "Would you dance with me?"

In his mind, he explained how he wanted to spend just a little longer with Her Highness and how she had yet to spare him a dance. But staring at her, the words were caught in his throat.

"Of course, but we really should wait awhile once we return to the ball. We cannot make it too obvious that we were missing."

She chose her words carefully. She didn't want to admit how the council would disapprove of their outing, especially since she'd escaped with a commoner rather than a potential suitor.

"We could dance right here," he suggested. But once he said it out loud, he realized how brazen he sounded.

"'Here?'"

He shrugged, but not in the way the Prince of Holodrum did. Rather than being arrogant, the hero was nervous, almost shy. It was endearing, actually.

"If it's okay."

"If someone were to see us, they could misread the situation. I couldn't afford to have someone think that I was - that we were..."

The queen stumbled over her words, realizing how difficult it was to explain that she couldn't be seen frolicking with a man who wasn't a suitor, even if that man was the hero of Hyrule. Unwanted rumors that could harm her reputation would surely spread.

His eyes creased in understanding. Though her delivery was gentle, her words reminded him of what the councilors' said.

He was not worthy of her.

But Zelda was the only friend he could lean on, the only one who truly understood what he did and who he was now. Without Midna who understood what he went through on his journey, and Rusl and Ilia who understood him for whom he once was, he thought that maybe Zelda would be the person to support him as he fell into place. And the more he spent time with her, the more of her time he wanted.

But he understood: he was a commoner and she was a queen, high up on the hierarchy, with her own responsibilities apart from him.

"Right."

Her brows creased and she took a step towards him.

"Link, I'm sorry. But you must understand, it has nothing to do with you."

"It's okay, I get it," he said with a shake of his head, though his chest felt heavy and tight.

Though she could tell he was trying to hide his pain, he was clearly not good at disguising his emotions: he was too genuine. She took a deep breath. After a quick scan of their surroundings, her eyes came back to him and she said, "One dance, Sir Link. I'll spare you one dance."

"No, it was stupid. Don't-"

"You've given me such a wonderful evening, Link. It's the very least I can do." He didn't seem convinced. She sighed and stepped forward, snow kicking as her heels before she offered him a gentle smile.

"I will dance with you so long as you don't step on my toes." The light joke was punctuated with a teasing smile that pulled a flustered laugh from him.

Then, the queen bowed before him with one hand holding her skirts and the other placed on her heart. Link was quick to do the same, bowing low before offering his hand out to her, which she accepted with that lovely small smile of hers.

Zelda pulled herself just slightly closer, keeping a respectable distance, and placed her empty gloved hand on his broad shoulder. Link flushed as he placed his free hand on the small of her back.

The queen took the lead, stepping into time with natural grace, and they waltzed, drenched in the pure white of the streaming moonlight and falling snow. If the hero was anything, he was a quick learner. Before long, he was able to follow her footsteps as if they were one and the same, making Zelda wonder if she was still leading him.

Trusting him to spin her gracefully, Zelda allowed her eyes to close and her head to fall back. Link loosened his grip and twirled her, her dress billowing around her like she was adrift in water, and pulled her back with a smile that didn't do justice to how he felt.

She returned it easily, finding that she enjoyed the dance, perhaps more than she had with any prince or duke that night.

After a moment that seemed both endless and yet not long enough, a strand of the queen's hair, dusted with snowflakes, fell loose of its elaborate knots. Without much thought, he tucked it behind her pointy ear.

And suddenly, Zelda's heart dropped to her stomach.

He cared for her.

Horror flitted across her steel blue eyes and she abruptly stopped in her step. He looked at her with confusion, watching her stoicism drop like a curtain over her face.

"I should return to the ball. They must've noticed I've been missing by now."

Confused, he nodded slowly and reluctantly let go of her.

"I'll bring you back then," he offered, but she shook her head quickly.

"I've taken enough of your time. I wish to return on my own."

His eyebrows rose a little.

"Are you sure? I mean, I-"

"Yes. I am."

Taken aback, he simply nodded. "Okay then. Goodnight, Your Highness."

With a small breath, she said, "Goodnight, Sir Link," and turned away before he had a chance to say anything else. The hero was left to watch as she hurried back, swiftly and coldly, wondering what happened to make her want to leave so abruptly.

Once out of his sight, the queen ran back to the ball, feeling inexplicably warm. After brushing off the snow and tucking her hair back into its knots, she readily approached the ballroom. With skill that could've been second nature, Zelda slipped into the crowd as if she were a shadow on the wall.

As she strolled along, proceeding as casually as she could manage, she ran into the Prince of Labrynna, Percival.

"Your Majesty!" he greeted loudly. "Where have you been? I've been looking for you."

Prince Percival was a man with broad shoulders and ginger hair. He was clad in purple and green: the colors of his kingdom. As well as not being as cold and brute as Fletcher, he was a tad awkward and timid. He wouldn't make any move, on a woman or in battle, and Zelda found herself lucky on that accord. She'd heard he had a sister, but as a potential suitor, Percival needed to be the representative of Labrynna.

"I apologize. I just slipped away for a short reprieve."

"My, Your Majesty. You're flushed, are you well?"

Truth be told, she was feeling dizzy and hot, but it was easy to blame it on her epiphany out in the castle courtyards.

"I'm quite fine, my lord. I'm simply flustered by the celebration, that's all."

"Of course, that's understandable. Perhaps you should retire for the evening if you're feeling unwell."

Before Zelda could brush away his concern, she heard Prince Fletcher's intoxicated voice call out, "Oh no, my lady, you wouldn't want to do that."

The redheaded prince tensed at the sound of the other prince's voice. But he quickly recovered and greeted him with a stout bow. "Fletcher."

"Percival," he replied indifferently.

"I have no intentions of putting an end to the festivities, though your offer was kind, my lord." She smiled at Percival and he nodded politely.

"Good, good for the fun has yet to begin. I have many plans for us, my lady." He stretched out his wine glass as if to cheer and Percival grimaced.

"Need you be any more blunt, Fletcher?"

"Ah, as dreary as I remember you, Percy," he droned, and the redheaded prince balled his fists. "Why don't you scurry along and give me and my lady some privacy?"

"There's little chance I will leave Her Majesty under your watchful gaze," he spat.

"Please, my lords, calm yourselves."

With a heavy breath, Percival nodded. "Of course, my lady, much apologies." Zelda gave him another smile, glad that at least not all the princes were intent on wooing her through their insubordinate charms.

Prince Fletcher didn't take kindly to his charming politeness, however, and glared at him with menacing vigor. He gripped Percival's upper arm and whispered something in his ear before sauntering off.

"My lord, are you all right?"

He shook his head while shaking off his arm, though the queen could tell he was flustered.

"It's nothing you should concern yourself with, my lady."

For the remainder of the evening, Zelda's coronation ball consisted of dances in the arms of dukes and the Prince of Termina, who steered clear of the drama for the night. And for just a short while, she could pretend to forget what she'd realized in the garden.

The next morning came in with a flurry of winter snow. A rapt knock resonated through the room, once, twice, three times before the queen stirred. The scratchy sensation that tickled her throat caused her to cough hysterically as she spun in bed.

The queen rubbed her sore eyes tiredly after regretfully opening them to the blinding daylight. She coughed again into the crease of her elbow before getting and slipping her feet into her warm, wool slippers.

She trudged to her door and opened it as gracefully as she could manage. Her maids stood at the other end, seemingly impatient, and Zelda let them in before they could spare a glance at her terrible state.

"Your Majesty, you've been scheduled for breakfast an hour ago. It's not like you to sleep…" Lady Katherine began but trailed off as she spun to look at the queen. They all stared agape at Zelda, seeing as her face was pale, her nose rosy, and her eyes puffy and out of focus.

"Your Majesty, are you all right?"

Zelda sniffled a little before nodding. "I'm fine. I'm just a little worn from the festivities." She abruptly pressed her lips together to hold back the cough scratching her throat, and it kept her from continuing as she wished to.

"You really don't seem well, Your Majesty. Perhaps you should lie down."

"Nonsense," Zelda managed to spurt out, then swallowed painfully. "I apologize for missing breakfast, but we cannot dawdle any longer. I must meet with Prince Edmund by midday."

"Your Majesty, it'd be wise of you to stay in and rest. You'll sooner heal if you don't push yourself."

"The prince will understand if we tell him you aren't feeling well," Lady Katherine added.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'll be fine," Zelda insisted, using a tone that even in her patchy voice declared the discussion was over. "Now please, will someone help me prepare for my day?" The queen trudged to her cosmetic table and stubbornly sat on the velvet stool before it. Every maid traded disapproving looks with one another before following their queen's order.

Though they wished that Zelda would take time off her busy schedule to rest, they all know she was too stubborn to agree and they felt too intimidated to insist otherwise, especially since the dukes and princes were staying within the palace for the week. They dressed her in a light green gown and tied her hair in a braid before sending her off to meet with yet another prince.

"Faster, men! I want to see those scrawny legs pumping!" Commander Eagus bellowed as he paced alongside the racing men. Link mentioned to his chief that the men needed to build their strength and stamina and by doing so, their confidence, so that they go into each battle both feeling and being ready.

And so they came up with a few exercises such as running, climbing, and lifting where the men could train their muscles effectively. That day, the squires were ordered to run around the yards and get their heartbeats racing quickly.

Link, though it wasn't required of him, joined the men in their laps, wanting to be a positive influence and in the process keep himself fit.

Then a servant hurriedly strode into the yard, looking around the blur of soldiers before his gaze landed on Commander Eagus. He spoke to him rather hastily and the commander nodded with some hesitance. "Link, front and center!"

The hero jogged to his side, giving the servant a small smile as he approached. "Is something wrong?"

"This man says that Chancellor Cole is looking for you." Link cocked his head. "I don't know either, my boy, but it doesn't sound good. Those folks don't look for us for any good reason. Here, could you take Link to his study?"

"Of course," the servant answered and beckoned him towards the halls. "Come this way." Link reluctantly trailed after him, sparing Eagus a worried look as he turned to leave.

"Good luck," the commander called out before he disappeared from sight.

Though the knight remembered the name, he had no idea who this chancellor was or why he'd call for him. His supervisor's words circled his mind: chancellors don't call upon knights for anything. They were like two different species entirely.

And though Link knew he wasn't just any knight to the others, he didn't expect any of the councilors to address him as a hero or anything, especially not after that time in court.

As they trudged through the upper halls, the servant led him to a bright corridor and a large wooden door. He knocked, opened it a crack, and peeked into the room. "Sir Link is here to see you, my lord."

"Allow him in," a strong voice declared from within and the servant opened the door wider for the hero, granting him access.

"Thanks," Link said to the servant, who nodded politely and scurried off into the halls.

"Don't dally any longer, will you? Come inside and shut the door."

The hero frowned but reluctantly followed his orders, and with another order, took a seat across from the chancellor. Nothing rested upon his redwood desk but a quill and a bottle of ink, while the walls were covered in many pictographs and awards.

The office was refined as the chancellor, clad in a deep red velvet suit and sitting poised in his gold-plated seat. His elbows sat upon the desk with his hands folded before him. It reminded him of when Ganondorf sat upon Zelda's throne: so comfortable with an authority that wasn't his.

"I expect you understand why I've called upon you."

His gaze snapped to the councillor's. "No, I don't."

He clicked his tongue. "You see, Sir Link, I'm the queen's advisor. As such, nothing she does escapes me, whether she's aware of it or not. You must understand what I mean."

He did. Cole must've seen them leave the ball last night. He didn't know how or when he found them, but the thought was frightening. All of Link's senses were sharpened from battle, and yet somehow the courtier slipped past his radar.

Still, Link wasn't sure what he claimed to see and he wouldn't reveal something the councilor didn't already know, which is probably what he was trying to get him to do. Instead, he simply said, "No."

With an exasperated sigh, Cole set his arms down on the table.

"I've heard of what transpired at Castle Town late last evening. You escorted the queen to town without notifying any of the guards, during a celebration held in her honor, in which hundreds of noblemen attended. Do you understand the severity of this issue?"

The hero had to keep himself from making a face. It was hardly serious since no one got hurt. If anything, the people in Castle Town were really happy about her visit. But he remained cool, not wanting to start an argument where it wasn't necessary.

"I see that you haven't heard that the queen fell ill because of your imprudence."

Link's face dropped. He had no idea. But it made sense: it was pretty cold last night, and he'd kept her out for so long. A knot formed in his stomach.

"You're lucky that it was I who discovered this illicit behavior and not any other council member. I'm not so quick to share such news with the noblemen and tarnish Her Majesty's reputation.

"However, I cannot say that they won't find it out on their own accord and if that's the case, we won't hesitate to properly penalize you if the queen is to hesitate in your favor. While she has power over the kingdom, the council has authority over her welfare and if I so much as assume you are a threat, I will abolish you."

He paused to take a breath and fill his pompous brain with some oxygen, as it was obviously lacking, before continuing. "I understand what you're aiming to do, but it will not work. I'm Her Majesty's advisor and being so, I will not sit idly by while a goat herder attempts to steer her off her righteous path."

"I'm sorry?" Link interrupted, blinking with confusion.

"Don't try to conceal it; I'm no fool. There have been many men aspiring to court Her Majesty and I'm now fully accustomed to their foolish antics."

His face flushed. He opened his mouth to argue, fighting down the blush rooted in embarrassment and anger, but Cole didn't give him a chance.

"I don't care what 'hero' you claim to be. You're a commoner, a ranch hand no less, and are undeserving of a queen. There are men with prestige titles and immeasurable wealth and power who will serve both Her Majesty and the kingdom in a way you'll never be able to. Do I make myself clear? You may never court Her Majesty."

Link's heart clenched painfully at his harsh words, but he narrowed his eyes. "I'm not going to sit here and listen to this when I should be training Hyrule's army. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really should get back to my duties." He hastened to stand but Cole's holler stopped him.

"Aha! I can see that Her Majesty's ways have already begun to rub off on you. 'I should get back to my duties?' It's so apparent."

Link stood angrily and approached the door in short strides. But as he placed his hand on the doorknob, Cole made one final statement.

"If you truly do care for her, do what's best for her and keep a distance. She knows what she must do and so should you."

Prince Edmund was a short man with raven hair and was frail in every physical aspect. But he was very intelligent, and Zelda – the wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom - found this admirable. There weren't many men of noble birth that preferred reading over hunting, so it was refreshing to speak with a man who had such interests – given that she could actually speak properly with her mind spinning and her voice patchy.

"You see, Termina never truly had a stable government until the people of my kingdom revolted ages ago, believing that a monarchy might better suit them as it does for the kingdoms around us."

"It's said that the Hero of Time played a role in this change, is that correct?" she inquired quietly, afraid speaking louder would reveal her raspy voice.

He proudly grinned, pleased that the queen was well educated on his kingdom. "Yes, that's true. The legends say that his loyalty and admiration for the Princess of Hyrule inspired the people of Termina," he explained. "Though it's just a legend, being with you has made me realize that such stories are not as far-fetched as I thought."

Zelda smiled kindly; though his words were kind, she wasn't all that flattered. There was something terribly practiced about his speech. "Thank you, my lord. I admire your extensive knowledge of your kingdom's history. It proves you are in fact a devoted leader."

"Why thank you, my queen. I do have quite a penchant for knowledge. I believe that words are most powerful in this world; after all, a sentence alone could change nations."

"That's true, though actions have their value as well. After all, it was due to the actions of many heroes that my kingdom was able to prosper."

"Perhaps," Edmund considered, frowning slightly. "However, Hyrule's monarchy has kept the people stable and happy for ages, of course despite those rare occurrences."

The queen wanted to scoff, really. 'Those occurrences' weren't as rare as he thought - or as rare as they should be. Yes, she admired her long line of ancestors, but many of their mistakes led to the downfall of Hyrule, including her own. And though they fought for their country in many ways, it was thanks to the heroes that her kingdom still stood.

"Everyone in this realm plays a significant part in his or her kingdom's success," she decidedly said. "I'm just proud to make a difference."

Their discussion continued for what could've been hours, as Edmund seemingly had much to say. Though, as they strolled along, the queen felt her movements begin to feel more arduous as if she were trudging through snow. She felt heavier, more tired, and her fever started to engulf her in its merciless flames.

Every minute stretched out painfully but Zelda kept her bleary eyes forward until their time came to a close. When he at last dismissed himself, Zelda hurried to her study where she could at least take a seat.

And the queen, as stubborn as she was, wouldn't leave her study for anyone. She only called upon Lady Irene to ask for some tea. The ache in her throat demanded relief and she only trusted Irene to make her tea the way she liked it.

It wasn't until a short while later that there was a knock at her door. Queen Zelda didn't even glance up from her paperwork as she said, "Come in." She knew who it was and she was eager to have that tea she'd been impatiently waiting for. Much to her dismay, however, a certain hero entered instead.

"What is it you'd like, Sir Link?" she said in her patchy voice, setting the quill back in its place. The hero stepped closer and though Zelda offered the chair for him to sit, he leaned on it from behind instead.

"I heard you were feeling sick. I just wanted to see if you're okay."

"It's none of your concern," she bit, anxious to get him to leave.

His presence made her ache: she knew what would happen if he fell for her. She was a queen and as queen, her responsibilities went to her kingdom first. She had no time to dally in romantic affairs, especially if they couldn't result in marriage, and there was simply no chance of marrying a commoner, even if she ever so much as considered it. Hyrule needed a king who was strong in mind and could provide her kingdom with all that it required. And though she never doubted Link's intelligence or ability, he simply didn't have the qualifications to be king.

It was better to show indifference towards him now before it was too late. There would be no more softening up around him; she needed to let him forget whatever feelings he had for her now.

His brows rose, looking confused by her bitter tone. "I am worried, though. Did I do something wrong?"

Zelda faltered and lowered her gaze: looking upon his innocent expression was too difficult.

"No, you didn't."

"Is this about the dance?"

She tensed, swallowing painfully.

"I just wish to resume my duties in peace."

"Then why'd you leave so quickly yesterday? You seemed upset."

"You haven't upset me. As I've already stated, I need to resume my duties, so if that's all?"

"I came here to see if you were feeling okay, but it's obvious you're not. Why aren't you resting?"

"What businesses I attend to are none of your concern," she bit, her gaze snapping to his. The force of her tone made the scratching in her throat ache horribly and Zelda had to hold back a wince so that she didn't stray from her leveled gaze. "I'm well enough to attend to my duties and I won't disregard them for such a trifling matter."

"You aren't okay. And you can't keep saying that you are every time someone asks how you're feeling. You could get really sick."

She'd just had enough. Who was he to think he could decide how she lived her life? She'd never allow anyone to ask her to abandon her duty, much less question her for it. Link might've saved Hyrule, but he had no authority over her own being.

She pushed to her feet, her hands tented on the desk's surface, and glared at him; he matched it beneath his own furrowed brows. "As a matter of fact, Sir Link, I'm able to make my own decisions. If I decide to commit to my kingdom and my duties, you can do nothing to change it."

"You're sick. Just let someone care about you, for goddess's sake!"

Zelda flinched as if he'd hit her. She stood and stared at him for a moment, completely taken off-guard.

"I must ask that you leave my study, Sir Link." He didn't make a move or say a word, but his face said it all. "Leave," she said more firmly, and he clenched his jaw before turning from her and storming out of the office.

As he burst through the door, he nearly bumped into Lady Irene, who stumbled on her feet, trying her best not to spill the scorching tea. Stomping past her, he mumbled, "Good luck."

The nursemaid spared the queen a knowing look as she stood in the doorway, watching Zelda fume at her desk. "Have no one interrupt me for the remainder of the evening. I wish for peace."

Link needed to get away from that forsaken palace. Where he was going, he had no clue, but he hopped onto Epona's saddle and fled immediately. His heart was pounding in his chest as he gripped the reins, glaring furiously at nothing and everything before him. The force of her hooves upturned dirt and stomped over free-ranged beasts, and her speed forced the snowfall to cut his face painfully like daggers of ice.

After what felt like hours, a rocky path slipped beneath them and they turned into the eastern gates of Kakariko Village. Link pulled on the reins and Epona skidded to a stop, rearing at the sudden halt and nearly throwing the hero off balance. He pulled on the reins to slow her down and jumped to dismount.

She whinnied before sauntering off and Link turned away, trudging into Eldin's spring in hopes of finding relief and solace in the light of the sacred creek. He collapsed into the freezing water, kneeling and sinking his head into his calloused palms.

It didn't make any sense. After saving both the light and shadow realms, he thought he would feel better, that everything would fall back into place. He thought he could just return to Ordon and pick things up where they left off.

But life was more confusing than it'd ever been before: in his village, he knew where he belonged and he could guess how his life would pan out. And at least on his adventure, he knew where he was going and what he needed to be doing. That awareness was what he needed now.

Link loved training the squires, more than he ever thought he would. He was putting his skills to use, just as the spirit who'd passed his skills to him did, and it was great knowing he could make a difference and protect Hyrule from any dangers that may lie ahead. But he was so widely disliked by the nobles, by the men who had the largest influence, and Zelda alone didn't care for his presence any longer.

The knight knew that he'd stepped out of line, but it was only because he cared about her. Hearing that she'd gotten sick and then seeing her like that scared him. Her eyes were hollow, haloed with deep purple circles, and they stood out starkly against her even paler than usual skin. He didn't know much about illnesses, but he could clearly see that she was in bad shape and needed to rest. But she was so frustratingly stubborn and refused to listen, even at the cost of her health.

She hadn't just denied his help either. The queen bluntly showed him that she didn't care for him: not at the ball and not in her study. Perhaps she didn't actually think of him as her friend: maybe it was some political game where she made him believe that she cared for him and then got him to do her bidding. He'd proven his skill and she could use it to mend the loose stitching of her guard. Or maybe she just wanted him at her coronation to show her people that "the hero" was on her side.

Just then, as if to interrupt his train of thought, water faintly splashed behind him as someone waded into the spring and a firm hand grabbed his shoulder. Link, eyes swollen and expression worn, looked up from his hands to the shaman. The older man gave a feeble smile and nodded his head towards the sanctuary. Link knowingly bobbed his head, sparing one last look at the spring before following Renado.

The sanctuary was lit up with warm candlelight and smelled of burning wax, though the stone building was airy and cold. Only wooden shutters or threadbare tapestries shut the cold out from the windows. The hole in the ceiling from when Link fell out was only covered with makeshift aluminum boards and small flakes of snow still made their way into the structure.

The shaman led him over the tattered carpets as he sat on a stone ledge and the hero followed his lead anxiously. "What is it that troubles you, Link?" His soft voice could soothe some of the most distressed souls.

Link hesitated, keeping his eyes trained on the ground. Where could he begin? He'd trust Renado with his life and knew he could provide him with some wisdom, but what could he tell him? What did he want him to know?

He began slowly, telling him of Midna and his adventure – not all of it, just enough. The hero told him how she was his closest friend during his journey, and how she needed to leave and he would never see her again. Then, he told the story about Rusl: how he was his father figure his whole life, how he knew his parents and never bothered to let him know, and how he hadn't spoken to him since.

Everything about what happened in Ordon: how Ilia revealed her feelings and how he denied them; how he left his village and became a knight; how he became friends with the queen and how she cared so little for him, all spilled out before he could catch himself. Renado listened quietly, patiently, as he opened his heart to him, telling him anything and everything he could say before losing his breath.

When he was sure that the hero had said all that he needed to, the shaman's soft voice rang through the haven yet again. "I understand that this would grieve you, as it's neither easy nor simple to overcome issues that arise with the ones you love. Though I've come to understand that you're a strong young man, the circumstances that you deal with would tear even the strongest of heroes.

"You don't have to ail yourself with trying to solve every issue on your own. You may ask for help from the ones around you and I'll always be here to listen." He set a reassuring hand on his shoulder, the fabric of his loose sleeve falling down the crease of his elbows.

"In life, we can't choose the trials that we're tested with, but we can decide what we do with them. We may never get to see the loved ones that we lost, though that doesn't mean that they're gone forever. So long that we cherish the memories that we share, they'll always be with us and you'll never be alone again."

Link nodded solemnly. He'd thought of Midna often since she left, and when he did it almost felt like she was by his side yet again, fighting his battles with him.

"However, Link, you must also remember to cherish the ones that you still have with you," he said with a tilt of his head and the hero took a deep intake of the bitter air. "It sounds to me that your friends haven't made things any simpler for you, but this doesn't give you leave to push them away.

"When trials are set before you, you may only take a step back or push through them: you can't stay planted in the same place forever. Otherwise, there'll be no progress. But tell me, Link, are these matters so pressing that you wish to abolish your relationships with each of your friends?"

The hero sighed heavily and raked his hand through his messy hair. "No," he answered with a shake of his head and looked to the shaman pleadingly. "What should I do?"

"That decision's only yours to make. Perhaps you could take up a room at the inn for the night so that you may spend a little more thought on what you'd like to do."

Link nodded and smiled faintly at Renado in thanks. Maybe he was right: everything seemed foggy and distant due to his exhaustion, but some rest might refresh him and clear his mind. That is if he could fall asleep.

For the whole day, Zelda was locked up in her study and no one dared bother her. After her little dispute with the hero, Lady Irene had instructed the guards to stand before her door so that no one may interrupt her work again, with much reluctance.

The pounding in Zelda's skull and her incessant coughing couldn't even persuade her to believe she made a wrong decision, as she knew her duty to Hyrule should be her priority. Similar to the last several months, she was flooded with her paperwork, quill swiping gracefully across the pages as she read and signed each paper she deemed worthy of her penmanship.

The queen opened the drapes in her office in an attempt to lessen the heat that engulfed the room but couldn't decide if it was a good decision as chills raked her spine and made the soreness in her throat burn fiercer.

Link's persistence for her well-being emphasized the fact that he cared for her and the fact chilled her even more than her illness. She could never even imagine thinking of him in a romantic light: he was a commoner, even with the title of a hero, and the council would never have her marry someone without a title or advantageous position.

Zelda knew this - she grew up learning it - and she wouldn't deny her duty to Hyrule for anything. After what happened with the Twilight Invasion, the queen owed it to her people to give them a suitable ruler: someone who knew the world of politics and would secure the kingdom. She'd never deny them anything, not anymore.

Although her mind was set and her hands moved swiftly, her body couldn't keep up with her demands. Eventually, her exhaustion caught up to her and she felt her pace slow down substantially. Her hands shook and her head hammered against her skull. Then her hand twitched, her body fighting against her, and she knocked the ink bottle down, spilling the navy solution all over the papers. She jumped up in instinct, crying out at her stupidity, but her legs gave way beneath her and she hit her head against the desk, taking a tumble to the stained carpet beneath her.

It was late in the evening when Lady Irene paced the halls. Although she trusted the queen and knew that she was more than capable of taking care of herself, her motherly instinct took over and she found her anxiety swell when she hadn't seen Zelda leave the office all day. Although she was wise beyond belief and strong-willed, she was also terribly stubborn when it came to her work. Irene couldn't be upset at that: it was both admirable and advantageous, but it also caused the queen to lose sight of what really mattered.

Zelda's former nursemaid waited up past midnight, working herself busy to keep her mind off the queen, but never strayed too far from her study. She washed the soiled sheets from the nobles' rooms, scrubbed the hearths, and polished the tiled floors. It was two hours past midnight when the nursemaid had enough.

She rushed through the empty halls to the study room and found the guards dozing off. She knew that she'd be escorted away without another word if she were to try and sneak by them, and so she confronted them instead.

"My good gentleman," she coaxed and the knights sluggishly glanced in her direction. "It's way late in the evening and I must request to see the queen."

"We were given orders to not allow anyone access into Her Majesty's study."

"And who gave you those orders? How long has it been?" she demanded with her hands on her hips. "Tell me, good sirs, doesn't it worry you that the queen has been hidden in that room for longer than usual, especially when she's ill?"

They didn't respond. She rolled her eyes and sighed in annoyance. "Aren't you tired from standing here all night?" They both eagerly nodded and she puffed in anger, but regardless, she was satisfied that they both granted her entrance to the room.

The seemingly empty study was freezing cold, air seeping through the open windows beside the bookshelves on the far end. Indigo drapes breathed in and out with the winter winds, whispering icy secrets into the room and whistling through the barren trees. The only light in the room seeped through these openings, illuminating the solitary confinement.

Upon first entering the room, Irene was surprised to not find Zelda at the desk. In fact, the queen was nowhere to be seen. It wasn't until she walked further into the room that she found Zelda sprawled on the floor. Irene felt her heart stop beating altogether.

She let out a strangled scream, her blood running cold in her veins as she took a step back in fright. She had little hope that the selfish guards might've just dawdled outside for long enough to come in and help her.

The nursemaid fell to the ground and brushed her hand against the queen's skin, having to pull away in panic once she realized that Zelda was so cold to the touch, that she wasn't even sure if she was alive. Her heart raced in a panic and she shouted for help in a frail and choked voice.

She enfolded the queen in her arms and carried her as far as her feeble arms could manage, setting her before a fireplace. With no sense from the queen, no fire was lit and so Irene carried some logs over from the crate to start one up. The wood was damp and the nursemaid cried out in frustration, feeling her worry swell with every passing moment.

Once the sparks ignited, the room was engulfed with light and warmth, which did little to ease Irene's anxiety. She set Zelda as comfortably as she could on the dark blue carpet and kissed her forehead, her lingering lips salty with tears, before racing out of the room.

Chapter Text

"Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay any longer? There appears to be dangerous weather and you're better off waiting for it to pass."

"It's okay. I know what I have to do," the hero replied, fastening the leather straps over his tunic. The next morning arrived in Kakariko Village and Link woke up in the inn, prepared to get back up on his horse. After patting down his attire, he straightened up and smiled at the shaman in gratitude. "Thank you for all your help, really."

Renado smiled tenderly. "It was the very least I could do after all you've done for this village. Know that you're always welcome here." Link nodded, obliged. "I only wish that you have safe travels, Link. Be sure to make haste to your destination so that you won't get caught up in the terrible weather for too long."

Link nodded once more before turning to the young girl who stood patiently at Renado's side. "It was nice seeing you again, Luda," he acknowledged, and she smiled, bowing her head graciously.

"It was nice to see you, as well. I also wish you safe travels, and please send Colin and the others my regards if you happen upon them."

"Allow me to see you out," Renado insisted, placing a palm on Link's back as he escorted him down the wooden steps of the inn and towards his horse. As they stood by Epona's side, he turned to the hero with a solemn sincerity. "I wish you all the best, my son."

My son. Link swallowed heavily. "Thank you. I'll see you again soon."

"You're welcome in Kakariko Village anytime. I will always be here to help."

Link gave the shaman one last nod before mounting his horse and grasping the leather reins, causing Epona to trot anxiously in place.

"Goodbye, Link," he said before the duo dashed off, their silhouettes shrouded by the flurry of snow.

Hyrule Field's endless ivory dunes were a beautiful sight: the majesty of the kingdom veiled under a thick blanket of shimmering powder, only to be imprinted by the hooves of his loyal stead. The calm serenity of it all distracted him from what was yet to come, almost as if he were floating on a fleeting cloud rather than racing through a monster-infested field.

Once he slipped passed by yet another familiar spring, he hopped off Epona and led her through the clearing by her reins. He spared a reminiscent glance at his former home, perched up in the tree, before steering forward.

The villagers were all hidden in their homes, away from the vexing winter winds. And so Link didn't have any distractions as he marched towards the home, past the frozen river and on top of a lonely hill. When he climbed the porch, his hands clenched and unclenched nervously before he swallowed, nodded to himself, and knocked on the door.

It swung open seconds later by the hand of a small woman with short locks, cradling a baby in a soft pink blanket with the other arm. "Link!" Uli shouted excitedly, pulling him into the cozy home.

Colin, who was seated in a rocking chair beside the hearth, leaped up at the sound of his name and rushed to his side. He looked as though he had much to say, but waited politely for his mother to speak.

"Where have you been?" Uli asked eagerly as she dragged him to the sofa.

With one sweep of the house, Link realized Rusl wasn't there. He wasn't sure if that relieved or disappointed him.

Uli seemed to understand what - or rather whom - he searched for and shook her head sadly. "He hasn't returned since…" She glanced over at Colin, who sat excitedly at his mother's side, innocent and unknowing of the circumstances that befell them. "...Since the ceremony. He sent a message that he's still in Castle Town, waiting for you."

Rusl stayed back for him? Even when he wasn't sure if Link might come to forgive him? His heart sank at the thought. The man who raised him - who'd just had a child, no less - waited for Link to come to his senses and have a civil conversation.

His head sunk in shame.

Uli reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay," she said gently. "Rest now, Link. Say hello to the others. I'm sure they'd love to see you."

Colin frowned in confusion, looking to Link for some reassurance, and the hero swallowed some of his guilt to offer him a consoling smile.

Lady Irene, Chancellor Cole, and some of Zelda's maids stood around her bed, waiting anxiously for Dr. Borville's diagnosis. A fire was lit within the queen's bedchambers in an attempt to bring heat back to her chilled skin, but she'd still yet to awaken.

The only doctor in Castle Town was the uncouth Doctor Borville, who was usually called to the castle for any emergency matters. By no means was he the ideal doctor, especially considering his discriminatory and biased nature.

For those he did choose to treat, he could be imprudent and incompetent. There weren't many uses for doctors in Hyrule lately - not since the tragedy that befell the Royal Family. And so the job didn't offer much income, discouraging anyone from applying for it.

All the issues plaguing the kingdom since then were mystical, to best explain it, and stethoscopes and natural remedies couldn't help someone who'd taken on a spiritual form. Nobody in Castle Town could complain though, as they needed someone to aid the ailing queen in her precarious situation, and beggars couldn't be choosers.

"I've concluded that the queen has come down with the Hylian Influenza," Dr. Borville said bluntly, pointing his bony fingers at the clipboard filled with messy diagrams and disorganized notes. "I'm sure you've heard of this illness, hm?"

Irene pressed her hands close to her chest and Cole rubbed his temples in frustration. The illness had already plagued the kingdom before, and they'd hoped - rather, prayed - it'd never befall them again. Meanwhile, the lady's maids looked at one another in confusion. They were too young to remember, it appeared, and the doctor let out a long, exasperated sigh.

"It's a virus usually caused by exposure to cold temperatures," he explained bitingly. "It's an infection in the lungs that'll cause some trouble breathing, a lot of coughing, and she'll soon come down with a fever. I also see that she might've hit her head somewhere in her fatigue, which might explain why she's out cold. I expect that she'll wake up soon though."

"What're we to do?" Irene asked, worriedly eyeing the unconscious queen on the bed.

"Fortunately for you, the Hylian Influenza shouldn't be too contagious, but it's not an easy illness to treat." He flipped through some of the papers on the clipboard, his magnified eyes reading over other notes before letting the papers fall slack against the board. "I can prescribe a potion that might help, but I make no guarantees. Here are some instructions on what you can do to help her pass through it."

Lady Irene furrowed her eyebrows and took the paper from the old doctor's lax grip. "Isn't there anything else you can do?" she pled. "You must have some sort of…of therapy or techniq-"

"I'm afraid not," he interrupted. "Whether she makes it through the illness is up to her. All we can do is help along the way."

"How ridiculous," Cole spat, finally speaking up with eccentric gestures. "I'll see to it that you're banished if the queen cannot pass through this illness! Now that, sir, is a guarantee!"

"Don't get hostile with me, now. I'm just a doctor, not a miracle worker!"

"This is the queen of your kingdom! You will be a miracle worker if that's what we demand!" Cole senselessly shouted, furious at the doctor's insensitivity.

"Please!" Lady Irene cried, holding her hands out to silence them both. Then more softly, she reminded them, "The queen needs rest and your shouting will do nothing but disturb her." Both men frowned, Cole nodding solemnly with lips pressed tightly and the doctor's head sinking low.

"Now then," the doctor spoke up after a soundless moment. "I should be on my way. You may get in touch with me if there are any serious changes, but other than that simply follow the instructions on the note." Irene nodded and walked the man out of the door, dropping rupees into his bony hands before he left.

The hero and the young blond boy marched through the fallen snow, off to visit each of the villagers. Colin insisted on following along; he was eager to tell Link all about his swordplay lessons and his newfound friendships with the other children.

"Did I tell you about the time my dad took us to the woods? We even saw some of those monkeys who came to the village! But Talo told us they weren't all that bad as we thought."

Though the hero was partially distracted by his personal affairs, he wouldn't let Colin think he didn't care about his stories. In fact, Link was happy that the young boy was becoming more confident and facing his fears, especially by exploring the woods he was once terrified of. Though they'd passed by the forest when everyone was coming back from Kakariko Village, they were all too exhausted to really enjoy it.

"Did you have fun?" Link asked and Colin nodded excitedly.

"Lots! It's so big and there are so many trees! It was nice cause dad took us when all the leaves were pretty colors. He even told us all about the spring. Also, we saw some guy with birds in his hair!" The boys shared a laugh as they climbed the porch of the mayor's house.

Link knocked a few times before being greeted by the mayor, whose eyes widened comically when he saw the hero. "Link, Colin!" he welcomed, opening the door wider to let them in. "It's been so long, Link. How've you been?"

"I'm good. How're you?"

"Ha, great now that Ilia's home, thanks to you!" The mayor slapped the young man on the back cheerfully. "I heard you were knighted by the queen herself! Is that true, m'boy?" He nodded in response, making an effort to level his gaze, and the old man beamed with pride. "Great job! ...So then, what brings you to Ordon, lad? 'Specially in this weather?"

"I just wanted to visit everyone," he lied, not keen on telling anyone about his and Rusl's argument. He suspected that Bo didn't know about it.

"Oh. If you're looking for my lil' girl, she ain't here. She's up in the ranch, I think." Link furrowed his eyebrows. What would Ilia be doing on the ranch? Maybe she was checking on the goats; she was always fond of animals like he was. Maybe she even got her own horse to care for. She was always very good at taking care of Epona.

"How long will you be stayin' for, lad?" the mayor asked, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Not long. I have to be back by tomorrow." As nice as it was reconnecting with his old friends, he'd come looking for Rusl to apologize. Now that he knew he awaited him in Castle Town, he needed to see him as quickly as possible. He didn't want to keep him from his family any longer.

"Ah, that's too bad. But it was nice seein' you, boy! I hope you come 'round the village soon…'Course not in this weather. And Colin! I better see you practicin' with that sword. You ought to protect us now that Link's out bein' a knight," he said playfully, ruffling his blond hair and shoving him lightly.

The two boys shared another laugh as they walked out of the home, headed to the ranch next. But as they trudged up the small hill and through the wooden gates, Link's mouth fell open.

Ilia and Fado sat there, cuddling under a wool blanket, and the hero didn't know if he wanted to blush or hide. Looking at Colin, he could tell the young boy felt the same way and so the knight tugged his arm. "We should come back later," Link stated as calmly as he could, but the distant shouting of his friend immediately thwarted his plans.

"Link?" Ilia hollered as she jumped up and the hero reluctantly turned around. Sparing a glance at Fado, who trailed after her as she approached them, he couldn't tell if he was excited or disappointed.

"Hi, Colin!" she greeted kindly before turning back to Link and hugging him tightly. "What're you doing in Ordon, Link? It's so nice to see you!" Ilia pulled back, clapping her hands in front of her and grinning broadly. Didn't she feel awkward about what just happened?

"Just visiting," Link repeated, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

As Fado approached, he draped an arm over her shoulder casually and she grabbed his hand. "It's great to see you, bud. How've you been?"

"Good." He nodded slowly, looking at them expectantly. "And you?"

"Oh!" Ilia shouted, seemingly coming to a realization. "Well, you see, Fado and I are…" She trailed off, finally coming to terms with how uncomfortable the situation was.

"Together now," he finished proudly, grinning. Both Ilia and Colin examined Link's expression at the news. She was worried that he'd be upset that she would move on from him so quickly.

After the hero revealed his feelings - or lack thereof - for her and left the village, she'd spent so many days locked up in her room crying, heartbroken that the man she'd loved since she was a little girl didn't feel the same way. Her father, who worried relentlessly about her, insisted and begged her to go outside.

After a long while, she reluctantly heeded his wishes in hopes that maybe speaking to the other villagers would distract her from her feelings. Not long after, she discovered that she had a lot in common with Fado - who was the only other person her age - and he turned out to be a nice man.

He had the same dreams that she did: he wanted to stay in Ordon, the small cozy village that they grew up in, to raise children in the grassy knolls and care for the animals that lived there. Soon, he admitted to having feelings for her and she decided to give him a chance.

But Link didn't mind. Who was he to hold her back from finding happiness with somebody else? He came to terms with the way he felt about Ilia and she seemed happier now than she was when he left. That's all he could ask for.

"Congratulations," he said honestly and Ilia beamed.

"Thank you, Link," she replied, then turned to Fado with a hopeful expression. "Would you mind if Link and I talk for a bit?"

The wrangler nodded, though even Link could see he was hesitant. "'Course," he answered and then turned to Colin. "C'mon, lil buddy. Let's go say hi to some o' the goats."

Ilia escorted Link down the snow-ridden path with her hands folded behind her. They remained quiet as they trekked along, slowing their steps once they approached the riverside.

"I'm sorry if that seemed sudden," she spoke up timidly.

He shook his head. "Of course not. I'm happy for you."

"It really means a lot that you're so nice about it. I wasn't sure if you'd be upset or not…Actually, no. I mean I know that what happened between us was weird at first and I'm sorry if I overreacted when you didn't tell me how you felt right away. It was so soon and I –"

He silenced her with a consoling hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. I'm sorry for not telling you earlier."

She turned to him with a small smile. "You had every right not to. But either way, we're both happy now, right? I mean, you're a knight! That's so great!"

Link nodded a little, trying his best to hide his true feelings, but it was to no avail. She'd known him for too long and could see right through him. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm…" She placed her hands on her hips, almost daring him to try and lie to her. "It's just not as easy as I thought it'd be."

"Nothing ever is, Link. You of all people should know that."

"I know…"

"You're hiding something from me, Link. What happened?" Ilia sat down by the icy stream and pat the snowy ground next to her: she knew that it might be easier to talk if they were seated. He lowered himself at her side.

"It turns out Rusl knew my parents." Though he'd picked his words carefully, it did nothing to stifle Ilia's gasp.

"Really? How? What happened? Did he tell you?"

"Some things...He and my dad were both knights. But then something happened and Rusl saved my life. It turns out you were right: I'm Hylian."

She smiled sadly and shook her head. "I'm sorry, Link. I can't imagine how hard that was for you to hear."

The hero sighed and began to idly draw in the snow with his finger. "I kind of lashed out at him after. I just…I came here to look for him and tell him I'm sorry."

"Well it was brave of you to come back," Ilia commended. "You know Rusl loves you, Link. If he kept something like this from you, it must've been for a good reason."

"I know. But I was surprised and…I made a mistake."

"We all do." She smiled softly and crossed her legs as well. After a moment of ruminating, she added, "What else have you been keeping from me?"

That got a chuckle out of him. "What're you trying to find out, Ilia?"

"Oh don't be like that! I just want to know how castle life is. Is it exciting? Have you made any friends? Do you like being a knight?"

"I do. Queen Zelda gave me a job to train the knights and it's been great. But... I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I don't fit in there."

Her green eyes peered at him, insisting he continue, and he sighed again.

"The nobles don't like me and I feel like even the queen doesn't want me around. Maybe she was just using me to train the army."

Ilia was silent for a moment, staring blankly at the etched patterns on the ice as she thought over his words.

"And her opinion means a lot to you?" she asked quietly.

"Well yeah, she's my friend. Or at least I thought she was."

"Link, higher-class people are just normal people with fancy titles. You know that. Why do you care about their opinion?"

"I don't." She looked at him accusingly. "…I mean, not always. But they're mean, sometimes."

"What do you mean? Why?"

"Because I'm not a noble like them."

"So? Not all knights are, are they?"

"No, not really but…I guess they don't like that I'm close with the queen."

"Do you like her?" she blurted out.

The words that fell from her own lips stung.

Though she cared for Fado very much, Link would always have a special place in her heart and she wasn't sure if she'd ever be able to let that go. She hugged herself as if it'd protect her from his response.

Link felt his face flush, embarrassed by her blunt question. "No," he denied swiftly. She leveled him with a stern look. "I mean, it's not like that. I-I..."

He was surprised that Ilia would even ask that. Sure, he cared about Zelda's opinion. She was smart and kind, and she knew a lot of what went on with the Invasion. And yeah, he'd grown close to her, and yeah, he wanted her to want him around.

But that didn't mean he thought about her like that. She was his friend. So what if he thought highly of her? So what if he thought she was pretty? People can think that about their friends.

Besides, his life was complicated enough as it was. He didn't need to consider feeling that way about anyone - especially not a queen. Especially not Zelda.

Meanwhile, Ilia remained quiet, wanting to believe Link's words but unsure why. Link didn't care what she did with her life; why should she care what he did with hers?

But she'd loved Link since she was a young girl, one with the kind of naïve hopes and dreams that only a trouble-free child could conjure up. And maybe it was true; maybe she'd never be able to fully move on from him.

She stole a glance at him through the corner of her eyes. That was the man she loved once and maybe even for the rest of her life. He looked different now: battle-worn, jaded, and tired from combat and maybe even from life itself.

She'd noticed the differences in his complexion and composure upon regaining her memory, but did she ever really process it? She could see faint scars through the fabric of his blue tunic and bags under his eyes that a man his age should never have. Even his posture was stiffer and his eyes grew distant more often than not.

Maybe the man she loved wasn't there anymore. The child who ran rampant through the forest, mischievous and playful, and the little boy who wanted to learn swordplay as though it was just a sport or a pass-time - he was grown up now.

The goat-herder who spent his time in the fields reading, thinking, or affectionately caring for the animals around him had a new busy schedule and huge responsibilities. This new Link wasn't the man that she fell for: he was the shell of a man he once was, confused and lost with who he was now.

Ilia spent all her time since his departure wallowing and pitying herself, but she had time to sort out her thoughts. After a while, she processed her feelings and found someone who cared for her like she did for him.

She always knew what she wanted in life: where she wanted to be and what she wanted to do. Maybe things weren't perfect or ended up the way she'd hoped, but she was strong and she could handle it from there.

But Link - Link was lost and needed help and didn't she always say she was going to be there for him? Wasn't he the one who comforted her when she mourned over the loss of her mother? Didn't he listen to each of her senseless rants after she and her father got into an argument? And wasn't it Link who helped her regain her memory when she'd lost hope?

Just as he'd been there for her all her life, she'd be there for him when he needed it. Ilia rubbed her upper arms before drawing a deep breath. "Link…it's okay if you do."

Link shook his head. "You don't understand."

His words struck her. She didn't understand? She felt the same way once for Link, afraid and hopeful at the same time. The problem was that she understood too much.

"Yes, Link. I do," she said in a serious tone, and with a quick glance in her direction he realized what she meant.

"I didn't - I don't mean it like that. It's just that being close to her is hard. Being in that castle is hard. I don't even know if I should go back."

"Link, you've fought monsters and saved villages! You can't let some snobby men get in the way of your life and choices."

"It's not that simple."

"I know it isn't Link, but neither are you. You've got what it takes to fight for what you want and this is worth fighting for."

He stared off into the churning river beneath the thick sheet of ice and frowned. "I can't defend myself against this kind of thing with swords or arrows, Ilia, and I'm not the most persuasive person."

She huffed; she'd give him that. Link was smart and strong and brave, but he was a man of little words. Something like this wouldn't come easy.

"Then think of a way around it. Maybe you can't persuade people of things but you can definitely work it out. Think of it like a battle: dodge and strike." She added little gestures at the end to emphasize her point.

He couldn't help but chuckle at the silliness of it and that in turn made her laugh. But silly or not, maybe she was right. Maybe he just needed to look at it from another angle.

Gratefully, he smiled, sighed, and pulled her in for a hug. "Thank you, Ilia," he mumbled. "I'm really glad we're friends."

She leaned on his shoulder and shut her eyes. "Me too, Link."

Her skin felt like it was on fire and it hurt to blink. These were the things Zelda first realized upon waking up, scalding hot and exhausted. A light streamed in through her eyelids but her aching body wouldn't cooperate with her mind to try to ease the discomfort: perhaps to look away or turn around. Why was it so difficult to blink? Where was she?

She then heard some mumbling and tried to make out what the voices said, but her head ached in protest. Perhaps if she could just take a peek at her surroundings, she'd understand what was going on.

Her eyes squinted, loathing the light for shining so brightly in her eyes before she blinked painfully and the blurry figures were revealed to her. Her mind spun again before she could put names to their faces and she felt herself moan deep in her chest in protest.

The effort caused her throat to ache - or maybe it was her chest - and the sounds quieted before instantly getting louder and closer. If she had any idea what was going on, she'd hear the maids' relief to see their queen waking up from her stupor, but unfortunately, she couldn't even process words from sounds.

Tea would've been nice. Some scorching hot liquid to intimidate the burning in her throat would make all the difference if she could so much as request it. She heard a man's voice call out and thought she heard the name 'Irene' somewhere in his request. Yes, maybe she'll bring me tea, she thought hopefully.

What could've been hours later - had she some semblance of time - she heard her nursemaid's voice. Much to her relief, the queen felt a cold, wet cloth rub against her face as the frantic noises started to mold into words. "My Lady, can you hear me?"

Zelda tried to bob her head, but her neck felt sore and she stopped midway.

"Oh thank goodness," she heard someone say.

Then, "We'll help you, Your Majesty. Can you sit up?"

The queen didn't think she was capable of sitting at the moment but she made an effort, straining to heave herself upward. Strong hands settled on her shoulders and pulled her up, and eventually, she fully opened her eyes to the sights around her. The faces didn't seem familiar in her semi-conscious state and her head lulled on her neck, but at least she had the strength to move, which she didn't think was possible moments ago.

Suddenly, someone pressed a bottle to her mouth and said, "Drink this." It was more of a demand than a request as the cold glass touched her swollen lips and a bitter drink was poured down her throat. She coughed in protest, only causing the aching to burn more, and swallowed the concoction to not choke and make it worse.

That was all she could remember before slipping back into unconsciousness, the world of light fading to darkness once again.

Ordon did wonders for Link's stress. Perhaps it was the soothing forest that he grew up in or better yet, the people that assured him that he'd always belong somewhere. After his small reunion with the villagers lifted his spirits, the hero felt a rush of vigor and newfound courage that would carry him back to Castle Town and he wouldn't waste another moment.

Heeding Uli's suspicions, he dropped by Telma's bar. When he walked in, he was relieved to see his old friend seated at the wooden table in the back, but his relief was almost immediately washed away by worry. Rusl's eyes were swollen, his hair greasy and his skin gleaming with sweat. An empty glass of liquor sat in his shaking grasp.

Telma finally noticed Link standing at the door and scurried over to him in discretion. "Link! It's about time you came here! Rusl hasn't been doin' so well but he won't tell me what's goin' on. All I'm gettin' is somethin' about you and some mistake. Go talk to him! Maybe you can help." Pushing him forward, she added fiercely, "And be nice!"

Link gulped as he approached the table, worried what his friend's reaction might be. As he stepped into Rusl's line of sight, the older man blinked, almost afraid that he might be some sort of illusion, before trying to stand. Link nervously set his hands on his shoulders, urging him to sit, and took his place beside him.

"Link…is it really you?" The hero swallowed again and nodded.

Rusl, stricken with grief, had tears brimming his eyes as he hesitantly stretched out a hand to cup the younger knight's cheek. The hero breathed heavily before he leaned into the embrace, holding his hand with one of his own. "I didn't think you'd come by, Link. I'm so sorry… so, so sorry…"

Link closed his eyes for a moment. "You did what you thought was right. I'm sorry for getting so upset about it. You've taken care of me my whole life; I can't be thankful enough."

"Don't apologize to me, Link. Not when I've hurt you so much."

The hero shook his head, setting their hands on the table. "I'm okay, Rusl, really. It's all in the past now." He stared into his eyes with such sincerity that the older knight sighed. "You didn't have to wait for me here all this time…with everyone at home. I-I would've come to see you either way."

"I know… but I couldn't leave." He sighed, pausing for a moment. "Link, your parents would've been so proud of the man you've become." The weight of his words, so sudden and genuine, hit him like a ton of bricks. "I only wish they could've seen you today."

Link stared at their hands and rubbed them absentmindedly before responding, "A good friend of mine told me they aren't gone, not really." Their eyes met for a moment. "Not as long as we remember them."

"I'd never forget your parents," Rusl replied shakily. "They were some of the most amazing people I ever met." Link smiled a little and lowered his gaze again. "You remind me very much of your father. He was brave and strong just like you. But your kindness and positivity come from your mother."

"They do sound amazing."

Rusl smiled – bitterly and regrettably. The guilt, it seemed, never left him. "If there's anything you want to know, I'll tell you." Though the smile never left his face, Link could see it quiver, like he was afraid to speak about them.

The hero got a glimpse of how they looked from the pictograph and he had an idea of what they were like by the things Rusl said so far. It was obvious that his father was brave, tall, and rugged. His mother, in contrast, was small, kind, and delicate.

But there were so many other things he wanted to know, so many that he didn't know where to begin. He settled with asking, "How'd you meet them?"

Getting lost in time, Rusl stared off into the distance. "I met your father, Daphnes, when we were stationed in the army. I'll admit, I was a bit intimidated when I first saw him. He was strong, brave and he moved unflinchingly in battle, and I was never that confident in my abilities. But we did share one thing in common: we both loved Hyrule and wanted to fight for it.

"Once I got stronger, Eagus had us duel and your father still bested me. When the battle ended and I was on the ground, he helped me up and asked if I was okay. That was when I realized he was more gentle and kind than I first thought, and we got along well after that. Better than well - we became best friends.

"This bar was always a safe-house for the knights of Hyrule, and after our small victories, we'd come to celebrate or just chat. One night your mother, Marie, stayed longer to clear up her shop in the market and caught your father's eye. As his best friend, I was there to see them fall in love and get married, and I got to know her well myself."

The hero looked around the room, trying to imagine Rusl and his father sitting in those very chairs, celebrating and rejoicing, young and well. He tried to imagine the man in the pictograph - his father - falling in love and sweeping his mother off her feet. How many times did Link pass the market with no semblance of what it meant to his family?

"Do you miss them?"

He hesitated, maybe too afraid of his own feelings or maybe too guilt-ridden to accept them. "There hasn't been a day I haven't missed them. I made a mistake that day on the battlefield and I'll never forgive myself for it."

The hero eyed Rusl, tracing the lines of worry with his eyes. "What happened?" he asked in a soft voice. Rusl looked broken almost, the tears brimming his eyes swelling as he sat in the memory, and Link regretted asking. "You don't have to-"

"It's all right, Link," he interrupted with a shake of his head. "Your father trained me for months before word came about Arcadia's attack. Maybe he gave me confidence or maybe it was the thrill of it all but I overestimated myself, taking on too many enemies at once. He ran to help me, thinking he could block one of their blows with his own sword, but he didn't have the time to hold it back." He swallowed heavily and Link's eyes grew dark.

He'd been in battle many times for himself and understood how risky it was; it only took a moment of weakness for everything to change. It was easy to be bested by a herd of soldiers, even if they were brave and strong.

"It happened so fast…I-I should've done something. If I hadn't been so reckless…"

Clearly, Rusl blamed himself for the incident all this time, even though what happened was beyond his control - even though it'd been so long. It wasn't any good to hold onto so much regret for so long.

"You can't think like that, Rusl. You've done so much for my family. You are my family."

"I know, my boy." He smiled for his sake. "I've just gotten old now and the regrets of my youth often come back to me. But I'm so proud to have raised you, Link. That is something I could never regret."

Link's smile weakened but he tightened his grasp around the older man's hand. "Thank you, Rusl. I'm lucky to have you as a father." The tears Rusl fought back made way as they embraced one another.

Zelda's pale skin lit up with a rosy color and the glow of perspiration, which would've been taken as a good sign if her fever hadn't gone up drastically.

Her maids tended to her at all times, freshening her up with cool towels and wiping away the beads of sweat that trickled down her flushed skin. The only instructions that were written on the doctor's note were to give her the medication he prescribed and for her to drink frequently, though she slept so often it was difficult to give her the potion.

The whole kingdom worried for her deeply and the princes vowed to stay as long as they could to see Her Majesty up and well again. But as the days faded in and out, so would her consciousness, and no one knew when she'd get better.

The Hylian Influenza wasn't new to Hyrule, nor was it a big surprise to Lady Irene since the symptoms were so similar to the ones she'd witnessed before. It was the same flu that plagued the Royal Family all that long ago.

It wasn't an easy illness to cure, she knew, since Zelda's parents were regrettably lost to it. However, back in the day, there were more doctors to aid Hylians, especially in the infirmary. Fortunately, there wasn't much of a need for doctors lately and the infirmary remained unoccupied. Only then did she wish there were more or at least better-skilled doctors to help Zelda feel better.

Irene sat on top of the bed and pressed the back of her hand against her forehead. Her temperature was rising significantly, even now, so she circled the bed, grabbed small towels, and soaked them with cold water in the bathroom.

When she returned, Irene pulled the golden crown off the queen's head and set it down on her bedside table before she patted the wet cloth against her skin. "You'll be all right, my Zelda," she said softly, though she wasn't sure if the queen could hear her.

After dabbing the wet cloth against her skin for a long while, she set it across her forehead. The nursemaid ran her hands through the queen's hair, brushing small strands aside and speaking soft words of encouragement.

"I'm here," she cooed. "You'll be all right, my Zelda. You're strong and brave and by the goddesses, you will be fine."

Once Link entered the palace, he overheard many of the servants talking about Zelda's condition. Instantly, worry swept over him. He'd only been gone for two days and her symptoms had already gotten worse?

Though his initial plan was to apologize to the commander for his absence, he asked around for where the queen could be found and dashed to her chambers.

The door was cracked open and he couldn't help but overhear the conversation within. "…said not contagious, right?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"I'm just worried for all you lovely ladies, is all," the man replied casually and Link rolled his eyes.

"Is there something I can help you with, Sir Link?" a voice called from behind the hero and he turned quickly in surprise. Lady Irene stood there, holding a vessel of fresh water and eyeing Link curiously.

"Um, no. I just wanted to see if the queen was okay. I heard she was really sick."

"It was kind of you to show up, Sir Link, but if I may, I'd suggest you return another time," she replied almost nervously and then continued in a lower tone. "She's being visited by a prince currently and it may be best to avoid such a meeting."

"Oh, right. Is she okay, at least?"

Lady Irene shook her head sadly and opened her mouth to answer, but the door beside them swung open and a tall man stood in its frame. "I thought I heard you out here, Lady Irene."

Link examined the prince with a narrowed gaze. He was tall, much taller than his own already short stature, and stood quite confidently. His nose stuck high in the air, so much that Link couldn't get a proper view of his eyes, and his dark hair was slicked back with oils. The clothes on his back were fur pelts and a gold-threaded tunic, while Link wore a simple blue - the same he'd been wearing for the last two days.

The prince took note of him with a scowl, clearly offended for being scrutinized for so long. "With whom do you speak, my lady?"

"This is Sir Link."

His gaze shifted to an ice-cold glare as he sized him up. "Ah. You wouldn't happen to be the same 'Link' who'd saved Hyrule, would you?"

The hero eyed him warily. For a moment, he considered hiding the truth from him before realizing that he'd probably figure it out anyway. Besides, why should he hide his accomplishments from a prince? And so he nodded.

"Hm. I suppose that doesn't surprise me. I haven't heard many people with the name 'Link' before. It's a strange one, isn't it?" Link's eyes narrowed as the prince turned to Irene. "Why don't you go on in, set that pitcher down, and excuse the hero and I for a moment?"

Lady Irene shot Link an apologetic look before curtsying and fleeing to the bedroom.

Once he was certain she was out of earshot, he spared a glance down the halls and strode towards Link. "You know, it's quite odd to find you here. You're probably not aware, so I'll just inform you that people of your status don't belong around the royal quarters.

"I hope for her sake no one sees you out here. After all, what business would a commoner such as yourself have skulking around the queen's bedchamber?"

Link fumed. Yet again, a noble put him down and he hadn't even been in the castle for an hour.

But this time he wouldn't take it. He'd listen to Ilia's advice and approach it from a different angle; he'd stand his ground, just as he would if he were in battle.

Taking a steadying breath, he simply said, "I just wanted to see if the queen is okay."

"Of course she isn't, you fool," he snapped coldly. "It wouldn't surprise me if you brought some terrible illness from your pathetic village."

His words were like a kick in the gut. "Ordon is not pathetic."

"Ordon? I've never heard of such a place. It's obviously insignificant if a royal doesn't know of it."

With every word, the beast in Link was scratching and clawing, desperate to free itself from the shackles and tear the prince apart. But he kept his temper subdued, knowing anger would only lead to something worse.

"Do you have a problem with me?"

"Bite your tongue! You'd do well to treat your superiors with respect."

"Superior?" Link repeated. "You aren't any better than me."

The prince's eyes narrowed. Pushing his finger up against Link's chest, he walked up on the hero until he was pressed against the stone wall, his face leaning in too close for comfort and his voice becoming dangerously low.

"You think you can compare yourself to me? That's laughable. You're irrelevant. Whatever accomplishments you claim to have are worthless in these castle walls.

"I'm simply protecting the queen. She doesn't need someone of your station pestering her. Why don't you just scurry back to your pathetic village and leave her be? You'd be doing her a favor."

Link swallowed painfully. His words came out a tad shakier than he would've liked, but still, he insisted, "You can't tell me what I'm worth."

The prince scoffed, pushing off of him and waving his hand dismissively as he walked away.

"You are what you are. Whether you deny it or not, you'll still be a commoner for the rest of your days."

Link stepped after him, clenching his hands into fists at his side. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

The prince stopped and turned, his gaze sweeping over the hero once more.

"It is here," he said matter-of-factly. "You'll never be enough. Not for Hyrule, not for the palace, and most certainly not for the queen."

Chapter Text

There would be no more running away for Link. That night, he turned to the one place that brought him comfort in the stone fortress, the one place where he could let out the suffocating feeling that he'd grown accustomed to. The pounding of his fists against the leather and his tired grunts composed a symphony of unfettered rage in the lonely training yards. No one should be bothered, he thought: it was too late in the night for anyone to hear him take out his resentment on the innocent dummy.

"Link?" Well, never mind. "Where've you been?" It was the commander calling out from behind him – he could tell by the deep tenor of his voice – and the knight pivoted to face him, leaning on the dummy for support.

"What'd you think: you could just leave your responsibilities behind? We're trainin' an army for goddesses' sake! You don't leave my side for anything!" Once he finally made his way to his side, however, he quieted his lecture. "What happened to you, lad? You look horrible!"

"I'm sorry for leaving. It won't happen again."

"You bet it won't!" he started again, his hands on his hips. "Your responsibilities are here now and you can't leave without tellin' me first!"

Link nodded, standing up straight and rubbing his sore knuckles absentmindedly. "I'm sorry."

When he was finished with his lecture, he folded his arms and huffed. "Now what's goin' on with you? Why'd you leave?"

"I needed to see Rusl."

"Rusl?" he repeated. "How is he?"

Link shook his head, looking off into the distance. "He's okay, I guess."

"That doesn't sound too right, boy? What is it?"

"It's just…" He was too tired to explain this story again. Things between him and Rusl were okay now, but what happened still bothered him and it wasn't easy to share over and over.

"You didn't know about your dad, did you?"

"What?"

"Daphnes, right? You think I'm too daft to realize you're his son, boy? You're his spitting image!" Link stood slack-jawed at his superior and the commander hurried to explain himself. "I knew he had a son; I just didn't realize that that baby was the same one Rusl took away all that long ago."

Link was too dumbfounded to respond. What could he possibly say? "It wasn't right for me to blabber on that night," he continued, "but I just wanna let you know that I'm here if you need me. I know how important a dad can be and I ain't yours, but if you need anything, you can ask me."

Link was still stupefied. His commander was a good man, he knew, but he didn't expect him to be so insightful. He appreciated it. Even though Link was guilty of running off, his commander was so understanding about it. "Thank you, commander."

"Nah, don't mention it," he replied dismissively. "And why are you out here? Gettin' some last-minute practice?"

"Not exactly," Link mumbled. "I ran into a prince and it didn't end well."

"Ha! When do they ever?" The commander put a hand on Link's shoulder and tugged a little, signaling for him to walk alongside him and leave the courtyard. "Those snooty nobles, they don't really take a likin' to us. It's best to steer clear of 'em."

"I just wanted to see the queen."

"Ah, you heard? Turns out it's pretty bad. I heard she's sleepin' half the time. Poor girl." Link's face crumpled in worry and the commander took notice. Though he was hardly one to sugarcoat the truth, perhaps he could help the hero out.

"Your best chance at checking up on the queen is late at night. Those nobles are up at dawn and won't leave 'til sunset. If I were you, I'd run along now and see if the maids let you in," he said, taking a glance at the darkening winter sky.

Link frowned. Did he really want to go back now? What if the prince was still there?

"Sorry, I can't help you other than that. I won't step foot 'round them folks for nothin'."

The hero swallowed, stopping in his step before shaking his head. "No, thank you. I'll just…I'll try. See you tomorrow?"

"Ha," the commander chuckled. "You better."

The prince luckily wasn't there when Link stopped by the queen's chambers the second time around. Lady Irene swept him inside the room before anyone saw and said she'd give him a moment alone with the queen. Though Link stammered in protest, the maids swarmed to the sitting room, sending him various looks as they brushed by.

Somewhat hesitantly, he walked further into the room. The carpet was the color of red wine and soft underneath his feet, like the touch of a cloud up beside the City in the Sky. There were plenty of wooden bookshelves and violet flowers in porcelain vases in the sitting room.

Velvet sofas were in the center, a vanity table sat in the corner of her room with a plush stool before it, and a long mirror stood in the opposite corner. Link glanced at his tired reflection as he passed by, his form flitting between shadow and light.

The walls were draped with tapestries and paintings, one of which was a portrait of a young girl - he guessed it must be Zelda - sitting before the late king and the queen. In the painting, her chestnut hair was short, her plump cheeks rosy, and her nose was cute and small. The king, standing strong and proud, had his hands on her shoulders.

Feeling slightly awkward under the maids' watchful stares, the hero didn't waste any more time looking around and slipped through the wooden doors. His eyes set upon the canopy bed where the queen laid: her hands were folded above the blanket, skin flushed and glowing with perspiration. Her chestnut hair was undone from its usual braid and sprawled over the pillow where it was away from her face and off her neck.

Voile drapes were pulled to the side, allowing the glow of twilight to stream in through the balcony window. Her canopy bed was large, big enough to fit Epona even, with heavy curtains drawn to every corner. On top of her violet comforter laid a ratty, old blanket, which was curious to him, as it stood out strikingly against all her fineries.

Warily, Link finally approached the queen. His inspection traveled to her chest, which rose and fell with shallow breaths. She was so still, it was frightening, even to him. He crouched at the head of the bed, feeling somewhat at odds with himself. There weren't many times he ever had to deal with illnesses like this, as Ilia was the only one in Ordon who actually understood how to treat them. He, on the other hand, was more of a monster-slaying hero than a physician.

He knew how it felt to be sick growing up, sure, but his immune system was stronger than others and he usually felt better after two short days. Being around someone so deathly ill was terrifying to him, not excluding the fact that that someone was a person whom he'd cared about so deeply.

He reached out and touched two fingers to her forehead. His heart clenched at the heat radiating off her.

It was a wonder how she possessed the Triforce of Wisdom when she couldn't understand how important her health was. Had she been in any other state, he might've said 'I told you so.'

But what if the councilors were right? What if this was his fault? He did keep Zelda out late in the cold, winter's night for his own selfish desires. It scared him to think that she became so sick because of him. He'd do anything, anything, if it meant she'd be up on her feet again.

Her eyes fluttered open, strained as the action was, and her eyebrows furrowed as her vacant gaze focused on him. "Link?"

He swiftly retracted his hand. "Yeah, it's me."

She didn't say anything after that. Her eyes fell shut and Link assumed she fell asleep after a few moments. He stood up to leave but was stopped midstep.

"I'm sorry," she said so quietly that Link wondered if he imagined it. He turned to face her again and found her looking at him through creased eyes.

"Don't be. I was just worried about you."

Her head bobbed against her pillow as she traced her tongue across her dry lips. "I know." Link's eyes softened at the sound of Zelda's hoarse voice. "Thanks."

He shook his head, smiling softly despite his concern, and leaned in a bit closer. "You're going to be okay, Your Highness," he said, more so for himself than for Zelda. Her response came in a small crooked smile and some shallow breathing. "Do you need anything?"

The queen hummed for a minute in thought, then murmured, "Cold."

"You're cold?"

He started to tug at her blanket, but she shook her head and all but threw a small towel at him. His dark eyes focused on the cloth before they widened in understanding. He examined the chambers for a bathroom and found a door left ajar.

The bathroom was large as well, laminated in white marble, and kept tidy. He stepped in quickly and wet the towel in the basin, wringing the soft fabric so that it didn't soak and drip on the tiles.

He came back to her side, placed a hand by her head, and leaned over her. He paused for a moment, his heart quickening at the proximity.

But then, without further delay, he brought the cold fabric to her forehead and wiped away some of the dewiness. She let out a lax sigh that made him shiver and sunk further into the bed. As he tended to her, slow and methodically, all noise around them fell away. There were only the sounds of their breath.

For perhaps the first time, he wasn't so intimidated around the princess - no, queen - of light. In that room, quiet and alone, it felt like they were just two people: a man and a woman, a doctor, and a patient, a practiced touch on top of warm skin. For the first time, Link saw Zelda less like a queen and more like a woman.

It was then that the hero finally realized Ilia was right: he liked Zelda. It was hard to tell what it was exactly. Maybe now that he could see her as a regular person, he allowed himself to look past any walls she and the others erected between them. Or maybe it was being here, alone, that he realized he didn't need anything else but her.

Maybe it was the way she was stubborn in anything she set her mind to, even if it had her working late into the night instead of resting. Or maybe it was her selflessness, that same selflessness that brought Midna back to full health when she was ailing or that gave him the pictograph of his parents when he was hurting or that'd make her risk her own life for her kingdom.

Though he tried to define it - though all those reasons were true, there was something else, something intangible about her that he felt from the moment they met. It felt like lifetimes ago, but he could remember it clearly. His eyes were drawn to her, even though she was cloaked in darkness and all he could see was her brilliant blue eyes. He felt it then just as he felt it now.

Though it wasn't quite the shock he might've expected, his heart was pounding in his chest. Maybe he could handle things differently from now on. Maybe he would fight for her.

And maybe, just maybe, she'd feel the same way.

"Your Highness?" Her brilliant blue eyes fluttered open again and he took a steadying breath. "I'm going to make sure you're okay."

And for weeks, that was precisely what he did. Before and after his regular second-in-command duties, he'd slip into the queen's bedchambers, fetching vessels of fresh cold water, potions from Doctor Borville's office in the town, and anything else the maids asked from him, all while avoiding the princes and dukes.

The days slipped by in a hectic haze and yet the queen's state never improved. It worried the entire castle and town; many of them knew the severity of the illness that plagued their monarch. Link, on the other hand, believed in her senselessly and did everything in his power to help.

But when his anxiety got the better of him, swordplay was a way for him to release all of that negative energy and put it to good use. That chilly morning in the training yards, he trained alongside the knights, going hand-to-hand with one of his smaller students.

"Look for openings in your enemy's defense," he reminded his student just as they clashed once again, Link pressing his blade hard against the squire's. His opponent was thin and scrawny, but Link noted that he was quick and wanted him to use that to his advantage. The younger man trembled under Link's intense stare but nodded in understanding.

The hero pushed back, pausing, and then slid forward, jabbing his sword into his opponent's chest in hopes that the squire would see his opportunity to slice at his side. Instead, he dodged his blade. It took him a minute to see his opening, his eyes widening at the prospect, and he swung his sword at the last minute. Link met his blade immediately and shook his head. "Faster," he chided. The squire grunted as the hero pushed him backward again.

Link's sword spun in his hand as he waited for his opponent to slip into the ready position, idly hopping in one spot to keep his pulse running. The younger man slid forward, grasping his sword tightly as he sliced at the hero. Their blades collided in a series of sparks, and though the squire expected him to throw him off balance again, the hero slowly pressed his own sword to the right so that the squire's arm was bent uncomfortably and an opening was revealed at the left side of Link's waist.

The metal screeched throughout the arena before the younger man retracted his blade, thrusting it at Link's side. He stumbled backward at the contact, a little more so to emphasize his hit, and the squire beamed. The hero nodded with a slight smile. "Good job. Remember to always keep an eye for an opening." They sheathed their swords and shook hands as the squire scampered along, retelling his feat - with a little exaggeration, of course - to his friends.

"You're doin' great, boy," the commander said as he slapped his arm.

"Thanks, Eagus."

"You can go take a break if you want. I can handle them for a bit."

"Are you sure?" he asked, looking around the throng of bustling knights.

"Yeah, these guys listen to me, no problem. You run along for now."

The hero grinned at the commander and stripped off his weaponry before racing through the halls of the castle to the queen's chambers. There weren't many times Link would go to her room during the day: somewhat because it was far from the training yards and he never had enough time to get there, but also out of the fear he'd run into another obnoxious noble. But many days had passed since the coronation ball and there was a chance all of the noblemen had gone home - or at least were preparing to.

Once the knight approached the room, he recognized the familiar doctor's voice and sobs coming from within. He knocked on the large doors and a maid opened them. "I must apologize, but now -" She stopped upon seeing the hero, his brows furrowed and lips set in a frown. "Oh, Sir Link, is it?"

"Link!" The angry voice came from within before the older man stormed past the maid. "You've done this! I'll have you banished to the ends of the earth, do you hear me?" Chancellor Cole shouted, fists clenched at his side and face red in fury.

"What? Is she okay?" Link asked, avoiding the councilor's accusations and sidestepping to peer into the chambers. Cole grabbed him by the shoulders and pushed him backward.

"No, she's not okay, you insolent-"

"Stop!" Irene shouted from inside the room. Her eyes were swollen and rimmed as if she were one of the people he heard sobbing. "Chancellor, please, why are you shouting at the hero?"

"Hero?" he spat. "This man is no hero! He's the one that got Her Majesty ill and he'll be sentenced to death if she so much as skips a heartbeat!"

"What do you mean?"

"He was out frolicking with the queen the night of the ball! She fell ill the next day, don't you see? She's never been good with illnesses, and this fool scampers along and endangers her life!"

Link's chest sunk at all his harsh words and all the commotion, and then pushed at them to get through the door but the chancellor shoved him back again. "Don't even try, you fool! Lady Irene, get him out of my sight! Have him go nowhere near the queen!"

"Chancellor, don't you think that's a little harsh? He's been hel-"

"Do you dare disobey my orders, woman? I said 'take him away' or I'll have both your heads!"

Irene pursed her lips in frustration and grabbed the hero by his upper arm, pulling him away rather roughly. But he didn't care. "What's going on? What happened to the queen?"

She huffed, letting go of her grip on his arm. Then glancing around the halls to make sure no one saw, she began, "Dr. Borville says that there's nothing else we can do for Her Majesty and," she took a heavy breath, swallowing back tears before continuing, "she may not make it through these next few days."

"What? No..." He shook his head. "We did everything...!"

"I know," she replied softly. "But she hasn't woken up in a very long time. Just this morning, she was barely breathing. That was the same thing that happened with-" She stopped suddenly and sunk her head.

"With who?"

After a long moment pause, she looked at him with tears brimming her puffy eyes. "With the king and queen," she finished and his eyebrows rose in surprise. "The royal family fell ill when Zelda was just a child. They had the same symptoms in their final hours…There was nothing we could've done. But the princess was only unconscious for a few days and when she awoke, her parents were already gone."

The thought, the terrible thought of something like that happening to Zelda, hit him harder than he expected. He couldn't even begin to imagine the horror she'd been through as a child, and yet she was always so calm and collected.

She sniffled. "Zelda was stronger in her youth than the king and queen were…but now...now she isn't as strong as she once was."

Link swallowed, but he shook his head resolutely. "So what can we…how do we help?"

"There's nothing we can do, Sir Link. We've tried everything that Dr. Borville has ordered and with no results."

He bit his lip in thought, trying to concentrate. Who else could they turn to? Who else knew how to bring someone back to full health? His eyes widened. "The shaman..."

"What?"

"The shaman, Renado. He lives in Kakariko village. He'll know what to do," he assured, hope swelling with a newfound goal. He remembered when he and Ilia brought Prince Ralis to Renado, and the shaman took only a few days to bring the Zora prince back to his old self. Link just knew that he'd do the same for Zelda.

Lady Irene got a little excited at the small sliver of hope, clasping her hands at her chest. "Then we must get someone to deliver the message."

"I can go," Link suggested quickly.

"Hyrule's army needs you, Sir Link. We can't have you traveling the kingdom. We can send one of the soldiers to Kakariko and bring the shaman back with a carriage in a day."

"I can get there faster," he insisted. "What good is an army if they don't have a queen?"

She paused in contemplation: he was right. Zelda mattered as much as her own children did to her, more than even her own kingdom, and Eagus would be fine sparing Link a day in honor of the queen. Her eyes softened with admiration. "You're very brave, Sir Link. If you're willing to go for Queen Zelda, I'll speak with Eagus and explain."

"I should too," he added quickly, remembering what happened last time.

"All right then. We should hurry."

Though Link mounted Epona in desperation many times since he became a knight, he did so now with a new goal, a busy mind, and of course, a carriage. The wild winds of winter blew against their messy manes, but Link's eyes were focused on the raging mountains of Eldin on the horizon as they galloped closer to their destination. By afternoon, Epona had flown through the wooden gates, and Link all but threw open the door to the sanctuary. The room was dark, lit only by the flickering candlelight that threatened to extinguish at his sudden entrance.

Renado, who was praying on the floor before the stone statue, stood and spun to look at his intruder. "Link, son, are you all right?"

He breathed out and shook his head. "The queen…she's sick."

"What horrible news you bring. What happened, Link? Will she be all right?"

"She's…she's got some illness and the doctor said she won't make it," he said quickly, forgetting how to explain himself. "I need you."

Renado looked upon him thoughtfully for a moment and nodded in understanding. "Come then, Link. We'll get my daughter and head to the castle immediately. You can tell me more once we get there." Renado drifted across the room like a ghost, blowing each candle out in his wake, before they left the village with Luda and returned to the palace.

Once the shaman arrived, soldiers escorted him to the queen's chambers, and Link followed after them. As they approached the room, chancellors, nobles, and maids anxiously crowded around them. The shaman walked in with Lady Irene, who nodded to the hero in gratitude and closed the door behind them. Link sighed heavily as he stared at the intricately detailed door shut before his eyes, turned, and shoved through the throng of people.

"Don't think that all is forgiven, Sir Link," Cole called out from behind him, waiting by the door and shaking his head. "You're still solely responsible for what happens to the queen."

Link rolled his eyes and pivoted towards the chancellor. "I'll gladly take whatever punishment you give me if something happens to her."

The tall prince he'd met the other day approached them and scoffed at Link's comment. "I thought I told you it'd be best to return to your village."

"You did. But I brought a doctor to heal the queen," Link replied hotly.

The prince, it seemed, was at a loss of words. Anything sarcastic he had at his disposal would've sounded insensitive to all the chancellors and maids that stood witness. "Well, good then," he settled to say, "for as soon as she's returned to good health, I'll have my chance to ask for her hand in marriage. You see, the chancellors here think I'd make the finest match with Her Majesty." Chancellor Cole, though he kept quiet, was the only man who appeared to be disapproving.

The knight felt his blood go cold. Zelda marrying this prince? He was rude, stupid, and selfish. Maybe Link wasn't perfect but he'd treat her with respect if he ever had the chance.

"Do you understand what that means?" the prince asked, approaching him creepily. "That was rhetorical, Link, I don't actually expect that you would." He leaned down then, hands on his legs as though he were talking to a child. "It means I'll be your king and you'll have to obey me."

Link's hands clenched at his side as he fumed. "You'll never be my king."

The prince seemed embarrassed at the knight's refusal but only so much as scoffed. "You see, Link, you don't actually have a choice. When the queen chooses me, I'll be your king. Should you deny me, you'll never see your lovely queen again." He seemed to think, a sly smile curdling his lips. "Not that you'd see her much anyway. I'll keep her plenty busy."

Link's eyes darkened to a glare. "Don't speak about her that way," he said through gritted teeth.

"I'll be her husband. I can speak of her candidly if I so choose." He leaned in even closer so that the hero only could hear his words. "Don't forget: I have power that you don't."

The word snapped something in Link and he shoved the prince backwards so that he stumbled and hit the ground. The crowd, chancellors and maids alike, silenced and stared at the hero in shock. He was ready to pounce on Fletcher when two of the chancellors grabbed him by the arms and restrained him, just before things could get out of control.

"Fool!" the prince screeched as they dragged Link down the halls. "You'll pay for this!"

The chancellors instructed the guards to take the hero away, with only Cole staying behind to lead them to the destination as Link struggled against their hold. He knew it was against some law or another to even touch a prince, but he saved Hyrule - and though he never expected any special treatment - he wondered how they could be so quick and cruel without a second thought.

The soldiers heaved the hero down many murky halls and spiraling staircases until the air got cold and he could no longer see past the circle of light around the torch. He could only hear the sounds of distressed moans and tired cries, making his skin crawl.

The clatter of the metal door rang through the hall as one of the soldiers opened it up and walked the hero to it. Link, confused and angry, pushed them away but the guard shoved him inside and shackled him against the wall before he could make another move.

"That's all, men," Cole dismissed, then turned to the hero on the ground.

"Why am I down here? Because I pushed him?" Link asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"Yes, but after I revealed your little tryst early today, you were already considered a threat to Her Majesty. All you needed to do was make one wrong move."

"I'm not a threat. I fought for Hyrule. Don't you see that?"

"You have no proof," the advisor bit, and Link clenched his fists. "Don't worry, you won't be here for long. We just need to keep you subdued for the time being and then the chancellors will have a court meeting to decide what we're going to do with you."

"You can't just-"

"On the contrary, Sir Link. Since you've become a knight, you've dismissed your duties, distracted Her Majesty of hers as well - not to mention get her sick - and now you've assaulted a prince. Do you understand how this will affect the kingdoms? Prince Fletcher's soon to become King of Holodrum and if Hyrule's citizens do so much as to offend him while he's a guest in our castle, we'd lose a powerful ally - or worse."

"You were there! You heard what he said about the queen."

The chancellor hesitated for a quick moment, hiding it by sticking his pointy nose into the air. "It doesn't matter. You don't have leave to touch a prince. You seem to have forgotten your place already and hopefully, this cell will do wonders to remind you. Until you've calmed down, you're to stay here while we decide what to do with you."

Link pulled at his shackles, glaring at the councilor as he stepped out of his line of sight. The torchlights gleamed a far distance away before fading out and he was left to sit in the dark alone for a long time.

She sighed as she blinked awake and realized it wasn't so painful to blink. Her skin was no longer burning and her muscles were relaxed. A cold liquid settled on her skin and her blanket was nowhere to be found. Soft humming could be heard from one end of the dark bedroom until she coughed, though fortunately that too wasn't as agonizing as she remembered.

"How do you feel, Your Majesty?" a faint voice called as a tall tanned man with long locks approached her. She frowned in confusion.

"Better," she answered shakily, trying to push herself onto her shoulders. "Who-"

He set a patient hand on her shoulder and interrupted, "Don't overwork yourself, Your Majesty. You've only just awoken." Zelda settled back into her bed as she continued to scrutinize the strange man. "I'm the shaman of Kakariko Village and I came when I heard that you fell ill. My name is Renado."

She sighed a little tiredly, tempering her gaze, and smiled politely. "Would it be all right if I brought Lady Irene in here? She's been very worried about you." Zelda bobbed her head and he disappeared behind her bedroom doors. Soft murmuring could be heard from the next room before she heard a loud cry. Her muddled mind spun a little in confusion as the older woman ran into the room breathlessly.

"My Zelda!" she exclaimed, slapping her hand over her mouth in glee. "Thank the goddesses, dear Zelda, you had me so frightened." She approached the side of her bed and clasped her hands in her own. The queen's eyes felt tired, wanting to be as eager as her nursemaid, but found she still couldn't do much more than smile.

"We were so worried for you. We…We nearly lost hope." Her ramblings went on and on, and Zelda tried to take in all her words. "But of course, you'd get better. You have so much light in you, Zelda. Oh my dear, you're my light. I don't know what I'd do without you."

The nursemaid embraced her, sobbing into her shoulder while Zelda tried to pat her back comfortingly. Renado stepped back into the room upon hearing all the commotion and set a firm hand on the nursemaid's shoulder. She turned to him and threw her arms around him with another embrace. "Thank you! Thank you so much."

The shaman pat her shoulder as he pulled her away, seemingly embarrassed. "We must let the queen sleep. She's not had proper rest in a long while," he reminded her, and though Zelda felt sorry to have to leave her nursemaid crying, she was too exhausted to argue.

Making the hero pay became the top of the prince's priorities. He'd never once been so humiliated and he certainly wouldn't let some common farmhand take him for a fool. Sapphire cape whipping behind him, he stormed through the palace.

Once he arrived in the gardens, the man with fiery hair came into sight, seemingly searching the branches for buds. Percival turned his head when the other prince confronted him.

"Fletcher," he greeted. "What news do you bring of the queen?"

"She's in a precarious state," he answered hurriedly, not in the mood for idle chitchat. "The hero - or so he calls himself - brought another doctor of sorts to aid her."

"Ah, I hope she'll be okay," Percival replied sadly with a shake of his head.

"Yes, yes, likewise. I wish to speak in peace if you don't mind." Fletcher nodded his head towards the guards and the redhead thought pensively before turning towards his men and waving them away.

"What is it?"

"I fear that the hero endangers either of our chances of marrying the queen. Many times he's told me in secrecy that he doesn't take well to any suitor who's after Her Majesty, and he'd impale us if we do so much as to ask for her hand," he lied effortlessly. "Just now, he was sent to the dungeon for assaulting me earlier today."

Percival, as cowardly as he was, held his throat in fear. "You cannot be serious."

"I am. You may ask around if you don't believe me." The redheaded man, however, seemed to not need any more convincing. "It's an urgent desire of mine to keep him at bay while we stay in Hyrule. I wouldn't want him getting upset and having our heads."

Percival nodded anxiously. "So what is it that you expect me to do?"

"The chancellors are holding a court meeting to discuss the punishment of the hero and I ask that you tell them that he also threatened you. This way, the chancellors won't take this situation lightly as I'm afraid they might, given his title."

The redhead frowned and narrowed his eyes. "Why would I need to do something like this if he's already found guilty?"

"It'd help raise the chances. There weren't any witnesses when he threatened me, after all."

"Where were your guards at these encounters?"

"I already sent them away at his request," the tall prince answered, a hand resting on his hip. "I thought I could trust the hero as the queen told me how truly splendid he was. As it turns out, he's not to be kept in such high esteem."

Biting his lip in thought, he paced around nervously while Fletcher awaited his answer. "I don't think I can do this. It'd ruin my reputation if they found out that I lied."

"Would you rather your sister's reputation be at stake?" he retorted viciously and Percival threw him a glare.

"So it's all a ruse then? You're trying to get me to lie for your sake so that no one may stand in your way of the queen's hand. Why you conniv-"

One of Fletcher's hands clapped over Percival's mouth and the other held him by the arm, leaving the Prince of Labrynna to struggle in his grasp. "You'll do as I say or I swear to the goddesses, I'll reveal what happened at your father's hunting trip last year. Do you understand?"

The redhead glared at him viciously for a long moment before nodding in reluctance, and Fletcher released him. "Good then. It seems we have a deal."

"You're foul, Fletcher. This isn't right."

"You have a choice," the tall prince said calmly, stroking the bud Percival had been admiring earlier. Then, he clamped his fist over it. "But just remember what's at stake." He turned then, his cape rippling behind him and the petals tumbling off the branch.

With the might of his heavy fist, the commander knocked on the door first thing in the morning, and after a moment Lady Irene stood in its place.

"The queen isn't taking any… Oh hello, commander. What can I do for you?"

"Where is he?" he boomed angrily. There was no more mercy for the hero: now the commander was getting really upset. He didn't show up for yet another day of training when he specifically ordered Link to return the day after bringing the shaman or whoever from Kakariko.

"Where's who? Sir Link, you mean?"

"Yes Link! He hasn't shown up to work, again. You were with him when you came to speak with me, so you should know where he is."

Lady Irene frowned, a little vexed by his tone and very confused as to where the hero could've gone. "I'm afraid I don't know where he is. He brought the shaman here yesterday and that was the last I heard of him. Maybe one of the maids will know. Wait here," she said before scurrying into the queen's sitting room and asking around. Meanwhile, the commander tapped his boot impatiently.

"Come then," Irene insisted as she and another maid stepped out of the room. "Tell him what you saw."

"Well…" she started, a little intimidated by the furious captain, and twiddled her fingers with girlish anxiety. "Sir Link was…he got into an argument with a prince and he - well he pushed him and so two councilors escorted him somewhere. I apologize, but I don't know where."

The commander held his temples with two fingers while shaking his head. "Aye, those nobles will be the death of me. Thanks, ladies, for your time. If you need me, I'll be dealin' with some pompous, ignorant…" he trailed off as he disappeared down the hall, his pounding footsteps overriding his annoyed murmuring.

Three pounds on the door was all it took for Chancellor Cole to swing it open. "Who dares to knock at my door?" Cole demanded angrily, facing the large man with the same rage. "Where are the guards?"

"I sent them away."

"How dare you? It's my study. You have no right!"

"And you have no right to dismiss my second-in-command! Where's Link?"

The chancellor calmed down a little then, suddenly understanding the situation and allowing the commander inside his office. The larger man hobbled in, the room seemingly shrinking under his size and the chair quivering under his weight.

Cole sat himself elegantly on his chair, elbows on the desk and hands folded. "You see, Sir Eagus, it's come to the councilors' attention that Sir Link hasn't been on his best behavior. He's been neglecting his duties and has been disrespecting his superiors. You've noticed this as well, I've heard."

Eagus did notice that Link was putting off his duties. That was why he was there in the first place. But there was no way he'd side with a noble or seriously endanger the hero's reputation. All he wanted was for his second-in-command to be where he needed him and help him train the bungling knights.

"Link's only missed three days of work from all the time he's been here and for good reason. He brought a good doctor - a real doctor unlike that old crotchety guy you did - for the queen!"

The councilor took a deep breath and shook his head. "Dr. Borville's the only doctor in Castle Town. Though I digress, it was kind of Sir Link to bring the shaman to the palace. But it still doesn't dismiss his actions and he must be penalized for them properly. Have you heard that Sir Link assaulted Prince Fletcher of Holodrum earlier today?"

"You mean 'pushed'?" Eagus said a little blandly.

"Yes, I do. To touch – much less, assault – a prince is a criminal offense and he must be penalized accordingly. Now he awaits our verdict in a cell in the dungeon."

"You put the boy in the dungeon?" Eagus fumed. "How could you?"

"As I've already stated, he's been disruptive and violent. Not to mention that it was because of Sir Link's imprudent actions that the queen's sick in bed."

"Link hurt the queen? No way. That boy cares more about her than half the court!" Cole didn't seem pleased with this accusation, narrowing his gaze into a glare. "Look, I know Link and he wouldn't hurt anyone just for the hell of it. He's a good guy - a hero even - and if he hurt anyone, he had a good reason."

"I cannot excuse his actions just because he claims to be the savior of our land."

"'Claims?' That boy did it."

An eyebrow rose. "And how do you know this?"

"Haven't you seen that boy's left hand? Those fancy triangles from the legend are birthmarked into it."

Cole contemplated for a moment before he frowned. "If what you speak is true, we may be able to consider your word. Later this week is the court meeting if you'd choose to attend, as I'm unable to do anything for Sir Link as of this moment."

Commander Eagus scowled. A whole week before his second-in-command was back to work and before he was out of that stinkin' cell? It wasn't fair, but there was nothing he could do for him now. Arguing with the councilman anymore would only further enrage him and could risk his chance of fighting for Link in court. So the commander nodded before standing up and excusing himself with one last statement. "You gotta give that boy more credit, chancellor."

After days of finally sleeping adequately, Zelda finally awoke healthy and fresh. The night fell with the snow, she noted, as she glanced at the sky beyond her voile drapes.

The queen stretched out her muscles, which weren't as sore as they should've been and rubbed her eyes before looking around her room. It was silent and eerie, empty as it usually was, with only a flame lit up in the hearth at the foot of her bed.

As she stared into the distant flames, she struggled to recollect what happened and how she got sick. There she was in her office, ill and yet still doing her work. She remembered spilling ink all over her papers.

Her heart clenched with this sudden realization: all of that work, all of that progress was gone because of her clumsiness. How could she ever get all that work replaced? Her head ached and she reluctantly shook it off: it wouldn't do any good to worry about something like that now, not after everything that'd happened.

Zelda pressed harder, searching for more answers. There was Lady Irene, who brought her the tea that she loved – the queen knew her nursemaid was okay now. But there was someone else.

There was Link.

She yelled at him to leave her office because...well...she couldn't remember why. The queen felt the familiar feeling of guilt rush back to her. Was there ever a good enough reason to shout at someone who saved her and her kingdom?

Pushing herself upright, she placed one foot on the soft plush carpet and exhaled sharply. It'd been so long since she stood for herself; already it made her legs ache and her head spin. Then, heaving herself onto her feet, she lost her balance and tumbled to the floor. From the next room, she heard shuffling and a muffled yell.

"Zelda!" Lady Irene shouted upon entering the bedroom and seeing the queen sprawled on the floor yet again. Zelda threw one hand up to stop her from worrying as she used the other to sit upright.

"What're you doing? It's so late! You should be back in bed!"

"I've been sleeping for a long time," she rebutted, feeling her throat sting from not speaking for so long. "I need to find Link."

Irene knelt on the floor beside her and brushed the messy hair out of her face. "Your Majesty, you aren't thinking straight. You cannot speak to him this late in the evening."

Her maid was right: what was she doing trying to find Link so late? The queen shook her head and swallowed. "Perhaps you're right." She paused. "Is he okay?"

"Well, he was helping us take care of you. Just a few days ago, he brought a shaman from Kakariko Village to cure you - and he did! What a good man he is. Last I heard he got into a fight with Prince Fletcher. He pushed him or something…" she rambled on before realizing her mistake when Zelda's eyes widened. "But I'm sure the chancellors dismissed it."

"The chancellors dismiss Link? That would never – Lady Irene, where'd he go? We must find him!"

"Your Majesty, calm down. What's the matter?"

"Assaulting a prince is a criminal offense! He could go to prison for this! Help me up," she demanded. "We need to find him."

"You can hardly stand, Your Majesty. I can't have you walking the halls like this."

"I won't rest until I'm sure Link is okay. Now please, help me up."

Lady Irene's eyes were wide as she examined the queen's expression. She was serious and stubborn - that she already knew - but never before for the sake of one person.

Stricken, she heaved the queen onto her feet and threw her arm around her shoulders, carrying her weight as they paced the room and the burning in her legs subsided. Then, Zelda donned the black cloak in her closet and they escaped to the darkest depths of the castle.

His mind was hazy. How long had he been in the dungeon? Why did they leave him in here again? To wait for a proper punishment, was it? This one was horrible on its own.

Not much oxygen reached that far into the ground and all the air he breathed was cold and bitter. Since Chancellor Cole left him here - two, three, four? - days ago, he wasn't visited again.

Not until that night, that is. The wooden door up the dozen circling steps creaked open, a sudden light pouring in from the top of the stairs and lithe footsteps echoing in the quiet halls.

Then, a key slid into the door of his cell and the metal bars screeched as they slid against the cold concrete. He thought he was delusional when he saw - imagined - a figure cloaked in her robe creep into his cell.

"Link?"

Could it be? No, he was definitely delusional.

"Link!" the woman shouted, jostling him by a shoulder until he stirred.

"Who are you?"

She slipped the hood of her cloak off, revealing her messy chestnut hair and beautiful, but distressed, expression.

"You're okay!" the hero remarked with wide eyes.

"Because of you." She knelt by his side, using the key to undo the chains. Once he was free, he rubbed out the soreness in his wrists. "Why is it that I always find you in shackles?" the queen mused quietly, eyes distant. The image of him in scruffy black fur and the tangy odor of sewers plagued her mind for an instant.

"Why do I always find you in a cloak?" Seeing her in the cloak stirred something within him. How long had passed since that day? At the time, did he think he'd ever miss it? "What're you doing here? It's cold…You could get sick again."

Zelda shook her head with a worn, sad look, one usually so well hidden. "Link, I'm so sorry. I've been so harsh to you and yet you repay me with such kindness. You've saved my life once again and I don't deserve it."

The hero frowned, cold determination glazing over his dark blue eyes. "I'd save your life a thousand times, even if you didn't ask me to."

Ah, yes, now she remembered why she yelled at him. This innocent man, loving, kind, and pure, cared for her.

How undeserving she was.

All she ever did was make his life more difficult, more complicated. Wasn't it because of her foolish mistakes that he went on such a perilous journey? Wasn't it her fault that he lost everything that he ever came to love? Was he not in the cell tonight, cold and tired, because of her?

Zelda, as wise and mighty as she was, could never do anything right when it came to him.

But how could she be cold and distant with him after all that he did? Did he deserve to suffer more because of some stupid, old laws or her muddled theories on how to protect him? Look at where that got them.

It wasn't fair for her to disregard him because he cared about her, and it definitely wasn't right to cast him aside like he wasn't her friend. She wouldn't be alive if it weren't for him.

The queen embraced him then, wrapping her arms around him tenderly and burying her head into his shoulder as he sat stiffly in shock. Had she been open with gestures and compassion before, he would've been more thrilled than worried. After a moment though, his strong arms enveloped her, keeping her warm and breathing in a soft, comforting scent.

"Thank you, Link," she said, voice muffled against his tunic. He tightened his hold around her, teasing the ends of her loose locks.

"Thank you."

Chapter Text

"I, Chancellor Cole, call the court into session this morning to discuss the penalization of Sir Link. It's due to unfortunate circumstances that Queen Zelda couldn't attend this morning's court, but such a dire situation cannot wait any longer. Who wishes to speak first on behalf of this trial?"

"Sir Link, as you call him, shouldn't be forgiven for what he's done to me," Prince Fletcher said with a firm tongue. "I was attacked on your grounds, as your guest, and if you believe that this instance is to be forgiven, I will certainly need to reconsider our kingdom's ties."

"It's not to be forgiven," Carter assured. "This has never, nor would it ever, happen to a man of such high esteem as yourself within our castle walls. That is why we've gathered here today to discuss a suitable punishment for Sir Link, and why this matter must be treated with utmost importance."

"I for one have predicted this would happen from the very beginning," Chancellor Sherman cut in. "He's a risk to our monarch's safety and I say he should be denied entrance to the castle."

"Sir Link's a knight and is now assigned as second-in-command to our army. He's been doing a fine job indeed, as the morale in our ranks has significantly increased since he's been assigned. I say that expelling him from the castle would devastate that morale."

"Nonsense. He's already missed many days of his work, which proves he's too young and inexperienced to take his position seriously."

"Now listen here," the commander started, standing from his seat at the far end of the table.

"Silence!" Carter shouted. "You haven't been given leave to speak just yet. You'll have to wait until you're called upon."

Eagus rolled his eyes as he raised his hand and asked sarcastically, "May I please be called upon?"

"Let him say what he needs to," Cole demanded, nodding towards the commander.

"I was gonna say that Link's a great swordsman. He deserves his job and if he's been slackin' off like you think he has, then that's my fault. I'm his commander and I'll talk to him about it."

"This position was too much for him to begin with. He's but a villager: he doesn't have what's required to command an army."

"You haven't seen the boy fight," the commander argued.

"And perhaps that's the true issue. Sir Link may be well-skilled enough to fight, but he hasn't been trained among our ranks. Perhaps he's unable to discern when it's okay and not okay to raise his blade. The proof lies in the present issue."

"It wasn't just me he threatened. My good friend, Prince Percival, has confided in me something he'd like to share today," Prince Fletcher stated matter-of-factly. He turned to the prince at his side, who'd been tapping his armrest and gnawing at his lip. His head shot up at the sound of his name.

Just as the redhead pushed to his feet, the door at the far end of the courtroom swung open, resulting in a chorus of gasps.

"Really, now," the queen said as she strode into the room, poised as ever, with Link at her side. As she approached the table, Cole slid from the head of it to make room for her and spared a glance at the knight's left hand. "I see I've arrived just in time. I'd very much like to hear Prince Percival's report."

"Your M-Majesty…how?"

"The shaman, Renado, is a very talented man. It's because of his dedication that I was able to make a full recovery. And of course, with Sir Link's aide. After all, he was the one to retrieve the shaman and tend to my illness for weeks. It was rather upsetting to find him imprisoned," she said with a small raise of her thin brow. "Would someone like to give an account of what led to Sir Link's detainment?"

Prince Fletcher's chair screeched against the tile as he hastened to stand. "I was standing outside your room amidst a crowd of councillors and maids when out of nowhere, Sir Link attacked me. He was like a wild animal - a rabid dog! It's an outrage to be assaulted by one of your elite knights, within your castle no less!"

The hero held back a biting response, trusting Zelda to put an end to his arrogance.

"I will not excuse Sir Link's actions, as I'd never accept such hostility. In what manner did he allegedly assault you? May a councilor speak up and recount the occurrence in detail?"

"Your Majesty, I was there when it happened," Chancellor Hayes spoke up. "The two seemed to have gotten into an argument and when Prince Fletcher approached the knight, Sir Link proceeded to shove him back."

The queen hummed contemplatively and turned to the hero. "Did something prompt your behavior?"

Link's eyes snapped to Fletcher's. His expression was as cocky as always, but there was ire seething beneath the surface and it shone through his eyes. With a small breath, the hero simply shook his head. "No. There's no excuse for what I did." Then, he directed to Fletcher, "I'm sorry."

If anything, the prince was only more enraged. "He admits it: he attacked me without cause. I won't stand idly by while you discuss this man's treason as though it were nothing!"

"It's not nothing," Zelda argued calmly. "However, I won't make any rash decisions nor overlook any details. It was already cruel of this court to imprison him, especially considering how much Sir Link has devoted for the sake of Hyrule and my sake alone. Other more suitable arrangements can and will be made in such a situation."

"And what of his threats?" Fletcher cut in. "Sir Link has threatened both myself and Prince Percival. Tell your story, my lord."

The redhead, under the awaiting gazes of all the councilors, the queen, and commanders, cowered. But Fletcher's threat still loomed over him. With a swallow, he stood at last. "It - It's true. Sir Link told me in confidence that if I were to offer my hand in marriage to the queen, he'd have my head."

The hero could only gape. Zelda turned to Link, noticing his reddening cheeks. "Is this true? Did you threaten either of these princes?" The queen could hardly believe the prince's story, but it was important to treat the case seriously.

"No. Never."

"Prince Percival, do you have any proof to add to your claim?"

"Well, no. I dismissed my guards for our conversation, given how well you speak of Sir Link," he said, remembering the speech that Fletcher gave a short while ago.

"Where and when, may I ask, did this threat take place?"

"The night of the ball," the prince spit out stupidly.

"Well then, I cannot help but notice the discrepancies in your story. If this were to have transpired at the ball as you claim, then there likely would've been eyewitnesses.

"Moreover, Sir Link had accompanied me to Castle Town that evening. I asked him to be my chaperone towards the night's end since he was one of the few attendees whom I could trust to escort me in a safe and timely manner."

The entire court was stunned. How could she admit something like that so easily? It wasn't proper nor acceptable for a noblewoman, especially a queen, to escape a party thrown in her honor.

Link, on the other hand, was amazed. She'd taken all the blame that Chancellor Cole rightfully assigned to him, just so that he could no longer be charged with getting her ill.

"Your Majesty, are you saying that you escaped the ball to cavort with the townspeople? That's hardly acceptable behavior!" Sherman cried, slamming his fists on the table.

"Yes, I am. I heard that they were celebrating my reign and I wished to make an appearance. I thought it'd be wise as a leader to celebrate with the people that I'm to rule. However, it's clear to me now that it was unwise to do so on a whim and without notifying anyone else. I've already suffered the consequences of my actions.

"Now back to the issue at hand, I must ask if there's anything else you wish to say on behalf of your claims, Prince Percival?"

The prince lowered his gaze. There was nothing he could say that'd make sense now; after all, he wasn't sure when the two left the ball. The last thing he needed to do was further incriminate himself. "No, I have nothing else to say."

"Then I have no choice but to dismiss your argument."

Percival sat in his chair quietly while Fletcher glared daggers at him. "I will not sit here and listen of your frolicking, Your Majesty! May we get back to the topic at hand?"

Zelda simply cocked her head. "Yes, we may. I suggest that, given the circumstances, Sir Link is to be suspended from his duties for one week. During this time, he's to attend classes alongside the knights to brush up on the lessons in chivalry."

"That's taking too lightly to the circumstances. I demand you serve justice where it's due! This man deserves to be punished!"

"This is the hero of my country you speak of and, as I've already stated, he has saved my life countless times. I won't have you depreciate him in my presence."

"He's no hero," he spat viciously.

"To the contrary," Cole spoke up and all surprised glances landed on him. "Commander Eagus has brought to my attention that Sir Link is the Hero of Legend. If you look upon the back of his left hand, you'll see that the goddesses themselves mark him, much like our queen has been marked since birth. Denouncing his title is questioning the goddesses themselves."

Everyone silenced, watching the knight warily as he raised his hand to examine it for himself. After a moment, he turned it so that everyone could see the Triforce radiating from the back of his hand.

At this, Zelda couldn't help but smile.

"I second the Queen's proposition. All those in favor, say aye," Cole said proudly, nodding at Link. The hero smiled in return.

"Aye," Chancellor Benson said.

"Aye," Hayes agreed. Soon, the favored out ruled all other votes.

"Then we have agreed. This discussion has come to a close; you're all dismissed." At that, the queen rose from her seat and left the courtroom alongside the hero.

"Thank you, Your Highness," he acknowledged and she simply nodded in return.

Prince Fletcher breezed by and cut in front of them, swiftly stopping them in their step. His glare was dark enough to make them bristle.

"I'll never forget the disrespect I was shown today. Whatever the pretense, this man has blinded you to the truth, and I can no longer stand to bear witness to it. You can expect that Holodrum will no longer support your kingdom from this moment on."

The prince swiftly spun away, his cloak snapping viciously behind him. Zelda's shoulders slackened as the weight of his words fell upon her, but Link put his hand over her pauldron in reassurance. After a moment, she touched his hand and smiled at him in gratitude.

"Sir Link, I wish to discuss with you the details of your sentence," Cole beckoned.

"Will I expect you at dinner, then?" Zelda asked just as Link turned to leave. With a grin, he nodded before setting off after the chancellor.

"I'd like to apologize for my behavior earlier," Cole said at Link's approach. His stoic expression couldn't hide the lines of dismay stretched across his face. "I don't wish to disregard Her Majesty's beliefs and now it's clear to me that I was wrong in my judgments. I wish to make amends."

"It's okay," he replied. "I want to thank you, actually. For standing up for me, I mean."

Cole cleared his throat and nodded away Link's gratitude, leaving both of them feeling at odds with all the sentiment. "Right. Well. If all of this cleared up then, I'd like to explain how this week will carry on…"

Golden, warm light seeped through the windows of her throne room, bringing the marble tiles and goddesses' statues to life. The queen had much to catch up to now that she'd been healed.

First and foremost, she wished to speak with all who requested an audience with her. And so she slipped into her throne in the all too familiar room and called in her first guest.

She specifically requested to speak to the shaman first that morning so that she could properly thank him. After all, he traveled all the way from his village to aid her in her time of need.

With a herald's introduction and a guard's escort, the tall man and a young girl arrived before the queen and bent to a bow. "Your Majesty, it does well to see you back on your feet," he said as he straightened out, smiling warmly to the lady in white.

"It's because of you I'm well again," she replied with a small smile of her own. "May I ask, who is this young lady at your side?"

Renado's face brightened as he turned towards Luda, nodding for her to step forward. "This is my daughter, Luda. I hope you don't mind that I brought her today."

"Of course not. It's a pleasure to meet you," the queen remarked as she stood up and approached the two.

"The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty."

"How kind you are. You're much like your father." Luda grinned bashfully and looked up at her dad. Zelda then turned her attention back to the shaman. "I asked for you to come here today because I'd like to thank you. You've done so much for me and traveled such a long way on such short notice."

"Anything for Her Majesty."

"Renado, truly I'm grateful. If there's anything at all that you wish to ask of me, it's already done."

"I ask for nothing," he said with a shake of his head. "It's my duty to Her Majesty and her kingdom to come and help as much as I can."

"You must tell me then, how does Kakariko fare? I only wish I could've visited the village myself after the invasion, but after the reconstruction efforts and my illness, there was no time for me to travel amongst the provinces."

The shaman nodded knowingly. For a moment, he lowered his head before returning her expectant gaze with a small frown. "It's been in better states, Your Majesty. The people of my village were attacked and only myself, my daughter and a shop owner remain. It was a terrible loss."

The queen's face softened into a reflection of his own, closing her eyes and shaking her head. She'd never forget the consequences of her negligence and there was yet another loss that she hadn't even heard about.

"I'm so sorry. I can never truly compensate you for your loss, but I will give all that I can to Kakariko Village. If it's all right with you, I'll fund the reconstruction of the buildings and organize a respectful burial for the ones who were lost."

"Your Majesty…if you would, that'd be the highest kindest you could pay. Thank you," he said sincerely, bowing yet again, and Luda imitated her father.

"It's the very least I can do. Would it be possible to stay at the palace so that I may discuss these matters with you before you leave?"

"Most definitely, Your Majesty. Thank you again." After another moment of discussion, he concluded their meeting by saying, "I can see that many people wait to have an audience with you, so we'll keep you no longer."

"Thank you for all your help, Renado. I will speak with you again soon."

He nodded and grabbed his daughter by the hand before they disappeared from the throne room.

To her surprise, all of the princes had stayed within the castle while she healed, given that their parents and courtiers could take care of their kingdom in their absence. Unfortunately, dukes and other ranks of nobility didn't have these privileges, given that they had lands and people to govern, and had to leave a few days after the ball. Needless to say, many of the people she wished to speak to didn't make an appearance and she'd have to write letters to them in apologies.

Next to see her was Prince Edmund, who she'd yet to see for the longest time, and was escorted into the throne room with a guard on each side.

The prince was as she remembered: scrawny and short, dressed in more comfortable than flattering clothes of charcoal cotton, and had spectacles hanging on a golden chain around his neck. He slipped into a bow as he entered, grabbing her gloved hand and pressing a soft kiss upon it.

"My lady, I was so deeply concerned for you. It's such a pleasure to be graced with your presence today."

"I'm very sorry to have worried you, my lord, but as you can see, I'm much better now," she replied smoothly, retracting her hand as he made to stand. "I must apologize for keeping you waiting while I was ill. If there's anything I'm able to do for you in return, please don't hesitate to ask me."

He smirked then. Though Zelda was sure he was trying to be seductive, it sent chills up her back. "I only wish to see you more often, my lady. I've missed you dearly."

"Of course. Say the time and that hour is ours to spend."

"How does dinner this evening sound?"

She held back a frown. Zelda had every intention to spend dinner with Link like they did many times before, in an effort to earn back his friendship. How could she disappoint him yet again?

But it wasn't fair to decline the prince's request for a dinner and she certainly didn't want to make another enemy. "You're most welcome to join me for dinner any time, my lord. I only hope you don't mind that Sir Link will be joining us as well."

Edmund's lips curved into a scowl; once again, the meddling hero seamlessly managed to thwart a prince's plan. "Most certainly not," he lied, albeit horribly. "I've heard many great things of the knight and I only wish to acquaint myself better with him."

"Then I shall eagerly await your attendance."

"Ah, my queen, the excitement is mine to bear," he replied. "How lucky I am to have Her Majesty's attention for an entire meal. Especially when she shines as radiantly as she does today."

"You're too kind, my lord," the queen responded easily, with her practiced smile gracing her lips.

"I only speak the truth: you're the loveliest woman I've ever laid my eyes upon. I believe it was wise of me to wait for you to restore to your most gratifying state."

"It was most certainly benevolent of you to do so. I'm afraid not many of my guests could do the same, but it's not difficult to understand why. I only wish I'd been well enough to extend my gratitude and deepest apologies."

"Only a wise and caring queen thinks such a way. With every word you speak, I only admire you more," he stated, looking upon her as if she were as golden as the crown that sat on her head.

"You flatter me, my lord." He didn't, actually, but she knew it was important to accept his compliments.

"I do all that I can to put a smile on your ruby lips." She folded her hands before her, almost as if it'd protect her from his advances, and nodded as composed as ever.

It pained the queen to know that one of these men would have to be her king. Though, unfortunately and fortunately, Prince Fletcher was out of the picture, she knew she'd still have to choose a suitor between Edmund, Percival, or one of the many dukes that came to the ball. Zelda didn't get to know the dukes as well as she'd originally hoped, but at least she knew that they'd admired her as a queen of their neighboring kingdom, while the princes appeared to admire her in many other different ways.

She was once fond of the prince of Labrynna for his respect and authenticity, but he turned out to be sneaky and conniving. The characteristics were never ones she would've placed on him initially and she couldn't understand why he'd want to destroy the hero's reputation. But she'd never want a deceiver to rule by her side.

That left Prince Edmund as the most suitable suitor. Was she fond of him? Yes, she appreciated his opinions and perspectives. But was he strong enough to be a ruler? His crafty words could certainly get him far, but a balance between wisdom, courage, and power was always important to her. It felt as though he didn't have the proud strength of a ruler who'd guarantee his kingdom was protected.

But then again, did she ever really have a choice? She was already of an age to be married and it was her duty to her kingdom to have someone rule by her side and continue the royal family's bloodline. If this man was the best match for her, she had no choice but to accept it.

"Yes, well you've done an excellent job so far."

The knowledgeable prince certainly appeared proud then.

The warm winter day bled to night, finding the queen and the hero sitting at the dining table together once again. Link, despite all that'd happened to him, seemed either excited or relieved or perhaps even both. Zelda didn't want to ruin his happiness with her news, but she knew that it'd be better than taking him by surprise.

"There's something I need to tell you, Li-"

Her news was interrupted by itself. The door creaked open at the other end of the room and the knight looked over his shoulder with confusion.

"Greetings, my lady," Edmund said upon entering, nodding towards the hero. "Sir Link, what a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance." Though his hand was extended to the hero, his eyes were trained on Zelda. Link reluctantly and a little disappointedly shook his hand.

It was the first time in a long while Link got to see the queen. He wanted to speak with her, spend time with her, and get to know her better as he planned to over a week ago. And yet another prince stepped into the picture.

Gathering his elegant black coat around himself, he sat opposite the knight while Zelda looked between the two men, feeling a little awkward herself. Knowing their difference in positions and personalities left them nothing to speak about, and she worried that another argument would present itself.

The servants made their rounds, delivering a bowl to each of them, and fled anxiously at the unusual presence of a prince.

"How is it that you know the queen?" the prince opted to ask as he lifted his fork, looking at Link intently. His cunning convinced him that if he made a good impression on the hero, whom Zelda so obviously admired for his contributions to her country, the queen would respect him more.

The hero spared a glance at the queen. They never talked about what he should say in this situation. Did people know Zelda participated in the Twilight War like he did?

"I met her during the invasion," he decided to say and with another glance at Zelda, he saw that she wasn't dissatisfied with his answer.

"Ah," Edmund remarked. It wasn't good for him that they'd met during and experienced the same terrible event: it'd bond them together in a prominent way. Perhaps he could tarnish the sentimentality of it. "It must've been a terrible occurrence, truly. I've heard of many wars in Termina and they've always left the country bloody and horrid."

Zelda, distraught at his words, set her spoon into the bowl and lowered her head. "It was," Link replied, sensing the queen's distress without even looking at her. "But if it never happened, I wouldn't have met her or many of my other friends."

The queen smiled at him, a true delicate smile, while Edmund grit his teeth. "Surely you must've had some regrets about the occurrence. After all, a war is never pleasurable, is it?"

He did regret some things: he regretted not being quick enough to save the people who'd been lost and he regretted watching Midna shatter the mirror. But he'd never regret going on the journey.

The battles were arduous, the monsters terrifying, and the temples exhausting, but all of it was worth it to protect both realms and return Zelda and Midna to their rightful thrones. At times, he was even able to enjoy the beauty of Hyrule and the thrill of the adventure.

"I guess so. But I'm glad I could've helped."

"We cannot undo what's been done," Zelda agreed. "But I will forever be grateful for what you've done for Hyrule, Sir Link."

He smiled lightly in response, leaving Edmund insufferably frustrated. He needed to go about it a different way, it seemed.

"A praise from such lovely lips is immeasurable indeed, wouldn't you say?" Link blinked in surprise, his cheeks darkening despite himself. "Why, our queen looks as lovely as ever this evening."

"Please, my lord," Zelda began calmly, though she felt anxious to end his train of thought. "You're too kind."

Link took a drink of his water, trying to quench the jealousy boiling in his stomach. The queen had yet to shut down his flattery: did she like his praise? Did she like him? The thought was painful.

"Such kindness is required of a king, as we all know."

The hero choked on his drink at the word "king". Zelda tried to offer him a consoling look, but he was looking at the ceiling in what she could only imagine was a plea to the gods for respite.

"Only, I," Edmund continued, blissfully ignorant, "treat you with such kindness to place a smile upon you as beautiful as your visage."

Zelda's stomach twisted. As much as she wanted to stop him, she knew it wasn't an option. Fletcher's threat hung heavily over her head, and there was no way she'd insult another prince.

A rush of servants then came to switch out the courses. Perhaps this would be a good excuse to get him to stop talking. She cut into the meat a little more anxiously than usual and replied blandly, "Of course." Zelda hoped her dryness came off as a deterrent to him, but she knew the prince was too fond of his own voice to stop the conversation.

For a little while though, the table was quiet, save for the clinking of tableware and the shuffling of napkins. "I've heard, my lady, that you're fond of poetry," Edmund spoke up. "Is this true?"

"Yes, I'm rather fond of the subject."

"Well then, I should tell you that Termina is famous for our poems. Perhaps I can recite some to you some time."

"That wouldn't be necessary, my lord. I've already read many of them myself." So then, Link thought, Zelda was a reader too. Maybe that was something they could talk about later.

"Really? And how do you find them?" the prince said, rather excited that she'd taken an interest in Termina's literature, taking it as a sign that she was considering his kingdom seriously.

"They're certainly interesting and much different than the ones in Hyrule. The poems are longer but they have much better pacing."

Both the hero and queen were confused when the prince chuckled. "That is what we're famous for." Zelda bit the inside of her cheeks and Link darted his eyes away, looking anywhere but either of their faces. But Edmund looked ever so pleased with himself.

Many snarky and clever exchanges across the table later, the dinner came to a close, and so Prince Edmund took hold of the queen's hand and bowed low to kiss it. "I've had a splendid time, my lady. I only wish dinner could've lasted much longer."

"Thank you for attending." She smiled lightly, though she was eager to take back her hand.

"My pleasure," he purred, standing to leave. "I will see you soon, my lady." The queen nodded, watching until his figure disappeared down the dark corridor.

Link, who'd remained quiet the entire time, finally spoke, "I guess I should probably go too." He shifted between his feet when she met his gaze. "Goodnight, Your Highness."

"Wait, Link." She held a hand out to stop him before he could turn away. "I'm sorry about this evening. I didn't plan for the prince to attend dinner with us."

Us. It sounded so foreign in her voice, her formal tone. He liked it.

Link shrugged, not sure what to say in response. It did bother him that Edmund came to dinner but there was nothing he could do about it.

"Would you like to join me for some tea? It's much too early to retire anyhow."

Link cocked his head. It was late, actually: the sun had long set and the auburn of twilight dissipated into the black of night. Maybe she just wasn't tired: she'd been sleeping for a very long time. And Link didn't tire easily anymore.

"Sure," he agreed, a little too casually he realized but she didn't complain.

The knight followed her as she led him through the labyrinth until they reached her room. "Oh…" Wasn't it improper for him to even be near her room so late into the evening?

The queen stared at him blankly, patiently waiting for him to speak.

"Are you sure I should…I-I mean…"

She looked taken aback by his implications. He hoped she didn't think he'd try anything. Of course he wouldn't. He just didn't want anyone else to think that.

"Lady Irene awaits me here. I only wish to inform her that we'll be taking tea in the drawing room."

Link didn't think he could blush any fiercer than he was then, his lips parting in realization. Why did he have to make such a brash assumption? This was why he avoided speaking as much as possible.

Zelda excused herself - thankfully - and slipped into the chambers alone. It was only a moment before she reappeared and escorted him back to the drawing-room, adjacent to the royal dining hall.

It was another grand room, decorated with thick red drapes over iron-grated windows and aged wooden shelves stacked with porcelain sets. There was a chess set and a dozen places to lounge, but Zelda led him to a pair of plush chairs with a small table between them. It took every ounce of Link's self-control to not sink into such a comfortable seat.

"I must again apologize for this past week's events. I never expected the situation to become as complicated as it has," Zelda said quietly, eyebrows knitted so delicately, and yet not a crinkle was left upon her skin. Her elbow rested on the armrest of her chair and she was leaned in slightly towards him.

"It's okay." What else could he say? That the last week was a complete disaster? That he wanted nothing more than to have actually attacked the princes?

"No, it's not. If there's anything that you request, I'll do my best to oblige."

"There's nothing to ask for."

Zelda's eyes drifted down to his scruffy boots, to the side, and then to gaze out at the moonlight. It took her a moment to respond and when she did, it caught him off guard. "Is it true that you tended to my illness and escorted the shaman to the castle?"

His eyes darted to hers. He simply nodded.

"Why?"

Such a simple question from such a complex woman. Why did he do it? No one expected anything from him, and the queen and he just bordered on friendship. There was that special connection that they shared with the Twilight Invasion, Triforce, and Midna that had bonded them in a way nothing else could, but was that it?

No, it wasn't. He cared for her. He realized that.

He liked the way that she gave him that pictograph of his family and the way she offered him a job that was way out of his league - the way she believed in him more than he did.

He liked that she fought Ganondorf, believed in the golden goddesses, and outsmarted uptight councilmen and princes. The way she fought for Hyrule with every ounce of her being, just like he did, and cared for Midna like they were one and the same.

But in the end, there was something about her - something he couldn't quite name. It was everything and yet nothing of what Zelda was, but rather simply who she was.

"Your Highness, I-"

"Please," she interrupted, eyes sad as she continued to stare out into the distance. "Don't call me that. I'm no better than you." Her eyes found his. "I'm just Zelda to you."

"You aren't just anything to me."

The words spilled out before he had a chance to stop them. His breath caught and his heart quickened as he searched her face for a reaction.

Perhaps she understood, but it was so difficult to read her expressions. Her small lips parted, eyebrows raised and cheeks tinged pink - everything to the slightest. Maybe he should take it back or correct himself even. What good was it to admit something like that to a queen?

But hadn't he promised himself he would try? He knew he liked her - he couldn't deny it any longer. Maybe now was his moment to tell her; maybe now things really could be different.

His mouth opened to answer but the only sound that came was the rapt on the door. His eyes snapped to the sound while hers were attentively trained on him.

Zelda called out, "Come in," to the guest and Lady Irene ambled in with the tray of tea. The queen finally looked at the maid and thanked her kindly.

"I hope I wasn't interrupting anything important," she said, setting down the tray on the table between them while the queen just shook her head.

"No, that's quite all right."

"Evening, Sir Link. It's been long since I've seen you. Are you okay? I've heard awful, awful things. I'm sorry I wasn't there when it happened - maybe I could've done something."

"It's okay," he answered quickly, mind still reeling from his conversation with the queen. "Thank you."

"Now I don't want you staying out too late, my queen. The shaman said you can't push yourself too much."

"Don't worry. I only wish to speak with Link for a short while."

"Aye," she replied tiredly. "Well then, I should get going. I'll see you both soon."

"Thank you again, Lady Irene," the queen repeated, watching as she curtsied and slipped out. Then, she turned back to Link and said, "I'm sorry."

He nodded vacantly, grabbing the simmering tea that sat on the table just so that the heat would send him back to earth. It was just his luck that he was interrupted when his focus and determination were at its peak. Still, the emotion was brewing up inside of him and he didn't know how much longer he could stew in it.

Meanwhile, Zelda still awaited an answer from him. "What is it you were saying?"

"I…" Link started a little nervously. What were the words he conjured up early? How did he plan to say this? He sighed. It was no use: any courage he had before was lost to the knocking on the door.

"I just wanted to see you safe," he settled to say. "And Your- Zelda, if it meant doing all those things, I was happy to help."

She shook her head sadly. "I didn't deserve your help, Link. You've suffered so much for me already." She paused momentarily in contemplation, closing her eyes to see the options before her more clearly. "I cannot excuse you from your punishment. However, once this week is over, you're free to do as you like."

"What?"

"When I ran into you in Castle Town many months ago, I insisted that you become a knight, thrust the position of second-in-command onto you in court and you agreed without hesitation. Though my reasons weren't completely selfish, they were arrogant and I did not think how the change would affect you later in life.

"I don't wish to keep you here any longer," she explained firmly, though her eyes softened. "Once this week is over, you may be relieved from your duties if that's what you wish."

"What…? No, I don't - I don't want that."

"Link, you'd be free to return to Ordon. You may travel all of Hyrule or any of the other kingdoms. You shouldn't have to remain prisoner because of me any longer."

"I like it here, Zelda. I don't want to leave."

"I don't understand. Since you've been in the palace, your life has only become more difficult. You don't deserve this. You've saved all of Hyrule. You deserve to live a life of peace and that's something I cannot grant you in this castle."

"It has been more difficult, Zelda." He placed the porcelain cup on the table out of fear of dropping it from his shaking grasp. "But it's been worth it. I like being second-in-command and I like being your friend. If I left, I'd lose that."

A rush of breath passed her lips. The words that she came across the night of the ball spun around her mind incessantly. He cared for her.

But this time, it felt sweeter.

It'd been so long since someone cared for her. After losing her parents, all she knew were courtiers who'd use her for her power. Love - real love that came from family and friends - was so out of touch and out of mind. It felt like the ashes of an untouched hearth: something that was once so fiery and alive had in time died out, leaving her with nothing but a burn.

But his words, his kindness searched the very depth of those ashes, rekindling what was left. Maybe, just maybe, a spark awaited her.

"You could never lose me, Link," she said softly, much to her own surprise, and the hero's response was nothing less than the brightest grin she'd seen all day.

Chapter Text

The words circled his mind until the very next morning. His eyes opened to the pleasant morning light that'd been so rare those last dark winter days and landed upon the pictograph he'd set on his bedside table. They crinkled as he smiled at the picture.

The hero, who slept on top of his sheets rather than under them, slipped out of bed and threw on his chainmail before he finally remembered his punishment for the week. There'd be no need for his armor today: he'd been suspended from his duties and had to go to classes instead, so he slipped on a casual shirt and slacks before he made his way to the classroom in the lower halls.

He arrived earlier than he intended to since he was already accustomed to waking up early to prepare for his lessons. But when class began, the professor spent hours lecturing them about the proper way to treat a noble, woman, or royal. As slow as it was compared to his fast-paced classes, the lesson went into such detail and dragged on so insipidly that Link barely could keep his eyes open through her droning.

He couldn't complain, though. It could've been a lot worse.

The queen awoke that day feeling more alive than ever. She drifted through the halls as if she were a new woman, uplifted and renewed, especially after such a long time being sick in bed.

After overcoming her deadly illness, sorting out the issues with the council, and having a heart-to-heart moment with Link, it finally felt like life was giving her a second chance to make things right. Like how the mountains of snow started to melt away and fresh buds of spring popped out from the naked branches: the season ended and it was time for the sun to rise again.

First in her line of duties for the day was discussing the restoration of Kakariko Village to its once majestic state with Renado. The shaman was excited by her enticing offers: her promises were nothing less than what she'd said previously and he was more than grateful to accept them all.

She then spent many hours of the day with Prince Edmund in hopes of satiating his thirst for her presence so that he wouldn't attend dinner as he did before. By early afternoon, her work was done for the day – with the council's approval. Renado and Lady Irene both advised her not to overwork herself for the first few days.

Truthfully, she wasn't sure what she ought to do with her free time; there weren't many instances lately where she had the freedom to roam about the castle. She knew that the weather outside was still too cold for her since she was still recovering, so she opted out of visiting the gardens just yet. It'd drive her mad to stay within her chambers after she'd been stuck there for so long.

Eventually, she settled on visiting the library. The large room had aged wooden shelves that nearly reached the ceilings, chock full of books of history, law, science, and fiction. Being tutored by the sages themselves, she was convinced she'd opened nearly every tome that sat on the shelves collecting dust.

Tall ladders stood at the far ends of the aisles, stacks of books were scattered about, and nooks in the walls were given very simple sofas and many pillows. The room itself was airy and bright with sunlight streaming in from the tall windows, the drapes drawn to the sides.

She roamed the halls, empty perhaps, but readers were always so quiet that it was difficult to tell whether anyone was there. There weren't any particular books she had her heart set on reading; she'd come there on a whim, after all, so she wandered through the aisles until she found one that interested her. A tome of forest green binding was pulled from the shelf and she blew away the specks of dust that sat on top of it, leaving the motes to shimmer in a shaft of daylight.

She sat on one of the sofas in one of the alcoves, flipped to the first page of the novel, and lost herself in the book for what could've been hours.

When the class finally came to an end, the hero scurried out of the room with his books shelved under his arm and without saying a word to the other knights. Already, the bitter air of the upper halls cooled down his clammy skin from the torrid classroom.

After asking the guards, the hero was told that the queen was last seen en route to the library, one Link was unfamiliar with, and they led him to the room with a simple request.

The stone doors groaned open and he looked around the large room with wonder. It was amazing to an avid reader like himself to have such an array of books at his disposal and not know about it. Still, he'd come in search of the queen and persisted in his quest.

Link turned many corners before he found her, sitting on a simple couch, seemingly immersed in the novel that sat on her lap. He marveled from behind a wooden shelf as her expressions shifted from nervousness to fear, to relief. Never before were her feelings so obvious to him – or anyone, if he knew – and it was a sight to behold.

Her gloves were on the seat beside her while her fingers sat against her lips in anticipation and her knees were closely tucked in. Her shoes peeked from underneath her olive gown and were drawn up against the wooden bench, scratching the surface.

Without any intention of ruining the moment just yet, he took a step closer. But with his typically sharp gaze directed elsewhere, he tripped on the stack of books in front of him. Her head snapped up at the clatter while he clumsily scrambled for a handhold. He caught himself on the shelves and flashed her a nervous smile.

"Sorry, I was just…" Blushing at the thought of what he was actually doing, he dropped the conversation's direction. "Hi, Zelda."

After shaking off her surprise, she smiled, made note of the page in her book, and set it aside. "Good afternoon, Link. Care to join me?" She patted the spot beside her and he took a seat. "How were your classes?"

His smile faltered, only slightly, but she still noticed it. "They were okay."

"You can be honest with me, Link. They were unpleasant, weren't they? I'm sorry."

"Don't be," he replied quickly, eager to shut down yet another one of her apologies. "It wasn't that bad. And it's for a short time anyway. I should be thanking you for letting me off easy."

"It's my fault you were punished in the first place."

His eyebrows furrowed and he gently countered, "That's not true, Zelda. I pushed the prince. It was my fault."

For a short while, the queen was quiet, her lips pressed together and eyes downcast. "Did he provoke you?"

Taken by surprise, he hesitated. For a moment, he considered lying, but then she lifted her head and he realized he couldn't do that, not to her. He sighed.

"Sort of. But still-"

"What did he say to you?"

"It's nothing, Zelda. Don't worry about it."

"You aren't easily aggravated, Link," she insisted. "If there was something he said, I'd like to know."

Her eyes bore into his, a no-nonsense look about her, and he knew it was pointless to try and argue.

With a slight pink to his cheeks, he sighed and said, "He was talking about you... and me."

His answer didn't surprise her, not really. At first, she couldn't understand why the princes targeted him of all people given how kind and honest he was. But with time she realized it was her admiration for Link that ignited the feuds between them.

Her hand landed on his. To their surprise, a shock trilled up their arms and the Triforce on the back of their hands began to glow. Their bare hands had never met before.

Though Link was invested in the sight, the queen had her mind on more striking matters. "I'm sorry," she apologized, for what must've been the umpteenth time. Every time it was in earnest and every time it frustrated him.

"Why do you always apologize to me? I don't hold any..." He trailed off and her eyes followed his to the scars that riddled her arms. "What…?" he exhaled, boldly running his hand up to her elbow.

"It's nothing," Zelda said quickly. She jerked her elbow back and clapped her hands over her marks.

No one but her maids had seen her scars and no one knew where they'd come from. Her gloves had done a good job concealing what makeup couldn't.

"It's not nothing. Who did this to you?" he demanded, tender but firm, just like his touch.

For a brief terrifying moment, he feared he was the one to inflict such marks on her during the battle with Ganondorf. He imagined her in pain upon waking up, with gashes and scrapes to forever mark her skin and remind her of the day.

He watched her attentively: the way her eyes closed tightly in shame; the way her arms folded over her chest and her hands tightly curled over her marks.

Cautiously, he reached out again and placed a hand over hers. She resisted at first and leaned away, but then she noticed the pained look on his face.

Growing up in court, she rarely saw anyone display their emotions as openly as he did. But it was clear that he was genuinely worried about her, and after a moment's hesitation, she stopped pulling away.

With a shaky breath, she allowed him to peel back her fingers one by one, and once her grip loosened, her hands dropped to her lap. Her arms were now red and it highlighted all the marks, even the crescent-shaped welts from her nails.

His eyes searched hers for acceptance before his fingers tentatively brushed over her again.

"Who did this to you?" he asked again, quieter this time.

As he shadowed over a particularly sensitive nick, she winced. "The prison guard," she answered, breathless. The thought should've relieved him, knowing the marks weren't from him, but he realized the truth was no better.

"You…" He couldn't bring himself to say it. The memory of the morning in Gerudo Desert flashed back to him, her flinch upon awakening, and a knot twisted in his stomach. "You were abused?"

She didn't feel the need to answer. She was pampered and preened all her life, prepared to be the perfect porcelain doll for her husband's shelf. It was only natural for her to assume a man would be mortified by such marks on the precious skin of a royal. But instead, the blue of his eyes darkened, pained, and he examined her arms again.

He didn't say anything else for a moment. The hero lowered his hands to hers with great care.

"I…I didn't know," he finally said.

After a long moment, she drew in a deep breath and shook her head. "It's not important. You've been through much worse than I have. I cannot complain."

"It is important, Zelda. If I'd known-"

"What could you have done? If Zant found out..."

His eyes flashed up to hers suddenly. "I still would've fought him."

"I know, Link, but his rage could've been directed elsewhere," she insisted. "To Hyrule."

He knew she was right. If anyone was to go against the usurper king, there was no saying what he'd do. If he knew they were in the castle, if Midna and Link ever tried to free Zelda, he could've targeted the people in retaliation. They couldn't be sure he'd go after the hero: after all, he was too strong and the message wouldn't have gotten across the way that he would've wanted it to.

Swiftly, he stopped that train of thought and refocused on her with sudden vigor. "Zelda, if anyone," he started, his voice just as shaky as hers. He swallowed before trying again. "If anyone does something like that again…"

Her eyes softened and she nodded. "I know, Link." Her eyes drifted away from him for a moment as she took another small breath.

"Link, I…" she started, the muscles in her shoulders drawing tight. "I appreciate your concern. Thank you." He heard that line before, many times, as well rehearsed as it was. But he noticed the rise in her pitch, the quiver of her voice, and he knew, knew, that it meant something different this time.

Dinner that night didn't exclude the prince. It would've initially annoyed the both of them, given how prudent he could be at times and how they implicitly preferred each other's company, but they agreed to spend the time following the meal with one another instead. So after another long, tedious dinner with Edmund, Link shrewdly waited until the prince excused himself before pretending to take his turn at bidding the queen goodnight.

After the noble was nowhere to be seen, the two casually started walking together, taking the longer route in the direction of the queen's bedchambers.

"Zelda?" he asked suddenly. "Do you ever get tired of meeting with princes?"

She was quiet for a moment, considering his question seriously. "Yes, it can be rather exasperating at times," she replied honestly. "It's custom, though. I must meet with them to discuss treaties, alliances, trades, and many other important issues. It's a small price to pay and yet it makes a great difference."

"I guess so." The disinterest in his tone made the queen realize what he was really trying to ask: did she enjoy their company?

"Truly," she began, tapping her fingers along the pads of her thumbs, "the rehearsed speeches and refined manners have never interested me, but it's something I've been familiar with since I was young. I much prefer speaking to those who haven't thought of what to say months in advance."

If it were anyone else, he would've believed her words instantly - he couldn't imagine living like that - but this was the crowned queen of his kingdom. This was Zelda better yet, and she was the most elegant and cultured woman Hyrule's ever seen.

Link gazed at her skeptically. "Really?"

He half-expected her to give a long-winded speech or a well-rounded answer, but instead, she looked at him with a serious expression and said, "Really."

His eyes searched her with confusion and curiosity, but it was to no avail given how well-guarded she was. "Then why do you-" the knight hastened to ask, before remembering the answer for himself.

"Hyrule. By speaking diplomatically and attending formal events, I can appease the noblemen and women and garner their support." She paused before adding, "I wish to give all I can to the kingdom and the Hyruleans deserve undivided attention." Zelda didn't continue to say how she owed them her life - as she believed she did and he knew she would've - in case someone overheard.

"But…" He stopped himself, scared of prying any more than he already had, but she waited expectantly. Quieter, he finished, "What about you?"

She didn't know the answer for herself. "I'm happy to be queen and to be able to serve Hyrule."

"Don't you ever want freedom?"

Zelda went quiet and he worried he offended her with his curiosity. "Yes," she finally answered, swiftly stopping him from apologizing. "Still, I'd rather ensure Hyrule's security. Freedom is an afterthought."

He whirled on her, shoulders drawn, and she blinked in surprise, instinctively stepping back. "Zant's gone now, Zelda. Hyrule will be fine if you take some time for yourself."

"Queen's are not just responsible for protecting the kingdom from war," she reminded tersely. "I have to warrant that the people are fed, sheltered, and provided for."

After a moment, the knight relaxed, sighing. "I know but… you deserve to be happy too. Even for just a little while."

She ducked her head to hide the blush creeping up. "I'll be happy so long as the people of Hyrule are." The queen then marched back into step, turning from him bashfully, and he followed suit.

"You're a good queen," he said. "Hyrule is lucky to have you."

She would've scoffed, if it were proper, at the irony of his words. Lucky to have her? The people of her country lived in constant fear for months; she was fortunate enough that their lives were spared, and it was all because of her carelessness and insolence.

"I hardly think so. Besides, you are the savior."

They could've bantered all night: 'but you did this' and 'you did that', when the truth was that both of them gave their all to Hyrule in different ways. Link, knowing this, just laughed. "I guess we make a great pair then."

She felt lucky that they were approaching her door because she found herself more flustered than she'd been in a long time. And then there was Link, bubbling in nervous laughter.

With that, she realized, in the most irrational sense, that he was adorable. His words weren't crass or flirtatious: he said it playfully, sure, but also meaningfully. His laughter was melodious and his voice was as warm as tea, and the way his eyes crinkled in his embarrassed amusement, by goddesses she could melt.

They stopped in front of the door, turning to one another and Link's laughter quickly faded away. "I'd truly think so," she said, hoping her nervousness didn't come forth in her voice. He exhaled, a small hiccup of a laugh coming through, and she shook her head with a smile. "Thank you for spending today with me, Link. I had a pleasant time."

"Me too."

Zelda waited, half expecting and half hoping that he'd say something else. That maybe now, alone in the hall, he'd say what she figured out for herself all those weeks ago at the ball.

But after a long silent moment, she looked away, realizing how foolish she was to hope for something like that. He was shy, she knew, and modest no less. Those were some of the reasons he was so different from the princes after all. "Goodnight, Link," she decided to say.

The knight smiled lightly and replied, "Goodnight, Zelda," as he watched her slip behind the door.

Upon entering her room, the queen was in a reverie, grinning like a fool despite herself. Lady Irene, who made her bed for the night, noticed her expression as the sheet fell languidly to the mattress.

"Are you feeling all right, my queen?" she asked, worried that she was still feeling ill. She skirted around the bedframe, through the open doors, and put the back of her hand to her forehead only to feel the warmth radiating off it. "You're heating up!"

"Oh, don't be silly," Zelda dismissed, waving her hand casually. "I'm feeling just well." She sat on the lush stool in front of the vanity and started unraveling the silk ribbon from her braids, only to have the nursemaid hurry to take her hair from her hands and undo them herself.

"Then what's got you in such a stupor?" she asked curiously, the young scullery maid in her itching for excitement. "One of the princes swept you off your feet at last?"

Zelda's smile fell crooked, twiddling her thumbs. "Hardly," she answered coyly. "The princes are too fond of themselves to woo another."

Irene hummed in agreement, loosening another ribbon and freeing a wave of locks to fall across her back. "Another then?"

Zelda's face warmed up and shook her head. "Nonsense, you know my sole priority is Hyrule."

"Aye, you're a queen after all, but you're still a woman and there's no shame in caring for another." The young queen looked skeptically through the mirror at the maid and she grinned playfully. "Can I guess who it is?" she asked, and with no response from Zelda, continued. "Is it a certain hero, by chance?"

"Oh goddesses, Lady Irene, don't fluster me so." A short moment passed as the maid plucked a brush from her drawers and began combing her hair. "Besides, you know it can't be. I'm to marry a noble."

She clicked her tongue. "How foolish that law is. I think Sir Link would make a fine king. Much better than the others."

He would make a much better king than the noblemen, she knew. He had a perfect balance of strength, wisdom, and bravery where each prince was lacking. And Zelda couldn't deny that he was kinder and truer to himself, to others, and to her.

But even if she'd admit to herself that she wouldn't mind him being king, the same couldn't be said for him and the councilmen. Link was a free man, a lone wolf: he wouldn't be happy tied down to a life of duty. Not to mention that if the queen chose a man of common birth over a nobleman, there'd be no saying how the chancellors would react, much less Edmund, who'd sought after her for weeks.

"It's no matter," she said sternly. "The goddesses have a plan and I trust that Hyrule will have a great king regardless." Lady Irene fell silent, recognizing her tone, and Zelda felt slightly guilty for snapping. "And how do you fare, Lady Irene?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, that's right. I meant to ask if I could have some time to see my daughter. She'll be in labor soon and I was hoping to be with her," she requested. "I already asked Lady Katherine if she could look after you for the time being if it's okay."

"Of course," Zelda said, swiveling in her chair to look at her. "You must offer her my congratulations."

"Oh, I will. Thank you, my queen." She beamed. "I hope to see you married like my Ethel someday. You know I wish the best for you."

Zelda swallowed, smiling a little, and nodded. One day soon, the queen knew she'd be married. The only issue was who her husband would be.

The next morning, Zelda's first wish was to catch up on all of the paperwork she hadn't been able to do. With that, she pursued her solitary study, the last place she'd been before her illness took over. The office almost looked untouched from when she last saw it with the papers stacked on her desk - seemingly bigger than she remembered – and the ink-stained pages left where they were. The deep blue fluid was washed away from the desk and carpet, but she could still see the dark stains that would forever mark the day.

With a small sigh, she slipped a finger beneath the pages and scanned through them, trying to make out the text beneath the inkblots and decipher what they were for. After some time, she gave up and left the room in hopes of finding her advisor and requesting to remake the files.

Upon reaching the room, his attendant greeted her. "Do you wish to speak with the chancellor, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, if you will."

The man knocked on the door before peering into it. "Her Majesty is here to see you, my lord." The door swung open to reveal the old man standing in greeting, and with a nod to his attendant, she stepped inside.

"I'm here to discuss this paperwork with you." She held out the stack in her hand without explanation: he already knew what she needed. "If you may, I'd like new copies from whoever requested it."

He took the stack from her hands and gestured for her to sit before he raised his spectacles from the chain around his neck and scanned the papers over. "I'll see what I can do. They're already very old, but I'm sure if I explain that you fell ill, they will assent."

"Thank you."

"Actually, there was something that I needed to ask of you as well." He paused as he scribbled down a quick note, placed it on top of the stack of paper, and swept the pile aside. "I was speaking with Chancellor Foster earlier today and he brought to my attention that you have yet to pick a suitor."

Her surefire expression faltered for a second before she regained her composure. But he didn't wait, continuing, "The princes have already stayed much longer than necessary and are surely awaiting an answer. All except one of course."

Zelda nodded, though she didn't feel as eager as she tried to seem, and replied frankly, "That is, of course, given that they ask the question."

Cole's response came with a sharp glance. "Your Majesty, you must understand what you have to do. You just as well play a part in the proposal: you must be kind and welcoming to them so that they aren't afraid of asking for your hand."

Her pale eyes sank to the desk. "What if…" Her eyes narrowed as she glanced to the side. What was she trying to ask? How could she even suggest such a thing? But she knew now was the only chance she had. With a small nod to herself, she finally met her advisor's steady gaze. "What if there was a man fit to be king who wasn't noble at birth?"

Cole sighed. Try and hide it as she may, the councilor could easily see through her calm façade. He'd known her since she was just a child overlooking and practicing in her father's court; it wasn't difficult to read through the aloof expressions when he'd seen her in her youth, hopeful and curious. It was at these moments when he could see a flicker of that hope shine through and he knew the reason as though it were plain as day.

"You know very well why a noble would be best suited as king, Your Majesty. The ways of politics and economics cannot be so easily taught to a commoner just as well as one who practiced such since birth. I won't mention, even that the alliances and economic convenience of having the queen wed a noble is inexplicably beneficial to our kingdom, especially after all it'd endured this past year."

With the mention of the invasion, Zelda could feel her heart clench within her chest and her cocksureness slip back to the depths it crawled from. Cole noticed it as well, just as if it were his own feelings, and sighed. "You must give it an honest effort, Your Majesty. Think of Hyrule: they need – better yet, deserve a suitable man to stand by you and assume the throne."

"Perhaps none of the princes would be the best man to assume the throne," she challenged. "They have admirable qualities, indeed, but every prince lacks a balance of the three holy traits. You must have noticed this as well."

"Your Majesty, you must understand that I stand by your decisions, but as your advisor, I implore you to see reason. The princes will best suit Hyrule given their noble blood alone. You might just as well come to enjoy their company." He paused, waiting for an answer, but she just held his gaze. "Consider it, Your Majesty. For Hyrule."

After a moment, the queen nodded slowly. "Yes, I understand."

He pursed his lips and looked at the stack of paper so he didn't have to stare at her distraught expression any longer. "Very well, then. It's best if you don't keep the princes waiting, Your Majesty. I won't keep you any longer."

"Of course," Zelda agreed, sliding out of her chair and excusing herself out of his room. She didn't know how she could entice a man that she didn't want: not when another rekindled the fire in her heart. The queen headed to her study with the troubling thought racing in her mind, her heels clacking in the empty upper halls until heavier steps washed out the sound.

What first made way from around the corner were messy red locks, and the queen's immediate instinct was to turn back and detour around him. However, once he saw Zelda, the prince raced towards her with a pleading look in his eyes. "Your Majesty, wait! I've been looking everywhere for you."

Her eyes flashed with an unreadable emotion as she stuck her chin into the air - where she was taught it should always be. "Prince Percival," she greeted coldly. "I'm not available to you at the moment; I must tend to my duties, so if you may excuse me." She sidestepped to pass the prince but he leapt in front of her.

"Please," he begged, "I need to speak with you."

"There's nothing that you can say to me."

He sulked, eyebrows curved imploringly. "I can explain myself, truly. I never wished to speak against Sir Link."

"There's no reason why you should ever do something you wish not to."

"It was for my sister's sake...!" Zelda's thin brow rose skeptically. "Please. If you let me, I'll explain it to you."

She straightened out. "Very well then."

The prince made to grab her hand, but the sharp look in her eyes said enough to make him stutter in his step and he anxiously moved his hands out in gesture instead. "Err…if you'd follow me this way." She said nothing as he led her to a secluded alcove, lowering his head nervously as he took a few deep breaths.

At length, he spoke. "My sister, as you might know, is positioned to take my throne. And with that, she has always been…rebellious, I suppose." His eyes crinkled as he tried to formulate his words and Zelda eyed him with wariness. "Last year at my father's hunting trip, Prince Fletcher attended in his father's place, as the king is ill and couldn't attend as he once did. My sister, much to my father's and my reluctance, insisted on coming as well."

His voice and hands shook in unison as he continued, "I…I caught Fletcher frisking with my sister and if anyone were to find out, my sister's reputation would be at stake. Even if it wasn't her fault, you can understand that a woman – a princess no less – would be considered tainted and she'd never marry off.

"Prince Fletcher knows this and he promised to announce it to your court if I were to deny his wishes: he wished me to say what I'd said. If it weren't for this threat, I wouldn't have stood against Sir Link. But this is no excuse and it could've ended horribly for him if we'd succeeded with the ruse. I'm so sorry, Your Majesty."

There were many times nobles lied to her in her life to get what they wanted, but it seemed implausible for Percival to make up such a story in his defense when there were many other excuses he had at his disposal. To ruin a sibling's reputation would damage his own as well, and it was rare to see a royal speak of something like that if it wasn't the truth.

"If what you speak is true, it's Sir Link you must apologize to." His hair slipped in front of his weary eyes as his head dropped. Zelda, after a moment of consideration, put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry for misjudging you, Percival. If it's any consolation, I will defend your family's honor if the time may arise."

His eyes lit up in amazement, placing a hand over her own and giving her the smallest of smiles. "Your kindness astounds me, my queen. I'll defend you, always, if you have need of me."

Her eyes closed in comfort: Percival's loyalty and alliance lightened up the heavy and dark threat Fletcher had previously made. "Thank you, my lord."

They stood in silence before the prince's eyes lit up in realization. "I've been keeping you, haven't I? I'm sorry. Please, you must return to your duties."

Zelda, in turn, froze. Oh goodness, this was it for her: she was alone in the alcove of her halls with a prince – one she possibly had to wed – and was ever so clearly reminded of her duty as queen just moments ago. All she could think was that this wasn't right, that she didn't want something like this. She swallowed, straightened out, and asked with the clearest voice she could manage, "Will you stay in Hyrule much longer?"

His lips pressed into a tight line. "I…I'll stay if you wish me to, my lady."

"Would you?" she asked softly, afraid her voice would betray her, feeling both sides of her tug mercilessly.

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion: it didn't seem to be working. "Truthfully, my queen, I didn't expect to be welcome here much longer after what had transpired yesterday at court."

"Yes, but," she started, swallowing again, "I have yet to get to know you."

It hurt her to say it. He wasn't Link, she reminded herself. He wasn't the brave hero or the selfless goat herder: he was a man who didn't know her or care for her like he did.

But Percival was a prince.

The child she once was hated being a princess. She was reckless and curious, and the suffocation of being royalty was most excruciating in her youth. And truthfully, after the illness struck her family, she couldn't see why she'd even bother: there was nothing left to live for, to fight for, after her parents died.

But in time, the invasion took place, and her recklessness cost lives: lives she could never redeem. She witnessed bloodshed like it'd once been cast by the rule of another, but it was on her own hands this time, staining the green fields she selfishly dreamt of roaming.

It was then that Zelda learned what it meant to be royalty, who depended on her, and where she belonged: she was Hyrule's security, protection, and support. If Hyrule needed her to be a boulder, she'd stay as firm and planted as one to provide for them.

Everything she'd learned in her youth: poise, elegance, flattery, lies, and even marriage based solely on its convenience were the commitments she made as queen. That was what the crown upon her head symbolized: pure and utter devotion to Hyrule. That was what she lived for and that was what she needed to do.

The prince, if the flames that blazed on his cheeks and shone as brightly as his hair were any indication, understood her implications. He was timid, she knew, and would've never taken it upon himself to seduce her as the others would. The man wasn't Link but he was smart and kind, and that was all she needed in a partner. It'd have to be enough.

Percival pulled her gloved hand off her shoulder and kissed each of her fingers softly, but the queen didn't quake in her shoes or shiver as the books she read once told her she would. Instead, she felt tears well up in her eyes for what might've been the first time in months.

Prince Edmund excused himself with indifference.

He must've guessed with all the time she devoted to Percival instead of himself that she'd rather have an honest king than a wise one. She had feared that if Edmund was the last prince, the only man left to be betrothed to, his cunning could've disguised his true intentions and caught her unawares after they were married.

The worst of it was that neither of them was the man she cared for, but she couldn't afford that concern when Hyrule's security was on the line.

It'd been a week since the day Percival had agreed to stay and the councilmen were all eagerly awaiting a proposal, while Zelda spent every day fearing that it'd be her last as it was. Soon, she'd be without the liberties of a single woman, especially any time spent with her dearest friend. She'd already begun to see less of Link after Percival delivered an awkward and stretched-out apology to him.

She'd like to say that she was busy catching up on her errands, but in truth, she could no longer allow herself to warm up to Link. Not when she knew what lay in wait for her future. Despite the spring making its way, she only felt colder.

Given that the hero spent his last days in classes, she was sure he wasn't too busy to see what was going on. She was spending a lot of her time with the prince, as often as he requested, and she desperately wanted to know what Link thought of it. Even still, he didn't speak of any of his feelings towards her.

Perhaps she was wrong when she assumed he cared for her. Maybe he did, just in a different way. It didn't change her feelings though, and that day when Percival requested to meet him in the courtyard of the castle, she couldn't help wanting to hide in her room and cry out her sorrows instead.

Zelda knew what awaited her once she stepped out into the gardens, and she knew that it was too late for her and Link now.

Chapter Text

Morning mist rose with the dawn, and a cloud of white curled around her toes as she trudged through the gardens. Dew sat on the blooms and the buds, which smelled intoxicating to her with heightened senses. Silently, she wished she could just cough and be excused.

But Zelda knew this moment was coming; she prepared for it all her life, and now she had to face it once and for all.

Percival paced in front of the stone statue at the castle's entrance, just as she expected, but brightened up upon seeing her approach. Then, almost immediately after, he flushed, bashful and timid as always. She was only sorely reminded that this man wasn't the one she held dear in her heart, one braver than all.

He approached her carefully and took her hands in his.

"Zelda, my lady."

"My lord," she replied, bowing her head politely.

"How are you this morning?"

Awful, she wanted to say. Awful and afraid.

"I'm well. And you?"

"Truthfully," he said with a small smile, "I'm terribly nervous."

Percival looked at her for reassurance, for a smile perhaps, but she didn't supply him with a response. She didn't mean to be harsh, but she found it impossible to smile at the moment. She was exhausted enough as it was.

"You see, my queen, I…" He paused for a moment, eyes growing distant as he searched his mind for the words he rehearsed. "My father had long told me legends of Hyrule, and so when I finally decided to see its splendor for myself, I expected to be disappointed.

"I couldn't imagine that there was truly a land as magnificent as that. And yet, when I arrived, I found that it was all true; I was overcome by the land, by the people, and…and by you.

"Truth be told, I don't know much about you. But I witnessed your brilliance in court, and I've seen your kind and true heart. That's all that I need to know. I wish dearly to introduce you to my family, my kingdom, and I want to be sitting by your side for the rest of my life."

Percival dropped to a knee, and Zelda felt her heart splinter in her chest. It was a sharp and piercing pain, but she could do nothing but grit her teeth and bear it.

A small velvet box slipped out of the folds of his royal jacket. Looking down briefly at the box, the prince flipped open the lid to reveal a silver ring with a shimmering ruby.

"Zelda Nohansen Harkinian, will you do me the honor of being my queen?"

She felt the word no claw and scratch its way up her throat, and she had to forcibly swallow it down. She couldn't – she wouldn't deny her kingdom.

As much as she cared for Link, Zelda could never love someone more than she loved her kingdom.

Just as Chancellor Cole had said, Hyrule needed a king who could tie the kingdoms together, fortify the military, provide for the kingdom, and understand the responsibilities. Especially after all the losses from the invasion.

Percival held his breath, looking more distressed by the minute. As she looked upon him, she couldn't help believing that, with time, Link could be the best king for Hyrule, better than a prince who knew the system or could tie his kingdom to hers. That Link's courage, wisdom, and strength were what they needed more than anything, and that just couldn't be taught.

"I…" she started, closing her eyes out of fear of letting him see what lay within.

After a very long moment, considering his question with serious intent, she gave him her answer.

The ringing of steel in the training yards was louder than he remembered. The hero found himself back beside the commander after what felt like months - when they both knew it'd only been almost two weeks - discussing his line of work for the day.

He already thanked his chief for standing up for him and apologized to him possibly a dozen times over the past week, but he still felt guilty after leaving the commander alone with the squires at such a stressful time of the year. They were elevated to the rank of knighthood earlier in the year by a lord who stood in for the queen and now began their rigorous training.

Link would try to make it up to his chief that day by working twice as hard. To start, the hero went up against one of the youngest and weakest knights yet again to teach him some helpful techniques.

"Try doing a horizontal slice," he requested, and the young man simply nodded.

When he swung his blade, Link ducked and rolled to the side to lightly jab him in the back, and the knight stumbled forward. "Do you think you can try that?" Link asked, grazing a palm against the metal steel of his blade.

He frowned, unsure, but nodded. "I can try." Then the hero stepped, sliced, and the young knight ducked and somersaulted behind him. Quickly, he tapped the back of his knees and Link staggered slightly before spinning around.

"That was good," he said. "Now let's see if you can use it in a battle."

The two backed away, slipping into their ready positions, and awaited the other's move. After a silent moment on the hero's part, the younger knight jumped to strike, bouncing against the horizontal hold of his opponent's blade. Just as Link shoved him back, he overheard two knights gossiping beside them. "Hey, did you hear about the queen?"

Naturally, his pointed ear perked up, even as he deflected his opponent's blows. Despite his initial plan, he stayed on the defensive so he could listen in on their conversation.

"What? You mean about this morning?" the other responded.

He ducked out of the way of a strike.

"Yeah, everyone's been talking about it!"

The younger knight frustratingly sliced.

"Can you believe it?"

The blades met, both pushing their weight into their swords.

"Of course. Everyone's been expecting the prince to propose!"

And for a moment, Link's guard dropped, easing his grip on the hilt, and he stumbled to the ground with a pained gasp. All eyes landed on him, and even his opponent gaped in surprise. That wasn't part of the lesson.

Link felt like he couldn't breathe. His lungs felt tight and heavy like there was a foot on his chest. The younger knight stretched out his hand to help him up and he took it impassively, still baffled by the other's words.

The queen was getting married.

Of course Link knew what the princes wanted. He could see the way they looked at her, how they spoke to her, but he just never thought one would propose so quickly. They barely knew her, and she knew nothing about them.

Link knew for a while that he cared for her, but he thought he had more time: more time to get to know her and more time to settle in. Thinking about it now, he realized how stupid that was: the princes couldn't wait forever to court her like he could. They had their own kingdoms to get home to.

It wasn't until someone cleared their throat that he realized everyone was staring at him.

"Are-Are you okay, Commander Link?"

Flustered, he managed to nod and place a hand over his chest, urging his heart to settle down.

"Yeah, I just…" he started, strained, "I just remembered something."

He wanted to speak with her, really, he did. He wanted to convince her not to marry him then and there, but he promised himself and his commander that he'd be on his best behavior and running after the queen would only make things worse.

Biting the inside of his cheek, Link slid into position again and nodded to the younger man.

Why would she want to talk to him anyway? She had a wedding to plan.

Link didn't go after her once practice was over. He didn't think he could face her after hearing the news - or even stay in the castle, and so he turned to the person who always knew how to cheer him up.

Leaving the palace felt strange after being stuck there for weeks, and yet Castle Town was the same bustling capital with the same busy people as always. The tavern welcomed him with warmth, almost empty for the day, he noted, and he received a great grin from Telma upon entering.

"Link, honey! Where've you been?"

He tottered over the red rug and sat down on a wooden bar stool, giving her a small smile despite his sour mood. "Sorry, I've been working," he answered plainly. It was true, but he conveniently left out being imprisoned and taking care of the ailing queen.

"Yes, that's right. Second-in-command, aren't you? Someone ought to teach those knights how to take care of the kingdom! And how's that been?" She grabbed a glass from beneath the counter and held up a bottle. "Want a drink?"

"Yes, please," he said a little too pleadingly. A cork popped and a stream of bronze swirled in the glass, filling to the brim while he watched with temptation. "It's been good - busy, I guess."

"I'll bet," she said with a laugh. The glass slid into his hands. "Wish I could say the same. It's been quiet here without the rowdy group in the back." He nodded, sparing a glance at the empty table as he took a sip.

With narrow eyes, Telma looked him over. "Now, I don't mean to be rude, honey, but what brought you here? Something's the matter, isn't it?"

He stared down at his glass, sloshing the liquid inside, and shook his head. "I just wanted to say hi." But even then, his voice came up hoarse.

"Link dear, you know I love your company, but it's hard to believe you came just to visit when you're wearin' such a long face." The barkeep leaned an elbow on the table and raised an expectant brow.

The hero tipped the glass to take a drink, enjoying the way the strong alcohol burned his throat. Drawing a sharp breath, his eyes clenched shut and he wiped his lips with the back of his glove. For a brief moment, he thought he could drown out his misery here in Telma's, but even he knew there wasn't enough alcohol in the world to make him forget her.

It was another moment before he sighed, setting the glass down with a definitive clink.

"I like this girl…" he started, "and I don't…she doesn't-"

Telma couldn't help but grin. For as long as she'd known Link, he was always quiet, collected, and a tad clueless. It was nice to hear that he'd fallen for someone. Not to mention how awfully sweet he looked when he was embarrassed.

"Now, who in their right mind would turn down a handsome man like you?"

"She didn't turn me down...exactly."

"You haven't asked her, have you? Don't go telling me you, of all men, are nervous speaking to women."

He tugged on his hat in embarrassment, feeling the ends of his ears get warm. "No…!" He took a shaky breath. "It – It's more complicated than that."

"How so?"

Shyly, his eyes darted away. He gnawed at his lip as he considered a way to tell her. Then, "Did you hear the queen's getting married?"

The barkeep looked momentarily confused by the sudden change in topic before realization dawned on her. "Oh, I see. And so this news isn't so great, is it?" she asked, resisting the knowing smirk she felt creeping up.

He snorted, trying to seem indifferent, before the feeling of dread washed over him. Great news for the queen, maybe. At length, he shook his head and murmured, "No."

Shrewdly, Telma examined him before straightening up, grabbing a cloth from beneath the counter, and absently scrubbing the surface instead. She could tell that he was feeling hurt enough as it was; she didn't need to make him feel any more embarrassed.

"Then you should know," she began, her lips twitching, "that she didn't say yes."

Link tensed.

"…What?"

"Word around town is that the queen needed some time to think about the prince's proposal." Finally, she smirked. "You wouldn't have anything to do with that, now would you?"

Link's eyes slowly widened. He could hardly breathe.

But on the inside, he could feel his heart quicken, and nervous energy started to build within him. If Zelda didn't say yes, then that meant he still had a chance to stop her from marrying the prince.

"Listen good, honey. If a woman doesn't say yes to a man, she said no. Now don't go ruining your chance, you hear me?"

Trembling, he downed his drink and set some rupees on the counter. "Thanks, Telma." She slapped him lightly on the shoulder with the rag, watching with a laughing smile as he slipped out of the bar quicker than she'd ever seen him run.

The ache in her heart was more painful that night. As the queen gazed into the night sky, she searched desperately for a glimpse of starlight, for a trace of light in what seemed like infinite darkness.

Somehow, in her forlorn searching, she thought of Midna. She thought of how her dear friend would've dragged the stars down from heaven rather than just wait for them to blink into sight.

Zelda wasn't like that. She wasn't steadfast and brave: she was patient and wise. But as convincing as her wisdom appeared, it didn't do much good for her yet.

She didn't know whether not answering Percival was a judgment based on impulse or intuition. Either way, she knew she couldn't delay it for much longer. Eventually, she'd have to accept the prince's proposal. She wasn't sure why she didn't say yes just to get the worst part over with.

No, that wasn't true. She knew she put it off in hopes that Link would come and stop her from making a foolish decision, in hopes that he'd tell her what she wanted to hear instead. But she was wrong, obviously, about his feelings. He was nowhere to be found. He didn't even attend dinner with her as he usually did.

It stung, waiting in vain for him to arrive. After sending the servants back several times, the food had gotten stale. The empty dining room felt increasingly lonely without his laughter and starkly cold without his company. It hadn't felt that way in a very long time.

With one last longing gaze, she let her fingers fall from the parapet and took a step back. It didn't seem like any stars were out that night. Fitting, she thought bitterly.

Then, there was a rustle of leaves from the gardens below. Zelda tensed. Stepping back towards the rail, she called out sternly, "Who's there? Reveal yourself."

A man stumbled out of the bushes, cloaked in the green of the shrubberies.

"It's... It's just me, Link."

Zelda expelled a breath. But then she realized that he was here, outside her chambers, in the late hours of the night. Her heart was set in motion twice over.

"What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you. Can you meet me outside?"

"It - It's late. Can't it wait until tomorrow?"

"No, it can't." He waited a moment for her to respond, but she was at a loss for words. "Zelda, please."

Even from a distance, the strain in his voice was clear. It made her ache.

"Wait there."

Zelda couldn’t think of a time her heart ever beat so fast. Then again, she never had a man seek her out in the dead of night, and most certainly not a man she cherished so deeply. It was thrilling.  

Her hands trembled as she dipped back into her chambers, scrambling for some footwear. She was careful when ducking out into the corridor, but fortunately, the walk was short enough to avoid the patrolling guards.

She found him there, standing silently on the stone pathway. Torchlight flitted over him, dancing across the soft features of his face. Though he stood tall, he looked nervous, his brows creased and his lips tightly pressed.

Link held out his hand and said, "Come with me."

Heart in her throat, she stepped forward and placed her hand in his. Without another word exchanged, the click of their shoes on the stone path sounded especially loud, but somehow it kept her breathing in check until they arrived at the stables.

When Link opened the gate, the smell of fresh hay vented out. There was a clink, a clatter, and some trotting hooves as he walked his proud mare out, and Zelda found him in his element. Seeing him with his horse reminded her that he was once a simple goat herder living in a quiet village - yet another thing she'd taken from him.

"You know Epona." He stroked her ivory mane, and Zelda noticed the way the horse naturally leaned into his touch.

"Yes." A sequence of memories flashed in her mind: the fight with the Evil King, golden arrows, ghost stallions, and the misplaced mourning of her dear friend. And then there were dunes at dawn on their ride back from the desert. "She's beautiful."

Her words made him smile. It made her heart swell.

"Yeah, she is." Then, after a pause, "Should we go?"

"'Go?'"

She noticed the tension in his neck as he swallowed, his hands twisting in the reins.

"I wanna show you something."

Though she took a moment to think, she found herself already nodding.

"Okay."

With his guidance, Zelda took hold of the saddle horn and slipped a foot in the stirrup. Before she could register it, she felt his steadying hand on her back, and it sent a shiver up her spine.

He must've realized what he'd done, because his breath caught and he hesitated before hoisting her onto the saddle. He cleared his throat, then seated himself in front of her and turned to look back at her.

“Ready?”

Just as she had the morning back from the desert, she coiled her arms around him. She felt him shiver.

“Yes.”

At the snap of his reins, Epona whinnied and they set off, rolling hills on the horizon. Hyrule Field bowled out beneath them, brilliantly green and pure. Epona's hooves pounded over the fields like they did in battle, but now the grass was dotted with fresh flowers rather than blood.

Link didn't stop for a long while riding south of the castle, even as the stone fortress dwindled into the distance. Despite the dozens of questions flipping through her mind, Zelda found herself speechless. Her eyes took in every sight as it whizzed past them until Link pulled Epona to a stop on a knoll with a lone tree.

He leapt off and spun to offer Zelda a hand, but she'd already pushed herself off the other end. Closing his hand, he drew a breath and nodded firmly to himself.

Rummaging through Epona's saddlebags, he pulled out a couple of blankets and unravelled them to reveal glass bottles. Then, to her astonishment, he started setting up what looked like a picnic. When he took a seat, he looked up at her with an inviting smile and patted the ground beside him. 

"Sit," he offered.

With a small nod, she gathered her soft blue skirts around her and sat down. Link unfolded the other blanket and held it over her for a moment, hesitant, but when she didn't protest, he wrapped it around her shoulders. Zelda tucked the wool-spun blanket closer to her chest.

"You're not cold?"

It was a warm night, one of the first few since the snow melted, but it was still pretty cold at night.

Link just shrugged. "No, not really."

She looked away, twiddling with the frayed edges of the blanket.

"Why did you bring me here?" she asked, realizing he had no intention of explaining himself.

"You said you never saw a shooting star before, so I thought it might be nice to stargaze."

It was such a simple answer, but it took her off guard. Zelda told him that nearly a year ago, back in the Gerudo Desert. No one she knew would remember such a trifling detail about her, and certainly not for so long.

The pop of a cork snapped her from her thoughts. She turned to find Link innocuously holding out a bottle of some wine-red berries. At her questioning look, he urged it forward.

“Try it.”

Warily, she reached in and grabbed one. But when she bit into it, it exploded on her tongue with a sweet and tangy flavor, and she wondered how she'd never tasted something like it before. Her amazement must’ve been evident because his face split into a proud grin.

Getting more comfortable, she took up his suggestion and looked up at the night sky.

And there they were, thousands of brilliant stars blinking in and out of sight. A sudden swell of adoration swept through her. Somehow, he'd shown her what she'd been searching for that night. How did he know her heart so well?

Link pointed up at a row of three stars. "There are the Three Sister Stars." Zelda followed his finger when it moved west. "And Nayru's Gift."

"They're so beautiful," she murmured in disbelief.

Link smiled at her.

In the light breeze, her dishevelled hair fluttered, free from braids and crowns. A loose strand fell across her face and his finger twitched with the ache to swipe it away before she nimbly tucked it behind her ear.

Zelda looked just as she did that night in the desert, he realized. She was just as beautiful as she was then, but somehow, she looked different.

In her face, he could see every moment they shared, every look and every touch; in her voice, he could hear everything they ever said, every disagreement and every laugh.

All of it led to that moment, right there in Hyrule Field. He wasn't going to waste a moment of it.

“Zelda,” he breathed, his voice carried on the light breeze. “Can I ask you something?”

His voice was so low that he wasn't sure she heard it. But Zelda's head turned towards him, and somehow in that moment, it was like she knew. She knew what he was going to ask – she knew why. Whether she'd known all along or whether she just realized in that moment, he might never know.

Still, she said, “Yes.”

"Why didn't you say yes to the prince's proposal?"

Zelda stiffened. The moment stretched on painfully. The silence felt deafeningly loud.

Though he knew she suspected his question, she didn’t have an answer at the ready – as she often did. There was a shimmer in her pale blue eyes and he found himself staring into them, wondering if they reflected the light of the stars or if they always shone that way.

"Link…"

His eyes dropped to her pink lips as they parted, and he could feel a pull drawing him in. Gently, he reached out and touched the side of her chin, the light graze of his fingers sending a shiver through her.

"Why?"

Though her words failed her, her eyes could not. Her brows pinched inwardly, conveying a plea that he could nearly hear. It was all he needed to lean forward and press his lips to hers.

Even at the gentle brush of his lips, she lost her breath. For a moment, she was still, overcome by the feeling of his mouth against hers and the fear that this would be their only kiss - that they'd never have another chance. She savored the taste of him, the way his lips moved on her, tentative and nervous, and yet desperate and eager.

Before he could part from her, Zelda took hold of the side of his neck and started to kiss him back. The sudden sweeping movement made Link's stomach draw tight.

Goddesses, he’d never experienced anything like this. There was nothing in all the kingdom, in all the realms, and throughout all his adventures like Zelda’s kiss. Somehow, he knew he'd spend the rest of his life thinking back on this moment.

Neither of them was willing to part, and even when they did, Link didn't stray too far. The first thing he noticed was the pretty, pink dusting on her cheeks, knowing his face was much brighter.

"Don't marry him, Zelda," he said, pleading, and she swallowed thickly. "Marry me."

Undone, she struggled to answer. "You? …Want to marry me?"

If it were any other situation, he might've been proud that he could make her speechless, but he was terrified and he had no idea whether she'd truly accept his proposal.

"I do."

"Link,” she said, drawing a sudden breath, “I can't just-"

"I know," he interrupted. His gaze had hardened into something serious, but his voice was still shaky and pained. "I'm a goat herder, Zelda. I don't have much to offer you and I don't want to be King. But none of that matters as long as you want to marry me, too."

He paused, then asked, "…Do you want to marry me?"

For a moment, she could only stare at him. He could see her mind reeling as her eyes flitted between his.

"It's been a long time since I've cared for another." Her gaze dropped to his neck, watching the pulse of it when he gulped, before returning to his. "You've changed that."

It took a moment for the weight of her words to sink in, almost as though he didn't dare to believe it. Heartened, his hand slid up to her cheek and guided her lips back to his. The kiss was less cautious than the last, freed by the thought that she felt something for him, too. She could feel him smile against her, and it sent her stomach into a flutter.

But when she drew away, Zelda looked pained. "It will be difficult, though, Link. I don't even know if…" Her voice clipped, unwilling to finish the sentence.

"If it's possible?" he supplied. Her brows rose inwardly, apprehension clear in her eyes. Link covered her hand with his.

"Anything's possible, Zelda, believe me." A corner of his lip twitched, and it pulled a reluctant smile from her. "We'll find a way. I promise."

But it was a very hopeful promise. Zelda, for all her wisdom, couldn't see how they'd ever be allowed to marry. The laws that bound them were foolish and outdated, but they were real. They couldn't be ignored.

And yet they felt something for one another, unlike anything they'd ever known. The thought of being apart seemed far more difficult than overcoming a law.

They had no idea what lay in wait back at the castle, but at least they had that moment in Hyrule Field alone. Neither of them wanted to waste it.

Drawing a breath, Zelda nodded. Link smiled warmly at her and followed her gaze as she directed it back to the stars.

For a quiet moment, the night stood still. Stars blinked in and out of sight, and the tree above them rustled in the gentle breeze. It was a while before a shooting star shot by, shattering the tranquility as if the sky were glass. Zelda flinched as if it rattled.

"Did you wish for anything?" he asked, the smile still on his lips. He couldn't will it away if he tried.

"'Wish?'"

"Yeah, you're supposed to wish on shooting stars."

"Oh.” She stopped to think, though she didn’t need much time. "…Then I wish for the council's approval."

Though Link felt his cheeks redden, he sheepishly said, "Me too."

Zelda’s gaze softened with a smile, her eyes creasing into half-moons. His heartbeat quickened.

"Do you," he started, voice hoarse, "Do you want to head back?"

Zelda glanced at Epona, who was grazing further down the knoll. She knew they'd have to go back eventually. She couldn't even begin to imagine the panic that'd arise when they realized the queen wasn't in her room.

But just the thought of going back made her heart sink. She wanted to stay there, under the stars with Link, forever.  

"Let us wait a while longer," she decided, and he didn't mind at all.

Zelda was awakened at sunrise by a warm blinding light. Her eyes fluttered open to find the hero lying beside her, sleeping soundly and holding her hand in his.

Her heart began to race, slightly from the memory of the previous night but also out of panic when she realized that she hadn't returned to the castle. If they wished to announce – or better yet, request – their engagement to the council, they certainly weren't off to a good start.

She shook his shoulder and said urgently, "Link."

It took him a second to wake up, his expression shifting from confusion to excitement, and then finally to realization. "Oh!" he exclaimed, sitting up in a matter of seconds.

The two gathered their belongings, mounted Epona, and set off straight to Hyrule Castle. Once they arrived, the knight hopped off and helped the queen down, leaving them standing across from one another awkwardly.

"I'll wait a while before I come back," he said suddenly, and she was grateful for his quick thinking. If they were both to appear in Castle Town at the same time, it'd raise suspicions that weren't welcome to either of them. Zelda nodded. "Here." He pulled out one of the blankets and wrapped it around her like a cloak, and she smiled from beneath the makeshift hood.

"Thank you," she leaned in to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek, "for everything." He flushed, feeling his heart swell while he watched her turn on her heel and head to the castle. It was like he was watching his life begin.

"Outrageous!" the advisor boomed, loud enough to bounce off the walls of his study. "Do you understand the panic that ensued when your maid announced that you weren't in your chambers?"

"Yes, I do," she replied calmly. "I apologize. I should've left word with the guard."

"Where could've you possibly been for the entire night?"

"I feel, as queen, it should be perfectly acceptable for me to use my free time as I wish."

"This is more than what's acceptable: this is a matter of safety! Prince Percival and the guards were up all night scouring the town!"

She remained silent for a moment, feeling truly guilty for making them worry and search for her. "I'm sorry."

He glared at her before his expression softened and he turned away to hide it. "A queen shouldn't be out late at night. It's dangerous. What could've possibly prompted such behavior from you, Your Majesty?"

"I needed time to think," she said, which was partially true. "And I've come to a realization: I cannot marry Prince Percival."

"Wha- Whatever do you mean, Your Majesty?"

"I don't believe it's a wise decision," she explained. "The prince is a kind and clever man, though I fear he's too timid to be Hyrule's king. I need a brave man to rule by my side, one who's not afraid of making decisions and taking charge, and that's simply something Percival is not."

He stood and circled his desk, leaning on the fine wood as he searched Zelda's face for any blush or worry lines. But she didn't even twitch.

"Your Majesty, we've already spoken about this. You understand why Hyrule requires a man of nobility."

Zelda stood abruptly. "I know what's best for Hyrule. I'm the queen after all. If I believe that a man who possesses the goddesses' true virtues would make a finer partner for me, you cannot convince me otherwise. I want what's best for Hyrule."

"And I want what's best for you!" he bellowed. After a moment, he dropped his head into one hand, pressing his thumb and index finger against his temples. "Your Majesty, I've been serving the royal family since your father took up the throne. He was the finest king I've ever known and he respected the kingdom's laws better than any other man. In turn, I respect him enough to honor his legacy."

She held her breath as he continued. "Let's say that you chose a common man to take your side and become king. He wouldn't know the first thing about politics and economics, requiring months, maybe even years of training. And let's say that he in time can grasp the foundation of being a king and we trust him to make a decision. What if that decision costs homes, rupees, or worse, lives?

"Now that's the best scenario I can consider. What if, instead, he only wishes to marry you for riches and power? Din forbid, what if he tries to assassinate you to take the crown for himself? Do you understand the severity of your request? The lives of Hyrule, your own life, would be in danger. I can't risk it."

"The man I'd choose would never do that."

Cole waited a moment before responding, "You mean to tell me, then, that you've already chosen the man you'd marry?"

"Of course I have," she answered, straightening out her shoulders and preparing herself for the blow. "I trust Sir Link to be my partner. He's saved Hyrule and been declared a hero by the goddesses themselves. Not only this, but he has the perfect balance of wisdom, courage, and strength."

The chancellor began pacing the floors with his head still resting between his fingers. Zelda folded her hands before her, disguising the fact that she was terribly anxious. "And let's say that I agree Sir Link would make a fine partner for you. What about the others? If you wish to maintain peace within the castle, how would you present this idea to the other chancellors or Prince Percival himself? It'd be humiliating to decline him for a commoner!"

"Sir Link isn't a commoner: he's a hero. The people understand this and they treat him as if he were a prince in his own right. It wouldn't be as humiliating as you say if the prince were to compete for my hand with a man who has the same level of respect." She paused, stepping forward slowly, and Cole stopped his pacing.

"Chancellor Cole, if I am to present this idea to court, I'd need to have your backing. More importantly, as my father's closest advisor, I ask for your blessing. You're the only person my father truly trusted and the closest connection I have to him. Please, I ask for your approval."

When her request finally registered in his mind, the man who stood at the far end of the room froze. Zelda, the same little girl who ran around the castle, who stood proud beside her father – the man he held in the highest esteem – and the girl who never begged for anything was asking him now for his approval as if he was her father himself.

Shaking his head, he approached Zelda and put his hands on her shoulders.

"I see you're your father's daughter." He laughed, his eyes creased to keep his own emotions drawn. "You have my approval, Your Majesty. Only because I admire Sir Link and because you're the wisest queen Hyrule could ask for. I trust your judgment."

She bowed her head, holding back her own emotions, and said, "Thank you, chancellor."

Zelda requested Link to meet her in the drawing room, away from any possible eavesdropping. Though she trusted her servers well, she opted for the utmost privacy. She was perched on one of the chairs they'd occupied previously, with two wine glasses on the table between.

He drew a quivering breath when he saw her.

Goddess, she overwhelmed him. Every time he saw her, it was like the earth concaved around them. Like the ground was dropping around their feet and he was left without a proper foothold.

And now, his feelings were bared. Zelda knew he cared for her, and he knew that, to some degree, she felt the same. It was everything he wanted, and it was also incredibly intimidating.

Several worries came to mind over the course of the day. Though he felt no regret in asking for her hand, he'd admit to being afraid – terrified, even – about being in the mix with nobility. It was the one place in the castle he didn't feel safe or comfortable in, and as Zelda's husband, he'd be smack in the middle of it.

But more than that, Link didn't know the first thing about being a husband, much less the queen's. What if he wasn't up to her expectations? Even though he'd do everything in his power to make her happy, he wasn't sure it'd be enough.

"Good evening, Link," she said with a lovely smile that did wonders to elevate his worries. She gestured to the chair beside her and he nodded as he took a seat.

"Zelda," he greeted softly, warmly. "Good evening."

"I have good news," she announced proudly, grabbing her glass and taking a sip. He blinked, looking at her curiously.

"I spoke to Chancellor Cole earlier today and he agreed to back our marriage proposal in court."

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. Cole, of all councilors, approved of him marrying the queen? Perhaps it shouldn't have surprised him so much, given how the chancellor protected him in court last time. Still, it was incredible news.

Though he knew that he was one of many chancellors, Cole had a big influence on the court, and more importantly, Zelda looked up to him. Having his approval meant a lot to her, and so it meant a lot to him, too.

With laughter on his breath, he sighed in relief. "I'm so glad."

"I am as well," she agreed. "However, we may not speak of it until the court date approaches. Especially not to Prince Percival, but I'm sure you've already figured that out for yourself."

"I won't."

Her gaze drifted to the side, and his head tilted worriedly. "There's something else we need to speak about. You see, the chancellor brought to my attention that if we were to get married, you'd have the choice to be king or prince consort."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, as king, you'd be responsible for many of the duties I partake in, as well as have the right to make choices regarding Hyrule's politics. A prince consort, however, wouldn't have these responsibilities."

The latter sounded more appealing to him already, but he still didn't quite understand.

"What would I do as the consort then?"

"You'd be free to continue as second-in-command, which I'm afraid wouldn't be possible if you were king." Swirling the wine absently, she continued, "Your only true responsibilities as prince consort would be to attend formal events and…well, produce heirs."

"Oh, so then…" he said plainly, watching the red wine sway in her glass as he processed the words. She watched realization dawn in his widening eyes. "Oh, you mean…"

Zelda tried to hold back her smile when his face turned bright red, his eyes darting every which way, and he took a drink. She was also flustered, but she was much more comfortable with these ideas after being coached on them from a young age.

"You needn't worry about such things so soon. That's simply what your duties would include."

After a moment, he murmured, "What would you want me to choose?"

"I believe you'd make a wonderful king," she started, and he worked up the nerve to look at her properly. "Though I'd never ask you to relinquish your duty as a commander. The choice is ultimately yours, and I trust you'll make a wise decision."

"I'd have to give up being a knight to be a king?"

"No, you couldn't lose your knighthood status, but you wouldn't be able to train with the other squires and knights. You'd have too many other responsibilities, so you wouldn't have the time.

"Granted, it's common for kings to take hunting trips with their men. Given how well you care for animals, you could use that time to duel instead. Princes normally wouldn't be given leave to train either, but the exception would be made in your case, given how well you perform as a commander."

Naturally, the idea of being a prince consort appealed to Link much more than being a king would: he didn't care about power and he liked his job already. But he also felt guilty for leaving Zelda to take care of the kingdom all on her own. He'd have to really consider his options before the court date approached.

"Okay, I'll think about it."

Zelda nodded with a smile, one that was so beautiful that it made his own soften. Abruptly, she stood up. "Well then, now that that matter's settled, should we have dinner?"

He blinked up at her before pushing to his feet. For just a stolen moment, while he watched her walk ahead, Link wondered how he'd gotten so lucky.

Chapter Text

Muffled laughter and pattering footsteps filled the halls as he tugged her along quickly, away from the patrolling knight who'd nearly caught them together. They knew he was tailing close behind, with the noisy clanking of his armor and the beams of evening light bouncing off his silver lance.

The hero and the queen were strictly forced to keep their relationship hidden until the court date, which could be difficult at times when the young curious couple were tempted to hide away in alcoves or spend suspiciously long hours with one another.

But even the walls had eyes in the palace and no matter how tentative their movements were, a councilor, guard, or maid would unwittingly interrupt them. Thus resulting in an afternoon chase like so.

A large elaborately decorated door presented itself as they turned the corner. Link smirked before sprinting towards it, turning the knob as quietly as possible and tugging Zelda behind it.

The door shut behind them with a subtle thud and the two held their breath as the clamoring behind the door grew louder. Link could imagine the old knight scratching his head in confusion before he stepped out of earshot. They both exhaled in relief.

"That was close," he said with a breathy laugh.

"Certainly." She pushed off the door and wandered further into the room. "I'd never seen a more resilient guard."

As the knight followed after her, he finally realized where he'd sneakily pulled them into: it was the large ballroom that housed Zelda's coronation celebration. The marble still shined as though it'd just been waxed and the crystals of the chandeliers shimmered in the fading sunlight.

But the tables and chairs were gone, and the room felt more enormous and extravagant without thousands of nobles waltzing about. All that was left was a harpsichord sitting at the far end of the room, too heavy to clear away.

She approached it languidly and ran a gloved hand over the wooden surface. "Do you know how to play?" she asked, peering at him over her shoulder.

He shook his head with a sheepish smile. "I'm not very musically talented," he admitted before noticing the nostalgic way she looked at the instrument. "Do you?"

"Yes," she said simply, taking a seat at the end of the bench. "Princesses must be skilled in every art." Zelda smiled as she looked up at him, but it fell crooked and her gaze trailed to the keys.

He leaned onto the spine of the harpsichord, crossing his arms casually. "Would you play something for me?"

The queen laughed shortly and shook her head. "It's been a long time…"

"That's okay."

Listening to her play would allow her to open up to him, even just a little. Her heart remained guarded even now; there was still so much he didn't know about her. While he doubted she'd tell him everything at once, he was eager to hear whatever she was ready to share.

With a curious look and a small steadying breath, she swiveled in her seat. Her nimble fingers arched over the keys before they began to move across the keyboard with expert precision. Despite her modesty, she didn't mess up a note or skip a key, and she had no sheet to follow.

When the last note dwindled, the haunting melody seemed to wash away their worries, and Link sighed in contentment. "That was nice."

Her hands fell into her lap and she swayed in her seat absently. "My mother used to play this song for me when I was younger."

His eyes softened as he looked upon her. She never spoke about her family with him before, though Irene told him about the tragedy that befell them. He stood still as if any sudden movement would deter her from opening up. Even still, it took her a moment to continue.

"I haven't heard it for quite some time. Both my parents passed years ago."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay," she said, turning to him with a small smile and a tilt of her head. It made his chest feel tight. "It's been a long time."

He worked his way around her to sit on the other side of the bench, tucking his hands beneath his lap. "You know you can talk to me about it, right?"

She shook her head sadly, though her smile was still present. "I shouldn't be troubling you with such talk. I'm sorry."

"No," he said. "I don't mind. I'm here to listen."

The queen stared at him for a moment longer before she sighed. "Thank you." Link watched her carefully without answering, waiting to see if she'd continue or not. There was another brief pause before she did.

"My mother and father were both great rulers at the time. For as long as I can remember, they prepared me to be a great leader as well. I only failed to realize how quickly I'd have to assume the throne.

"They both passed from an illness, leaving me as the sole heir. Sometimes I wish they were still here to guide me." Her breath began to tremble and she looked away abruptly. "If my father saw what happened…" She shuddered. "I've failed them."

"Zelda, no," he swiftly cut in. "You didn't fail anyone. You are a great leader."

She had many arguments at her disposal, he knew - he'd heard them all before - but she simply shook her head. He reached out then and gently touched her shoulder, encouraging her to look in his direction.

When she didn't turn, he said, "Hey." At that, she hazarded a look over her shoulder, and though her cheeks were rosy and her eyes were glossy, there was no trace of tears. "You're a great queen," he repeated firmly, blue eyes steady.

"If it weren't for you, there'd be no kingdom to rule."

"That's not true. I couldn't have done it without you or Midna." She didn't respond, so he continued. "You gave your life for her, remember? And you fought Ganondorf just like I did."

She sighed. He was so kind and sympathetic, but she simply couldn't see it that way. If Hyrule knew how she failed them, would they be as forgiving as he was?

"Your parents would be proud of you," he added.

Rusl said that to him a while back in Telma's bar. Though the words caught him off guard at first, they touched his heart, and he hoped they'd do the same for her.

And it did. Her heart clenched almost painfully in her chest. The words were almost impossible to believe, but just hearing him say them made her feel so safe and loved, like how it felt to get embraced as a child. She shut her eyes and took a moment to compose herself.

"Thank you, Link," she said, and her voice didn't betray her sincerity.

"I mean it, Zelda. You're an amazing queen." She smiled, sadly and happily all at the same time, and so he smiled too. "You're smart and kind, and I've never seen someone shoot an arrow like you can."

She laughed then, straightening her shoulders as their former conversation took a toll on her posture. "A princess must be skilled in every art," she repeated, sniffling a little. "Even in the art of warfare."

He chuckled as well. After a moment, an idea crossed his mind. "You should visit the training yard sometime."

She tilted her head and his smile deepened. She was so cute.

"It'd be fun," he said before realizing that that probably wasn't a good enough reason for her to take time off of work. A bit hopefully, he added, "It might boost morale."

"You believe so?"

He nodded. "And maybe it'll cheer you up too."

"Well," she started a little hesitantly before meeting his gaze, "then perhaps I'll have to accept your offer."

Fitted with a breastplate, tassets, and pauldrons, Zelda walked into the training yard on her own that morning. Commander Eagus was more than willing to have her attend their session. After all, he trained her himself when she was younger.

He blew his whistle and the knights gathered around. From his spot beside the commander, Link spotted her in the crowd, and it filled him with warmth. Being in her company always brought him joy, but the fact that she was in his place of work made it all the better.

"Mornin', everyone!" Eagus called, receiving a hum of droning responses. "Today, we've got a very special visitor: the queen herself has asked to join our practice. Pay attention! Some of you might learn a thing or two."

They all turned to inspect the queen, but she remained impassive, keeping her head high and royal façade fixed. It was difficult for the knights to recognize her without her crown or dress, especially since no one expected her to be there in the first place. Even just coming into the yards seemed too uncouth for their prim monarch, much less participating as if she were a knight herself.

"Now, let's begin!" Eagus shouted, blowing his whistle again.

The crowd broke off into different sections while Link walked over to the queen.

"Are you ready?" he asked and she nodded firmly. Like it usually was around others, Zelda's expression was composed and regal, keeping herself guarded from even him.

The hero walked over to the equipment to grab a bow and quiver for her. As he handed it to her, her hand lightly brushed his, and Link went stiff. Only a shiver raked his spine.

When Zelda took the bow from him, he shook out of it, quickly remembering where he was. They were surrounded by people, and he was working, for goddesses' sake. He needed to get a grip on his composure.

She waited for him to grab a bow and arrow for himself before he led her to the target range. There they both positioned themselves in front of round-painted targets.

And then Zelda took over. She needed no instruction nor thought. It looked effortless, like it was second nature to her.

Her fingers nimbly plucked an arrow from the quiver, nocked it into the string of the bow, and pulled it under her jaw. With a twang, she released the fletching and sent the arrow whistling through the air. It pierced the center of the target.

An exhale escaped her as she slowly lowered the bow. It was then that she looked around and realized how many knights were watching her, gaping with wide-eyed amazement.

And yet when she looked over to her side, Link was smiling proudly, as if he expected nothing less from her.

"That was amazing, Your Highness," Link said, his voice teeming with adoration. She simply smiled, ducking her head, and tucked a stray lock behind her ear.

They practiced for a long while, and the grunting and tolling of the yard faded into a distant hum. All she could hear was the whizz of her arrows and each of her quiet exhales.

The exhilaration was intoxicating. Every release of an arrow felt as though it carried her worries with it, channeling them into the wooden shaft and sending them far away from her.

Suddenly, the sound of loud claps snapped her out of her trance. She spun around to see who disrupted her focus.

It was the prince. Dressed in a golden stitched doublet, he stood out starkly against the dirt-stained tunics and scuffed-up armor.

"Well done, my lady." Percival stepped closer to her, his hand resting casually by his chatelaine. "I didn't know you were so proficient in archery."

"Percival," she greeted, trying to even her breath. She didn't expect to see him here. "What brings you to the training yard?"

It wasn't the first time she saw the prince since the proposal. She struggled through many cordial meetings, unsure how to limit contact or avoid flirting without upsetting him. Without an answer to his proposal, every interaction was loaded with tension.

Through it all, he was respectful, though she could tell he had questions. It made her heart ache. Zelda didn't want to keep up a ruse or mislead him, but Cole's instructions were clear: she couldn't discuss the proposal until the court considered her appeal.

"I heard that you'd be here today and I'll admit I was curious. I never associated you with something like combat."

The prince smiled cheekily at her, and it made Link's stomach twist.

"It's an important skill to have," Zelda replied and restrained herself from glancing over at Link. She could feel his eyes on them, and she just knew this was terribly uncomfortable for him.

"Of course," he said quickly. "Don't misunderstand me. I admire your skill. It just surprised me."

"Thank you."

"My pleasure." His grin didn't leave his face as he turned to the target. "Well then, I'm eager to watch you practice. Do continue."

"Very well."

Anxiously, Zelda pivoted, sparing a quick glance at the hero before nocking another arrow into her bow. The prince's intent gaze on her back made her nervous, and her hand trembled over the fletching.

Taking note of her hesitance, the prince approached her from behind and covered her wrist to keep her steady. She drew taut as he came close; his warm breath fanned over her neck when he told her to release the arrow. It made her tremble.

When it struck the target, she eased out of his embrace, flustered by the circumstances. Though Percival didn't do anything particularly untoward, the fact that he did it in front of Link made her hair stand on end.

It left the hero inexplicably furious. His stomach was in a knot and he was tense, as if ready to pounce.

Jealousy wasn't something he felt often, but when it came to Zelda, it was unavoidable. Men, particularly nobles, were always making a pass on her. He couldn't blame them, really: she was captivating and that was even before getting to know her. But he found himself utterly intolerant to it.

And what was worse, he couldn't do anything about it. He couldn't just charge in and stop it - not without raising suspicions. Zelda already expressed the importance of keeping their relationship between them until they could get the court's backing.

So as Percival courteously bowed his head, Link could only glare into the crown of it. Swallowing thickly, he forced himself to step away from the archery range and instead started to clear up some equipment.

"May I ask," the prince said, startling Link, "are the things they say about you true?"

Link looked at him with a great deal of suspicion: he didn't expect the prince to bother talking to him, especially when Zelda was near.

"I've heard many things, actually: that you've traversed ancient temples and slain beasts larger than one can imagine. Why, I've even heard tales that you've battled a fire-breathing dragon in the sky!"

Link laughed shortly and shook his head. "People like to exaggerate sometimes."

"So they aren't true then?"

Link sheathed a sword into one of the scabbards.

Maybe it was jealousy or his wolf instincts, but Link's intuition was telling him not to modestly minimize his achievements like he usually did. The prince was his competition, a threat in a sense, and he wasn't eager to give him the upper hand.

"Some are."

"Really now? Perhaps you could teach me a thing or two then."

Well, that took him by surprise. "You want to duel with me?"

"If you aren't too busy. It'd certainly be a fine contest."

Link's lip quirked, actually intrigued by the idea of lopping the prince's head off.

He nodded. "Okay."

The knight grabbed a shield along with the scabbard before tossing the prince a pair for himself. Then, he walked backward to the center of the arena with Percival following after.

As the crowd around Zelda erupted with murmurs and gasps, she looked around, brows raised. They seemed to gravitate towards a certain duel. Curiosity piqued, she slung the bow around her shoulders and followed after them.

When she walked into the crowd, the soldiers stepped aside and cleared a path for her. She saw them then, the hero and the prince clashing blades, and her blood went cold.

Link tightly gripped the hilt of his blade. For the first time since his battle with Ganondorf, he felt an unusual amount of dedication to the fight. His eyes were sharp, his jaw set, as he swung his blade at his opponent.

Percival raised his shield, forcing Link's sword to rebound off the steel. From behind the guard, he jabbed his sword but Link leapt out of reach. Before his feet were planted, he threw down his blade and locked it with Percival's. With gritted teeth, he pushed down, watching a bead of sweat roll down his opponent's temple.

The prince, flustered and seemingly as devoted, was pushing back into him. Link immediately relented and ducked downwards, forcing the prince to stumble forward. Link swiped at his legs, and though Percival jumped, the blade caught his ankle.

He tumbled forward and Link leapt out of his way. Once the prince hit the ground, he spun, caught Link's blade, and pushed up into it.

The hero's cheeks flushed in irritation. Percival wasn't going to give up without a fight, it seemed. For a brief moment, he considered letting him win. He was a prince after all and he had to keep up appearances.

But when he looked around, he found Zelda in the crowd. She was watching from the sidelines, wringing her folded hands, and his chest grew tight. He couldn't let the prince win in front of her.

Percival was back on his feet. As he awaited his next move, Link's fingers thrummed on the leather hilt. Percival must've noticed the queen as well because he spun dramatically before jabbing his blade. It whizzed right by the hero's ear.

Knowing that the duel would last forever in any other case, Link rammed his shield into his opponent's, causing him to stumble backward.

Swiftly, the hero grabbed his wrist and twisted his arm to redirect his sword. At the same time, he touched his steel blade to Percival's neck. The prince's eyes widened, his cheeks glowing in embarrassment, but he dropped his weapon in surrender.

"Wow," he said a little breathlessly.

As Link pulled away, Percival tucked away his shield and started to clap. It set off applause in the crowd.

"You truly are impressive, Sir Link. I wish the soldiers of Labrynna had your skill as well."

The hero returned the smile, surprised by his good sportsmanship, and nodded.

"Thank you. You did good too."

"Ha, you're too kind, my good sir. It was a pleasure dueling with you."

Link scratched the back of his neck when Zelda approached, wearing a pleasant smile. She lightly clapped while the rest of the crowd started to disperse.

"That was certainly an exciting duel. You both performed very well."

"Thank you, my lady," the prince said as he picked up his sword. "Will you be practicing for much longer? I was hoping to speak with you."

Zelda looked at Link. His smile slowly fell away, but he simply nodded.

"I suppose I could retire early, then. Thank you again for having me, Sir Link."

His chest tightened, his eyes pained as he watched Zelda put away her bow in favor of the prince's outstretched elbow. As the royals left through one of the arches, the queen couldn't help but notice Percival staring solemnly at the ground.

"My lord, are you well?"

He glanced at her briefly, flashed her a smile, and nodded. "Yes, I'm feeling quite all right. There's just been something on my mind."

She was about to ask him what he meant by that when he suddenly whirled around. He grabbed her by the hands and Zelda blinked up at him in surprise. "My lady, you know that I care for you very much, don't you?"

Zelda couldn't help but think that she wasn't ready for where the conversation was headed. But she gave him a short nod anyway.

"Well, then you should know that I simply want you to be happy."

"What do you mean, my lord?"

"You aren't happy," he said plainly before hesitating. "You can deny it, but I know it's true. I have a sister, you know, and I somewhat understand how difficult it can be for a young woman in a royal household."

Reflexively, in some act of resistance, she straightened herself out. "I don't believe I understand what you're trying to say."

"I know that you have eyes for another." Zelda bristled, but he held her gaze. "I visited you today in hopes of being proven wrong, but it only confirmed my suspicions. Your eyes didn't stray from," he lowered his voice in case anyone overheard, "Sir Link's during the duel.

"His feelings for you were obvious from the get-go, but when you denied my proposal, I started to understand. And well, not even I could miss the way you exchanged glances from time to time."

Zelda opened her mouth to defend herself, but he gave her little chance. "I'm not upset. Well…I am disappointed, though mostly at myself for not seeing it sooner. I want to be with you, Your Majesty, but I cannot if your heart is with another."

She didn't know what to say. It pained her to say that he was right. It wasn't the way she planned to tell him, but she knew it wouldn't be right to deny it now. Especially if she and Link were to receive the council's approval.

He placed a consoling hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Your Majesty. I understand. I'd never want my sister to marry someone she wasn't happy with. I do not want you to worry about our alliance. I said before that I'll defend your kingdom and your name, and I have no intention of betraying that promise."

The fact that he reinforced their alliance, despite it all, made her heart clench. She couldn't believe that anyone would grant her such benevolence.

Her eyes welled with tears, her hands folding at her chest. "My lord," she started, but couldn't finish the thought.

It was then that he paused and looked deep into her eyes as if trying to discern something. "If you say that I'm wrong, I'll marry you. I'd marry you this day if you'd allow it. My feelings for you haven't changed in the slightest."

He smiled then, in earnest. "However, if you tell me that what I think is true, then I must accept it."

For a moment, she stood shaking her head. She didn't know how to answer. She was torn between what her heart and her mind were telling her.

Zelda's heart belonged to another, it was true, but she had to think about the consequences of turning down Percival's proposal. If the councilors said that she couldn't marry Link, which was a very real possibility, she was left without a suitor.

But then what if that could be used to their advantage? If she didn't have noble suitors, then the council had little choice but to accept her request. Hyrule needed heirs and they couldn't leave her unmarried for long.

Zelda met his gaze. Her heart was in her throat and she tried to swallow it down.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. Percival's brows pinched upwards, his eyes sad. "I'm truly sorry."

"Don't be." He offered her a small smile, took her hand, and pulled it to his lips for one final kiss. "I had the greatest pleasure of making your acquaintance...and your friend." Percival held her gaze from above her knuckles, exchanging an unspoken promise before he let go. She curtsied, bending low to show the extent of her gratitude, and he bowed deeply in return.

"Until I see you again, my queen."

The court date finally arrived, having been called by Cole and Zelda themselves. Everyone was murmuring as they filed into the large room, uncertain about what awaited them. Besides their periodic scheduled meetings, the court was only ever called into session for pressing issues.

Everything to them had been going swimmingly, other than the fact that Zelda hadn't given a proper answer to Percival's proposal. Given that she, in a way, rejected the prince, they could only assume it had something to do with that.

Link didn't accompany them into court. Both the queen and her advisor thought it'd be wise to act like he didn't know about this scheme, and instead pretend like it was an act of duty instead of one involving any true feelings. It was a long shot, given that Link's feelings for the queen were obvious, but it was the best they had.

When Zelda took her place at the podium, her pulse was racing. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so nervous addressing her council - stressed, sure, but never so on edge. But any possibility of marrying Link came down to this. She had to keep her head and ensure that every word she spoke was the right one.

"Good morning, everyone. You may all take your seats."

The men followed her orders, resulting in a symphony of screeching chairs and rustling clothes. With a quick, hesitant glance at her advisor, who nodded slightly in assurance, the queen announced, "I've called you all here today because we must discuss the topic of my marriage."

The crowd murmured collectively, not all that surprised, and she took the moment to compose herself.

"During the last few weeks, I've devoted a great deal of my time accompanying each suitor and learning about their characteristics, ambitions, and goals. In that, I have realized that none of the princes were fit to rule our kingdom. Our people deserve a ruler who is loyal and just; one who is in balance of the three sacred virtues that govern our land.

"It's known that both Prince Edmund of Termina and Prince Fletcher of Holodrum have withdrawn their proposals and retired from Hyrule, which left Prince Percival of Labrynna as my last royal suitor. While I've come to respect and admire the prince, I came to find in the time we shared that he lacked true courage.

"When faced with his proposal, I could only think of all the times a king would need courage. In times of threats and famine, in times of war. For that, I hesitated to accept.

"Instead, I found another solution - one that made more sense the longer I considered it. I come to you in hopes that you'll listen to my proposal with an open mind, as you might find that you similarly grow to see the value of it."

"I propose that a man of common birth, one with a balance of the sacred skills, take my hand instead."

"Preposterous!" Councillor Sherman shouted, instantly shutting down her appeal.

"I know that it's an unusual occurrence, but it is for the benefit of the kingdom. I wouldn't make this request if I didn't see it fit."

"A commoner is not to be taken by a queen," Chancellor Carter said stiffly. "It's highly embarrassing."

"Still your tongue," Cole bit. "Listen well to the name of the man she wishes to take before you speak."

"You have a man in mind, now, Your Majesty?"

At that, Zelda went stiff. She knew that they'd be against the idea, but she had to push through. She couldn't back down now. She only wished that she'd brought Link for comfort. Planting her hands on the podium, she firmly nodded.

"Yes, as he's the only man in the kingdom who has proven to be both trustworthy and benevolent, as well as in possession of all three virtues." After a pause, she finally said, "I'd choose Sir Link to be my suitor if you'd accept my proposition."

"Sir Link?" Carter roared. "You mean to say that you'd deny a prince for a man who was once a lowly shepherd?"

"Sir Link is a hero," Cole reminded sharply. "We already came to this conclusion in the past and there's not much you can say to deny the fact. Not only is this true, but he's a man of action and is greatly beloved by this kingdom."

Benson raised a hand to get the men's attention. "Sir Link is admired for his position as second-in-command. If he were to be king, he'd have to relinquish his duties as such." The men all shifted their severe gazes to the queen.

"I've already considered this. The choice would ultimately be his, but if he were to take my hand, the title of prince consort would be an option as well. If that was the case, then he could continue his duties as second-in-command as he wouldn't be occupied with matters of state. It isn't a king that I require."

"Even if that is so, how could you deny a prince for a commoner? How embarrassing it'd be for him!"

Zelda bit the inside of her cheek. She had yet to divulge the last bit, and it was like pouring liquor on a fire. "Prince Percival has also withdrawn his proposal."

Sherman slammed his fists on the table, and it was accompanied by an uproar of protests.

"What have you done, Your Majesty?"

"How could this happen?"

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"It happened only recently," Zelda retorted calmly, though she felt her insides go up in flames. "I felt it was most reasonable to tell you all in court today."

Cole bit his tongue. He wasn't told about Percival being dismissed and he knew it'd only anger the men more than her request could. He understood and admired Zelda's cunning since they could hardly deny her proposal now, but it wouldn't settle over well with the councilors.

"If he left, then that surely means he was insulted! Did we lose yet another alliance with a neighboring kingdom?"

"Most certainly not. Prince Percival chose to leave on his own behalf and assured me our alliance still stands."

"Then why would he leave?"

"He was surely offended that Her Majesty didn't eagerly accept his hand!" Sherman answered, resulting in another outburst.

"Enough!" she ordered, effectively silencing them. "I wouldn't endanger Hyrule under any circumstance, I assure you."

That, she knew, wasn't true. She surrendered her kingdom to Zant what felt like years ago, but she couldn't let them know that now. And she'd certainly never do something like that again. They needed to know that too.

If they were to argue with her statement, the councillors would be denying her loyalty to her kingdom and they all knew better than to do that. But they wouldn't relent on their argument either - they weren't okay with her decision, after all - and so the room settled into silence as they all pondered their next moves.

"Your Majesty, you don't seem to understand the implications of this situation," Sherman finally said. "Even if the alliance still stands as you say, there isn't a man left to marry you. You cannot leave Hyrule without an heir and you're already of age to be married."

"That's not true," she argued. "There is, of course, Sir Link, if he'll take me." They all turned to one another and murmured, and Zelda looked at Cole with hopes that he could decipher her true feelings through her façade.

"And what if he denies your request?" Benson asked. "What will you do then?"

"I hardly think that's plausible," Cole spoke up, once again standing up for the queen. "He's devoted to this country and would surely accept this offer if he understood the importance of it."

His argument was valid enough that the others couldn't muster a response, given that there was little choice the monarch had in terms of marriage. None of them were happy. Far from it, they were outraged.

To embarrass a man of such high esteem with such nonsense was unbelievably risky and could cause more damage to their already fragile kingdom. Not to mention that they already severed their bond with Holodrum over a similarly brazen disagreement, while Hyrule's ties with Termina were still to be questioned.

Still, they knew that all they could do at this point was hope that their queen knew what she was doing and spoke true of their strong union with Labrynna. After all, their queen truly did do what was best with her kingdom, even risking her life only mere weeks ago for the sake of her duties, and they trusted her. That was all that was left for them to do.

"We'll consider your request, Your Majesty," Hayes resigned before adding, "after we discuss it thoroughly."

With a small exhale, she simply nodded. "I'd ask nothing more of you. I only hope that you understand that my proposition is solely for the sake of Hyrule," she concluded. "Thank you for your time."

The queen then excused herself from the court, allowing the councilors to discuss the issue whilst she was left to continue her day.

The very next day, sunlight flittered in through the courtyard while Link busied himself with training. Neither Link nor Zelda heard about what transpired in court after she was excused, leaving them both filled with anxiety and dread as they awaited their decision.

At that moment, Link was taking out his frustrations on a straw-filled dummy. He felt so helpless. His relationship with Zelda was left in the hands of others - most of which were strangers to him, and he couldn't do anything to help. He didn't know what he would do with himself if they said no; he just knew he couldn't bear it.

All the trainees kept their distance as he wordlessly slashed the dummy with his blade. It was an unspoken rule that if he was ever seen taking out his energy on a lifeless form, then he had a lot of energy - most likely negative - and it'd probably be safer to stay away.

But he didn't look up to see any of their fretful expressions and he certainly didn't hear when Cole's servant stepped into the courtyard. It wasn't until Eagus's hand clapped on his shoulder that Link looked up and saw his commander staring down at him.

For a brief moment, he wondered what his expression was underneath his silver helmet, but then Link recognized the familiar man standing at his side. A swell of panic coursed through him at once: an answer from Cole finally arrived. It was the moment he'd learn whether they had the royal council's approval.

His demeanor must have been intimidating to the attendant because he stood a good five feet ahead of him while he led Link to the study. He knew that he must've looked unapproachable, given the degree of distress he felt.

The servant knocked on the door quickly, as if afraid to keep Link waiting, and allowed him access to the room almost immediately. The hero offered an apologetic smile to the man before stepping into the study.

"Finally, you've arrived." The councillor was seated at his neat, redwood desk with a stoic expression, and gestured to the seat across him. "Sit."

Link complied, gripping the hem of his cotton tunic uneasily. Though he was eager to know what happened, his throat felt too tight for words.

"You must know why I called you in here today, don't you?"

Link swallowed and nodded slowly. Cole could see the unease in his typically sharp gaze, and so he lowered his head.

"The councilors and I discussed the issue for a very long time before we finally concluded." He went quiet for a tediously long moment, as though he was intent on making him suffer. "I did all that I could for you and Her Majesty, but I'm afraid that it simply wasn't enough."

Link's stomach dropped.

They denied him.

His heart felt like it stopped, while his mind was in a frenzy.

After everything the queen and he went through, he was supposed to simply walk away? Zelda would never abandon Hyrule for anything, much less for marriage. It wasn't like he could ever ask her to abdicate, but the thought of never being with her seemed equally impossible.

He was instantly broken out of his thoughts when the councilor opened a drawer with a small trundling effort and pulled out something that the knight couldn't see. The advisor pushed to his feet, concealing the object in his fist before stepping around the desk and standing in front of the hero.

"By that, I mean that I have one more thing that I'd like to do for you both."

Clearly confused, Link searched his face for an answer. But then Cole's fist opened. Inside was a tiny velvet box, engraved in gold with the Hylian emblem. He popped open the lid and revealed the golden ring inside, encrusted with a ruby, an emerald, and a sapphire stone.

Link's heartbeat returned with a vengeance. His eyes widened, locked on the ring before flashing back to the councilor. There was a warm, unfamiliar smile on his face. It suited him.

"It's been passed down in the royal family for countless generations. The late queen entrusted me to pass it down to Zelda's suitor one day."

For a long moment, Link could only blink. His mind was still jumbled. Then, he blurted out, "Wait. You mean they – they said yes?"

The older man chuckled. He took Link's hand, slid the box into his palm, and closed his fingers over it.

"They said yes."

Chapter Text

Link didn't tell her about the good news just yet. Instead, he decided to take the councilor's advice by giving her the proper proposal that she deserved. Cole, as the only one permitted to relay the news to the queen, conveniently left to attend business elsewhere after he met with the hero and was nowhere to be found when Zelda went searching for answers.

And so, when the queen invited Link to visit Lady Irene's home with her that afternoon, he decided it was the perfect opportunity. He'd ask her for her hand properly this time, in a place where she could see the bustling town and the people she loved more than anything.

The same morning Link spoke to Cole, Zelda received a letter from her former nursemaid to pay the newborn a visit. Since it had been so long since she last spoke to Lady Irene's daughter and son, she joyfully accepted. A few weeks had passed since she was ill, so it was safe for her to be around the baby - not that the Hylian Influenza was very contagious anyway.

Spring showers washed over the town that afternoon, leaving the market deserted and the streets nearly empty. In keeping the council's approval a secret, Link escorted her through town without holding her hand or linking arms. And yet, he found his hand itching to take hers.

Rain pattered onto the stone pathways, mustering a grey mist at their heels and casting ripples in small puddles. Though few people were in sight, stray dogs scampered about, tails wagging as they chased cats under porches. The queen noticed Link's eyes follow them with the slightest smile.

The family's modest home stood in the southwestern alley, just past the fortune teller and Agitha's Castle. Eyeing the butterfly banners, her old questions about the building resurfaced and she realized she never figured out what it housed.

"Link." He snapped out of his thoughts and looked at her. "Do you know what this building is for?"

He followed her gaze to the stone building. "Oh," he said simply. "It belongs to a girl who collects bugs."

This only provoked further questions from the queen, concerning how a young girl would even get a building to herself and why she'd need one to collect bugs. She settled instead for, "Have you ever been inside?"

"Yeah."

At his simple response, Zelda's head spun towards him to properly examine him. Despite his quiet nature, Link typically elaborated whenever Zelda asked a question, and his deadpan responses were disconcerting. Something was wrong.

But then again, he'd only been acting strange that morning. Perhaps it was just an off day for him.

It was more than an off day for him, though. The proposal was making him jittery and nervous, and he couldn't get it out of his head.

Even though he'd already proposed, neither of them really admitted how they felt about each other. He knew how he felt, of course, and it was a feeling that only grew stronger by the day. This time around, he wanted to tell her, to be completely honest about why he was asking for her hand.

But Zelda hadn't said much about what was on her mind, or what she thought of him, or what she felt for him - if she felt anything for him. What if he was just a better alternative than any of the princes? After all, she knew him longer than she knew them. What if she just found him more agreeable?

If that were the case, it'd tear his heart out.

When they finally arrived at the steps of her friend's home, the queen knocked on the door, and it set off sounds of scampering within. "Coming," Irene called. Zelda spared a glance back at the hero, who was tapping the toe of his boot on the ground and shifting between feet. Then, Irene swung the door open with a bright smile and swiped her brow with the back of her hand.

"Your Majesty, Sir Link, you've come! Come, come, hurry," she said with a wave, beckoning them into the house.

There was a stark contrast between the warmth inside her home and the dreary weather outside. They both hung up their cloaks on a hanger by the door before following Irene further into the house.

The nursemaid's home was humble, but it was lovely. The plain furniture was adorned with pleated doilies and clay vases that overflowed with bright flowers. The whole house smelled of the fresh bread Irene was baking, the remnants of flour dusted on her apron. The sharp whistle of a kettle came from the kitchen and they found Irene's son standing above it.

"Your Majesty!" the man said, setting down the mugs before running to her with open arms. But once realization struck, they quickly fell back to his sides and he stopped in his tracks. The last time they'd seen each other was years ago, back before she'd been crowned queen.

But Zelda wasn't having any of it, knowing exactly where his thoughts led him, and pulled him in for a gentle hug. "James, how nice it is to see you. Please, we've known each other since we were young. Simply Zelda will do."

He smiled a little nervously as she drew back, and immediately his gaze met Link's. The queen followed his line of sight and stepped back to stand beside the hero. "This is my good friend, Link. James is Irene's son."

With that, the brunet man gleefully stuck his hand out, which the knight accepted with a small, polite smile. "Any friend of Zelda's is a friend of ours. Make yourselves at home." He guided them to the table and pulled out a wooden chair for Zelda before heading towards the stairs. "I'll go see if Ethel's awake."

"Thank you."

After a short while, Irene hobbled in from the adjoining kitchen with mugs of tea, the steam spiraling up from the top. They said their thanks before the nursemaid went back to baking.

"This is such a lovely home," the queen mused as she took a sip and looked about the place.

After receiving nothing from Link but a simple nod, the queen frowned. She sighed and diverted her attention elsewhere, her eyes traveling along the pictographs framed on the wall. There were some of James and Ethel when they were younger, and some of Ethel's wedding.

She spotted that the painting she once had commissioned of Lake Hylia was framed alongside them: a gift made for Irene's many years of service. It made her smile to think that Irene still cherished it. The king also had a similar one made for Cole many years ago, when she was only a child.

The thought brought her back to the councilor and ultimately the meeting. It bothered her that she didn't know the answer; it was possibly the most important court meeting that she'd ever had, and a full day had already come and gone without a trace of Chancellor Cole.

In what proved to be a futile attempt, she went searching for answers with the other councilors. They refused to give her the final decision and told her that Cole insisted on being the one to share it. And yet, none of them knew where he went.

It was completely irrational and childish to deny her an answer like that - as serious as it was - but they wouldn't relent no matter how she went about it.

Zelda sighed again, and this time, it caught Link's attention. "Is something wrong?"

"I was simply wondering where Chancellor Cole had gone. I've yet to see him since the court meeting."

Link drew a sudden, short breath, earning a questioning look from Zelda. He was hiding something, but she didn't understand what. If he knew something about the meeting, why wouldn't he just tell her?

"Is there anything you need to tell me?"

He averted his gaze, raising her suspicions even more. "…No."

Her eyes narrowed. "You're keeping something from me, Link. What is it?"

Regrettably, his gaze flashed back to hers. It was hard enough to lie - or at least hide anything from her, without her pressing him on it. "Nothing! It's nothing, really."

Just then, the wooden steps creaked as the young brunet trotted down. Putting a hand on the arch to the entryway of the dining room, he announced, "Ethel is ready to see you, Zelda."

Such perfect timing.

The queen exchanged a stern look with the hero before standing up, just barely touching James' shoulder in thanks, and scurrying up the stairs. Link watched until she disappeared, and then exhaled in relief.

James walked over, wearing what could only be described as a cheeky grin. "And how are you today, Link?" he asked with a knowing look.

"I'm okay," he answered slowly, warily. "How are you?"

"Good, good." The man fiddled with the clay mug, set it aside, and dragged the chair in closer. Link instinctively leaned back. "You know, the queen rarely brings guests with her."

"…Oh?"

"Yeah, she's usually very withdrawn." Raising his eyebrows suggestively, he asked, "Is there a reason you're so special?"

Link sank into his chair. "N-No…I mean, I don't think so."

The lean man broke out into laughter, causing Link to frown, and he slapped the hero lightly on the back. "You're lucky. She's a real special lady. Don't go breaking her heart, though."

His words flustered him. He didn't really know how to address that with someone he didn't quite know, and so he simply scratched his reddening cheek instead. "Y-Yeah…"

"Is something the matter?" Link shook his head, but his eyes darted away. "You can tell me. I'm a good friend of Zelda’s. Maybe I can help."

Link looked back at him. He wasn't typically the type of person to share his feelings, or really know how to, but James happened to catch him at a vulnerable moment. He could probably use some advice, and he didn't know who else to turn to, considering he didn't have many friends in the palace.

After taking a deep breath, Link looked down at his mug and bashfully admitted, "I'm proposing to Zelda today. And I'm just…nervous."

He didn't really want to go into detail about how he already proposed and how he was approved by the council because Link wasn't sure it made a difference, all things considered. The only thing that mattered now was how they felt about each other.

James' expression lit up. "Why, is that so? Well, I can tell ya, there's no reason to be scared. She might seem cold, but she's actually really kind."

"I know. But that doesn't mean she has to like me."

"Haven't you been listening? Zelda doesn't bring just anyone around here. Doesn't care much for company, it seems. It means something that she brought you here. At least, that's what I see."

Link smiled strangely, furrowing his eyebrows just the slightest. "Do you really think so?"

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't."

The hero hummed a little, feeling warm all of a sudden. Did he really mean something special to her? She treated him differently, out of all the people in her life?

"You better invite me to your wedding, though. I've never been to a royal wedding before," James joked, and Link shook his head with a bashful smile. His friendly and laidback nature reminded him a little of Fado. "Is there anything else on your mind?"

"No, but thanks."

"No problem," James said with a dismissive wave, then pushed to his feet. "Do you wanna go see lil’ Gulley, too?"

It took a second before Link realized he was talking about the baby. With a casual nod, he stood up and followed after the brunet.

To the right at the top of the staircase was a door left slightly ajar, emitting the faint flickering light and soft murmuring sounds from within. James carefully pushed the door open and waved Link inside.

Rocking in a wicker chair, Zelda cradled the child and hummed a familiar, calming melody. Link quickly realized it was the same song she played on the harpsichord the other day. Somehow, it made the room stand still. Even the child's mother seemed relaxed: though she was propped up on the headboard, her head was tilted back and she appeared to be resting her eyes.

The floral curtains were drawn aside to reveal the pitter and patter of the rain, the rivulets racing down the muggy window, and the lights flickering from the other homes. James sat at the edge of the bed, the swaying of the mattress alerting his sibling of his presence, and her eyes slowly opened with a smile.

Zelda blinked up at James before finding Link leaning against the doorframe. With a gentle smile, she beckoned him over, all her previous frustrations forgotten. At that, he approached and knelt beside her on the carpet.

The baby was adorable. He was so small, with toes the size of a knuckle. His orange-tinted blond hair peeked out from the modest linen cloth he was swaddled in, and his wide eyes were pinned to Zelda, seemingly entranced.

As Zelda's humming came to a gradual close, she let out a soft sigh and murmured to Link, "He's still very young, but he's very handsome, don't you think?" Laughing breathlessly, Link nodded in agreement. "Would you like to hold him?"

He looked at her in surprise. Though he saw Ethel nod in approval, he nervously waved his hands. "I don't-"

"That's okay," Zelda interrupted gently. "I'll help you."

He gulped. The queen stood, careful not to agitate Gulley, and knelt on the ground across the hero. With utmost care, she placed the child into his open arms.

He pressed him close to his chest instinctively, afraid that the child would slip right through his fingers if he wasn't careful enough.

He'd held all the village children when they were babies, but admittedly not often. Besides the parents, Ilia was the one who enjoyed caring for and playing with the babies. Link got along with them better when they were older, when they turned to him for guidance or simply wanted him to teach them new things.

Now, with everyone's eyes on him, he felt nervous. But something instinctual took over, and he adjusted him to rest comfortably in his arms.

He was not as heavy as he remembered babies being, and fortunately, he seemed calm. He was simply blinking up at him with those bright blue eyes as if trying to recognize the stranger who held him.

Then he whimpered, as though he was ready to cry, and Link almost cried out too. But Zelda was still kneeling in front of him; she stroked his little head over the tufts of newly grown hair. She started to hum the tune once more, and it almost instantly calmed the child.

Link looked up at her in awe.

It was at that moment that her calm nature showed its true capacity. With her gentle touch and her soft, steady voice, she was easily able to settle the child. The entire room was hushed by her soothing presence.

Many people disliked that the queen was typically reserved and quiet - unless provoked, of course. They thought of her as rigid and heartless, but Link knew better than that. She was guarded because she was too kind, and being in her position, it was easy to be taken advantage of.

Perhaps being reserved was a good thing because it made every show of her emotion even more valuable to him.

And well, Link couldn't help but think, as he looked upon her just then, that she'd make a wonderful mother someday. It was such an intimate thought, since he'd have to be the one to contribute to that, but it didn't feel uncomfortable. The idea of being the father to Zelda's children filled his heart with warmth instead.

"What is it?" she asked quietly, feeling his gaze upon her without even looking up at him.

"I just…" he started, "I think you're really good at this."

Zelda smiled bashfully. "Thank you. You are as well." He snorted. "Gulley has yet to cry. You should be proud." The child cuddled up against him, grabbing onto his tunic with surprising force. "In fact, I think he's taken a liking to you."

Link looked down at the child with a smile, feeling heat prickle his cheeks. "I like him too." For a moment, they just sat in contentment, cradling the child between them and forgetting about their companions on the bed.

The baby blinked a few times before his eyelids drooped tiredly, as Zelda's song finally took its toll on him. With a small stretch of his lips, he let out the tiniest of yawns and Zelda carefully took him from Link's arms. The blond watched as she stood and embraced the child protectively before laying him down in the wooden crib.

"Thank you," Ethel said from her bed.

Until the rain subsided, the unusual group of friends spoke about much and nothing at all. It was a wonderful time spent catching up and reminiscing on old times. For a short while, Zelda forgot about the council members just as Link stopped worrying about the proposal.

But once it was okay to go outside again, the hero and queen said their goodbyes to the family and stepped out into the evening air. Small droplets of water fell from the clothesline above, which were ironically hung to dry. It was nothing, though, compared to the storm that beat down on the town earlier.

The cats stretched out after being cramped in their hiding places, while the dogs curled up to sleep, tired from all their playing. Meanwhile, the townsfolk began piling out of their homes, eager for some fresh air. Merchants began setting up their market stalls with a noisy clatter, hoping to secure some sales before sunset.

Link realized that he couldn't postpone his plans any longer. The day was almost done, and they were already headed back to the palace. Hugging his cloak to his chest, he braced himself as they passed the southern arch.

"Wait."

Zelda turned around with an inquisitive look. His mouth hung open for a second before it quickly went dry. So much for the Wielder of the Triforce of Courage.

"Link?" she asked, taking a step towards him. "Are you all right?"

He swallowed. "Yeah," he managed to say before clearing his throat. "I mean, yes. I just - I want to show you something." His brows pinched, then, nervously. "If that's okay, I mean."

The queen arched a delicate brow, puzzled by his strange demeanor, and nodded tentatively. "Yes, of course."

Without another word, he led her to a pair of large iron doors near a small café. Upon entering, the queen saw faded sheets of paper on the walls and barrels scattered around. The place smelled like mildew and had an unpleasant, stagnant air, but Zelda followed him unflinchingly as he led her further into the strange place.

Within a few short moments, a large spiral staircase with beautiful iron rails appeared before them. A dim, tawny light streamed in through the small windows, but there were also lit torches on the walls.

Link hesitated to look back and instead glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes. She seemed fascinated, but more than anything, she looked confused. He took a deep breath before leading her up the stairs.

They walked through another winding hall before stepping onto a stone balcony, and Zelda couldn't stop herself from gasping and taking a few steps forward.

The entire town appeared before her: the castle loomed above them magnificently, and the bustling civilians marched below, seemingly oblivious to the couple. Day made its way into night, and twilight cast its saffron shroud over the darkening sky.

"Link…" Zelda held her heart out of fear it'd burst with happiness. At length, she peeled her eyes from the sight to look at the hero. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

He didn't say anything nor meet her gaze, and instead anxiously worried his lip. She tilted her head. "Link, are you well?"

He blinked up at her. "Y-Yeah..."

Zelda stepped in closer. "What is it, Link? There's something wrong, isn't there? You've been acting strange all day."

"No, I'm - I'm fine."

"Are you worried about the court's decision?"

He flinched, his eyes darting away. "No."

Zelda didn't know if she should be hurt or not. She was worried, at least. But he could just be lying for her sake.

He looked back at her, but Zelda's gaze was narrowed, suddenly serious. It made it increasingly difficult to maintain eye contact. Finally, he swallowed, mustered all his courage, and said, "About that...this morning I-"

He caught himself with a grimace: he didn't want to start his proposal with a recount of his and Cole's meeting. The ring box bounced about in his hands, but he wouldn't allow himself to lose his nerve - not now.

With a deep, steadying breath, he finally said, "I've been wanting to tell you how I feel.”

Zelda blinked, taken off guard, but didn’t speak. His gaze was sincere, pleading almost, hoping in some capacity she might be able to understand what he was trying to say.

"But every time I try to put it into words, I feel like I'm coming up short. I feel like I've known you forever. I know we haven't, really, but there's just something about you that feels familiar - that feels right.

“The more time I spend with you, the more obvious it is. I care about you, Zelda - so much. I want to stay with you - forever if you'll let me."

For a few painful moments, that felt much longer than they were, he waited for her response. His sharp eyes searched hers, iridescent in the waning sunlight, and silently willed them to reveal her thoughts.

His heart was pounding, his hands were trembling, but at last, she smiled unguardedly and sighed with what felt like relief. "Link, I care for you as well."

He drew a tremorous breath.

"Then…" He stepped forward, knelt to the ground, and pulled the box out from behind his back. "You'll take me?"

With a gasp, Zelda threw her hands over her mouth. Was this what all his anxiousness was about? Did that mean the court said yes?

Somewhat clumsily, Link popped open the lid and Zelda's eyes widened at the sight of her mother's wedding ring. The weathered gold band brought back a rush of memories, sweet ones long forgotten from her childhood.

Though her eyes brimmed with tears, she nodded with a wide smile. "Of course I will."

He expelled a heavy breath, laced with relieved laughter. It set free a symphony of unfettered and unguarded laughter from them both as Link shakily slipped the ring onto her finger.

Her blue eyes were sparkling and her hair was swirling about her in the gentle breeze. How did he get to be so lucky? He almost couldn't believe it.

As he rose to his feet, his eyes never left hers. He dropped his forehead to hers, keeping her close, breathing her in. Zelda’s smile was still giddy and excitable, and it made Link’s heart leap.

"Zelda?"

She hummed in question.

"Can I..." He paused, hesitant, before gathering what was left of his courage. "Can I kiss you?"

Her breath caught. She wanted nothing more than for him to kiss her; the very words sent a shiver down her back. But she couldn't risk the chance of someone seeing them from down below.

With a daring glint in her eyes, she placed her hands on his chest and gently pushed him back towards the entrance. He stumbled backwards, curious and confused.

When he hit the wall, far from the view of the civilians, she gripped his tunic and kissed him so passionately that it momentarily stopped his heart. Wide-eyed, he stared at her for a long – embarrassingly long – moment, before his eyes fell shut and he began to kiss her back. His heartbeat returned with a vengeance.

When they parted, Link looked at her with surprise, his wide eyes dancing over her bashfully amused expression. But then, his hand reached up and found her jaw, straddling the nape of her neck, and held her so gently that her smile slowly fell away.

At last, he guided her lips back to his, and somehow everything fell into place.

There wasn't really a need to announce it to the court since they were the ones to ultimately approve the union. But when the new fiancés walked into the castle hand in hand, everyone expressed their excitement over the soon-to-be royal couple.

Upon his return, Cole was the most pleased, feeling a certain amount of pride for interfering when necessary. He was sure he made his king proud.

While the court members still weren't particularly fond of Link for the way he barged into their lives, they couldn't deny that they both looked magnificently happy upon entering the castle. Maybe they could get used to the hero as their new king or prince.

Before they could start planning the royal wedding, however, the couple had to announce their engagement to the people.

The idea made Link feel at odds for two different reasons. The first was that he was always uneasy being in front of a large crowd. Besides all the eyes that would be on him, the news could unleash a lot of judgment or input on their relationship.

But perhaps more importantly, most of his friends didn't know about his relationship with Zelda. It felt wrong to tell the whole kingdom about their engagement before telling his family in Ordon. He didn't want to hurt their feelings, or for them to think he'd forgotten where he came from. At the same time though, he knew he couldn't just drop his responsibilities in the castle, especially when there was so much to do on top of training the knights.

Despite not wanting to worry the queen, Link decided to share his concerns with her. It wouldn't do any good to keep secrets from each other now. Much to his surprise, she was more than understanding and offered to share their news with whomever he wanted first. Since his loved ones were in Ordon, she agreed to arrange a short trip to his village before making their public announcement. Besides, they both deserved a break from their neverending duties.

A short week later, Link found himself awaiting the queen in the castle courtyard. They were set to leave the castle a little while ago and Zelda still hadn't come around. He brushed Epona to keep himself occupied.

The councilors were insistent on the queen riding in a carriage. Even if Link was the hero, it wouldn't be good for the queen to be seen leaving town with a man without escorts.

But Link wasn't too pleased at the idea of a dozen knights barging into Ordon, so the queen intervened and at that point, guards were out of the question. Link would escort her safely in a carriage, out of sight, and led by his trusty mare. She felt guilty for putting Link and Epona through the trouble, but it was the only solution either could go by.

When Zelda finally arrived, Link had to do a double take. The queen was dressed in a simple pink dress, gently swaying around her ankles as she walked towards him. Her hair was tied in her usual braid, but there were no pauldrons on her shoulders and instead of a crown, a small golden circlet representing the royal house sat on her head.

He'd seen her in casual clothing before, but admittedly, not often. For the first time, Link might've mistaken her for a commoner, if it weren't for her strong posture and regal manner.

"Good morning, Link," she greeted. "I'm sorry that I took longer than planned. There were a few last-minute errands I had to attend to."

He shook his head and took her hand before leading her to the plain carriage. They opted out of choosing a magnificently royal one to avoid the attention.

"It's okay. We've still got time."

"I only wish I could've joined you on Epona. It seems unnecessary to have her haul around a carriage like this."

"She'll be okay. Don't worry." He helped gather her skirts into the carriage before asking, "Are you all right?"

She looked around the carriage. The wooden seats were far more rigid than she was used to and the smell of hay was quite pungent, but it wasn't anything she couldn't handle.

"I'm fine," answered Zelda. "Thank you."

He nodded, raring to go. Before he left her though, he added, "Let me know if you need something." With that, he closed the curtains of the carriage, hopped on Epona, and set off southbound.

Zelda learned it was much more uncomfortable in a moving wooden carriage than it was in a still one. The bags often bumped into her and the imperfect wagon wheels caused her to bounce a little in place, but luckily, Link was immune to such bumpy trips and didn't seem to notice it. Epona was also used to such long voyages it seemed, because they only stopped briefly at the sacred spring in Faron for a quick break and for Zelda to say a prayer before they were on their way again.

For the first time, through her carriage window, the queen beheld the majesty of the forest. The trees towered above them, their juniper crowns brushing the brilliant blue sky. Critters weaved in and out of the hollows in the trunks; some even ventured to the highest branches.

Zelda tried to take in every detail, from the ivy coiling the tree bark to the mushroom spores emerging from the earth. Spring was always lovely in Castle Town, but there was something surreal about it in the ancient forest: it was like riding through a fairytale.

She couldn't help but lament all the things she'd missed out on and every beautiful corner of Hyrule that she had yet to see. But perhaps that meant she had many things to look forward to, starting with visiting Ordon.

She'd admit to being a bit curious about how Link lived before he became the Hero of Twilight. Though he was always modest about his beginnings, he was still proud and reminiscent of Ordon. From his stories, she'd painted a picture of what the village looked like in her head, and she was curious about how close she'd gotten.

She left the carriage the moment a bridge came into sight and insisted she was more than fine walking the rest of the way, despite Link's protests. Epona was loaded with bags so neither of them was eager to add their weight to her back, but Link offered for her to sit if she'd like to anyway. The queen simply shook her head and walked forward.

At last, the couple reached a clearing with an open wooden gate and a large tree. It took Zelda a moment to realize there was a house at the top of it. She read the little picket sign before turning to him with raised brows. "Is this your home?" She'd never seen a house built atop a tree before, though she figured there weren't that many to begin with.

He followed her gaze, a fond smile on his lips. "Yeah," he said wistfully.

There were so many cherished memories in that old house of his. Growing up, he never believed he'd leave his home someday - especially not for a castle - and it felt strange to be coming back to it like a visitor or a guest. But he was glad to be back at all considering all the wedding planning in tow. It'd been too long already.

He swung a few bags over his shoulder before climbing up the ladder, with Zelda following suit. By the time she reached the top, the door was open. She stepped inside while Link puttered about and cleared things away.

He'd forgotten how embarrassingly small and messy it was; after living in such a big and elegant place like a castle, it really opened his eyes to how simple his old home was. As soon as the queen entered, the room looked much duller against her stature, even in her simple clothes.

"It's lovely," she said, though he wasn't sure she meant it. Her eyes darted between every nook and cranny, over every tool and crate. He watched carefully as she approached the photos on the walls. "Is this one of your friends?"

Link scratched the back of his neck and let out a short chuckle. "Yeah, that's Fado." He went to stand next to her, looking at the picture with a warm feeling in his chest. "We used to take a lot of pictographs on the ranch."

Eyeing a few other pictures of goats and Link himself, Zelda agreed with a soft hum. The queen turned around to look at his home in full: it was warm, small, and a little run down. Compared to her chambers in the palace, his home was a lot less extravagant and decorated with a lot less finery.

But she wasn't of any mind to criticize him or his home. If anything, she thought it was cozy and comfortable, unlike the stiff ornate castle she was accustomed to. It was just so unlike anything she'd ever known.

Admittedly, she really could imagine Link living here; she could almost see the cozy life that he'd built for himself. Part of her felt so selfish for taking him away from all of that, but the other half couldn't imagine her life without him. He told her many times that he was happy with his new life in the palace and she prayed to the goddesses that he meant it.

"I like it," she said at last.

"You do?"

She smiled. "Yes, Link."

Just knowing her and how refined she was, he found it hard to believe. But she looked happy and it made him excited to show her the rest of his homestead.

"Well then," he said with a smile of his own, "do you want to rest before going out to meet everyone?"

"I'm quite all right. You and Epona are the ones who deserve a break."

"I'm okay too." He paused again. "I guess we should go." The hero scratched the back of his head before they both headed for the door. With a long, steadying breath, he prepared himself to introduce two of his favorite worlds to one another.

Chapter Text

There was a humble beauty to the village of Ordon. It seemed that the entire settlement was in complete harmony with the nature surrounding it: the houses merged with the trees, branches encircling them whole but not suffocating them with their massive roots; a small babbling river ran through the middle, held up by a wooden waterwheel that churned with soft sounds of clunking wood and splashing water. Squirrels scurried through the branches and chickens sauntered freely, while pumpkin patches were planted wherever there was enough room for them to grow.

All in all, the village was nothing less than a beautiful sight to see at the beginning of spring, with the sweet smell of fresh blossoms and the gentle breeze.

At the edge of the riverbed, two women folded clothes with a young baby by their side, sleeping soundly in a cradle. Their work was done with leisure and patience, chatting idly all the while, before the younger of the two took notice of the couple strolling down the dirt path. Even without a band of trumpets and a cluster of heralds, within a few seconds, they were seen. It seemed that was just the way it was in a small village.

She raced towards them without delay, the young lady with short blonde hair, even lighter than Link's, and big green eyes. But without a doubt, the most noticeable feature of hers was her wide smile. "Link!" she cried as she trampled him with a hug. Though the hero returned her embrace, he was a bit surprised by the intensity of it and stumbled backward.

"Hi, Ilia," he greeted just as happily.

From across the way, the other woman took the child into her arms and slowly walked towards the two despite her obvious anticipation. It was amazing how well-known Link was in the village that they failed to even notice the queen. Inevitably, however, when the blonde stepped back, her eyes fixed on Zelda's and her grin faltered. Perhaps she was simply shocked, never expecting to see a royal standing with her good friend. Or maybe there was something more to her discomfort.

When the older of the two finally approached, Zelda's presence also surprised her; despite her plain clothes, it was obvious by the circlet on her head and her stance alone who she was. A small gasp fell from her lips and she bowed as low as she could with the baby in her arms. Ilia didn't seem to know how to act in the presence of a royal, so she followed her lead.

Zelda did her best to hold back a frown. She never liked formalities and she hoped that being away from the castle would somehow take away all of the attention that seemed to follow her wherever she went. If she could've, she would've pretended she was just another villager, but then their trip would be pointless. Link wanted to tell them who he was marrying and Zelda was the queen, no matter how tiring that could be.

"Please," Zelda finally said, trying to keep her disappointment buried within, "that is unnecessary. I visit as a friend. You needn't treat me as a queen." It was probably hard not to act so formally around her when she said words like 'needn't', she briefly considered, but she couldn't help herself. It's what she practiced all her life.

Finally, the two raised their heads, though they wore different expressions: the younger kept that strange look from before while the older smiled softly. "It's so wonderful to see you in our village, Your Majesty. My name is Uli and this here is Ilia."

Zelda smiled in return and bowed her head in respect. "It's nice to meet you both. Link has told me much about all of his friends already."

Her folded hands clenched to ease some of her discomfort. It was weird: she never thought she'd feel awkward meeting Link's friends. She was always comfortable meeting people unless, of course, they were dead-set on taking over her kingdom. Maybe it was because she never expected Ordon to be so quiet and peaceful, with people so warm and polite. Is this how Link felt when he first came to Castle Town, a world so vastly different than the one he knew?

Or perhaps she felt overwhelmed because she knew how much the trip meant to Link. He really did speak about the people of Ordon often, so she knew how much he cared and thought about them no matter how much time he spent away. In a sense, they were his family. She didn't want them to think of her as some high and mighty queen when she was simply his fiancée for those three days: she wanted them to be impressed with her rather than her title.

Uli's eyes flashed to the hero briefly, the warm smile still on her face. "Link has always been a sweet man," she complimented sincerely, to which Link scratched the back of his neck. The older woman turned to a nervous Ilia and asked with a tilt of her head, "Would you tell your father that the queen and Link have come to visit, Ilia?"

The girl nodded hesitantly, bowing her head to the queen once more before jogging off to the house past a wooden bridge. Uli's eyes crinkled with joy as she turned back to them. "The mayor will be more than excited to hear that you're here."

Zelda planned to tell the mayor of the village that they'd be stopping by early that week before Link assured her it wouldn't be necessary in a place as small as Ordon. It was odd for the queen to walk in unannounced, as nearly every meeting and event she'd ever attended was planned for weeks prior, but Link explained that they'd be just as welcomed walking in as if they were to give them a month's notice. There was no need to get them all worked up with a letter when they could just greet them with a quick hello as they usually did with any rare visitor.

But Link was wrong.

Well, in some ways anyhow. They weren't upset about the late notice or anything, but they were a lot more thrilled about their arrival than he first anticipated. In honor of the queen and their hero, a large feast - much like the one celebrating the return of the children and Ilia - was held in the mayor's home. The food obviously wasn't as spectacular or grand as the meals in the castle, but everyone did well with what they had and they all pitched in to help.

Link was a tad disappointed when he realized that since he'd been away so long, his arrival was cause for celebration. But he didn't let it get to him: it wasn't all that surprising that they treated him differently. He did leave Ordon almost a full year ago.

A group of children, the ones Zelda was told were kidnapped during the invasion, jumped at the sight of Link and squashed him with hugs similar to Ilia's. A customary welcome, the queen smartly noted. All the while, the youngest boy kept his unnerving gaze on the queen as Zelda tried to remember where she'd seen his face before.

The children were eager to treat her with just as much enthusiasm, but something stopped them and the queen reasoned that it was their parents' caution over her intimidating stature. Instead, they bombarded her with questions like: "How does it feel to be rich?", "Where did you get your outfit?" and "What's it like to have so much power?" From across the room, Zelda saw Link try to hide his laughter at their silly and blunt questions, though she tried her best to answer them all.

Even the adults were excited to meet her, varying from boastful to have the queen in their village, to curious about what she was doing in Ordon, to overwhelmed with formalities and modesty. The mayor could've practically burst with glee to have the queen standing in his home, his eyes widening to large saucers at the sight of her.

But perhaps the most memorable meeting was the one she shared with Rusl. He'd knelt to the ground with a fist over his heart, a far distance from the rest of the group. "It's been an honor to serve the royal family," he'd said to her, and she knew deep down that he'd waited a long time to do so. "I now have a family to care for and a home in Ordon, but I'm as deeply sorry about my deceit as I am grateful to your family."

When they all sat down for dinner, Zelda couldn't help noticing how even having a meal in Ordon was different. The plate settings were simple: a spoon, fork, knife, and plate for each of them, but they still gave her the most sparkling set they owned. There weren't swarms of servants asking after wine or serving their meals; rather, everything was out on the table where people reached for salt and passed around cheese.

She watched as one of the women swerved through the flying gestures of the men to pour pumpkin soup into their bowls, scolding them with a hearty laugh that told them that she wasn't as angry as she tried to sound. Any time one of them would tell a joke, the others would throw their head back with laughter or slap them across the back, without restraint or proper formalities. No matter how polite they tried to be for their guest, their true laidback nature came out with everything they said and did.

The room was filled with warmth and laughter, unlike the empty and quiet dining hall that she was familiar with before Link moved into the castle. Even the food was delicious and abundant with ingredients straight from the harvest.

At long last, when everyone tired out from the hearty meal, Link had a chance to pull Zelda aside and the two excused themselves for a moment. Stepping onto the porch, the queen took a deep breath of the fresh air and gazed at the twilight sky above them. Even the stars looked brighter in his village.

"Are you all right?" he asked and Zelda's head whirled in his direction. Did she seem upset?

"Yes, of course. Why?" Suddenly, she worried that her indifferent expressions sent out the wrong message to the Ordonians: in truth, she was having a lovely time. She did feel a little out of place and excluded at times, but she expected that.

He chuckled, which only served to further confuse her. "I don't know. You always used to say that to me when I first came to the castle."

She let out a relieved breath. Once they reached the wooden fence across the mayor's home, he stopped to lean against it and stared absently across the stream. Crickets chirped and frogs croaked in the evening air, and they could hear the muffled laughter and conversation in the mayor's house.

"Your friends are lovely," she said, breaking the brief silence. "I can hardly remember a time when I'd met such wonderful people."

"They are." Zelda was ready to ask if he missed them but smartly stopped herself. The answer was apparent and she wasn't sure she could bear to hear it. "They accepted me, even though I was different."

She paused as she pondered his words. Did he feel left out from the villagers as well? "Perhaps being different isn't always a bad thing."

He smiled fondly, maybe even a little nostalgically, before shaking his head. "No, I guess not." They stayed quiet for another moment. "Are you ready?"

She blinked. "For?"

His hair swept over his eyes as he turned to her, an amused smile playing on his lips. "To tell them we're engaged," he answered candidly. That was, after all, what they came to Ordon for.

Zelda blinked again, in realization this time, and nodded quickly. "Oh, yes of course. And you? How are you feeling?"

"I'm good. Nervous, maybe, but…" He shrugged.

"I'll be by your side, Link," she promised and he let out a breathy laugh.

"That's all I want."

The villagers had already sprung back into conversation before the two entered, even if they were as tired as they seemed to be. Link asked Zelda to sit for a moment and she complied without hesitation. Though, when Link called Ilia to talk in private, Zelda couldn't help but wonder what he needed to discuss with her before they made the announcement.

Ilia was obviously a good friend of Link's, but why would he choose now out of all moments to talk? But Zelda wasn't jealous or anything - she was a queen for Din's sake. Besides, she trusted Link with her life.

Still, her eyes followed as they stepped into the adjacent room that Rusl had walked her to earlier. "Are you all right, Your Majesty?" a soft voice spoke up from beside her and Zelda's eyes flashed to Uli, who was wearing a look of motherly concern.

"Yes, I'm well," she answered, offering her a small smile. "Thank you, Uli."

In the other room, Link hesitated to find the right words to say to his good friend. She told him before he left Ordon once and for all that she loved him.

Though he couldn't deny that at one point in his life he cared for her in a similar way, that all changed shortly after his adventure began and he officially transformed from a goat herder to a warrior. His feelings for the queen were still new, yes, but they were genuine and Link knew that Ilia felt the same way for Fado now.

Still, he couldn't be sure that she'd gotten over him and he wasn't about to tell the entire village that he was engaged to Zelda without making sure Ilia was okay first.

"Ilia," he started and her expression looked just as uncertain as his voice sounded. "There's something I need to tell you…"

"You're with the queen now," she finished softly, "aren't you?" He let out a breath, grateful that she caught on so quickly.

Then he nodded. "Yes." She lowered her head momentarily, her eyes closed, and Link couldn't help but worry. But then she raised her head with a small, sweet smile that did wonders to relieve the tension between them.

"I'm happy for you, Link." She shook her head sadly. "You shouldn't have to worry about me anymore. I'm happy here with Fado." He opened his mouth to say something but she cut him off gently.

"I'm glad that you told me though. I couldn't be more grateful to have you as a friend, Link. I mean, you still care about me after all this time..." She trailed off, her eyes falling shut. "But you deserve to be happy with the queen. You don't have to worry about how that makes me feel."

After releasing another heavy breath, he smiled. "Thank you, Ilia."

"Of course."

They were quiet for a moment, both smiling at one another before Link reminded himself what he was really there to tell her. His smile faltered. "But there's something else." Her head cocked in confusion. "Me and Zelda aren't just together…" He paused. "We're getting married."

Her green eyes widened, hands flying up to her mouth, and she took a step back. "What?" He waited - which proved to be a difficult task - for her to take it all in. "How-How did you…" she started, unable to find words. Finally, she cried out, "So soon?"

Oh goddesses, this was a lot harder than he thought it'd be. "She's the queen. She's supposed to get married," he tried to explain. "And I-" He caught himself falling short of the words and his head fell to the side.

Her look of astonishment faded to realization all too quickly. He couldn't let her go. He really did care about the queen, didn't he? She saw the mixed emotions swirl across his face: guilt for breaking her heart and yet something else, something she'd never seen written on his face before.

Ilia sulked. It'd been almost a year and she still felt love for that silly goat herder of hers, but what's worse, she still made him feel guilty about it. And Ilia knew that she cared about Fado, which only seemed to grow with each passing day, even if her father was disheartened that she was in a relationship with the "unskilled" goat herder over the hero.

But she and her father had to get over it, for Link's sake. She couldn't pine after him forever, and though she accepted that he didn't return her feelings long ago, she had to realize that moments like these were inevitable.

One day, he'd be married and have children with the queen, and perhaps she'd do the same with Fado, and missing him wouldn't do either of them any good. If he was happy to marry the queen, she didn't want to get in the way of that and she wouldn't let him know how hard that'd be for her.

Gathering some semblance of courage and swallowing a big breath of air, she exclaimed, "Link, that's so great!" Her arms swung up in feigned, exaggerated excitement and it was his turn to be surprised. "Why should you wait, right? You guys deserve to be together!"

His eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. "What?"

She stepped closer, her hands folding over her chest. "What do you mean 'what?' This is great news, Link! What'd you expect?"

He shook his head. Wasn't she distraught a few moments ago? "Link," Ilia said seriously when she noted his suspicion, "I really am happy for you. I couldn't be happier." Despite how difficult it was for her, she managed to maintain her grin.

Link held her gaze for a long moment. He didn't want to act like it was so impossible for her to get over him or anything that ridiculous, but their relationship was always complicated. They were childhood friends who were expected to get married one day.

Though that was more anticipated than passionate, she said that she loved him: not just cared or admired but loved. That meant something to them - to him - and he needed to make sure she was okay after all that'd happened.

"You're…Are you sure you're okay?"

She swallowed, winding her hands behind her back. "Yes, of course."

Part of him wanted to insist that she tell him the truth, but he was in no place to assume that she wasn't. He knew her well, but they'd spent a long time apart and he didn't know much about her own relationship. After another moment, he exhaled and gave her a shaky but genuine smile. "Thank you, Ilia. That means so much to me."

The tone of gratitude in his voice sent a new wave of feelings through her. Despite the pinching in her chest, Ilia was happy that things were turning around for him, that he looked so relieved by her approval, and even more so that she could help in any way that he needed her to.

Feeling the muscles in her cheeks relax, she nodded. "Well, what're you waiting for, silly?" she asked a tad shakily. "Go out and tell the rest of them."

He nodded eagerly, headed back to the other room, but stopped mid-step. Instead, he ran to her and gave her a sweet hug. Her arms wrapped around his back, feeling a single tear roll down her cheek. No matter how hard it was for her, she couldn't help but be happy for him; if anyone deserved to find true love, it was Link.

He let go, his smile still present, before returning to the queen's side. Ilia watched from afar as Zelda greeted him with a gentle smile, which he returned tenfold. He whispered something to her before she stood up and Ilia knew they weren't going to waste another minute.

His skin crawled as all of the villagers quieted down, probably wondering why the two of them got up. Upon custom, Zelda thought to get a glass to clink on, but there weren't any glasses on the table and she decided instead to let Link take the first step.

His eyes darted between all of the villagers, noticing that they were waiting expectantly, and he realized that he'd been standing there for a long moment without saying anything. But from across the way, Ilia walked in and smiled at him, telling him silently, "Don't worry. They'll be happy for you," and that was all he needed to begin.

He cleared his throat, eyes searching the room as he thought of what to say. "Thank you for the meal," he started hesitantly.

Mayor Bo stood up, mistakenly thinking that was all he had to say when Link paused, and waved his large hand. "Nonsense, m'boy. Are you headed off to bed so soon?"

"Oh…well, no." He traded a glance with Zelda and that lovely smile of hers soothed his nerves. "Actually, there's something that we want to tell you." His eyes flashed to Rusl, who waited in anticipation, a worried expression on his face. "Zelda and I are…" he started, "getting married."

The words hung over the room for a long moment and they all stared at him in disbelief. The hero suddenly felt immensely uncomfortable with all the attention as his friends processed the news.

When at last the information sunk in, all of the villagers jumped up, the table and plates clattering at the movement. Zelda and Link both jerked, taking a step back in surprise. The children first ran to their legs, pulling and laughing excitedly at the idea of Link marrying a queen.

Though they were just as eager, the adults allowed the children the thrilling moment to cheer for their friend, until they dispersed and made room for everybody else. Rusl glomped on Link and Jaggles ran his fist through his hair, mussing it up playfully. "Congratulations, son," Rusl said into his ear and Link hugged him back even tighter.

The women approached the queen carefully, hesitantly almost, and Zelda smiled in a welcoming but timid way. Uli must've sensed her discomfort - or saw her nervously wring her hands - because she wasted no time in grabbing both of them. The other women traded surprised glances, never expecting their temperate friend to touch royalty without permission, but Zelda's smile only widened in relief.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty," she said softly. "You'll make a beautiful bride."

Zelda tightened the hold the woman had on her hands. "Thank you." Pergie and Sera joined in a moment later to share their excitement, promising to help with anything they could, even though they were sure that she'd have more costly and luxurious offers. Despite that being true, Zelda couldn't help but feel grateful for their generosity and decided that she'd consult them with anything she could think of at the time.

From the opposite side of the room, watching the crowd gather around Link and his new fiancée, Ilia assured Fado and her father that she was more than happy for him. Even if it was difficult for her, she truly believed in her heart that Link deserved to be happy with the queen; she hadn't seen him smile like that in ages.

Her hand slipped into Fado's and she sighed. She'd be okay.

It wasn't until the door shut that he remembered the queen would be sleeping in his home. Something of that caliber was easier to put aside when they had travel and the announcement to worry about, but now alone in his old, cozy home, there was really nothing else to think of.

Zelda was hesitant at the door, her hands folded eloquently at her waistline as if she were waiting for something. He wondered if this was awkward for her too. From what she'd told him, she didn't travel much and Link realized she probably never slept in anyone else's house before.

He decided, then, that he'd just have to make sure she was as comfortable as possible. The young hero cleared his throat, looking around the place, and simply said, "You can…make yourself comfortable. I'll get the fire going." Even though winter was long over, nights in the forest could have a bit of a chill and he definitely didn't want Zelda to get sick on his watch again.

As he started to assemble the logs, he heard the old wooden floorboards creak and shift. Over his shoulder, he saw Zelda pull her skirts around herself and sit on a stool near him. When their eyes met, he offered a shaky smile before turning his gaze back to the fire.

"I'm sorry if tonight was a lot for you. Everyone's really close in Ordon so news like this is kind of a big deal."

"I had a wonderful time, Link. Everybody was so kind and welcoming, how could I not?"

Truthfully, he expected her to be a little turned off by how different his village was compared to castle life, not that he'd ever be ashamed of Ordon or his friends. If she were disappointed by his previous lifestyle, she'd be in a way upset with who he was: even as second-in-command to an army, he still usually thought of himself as a simple goat herder.

Much to his relief, however, she didn't seem the least bit dissatisfied during the evening. He could guess by now if she was upset or not.

"It takes some getting used to," Link said anyway. "But I'm glad you had a good time." She didn't respond and the fire crackled and popped in the silence.

Link was so grateful that the villagers were happy about their news. Honestly, though, he didn't know what he expected. They were always kind and welcoming, despite how different he was.

Though he was born with Hylian blood, they never so much as mentioned it or pointed out his differences. He could leave for months and return as a hero and they loved him the same.

Of course, sometimes they treated him too well, but it was nothing that he could hold against them. If one of his closest friends turned out to be a legendary hero, he'd probably feel overwhelmed too.

Zelda was also different: her demeanor was unlike anything they were used to and yet they didn't hesitate to act as if she was one of their own. When he thought about how cold and judgmental people could be in the castle, he knew he was lucky to have a home in Ordon. Rusl was right when he said that he'd always be welcome there.

Now that he knew they had the villagers' acceptance, a great weight was lifted off his shoulders. There were no councilors to convince, no princes to pulverize and nobody left to impress. He smiled warmly to himself before lifting his eyes to the queen.

To his surprise, she was looking straight at him. With a blush dusting his cheeks, he pivoted to face her and sat cross-legged on the wooden floor. "What're you thinking about?"

An almost sad smile turned her lips. "I was just thinking of what a lovely life you had in Ordon. I couldn't imagine ever wanting to leave this place." She lowered her head and turned her gaze onto her fingers fiddling in her lap. "I wonder what your plans were growing up. Did you ever think you'd leave the village?"

The hero stared at her for a moment, considering her question seriously. Honestly, he didn't have any long-term plans: life was slow-paced and easy-going back then. He didn't think it'd ever change. "No, not really. I just figured I'd always be a rancher."

"What about a family? Did you think you'd have one?" She paused before adding, "Ilia seems like a nice girl." Zelda was probing, she knew, but truth be told, she was curious.

Link flushed and shook his head. "I figured that I'd get married and have kids like everyone else. But I didn't think about it much."

It was true. Yes, he was infatuated with Ilia growing up: she was his age; she was kind and loved animals like he did. But it was more of a logical arrangement than a passionate one. He didn't really give it much thought and he never had any concrete plans.

"Why?"

Zelda shook her head and raised her eyes to his. "I'm sorry for taking that away from you. This life you had in Ordon…it's beautiful."

"I chose to fight for Hyrule. You didn't take anything away from me."

"As a ruler, I should've been able to protect the kingdom from Zant's attack. My armies should've been better prepared to fight and we should've had better protocols in place to prevent such a quick downfall. Any other person in your position would've rightfully despised me for my failure."

His mouth fell open. "I could never…" A lump caught in his throat and with a swallow, he pushed it down.

In all the times they'd had that same argument, she'd never said that he should've hated her. He was surprised she'd even consider it: he couldn't imagine feeling that way.

"It wasn't all that bad. I learned a lot about myself." His eyes drifted away for a moment in thought. "I changed a lot, but there were also parts of me that were always there that I just never knew about. Like how I didn't really belong here or how far I'd go to save my friends.

"I got to see the whole kingdom and meet so many people. If it hadn't been for that, I wouldn't have met Midna or the resistance or Renado…I wouldn't have met you."

He might've seen Zelda on a few rare occasions, like when he was supposed to deliver the Ordon sword. She might've met his eyes and if he was lucky, she might've even spoken to him. Undoubtedly, he'd be just as attracted to her - just like every other red-blooded man in Hyrule - but he'd only ever long for her from a distance.

He'd never know how his queen could play the harpsichord or how expertly she could shoot an arrow; he'd never see her hair free from its fancy braids just like he'd never know the softness of her skin.

He'd never hear her raise her voice or laugh brightly or see her blush in modesty. And Link would've certainly never kissed her, though he might've dared to dream it in his wildest fantasies. Just the thought of how much he'd lose if he never met her was painful.

"It was worth it to me..."

Zelda noticed the sadness in his eyes, the vulnerability, and her heart clenched. "Link, I feel the same. But it's far easier for me to say that meeting you was worth such hardships: I wasn't the one risking my life every day for months on end."

"I did it because I chose to. You didn't ask me to help. And even if you did, I'd do it over again because it means that I got to know you."

Hearing the conviction in his voice, all arguments were pushed out of her mind. Though it wasn't the first time by far that he'd shared his thoughts or argued about the sake of his adventure, he didn't often declare how he felt about her, especially so passionately.

She held onto his gaze and in that moment, a nearly tangible note of understanding filled the space between them. Whether it was by the grace of the goddess Herself or the fates that designed their meeting, they were grateful to have found each other in all the adversity. It'd been worth it all if only to be right then and there.

Carefully, Zelda closed the distance between them, giving up her seat to kneel before him. "I would too," she finally replied. From such close proximity, her eyes looked as deep and pure as the crystal clear waters of Lake Hylia. He could just get lost in them.

And he was - for a moment - as she drew nearer and pressed a gentle kiss upon his cheek. In truth, it was swift and chaste, but as he relished in the remarkable softness of her lips against his cheek, the moment drew on for what felt like forever.

His eyes fell shut and her smell came back stronger. As he pondered if there might've been a little bit of canine left in him, he unwittingly took a breath of it. It was warm and comforting; it was sensual and it was all her, and he'd never get enough of it. Without much thought, he turned his head and caught her lips just before she was out of reach.

Zelda took a quick breath. His lips pressed against her gently and yet gracelessly; the kiss had clearly come without thought. But they adjusted themselves and something just clicked.

Perhaps it was the reminder of their beginnings, or of how far they'd come to find one another, but there was fire in their kiss. His body was thrumming, his hands shaking, as their lips moved against one another. He deepened the kiss, leaning into her, and she melted against him.

For the short moment that they parted, Zelda let out a shuddering sigh, her warm breath fanning against his skin, and it set Link's insides on fire.

One hand threaded into her hair while the other settled on her waist. Pushing himself to his knees, he pulled Zelda with him, to him, their bodies far closer than propriety might allow.

As their mouths collided, she made the softest pleased noise, and Link felt it ignite his body like throwing kindling on fire, sparking and blazing until it set his extremities ablaze. His fingers twitched in the loose fabric of her dress, aching to touch her, wanting to press her body to his.

He wanted her. No, he needed her.

With that thought, he came to. Though every inch of him was urging him to get closer, Link wrenched himself back from her. He sucked in a breath as their wide eyes met, and the soft pink blush on her cheeks almost drew him back in.

With a surprising amount of self-control, he stood up and turned away. He could hear her push to her feet moments after, undoubtedly confused, but even if his mouth wasn't dry, he wouldn't have an explanation for her.

He swallowed. "I'll uh... I'll set up the beds."

He could hear her try to steady her shallow breaths, and it made his stomach tighten.

"You wouldn't like any help?"

"No," he said quickly. Then, "I got it."

As she watched him disappear into the basement, mesmerized, Zelda brought her fingers to her lips. His kiss had been enough to enrapture her, and yet he pulled away before she could register what happened.

After Link stripped his own gear and prepared their beds in the main room, he'd sat down and waited for her to finish preparing for bed. He'd just about calmed down when he heard the ladder creak and pushed to his feet.

Zelda stepped down from the ladder in her nightgown, hair loose and a tad wavy from her braid. The sight of her in her bed things brought the heat right back to his cheeks. He'd seen her like this before, but only when she was sick and under the covers.

It was a lot different now.

Link turned away, forcing his attention back to the sleeping arrangements. On the floor were two pallets set up a good few feet away from one another. "It's not much," he said, "but it's more comfortable than it looks."

"Nonsense. It looks very comfortable."

Nodding absently, he lay down on the sheets. She curled into her blankets on the other end and mumbled sleepily, "Goodnight, Link."

Staring straight up at the ceiling, he replied, "Goodnight, Zelda."

Despite their parent's counsel, the children ran up the dirt path to Link's yard and shouted a wake-up call. The hero rubbed his eyes tiredly upon awakening, glancing over to Zelda's pallet only to find that she wasn't there.

"Good morning, Link," the queen greeted and he searched the room for the source of her voice. She was seated where she was last night, reading one of his old books.

The memory of their kiss rushed back to him. He sucked in a breath. For whatever reason, Zelda chose not to comment on it, and he was grateful.

"You seemed tired, so I didn't wish to wake you."

He was tired. He couldn't sleep for the majority of the night. Goddess, how could he? Zelda was right there. And after that kiss, he couldn't quell the ache that arose.

"You should've," he said anyway, strained.

Giving her a once over, he saw that she was already dressed and ready to go. With that and the sunlight pouring in from the foliage above, he realized he must've slept in more than usual. "I'm sorry."

She smiled and shook her head. "I believe you have some guests waiting for you outside."

Upon hearing another call, he pushed himself to his feet and walked out the door, finding the children huddled in the clearing. "Link!" hollered Talo, his hands wrapped around his mouth to amplify his voice. "Are you planning on sleeping the whole day or somethin'?"

The hero smiled as he replied, "Hold on." He ran back into his home, threw on some of his old clothes, and returned to Zelda's side. "Are you ready?"

She looked up from her book and was surprised by the sight of his unfamiliar clothing: she was used to seeing him in tunics, after all. He wore what she deduced were traditional Ordonian clothes. Mainly, a simple sleeveless shirt with a cloth for a belt, a leather strap across his chest, and a pair of old trousers.

Zelda's previously considered her fiancé to be handsome - beauty shone from him in every aspect - but something about his Ordonian clothes looked particularly fitting for him.

Perhaps it was that he looked so comfortable in them, that he wasn't overly weighed down by armor, or maybe that his shaggy hair was free from the caps he usually wore. His arms were bare, muscular, and defined, and it was a sight she was never able to enjoy previously.

"Zelda?"

"I'm sorry?"

He scratched his bare arm. "I said, are you ready?"

"Oh," she finally replied, setting the book aside, "yes, I apologize." As she followed him out the door, she pretended to fix her hair to hide the blush that crept onto her cheeks. She felt quite foolish for getting distracted like that.

When they climbed down the ladder, they were surprised to find Rusl walking up the path towards Link's home. He seemed shocked to see them up as well.

"Oh, Link, Your Majesty, did the children wake you?" he asked worriedly, sending a stern glance to the children. The little tykes simply dug their toes into the ground and smiled bashfully. "I'm sorry. You must be tired from the trip."

"No, it's fine," replied Link with his hands on his hips. "Is everything okay?"

Rusl offered Zelda a light-hearted smile. "Yes, actually. Your Majesty, my wife was wondering if you'd stop by our house today. She was hoping to speak with you."

Albeit a little confused, Zelda replied, "Yes, of course."

"Ours is the one across the mayor's house. Link, why don't you take her down there and I'll meet up with you in a bit?" Link nodded, outwardly confused as well, and gave the children a quick good morning before walking her down the same dirt path.

Both occupied with the same inquiries, they reached the house in silence. He stopped at the bottom of the porch while Zelda went ahead and knocked on the door.

"Good morning, Your Majesty." Her eyes met the hero's and she tilted her head. "Ah, good morning, Link. If you don't mind, there's something I'd like to discuss with the queen."

He shook his head. He had no plans to interrupt their time either and stepped backward. "Yeah, of course." His eyes met Zelda's and he gave her a small smile. "Have a good time."

She smiled gratefully and gave him a quick nod before following Uli into the humble home. Upon entering, she realized that the two other women, Pergie and Sera, were sitting on the sofa, and Zelda's stomach turned into knots. She couldn't help but feel intimidated.

"I hope we aren't troubling you," Uli said as the door clicked shut. As she walked by, she offered Zelda a comfortable wicker chair.

"Not at all," Zelda replied, tucking her skirts in before taking a seat. "Is everything all right?"

Their smiles told her that everything was fine, but she couldn't help wanting to get straight to the point.

"Better than all right, dear," Sera responded. "We're awfully excited about your marriage!"

Zelda felt herself blush again - twice in one morning, for Din's sake - and folded her hands in her lap.

Pergie nodded in agreement. "It might not be much, but we wanna let you know that we'll help with anythin' you need. Marriage ain't always easy; you can take it from us."

"Yes. If you've got any questions, just ask!"

As a young lady who grew up without her parent's guidance, she didn't expect to ever have the type of conversation that they were offering. Her marriage lessons mainly revolved around her duties as a wife, rather than the genuine love and care that went into a successful union.

Even with all her practice, she wasn't sure she could hide her delight. A warm smile bloomed across her face. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Your Majesty. We might not know much about life in a castle and all, but we do know about marriage - and your new husband, of course."

Zelda swallowed and nodded slowly. "Oh, well perhaps you can tell me more about his life in Ordon."

It was Uli who answered first, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "Link's always been kind," she started. "Any time there was trouble in the village, he'd lend a hand wherever he could. He was also particularly good with the children once he grew older."

"Animals too!" Sera added. "The goats up in the ranch won't listen to anyone but him. And of course, Epona."

Zelda nodded along, taking in every little thing they had to say about Link and his past. Somehow, it only made her fall more deeply for him.

It was endearing to hear stories of his childhood, of his rambunctious and mischievous side, and all the hobbies he'd picked up. She didn't know how much he enjoyed reading or fishing, or how well he got along with kids. Granted, there weren't many opportunities for him to do these things in the castle, given his busy work schedule.

His life seemed so much more relaxed and pleasant compared to the one he knew in the castle: it was almost as if they were talking about a completely different person. He was always kind and good-natured, of course, but not in the way they described. Now, he was more self-sufficient, war-torn, and resolute compared to the neutral, careless man they spoke of.

But as the conversation carried on, they began speaking less about Link personally and more about what marriage could entail.

Their advice wildly differed from what she learned growing up. While she'd always been trained to be the perfect woman for whomever she wed, the villagers encouraged her to remain true to herself and honest to him. It was quite startling for her to hear.

Above all, they emphasized the value of communication. So long as she expressed her needs and listened to his, they said, they could overcome any challenges that might arise.

"Marriage is about cooperation," Pergie continued. "Can't do everythin' on your own, you know?"

Sera scoffed. "Unless your husband's good for nothin'," she murmured, to which Uli clicked her tongue.

"Now, now," she scolded gently, before returning her attention to the queen. "So long as you're kind and true, Link will love you with all he is. That's something we can assure you."

Wearing a small, true smile, Zelda placed a hand over her heart. "Thank you. I cannot express how much I appreciate all of your kindness. I know your advice will be of great help to me."

"Of course, Your Majesty. We'd like to do all that we can to help, even if it ain't much."

Zelda shook her head. Maybe they didn't have shiny jewels or lavish gifts to offer her, but what they did give her was much more valuable: they gave her their time and shared their wisdom in an act of true kindness. That perhaps was the best thing she could receive.

"Is there anything else you'd like to know?"

Zelda pondered for a moment. She certainly did learn quite a lot, not only about Link but also about what a relationship could mean, from women who've been in love for a long time. Honestly, she couldn't think of anything else she needed to know. "I'm afraid I can't think of anything at the moment," she answered truthfully.

"That's okay, m'dear. If you think of anythin', you can ask us anytime."

Zelda smiled, nodding in gratitude, and the ladies excused themselves after a long chat. Just as she was about to leave as well, afraid of taking any more of Uli's time, the woman stopped her gently.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. There's just one last thing I'd like to speak with you about."

Zelda looked at her, curious.

"Link has always been like a son to Rusl and me," she started carefully, raising her head to meet her gaze. "There isn't much we can do for him now that he isn't around much, but we can see that you've helped him plenty. We'd like to thank you for all that you've done for him."

Zelda shook her head: she could only think about all the horrible things she'd done to him. She didn't deserve the kind woman's praise. "Thank you, but I'm afraid Link has done more for himself than I could ever offer."

"Oh yes, I understand. I only mean that…he seemed terribly different after his journey. But when he returned yesterday, we could see him smile just like he did as a child. Even then, I don't think there's been a time when he was as happy as he was last night. You couldn't give us a better gift than that."

Zelda's mouth opened, her brows raised the slightest. Did she truly make him happy - or at least, happier than he was before he left Ordon?

Of course, Link was distraught over the loss of Midna and the shattered mirror, not to mention confused with such a drastic change in his lifestyle, so it could just be that Link had taken the time to process it all by now. But even if that were true, Zelda was glad to play a part in his healing process.

She smiled once more, truly touched by her words.

"I do hope you'll return to Ordon when you get the chance," Uli continued. "We'd be so happy to see you two again."

"I hardly think we'll be able to stay away."

Uli folded her hands before her chest and closed her eyes. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Link sat on the dock with Rusl at his side, watching the children play with their wooden swords a short distance away. Just a few years before, the two of them practiced swordplay the same way. So much had changed since the Twilight Invasion.

He was no longer a child like they were, but even so, he was content knowing that he could return to Ordon anytime and be one with his true nature again, at least for a little while.

"Colin's gotten a good deal stronger since he returned from Kakariko," Rusl commented as he watched his child duel with his new friends. "He says you've inspired him plenty."

Link smiled. Colin was by far the bravest child the hero ever met: he hardly thought he had anything to do with it.

"He reminds me much of how you were when you were younger." His eyes gazed upon the gentle movement of the water, on the way sunlight dappled on the surface. "It's strange: time passes by so quickly, like the flow of a river. It's unfortunate we can't control it."

With a somewhat lighter, playful tone, he added, "We'd make great use of that."

Link let out a brief chuckle, shaking his head. They stayed quiet for a moment, listening to the distant shouts of the children. At length, Rusl said, "The villagers are really happy you came to tell them the good news."

"I had to. Ordon's my home, right?"

The older man wore a small smile. "Always." He pulled the blanket around his daughter as she fussed in her sleep. "So you're marrying Queen Zelda," he started, a hint of teasing in his voice. Link frowned, already knowing where he was going.

"She's a good person," he said simply, hoping to shut down his teasing.

Rusl pursed his upturned lips in response. "Of course she is. But that isn't it, is it? Could it be that Link has softened up for a lady?"

Link scowled in embarrassment. "Rusl…"

"Ah, that's all right, Link. There's nothing to be ashamed of. We all do at some point. When it comes to Uli, I have a bleeding heart." Link wrapped his palms under his knees. "Love is funny that way."

The word love flustered him more: they had yet to say those words to one another. Though he couldn't deny that she wanted to be with him - she'd said yes twice, after all - he wasn't sure how strongly Zelda felt towards him. She was nearly impossible to read.

"I don't know if…" he started, "I mean we never-"

Rusl seemed to understand. "It can take time, my son. But I see that she makes you happy and that's enough for now." The hero nodded absently as he stared at the passing water. "Besides, you have a lot to learn that only marriage can teach you."

"What?"

He chuckled a little. "I don't mean to scare you. Marriage is hard work, for sure, but the good parts outweigh most troubles." He paused, stroking the blonde tufts of hair on his daughter's head.

"Take my advice, not only as a married man but as a man who's been in love: treat her kindly, listen to her always, and show her that you love her. Her happiness will become a great part of your own."

Link bit his lip as he examined his friend. His words not only sounded wise but they made sense.

He hadn't thought much about what being married would entail. Of course, that was understandable given all that they had to go through to even get engaged, but that was more or less sorted now.

He had to start thinking about how to be a proper husband for Zelda. The thought was exhilarating, but also incredibly nerve-wracking.

"It'll be all right, son. It might be overwhelming at first, but you're not alone in this. You'll never be in anything that you do."

Though his heartbeat quickened, Link smiled at him. He knew that much was true: he'd always have a family in Ordon.

Chapter Text

"Are you sure you want to do this? It's not as easy as it looks," he warned, watching Zelda worriedly. Since they met up after speaking to the villagers, he couldn't help feeling on edge around her.

He knew he was being a little bit ridiculous. Link knew that he'd be marrying Zelda for a while now, but since talking to Rusl, he started to think about treating her like a husband should. And considering what little experience he had in that field, there was no doubt he felt the slightest bit nervous about it.

"Of course. I think it's in my best interest to learn more about my fiancé's interests," Zelda replied. His lip twitched despite himself, impressed by her dedication to their relationship. He didn't have the slightest idea what she spoke about with Uli, but she seemed a little more attentive to him since then as well.

"All right then." Link released his hold on the leather reins and stroked Epona lovingly before walking over to her side. With a few touchups on the girth and stir-up, he nodded in confirmation and held Epona still while Zelda slipped over and onto the saddle. His mare must've remembered the queen because though she could be impatient and irritable around strangers, Epona was more than welcoming with her.

Link handed Zelda the reins and advised, "Okay, just go slow at first. Tap her sides to make her start." Biting her lip as she focused, the queen did as instructed and Epona trotted forward.

"Oh!" she exclaimed in surprise as she tried to keep steady. Link watched with a small smile as he followed them around the ranch, sending the goats scampering as they passed by. Once they neared the corner, she tugged on the reins and led the horse in the right direction.

"You've got it," he said. "Now if you want to go a bit faster, you can kick her sides lightly. But be careful."

Zelda gripped the reins a tad tighter, delight flashing in her eyes, and tapped again on the horse's sides. As Epona cantered forward, a burst of wind swept by her. Riding Epona was exhilarating, to say the least: she was a powerful mare with a nimble stride and it sent her heart racing. She was tempted to unravel her braids to fully feel the wind course through her hair, but she wouldn't dare release the reins.

They swept through the ranch twice more and Link watched attentively from afar in case of any incident. It was lucky that he did because a short distance away from the two, a goat sauntered towards a particularly fresh tuft of grass and intersected Epona's path. Zelda didn't have enough time to direct her elsewhere and the mare reared in fright. Before she could even let out a shout, Zelda felt the weight shift on the saddle and the reins slip from her grasp and into Link's.

"Hold on!" he said over Epona's whinnies, tugging on the reins to seize the mare. She reared once more before settling down and the hero led her away from the goat that disturbed her.

Once she'd come to a halt, Link jumped off Epona's back and grabbed hold of Zelda's waist, pulling her down to safety. But even when she was safe on the ground, he didn't let go of her. "Are you all right?" he asked, brushing aside her mussed-up hair.

She held her breath, her face still glowing red from the incident. "Yes…" She lowered her head. "I'm sorry. I suppose I was going too fast."

Link sighed, shaking his head. "You had it up until the goat came," he said, a small hint of mirth in his voice. "Just…be careful, all right?"

She held back a bashful smile at his concern. "You shouldn't have to worry so much for me."

"But I do." As Link examined the woman in his arms, he felt the heat rise to his face once more. Suddenly he realized what Rusl meant when he said things would change.

Ever since he admitted his feelings for Zelda, everything gradually shifted the slightest, like the world had somehow spun itself off its axis. Foods tasted sweeter, lights shone brighter, and smells were all the more intense. If he didn't know any better, he might've said he was under some sort of spell.

All of these feelings made him want to take their relationship further. He wanted to hold her and kiss her without crossing some sort of line or offending her somehow. He just didn't know how to properly say it out loud.

Even in simpler conversations, he had trouble expressing himself. The fact that she was the queen and possibly the most prim and proper woman in Hyrule didn't help anything. "You're…important to me," he finally said, though he frowned at the simplicity of it.

Still, Zelda smiled. "You're important to me too." With an embarrassed laugh, he scratched the back of his neck. He'd never been more grateful for how understanding she was.

On the third and final day of their trip to Ordon, the hero woke up extra early so that he could spend time with the villagers before they left. He couldn't be sure when he'd see them again, so he definitely didn't want to waste his chance while he still had it. Not even the queen was awake as early as he was, which said a lot considering her low capacity for sleep. And since they'd be on quite a long trip in a few hours, Link didn't have the heart to wake her up.

Instead, he spent the morning sitting by the river with the village children and teaching them how to fish using rods similar to the one Colin once made for Link. It was such a peaceful morning with the brilliant sunlight dancing on the water of the pond, the whirring of cicadas, and the purring of Sera's cat lying lazily in Beth's lap. On a day like this many months ago, Link probably would've fallen asleep on the foothills of the ranch, worry-free and relaxed.

But now, the silence made room for his thoughts - not so much worries as he'd been used to, but rather, new thoughts and a tad intimidating. His mind traveled to the queen more often since his last conversation with Rusl and he spent more time opening up to the points his mentor brought up.

He didn't know how to be romantic - embarrassing, he thought, for a hero who conquered temples, traveled through another realm, and saved two worlds in the process, but it was true. He didn't have much experience in the field of romance, so it was no surprise that he didn't know how to steal kisses or touch her skin without overstepping boundaries or turning as red as the twilight sun. And he might as well forget trying to seduce Zelda with witty words and teasing touches like the princes tried to.

But he was a hero - no, the hero - and if he wanted to be a good husband to Zelda, he was going to have to give it his all. It was just getting started that was the problem.

"Hey! I feel somethin' biting!" Talo exclaimed excitedly, shattering the silence and interrupting Link's thoughts. But before a muscle in his finger could twitch to reel the fish in, Link stopped him with a fluid motion of his hand.

"Hold on," he advised, eying the trembling line. "Wait until the bobber sinks below the water first."

Talo pouted impatiently as it repeatedly sunk halfway into the water before jerking up again. He was sure the fish was mocking him. "Gee, how picky can this fish be? He's been bitin' for so long!"

"Can't you be a little patient, Talo?" Beth demanded with a roll of her eyes. Talo stuck his tongue out at her when he was sure Link wasn't looking, though, of course, the hero's sharp eyes didn't miss a thing. At last, the bobber sunk deep into the water and Talo's eyes widened in excitement.

"You've got it, Talo!" Colin cheered, ignoring own his line for the moment.

"Hurry!" exclaimed Beth.

Talo lurched the rod back with all the strength he could manage, fighting against the fish with certainty that he'd catch it. "I got it, I got it!" When the fish finally broke through the surface of the water, the boy lost his balance and toppled on his back.

"Are you okay?" Link asked as he helped him sit up but Talo simply rubbed his head, scurried back to his rod, and held up the line with pride.

"Yeah! I caught it!" he shouted. "Didja see that, Link? Didja?"

Link nodded with a small smile while Talo eagerly received his friends' praise. Malo was the only one seemingly uninterested in the feat, muttering, "It's not that impressive…" under his breath.

While the children cheered over the small yet inspiring victory, Ilia walked down the dirt path holding a wicker basket filled to the brim with pumpkin chunks. Drawn in by the noise, she headed to the pier and moved the basket under one arm. "Hey, what's all the excitement about?"

Link raised his head. "Oh good morning, Ilia. Talo caught a fish."

Talo hopped to her excitedly as Ilia tilted her head to examine the fish at the end of the rod. "Look! Isn't it huge? And I caught it all on my own!"

Ilia beamed, holding the side of her cheek. "Oh wow, Talo! It's certainly a great catch! Good job!"

"Thanks, Ilia! Come on guys, let's go show my mom!" The kids followed Talo back to the house over the bridge with Malo following slowly in pursuit. They were all practically bouncing with pride and Colin completely forgot about his own fishing rod. Once they were out of sight, Link pushed himself up and began clearing the small mess they made. "What're you up to today, Ilia?"

She simply shrugged her shoulders, switching the basket back against her stomach. "Oh, I'm just helping Jaggles with the harvest today and then maybe I'll help Sera stock up the shop. What're you doing? Aren't you supposed to be heading back today?"

"Yeah, but not until later." Then, he smiled teasingly. "Why? Are you waiting for me to leave?"

She giggled, eyes crinkled in amusement. "Of course! You're causing way too much trouble around here already." Link chuckled as well, grateful that they could still be mischievous and playful like they were when they were children. It'd been a long time since they shared a little banter. "Oh, but really Link, we'll miss you when you're gone. You have to visit more often!"

He sighed. If it was up to him he'd be visiting Ordon every week, but it just wasn't possible with his new duties. He loved the villagers and he felt at peace back at home, but he also enjoyed living in the castle and training the new recruits. There were just too many things he wanted to do and never enough time. "I know," he replied with a saddened smile. "I'll try."

"Oh, I get that you're busy, Link. I don't want to make you feel bad. It's just that we have so much fun when you're around! We've - no, I've missed you."

"Me too." There was another comfortable silence between them before realization dawned on Link and he reached his hands out for the basket. "Here, can I help with that?"

"Oh, Link, that's okay. I can carry it." She pulled back but then pursed her lips in thought. "If you'd like to help though, maybe you can herd up the goats for today. You know how they never listen to Fado."

Oh yes, he certainly was familiar with that little detail. His job as goat herder entailed that he'd be the one rounding up the goats at the ranch, but it just so happened that he'd be responsible for doing so even on his days off. Fado was a great young man for sure but he wasn't exactly the best wrangler.

But considering that Link had been away for so long, he was willing to help his old friend out and relive those fond memories. "Sure," he said with a smile and followed her up to the ranch. On their way, she dropped the basket off with Jaggle, who was busy egging his boy on for catching such a large catfish.

"Hey Link," Ilia started as they crossed the bridge, "have you seen Telma lately? I've been wondering how she's doing."

Link nodded as he recalled his last encounter with the barkeep. After he managed to convince himself that the queen was getting married to the prince, she helped reassure him that he still had a chance and inspired him to propose to Zelda.

She seemed to be doing all right, though she'd said that she missed the company of the resistance and asked about Ilia often. "She's been good. She still talks about you and Ralis a lot too."

She beamed. "Oh, she's so sweet! You know, she was so helpful to me when I first found Prince Ralis in Castle Town. I didn't know anybody and I was completely lost, but she found me and helped in any way that she could. If you see her soon, would you tell her that I miss her?"

"I'll let her know." Maybe he could even arrange for them to meet somehow, but that wouldn't be for a while. Once he returned to the castle, he knew he'd be bombarded by a new list of responsibilities for the wedding.

"Thanks, Link." Once they reached the ranch, they found Fado lying in the grass by the goats. "Fado!" He looked up at the sound of her voice as she ran toward him.

"'Mornin', Ilia," he said casually, standing to greet her and meeting Link's gaze. "Oh hiya, Link! How's it goin'?"

Link noted with resentment at how easily Fado's arm slinked around Ilia's shoulders. "Good, how're you?"

"Ah, same as always. Things are good." He smiled at the girl in his arms and Link sulked inwardly. Was it really that easy to be affectionate? "Congrats on your engagement, by the way! That's so excitin', huh? Who woulda thought you'd marry a queen!" He nudged his shoulder before sending a look towards the gate. "…So where is she anyway?"

"She's still sleeping. We're going back today, so I didn't want to wake her yet."

"Oh, that's right. So then what're you doin' here? Shouldn't you be restin' too?"

"I wanted to spend some more time in Ordon before I go." His eyes met Ilia's and she nodded. "Actually, did you need any help herding today?"

"Really? Are you sure? You'll be mighty tired leavin' today…"

Link shook his head. "That's okay. For old time's sake, right?"

"Aw, that's real nice of you, bud!" Fado grinned and clapped his hands. "All right then, looks like you're goin' back already, lil guys!"

Ilia smiled with pride when Link pulled out the charm she once made for him to call Epona. And she was glad to see it worked too: the calming melody echoed through the open air before Epona galloped up the hill.

Link lovingly stroked his mare's silver mane once she approached and mounted her shortly afterward. It only took a few seconds for Fado to see that Link hadn't lost his goat herder skills over the time he'd been away. If anything, he was swifter than ever before. The goats certainly weren't happy to be returned so early in the day, but Epona was able to send them back into the barn with little difficulty.

Though Fado would admit to feeling the slightest bit jealous to see Link perform so impressively - especially around Ilia - he was mostly relieved that the hero took the time to help him out. He couldn't be upset with his old friend when he was doing him such a big favor after all.

Since they were distracted by the hero, the couple failed to realize that the queen approached them, her footsteps silent and her presence too calm to detect. It wasn't until she greeted them that they recoiled in surprise.

"Oh! Queen – I mean, Your Majesty," Fado stammered nervously. He'd yet to learn how to act in the presence of a royal.

After a moment of hesitation, it was Ilia who pulled away from Fado and faced the queen. Once she slept on the news of Link's engagement, Ilia felt more and more comfortable with it. During his last visit to Ordon, Link made it clear that he cared for the queen and Ilia was the one to advise him to do something about it. She just didn't expect them to get married a few months later, but she also didn't know much about royal expectations.

But Link decided to propose to the queen on his own terms and Ilia knew him well enough to know that he wouldn't make such a hasty move without truly wanting it. So if Link wanted to get married to the queen, the very least she could do was be friendly to his new fiancée. Besides, the two couldn't just stand there gawking at her for so long.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," she said with a small bow of her head.

"How are both of you today?" Zelda replied in kind. She was still unacquainted with the teenagers of Ordon, so she made a quick, final effort to at least get familiar with them. She remembered that Fado was another goat herder and a good friend of Link's while Ilia was his childhood friend. From what she heard, Zelda understood that the two were very close and Link cared for her deeply.

Though she was sometimes envious of the connection they had - she hardly knew Link like Ilia did - she could see that Ilia was an admirable girl. There was no reason for the queen to be jealous of her close bond with Link.

"We're good," Ilia replied, the braver of the two. Zelda liked her boldness already. "How are you? If you don't mind me asking, I mean."

"Certainly not. I'm well, thank you." She returned her gaze to the ranch. "I see that Link is helping herd the goats today."

To this, Fado perked up with pride for his best bud. "Oh, yeah! Link's a mighty good herder. They always get rounded up real quick whenever he lends a hand."

Zelda nodded in agreement as she watched him soar through the open field, his wild wheat-colored hair sailing with the wind. Within a matter of moments, the goats were returned to the barn and he jogged back to the three.

"Zelda," he greeted. "You're up."

"Yes. I was rather surprised to see that you weren't home. You should've woken me."

He scratched his arm a little bashfully. "I'm sorry. I thought you'd be tired for our trip."

Just as she had worried about waking him the previous day, she thought absently and shook her head. "That's quite all right." Her expression softened as she looked back to the two others. "We were just discussing how skilled a goat herder you are."

His eyes flashed to his friends, who smiled at him with conspiratorial grins. "Ah, I don't know about that…"

"Oh come on, Link," Ilia interjected. "You and Epona work great together! Don't be so shy about it!"

The hero looked off to the side. Shy - it always seemed to come back to that.

With nothing left to do but say goodbye to the villagers, the couple made their rounds through Ordon to let everyone know they'd be on their way in a short while. After their bags were packed, everyone gathered at the clearing by Link's house to wave the couple off before they returned to the castle.

All of the children hugged Link tightly, knowing how much they'd miss him when he was gone. Despite the age difference, he was always a good friend to them and taught them new things like fishing or swordplay. But they were glad that he came back even for a short while and they brightened up when he promised to return.

Rusl gave him one last tight hug, saying, "All the best luck to you, my son," before patting him twice on the back. Link couldn't be sure, but he thought he saw tears dot the corners of his eyes as he returned to his wife's side.

Zelda thanked the mayor and all of the villagers - especially Uli and the other women - for welcoming her into their town and helping her with all that they could. She didn't think she could properly express her gratitude, as she was never very good with sharing her feelings, but they were more than accepting of her thanks and saluted them as they walked Epona past the horizon.

The trip back was a lot more exhausting than it was to get to Ordon. By the time they returned to the castle courtyard, twilight had cascaded over the kingdom and the servants rushed to their sides to get their bags. Zelda stayed with Link as he bid Epona goodnight before they staggered back into the palace, Link leading her back to her chambers.

They were silent for a long portion of the trip, mostly because of the noise from the carriage and the exhaustion of the riders, so she didn't think much of it when they reached her door without exchanging many words. Still, Zelda willed herself to break the silence before she went to bed.

"I must thank you for bringing me with you to Ordon. I had a wonderful time."

"No, thank you for coming," he replied. "I know you've been busy and you don't have time for things like this, but I'm glad you came."

She smiled at his humility. After all he'd done for her, how could she deny him such a simple request? "Of course. It was my pleasure." She grabbed the doorknob. "Goodnight, Link."

His hand swiftly caught hers. "Wait."

Link had been preparing for this moment the whole ride back. During the long, arduous trip home, he could think of nothing but her, and how to tell her that he wanted to move forward with her. Now was his last chance to say or do something.

"Link?"

She tilted her head and twisted to face him properly. The curious look in her eyes made his pulse race.

"I just wanted to say…" Patient and somewhat perplexed, she looked upon him. He faltered under her fixed gaze and let out a sigh. "Thanks again. For coming, I mean. I had fun."

"Oh yes, of course. I did as well." There was a troubled look on his face, but he didn't say anything further. "Well, if that's all…" He sighed again and released her hand, and she let it fall gently at her side. "Goodnight, Link."

"Goodnight, Zelda."

She gave him one last curious look before she escaped to her bedroom, unsure what to think.

The next few days fell into the same routine as always: Link was busy training a fresh group of recruits while Zelda attended to stately matters. It wasn't until one evening that Zelda called after him to meet her in the library.

When he walked in, he found the queen facing one of the ceiling-high bookshelves. The loud thud of the door caught her attention and she looked over her shoulder with a welcoming smile.

"Ah hello, Link," she greeted. "How did the squires' training go today?"

The green-clad hero wiped a hand over his dewy forehead as he walked towards her.

"It was all right. How was your day?"

"It was fine for me as well. Thank you for meeting me here today. I've been searching for some books that I thought might interest you."

She glanced back to the mahogany shelves, folding an arm over her chest.

"I've been meaning to ask whether you've considered which position you'd like to take after our union."

"Oh..." Guiltily, he scratched the back of his head. He'd been so busy with the squires that he hadn't given it much thought. "I-I don't know."

"That's all right, Link. Actually, I thought that coming here might help you decide."

The queen gestured for him to follow as she began winding the long halls in search of something, and he readily trailed after her. When she finally stopped in front of a shelf, he watched her drum her fingers on the bindings, humming almost inaudibly to herself, and brush the dust off the books she deemed fit.

Zelda finally looked up at him, either not noticing or choosing to ignore the reverence in his eyes.

"Here we are," she said, holding out the tall stack. "These are some books that might better describe the responsibilities of both a consort and king and some that recite the accounts of men who became either. I thought that since you enjoy reading, these books might help you make an informed decision."

Link arched a brow and took the heavy tomes. "How'd you know I like to read?"

She frowned, seemingly confused at first, before realization dawned in her eyes. "Oh, that's right. The other day, Uli, Sera, and Pergie told me more of your life in Ordon." She paused before adding, "I hope you don't mind."

"No, I don't mind." Both Midna and Irene told him much about Zelda without her knowledge, so it was fine if she got secondary sources on him. There was just one thing that bothered him though. "They didn't tell you anything…embarrassing, did they?"

A chiming laugh escaped her before she managed to cover her mouth.

"Oh no, you shouldn't worry about that. They spoke very highly of you. Though, I wouldn't mind if you told me some stories yourself."

He let out a nervous chuckle. "Maybe one day."

Her laughter petered to a smile and her head dropped for a moment before she found his gaze again. Veiled by long lashes, her pale eyes twinkled, leaving him spellbound. He gulped.

"Hm?" She tilted her head. "What is it?"

"It's nothing," he said too quickly.

She didn't say anything at first. Her gaze narrowed as she searched him, and he nearly broke out in a sweat. It was as if she could see into his very soul. The large room went silent; there wasn't even the sound of a page turning.

At last, she said, "May I ask you something, Link?"

"Of course."

A part of him regretted agreeing so readily. He could never deny her, but something about her stance was disconcerting: her eyes sharp and her shoulders squared. He had no idea what she was going to ask.

"Are you uncomfortable around me?"

"W-What?"

"You know very well that people often find me intimidating given my status and disposition. I just mean to ask whether you are as well." There was a brief pause, then, "Lately, I feel as though you've been…nervous around me."

He hesitated, briefly entertaining the idea of feigning ignorance. It seemed he was not as subtle as he'd liked to think. But after a moment, he simply sighed and set the books on the shelf.

"Sometimes," he admitted, and it caused her shoulders to drop a little. "But it's not just because you're the queen. I'm just – I'm new to all this. I really don't want to step out of line or anything so I'm being careful but I want-"

He caught himself just as the words escaped him, and his mouth clamped shut. He hadn't meant to let that last part slip.

But Zelda had been listening attentively and she knew whatever he was about to say was important. With the rise of a delicate eyebrow, she prompted, "What is it that you want?"

He felt his cheeks grow hot.

It was something he felt for a while. What had started as a spark turned into a flame, one that was stoked by everything Zelda said, everything she did. But when they arrived in Ordon, it became unbearable. It was like the raging fire had swallowed him, and only her touch could soothe him.

"You," he finished somewhat softly. "I want more of you."

Zelda's breath caught. Her eyes widened with something akin to surprise.

She didn't know what she was expecting him to say: she was used to indirect responses or subtle looks for her to decipher. His blunt and honest answer had knocked her completely off-balance, leaving her speechless.

He wanted more of her. She couldn't ignore the implications.

"Link - I…"

She swallowed and shook her head, trying to gather her bearings. But he was staring at her, brows drawn and gaze troubled, and she knew she couldn't keep quiet for too long.

"It's all right if you're nervous..." she said at length. Her voice was low, but it gathered volume with every word. "I am as well. There's a lot that both of us have yet to learn."

There was a pause where she seemed to think over her next words carefully.

"I understand that my position can be intimidating. There are protocols to follow, and I cannot deny that we must act a certain way with an audience.

"And of course, there are particular...endeavors that simply have to wait until after marriage - those that have discernible consequences."

His stomach flipped, his cheeks flaring with heat. "Zelda…" he said, strained.

Though she was better at hiding it, Zelda was just as embarrassed. Her pulse was racing, and she had to grip her wrist just to urge it to settle.

But it was a conversation that they simply needed to have, and she was not above uncomfortable conversations. Holding his gaze, she stepped forward, allowing her voice to drop in volume.

"With that being said..." Zelda murmured, words that hung in the space between them, "I don't wish for you to hold back around me in our more private moments."

His breath hitched. There was a demureness in her gaze that only further flustered Link. But he couldn't look away. His eyes flicked between hers before dropping to her lips.

Then, he breathed, "Like now?"

Her brows pinched inward, almost pleadingly. She wanted him to kiss her.

"Like now."

His stomach was in knots, but the tension was so thick, so heady, nothing could tear him away from her. Not even his own timidity.

In one swift movement, he pulled her to him. Zelda's breath caught.

Her lashes fluttered, terribly flustered, and her cheeks were a pretty pink. It was the last thing he noticed before sweeping her in a kiss. His lips were moving the moment they met hers. Every sweeping, whetted stroke left her breathless, like she hadn't had a moment to catch up.

Was this how deeply he desired her? How long had he been holding back?

Feeling terribly unsteady, Zelda took hold of his broad shoulders. He tilted his head for another kiss, right off the heels of the first. A moan escaped her and suddenly Link tensed. He became so hyper-focused on hearing another, he was sure he wouldn't hear the fall of a cannonball.

Suddenly, he angled her hip and pinned it to his. It made them both shudder in delight.

His hands were strong and large, holding her with just the right amount of pressure to leave her shuddering. They gripped her dress, just like he had in Ordon, and the fabric bunched in his fist. Link had to keep himself from pulling it.

They only parted when they were in desperate need of air. Chest heaving, her eyes searched him frantically. She seemed surprised – stunned, even, but she didn't look displeased.

Link swallowed.

"Is that -" he said between shallow breaths, "Is that all right?"

Zelda blinked, her mouth slowly falling shut. Her hands slid from his shoulders to his chest and grabbed his tunic with balled-up fists.

"It's perfect," she simply said, before tugging him back in for another breathtaking kiss.

Just one moment apart and Link was questioning how he'd gone without her for so long. He didn't think he could ever do it again.

Link finally decided what he wanted to be and Zelda showed no objection to his long awaited answer. Within a few short days, a crowd gathered in the central plaza – one a lot larger than the one in Mayor Bo's house. A couple of hundred Hyruleans circled the fountain in a human current, squirming with anticipation for the news the queen was going to share.

Market stalls were shut and stores were closed so that even the storeowners or employees could gather with the rest of the crowd. Link even recognized some of the Zora's from the northern village who came to hear the news, possibly to report back to Prince Ralis, and he couldn't help feeling intimidated as all these people waited to hear what they'd come to say.

Everyone would soon find out about the relationship Zelda and he'd kept under wraps for so long. All of these people would no longer see him as a knight or a warrior but as a member of the royal family. What if they didn't see him fit?

Zelda, on the other hand, didn't seem the least bit nervous to share the news with her people. Honestly, though, he didn't expect her to be. After she'd shown her devotion to him, he didn't need any more proof to know that their marriage was what she wanted as well.

Fortunately, her calmness radiated in waves, helping settle his nerves as more Gorons and Hylians alike gathered before them. She sent him one reassuring look - well aware of his distaste for crowds – as the herald made a quick, ceremonial address to the mass. At last, she stepped forward alone, perhaps for the last time.

"Hello everyone," she started calmly. "I must thank you all for coming here today." Her voice commanded attention and respect, her shoulders and head high as though she were confident no one would disapprove of her or what she had to say. It was at moments like this that he was reminded of her royal status.

"As you all may already know, I've recently been crowned queen of this fine kingdom, which is both an honor and a privilege that I may bear. However, Hyrule does deserve far more than one royal family member.

"That's been the case for many years now due to our misfortunes. However, after the restoration of Hyrule, I knew it was high time for me to begin my search for the man who would stand by my side. It's with my greatest pleasure to announce that I've at last found someone who will take both my hand and side to rule over this fair land."

The crowd looked at each other with shock, a loud wave of chatter among them. No one took the news lightly; whoever Zelda's husband was would be their new royal as well. But who was possibly worthy enough for a title as grand as that?

They were sure – the rumor mill knew everything – that all of the princes and dukes left Hyrule long ago. Did one come back for the sake of her hand? Did a duke or count within the kingdom win her affection? Or was there a mystery suitor within the crowd? Some of their heads spun around searching for the man who stood out, whether he was in shiny armor, jewels or even wearing a crown, but there was no such man in sight.

Her hand stretched out to her side and everyone looked at it with confusion: the only men at her side were the councilmen and guards. But it was Link who stepped up to take her hand and the crowd erupted with gasps. "May I introduce your new prince Sir Link, Hero of the Goddesses."

The crowd didn't take nearly as long as the villagers did to start cheering and shouting. How could the people not cheer when the hero, a man of the gods, was going to rule over them? The sound was almost deafening.

Of course, there were people who were either confused or irritated by the announcement. Some women in the crowd looked devastated to see that the handsome knight was going to be wedded and men alike were disappointed that the lovely queen was taken, while others were sure it'd be better if Link was king. And there was a large group who were confused that he even had a chance at her hand. How could the stately queen even consider a man who was once a commoner?

But the gods themselves must've arranged their marriage. The queen and hero gifted with the golden power were going to watch over them and that was what made most of the people either excited or pleased. Nothing anyone could say or do would take that excitement away from them.

With all the uproar, Zelda could only assume the anxiety that must've come over Link and she indiscernibly tightened the grip on his hand. He sighed with relief when he turned to face her and saw her smile warmly at him. Yes, only the gods could design a union like theirs.

"How did you manage to catch the queen's eye, eh?" asked Ashei with poorly hidden incredulity.

After the news spread wildly throughout the kingdom, it was inevitable that Telma and the resistance found out about Link's engagement with the queen. Of course, the group of explorers simply had to return from their travels to the bar as soon as possible. All of them wanted to be there to congratulate the young hero on the exciting but rather surprising news, and that was precisely how Link found himself at the bar after another busy day at the castle.

The barkeep was the least surprised by this news. She called it, as she claimed, given the last conversation that the hero and she shared. Still, she was extremely excited to hear that they'd be getting married soon and gathered around the table with the rest of them.

Telma was leaning against the back of Ashei's chair after handing out a round of celebratory ale. "What did you expect, hun?" she said. "I told you even the queen can't deny Link's charm!"

His lip quirked in embarrassment as the warrior eyed him skeptically, frowning to herself. "Hmm, I don't see it."

Shad gave her a quick discerning look before returning his attention to the hero and clapping his hands together. "This is simply marvelous news, old boy! I hear the queen is a spectacular woman."

Auru placed his mug down after taking a sip, smiled proudly at the hero, and clapped a hand over his shoulder. "That she is. You're a very lucky man." Link returned his smile. He thought the same thing after Zelda said yes to his proposal.

"I heard that you'll be taking the role of a prince consort," the scholar remarked curiously. "Will you continue training the knights, then?"

Link nodded. "I think it'll be better if I do."

"Better for all of us really," Ashei murmured, disapproving of the knights as always, and Telma laughed in agreement.

"That's very sensible, you know," Shad continued, ignoring Ashei's comment. "There are many responsibilities that come with being king, after all. Though, if I might say, I think you'd make a fine king."

Telma smirked. "The finest," she jested, nudging Ashei playfully and winking at the hero.

"King, knight, prince, doesn't matter, yeah? So long as he's happy with her," Ashei replied with a surprising amount of insight, even as she cleared her mug in a large gulp.

Link agreed entirely with Ashei - at least for this. Deciding whether he wanted to be a king or a prince was probably one of the biggest choices he ever had to make and he definitely had a hard time making it.

The council members and Zelda gave him the choice of whether he'd like to be king or prince – of course, most of them were skeptical about even laying down the option for a commoner – but Zelda sturdily reminded them he wasn't just a commoner: he was a hero. Moreover, Hylian law dictated that her husband had the right to be king so long as there was no particular reason he shouldn't be: his own choice or the verdict of the court.

Despite that, he didn't think he could handle being king. The only reason he ever actually considered it was the fact that he could help Zelda out with the duties that became overwhelming for her sometimes. At the same time though, he knew she originally asked him to train the knights, and that was what he did best.

He wasn't good at politics, public speaking, or any of those royal obligations. Even if he trained for years, he wouldn't be doing Zelda's job any better than she did. She was the strongest queen Hyrule ever had and Link was the strongest warrior they'd known in a long time. By training the knights, he'd be able to ensure her and Hyrule's safety.

But it really didn't matter what he chose to do: he didn't care about titles, royalty, or prestige. He just wanted to be Zelda's husband. That was all that he thought about when he asked for her hand in marriage, after all.

"Very wisely said, Ashei," Auru praised, also a tad surprised. "So tell us, Link, how did you earn the queen's affection? Last we heard, she gave you your knighthood, but that was the closest we considered the two of you. What changed?"

Link blushed, scratching his cheek. "I don't know. We were good friends for a long time and then," his eyes met Telma with understanding, "I almost lost her."

"Oh, that brings to mind many tales of heroes and princesses past," Shad interrupted, a reflective expression on his face. "They say that the hero of legend often fought, not only for Hyrule but for the fair princess as well. Very inspiring to say the least."

Ashei punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Baby."

He rubbed his shoulder with a frown. "Brute." She raised a brow at him, daring him to repeat himself, but he looked away with poorly disguised fear and fidgeted with his round glasses. "Ah, what were you saying, Link?"

"Well she got really sick and I..." He looked down, trying to put it into words. "I was worried about her. And I realized I didn't want to lose her again."

"Because you loved her," Shad said simply, as if it were an obvious deduction.

Link flushed, staring into the bronze drink in his cup before sipping some of it in hopes that the glass could cover his reddening face.

Telma chuckled, amused by his obvious fluster. "Well, I just know the both of you will be very happy together."

"And if anyone ever gives you two any trouble," Ashei said, hitting her fist against her palm, "you know where to find us, yeah?" Link, Auru, and Telma shared a laugh, sure she was kidding, but her expression remained serious and Shad was certainly not amused.

After their laughter died down, Auru raised his cup, wearing a broad smile as he met Link's eyes. "For Link, our hero and soon-to-be prince, and our lovely queen. May you have all the best in your union and years to come." The cups at the center clinked as the rest of the resistance cheered and Link couldn't fight back the growing grin on his face.

He was so lucky to have the resistance as his friends and for them to still care about him like the villagers of Ordon did, even after all the time spent apart. His life in Hyrule felt right once more: he no longer felt excluded or alone like he did when he first moved into Castle Town. There were no disagreements back home nor hidden secrets lying in wait.

All of the judgment he had to face, all of the prison cells he visited, and the princes he fought were worth it knowing that it all led him to where he was now. He knew for certain, right then and there, that he was exactly where he needed to be. And he couldn't be more excited about how life was finally turning around.

Chapter Text

With the birds singing spiritedly and the warm sunlight washing over the castle gardens, it was certainly another beautiful spring day. The light breeze was enriched with the sweet perfume of flowers, ranging from amaryllis to veronicas.

Link held her hand as they walked through the courtyard, in part because there was no one to tell him not to, but mostly because he liked the warmth that emitted from her touch. Zelda certainly wasn't one to mind his tender and yet secure hold either. The only reason the couple had enough time to stroll through the gardens was because Zelda wanted to go over some details about their wedding - or at least, the events leading up to it - and Link wanted to help as much as he could.

"I know you aren't fond of such addresses, Link," she continued, "but they are necessary. After announcing our engagement to the people, we must turn to the noblemen."

He gave her a suffering look. "We already made the announcement. They probably know about it by now."

The queen wore an amused smile and shook her head. "This isn't just an announcement. We will also be throwing a feast for the state members of Hyrule. Think of it more as a celebration."

Perhaps it was a celebration for nobles who preferred tight clothes and strained conversation over a pleasant time. It wasn't exactly the way villagers partied. But he knew that that was one of the ways his life would change.

"Don't worry, Link," she said consolingly, "it'll only be for the night. I'll do my best to limit the wedding proceedings if it'll make it more comfortable for you."

Brushing his thumb across her knuckles, he shook his head. If he was going to be a better man for her, it meant he'd need to go through all of the winding formalities that she did. It was part of his duty as a prince, after all.

It wasn't going to be easy for an introvert like himself and he wasn't the slightest bit excited, but if going to formal events and acting sophisticated was required of her husband, then he'd do it. It was worth it by far. "No, that's okay," he said, slightly to her astonishment. "We're going to do it all together."

The queen felt her cheeks flush and, clearing her throat, hurriedly turned back to her list. "Ah, all right then." He smiled proudly: flustering the queen was no easy feat after all. "Now there are a few details we'll need to go over for this small gathering. To begin, we need to decide where and when it'll take place, and whom we'll invite. Cole and I discussed having the celebration in the dining hall where we usually dine.

"However, I was considering extending the invitation to the representatives of each province, which would mean we'd have to relocate it to one of the smaller halls. What do you think?"

"By representatives, you mean mayors and princes?"

"Yes, but only within Hyrule. Courtiers from our neighboring kingdoms will only be invited to the wedding, considering how far they'd have to travel. For this celebration, we'd invite Mayor Bo from your hometown Ordon, Prince Ralis from the Zora Tribe, the patriarch Darbus from the Goron Tribe, and the shaman Renado from Kakariko Village." Zelda paused. "If your friends from the resistance are still in town, you might consider inviting them as well."

Now he liked that idea. Being surrounded by nobles didn't appeal to him in the least, but having some of his good friends there would make it more fun. And he just knew that the members of the resistance would be thrilled, considering how happy they were when he invited them to his knighting ceremony.

He held back his smile, trying to appear casual, and said, "I think that's a good idea."

The queen smiled proudly. She suspected that he'd want some of his old friends to be there; it was all part of her grand scheme to make the evening less miserable for him. "Yes, I agree. We'll have the celebration in one of the halls then?" He nodded. "Splendid. I'll inform Chancellor Foster."

"Then there's the matter of your state of attire, the code of conduct and…" She trailed off, turning her gaze to the gardens.

"And?"

"And we'd need to practice ballroom dancing."

And with those simple words, Link recalled the same thing she did. On the night of her coronation, he'd asked her to dance with him in the falling snow, alone in the courtyards. He could still hear the hoots of the snow owl and see the snowflakes sticking to Zelda's dark hair. It was the start of something magical, but it felt like ages ago.

"Though, if I recall correctly, you were already skilled in the art."

He turned away with an embarrassed smile and she failed to hold back her own. "I don't know about that." His hair fell in front of his eyes when he looked back at her, fighting down his diffidence. "Besides, I was just following your lead."

"Then I suppose we do work well together," she replied smoothly, earning a chuckle from Link.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he took the list from her and all but tossed it onto the hedge. Then, taking both her hands, he led her to the center of the cobblestone pathway. Her eyes were wide and her cheeks were pink, and it only widened his grin. She was adorable when she was taken off-guard.

He spun her, dancing with her as the villagers did back in Ordon. There were no practiced movements or timed steps: it was simple and it was fun. Their laughter filled the gardens as they capered across the cobblestones.

And then, he twirled her away from him only to spin her back into his arms, her back against his shoulder and their faces inches apart. They panted, hearts beating rapidly, though it was not entirely due to the exertion.

"I was right," she uttered. "You are very skilled at this."

It was like Link's brain had short-circuited, unable to think clearly. He was overcome by her - her proximity, her voice, her smell. It was incredible how easily she could make him come undone.

After his adventure and all his daily training, he'd mastered restraint and control that he could apply to many aspects of his life. In fact, it came pretty easily to him. But with her, it was like all of his control and all of his composure went out the window. He just wanted to get closer to her, to hear her voice and breathe her in.

Trying to steady his breath, he focused on the dangle of her earring. He wasn't sure he could trust himself to look into those pale blue eyes at such close proximity.

Breaking them out of their stupor, a voice called out from the entrance to the path. "Your Majesty…!" Their heads snapped towards the gate and Zelda pulled away from him as the servant approached. "Your Majesty, my apologies," he said with a quick bow. "Chancellor Cole says that there was a mishap with a document and requests your presence at once."

Zelda nodded before turning back to Link; though he was sure she'd noticed his fluster, he pretended that she didn't, if only to keep his pride intact. "I'm sorry, Link. I must go. Could we continue this later?"

Something in him wanted to stop her from going. It seemed that every time they enjoyed a moment alone, someone had to tear her away from him. But of course, he nodded anyway. He couldn't ask her to put aside her duties.

"Thank you." The queen grabbed her list and followed the servant out of the courtyards immediately, sparing Link one last look before disappearing out of sight. He sighed as he leaned up against the hedge, her milky smell still lingering on his tunic.

Irene heard about the engagement and was back at Zelda's side days before the small party. She insisted on being the one to help the queen prepare for her first event as a fiancée. She'd raised Zelda since she was a baby after all and she wouldn't dare let someone take such an exciting moment away from them.

Her sore, calloused hands worked deftly to tie her hair into knots, trussing it with sheer ribbons that stood out against her brown locks while she prattled without pause to the queen.

"Oh, I just knew you'd marry the hero, you know? They say it's a nursemaid's intuition. Why, I couldn't imagine anyone but Sir Link deserving such a great woman like yourself," Irene rambled on. "I'm just so excited. It feels like just last winter you were runnin' amuck in the halls and now you're a woman, oh."

With a small smile, Zelda listened to the many things the nursemaid had to say. Irene was almost more excited about the marriage than the couple. "Are you excited, Your Majesty? After all, you'll be celebrating with your love tonight."

Zelda's eyes snapped open at that. "Oh, Lady Irene, you know this is simply a formal affair. There won't be time for revelry."

The nursemaid let out a laugh and shook her head. "Aye, I do. But don't forget why you're having it in the first place." A small blush was evident on the queen's cheeks, but the older woman pretended not to notice as she wrapped a bow around a tight knot. "Spend time with him tonight, my queen. You're engaged: you ought to enjoy it. Oh, but don't get too carried away," she added with a wink.

"Don't be silly," she scolded, a natural reflex of hers in order to avoid embarrassment. "I wouldn't do such a thing."

Irene laughed again. "Aye, aye, I'm only kidding," she paused, smirking, "mostly." With a tilt of her head, she examined her own reflection.

Her nursemaid may have been exaggerating, but Zelda really was excited to celebrate their engagement. They deserved it after all. She'd always imagined getting married to a prince or duke since that was what was expected of her. To marry someone she actually cared for seemed almost too good to be true.

And it was all because he fought for her. She couldn't be more grateful that he was the one to take her hand. Link was just amazing in every sense: he was brilliant, brave, handsome, and above all, kind and warm. Never in her life could she imagine a man as amazing as him, much less to marry him.

She bit her lip and tilted her head absently, her eyes still lost in her reflection. She thought she was fit to die of joy the other day in the library. "I want you," he'd said before kissing her senselessly.

And he'd been bolder since, taking her hand whenever they walked and embracing her more often. The more the days went by, the more enticing he was to her and the more she wanted from him.

But at times, that want started to worry her. Though their steady swell of attraction for each other was healthy and natural, it could end up leading to something Irene often playfully hinted towards. It wasn't so much that Zelda was uncomfortable with such a thing or even totally against it, but she was a queen after all. She had to be cautious with her displays of affection, even more so around the presence of nobility.

And that was one of her motives for the night's plan. She'd invited his friends so that he'd keep them company for at least part of the night. Otherwise, she knew he wouldn't leave her side.

Moreover, she knew he wouldn't enjoy being stuck around the nobles for too long, which was fair considering all the ridiculous prejudice they had against him. It was likely they had their fair share of judgments on her and Link's engagement and she didn't want him to be on the receiving end of their criticism.

As much as she wanted to be around her fiancé, she knew that this was the best way to not only limit their displays of affection but to make the evening more enjoyable for him as well.

Irene looked over the queen's shoulder, examining her reflection and saying, "You're so beautiful, Your Majesty. Every eye will be on you tonight." Zelda looked away with a soft smile.

"Thank you, Lady Irene. You're very kind."

"If I'm half as kind as you, my queen, I'll be happy." She walked away from her for a moment, over to her closet in the adjacent room, and pulled out a floor-length, claret gown with golden stitching at the hem. "Hurry now, we ought to get you dressed."

Zelda stripped down to her corset before the nursemaid helped her shimmy into the gown. With a deep breath, Irene tugged on the laces of the bodice until the fabric clung to the queen's waist, accenting her figure nicely.

The silk gown was far more fitted than the ones she was used to, but it didn't betray her modesty too drastically as only her back was revealed with the low cut of the dress. She wore sheer dark gloves with gold embroidery and her usual gilded crown above her styled hair. Her ensemble matched the one she'd walk into the ball with: her fiancé who'd be wearing enchanted armor with similar embellishments to hers.

Zelda studied herself in the long mirror and brushed her gloved hands along the length of her gown. It certainly was a different dress than the ones she was used to but even she'd admit that it was far more flattering.

The nursemaid beamed as she clapped her hands together. "Aye! You look so lovely!"

Zelda pivoted to face her, smiling modestly. "Thank you, Lady Irene. I appreciate all of your hard work for this evening."

"Of course, of course, my queen." She waved her hands ecstatically. "You better hurry along. Don't keep him waiting!"

The queen nodded before heading out the door and meeting with the two guards stationed outside her room. With a quick, "Let's be on our way," they escorted Zelda through the labyrinth of a castle without exchanging many words. When they neared the pair of doors to the ballroom, she saw the familiar gleam of the armor and held her breath in anticipation.

His ear twitched, picking up the loud clatter of armor, and he looked over his shoulder before turning to face her. When his eyes fell on her, his mouth fell agape and his face flushed to a deep crimson.

She was captivating. For a moment, he wasn't sure if he was breathing.

Her reaction wasn't much different - at least, inwardly. She was rapt by how handsome he was clad in a set of armor made for princes: a claret tunic with a gilded belt, a Hylian sash, and gold-plated boots. There was even a diadem similar to one she wore as a princess taming his wild, wheat-colored hair.

And just the way his dark blue eyes swept over her made her pulse beat rapidly against her wrist. It was a strange feeling since neither of them ever confessed to thinking the other was attractive. But she really wanted him to think she was beautiful the way she knew he was handsome.

It wasn't until one of the guards cleared their throat that they snapped out of their stupors, finding the knights shuffling uncomfortably off to a side. "Oh, my apologies," Zelda said quickly, sweeping her hair behind her ear. "You're excused." The two guards walked down the hall, stifling laughter, and Link was only partially embarrassed that his former trainees caught him gawking at his fiancée.

"Zelda, you look…" She watched him expectantly and he gulped. "You look nice…really nice."

Her blush deepened but she remained steadfast, stepping towards him until he swallowed again. "Thank you." Her hands fiddled with his breastplate and straightened it absently. "You're rather handsome tonight as well."

His hands grabbed hers suddenly, wrapping around her fingers, and she looked up at him. He leaned in closer, with every intention to kiss her just then, but she whispered, "We should go inside, Link."

"Now?"

No, she thought, staring at his lips. The guests could wait a minute or two, right? But despite how much she wanted otherwise, she nodded. Engaged or not, they couldn't get carried away, especially not where anyone could see and if it meant keeping so many people waiting.

He sighed inaudibly as she pulled away and offered her elbow instead. "Let's go celebrate, Link. We've waited long enough." He gave her a small smile; her words were true but he'd rather celebrate with her than a ballroom full of nobles.

The hero held his breath as they approached the entrance and she gave the order to open the doors. Link had only been to two balls before: the ones following his knighting ceremony and Zelda's coronation. And being so out of his element was always uncomfortable.

Upon their entrance, the muffled music through the doors silenced and was replaced by the blares of ceremonial trumpets. The ballroom was filled with people dressed in fine suits and gowns, all stopping and standing in honor of the royal couple.

He couldn't help feeling overwhelmed with all the people staring at them. Some of them were judging him – for being too short or too common, probably – while others were smiling plainly to hide their disdain, most likely to appease Zelda. A bead of sweat crept down his face as he eagerly searched the room for his friends, hoping that their presence would relax him a little.

His eyes first caught sight of Mayor Bo with Ilia and Fado. They beamed at him, both excited and pleased to see Link up there with the queen, and he couldn't help but smile back. He knew that his friends would accompany Bo; there was no doubt that he'd bring his daughter to such a prestigious event, but it felt strange actually seeing them out there with the nobles. Still, they all looked very put together and he was grateful that they made an effort to be there for him.

Renado, Darbus, Prince Ralis, and the members of the resistance were all there as well. Renado stayed with Bo, trying to avoid Telma no doubt, and Prince Ralis stayed close to Ilia. All of them were smiling up at him, gradually easing his worries. Seeing so many of his friends out there with all of the nobility made him forget that the ball was supposed to be stuffy and sophisticated.

Zelda led him to the center of the room as the quartet began playing and he got flustered all over again as he remembered what he was supposed to do. Link swooped into a bow and watched her curtsy from behind his scruffy hair before offering his hand to her.

Her gloved hand pressed against his and he straightened out to look into her eyes. It felt oddly intimidating to have so many people watch him wrap his other hand around her waist: odd considering how he could pass through the Cave of Ordeals without breaking a sweat.

He could feel the piercing stares of everyone in the room on his back and he knew all of his friends were going to tease him immensely about this later, but then Zelda smiled her signature half-smile, probably afraid of giving away her true feelings, and he smiled back. She didn't make it much easier for him, looking as beautiful as she did tonight, but her presence helped soothe him even in the slightest degree.

Zelda led the dance, sweeping him across the ballroom so eloquently that even he wouldn't have noticed who was guiding whom if he were part of the crowd. And as they performed their dance, Link couldn't help admiring how in tune Zelda was with her body: her movements were slow and steady, her body swaying in time with the strum of the violins.

Every finger was pressed evenly on his shoulder; her steps were graceful and lithe, and every feature on her face was relaxed despite how tense he knew she was. Even the way her eyelashes brushed her cheek was done gracefully.

Her body was so fluid with every movement that she made and the more he focused on it, the more zealous he became. Of course, he knew Zelda was beautiful: he'd known since the moment he first laid eyes on her. But there was something oddly attractive about her tonight, in a way he'd gradually begun to notice since that day in the library. It was the way her body, her smell, touch, and warmth were so desirable.

Zelda suddenly squeezed his hand, her jaw setting in a way that caught his attention, and he realized he'd forgotten they were even dancing. Quick to make up for his slip-up, he twirled her around, following the pattern of her footprints with his eyes, and she returned with a satisfied smile.

With a few more spins, they wowed the crowd into forgetting that he was ever distracted and the song finally came to an end. They bowed once more before all of the guests erupted into applause and chatter, expressing their opinion - good or bad – about the dance.

"You did well," she assured him as they joined arms again and he nodded absently.

"Thanks," he replied. "You too."

The queen gave him a small smile as she led him through the throng of nobles, greeting them with practiced grace. Link's eyes always wandered back to her, catching every gesture she made with her hands, and she made an effort to hide how much she noticed.

His gaze on her sent shivers up her back and had her stomach turning in knots as fastened as her hair. Zelda had half a mind to scold him into oblivion for making her so uneasy, especially around the nobles.

After making their rounds with the lords, they found themselves greeting the representatives of each province. She'd already greeted Prince Ralis as one of the nobles, first and foremost, and genuinely apologized for what happened during Zant's Invasion once more.

The prince most kindly waved away her apologies, claiming that Link helped him grow from the incident and restored the Zora Tribe to its former glory. Ralis also said that he was more than happy for the two of them, knowing how kindly his mother spoke of the royal family and respected them both the same.

The next representative they spoke to was Darbus, a very large and burly Goron who shared his congratulations with a brotherly hug for Link and a powerful handshake for Zelda. Gor Coron and the other elders expressed their congratulations - less violently, certainly - but just as sincerely. Renado thanked the couple again for their selfless contributions to Kakariko, claiming that the village was in far better shape due to their efforts, and welcomed them to visit any time.

Mayor Bo, Ilia, and Fado also spent a good portion of the evening chatting with the royal couple, despite only being apart for a matter of weeks. They discussed everything from the weather in the village, to how much the children missed them, to how grateful they were for being invited to the ball. The queen reminded them that all the villagers were invited to their wedding. Carriages would be sent directly from the castle and rooms in the palace would be prepared for as long as they were willing to stay.

At last, the couple met with the resistance members. Zelda gave them a courteous curtsy and smile, though she'd previously made their acquaintance at the knighting ceremony. Only Rusl was unable to make it since he'd already taken too much time away from his family in Ordon. The group lowered with bows in return.

"Hello everyone," she greeted, prompting them to straighten out. "It's a pleasure to see you all again."

"Thanks for coming," said Link with a smile.

"The pleasure is ours, Your Majesty," Auru replied. "And Link, you know we wouldn't miss this for the world. Congratulations to you both."

"Thank you kindly. We're so glad that you could attend. Link's hardly been able to hold back his excitement to have you all here today."

The hero scratched his neck bashfully and Telma smirked at him, not only pleased to hear the typically stoic queen tease Link but also to see how happy they both were. "We're glad to be here."

"It's such a great honor," Shad said with reverence. "May I say, you both performed your dance most eloquently this evening."

"Why thank you."

The barkeep saw her chance. "Oh I have to agree, Your Majesty. You see, Link's very skilled with his body." She gave a subtle wink to the hero, causing him to scowl in embarrassment. "It's how he became such a good warrior, y'know."

Ashei burst into laughter, earning an elbow in the rib from Shad, while Zelda tried to hold back her reddening cheeks. There was little doubt that the wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom could recognize an innuendo when she heard one. "Ah, I suppose so." Rerouting the conversation, she continued, "He's a very skilled warrior, I must say. The knights are already performing much better since he began training them."

"It's a good thing too, yeah?" Ashei murmured under her breath, though the queen heard it anyway.

"Master Ashei," she acknowledged with a smile, "I've heard you're rather skilled in combat as well. Perhaps sometime you could join Link and the recruits. It'd be an honor to have you train at the castle." Link smiled at the idea and nodded in agreement.

"Eh?" The young warrior's eyes widened in surprise, slack-jawed as she tried to find the proper words to reply with. Her father was a knight as well, though more skilled than the Hylian knights in every way, and was loyal to His Majesty when they were both still alive. Training under the queen's roof would be an honor. "Uh, yeah. Thank you, queen."

Zelda smiled and nodded. "Most certainly. And might I say that you look beautiful tonight? I quite admire your ensemble. In fact, you all look very dashing this evening."

The group thanked and complimented her in return, all flustered by her openness towards them. They weren't used to either noblemen or even the knights treating them respectfully, save for Link of course.

At length, Zelda was called to join more guests and politely excused herself from the conversation. Still, she made the offer for Link to keep his friends company. His eyes followed her back as she walked from him, back to the throng of nobles, and she flashed him a small smile over her shoulder before disappearing. He sighed inwardly, a frown evident on his face.

"Are you all right, hun?"

Link nodded while rubbing his arm. "I just don't like these sorts of things," he said after a moment, finally peeling his eyes off of the crowd.

"Oh, but it's such a splendid party, old boy!" Shad exclaimed, eyes still filled with wonder. He at least was completely comfortable with such prestigious events. "Just think, all these people have come for you and the queen! And the music, the feast, it's all so fine." Link offered him a smile.

"Not everyone's into all this like you," Ashei replied, annoyed as she tugged at her dark doublet. "No offense, Link, but this isn't exactly my cup of tea, yeah?"

"Oh you kids just need to lighten up," Auru said with a smile. "Have some wine, dance; it's a celebration after all."

The barkeep smirked as she found the shaman amongst some of the Gorons. "Oh, I know I will. I'll see you in a little bit, honey," she said to Link before sauntering off towards Renado.

"Oh Telma," Auru complained. "I better go with her. You guys enjoy yourselves."

The three watched them for a moment before turning back to one another.

"So…what've you guys been up to?"

"We've had some grand adventures of our own, thank you for asking. Just a few weeks ago we traveled through what seems to be the ruins of an ancient city! It's quite amazing if I do say so myself."

Ashei scoffed, blowing the bangs off her forehead for a second. "If it weren't for Auru and me, you'd still be on that cliff with the bird, yeah?"

Link smiled at that; he was just as skeptical about the golden cucco at first. Shad turned a brilliant shade of red. "Excuse me for thinking how illogical it would be to fly across a gaping chasm with such a small fowl. Just considering a single person's weight compared to that of the Cucco is a completely irrational ratio. Not to mention how restless it was becom-"

"You can be so boring, y'know."

"Since when is logic a bore!"

While their argument carried on, Link's eyes searched for the queen in the crowd. As much fun as he'd been having with his friends, he couldn't help wondering where she'd gone and when she'd come back.

Zelda was in the company of a Hylian minister and a few counts of Hyrule, reverting to her practiced queenly façade.

"Might I say," said one man in a tight-fitted costume and a snobby drawl, "that I was quite surprised to hear that our lovely queen's been engaged at last? We've been eagerly awaiting the day Her Majesty announced her betrothed."

Zelda stood with a small smile on her face and her hands folded in front of her. "Yes well, I've long been searching for a man deemed fit to stand by my side."

A woman with spectacles on a cane pursed her lips. "Ah, and this…Link, is it? You see him worthy?"

"Sir Link has accomplished much in the name of Hyrule. I could see no other man as well fit for this country as him."

"He's certainly a great man, Your Majesty," agreed the minister. "I've had the pleasure of being in his company and I can say for certain that he's a man chosen by the gods. Hyrule is so blessed, not only to receive his heroic deeds but also to have him as a member of the royal family."

Zelda smiled gratefully for the minister's kind words. She was glad to have such a respectable man in her defense.

"Is it true that he was once a shepherd?" a woman asked, earning a rumble of murmurs from the small gathering.

"Yes, he was once a goat herder of Ordon. I find his ability to adapt to new circumstances admirable."

"I wouldn't have even noticed he was a commoner," complimented one elderly man of the Lanayru state. "His manners are certainly fit for a prince!"

"Yes well," snarled another, "there's always room for improvement."

Zelda bit back her response, scowling inwardly. She expected such haughty comments from the aristocrats after all.

"You know, Your Majesty," one with a rather large mustache drawled, "your fiancé does seem rather fixated on you this evening. I'm sure I wasn't the only one to notice his...fascination."

Frustrated, she realized that her efforts hadn't been enough to draw away the attention of the crowd. They noticed the recent growing attraction between the couple.

It wasn't so much that the two of them being in love was such a cursed thing. If anything, the stronger their relationship became, the better the outcome of their reign. But she knew just as well what the man was hinting towards: were they being proper? Were the monarch and the goat herder following the conduct expected of them?

"Of course, we're both rather excited to be married. Unfortunately, as our duties are separate from one another, we aren't often in each other's company. He spends much of his days training the recruits of the army alongside the great Commander Eagus."

"And the remainders of his days?"

Luckily, the queen's advisor overheard the conversation from nearby, excused himself, and strolled leisurely towards the group. "His lord is often in my company, actually. Many of his hours are devoted to the matters of the lovely couple's betrothal." He smiled jovially to the group, bowing in respect. "My lieges."

"Chancellor Cole," they greeted in turn and Zelda held back her smile.

"I apologize for my intrusion but I couldn't help overhearing you speak of the young prince and I scarcely miss a chance to discuss his good nature."

"But chancellor, weren't you the one who had him imprisoned only months before?"

Cole nodded as he took a sip of his red wine, waving over a servant to hand the assembly one of his or her own. "Admittedly, I was just as skeptical of Sir Link at first – yes, thank you – but Her Majesty has once again proven this old man wrong. He's a fine young man, who's shown nothing but devotion to our fair kingdom. Of that, you can be certain."

They all murmured amongst one another again before the minister joked, "Well, whose word can we trust better than that of the queen's advisor, other than that of the gods and the queen herself?"

A few broke out in laughter, more so for the frivolity than the actual jest, and the tension gradually began fading away.

After many conversations between the noblemen and the queen later, she found herself gliding through the throng of people back to the hero's side. The claret of his tunic stood out from the black and the blue as she made her way back to the three teenagers, holding a glass of wine in her right hand. They went silent upon her arrival.

"I apologize for my absence. I'm afraid there are a fair amount of guests wishing to speak on one thing or another."

"That's quite all right, Your Majesty. We understand. Link has been keeping us plenty company."

"Ah, that's good then." She paused as she scanned the dance floor. "Why don't you two enjoy a dance? I wouldn't want Link and I to keep you all night."

Ashei grimaced, raising her hand to correct the queen. No, Shad and her weren't a couple and they'd rather not dance together. Shad, however, intuitively assumed that the two would want a moment alone.

"We would love to!" he exclaimed, offering his elbow to the warrior. "Ashei, if you'd please?" She seemed taken back by this offer but Shad nudged his elbow against her with an odd look. At length, she rolled her eyes and slipped her arm into his. "If you'll excuse us, Your Majesty."

The queen nodded politely before they left the two alone at last, and Zelda sighed with a smile. "They make quite an interesting pair, don't you agree?"

"Oh, Zelda, they're not…" Link followed her gaze to the two, the scholar's hand timidly swooping over the warrior's waist as she tried to keep the scowl straight on her face. The hero stopped himself short. "Yeah…yeah, I guess they do."

Zelda hummed in agreement, pressing the glass to her lips. He watched her avidly like he was studying a book. "How's the celebration been for you, Link? Not too feverish, I hope."

Truth be told, the party wasn't all that bad. He had a lot of fun catching up with Darbus, Ralis, Renado, and all of his old friends, as well as staying in the company of his friends from the resistance. Really, he expected it to be a lot worse.

But the intuitive hero was quick to realize Zelda's clever plan. She'd dealt him the better hand by inviting his friends to the party and asking him to keep them company while she entertained the nobles. Of course, he'd done his part at the beginning of the evening, but even then he didn't feel as overwhelmed as he thought he would. The only thing he'd complain about was not spending enough time with her; he didn't want to be separated from her any longer that evening. But now she was back at his side and all was going well.

"It's been good. How's it been for you?"

"All has been fine for me as well." Her pale eyes searched the ballroom before finding his gaze and smiling politely. "Though, I have to admit that this has been the highlight of my evening. I'm glad to be back in your company."

Flustered, a smile wormed its way onto his lips. Link wanted to be with her for a good part of the evening, but to hear her say it in return, on her own will rather than out of proper etiquette, was perhaps the nicest compliment he'd ever received from her. "Yeah, me too."

They grew quiet afterward, watching the spinning, colorful fabric on the dance floor and listening to the concerto music of violinists and pianists from the sidelines. Everything from the sparkling diamonds on the necks of the nobles to the crystal chandeliers was iridescent. Too fine and overdone for Link's tastes, but the queen had been to dozens upon dozens of balls in her lifetime, and only that once did she feel like the hall really shined.

Everyone gathered then and there out of support for their union and she couldn't deny feeling blessed. Link seemed to be enjoying the event, he and Zelda made a respectable impression on the crowd, and no one chose to make a scene that night. There weren't any outraged dukes or cutthroat councilmen for the first time in ages. Of course, there were a few well-versed insults to her fiancé and her choice of men, but their words couldn't change anything now.

Yes, even the wary Zelda would file this night under a success.

As a server slipped by with wine glasses on a platter, Zelda plucked one from it and handed it to Link. He stared at the drink blankly before taking it. "I would say that this has turned out to be quite a successful evening. I believe a toast is in order." She held the cup up high and his smile returned.

"However difficult it has been, from this moment on our union is truly accepted. Now that our worries are in the past, we can begin thinking about the future." Her expression as well as her voice softened. "And I'm grateful to know that you will be a part of mine."

Meeting somewhere in the space between them, their glasses clinked together in cheers.

"Me too."

The night carried on with all the grandeur and majesty required of a royal engagement party. People danced, gossiped, and got dizzyingly drunk until their words slurred and their jokes sounded impish. Admittedly, the couple indulged in a drink or two for the night, allowing their cheer to waver their usual inhibitions.

At some late hour of the night, the noblemen were past their business discussions and finished with their barter for the queen's time, so Zelda asked if Link might like a breath of fresh air. He obliged without thought and with their arms locked, they took a step into the adjacent gardens.

Thankfully, there was a degree of humidity; otherwise, Zelda was sure he'd take her right back out of fear of her getting sick again. She took a subtle, deep breath of the fresh air, a luxury she wasn't often granted in her study or courtroom.

The gardens were far quieter, though the orchestra was only dimly muted by the glass windows, and torchlights were posted along the walkways for any guests who'd like to stroll. They were quiet for a moment, just enjoying the beautiful night, before Zelda finally said, "I see now how different celebrations look in the castle than they do in a village." Link looked up at her. "Somehow, a larger party can feel lonelier."

"Yeah, that's how it felt for me at first."

"At first?"

He smiled a little bashfully and shrugged. "It doesn't feel so lonely anymore. Not with you."

With a blush of her own, she eased her hand from his elbow down the length of his arm and laced her fingers with his. He looked up at her and noted the beautiful smile on her lips. "You're right. You're not alone."

Once they passed a gate and arrived on a pathway with round bushes, their stroll came to a gradual stop. She looked up at him and he swore that she must've been glowing. Her eyes glimmered more brilliantly than the stars and her smell was stronger and sweeter than the flowers. She seemed to read his mind, like she always did, and softly uttered, "Kiss me."

His eyes locked on hers and Link could swear right then that his heart was pounding hard enough to break through his chest. For weeks, he'd been enraptured by her in so many new ways and he was sure she'd be ashamed by how easily he'd throw caution to the wind just to touch her a little more, a little longer.

He'd ignored it, pushed it aside, because though they were engaged, she was the queen. More than that, she was Zelda, and she wasn't nearly as careless as he could be. He respected her far too much to give in to any base desires at the risk of her reputation.

But goddesses, whether it was the champagne or the allure of the night, or maybe even just how strikingly beautiful she was, he couldn't hold back. And neither could she.

With a swift turn, he closed the space between them and his momentum had them stumbling backwards. She gasped when her back hit the stone but his kiss swallowed the sound. Their spare hands met and he pinned both of them against the wall.

Their silhouettes rolled against one another like the rise and fall of crashing waves as they kissed each other breathlessly, ravenously. When they parted with heavy pants, he leaned against her cheek, her flush burning against him like hot coals. Her scent flooded him with every breath and when he turned his head the slightest, his swollen lips brushed the place where her ear met her jaw.

She sharply inhaled at the light, careful touch. "Link." He clenched his eyes shut: the sound of his name falling from her mouth now of all moments did something to him. Carefully, he pressed a kiss against her neck and it made her throw her head back, inadvertently opening herself up for him. "Link."

Her hands dislodged themselves and wrapped around his shoulders and his hands caressed her sides, up and down in gentle, unabiding strokes until she could scarcely breathe anymore. His kisses ventured lower and lower, spanning the expanse of skin at her neck up until he reached the collar of her dress and paused.

His hot breath settled over her cleavage but neither of them moved. His eyes flicked up to her, silently looking for guidance, and for a moment she really had to consider her answer. With heavy, panting breaths, she shut her eyes.

But there was no choice to be made - at least, not one she was allowed to make, especially not there and then. Her reputation and standing as queen was too important to risk over one impulsive moment in the garden and they both knew it. Without opening her eyes, she took a small breath and shook her head.

The moment he saw it, he stepped back. She opened her eyes to find him looking anywhere but, the degree of his fluster becoming increasingly apparent. "I'm sorry," Link said quickly. "I shouldn't have-"

"No, don't-" Zelda stepped forward, holding a hand out, and his feet were suddenly pinned in place. "Don't be, please."

His eyes snapped to hers. The sight of Zelda in disarray - her elegant up-do just a tad bit messy, her lips swollen and plump - made his stomach tighten.

"If you believe I don't desire you the same way, you're wrong." Stepping forward, she closed enough distance between them to lower her voice. She could see he was trying his hardest to hold her gaze. "I want you too. These moments with you...I never want them to end. I may not be able to express it as freely, but it's the truth."

"Zelda..." His heart was hammering wildly in his chest, in sync with hers. He didn't know what to say. When they spoke in the library, she'd agreed to take their relationship further, and it was clear she wanted to as well.

But to hear her say it...well he had no words.

She took a steadying breath. "It's just...the wrong time and place."

Link swallowed before nodding in understanding. The heat between them was nearly tangible enough to burn, and it only burned hotter by the day. But their wedding day was drawing near, and they knew they'd soon be free to unleash their desire at last.

Chapter Text

The day of their wedding finally arrived, and it arrived with a bright sun and a cloudless sky as if the goddesses themselves were bestowing their blessings upon their long-anticipated union.

Zelda stretched her arms out on her bed with a pleased sigh. She was never much of a morning person, really, but she'd make an exception just this once. Their wedding day arrived at last and in a matter of hours, she'd be Link's and he'd be hers.

"Good morning, Your Majesty!" the maids chimed cheerfully as Irene pulled aside her voile curtains to let the light pour in. "The day has come!"

Zelda arched her back and yawned into her arm, hair still messy, and the girls giggled at her laidback behavior. She was definitely in a good mood: she was rarely so easygoing.

"Are you excited, Your Majesty? You're going to be married!" one maid said, clapping her hands together.

"And on such a lovely day, too!" agreed another. "Just hear how the birds chirp for you and your love."

The queen bit back her blush and ran a hand through her hair to hide any of the red on her face. Love was always a testy word, it seemed. Eyeing the queen knowingly, Irene shooed them away with the waves of her hands, her eyebrows pinched despite the smile on her face. "All right, ladies, enough of that."

Zelda willed herself out of her comfortable bed. "That's quite all right, Lady Irene." She looked back at the maids, who were making her bed and fluffing her pillows. "I am excited, truly. Thank you."

They gave each other conspiratorial grins and Irene's expression softened. "And that you should be." Her eyes crinkled a little as the scullery maid in her dared to escape again. She wasn't all that different from the younger maids; she was just as eager to jump for joy.

Irene couldn't help the excitement though. The girl she raised from a baby was now a full-grown woman: a woman who was getting married to a full-grown man. She folded her hand in front of her lips. "My, time goes by so quickly…!" Zelda gave her a soft smile as the nursemaid bit her lip to hold back a chuckle and waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, there's no time for this! You ought to get undressed so we can get started."

The queen followed her nursemaid's instruction, switching from her nightgown to a slip before Irene began urging her to the other room for her preparations.

A swarm of professionals were awaiting her in her sitting room: everyone from manicurists to estheticians with their cases packed and ready to begin. If Zelda hadn't ever been primped this way, she might've been nervous. With all their instruments and gear, who knew what they were planning to do to her? Luckily – if it was considered lucky, that is – she'd been through many of these procedures before.

The group set her down on a long cot, the maids arriving moments later, and pulled her hair off the top of the bed. As the esthetician washed her face, the manicurists fussed over her nails with files and buffers.

Many of the first few hours of the queen's preparations were crucial to her health and beauty. But even still, they were terribly painful. Trying to relax was difficult when there were people tugging at her hair, scraping her nails, and scrubbing her face. She hardly even had time to get worked up about her wedding.

However, when the estheticians began lathering their hands with lotion and the manicurists began massaging her hands with oil, she knew the worst part was over. This part of the procedure was actually enjoyable, with their hands kneading everything from her strained forehead to her aching knuckles.

Her muscles instantly eased under their featherlight touches and she sunk deeper into the bed. It'd been a long while since she was this relaxed. Every moment of every day there was something to do, especially with her wedding on the horizon. There was always that constant fear that someone could object to their wedding. She'd felt too lucky; something had to go wrong.

But settled into the bed, listening to the birds chirp from windows, Zelda could unwind. It was her wedding day and all that fussing over their relationship was over, and they could be together once and for all. And goddesses, was she grateful for it.

When all of their procedures were done, the queen's hair was styled. The top of her hair was tied back with a golden clip that was attached to a short veil. To match, an elegant diadem was set at her forehead. While the rest of her locks were free to cascade down her back, two strands of hair fell against the sides of her face against her creamy pale skin. It made her look like a Great Fairy of the earth but as beautiful and celestial as the goddesses themselves.

When the time drew near, Zelda was fixed into a corset and large petticoat as the maids collected the many layers of satin and crepe. All of the relaxation she felt during the last moments of her massage was slowly fading away.

The queen was fit into her gown with all the grace that a dozen maids could manage. It was a fight between the most persistent of women and a mass of fabric. When at last the battle was over and she was dressed, Zelda finally took a look in the mirror and she was stunned silent.

Perhaps the queen never actually considered herself beautiful - or at least never considered herself either way - but looking at herself in the gown made her feel like a princess again.

The satin cascaded from her waist and trailed the slightest bit behind her. It was a simple dress as there were little embellishments, save for the lace embroidery on the bodice, with a scoop neckline. Lace flowers circled the outline of her back but left the center of it bare, and a thin belt made of the same satin and crepe wrapped around her waist, tying a small subtle bow at the lower part of her back.

But even looking like a princess or a fairy, above all, she felt like a bride. The maids and the servants were right: Zelda was glowing on her wedding day. She felt beautiful and she felt even more blissful.

But there were people eagerly waiting for her response. Everybody was exhausted from all of the efforts they put into making her look beautiful, but they wanted the queen to be pleased with her own appearance. Zelda realized that, despite the bliss she felt, she wasn't smiling.

At last, she allowed the muscles in her face to relax and broke out into a smile. The heap of fabric rolled over itself as she turned to them. "It's amazing," she said, looking over her shoulder at her reflection again. "Thank you very much."

They all let out a sigh, shoulders drooping, and beamed in return. All of the maids and servants immediately broke out into compliments of, "You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen," and "How brightly you shine, Your Majesty."

Irene was the first to step up, however, even though she seemed to be the most tired of them all with red rimming her eyes. But as she broke into a shaky smile, Zelda realized it was the emotion over the exhaustion that made her face rosy. "You look so beautiful," she said earnestly, voice heavily laced with sentiment. "I can't believe it's your day at last."

"Thank you," Zelda said softly.

Lady Irene nodded shakily. "I'll let them know you're ready." Her eyes were still on the queen for a moment before she turned and disappeared.

Within moments, the ceremony was ready to begin.

His heart, if not literally, figuratively caught flame. It was that moment standing at the entrance of the chapel that he couldn't believe it was happening. He wanted this – he wanted this for so long – but now that it was actually here, he couldn't recall a time he'd ever been so nervous.

People were already gathered on the lower and upper levels of the chapel, ordered by their status and position. Link was grateful that all the "common folk" were on the lower level because he could occasionally glance to the front of the aisle where his friends waited. At times, he'd catch Ilia's eye as she turned back with an overwhelmed look on her face, but she'd smile shakily at him and he'd feel a little bit at ease.

He knew the ceremony was due to start at noon, but he had no clue what time it was at that point. He'd gotten up and was dressed with the help of some servants a little earlier but it felt like he'd been in the chapel forever.

He memorized the indigo center of the white lilies across the aisle, like ink splotches on a blank page; in his mind, he could recreate the stained-glass pictures of the golden goddesses and the light spirits on the tall windows along the walls. The carvings on the dark wood of the seats, Link knew, would forever be engraved into his mind.

The chapel was almost large enough to be the ancient Temple of Time. With an aisle so long, he could scarcely tell what the minister was doing at the time. If Link could guess, he'd probably say that he was rereading the sermon for the hundredth time that morning.

But at last, the organ on the upper floor hit the first chord and he could've sworn it sent an arrow straight into his heart. A choir began singing blissfully, the guests stood and he wasn't sure where to look. Zelda was supposed to arrive at the entrance to his right, so he trained his sharp eyes on the door.

His hands were balled into fists to stop them from trembling until the door opened and he became undone again. A white light emerged from behind it, glowing brilliantly, and his mouth fell agape. Goddesses, if he thought she was beautiful that night in Gerudo Desert, Zelda was something entirely ethereal at that moment. She wasn't just the princess - or queen - of light. Zelda was light.

She was like a beacon, he realized, leading all the people of the kingdom, drawing all the princes and dukes and nobles to her. Leading him across the plains of the kingdom and back to Hyrule, after he was supposed to move on from his journey. After he was supposed to go back to being a goat herder, a villager, a man who saved Hyrule with nothing to ask for.

But it wasn't her that drew him back initially: he made that decision with little regard for Her Highness. It was after he came back and spent time with her that he couldn't escape. He'd try to, time and time again, but something always tugged him back like a fish on a line. And Link was hooked.

Zelda smiled, a small gentle smile like the first he'd ever seen on her, and he urged himself to move. His shaky hand reached out to her and met with her bare one, sending that electric shock back up their arms. By the twitch of her lip, he knew she'd felt it too.

His bride's hand traveled up the length of his arm until her arm was curved into the crook of his elbow. They began their march down the aisle, her pace, and movement in time with the music of the organ. Everyone's eyes were on them and Link hardly even noticed.

However, he did notice that at the end of the endless aisle, Zelda unlinked their arms and gave a low curtsy to the minister, her gown pooling around her. Link was quick to kneel as well, as low as she, while the minister began with a lengthy quote in ancient Hylian.

Zelda told Link what it meant before time, roughly translating it to: "May this divine love be recognized by the divine and may a timeless love remain for all of time. Three golden goddesses, creators of earth, law, and life, I pray to thee that you bear witness alongside the members of this holy land to this divine unity. If there may be any reason that these two shall not wed, let it be known at this moment." A pause. "Your silence will be taken as a blessing from above that these two may live in harmony for the remainder of time. Thank you, dear goddesses. May we continue ever onward."

The minister continued in the present Hyrulean language as he ordered the couple to rise. "We've gathered here today, from all corners of the land, to bear witness to the unity of our benevolent Queen Zelda Nohansen Harkinian and the selfless hero Link in holy matrimony. If anyone can show just cause as to why these two may not be joined together, by Nayru's law or the laws of this realm, let them now speak or else hereafter keep silent for all time."

Zelda tensed up, fear constricting her heart as soon as the minister stopped his speech. It was the final time someone could deny their marriage and the moment seemed to drag on forever. At last, the minister finalized, "With there being no objection to this ceremony, let us continue."

She let out a breath.

He led the couple up the dais and behind a large ceremonial table where the ritual would take place. Three bowls were set on the table: the first one had coals that were still hot from earlier that morning, another was filled with clear cold water, and the last was filled halfway with soil. The minister led them to the first bowl and stepped aside to acknowledge the guests again.

"Legend states that before there was any land or sea, Din, the goddess of power, forged the red earth with her flaming arms. In honor of her strength, the couple shall now test their endurance and dedication to this unity by dipping their joined hands into these blazing coals."

For any noble or commoner, this test might have been too intimidating to even imagine completing. But for Zelda and Link, who've both been burned either by vile guards or molten lava, this act was at most disagreeable. The minister joined their hands and Link looked up at his bride for a brief moment, worried for her. He didn't want to have to play a part in her pain.

They both knew how the ceremony would proceed beforehand though, so Zelda gave him a quick nod and drew their hands towards the searing hot rocks. The steam licked at their hands first, their instincts urging them to pull back.

At last, they laid their hands in the center, hands sweltering under the sharp heat. The rite only lasted briefly, a short second or two so that the people could witness it, but Zelda clenched her jaw in pain. Link tensed too; getting burned was never a great experience, but his endurance was much stronger than hers.

They finally pulled back to complete the next task, which was luckily much simpler and more soothing. "The couple must now press their hands into this bowl of water in honor of the goddess of wisdom, Nayru, who bathed our world with law and order. To fairly balance the heat of the coals and to wisely cleanse themselves, they must dip their hands into the cold water, thus proving their ability to heal one another in dire times."

Zelda and Link wasted no time putting their hands into the water, steam rising from the cold contrast of the water to their hot hands. They let out inaudible sighs of relief. After their burns had somewhat soothed in the water, servants waiting at the sidelines of the dais approached and carefully wiped their hands dry.

"The goddess of courage had soon after given life to the land," the minister continued after the servants returned to the sides. "To honor Farore, the couple must now plant three seedlings into this soil. With this, may Farore bless the couple with fertility and good health." The hero fought back the warmth in his cheeks at the word "fertility," frowning at the soil to hide his diffidence.

The couple was then handed three seeds, which were earlier blessed by the minister, and sowed them into the earth together. Their hands worked in harmony: one hand slipped over the other to scoop up some of the dirt while the other padded the earth. Taking water from the second bowl and pouring it over the soil, the third feat was complete.

They all circled the dais once more, back to the other side of the table, Zelda and Link's hands still locked as they faced one another.

"Do you, Link of Ordon, take unto yourself as husband to the fair Zelda Nohansen Harkinian, and pledge unto her before the goddesses and these witnesses as her protector, defender, and sure resort, to honor and sustain her, in sickness and in health, in fair and in foul, with all your worldly powers, and to keep her unto you so long as you both shall live?"

Link slowly raised his eyes, meeting the sure glance of his bride. His heart swelled when she gave him a small smile, pale eyes crinkled the slightest. He swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Yes." He swallowed again. "I will."

Zelda's smile widened, lowering her head for a moment. "Do you, Zelda Nohansen Harkinian, take unto yourself as wife to the noble Link of Ordon, and pledge unto him before the goddesses and these witnesses to honor and cherish him, to cleave unto him, in sickness and in health, in fair and in foul, be his one true and lasting counselor and solace, and keep him unto you so long as you both shall live?"

"I will," she said firmly. There was no hesitation in her voice: she was sure of this. She was sure of him.

"Golden goddesses, may you bless these rings which Link and Zelda Nohansen Harkinian have set apart as visible signs of the inward spiritual bond that unites their hearts. The circle will seal the vows of this marriage and symbolize the purity and endlessness of their love." Link tensed up as the servants arrived with the rings in question.

Zelda let go of his hand and plucked one ring from the plush velvet pillow, holding it out to him. "Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my devotion, trust, and respect for you." She held his calloused and burnt hand in her own delicate one, nimbly sliding the ring past one knuckle, then another. He took a shaky breath.

"Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my devotion, trust, and respect for you," Link repeated and followed after her until the golden bands were on both their fingers. She was still smiling radiantly.

"After proving their devotion to one another, the third and final ceremony may commence, and the queen and hero may at last be bonded in holy matrimony," the minister concluded, and a red ribbon fell into his hands. "Please, hold your hands together." Link held his hands out flat where Zelda's met them without hesitation. The officiate tied the burgundy cord around their hands, saying, "This red cord symbolizes passion, strength, and fortitude."

The hero watched as she bit her bottom lip and the next cord tied around them. "This blue cord symbolizes sincerity, patience, and devotion."

The next was secured. "This green cord symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and health." With a fourth cord, all ribbons were tied together and their hands were bonded.

"As this knot is tied, so are your lives now bound. Two intertwined in love, bound by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, hardship and victory, anger, and reconciliation, all of which bring strength to this union. Woven into this cord, imbued into its very fibers, are all the hopes of your friends and family, and of yourselves, for a new life together." The minister began undoing the knots. "I shall now remove the cords.

"May it be granted that what is done before the goddesses be not undone by man. Before I proclaim you joined, you must kiss three times on cue. Once for strength." Link reddened before planting a short kiss on her lips, the taste of her still lingering on him. "Twice for stability." She let out a nervous laugh and kissed him again, so briefly that he almost made her hold it. "Thrice for bravery."

He'd been tested enough that day, he thought. His unbound wrists and sore hands grabbed onto either side of her face and kissed her sweetly, carefully, and passionately. The crowd behind them erupted into cheers, but it was all buzz in their minds. The heat on their cheeks didn't lessen as they pulled away.

"By the power vested in me by the realm," the minister finalized, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." Breathing heavily, they both wore relieved smiles. The cheers were now simply deafening.

The ballroom was like the night sky. Candles glinted like stars, strewn across all the tables and casting brilliant starlight across deep blue tapestries. It shone through the crystal vases, filled with the same lilies in the chapel, and emanated an ethereal aura.

But if they were the stars, then Zelda in her white gown was the moon, the brightness against the dark. Just as she'd always been.

There was an enormous feast with offerings from all the provinces: a gift from the guests of Hyrule who'd come to celebrate the union of their beloved queen and hero. All the villagers from Ordon were there, much to Link's pleasure, as well as everyone who'd attended their engagement celebration. The room was filled with laughter, music, and fine wine once again.

With a drink in their free hands, the royal couple reacquainted themselves with all of their old and new friends, many of whom seemed to have changed in the time spent apart. Shad and Ashei never moved away from one another, Auru was sitting for a fair portion of the evening, and the Ordonian kids weren't nearly as loud or energetic as they were months ago.

It seemed that time was taking a toll on them in different ways. Only Telma appeared the same with all her teasing about the night ahead, much to Link's embarrassment. But the hero was grateful she wasn't nearly as crude as the knights.

Through it all, Zelda was dazzling. The brilliance of her smile and the joy of her unabashed laughter made Link's heart swell so large within his chest that he was certain it would burst. She was happy and he was the reason why. The thought left him reeling.

Though he enjoyed reconnecting with their friends, he just wanted to have her all to himself. Every hour dragged on a little too long and every conversation felt all the more tedious. The night was the distinct shift from what they knew and what awaited them: the transformation, the twilight.

Link's hands never left Zelda; they might as well have been tethered. His hands were on her arms, her waist, the small of her back, getting gradually heavier and more decadent as the night grew. Every time, it made her stomach flutter with girlish innocence, but she never tried to caution him away as she had before. They were married now. She was his just as he was hers.

And quite honestly, Zelda was so starved for his touch she wasn't sure she could caution him away, even if she thought it wise.

With the soft flow of music as his alibi, Link pulled his wife to the marble floor for a stolen moment, receding into a pocket of space within the crowd of dancers. Her graceful hand perched on his shoulder at the precise moment his settled on the small of her back.

His eyes didn't have to stray from her to avoid bumping into others like he could sense someone else's presence no matter where they stood in direction to him. He'd grown much, she noticed admirably: he led her throughout the dance without a second thought or missed step as if their movements were intertwined, as if there was nowhere she could step that he would miscalculate.

"I can hardly believe we're married," she murmured, as though to herself. "It feels unreal."

His eyes, deep and blue like the heavens, trailed up her shoulder, up the slope of her neck until they were ensnared by hers. They were as mesmerizing as the first time he saw them, peeking from beneath the hood of her cloak.

"I know," he said, laden with emotion, "but it's real. You're real and I -" He swallowed again. "I'm so happy."

She smiled and closed her eyes. Goddesses, what he did to her without even knowing. "I am as well."

The moment was calm, an intermittent reprieve from all their long-winded conversations. She was swaying in his arms, allowing him to keep her afloat when his voice suddenly snapped her out of her reverie.

"Let's leave." Her eyes fluttered open, taken aback by the unguarded, almost desperate way he was looking at her. "Let's get away from here. I...I just want to be with you."

Her stomach tightened. His words were so forward, so honest. It filled her with so much emotion, so much desire, it was almost painful. Words were climbing up her throat and she had to swallow them down.

Link was right. They needed to leave.

Zelda didn't say anything as the song came to a close. He bowed, customarily, but his eyes were dancing over her face. She offered a slight acknowledging nod in place of her voice and led him silently to the dais.

Then she turned to address the crowd, withdrawing a well-rehearsed speech from the recesses of her memory. Many came up shortly after to bid their well wishes to the couple, and their graciousness had momentarily superseded their impatience. But at times, Link caught her eyes darting in his direction and he was nearly ready to carry her out himself.

It must've been an hour before Zelda finally directed her warm smile to him. "Well then," she said teasingly, and held out her hand, "let's get away from here."

With his stomach in a twist, he stared at her hand before covering it with his own. She led him out of the ballroom, and they both pretended not to hear the whoops and whistles that followed them. Muffled music waned with every step they took until their footfalls grew louder and louder, echoing like cannons in the small corridor.

Link couldn't find a proper pace. He was overthinking every step. His eagerness to be alone with her sparked fire beneath his heels, but he was hesitant, because he was nervous and because he didn't want to seem overeager.

But then they arrived at her - their room - and Zelda walked ahead.

He'd been in her room when she was ill, and somehow it looked exactly the same as if no time had passed. It was finely decorated and had at least a dozen places to sit and talk or to get ready or play chess.

As his eyes flashed over a mirror, he imagined her getting ready in the morning, seeing herself for the first time in her wedding dress. He imagined her smile.

His eyes returned to Zelda's silhouette. With his heart hammering in his chest, he shut the door behind him.

Zelda had swung open the second pair of doors that led to the bedroom. Her – Their bed was waiting in the center, the dark duvets tucked in neatly and without a crease. His stomach twisted in a pleasant sort of way.

She strode forward before she paused at one of the bedposts, looking away from him. The warm glow of candlelight danced over her figure, but her shoulders were drawn and she was taking steadying breaths.

"Zelda?" He stepped forward, shaken out of his thoughts. "Are you all right?"

She nodded quickly, but her eyes were on the carvings on the bedpost. "Before we-" Her breath hitched, catching herself. "There's something I want to say.

"I've never - or rather, I couldn't bear to say this to you before. I didn't want to, lest something happen before we could wed – or perhaps that was just an excuse…"

Link took a step closer. He wanted to know what she was thinking, perhaps more than ever. She was always so fluent in her speech; he couldn't remember her ever stammering. It told him that whatever she was about to say was genuine, that this wasn't one of her rehearsed speeches.

She turned around, her skirts shuffling in the silence. The moonlight from the balcony door cast an ethereal halo around her and her eyes shimmered like ice, dazzling, melting. He held his breath.

"I thought I'd been certain all this time. Certain about my choices – about this kingdom and my role in it." Zelda tilted her head, shaking it the slightest, and her hands swung up before falling to her sides with resolve. "And then you came and shed light on my life, and I see everything so differently."

Her gaze was impassioned, heartfelt, and leveled with his as she stepped forward and -

"I love you," he said suddenly.

Zelda went rigid, taken off-guard by her words falling from his lips.

But they were words that'd been volleying between them for so long, like bolts of energy, undefined and unyielding and burning. Words latent within every moment that they shared.

It was in the everlasting twilight, in the patter of rain on roof shingles and his drenched wolf pelt; it was in the smooth slide of her hand weaving through his and the crunch of freshly fallen snow; it was in the patter of footsteps as they scurried through the halls looking for empty alcoves, lovestruck youth acting like fools. It was in everything she was and did, and how deeply he fell for her.

Once the words were said aloud, it suddenly became loud and clear.

Perhaps it defied logic - a queen falling for a lowly goat-herder. And perhaps he was wild and she was regal. Link never thought that he could be worthy of her. But in the end, here before each other and alone with one another, none of that meant a thing.

And maybe he had yet to say it, maybe he wasn't sure how, but Zelda had become everything to him.

"I'm sorry," he carried on as if he was learning to speak for the first time. His voice was low but he was taking strides towards her, drawn forward by a magnetic energy. "I'm sorry I haven't - that I didn't tell you before. I think I just didn't know how. But I know. I've known for a while."

When she was finally within arms reach, he placed his hands on her waist. "I love you so much."

Zelda took hold of his cheeks and brought his lips to hers, sealing his affirmation with her kiss. She spilled her heart into it, just as he'd bared his soul. The distance between them dwindled as he moved closer to her, their hearts pounding wildly against their ribcages for one another.

"I love you, Link," she breathed. His chest burned as if he felt her words engrave themselves into his heart. "I've been waiting for you all my life and I had no idea."

He pressed his lips to hers again, bolder, hungry, and yearning, and he felt her moan against his lips. It shot a tremor straight through him.

Once they started kissing, they couldn't stop. He kissed her over and over even as he lost his breath. He was so desperate for her, so heady. His heart was pulsing in his ears but it was nearly drowned out by the sound of Zelda's gasps and pants.

Her hands slid to the back of his neck, coursing through the hairs on the nape of it, and pressed his forehead against hers. Though his eyes were on her, hers fell shut as she reveled in his proximity.

"I've always admired the way your actions spoke louder than your words." She took a breath and locked eyes with him again. "Show me how you love me."

Heat flooded him immediately. But Link didn't hesitate to take her lips again. That current of energy pitched back and forth between them, burning powerfully, but every touch was a relief, every hunger sated with every kiss.

That night, the beginning of their life together started. With her hands in his hair and his on her skin, they would say that it was beginning rather well.

Zelda woke up in his arms, far earlier than he did. For a moment, it startled her to see Link there: she'd never had anyone, let alone a man, in her bed before. But when the memories of the previous day came over her sleep-addled mind, heat prickled her cheeks.

Bare and tousled in their violet sheets, her newlywed husband was bathed in the golden glow of dawn. Quiet snores escaped him and it settled her heart: it was endearing, and surely something she could get used to. She settled into his embrace and simply stared.

For perhaps the first time in her life, she wasn't waited upon by her maids. They'd given her and her husband privacy, and simply told her to call upon them when she was ready.

The queen hadn't properly relished in that luxury until that moment. She couldn't remove her gaze from Link. His breathing was so calm and relaxed, his lips parted and eyelashes pressed against his tanned cheek.

Time seemed to go by quickly; to the queen's displeasure, the sun approached the horizon, casting a tawny aura within their room, and she knew she probably should get up to start the day.

As soft as down, she leaned forward and brushed her lips on his cheek. His eyes fluttered open almost immediately and widened at her proximity. She watched as the memories flooded his gaze, and a bright blush smeared his cheeks.

"Zelda."

The husky voice in which he said her name, the way he held it in his mouth like melted chocolate, made her stomach flutter. Everything he did was charming. Sometimes she wondered if it was his southern, small-town upbringing or if it was the collateral of being the chosen hero, but in the end, she concluded it was just him.

Zelda smiled, propped herself on her forearm, and pinned the sheet to her bare chest. Link looked up at her in awe, his eyes bashful. His fingers gently brushed aside a strand of her hair, making her shiver, and it ran right through him as if they were connected.

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

Chapter Text

Their lives started together at full speed. Both Zelda and Link spent a significant part of their lives making Hyrule their priority - in one way or another - and they continued to do so in their marriage. They planned to start their reign together by doing a tour of the kingdom. It wasn't a traditional honeymoon per se, but it meant that they were together and seeing the kingdom, just as Link promised they would long ago.

Before they left Castle Town for their venture around Hyrule, Link had one thing he needed to do. He didn't have much of a responsibility on the political side of things, but being married to the queen meant that he represented the royal house and was involved in a lot of ceremonial events. Inadvertently, that meant missing out on training sessions, which wasn't something he was willing or could afford to do.

With all the new recruits that joined the ranks, Eagus and Link were back to training lazy and incompetent squires. Typically, when the highest-level squires were promoted to their knighthood status in the new year, a fresh wave of students who were raised in the castle as pages or sons of knights would join the ranks in the springtime.

However, since his marriage to the queen, a swarm of men from all over Hyrule wished to join the ranks, and the commander was at a loss for what to do. It was clear that once they heard the prince would be training the recruits - even if he did so long before he married Zelda - all the men wanted to be under his tutelage. Of course, being the hero was one thing, a prince another, but being a hero and a prince was nothing short of miraculous.

It took some time to discuss whether they should wait until the next year so that they could be trained at the same speed as the others, but they were worried that the influence of Link's title might wear off by then. Everyone already knew how short the army was of valiant men and how much they could use all of the volunteers, so after a fair bit of rescheduling the men were accepted into the ranks.

As excited as the commanders were to have all those men join the ranks, it was overwhelming. Most of them had no experience wielding weapons nor did they take their responsibilities seriously. Some would spend most of their morning classes asking Link about his travels and accomplishments rather than actually focusing on their lessons.

The army needed as much help as they could get guiding the new wave of recruits and maintaining the army, especially for the times Link was needed elsewhere as prince consort. With that in mind, the hero had scribbled down a quick letter and sent it out to his old friend Ashei, hoping that she might take up the position of captain in the army. He couldn't think of anyone else as capable or deserving of the position as she was.

When he received word from Telma that she'd arrived in town with Shad, Link invited his wife for an outing in Castle Town for the evening. He proudly held her hand in his as they skirted through the courtyard, a summer breeze carrying the scent of garden flowers. The guards nodded to them when they passed the gates, a smile on their faces as they recognized their second-in-command and queen.

Children raced over the stone pathways, chasing scruffy white dogs around the fountain until they were beckoned by their parents, carrying store bags and holding their hands out for their children to grab. Sheets were whipped against open window frames.

Music flowed from the flutes and fiddles beneath the stone arches. Occasionally, pedestrians tossed their rupees into the instrument cases and Link threw in his own spare change. The men smiled at their prince, playing with more enthusiasm at his generosity.

And when they strolled along through the alleys, they came along a batch of small kittens, curling around their legs, and Link bent low to pet a ginger one. He looked up at his wife with such a pure and beautiful grin that she couldn't help but return it.

He was so kind and always made time for everyone, despite his many responsibilities. He gave everything he had to the people, whether it was the loose change in his pocket or a simple smile. She was so glad that the goddesses blessed her and Hyrule with him.

"Do you want to pet them?" her husband asked, just as he shifted his attention to a calico kitten. "They're friendly."

She knelt beside him, caring little about the way her dress folded over the dirty path, and reached out tentatively. The queen hardly had time to play with animals before, besides Epona of course.

Her hand stroked the tiny head before laying her palm flat on its fur. Link laughed and adjusted her hand to fit comfortably over the kitten's body. It leaned into her touch and circled around to deepen the embrace.

Her eyes sparkled in amazement. "Oh," another kitten lightly scratched at her dress, looking for attention, "they're so sweet."

"They are. It's a shame they're left here."

"Are all of these cats strays?" she asked, turning her gaze back to her husband.

"Yeah. Jovani lets them sleep in his yard and sometimes he'll feed them, but they don't have a home."

Zelda remained silent for a moment, tugging her cloak closer to her chest as the winds picked up, and the kittens began scurrying back for shelter. "Perhaps we can open a shelter of sorts." Link stood up and helped her to her feet.

"Do you mean for the strays?"

They fell back into a stride towards the bar again and Zelda nodded. "Yes, before winter sets in. Some of these buildings are unoccupied and though there are still many propositions for what the structures could be made into, I shall suggest it to the council. It wouldn't be fit to have all of these animals homeless, after all."

"That's a great idea, Zelda. Do you think the council would go for it though?"

"I don't see why not. We take homelessness very seriously. Why should animals be treated any differently?"

Link folded his hands behind his back. "They shouldn't," he agreed, openly impressed by her idea and thoughtfulness. He was a far bigger animal lover than he came off as and her idea made him excited to see it put into action.

They reached the stone steps down to the pub, Zelda holding the iron railings as they descended. Even from outside, they could hear the loud noise of the bar. When Link opened the wooden door, warm light poured over the alleyway and he followed Zelda into the establishment. Conversation, the clinking of mugs, and the strumming of fiddles resonated in the small bar, but even with the crowd, it was warm and homey.

Telma smiled broadly when she saw the couple come in and slipped out from behind her bar. "Link, honey!" She tucked the rag in her pocket and placed her hands on her hips. "Your Majesty, it's so nice to see you! Link didn't tell me you were comin'. You want me to close up?"

"That's quite all right, Telma. But thank you."

"Are you sure, hun? It can get pretty rowdy at times." Zelda looked over to the large men drinking quite heavily at their table, the ale dripping from their bushy beards. They most likely were too drunk to realize that their queen was there, but they weren't bothering anyone.

"Of course. Thank you, though."

"Don't think of it, dear," she said, waving a hand in the general direction of the back table. "You guys take a seat and I'll be with you in a sec', all right?"

"Thanks," said the hero. They walked past the patterned curtains and took a seat at a small round table. The people closest to them were in high spirits, drinking and cheering, but were otherwise harmless.

Telma came by their table a moment later with a tray under her arm. "Oh, where are those two?"

"It's okay," Link said. "We're in no rush."

"Well, since they're not here yet, I wanted to ask you two if you heard the news about Ilia." Link already knew what she was talking about. She'd reached out to him months ago with the news of her engagement with Fado.

Though they still kept in contact, Ilia was unsure if he'd be able to attend and honestly, it was a bit of a letdown. Even before she developed feelings for him, he was the closest friend she had growing up and she cared for him deeply.

But in the following weeks when Link told her that he and Zelda were planning a tour, she decided it'd be a great idea to schedule the wedding for the days that the two would be in Ordon. Though he would've found a way to attend Ilia's wedding regardless, it was a good idea and so the couple happily accepted the invitation.

"Yeah, we have. Are you going too?"

"Well, she sent me an invitation. The sweet girl, bless her heart, offered for me to stay in her room. You know, since she'll be livin' with her honey," she said with a short, playful laugh. "I'm dyin' to go."

"If you'd like, you can accompany us," Zelda offered. "Since Ordon is on the smaller side, an entourage won't be accompanying us until we arrive in Kakariko Village. There will be more than enough room for company."

"Really?"

"Yeah, of course," Link said. "She'd be really happy to see you."

"Aw well, all right then! Thank you very much!" With that, Telma cheerfully took their order and threw a, "I'll be right back," over her shoulder.

It wasn't long after she brought the drinks to the table that Shad and Ashei arrived, dropping off their light jackets on the hook by the door. They seemed accustomed to the loud noise, waltzing into the bar with a short, casual greeting to the barkeep.

But when they approached the back table, Shad spotted the queen and bowed quickly, his round glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose. "Your Majesty, Lin-Your Highness."

Ashei rolled her eyes from his side and lightly smacked his arm. "They're friends, yeah? Stop actin' so stodgy."

Link nodded, embarrassed at the use of his title. "It's okay." When the queen offered a gentle, reassuring smile, he pushed his glasses up and bobbed his head.

"R-Right…my apologies," he said, taking a seat across from the hero. "It's nice to see you both."

"We're glad to meet with you two as well," Zelda replied politely. "Have you been voyaging Hyrule since we last met?"

"Ah well, we were but we've taken a bit of a break. Auru required some time to himself. He was quite fatigued after our last trip to Zora's Domain, and so Ashei and I have extended our stay in Castle Town."

"Is that so? You would both be more than welcome to stay in the castle if you'd wish."

Shad blushed the slightest, blubbering thanks. "Th-That's all right, Your Majesty. I…Well, you see I have an apartment of sorts in town."

Link, smartly seeing this chance to ask for Ashei's help, spoke up, "Well, that's good. I was actually wondering if you could help me, Ashei."

The young warrior turned to him with pinched brows. "Eh? Me? With what?"

"Remember when we asked you if you wanted to train with the army? Well… if you guys are here for some time, I was wondering if you'd like to take up a position. I spoke to the commander and we think you'd make a great captain."

His wife noticed Link's struggle in asking Ashei this; she could guess Link's own selflessness made him feel guilty about asking anything from others. Without further delay, she added, "It'd be wonderful for the squires to have such a highly trained warrior as a captain. And Shad, should you wish to accompany Ashei for the time being, the castle's library would be at your disposal. I've heard you're quite the avid scholar."

Shad's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth falling open. The whole castle library for him to use sounded like a dream come true: on top of having a grand collection of resources from various kingdoms, there were also archives dating back ages. "Tha…That would be wonderful! We would love to!"

"Hold it," Ashei said, annoyed with his tendency to get carried away. "Link, I'd wanna help but-"

"But what? This would be a great opportunity! You could train with the knights of Hyrule and I-"

Ashei turned her head to him, her raven hair almost smacking him across the face. "Shad-" she reproached, successfully cutting him off. "I dunno…Are you sure you want me to do it? I'm not exactly patient, yeah?"

Link nodded, scratching the back of his head. "It is a little tough, but I think the recruits will really respect you and I know that you'd be a great help. I'll be away now and then, but Eagus will be there to help you if you need it."

Just then, Telma looped around the table, a playful grin on her face. "Sorry to interrupt, huns. I just brought a couple more drinks." She distributed the glasses and asked, "What're you all talkin' about? Seems real important."

Shad looked between the barkeep and the warrior, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose nervously before answering, "Ah…Link's offered Ashei a position in the army as a captain."

Telma put a hand on her hip. "Wow, no kidding! That's great, Ashei!"

The warrior frowned in thought. It'd be a big change and she wasn't used to training with others. But it'd also be a great opportunity to continue her own training and she always did despise how lazy the knights were. She took a swig of her drink and placed it back on the table. "Y'know what, I'll give it a try. Who knows, maybe we can actually make some good fighters out of 'em."

The barkeep and Shad cheered in excitement and the couple smiled at each other. "I'm proud of you, hun. I know you'll do great!"

Ashei waved away their excitement and took another swig of the copper drink. "Well, when do I start?"

Link looked at his wife before saying, "Whenever you're ready. Zelda and I leave in a couple of weeks for our tour so if you start before then, I'll be able to help you get settled."

"All right. I'll come this week then." Link's smile widened and he nodded.

"The tour, eh?" Shad chimed in. "I heard about that! Where will you two go?"

"We'll be visiting all of the provinces," Zelda answered. "We've written to each of our region's leaders and they've been very accommodating. They've arranged for celebrations they'd like us to attend and scheduled them accordingly."

"That sounds exciting! You haven't done a tour yet, have you?"

"No, unfortunately not. I'm very glad to have one now."

"Well, Link here knows his way around in case you get lost," Telma teased.

Zelda smiled at her husband. "Yes, I think he'll be a great help."

"Where will you go first?"

"We're going south to north, so we begin at Ordon Village for Ilia's wedding."

"A wedding! How exciting!"

"A big strong start, huh," Shad commented. "We wish you two safe travels, Your Majesty."

For the remainder of the evening, the couple drank and made merry with their friends in the busy tavern before they retired to the castle in the late hours.

More so than any other province, Ordona had a charm as though it were taken straight out of a painting. It was the way the old mill skimmed the creek and the way the running water lapped over stones stuck in the stream, the way the birds sang in the distant trees, wildlife darted in and out of the branches, and the late summer sunlight danced between the leaves.

Even still, it was more beautiful that day than ever before.

Spring flowers decked the village homes and bound over the bridge in a wedding arch, and the gentle strumming of a lyre sounded alongside the distant twitter of the songbirds. Rusl and Uli's daughter was the first to stroll down the aisle. The fair-haired toddler was donned in a soft cream dress and held a woven basket full of ivory wildflower petals; she bundled them in her fist before tossing them to the ground.

When Ilia came from the hill to the pathway, everyone rose. She was a vision in a flowy white gown with wildflowers adorning her blonde hair and petals twirling around her sandals in the light breeze. The bride smiled warmly, her eyes alight with adoration when she saw her groom at the end of the walkway standing with her father. The mayor - the one to ordain the wedding - typically wasn't also the father of the bride, but Ilia found it more personal that way.

When she stopped under the arch, her father took her hands and placed them in Fado's. Despite trying his hardest to stay strong, Bo's eyes brimmed with tears under his bushy brows and he choked on his words as he began the service.

A unity ceremony in Ordona was far simpler than the ones done in the castle. There was simply the exchange of vows and rings witnessed by the entirety of the village. But it was beautiful, despite – or perhaps because - of its modesty.

As expected, the reception that followed was lively and carried on into the evening. Lighting up the village under the night sky, lanterns were hung in the low-hanging branches and propped along the pathways. There was a grand feast featuring all of Ordon's best dishes strewn across a long wooden table and the whole community sat around it, pouring drinks and talking loudly.

Zelda relished in the time she got to feel like a part of something much bigger than herself. To be welcomed amongst the kindest, most tight-knit community she'd ever known was a treasure that rivaled all the jewels in the kingdom's treasury. Though they were still respectful, they treated her more like family now that she was married to Link.

The hero was glad that he got to be a part of the celebration too. Growing up in the village, he knew that they shared every important moment with each other, whether it was a child's first steps or the birth of a calf. He felt like he'd missed so much being away for so long, but being at his two best friends' wedding was something he was grateful not to miss.

"It really was the cutest thing," Ilia said, retelling the story with a big grin on her face and a hand landing on her husband's chest. "He said he wanted to show me the newest kid. So I came to the ranch and there it was: a baby goat with a ring around his collar!"

The older ladies aww'd at the thought. Ordon goats were notably cute when they were young with their silvery-blue fur, wobbly legs, and big glassy eyes. It was especially sweet knowing how much Ilia loved animals.

"But ya didn't even notice it at first," Fado teased.

She blushed and laughed despite herself. "Well of course! I was so distracted by the goat!"

The table erupted in laughter and soon began asking them about their plans together. "Well, Fado will stay in charge of the ranch and I'll be mayor one day, of course," Ilia said proudly, grinning at her father.

"But I've also thought about how I can help people in the meantime. My father and I spoke about me studying medicine. One day, I hope I can offer my services to those that need it, either here in the village or on my travels as mayor."

"That's very kind of you, Ilia," Uli complimented.

"You'll be a great mayor one day," Telma added, easily fitting in with the others.

"What about kiddos?"

Fado scratched his head awkwardly and Ilia nodded eagerly. "Of course, lots!"

There was another round of laughter and the crowd cooed over the thought of having more tykes running around. As the night carried on, some of the older villagers picked up their fiddles and lutes and played while the others danced and laughed merrily.

The royals sat at the table with Telma, Rusl, and Uli, watching the village youth twirl to the music alongside the bride and groom. "It's so strange to see all of you grow up," Rusl mused. "I remember when the three of you were running around the pumpkin patches. Now you're all married and living your own lives. It certainly reminds me how old I'm getting!"

"And I'll love you no matter how many grey hairs you get," Uli teased beside him. Then she added in earnest, "I feel so lucky to see all of you starting your lives. You have so much happiness coming your way."

Seeing how much had changed was strange for Link too. Even the village children weren't really children anymore: now they were approaching their teenage years.

"Thank you," Zelda replied with a small smile. "Should we be half as happy as you, we'd be fortunate."

The older couple smiled proudly and Rusl squeezed his wife's hand. "The best part of life is having people to share it with. Having Uli, Link, and my children in my life was all I ever needed."

"Speakin' of which, when are you two gonna have kids?" Telma asked, her chin leaning on her hand. "Better get to it."

Link went stiff, though his cheeks darkened. He couldn't help getting flustered discussing such matters – especially with his adoptive parents. Zelda's cheeks turned rosy as well, but she answered on their behalf. "Certainly one day. But currently, we have no plans."

"Well, I'd be delighted to look after them!" Uli added kindly. "Right, Rusl? Can you imagine how cute they'd be?"

He nodded in agreement with his wife, chuckling at the apparent embarrassment on Link's face. "They would be very cute, huh, Link?" The hero grimaced at his mentor and exchanged an embarrassed smile with Zelda before looking away.

"While I do love children, I think we must first focus on the well-being of our kingdom. There is still a lot that can be done and I believe this tour will help us find different ways to better Hyrule."

"I admire your dedication, Your Majesty," Rusl said. "I can tell you're hardworking and that's something we really appreciate here."

"Thank you. I can certainly see how hardworking everyone in this village is. The generous supply of dairy and crops from Ordon is especially popular with the people in Castle Town."

"I'll say," Telma added. "My regulars love the food!"

A strong voice commanded their attention. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Bo said, taking a seat beside Link. "It's good to hear that our small village can make a good contribution."

"Of course. Ordon, like all of our villages, is very valuable to the kingdom."

"And we love supplyin' to your bar, Telma. It's nice to finally meet you in person."

Telma waved her hand with a smile, blushing despite herself. "Aw, I'm just glad to be here for Ilia. She's such a sweetheart."

"She says the same about you," he said with a smile. "And how're you all enjoyin' yourselves? Havin' fun?"

"Yeah, we are," Link said. "Thanks for inviting us."

"Of course. Link. You're Ilia's closest friend from when you were young'un's. And havin' you, Your Majesty, and Telma at her weddin' - well, she was real happy."

"We wouldn't have missed it."

When the night was through and everyone was tuckered out, Link took his wife's arm and together they walked over to the bride and groom, who were laughing together as they gathered their wedding presents. They quieted down when they saw the two approaching but their grins still lingered. "We just wanted to say thank you for inviting us," Zelda said. "It's been a lovely evening."

Ilia blushed and shook her head. "That's very sweet. Thank you, Your Majesty. And thank you both for coming."

"It was our pleasure. I wish you both all the happiness ahead." With a small smile, she turned to Link and released his arm. "I'll wait for you at the house."

For a moment, he watched her pick up her skirts and make her way up the walkway, nodding and wishing goodnight to the people she passed. Then he turned back to his friends. "It really was fun."

"Aw, Link. We're just glad you could make it. You've always been such a great friend to both of us. Having you here means the world."

Fado nodded along with his new bride and added, "Yeah thanks, bud. It's good to see ya."

The hero tucked his thumbs into his belt absently. "I was thinking, I can look after the ranch tomorrow, if you'd like. Zelda'll be doing her surveys and I don't mind helping out."

"Really, bud? We'd never – I mean, you don't have to."

"Yeah, of course." He then scratched his right forearm awkwardly. "You just got married so you'll probably want to go away somewhere or something."

"Oh, Link," Ilia said, a big, sentimental grin on her face as she wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you, thank you! That means the world!"

Link returned the hug and when she released him, Ilia grabbed her husband's arm, looking at him excitedly. "We could go to the springs! You know how I love it there!"

"For sure," he said. "Thanks again, bud. We'll be back the next day then." Link nodded and they hurried off to Fado's - and now their - house together.

All alone in the clearing, he made his way up the path to his old home. It was strange: the path didn't change, but nearly everything around it did. As Rusl said, time went on and everyone was getting older. He wondered what Ordon would look like the next time he came back.

All in all, he was just grateful that he was back, even for a bit. Being surrounded by people who loved him unconditionally reminded him he'd never be alone. It was his home just like the castle was now.

When he made his way to the foot of the tree, he saw the light from the hearth flicker through the window, and the warmth it emitted felt cozy and safe. He smiled to himself when he saw Zelda's shadow move around the house.

Well whether he was in Ordon Village or Hyrule Castle or stranded in Gerudo Desert, he knew he'd always have a home. And it was with her.

There was something eerily familiar about the place he awoke. It was hot, and the ground beneath him was vast and colorless. His steps were heavier and yet when his paws touched the ground, they sank.

There was nothing around him. His blue eyes searched for some sign of life but even his sharp, attentive gaze couldn't find it. Still, he believed there had to be something. Someone.

The beast started to run, his body feeling heavy and weighed down by the muggy air and his thick coat. The red-hot desert sun beat down on his back, but he was persistent and pushed through the waves of heat until he saw a giant oak tree in the distance.

He wondered briefly if it was simply a mirage. A tree in the desert? It was impossible. Yet its branches were plump with bright green leaves, so much so that the lower branches slumped from the weight. He eyed it carefully as he approached the trunk and braced himself once he noticed a rustle in the leaves.

Lurking within the foliage, deep crimson eyes peered at him, all-knowing and mysterious, even a little bit smug. That look – those eyes – they were familiar.

"Hey, hero," Midna teased.

Link's excitement overcame him at the familiar sight of his old friend and he raced over to the tree, only for her to emerge from the leaves, unrecognizable.

His companion was a raven, drenched in dark, inky feathers accented with teal-blue Twili markings. Her head craned forward and her wings stretched out. "What, you don't remember me?" Though she took on a different form, he still recognized her cunning tone beneath the raspiness of the bird's voice.

The hero had so much he wanted to ask, like if she was okay and how the Twilight Realm was doing. But instead, all that came out was, "Midna?"

Her haughty laugh emitted from the raven's beak. "Oh, so you do know who I am? What an honor. For a minute there, I thought you forgot all about me."

"No, of course not," he rebutted. "How are you here? Will you stay?"

Her beak dipped as her red eyes examined the wolf she knew well. "I'm not that easy to get rid of." She laughed. "I'll be around if you look for me."

With one last croak, she dove from the tree, swirling the sands with the beat of her large, black wings. He whipped his head around frantically, but he lost sight of her in the sandstorm. Alone once again, Link let out a mourning howl.

Link startled awake with a gasp, his hands slapping the sheets as his eyes shot open.

Heaving for air, he eyed his surroundings and folded his arms over his chest in an effort to bring himself back to reality. It was just a strange dream, he realized - a really strange dream. And yet, it felt so real.

With a short, exasperated sigh, he looked over at his wife, still deep in sleep with a hand resting over the empty space beside her. He smiled and laid back down next to her, already feeling calmer and safer with her by his side.

Between the occasional goat bleats and the steady buzz of the cicadas, it wasn't utterly silent on the grassy knoll, but it was peaceful all the same. He was reading on the hilltop like he used to, his knees drawn up and the book balanced on his palm.

Before last night, no one asked him to look after the barn; being that he was part of the royal family now, it was apparently improper to ask him to work as a farmhand. But Link thought it'd be nice for Ilia and Fado to spend some alone time after their wedding and he didn't mind doing the work.

The simplicity of the morning was a nice change of pace from the busy life he now led, but it was almost boring. With the more adventurous side of him aching to move, he pushed himself to his feet and impulsively decided to clean up the barn.

He was tossing the hay when he heard a small knock on the door and turned to see his wife standing there, an amused smile on her face. "You cannot stand still, can you?"

He wiped his brow with his forearm and smiled mischievously back at her. "Maybe not. But neither can you."

"I suppose that's fair." She spent the entire morning with the villagers trying to garner more information about the workings of Ordon. By learning firsthand how the village worked, she could learn more about the wants and needs of the people. Though it was technically a professional matter, she tried to not treat it that way and made an effort to connect with them on a more personal level. "Speaking of which, I ought to know more about the ranch."

"Oh, I see. So now you're studying me?" he joked, raising a brow as he shoveled more hay onto the pile.

"Well, not exactly." Her eyes wandered to his flexed muscles, admiring the dewy glow of his skin. Teasingly, she added, "But I could if you'd like."

His pitchfork stuck in the hay as he paused, unsure if she meant what he thought she did. When he looked up at her, he caught her teasing smile and blushed. "Zelda," he grumbled and she couldn't help but giggle.

She said it teasingly, but there really was something so attractive about him working on the ranch. She loved him in every way he was and everything he did, but his sweat-dampened hair and the loose clothes hanging off his toned body were particularly pleasing to her.

"I think you've been spending too much time with Telma."

Zelda shook her head with a laugh. "Perhaps, but she is quite the charmer. It's nice being around your friends. I'm only sorry to have to leave them so soon."

"Me too. But we'll come back."

Zelda nodded and looked off, her smile fading. "We're going to Kakariko Village next. For the ceremony of the lost villagers."

"I know." Link hung up the pitchfork and brushed his hands. When he turned to face her again, he noticed the somber look on her face and titled his head. "Are you gonna be okay?"

The queen took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I'll be okay. It will be difficult, I'm sure, but it's important that those who were lost are given the acknowledgment and respect that they deserve. It's long overdue." She met his gaze again. "How are you feeling about it?"

He ran a hand through his hair. "I...don't know. But I know Renado will be grateful for it. And that's good." Zelda nodded again. Her husband always struggled to express himself, but he'd gotten a lot better at coming to her if he needed to talk. She wouldn't push him on it.

Thankfully, Ordon was a pleasant beginning to their tour. But it was time to brace themselves for what came next.

Since Zelda first promised to refurbish the village from the ground up, much already had changed – and for the first time, it was in a positive way. With help from royally appointed carpenters and volunteers, the buildings were cleared out and rebuilt from their foundations. It was still bare in terms of population, but there was still work to be done before it would be suitable for supporting a large group of Hyruleans. There was hope, at least, that the population would be doubled before winter set in.

With his head to the sky, the shaman waited for the royals outside the newly mended sanctuary. A fresh summer breeze swept by him, a small whistle in the wind, and his eyes closed to feel the sensation to the fullest.

It'd been too long since the village had seen such light in the darkness. Just from a glance down the paved path, he could see how different it looked - and yet so familiar. He could see the Gorons and sparse villagers walk around with the certainty that they were safe at last.

As the queen had much to do in Kakariko Village, her husband and a group of knights would accompany her, and the assembly was set to arrive by the late afternoon. While he waited, the shaman turned to the shimmering spring as it lapped against the sand and prayed to the goddesses for their safe arrival.

The trampling hooves and rolling wheels thundered in the lonely village as the carriage rode through the gates. By then, his daughter had found her way beside him, and their dark eyes were trained on the red, lavish carriage - blinding against the still-lackluster backdrop of their village. A fog of dust rose as the carriage settled to a stop in front of the sanctuary. Even before they stepped out of their carriage, the two stepped back and respectfully bowed to their monarchs.

A knight slipped off the plush seat at the front and opened the door for the queen. She met the shaman's eyes, holding her skirt in one hand and the hero's hand in her other as he helped her descend. "Shaman Renado, young Luda," her delicate voice greeted, looking ever the refined queen as always. Link found his way beside her, looking upon his bowing friends with fond recollection. "Please rise."

With a smooth motion, the shaman and his daughter followed her orders. His long-sleeved hand pressed against his chest, the tassels loosely swinging. "Your Majesty, Your Highness," he greeted in turn. On any other day, Link would've cringed at the title, but not now. "It's an honor for you to visit us at this time."

"The honor is ours. Thank you for welcoming us into your village."

"My queen, you and Link will always be welcome in Kakariko. Please, take your time exploring, and feel free to speak with me or my daughter when you are ready."

"Thank you."

"Of course," Renado replied, a gentle smile directed to the hero. "If I may, allow me to escort you to your room for your stay."

As the shaman led them to the inn, the hero was momentarily distracted from the event that was to come. He could hardly recognize the building that stood before him. The old creaky porch was replaced with a far sturdier one and the tattered cloths hanging over the gateway were replaced by new quilts with intricate patterns. Even the door was framed with seemingly impenetrable glass.

Once they stepped inside the inn, the true transformation was revealed: the foyer was filled with wooden tables, circled by chairs, and topped with woven runners and stone statuettes. Bottles were tucked away neatly in the shelves of the bar and sparkled in the light emitting from the brass torches on the walls. A saloon door was installed behind the bar, leading to what appeared to be a kitchen.

Up the carpeted stairs were three doors. It seemed that the large room was broken down into three smaller ones to house more guests and offer them some privacy. A small sofa and table waited outside of the doors upstairs as well.

It was amazing to see what time and effort could do to an almost abandoned village. Link had never seen Kakariko as anything other than the village brought down by shadow beasts. Not only was the place almost unrecognizable with the remodeling but now the inn epitomized Kakariko's culture.

Zelda, on the other hand, had nothing to relate the village to other than brief descriptions from her husband and the shaman; she couldn't quite grasp the full splendor of the transformation. But the village and the inn were certainly beautiful, and all of them wished to see it filled with the life and laughter it deserved.

"This is such a lovely inn, shaman," Zelda said. "It truly embodies Kakariko's rich history and culture. It deserves to be admired by Hyruleans from all over the kingdom."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. It would've never achieved such a state had it not been for your involvement."

"Hyrule would have it no other way."

Renado bowed again in response, his hands folded within his sleeves and his braided hair pouring over his shoulder. "I imagine the trip was very tiring so I will allow you to get your rest." He straightened out. "When you are ready, you may find me in the sanctuary."

"Thank you again, shaman," the queen said, watching Renado as he excused himself from the inn. When he left, they looked over the inn one last time. Though they truly were glad to see the village in such a working state, they couldn't bear to smile.

"Well," Zelda said, looking back at her husband, "would you like to head to our room?" Link nodded and followed her lead up the stairs.

They didn't take long to settle in; soon enough, Link set off with Luda and the Gorons to the graveyard. Meanwhile, Zelda headed over to the sanctuary to meet Renado and discuss the changes in the village. Though she knew much of the village in terms of history and agriculture, she wanted to see it for herself. Moreover, it was important for her to conduct some research and perform inspections for the repairs.

As promised, the shaman awaited her in the sanctuary, sitting before a large sandstone statue and a single candle. His voice was deep and raw as he spoke prayers in a language Zelda could only faintly understand. He was clearly deep in his prayer, so she waited for him to finish before greeting him.

"Your Majesty," Renado said, pleasantly surprised. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm well rested now. I apologize for the wait."

"It was no problem. It gave me time to finish my prayers."

Zelda stepped further into the room. It was quite modest, the bird statue being the most prominent part of the sanctuary. The torches and carpets were refurbished and the windows were filled with stained glass depictions of Kakariko's lore. Sunlight streamed past the glass pictures and lit up the room in an amber hue.

"The sanctuary is stunning," she said softly, turning to the shaman with a smile. "Is this where you offer your prayers to the light spirits?"

"Yes. It was built many years ago in honor of the light spirit Eldin and our patron goddess Din. In return for her blessings, we offer our prayers here every day." The shaman rose his head to the bird statue, his face sharp at the edges but his expression calm and collected. "It was once a beloved site amongst the villagers. We housed many celebrations here."

Zelda looked around the room. Imagining that it was once full of innocent people made her heart clench in her chest. Now, it needed to be rebuilt like the buildings were just buildings instead of homes, instead of stores and cafés and places of worship housing families and loved ones.

She could never replace what truly was lost. But if Zelda could offer anything, she'd want to help the village pick itself up again, to have a new beginning after it'd seen such an abysmal demise.

Zelda folded her hands and returned her gaze to the shaman. "I'm so sorry your villagers could not be here to see Kakariko today. I'm sure they would be grateful to you for your devotion and care for this land, and for all who've lived here."

Turning to her, he nodded with a small saddened smile. "I'd truly hope so. Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Chapter Text

Many tombstones lined the barren land. Not much changed on the site besides a general clean-up of the broken signs that Link recalled lying around and the addition of iron fences that lined a path around the monuments.

A wooden sign hung on chains at the entrance, creaking eerily in the breeze, and a large bird statue stood at the center. The crows seemed to respect it, not so much as nearing the holy shrine and instead perching on the dead trees at the far end or circling up above as the group tended the earth.

Luda explained that since Din was the patron goddess of the Eldin Province, the ceremony would involve many of Din's attributions such as firelight and a ceremonial dance. But most importantly, Renado would distribute blessings into the earth with a talisman since the villagers who'd been found were hastily buried shortly after the twilight was lifted.

For this, Link and the others began digging a hole for the charm. They also started planting flowers around the tombs out of respect for the fallen and building light torches behind each tombstone.

As the hero dug the earth, somberness started to weigh him down, settling in his chest like a rock. The realization that these people were truly gone dawned on him. So many had suffered because of one selfish king and his puppet.

The villagers of Kakariko and Ordon, Ralis and his late mother, Darbus and the Gorons, Yeto and Yeta, Zelda…Midna…they were all innocent people facing consequences they didn't deserve.

He'd never been at a ceremony like this before and besides the enemies he'd slain, he'd never been faced with the deceased. He knew now that his parents died long ago, but he never got to know them and he wasn't there to see them buried. Now, preparing for the ceremony, grief and guilt overcame him.

Maybe if he knew what his destiny was ahead of time, if he wasn't dragged through the Twilight Realm, or hadn't taken too long searching for the tears of light, he could've gotten to them sooner. There were such grave costs for such simple mistakes.

Luda, who'd been planting a flowerbed on the other side of the fence, looked up at him through the iron rails. "Your Highness." When he didn't respond, she said, "Link?" His eyes flashed to her. "Are you all right?"

His brows rose in confusion and it wasn't until Luda touched her cheek sympathetically that he realized his cheeks were damp. He licked his lips to find a salty aftertaste of tears lingering on his lips. With a swallow and a small smile, he nodded and hurriedly wiped away his tears with his sleeves.

The ceremony was set to begin in the evening. Zelda and her knights arrived while the logs were being piled up within the hollow shell of the bird statue. In accordance with Hyrule's customs, the queen wore a dark gown and a veil over her hair. Solemnly, she walked towards the small group and nodded once to her husband.

Link was tending the tinder and igniting a spark, but he noticed a profound sadness - perhaps as deep as his - shining through her eyes. By her stiff jaw and tight lips, he could tell that she was trying to mask her grief but there was only so much she could hide.

Renado cleared his throat from his spot in front of the bird statue. "Please gather around." Everyone assembled in front of him. When Luda took her place beside the queen, Zelda gave her a small nod in greeting.

She couldn't imagine what the young girl was going through having known all of the villagers, some of them being her friends. Yet she'd been courageous through all the strife; she even shared that bravery with the children from Ordon in their time of need.

Luda held her hand out to the queen with a small smile partially washed out by the shadows. Zelda took it, her heart sinking in her chest as she felt the coolness of the young girl's palm sitting in hers. "Thank you for attending this ceremony today," Renado continued. "As you all know, we've faced a terrible loss and it's time to acknowledge and pay our respects to those who were taken from us." The fire popped; the wood crackled. "May we wait no longer to begin the ceremony."

A group of knights, including Link, withdrew an arrow from their quivers. Renado stood to a side and whispered an ancient prayer to each knight before instructing them to dip their arrow into the flames. He exchanged a nod with the hero, a stern look on both of their faces before he was dismissed.

"Archers, may you find your marks."

Obediently, the men lined up before each tombstone and withdrew a bow from their backs. Zelda absently squeezed the young girl's hand as she watched the men nock their arrows of fire into the strings.

Link held his breath until his fingers released the arrow, causing each of the knights to release their own, and they landed with a series of thuds. A spring of flame leapt up from each nest of wood, sending glowing embers to dot the sky and disappear into the darkness. Link's eyes wandered down to the name engraved in the tombstone, flickering in and out of the candlelight. A father, it read.

With a gulp of air, he turned around to see the rest of the men draw in towards the center again. He exhaled before following them.

Renado reached into the collar of his ceremonial robe to reveal a shining talisman, a ruby charm engraved with a symbol that looked similar to one of the Sheikah. "In honor of the fallen, I will pass this talisman around, and if you may offer a word of kindness or prayer, please do so now. May the spirit of Din slumbering in the earth hear our words and deliver them to the fallen."

The shaman turned to Barnes at his side. It was passed around with soft prayers and deep sentiments. So many names of friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews were recited, falling out of their mouths like they'd been waiting to be set free.

"He was my best friend."

"I'll never forget her smile."

"I can't see them again, but I'll never forget them."

A knot wrapped itself in Link's stomach before the talisman fell into his palm. He twirled the stone in his fingers, catching the glimmer from the firelight and feeling the rough edges beneath his thumb.

He didn't think before he began speaking, a soft voice that spilled out of him as if he didn't realize people were around. "I didn't know them," he said under his breath. "I didn't know any of the villagers. I grew up in a village too," he added quickly and then swallowed.

"I knew what it was like to have a home, to feel safe and happy. I almost lost my friends too but I was lucky to find them - to know that they were safe. That they didn't have to suffer." He felt the knot tighten in his stomach. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I couldn't get there in time to save you."

Without meeting Zelda's gaze, he passed the talisman to her. Her eyes lingered on him for a moment, but his were downcast.

She'd watched people die before her eyes – she could handle this. But while her face could remain sharp and hollow, her voice couldn't. It shook like a harp string as she recited words that were both practiced and precise, but not any less true or meaningful, nor void of true passion. "I may not have known all of the villagers for myself, but they were a meaningful part of this kingdom. Like losing an appendage, as this village fell, the whole kingdom felt its pain.

"Sometimes I, like many others, tend to focus so much on the bigger picture that we lose sight of what's important. These villagers were individuals: they each had dreams and fears like the rest of us. They were mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. And they were lost because of their sacrifice for this village and for one another.

"I, like Hyrule, will forever remember them for their bravery and their kindness. May the goddesses forever watch over these villagers and send Hyrule's love to them each day from this moment onward."

After she pressed the talisman to her heart, she passed it along, and it circulated between the knights' hands like it was hot coal. It was the truth of a whole fallen village sitting in their palms and they couldn't take the weight of it.

When it was passed to the shaman, he held it in his hand with a calmness and true sadness that wasn't comprehensible to the youth. "The villagers were my friends." His voice was thick with emotion, but smooth enough that it got caught on the wind.

"They greeted my daughter and me with a love that a family shares. We woke up each day to the ringing of the bell atop the sanctuary and went to sleep with the late prayer ensuring our safe rest. I recall each of the villagers, and at night I still see their shining faces.

"They looked up to me as their chief, the one who must serve and protect his village and put them above all else. But I was not there to save them when they needed me; I could not save them in time from the shadow beasts that crept up from the underworld, and they suffered because of it."

After a moment, he smiled and continued. "The queen was right in saying that they were brave. Our villagers were brave enough to risk their lives in honor of this village and in honor of each other. I pray that we never forget the true integrity and righteousness of each and every one of the lost members of this village, and I pray to the goddess Din to send my regrets to them, lest they forget the devotion and respect I hold for them."

With a quiet prayer in an ancient language, he kissed the talisman softly and knelt to the ground. He set the charm safely within the earth, and Zelda felt the young girl's grip fall from her hands as she moved to her father's side. Both of their hands padded over the earth carefully and they held the ground for a moment after it was buried.

When they rose, the soft beat of a drum began pounding, a dull aching sound like the pounding of a headache. Without another word, Renado began a dance, each of his steps free and loose. The others held each other's hands as they watched his graceful movements.

In the deep thrum of the Goron's bongos and within the crackling of the logs, there was a song, a beat, a rhythm that not only sang for loss but also for the remembrance of life. It was a haunting melody that had been bitten down by the tongue, now freed and unleashed into the sky like a message to be heard by the goddesses and spirits.

When the crowd dispersed late into the night, neither Link nor Zelda spoke much. They were escorted back into the inn by the knights, all of which were murmuring amongst themselves with discomfort.

As they trudged up the stairs and into their rooms, Link sank into the quilt comforters but had yet to lie down. Zelda removed the netting from her hair and stripped the gloves off her arms before she turned around and saw Link sitting solemnly at the edge of the bed. She set the ornaments on the vanity before she approached him, placing a gentle hand on his back.

"I heard what you said to the talisman this evening." He didn't look up but turned his head the slightest so that she knew he was listening. "It's all right for you to be hurting, but I'd rather you speak to me about it. You shouldn't hold all of your fears and doubts inside."

He sighed. "I know."

She was quiet for a moment, offering him time to adjust to the conversation before adding, "If you'd like, we could speak about it now."

She partially expected him to shake his head and ignore his own feelings; if he did, she wouldn't force him to continue. He already had an eventful day and he'd already opened up so much that night.

But to her satisfaction, he started, "It's just that…the ceremony reminded me of the invasion. It's not that I forgot about it or anything but I guess it felt more...real. It's only been two years but it feels like so much longer."

The queen nodded with understanding and yet she felt completely opposite. To her, it seemed like just yesterday she'd met Midna for the first time - just yesterday a usurper king took over her kingdom.

"You told me that courage isn't the same as fearlessness," he continued. His eyes drifted to the window, to the firelight dancing on the stone wall. "I don't remember being afraid back then. Not from the monsters or anything, but I remember feeling scared that I'd lose everyone. That I'd be too late to save the kids or Ilia or you. And at the ceremony…"

"You were reminded of that fear," Zelda finished.

He met her eyes. "Yeah."

"That feeling is justified. You did lose much, Link, and so did the villagers. All those people… They didn't deserve to suffer the way that they did." She swallowed. She didn't allow herself to sink into her guilt just then: she focused on his pain instead. "They fought for their village and for one another. The entire settlement would've been destroyed had they not. The same way you fought every day - the way you still do.

"Commander Eagus often tells me how great you are at training the recruits," she admitted. "I'm so proud of you for your work in building up our army. You've faced a lot of troubles - your own and those of others - and are familiar with so much loss, but you've repurposed that to benefit Hyrule."

That was what he wanted, to make sure no soldier ever failed the kingdom again. He'd been trying to ensure that the entire army protected the kingdom that he worked so hard to save, just like a certain hero in faded armor once had. It was almost as if Link was now that same soldier: experienced and grown, trying to make up for the mistakes he made.

"You've done so much for this kingdom, Link," she continued, taking his hand in hers. Her fingers absently traced along the lines of his palm and the callouses on his fingers, her eyes following her touch. "Don't dwell on what was out of your control."

He tightened his grip around her hand. "I can say the same for you." He caught her: he knew of her guilt, even though she tried to hide it.

Her eyes sharply met his. "That is not the same."

"It is." His eyebrows creased with a frown, his dark eyes turbulent with emotion. "Zant's attack was out of your control too. And don't say you should've been ready for it. He had Ganondorf's power."

She lowered her head but said nothing. She didn't agree with him – she never would – but she also didn't want to burden him with her own guilt when this was about his pain.

"Zelda." She didn't meet his gaze, so he lowered his head the slightest to catch her eye. "I always believed you were a great princess."

She closed her eyes, her heart clenching in her chest. Then, she placed her free hand over their intertwined grip. "And I always believed you were a great hero."

After their long talk, the queen drifted off to sleep, having far less of a capacity for long journeys than the hero. But for the life of him, Link couldn't follow suit.

Memories of the invasion flashed back to him in ways he couldn't remember having in a while. The crawling spirit insects plaguing the kingdom, sharp and piercing shards of mirrors, and darkness descending in veils of twilight. He didn't want to fall back into the somberness that overcame him when he thought of the invasion, but it seemed to accumulate on its own. What was supposed to be an overdue ceremony in honor of the lost brought back a part of him he'd long put behind him.

Quietly, he slipped out of bed, grabbed his lantern, and shut the door on his way out. Loud rumbling snores echoed from the soldiers' rooms as he passed by and followed the stairs down to the exit. Night coated the town black and it hadn't been so unwelcome to him since he first woke up to the kingdom cloaked in twilight. Only the light from his lantern and the torches at the door fashioned a circle of light around him.

He took a deep breath of the brisk mountain air and leaned against the fence. But before he could relax, a deep, raspy croak came from beside him and his heart nearly leapt clear from his chest.

It sounded almost exactly like the sound in his dream a few nights ago.

He waved his lantern by the wooden arch, where the sound came from, and squinted to see what it was. Perched at the top of the sign, a raven with red eyes and teal-blue markings peered at him curiously. The flame in his hand wavered as he trembled.

There was no way it was her. And yet he asked, "Midna?"

The next morning was a heavy one. The somberness of the previous evening's ceremony weighed on everyone, especially the queen. Though the villagers were lost long ago, standing in the rubble of the war and witnessing the tragedies it brought was more than enough to shake her up.

But the queen's duties weren't done with the ceremony. It only further motivated her to better her kingdom - one village at a time. Wrapping herself in the wool cloak the shaman left in the room, she left the inn first thing in the morning. She planned to do a brief inspection of the other buildings just to get a general idea of what still needed to be done.

She stopped in her tracks, however, when she found the shaman facing Eldin Springs, watching the dawn light sparkle on the water's surface and listening to the calls of a whippoorwill from the outcropping of rocks.

Zelda tightened her cloak to her chest against the cool morning chill as she approached him. "Good morning, shaman."

His auburn cloak floated around him when he turned to face her and bowed in respect. "Good morning to you as well, Your Majesty. It appears you start your day early, as do I."

"Ah, yes. I was planning on surveying the buildings for further renovations."

"You're a very dedicated queen. Hyrule will surely benefit from your efforts." He smiled and closed his eyes as a light breeze passed by them. "I enjoy waking up early for the quiet peace that accompanies these times of the day: when the day rises and when it falls."

The queen recognized that feeling too. She thought perhaps it had something to do with her connection to the Twilight Realm and with Midna. But if others felt it too, perhaps there was some sort of lingering connection between the worlds.

"Seeing that I'm here as well, would you mind if I join you? I could give you a tour of the village."

"I'd appreciate that. Thank you."

They stepped into a stroll down the dirt path, the shaman folding his hands behind his back. "How have you been enjoying your tour so far, Your Majesty? I understand that this is your first time seeing the entirety of Hyrule."

"Indeed it is. It's truly an amazing experience. I've studied the provinces from textbooks all my life but seeing them for myself and meeting our people is far greater than anything I've ever read."

"I can imagine. Hyrule truly is a beautiful kingdom; sometimes I wish I could see it again for the first time," he mused. "And how is His Highness enjoying it?"

Zelda smiled softly and looked aside, tucking a loose hair behind her ear. "I believe he's enjoying it as well. I'm sure he's traversed the kingdom more than any of us have had the pleasure to, but he's always delighted to see the country and reunite with friends."

"Well, we're always happy to have you both. Are you planning on visiting again?"

"Nothing is official yet but I would like to visit the provinces at least once a year. My parents did so before me and I cannot see why I shouldn't do the same." She paused for a minute, her face falling ever so slightly. "I've always sought to see the kingdom for myself but misfortunes impeded my plans. I'm determined not to let it happen again."

Renado's eyes softened. "I understand, Your Majesty. I speak for all the kingdom when I say that you've been a benevolent ruler. You've faced many struggles but you've shouldered them with bravery and wisdom. What's more, you've provided and protected the kingdom despite it all. We have faith that you will continue to serve Hyrule well."

"Thank you, shaman. I appreciate your kind words." Having arrived at the first building, Renado waited just a moment before opening the door and following the queen inside. "I can see that the buildings have been repaired nicely. What are your plans for this one?"

"I've been thinking about turning some into stores. As we are a smaller village, we haven't dedicated much of our resources to businesses. After seeing the village turn to ruin, I've realized that we need to have more revenue to support ourselves through hardship."

"You will always have the kingdom's support but I understand wanting more financial stability." Zelda set her chin in her hand as she devised some ideas. "I understand you already have a general store and a bomb shop, but there are a lot of different businesses that could be beneficial. Perhaps we can bring in tradesmen such as cobblers, tailors, and bakers.

"There's quite a bit of arable land north of Kakariko also. If the village is willing to cultivate it, perhaps we can order a windmill to be built. I believe there was one long ago in Kakariko."

"Those all sound like lovely ideas, Your Majesty, but I'm afraid we don't have enough villagers settled to maintain a farm yet."

"You're right. But now that the inn is up and running again, we should be able to promote tourism for the village. I'm sure people would enjoy basking in the hot springs and seeing Death Mountain."

"We would love the guests. This village has been far too lonely for too long. I'd be willing to try if it means bringing more people into the village."

Zelda smiled. "Then we will do our best."

Maybe he'd lost his mind. After all the pressure he'd been under in the last two years or so, it made sense for him to finally crack.

Part of him thought that there was no way his long-departed companion - who'd gone to another realm, for that matter - would return to his side later as a bird.

And yet, so much of what'd already happened to him seemed impossible. For goddesses' sake, he was a wolf for a great part of his adventure. It didn't seem too farfetched that Midna could also harness Twili magic to transform into a creature.

He wasn't sure exactly how she could, but then again she was the most powerful Twili being. He couldn't help wondering how she did it or why – and why a raven of all creatures. He worried maybe something was wrong.

If anyone had answers, he knew it'd be Zelda. Normally, she would be the first one he'd talk to about it, but she already had so much going on with their tour around the kingdom. While he was technically a part of it, she oversaw all the visits and conducted all the inspections. All he could do was accompany her and answer any questions she had for him.

The last thing he wanted to do was add more stress to it all with his strange questions. He just wanted to enjoy this time with Zelda, and he didn't want to have any worries overshadow their happiness. Until he could discuss it with Zelda, he'd push his worries aside and simply enjoy this honeymoon with her. After all, he'd promised months ago to show her the kingdom, and he was happy to finally have the chance to do it.

But every now and then, he'd see a blackbird in his field of vision, flying above or watching over him silently, and never getting any closer.

After their stay in Kakariko Village, the royals ascended Death Mountain for a feast, though most of the meals consisted of some sort of rock or mineral. Still, they enjoyed conversing with the elders and Zelda was able to discuss the import of spring water and raw materials.

Though they enjoyed being around the Goron's, the climate was awfully hot and so they descended not long after. Their tour continued to the secret village in which the old woman still resided.

The group investigated the structural integrity of the broken buildings and made plans to build the village up from its ruins. Impaz cried at the thought of the place where her ancestors lived thriving again one day and thanked the goddesses for it.

Finally, the couple found themselves in the sparkling throne room of Zora's Domain where they got to witness Ralis' official coronation from prince to king of the Zora's.

Though the prince was young, the aquatic race didn't quite have the same age restrictions that the Hylians did. When Queen Rutela passed away, they unflinchingly handed the throne over to its sole heir.

Musicians stood at the entrance of the gate and chimed a dozen bells; somehow, it sounded the way light shimmered off of ice. Ralis arrived at the entrance to the throne room and the crowd of Zora's encircling the space fell silent. A red cloak hung over his thin shoulders and a golden chain wrapped around his body, accompanying the fine jewels he usually wore.

When he came to the pool, he placed his palms together at the front of his body and dove in, breaking the still water and sending ripples outwards. He swam with the grace and finesse of the finest Zora's until he emerged from the opposite side in front of the throne. He knelt in front of the diplomat and lowered his head.

"Prince Ralis of the Zora's," the voice said, soft and melodic, "Son of Queen Rutela, you are the heir to the throne and have been appointed by the gods to rule our domain.

"Do you swear to guard and defend our domain at all costs?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to maintain the peace of our domain with all the kingdom of Hyrule and evermore?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to uphold all our laws and morals as your ancestors did before you?"

"I swear."

The speaker thrust the trident against the glass floor, the noise echoing in the large chamber. "Then you shall further and forevermore be King Ralis, Ruler of the Zora." He twirled the trident in his hands and held it out to Ralis, who finally raised his head.

The royal Zora's eyes were brimmed with tears. It was hard for him to take his mother's throne after her untimely demise. The whole domain could see the internal struggle on his face as he took the royal weapon in his hands. Still, he rose to his feet and turned to his people, throwing the trident up into the air with pride.

At that, the diplomat shouted in a clear and melodic voice, "All hail King Ralis, Ruler of the Zora's!"

"All hail, King Ralis!" the crowd chanted.

Upon the ceremony's conclusion, the crowd dispersed for a feast outside the throne room and Ralis approached the queen and prince. "Your Royal Majesty, Your Highness," he said, exchanging a bow with the couple. "I must thank you for attending my coronation. It means so much that you're able to witness it."

"We wouldn't miss it," Zelda said. "Thank you for having us."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." He paused as he looked aside, appearing as though he had more to say. "May I ask you something, Your Majesty?"

"Of course."

"Was it hard for you to be appointed to queen after losing your parents?"

Zelda blinked in lieu of an answer and looked at Link. She wasn't really the type of person to open up about her feelings; she only ever shared her struggles with a few people in her life. Normally, she would deflect a response to a personal question like that, but she knew that Ralis only asked because he was faced with the same struggle.

With a deep breath, she folded her hands and answered truthfully. "Taking my father's throne wasn't easy, which is something I'm sure you understand. There's a lot of pressure to amount to the accomplishments and esteem that Queen Rutela maintained before you. But you don't have to measure up to her: your people adore you. I truly believe you will have a brilliant reign of your own."

She shook her head sadly. "Losing someone important to you can make events like these difficult as you long for their presence. But if I may be honest, I felt my mother and father's presence at my own coronation. Though you may not be able to see your mother, her spirit will be with you through every proud moment and hardship you face."

Ralis bowed his head and placed a hand over his heart. "Thank you, Your Majesty. You're very kind." He turned to Link. "And thank you, Your Highness, for convincing me to come back in the first place. I don't believe I ever would've had the strength to do so otherwise."

"Of course," Link said with a sad smile. "Your mom would be very proud of you."

Ralis' eyes watered and he brushed the tears away bashfully with a little laugh. "Well never mind that. There's a party waiting. Let's go enjoy it."

When the trio walked out of the throne room, the shimmering spirit of the queen put a hand over her chest and sent her love before receding into the unknown.

Though there was much on both of their minds, the trip home was quiet. The royals were drained, though more emotionally than physically. When the horses slowed to a trot and the carriages were deserted, the duo separated to the study and training hall respectively.

Link's thoughts were louder than any slashes of steel and pangs of wood. Now that they were finally home, he wanted to find a way to tell his wife of the weird occurrences that had happened lately. If Midna really found a way to reach them, strange as it was, Zelda would want to know.

He knew that she was a spiritual person: she had more experiences with the paranormal than the typical Hylian and even wielded magic herself. But it was still just a theory and he couldn't help worrying that he'd come off a little crazy, which is not how he wanted to come off to his wife.

"You there, Link?"

The hero snapped out of his thoughts at the gruff voice of his dark-haired friend. With a hand resting on the sword at her hip, Ashei gave him a sidelong look. He suddenly remembered that she'd been giving him the rundown on the squires' training before he got lost in thought.

"Oh sorry. What did you say?"

She rolled her eyes with a huff. "I was saying that you owe me, y'know, for babysitting these recruits for you. They're a lazy batch."

He frowned at her reminder; he was all too familiar with her frustration as he'd struggled enough with their arrogance. Hyrule had lost enough due to the careless and lazy soldiers.

"It's a lot of work. But we can turn them into good knights somehow. The more good knights we have, the better we can protect the kingdom."

She scratched her neck. "Yeah maybe, but I don't know how much of their laziness I can put up with." At that, Link chuckled a bit. "What were you so distracted by? The tour went fine, yeah? That's what I heard anyway."

"No, that's not it. Everything was okay actually."

"Then what is it?"

"I've just been worried about something," he admitted, scratching the back of his neck as his eyes wandered off to the side. But a thought came to him and it snapped his gaze back to hers. "Wait, didn't Shad come to the castle with you?"

"Yeah, he begged me to see the library. So?"

"Is he gonna be here all day?"

She snorted. "Probably. Knowin' him, he'll have his nose buried in a book all night."

Link smiled. He'd make a stop later then to see if he might be able to help him. "Okay, good."

Ashei made a face but Link left it at that. Annoyed, she rolled her eyes and followed the hero when he went back to training.

True to Ashei's word, Link found Shad on the royal library's carpet between a few towers of books. Pages were scattered everywhere, falling out of the notebook in his lap as the scholar furiously scribbled in it.

He didn't even notice Link until he called out to him. "Oh, Your Highness. What're you doing here?" He scrambled to stand, brushing the dust off his slacks. "No – forget that. It's your library after all. Why shouldn't you be here?"

Link grimaced from the formalities, especially coming from a close friend. Even Shad seemed to feel strange about it. "It's okay, Shad, you don't have to call me that." He felt odd saying that, remembering only a short while ago when Zelda said the same thing to him. He was really starting to understand how uncomfortable it was. "And it's not really my library: it's for everybody."

"Right, of course. My apologies, Your – I mean, Sir Link." The scholar straightened his shoulders.

"I was actually looking for you."

Shad's eyes widened behind his spectacles. "For me? What for? And how'd you know I'd be-" He stopped himself with realization.

"Ashei," they said simultaneously and shared a short chuckle.

"Yeah, she told me you'd be here." Link looked around for a moment. "I was looking for you because I was wondering if you could answer some questions I have."

Shad fixed his glasses, flustered and yet honored to be of help to his friend. "Of course. What were they?"

"Well, do you know anything about the Twilight Realm or Twili magic?"

"Hmm, it does sound familiar. I think I might've come across it in one of the books." He started marching off and Link hastened to follow. They passed aisle after aisle, the bookshelves towering over them. He wondered how Shad navigated the place so easily after such a short visit.

Finally, the scholar skidded to a stop, almost causing Link to bump into him, and slipped into one of the aisles. He skimmed through the titles before exclaiming, "Aha!" and slipping a heavy, dark tome out from its place on the shelf. "Did you have anything specific you were looking for in here?"

Link scratched the back of his neck. "Does it say anything about…transformations? Like…to animals?" The hero was grateful that the scholar didn't ask questions as he hurriedly flipped through the pages.

"Here," he said, pointing to a specific passage. There were strange sketches and symbols that Link couldn't recognize, but Shad carried on reading the snippet. "'A capability the Interlopers harnessed was the ability to possess or transform people into alternate beings. This skill was used as a tactic to manipulate the Hyrulean's. Interlopers would transform to inconspicuously overhear confidential information and strategies.

"'It was also used as a way to harness the abilities of said creature, such as to fly or swim.' It also says, 'Among their tribe, there was a belief that a hero would appear in the form of a divine beast.'"

Link remembered Midna mentioning the legend of the divine beast; after all, it was originally why she'd chosen him to help her in her quest for the Fused Shadow pieces. But he didn't know that Twili were able to transform themselves. It did make sense though, now that he thought about it. Zant had transformed the princess and her people into different forms.

So perhaps Midna really did inhabit the raven, whether she possessed it or it was her alternate form. "What about ravens? Do you have any information on them?"

Shad was surprised by the jump in topic, but simply tapped his chin in thought. "There most certainly must be a book on corvids somewhere. Hmm...follow me."

He sifted through more of the aisles before he found it, a smaller book with figures and diagrams. Link waited patiently as Shad licked his finger and flipped through the encyclopedia.

"Here it says that 'ravens are a large type of bird with black feathers. They're very cunning and confident creatures, usually seen on their own rather than in groups. They have great soaring and hunting abilities and are exceptionally good at retrieving items.

"'Spiritually, they can represent ill omens and yet they can also predict a great prophecy. Essentially, they transition people through a change in their lives. They are also thought to associate with lost souls.'

"Oh, here's a little fun tidbit. 'Ravens have a symbiotic relationship with wolves.'"

"Wait, what?"

Shad looked up at Link for a moment before pushing his spectacles back up the slope of his nose. "Yes, it basically says that they both benefit from one another. Wolves recognize the circling of ravens as an indicator of food and ravens eat from a wolf's scraps."

Link took the book into his hands and read the passage over. It really was her, wasn't it? Of course, she'd find a clever way to get back to the light world. She always was devious that way.

The hero felt a great joy that his friend had found a way back to him. Though it wasn't exactly her, they were able to communicate in some way. That's all he ever expected would happen after they parted ways.

Though he knew that she'd have to return back to her realm at some point, he expected that they'd still be connected somehow. He never expected her to shatter the only connection they had. Perhaps she missed him as well if she'd been looking for a way to reach out to him. Or perhaps the book was onto something and she really was trying to warn him of something.

He tried to brush that dreadful thought aside. That was just one spiritual meaning after all. She could be here to accompany him in a positive change in his life, instead, like his union with Zelda.

Link clapped the book shut suddenly. He'd lost track of time again: he must've been late for dinner. "Thanks for your help, Shad! I have to run."

Shad looked at him quizzically. "Of course, Link, anytime."

The hero slipped the book under his arm. "I'll see you around, right?" Shad nodded but before he could say anything else, the hero took off.

A clatter of dishes rang out from the kitchen as the queen tapped her gloved fingers on the dining table. He was late. But she expected as much, given the fact that he'd have to make up for his absence, and so she waited patiently while sending the servers back for the third time.

All in all, the tour had been a success. She'd learned so much about her kingdom and her people, and seen all the potential and growth that can be done in each province.

The ceremony in Kakariko Village affected her the most. Standing in the bones of a broken village and performing a ceremony for the lost villagers reminded her how much was taken away - how much she let slip out of her fingers along with that cursed rapier.

And yet, she knew that Link and the others were the ones who carried the real burdens. She considered herself lucky to only witness the aftermath rather than experience all that tragedy firsthand; she couldn't nearly comprehend the true extent of the people's suffering as Link could. To see the shivers rake even the bravest of soldiers' spines, to see the people cower away in sanctuary, and to see buildings burn to the foundation was an experience far different than hearing about it, and one Link and Midna had to witness firsthand.

Just then, the door creaked open and her gaze fell upon his sullied green tunic. For a moment, a sudden onset of bittersweet memories came to her: their first moments together, uncloaked and fully human in the midst of a hellish war. But the moment ended as quickly as it began and she tore her gaze away with a swallow. "Good evening, Link."

"Good evening," he replied, making his way to the seat beside hers. The window across from him reminded him how late in the evening it really was, and he frowned to himself when he noticed that the town was nearly deserted. "I'm sorry I'm late. I lost track of-"

His tangent was cut short by a raise of her hand. "That's quite all right. I haven't been waiting for long. How are you feeling?" The question was more courteous than necessary: she could tell how he was feeling just from the stiffness of his shoulders – not only from the arduous training but also from his own emotional affliction. At the very least, he looked a lot better than he did the last few days. He looked somewhat…excited.

"I'm a lot better. Thank you." The hero looked as if he had more to say and opened his mouth tentatively just as a swarm of servers piled into the room. They must've heard his entrance from the adjacent kitchen, for they eagerly - with nearly gratified expressions - brought in steaming bowls.

She met his troubled gaze over the hands of the servers as they placed the meals in front of them. Once they disappeared through the doors again, Link was just about ready to continue, but his expression faltered. He was distracted by the familiar homey smell coming from the bowl and looked down to find orange broth within it.

"Pumpkin soup," he noted bluntly.

"It's your favorite dish, is it not? I thought we ought to do something to celebrate our first tour. Perhaps the chefs cannot perfectly replicate the one Pergie has made for you, but I do hope you enjoy it."

His surprised eyes flicked upwards, his expression softening. Zelda was always so kind and thoughtful, and the simple gesture put him more at ease to tell her what he saw. "There's something I want to tell you but it's a little hard to explain."

She tilted her head curiously. Was something besides the ceremony weighing on him? "Go on."

"The other night, I had a weird dream. I was a wolf again and there was a raven with red eyes. It - no, I guess she - spoke to me." Zelda listened intently, intrigued. "It was Midna."

Zelda's eyes widened the slightest and he continued. "Then when we were in Kakariko, I couldn't sleep so I went outside for some fresh air and the same raven with red eyes was waiting for me outside. Only, she didn't say anything – not really, anyways."

He waited for her to say something but she was quiet in her musing. Then, she finally asked, "Do you believe it was really Midna?"

"I know it probably sounds crazy, but I really think it was. She had the same red eyes and these blue markings and I had this weird feeling like I could sort of recognize her. And then, I went to Shad to see if he knew anything about ravens or Twili magic and he found a book that said Twili's are able to transform or possess animals."

So that's why he was late, the queen realized. "I do remember learning something of that nature." Then she tilted her head. "How do you feel about it?"

"It's strange, but also good. I mean, I've missed her."

Zelda smiled softly and placed her gloved hand on his. "I know you have, Link. I have as well. She was a great friend to the both of us." Then she mused, "I'm not entirely familiar with the extent of Twili magic, but transforming into an animal surely seems to be within the realm of their abilities. And knowing Midna's exceptional skill makes me believe that it's possible."

The hero was relieved by her words. He was so worried that she would think he'd gone crazy for thinking that the raven could somehow be their dearly departed friend. But thankfully, she believed him.

"Do you think she's trying to communicate something?" From her knowledge, ravens didn't always bear good news, but she didn't want to instill that fear in him: he'd been through enough. But she did want to hear his thoughts.

"I don't know. That's what I was worried about - that maybe something was wrong. But Shad said ravens can mean a lot of things. They also have some sort of relationship with wolves in the animal world. Maybe that's why she chose it."

Zelda couldn't help a smile at that. "That does sound like Midna." Link smiled too. "I'm certain there is nothing to worry about. If I know Midna the way I believe I do, she would want to stay connected to the light world in one way or another, as long as it wasn't endangering either realm."

"Maybe you'll be able to see her," he said with a hint of excitement. "I mean, I don't know where she's gone or when she'll come back, but I want you to be there."

Zelda squeezed his hand. That same good and caring nature she loved about him radiated through his kind smile. "I'd love that."

Chapter Text

Behind the paned glass, he watched the face of the clock turn on its antiqued gears. The intermittent clicks grounded him to that moment, alone and terribly nervous, in his private library. She'd be here any moment. The princess would arrive, and at last, Edmund would be face to face with the woman he'd been courting.

For months now, they'd only known one another through their letters, hers expressive and his exceedingly romantic. It was strange to meet in person for once, but their courtship couldn't remain on paper for long.

A rapping sound brought him to attention and he spun on his heel to face the door at the opposite end of the room. "Come in," he hailed. The door swung open at the hand of his guardsman and he ushered the lady inside.

She scampered in rather quickly but then straightened her shoulders and folded her hands almost immediately to cover her blunder.

The prince eyed her meticulously: her smile was wide and her rosy cheeks were dotted with freckles that ran over the skin of her chest and shoulders, partly revealed above her violet-puffed sleeves. Her ginger hair was swept behind her ears and tumbled down her back in waves like the currents of Termina's sea.

"Princess Roperi of Labrynna," he finally greeted as he bent into a stout bow, "it's a pleasure to meet you at last."

As the third year or so of their marriage passed, the two royals were comfortably adjusted to their roles. Like a sea that settled after a violent storm, Hyrule found peace after being stricken by Zant's violent attack. Still, Zelda and Link remained diligent with their duties to the kingdom, each devoted to improving Hyrule in the best way they could.

Link had his fair share of work with all the recruits, but he'd learned how to manage the responsibilities as both a knight and a prince consort to be present for all important events. Thinking of hiring Ashei as a captain long ago was all his idea and Zelda was proud of him for it.

Being able to delegate in a way that benefits everyone was a quality of a true leader. Though technically he didn't have the right to rule, and she refused to force that position on him, the queen always saw the king that hid within.

Early that morning, Zelda was perched at her desk, bathed in golden daylight. Her hands were quick and practiced as she filed documents into envelopes: it was a tedious routine of flipping through the pages and folding them without a misplaced crease. Once she arranged the letters, she set them in a pile where Councillor Foster would pick them up shortly and gave them a final pat.

With the antsy tap of her fingers, she stared at the stack of paper on the edge, concerning herself with what still must be done. She needed to review the designs for the new winter inns and then there was the billing for construction, but there was something else on her mind as well.

Decidedly, Zelda hooked her fingers over the brass knob of her desk drawer and slid it open to reveal the neat stack of paper. She removed a few sheets before plucking the quill from its holder.

A while had passed since she last heard word from Termina, and for the last few weeks, she'd been considering sending out yet another letter to see if everything was all right.

When she'd turned down Edmund in place of the Prince of Labrynna long ago, none of her councilors could predict what his reaction might be. Sometimes emotions led people to do brash things, and the queen especially worried about their alliance failing over something so minor.

It was fortunate, however, that they received word from the prince shortly after he returned home. Whether it was his decision or due to his council's encouragement, their alliance stood and their trade continued for the time being.

Then, a few months ago, communications from Termina stopped, as did the imports from their southern islands. Zelda endorsed the exports to continue, though she would admit it disconcerted her to hear nothing in return.

But she wouldn't allow something as minor as no response to weigh on her heart. There were many plausible reasons that'd delay their response: perhaps Termina had its own troubles like a drought or public disputes. The postman always declared that the messages were delivered, so at the very least, her letters weren't being turned away.

But the more time passed, the more her concern grew. And so, she set to write out her concerns. Folding it into yet another envelope, she sealed it neatly with the royal insignia and set it at the top of the pile.

Raindrops pattered on the windows on their way back from dinner. It was such a calm and peaceful sound, steady and consistent - something neither of them had been very accustomed to. But for a beautiful moment, everything was peaceful and that was enough for them.

The windows fogged up from the moisture and the torches on the wall were lit up earlier than usual. It brought a certain serene and quiet beauty to the halls, even as they passed the occasional staff member or councilor.

Link had his hand laced in his wife's, smiling as he relayed that day's events in the training yard. Training the recruits always proved to be a handful: they were terribly impatient at times and tended to have such a short attention span. They always had to be doing something different and Link was always racking his brain to find new ways to keep them interested in their lesson.

That day, he made the soldiers meditate by doing slow-paced calisthenics. They were skeptical about it at first but found that it brought them awareness of their own flexibility and subconscious mind.

"They thought I was crazy," he said with a bashful chuckle, "asking them to meditate and all."

"I can imagine," his wife responded with a small, amused smile playing on her lips. "But it was a wise and creative strategy. The sages often encouraged meditation, as well as any exercise that influenced a peace of mind."

"Yeah, they really started to enjoy it after a while. I might have them do it again."

"If you do, you must tell me beforehand. I certainly wouldn't mind participating in your practice."

He nodded. He could definitely imagine her participating in something like that, given how in tune she was with her mind and body. "Yeah, of course, Zelda. I'm sure you'd like it."

They arrived at their chambers shortly, greeted by Lady Irene as soon as the door clicked shut behind them. She was tending the fire in the adjacent room, casting heat throughout the entire space, and then dusted her hands off her apron as she stood up. Absently sweeping a hand over the sofa, Zelda approached her nursemaid while Link began shedding his weaponry at the door.

"Good evening, Lady Irene," Zelda greeted. "How're you tonight?"

"I'm well as always, Your Majesty. Thank you." The warmth from the hearth lit up in her dark eyes, crinkled with that same mirth as always. "And you?"

"I'm fine as well. It's a rather stormy night, however, so you're excused this evening. I wouldn't want to keep you."

"Are you sure, Your Majesty? I wouldn't mind…" She stopped herself when Link joined them in the room. Her smile returned with a vengeance and a sly wink. "Ahh, of course. I'll just be on my way then."

Zelda smiled at her nursemaid's small jest, watching as the stout nursemaid gathered her things and excused herself. Link noticed the door shut with mild confusion as he discarded his armguards in his closet space. "You didn't want Lady Irene to help you switch out of your clothes?"

She didn't answer at first; instead, she went to the vanity and exchanged her crown for the brush. The queen then sat on the sofa and hummed in response. "It's such a nice night. I simply wish to relax."

At this, Link nodded: he was perhaps just as overworked as she was. Zelda began unraveling the ribbons from her braids and humming to herself.

It seemed neither of them would be going to sleep just yet, so Link grabbed a book off the shelf and sat himself on the rug by the fireplace. The firewood Irene tended to crackled and popped beside him; the heat emitting from it was a nice relief from the crisp air.

They continued for a while in comfortable silence and soon Zelda's hair was unraveled and lax, falling over her shoulders in loose chestnut waves. She began combing through it, her tresses catching the firelight and shimmering like gold. It caught his eye, and Zelda noticed.

"What are you reading?"

He met her gaze.

"Just some old tales."

"Do you have a favorite?"

He laughed then, but only despite himself. He knew she must've caught him stealing glimpses: she rarely interrupted him when he was reading.

"Not really." He paused in thought, then decidedly changed his answer. "Well, there's one."

"And what's it about?"

"A princess in a tower."

"It sounds familiar. You wouldn't have any inspiration for your preference now, would you?"

He shook his head, laughing bashfully as his mischievousness caught up to him. She leaned into the pillows then, teasing the fabric tussles. "May I ask you something, Link?"

He nodded and finally set the book down beside him. He couldn't quite focus on it anyway. "Of course."

"Have you ever missed being a wolf?"

Link hesitated then, surprised by her question. He was always open with Zelda when talking about his journey during late nights and honest whenever she asked about it. He was still sensitive about certain topics, but he hadn't left any of her questions unanswered.

It'd been a long time since he recalled transforming into his alternate state of being - not since Midna first came to him in a dream a while back. He hadn't seen her in his dreams since, but at times he was sure that he saw a large bird's shadow cast over him in the training yard or a raven perched in the distance.

The memory of being a wolf, though, was such a distant one that it sometimes felt like a dream. With the rest of his journey, he'd left the power behind and Midna took the twilight shard back to her home. It was better that way, he figured: transforming between a wolf and human probably wasn't a power he should allow himself. And he figured Midna wanted to take any pieces of the Twilight Realm back with her, if only to protect the light world from Zant's dark influence.

But the hero wouldn't say the experience was all that terrible. It was certainly painful and disconcerting at first. For the first half of his journey, Link dreaded any time the Twilight would morph him: it was out of his control and he hated not being allowed to be in his own body.

After he'd gotten a hold of the Master Sword, though, the crystal allowed him to switch from wolf to human form at will and suddenly he began seeing the advantages of it. He most likely wouldn't have been able to continue his journey if it weren't for that ability.

"Sometimes," he answered at length. "It was convenient. I could talk to animals and travel from place to place. But…" he broke into a playful smile and scrunched up his nose, "I hated the smell."

Zelda couldn't help but laugh. "I hardly minded your smell."

He shook his head, the broad grin still on his face. "I didn't mind your smell either." Her lips parted in surprise and when he realized what he said, his smile fell. "I didn't - I mean..."

He shut himself up when her face split into a coy grin. "Is that so?"

With a sheepish smile, he scratched the back of his head. "Yeah..."

She picked up her skirts and strolled over to him, kneeling beside him on the carpet before drawing her knees up by her side. Link felt heat flush through his entire body and it wasn't from the fireplace. "Don't tell me you're still nervous…?"

"No..." he answered quickly, but stopped himself when he realized that wasn't entirely true. The truth was that even after three years, his wife still flustered him. "I mean, well-"

"It's okay," she said softly, her head tilting the slightest. She took his hand and he blinked, caught unawares, as she placed it over her chest. He could feel her heart beat wildly beneath, and his hand settled comfortably over her, somehow relieved by the fact that she was nervous too. "I feel the same."

With a lopsided smile, he captured her lips, and Zelda leaned in to deepen the kiss. She released her grip on his hand in favor of sliding down his chest to fiddle with his belt. She tugged at the leather and he laughed bashfully between kisses, flustered by her eagerness.

Touring Termina's town with Roperi was like chasing a cannonball. Though the prince was the one showing her around, somehow it felt like he was falling behind.

Perfumes and spices wafted in the air, the light of dusk flittered between the straw roofs of the market stalls, and a chorus of sales and promotions rang all over the square. Through it all, the princess stopped to look at everything that the vendors had to offer. Whether she was spritzing perfume in his face, trying on a colorful scarf, or tasting the truffle samples, the princess was loud and lively as if she'd never seen such wonders.

Edmund was proud of all the treasures that his people cultivated and created so he was glad that she listened intently to his tidbits and facts, whether it was about the seasonal crops or the history of the patterns in the quilts. It was refreshing to see someone genuinely care about his lectures and even ask questions, as though she actually wanted him to speak more.

Slipping out of the market, Edmund pushed open the large wooden doors at the center of the town and before they shut, Roperi slipped into the room.

An ominous tocking echoed through the space, up to the ceiling that hung around the heavens. Her heels clicked against the stone floors as she spun around the room with a gleeful laugh. "This is incredible!" Birds tucked in the rafters scattered at her sudden shout, fluttering out through the cracks of the roof. She covered her mouth with a faint blush. "Oh, my apologies. I'm just so amazed!"

Edmund watched her in disbelief. He'd never met anyone quite like her: so curious and enthusiastic. Everything was new and exciting to her, and it was intriguing. The prince cleared his throat. "Oh, that's quite all right." He pushed his spectacles up the arch of his nose and gestured to the stairs. "Come this way. I'm sure you'll love this."

The princess picked her dress up and skipped over the wooden steps. With another difficult push, the prince opened the door and the brilliant sky opened above them. The full moon hung in the sky, complemented by a thousand stars, and Roperi gasped. It looked huge from the top of the tower as if it was only a short distance away.

Streaks of red, blue, and yellow danced under their shoes in another intricate painting. She swept over the canvas to the edge of the roof where she could see the bustle of the town, still busy after the sun had set.

With a beautiful smile, she turned to Edmund and grabbed his hands. "Thank you for showing me this," she said. "This is beautiful. No, not just this. The town - it's all amazing."

As the prince gazed upon their interlocked hands, he found himself caught off-guard again. But he wouldn't allow himself to lose his focus. He swallowed and squeezed her hands in return.

"I'm glad you think so because this could all be yours." He dropped to a knee and unveiled a velvet box from a pocket of his cloak. "Would you join me, princess, and reign this kingdom with me?"

Roperi's eyes widened, but they sparkled like starlight. A large grin stretched her lips before she tucked it away for propriety's sake.

With a polite curtsy, she bowed her head, though Edmund could see her still struggling to subdue her smile.

"Why, of course I would, my prince," she said. "I would love to be your queen."

Autumn morning's crisp air bit at Zelda as she wrapped her cloak tightly around her chest. It was just another morning in which she was headed off to her study, preparing herself for the pile of paperwork that awaited her.

Yet when the servant opened the door, she saw that besides the usual stack of papers, there was a package wrapped with a neat little bow resting at the center of her desk. The princess immediately recognized the deep amethyst of the box.

She whisked through the room, headed straight for the desk. Hesitantly, her hands hovered over the lid before she tugged on the silk ribbon and it cascaded to the desktop as it came undone. A small gasp escaped her when she lifted the lid, unveiling two beautiful masks. They were a deep emerald color, decorated with golden embroidery and jewels. Slipped neatly between the masks was an envelope.

The letter inside read, "The Kingdom of Termina cordially invites you to attend the union of Princess Roperi of Labrynna and Prince Edmund of Termina."

A thousand thoughts and feelings rushed through her at once. First was relief that the prince held no animosity against Zelda and her kingdom. It would make sense that he was too busy arranging a union to respond to her letters. It didn't explain why his exports stopped, but now she could simply take it up with him in person.

Secondly, she quickly pieced together that the bride, Roperi, was Percival's sister. Though she'd never been formally introduced, Percival spoke fondly about her, and Zelda had even learned what the cruel king of Holodrum put her through.

For some reason though, she felt at odds about the arrangement. She wasn't sure exactly why: it made sense to bring Termina and Labrynna together with a union, and by all accounts and purposes it was an advantageous marriage. Still, she couldn't quite help the disquiet that flared within.

She set the lid back on the box, trying to focus on the positive in all of this. Edmund had reached back out to her at last and that was the most important thing.

Light slipped between the foliage of the thin and tall trees, blinking in and out of sight as the wind rustled the amber and golden leaves. From the birds' songs as they fluttered about to the wild animals that darted in and out of the bushes, Zelda revered the woods.

Looking up, she could barely see the tops of the trees: they towered so high they must've brushed the sky. Waterfalls poured over the walls of mossy earth into the pools of spring water. Mushrooms and truffles grew on the ground and vines wound up the walls.

To see the depths of the forest in person was amazing; the queen was always surprised by how lush and bountiful her kingdom truly was the further she trekked into it. She knew that the ruins of the Temple of Time and the Master Sword slumbered behind one of the gates, but the royals decided against visiting it due to all the company. It was best to keep the location a secret.

Link was the only one in the group who'd actually been so deep in the woods before and was therefore the one to read the map and guide the group to Termina. He'd learned from his ventures how to navigate the Sacred Grove: the woods were tricky in that the hollows in the stone would somehow steer visitors back to the starting point. However, so long as they were aware of their surroundings and could tune into the sounds of the forest, they'd be able to track their destination and find their way out.

He helped his wife climb the large steps and landings with one hand and led Epona by the reins with the other. Every now and then, he'd check over his shoulder to ensure that the pack of soldiers behind them was keeping up. Just by the dragging of their feet, it was clear that they were tired, but they'd left their carriages behind as it was easier to navigate on foot. They still brought along the horses, who lugged the supplies and food on their backs.

In the distance, a rhythmic drumming echoed through the air: it sounded melodious and yet somehow daunting, like a siren's call. The group stepped towards it cautiously, though they knew that somehow they'd arrived. The forest thinned until trees were scattered on an open field, and they could see the castle and its town in the distance. The riders took their seats on the horses' bridles and headed straight to the heart of the kingdom.

Guards donned in violet and green armor hollered amongst each other to open the portcullis to the town. One of the guards used all his weight to wind the crank and the chain rattled noisily as it climbed the pulley. The lattice gate wriggled and gave, opening the floodgates to the music behind the walls.

There was a bout of people bustling about: workers lugged about long logs; scruffy dogs nipped at people's heels; children chased one another in circles; lovers lurked in alcoves. There was so much energy thrumming within the town that the travelers almost got dizzy.

Carving through the commotion, the guards escorted them to the castle. Termina's castle was beautiful, though not as large as Hyrule's. It had an array of tall towers with flags that whipped at their peaks and thin paned windows that stretched along the stone walls.

Somehow, the energy outside the castle didn't mirror what lay within. There was an eerie quietness that only accentuated the loud boom of the castle doors as they slammed shut behind them.

"Welcome to Termina, Queen Zelda and Prince Link."

The royals looked up to the top of the grand steps where the quiet yet steady voice came from. The prince stood with one arm folded behind his back and the other locked with a young lady with ginger-red hair. Together they descended gracefully, their heels clicking on the ivory floors.

"It seems like not long ago I was visiting Hyrule," he said once he stood across from them. "Strange how quickly things can change, isn't it?"

It was the first time Zelda saw the Prince of Termina since he'd left Hyrule years ago. To say the meeting was uncomfortable was an understatement. Her skin was crawling. Still, the queen curtsied politely and Link followed her lead, bowing at her side.

The hero was almost as uncomfortable as his wife. He was never fond of Edmund, especially with how formal and uptight he was. He especially didn't appreciate all the shameless flirting he'd done with Zelda, though granted they weren't romantically involved at the time.

But Link remained quiet and let Zelda take the reins with the pleasantries: she was far better at them than he was.

"Prince Edmund, it's nice to see you again as well. And Princess Roperi, I presume? It's a pleasure to meet you."

The princess smiled brightly, happy to be acknowledged, and enthusiastically replied, "Queen Zelda, I've heard so much about you and Hyrule. My brother has told me how beautiful it is and how beautiful you are! If he's right about you, then he must be right about your kingdom too."

Edmund squeezed her arm and she stopped, taking a breath.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Zelda said demurely. "And congratulations to the both of you on your union. I'm sure your wedding will be an event to remember."

Perhaps it was a trick of the light, but there was a glint in Edmund's eyes. "It will be." With a bow of his head, he concluded, "I hope your lodgings will be to your satisfaction. Our maids will lead you to your rooms so that you may settle in before the ball."

Zelda's pale eyes swept over him, though she proceeded with another curtsy and nodded to her husband. "Of course. Thank you again."

"No worries, my lady. We will see each other again."

Heralds received the guests as they stepped into the elegant ballroom. Distinguished aristocrats waltzed about the grand black and white checkered floors, clad in their colorful masks and matching gowns. Performers leapt and bound about the room, executing tricks in extravagant and embellished costumes. Grandiose chandeliers hung above their heads; candlelight washed over the room and danced off the jewel-toned and sundry décor.

The reception reflected the celebration outside the castle. It was a tradition in Termina for the royal couple to wed on the Carnival of Time, so they wanted to honor all the traditions and reflect all the wonders of the kingdom: everything from the sun and moon masks they adorned to the kaleidoscopic theme.

Veiled by their emerald masks, the royals of Hyrule stepped into the celebration. Immediately, Link's stomach twisted as he looked around the ballroom. He couldn't recognize anyone but his wife. He instinctively tightened his grip on her.

Feeling his tension, she placed a gloved hand on the arm locked with hers and softly assured him, "It's okay." He nodded the slightest, but his eyes almost immediately swept over the room again.

He didn't enjoy parties most days, but he was even more on guard in a new place surrounded by unfamiliar people. That awareness was a skill he'd honed during the invasion: it was one of the reasons he was able to survive and adapt to all the new situations he'd been in. But now he had to consciously remind himself that they weren't in danger and to just try to relax.

Link was clad in a deep green tunic and hat, reminiscent of his hero's garb, though it was made of a much finer silk with silver embellishments. Zelda wore an off-the-shoulder gown of the same color that glittered as though it were adorned by the stars.

The queen ushered him to the dance floor, wound his arm around her waist, and intertwined his free hand in hers. Gracefully, the couple began to waltz, falling into step with the rest of the guests. Link noticed absently that in the array of colors in the crowd, they were the only ones dressed in green.

"This is certainly a celebration. Prince Edmund must fancy his bride very much," she mused. "I've never been to the Carnival of Time, but I've read much on it. Somehow, it seems even more extravagant than I've ever imagined."

The hero nodded and visibly relaxed in her arms. Something about the sound of her voice made him feel safe. He could listen to her talk forever.

"The Hero of Time was said to have visited Termina long ago. He'd stumbled upon it accidentally three days before the carnival and saved the town from ruin," she continued. "Legend says that a strange mask salesman sent him on the journey to save the kingdom."

"That wasn't from Ganondorf, was it?" He remembered the story as the sages and Zelda both told him: how the desert thief had been banished to the Twilight Realm for the plight he'd brought upon Hyrule. But he didn't remember any mention of Termina.

"No, you're right. It wasn't. It was a skull kid that'd been possessed by a mask housing an evil spirit. He'd planned to bring the moon down from the sky and destroy the town. But of course, the hero put a stop to it, bending time to his will and saving Termina.

"I found the moral behind it interesting: how things aren't always as they appear. Well, that and that the hero always prevails," she said with a small teasing smile.

Link laughed at that despite himself. Just as he started to push his worries aside, the song shifted and the dance transitioned into an exchange of dancers. The party guests around them swept his wife away from him and he landed in the arms of a stranger. He couldn't spot Zelda in the crowd, but he kept his eye out for her chestnut hair and green mask in all the faces that he spun by.

Amidst all the dancers, Zelda found herself in the arms of a man with distinct red hair, though his face was hidden behind a purple mask. "Prince Percival?"

"Ah, Queen Zelda, isn't it? What a pleasure it is to see you again. Well, partially see you, that is," he joked light-heartedly. Zelda offered a polite smile. "How have you been? You and the hero wed, didn't you? I was happy to hear it."

"Yes, we have. I must offer you my congratulations as well. I was quite surprised to hear that Edmund and your sister were betrothed, but I was honored to be invited to such a joyous occasion."

The ginger prince smiled awkwardly. "Oh yes, she has become quite fond of the fellow. He seems like a fine man, I suppose. And Termina is lovely."

"It truly is."

After a beat, Percival continued, "To be quite frank, I was hoping to run into you. You see, there's something that Edmund and I need to speak with you about. It's... well, it's in regards to my sister. You remember what I spoke to you about Roperi, don't you?"

Zelda's face fell somber. After the dance, the music transitioned into a softer ballad and he led her away from the dance floor. The queen remembered clearly what Percival had confided in her. It was, after all, the reason why he'd followed along with Prince Fletcher's plans to get rid of Link. She also remembered how strongly Percival felt about protecting his sister and her reputation.

"Well, I suspect that the information reached Edmund because now he wishes to speak with both of us. He must've discovered that you know somehow."

"Oh, I see." It was difficult to predict Edmund's reaction to finding out that his newly wedded wife wasn't abstinent. He was unpredictable and hard to read, to say the least. She also wouldn't know how he'd even find out such a thing unless, of course, Roperi revealed it herself. "And where are we to speak?"

"He wishes to speak in his private library." Percival gave her a few specific instructions before continuing, "And one last thing, Zelda. You must come alone. We wouldn't want anyone else to know about this."

As wise as she was, Zelda was troubled by the thought of being alone with the princes after the conflict they'd all had, especially in a place as unfamiliar as Edmund's castle. But she felt that she was more than capable of handling herself and she owed it to Percival to help him defend his sister.

Even more so, as a lady constantly under the scrutiny of the public, she sympathized with Roperi. She knew what was at risk; she was also constantly told to protect her innocence and reputation above all.

"I understand." At that, she saw her husband push through the crowd, his shoulders visibly relaxing when his eyes found her. "Link," she said as she gestured him closer. "You remember Prince Percival, don't you?"

Nodding, Link wrung his hands in his tunic. Admittedly, seeing the prince made his stomach twist with jealousy. After all, Percival was the last to court Zelda - he even proposed to her. Though he knew she didn't really like him that way, she was fondest of him over the other princes.

Still, Link supposed he owed Percival for giving him the push to finally admit his feelings to Zelda.

"Yes, I do," he said at last. "Nice to see you."

"You as well, hero. Queen Zelda and I were just speaking of some official business. Though I suppose we ought to learn not to speak about such affairs at a party," he said jokingly. "I'm sorry to keep her from you. Go enjoy yourselves. I'll speak to you again." Before he left, he exchanged a knowing look with the queen and dismissed himself with a stout bow.

"What was that about?"

She hesitated: she didn't want to add to his already built-up anxiety. But she knew she needed to tell him where she was meeting the princes, at the very least.

"There's a certain matter that the princes and I need to speak of. They requested my presence in the library in a short while."

Link raised a brow, eyeing her carefully. "During the wedding? Is it important?"

"I believe so." Zelda wasn't keen on hiding things from her husband, but she knew Roperi's secret wasn't hers to tell. "But it's also a private matter and they requested that I go alone."

"Zelda…" the hero said carefully.

"I know what you're going to say," she interrupted, "but I'm able to take care of myself and I'll only be gone for a short while. If you'd like, you can escort me there and wait outside."

"Yeah, of course." Link took her hand and squeezed it, and she smiled at his concern. It was always a quality she admired.

The least she could do was get him to relax and enjoy the evening before she had to go. "Come, let's enjoy the night." Zelda pulled her prince deeper into the crowd, placing a hand on his shoulder and holding his hand with the other. She leaned close to his shoulder to ensure he heard when she said, "I love you."

The hero flushed at her words. Subtly, he kissed her hair and pulled her closer to him.

"I love you, Zelda."

As time passed, they started to feel more and more relaxed. Indulging in the allure of the party, they danced along with the other spinning guests, talking and just having fun with one another.

While Zelda spoke to some ambassadors, Link watched the performers do their tricks, all the while keeping an eye on his wife. There was so much and yet so little to worry about. He didn't feel safe with all these unrecognizable faces and in such an unfamiliar place.

But there was no threat to her or his life and they were in a safe space with guards at every entrance. It wasn't his first time at a ball like this either. He'd been to many, actually; he should've been used to large and distinguished crowds by now. What's more, he knew that he could handle it should something - or anything, for that matter - happen. He just needed to relax and enjoy the festivities with her.

When a man with a tray weaved through the party, Link stopped him. The man with auburn hair and a beaming smile spun on his heel. One hand held up a tray of flutes with sparkling champagne while the other was tucked behind his back. "Oh, hello. May I offer you a drink?" Link smiled and nodded as he plucked one off the tray and downed some of the drink.

Meanwhile, Zelda had been so busy mingling that she almost forgot that she promised to meet the princes - that is until she heard the booms of fireworks echoing from outside the castle walls.

She found her husband and said, "Shall we go?"

With a polite nod to the guards, they slipped through the grand doors. An even more dizzying madness engulfed the halls, and Link could scarcely see through the sheer scarfs sailing by his eyes and the pins and balls hurdling through the air. The room spun around him and made his stomach churn. He grimaced when a cymbal crashed by his ear.

Zelda repeated Percival's directions in her head, trying to ignore the way that the checkered floors started to make her dizzy. Muttering to herself, "Up the grand stairs, to the left."

As the statues' expressions around them began to morph into unsettling grimaces, Link's hands became clammy and his steps started to get heavy. He tried to stare straight ahead but even the walls were shifting all around them and the floors were rolling like waves. There was something terribly wrong. A small amount of champagne shouldn't do this to him.

Pushing through the unease, Link rested his hand on the hilt of his dagger and reached out for Zelda. Instead, his hand gripped the fleeting fabric of a scarf. It sifted through his fingers like water and instantly, fear coursed through him.

"Zelda? Zelda!"

The people around him eyed him judgingly, whispering amongst themselves. He didn't care.

When Zelda realized she lost sight of Link, she tried to remain calm. Loud stomps came from behind her and she looked back, expecting to see her husband. But she couldn't see through the wall of performers.

Suddenly, a juggler jerked his head towards her, his entire face disguised by a burgundy mask. He said nothing as he crept towards her. She turned around only to find more performers closing in on her, but she couldn't recognize any faces behind their masks.

"Get back at once," she demanded, gripping her skirts and standing tall, though she didn't feel nearly as brave as she sounded. They said nothing as they encroached upon her.

When Link heard his wife's voice, he feared it was another trick or illusion. But he didn't waste a moment thinking about it: he stumbled blindly towards it, and through the fleeting crowd, saw his wife tumble to the ground. What was worse were the people standing above her.

Link shouted, pulled out his dagger, and raced forward as a bolt of strength surged through him. Just as he stepped towards them, something struck the back of his head and everything went black.

Chapter Text

The king was dying.

That was the word on the streets of Holodrum for years. No one knew for sure where he'd contracted his illness, but it struck him like a poisonous arrow and persisted relentlessly ever since.

For the first couple of months, the prince was certain that his father would heal in no time. After all, his father was a strong man who'd never once caught an illness despite his many travels and tours. Even when Fletcher's mother fell sick and passed long ago, his father stayed by her side and never once so much as caught a sniffle.

But after he returned from Hyrule and months had passed with no signs of improvement, Fletcher knew something was seriously wrong.

The prince tried everything. In the first year, he hailed everyone - from scholars with in-depth research to villagers with traditional concoctions - to share their input and remedies. Thousands of doctors and shamans traveled from overseas and across wild plains to try and cure him. Medicines and herbs from foreign lands were eaten, drank, smoked, and even bathed in.

But despite it all, somehow the king's condition only deteriorated. His eyesight waned and sickly blotches spread across his skin. And the sicker the king got, the more hysterical his son became.

It was after the second year of his illness that things took a turn for the worse. His body weakened until he could no longer stand on his own and the prince realized that there was little to no help left.

His father was the best man Fletcher ever knew. He was a great king, benevolent to his people, and yet still great fun to be around. His people were content and Holodrum was peaceful. It was why so many people from around the kingdom and beyond were willing to help the king despite receiving nothing in return.

More than that, he was a great father. He was proud of Fletcher's every accomplishment, from his travels to his tournaments and hunts.

Fletcher couldn't imagine losing him. He had no one else. No siblings, no mother, nor friends to turn to. If his father died, he'd have nobody but courtiers and allies to speak to. It was clear at that point that he'd do anything to heal his father, even something he'd never considered before.

On that blustery afternoon, when the old, cryptic crone walked into his throne room, he was at his peak of desperation.

A brilliant glow illuminated the room as the light of day reflected off the ivory tiles. Cold wind rattled the windows that made up the left wall. It was always chilly, as the castle was as far north as the land reached ahead of the mountain range. There was a constant roar from the waterfalls on the mountainside, and the room was suspended over the gorge that they poured into.

A large, decadent throne stood on a landing at the north end of the room with a familiar, despicable man on it.

The crone hobbled over the tiled floor, her long staff making a rhythmic clack with each step. Her hunched back was swathed in a sickly green cloak with a hood that cast a shadow over most of her face. Fletcher had his head rested on his chin, already sure that this old woman couldn't help him but waited anyway as she knelt to the floor before him.

"Your Highness," she greeted with a crackling voice. "I have the answer to your woes. But I will only speak to you alone."

Fletcher's eyes narrowed. It was a strange request, and though the guards standing beside the throne exchanged a distrusting look, he dismissed them with a wave of his hand. After all, how could such an old and weak woman hurt him? When the large doors shut, the old woman raised her head.

"Well?" Fletcher asked impatiently.

A sneer curled the woman's chapped lips and yet he couldn't see her eyes.

"If you continue on this path, Your Highness, your father will surely die."

The words struck him like a blow to the chest. He shot straight up in his seat and gripped the arms of the throne with a vexed scowl. She was right, he knew, but he was enraged to hear her say it. His mouth opened, a dismissal at the tip of his tongue, but she interrupted.

"There's only one way that he may possibly survive." His lips clamped shut. "Deep in the deserts of Hyrule, there's a clan that's able to harness a powerful magic unlike any other. There are sorceresses and enchantresses that may train you in the art of witchcraft to heal your father."

"And why can't they come here and do it themselves?"

"Only I'm able to leave the fortress. But I'm afraid, sire, that I might not be of help to the king."

"And why not?"

Her knobbly, spotted fingers reached up and pulled the hood off. He recoiled when he saw that the woman's eyes were white and glazed over.

"Because I'm a seer, Your Highness. I may see and tell all, but I do not possess the magic to heal your father. For that, you'd have to come and learn yourself."

The prince was silent, still in utter shock from what he was seeing. He'd called in shamans and witch doctors to try any healing practices they had to offer but to no avail. However, the seer was unlike anything he'd ever encountered before. Moreover, she said that there was magic more powerful than anything he'd ever seen.

"What's the cost?"

She smiled then, and it was a knowing, wicked smile. "Nothing that you can't afford, my lord."

Link awoke from his stupor dazed and confused. Music still bounced off the adjacent halls and he could still hear the marching of performers, as if no time had passed at all. His arms were restrained by painfully tight grips and he managed to see through his blurred vision that the people holding him were masked.

Just like the ones who attacked Zelda.

The thought flashed in his mind just as the memory of her collapsing in front of him did. Gritting his teeth and clenching his fists, Link elbowed the person to his right and then kneed the other person in the groin, causing them to release him in a grunt of protest.

He managed to slip the dagger into his hand before either got to their feet and held the knife out in front of him, poised to attack. The soldier he elbowed spurt into action and reached for Link. But the blond was quicker: he snatched his arm and twisted it. With a growl, he shoved the attacker against a wall and held his arm against his neck. "What did you do with her?"

The man struggled, trying to drink in what air he could. But Link didn't relent.

"Where is she?" he asked again, punctuating the question with another shove.

The captor opened his mouth, shaping words without a sound. Link loosened his grip just enough for him to speak. "Fletcher…"

Link's eyes widened. It'd been so long since he heard that name. He released the man, causing him to collapse to the ground and hold his neck with shallow gasps.

Link could hardly think straight, his mind muddled with questions of why and how, but he couldn't afford to waste any time. Kicking into a run, he went off to find the place where Zelda was attacked.

For such a small castle, Termina's palace corridors seemed never-ending, like he was looping back around to the same place with every corner he passed. The wallpaper and the statues were nearly the same everywhere, like a song that played the same tune over and over.

But, that was all by design, and Link wasn't stuck in a time loop of some sort because he eventually found the corner where Zelda was taken. In all the chaos, her mask was discarded on the floor.

Link picked it up and raked a hand through his unruly hair. He hoped against hope that her disappearance was just a part of his hallucinations. Whatever vile concoction he drank made him delirious. Despite knowing that her capture felt too real to be an illusion, there was always a possibility, however unlikely, that he'd imagined it all.

But with the mask in his hand, there was no denying it.

Was it possible that the other princes had anything to do with it? Edmund, maybe, but Percival was peaceful - at least for all Link knew. They had no reason to plan this unless they really were so spiteful that Zelda didn't marry either of them.

It didn't make sense, but she was headed to meet them and Link got a dreadful feeling when they'd asked her. In fact, he'd had a dreadful feeling all night, but that wouldn't do any good now. Clenching the mask in his hand, he tried to remember the directions Zelda was reciting and followed it to Edmund's study.

A harrowing wordless sound crept from the distance. It was almost as though ancient old souls were crying out in the empty space. A leak dripped into a lone puddle in the corner of the room and rats scurried against the stone floors.

Chains kept the queen's hands bound behind her back and to the walls, leaving bruises on her wrists and rattling with every movement. She had no idea where the assailants brought her, but it was eerily reminiscent of the time she spent trapped in her tower. There was never a time she felt more vulnerable and incompetent - until now.

From a distance, she heard a wooden door creak open and heels clack on the stone floor. They grew louder as they approached. Before she saw who it was, a tall, lithe shadow skulked on the floor as the person stood behind the iron gate to her cell, unnervingly looming over her. The torch popped and crackled in their gloved hand and she tensed. Intense flashbacks from her time in the tower flashed through her mind. She gritted her teeth in trepidation.

"It's amusing to see you like this, Queen Zelda," the man jeered. She instantly recognized the sour voice.

The door screeched in protest as the person stepped through the frame and stopped across her. Half of his sinister face flickered in the firelight while the other was enshrouded in the darkness. "The beautiful stately queen chained up on the cold dungeon floor."

She said nothing, though she stared him down, eyes fierce. He scoffed. "Pathetic." But his eyes glinted with perverse enjoyment as he crouched down to face her and took her chin into his hand. "Where's your hero to save you now?"

She whipped her head out of his grasp, but it didn't discourage him. "I bet you feel foolish now, don't you? You could've sat aside me on a throne. You could've been powerful. But instead, here you are." Reaching behind her, he jingled the chains around her wrist. "That's what you get for marrying a peasant."

She pulled away from him and the cuffs tightened painfully around her wrists. There was not much give, but thankfully he stepped away.

Finally, she spoke, though she had to strain her voice to be steady. "What is it you want, Fletcher? I'm married and it's over. Leave us be."

He scoffed again. "Please, you think I'd marry you now? After you've been tainted by that peasant? Not a chance."

Zelda scowled at him. She despised that word - tainted - like she was some sort of medallion that could be bent and damaged. That was how many of her peers perceived her growing up. What's more, she hated the implication that Link could be the one to tarnish her, just for being a commoner.

"I was humiliated by your court. You all thought you could dismiss me - you thought I'd just walk away with my tail tucked between my legs. Hah," he laughed loudly, the sound echoing through the empty halls. "I won't be made a fool, not by the likes of you."

"Is that what this is about? Your shame?"

He stopped then, tongue caught, and shook his head. "No, no, this is something far bigger than us."

"What then? What do you want?"

"I've been called upon to take part in a greater destiny. And my reward, Your Majesty, is your kingdom. I'll stake your land and make it nothing but a pretty expansion of Holodrum. I'll pick apart Hyrule until no one remembers its name." His voice was filled with so much venom that the queen's skin crawled.

"If you think that my kingdom will fall to you, you've got less sense than I thought. Step down now before you make a bigger fool of yourself."

Fletcher slapped her harshly. The sound was loud and degrading, though she wasn't sure anyone was around to hear it. Her cheek throbbed in pain, already marked red with his handprint, and yet she gritted her teeth stubbornly.

"You'd do well to shut your mouth. You're in my possession now." Though her breath fastened, ready to argue, she wisely held her tongue and instead glared at him through the mussed hair falling over her eyes.

"That's what I thought," he spat and sauntered to the door. With one last whetted glance, he threw the door closed and Zelda let out a breath when the distant door clanked shut.

She drew her knees tight against her body and held her tears back as she let the weight of the situation fall over her. There was no point crying, not now.

Treading through dunes of powdery sand and sweltering heat was like trying to scale Holodrum's snowy mountains. His cloak whipped about in the sandstorm as he followed the seer, seemingly unbothered by the devastating temperature as she all but floated over the slopes. He wondered how she navigated a place with no direction.

Within the hour, they came across a rusted iron gate, seemingly untouched in ages, and no one in sight. She raised her staff above her hip and thrust it straight down into the sand.

For a moment, nothing happened and Fletcher really pondered his own sanity for following this zany crone into the middle of nothingness. But then, the chain shot back along the reel and waves of sand rippled out, nearly knocking him clear off his feet.

From behind the gate, he could see a fortress as though it'd been there all along. He blinked a few times, sure that it was all a mirage of some sort, but it didn't disappear.

It was a simple building hiding within the crook of the highlands. It had cavities for doors and windows, but there were numerous levels and landings. Tents and lookout towers were scattered in front of it.

Most shockingly, there was a whole population of people walking around, unbeknownst to the world beyond the gate.

The seer didn't wait for his epiphany to end and went far along without him. Considering how slow she walked, he must've been standing there, stupefied, for quite a while.

The prince ran and followed her through the fortress. It was as simple on the inside as it was on the outside. There were some weapons hung along the walls, barrels, and pots strewn in the corners, and torches lighting the narrow halls, but not much else.

The seer led him up a staircase without a word, and the room they entered was larger than any of the tight corridors they walked through. There was no wall on the southern end to screen the blinding sunlight, but the sand didn't get into the room as if there was some sort of invisible shield blocking it out.

A few tall women stood around the room, matching his towering height, and were deep in conversation. Fletcher wondered then if he'd seen any men at all since he arrived.

Two old women sat with their legs folded on the maroon woven rug at the center of the room, fanned by two servants. The older women were nearly identical with greying hair and hawkish noses. Both were shrouded in black patterned cloaks and wore jeweled circlets around their heads: one a sapphire and the other a ruby.

Fletcher stood back, suddenly feeling something he'd never really experienced before. For some reason, the women - frail and unassuming - intimidated him.

But they noticed him hovering at the top of the stairs and peered their beady eyes at him. "Ho, ho, ho," the one with the sapphire jewel said. "Looks like someone's here to see us, Koume." His whole body tensed up at her garbled, high-pitched voice.

"Appears so, Kotake," the other said with an eerily similar voice.

The seer hobbled forward, her staff clicking and bringing the whole room to attention. "I've brought the Prince of Holodrum, Your Graces."

"Well then boy, come closer," said Kotake, her knobby finger reaching out. "Let me get a look at you."

Fletcher swallowed, finally coming to, and stepped onto the carpet. Both witches' eyes squinted as they swept over the tall prince, searching for something. "Ah yes, I sense it, Koume. He's powerful."

"Yes, yes, Kotake. I sense it too. And he's furious." A smile stretched her thin lips. "You'll do just fine then."

He frowned then, skeptical. "Pardon me, but what on earth are you speaking about? I was brought here to learn how to heal my father. I have no desire to do otherwise."

Sharp, shrieking laughter escaped their lips. "Insistent. I like it." Fuming, he placed his hands on his hips. "Yes, we will train you. But at a cost, of course."

"And what's the cost?"

"Revenge." The sudden seriousness of her voice scared him. "Long, overdue revenge."

His eyes darted around the room, meeting everyone's quiet, scrutinizing gazes. He swallowed again.

"If you can teach me how to heal my father, I'll do anything."

"I don't understand. I told her to be here," Percival said as he stood at the open door and gazed into the empty corridor. Distantly, he could hear the merry music as it rang through the adjacent halls just before he shut the door.

Edmund's royal study was more like his own private library: thousands of books were tucked away neatly in the shelves covering the walls. A chess set stood before a crackling fireplace and a large wooden chandelier hung over their heads.

Rain pattered and pecked at the large arched window that stood at the far end of the room behind tall leather armchairs. The hearth crackled and spit in the alcove on the far wall, but otherwise, the study was still and quiet in almost an unnerving way.

Edmund sat on one of the leather chairs, sipping from his drink pensively as he stared off into the distance. "Perhaps she simply forgot. The wedding celebration is quite…busy."

"Unlikely," Percival retorted. "But I suppose we ought to hurry. Roperi will be looking for you, after all." He sat in the other chair and looked at his new brother-in-law, not quite sure if he was ready to have this conversation.

He had his suspicions of what the conversation was regarding. On his own volition, he was ready to defend his sister if it came down to it. But that was only if it came down to it and he really wished it wouldn't. As the lily-livered man he could be, he wasn't the type to instigate any sort of confrontation - especially something of this nature.

Edmund placed his glass on the table with a distinct clink. "I'm sure you know why I've asked to speak with you, Percival." The ginger gulped but didn't reply. Instead, his eyes focused on the condensation rolling off the glass onto the mahogany table between them. "It's about my wife."

Finally, Percival's eyes flashed to the other prince. "You see, I've heard from an anonymous source that Roperi wasn't as…chaste as I was led to believe. I was shocked at first, though I hesitated to believe it. After all, I had no idea who'd written the letter in the first place.

"However, when I approached her about the matter, she admitted that the allegation was true. I admired the fact that she was honest with me about it and I adore her too much to really mind the fact anyhow."

Percival's eyebrows rose at that, stunned by Edmund's indifference. He was a very proud and conventional man, and Percival expected him to think of Roperi as impure or indecent for not maintaining her virginity. He knew quite a few men who'd think that, though Percival himself believed that it was unfair.

To his surprise, though, Edmund handled the news quite maturely.

"Still, I don't believe others might feel the same way as I do," the prince carried on. "I mean, it'd be quite the scandal if it were to ever come out. That's why I insisted that the three of us speak about this. Roperi informed me that you knew of the matter at hand, as does Queen Zelda. So long as the truth doesn't escape us, we should have no problem."

Percival nodded. "I wouldn't tell a soul. I wouldn't want anyone to tarnish my sister's reputation and I believe Zelda feels the same. She understands what would happen if this information was leaked - probably better than you and I do."

Edmund picked up his drink and held the cool glass against his mouth before taking another sip. "Yes, well, I suppose either one of us could just confirm this with her in the morning. I doubt it should be a problem and yet, I still want to ensure we're all on the same page."

Percival frowned then. "Wait, you said that someone wrote a letter to you with this information?" Edmund hummed in confirmation. "And you don't know who wrote it?"

"No, I have no idea. Why?"

The ginger rubbed his forehead with exasperation. He knew who must've written it; after all, Fletcher had been persistently hanging his dalliance with Roperi over their heads for the longest time. He had no idea what Fletcher was planning to do with this information or why he was bringing it up yet again, but Percival wanted nothing to do with it. All he wanted was for him to leave him and his sister alone. He sighed heavily.

"It's trying, that's why."

"It truly is."

The ginger leaned against the back of the chair. "Whoever's sending this information must have ulterior motives. I mean, no one sends a letter like that without wanting something in return. And yet, I have no idea what it could be."

Edmund scrunched his face and pushed his spectacles up his nose. "I suppose you have a point. I was rather…unnerved when I read it myself. But it contained no threats. Perhaps we ought to take it with a grain of salt. For all we know, it could've been Roperi's way of admitting it to me."

"No, I know my sister. She wouldn't do that sort of thing. She may be coltish at times but if she wanted to say something, she'd say it to your face."

"Then I'm unsure who else would say such a thing. But like I said, we mustn't make a greater deal out of it than necessary. I just want to ensure that we leave it behind us." The shorter prince peered at him from above his glasses. "Are we in agreement?"

Still frustrated, Percival begrudgingly agreed to let it go. "I suppose so."

Overall, he was glad that at least the conversation went smoothly. He knew that it could've gone many different ways and nearly all would've been horrible. He was grateful that the Prince of Termina was far more gracious than he expected, and he supposed it was best to leave it all in the past. He never wanted to hear about this incident again.

It was then that the door whipped open, booming like a cannon as it hit the wall. Both princes threw their heads towards the noise, nearly spilling their fine whiskey on the rug.

Link was standing in the door, heaving heavy breaths with murderous intent in his eyes. For a moment, the princes did nothing but stare at him, mouths hanging open.

"Where is she?" he asked, voice trembling.

The two princes exchanged a look and Percival carefully stood, placing his drink down for fear of breaking it. "Where's who? Queen Zelda?"

"Don't do that. Just tell me where she is."

"My lord," he said carefully, hands out and palms down. "I honestly don't know what you're talking about. If it's Queen Zelda you're looking for, she hasn't come by. We've been waiting on her."

Edmund cleared his throat, adding, "When did you last see her?"

Link's eyes swept over the two of them, trying to read their expressions. But either they really didn't know where Zelda was or they were extremely good performers. Regardless, he kept his guard up. "She was taken on her way here."

"'Taken?'" Percival repeated, aghast. "Are you certain?"

"Well, we have nothing to do with it. We've both been here for a while now."

Link gritted his teeth and turned on his heel, stomping off in a hurry. Talking to them was getting him nowhere and he couldn't afford to waste time.

Percival kicked off into a run after the hero, a little breathless and careful of his footing.

"What're you going to do, Link?" He couldn't quite read the stark expression on his face. The prince did know, though, that if Link looked half as callous as he was terrifying, then he would've likely been running in the opposite direction.

"If you're not going to help, I'm gonna find her on my own."

"Link, I swear I don't know where she could've gone!" he said in a yelling-type of a whisper. "But I'll help search for her. Who took her?"

Though the hero's feet didn't falter, his face did for a moment. "It was Fletcher."

Percival fell back then, slack-jawed, as Link sailed through the winding halls. He only stopped when he found the Hylian guard stationed outside their room, who immediately stood at attention for his prince.

"Zelda was taken. There were four or five people in colorful masks and dressed like performers. I need everyone to look for her now."

The guard, momentarily stunned at the news, eventually responded, "Of course, Your Highness. Do you have any more information? Did you see where she went?"

Link's eyes cast down for a moment before answering quietly, "The prince of Holodrum took her - that's all I know. I need you to tell the council immediately. I'm going to Holodrum to get her back."

With a nod, the guard hurried down the hall, his armor ringing like chimes in the distance. Link didn't wait another moment before entering his and his wife's temporary chambers to gather his things. Just as he was equipping his sword and shield, he heard a faint hesitant knock on the door. He stopped, unsure if he heard it before it came again.

Despite the unlikelihood of it, he hoped somehow Zelda returned. She wasn't quite as strong but she was a very skilled fighter. Maybe she'd woken up and fought off the horde of performers who'd taken her.

Hands shaking, he threw the door open. He couldn't help the disappointed sigh that escaped him when he saw it was just the Prince of Labrynna. He also couldn't help but notice that Percival was also equipped with a sword and shield on his back.

His fist dropped sheepishly and he said, "You're going to Holodrum." It wasn't a question. Link nodded. "Would you let me accompany you?"

The hero's mouth opened, ready to say, "Absolutely not." He wasn't typically a rude person but he'd rather be safe than sorry when it came to whom to trust, especially now. And he'd admit to being rather short about it.

But he didn't get the chance because Percival paced into the room, wringing his hands nervously. "I have to admit, I feel guilty." Link's frown twitched. "No, no, I told you I'm not involved in whatever scheme Fletcher may have.

"No, I feel guilty because it was I who invited Zelda to the prince's study. Albeit I wasn't expecting something like this to happen but…I just want to help. I'm fond of the queen – cordially, of course." He added the little tidbit at the end for good measure, as Link was already staring daggers at him and he certainly didn't want to ire him further.

"I imagine you've never been to Holodrum, especially not recently…" He paused. "I'm sure I could be of some assistance. I've been to Holodrum before - many times, actually. Fletcher and I were close friends once, long ago."

"Why should I trust you?"

"I understand why you might not. In fact, I understand that it's hard to trust anyone right now. I mean just a couple of hours ago we were all enjoying ourselves at my sister's union and now here we are.

"The truth of the matter is Fletcher and I have been on bad terms for a while. He's king now, so his alliance is with my mother and father, not with me personally. He lost my friendship long before this whole situation: he did something awful and he's been holding it over my head since. I'm not really supposed to speak of it but Zelda knows as well. It's actually what we were going to discuss this evening with Edmund.

"But you can trust my alliance is stronger to Hyrule than it is to Holodrum. If something happened to Zelda, I've pledged to help."

Link reflected on Percival's line of reasoning. He didn't know him that well and he hadn't exactly had exclusively good relationships with the royalty and nobility he'd met. But Percival seemed genuine and never betrayed them after the incident in court, and what's more, Zelda seemed to trust him. He could be helpful too if he was as familiar with Holodrum as he claimed.

As if following his train of thought, Percival continued, "Here, this is something that might help us both." He rustled around in his satchel and pulled out a thin, rumpled parchment. Link inched closer. "It's a map of the kingdoms. I was able to take it off my knights' hands. I figured we might need a copy of our own."

He drew a line with his finger along the path through Hyrule and stopped at the most northern spot on the map. "This is where the castle is. Here's what I think you and I should do. I'll go up to the throne room and reveal that I know he's taken Zelda and that I want to be in on the plan. I figure that way he'd give me some useful information. There's a good chance he won't believe me, but he isn't all that wise to begin with.

"Meanwhile, you search the castle. You're a stealthy fellow, so I imagine if Zelda was there, you might be able to find her quicker than they can take her away."

Link tossed the idea in his head for a moment: the plan was similar to what he'd planned to do in the first place, but at least he'd have eyes and ears on Fletcher in the meantime. It was a risk to trust Percival but the plan seemed simple enough. "Okay, let's do it."

Though the queen was bound in chains, chilled to the bone on the dungeon floor, she couldn't help but worry about her husband. She felt it in the Triforce's energy that he was out there and he was alive, but she had no idea where or in what condition.

The last that she'd seen him was in the commotion in the castle halls. Between all the music and movement, it was hard to really grasp anything. She prayed silently to the goddesses that he was okay and that they didn't capture him as they had her.

Logically, she realized that he more than likely warded the attackers off if they'd even approached him, as quick and skilled as he was, especially with his dagger on him. In actuality, he was probably out there searching for her.

It'd be near impossible to conclude that Fletcher had her. Even Zelda, in all her wisdom, was puzzled as to who would've captured her at first. It'd been a long while since Fletcher threatened the Hylian royals, and even then Zelda wouldn't have thought he'd make such an abrupt and violent decision. She figured at most that their alliance was through and their communications would cease.

And yet, by willing to go to such extremes, it seemed he was far more fixated on their dispute than she expected. He'd gone mad, it seemed, and there was no telling what he would do next. She clenched her jaw. Zelda would rather die than let another madman sit on her throne again.

The door slammed open and startled the queen out of her thoughts. Some guard came in, opened the door, and marched towards her. Zelda drew herself into a ball on the floor. Already, her breathing became shallow, anticipating a strike or blow.

But instead, the guard took a key, unshackled her from the wall, and pulled her to her feet. She struggled, trying to yank herself free, but the tall woman had a strong grip on her upper arm.

"Where are you taking me?" she insisted but received no answer.

Zelda dug her heels into the ground but the woman dragged her along the dark, narrow halls as though her weight was no encumbrance. After ascending a great stone staircase, Zelda was brought into an airy room, lit up brightly from the hole in the wall.

She squinted from the bright light in contrast to the dark spaces she'd been pulled through since. Through squinted eyes, she could see the rolling sand dunes and she suddenly realized she was in Gerudo Desert. The woman tossed her and the queen collapsed on the rug on the floor, her hands still bound together.

Zelda looked up through her mess of hair and found two elderly women, small and hunched over, staring down at her past their arched noses. Their beady eyes moved in sync as they examined her and Zelda realized that Fletcher stood behind them, watching with his arms folded over his chest.

The queen glared at the trio viciously and tried to push herself up, which proved to be quite difficult with her hands bound. The ladies shrieked in laughter at her struggle.

"This is the great Queen of Hyrule?" one of the identical women squawked.

"It can't be, Koume. She's so weak."

"What a ruler Hyrule has. She's nothing compared to our Ganondorf."

Her heart skipped a beat at the name. Suddenly, Zelda realized that these people were somehow members of the lost Gerudo tribe.

"What do you want with me?"

"Revenge, my sweet. Isn't that right, Kotake?"

"Yes, Koume, exactly." The woman turned her gaze back to the queen before going on a tangent. "It was your ancestors that sent our beloved son into the Realm of Twilight. For generations, he suffered all alone in the twilight. When he was finally free from your punishment, you and that hero killed him."

Son? Did that mean that these were Ganondorf's mothers?

"Well, how would you like it?"

Fletcher then swept over the carpet and yanked Zelda off her feet. She squirmed, trying her hardest to get out of his tight grasp to no avail. The woman closed their eyes as they began a chant in a language even the queen didn't recognize.

With that, the women snapped their fingers in unison. A cloud of thick black smoke encircled the queen, swirling around her in a thick coil. She started to choke and thrash, trying to get away, but it swallowed her until she disappeared from sight.

"Say goodbye to Hyrule."

Chapter Text

For someone with such a thirst for power, Fletcher wondered how he ever went without it. What was only supposed to be a few months away from his kingdom turned out to be a year of pure devotion and practice. Before long, he gained enough experience and skill to heal his father of his ailments.

That morning, Fletcher leapt off his stallion in the castle's courtyard and shot through the corridors like an arrow, straight to his father's bedchambers. Servants beckoned him as he passed, their hands up to catch his attention, but he rushed by them without hesitation.

When he threw open the doors to his father's bedchambers, his brows furrowed in confusion. The bed was made and empty. Panting heavily, he raked a hand through his hair and waved over the nearest servant, a young woman who'd been skirting through the hallway with folded sheets in her hands.

"Miss, miss," he said, grabbing her by the shoulders.

She halted in her step and looked at the prince who was frantic and sweating.

"Your Highness," she said carefully. "Welcome back."

"My father, where is he?"

Her mouth parted, her eyes darting around in confusion. "Your Highness, did…did you not get the news?"

"What news?"

Her fingers grasped the sheets the slightest bit tighter.

"Your father passed, Your Highness. Earlier this month."

Fletcher's hand slipped from her shoulders. All too quickly, he lost feeling in his body.

It was too late. No one in the castle was able to reach out to the prince and warn him that his father was in his last days. All that time he'd spent in the desert had been for naught.

He fell to his knees with eyes wide and distant. The servant knelt in front of him, trying to bring him back to earth, but he couldn't hear her voice. Everything was garbled and distant.

From that point onward, he was never the same.

The queen of light awoke in a place of darkness. Her body was sprawled onto the ground right at the edge of nothingness.

Skies were violet in color and dappled with specks of black snowflakes rising upwards. Though there was no sun or stars, there was a sort of calm, dim light emanating from the distance. The space around her looked just as Hyrule did outside her window when Zant usurped her throne. For a brief, fleeting moment, she wondered if it was possible that – no, it couldn't be. There was no way.

Zelda must've been dead. As the wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom, she'd given a lot of thought to what might happen after death. She always thought it might look like the beautiful green pastures of Hyrule or water so clear that it reflected the sky.

She never imagined anything like this. It reminded her so much of the worst time in her life: the sky in shades of amber; the wall of clouds around her violet and dark. Perhaps that was what the goddesses deemed appropriate for her afterlife: to wither away in the twilight she succumbed to for all eternity.

With shaky legs, she pushed herself up, a wind picking up beneath her and blowing her ragged emerald skirts behind her. She leveled her hands by her side to gain some balance before turning around and finally laying her eyes on the towering black buildings behind her. Before she could even decide which of the two doors to enter, one of them zipped open and two people emerged.

They were remarkably different than any species she'd seen: one was thin and tall while the other was short and stout. Their skin was jet black with blue markings, and though she hesitated to believe it, she couldn't deny they resembled Midna that way.

She straightened her shoulders and took a breath as they caught sight of her, as though she was a bright, green beacon. Standing just as stiff and stunned as she was, they examined her like they were trying to gauge whether she was some sort of threat. She was unassuming, especially in her ball gown of all things, but she must've looked as alien to them as they did to her.

At last, she said, "I need help."

Long curtains of deep red, so deep almost as though they'd been dipped in blood, were pulled aside and lightning flashed outside the windows - what light the kingdom had left.

The beauty and mystery that Holodrum was known for was blotted out since the late king, Fletcher's father, passed away earlier that year. A certain darkness loomed over the kingdom like grim leaden clouds in the distance forecasting a heavy downpour.

King Fletcher, the sole heir to the throne, spent his time in mourning paying back his debt to the witches. Fortunately, as the captain at the helm, he was able to use whatever means necessary.

His hand crumpled the parchment in his leather glove.

"They're on their way," the king said. "You know what to do."

The tall knight grunted, his golden armor ringing like a steel drum as his fist hit his chest and he bowed down in obedience. Before the soldier was dismissed, a pensive hum resounded from the alcove beneath the window.

The king turned to the only other person in the room who sat on an old tattered rug behind a deep purple orb. The stone caught each bolt of lightning that flared outside the window to harness its powerful energy. The old seer's wrinkled and freckled hands hovered over the ball.

"What do you see, witch?"

He looked down at the stone orb, but all he could see was a murky oversized bead. Since he didn't have the time to learn fortune-telling, he had to put his trust in the seer's prophecies.

"The letter speaks true to the source's knowledge but omits a fact. A prince with ginger locks shall arrive with the hero."

Fletcher laughed. "Percival? That coward actually left the safety and comfort of Termina's castle?" He shook his head and waved a hand dismissively. "No matter. He's of no consequence. It's the hero that worries me." Proudly, his dark eyes scanned his large display case of bottles, some tall and thin, others small and stout. "But that's what I have you for."

The witch was unsure whether that last comment was for her or the potions. In an array of colors, they shimmered in the neatly shelved bottles. He grabbed one and rolled it in his hand, watching with amazement as the hues shifted from crimson to violet as the liquid swirled in the bowl. "These potions will weaken him."

"I suspect the hero has learned about your use of magic. If he's cautious, he can easily evade your concoctions," the witch warned. Fletcher looked down at her with a scowl before he placed the bottle back and shut the glass door. "You may not be able to overpower the hero, but you may bend his will."

"What do you mean?"

"He's distraught from the queen's disappearance. Use that to your advantage."

Fletcher eyed the witch for a moment before looking through the window behind her and the torrent of rain pouring over the fields. And as the lightning split the sky, a new idea struck him. The perfect way to take the hero down.

His arms and legs pumped in rhythm, his muscles and lungs well-acquainted for such long and far journeys. After all, that was why he was the best postman around. Who else could provide quick service? He'd been offered carriages and horses by the royal family, but he liked to consider himself a running man. He was lucky to not have to cross any oceans, at least.

His feet crunched in the leaves of Faron Woods as he headed towards the central kingdom. On his way, he dropped off a delivery to the man sitting before a campfire – a weird man, that one, with birds fluttering in his hair. It wasn't too far from here, he thought, and hummed a little ditty to keep his mind busy. It wasn't long before the birds began to mimic his little tune as he journeyed deeper into the dense forest.

The Castle Town of Termina was far different than Hyrule's. He enjoyed traveling there for the lively music and bustling people that moved at a speed almost equal to his own. However, on such a gloomy, blustery night, there hadn't been the usual hustle and bustle on the cobblestone streets.

The postman followed a worn path through the towering trees – he knew all the shortcuts to make the fastest delivery possible. He finally reached a wall of shrubbery and brushed it aside, stumbling into Hyrule Field. Ah yes, there's the gate. Tall, stone walls surrounded the capital city, much like the ones in Termina. He raced toward the eastern entrance and only slowed down when he approached the gate.

"Stop right there!" the man in the silver suit shouted. "What's your business in the Kingdom of Hyrule?"

"You don't need to worry about me, sir," he replied cheerfully - perhaps too cheerful for such late hours - just as he skidded to a halt. "I've come to deliver a letter. A letter from the Prince of Termina."

As the postman stumbled to a stop in front of him, a look of remembrance swept over the knight, a relieved smile on his lips. "Ah, it's you, is it?" He nodded and rapped his lance on the ground. "Very well. I'll take this letter to the council. Thank you."

"Yes, yes, but I must relay a message too: the prince has requested this letter to be delivered as soon as possible."

The knight cleared his throat, but not before the smile fell crookedly on his lips. "Of course." The knight watched warily as the postman began running down the same path he'd come from, not moving from his post until he was far past the shrubbery he'd stumbled through.

Thunder roared as the horses' hooves pounded against the ground; dust settled around their legs as they kicked dirt up behind them. The horizon was lit up by the fiery dusk sun and the grey clouds surrounding it waned into a blend of warm violet and orange.

They spent the entire day traversing through the deep forests of Termina before passing Hyrule and finally arriving in Holodrum. There was a stark contrast from the bustling streets in Termina last night to the abandoned square the two princes passed through that dawn.

Flags that hung above the streets were sagging, the fabric laden and darkened. Rivulets of rain created a haze that loomed over the cobblestones. Puddles sealed the cracks of the street and Epona splashed through them without care, similar to the way Link paid no mind to his drenched hair and clothes.

Link half expected Holodrum to be full of beasts and demons, tearing the land apart and setting buildings ablaze. But upon arrival to the northern kingdom, he remembered how – despite their similarities – Fletcher wasn't quite the same type of enemy as Lord Ganondorf.

Instead, his kingdom was the pinnacle of peace. At the foot of the mountains was Holodrum's very own capital, which was empty at present due to the rain. The castle stood magnificently at the most northern point, past a long, stone bridge that hung above a canyon. Tall, thin waterfalls poured over the mountainside, pooling into the depths of the chasm below.

Admiring the landscape, the duo crossed the bridge to the gates of Holodrum. The prince exchanged a quick word with the guards at the gates, who easily recognized Percival's familiar face and let them in without trouble. The guards barked orders to the knights at the higher posts, who undoubtedly ran off to send word to Fletcher of their arrival. The horses were handed off to the attendants as the knights entered the courtyard.

Autumn leaves spun in the wind around the sodden and barren trees of the courtyard. The bushes that were aligned along the paths were picked and pruned for the season, leaving just their skeletons behind. Saturated stone statues stood around the garden, so lifelike that it was almost as if they were people frozen in place.

After a turn around the maze of briar, Percival shifted to the side and Link pressed his back against the thorns. With no one in sight, he slipped into a nearby nook. According to Percival, there was a secret entrance to the dungeons under one of the towers. All Link had to do was stay out of sight and keep an eye out for the bulkhead doors hidden away in the bristle.

Though he knew little to nothing of Holodrum's castle or its gardens, he'd explore it the same way he had with dungeons. He never knew what lay behind a door, but it was a risk he'd have to take to move forward.

It was an intricate garden with many curving stairs and bounding bridges, but Link tried to stay as close to the castle wall as he scoped out the perimeter. By doing so, he was able to find the spot where the vines creeping up the wall were trimmed a little shorter and the bramble was sticking out further from the base.

He avidly listened and looked for the patrolling guards. With no one in sight, he sifted through the thorns and branches. They nipped at his fingers in protest, but he finally found the wooden door with iron handles hidden underneath. He pulled it open and peered into the obscurity. Without a doubt, he'd found the secret entrance to the dungeon.

The tunnel was similar to the ones he'd crept through before, dark and hollow, besides the distant scurry of rats and spiders. Torches along the walls lit up just enough space to see where his next step would land. But it was probably far safer than the depths of Hyrule he'd explored before.

When the tunnel fanned outwards, Link was able to see more clearly. Along each wall were cell doors, each of them dirty and dingy, even more so than Hyrule Castle's. He could see the chains hooked along the far wall and hay gathered in little piles.

Part of him wanted to find Zelda here and bring her home as quickly as possible: he wouldn't know where to look next if he didn't. And yet another part of him dreaded the thought of her locked up in such horrendous conditions. He held his breath, fully aware that there was no way he could prepare for the possibility of seeing her hurt - or even worse.

His sharp ears caught the sound of footsteps in the distance and he sidled against a wall. It was a warden, he was sure, by the repetitive rap of his weapon and the languid pacing. Still, he snuck a peek at the guard just in case. When he passed, Link continued with his search, feeling more and more dejected with each empty cell he looked through.

After scouring every dingy corner of the dungeon, Link conceded to the fact that Zelda wasn't there and knew any more time spent there would be a waste. Just as he reached the tunnel, a sharp tug on his tunic jerked him back and he landed roughly on his bottom with a grunt.

He didn't take long to recover and immediately jumped to his feet. It was the same guard that'd passed earlier; he held a large round shield with the royal crest and a long halberd whose sharp steel edges gleamed in the torchlight.

"Look what got caught in my net," he jeered. "Are ya lost?" Link scowled at the condescending tone but kept his guard up, deftly observing every small movement the guard made. "I'd be mighty pleased to redirect ya."

With that, the guard stepped forward. In one quick movement, Link drew his sword and sliced his shoulder. The guard stumbled from the shock and pain before his face scrunched up with anger and he threw the halberd down with a loud clang. Link leapt to the side with a roll before expertly slashing his thigh.

The guard hissed in pain and reached for the wound. The hero then held his blade to the guard's neck, barely brushing his skin, and yet they both knew it would take one quick movement to end the fight. The prison guard held his hands up in surrender, never suspecting such a quick and embarrassing defeat. Clearly, he was far too comfortable fighting people with no means to defend themselves.

"I'm looking for someone," Link said, his voice leveled. "The queen of Hyrule. Brown hair and blue eyes. Have you seen her?"

The guard gulped and then slowly shook his head. "No, I haven't seen her." Link pressed the blade a touch closer and the man started. "I swear, I swear! I don't know anything!"

From his time in the castle so far, he learned how to read peoples' cues and figure out if they were lying. Link held the blade, his face stern and frown set, before he huffed and withdrew.

At that, the hero kicked away the man's halberd and sheathed his sword.

"Don't follow me," he ordered before running out of the tunnel, and the prison guard fell to his knees.

The queen's most trusted advisor sat at his chair in the early morning, overlooking his paperwork tiredly and rubbing his forehead with his fingers. He'd gotten too old for this. Day in and day out, he worked endlessly at his desk in devotion to his kingdom.

But it was for the kingdom that he remained ever dutiful. As a friend of the late king, Cole felt a responsibility to look after his land in his absence and to look after his daughter. Zelda, as strong a leader as she was, was still young. As long as she was the monarch of the land, Cole would stand behind her, guiding her when needed and ensuring that she had someone to lean on.

With a tired sigh, his soft but aging fingers grasped the gold-ornamented knife from its holder and sliced the first letter open with one swift movement. He folded it open and recognized the unique emblem of the Hylian kingdom. In the letterhead, it was addressed to himself from the knights of Hyrule.

Cole wiped his eyes behind his spectacles, thinking perhaps it was an older letter that got mixed up in the delivery until he realized the date written was just the day prior. Cole pressed on before immediately throwing the letter onto the desk, pushing himself up, and calling to his attendant outside the door.

The young man rushed in and stood at attention. "Yes, Chancellor Cole?"

"Bring the commander in immediately."

It was only a moment before Eagus was summoned, and he dropped everything with a huff before heading through the upper halls. Eagus would admit that everything went smoothly since the hero and queen wed years ago. The hero had been doing a better job than ever before.

He feared that once he became involved with the queen, the boy got too caught up with the nobility, the court, and all the unnecessary drivel that came from those hotheads. He always had a soft spot for the young man, but he didn't like how wrapped he got in all the court drama - one that had no place in his army.

Despite his distaste for the noblemen, the commander managed to nod politely as he passed by the odd councilor that morning while following the attendant. Pleasantries certainly weren't high on Eagus's list of strengths, but even he knew flat-out ignoring the men would cause them to gossip and complain about it later.

They found their way to the wooden door of Chancellor Cole's study and the young man knocked on it quietly. Behind the door, he heard the soft, muffled voice of the man in question before the attendant opened it for the commander, whose large physique took up nearly the entire doorframe, and excused himself.

"Be seated."

Following his direction, he lumbered into the well-lit room, adorned with a finely crafted wooden desk and shelves, dark curtains, and tapestries embroidered with delicate detail. The chancellor wasted little time seating himself behind the desk, much more gracefully than Eagus who'd used both hands to fit into the stiff seat on the other end.

"So, what's all this about?" He tried to be polite, at least to the queen's advisor, but he wasn't exactly used to the aristocrats' pretenses.

"Has the prince or any of your knights returned to their duties since their trip to Termina?"

The commander was taken aback by the sudden urgency in the chancellor's voice. "No…? I haven't heard a thing yet. Thought they were running behind or somethin'." He shifted. "Why?"

"That's what I believed as well," he said, frustration laced in his otherwise cool voice. "The queen informed me that the group would remain in Termina for a day after the wedding and they'd set out before nightfall. Now it's been two full days since the wedding and I haven't heard a word. That is until I received this." Cole slapped the letter onto the desk with exasperation.

Eagus rubbed his chin as he glanced the letter over. It was short but the message was clear: the queen was taken and the knights, Link especially, were all searching for her.

Admittedly, Eagus felt a little queasy reading the message. Losing the queen was the worst-case scenario on a trip to another kingdom. His knights' job was to protect her at all costs. Still, Cole was obviously stressed by the letter and the commander didn't really want to let the chancellor get any more frazzled than he already appeared to be.

"I'll send out troops to help the search in Termina and send out more around Hyrule," he said firmly. "I'm sure she couldn't have gone too far."

Cole huffed a breath. "Yes, that'd be a suitable start. No matter what the development is, I want you to report back to me personally and immediately." Eagus nodded firmly and Chancellor Cole drew the letter back in front of him. "Meanwhile, I'll write back to the knights to see if they could provide any more information."

"Okay," Eagus replied. Before leaving, he added, "I'm sure they'll find her and return soon. After all, they have the hero and he wouldn't let anything happen to the queen."

The chancellor looked down somberly before taking a deep breath. "Yes, perhaps you're right." At least that was true: if anyone was able to protect the queen, it was the hero himself. Still, Cole couldn't shake the ominous feeling that hung over him since receiving the letter. Sending a quick prayer out to the goddesses, he began writing his own.

It was unlike any place she'd ever been before. In more recent years, she was finally able to travel on tours and trips to distant kingdoms. But even then, she had never seen a place so modern and clean. The walls were sleek and black with thin teal wires fashioned in complex lines. Doors zipped open without a hinge and blue platforms transported her to the higher levels, unreachable by stairs.

When they arrived at the huge black door, clearly more intricate than the rest, the two people waved it open and stepped through. Despite all her doubts, sitting on her throne like it was made just for her was someone Zelda thought she'd never see again.

There were multiple other Twili around her on the landing, some at the royal's side while others were lined up on the stairs, clearly in petition. But her crimson eyes shot up to the door where Zelda stood stock-still, lips parted and eyes wide.

Despite the hustle and bustle, Midna rose to her feet and instantly commanded the attention of the court. With a swift wave of her hand and a dismissal, the people in the room grudgingly dispersed, shooting Zelda curious looks as they passed by.

The Twili's eyes were narrowed as she took careful steps down the stairs. Zelda swallowed, clenching and unclenching her hands by her sides.

Standing just before her, Midna looked just as Zelda remembered. A charcoal-black cloak wrapped her head and cascaded to her bare feet, rippling with every step as though there was a gentle wind in the windowless room. Her waist was swathed by a skirt with distinct Twili patterns and her ginger hair fell off her shoulders, tied against her chest with a golden band.

"Zelda?" Midna said. Her voice was steady, but Hylian could feel her disbelief, as some sort of signal rippled between them. Zelda held her breath as the Twili's hand reached out warily and landed on the queen's cheek.

"Midna."

The sound of Zelda's voice broke whatever barrier was between them and the Twili wrapped her arms around the Hylian. Zelda's eyes watered as she scrunched them closed, wrapped her arms around Midna's back, and clasped her cloak like a vice.

There was a still silent moment as they held each other. The embrace made all of it real: the smell of Zelda's soft skin, the firmness of Midna's hands, and the warmth between them. Without it, they might've both thought they were dreaming.

Midna was the first to draw back, though her hands lingered on her arms. "How are you here?"

Zelda blinked with tear-soaked lashes. "I was sent here. Ganondorf had mothers in the desert - sorcerers of some sort - and they used their magic to transport me here."

Midna's face hardened. She remembered Ganondorf all too well. He was more hateful than any man she ever knew, Zant included, and held power unlike any she'd ever harnessed. Even with the dark power of the Fused Shadow on her side, he easily bested her. Though it was obvious that the Triforce imbued him with limitless power, she imagined whatever tribe he came from must've given him some serious sorcery to work with.

"Did they use another mirror or something?"

Zelda's gaze lowered as she recalled the memory and the strange feeling that pervaded the room when they harnessed their power and sent her away. It was a dark power, like a sounder more fierce form of Zant's sorcery.

If Zelda could describe casting magic, it was sort of like weaving a blanket. Zant's magic had a loose, open weave made with a thicker yarn to compensate for the gaps. But the witches' was twill: tight and sealed with delicate thread.

At last, she shook her head. "There was a thick smoke that carried me here."

"Where exactly?"

"It was outside your palace - on a landing overlooking the sky. But I'm unsure where it was exactly."

"That's okay. I know what you mean," Midna said. It was the place she was first cursed by Zant; she'd never forget it. "Let's check it out together."

Admittedly, Ashei wasn't thrilled when Link asked her to take up a job in the army. While she would benevolently fight for Hyrule with all her being, she preferred to do it her way and mostly on her own. Since the death of her father, who'd been her mentor and trainer, she worked better alone.

But Link was a dear friend to her and the rest of the resistance, and she admired him for the strength and perseverance he'd shown time and time again. Even before anyone knew what was going on or who he was, he was putting his life on the line in ways that no one might ever know, and all for the good of the kingdom. It was what the knights should've been doing all along.

And so, she'd do just about anything for him if he needed it – though she'd deny it if asked. Honestly, if the knights learned a thing or two under her tutelage, then she figured it was worth it.

There was a lot of grumbling and moaning that morning while they lugged bags of flour from one end of the yard to the other. She was surprised by how thin and lanky the knights were when she first arrived; her father built up her muscle by making her lug blocks of ice home from the harvest and bulked her up with hearty suppers. She couldn't understand how any of them were able to lift a sword without building up their muscles first.

Commander Eagus strode over to her side and mirrored her stance, folding his bulky arms over his chest and observing the men.

"Creative exercise, Ashei," he commended.

The warrior nodded sternly, though she smiled inwardly at the praise. Eagus reminded her a little of her father, a strong and strict man with a soft heart.

"I - uh, I've been meaning to ask...have you heard from Link at all? I know the two of you are friends and all."

Ashei turned to look at the commander, her brows furrowed. "Whaddya mean? Aren't they at some party or something?"

He took a sharp breath, the cold air chilling him even with his many layers of armor.

"Well, yeah, but something…came up." A pause, then, "The queen's missing."

"What?"

"Look, I don't want everyone to panic or anythin'. I need everyone actin' rational. We're gonna send out battalions to search and I'll need you to help divide the troops by province. But I just thought maybe you mighta heard somethin'."

"No, I haven't heard anything but I'll let you know if I do. And I'll get to work on that right away, yeah?"

Eagus nodded. "Thanks." Then awkwardly he added, "I'm sure they'll be fine." Ashei's eyes searched the commander's before she swallowed and stepped out into the yard to get to work.

Standing on the edge of the beyond, Midna held her hand out before them. "Hm." She waved her hand in a crescent-like motion, as if she were waving to someone on the other side, and felt for something intangible. Zelda stood a few steps behind her and kept her hands folded, waiting for something to happen.

"The air here is definitely thinner. But there's no portal that I can see."

History often spoke of other realms adjacent to Hyrule. The parallel realms weren't all too far; in fact, they overlapped right above one another. Using just the right amount of magic and space, they weren't so difficult to access.

An old legend spoke of Termina once being on a separate plane of existence, but the worlds slowly intersected to a point that the hero was able to access it through the Lost Woods, and eventually, the planes aligned.

But Zelda never imagined that she'd be able to see the Twilight Realm after Midna destroyed the mirror. She thought she'd lost her friend forever.

"I'm sure there's some way we can bring you back, but it'll take some time. Are you in a rush to return home?"

Zelda opened her mouth but hesitated. Of course Link must've been worried sick but she didn't exactly know how to breach that with her friend just yet. On top of that, she was a queen and she was always needed in the kingdom.

But Midna already knew that. What she needed to know was whether there was any life-or-death business. And in fact, there was. She wasn't entirely sure of Fletcher's motives, but he was clearly targeting her kingdom and she needed to know why.

"There's a king that's threatened to take my throne," she said at last. "But I understand that it'll take time to return. I suppose my council will be able to handle him in the meantime."

"'A king?'" Midna asked incredulously. What was it with Hyrule and usurpation? "Well, we'll have to do our best. Meanwhile, I'll see if I can find you somewhere to stay and get you into some comfortable clothes." Her eyes swept over the queen, not so subtly pointing out that her emerald gown - now tarnished and torn - was hanging off her body.

She led the queen through the sable halls of her palace, forthright and confident. People gave the Hylian strange looks as they passed but didn't dare question their leader for guiding the stranger into their home.

Zelda remembered the judgment that Link got when she first escorted him through the castle, even though there wasn't anything quite so distinct about his appearance. Was it Midna's air of confidence that intimidated them or were the Hylian nobles really so critical that they judged anyone who looked the slightest bit different than themselves?

Midna found a room that suited her and swiped the door open with a wave of her hand. Unlike the decorated and embellished rooms in Hyrule's castle, there wasn't much to it. It was large, without a doubt, but not any more than it needed to be. The Twili excused herself to get some help from her staff while Zelda looked around.

Consistent with the rest of the palace, the room had steel walls and floors embedded with veins of blue light. A wide bed stood on a landing, outfitted with black sheets and duvets tucked into the bed without a crease. There was a simple wardrobe for storing clothes, a mirror, a vanity table, and a smaller door, likely leading to a bath chamber. There was no hearth, but without the fall of night, she figured she'd be able to bear the cool and yet consistent temperature.

Though it was plain, it had everything that Zelda truly needed. On the opposite wall, there appeared to be a handle of some sort and so Zelda tugged on it. With that, the panels folded into one another and revealed a violet-tinted window and the vast Twilight sky. In the distance were silhouettes of islands floating in the sea of clouds.

Over the years, she wondered what the Twilight Realm looked like and honestly, it didn't look far off from what she imagined. But she never imagined it to be so peaceful. Maybe it was because of the way the Twili came into her life, forceful and angry, but this was nothing like that at all. If anything, it was the complete opposite. It felt safe.

Holodrum had a beautiful castle, with grandiose stone staircases and crescent balconies along the mezzanine. A dome window was at the ceiling, allowing natural light to cascade through the entrance hall. Greeting Percival at the foyer, a servant proceeded to guide him up the stairs and through the corridors. The halls were pristine and white with glossy tiles. Along the walls were tapestries with depictions of different elements, such as fire, water, and ice.

After many twists and turns, the servant stopped before a large arched doorway. Cold wind rattled the windows that made up the left wall. In the chilly room, the tiled floors felt like ice, ready to collapse with one wrong step. Percival steeled himself as he stared at the ice king himself.

"Ah, hello Percival," Fletcher's cool voice rang. "I was surprised when I heard you've come to visit me. Did you miss Holodrum so badly?" The king propped his head up with his fist under his chin and looked out of the windows. "It's awfully cold this time of year. Should've come in the summer."

"I'm here on business, Fletcher."

"Ah, is that so? Well, what business are we discussing?"

Percival took a shaky breath and then set his jaw. "I've heard Queen Zelda is missing."

The king narrowed his eyes for a moment, examining Percival's every move, as a predator observes its prey. He then rose from his throne and descended from the landing, each step slow, steady, and forceful. "You think I've taken her."

"No," he argued. "I know you've taken her."

The king chuckled and placed a hand on his chest as though he'd taken offense. "That's quite the accusation, Percy. You ought to be careful, coming onto another man's land and making such claims. I thought you a better prince than that, at least."

"I don't know what your plan is," he looked around the empty chamber, "but I want in."

Fletcher really did look surprised then, his mouth falling open and his brows furrowing. "What's this? I thought you were pals with that hero."

"He is not my friend: he swiped the woman that I desired from beneath me, and I cannot forgive him for that. Tell me what the bounty is."

It was hard to believe Percival in the slightest. The man had no backbone and would hardly go up against someone accomplished and strong like the hero. But it didn't matter whether Percival was loyal to him or not so long as he did his bidding.

He simply wouldn't reveal the one advantage he'd kept secret the whole time, the one thing that he had over the hero: his sorcery.

The king stopped for a minute and then walked back to his throne, the clicks of his heels slow and steady until he sat. Chin in his fist, he regarded Percival carefully.

"Yes, Edmund and I have been planning this for months. Hyrule is bountiful in land and jewels. Its military wasn't able to fight off the invasion and even now the kingdom is still recovering from the war. If there's any chance to strike, it's now."

"Is that why you took Queen Zelda?"

He paused and looked out the window. "'Her Majesty's not fit to rule. She's risked our alliances for some foolish boy and failed to protect her kingdom from the last war. If timed right, we could easily take her kingdom, split the land, and share its riches."

Percival took a steadying breath. Of course, the king was so cocky to think he could pull another land under his rule. As if Holodrum wasn't already one of the most abundant and bountiful kingdoms, he needed Hyrule too.

"What about the hero? Isn't he a threat?"

Fletcher clicked his tongue and turned away with a scowl. "That hero. He just won't quit. His only weakness is his kingdom and the queen." He clenched his fist. "If the hero were to find out that I kept his queen locked up in Hyrule's desert, he'd certainly have my head for it. But it was the only way to get her out of my hair."

Percival took a sharp breath. "Hyrule's desert? Where?"

"It's this secret fortress in the southern edges. It was easy to hide her there because no one would think to look behind those old, rusted gates."

It was hard for Percival to hide his excitement and pride for finding out where the queen was so easily. It was almost too easy. But he knew Fletcher for a long time: he was always quite foolish and cocky. It didn't seem so farfetched for him to reveal a plan this quickly.

All that mattered was that he found a way forward - a place to start looking - and the hero certainly would be grateful for it.

Chapter Text

Link didn't bother sneaking around the gardens this time. As frustrated and tired as he was, he took Epona from the stables and marched straight up to the gates. Fletcher must've figured out by now that Link was lurking in his gardens and dungeon and identified him to the guards because they gathered around him with their weapons drawn the moment he came into view.

But the hero gripped his sword until his knuckles turned white. He'd had enough trouble since he left Hyrule and held back his wrath for too long. When the knights encroached upon him at once, Link cast his blade in a circle and knocked them all to the ground.

Another knight came charging at him, but Link pulled out his shield at the last moment and the knight bounced off with a clang. The hero leapt forward and reached for the handle of the pulley, but a knight elbowed him from in the back just before he had the chance to push it down.

It knocked the air from his chest. From the ground, Link swiped the soldier's legs out from under him.

Two other knights came at him from opposite sides but Link flipped back into a beautiful arc, effortlessly airborne. The two men crashed into each other full force, the toll of their armor ringing out. Finally, Link cranked the pulley enough for him and Epona to sneak through.

He leapt onto the saddle from behind and grabbed the reins as the mare galloped forward. Epona, well-accustomed to long and strenuous journeys, bolted past the castle gates and onto the bridge.

Moments later, Percival walked towards the castle's gates with his own stead in hand. He and Link had plans to reunite on the bridge and the prince was eager to tell the hero he'd discovered Zelda's whereabouts.

When he walked through the courtyard, however, he was surprised to find all the castle guards semi-conscious and spread across the grass. Percival approached a knight who was leaning against the stone wall and weakly rubbing his arm.

"Who did this?"

"I-It was that hero."

Fletcher sent his guards after him, of course. Percival frowned.

"Where is he?"

The guard looked up at the man through the visor of his helmet but didn't respond. Realizing the man wasn't going to answer him, Percival narrowed his eyes and drew his sword.

"I said, 'where is he?'"

The guard's face blanched, clearly not ready to take on another fight. Weakly, he raised his hands in the eastern direction.

"He left through the gate."

Without wasting another moment, Percival glowered into the man's eyes.

"Open it."

After hopping onto his stead and racing down the bridge, he found Link at the far end of it. His horse reared upon the quick stop and Percival soothed him before he was able to dismount and join the hero's side.

"What happened?"

"She's not here."

There was that same terrible bloodthirsty look in the hero's eyes that he'd seen when Zelda first disappeared. Recognizing the hero's deep sorrow, Percival's expression softened. At least this time he was able to help.

"I have information."

Link's heart skipped a beat.

"What?"

"The trick worked. Fletcher confided in me that he's after Hyrule. He believes your kingdom is still weak from that war you had and he can seize it. He has Edmund in on it, as well - my own brother-in-law."

Saying that last detail out loud made Percival grit his teeth. Though he knew their goal was to take over Hyrule, it disgusted him to think that that conniving man was married to his sister. If he did anything to Roperi, he'd tear him apart.

Link clenched his fists. Why was it that Hyrule was never truly safe? But he knew that he and the commander had prepared for something like this. Once he returned with Zelda, he was positive they'd be able to take on both Holodrum and Termina.

"Where's Zelda?"

"Gerudo Desert. He's keeping her there now."

Link looked out towards the southern desert. That place was rarely kind to him, but he'd go unflinchingly to rescue her.

"Then let's go."

The chancellor had been putting out fires since that letter came in the mail. The whole kingdom was in a frenzy as people started to wonder why the queen didn't return from Termina. Rumors started to spread: everything from the queen running away to being assassinated. And one question in particular seemed to be a hot topic: where was the hero?

Only the councilors and the commander knew the truth - or at least as much of it as Cole did. In the courtroom, he stood in the queen's place, rubbing his temples as the others shouted over the table at one another.

"I knew we shouldn't have trusted 'the hero!' Where was he when we needed him the most?"

"Bite your tongue! He could be dead, you fool!"

"At this rate, he better be dead or I'll tear him apart!"

Eagus, who'd attended the meeting yet again, slammed his hands down on the table with a boom.

"Say that again and I'll tear you apart right here and now!"

The councilor sank imperceptibly in his seat at the threat from the largest man he'd ever seen.

"Enough already," Cole said. "We'll accomplish nothing with all this arguing. Commander Eagus, have your men reported any findings?"

The commander looked up at the advisor, his grimace faltering.

"No, chancellor. Not even a clue. And I have my best men out there."

"Send out more and expand the search perimeter. She couldn't possibly be too far."

"Have the knights in Termina sent another letter?"

Cole hesitated before answering, "Yes. They also haven't found a trace of her yet. And the hero hasn't returned either."

He rubbed his eyes behind his spectacles again. He refused to admit it, but things were starting to look bleak. No one had any inkling where the queen was, and Link went missing all the same.

While they knew the King of Holodrum had taken Zelda, according to the letter from the knight, his motives were unknown. Taking a queen wasn't a minor offense: it was cause for war, and he'd have to be mad to attempt such a foolish stunt.

If Zelda were here, he knew she'd be telling him to stop worrying for her sake and to protect the kingdom at all costs, but there was no way he'd let anyone harm her. He'd ensure the safety of both or nothing at all.

Ashei found Shad where she always did: buried under books in the royal library. He'd dozed off, it appeared, with his head resting on a stack of books precariously leaning to a side. His glasses were crooked on his face and his chest rumbled with a snore.

Ashei shook her head. She wouldn't admit it out loud but she thought the way he'd get so wrapped up in his research was charming. As sweet as it was though, she needed to speak with him.

"Hey, lazybones!"

The scholar startled awake, toppling the pile of books to the floor like an avalanche down a mountainside. He grabbed his chest out of fright.

"Good heavens, Ashei!" The warrior snickered as he fixed his round spectacles and pushed himself upright. "Who shouts in a library like that?"

She smiled and crouched down beside him, ignoring his question.

"What're you doin'? These books puttin' you to sleep?"

"Of course not! I…I was just reading up on Twili magic. His Highness asked about it once and it's intrigued me ever since."

"You mean Link? You don't have to do that formal thing, ya know? It's just us."

Shad frowned and cleared his throat.

"Right." He looked around. "What're you doing here, anyway? Is training done for the day? What time is it?"

With a glance outside the window, he realized how dark it was outside: the sun must've set hours ago.

"It's late. But that's not why I came…"

With pinched brows and a cocked head, he examined her carefully.

"Oh?"

"No I…I was talkin' to the commander today, yeah? And he told me the queen has gone missing and now Link's gone after her."

Shad nearly toppled over again as he swiftly shot up.

"What? Are you serious?"

"Of course I'm serious. Why would I joke about that?"

"What do you mean 'she's missing'? Was she kidnapped?"

She looked off to the side.

"I don't know. He didn't say. I think maybe he doesn't know yet."

Ashei's eyes darkened and the scholar studied her, surprised that she actually looked pretty upset. The way her face puckered with worry troubled him. She was usually the steadfast one between them.

He cleared his throat and straightened out his glasses again.

"I mean, Link's out there and he's a strong fellow. I'm sure everyone will come back safely."

He leaned forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked down at it and he almost yanked his arm back out of fear she'd yell at him. Instead, she nodded thoughtfully.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. He's dealt with worse."

Crinkles formed by his eyes as he offered a look of sympathy.

"I'm sure they'll be home in no time. But we should probably let the rest of the resistance know. Maybe they can help somehow."

The warrior shook his arm off and stood up then, slipping back to her usual rigid self, and rested a hand on her hip.

"Let's go then. No use sitting around here."

Shad pushed himself off the floor, hurriedly tidying the books into a neat pile before following his companion out of the library.

Since arriving in the palace, Midna did all that she could to ensure that Zelda was comfortable. Twili were more prudent and frugal than Hylian's were, if all the finely decorated halls and chambers in Hyrule Castle were any indication. Her people preferred to keep things simple and use only what resources were necessary.

But Midna knew the change must've been hard for her - it still hadn't fully sunk in for herself yet - and she tried to be as accommodating as possible.

After a nice, warm bath, she'd given the queen a comfortable robe to wear and tied up her wet hair. Her seamstresses then prepared to fit her for the clothes they'd quickly fashioned. The Twili sat on a stool and leaned against the vanity with her chin in her hand, watching as Zelda examined the many clothes brought in on the mannequins.

"They're nice," the brunette said politely.

The clothes were unlike what Hylians typically wore, especially Hylian nobles. While Zelda usually wore layers upon layers of colorful fabrics that created a wide perimeter around her, the Twili's clothes were all monochrome colors, form-fitted, and used a lot less fabric.

It was far different than what she was used to but there wasn't anything wrong with it. In fact, it appeared as though all the Twili dressed this way. It was just a lot less modest than what Zelda was used to and what she personally preferred. Although it'd be a step out of her comfort zone to wear something like that, she really did appreciate all the trouble Midna and her servants went through to provide for her.

The servants began to dress her in one of the outfits they'd designed: a sleek black dress with a hem that ran diagonally across her legs.

"What do ya think of the kingdom so far?" Midna asked. "Much different than you imagined?"

Zelda looked over her shoulder and shook her head.

"No, not at all. It's exactly as I've pictured it. Except, honestly, I've never imagined it to be so…peaceful."

The Twili's lips curled into a half-smile.

"It's definitely better than it was." She paused for a moment. "How is the 'hero' anyways?"

With that, a cold wave swept through Zelda and it wasn't from her state of undress. The question of Link's whereabouts and well-being had relentlessly plagued her since she arrived. Now that she was out of the Light Realm, she couldn't quite feel his presence the way she could in Gerudo Desert. She wished most of all that he was safe but she also wanted to tell that she was okay and to protect Hyrule.

But possibly equally as difficult was the idea of discussing him with her Twili friend. She'd yet to tell her that they were married; she had no idea how Midna would react. Zelda couldn't quite imagine the bond that she and Link developed during their journey together.

When she'd requested it, Link would tell her all about his cherished memories with her with a goofy, warm smile - as one does when relaying fond old memories. But at times, his face would darken with sadness and she knew that he missed her terribly.

Whatever bond they had was obviously deep and special. She'd admit that she felt excluded sometimes, but she wouldn't let herself wallow in it. They saved her kingdom; at the very least, they deserved to have some sort of companionship doing so.

Though, Zelda couldn't deny wondering if there was ever something more than companionship. She didn't doubt Link's love for her - certainly not - but that didn't mean he couldn't have had feelings for Midna before they began courting. Did he love her? Did she love him? And if she did, had she moved on?

Zelda swallowed. "He's doing well," she started carefully. "He's the second-in-command to our army now. The knights have certainly improved under his watch."

Midna snorted. "Yeah, I remember how spineless they were, running at the first whiff of trouble. At least you got him to whip 'em into shape."

Zelda nodded and the Twili waited for her to continue. The brunette's lips pressed into a thin line as she lowered her head, considering not telling her at all. What good would it do, really, if Midna did love him? But she also didn't want to lie to her friend.

Before she even had a chance to decide, however, Midna continued, "And? How is he as a prince? As awkward as I imagine?"

Zelda's head shot up and she met her knowing look with wide eyes.

"How did-"

"Honestly, Zel, you can't hide things from me. You've got a wedding ring that you've been fiddling with since I mentioned him."

Zelda glanced at her fingers, which, true to her word, were currently fidgeting with the ring.

"But also…there's something I haven't told you yet. I did feel some sort of shift in the barrier years ago. It was faint, but I was able to harness my magic and travel through your world as a raven. Just to check in on you guys, to see if you're still as hopeless as I remember. I just never expected the rift to be wide enough for anyone to pass through."

Zelda remembered Link sharing his encounters with the raven, the dream he had, and the way it'd watch over him at times. She hadn't seen it herself, but she was hardly outdoors as much as he was. She believed him when he disclosed it to her and it turns out he was right.

Taking a breath, she let her hands fall to her sides. "Yes," she said. "We wed three years ago."

Midna's face looked pained. In a way that didn't quite match the sadness in her red eyes, her lips curved upwards.

"Well, you don't have to sound so sad about it."

"No, that's not-"

"I'm teasing," she interjected. "I'm just glad he had the nerve to actually court a woman. I didn't expect that. But you suit each other well."

Zelda examined her for a moment. The redhead sounded confident, but Zelda could see right through it. Perhaps it was the bond that they shared that made Midna's feelings so obvious to her. It was so powerful she could feel it for herself.

But she didn't know how to console her. She loved Midna and she'd never wish her any pain near to what she felt then, especially after all that she'd done for Hyrule. But it was an uncomfortable thing to discuss, as Link was her husband and she loved him very much as well.

"He's missed you dearly," Zelda said at last, her voice soft. After looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror across from her, she pivoted to look at her. "He speaks of you so often. I wish he were here for this."

Midna's smile fell crooked. She wasn't quite the sappy type that the Hylians tended to be, but she couldn't deny that she missed them both - so much. Their journey was a long, hard one, but without Link and Zelda's help, she was afraid she'd never be able to take on Zant on her own.

And truth be told, despite her best efforts, they'd grown on her.

Upon first meeting Zelda, she thought the Hylian was the most cowardly royal in all the realms. Instead of escaping her castle and fighting as Midna did, she simply hid away in her tower and watched her kingdom fall to ruin.

But she was wrong. When the first opportunity arose to help the duo, Zelda did so without hesitation. Though she physically didn't escape the tower, she was willing to give up anything and everything to save both Midna and Hyrule. Even her own life.

Midna loved her ever since. She was a piece of her that'd been missing all along: the brighter, kinder side of her hidden behind her clever schemes and sharp remarks. She was the pure light that'd never before touched the Twilight Realms, and Midna was sure Zelda left a bit of that light within her even after her spirit returned to her body.

And truth be told, Link wasn't what she imagined a hero would look like at all. In the beginning, she found his short, meager, and unassuming self to be off-putting. He hardly ever responded to her slights and insults as if they went right through that thick skull of his.

But just as Zelda had, throughout their time together, he proved to her that he wasn't nearly as timid as he appeared to be. He even shaped up to be the strongest warrior she ever knew. More than that, his heart hadn't changed: he still cared about those village kids and that girl like he did when she first found him in the woods.

And despite her hardest efforts, she couldn't deny that she fell in love with him in a way she'd never known before. Between their endless banter and the late-night conversations, she found herself actually growing fond of him. His heart was so pure and yet he was strong in mind and battle, and he eventually managed to keep up with her stream of taunts.

Saying goodbye was the hardest thing she ever had to do. Shattering the mirror simultaneously shattered her heart into a thousand tiny fragments, but it was what she needed to do to save her realms from the turmoil the portal caused. Midna never wanted to say goodbye, but she needed to protect her kingdom and they needed to protect theirs.

It was painful to hear that they were married, but it was her choice to destroy the only connection between realms and Midna couldn't mourn the time spent together forever. If Link ever did feel the same way she did, he was inevitably bound to move on and she'd admit it was nice to know he found solace with Zelda. She was beautiful and kind, just like him. It wasn't so surprising that they'd fall in love.

"I missed him too," Midna finally replied. "And I've missed you."

Zelda smiled warmly, and it was almost as if somehow sunlight had found her. Midna took a deep breath and looked away, nearly blinded by the brightness emitting from her.

Winter's cruel winds razed the lands. In the dark of night, the king held his fur cloak around his body like a shield and marched through his gardens, head high but spirits low. The snow crunched under his heeled boots, leaving a trail of his footprints behind him. Skeletons of the dead trees reached out as if to grab him with their long skinny fingers, looming, waiting.

In time, he arrived at the tall iron gate rooted into the stone walls of the garden, veiled in bramble. He folded his hand over the iron key before taking it into his fingers and unlocking the door. Unsurprisingly, the iron door stuck, but with a little give and a screech of protest, the king managed to push it open.

As the last living royal of Holodrum, no one else ever entered the family graveyard besides the groundskeepers. The king let out a small huff of breath, and it took shape as a wispy cloud in the cold air before vanishing.

Grand granite tombstones lined the yard. The engravings on each were ornamental and detailed, commissioned only by the best stone carvers in the kingdom. But in the end, they were still headstones. For all the titles and embellishments they were granted, the kings of the past were still dead.

Fletcher ambled further and stopped at his father's grave. Dainty snowflakes landed themselves on the tombstone and gathered at the top in a heap. His nose twitched as the king gritted his teeth, looking down upon the grave where his father now lay, forgotten.

His people loved him as a king. He was a fair and just ruler, but he was also lighthearted and good. No one wanted anything under his reign, not even himself. As a little boy, his father would take him along on every petition and hunting trip.

He toured the kingdom thousands of times and trained him among the strongest knights in the army. The old man wanted to ensure that Fletcher would be a benevolent king, just as he and his father before him were.

But at the end of the day, the great kings of the past were all there - in the same plot of land that no one ever visited. What was the point of all the benevolent work they did if the next generation didn't know their names? What were all the endless nights sacrificed worth, really, when all they were left with was a portrait in the halls?

Fletcher sunk to his knees. "Father," he began, his voice cracking like thin ice, "you wanted the best for me. You gave me everything I needed to be a great king. But I will do you one better: I will be the best king that's ever been. They will not forget me, I promise."

It was a long and arduous trip ahead of them and by dusk the men made camp to rest their steads and their weary minds. Link was restless still, though his lack of sleep was starting to weigh down on him. He sat by the crackling bonfire they made and restlessly poked at it with a stick, sending sparks to flit up in the air.

Though Gerudo Desert was unbearably hot during the day, it was stark cold at night. Even Link found it nearly as intolerable as Snowpeak. There was a howling breeze that picked up sand and swirled it into little cyclones, carrying them over the dunes.

Under the great night sky, dotted with brilliant blinking stars, Link couldn't help but think of Zelda. He remembered sitting around the fire with her in the desert so long ago when they'd been alone for the first time.

It was the first night in a long time without Midna's companionship and the very first night when he was a hero with no one to save. Zelda, too, was out of her element: a princess outside of her broken castle and stranded in the wild desert. But the two lonely castaways reflected on the quiet beauty of the stars and somehow that got them through the night.

He couldn't help but smile when he thought about the next time they sat outside in the night, when he'd boldly asked for her hand in marriage and where he'd kissed her for the very first time. Even sitting in front of the fire, Link felt cold without her.

"How are you feeling?" The blond looked up from the flames and found Percival fidgeting with the map beside him. It was so quiet that Link almost forgot he was there. "I can only imagine. You too have barely started your life together and this happens. It's terrible."

Link propped his head on his hands. Honestly, it'd been so long since he'd confided in a friend. It was always something he struggled with. But in that moment, he really needed the reassurance.

"I'm so worried about Zelda. If I'd just been fast enough or strong enough..." He grunted, and his eyes shut as his head dropped to a side.

Percival allowed him a silent moment to gather himself, and then Link continued, "That night, when she was attacked, I felt really...weird. It started after I drank some champagne."

Percival hummed. "That is strange. You are relatively short," Link frowned at the - albeit honest – dig at his stature, "but you're strong. One drink shouldn't affect you so much. Do you think someone dowsed it with some sort of toxin?"

"That's what I thought but I don't know for sure."

"I wouldn't put it past Fletcher. He obviously knows about your capabilities," Percival said. "There was something Fletcher told me, actually." Link looked at him expectantly. "He thinks of you as his biggest threat. I don't know if that helps you at all but you should know anyway."

Link nodded. "Yeah, thanks."

The prince placed a hand on the hero's shoulder. "We will find her. I'm sure of it. Truthfully, she might as well be on her way back now."

For the first time in what felt like a long time, a true smile pulled at Link's lips. Though it was unlikely he'd find a friend in the faint-hearted, ginger prince, he was glad that he wasn't alone. He did end up being a great informant and Link was grateful he stuck through all this traveling.

"Thank you," he said. "That means a lot."

On her first night away from Hyrule, away from the world she always knew, Zelda couldn't sleep. She stood by the window wrapped in her blanket, staring into the perpetual twilight sky, and found herself lost in thought yet again.

What was going on in Hyrule? Were her people okay? She knew that they were strong - they'd proven that to her time and time again - but that didn't mean they weren't suffering. They'd just recovered from a war; the last thing they needed was another one to ravage the land.

And where was Link? Was he okay? She had faith in him - he was the strongest person she knew after all - but no one was invincible. From her knowledge, the hardest battle he faced was with Ganondorf and now his tribe wanted vengeance. Could he take them on?

At that moment, a knock rapped against her door and Zelda startled out of her thoughts, turning to face the noise. "Yes?" The door swiped up and Zelda was pleasantly surprised to see Midna there. It was still so strange seeing her after so much time apart.

With her fiery orange hair cascading over her shoulders, Midna leaned against the doorframe. "Can't sleep, huh?" Zelda tightened the blanket around her and took a breath. "I figured. If you're worried about Link, you really shouldn't be. He can handle himself."

Zelda turned her head back to the window with a sad, forlorn gaze. "I know."

Midna strode over to her effortlessly, her kaftan flowing around her body. "Is it Hyrule? We'll get you back."

The Hylian froze, her shoulders tense underneath the blanket and her head low. "What…What if we can't?" she said softly. "What if there's no way to return?"

"There's got to be. The mirror might've been the only portal we knew about, but there are obviously other ways to travel between realms. I mean, you're here," she replied. "Besides, the Twilight's not all that bad, is it?"

The Hylian met her gaze and smiled sadly. "No, of course not."

Midna smiled and gestured for her to follow as she sat on the bed. "Come on, I'll need your help if we're going to find you a way back. You've got to rest that smart head of yours."

Zelda watched warily as the Twili patted the bed. Midna rolled her eyes.

"Don't give me that holier-than-thou look. You'll need the company tonight. I'm sure the hero won't mind just this once."

A short laugh escaped her. She'd been so caught up in the Hylian's customs that it was natural for her to think that sleeping in the same bed with others was improper. She'd never slept in the same bed as anyone besides Link.

But in the grand scheme of things, it was just a silly rule that didn't apply in the Twilight Realm, and Zelda really appreciated having her there. Before she came to her room, she was certain she wouldn't get any sleep tonight. Midna was right though: she'd need to be fully rested to think of the best way to return home and save her kingdom.

After a moment, the Hylian tottered over and sunk into the bed beside her friend. She wriggled into place before laying down, while Midna propped her elbow on the pillow beside her and rested her head on her hand.

"Get some sleep. Things'll be better tomorrow."

"Thank you, Midna. And thank you for being here."

"Hey," she said sternly. The brunette turned her head to look up into her red eyes, which were fierce and narrow. "I've always been there for you. Light world, shadow world, it doesn't matter. We're never really apart."

Zelda smiled sadly and looked down at the pillow between them, sunken in under the Twili's elbow.

"Truthfully, I've never felt that far apart from you, even after you shattered the mirror. It still felt like you were a part of me, and I you."

"That's because we are two halves of a whole. Or I guess in your words, 'two sides of a coin.'"

The brunette laughed a little at that. "There were times, though, when I really wished you were around. The royals in the light realm aren't nearly as sensible as you are."

"Yeah, I've been meaning to ask about that king you were talking about. What's going on with that?"

"It's complicated." Zelda sighed. "Years ago, there were princes vying for my hand in marriage, Fletcher among them. But he was rude and spiteful, especially towards Link. And when I favored Link in court, he became angry and broke off our alliance. Since then, I haven't heard about him, except that he'd become king after his father's passing."

"It seems a little drastic to go after your kingdom like that, don't you think? And what about Ganondorf's mothers? What do they have to do with all this?"

"It is," Zelda agreed. "Honestly I'm still trying to make sense of it myself. I can't understand why Fletcher would be so spiteful after so many years or even how he found the Gerudo tribe. But it appears that their hate for Hyrule brought them together. My worry is what they'll do to Link. If they're able to find him, then they'll surely be as angry with him - if not more - over his defeat of Ganondorf."

Midna lowered her gaze. She didn't want to admit it, but Zelda was right. The hero was the one who took down the Gerudo king. If his mothers were looking to point fingers, he'd be the obvious target.

But she wasn't about to say that to Zelda. It was clear that she was devastated to be away from her kingdom - Midna knew that feeling all too well - but she was also away from her husband, who just happened to be that target.

Midna reached out and soothingly stroked the Hylian's hair, absently straightening out the strands. "If he could take down Ganondorf, I doubt he'd have trouble taking down anybody else. They'd be stupid to even try."

"I know. You're right."

"We'll get you back, Zel. I promise," she said assuredly, her hand resting on the Hylian's head and thumb absently stroking her forehead. "But you have to promise me that when you do get back, you're both gonna take him down."

Zelda smiled warmly, her pale blue eyes alit with gratitude, and she nodded. "I promise."

By dawn, Link was raring and ready to go. Percival groggily went to mount his horse before immediately toppling off, and Link caught him before he fell to the ground.

"Oh, sorry," the ginger said, embarrassed, and rubbed his eyes. "I'm not used to waking up quite so early."

The hero was sympathetic about it; really, the prince didn't need to come with him. He was doing it solely out of loyalty. As a prince, he wasn't required to do nearly as much as a sovereign would, and most likely never traveled so far without a fancy carriage or lush tents. A trip like this was probably way out of his comfort zone.

Link was grateful, but he was also in a rush. They didn't waste another moment before mounting their horses, headed south.

As the vermillion sun rose over the horizon, enormous and scorching hot, the stars waned into the ginger-dusted sky. There was no end to the rolling dunes or the heat beating down on their backs, and every hill felt like a mountain. A mirage stretched out into the distance, making the sand look like a bronze ocean.

When the wind picked up, it blew gusts of sand and made even the next few steps impossible to see. Link used his arm to cover his squinting eyes, trying to block the biting sand.

"Link?" Percival called out, afraid. He could hear the prince's horse whinny a few steps behind him.

"Keep going!" The only way out of a storm was through, after all. Epona's hooves nearly sunk in the sand, but she was persistent. Link stroked her neck encouragingly. "Sorry, girl," he said. "You're doing great."

For what felt like hours, they pushed through the raging sandstorm. At last, they saw beads of light glowing in the distance and used it as a beacon out of the storm. They went forward with more enthusiasm until the powerful wind dwindled into something more manageable.

Link blinked a few times as the lights started to take the shape of humans and it took a few seconds for him to realize who they were. The sages stood in a row before an iron gate, which was locked in between two rock formations.

A disconcerting wail came from them when he crossed the hill. The hero dismounted Epona and took her by the reins instead. Percival came into sight again and followed his lead.

"Link…" he said, concerned. "Do you see the spirits as well?"

He simply nodded.

"Hero," the first sage uttered. "You've arrived."

"The queen was held prisoner here," another started, "but we can no longer feel her presence."

Link felt his heart sink into his stomach. His jaw dropped and he took a step forward.

There was no way - Fletcher didn't - he wouldn't kill her, would he? He was cruel but not that cruel.

"No," Percival said, clearly thinking along the same lines.

"They've used dark magic to transport Her Majesty into another realm," the sages continued.

Though the princes were both relieved, the news still wasn't great.

"If you're brave enough, you may follow her. But it's unclear if you may return."

"How do I get there?" Link answered quickly.

Percival put his hand on the hero's shoulder and Link briefly glanced at him from the corner of his eyes.

"What?" the ginger asked incredulously. "Have you lost your mind? What if you can't return?"

Honestly, if he'd given it a little bit of thought, Link would've been terrified of the thought of never returning. He'd never see Ordon, Rusl, and Ilia, and all the villagers. He'd have to leave Epona behind and he'd never see the resistance again. He'd be apart from Hyrule once and for all.

But frankly, it didn't mean anything if Zelda wasn't with him. He loved her, and he'd long found that he couldn't live without her. He would save her, no matter the cost.

"I'm going," he simply said and turned to properly face him. "I need you to go to Hyrule and tell Chancellor Cole that I'm going after her. He'll need to look after things for a while."

Percival simply watched him with wide eyes. He couldn't believe anyone could be so nonchalant about leaving the realm. Percival might've been cowardly, but he still couldn't think of anyone brave enough to do such a thing.

But he could see that Link was set on his decision with his gaze stern and his feet pointed towards the sages. Percival simply swallowed and nodded. "I'll tell him. You can count on me."

Link returned the nod and turned back to the sages. Together, they held their hands out to the iron gate behind them. With a creak, the gate rolled upwards on its hinges until it locked into place.

"Go forth, hero," the sage said. "And be cautious."

Thunder struck outside the throne room and Cole sat on her otherwise vacant throne. As the queen's advisor, Cole was the one to take on her daily duties, and so he had to listen to the people's petitions.

Though he'd been distraught over her absence day in and out since her disappearance, he told her people that she was safe with the plainest face he could manage. She was simply delayed by business in Termina, he'd said, as his heart clenched painfully.

Beneath the petitioners' feet, a purple smoke began to slither over the grand tile floors. It was subtle at first but as it thickened, the people started to point it out to one another, stepping back as if it wasn't crawling to each end of the hall.

A commoner, unaware of the smoke, knelt before the councilor with his hands intertwined as he pled, "Where is our beloved queen? Is she safe?"

Chancellor Cole was just about to respond when his pointed ears caught onto the murmur of panic behind them. He fixed his spectacles and arose from his seat to investigate.

As if to answer for him, lightning struck just outside the room and a bladed dart plunged into the red velvet above Cole's head. All the petitioners screamed out. A man in a suit of black armor appeared amid that violet smoke.

"No," Fletcher said, echoing into the high reaches of the throne room. "She isn't."

The people that were lined up scattered to the sidelines, screaming and yet entranced by the scene unraveling before them. Cole stood up, still trembling from the close call, and yet plucked the dart and threw it to the ground in defiance.

The knights already rushed forward and raised their shields to protect their people; they were far more confident and better trained than in the last eerily similar situation. Just as they were about to attack, a wave of power emitted from the king and they flew backward from the sheer force, falling onto their backs.

"Clear the room!" Cole bade the petitioners.

The people eagerly were spurred into movement before being stopped by the swift movement of Fletcher's free hand.

"Nobody move!" He threw his other fist into the air and in the black glove sat the diadem that Zelda had been gifted upon becoming queen. Cole's guard dropped for a moment as he let out a gasp. "Your queen is dead!"

A wave of commotion erupted, pure confusion and fear spreading through the room as thick as the fog. "If you do not forfeit your kingdom to me, my army will not hesitate to attack."

Without waiting another moment, the knights charged the man again. However, just as their blades swept his figure, he dissipated into the smoke that he appeared in. The knights spun around in a frantic search and Fletcher reappeared on the throne behind Cole.

"What will you do?"

The older man turned around, taking careful steps backward down the stairs. He had no idea Fletcher was able to wield magic. Everyone knew that the King of Holodrum was power-hungry, but sorcery was a rare ability that was either granted or trained amongst people, and Fletcher never showed any indication or interest in it before.

It must've been newly acquired. After all, if he was able to wield magic before, he'd surely use it to take Zelda's hand in marriage or even fight the hero when he shoved him long ago. It was almost frightening how easily he was able to perform his tricks.

But Cole wouldn't give up Hyrule so easily. An attack like this is what Zelda and Link had been preparing the kingdom for all these years. The soldiers were skilled and Hyrule was strong: Cole believed they were ready for this. He'd fight to defend his queen and her kingdom if it was the last thing Cole would do.

"Get off that throne, Fletcher," he bit, all formalities aside. "And prepare your army. We will not surrender."

Chapter Text

Though there wasn't a sun to break dawn in the Twilight Realm, the people seemed accustomed to waking themselves up after a peaceful night of rest. Midna had a busy schedule ahead of her, as most regents would, but she wasn't eager to leave Zelda alone to stew in her worries. When they arose, she ordered a servant to escort the Hylian to the library in hopes that Zelda could put all that nervous energy to good use and find a way back to the light realm.

The magnificent library scraped the skies with rows upon rows of books. Bookshelves covered nearly every inch of the walls from the metallic floors to the glass ceiling. In order to reach the higher shelves, mezzanines wrapped around the square room and were connected by thin metal stairways.

With thanks, Zelda dismissed the servant and wandered in on her own. The clicks of her heels echoed to the higher reaches of the room while she walked along the shelves and examined the spines of the books. Fortunately for her, Twili, especially the scholars, were able to speak and read the Hylian language, so she wouldn't need to translate much.

At first glance, she realized that the books were organized by subject just as they were in Hyrule. She decided that she'd start with history and geography to garner information about the connections between the realms of light and twilight. Then, she'd move on to studying the logistics of portals from both supernatural and scientific perspectives. It took time before she found the right shelf, but when she did, she nodded sternly to herself and started at the very first book.

There was something eerily familiar about the secret fortress, though he knew he'd never stepped foot in it. In his time voyaging the desert with Midna, the only other people he'd seen were the sages and the Great Fairy, but just beyond the gate and before the colossal stone building, there were a dozen women with spears on patrol. How could there be an entire civilization in Hyrule that no one knew about, including the queen who ruled the land and the hero who traversed it?

Link did a quick scan, counting the number of guards, their routes, and the steps to the entrance. It didn't take long for him to conclude there was no way he could sneak by undetected. There were too many eyes on the lookout, securing every entrance, and he knew that even taking a few steps closer would be enough to sound an alarm.

Just as he took a step forward, withdrawing his blade from the sheath, a force knocked him to the ground, sending him and the other person rolling backward in a cloud of dust. He grunted from the impact before he skidded to a stop. He recovered quickly, sitting up with his sword in hand.

But his face fell when he saw who attacked him. It was a child. More specifically, a young redheaded girl who couldn't have been much older than the Ordonian children when the invasion first happened.

She rubbed her head with a scowl, apparently annoyed by her own attack, and asked crossly, "What do you think you're doing?"

Link looked around confusedly as if he still needed to process the fact that he hadn't done anything up to that point – though, granted, he was going to attack the guards if he needed to. The young girl shook her head and pushed herself to her feet.

"You'd think the Hero of Hyrule would have a little more sense."

Link stood up after her.

"I'm sorry?"

She grumbled while she brushed off her beige harem pants.

"Nayru, you don't even know what you're walking into, do you? Come this way."

With a quick glance at the stone fortress, he warily followed the girl closer to the exit. He figured there was no harm in exploring this new development. After all, it'd be wise to get as much information as possible about whatever was waiting for him in that building, considering he knew next to nothing about it.

"This is the Gerudo fortress. Our tribe has been banished here since the Hylian Civil War. You can imagine we haven't gotten many visitors," she started, hands on her hips.

"Kotake and Koume have become our matriarchs since their surrogate son, Ganondorf, was taken away. When they heard that he returned from the Twilight Realm, they were sure that he'd come and free us from our prison. But then, they heard that you killed him."

Link attentively listened to her speech, but it was still a lot to take in. He'd never heard of the Gerudo tribe and no one ever mentioned it, just as no one mentioned the secret village where Impaz was hidden until Ilia found it.

But perhaps more shocking was the idea that the King of Evil had a family. He only knew him as the Demon Thief the sages introduced him as and the stone-cold beast he'd fought to the death.

In his time taking him down, he'd been so desperate to kill Ganondorf that he never once considered that he was anything other than an evil monster hellbent on taking over Hyrule. If anything, he'd imagine that Ganondorf crawled out of the depths of hell before he'd imagine him being birthed like anybody else.

Link was surprised to feel a pang of guilt. It was justified to defeat him in the grand scheme of things, of course, but as a son without parents, he could imagine the pain his mothers felt.

"They've been waiting for you to arrive so that they can get their revenge. And here you come, cheerfully walking to your own death."

"How do you know all this?" Link asked. "And why are you telling me?"

The girl stopped her speech for a moment, seemingly hesitant, and frowned.

"I figured you'd ask me that. And I don't blame you. I'm Naboris - and don't freak out or anything but I'm the surrogate daughter of Kotake and Koume."

The hero blanched. Did that mean she was the half-sister of Ganondorf?

"Don't look at me like that. We're not all bloodthirsty for Hylians, okay? I hate what my mothers have done. This is the exact opposite of what most of us want. But if any of us are to speak up against them, they'll use their brainwashing powers to keep us in line. They just don't suspect me - I'm their daughter, after all.

"My people want freedom. We want to be free to travel Hyrule and beyond. We'll die here if we don't - literally, we have a few witches that can leave to bring us voes, but it's a little crazy to bring them out here, you know."

"'Voes?'"

"Men. You know, like husbands or whatever. They can't stay here though. We're a 'women only' tribe."

It took a few moments for him to realize what she was saying, his eyes widening. They were luring men here? She seemed to follow his train of thought.

"The voes aren't brainwashed; don't worry. They know what they're agreeing to. It's kinda like an arrangement, I guess. But we're getting off-topic here.

"My point is that if you go in there, my mothers will kill you. And don't give me that 'I defeated Ganondorf' nonsense. You don't even know that they have a secret weapon. Haven't you ever wondered what happened to the Triforce of Power when he died?"

The hero blinked for a few moments before realization dawned on him. The Triforce of Power would've gone to the person who embodies the piece the most. If everything she was saying was true, then that really meant that the mothers - or technically, one of the mothers - had a piece of the Triforce. There was no one quite so power-hungry in Hyrule, not since the death of Ganondorf. While Fletcher would make a fine contestant, he wasn't Hyrulean.

"Now unlike any normal people who might've actually freed us with that power, they wanted vengeance - specifically on you. They don't even care about your piece of the Triforce: that's how blind they are. They just want you dead."

"What did they do to Zelda?"

The young Gerudo paused and turned on her heel. "She's in another realm now. They took her to bait you out, but also they don't really like the royal family - no offense. But even if by some blessing my mothers should find it in their cold hearts to send you to her, you'd never be able to escape. I'm sure of it."

When the young girl turned away, Link's gaze sank. He'd go, without a doubt, if there was no other way. But would Zelda ever be happy away from her kingdom - out of Hyrule forever? It would break her heart.

"No, the only way that you'd stand a chance is if you had the Triforce of Power. If you're able to defeat them, you'd not only get their piece of the Triforce but you'd free my people from their clutches. We could make peace with Hylians and be a part of the kingdom again."

Link stepped forward, one hand clenched into a fist, determined.

"I'll do it. And when we get back, we'll help your tribe. I'm sure if Zelda knew what happened here, she'd want to help."

Naboris smiled, even as she crossed her arms, and shook her head.

"Aren't you forgetting something? If my mothers have the Triforce of Power, you'll need the one thing that let you defeat Ganondorf in the first place."

At that, Link paused. His fist came undone and slowly sank to his side.

"You mean…"

"The Master Sword."

By then, the Prince of Labrynna must've traveled more in one quest than in all of his other journeys. But there was so much for him to do that he couldn't quit just yet.

Percival considered himself a good person, but he never met people quite as good-hearted as the Hylians. They were perhaps the most honest and kind royals he'd ever met, himself included. They were his allies, sure, but more importantly, they were his friends. It was a much better friendship than the one he made in his youth with Fletcher, obviously, as he turned out to be a lot more twisted than he'd ever imagined.

And so, Percival traveled to the central kingdom to inform the Hylian council of Zelda's whereabouts and Fletcher's plans. She might've been in another realm of all places, but she was alive. There was still hope that she'd return, especially with Link going after her.

He rushed through the fields and over the bridge before dashing through the castle gates. The servants recognized him - he was quite the staple with his ginger locks and his princely armor - and welcomed him into the castle foyer.

A biting chill permeated the grand entrance of Hyrule Castle. Though the chandeliers were alight across the breadth of the gold ornate ceiling, there was still a darkness that fell with the cold air, concealing itself in the corners where light and heat couldn't reach.

To the attendants, he urged, "I need to speak with Chancellor Cole. Immediately."

For the first time in his life, Cole was disheveled. His hair was tousled and his eyes were puffy behind his round spectacles. The last week took a toll on him as he took on Her Majesty's duties on top of his already busy schedule. And now with Fletcher's threat, Cole was doubly responsible for ensuring the people's safety.

Worst of all were the sleepless nights. Like with many Hylians, the news of the queen's death didn't feel real. It still felt like he was waiting for her to knock on his door with her gentle but stern fist. He could still hear her unwavering voice when asking for guidance or making a speech to her people.

Since working for the late King of Hyrule, Zelda's father, he'd watched the queen grow from a spirited and curious child to a strong and proud leader. He couldn't imagine walking through the castle halls without her there. After all the years he'd spent being her advisor and believing that she needed him, it turned out he needed her too. He needed her steadfastness when he was doubtful; he needed her wisdom when he was foolish.

But if it were true, if she were really gone and Hyrule really was in danger, then he needed to step up. And it would be the hardest thing he'd ever have to do.

His attendant knocked on his door with his signature three taps and Cole beckoned him in without standing or peeking past the mountains of paperwork. Whoever it was stepped in quietly, hesitantly, and Cole didn't really have time for that.

"Speak or leave. I'm busy," he bit shortly.

"Chancellor Cole? It's Prince Percival." Cole paused through his shuffling and lifted his gaze. "I have urgent news."

It'd been a long while since Cole last saw the prince. Back when he was courting the queen, he was a meek young man with an uncertain attitude and an unassuming voice. He almost looked unfamiliar clad in chainmail with weaponry strapped to his waist.

"Ah, my apologies, Your Highness. Welcome. What news do you bring?"

"It's about Her Majesty, Zelda."

Cole froze, feeling a coldness sweep the room. "Sit and tell me please."

The prince nodded quickly and sat down at the chair across his desk.

"It's quite a long story, actually. You see, the queen and I have an alliance – informal, perhaps, since I'm not king, but I promised her my loyalty and I've kept my word. I journeyed alongside Prince Link these last few days: first to Holodrum and then to the desert here in Hyrule."

Cole honestly had no idea what Percival was speaking about, but he was still a royal and so the chancellor allowed him to drone on, anxiously awaiting the end to his story.

"It's hard to explain what happened next but…there were these spirits - five of them, I believe. They told us that Her Majesty had been sent to another realm. She's alive and well, but she's not here anymore."

The Hylian rubbed his brows as he tried to take in the information. From his story, it seemed that he met up with the sages in the desert, whom the advisor knew as Zelda's tutors growing up. It also made Percival's story more reliable because not many people in and outside of Hyrule knew about the sages, especially not about them residing in Gerudo Desert.

"And where's Link?"

"Well, that's the other matter. Link's gone after her."

"How is that possible?"

Percival frowned and shook his head. "I'm unsure. When we were in Holodrum, Fletcher told me that Zelda was in the desert. He said he'd taken her away as a plot against Hyrule. But of course, he didn't inform me that she'd been taken to another realm entirely."

Cole interrupted then. "Pardon me, Your Highness, but why would he tell you that?"

"Link and I made a plan together, prior to traveling north. He would search the dungeons and I'd speak to Fletcher privately – gain his trust so to speak and garner information." Cole hummed in understanding, his brows still knit together. "We went to the desert to retrieve her, but then those spirits came and imparted their wisdom and Link stubbornly insisted on going after her. He sent me here, actually, and asked me to speak with you directly."

Yes, that sounded very much like something Link would do, Cole thought. Of course he'd go after her – to another realm of all places. His brash and reckless decision proved to Cole yet again that he was the best choice for Her Majesty. If he was willing to traverse planes of existence for her rather than return home and live out his days in luxury alone, then he really was an honest man – though Cole hadn't doubted that in a long time.

As an advisor, he would've preferred to receive the information from the hero himself and have his help in mobilizing the army. Even with Zelda gone, Link couldn't take on her role - not as a prince - but as a commander he'd be able to lead Hyrule's army against Holodrum.

But as a man and as Zelda's mentor, Cole appreciated that Link chose to go after her first. Wherever she went could be a deadly, unforgiving place. A madman like Fletcher wouldn't send her to a heavenly place, that's for certain.

"The truth of the matter is," Percival continued, "I don't even know if they'll be able to return. The spirits said that following her might be a permanent decision."

"If there's a way in, there must be a way out," Cole said stubbornly. "And if anyone were to find it, it would be Queen Zelda. I'm sure of it."

"Perhaps you're right. I do hope they'll be okay, but I'm afraid I cannot stay in Hyrule much longer. You see, Fletcher also informed me that the Prince of Termina, Edmund, was his partner in this crime. I must go warn my sister of his actions."

"Prince Edmund?" Cole repeated, aghast. The Terminian prince was an ally of Hyrule. Though, now that he brought him up, the advisor could remember Zelda voicing her concerns about his lack of exports as of late. Perhaps that was when his loyalty waned.

If he was working with Fletcher the entire time, did that mean that Zelda was set up at the wedding? Was Termina going to attack Hyrule as well? He'd have to tell the commander to prepare for an attack from the south as well.

"Yes, I understand," the older man said as he rose to his feet and walked the prince to the door. "I must say, I'm truly grateful for you coming all this way to share this news. We've all been in disarray since our royals' disappearances. Fletcher has made uncertain threats to our land."

"I'm afraid I expected that. I'm so sorry for your troubles. If there's any way that I may be of service, I will do my best."

Cole bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Highness. We are indebted to you."

"Do you know anything about the creation of the Mirror of Twilight?"

Midna usually dined with her courtiers or alone in her study, but that evening she happily sat around the ebony table with the one woman she never thought she'd see again. The room was dim but Midna set about bringing in some more of the luminous stones in their raw form - the same light that was imbued into the wall - to make her more comfortable.

Though Midna's days were busy, she'd still devote as much of her time and attention as she could to finding her friend a way home. Zelda needed her right now and Midna would never turn her down, not after she'd literally given up her life for her.

At Zelda's question, Midna furrowed her brows, the fork in the hand resting languidly under her chin.

"You mean how the goddesses created it?"

"Well, yes, but also about the tangible components of it. I'm trying to understand the mechanics of it all. If there's a way back to Hyrule, the secret must lie within the creation of the Mirror of Twilight, and at the very least the goddess's powers."

Midna frowned.

"I actually didn't see the mirror until I came to Hyrule."

Zelda figured as much. At first thought, it seemed nonsensical that the ruler of the Twilight Realm was the only one who could destroy the mirror when it existed in the Light Realm. But after all was said and done, it only further enforced Zelda's belief that the goddesses designed them to meet.

"But I think I recognized the stone it was made out of," she continued.

She could tell Zelda was frustrated; perhaps she was being obvious about it, but she felt it in her spirit as well. It was hard to research something that both queens knew was a dead end. But Zelda was persistent. She needed to protect her kingdom, and that was a feeling that was all too familiar to Midna.

"What was it?"

"Obsidian, I think. It's rare, but it's been mined in the caves. Why?"

Zelda hesitated for a moment before answering, "I think with your help, I might be able to recreate the Mirror of Twilight."

Midna's red eyes widened. It was a crazy idea. The goddesses created the first one; it wasn't something a person could just replicate. Regardless of how much the queen practiced light magic, it'd be nearly impossible to harness the power of the goddesses on her own, with just one piece of the Triforce.

It was a lot easier to create portals and such using dark magic; in a way, it was like taking a shortcut. Perhaps that was how Ganondorf's mothers transported her in the first place. But of course, Zelda would want to use light magic.

"That'd take a lot of obsidian. And a lot of hard work. Are you sure you don't want me to find a way to use shadow magic? It'd probably be a lot easier and faster."

In truth, it wouldn't be so bad if Zelda was set on returning home using light magic. It'd take long to acquire all the materials and create the mirror, but that meant that her friend might linger a little longer.

But Zelda really needed to get back to Hyrule as quickly as possible. She didn't know when or how Fletcher planned to take over her kingdom, and she couldn't afford to waste time. But it was dark magic that got her into this mess and she didn't want to go deeper down the dark spiral.

"It's still an option. But if the barriers between the realms are thinning, it might be possible to recreate some version of the mirror. From my understanding, it wasn't so much the mirror itself but rather the light that it projected that allowed people to travel between realms.

"I've practiced light magic with the sages and I've been able to harness the magic of the light spirits. I can't imagine this would be much different." Zelda paused for a moment, idly pushing around the slimy black meat on her plate. "There must've been a reason the goddesses used that stone and we should try to replicate their design as best as we can."

Every type of stone has its own characteristics. If they were to imbue it with magic, different stones amplified different spells or enchantments. There must've been something in obsidian that made it significant in creating the portal.

"I could arrange for some of my best miners to search for it. Different caves across the realm have precious stones."

"It won't be easy, but it might be possible."

Zelda's mind was reeling with worry for her kingdom, for her husband and her people, and Midna found herself in the familiar position of worrying about both realms. Stewing in their thoughts, they remained silent for a while before the Hylian decidedly spoke up.

"Midna, I must thank you again for your help. You know more about the Twilight Realm than I could ever learn and your knowledge is crucial to my quest. But I know that you're awfully busy and I don't want to take up too much of your time."

"No, Zel. I…" She shook her head and swallowed. How could she think that she was wasting her time? Zelda never hesitated to help Midna when she'd gone to her for help before. Granted, the Hylian wasn't exactly busy in the tower, but she devoted herself fully to the cause whenever she could. "I'd never be too busy for you."

"Regardless, I appreciate it greatly."

The Twili smiled genuinely. Zelda was always so kind and gracious, it warmed her heart. There was something else she'd been meaning to do for her. It was a trick she learned only a few years back, but it certainly lightened her heart when she worried about her light-world companions. She waited until after dinner before escorting Zelda to the landing where she first arrived.

With her hands pressed together in front of her as if in prayer, Midna closed her eyes and focused on the center of Hyrule. In her mind, she envisioned the towers and turrets of the castle, before stretching out the landscape and envisioning the cobblestoned streets of the town. To the best of her ability, she tried to shape the town walls, the market, and the fountain in the square. The more that she was able to imagine, the easier it was to pass the barrier and appear in the place she conceived.

Zelda waited eagerly as Midna's brows furrowed and eyes closed. Her hands started to gesture before her as though she were a puppeteer pulling on the strings and controlling the bird on the other side.

It took a long while before Midna came up for air and when she did, all the tension in her body dissipated, her shoulders sagging and her hands dropping at her sides. Zelda gave her a minute to catch her breath before eagerly searching for answers.

"What did you see?"

The Twili narrowed her eyes but didn't look back at the queen of light just yet. She wasn't one to mince words, but even she had trouble admitting what she saw. "The town's deserted and there are soldiers everywhere."

Zelda's heart clenched in her chest, the worry seizing her instantly. It was perhaps one of the worst outcomes: a lockdown with soldiers on patrol was one of the strategies the commanders created for a crisis. There were distinct drills for nearly every event and Zelda became familiar with them throughout their drafting process.

If the main concern was the queen's disappearance, the knights would be spread thin across the country, not patrolling the town. Fletcher must've made his threats already if her people were preparing for an attack.

"What of the training yards?"

Zelda gave her a quick layout of the area so that Midna could visualize it in her mind. From her visit to the castle, she'd never traveled to the barracks and therefore would have trouble conjuring it up. But with the Hylian's help, the Twili slipped back into her trance and envisioned the new setting.

There was a good possibility that Link was with the army, protecting Hyrule. It'd bring the queen of light the slightest bit of relief if she knew that he was okay.

Upon awakening, Midna gasped for air and shook her head. "I was able to see it, but it's all hectic," she said, finally turning to look at the brunette. "If you were looking for Link, I'm sorry. He wasn't there."

Zelda drew a shaky breath. Everything she feared was coming to fruition.

Her hands were trembling and her shoulders sunk under the weight of it all. She gathered her skirts, sat on the edge of the balcony, and dropped her head into her hands.

Midna's lips pressed into a straight line as she watched the Hylian crumble before her. Zelda was the most practiced and poised woman she'd ever known, but her sadness was so obvious, so powerful, that Midna felt it radiating off her like the blistering sun of the light world.

She crouched beside her friend and placed a hand on her shoulder, hoping that at least her presence provided some comfort in all this. After a moment, Zelda's hands fell to her lap and she shook her head.

In a voice so soft, so fragile and vulnerable, she said, "May I ask, how did you do it?" Zelda lifted her head to look at her, her gaze pleading as it met Midna's.

The Twili blinked before her gaze dropped. She knew what Zelda meant, but the brunette continued anyway. "How could you glare back into the face of adversity? Everything was against you and yet still you fought. I...I don't know how to do the same."

It was an incredibly difficult question. How did she do it? How did she face Zant after he'd taken a knife to her back, twisted it, and left her to die? How did she go on when she'd lost everything, from her body to her kingdom? Even Midna didn't know.

She sighed, shifted in place, and tucked her hands beneath her thighs. The light pressure grounded her to the moment: to the violet clouds coasting by and one of her closest friends at her side.

"Sometimes when life tests you, your true strength comes out. It's within you, Zelda; I know it is. You showed me how strong you are when you gave your life up for me without hesitation."

The brunette simply shook her head.

"That wasn't difficult. You needed it more than I did." She paused as though she had more to say. After taking a steadying breath, she quietly continued, "Regardless, it wasn't entirely selfless. I...I yearned to escape."

Midna tilted her head and furrowed her brows as she examined her friend. Zelda's lips parted as if words hung at the tip of her tongue but she was hesitant to speak them.

"In my captivity, the prison guard would abuse me. He'd use weapons, sometimes, but mostly it was by his hand. I…I was afraid to run away, but when you needed me, it was easy for me to leave my body and spirit, especially when I knew you had better use for it. At least you were out there with Link, fighting for our kingdoms."

The Twili's stomach dropped. As a ruler, Midna wasn't oblivious to what imprisonment could entail. But still, this was news to her.

Zelda wasn't withholding information that Zant or Ganondorf needed; there was no reason to use force on her, except for intimidation. And yet, both usurpers had proven how selfish and cruel they were, and Midna knew that harming the Hylian queen was just the tip of the iceberg.

A wave of guilt swept through her for all the judgments she'd passed on Zelda. She'd been fighting her own demons all along. She really misjudged the world of light and its people.

Midna shook her head.

"I have something to confess too. I wasn't fighting for both worlds – not at first. I was using Link's and your help to my benefit, without a care about what would happen to Hyrule. I just wanted my realm safe and I was willing to lay yours on the line if it came down to it."

Zelda listened carefully, silently, turning her head in Midna's direction but not quite meeting her eyes.

"But that wasn't fair. Your world is full of beautiful people with kind hearts. And after your sacrifice - regardless of what you say, you gave me your life, Zel - I wasn't able to toss Hyrule to the side. It's worth saving, just like my kingdom."

A small smile pulled the Hylian's lips and she closed her eyes, uplifted by the love she had for her kingdom and her people. They really deserved so much more than anyone could provide.

"I understand, Midna. I cannot blame you for putting your kingdom above all else: as a ruler, that's what we're meant to do. You must know that I only have deep respect for you. You and Link saved my kingdom after all."

Midna mirrored her smile, sad but deep and genuine.

"I'd do it again for you, you know."

"I know. And I you."

Immediately, Castle Town went into lockdown. The gates were shut and the guards were all in position. Some lined the outer bailey, others perched at the towers and the rest were sweeping the streets to ensure everyone was accounted for and there were no interlopers. It was part of the new safety procedure for the town, implemented by none other than the commanders.

Ashei, being the captain of the army, was one of the first to hear about the threat on Her Majesty and the kingdom. Though she remained stale-faced when she heard the news, her body went cold. It still felt unreal, like she couldn't even fathom that the queen was dead.

And if she was, what would happen to Link? How could he deal with a tragedy like that? And what about Hyrule? Without an heir, who would rule the kingdom?

Though she wanted to send the news to Telma and the others, it'd have to wait. She was needed as a captain. Instead, she remained in the courtyard and listened to the scout's report, recording every detail on her clipboard.

"No one but soldiers in the eastern courtyards, cap'n."

"And the graveyard?"

"No one but the souls."

"Station on the eastern wall and report only if there's any changes."

"Aye, Cap'n."

The armor clanked and clattered as the men marched away and she was left in the courtyard alone again. Ashei looked over the castle and town map again, marking off spots and making notes. She only peered past the map when she heard a commotion nearby. Looking up, she saw two knights with their arms around the scholar, dragging him into the courtyard.

"Unhand me! I told you I was given access to the castle by the queen herself!"

Despite his resistance, the knights didn't seem to struggle to keep him upright.

"Cap'n, this man was found lurkin' in the library. He said the queen told him he could be there, but he's got no title or occupation in the castle. What do you want us to do with him?"

"Ashei, would you please tell these louts that I'm permitted to be here?"

The warrior sighed and threw her chin at the knights.

"Oi, it's fine. Let him go. He's harmless."

"Are you sure, Cap'n?"

"Yeah, I know him."

At that, the two large guards dropped him and he stumbled forward, throwing them a look of contempt as he brushed off his sleeves.

"Brutes," he murmured.

They glowered in response before returning to their patrol.

"What in the heavens is going on here?"

She paused, her stern expression faltering for just a moment.

"You didn't hear?"

"Hear what?"

She swallowed and clenched the clipboard a little tighter.

"The queen…she's dead."

"What?!" Slack-jawed, the scholar stared at her like he didn't understand Hylian. But Ashei didn't really know what to say to console him; she was still processing it herself. "I didn't…How?"

"I…I don't know. Holodrum's king – he stormed the throne room this morning with her crown. He said he killed her and he wants to take Hyrule."

Shad grabbed his arms as if he'd gotten chilly. He looked around.

"There's no way."

Ashei swallowed and darted her eyes away. There was no time to think about whether it was or wasn't true: now was the time for action.

"We're preparing to fight either way."

"What about Link?"

"No one's heard about or from him at all."

"We ought to tell Telma and the resistance. They should stay indoors."

With another sigh, the captain shook her head. She tucked the clipboard under her arm and placed a hand on her waist.

"I know but I'm needed here, yeah? You should let them know."

"Alone?" he cried, face blanched.

"You can use the tunnels to the bar."

He bobbed his head but she could tell the idea still made him queasy. Granted, he wasn't exactly the toughest person out of the lot. She sighed, right about to offer for him to wait until later when they were interrupted by a loud caw.

The two looked up as a large black bird dove into the training yard. A gust of wind swept over them as the bird landed on a target in front of them, ruffling her feathers before settling down.

"Is this–?" Shad uttered, approaching the bird, and fixed his glasses as he eyed the creature. "It's a raven."

"So?"

Shad met her indifferent look.

"When Link was in the library, he was asking about ravens. It was an odd question but…"

He looked back at the bird as it fluttered its feathers. Then Shad pulled out a small notebook from one of the packs around his belt. He hastily flipped through the loose pages of notes and sketches that messily stuck out of the folder.

"He was also asking about Twili. You know, the fabled folk banished to the Twilight Realm? Well, if you see these blue markings, it's almost identical to the ones in my research."

He pointed at the blue lines and diamonds roughly sketched in his little book and Ashei examined the similarities with apprehension.

"That's…odd."

"Do you think it's a message of some sort? Perhaps someone's trying to communicate something with us."

Ashei shrugged, exchanging a look with him.

"I don't know," she murmured as he pulled out charcoal from his satchel to rough out the bird before it took flight again. But once Shad drew the last stroke with his charcoal stick, the bird flew off into the distance and disappeared out of sight.

Questions of the queen and prince's disappearance spread to the outer reaches of the kingdom, including Ordon Village. Rusl already had a bag packed, ready to go the moment any of the resistance members heard any news. When he finally received a letter from Telma letting him know that Shad and Ashei had information, he kissed his wife and children and headed off to the kingdom's capital.

The streets were quieter than usual, though the market was still up and running when he passed it on his way to the bar. Everyone in town spoke in hushed tones, though Rusl could catch a few comments here and there. He quickly realized that they were all talking about the royals' whereabouts.

He hurried down the stairs as fast as his old knees could manage and pushed open the door to the pub. Telma and the crew were around the bar table, and they all watched as he rolled up his sleeves and pulled up a stool. Having to travel the furthest, Rusl was usually the last to arrive.

"Rusl, I'm glad you could make it," Telma greeted, though her usual chipper voice was much more somber.

He nodded at her and swept a glance over the group.

"What have you heard?"

Ashei was the only one who could hold his gaze. Though she swigged her drink first, she plunked her cup on the table and answered, "The queen's dead."

Rusl sat stock-still, and yet his jaw dropped and his eyes widened. There was no way that was true. It couldn't be.

When he was still a knight and she was still a toddler, he'd known Zelda in passing. He'd often spot the little princess by her father's side or tottering through the castle halls. It wasn't until Link married her that he got to know her and quickly grew fond of her. In the same way, he thought of Link as a son, she was his daughter-in-law.

He couldn't believe that she was dead. And he couldn't even begin to imagine what Link was going through if it was true. Did he know? Where was he? Was he alive and well?

Icy cold panic suddenly gripped him. What if the news was too much to bear? He didn't want to think Link could hurt himself, but at the same time, Rusl couldn't imagine living without Uli.

"Where – Where did you hear that?"

Ashei looked throughout the group but no one else had found their voices yet.

"There was an incident in the castle this morning. I don't think many people know yet. But the King of Holodrum appeared somehow with the queen's crown and he told everyone that she's dead."

The weight of the room suddenly made all the more sense to him. Each member of the resistance looked tired and worn, their faces long and their shoulders sagged. They'd all been busy with their lives, their careers, and retirements respectively, and because of it, they failed to uphold the pledge they'd made to protect the kingdom at any cost. They failed their queen and their hero in their absence.

"Why would he do such a thing?"

Auru finally piped up, his elbow resting on the table's surface and his head low. He looked even older than Rusl remembered.

"The king tried to stake a claim of Hyrule," he answered, "but Her Majesty's advisor wouldn't surrender."

"So there's going to be a war then?"

Ashei swallowed and nodded.

"Yeah. Most likely."

Telma shook her head and threw her dishcloth on the table before running her hands through her red locks.

"I don't believe it," she muttered.

Rusl placed a hand on her shoulder consolingly.

"What can I do to help?"

"What can you do?" Auru said. "We're old men now. Our weary bones can't carry us in another battle."

Shad finally spoke up, though his voice was less assuming than usual.

"Actually, there is something that you could help me with, Auru." The grey-haired man looked at Shad as the scholar opened his notebook on the table. Scraps of scribbled paper came pouring out. "Remember how you used to speak of an old mirror in the desert? What exactly was that used for again?"

"It's an old relic said to imprison the interlopers of the past to a dark realm. Why?"

"Do you mean 'the Twilight Realm?'"

Auru narrowed his brows and leaned in a little closer.

"Where did you hear that name?"

Shad leaned back a bit and fixed his glasses, intimidated, before pulling out a rough sketch he made earlier.

"Well you see, a few years back Link asked me about the Twili. He didn't explain much and I didn't really want to probe. But in the same breath, he asked about ravens and I reflected on how peculiar that was. And just the other day, Ashei and I were in the training yard and we came across this raven with blue markings, just like the Twili in the textbooks."

He pointed at the drawing he made and Auru picked it up, studying it carefully.

"We think perhaps he might've known something about it. I mean, you did say that he traveled to the desert in search of the mirror. And then he asks me about the Twili and ravens. It just seems like it might all be related."

The older explorer rubbed his chin as he rifled through the pages with one hand.

"You might be onto something here. The mirror in the desert was said to be the only known portal between our realm and the Twili."

"But if that's the case, how would this raven be in the castle yard today? There must be some sort of rift in the barriers that makes traveling possible."

"What does this have to do with Link and the queen?" Rusl interjected. He'd been listening attentively, but he couldn't piece together what the young scholar was saying.

Shad swallowed and set the notebook down.

"I think that raven was sending us a message. I'm unsure what it is, but it might be linked to their disappearance."

"Does that mean the queen might not really be…gone?" Telma asked carefully.

"Perhaps." He turned to Auru. "I was wondering if you'd conduct some research with me in the royal library. We might be of some use."

"Yes, I'll do it. It's worth a try."

"Perhaps I could help too," Rusl offered. "I mean I don't know much about old books, but maybe I could lend a hand in the training yard." The group looked at him skeptically. In the last war, he'd gotten badly beaten up by the warriors who invaded the villages. It'd been a long time since he fought, and now that he was older, it was harder for him to hold his own.

"You could give some pointers," Ashei offered. "The commander is always looking for new ideas."

Rusl nodded.

"I'll speak to Uli about it, but I'm sure she'd want me to help." He turned to Telma. "Your passageway is still open, right?" She nodded. "Keep an eye on it. We might make use of it, but make sure nothing comes in the other way."

And just as they had years ago, the group devoted the rest of the evening to devising strategies to keep Hyrule safe.

Chapter Text

Every step away from the desert, as he got further and further from his wife, sent a pang through his heart. Though he knew that Zelda wasn't still in the fortress, he also knew that the Triforce of Power was the only way to get to where she was – and he was only headed further away from it.

There were many times on his journey when he had to walk away in order to move forward, like when he had to leave the village children stranded in Kakariko before he could bring them home safely. Or when he had to leave Ilia behind, despite her memory loss, because he needed to find the Mirror of Twilight first.

Every journey had its detour and he'd get nowhere waiting around the desert, so he followed the hidden path Naboris showed him over the desert canyons to the sacred grove.

Digging his fingers into the handholds of the desert mesa, he kept his head up and eyes forward. He didn't have a particular fear of heights - or of anything for that matter, thanks to the Triforce of Courage - but he'd never climbed a mesa before, especially not one with a height that rivaled the monstrous Snowpeak mountains. Even the alps had some sort of incline to climb, whereas these walls shot straight up with nothing but small, crumbling handholds.

The walls were rough against his hands. Even with years of training and body-building, it was difficult to hoist himself up the wall and remain steady without a rope or harness. After what could've been hours of the blazing sun on his back, with sweat dampening his hair and pouring down his face, he reached the peak of the desert mountain. He heaved himself onto the flat-head and threw himself to the ground.

He raked a hand through his hair and huffed before pulling his canteen from his bag, taking a swig of the cool water, and splashing a bit on his face. He could see the sunset on the horizon and the stars already peaked out behind the blanket of twilight. Another day had gone by so quickly.

When he shoved himself to his feet, he urged himself not to look over the edges at the pitch-black abyss of the desert canyons and drudged forward sluggishly across the mesa. Fortunately, the heat was no longer weighing him down, but the cold air was biting and merciless and that was horrible in a completely different way.

He figured he'd likely pass out from the exertion and lack of sleep, but he pushed forward until he could at the very least see the edge of the mountain. And when he reached the place where the treetops brushed against the canyon walls, he keeled over and fell asleep without delay.

The Queen of the Twili was surprised by how much she enjoyed being around her counterpart from the Light Realm. Zelda's presence became a constant comfort for Midna, and spending time together became a staple in their day-to-day schedules.

Zelda was constantly in the library, either conducting more research or practicing magic on mirrors they'd collected from the palace. Nothing came to fruition yet, but neither of them was eager to simply wait for a miracle to happen. They needed to try anything until some progress was made. It kept the Hylian busy too, and helped put all that frustration and worry to use.

Midna had a long list of duties every morning, as usual, but she was organized in a way that allowed her to complete what was needed every day. Her tribe didn't believe in working into late hours: work was done when work was done and it was uncommon to bring it home.

It allowed her to spend the later hours with Zelda, by helping her with her quest and surveying the Hylians with her Twili magic. Though she hadn't readily admitted it, during her work hours, Midna often looked forward to when she'd see her again.

That afternoon, the two queens stood at the ledge once again, looking out into the dark endless abyss. Zelda eyed her friend warily and clutched her skirt.

"Are you certain it's safe for us to do this on our own?"

The Twili's lilac lips curled into a dangerous smirk, her daring bravery a stark contrast to Zelda's cautiousness.

"Oh come on; don't be scared. I do this all the time."

"Really?"

"Mhm."

Zelda looked back at the platform and sighed. "All right, if you're sure."

With her say-so, Midna sprinted forward, leapt off the balcony, and whistled. The sharp noise pierced the stillness of the realm, and a large black bird burst through the clouds. It caught the Twili on its back, and Zelda stepped forward just as Midna hovered at the edge of the platform, making it as easy as possible for her to mount the Kagarok behind her.

Holding her breath, the brunette stuck her foot out over the bird. It moved impatiently underneath her, its massive, skin-tight wings beating at its sides. Zelda placed a steady hand on Midna's shoulder and only let out a breath when she was seated on the saddle behind her.

But once Midna snapped the reins, the bird took off in a burst of speed. Zelda desperately grasped the Twili, inherently terrified of plummeting to her death into the sea of clouds below. Midna's laughter echoed over the rushing wind.

It was terribly difficult to relax on such a large bird over what was perhaps nothing but perpetual shadows, but as the momentum waned, they coasted to a smooth and easy glide. Zelda felt her shoulders fall a little and loosened her grip on her companion.

It was strangely soothing to float through the violet clouds; the crisp air coursed through her hair and filled her lungs - once she allowed herself to breathe. It was the most peaceful Zelda had been in so long, like the problems couldn't reach her – or catch up to her – in the great sky. It felt faintly familiar even, though she knew she'd never done anything like it.

She was almost sad when they descended on a lonely island in the sky; the sharp clangs of metal against rock broke her out of her reverie. When they were both on their feet again, Midna nudged her playfully.

"Not so bad, huh?"

Zelda shook her head, her lips stretching to a smile as she straightened out her dark hair.

An attendant at the entrance gave the duo protective gear to enter the mines and Midna stepped into the caves unflinchingly. The island wasn't particularly large, but it was clear that it'd been used to harvest ore for quite a while. The cave was narrow and dark, only illuminated with the vivid blue of the luminous stones and the lights imbued on the Twili beings.

There were numerous carts on the rails brimming with jewels of ruby red, deep sapphire, brilliant diamonds, and more. But the one containing the dark obsidian was shallow and the bottom of the cart was still visible beneath the few scattered stones.

Midna lifted one from the bottom and twirled it in her fingers with disappointment, clearly annoyed that they were unable to find more. Zelda admired it, however, and found herself entranced by how dark it was. It was as if it drained light instead of absorbed it, and yet it still shimmered pale blue when the light bounced off its ridges.

"This is what we're looking for. But I'm afraid this is all of it so far. Like I said, it's pretty rare to find here," Midna said. "We're trying our best, though. Our miners have been working hard."

Zelda followed her gaze to the Twili beings of different shapes and sizes as they heaved their axes above their helmeted heads and threw them down on the ore deposits with all their might. Meanwhile, the others gathered the rocks and sorted them out in their respective carts.

"It also takes some time to extract the stones."

Zelda nodded and pursed her lips. "Perhaps…we could make a smaller version of the mirror. That way, we'd use less obsidian and imbue it with a potent bond without using too much magic."

"Do you think you'll be able to pass through?"

"It's hard to tell. The likelihood of any of this succeeding is uncertain. At the very least, we have to try."

Midna frowned but nodded anyway. That was true, at least. There was no way to know for sure whether their plan was going to work until they put it into action. She escorted the queen through the rest of the mines before shouting, "Good job, guys!" to the workers and stepping back outside.

Her white gown sailed around her as Roperi twirled through the halls. Termina's castle was beautiful and she loved getting lost in the maze of corridors. The strange marble statues smiled at her from the alcoves of the wall and dawn's light streamed in through the thin windows.

With her husband away on business, she figured she'd head to his private library and explore the books she'd never really gotten a chance to look at. Though Edmund never explicitly told her not to use the room, she'd more or less avoided it to give him his space. But she couldn't bother him if he wasn't there and so when she eventually stumbled upon the lonely door at the end of the hallway, she pushed it open with a groan.

The room was golden in the morning light, sparkling through the one arched window at the back of the room, but was terribly cold without the hearth set ablaze. She rubbed her arms to warm herself up as she walked deeper into the wide space, the floorboards creaking under her heels.

Curiously, she peered into the shimmering gilded telescope. It was pointed at Termina's fields and she directed it to the winding clock in town. She could see the bustle of their people, as alive and active as she was that morning, and smiled to herself. She then walked along the bookshelves and absently glanced at each of the titles, not looking for anything in particular but hoping to stumble across a treasure, which shouldn't have been hard considering just how many tomes there were.

A thin leather book caught her attention. When she slipped it out of its thin crevasse, she realized it wasn't a book at all: it was a folder. Curiously, she flipped it open when a stray piece of paper fluttered out and sailed to the floor. Her gown tumbled around her feet as she picked it up and unfolded the letter, still sharp and white and new, and nearly froze when she saw the name at the bottom.

The letter was from Fletcher.

She'd never really spoken about the incident with Fletcher years ago. In fact, if it weren't for her brother happening upon them in her tent, no one would ever know. He'd been awfully sneaky with her at the time, using his quick wit and charisma to charm her only to leave her high and dry when he got bored. The mere thought of it incensed her.

Roperi knew that Edmund still had official business with the king - even her parents still continued their alliance with him - but she never wanted any involvement in it. Just because they were still involved professionally, it didn't mean she had to speak or hear about him, and when she'd take her crown one day, she'd continue to avoid him.

But still, her hand trembled as she held the letter. Though she didn't want to read it, she couldn't help wondering why the letter was hidden away on the bookshelf nearly out of sight. Gnawing on her lip, her eyes wandered on the page and the more she read, the more confused she was.

It was about her wedding day.

After recognizing the day and time, she read more hastily and her heart pounded in her chest. They'd arranged some sort of attack on the queen of Hyrule. But why? Edmund and Zelda were allies. She'd learned from her brother that Edmund courted her years ago, but they'd parted on cordial terms. Fletcher hadn't though. As he typically did, he ran through Hyrule like a raging bull in a pottery store, all wrath and no prowess.

But why would Edmund agree to something like that? He was wise; she never imagined him wanting to attack a powerful kingdom like Hyrule. Reading the letter only further enticed her, and she started filing through the other letters in the folder. Unsurprisingly, all of them were between Fletcher and Edmund, but the more she read, the angrier she got. At last, she slammed the folder shut and stared into the wooden floors, trying to make sense of everything she just learned about her husband.

Edmund hadn't originally planned on working alongside Fletcher. Everyone knew the king of Holodrum was foolish and hotheaded, which didn't make him the most reliable or beneficial accomplice. But Fletcher was also very convincing and powerful, and he knew how to drum up enough excitement to get people to do his bidding.

When Fletcher first came to Termina with his idea, Edmund was hesitant to go along with it. He'd be risking making enemies out of the Hylians, who were powerful, rich, and far more stable than his own kingdom. But that was precisely the problem: his kingdom was bankrupt and his reign was unstable. His people were hardworking and paid their taxes but building a kingdom from the ruins of their old democracy was expensive and led to an even bigger conflict between those who vied for monarchies versus those who were against it. His people were unhappy and he knew Termina was close to yet another civil war.

Fletcher, meanwhile, had come to him with his proposal that would gain him the southern farmlands of Hyrule as well as a portion of the kingdom's riches. It'd be enough to gain stability for at least a little while. What's more, Fletcher was the one behind Roperi and Edmund's union. He'd told Edmund what he knew about the princess from growing up with the Labyrnnian royals and even told him what to write in his letters for the first few weeks of their relationship. Even if their original plan hadn't worked out, Edmund still gained a powerful ally by listening to Fletcher and marrying Roperi.

All he asked was that he invite the queen to the library on the evening of their wedding and ensure that she'd never actually arrive. Terminian parties were already overly extravagant and loud; it wasn't hard to sneak Fletcher's potion into the hero's drink and divert him away from his wife in the corridors. Once he'd done so, his involvement in the scheme was more or less complete.

That was, of course, when Fletcher had believed that the Hylians would surrender without the queen's guidance. And that was before Edmund discovered that Fletcher revealed Edmund's involvement to Percival.

Watching the short and lanky Edmund storm around the length of King Fletcher's secret laboratory was nearly amusing. He was a lot less impressive in such a large chamber compared to his small castle and throne room. "I'll lose everything because of you!" he hollered, his voice bouncing off the glass bottles arranged on the shelves. "My queen will abandon me and my reputation will be tarnished. All because of you and your empty promises and botched plans!"

Fletcher leaned up against a tall archway with his arms folded and dark eyes following the other royal. "You wouldn't even have a queen if it hadn't been for me," he bit. "If I hadn't told you how to woo your wife, you'd be less of a man than you are now." Edmund whipped his head and scoffed. Fletcher was right, of course, but it didn't make any of this easier.

His betrayal enraged the Terminian prince, but Fletcher realized that with nowhere else to turn, Edmund was inevitably forced to go along with his plans. And so, the king remained calm and let Edmund throw his hissy fit just to get it out of his system. "Well, what are we to do now? The hero will undoubtedly attack and I don't have nearly the arsenal that Hyrule has."

Fletcher climbed down the short steps from the archway into the room, his fur coat slithering after him like the tail of a serpent. When he stood across Edmund, he loomed over him impressively. "The hero isn't going to attack."

Edmund threw his head at the king and raised a brow. "How do you know that?"

Fletcher ran a finger over the glass rim of one of the vials on the table and it hummed sharply. "He's gone."

"What? Where?" He grabbed his own neck instinctively. "What did you do to him?"

"It's better you don't know." Edmund's eyes widened and his heart began beating crazily in his chest. "Calm yourself," Fletcher tutted. "This is good news. With the hero out of the picture, we'll be able to take on Hyrule's army. I don't care how well they've trained; my armies have trained longer. And with your help, we'll overpower them."

Edmund swallowed and looked out the window. "This has gone too far, Fletcher. I don't know."

"Well, you better decide. Because without me, you really will lose everything."

A terrible crackling sound startled him awake. When the hero rolled himself onto his back, a flashing, blinding light pierced through his eyelids and he winced from the strain as he blinked himself awake. Three large birds circled above him, their wings blinking the sunlight in and out of existence. He quickly realized that they were the ones making the raspy call, a horrible screeching noise, and the realization that they were vultures preying on him came shortly after.

He dizzily pushed himself to his feet and cried out as he drew his sword, and the sudden alertness and noise from their victim scared them away. The dryness of his mouth was a surprise to him and he wondered just how long he was unconscious on the desert mesa. He didn't have time to waste sleeping: his kingdom needed their queen and he needed his wife.

Link then peered over the wall of rock, down to the mass of trees and the ancient walls of the Temple of Time, overtaken by moss and vines and conquered by the land. It took another long while to descend the mountain wall, but fortunately, it wasn't scorching hot in the forest as it was in the desert, and there was a chilly breeze on his back.

The land between the desert and the forest was uneven and required a lot of ascending and descending, but he'd stubbornly pushed through, and it was far less of a strain than the mesa. When he finally made his way to the sacred grove, he sighed in relief. It was only weeks since he'd traversed the ancient forest, but at that point, it felt like years.

The shadows of the bare branches of the trees danced on the walls, pushed and pulled by the wind. Deep in the woods, all was silent save for the creatures gathering in droves on the walls and the crunch of the leaves when he finally planted himself steady on the forest ground. But the plush ground beneath his boots was a luxury compared to the hard ground he'd walked on the last few days. He took a deep breath of the crisp, fresh air before moving forward.

The Sacred Grove always felt lonely to him, knowing that every soul that inhabited it was long gone, with only their soundless regrets riding the gentle breeze aside stray leaves. And yet, as unsettling as the meadows were, his steps were careful and steady out of an involuntary respect.

When he reached the staircase before the pedestal of time, his chest tightened and his feet hastened on their own. The blade he'd wielded that simultaneously felt like ages ago and just yesterday was standing, untouched by time, in the very last place he'd placed it. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the clouds off the fuller of the blade and shone brilliantly.

His hands clenched at his sides and that uncontrollable urge he always had to draw the sword from its pedestal came back to him tenfold. Placing both palms on the hilt, his fingers folded over the familiar curves and ridges of the guard, and it softened in his grasp. It should've been difficult considering the weight of the sword to unsheathe it from the stone, but yet again it came out without much struggle and he instinctively held it skyward.

Dazzling sunlight zipped from the tip of the blade down to the ricasso and a surge of energy instilled him. He'd forgotten how natural it'd been for him to wield the Master Sword: it embodied him in every way and opened his eyes to feelings he was previously blind to. Like he could think every thought and feel every feeling of the persons who'd wielded it before him, distant and yet so powerful.

Renewed with the energy from the sword, he sheathed it and hastened out of the ancient temple, ready to take on anyone who'd stand in his way.

Hyrule Castle was quieter than he remembered it. Back in the day when Auru and Rusl would train with the army, there'd always been a symphony of noise and commotion. Granted, it'd been especially busy at the time with the epidemic that swept the castle and the battalions attacking from the west. Even when Auru hid away in the libraries to find some peace in the madness, he was never alone. The sages would lurk around the library when they were still schooling the princess.

But now it was eerily quiet as if people were afraid to make noise. It made sense, all things considered. There was a threat to the nation and the queen was presumably dead. With an attack looming on the horizon, it only made sense that people scurried on their toes with shoulders hunched up to their ears.

Auru marched after Shad, who was particularly nervous, his arms clenching his book around his chest and his teeth worrying his lip. Since the scholar was given leave to use the castle facilities, he'd gotten familiar with the routes and found his way to the library without much trouble. When the large door shut loudly, a small, stodgy man silently appeared around the bookshelf and Shad nearly leapt clear out of his skin. There was rarely anyone in the library, especially lately.

The older man, feeble and small, was dressed fancily in claret robes, befitting a councilor. His round spectacles sat on the steep bridge of his nose as he peered at the two guests through the corner of his eyes. He went about his business, searching for something on the nearest bookshelf, but warily kept an eye on the other occupants.

Auru recognized the chap, however. "Chancellor Cole?"

"Yes? Do I know you?"

"Ah, sorry, it's been a long time. My name's Auru. I used to train here." Cole searched through his memories, eyes squinting as he examined the warrior. "We were acquainted long ago by the sages."

"Oh," Cole replied, "yes, I remember now. What are you doing here? You've heard of the threat, haven't you? You ought to return home."

Auru looked at Shad before narrowing his eyes and stepping closer to the chancellor. "Yes, we've heard. That's why we're here. You see, my friends and I band together in times like this to advocate for the kingdom. We call ourselves the resistance. That's how we met the prince years ago."

"Ah," Cole said in realization. The queen mentioned long ago that Link had acquaintances in the city who helped him when he'd saved the kingdom but he'd never acquainted himself with them personally.

"Actually, there's someone I'd like to introduce you to." Auru gestured to his companion. "This here's Shad and he's a well-polished scholar."

Cole's brows lifted the slightest as the young man abashedly stepped forward, fixing his glasses and holding his hand out politely. The chancellor eyed him from head to toe, from the red, undercut hair to his funky diamond-patterned, knee-high socks. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Chancellor Cole."

"Likewise," he said as he staidly shook his hand. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm unsure what you can contribute at this time." As the words left his mouth, however, he thought back to what he'd been doing at the library in the first place. Though Percival revealed that the queen was safe, the only detail he'd given of her whereabouts was that she was in a different realm entirely and had traveled there from the desert.

His strait-laced nature made it hard to discuss anything of importance with the two civilians; they were practically strangers from the city and they didn't particularly look like the most accomplished scholars Cole was familiar with. But admittedly, he'd combed through the endless shelves of books since the morning and he still hadn't the slightest idea what he was looking for. Perhaps, for the queen, he had to put his pride aside and ask for help. "Unless…" he began, carefully looking back at the duo. "Are you aware of any…portals, so to speak, in the desert?"

Shad and Auru exchanged looks of astonishment. How was it possible that he was looking for the same thing they were? "As a matter of fact," the scholar began, "I've done extensive research on the topic. I think perhaps you're looking for a portal to the Twilight Realm."

"The sages told me years ago that there was a mirror in the desert that worked as a portal to the dark realm," Auru added.

Cole frowned in thought. In his youth, he'd spent years devoted to his studies, including the history and politics of Hyrule. He'd known about the Twilight Realm and the alleged mirror, but it was one of many legends. He'd never thought that it was any more real than the tiny people living in the grass.

But as he remembered back to the invasion that first wracked the kingdom years ago, he realized that the dark creatures that tore through the castle were no ordinary humans nor beasts that usually ran amuck in the prairies. It was a possibility, no matter how unlikely, that the Twilight realm was what Percival was speaking about.

"Show me your research," he commanded, gesturing to the textbook.

Shad quickly and admittedly clumsily flipped open the book under his shoulders, catching the loose papers that nearly spilled out and opening it to the latest entries. He pointed out some of the concepts he'd drawn based on the characteristics of the Twili that he'd researched. Cole watched avidly as Shad flipped the pages and explained each sketch as he pointed them out. After some time, the councilor pursed his lips and nodded. Taking a step back, he looked at the two resistance members.

"If you're truly looking to aid this kingdom, I implore you to continue your research. I need you to discover everything and anything regarding portals to and from this 'Twilight Realm.' I will give you access to our most rare and antiquated archives to do so."

Shad's eyebrows flew up his forehead and Auru nodded firmly for the both of them. "Certainly, chancellor. We'll pledge ourselves to this task for our kingdom and its queen."

"Excellent. Should you be successful, I assure you that you shall receive a royal boon for your efforts." Cole started heading towards the deeper part of the library, continuing over his shoulder, "You shall report to me as soon as you discover anything of importance."

With a small iron key, the chancellor opened the small, old door hidden away in the corner of the library. It creaked open to a smaller, warmer room. Lighting a candle beside the doorway, the tiny space was then illuminated by the warm glow. There were old, fragile books coming apart at the seams and withering documents, copper at the corners, stacked upon the chestnut shelves.

Shad spluttered and scratched his head in amazement. "T-Thank you, sir. We'll get right to it!"

Cole nodded. "Ensure that you do. We'll need the information as quickly as possible." He stepped away before pausing and raising a finger. "And one more thing. This is to remain confidential, do you understand?"

The two exchanged a look and nodded. "Of course."

On the other end of the castle walls, Ashei led Rusl through the halls, though his feet already knew the path to the training yard. A wave of nostalgia always swept Rusl up when he visited the castle; since the very first time he returned for Link's knighting ceremony, he'd visited the old stone walls more times than he could count. But every time, it brought him back to his youth when he was a simple swordsman with a duty to his kingdom and a dream to become someone worthwhile.

That was a long time ago when Rusl was still a young man, quiet but bold, inexperienced but skilled. But somehow it felt like just yesterday he was charging the halls with his comrades, working till their bones ached and dusk fell, and they could seek refuge in the liveliest bar in town. He remembered the cheers, the wooden kegs of ale, and the laughter of the newly dubbed knights, proud and a little bit drunk.

He could feel the biting chill burst through the open arches and breathed in the heady smell of blood that clung to the air and that he could always somehow taste in his mouth. They headed toward the commander who'd just begun lifting the dummies and arranging them across the yard. "Commander?" Ashei called out, before turning to her comrade and examining him with maroon-tinted eyes. "You already know the commander, yeah?"

"Yes, we're well acquainted."

The dummy dropped with a thud and Eagus marched over to the duo, wiping an arm across his forehead. "Rusl?" He clapped his hand on the old farmer's back with a spirited chuckle. "You have perfect timing, don't you? I have great news!"

Both younger warriors turned to the lofty man with confusion written on their faces. "Link and the queen, they're okay! I got the news just a bit ago."

The blond's mouth fell open and he took a step closer, leaning forward eagerly. "What? Where did you hear that?"

"The queen's advisor told me himself. He doesn't know much for sure yet, but he said they're in the desert now."

Rusl's hands trembled as he placed a palm over his mouth, the news already so much to handle. Still, it was good news – frankly, the best news he'd heard in years. "Thank Hylia," he uttered under his breath.

"You've got that right. But really, what in Hyrule are you doin' here?"

"He volunteered to help out," Ashei answered, realizing that Rusl clearly needed a moment, and she placed her hands on her hips. "I think he'd make a good captain for the swordsman division. And he knows falconry too, yeah? Maybe he can do something with that."

Eagus rubbed his chin. "Really? You think you're up for it?"

Rusl returned his focus to the current topic and the main reason he came to the training yard: volunteering as a captain of the army. He straightened out his shoulders. It'd been a long time since he took up a blade, truthfully. Since his baby girl was born years ago during the invasion, he'd devoted his time and energy to his family, including Link. But he swore to protect Hyrule many times over and never since has he broken that oath. In fact, he honored it in any possible way he could and he'd continue doing so until he died.

"Absolutely. Whatever you need, I'll help out."

"It's been one big mess since the royals left, but I'll tell you this: we're ready to take on whatever those snooty kings have to throw at us. Link did a great job preparing us for that."

"I'm not surprised."

"The northern and southern kingdoms are trying to set up some attack," the commander continued. "But it probably won't be for a while. My old bones can feel the winter set in and they'd be mighty stupid to start a battle in the cold. Either way, we've got to be ready for anything."

"So what's the plan then?"

"We're sending out troops to protect the villages. That's the priority right now. The rest of us are preparing for battle."

Rusl nodded. The best thing was to protect the kingdom's people and its villages. He remembered how Ordon was attacked the last time with no one but himself to defend them, at least until Link returned. If they had outposts in every village, the people would be protected before the enemies even made it past the village gates. He was grateful that young and able knights would look out for his family and his hometown this time around, especially since they didn't know what to expect and when.

"It's a good plan. Just let me know how to help."

"If you're sure, then we'll start you off with some sword training. Lots has changed since you were here but Ashei will help go over some of the drills with you. During practice, you can offer some pointers and see how it goes."

"All right, commander."

Eagus's lips stretched into a grin. Even as old men, the farmer respected him as a commander and it warmed his heart. "Let's get to it then."

As wise as he was, Edmund knew that his next move would be critical to the fate of Termina. On one hand, if the duo were to succeed, he'd guarantee the security of his kingdom for years to come. They'd have a whole new land to reap and a fortune to boot. On the other hand, however, if they were to fail and Hyrule were to be so gracious as to not execute him, his kingdom would surely pay the price one way or another - neither of which they could afford.

Edmund paced back and forth on one of the many castle terraces in the cold, stale night. He couldn't quite savor the towering mountains silhouetted against the starry sky, and the roaring of the waterfalls did little to drown out his endless torrent of worry.

A hoarse voice somehow reached him from behind all the noise, raising the hairs on his skin, and he gawped at the old, frail woman. Her eyes were a crystal clear white, her hair was a ghoulish green, and as she walked towards the railing, her thin, wooden cane clicked with every step.

"When one carries a kingdom on his shoulders, he tends to grow a hunch."

"W-Who are you? And how do you know that?" he asked defensively, placing his hands on his hips.

"You think because I am blind I cannot see?" A raspy laugh escaped her. "I know exactly who you are, Prince Edmund. And I know exactly what you ought to do."

"What? How could you possibly know that?"

"Because I can see every future ahead of you. The right and the wrong, the good and the bad."

Edmund's eyes widened with realization. "You're a seer."

"Precisely. You are indeed a wise one."

"So if you know my predicament, what do you advise I do? How do I undo the wrongs I've done?"

"You cannot undo what has been done. Your wife already knows of the wrongs you've done to her and the regents of the land know the crimes you've committed." Edmund stiffened. "But there is time. You can make amends if you are to give in now."

"But what of Fletcher? He surely wouldn't take lightly to the betrayal."

"His Majesty has his own penances to face. And he will, in due time."

His gaze wandered off to the waterfall ahead of him, the cold mist washing over his face and fogging his glasses, and he brushed them off for the thousandth time.

"Seer, you must know, why has he become like this? Surely a rejection from Her Majesty couldn't be enough to warrant," he waved his arms about, "all this."

The seer turned to him, somehow looking straight at him, through him, and past him without being able to see him at all. He swallowed and faced her fully, warily giving her all his attention. "Fletcher is not the hunter in this game; he's simply another prey to the true beasts. When he lost himself in grief to the death of his father, they pounced and snatched him in their claws. They won't release him and he has yet to realize that he's their next meal."

"Wait…if he's not the true enemy, then who is?"

"Should you be lucky," the seer uttered, turning her back to him and staggering away, "you'll never know."

Standing on the edge of the mesa, he could see the kingdom outlined on the horizon. There was a tension fermenting under the surface that was just aching to break through. But for the moment, it was silent and calm with the sunlight dancing on his skin and a gust of air whistling through his hair. He took a deep breath of the pleasant fresh air, the air of his home, for what could possibly be one of the last times, and smiled despite it all. At the very least, he wanted to savor the moment before he faced the Gerudo matriarchs at last.

Just as Naboris said, the guards seized him upon his arrival to the fortress and he gave in if only to avoid hurting any of the innocent guards. After all, Naboris had told him that most of Gerudo's were against the witches' actions and he needed to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Inside the fortress, there was a cold, creepy feeling. It was the same experience he had walking through Arbiter's Grounds, as though tortured, distressed spirits haunted the halls, lurking in the dark corners and creeping along the walls. It was even more terrible than the dungeon in Holodrum's castle. But Link followed the silent guard unflinchingly as she made her way through the labyrinth and led him up the stairs to the lair.

When he stepped onto the carpet, he saw the two frail women sitting, legs folded on the rug and faces pinching into scowls at the sight of him. "Look who it is!" a sharp voice screeched. He braced himself to grab the Master Sword but didn't make a move just yet.

Their beady eyes glared straight into his soul, and he could see Ganondorf in the cold ruthless looks in their eyes, the scratchy tone of their voices, and the greenish tint of their skin.

Naboris stood amongst the Gerudo guards around the room. Though they weren't quite frozen, they stood unnaturally still.

Slowly and in sync, the witches pushed themselves to their feet. "A fool has found his way into our fortress, Kotake."

"Oh, that's a fool, all right. He came all this way for his wife, I bet!"

"How amusing," the other responded before facing the hero again. "Too bad she's gone now. And she'll never return!" His jaw clenched, a fit of red-hot anger building up within him at the careless way they spoke about Zelda and what they did to her.

"Now you know how we felt! You Hylians banished our son. You left him to rot in a place of no return."

"When he finally set himself free, you murdered him," the other said. "And they call you a hero."

Link clenched his fists. "He attacked Hyrule," he finally and decidedly spoke.

"You deserved it! All of you dreadful Hylians."

"Nobody deserves that."

"Enough!" the other witch bellowed. "You've been alive in our fortress for too long already! Guards!"

Simultaneously, the women behind him withdrew their scimitars with a chorus of whistles and marched forward. To his surprise, even Naboris moved to attack.

But their movements were unnaturally stiff and steady, and all too quickly Link recognized what happened. Naboris had said to him that the witches were able to use mind control to manipulate the Gerudo tribe members. Just as the Fused Shadow took control of Ook the baboon and Darbus the Goron patriarch, the guards moved without inhibition and pause.

It'd be hard not to harm the guards as he tried to figure out how to break the spell. He'd have to focus on knocking them down first.

With the morning sun beaming through the window and on the Master Sword as he unsheathed it, he clashed his blade against the first guard's matching scimitars just as she crossed them over her chest. It left an opening at her torso, but he knew it'd be fatal and held back. He wasn't fighting to hurt anyone, not if they were innocent.

The pattern of folding their blades over their chest became a clear technique amongst the guards, but thankfully the hidden skills came to great use in a battle like this. Tucking into a roll, he perfected a back slice just in time to knock the guard to the ground.

When a gleam of light flashed off the ruby on her diadem, he was instantly hit with the realization that the curse was in the stone – just as it had been with Darbus. There was the same diadem on all the women's foreheads, including Naboris, but considering how quickly they were moving, it'd be difficult to break the stones with an arrow without seriously hurting the women.

When the next guard swung one of her scimitars towards his right hip, it bounced off the metal of his shield. Link jammed it into her in rebuttal and she toppled to the carpet clumsily. He ducked at that moment and knocked his hilt into her stone, shattering it with a sharp chime in the room. The witches gasped from their spot and shouted with fury, "Kill him!"

Link gripped the hilt and swept his blade to the right and upward to knock the sword out of the next guard's hands. He elbowed the jewel on the next woman as she bent to swipe his legs. The next Gerudo came dashing towards him, suddenly determined to best her companions, but the hero spun gracefully and met the steel of her scimitar.

She swung her blades in a series of skilled strikes, but Link was quick and able to meet her blades each time. When she sliced straight down, he leapt to the side once more and rolled behind her. In one smooth, clean movement, he grabbed her shoulder, ripped the stone from her head, and threw it to the ground.

Within minutes, the rest of the guards toppled on the ground, their stones shattered and their bodies limp in unconsciousness. Link swiped his wrist over his forehead and strode confidently to the two witches. Their jaws were slack as if they'd never witnessed such a quick and impressive defeat, but when they gathered their bearings, their mouths pressed shut with pure anger.

Without another word, their hands met between them and they began circling one another. A wave of fog snaked across the floor just as a golden light penetrated their clasped hands and glared across the entire room. Link shielded his eyes with his arm and turned away from the blinding light.

When his arm fell, he saw that the witches had somehow morphed into one woman, tall and young, unlike the two elderly women they were. If Din was walking on earth, she'd look just like her, with her flaming red hair tied up and radiant amber eyes.

In her hands was a two-headed spear: a sharp, rigged blade that looked as if it were made of ice on one end and a flame shooting out of the other. But most impressively was the all-too-familiar gleam of the Triforce on the back of her hand, pulsing as she harnessed the power to transform into one person.

Once again, Link would have to face the most powerful being in the kingdom. And once again, he was ready.

Chapter Text

With his knuckles white and the Triforce flaring, his hand gripped the hilt of the Master Sword.

He hadn't been so dedicated, so steadfast in battle for so long. It was as if with the Master Sword in his hand, he called upon the sleeping beast within to defeat the witch. It's what his quest throughout the last couple of weeks came down to.

A sharp cackle came past her smirking lips with the same scratchy voice as the twins.

"It's too bad Zelda couldn't be here to see this! It would've made your death even more fun."

His stormy blue eyes flashed and his nose flared with rage. But he held fast, waiting for them to make the first move, and she was clearly displeased that he hadn't taken the bait. With a dramatic twirl of her spear, she whipped a smoldering flame his way.

He dove and tucked into a roll, steadying himself with a knee and a palm to the ground. The fire hit right where he'd been standing. He watched it sputter to extinguish before he pushed himself to his feet and swiped his blade in defiance.

When she cast the next flame towards him, he was ready. It burst against the shield and unfurled like a blooming flower.

But the scorching heat radiated through the metal, and it sizzled as it burnt through his arm guard and sleeve. With a hiss of pain, Link stumbled backward.

The witch cackled, earning a glower from the hero. He leapt forward, delivering a volley of slices that landed square of the spear each time. Each block made him wince, but he persisted, eager to land at least one hit.

When he'd, at last, sliced her hip, she leapt backward with a grimace. Her head shot up and her golden eyes glared daggers.

Swirling her spear, she brandished the other end of it and lopped off a shaft of ice. It shot past him, nipping his ear as it whizzed by. He gulped.

An idea struck him then. Ganondorf had used a similar fighting style to his mothers'. While they were using fire and ice, he'd sent voltages. He'd been able to purge the Demon King from Zelda by deflecting the beams back to him.

Taking a deep breath and drumming his fingers on the hilt of his sword, he waited for her to send another deadly icicle. The first hit she'd given was painful enough; he tried to brace himself for how the next would feel if his plan didn't work.

Stepping back, she wound her arm and threw the spear up above her. Hooking her hand like a claw, her magic swirled around her, brewing like a wicked storm, before the wooden pole landed back in her grasp.

Another icicle vaulted from the tip and shot towards the hero. Whirling around, Link's slice struck the ice at the precise moment.

Instantly, unforgiving cold pierced through Link. Ice sheathed his blade while the cold surged through his entire body, and he collapsed to his knees with a tremor. It was as if he'd submerged under freezing waters: his lips were blue, his skin kissed with frost.

The witch shrieked with laughter as she bounded towards him.

"What a priceless sight this is - to watch the hero fall to his knees." His arms folded over his body, trying to bear through the shivers, but his sharp eyes still glared at the matriarch. "You've had this coming for so long, boy. My people have been waiting for this moment for centuries."

She brandished the spear above her head, ready to pierce the icy blade straight through him.

"No, we haven't!"

Link's eyes shot over to the shaky and yet loud voice. Naboris woke up, though she was still on the ground a few feet away behind the witch. She took hold of the rug and tugged it with one swift movement, causing her mother to stumble to her feet.

"None of us want this but you. Our people want peace and Nayru damn it, we'll get it!"

Then, just as quickly, she pushed herself to her feet and ripped something from the wall behind the curtain. It was a shield of some sort, and she threw it at Link's feet. Teeth still clattering, he looked at the face of the shield only to see his reflection staring back.

It was a mirror.

"Naboris?" the witch cried. "My own daughter – after all I've done for you!"

"What have you done?" she argued, her hands balled into fists. "You just used your powers for revenge. You could've set us free! You could've given us freedom and safety, but instead, you left us to fend for ourselves when we cannot even leave!"

While the duo clashed, Link felt the freezing cold slowly thaw around him. Though his skin was still prickled with bumps and his teeth still chattered, he knew he couldn't waste a moment. He tucked his arm into the shield.

"You foolish brat!" the witch hollered.

She whipped her spear towards her daughter, and the torrent of fire shot straight to Naboris.

Link leapt in front of her at the final moment, his reflective shield drawn, and the surge of energy rebounded off it and back at the witch. She howled in pain, falling to her knees, and Link didn't hesitate to leap into the air and ready his blade above her chest.

Her cries sharpened to a shrill, but she raised her trembling hand. The Triforce on the back shone brilliantly. Before Link could land the blow, he was rendered motionless, suspended in the air as a thick black cloud swirled around him.

"No!" Naboris cried as she dove for her mothers' arm.

But it was too late: Link was gone.

Strangely enough, the foulest, loneliest corner of Termina was where the princess felt the safest. While every other inch of Termina was filled with bustling patrons and lively citizens, there was a sense of stillness and peace within the clock tower.

Steady as a heartbeat, rhythmic clinks and clanks resounded throughout the clock tower. Wooden wheels whirred and the gutter water spattered off the paddles. The clock tower came to life, holding her in its chambers like an embrace.

Roperi looked up to the rafters where the snow blew in through the slats in the roof, glimmering like sprites in what little light seeped through. She remembered when Edmund first took her here and how entranced she'd been by him and his kingdom. It was as if there was something beautiful and bewitching lurking deep within them both.

And there was, only it wasn't beautiful at all. Edmund had been wearing a mask for their entire marriage. He'd been tricking her with his elaborate words and debonair appearance, and she'd never thought to doubt him. She only wished she'd been wiser. Somehow, princes always seemed to get the better of her.

With a suffering groan, she tucked her head into her lap and raked her hands through her hair. What could she do now? What would she tell Percival and her parents? Could they help her escape her marriage?

She didn't want the shame of it to burden her. Just another scandal, they'd say. Just another prince who'd outwitted their foolish daughter.

When the door creaked open, she flinched. She'd specifically ordered to be alone. But when a tuft of orange hair peaked through, brilliant against the dim colorless space, she leapt to her feet and hastily wiped away her tears.

"Percival? What're you doing here?"

He shook the snow off his hair and rubbed his upper arms to bring some heat back into his body.

"I could ask you the same thing. Your guards told me you were here." His eyes darted around the space with a slight pout, which acutely reminded her of when they were children. "What in heaven's name are you doing in this creepy place alone?"

Her mouth fell open but she didn't say anything. Instead, she turned her head to the side.

"I…needed some time to myself." He didn't respond, and when she looked back at him, his brows were narrowed, clearly unimpressed with her answer. She heavily exhaled and slumped back onto the stairs. After a moment, she answered truthfully, "My marriage is in trouble."

He was quiet still but stepped down to sit beside her.

"I found letters between Edmund and Fletcher," she explained with a great deal of disdain. "He's been dishonest to me. For my entire marriage, he's been scheming to attack Hyrule, and he hid every detail from me. I'm his wife – I'm soon to be his queen, and he never spoke of such a grave matter or even thought to discuss it with me.

"What's worse, he's been working with Fletcher the entire time. And he used our wedding day as the stage for one of their plots. Did you know the Queen of Hyrule is missing? She was taken at my wedding – as planned by my husband." She grimaced. "What am I supposed to do?"

Percival lowered his head. "I did find out what Edmund was up to, actually. I came here to tell you as soon as I was able." She looked back at him suddenly. "You see, these last few days I've been aiding in the search for the queen. I personally spoke to Fletcher and he revealed more than enough."

He placed a hand on his sister's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Roperi. I never thought they'd be this senseless."

"I've already married him. I've vowed to be honest and true to this man who's been sneaking around and hiding things from me this entire time. What can I do?"

"You can come back home," he suggested.

She scoffed, eyes puckered and red. "And face mother and father? Not a chance," she bit. "No, I…I need to get to the bottom of this. There must be a reason he's doing all this. I just need him to tell me what it is. If he really went along with Fletcher's scheme, I think I deserve to know his reasons."

"Would you like me to be there with you?"

"No, I need to face him on my own. But…I'd like it if you stuck around until this is sorted out. Just in case things turn sour."

He nodded. "Of course."

A small, grateful smile brightened her face as she leaned on his shoulder and sighed. For a moment, there was no sound but the clatter of the clock tower, working without missing a beat.

"Thank you, Percival. I really appreciate it."

He placed a hand on her shoulder. He couldn't help but feel sorry for her: his sister had been through so much and dealt with the worst of princes. He'd do anything to protect her; he hoped she knew that.

"Of course. Don't fear. I'm here for you."

In a burst of smoke and smolder, Link collapsed to his hands and knees. Coughing heavily, he wiped his eyes as he tried to see through the thick mist.

The first thing he saw was sharp crimson eyes. His brows pinched, realizing that they looked eerily familiar, and as the dust settled around them, he let out a gasp.

Of all the strange things that Link had encountered, not excluding ancient temples, spirits of light, and cities in the sky, nothing quite shook him like seeing Midna again. When she'd shattered the only known portal between realms, it took months for him to come to terms with the fact that he'd never see her again. And that was far more difficult than any battle he'd fought.

But there she was, years later, and just the same as he remembered her. Granted, she wasn't the imp he'd gotten familiar with but the tall, redheaded woman that he met on the hilltops of Hyrule Field.

He pushed himself to his feet and took a step back before Midna finally snapped out of her shock and held her arms out.

"Wait!"

His foot hung over the edge of the landing, his toes frantically feeling for footing before she grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him back.

"What's wrong with you? Don't you look before you step?"

Her voice was the same as he remembered, but she was frantic and breathless and he still couldn't understand what was going on.

"Midna?" he asked stupidly and she let out a huff so heavy it was almost as if she hadn't taken a breath since he arrived.

"Yes."

Before the word even fully left her lips, he ran forward and took his old companion into his arms. She stumbled back from the impact, like she was a goat he'd just tackled, and stood stock-still in his arms. But after a moment, she settled her hands across his back and leaned her head on top of his. He trembled in her arms, and her dark eyes welled up as she embraced him tighter, holding him steady until he could hold his own.

She could tell how much it meant to him to see her again - almost as much as it meant to her. It shook her to her core.

When Zelda arrived, she never expected Link to come through next. She should've, though, considering she knew him so well. He'd do just about anything for the ones he loved.

Her chest drew heavy and tight as the pain of saying goodbye to him all those years ago came back tenfold. It was so hard to let him go after everything they'd been through together.

With time, that pain faded into occasional pangs of regret but now, seeing those kind blue eyes, she felt all those years of grief wash over her at once.

But Link's grief was swept away by a wave of joy. No one could really understand how difficult it was plowing through hordes of monsters or drudging through temples, not knowing what lay around the next corner. She'd been the one constant in all the chaos. Though it was strange at first, he'd gotten accustomed to her lurking in his shadow.

While she'd been callous at first, they became good friends over time. They shared many memories when time was at its toughest. She revealed things to him about her past that she never shared with anyone, and he always listened. And when he was tired or discouraged, she'd always urge him forward.

Even after years apart, they both treasured that time together.

When he drew back, Link shook his head, still not really understanding what happened.

"But you're supposed to be in…"

He paused as he finally took in his surroundings, realizing that in some sort of twist of fate, he'd somehow been taken to the Twilight Realm. It'd been so long, but he easily recognized the tall, cubic palace and the violet skies.

"…the Twilight Realm," he finished. "Does that mean-"

Midna already knew what he meant and she simply nodded her head.

"Yes, Zelda's here."

With just those simple words, he was overcome. Link fell to his knees and dropped his head into his hands.

It'd only been a few weeks, but he felt like he'd been without Zelda for months. Perhaps it was because he couldn't sleep or eat. The unrest had him constantly on edge. There'd been moments of rage and sadness and grief. And now, it all coursed through him one final time before leaving him altogether and giving way to relief.

Midna could only watch as his body shook, wracked with nearly silent sobs. Her heart seized in her chest, overcome with an influx of conflicting emotions. To see him like this, to watch him quite literally collapse with relief, was painful. It was so obvious he loved Zelda deeply, which was a fact she hadn't been able to escape.

But at the same time, she felt sorry for him. She didn't really know what he'd been through the last few weeks, but she could only imagine being away from Zelda was tearing him apart.

"I'll take you to her," Midna said after a quiet moment.

With his brows pinched upward, he looked up at her. He took a moment to gather himself, feeling a tad embarrassed of his outburst, but Midna didn't comment on it. As he stood up and followed her through the halls, they stayed silent.

The palace hadn't changed much. The halls were long and narrow, and the space was sleek and clean. Everything from the grey metallic walls to the teal blue moving platforms was opposite to the classic style in Hyrule.

When he'd at last gathered his wits, he realized he should say something to Midna. It'd been so long since he had a chance to talk and he didn't want to waste the opportunity now that he finally had one. Still, he found himself unsure what to say.

"How have you been?" he finally asked, unsure.

She met his gaze over her shoulder. Her head jerked forward again, but her footsteps slowed a little.

"We've been good here. My people are happy and at peace now, thanks to you and Zelda."

"And you."

She smiled a little and it shone in her voice.

"Yeah, and me."

It was quiet for another beat before he asked again, "You said your people are happy, but what about you? Are you happy?"

Midna stopped and turned to him just as they reached a large door, imbued with teal blue light in the same sleek designs of the Twili tribes. It was such a simple question, from such a simple man, but it was difficult to answer.

She didn't leave Hyrule empty-handed. With the love and revelation the world of light imparted to her, Midna became a better person and led a more fulfilling life. Now that she was less guarded, she was able to love her people more openly and trust her companions more.

But saying goodbye to him, Zelda, and the world of light nearly ripped her heart out of her chest. In all her years growing up, she'd never known such true friends and never cared for two people so deeply.

There were times when she missed them so much she thought she could die from the grief. Though the pain tapered as time went on, it still lingered within her, and she felt it blaze in her chest when he appeared on her ledge.

Her face flushed as her eyes threatened to glaze with tears, but she pushed it down stubbornly and forced a smile.

"I am."

He examined her carefully, brows slightly drawn as if he didn't quite believe her and didn't understand why. But before he could ask, she spun on her heel and swiped the door open.

The room had skyscraping ceilings with endless books lined neatly across the walls. While the library in Hyrule Castle was wide with endless rows of bookshelves, the one in the Twilight Palace was tall with mezzanine balconies wrapping around the square room. The four towering walls were shelved neatly with thousands of monochrome tomes.

Zelda was there. At the top of a flight of stairs in the library, a short distance away from him after so long apart and yet still too far away. She stood with her back to him and yet he recognized her immediately.

His heart hammered wildly in his chest as he looked upon her with wide eyes. He'd imagined he'd be able to take her into his arms the moment he first saw her again, but for some reason, he was frozen in place.

It reminded him of all the 'first time in a long times' Link saw her. The way it would make the world stop turning and suck all the air out of his lungs and draw all the light from the room into her.

He finally stepped forward, still slow and somewhat nervous. His eyes swept over her as he registered that she was really there, that she was alive.

Her chestnut locks were haphazardly twirled into a knot on her head, keeping the hair off her neck and shoulders. She donned a thin flimsy dress, so unlike the layers upon layers she usually wore. It was black with thin sleeves and went straight down to the floor, but two slits ran up either leg, and an auburn sash was tied around her waist.

Though he hadn't spoken just yet, her pointed ear picked up on the hesitant footsteps and she spun around, her eyes automatically finding him in the center of the room. She dropped the book in her hands and hurried down the set of metal stairs while he stood stock-still, but by the time she stumbled on one of the steps in her excitement, Link was there to catch her.

His hands swept under her bottom, her skirt billowing around his arms, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Link," she breathed, clutching him tightly.

A gruntled sob escaped him as he burrowed his face into her neck, trembling as he held onto her with everything he had. Waking up without her by his side had paralyzed him with heartache: each time was a painful reminder that she really was missing. Not knowing where she was or whether she was okay made it even more unbearable.

But here Zelda was alive and well, and all those days searching for her, afraid that he'd find her battered and bruised or worse, were over. Even more so, she was in perhaps the safest place she could be besides Hyrule – or perhaps even safer than Hyrule at the moment.

Link would never let anything like that happen to her again, no matter the cost. He didn't want to spend another day away from her.

At the door to the library, Midna's heart clenched in her chest as she watched their embrace. The selfless part that Zelda had imparted to her allowed her some happiness that they were reunited, knowing that their separation was hard on both of her closest friends. But seeing their blatant love for one another was deeply painful for her, despite the time that went by.

She cleared her throat, making the couple turn at the sudden noise. Arms folded over her chest, she leaned against the wall, seemingly casual.

"As adorable as this reunion is," she jested, her lips curled in a half-smirk, "don't you think we have some things to discuss?"

Zelda's chest tightened. She'd been so surprised to see Link that she didn't realize Midna was there as well. She knew that witnessing their reunion must've been painful.

The Hylian carefully detached herself from her husband's arms, but not without the sudden coldness from the separation. He blinked with confusion but followed her lead and turned to face the Twili.

"How did you get here?" Midna asked.

Zelda tucked a hair behind her ear as she looked back at her husband. Her eyes widened when they landed on the familiar blade on his back and the subject of it upon many others raised a lot of questions in her mind. But Midna's was a good start.

He went to scratch the back of his neck but winced at the sudden movement of his arm. Instead, he placed his other hand on the injury.

"I fought -" he swallowed and began again, "I fought those witches." He shook his head, ashamed. "But before I could defeat them…they sent me here."

Zelda rested a hand on his shoulder consolingly.

"They're devious, Link. They don't fight fairly. It's not your fault."

He met her sympathetic gaze while Midna sighed and shook her head.

"There's no point worrying about it now. Did you figure out how they're sending you guys here?"

Link turned his head to face her, glad that at the very least he'd figured that out. "It's the Triforce of Power."

Both queens exchanged a nearly identical look, eyes wide and lips parted.

"'The Triforce of Power,'" Zelda repeated. "Ganondorf's mothers had it all along?"

He nodded. "I guess that makes sense," Midna remarked. "It must've gone somewhere, right?"

"Yes, that's true." Zelda paused for a moment as she sorted out her thoughts. "At least we know now that some divine magic can be harnessed to recreate a portal. Still, I fear even if we were to use our pieces together, they wouldn't be able to mimic that power. As we all know, each piece harnesses a unique ability."

"If only we had the Triforce of Power…" Midna started, her sentence dwindling as she looked back at the hero.

"We could unite the pieces and wish for a new mirror," Zelda finished.

Link had been listening to the two devise their plan, but the last detail urged him to butt in.

"You're creating another mirror?"

The idea of having another portal between realms sparked another feeling of joy in his heart. He never thought that he'd see Midna again, especially after so much time had passed. But if they had another mirror, they could all be friends again.

Granted, he didn't have much of a chance to think about it, but it seemed clear they'd have to say goodbye again. He'd been so eager to bring Zelda back to Hyrule, but now that he knew she'd been in the Twilight Realm, it'd be harder to leave. If he knew it wasn't goodbye forever - again - it'd make it easier to return to their kingdom and save it from yet another downfall.

Midna's gaze dropped, unable to look at the way excitement lit up his face. Zelda and she hadn't quite decided what they'd do with the mirror after they used it to return home.

She knew that the Hylians would want to keep it intact, at least Link would, and deep in her heart, that's what she wanted too. It was hard enough for Midna to break the mirror the first time – she feared she wouldn't be strong enough to do it again, even if she still believed it was the right thing to do.

"We've been trying hard to create a replica of the mirror as a passage back to Hyrule. So far, my magic hasn't been enough."

"Don't worry, Zel," Midna replied, in a way that steered the conversation away from the direction she knew it was headed. "I know you'll be able to do it. We're no further now than we were before. I say we retire now and try again in the morning."

Zelda's eyes sank to the ground. Though Midna's words were comforting, every day she spent away was another day she'd failed her kingdom.

But her gaze traveled to her husband, his face tired and his body slack. And she didn't miss the way he withdrew his arm when he tried to reach behind his head. It was still unclear to Zelda how much time had passed since her capture in Termina. She was unconscious for a while before she awoke in the desert prison, and even then it felt as though days had come and gone before she finally arrived in the Twilight Realm.

Was Link searching for her the entire time? Had he gotten any reprieve? It wasn't quite as bad as the journey he and Midna went on before, but it was an arduous one nonetheless. At the very least, Link needed to rest and she didn't want to leave his side just yet.

With a small nod, the three left the library. They parted at the junction between the corridor to the guest chambers and the platform that rose to the higher, noble chambers. Midna swiveled to them, her cloak floating for a moment before falling back at her feet.

"Try to get some sleep tonight. We have lots to do tomorrow."

The duo nodded with small smiles as the Twili stepped onto the platform and rose out of sight. They stood still for another moment before their eyes met. There was so much that they had to say to one another, so much to ask and catch up on, but for some reason, silence prevailed. So Zelda quietly led him back to the chambers, wringing her hands in front of her before letting him in through the door.

In the darkness of their temporary chambers, Zelda's light was more obvious and more brilliant. Link quickly noticed the tremors in her hands as she nervously puttered around the room. After disappearing into the adjoining chambers, a cool blue light was cast through the entrance.

He watched the doorway for a moment, wondering just where she'd gone before he began stripping his gear. A sharp hiss slipped out as he reached over his shoulder and Zelda reappeared instantly.

She hurried over, helped him lift the shield off his back, and straightened his hair when it came up tousled. When he met her eyes, he smiled appreciatively and she smiled back, a bit bashfully, and reached for his armguard to take it off. At his wince, she flinched.

"It's just a burn," he said quickly.

She nodded and stepped back. "Wait one moment."

Without question, Link sat on the bed while Zelda retreated through the door again, emerging moments later with a roll of gauze and a salve.

"The Twili people are practical," she noted as she sat on the bed with him. "I admire their forethought."

He rolled up his sleeve, trying not to wince as he did it, and revealed the extent of the injury for the first time. He hadn't even realized just how bad it was until then, what with all the adrenaline running through him.

The blond hairs had long singed and his arm was a reddish yellow hue, burnt past the first layer of skin. It was a relief that he had his armguards to protect him even the slightest; neither of them wanted to imagine what would've happened if he wasn't in armor.

"This will sting," Zelda warned while she dabbed her hands in the salve. Link braced himself.

At the first touch of broken skin, pain shot up his arm and he hissed again despite his best efforts. Her fingers twitched at the sound. She strained to make her touch as gentle and thorough and always eased up the pressure when his face cringed in protest.

In chorus to unwrapping the gauze from her hand, she wound it back around his arm. There was no noise but their quiet breaths as her soft gentle hands worked on him. Despite the pain, a small smile worked itself onto his lips as his eyes moved up to hers.

Though her head was ducked, her hair was tied up so that Link could see her face. He could see the small lines on her forehead and her lips pressed together in focus. After she tied the ends of the bandage, his other hand covered hers. Her head rose and she saw his eyes gleaming with gratitude.

"Thank you."

The corners of her lips lifted in the smallest of smiles but the look in her eyes was sorrowful.

"It's the least I can do." She paused before adding, "I'm so sorry."

"It's nothing."

"It's not nothing."

"It is. I'd go through worse just to see you again."

Her lip twitched.

"You're reckless, Link." Then, softly she added, "But I'm glad you're here."

Link smiled as they held each other's gaze before she swallowed and looked away.

"Come," she said. "I've drawn a bath. You'll feel better in the hot water."

So that's what she was doing. He followed after her to the next chamber, a small room with the same metallic tiles; it was similar to their own bath chambers, save for the blue flame alit underneath the tub.

Even stepping into the steam, enriched with a rich perfume, relaxed his muscles. He sighed inwardly at the feeling before he started to undress. Zelda helped him where she could, lifting his tunic and heavy chainmail off his body.

When his upper body was uncovered, she noticed the new scrapes and injuries on his skin, and the familiar pang of guilt struck her chest. Thankfully none were quite as bad as the burn on his forearm. She didn't need to ask; she knew he must've gotten them on his travels. She lowered her hands, her lips curled downwards.

Zelda went back into the drawers to get the oils and soaps while Link finished undressing and stepped into the bath, puncturing the stillness of the surface and sinking into the water. She found the bottle of scented oil and she sat herself on the rim of the bath.

After pouring a puddle into her hand, she rubbed out the suds and eased her fingers into his hair. He sighed at the feeling, his head lolling back. His locks were tangled, but she threaded her fingers through. Then she cupped her hands into the bath and spilled water over his hair to wash out the soap, and it trickled down to his shoulders.

His eyes fluttered open, watching as she attentively laved the soap onto his chest, reveling in the feeling of Zelda's hands and the steel blue of her eyes, even as they were crinkled with worry. Her hands were steady and gentle and abiding, and yet even just the simple touch after weeks apart was more than enough.

Goddesses, how he missed her.

His hand grabbed her elbow suddenly and she flinched, her whole body halting save for her eyes, which landed on his.

"I was so worried about you," he finally said, just then realizing how dry his throat was. "I-I thought the worst…" The words caught on a gulp and she nodded slowly, her hands drifting to rest on his shoulders.

"I know," she said, her voice quiet. "I know because I worried for you as well."

He noted the delicate vulnerability coloring her typically steady voice. It wasn't often that she divulged in him and so he hung onto every word. Her brows scrunched up again as her eyes clenched shut, and he kept his gaze on her even as she tried to lean out of sight.

"I don't want to lose you," she breathed, her voice cracking.

It melted his heart, to hear that she had the same worry he always had for her. For as long as he knew her, he worried about her welfare and felt responsible for ensuring she was safe and healthy and okay, as if it were rooted into his very spirit.

"You won't," he replied, just as soft and sincere. Link squeezed her arm, embracing the feeling of her soft skin against his fingertips. "You don't have to worry about me. I'll always find you again."

A short sound escaped her, almost like a laugh or a sigh; he couldn't tell. A smile tugged at her lips and her watery eyes fluttered open, revealing their glassy sheen. One corner of his lips curled upwards sympathetically.

When he stepped out of the bath, Zelda wrapped his shoulders with a towel and left him alone. Link finished drying himself before putting his pants and undershirt on to keep from freezing in the night.

Steam trailed after him as he left the bath chambers, but it sat in the cold air like oil sat on water, adjacent and yet not able to truly interlace, as if the realm itself rejected the heat. At least the bath chamber was small enough so that it was hardly noticeable. When he stepped out into the adjacent bedchambers, the cold slapped him harshly, and he rubbed his arms to bring some heat back to his body.

But thoughts of cold and heat mattered little when he saw Zelda's silhouette by the window, encapsulated by the violet light cast through the glass. For a second, he was taken back to the moment he met her, standing before a view of a twilight world with the light as filtered from her as the land beyond. If it weren't for her warm and comforting scent, he might've thought she was a portrait.

Her arms were wrapped around her body as well, though her hands sat elegantly on her inner elbows, and her back was nearly pin-straight. She'd set her hair free from its knots and it poured down her back and over her bare shoulders.

Even from the distance between them, he could see goosebumps peppering her skin. He swallowed and urged his feet forward.

At last, she'd moved - had she too been suspended in time by his presence, or did time slow down as he admired her? She looked at him over her shoulder with the familiar solemnness on her face, before it cracked and a small smile slipped through.

His eyes examined the familiar outline and curves of her face: the gleam in her pale eyes, the lashes that curled past her silhouette, and the way light sat on her lips like a gloss. Her warmth radiated to him, even without touching, and he settled a little into his spot beside her.

She turned back to look through the window. "The Twilight Realm is beautiful. I still cannot believe I'm able to see it with my own two eyes."

His eyes followed hers back to the slow-moving clouds as they drifted past their window; were it not for the glass, they could simply reach out and let them sift through their fingers.

"It is."

"I haven't been able to properly enjoy it. But now that you're here-" She paused, took a small breath that seemed to catch her off-guard, and nodded before continuing, "It's nice."

"Zelda-" he started, but she looked at him with a curious look in her eyes. Though he felt the volume drain from his voice, the words seeped through. "I've missed you too," he whispered thinly, his lips clicking under his breath, "so much."

His fingers twitched. He wanted to reach out as he said it, to touch her and show her what he meant, as they often preferred, but he kept his hands to himself. She'd been through a lot these last few weeks: he didn't want to push her.

Her eyes creased, little lines drawn at the corners, and she smiled again. Whether her eyes caught his twitch or she'd read his mind, she reached behind her neck and gracefully gathered her hair over a shoulder, leaving her back bare. His stomach leapt.

"Would you help me?"

It didn't take him long to understand. As her husband, he'd often incidentally taken her maids' job of undressing her, but he hadn't minded in the least. He stepped behind her, to the expanse of her back that she'd just unveiled with a simple sweep of her hand.

Laces followed the length of her spine and cast a webbed shadow onto her skin. Undoing them was second nature, but as his hands found the first knot, just inches below her shoulder blades, he found that his hands trembled. With every inch, more of her back was exposed: every familiar scar and scratch that nearly faded with the shadows of the room.

When he'd reached her waist, the dress fell slack and gathered at her hips, and his breath caught in his throat. She looked over her shoulder, her face half-obscured, and so he leaned in closer, her pull on him like gravity.

As her eyes fluttered between his eyes and his lips, he understood, and though they moved slowly, they moved together, their lips meeting above her bare shoulder. Long, bidding strokes moved against each other and with each other at the same time.

It'd been so long since they kissed that he'd almost forgotten how it made him feel. He took a starved breath like he'd just surfaced for water after a stint below, before coming back for more. His hands burrowed in her dress, finding her bare hips beneath, and he pressed his body against hers. She made a pleased noise that sent his blood pumping, and his brows pinched as he deepened the kiss.

It was strange how powerful his feelings were for her – that they could be apart for a few weeks and it would scare him to death. Or that he would travel through realms without a second thought. It was like he was made to protect her, to love her ardently, with all that he was. Without Zelda in Hyrule, it was as if the sun had vanished from the sky, the life draining slowly from all beings.

They sighed when they parted, eyes searching and asking and hoping.

"Zelda…" His voice was weak, his throat dry, and he swallowed. "You've been through so much. I…" He swallowed again, unsure what he was properly in favor of.

It was clear he was flustered; Zelda knew that he wouldn't go further if she didn't reassure him that she wanted him to.

"It's okay," she said, her voice as steady as she could manage. "I'm okay."

"You were shaking earlier."

She tensed. She really shouldn't have been surprised he'd noticed something like that, what with those sharp eyes of his, but it still took her aback.

"It wasn't anything," she started, a blush coloring her pale cheeks. "It's just that...I've missed you." She paused before admitting, "I was nervous."

He blinked, and to her surprise, his face brightened into something akin to amusement.

Zelda frowned. "What is it?"

"Nothing. Just..." His smile stretched. "You're adorable."

"Goddesses," she twined, her blush spreading to her ears, and he laughed bashfully before his lips met hers again.

Chapter Text

Naboris grunted, her golden eyes clenched shut, as she hit the floor. She scrambled up and took hold of the iron bars just as the door slammed shut and locked into place.

"Wait!" she shouted uselessly to the spellbound guard, but she simply stepped out of sight.

What her mothers did to her people was far beyond her worst nightmares. If it wasn't awful enough that they'd abandoned their race to die, now they'd enslaved them all to do their bidding.

The weight of it all crashed down on her and Naboris slid listlessly to the ground. All she wanted was to protect her people - a simple enough goal, she'd say - and her own mothers destroyed any possible chance of doing so.

They'd even tried to murder her in cold blood, their own daughter. They were more cruel than she could've ever imagined.

But the more she thought of what they'd done, her sadness turned to rage. She couldn't let them get away with these injustices. She wouldn't let her people suffer because they were blinded by their grief.

Using rage as her fuel, she tucked her fear away deep within her and pushed to her feet. There wasn't much in her cell to help her escape. There was a bed of hay, a window perched out of reach, and a torch flickering at the other end of the room.

She wasn't sure where they took the other Gerudo women who were broken free from their spell, but she knew there were seven of them. It wasn't a lot of people, but it'd have to be enough.

The first step was to find the prisoners and come up with a plan to break free together. She was sure with their help, she could overtake the Gerudo matriarchs once and for all.

After so long in the Twilight Realm, Zelda already acclimatized to the stretch of time that made up the night. Naturally, she arose with the dawn when it arrived, though she'd long lost track of how many dawns had passed since she appeared in the realm. Her eyes fluttered open to the same room she'd been in for the last while, only her bed had another occupant.

The windows were open to the twilight world beyond and the sky's heather glow shone behind the tinted glass. When her gaze landed on her husband, her lips stretched into a small smile. She was nestled into the crook of his arms and his lips rested against her chestnut hair, which spilled over the pillows beneath them. His deep, soft breaths soothed her and his body kept warm and cozy despite the frigid room.

Zelda feared that last night was a dream and she'd awake alone again. But Link was really there, alive and okay.

Careful of waking him up, she slipped out of his arms and quietly shuffled around the room to prepare for the day. He was clearly exhausted from his travels and he deserved the extra sleep, but more than that, there was a conversation she wished to have with Midna without his presence.

The brunette slipped a black kaftan over her plain gown and untucked her hair from the collar before tying it up in a simple knot. Fortunately, it didn't take nearly as long to prepare for the day as it did in Hyrule.

Before departing, she walked over to the desk and scratched out a brief note instructing Link to go to the throne room. He knew where it was, having confronted Zant there years ago. She looked back at her sleeping husband in thought, then walked over and set the small paper on the pillow beside him.

At last, she left the room and navigated the halls quite easily, which was a feat she took pride in, and found Midna in the throne room. Seated comfortably on her throne, the Twili queen had her legs propped over an armrest and her fingers to her lip. She was reading a scroll that was so long it rippled over the seat and touched the landing beneath her.

When she heard Zelda walk over, her steps as lithe and careful as always, she lifted her head.

"Zelda," she said breezily, though she straightened herself out a little. "You're up early. Ready to start the day?"

The Hylian smiled and folded her hands in front of her.

"There's something I've been meaning to discuss with you. Truthfully, I thought we might have more time to speak about this…" She shook her head. "If we are somehow able to recreate the Mirror of Twilight, we haven't yet discussed what we would do with it once Link and I return to Hyrule."

Midna's whole body tensed, holding her breath in her chest as if it were the last one left. It was the question both of them were dreading, but it was bound to come up eventually. Honestly, Midna admired that Zelda chose to speak with her without Link's interference, as they both knew what he'd choose.

"I know." The Twili left the scroll on the armrest and planted her feet on the ground. "What're your thoughts?"

Zelda stepped forward, shoulders straight.

"Your intentions to destroy the Mirror of Twilight were selfless and just, as you've been to both of our realms many times over. Despite how difficult, you've always done what's best for your people and I admire that more than I can properly express." Her voice was laced with a tenacity that surprised the Twili. "But recreating the mirror is a chance we may only be granted once in our lifetimes and I implore you to consider keeping it intact."

Midna held her gaze, fiery red to piercing blue. With a sigh, she pushed herself to her feet.

"Zelda, you can't imagine how difficult it was to destroy the mirror. But I had to do it. It's not safe to keep something of that caliber around."

"I understand your concerns and what's more, I know that they're justified. The choice is not without risk." Midna took slow, steady steps down the stairs and Zelda's voice softened. "I'm terrified of anything happening to either of our kingdoms again. The Twilight Realm is finally at peace and Hyrule has suffered enough. I would not entertain the thought if I didn't find it worth the risk."

Midna was standing before her then, her impressive height looming over the Hylian queen, but Zelda remained steadfast.

"You're too important to me. I cannot lose you again. And I know you feel the same, despite your vagaries."

The Twili's face cracked at that, a small smile playing on her lips as she shook her head.

"It's daring of you to make a stand like this, Zel. I'm proud of you." She placed a hand on her shoulder. "But it's still something I stand by. I'll consider it, honestly, but I can't tell you for sure how I'll feel when the time comes."

Zelda's eyes were alit with relief, her hands locked at her chest as she nodded.

"Yes, I understand." She stepped back with a pleasant smile, ready to leave Midna to her work again before she hesitated. "Actually, there is one last favor I'd like to ask of you." Midna's brow arched. "I've got a busy morning ahead and I was hoping you might have Link's company for breakfast instead."

Midna's eyes swept over the queen, recognizing the nervous way Zelda intertwined her fingers, and Midna instantly realized what she was doing. She appreciated it anyway.

"I'll see what I can do," she said blithely.

Zelda nodded once more and left her friend.

Chin raised, Roperi threw the folder onto the desk and folded her arms.

"Explain yourself."

Edmund returned from his trip to Holodrum in the late afternoon, drenched in snow and chilled to the bone, but there was an iciness in the library that was somehow colder and more daunting than the wild winter outdoors.

He recognized the folder immediately if the spilled contents weren't already an indication of what she'd discovered. And he'd be panicking far more if the seer hadn't already warned him that his wife was privy to his deceit. As it was, however, he slowly began stripping the jacket off his back and remained as calm as possible with his heart hammering in his chest.

"Where did you find that?"

"That's irrelevant," she bit. "I asked you to explain them to me."

He licked his lips and painstakingly folded his coat onto the back of the leather chair. As the clever politician he was, there were a thousand excuses filed away in his mind, negging their way to the front and crawling up his throat. But there was pain in her green eyes, something so unfiltered and true, and his chest tightened until it was hard to breathe.

Despite his deceit, he truly loved his wife. He hadn't planned on it, nor had he accounted for the weight that it would carry at times like this when he wanted to make impartial and challenging decisions. But it happened against his better judgment, and it left him somehow wiser and more foolish at the same time.

"They are correspondence between the king of Holodrum and I," he began. "I know you've read them and so I don't believe I need to tell you what they're about. I've done you many wrongs, Roperi, and I have no excuses. But you deserve an explanation and so I'll try to make it plain."

He gestured to the chair and reluctantly, she gathered her olive-green skirts and seated herself across him.

"I'm listening."

His lip twitched. He'd never seen his wife like this, angry and assured. He might've been even more besotted, only she was angry with him and he didn't have time to admire her.

"Termina is poor. Since our conversion to a monarchy, we've struggled to make ends meet and our people are taking the brunt of it. I've struggled personally to amend the mistakes of my ancestors and at long last concluded that there'd need to be a drastic change in order to come out on top of this.

"I don't know how he discovered our state of affairs, but Fletcher came to me at one of my lowest points and offered me a proposition. For reasons he couldn't quite explain, he planned an attack on the Queen of Hyrule, only he didn't have a place or time to do so.

"Neither of them are on speaking terms and as you likely know, the queen's husband is quite a proficient knight and guard. And so his bargain was that if I were to organize a way to get the hero out of the way and allow his men to abduct the queen, then I'd take a bounty."

Roperi listened patiently to every word, lips tight and her eyes blank, and he continued.

"He assumed that without the queen and hero, Hyrule's capital would surrender as they had previously, especially considering that they've been recovering from the last invasion. And when he took control of Hyrule, he'd give me the southern province and a considerable amount of funds that would be imperative to our kingdom.

"And so I sanctioned the queen's kidnapping and used our wedding as the setting for his plot. But though that part of Fletcher's plan succeeded, Hyrule didn't surrender. Therefore, he beseeched me to call upon my armies and take the kingdom by force."

"Did you ever consider telling me these plans?" Roperi finally asked, her voice shaking despite her best efforts.

"I couldn't," he admitted. "I didn't want to be so entangled with Fletcher's plot. I chose to believe that no one would ever know of my betrayal and I hoped you'd never discover my deceit. But that was wrong of me. I know it was, and I'm so very sorry."

"I'm your wife," the princess finally spat, her eyes sheen and red, "and you asked me to be your queen. Or was that all part of the plan too?"

Edmund held her gaze for a moment and finally shook his head.

"No. Not exactly. But if I'm being honest, Fletcher was the first person to suggest our courtship. We worked out some details of the wedding to benefit the attack."

She scoffed and pushed to her feet, and he followed suit.

"But my love for you is true - as true as it could be!"

"Was it? What an honor for me."

She turned and he chased after her, reaching his arm out but grasping air.

"Roperi, wait!"

"No!" she cried as she spun back, her skirts whipping with a flair. "You schemed with the one person I hate most dearly. You worked with him behind my back. While you were showering me with love and affection, you were committing these crimes with him!"

"I made a mistake. I'm sorry!"

"I was just a piece on your chessboard, wasn't I? I just made sense. You've played me, and now the game is over."

"That's not true."

She laughed, a short, cold bitter laugh, and shook her head.

"How would I know what's true anymore?"

When Midna saw Link again, the memories all came bursting through the floodgates and swept her clear off her feet. She hadn't realized how many emotions she'd suppressed - the love and the grief and the lament - until he materialized on her balcony in an explosion of smoke.

She thought the feelings faded with time, but they all came back tenfold, knocking the air from her lungs and making her heart hammer in her chest. It was hard enough facing him as a raven. Being able to see his face through the warped gaze of the bird's red, beady eyes was enough to make her heart clench in her chest. And those occasional outings he had with Zelda that very clearly defined their relationship introduced her to a whole different type of anguish she never knew.

Years had passed since she first visited the light realm as a raven, and that pain too dwindled with time. And yet seeing him in flesh and blood was something different entirely. His dark blue eyes gleamed in a way that was distorted by the raven's vision; his voice had a distinctive accent, and his musky pine smell was intoxicating. All of the things she'd long forgotten came back and made her wish she could just knock him straight back to the light realm.

She'd meant what she said to Zelda when she first arrived in her palace: she was happy for them, happy that they found each other amongst the rubble and ruins from the invasion. But seeing him again was rawer than anything she'd ever felt and it sucked.

"Is that all right, Your Majesty?"

Midna blinked out of her stupor. "What?"

The councilors looked at one another strangely. "I said, would it be all right to send over the notes from the sanitation inspection?"

The Twili queen pursed her lips and nodded quickly, waving flippantly. "Yes, yes, that's fine."

As if on cue, that terribly good man that tormented her thoughts walked into her throne room and Midna was suddenly reminded of Zelda's request that morning. She knew the Hylian meant to give the two some time alone and she knew that she meant well by doing so. After all, she'd said that Link missed her and it was awfully kind of her to consider that.

To Midna's shame, she knew Zelda understood Midna's feelings for Link. They'd had a strange understanding since Zelda's soul departed from her body as if there was a little bit of themselves that stayed behind within the other. It'd been heartwarming, feeling each other's presence no matter the distance, especially when they hadn't really been able to communicate and since Midna rarely encountered the Hylian queen when she took control of the raven.

In this circumstance, on the other hand, that bond made things very awkward and uncomfortable. Midna had lingering feelings for Link – Zelda's husband – and the Hylian knew. And yet she was still being terribly kind about it. She kind of wished Zelda would just punch her or something, anything that a normal person would do in this situation, and maybe it'd relieve some of her guilt.

The councillors dismissed themselves and Link finally approached, smiling purely. Gods.

"It's a wonder you saved the realms when you're always sleeping in," she quipped, a hand under her chin, and he scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "Zelda's a bit busy this morning, but you can hang out with me if you want." She tried to sound casual about it, but in truth, she'd cleared most of her schedule for this.

With a tilt of his head, he frowned. It must've been weird to him that Zelda didn't stick around to wait for him.

"Oh." He looked downcast for a moment. "Okay."

She stood before seating herself on the stairs and waving him over. He sat beside her and folded his hands in his lap, albeit with some unease.

"So-" they started at the same time, making Link clamp his mouth shut. She laughed and bumped his shoulder with hers.

"You're even more awkward than I remember." At his frown, she snorted. "But…it's nice to see you again. It's been a long time."

His face softened. "Yeah, it has."

"I'd ask how you are, but…" she gestured a little, "I kinda know things haven't been great."

"Yeah…Hyrule hasn't been so lucky. But we've been good for a while."

"Well, no kidding." Her lips curled into a teasing smirk. "I can't believe you're actually married to Zelda. How in Hyrule did you land her?"

His cheeks flared, but he smiled warmly at the mention of his wife. It was the first time in a long time that talking about her didn't bring up an immense amount of worry and fear.

"I'm really lucky." Shyly, he looked off to the side. "I love her."

Hearing it so bluntly was like a stab to the heart. But that was the way Link was: he was blunt and honest. Besides, he wasn't telling her anything she didn't already know.

From the moment she mentioned Zelda, something in his demeanor changed. There was a twinkle in his eye, a softness to his voice, and a gentleness in his face that she'd never seen before. It was undeniable and earnest, and it hurt.

Midna looked away, unable to bear it. She took a sharp breath and expelled it in a huff.

"You are lucky," she said, insistent. "She's a great woman. I swear to the gods, I'll cross the realms and pummel you if you hurt her. I don't care that you're the hero."

"I wouldn't!" Link said, holding his hands up, and she smirked at the perturbed look on his face. "What about you, Midna? Did you ever get married?"

Her smile faltered the slightest. There was such an innocent look on his face. For a brief moment, she wondered if it was possible - had he never realized she loved him? He couldn't be that dense, could he?

Who was she kidding? Of course he was that dense. He didn't even realize that that village girl was deeply in love with him and she practically shouted it at him every time they spoke. Midna teased him about it every time, but he'd brush it off without much thought.

Considering what a big doofus he was, she seriously wondered how he got through all those temples.

She'd never tell him, of course. She couldn't. Zelda and he were happily married. Midna would have to find a way to come to terms with that.

"Me? No way. I'm happy as I am." He nodded with a gentle smile and she cleared her throat. "Everything's been really good in our realm and that's been more than enough for me. I'm just sorry things aren't going so well in Hyrule. What're you guys going to do about it?"

"I don't know what Holodrum's planning, but we'll fight. He's not gonna get away with this."

"I figured you'd say that. But I'm worried about what Zelda has planned. I told her to fight, but I know she'll be hesitant. You make sure she stands up for herself, okay?"

Up until then, Link had thought she'd be just as angry at Fletcher as he was. But Midna was right: Zelda always put Hyrule above herself. He just hoped this would be the exception.

"I'll ask her what she thinks," he agreed. She knew more about him on the political side of things, but she also deserved to defend herself at a time like this. "We'll figure it out."

"Good."

A long but comfortable moment passed without another word. But eventually, Link spoke up. "I never expected you to break the mirror."

A lump lodged itself in her throat and she looked away. She could see the betrayal in his face during those last few moments before she left for good. It haunted her later, thinking back to what she'd done and how she'd never be able to take it back.

In a bittersweet way, she'd lost him forever, but at the very least, she was grateful she wouldn't have to face him after doing it. But here they were again.

"I tried to warn you every time we got a shard of the mirror. It was my plan from the beginning," she admitted.

He laughed a little bitterly at that. "I realized that later."

"Honestly, though, it was really hard for me to go through with it. I didn't want to leave the light world and Zelda and even you." She added the last part with a playful tone and he smiled. "But I had to do what was right, just like you have to now. That's the hard part about being a royal: you have to put everyone else before yourself. But I guess you've been doing that before you were a prince."

"I know." He opened his mouth but hesitated, the words hanging on his tongue, his eyes sad. "Will…Will you break it again?"

Midna couldn't look at him; she looked straight ahead, eyes trained on the markings on the door.

"You're the second person to ask me that today." He tilted his head questioningly. "Zelda came by this morning and made her case already."

It was surprising to him, at first. He knew Zelda cared about Midna just as he did, but she'd always seemed to be on her side in destroying the mirror. The two royals wanted to protect each of their realms and Zelda praised Midna's selflessness time and time again. He never thought she'd ask her to change her mind if given another chance.

"And?"

"And I told her I'd think about it," she answered. "That's the best I can do."

He smiled. "But even if I did, I don't think we'd be able to use it much anyway. It should only be around for when we really need to see each other. Otherwise, I still can use the raven to check in on you guys."

"So that was you."

"Of course it was. I thought you knew better than to doubt me," she jested with a click of her tongue. "I've also been using it to look out for Hyrule since Zelda arrived."

"Are there any changes?"

"Your knights are scouting the town right now. And they're talking about sending out soldiers to each of the villages. I'm guessing that was your idea. I even saw your old friends. You know, the resistance."

He smiled wistfully, proud of his army for looking out for the kingdom and relieved to know that Eagus and Ashei were putting the plan into action in his absence.

"Things will be okay, Link. I know it will. And hey, all of this might've been a good thing. We got to see each other again." She nudged him again with a smile.

"Yeah, we did." She was right. Of all the horrible things that happened in the last few weeks, reuniting with Midna was a wonderful thing that neither he nor Zelda could've expected. He just hoped that she'd keep the mirror intact this time around.

Hovering her open palms over the casing, Zelda closed her pale blue eyes and poured her energy and focus into the metal. Her movements were so steady that her upper arms ached and her wrists started to get stiff.

After all her alchemic practice with the sages, she'd developed quite the skill for it, especially due to her razor-sharp focus and her level of dexterity.

One of the skills they thought would be beneficial was how to bend and shape things into other objects if she could imagine it that way. Strangely, it was no different than being queen.

If she'd put enough thought and energy into it, she was able to take an issue apart, use its facets to her benefit, and transform it into something better. Only with alchemy, she needed to expend an unusual amount of energy, which usually drained her dry by the time she was done.

Currently, she took the mirrored reflection and tried to temper it to a liquid form so it'd be more malleable and flexible. The glass softened into a molted substance, which was something at least, but it was heavier and harder to mend. And none of the light magic she'd been pouring in produced any benefits.

After another few minutes had passed, her wrist twitched, giving out, and the molten substance slumped in place, hardening instantly. She glowered as she picked up the sheet of metal, a disfigured mess that blurred and distorted her reflection. She pushed it aside and dug the heel of her palms into her sore eyes, muttering under her breath. There was no time for trial and error: every moment away from her kingdom was a waste.

Just then, she heard the door slide open and dropped her hands to the table. Her husband was standing in the doorway, eyes soft and smile wide, but when their eyes met, he walked in balancing a silver tray of food. He set it down on the large, square desk that'd been brought in.

She looked at the food, then up at him, and then up above them to the ceiling - though that was more habit than anything else since the sky never changed. "Is it evening already?"

A corner of his lip curled up sympathetically. "Afraid so. No luck?"

She took a seat and shook her head. "No, no developments yet."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Not at the moment." She lifted her fork but made no move to eat.

"Midna told me a little bit more about your plan. She thought it might be a good idea if I worked in the mines for a bit. That way I'm at least doing something to help."

Zelda met his eyes. "Mining? You've never done that before, have you? It's dangerous work for someone without experience."

"It's not the worst thing I've done," he joked, laughing a little despite himself, and she shook her head with a small smile.

"I know. And I trust you'll be safe. Just be careful, please."

"I will." There was a pause as Zelda began eating her meal and they both ruminated in their thoughts. And then, he asked, "Can I ask you something? Did you know about the Gerudo tribe?"

"Of course. Ganondorf was a part of the tribe."

"Did you see any other Gerudo's?"

Zelda frowned. "You mean in the desert, don't you? I suspected that the other women accompanying Ganondorf's mothers were Gerudo as well. Why do you ask?"

"There was this girl, Naboris, who said she was Ganondorf's half-sister. She told me how to defeat the witches and how to get back to you." Zelda tilted her head. "She said that she wanted her people to be free. Did you know they were banished?"

"In part, yes. When Ganondorf and his band of thieves were apprehended for their crimes, the Gerudo tribe tried to avenge their king. The details of what happened after the fact are unclear. Some textbooks say they were banished; others say that they fled. But the sages never spoke of the tribe and I never saw them for myself. Until now."

She looked to the side and continued, "I admit, I've never thought that they were still in Hyrule, given that no one's spoken of the tribe besides Ganondorf himself. But now that we've seen them for ourselves, I don't know what to think. You said that they wanted freedom. Are they willing to make an alliance?"

"I think so."

"And do you trust her?"

"I do. I was almost able to defeat the witches thanks to her."

Zelda nodded thoughtfully. "Then we will discuss a treaty when we return. The tribe must be given a chance to be part of the kingdom again. The actions of a king should not be taken out on his people."

Link nodded, smiling at her wise words. He knew she'd be on the same page as him, but speaking of kings brought him to his next hefty question.

"What are your plans…you know, with everything, when we're back?"

Her fork stuck in the food, but she didn't meet his eyes just yet. Instead, she swallowed carefully and frowned. "I alone cannot make a decision: I will have to discuss it with my council. But I believe we should continue protecting our borders and our people while we bring the witches to justice.

"It'll be hard to say what's the most reasonable course of action to take and I presume the sages will have their own inputs as well. When Ganondorf was brought to justice, his piece of the Triforce allowed him to usurp his execution. Obviously, their choice to send him to the Twilight Realm was detrimental in itself, but their experience gives them a better sense of what to do next."

"What about Fletcher? Will we fight?"

"I don't want to use force to bring anyone to justice; I only want to employ our army to protect our people."

"But he took you – they banished you, Zelda."

"He hasn't technically committed treason as he's not loyal to our crown. It'll be more difficult to apprehend him for his crimes considering he's not a citizen of Hyrule. If I can get the backing of the other regents or his own council, then he can be dethroned or imprisoned for his crimes. But we cannot just storm his castle without expecting retaliation and casualties."

"The knights are meant to protect you, Zelda. That's our job."

"No," she argued. His frown deepened. "Your job is to protect our kingdom. As is mine. As I said, I cannot solely make this decision and we'll work towards a solution together. He'll be brought to justice, just as the witches will. But as of now, I cannot risk any more people dying for my honor alone."

Disheartened, his head dropped to the side. He knew she was wise and her points were valid. Link didn't want a war any more than anyone else. But if it were up to him, if it were possible, he'd storm the castle at that very moment and take it up with Fletcher himself.

When the day was done and the sun had long set, Auru shut the dusty tome. The loud clap snapped Shad out of his focus.

"It's time for me to head home. We'll meet again in the morning?"

Shad blinked, realizing that indeed his candle had burned down to a nub. Still, he was invested in his reading and wasn't eager to head off just yet.

"Oh, yes. I'll see you then."

With a lofty smile, the older man shook his head and made his way out of the library. He'd just reached the door when it swung open at the hands of the familiar young soldier.

Auru stumbled away from the heavy door, but went, "Ah," when he recognized who'd opened it. "Ashei, nice to see you. How was training?"

"Did you hear?" she demanded.

"Hear what?"

Ashei huffed, her breath heavy and her face flushed from exertion. She'd run all the way to the library to deliver the news.

"The queen and the hero – they're okay."

With a gasp, the older scholar's hand went to cover his heart.

"Are you…Are you certain?"

"The commander told us himself, and he heard it directly from the queen's advisor. Me and Rusl sent Telma a letter earlier to let her know too."

"That's remarkable news. The goddesses have certainly been looking after them," he uttered, almost as if to himself. "You should let Shad know. He's in the back room."

"Still studyin', yeah? Go figure."

The scholar chuckled and shook his head, and slipped through the open door. "Goodnight, Ashei." She nodded and followed the older man's directions, easily navigating the large library, before she spotted the candlelight cast across the walls in an adjacent room.

Lo and behold, the redheaded scholar hovered over two musty books that must've each had a thousand pages. She knocked on the doorframe, causing his head to snap up, but he sighed when he recognized her. She marched through the room and plopped down on the velvet-coated chair at his side.

"Hey, I got news," she said, dropping a hand on his shoulder. His whole body lurched from the movement, but he arced his head to face her, his blue eyes peering over the round frame of his glasses.

"They found out that the queen and hero are okay."

"Wait, what?" he exclaimed, suddenly roused like he'd been splashed with a pail full of cold water. "Really?"

"Yeah, I found out this morning."

"Do they know where they are?"

She hesitated at that. "No, not yet. Not from what I heard."

"Ah," he sighed. "Well, at the very least they're safe. That's what truly matters."

Her maroon eyes wandered to the pages under the palms of his hands. One of them was in a language she couldn't understand.

"What're you reading?"

He startled out of thought, sweeping an amber lock out of his face.

"Oh, I'm trying to translate the Gerudo language. Current Hylian maps and textbooks don't have much information on the desert and I feel like that's where I hit a dead-end in my research.

"But then I found this old book, which I have reason to believe is written by the civilization from the desert. You see this," he pointed to the unfamiliar letters on the page, "I'm pretty sure this is the Gerudo tribe's language. Now I just have to decode it."

"That's pretty cool." She picked up a document and flipped it, examining the strange figures on it. "You think it might have something to do with that…'Twilight Realm', you called it?"

Warily, he watched her hold the fragile paper in her strong and heedless hands before taking it back and carefully setting it back on the table. She frowned.

"I think so. Auru said that the Mirror of Twilight was in the desert and then the queen's advisor spoke to us today, telling us that he was researching a tribe in the desert. There's too many coincidences for it not to be related."

Ashei shrugged. "For the queen and Link's sake, I hope you're right."

At that, his gaze went distant. "All of this has been a terrifying ordeal. It really goes to show how vulnerable we are. At any given moment, everything can change."

Ashei listened intently but didn't respond. She knew how fragile life could be: she considered it every time her father went off to the mountains and left her behind. Even heroes and queens weren't totally invincible, and this entire situation was just another wake-up call for everyone in the kingdom.

At her silence, he looked up and found her warm maroon eyes bearing into him, that quiet and intense look of hers ever so mysterious. It'd be a lot easier to read her if she'd give any indication of what she was thinking.

He cleared his throat and pushed his glasses up his nose. "Right, well, I'd better get back to it." He paused. "You can stay…if you like."

And she did. He worked as the moon bounded across the sky and until morning shrikes twittered in the winter branches. A new candle was burning and filling the brass cup beneath it with a pool of wax.

Purple bags hung under Shad's eyes and he took a sip of perhaps his thousandth cup of coffee. Ashei snored heavily beside him with her arms tucked under her head, atop a mountain of discarded books left on the desk. Her loud snoring was irritating at first – when he first wondered if perhaps she had a terrible case of sleep apnea - but eventually it became a nice ambiance in the lonely hours.

But translating an entirely new language would take a long time, no matter how late into the night he worked. The Gerudo tribe had a surprisingly sophisticated language - surprising since they'd somehow dropped off the surface of the earth without any sort of disturbance or discussion.

Currently, he started to see some patterns in the vocabulary and punctuation, and he thought he might be able to make sense of at least the most basic sentences in a short while. At the very least, for his friends and royals, he'd give it his all and work his hardest. Maybe, just maybe, he could find a clue to find them at last.

Time moved differently in the Twilight Realm. As the days bled into nights without a rising and falling sun, Zelda quickly lost track of how long she'd been there. Part of her knew she could ask Midna to clarify just how much time had passed since she arrived, but the other part of her feared the answer. And that fear only multiplied as the days went by.

That night, Zelda tossed and turned in her sleep. Fears of witches and kings and terror raining down like torrents of flame over her kingdom carried on into the night and manifested in her dreams. It was a relief to know that her husband was alive and well, but she was still frustrated with her lack of progress with the mirror and the thought that the witches were still out there seeking revenge.

Not being able to protect her kingdom and her people was tearing her apart. She promised herself and Hyrule she'd never let them fall again, but there was no way to protect them from another plane of existence.

Waking up sodden with sweat, her stomach began to swivel and churn. A wave of nausea coursed through her and something made its way up her throat. She leapt up from bed and bolted to the bath chambers in record time.

Falling to her knees at the foot of the basin, Zelda heaved out the contents of her stomach. It lasted another minute, sapping the strength from her body. When she heard the patter of feet hitting the ground, she looked up to find Link standing at the doorway, eyes wide and hair tousled from sleep.

"I'm fine," she muttered and slackly waved him away. "Go back to bed."

But the moment the words left her, she retched again. It sprang him to action, stubborn as he was: he positioned himself at her side, gathered her hair, and pulled it away from her face. She gasped for air between each round of retching until there was nothing left, then fell limp to the ground and wiped her mouth with disgust. 

He took a knee in front of her and gently swept the sodden hair from her temples. "What happened?" His voice was still husky from sleep, but he seemed revigorated by the circumstances.

Zelda shook her head and swiped a hand across her forehead. "It's nothing. I'm fine."

Link frowned at her reluctance, recognizing it all too well. It'd gotten her into too much trouble back when she'd quite literally overworked herself to near-death. Though she might've forgotten how sick she'd gotten last time, he surely didn't and he wouldn't let it happen again.

In a swift movement, he tucked his hands under her and lifted her off the ground, bringing her back to bed despite the obvious indignation written on her face.

He set her down gently and returned only moments later with a soaked cloth. As he got to work wiping the sheen of sweat off her face, it brought him back to the early days of their relationship, when he'd been so intimidated by her that it was hard for him to admit his feelings. It was touching to think how much had changed and what still felt the same.

"You're warm but no fever," he noted after a moment's pause. "Is it the food?"

She shook her head just as he dropped his arm. "I'm okay, really. It's just the stress."

Link's heart dropped. Though he tried not to bring it up, he hated the fact that he had failed her. On the other side of the portal, he was so close to defeating the witches and taking the Triforce of Power.

She wouldn't be going through any of this stress and they would've returned home without much trouble. It took only a split second for the Gerudo matriarchs to overpower him, and in that moment, everything changed. There wasn't much he could do in the Twilight Realm without Din's gift.

But speaking about it wasn't going to help. No, she needed to have hope.

"We'll find a way, Zelda. I know we will. It might take time, but we'll get there," he reassured. "But you can't go on like this. You need to take a break, at least for a day." She opened her mouth, ready and raring with a rebuttal, but he continued, "Just take the day to recharge. You'll feel better after and maybe it'll be easier."

"Link, we've already been stuck here so long."

"It's still winter in Hyrule. They won't fight until spring –  if  that's what happens. You're not going to work yourself sick again, Zelda. I can't-" His voice cracked, effectively cutting him off, but he stubbornly shook his head and said, "Not again."

Her gaze softened. Though it was years ago, Zelda knew her illness stuck with him. Link always worried for people who were suffering or defenseless, and what's more, it took a turn for the worse after their first fight. Somehow, all of it brought them closer together, especially in those weeks he tended to her, but it was a difficult time nonetheless.

She'd long since recovered, but she did remember how much it affected her. And she also remembered that when she finally healed and rested properly, she'd been invigorated with a fresh perspective. Perhaps he was right: maybe that's what she needed again.

She'd gotten stuck in a rut and maybe taking a step back to recharge was the best course of action. Zelda lowered her head and nodded, and she could feel him relax a little.

If it was possible, Midna was even more frustrated with Zelda's condition than Link. When he'd confided his worries about her the next morning, she astutely decreed that the queen of light would remain by her side for the day, which led them to an afternoon in her study.

Her office, like the rest of the Palace of Twilight, was sleek, orderly, and plain. There was a desk, a few shelves and smaller tables, and a sofa in which Zelda was perched while Midna scribed her letters. Admittedly, the orderliness of the palace did relax the brunette a bit, as sometimes clutter could get overwhelming, and she found herself settling into the plush cushions.

She'd selected a book on the history of the Twilight Realm to not be totally useless. It wasn't directly correlated to her project but it could just as well hold a clue. She'd gotten nearly halfway through the tome when Midna rang for lunch. A few thin and lanky Twili folk wandered in with platters of meat and cheese before offering them to the queens.

"Eat, Zel," she ordered, waving her black-feathered quill in the direction of the food. "You've gotta put something in your stomach or you'll feel even worse."

Zelda nodded thankfully to the worker as she plucked a cheese curd off the plate. But when she brought it under her nose, the smell of the foreign food suddenly set off her nausea. She dropped it back onto the platter like it was on fire and clapped a hand over her mouth.

The servant looked at her questioningly, then up at Midna who offered an equally confused gaze before dismissing them all.

"Hey," she said to Zelda, her usual playful and lithe voice hardening into something more serious. She circled the desk, leaned on it, and folded her arms. "What's the matter? I know you're worried about Hyrule, but really, six weeks is not that long. I was gone from the Twilight Realm for a much longer period than th-"

Zelda's head snapped up, her gaze unfamiliar as her hand slowly drifted to her chin. "What did you just say?"

Midna's brows narrowed, genuinely confused by her outburst, and shook her head as she tried to recall. "'Six weeks is not that long?'" Zelda's eyes widened further while simultaneously glazing over, calculating and remembering.

But the Twili wasn't patient enough to wait for her to come back to earth. "What is it?"

The queen opened her mouth, trying to find words before discarding them and reworking them and questioning whether she should say anything at all.

But at last, she muttered brokenly, "I'm late."

Chapter Text

It didn't make sense to the Twili at first. With a black brow arched, arms folded, and lilac lips set in a frown, Midna asked, "You're late? For what?"

Zelda wondered briefly if it wasn't something Twili people dealt with - biologically speaking - but she remembered stumbling across some research indicating otherwise and it was most likely just that she wasn't being as articulate as usual. "I…I've missed my time of the month," she tried again. "And I'm nauseous and ill…"

Zelda could see the gears start turning as Midna's crimson eyes widened. "Oh." With a great level of discomfort, her gaze darted to the side. Knowing that they made themselves comfortable in her palace was just a little weird, even for her. Though for all accounts and purposes, there was no reason why they shouldn't, besides her complicated feelings.

She cleared her throat into a fist and fixed her gaze back on Zelda, discerning a certain level of unwarranted shame and fear in her steel-blue eyes. It turned Midna's stomach. "It's okay," she said quickly. "I'm sure it's nothing. But if you want, we can get you a check-up. We've got some good physicians here."

Zelda nodded and wrapped her arms around her stomach self-consciously. Being the bearer of Wisdom, there weren't many times that her mind was still but she sent a prayer to the goddesses for her thoughts to settle for a moment.

It couldn't be true, could it? It'd been weeks, surely, but it was hard to keep track when being held prisoner - and even more difficult to do so in the Twilight Realm. Admittedly, she hadn't given her monthly cycle much attention at all.

And yet, once the thought entered her mind, it wouldn't seem to leave. It would explain a lot of other things: the nausea, the tenderness, the testiness. They were all things that she blamed on the stress and circumstances. But the thought circled like a vulture hunting prey – insistent and curious.

When they arrived back in her quiet, dark chambers, Zelda sat on the bed and tried, in vain, to still the tremors in her hands while Midna fetched a doctor. She returned moments later, already discussing something with the physician, but Zelda couldn't really pay attention and instead remained silent.

"Hey," her friend said, turning to face her. "The doctor has some questions for you."

Zelda nodded and met the Twili's eyes. The physician was broad-shouldered with mint-green hair that was tied in two knots. With an ethereal voice like Midna's, she asked, "What are your symptoms?"

The brunette swallowed. "I've been nauseous and sick on multiple occasions. I've also been tender here," she admitted, placing a hand over her chest.

Zelda could tell that the physician already had the same inkling she did when a knowing but unassuming look flashed in her golden eyes. "I see," she said. "Are there other symptoms?"

"My cycle is late." The physician looked at Midna and she explained it in terms Zelda wasn't familiar with.

The physician nodded and met Zelda's eyes again. "By how long?"

"A few weeks…perhaps, a month?"

She held her gaze for a moment before she offered a small smile to ease her worries. "Lay down." Zelda obeyed immediately as the doctor took a seat on the bed next to her. With practiced movements, she hovered a palm across the length of the queen's body, a strange blue light emitting from her fingertips. "Don't worry. There could be various causes of this, but there is a test I can do."

The doctor stood up again and retrieved a medical bag before placing it on the bed. When she unfolded it, the queen saw a myriad of tools and items neatly organized in black straps. She swallowed nervously as the doctor retrieved a jar and some swabs but finally nodded in consent. "Okay."

Midna held the brunette's hand through the process, squeezing when Zelda flinched or took a shaky breath, and it did a great deal to settle her nerves. When the physician was done, she turned away to the drawers and began to analyze her examination immediately.

Zelda's breath was uneven as she stared blankly ahead and Midna watched her sympathetically. "It's gonna be okay," she assured her friend, stroking her dark hair. "Don't worry."

Perhaps Zelda shouldn't have been so nervous. After all, she always planned to have a child one day. Producing an heir was a requirement for being a monarch.

But it wasn't the pregnancy that scared her as much as the timing. Amid all the commotion and threats on her life, she couldn't help fretting about all possible outcomes.

Midna knew exactly where her thoughts had gone, and she couldn't help but pity the Hylian for all that she'd gone through. This was supposed to be a happy moment for her - and without a doubt, a well-deserved one - but there was so much that was already weighing on her shoulders. She had her kingdom to think of from realms away, which was a feeling Midna knew all too well.

The doctor turned back. A calm but serious look was on her face and with a steady voice, she declared, "Well, it appears you're with child."

Zelda inhaled sharply and pushed herself to sit upright. Dizziness flooded her all too quickly and the room spun even when she went still. "I'm with child," she repeated under her breath.

"Take it easy," the doctor advised, placing a gentle palm on her arm and crouching beside her.

Zelda folded her hands over her stomach as she tried to steady her breath. "What can we do?" Midna asked.

"Consulting a physician like myself was a good first step. She should remain on a healthy diet, do some light exercises, and have a healthy sleep schedule." The physician met the brunette's lost gaze. "It's important that you don't overwork yourself."

"I…I'm unable to-" She looked at Midna imploringly and the vulnerability in her eyes tugged at Midna's heart. "I need to find a way home."

Both Twili women exchanged a look and Midna simply shook her head, dismissing the doctor with a thank you. When she left, the redhead sank onto the bed beside Zelda and the room fell into silence.

For once, Midna was at a loss of words. There wasn't much she could say to console her and yet the quietness didn't sit well with her either, especially at a time like this.

"You know, this could be a good thing," she started. Zelda turned her head slightly towards her. "I mean, of all the terrible things that have happened, you have this new 'bundle of joy' now. That's what you call it, right?"

Zelda met her eyes and Midna flashed an uneasy smile. "If it'd been any other time…" the brunette began, her eyes sinking. "I still haven't found a way to return home."

"We'll figure it out, okay? You're not alone." She wrapped an arm around her and Zelda weakly leaned into her shoulder. "We'll do anything and everything to bring you home. I promise. Just take care of yourself and we'll figure it out."

A howling wind raged through Hyrule that morning, with a gust nearly powerful enough to tear down the great stone walls of the castle. The hidden room was smaller and toastier than the drafty library it resided in, but there was still a quiver in their hands as Shad and Auru practiced their translations.

Typically, Shad liked to begin at the oldest records and comb through the eras, making notes and catching nuances that might have significant connections in later documents. But there was an urgency in his studies now: he was trying to discover the possible whereabouts of the queen of their kingdom and he really didn't have enough time to be meticulous.

So instead, he began with the most recent records from the Gerudo tribe and decidedly looked for clues there first. That's where he was at the moment, his hand on his chin, flipping through the texts found by explorers in the desert decades ago.

From his deductions, the book in front of him was a Gerudo woman's diary from the civil war. He could tell from its contents so far that the people were loyal to their king and defended him until his death. Just like the Hylians, they wanted peace but were dutiful to their ruler.

Shad, of course, knew all about the civil war. Or at least, he thought he did. There'd been a conflict between the tribes when the Gerudo King betrayed the Hylian King. The knowledge he'd had to that point was that the Gerudo King was taken across the desert and executed, but nothing was said about what happened to his people.

His quill scratched against the notebook in his lap while he translated the next entry, taking each letter and writing its Hylian counterpart. The diary was certainly a valuable find: he was beginning to uncover so many hidden details from such a new perspective.

After endless days of research, that afternoon, he finally stumbled upon the hidden clue they'd been looking for. "Oh!" he cried out, breaking the monotonous sounds of flipping pages and scratching nibs.

Auru looked up instantly, his face stoic but his twinkling eyes curious. "What is it?"

"I…I think I found something!"

With a sense of urgency, he pushed himself to his feet, hurried over to the older man's side, and set the book on the desk in front of him. "I've been translating this diary from a Gerudo woman. You know how there was a battle between the people after the Gerudo king betrayed the Hylian king? Well, it turns out, when that failed, they were banished to their fortress in the desert - that they've called the Desert of Doubt - and made camp there. Waiting for revenge."

"'Desert of Doubt?' I don't believe I've ever heard of that."

"You see, it's all right here. If all of our musings have been correct thus far, then there's a good chance that they might still be there."

"'Desert of Doubt'…" Auru murmured. He flipped through the messily sprawled papers on the desk before pulling out a scrap piece of paper and sketching out a brief map of the desert. With Shad's help, they narrowed down a perimeter where the fortress would likely be hiding.

Auru studied the map for a second before looking out to the window outside the room. The snow was swirling in the wild winter winds but there was no time to waste. "We better talk to the others. They'll know what to do."

Dinner that evening was uncomfortable, to say the least. Midna sat at the head of the table, occasionally looking between her two closest friends who were seated on opposite sides of her.

Even Link - who Midna would typically classify as clueless - could sense the tension if the frown on his lips was any indication. Zelda purposely avoided his gaze and instead stared at her plate, pushing her food around without taking a bite, which only seemed to concern him further.

She'd yet to tell the hero about the discovery the two queens made earlier that day. In fact, Midna would bet she was considering how to tell him at that very moment. But frankly, the Twili disliked uncomfortable silences. She set her fork down with a clink.

"How's mining going?" she asked Link, who turned to her with a mild level of confusion.

"'Mining?'"

She frowned. "Yes, mining. You know, what you've been doing these last few weeks…?"

"Oh, it's okay. We're making some progress."

"That's good," she said cheerfully, "right, Zel?"

"Hm?" The queen's eyes rose, but quickly darted away from Link. "Oh yes, that's wonderful."

The blond narrowed his eyes. He'd been married long enough to know that something was bothering his wife, but he'd never been able to discern what she was thinking. It was unsettling after she'd been sick all night and he didn't even want to consider that she was coming down with something.

"Is something wrong?" he finally asked.

Zelda tensed before her eyes landed on Midna's. "No. I'm simply tired." She rose from her seat and set her napkin on her plate. "Thank you, Midna, for your company today. Perhaps you might accompany Link for some tea as well?"

The Twili's eyes softened. "Yes, of course. Get some rest, okay?"

Zelda nodded firmly and slipped out of the room impossibly fast without breaking into a sprint. Link's eyes were trained on the door even after she left.

"So how about it? Want some tea?"

"Do you know what's bothering her?" he asked, clearly not paying attention.

Midna simply sighed and rang for tea anyway. "You should really talk to her about it."

"So there is something wrong."

"No, there's nothing wrong." Fortunately, the servers came in and spent a few moments setting up a tray while she tried to configure a response. When they'd all excused themselves, she decidedly said, "Sometimes good things can look like bad things when you've got a lot going on, you know?"

He shook his head, his brows scrunched in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"It's – Remember when you found out you were the 'chosen hero?' Yeah, well it wasn't that fun figuring it out, but at this point, you can think of it as a good thing, right?"

"But what does that have to do with this?"

"Just give her time, okay? She'll explain everything." She looked him squarely in the eyes, simultaneously comforting and frustrating him with her words.

After a moment, he sighed and dropped his head, staring at the dark tea and the steam rising from its cup. His frown deepened as he tried in vain to make sense of Midna's words.

What were they keeping from him? And why?

Her heart was racing. Goddess, how could she be so irresponsible? Of all the things she'd done, this was perhaps the most foolish.

Her feet carried her through the halls without looking back as the edges of her vision started to blur.

She'd promised herself she'd never fail her kingdom again. And yet every moment from getting captured to being sent to another realm to not being able to find a way back had been one failure after another.

Deep down, she knew Midna was right. She knew that this could be the bright spot in all the darkness, but she couldn't help the panic that rose in her chest.

Pregnancy wasn't easy to manage on its own. The symptoms could be draining and the fluctuating hormones could be overwhelming. How was she to manage all that and the stress of bearing a child when she needed to focus on finding a way to return home?

And what happened when she returned home – when kings and witches were threatening her very life? Now she had another life growing inside her that she inherently needed to protect with every fibre of her being.

Zelda swiped the door to their bedchambers open, slipped into the room, and started to pace back and forth. There was nearly nothing in the chambers to distract her, just silence and shadow, but with her mind running wild, she couldn't help feeling utterly out of focus.

She knew Link would be even more protective of her than ever. She'd promised herself she'd never leave Hyrule's fate solely on his shoulders again; they were a team, a queen and a hero, and they needed to work together. But he'd never approve of her fighting in her condition and even she couldn't argue with that.

She turned to the mirror and frustratingly tried, "Link, I'm pregnant." Her throat tightened. There was no easy way to deliver such news, was there?

What if Link was disappointed? It was irrational maybe, knowing her husband, but it was possible. He'd been through so much lately too. He searched kingdoms for her, retrieved the Master Sword, battled the bearers of the Triforce of Power and lost, earning a one-way trip back to the Twilight Realm. He'd gone through hell and back, and yet he still dedicated every day to mining in dark and dingy caves.

Everyone had a breaking point. What if this was his?

Zelda leaned against the mirror, gripping the frame like it was the only thing keeping her standing, and tried again. "Link," she said firmly, "I'm pregnant."

"What?"

She recognized Link's voice instantly. The hollowed word fell off his tongue as if the wind was knocked straight out of his chest. She found his dark blue eyes in the mirror; he was standing at the doorway, only a short distance behind her. The queen spun around and their eyes met again, discovering that the reflection didn't do justice to the intensity of his wide and bewildered stare.

"Link," she started quietly, so as to not give rise to the trembles she felt in every other part of her. "I thought you'd still be having tea."

"What did you say?" She held his gaze but the words wouldn't come to her. It was so unlike her, to not be able to formulate thoughts and words on a whim or under pressure, but for some reason, he tended to draw that out in her. "Zelda."

She flinched, her fingers curling into her palm, but he was too stunned to be apologetic. "I'm pregnant." Her voice came out raspier than she was proud of and her hands gripped her skirts nervously but at least she got the words out.

Words that rooted him to the ground. Perhaps it was the shock or the confusion, but he couldn't choke up a word or force himself to move and that seemed to unsettle Zelda even further. She began to pace the tiles again, wringing and twisting her hands at her chest.

He knew that eventually she'd bear children as queen. Link was well aware that by marrying her, he'd have to be a father one day and she knew he was very good with children after watching him play with the children of Ordon and even baby Gulley.

Despite that being true, she figured his shocked silence meant he was panicking just like her. On top of all their other worries, the threat on the kingdom and facing numerous – and recent – attempts on their lives, it wasn't the best time for news like that.

"I wasn't expecting this either. I thought perhaps the sickliness was just from the stress of it all. Yet, I recognized some of the symptoms and when I spoke to a physician today, she confirmed it."

He followed her words and movements, but it was as if it was all playing out in a dream. All the words he wished he could say and all the movements he wished to make were out of his control. And so he remained slack-jawed, watching his wife as she went on her short but serious tirade.

"I suppose the days got away from me - though that's no excuse of course - and I simply haven't taken the proper precautions-"

"You're pregnant?"

She stopped at his words, trying to dissect his tone and his question - trying to detect what he was feeling, but finally said, "Yes."

After everything he'd been through, from transformations to teleportation to time travel, nothing should've caught him by surprise. But he'd been taken aback since the moment he left the wedding reception and Zelda was captured, and this was perhaps the most shocking thing to have happened.

He was going to have a baby – a baby – with Zelda.

Distracted by her deliberations, she was surprised to see he'd gotten closer. For the first time, his face was nearly as unreadable as hers. They held each other's gaze for a moment, both hesitant and careful, as if they stood on a precipice and a single word could tip the scales.

But then he broke the barrier - as he tended to do and was good at, apparently - and enfolded her in his powerful arms. Zelda stood stock-still, arms tight by her sides and eyes wide, as her mind worked overtime. She still didn't know what was going on when he drew back.

But before Zelda met his eyes again, a strange half-sob, half-laugh sound came from him. She turned to look at him and realized with incredulity: he was crying. His cheeks were rosy red and a tear escaped him when he sniffled, but he was laughing – he was happy – and Zelda could only stare with wide eyes.

It was as if all the fear and anxiety were momentarily chased away by that one sound. Knowing that he was happy with the news lifted a huge weight off her sore shoulders, burdened with so much as of late. How could she have doubted that he'd see the best in the situation? He saw the best in everything.

Placing a hand on his cheek, she brushed away his tear with a gentle wipe of her thumb and Link leaned into her palm. His blue eyes reflected so much love, so much pure bliss, that she couldn't help but smile too.

Two months had passed since the queen last walked the castle halls. It'd gone so quickly and yet so much had happened since then that it was difficult to keep track of it all. The events just blurred together into one chaotic mess that had Cole scurrying around to clean it up.

None of it was as unbearable as his worry for the queen, especially when he still didn't know where she was being held.

He sat in her seat during the meeting with his head resting on the backs of his hands. Though they were right in front of him, the voices of the other councilors were distant and distorted, seemingly far away.

"We've received reports from the knights at each outpost," Foster reported. "There's been no attacks from any corner just yet."

"Well no kidding," Eagus retorted. Fortunately, he was able to attend that afternoon's court. "It's the dead of winter."

"Yes, well, I'd say it's wise to keep connected at semi-weekly intervals."

"Weekly should be well enough."

The drudging conversation made Cole rub his eyes tiredly. During the nights, he stayed up either buried in his or his queen's paperwork and for the nights when there wasn't much to do, he was tossing in bed. Not even the finest-crafted mattress or silk sheets could comfort him in the late hours. Somehow, the monotone voices of the councilors made him sleepier than when he was in bed.

But the proceeding was interrupted by a brute slam of the doors, revealing a young woman clad in armor. Eagus stood up when he recognized that it was Ashei, standing with Rusl, Auru, and another young man.

Frustrated by the interruption, one of the councilors said, "This better be-"

"This is gonna sound crazy," she reported, cutting him off swiftly, "but I think we know where the queen is."

They all looked at each other with apprehension. Warily, Cole cleared his throat and said, "I'm listening."

They were a strange-looking bunch: the warrior with her hands planted firmly on the table and her dark eyes bore into their souls; the more restrained and lanky redheaded man with knee-high socks and round glasses; the elder scholar with full gear and a shadowed look on his face; the meager farmer with casual slacks and a worried expression.

Had it been any other scenario, the uptight councilors wouldn't so much as give them a second look. But even they had to put their pompous and self-important ways aside: the queen – and now prince - were missing for nearly two months now and their best efforts hadn't gotten them any closer to bringing her home. They needed outside opinions, and who better to help than the prince's most allied friends, the self-proclaimed resistance?

"We all know that the Labrynnian prince said that Link went searching for the queen in the desert, yeah?" Most members nodded reluctantly while some faces wrinkled with distaste at her imprudence. "Guys, show 'em what you found."

The scholar, seemingly flustered under the intent and attentive gazes of the chancellors, cleared his throat, fixed his glasses, and stepped forward as Auru set the books on the table. "Well, according to the documents that my friend Auru and I have translated, it seems that the long-lost Gerudo tribe has been trapped in the desert.

"The tribe has a rich history, but to give you a brief summary, after the civil war between them and the Hylians, they were banished to the southern corner of the desert, in a hidden sanctum they called the 'Desert of Doubt.'"

After being handed the research, the men looked it over with dubious frowns. "Given the circumstances, we have reason to believe that this tribe has been involved in the abduction of Her Majesty."

"I thought it was the king of Holodrum who started all this?" one chancellor in claret robes asked.

"Well, yes, and that's still what we believe. But it's possible King Fletcher connected and allied with them based on their mutual…disdain for our kingdom."

"What do you suggest we do then?"

Ashei rolled her eyes. "We need to go to the desert. I say we take a battalion and find out what really happened."

The councilors exchanged looks amongst themselves. It seemed like a dubious theory: the documents must've been decades old and sending an entire battalion to the deadly desert was risky.

But it was for the sake of the queen, and some of their intriguing finds could be considered leads. All eyes settled on Cole at the head of the table, who was still scanning over one translation through squinted eyes. When he realized they were all staring at him, he scowled and barked, "Well, what're you waiting for? Go!"

Commander Eagus was the first to leap to his feet. With a stern nod, he gestured for the team to follow him out the door to discuss arrangements for the expedition. The group followed without question, though Shad respectfully bowed his head to the chancellors and closed the door behind them.

"Well, now what?" Midna reappeared in their chambers a short while later to check on the Hylians. If it wasn't apparent from the change in atmosphere, Zelda confirmed that they were all on the same page.

"This doesn't change anything," Zelda answered, sitting on the edge of the bed. A blanket was draped over her shoulders and she pulled it conspicuously over her chest. Link and Midna stood on opposite sides of the brunette, facing one another, and worked together to reason with her. "We continue business as usual."

The hero and the Twili exchanged a look that spoke for itself.

"That's probably not the best idea, Zel," Midna tried gently. "You know how much stress you've been under trying to replicate the mirror."

"I'll be fine."

"We can wait a bit," Link offered.

"There's no time to wait."

The two sighed in unison.

With a roll of her eyes, Midna quipped at the blond, "This is all your fault, you know. You just couldn't keep it in your trousers, could you?"

Link made a surprised noise, his face turning redder than a reekfish, while Zelda whipped her head towards the Twili and cried out in indignation, "Midna!"

"What? It's obvious that some self-control was lacking here!"

"He's not solely to blame," Zelda decidedly said. "I'm equally responsible for this." Link placed his head in his hands, trying his best to pretend that this conversation wasn't happening at the moment.

Midna crossed her arms and huffed, blowing a fiery orange lock off her forehead. "Well, either way, you are not going to overwork yourself. This is about more than Hyrule now, you understand? This is a matter of your health and your child's." Zelda held her stare for a moment before sinking her head, a small, inaudible sigh escaping her.

"I think if you go about it carefully, then you should be fine working on the mirror. But no midnight shifts and certainly no stressing out. You will get home – just…pace yourself.

"And you!" Midna's pointed glare fell on the hero and the seriousness of her voice distracted him from his embarrassment. "You look after her, you understand? If she's overworking herself, you get her to relax."

Link's gaze trained on his wife and he responded with a stern nod. He was already adamant about protecting her, but he'd work doubly hard to ensure that she was staying safe in all this. He was all too familiar with her self-sacrificing habits, but there was more riding on it now than ever.

With that, a new plan was arranged. They'd each give their all to get the mirror ready and ensure that Zelda was as stress-free as possible. If there was any way they were going to get out of this mess, they were going to have to do it together.

It didn't take long for the commander and his captains to assemble the battalion in search of the queen and prince. After all, they'd spent the last two months scouring the land and preparing for the moment they could rescue the royals; now they finally had an idea where to search.

Of all the men that'd been distributed amongst the provinces, Eagus saved the finest knights for the recovery mission. Even the resistance members joined the battalion: Ashei was a seasoned fighter and captain, Shad was the researcher, Auru with the most knowledge of the desert and its layout, and Rusl would lead the queen and prince home.

Without a doubt, it was possibly one of the most dangerous missions the battalion would go on in their lifetime - not including, of course, the invasion in which some knights so poorly performed. They'd have to weather a terrible winter storm and travel through miles of arid land filled with venomous and vicious serpents - and that was before they reached the Desert of Doubt. No one knew what lay in wait there.

The army gathered in front of the gates at dawn as scheduled. Ashei set the silver helmet over her head before leading her black stead onto the landing with all the others.

Armor clanked and leather whipped as they fastened their steads' saddles. Amongst soldiers, being up so early was nothing new and so they chattered amongst themselves, excited for their journey to a new unfamiliar land. The dark-haired captain wondered if they realized what they'd signed up for.

A sharp whistle pierced amongst them and the commander stood up on a higher landing. "Men," Eagus said, his voice loud and booming through the frost-bitten air, "we've all come out today with a great task. We are all responsible for finding and recovering our beloved queen, Zelda, and your prince and captain, Link, and bringing them home safely.

"It's an honor to serve Her Majesty and His Highness, and you will receive great esteem for doing so, but you must be willing to lay down your life and limb for this honor.

"Our journey will take us over vast fields to the foreign and recluse corners of Gerudo desert. I expect each and every one of you to be focused and single-minded in this task. We will not let our kingdom down!" He pumped a fist into the air and an explosion of noise erupted as the men cheered, waving their weapons in the air.

With that, everyone mounted their steads and awaited the gate to rattle up and out of the way. Snow flurried beneath their hooves as they pounded into the ground. The horizon was lit up by the fiery dusk sun; the grey clouds surrounding it waned into a warm violet and orange medley.

They spent the entire day traversing west through the stormy plains of Hyrule. It was difficult to see through the winter winds, rattling the armor of the knights and nearly knocking the horses off their feet. Everyone remained close and kept an eye on one of their fellow knights so as to not lose any souls.

Gerudo desert, for the most part, was inaccessible by steads or their riders, but there were certain valleys between the mesas that only the bravest souls could pass. There were slug beasts and wild boars along the path, not to mention the roaming monsters that still lured in the dark shadows of the land.

It was a long and arduous trip ahead of them and by dusk the men made camp to rest their steads and their weary minds. Rusl was among the few who remained around the fire late into the night. He sat by the crackling wood and restlessly poked at it with a stick, sending sparks flitting through the air.

It'd been killing him that Link was gone. Though he'd never wish to take the place of Link's father, he'd taken him in since he was just a baby, he was best friends with his father for goddesses' sake, and he considered him to be his son, just as Colin. But he couldn't keep him safe.

When he sent Link to Hyrule all those years ago, he trusted that as an adult he could protect himself. No one in Hyrule could've predicted what had happened instead and most still didn't know what happened, but Link had gone above and beyond anything Rusl could've imagined. He not only protected himself from harm, but he rescued the village children, Ilia, and the entire kingdom.

When Link said that he would return to Hyrule, months after all was said and done, there was no question whether it was the right choice. Even before he was proclaimed a hero, he belonged far beyond the small, quiet countryside; he belonged out in the wild lands of their kingdom, protecting those who couldn't defend themselves and making a name for himself.

Though by now Rusl should've trusted that he'd returned safe, he couldn't help worrying about his son. He'd gone so far out of bounds that no one knew what realm he was in. Despite all his heroic efforts, it was difficult to imagine how he could escape this.

A hand fell on Rusl's shoulder. The farmer looked up and met the knowing glint in Auru's eyes, assured and steadfast, and watched Shad and Ashei settle into the logs on the side of the fire. "It's been a long day, my friend," Auru said as he sat beside him. "Don't you think you ought to retire for the night?"

Rusl rubbed his eyes, surprised to find them damp and swollen. "I will in a bit."

"You're worried about Link, yeah?" Ashei said, ever the blunt one. Rusl met her auburn eyes over the wavering coils of the fire and nodded sadly. "Fathers' can only do so much. At some point, you have to just let them go."

The other members all stared at Ashei as they took in her wise words. She never was quite the sentimental type. "My father trained me every day for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't enough. I wanted adventure and when I was old enough, he let me go. It was the last time I ever saw him. But I'll never forget that he trusted me."

Shad swallowed and placed a hand on her shoulder. Though she didn't acknowledge it, she didn't throw him off either.

"My father taught me much as well," Shad began. "Though, nothing dangerous of course. He taught me how to look at an artifact and ponder its origins, and how to look at an item and discover its potential. But he told me that for every book I should read, I should match it with an experience or journey, for books cannot hold all the answers. Sometimes, getting the answer means putting yourself at risk."

"You see," Auru said, "children remember the lessons we impart to them. No matter where he is, Link remembers how to protect himself thanks to your lessons. And he will take every precaution because he knows you love him."

A tear rolled down the farmer's cheek, which he caught with the back of his hand. "Thank you, my friends. I wouldn't be nearly as close to finding my son if it hadn't been for your efforts."

"That's why we're here together in the first place, right?" Shad said as he squeezed Ashei's shoulder. "Because we care. That's how we've helped protect this kingdom before and that's why we'll do it again."

With that, the group retired to their tents, holding onto each other's words in hopes that it would get them through the night.

Midna's feelings were as swift and mighty as the flight of the raven. As the enchanted bird shot through the skies like an arrow, Midna could feel the winter wind whipping through the inky feathers and feel the snow pelt on its body. Since she and Zelda learned of her condition, she'd spent so much time thinking of her friend that she didn't allow a moment's sorrow for herself.

But when she finally had a moment alone with her thoughts, she realized that all the deep sadness she expected to feel from the news wasn't nearly as prevalent as the protectiveness she felt over the soon-to-be child and their family.

Perhaps it was the maternal instinct Zelda surely was beginning to develop emulated in Midna or perhaps it was the fact that they relied on her in her kingdom of shadow. But more likely, she realized, was the fact that she loved them so deeply that she was bound to love the child that they'd have together.

All she could worry about was bringing the small family back to their home and ensuring that they were out of harm's way. Part of doing that meant she needed to discover just what was happening in Hyrule after all.

As some certain situation kept her from checking up on the kingdom earlier, she spent her free time scouring the land. Through the curtain of snow, Midna spotted a mass of metal over the fields of Hyrule.

It was difficult enough without the weather to get a clear grasp of what she was seeing; she dove down, fighting against the gust of wind to get closer to the sight. But when she finally got a clear view, she almost lost control of the bird, messing up her grip from her perch on the palace landing.

A cavalry was marching west over the tranquil fields of Lanayru province - to the desert. Her entire body recoiled, but she recovered in time and swept the bird away from the human current with a quick flourish of her hand.

She warped her bird past the fields and back to the familiar desert she'd garnered a bittersweet nostalgia for. From ground level, there wasn't much to see, just as she remembered from her time traveling with Link, but her sight of the entire plain was much vaster from above. It didn't take long for her red eyes to narrow in on the fortress hidden away in an alcove of highlands.

With a skilled nose-dive, she plunged into the stronghold, watching with a blurred gaze as the warriors in fine sirwals and veils patrolled the outer yards in stiff and steady paces. To her surprise, none of the people were at ease or even pausing in their walks – almost as if they couldn't.

Through the square entries carved into the fortress, Midna could see two old frail women and instantly recognized them as Ganondorf's mothers. Their words were muffled, as sound usually was through her illusion, but they were clearly barking some orders at the other women. While her instructions were indistinguishable, there was something off about it all. Midna could feel her skin crawl even from a realm away.

With a zip of her hands, the bird dissipated into the air, and with a jerk, her soul returned to her body. She wasn't entirely sure what she discovered, but there was a lot to report. If there was a battle taking place in Hyrule as there appeared to be, the Hylians would need to know. Surely, it would only fortify their need to go home, just as Zelda's pregnancy did.

And as much as Midna agreed with the fact that they should probably be back home in Hyrule, her logic was overshadowed by one fact, one she couldn't have possibly predicted.

She might never meet their child.

After all, if they were able to return home by some miracle, the baby would be born back in Hyrule - an entire realm away. And with that fact, she really considered the idea of keeping a mirror around after all.

Chapter Text

A raging storm was approaching the desert. The thunder rattled the earth, vaulting dirt and stones off the ground of the fortress cell. Naboris folded her hands over her arms, feeling the goosebumps rise on her copper skin.

Over the last few weeks, she'd plotted, planned, and schemed every day to no avail. There was no way she could escape the cell on her own: they'd purposely ensured there was nothing that prisoners could use in place of a key or ladder to climb out the window.

She'd tried gripping the stones and climbing the walls, but she only made it two feet before she'd fall back without a real handhold. She'd counted the steps the prison guard would take down the corridor where the women were kept and recognized that the guard changed up her routine every third round she made around the dungeon.

After her last cycle, Naboris counted fifteen steps before she was out of sight and tried to use the straw in the cell to unlock the door, but they were too frail and snapped almost instantly.

When she wasn't contriving a plan, she was seething with rage for what her mothers did - a rage that would challenge the intense hatred they harbored for the Hylians. Her hate burned hotter than the desert sun, broiling and brewing beneath the surface and ready to burst.

After they haphazardly threw her and the other innocent women into the dungeons, the admiration she had for them as a little girl disintegrated under that burning anger into a pile of ash and stoked the fires blazing in her chest. She was ready to fight them, even without the Master Sword, she needed them to pay for what they did. Even if that just meant stripping them of the one thing they valued the most: their power.

Her ear perked up when she heard footsteps fall on the stone floor. It was too early for the guard to change up her patrol, wasn't it? She stiffened when the guard silently stopped at the iron door of the cell and unlocked it. Naboris waited for the woman to approach before bolting for the door.

But the woman was swifter and threw her naginata out in front of the young girl. Digging her feet into the ground to avoid running into the blade, Naboris sucked in a sharp breath and balled her hands in fists. Still silent, the guard gripped her upper arm and started guiding her deeper through the underground dungeon. The entire time, Naboris frantically reached for the jewel on the woman's headband, but the crown was too out of reach for her and the guard didn't so much as flinch at her prisoner's flailing arms.

When they reached the next cell and the guard opened the door, Naboris realized that the other six women who were broken from their spell were locked up there. Carelessly, the guard tossed the young girl into the same cell. The coarse ground scraped her skin as she fell with a thud, but the other prisoners hurried to her side and lifted her off the floor.

The firelight from beyond the cell played on the faces of the women, all crumpled with worry and eyes darkened with sorrow. A tremor ran up the young Gerudo's back, the permanent cold in the room shooting straight through her chest.

Naboris leaned into the eldest woman's chest. She accepted it wholly, brushing her hair as she recited, "It's okay, it's okay. You're safe here." The others crouched around her, rubbed her shoulders, and exchanged looks.

Everyone knew by now that the matriarchs went mad from their hatred for the Hylians and their lust for power; they needed to be dethroned. They'd lost some of their strength in the battle, still aching from the burns and bruises, but they hadn't stood down. In fact, the battle only further enraged them.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Gerudo were possessed by the matriarchs' dark magic, utterly unaware of what they were doing. The tribe was being destroyed from the inside out, and they needed to exterminate the pests once and for all.

At last, Naboris peeled herself out of the woman's arms and quickly wiped away her tears, though the streaks still colored her reddened cheeks. "What can we do? How are we going to save our people now?"

The women all dropped their heads as they considered her question heavily. What could they do? How could they save their people from within an underground dungeon cell?

"We'll find a way, Naboris. Don't you fret," the eldest woman said, looking amongst the small crowd. "At the very least, we are not alone. We have one another and we all have something to contribute to our escape. If we work together, we will find a way out of this mess."

What the Gerudo women couldn't see from the dungeon was that there wasn't a storm raging in the desert – at least, not the one they assumed. Rather, the Hylian army made their way to the desert in a stampede over the desert dunes to the southwestern corners of the arid land.

But the Gerudo matriarchs could see their approach on the horizon from their perch on the highest story of the fortress and sent the guards to free up some cells for their new guests.

How could Link not be thrilled? He always figured he'd be a father one day; all the adults in Ordon grew up, married, and had children, and he expected to do the same. But his life took a turn that fateful day in Ordon Springs, and the simple way of life seemed to slip out from underneath him.

The thought of having a child didn't really come back to mind for a while, at least not until Zelda broke the ice and stated that marrying her would require producing heirs. Which should've been obvious, of course, but he hadn't been thinking about that specifically when he asked her to marry him.

Now, years later, it was real. He was really going to be a father and it made him prouder than he'd ever felt before. Realistically, it was a little silly considering that being a father was perhaps one of the handful of things that Link had done in his life that wasn't unique. In fact, it was probably one of the most universal and commonplace things to do in history, and yet he couldn't help beaming with pride.

He wished he could share it with his friends and family back home, especially his adoptive parents. He knew they'd be thrilled for them too.

A clang jolted him out of his thoughts as his sharp-toothed pick hit a hidden gem within the bed of rock.

He'd been volunteering his help with the Twili in the mines, which admittedly, was nettlesome work. Throwing a pick over his head time after time wasn't quite the same type of arduous work as training, but it took backbreaking effort all the same.

Still, he needed to contribute to the queens' project one way or another. He didn't know the first thing about casting spells or sorcery, but he was good with his hands, and searching for obsidian was something that they needed help with.

Even after only spending a few weeks in the mines, Link could see it was a rare stone to mine. The Twilight Realm was surprisingly bountiful when it came to the variety and quantity of gems that hid in the mines, including sapphires, rubies, and emeralds that would be enough to make the richest man blanch. Obsidian was the one they happened upon the least.

The Twili were dedicated to the task and always put in a hard day's work. They'd organized an assembly line, which offered a surprising amount of productivity, including the putters and loaders and the hurriers who moved the gems around and out of the mines. Due to his physical shape and endurance, Link joined the hewers in breaking the rocks with picks and axes.

The other miners weren't very talkative during work hours as they fixated on their tasks and communicated only simple instructions. Link didn't mind: it was more productive and he wasn't much of a talker anyway. Besides, the loud clanging was loud enough to drown out most noises anyway.

When the workday was done, the miners all cleared the space and said their goodbyes before leaping onto kagaroks and flying back to their home islands. Link was amongst the few who returned to the largest island, the Twilight Palace, and he was still beaming when he entered the library.

His wife was lying with her head on her folded arms, slumped over another disfigured mirror, and his heart stopped for a moment before he realized she'd just dozed off. It was such a sweet sight actually, the small rise and fall of her back with every nearly inaudible breath, her lips parted and her eyes shut. His smile softened as he looked upon her and he finally walked to her side.

Link shook his head with good-humored annoyance when he saw the blanket he'd insisted she take slumped over the back of her chair. It was really chilly in the Twilight Realm and he'd admit to feeling a little paranoid that she'd get sick again, especially now. He swept the woolen blanket up and carefully draped it on her back, tucking it around her shoulders without waking her up and rubbing her back for good measure.

Since he'd be there for a while, he figured he'd make the best of it. He turned back to the towering shelves, reaching level after level to the tinted glass ceiling above, and began combing the thousands of tomes.

Link learned a lot about pregnancy growing up in Ordon. He'd had to deliver a few goats as a ranch hand and he'd witnessed most of the Ordonian women go through their trimesters many times over.

The most educating experience was when Uli was pregnant with Colin and Link had a few awkward questions for his adoptive parents. It was a few years before he'd gone through puberty himself, but Rusl had decidedly given him an enlightening talk about growth and sex which summed up just about everything he needed to know.

No one really shared the intimate technicalities with him: Ilia was far more curious and intrigued than he was. He didn't feel nearly as prepared as he should be, but he figured the library must have something on the topic.

When he found something that might be useful, he sat himself next to his wife. He'd only gotten about a chapter in when she woke up, her lashes fluttering and brows pinching. "What…?" she started quietly, and then straightened herself out. "Oh no. Did I fall asleep? How could I-"

"Fatigue," he answered candidly, raising the book with a cheeky smile. "It's a symptom."

Her brows rose as she examined the title on the spine. "Are you researching pregnancy?" she asked, flabbergasted.

He simply nodded. "I've learned a lot already. Did you know it'll be about four months in before you can see the bump?"

"I didn't."

"And it'll be five months before you can feel the baby."

She couldn't help but smile at the obvious excitement in his voice. "It sounds like there's a lot for me to learn."

He shook his head as he closed the book. "We'll learn together." He stood up from his seat and kissed her on the forehead. Zelda let her eyes fall shut.

But when he went to return the book, the brunette turned back to the misshapen mirror on the table, and a frown overtook her expression. If she thought she was struggling with the mirror before, she was terribly wrong. For the last little while, even focusing in the quiet, lonely library was impossible and she couldn't remember what she was doing as she was doing it. And she was tired and irritable at the most inconvenient times.

Zelda huffed to herself as she looked down at the mirror with disgust, and Link came behind her just in time to hear it. "What's wrong?"

"It's this mirror. I've poured so much energy and magic into it, but there's been no progress. I don't understand what I'm missing."

He leaned against the back of her chair and held her shoulders as he looked down at the mirror. Admittedly, it was mangled beyond recognition: the sides were slanted and the shiny surface was now slimy, green, and twisted out of shape.

Looking upon the mangled mirror reminded him how he'd failed her. If he'd just gotten the Triforce of Power, they would've been home and Zelda would've been free from stress. But he wasn't fast enough, just like when they abducted her in Termina.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly.

She twisted her head to look back at him. "What do you mean?"

He came around so that he could face her properly and knelt by her side, taking her bare hands in his. That familiar tremor shot straight up their arms as their marks flashed gold. But he was more focused on the chill of her skin and idly stroked her fingers to bring some warmth back to them. "I messed up. If I got the Triforce of Power-"

"I know you would've been able to retrieve it had the witches fought fairly," she interrupted. "It's not your fault. You're not responsible for any of this mess."

"But now I can't do anything. You're going through so much."

She smiled sadly and shook her head. "I appreciate your concern, Link, but it's unwarranted. You've been working at the mines every day since you've arrived and it's more than I could ask."

"You're doing so much more. You're working so hard for so long and now you're carrying our child...!" His breath hitched and he had to take a moment to calm down. Now that he finally got the words out, everything he wanted to say started escaping him, fast and wild like a river.

"Even with everything you're going through, you're still worried about Hyrule and I can't even help with that. I…I just wish I could do more." He leaned his forehead against their intertwined hands. "I just want to bring you home safely."

With every impassioned word, her heart swelled in her chest. She didn't realize he felt so passionate about it all; he was usually so quiet and steadfast. "Link…"

If it was possible, she felt her hand heat up more from the mark of the Triforce as she tightened her grip around him. "I'm so proud of everything you're doing. I appreciate it all so much. Don't be so hard on yourself." He didn't respond, but his breaths were heavy.

"Link, look at me." He obeyed immediately and met her gaze with such turbulence in his dark blue eyes. "You've been amazing. Don't you doubt that."

The light in his heart shone with his love for her, for the stern, assured tone in her voice and for the piercing look in her steel blue eyes. To their surprise, the light on the back of their hands glowed brighter with every passing moment until a flash of brilliant light burst between them. For a second, Link thought perhaps it was a trick of light. But Zelda quickly and surprisingly asked, "What were you just thinking about?"

He hesitated, thinking back to his thoughts with a bit of a fluster in his cheeks. "I…I was thinking about you. Why?"

She didn't answer. "What about me?"

His gaze flitted between her eyes and he answered quietly, coyly, "About how I love you."

Quickly, she turned back to the mirror and murmured under her breath. "Love." Link watched as she retrieved another mirror from her stack under the table and placed it on the desk. She shrugged the blanket off her shoulders, frustrating him the slightest, but he was too entranced to say anything just yet. Her hands hovered over the glass, trembling slightly; fortunately, she'd been practicing her breathing to stop the trembling, taking even breaths until her hands relaxed.

Her mouth shaped to the word 'love' and held it, tossed it around her mind, dissecting it and defining it with all her wisdom. But there was no change. Her brows started to furrow with frustration and Link finally realized what she was doing. He rose to his feet and in a split second, flattened his hands over hers and kissed her.

Zelda leapt in surprise, her fingers twitching, but he held her steady and a burst of light exploded from the glass. Out of the sheer force of her emotions, the mirror shattered, exploding in a shimmer of light and specks of glass.

But there had been that moment of pure light, of some change, and her eyes opened moments after he drew back. A dizziness overcame her as soon as she opened her eyes, from the sheer focus and emotions that overtook her.

The answer was in front of her all along. It was love.

The door zipped open to their surprise, revealing an equally startled shadow queen. Her eyes were wide and bewildered as they traveled from the broken mirror to their diffident expressions, and finally landed on the thousand broken shards of glass on the floor.

"What happened here?"

Zelda rose from her seat ever so eloquently and picked up her skirts as she carefully made her way over the glass shards and around the desk. Surprisingly, her pale cheeks were flushed and a bead of sweat ran down her forehead as if she was exerted. "I'm sorry, there was a bit of an incident when I was working on the spell. But I believe we've finally made some progress."

Midna folded her arms, brow raised. "I see now that I've been thinking too critically when I should've allowed my emotions to guide the magic instead. To create a mirror of light, the spell needs to be alchemized with feelings of affection and warmth."

The Twili followed her words carefully, her eyes rising to Link who stood at the desk, absently sweeping up the glass. It didn't take long for her to discover how the mirror shattered. "Hm," she said, meeting Zelda's eyes again. "You know, for something this powerful, you really ought to practice with someone who has experience wielding magic. No offense, Link." He chuckled a little without looking up, clearly listening to their discussion, and Midna shook her head with a smile. "I can help."

"You've already done so much for us, Midna. I couldn't ask you to take more time out of your day."

"You've rarely asked for my help, Zel. I'm offering it to you. You know, like friends do?"

It was difficult for Zelda to rely so heavily on the Twili: it was too reminiscent of her time during Zant's Invasion. Yet, she couldn't let her insecurities ruin her chances of returning home.

From what she learned so far, to make any feasible progress she'd need someone she loved dearly to help guide the spell. That had to be Midna.

With a firm nod, Zelda replied, "Thank you, Midna. I will never forget the kindness you've shown me."

"Forget it about it. Besides, there's something else I wanted to tell you. I saw something with the raven." At that, Link looked up from the floor. "Your army is marching to the desert."

Zelda's hands clenched. "They must've discovered the alliance between the king and the Gerudo matriarchs."

"But the tribe – they're innocent," Link finally spoke up, straightening himself out.

"I checked on them too. They were acting kinda…unnaturally. Kind of like they were-"

"Under a spell," Link finished and turned to Zelda. "They're still under a spell."

The brunette placed a hand over her heart and lowered her head. Whether it was part of Fletcher's plan or not, he somehow managed to turn Hyrule's tribes against one another. She'd been gone for only a matter of months and now her kingdom was reeling towards a civil war.

Her eyes raised, a sad, forlorn look in her eyes, but something sharp and resilient pinched her brows. "We must hurry. Hyrule needs us."

Six golden stars shone through the torrent of sand that blew in every direction. The soldiers looked amongst each other, pondering whether the desert was playing a trick on them, but Auru recognized the sages instantly. "Follow the light!" he shouted through the storm. Without anywhere else to go, Eagus ordered his knights forward.

The desert storm was said to misguide souls through the dunes, but the sages knew that fate led the knights to the fortress. The battalion came to return Hyrule's queen and hero to their kingdom and they needed the extra guiding light to do so.

When the cavalry reached the rusted portcullis, the sages sent out a last beam of magic to open it. Most of the soldiers could only see the winch reel on the chain and the gate rise back as the stars blinked out of sight, but Auru knowingly whispered a prayer of thanks to the sages.

The army didn't waste time barrelling through the gates. To their surprise, an entire army of women, all impressively built and tall, stood in formation before a large fortress with their spears up and at the ready.

Though it was surprising to see an entire civilization on the outskirts of the kingdom, for everyone from the most experienced captains to the most well-read scholar, there was no time to speculate on the revelation. The Gerudo members charged forward to attack.

A great deal of the Hylian soldiers dismounted their steads to battle on equal ground, while others were able to break through the unit with sheer force to make it to the fortress. The resistance members were among the few who planned to search the fortress for the royals or some sort of indication of a portal.

Shad was breathless as they raced through the gaping doors, astounded that he really discovered the tribe in the hidden valleys. He only wished that they were really involved in the kidnapping of the queen and not just defending themselves against the Hylian battalion. He couldn't live with himself if he caused such chaos out of nothing. But he reasoned that the Gerudo members attacked before there was a chance to ask questions.

Ashei noticed he was slowing down and tugged him forward. "Aye, wake up!" she half-yelled, half-whispered. He grimaced and followed suit.

The Gerudo fortress was built with numerous levels and thin, dark hallways, meant to confuse any intruders. And it worked wonders. It was incredibly difficult to navigate the strange corridors when each hall branched out into a few others, leading indoors and outdoors, upstairs and down.

Deep in the dungeon level, Naboris and the other women could hear the battle cries of the soldiers just outside the fortress. It became clear that the tribe was under attack and no one needed to ask why. The matriarchs stole away the regent and the hero of Hyrule, it was only a matter of time before the Hylians found them at last.

If only they could speak to them, Naboris could explain everything. It was clear that Kotake and Koume were using the spell-bound Gerudo women to take down the Hylian knights. If she could explain that they were under a spell, if she could explain what her mothers had done just like she had to the hero, then there might be a chance that they would lay down their weapons. There was no need to fight; they just needed to free the Gerudo women from the spell, like Link did.

Gathering in a circle on the floor, the Gerudo women sat cross-legged as they devised a plan to escape the cell. The best solution came from the most knowledgeable woman in the group, a lecturer, and it was based on what the elder Gerudo previously said: they needed to rely on one another.

"I have an idea," she started. "If we're able to create a pyramid against the wall, Naboris can climb through the window and free us all." She turned to the young girl. "The wooden ledge will lead you high above the fortress, but you can safely leap down to one of the landings. Do you think you can do that, Naboris?"

With a sharp look in her eyes, she nodded. "Yes. And I will come back for you at once."

"You don't have a key to free us. And I'm sure if you approach the others when they're entranced, they'll realize what we've done and separate us again."

"If you found just one guard on her own, you could destroy her jewel before she sees you."

The most skilled warrior of the group spoke up. "Or if you're not able to do that, there's a spare key in the barracks."

Naboris took in all the information, though the tension was overwhelming and she became restless as the gravity of the situation weighed on her. All these women, not to mention the others who were still under the witches' commands, depended on her. She couldn't mess it up.

The women sent out a quick prayer to Din before three leaned against the walls and heaved two others on their shoulders. Fortunately, Gerudo women tended to be stronger and taller than most Hyrulean races, and it currently worked wonders in their favor.

Naboris carefully gripped the women's shoulders as she climbed her way to the top, apologizing abashedly as she gripped and stepped blindly. She slipped a few times, without a proper handhold, but at last, she flattened her hands on the walls and placed each foot on the opposite shoulders of the highest Gerudo.

The ledge was just within reach, and so Naboris clawed her hands into the surface and heaved herself onto it. All the women cheered quietly below her and she smiled back appreciatively. "I'll come back for you," she called out quietly just before slipping out of sight.

Like pieces on a chessboard, two queens stood on either side of the desk. Zelda held her hands out over the mirror, an offering, and Midna met them readily. The Twili's smooth skin was cool in contrast to her warmth and the steadiness of her grip calmed Zelda's nerves.

The mirror between them was a modest one that previously hung in the palace corridors, with a simple border and silver backing. Due to the deficiency of obsidian, they wouldn't waste any of it until they saw some promising results.

Midna's sharp eyes searched Zelda's. It wasn't hard to think of all the ways she loved the Hylian queen. She loved her light and her fairness, the very same that made Midna warmer and kinder. She loved her for her sacrifices and selflessness that allowed Midna to live on another day when she'd been on the brink of death.

While Zelda nurtured a gentleness in Midna, the Twili fostered a strength in the Hylian that grew steadily within her over time. Zelda always had a hard time believing in herself, especially after she'd failed to protect her kingdom from Zant, but Midna saw the strength in her, she believed in her, and it reflected in her fierce gaze when she looked upon her.

It lit Zelda's soul with a fiery zeal. As she tried to open the gate, she concentrated on that energy, that light in her soul, and moved in accord with its spirited nature. It took several tries before they managed to synchronize their magic. Midna's movements were more rugged and haphazard than she was used to and Zelda's were delicate and meticulous.

But over the next few hours, they bounced ideas and feelings off one another, feeling for what was comfortable and what wasn't. Eventually, they were able to develop a repertoire, and a light emitted from their joined hands as something began to happen.

A circle of light swelled from the glass, pulsing as it soaked in the magic. It twisted and coiled just as the mirror of twilight had, spinning in a loop, though there weren't any specific designs or visible patterns. They remained calm despite their anticipation, and the stronger they focused on the depths of their feelings, the brighter the light became.

When the spell reached its peak, the two dropped their hands slowly and the light wound back into the mirror like hands turning a full cycle on a clock. For the first time, the mirror had not been destroyed or warped beyond recognition: it was whole and solid. Simultaneously, they exhaled and met each other's eyes.

If they had more time, they would've practiced the spell again and again. But after everything Midna saw, they knew there was no time to delay. If their plan was going to work, this was their best shot.

Naboris took the leap and landed squarely on her feet. Looking upon the slashing blades and the battling warriors was entirely different than hearing it through the dungeon walls.

Desperately, she wanted to jump between the armies and force them to stop and listen. But she knew how dangerous and foolish it would be to do something like that. The faster she was at the task at hand, the faster she could rescue her people.

Fortunately for her, she was small and nimble, which made it relatively easy to stay out of sight as she slipped through the openings of the fortress. She was lucky there weren't any fights happening within the corridors either because it'd be a lot harder to stay out of sight in the long and narrow halls.

She figured it'd be best to make her way to the barracks, which were on the other side of the fortress, but held hope that there'd be a chance to disarm a guard first so she could take their key instead.

Her heart dropped when she saw a few stray Hylians grouped at the center of the mess hall. What the young Gerudo didn't know was that it was the resistance gathered at the table, regrouping and strategizing. Ashei was the first to spot Naboris and instantly unsheathed her blade.

"Wait, wait!" Naboris shouted, holding her hands up. "I'm peaceful!"

It was instinct for the raven-haired warrior to brandish her weapon upon the intrusion, but Shad placed a hand on her armguard and affirmed, "Hey, it's okay. She's a child."

Carefully, Ashei sheathed her blade and held her hands up to show that she also came in peace.

"Did you need help? You should retreat somewhere safe," Auru spoke up.

Naboris looked amongst the strange bunch as she tried to discern whether she could trust them or not. They were, after all, a part of the army that invaded their land and trespassed into her home. If it were any other situation, Naboris wouldn't hesitate to defend her people.

But she knew that it was her mothers who started this battle; it was her matriarchs who kidnapped the regent of the kingdom, and they likely came here to bring her home. They weren't her enemies. In fact, they wanted the same thing that she did: to overpower her mothers.

Naboris stood tall and stepped down from the stairs slowly. "Yeah, I do. But first, you should know that we're not your enemies."

The members looked at each other strangely. "Who is then?"

"My mothers are. They're the matriarchs of our tribe and they've been plotting with that evil king from Holodrum. They were the ones who sent your queen and prince away. My people are innocent."

They didn't respond, clearly unconvinced. She huffed. "Listen to me: did any of you notice that all the women out there are wearing a ruby on their foreheads? That's the spell. If you can break it or knock it off, then you'd free them and the fighting can stop."

"How do you know that?"

"Because I was under the spell too. It was Link who broke it."

A simultaneous gasp came from the men of the resistance at the mention of their friend. Ashei nodded to the group. "Auru, you and I will report this to Eagus. You two find out more."

Without delay, Ashei and Auru hurried back to the yard. As captain, she needed to see if the plan had any value; destroying these crystals as the young girl claimed had little to no risk, and if it worked, they'd be saving countless lives. If the Gerudos broke free of this alleged spell, the Hylians could back off and the fighting could stop before it really began.

"Where are your mothers?" Rusl finally asked. "Can you lead us to them?"

"No offense, but I doubt you can just go in and defeat them on your own. They overpowered the hero, after all. We need as much help as we can get," Naboris insisted. "I'm going to save my friends. They're free from the spell also, and we were all imprisoned because we were a threat. They'll help."

"It's dangerous to go alone," Rusl said. "Let us help you."

With that, the trio scoured the stronghold until they found the key and returned to the dungeon. When the Gerudo women saw the strange men accompanying Naboris, they tensed up. Inevitably, they imagined the worst: was she captured? Is she held captive?

They remained in the cell even as Naboris unlocked the door to the prison cell and opened it wide. "Don't worry, they're not going to hurt you." She gave a glance to her new acquaintances. "I've explained the situation to them and they're willing to help us."

The women exchanged looks amongst themselves, wary and yet intrigued. Whoever these strangers were, they did escort Naboris safely back to the dungeon and unlocked the cell.

Carefully, the gentlest of the group, the elderly woman, stepped out of the cell and bowed her head. "Sarqso," she said. "You've rescued my sisters and you've safely returned our chiefess to us."

"'Sarqso,'" Shad repeated. "That means 'thank you', doesn't it?"

A strange smile grew on the older woman's lips as the others looked between themselves. "Yes. I suppose you're a scholar then."

"Ah, yes. My apologies. I've been studying what little resources we have of the Gerudo language. My name's Shad and this is Rusl. We have two other friends with us as well, Ashei and Auru, but they've gone to entreat the commander to free the others from this 'spell' Naboris informed us of."

As the other woman exited the cell, the slightest bit more comfortable, one of them said, "It's a terrible thing what our matriarchs have done. Our people aren't themselves. They cannot control their actions, just as we weren't able to only weeks ago."

"Don't worry, we'll do what we can to help," Rusl assured. "Our army doesn't want to fight either. We only want our friends - our queen and prince back."

At that moment, footsteps echoed from around the corner, and Rusl leapt in front of the group, brandishing his blade against the intruder. When Auru showed his face around the corner, the blond relaxed and sheathed his sword. "It's okay. This is our friend, Auru," he explained. "Tell us what happened."

"Ashei explained the matter to the commander. He's given new orders to the battalion to free the Gerudo tribe members."

Upon hearing the report, a small chorus of sighs and thanks emitted from the women of the group. A huge weight was lifted from them; so long as their friends and family were safe, there was time to work towards their new goal of rescuing the royals.

"There's only one way to save your queen and prince," the professor started. "We must take the Triforce of Power from the twins. We may not be able to defeat them without the Master Sword, but extracting the piece would allow one of us to enter the dark realm and bring them back."

"I'll do it," Naboris said, shoulders and head high.

The eldest Gerudo looked at her dubiously. "It could be a dangerous place, my dear. One of us can go instead."

"No," she said sternly, brows drawn. "These are my mothers who started this mess. I'll fix it." She turned to the three men. "But if I do this, I want to ensure my people will be safe in the meantime."

"You have our word."

Naboris nodded and gestured for everyone to huddle together. "I have a plan. But I'll need everyone's help."

Delicate silver twines weaved around the glass and fused to the obsidian backing of the mirror. It wasn't nearly as large or precise as the Mirror of Twilight, but nothing could quite compare to the holy artistry of the goddesses themselves. For something that'd been crafted within a matter of weeks, there was a surreal and delicate beauty to the new mirror that made all three royals look upon the finished product in awe.

"You must thank your craftsmen for us, Midna. This is truly remarkable," Zelda said first, softly, and turned to her friend with a genuine smile.

The Twili had her arms folded over her chest. "I knew they'd make something beautiful, but even I'm surprised with how nice it is." She tossed her gaze between the couple and unfolded her arms. "Well, how about it? Are you ready?"

They'd been practicing the spell since their latest discovery with the mirror. It took time, but they'd managed to cast a steady ring of light from the mirror that mocked the original Mirror of Twilight's portal.

There'd been no openings or gates or anything, but they finally had a mirror with the same elements and a stone to project the magic on. If there was any way to recreate the Mirror of Twilight, this truly was the best restoration they could've managed.

Zelda turned to her husband who'd been standing quiet and steady at her side, and he nodded in a way that said, "I know you can do this." She took a small breath and stepped forward.

"Let's begin."

Link had seen magic being performed before – more times than he could count and in more ways than he could properly describe. Zelda's magic was gentle and warm, like eating a piping bowl of pumpkin soup or petting a rumbling kitten on your lap. Midna's was more quick and powerful, like shadows dancing on the wall or lightning striking a lonely meadow. Seeing them work together was incredible; even for someone who'd never wielded magic himself, he could appreciate their harmony.

They stood on opposite ends with their hands clasped on either side of the frame, entrapping the mirror between them and focusing on something he couldn't see. When a faint ring of light emitted from the glass in little ripples, there was a strum like the humming of the Rod of the Heavens.

The two queens remained steadfast and steady. The longer and harder they focused, the ring of light became brighter and thicker. It reached for the slab of obsidian stone in a stream of light, swirling and splashing like a choppy coursing river. It became more desperate and unruly the closer it got.

Zelda and Midna opened their eyes just in time to see the culmination of all their hard work. The light hit the slab of stone with a crashing wave, blindingly bright and deafeningly loud.

But it didn't penetrate the wall. It simply splashed against the wall before pouring to the ground, trickling in tiny, pitiful specks of light to the floor. Zelda's heart clenched in her chest, her eyes wide and sad as she looked upon yet another failed attempt at a portal.

Everything she'd been working towards died out with the light. She should've known there was no way she could mimic the holy magic of the goddesses; there was no way to return home. She'd been foolish to dream and dare to create something even half as powerful as the mirror. It'd just been another waste of everyone's time.

Link took Zelda's hand as Midna settled hers on the brunette's shoulder, two separate and yet comforting reassurances from two people she'd failed. Link was just as trapped as she was, and Zelda couldn't ask Midna for any more help. She'd sapped so much strength and energy from both of them with nothing to show for it.

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I truly believed…" Her voice trailed off, the air stiflingly tight around her.

This time, her failure was tangible.

Chapter Text

In the highest room of the fortress, several spiraling levels off the ground and safe from the chaos, two elderly women sat with smug smirks on their faces. They'd suffered mild wounds from their fight with the hero, but the Triforce of Power allowed it to heal with nothing but a scar remaining.

They knew it'd saved them more than once. If they'd sustained more serious wounds as Ganondorf had, they'd be left with more than just a mark and if they'd given Link a real chance to finish them off, no force in Hyrule could save them.

But they were smarter than that: they wouldn't underestimate the hero as many had before. By the time he'd discovered how to use their magic against them, the witches warped him far beyond the reaches of the realm.

Now, there was no one in the realm strong enough to take them down. With their own army under a spell, the Gerudo tribe would act without hesitation, mowing down the Hylian's greatest warriors until they'd be far and few between. After they'd suffer great wounds from their merciless warriors, they'd be even weaker to Fletcher's armies when he'd finally unleash them.

Yes, those rotten Hylians practically waltzed into a grander scheme than the Gerudo matriarchs could've conducted from within their stronghold.

As proud as they were, the battle wasn't done quite yet. A roar of footsteps thundered up the stairs to their chambers, led by none other than the one girl they never thought would be their enemy.

When Kotake and Koume discovered that their daughter turned against them - in favor of the hero who'd murdered her brother, of all people - they were enraged. All their admiration and hopes for her becoming the new chiefess dissipated with the betrayal and they didn't hesitate to send her to the dungeons.

Yet, by some cruel prank, here she was, standing amongst a band of rebellions. "What is this?" Koume barked. "How are you here?"

"You forget that Gerudo sisters have each other's back," Naboris bit. She was at the head of the crowd with a dangerous gleam in her golden eyes, amid Hylian and Gerudo warriors alike.

The warriors unsheathed the scimitars they'd ransacked from the barracks, holding back their secret weapon until the last moment. "In fact, it seems you've forgotten everything that we Gerudo stand for."

"'Have each other's back?' You've been rebelling against your own mothers under our noses! You're a traitor – all of you are!"

"Why would I defend either of you when you haven't given us a single thought since Ganondorf was killed? Maybe I didn't know him as well as you did, but I know that all the evil things he did were for love. Love for us, his people, and for our freedom. He may not have been fair, but he was caring."

The mothers' hands twitched but Naboris continued, stepping forward at the head of the group. "You abandoned us. You left us to die just so you could get your revenge. If he were still alive, Ganondorf would be disgusted."

"Why, you-" The twins rose to their feet and lifted their hands simultaneously as if they were one and the same. As their anger swelled, a cloud of thick black smoke started to coil and slither around them like a snake. It wasn't the first time Naboris saw them do this; she knew the trick they'd pull. "You awful brat. You know nothing of the king – don't you dare speak for him!"

With a surge of light, the cloud burst, and the witches were combined into one tall, young woman, just as they had when they battled the hero. No one besides Naboris had seen such a raw display of power. Merging themselves into one woman betrayed the laws of space and challenged all logic, but they'd managed to do so right before their eyes.

Taking their bewilderment as an opportunity to strike, the witch threw her spear into the air with a dramatic twirl before it landed back in her claw. As she moved to attack, Naboris shouted, "Get ready!"

Everyone braced themselves, just as planned. When the beam of fire whipped across the room, Auru unveiled the mirror he'd kept on his back. Everyone in the group had found a mirror within the stronghold and was able to craft it into a makeshift shield in place of the one Link used in his battle.

Before the witch could clearly see what happened, the flame shot back into her chest. She cried out in pain as she slapped a hand over the wound and slid back several feet.

"What is this?" she screeched. They could see the ire flicker in the golden eyes of the witch, sizzling like the flames that she so carelessly whipped at them. Her arms raised as she infused her spear with yet another fiery hot spell. The magic swelled and swirled around the pole in tiny red waves.

Shad was perhaps the most terrified of all to take on someone with the esteemed Triforce of Power. No one in Hyrule's history - besides the legendary hero - was known to deal in hand-to-hand combat with someone wielding such immeasurable power. It was like walking straight into his own grave.

But he'd seen how the mirror reflected the cryptic magic from the strange witch and all he had to do was raise his own in time.

Sensing his fear like a bloodhound, the witch turned her attention on him and he clenched his fist over the makeshift sleeve of the mirror. He was calculating, meticulous, trying to find the very precise movement to pull out his shield.

But magic was unpredictable. Though the shield was in his hand and the scholar was positioned to raise it, he was too late. Before he could rebound it, the flame struck his chest.

Excruciating pain coursed through his body as he fell backward, crying out in agony. The sound echoed off the mesa, reaching the high heavens, just as Ashei reached the top of the stairs. Eagus had commanded the soldiers to release the Gerudo warriors from their spell and in time ordered her to return to the resistance.

When Shad hit the floor, her dark eyes shot at the witches. Raising her sword, she swung fiercely towards them, an anger seething through her that surprised even her closest friends. She was a strong warrior, surely, but she was usually level-headed.

Despite her skill, her hits struck the wooden pole each time. Naboris cried out to her to stand down, but the warrior's rage overpowered all noise and her frustration was making her reckless.

The witch shot her spear toward Ashei just in time for the sharp icicle to pierce her armor. A pained cry mimicking Shad's escaped her as her skin turned a sickly blue and her black hair frosted across her scalp. Rusl and a Gerudo woman rushed forward to retrieve her: as he tugged her to the back of the room, the other warrior held her mirror up to protect them from any blows.

"Stop this!" Naboris shouted with an unsteady voice. "They've done nothing to you!"

"You wanted to fight! I'm only giving you what you asked for!" With a spirited cackle, the witch hurled another icicle at Naboris. Ringing echoed off the glass as the mirror reflected the magic and struck the witch once again.

As Naboris had seen previously, even she wasn't immune to the throes of her magical attacks. A horrible shriek escaped the witch and it shook Naboris to her core. She fell to the ground, her skin emulating Ashei's as the unforgiving ice froze her in place.

Tears streaked the young Gerudo's cheeks as she watched the pure terror inflicted on her mothers and the Hylians, but she knew they didn't have much time.

The witch didn't hesitate to use what little strength she had left to pitch another shaft of ice toward them, fighting until her last breath. But the mirror of another Gerudo member reflected it and the witch lost what little control she still had. She howled again and Naboris hitched her shield on her back.

With a raise of her hands, the seven Gerudo women stepped forward and began reciting a chant. Their voices rang like the thrum of a gong, coursing through the entire room as the witch could do nothing but watch. A light emitted from her hand, the mark of the Triforce clear as day, as the witch thrashed within the ice, desperate to free herself.

Naboris held her glare with her own watery eyes. She felt nothing but sorrow for these women. They'd raised her, cared for her like mothers until she'd grown old enough to realize just what they were doing and how wrong they were.

When she first realized the cruelty and foolishness of her mothers' ways, a bitter hate for them bloomed in her young heart. She hated them for the way they betrayed their tribe and even more for how apathetic they were about it all.

But all that hate melted away while they recited the chant, as a swirl of light enveloped them, just as their smoke had. All she could feel was remorse and pity. They'd wasted away their lives on revenge. Ganondorf may have been dead, but he'd never want his mothers to neglect their people for their own selfish desires. In that, he was better than them.

As the light coiled around Naboris's hand, the witch began to age rapidly. The face melted away into the faces she'd come to know as her mothers, but as one woman instead of two. Her eyes, wrinkled and tired, shone with exhaustion.

With another explosion of light, Naboris was knocked off her feet. Her hand was numb for a few moments of panic. But the light surely shone from the triangled mark on the back of her hand and all numbness quickly morphed into a sharp heat.

They did it. The Triforce of Power was hers.

To everyone's surprise, the witch fell limp to the floor as the sheet of ice encasing her melted away into a small puddle. She'd aged remarkably in only a matter of seconds, becoming a husk of the powerful being she was moments ago. It finally occurred to them that the only thing keeping the witches alive for so long was their fragment of the sacred power. Without it, they had nothing.

Withered and pained, she reached out to her daughter, muttering something that no one could understand. Naboris held her gaze, her tears now dry and pasted on her cheeks as the witch released her final breath.

With the Triforce of Power on her hand, the new chiefess turned to her small gathering of brave soldiers, from those injured and aching on the floor to those who were aiding them and those who were standing strong and proud. Silently, she threw her fist into the air, the mark gleaming spectacularly on her hand, and an uproar of cheers filled the room.

Focusing on the power blooming within her, a burst of smoke engulfed her, dark and thick and all-consuming. When the dust settled, she was gone.

For someone who'd never stepped outside of the fortress, she couldn't have imagined a place so vastly different than her home. It was brisk like the desert nights, but stagnant, as if it was frozen in time. Unlike the blazing red sun that she knew, there was a dull, ethereal light that hid behind the slow-moving violet clouds. Even in her wildest dreams, she could never imagine a place as otherworldly and peaceful as the realm she stepped into.

Before she could even take it all in, Naboris realized that she wasn't alone. On the balcony, propped in the middle of some floating island, was the hero and two women standing amidst a strange-looking contraption of stone and glass.

She could barely recognize her regent, Queen Zelda, from when she was dragged through the halls. Before she had any sort of upper hand, Naboris watched from the sidelines as the spellbound guards carried the queen through the halls, distressed and defeated.

Here and now, she stood with all the pride and dignity befitting her station. It was strangely intimidating for a fearless girl like herself, who'd never so much as come face-to-face with a regent before.

She had mixed feelings about the queen. Though Zelda wasn't the one to drive the Gerudos across the desert, the royal family and her ancestors always had some strife, and she couldn't help but be cautious about the people in her position.

But Zelda herself had been wronged by her mothers and in that Naboris felt guilty. She'd never personally done anything to harm her people, besides Ganondorf, of course.

At her side was another beautiful and yet very unfamiliar woman, with crimson eyes and fiery red hair like her own. Only, she had black and blue skin and stood at a height rivaling the tallest Gerudo women she knew.

The three of them had undoubtedly watched her surge through the space between realms like a fallen star as they all stared at her with varying degrees of confusion. Swallowing her intimidation, she stepped forward, shoulders high.

"Your Majesty." Zelda turned to face her fully, head tilted the slightest. "My name's Naboris of the Gerudo tribe. It's a pleasure to meet you at last."

The queen instantly recognized the name: Link told her about the young lady who helped him retrieve the Master Sword and reunite with her in the Twilight Realm.

"We are already well-acquainted. My husband spoke very highly of you." The young chiefess zeroed in on the hero at her side and responded to his kind smile with a bow of her head. Yet Zelda took a step forward, eager to get answers. "How have you traveled here?"

Clenching her fists, Naboris raised her hand and the brilliant light of that familiar mark caught everyone's attention immediately. Zelda's gentle hand settled on her heart. "The Triforce of Power."

The Twili stepped forward and placed a steady hand on the queen of light's shoulder. "Naboris, right? I'm the ruler of this land: a place we call the Twilight Realm. I don't know how you did it, but you just gave us the last key we needed to return these two home. That's incredible."

"I didn't do it alone. I had help from my people and the Hylians."

"So there wasn't a battle?" Link piped up.

"There was. But a captain of yours lent me an ear and your knights are freeing those of us that are still under a spell."

Once Zelda found her voice again, she asked, "What of the Gerudo matriarchs, your mothers?"

Naboris hesitated then. "They're gone. Once I took their piece of the Triforce, they passed on."

There was a moment of silence between them. If they were gone, did that mean there was peace at last? Where did Fletcher fit in all this? But all of those questions could come later. If there was a battle on the other side, they needed to get there as soon as possible.

Zelda closed the space between her and the new matriarch of the Gerudo tribe and bowed at the waist. "You've done us a great service. On behalf of my kingdom, I thank you," she began. "I understand that you'd like the Gerudo tribe to rejoin with Hyrule once more and I'd like to assure you that it will be done. It's the very least that I can do. But first, we must return home."

Her simple, eloquent words elevated so much of the weight that'd been put on Naboris's shoulders. It was all she ever wanted. It was almost too good to be true; she wasn't sure if she should believe it. Yet she supposed all she could do was wait and see. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The queen straightened herself with a smile and turned to her husband. "Link," she said, "Come join us." He stepped forward diligently, greeting the young girl kindly, and as the three fragments of the Triforce grew nearer to one another, they burned more brilliantly.

Zelda watched as Link flexed his left hand, examining that strange tingling sensation that they'd become accustomed to. They'd felt it together, even with just two pieces of the Triforce, but it was stronger when all three fragments were in the same vicinity as it was years ago when Ganondorf was still alive.

"The Triforce fragments are resonating," Zelda declared. "It's time."

"Wait." From her place beside the mirror several steps away, Midna came forward with her hand stretched out, catching Zelda's gaze as they all turned to face her. "Before you do this, there's something I'd like to say."

"Midna, perhaps we should save our goodbyes when this-"

"Let me just say this, please," she interrupted. "This time that I've spent with you, it's been incredible. It's reminded me how much I've missed you both."

"Midna…"

The Twili stretched her arms out, and the Hylian nearly stumbled into her arms. With her head pressed against her ear, Midna murmured, "Don't wish for a mirror."

Zelda froze, unsure that she heard her friend correctly, and tried to pull back to meet her eyes. But Midna held fast and continued, whispering a plan so brilliant it startled the bearer of wisdom.

When she was finished, she released her and her crimson eyes bore straight into hers, eyebrows raised the slightest, trying to confirm that she understood. "I trust you, Zelda. You're the fairest and most steadfast person I know. If anyone should have this gift, it's you."

Zelda drew in a deep breath. "Thank you, Midna. Not just for this, but for every kindness you've ever shown us. I could never truly express how much this all means to me...and how much you mean to me."

Midna shook her head and tugged her back for another long hug, holding her tight as she rested her chin on her head. From his place by Naboris, Link smiled warmly at the sight and Midna met his gaze with a vibrant smile.

"Come here, you dope," she said, stretching out a hand to him. He hurried over and joined their embrace, treasuring their last few moments together.

They were so grateful that for once they were able to enjoy one another's presence without the constant journeying that they had the first few months they'd known each other. Of course, the threat of war still loomed over them, but at least they had each other's company for weeks on end.

Perhaps, just as Midna said, it'd been a blessing in disguise. Zelda only wished she could've enjoyed it further. But with Midna's plan, she knew that they'd always have a way back to each other.

Ever the clever discoverer of loopholes that she was, Midna came up with a brilliant scheme. Instead of wishing for a mirror that would ultimately be destroyed or preserved, Midna suggested that Zelda wish for a specific power instead: the power to transform any mirror into a portal between realms.

That way, the power would always be safe with her unbendable will. No one would ever know that she was capable of the power if she didn't wish it. If they ever truly needed one another, both of them had a way to communicate now: Midna could use her powers as a raven while Zelda could fashion a portal with a single touch. It was the perfect solution.

As they parted, Midna ruffled Link's hair for good measure. "Don't worry, Link. This isn't goodbye. We'll all see each other again." The hero knew better than to take her word for it, considering last time, but Zelda nodded firmly, knowingly at him, and he trusted that they'd come up with some solution together.

"I'm just glad we got to see you again, Midna," Link said. He wasn't quite so eloquent with his words, but by the tenderness in his voice, Midna knew he meant it just as avidly.

"Me too. You two take care of each other, all right? And…well, you know." Her sharp, crimson eyes flashed over Zelda's figure and the brunette nodded shakily in understanding, wearing a small smile. Finally, the Twili nudged them back to Naboris's side.

When they met, Zelda was the first to put her hand between them, palm down with the mark of the Triforce up. It gleamed vividly as the other two bearers put their hands in the center. With the willingness of each bearer, the fragments tugged free of their bounds and rose to combine into the full Triforce in the space between them.

Naboris and Link entrusted Zelda as she made her plea to the goddesses, knowing that they could hear her prayers from worlds away. A bright light, as radiant as the sun, burst through the piece of the Triforce, and they all had to tear their gazes away to not get blinded by its brilliance.

When everyone raised their eyes once more, the Triforce was gone. It'd retreated to the sacred realm at last, to rest in its sleeping place for ages to come. Yet the marks on Zelda and Link's hands remained, dull and faded like an old scar.

Without truly understanding what happened, Link and Naboris simply watched as Zelda stepped towards the mirror and raised her hand to the glass. This time, as the stream of light connected to the slab of stone, a tunnel burst through the barrier, opening the portal at last.

It worked. They could finally return home.

Zelda turned to Midna once more, eyes shiny and bright as she nodded thankfully. The Twili mirrored her as Link and Naboris made their way to the platform by the mirror.

Link raised his eyes to Midna's, the heaviness of a final goodbye weighing them into place like it had years ago. And yet now, there was an understanding, a determination, as Midna said, "Go now. Save Hyrule."

Nobody really knew what they were waiting for. Quite a bit of time passed since Naboris disappeared into another realm and the resistance couldn't simply stand around knowing that the battle was still raging on outside.

Two women gathered around the injured and carefully bid them to a medical tent on the grounds while Auru and the others advanced to battle. Rusl was left in the room to wait for Naboris and the others so he could guide them out of the fortress.

A small golden light was the first thing that appeared on the ground. Rusl, weary and alone, thought he imagined it at first. But it was only moments later that the spot shone brighter and started to swirl in a whirlwind of shimmering gold.

Tapestries on the wall whipped and his blond hair blew back as he gripped the wall, afraid that he'd blow right through the window should it get any stronger.

But the wind settled just before it could get too messy. When he raised his head and opened his eyes, Rusl saw strange black rain cascade like a curtain in the same spot.

When it settled, Link, Zelda, and Naboris stood in its place. The couple's hair was styled differently and they were donned in clothes that looked to be a part of a civilization he wasn't familiar with, but all that mattered in that moment was that they were there and they were safe.

With a shaky breath, Rusl pushed himself to his feet and stepped forward, catching Link's eye immediately. "Thank the goddesses," he uttered under his breath. Charging forward, he took Link in his arms and murmured, "I'm so relieved you're safe."

The hero's arms wrapped around his mentor, still taking in everything around him. After being in such a different climate and atmosphere, it was hard for him and Zelda to gather their bearings, just as sailors had trouble getting their land legs back after months at sea.

He was relieved, though, to see Rusl after so long apart. After all, he never had the chance to say goodbye. But it could only mean one thing - something that was confirmed by the tremor and noise from outside."Is everyone okay?"

It was strange for Rusl to see Link's face harden in such a way. He'd always known him as a young, laidback boy he was in the village, but in front of him stood a warrior who looked to have seen battle for ages.

Even after he'd been declared a hero, Rusl never saw him work as a true knight. With the expression on his face, he looked remarkably like his father. It urged him to act, and so Rusl tried to give him the most thorough update.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the room, Zelda took the opportunity to speak with the young chiefess. "I cannot thank you enough for what you've done for us. We will see to merging our kingdom into one again, I assure you. You're welcome to return to the castle at any time to discuss this with me, but I know that your citizens may need you now."

"We can't leave the fortress, Your Majesty. We've been stuck here for ages."

"'Stuck?'" Zelda raised her brows the slightest in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"It's...well, it's some sort of spell I think. I don't know whether it was my mothers or someone else who put it up, but there's some sort of invisible barrier and it stops us from leaving."

Zelda looked out the window, squinting against the blinding light to where the gate lay. Who would've done such a thing? "I will see to breaking the spell immediately. None of this should've happened. I only wish I knew you'd been here all along as to lend a hand sooner."

Naboris searched the queen's face, trying to discern whether she was genuine or not. But her eyes couldn't hide her secrets: Naboris could see a great deal of sadness lurking within them.

It planted a seed of respect within her for the queen, knowing that she was just as puzzled and saddened by the choices of their ancestors. She nodded firmly. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Link appeared at their side moments later. "We need to go." Zelda nodded firmly before bidding Naboris goodbye, while the young chiefess went to check on her people.

Link took her hand and led her out of the fortress with Rusl in tow. Once they made it to the exit, the young hero halted and surveyed their surroundings.

The battle was raging just outside the door. He could see that it must've sized down considerably but there was still a great number of Gerudo guards standing against the Hylians and he knew the battle wasn't near its finale.

He turned to Zelda suddenly as she took in the sight around her with a heavy heart. It may not have been a blown-out war, but the battle was intense. She could hear the struggle and pain ringing amongst the pealing steel and iron.

Link hurriedly tugged Zelda's hood over her head and she realized he was talking just in time to hear the last bit. "…take you home. I'm going to stay and help."

Zelda faltered, brows knit and frown set. "Wait, Link, I may be of assistance here."

He sighed, shaking his head. He expected her to be hesitant and he knew she was a capable warrior, but things were different now. "We'll be fine."

"I don't need to fight. I could-"

"Zelda, please. It's…It's not safe for you here." His eyes bore into hers, trying to convey something that they didn't have time to properly discuss, nor could they bring it up to Rusl amidst a battle.

She was a wise woman, far wiser than anyone he ever knew, but situations like this always made her choose rashly - selflessly - for the sake of her people.

Zelda closed her eyes for a pause. Link was right, she knew he was right, but it pained her anyway. It was exactly the type of thing she didn't want to have to leave on his shoulders, but she knew staying was a far greater risk than she was committed to make.

Though she knew he had his own motives for pushing her away, he was thinking of everyone's best interests: in that sense, he started to sound like a true leader. Without another moment's waste, she nodded and turned to Rusl a few steps behind. "Let's make haste."

Link sighed in relief and helped guide them out of the desert. There was no way to get around the battle but to dive right in, so Link set to clearing a path, batting off swords, and protecting Zelda bodily as they barged into the fray.

A few soldiers recognized him with relief and excitement as he bolted past. They could only pray that it was their queen hiding beneath the cloak.

Rusl set to prepare a horse while Link stayed back to say his goodbyes to Zelda. He fidgeted with her cloak, tightening it at her chest, and she stopped him with a hand on his wrist. Link's eyes rose to hers and his heart clenched at the pain swirling in her gaze.

"Come back to me," she implored quietly.

With a swallow, he twisted his hand to hold hers properly and lifted it to his lips. He pressed a tender kiss to her skin, swearing his fealty to her and it only made her further long to stay by his side. "Always."

With one final squeeze, their hands dropped. It pained her to leave Link on the battlefield: her mind was imploring her to get back to her kingdom, but her heart urged her to stay and help. He recognized the disheartened look in Zelda's eyes and urged her backward, smiling sadly as Rusl helped her onto the steed's back.

Link watched them ride off through the gate, watching as she was taken away from him yet again. But this time, he knew she was safe.

As they approached the gate to the Gerudo fortress, Zelda could feel the strange magic energy Naboris warned her about. She waited until they crossed the threshold and then placed a hand on Rusl's shoulder, asking him to bring the steed to a halt.

He obeyed immediately, ever the gallant knight, and Zelda held a flat hand out as she tried to get a sense of the type of enchantment it was bound with.

Her fingers twitched when she came to the realization. It was Hylian. It was a good thing, perhaps, because it would be easier to break, but it also meant that a Hylian was likely the one to cast the spell in the first place.

Her stomach twisted at the thought that the Gerudo tribe was ostracized for so long, forced into a corner for centuries, and the fact that it was likely done by someone within her bloodline. It seemed her ancestors were crueler than she realized.

With a heavy heart and eyes closed in prayer, she called upon the sages to uncast the spell once the battle ended. It wouldn't be safe to break the boundary while the people were still under Kotake and Koume's merciless influence.

But once they were free, they deserved to be free to roam the world just as any other. They were not responsible for Ganondorf's cruelty, after all.

Lowering her hand slowly, she nodded to Rusl. "Let's be on our way."

Glass shattered and fell to the ground in sparkling chimes. Potions bubbled and hissed on the floor as they started to pool together in a hazardous mix. Through it all, the witch remained calm, watching the king throw his childish rampage through her colorless eyes.

Even the proud and self-proclaimed powerful Fletcher was required to report to his councilmen and it wasn't long before they discovered that the Prince of Termina bowed out of the battle.

His plans to overtake Hyrule were reckless enough to begin with, yet at the time he'd had not only Termina at his side but also the warriors of the Gerudo tribe within Hyrule's bounds. It not only seemed plausible but likely that they could take down the kingdom and divide its lands and riches. But losing one powerful enemy was enough for them to begin their doubts and discussions of whether this battle was worth it all.

The entire time, the witch had been observing the events in the desert through her crystal ball. When she reported that the Gerudo matriarchs were dead, Fletcher knew that his plan would never see fruition if the councilors heard the news. Everybody would bow out and everything would fall to ruins as quickly as it built up.

It was the shame that bothered him more than anything. Had he never followed the witches' orders to begin with, he never could've failed. Now, if he surrendered and gave up everything that he worked towards for years, he'd forever be known as the king who failed - the man who lost the battle that never even started.

He wasn't all that surprised that Percival betrayed him. He was always too cowardly to commit to the risks of grand infamy. It was why Fletcher cleverly didn't reveal anything of value or consequence to him. In fact, his betrayal almost really did end up with either the hero's death or permanent banishment, but that stupid girl got in the way at the last moment. They were a horribly loyal bunch.

The boiling point, however, was the loss of his advantage. Zelda and the hero's return to the realm was the worst possible case scenario. Zelda was far too wise and Link was far too brave to back down from the fight that he started.

But if he'd learn anything from these terrible circumstances, it was that that foolish hero would travel just about anywhere for that wretched queen, and he knew that he needed them as far away as possible if he had any chance of taking their kingdom by force.

"Perhaps you ought to draw back and rethink your strategy, sire," the witch finally said, as if she could hear his thoughts. "The strongest warriors are also the wisest."

He threw his hands onto the table as he caught his breath, causing the items on it to jump and jingle. "This will not end this way."

"Why must you lose so much to gain so little?"

"Little?" he asked, exasperated. "My people will want for nothing."

"They will want for peace."

"Men who maintain peace gain nothing. Change and growth will not happen from a stagnant king."

"Your father was peaceful. And he was beloved."

Fletcher stopped for a moment and clenched his fists. "My father is dead." His voice lowered. "And no one will remember him."

The witch didn't respond, looking at the frayed mess that the king had become. His hair was a tangled heap, his eyes bloodshot and wild, and his garb was messy and haphazardly thrown on his thin frame. He rolled up a parchment in his shaking hands before slamming the door behind him.

It was hot for a snowy mountain. Maybe it was the heat radiating from the hearth. A tasty reekfish soup bubbled in their iron cauldron and permeated the cabin with its pungent smell.

Ashei was curled up in her father's chaise, watching as he stirred the pot. She could hear his low rumbling voice humming a chantey, could see the shadows play on the sharp edges of his face.

When the soup was ready, he scooped it up with a ladle, poured it into old crockery, and came to her moments later, shaking her shoulder. "Ashei," he said, though his voice sounded strange. "Wake up."

Her eyes squinted open and she realized dejectedly that she wasn't back in the mountains at all. A golden light bounced off the canvas walls, silhouetting the person who was still shaking her awake.

"Ashei," Shad said, and she pushed herself upwards.

She could hear the vivid sounds of armor ringing, of shouts and orders, as she pulled herself free of the scratchy woolen blanket. "What happened?"

"We were injured in the fight, remember? They've given us some potion for the pain."

Ashei looked down at herself with a frown. Her chest and arms were bound in gauze, but the pain she felt was faint and numb.

"Well then, what're we still doing here? They need me."

"Hold on," he said, gently pushing her shoulder. "You took a significant hit. We both did. You need to heal." He looked down at his hand on her shoulder, tensing the slightest, and took a small breath. "Thank you, by the way."

"For what?"

"You – Well I don't know how to say this, but you defended me. It resulted in some nasty injury, unfortunately. And yet...I'm grateful. Thank you."

Shaking her head, she darted her eyes away. He must've imagined the light blush dusting her cheeks. "Nah, that was nothing."

"It was something to me." Her eyes snapped back to his and immediately caught his fluster, evident in the flush in his ears the and tip of his nose. He opened his mouth, but hesitated, his brows knitting as he considered his words.

"You know, Ashei, I," he started, then paused and cleared his throat. "Well, I've had - I've been doing a lot of thinking about you. Well, actually, about me and you, I suppose-"

Suddenly, the warrior took hold of the scholar's neatly folded collar - even after a battle, for heavens' sake - and dragged him to her. When their lips collided, Shad tensed, his eyes wide behind his spectacles, until she drew back fiercely moments later.

His mouth parted while he fixed his round glasses and searched for a response. Ashei bit back a blush that tempted to smear her face.

"Shut up, already."

He examined her with the same focus and regard that he had when studying books. Then, emitting a breathy laugh, he shut his eyes and shook his head.

When Shad opened his eyes and smiled gently at her, Ashei opened her mouth, surely to argue for one thing or another. He stopped her swiftly by taking hold of her cheek, the softest she'd ever been held, and kissed her tenderly.

Sunlight was a delicacy she'd been without for too long and it was especially prominent in the desert as the fierce red sun hung over the dunes. Zelda closed her eyes as she bathed in its brilliance, the heat seeping into her skin and touching her very soul.

Rusl had been quiet the entire ride back to Castle Town, save for a few polite assurances and questions regarding her comfort. When they returned to town, he snuck Zelda through the alleyways of her town and into the familiar safehouse. Shrouded in her dark cloak, Zelda was taken down the stone staircase and into the bar.

With the curtains drawn in the back and the room silent, it appeared as though for the first time, the bar was completely empty. But when the door shut, the barkeep peeked through the patterned fabric.

Upon seeing the queen and Rusl, she threw her hands up and ran to their side. "Oh honey, you're safe! Thank heavens. Can I get you anything? You must be starving!"

Zelda simply took off her hood and shook her head. "Thank you, Telma, but all I require is information and passage to the castle."

"Yes, of course. Come back here, hon." The small group pushed through the curtain and Rusl pulled out a chair for Zelda. "There's been a lot of rumors amongst folk lately, debating about how safe it is outside, so not many people have been stopping by."

"What's happened to the kingdom? Was there a threat?"

Rusl and Telma exchanged a look, but the barkeep eventually propped herself on the table and set her hands in her lap. "It started many weeks ago. Everyone began to worry when you didn't return, but we figured that you were just caught up in business or something. Rumors started coming up around town, talking about how Link and the knights were searching for you and we all started to get worried.

"Then there was the attack in the castle. People were saying that the Holodrum king used some black magic and demanded that Hyrule surrender to him. He said that you were dead."

Zelda remained somber as she mulled over the details. Trying her best to remain calm, she asked, "What then?"

"Your advisor refused to surrender," Rusl said. "He called on the troops to defend the kingdom once the king declared war."

"Have there been any casualties? Was there any destruction?"

"No, there hasn't," Telma answered. "Word is that Holodrum's army is preparing for an attack, but we don't know how much of it is true."

The queen looked down and folded her hands in front of her stomach instinctively. "We'll do everything in our power to protect Hyrule, Your Majesty, and yourself," Rusl assured. "I'll return you to your castle through the tunnels where knights are waiting to defend you."

Telma placed a tender hand on her shoulder and Zelda smiled woefully. "Thank you. Let us not wait another minute then."

Following her order, Rusl rose from his seat and led the queen through the passageway at the back of the bar. A cool breeze came from the open tunnel, carrying a terrible stench. Nausea sat in the queen's chest like a heavy stone, but she simply held her breath and hoisted up her skirts while they sloshed through the stream of water.

Thin cobwebs hung limply in the thick air. Bats chirped shrilly in the distance while rats scurried on the ledges by the two, ready to strike, but Rusl watched them vigilantly from the queen's side.

"Forgive me if I overstep, Your Majesty," the man began, "but how have you been keeping? Everyone's been worried sick since you disappeared." There was a look on his face that only a worried parent could wear. His expression acutely reminded her of her husband, the genuineness of his words and the gentleness in which he conveyed them. It warmed her to her heart.

"I've been well. Thankfully, I remain unharmed." She paused in a way that implied there was something else she wanted to say but didn't elaborate.

For some reason, there was something very familiar in Zelda's disposition. In fact, it was almost reminiscent of his wife. It was strange since, though they were both kind and beautiful women, they were very different in many ways. Zelda was the image of regality and propriety, but Uli was always open and affectionate. "That's wonderful, Your Majesty."

Zelda nodded and smiled but when he returned her gentle look, his eyes strayed past her and his face fell. A rat with beady red eyes lunged from the line of rope a short way above them and Rusl batted it away with a quick swipe of his sword.

Splattering as it fell to the ground, Zelda felt the wave of nausea return tenfold. Much to her mortification, she fell to her knees and retched.

Rusl ran to her side in an instant and caught the hair from the sides of her face. He even helped her straighten up, gripping her arms with a firm but gentle hand. Considering all the times he'd been there for his wife when she was pregnant, he was way past the point of queasiness.

But as the thought came to his mind, it suddenly clicked: the sickliness and the fact that Link insisted she return home as it wasn't safe for her in the desert grounds, though Rusl had learned the queen was quite proficient in wielding weaponry. Even the way her hands protectively gravitated towards her stomach reminded him far too much of the way Uli had been twice over in her pregnancies.

He gasped sharply and Zelda's eyes rose to meet his. If he was right, if she was pregnant, then that meant Link was going to be a father, and in some sense, he'd be a grandfather. The thought nearly made his heart burst with joy.

He so desperately wanted to ask - wanted to clarify - but it wouldn't feel right even if she weren't the crown regent of their kingdom. If she was pregnant, they should tell him when they were ready. Certainly retreating from enemies in the sewers wasn't the best time or place to share such news.

But somehow it seemed as though Zelda had interpreted what that gasp meant. Her steel gaze swept over his face, examining him cautiously, and a silent understanding was exchanged.

Clearing his throat, Rusl rose to his feet, brushed away the dust and dirt off his trousers, and held out a hand for Zelda. "We better get going, Your Majesty." She nodded and took his hand.

Though he knew the queen was eager to return home, he took extra caution leading her forward. Their journey carried them around the spiraling stairs and across the ramparts; for the entirety, he strove to conceal the queen from sight. He only relaxed once they'd crept through an opening in one of the turrets and made their way down another staircase.

Just as Rusl said, a group of knights waited at the foot of it, immediately turning to attention when they saw their queen. Even with tattered clothes and scruffy hair, she still conveyed the regality and grace that urged them to fall to a knee and thump their fists against their chest, rattling the plates of armor.

"Your Majesty," they said in unison.

"Take us to court. I want all my councilors in attendance," she ordered. "Let them know I'm home at last."

Chapter Text

The queen of Hyrule strode into the room with all the grace befitting a royal and with the urgency of a general at war. At her entrance, the councilors arose from their seats and surrendered their attention swifter than usual.

Their intense eyes dissected her from head to toe: in addition to her disheveled hair and sullied makeup, her improper clothes were tarnished and tattered beyond repair. Even still, she wore them as if it were a new fashion.

When she got up to the podium, Zelda gestured for them all to sit and began right away. "I know you're all aware by now that my absence has not been intentional. I will explain what has happened to the best of my ability in a moment, but first I'd like to thank you all for upkeeping my duties in my absence. It's most important to me that Hyrule is always looked after and I applaud you for your efforts.

"Now in order to explain what transpired to the best of my ability, I must first clarify something else." She settled her gaze on a decorative brooch on Cole's lapel. For what she was about to reveal, she couldn't quite find it in her to level her gaze with the others. "The legendary Twilight Realm does indeed exist. I discovered this prior to these more recent events when a Twili man by the name of Zant stormed the throne room all those years ago.

"After ruthlessly murdering nearly every soldier on my guard, I surrendered to him in what I believed was the kingdom's best interest. His power was clearly stronger than my own and his cruelty knew no bounds. I couldn't protect this kingdom."

Her eyes rose to Cole's; part of her wished she could discern his thoughts. "That's when I met Link," she continued. "He was accompanied by the Twilight Realm's true ruler, Princess, now Queen Midna. Together, they went on a journey to save our kingdom from its downfall. But what nobody knew was there was a man behind Zant, someone controlling his every move, and that man was Ganondorf."

At that, a range of gasps emitted from the men while they looked at each other. She clenched the wood on the podium, her nails scratching the surface, as she gave them a moment to process everything before she continued.

"The evil being that loomed over the land - who plagued all of us in our nightmares and our waking lives was none other than the King of Evil himself. Though Ganondorf was meant to be executed long ago by the sages, he was granted the Triforce of Power by the goddesses' will and they were unable to overpower him. Therefore, they banished him to the Twilight Realm, where he was able to recruit Zant for his bidding.

"When all was said and done, Link was able to defeat Ganondorf and from our knowledge, the Triforce of Power disappeared with him. Only, we were mistaken. In actuality, his surrogate mothers in the desert were granted the gift in his place.

"With the power in their hands, they worked with the king of Holodrum to kidnap me as revenge for the death of their son. I'm still unaware why King Fletcher went along with it, but he and the prince of Termina arranged for my abduction at the wedding.

"They then sent me to the Twilight Realm, where I was reunited with the queen and where I remained without a way out. Link, as you're aware, made every effort to rescue me. Only, he too was banished to the Twilight Realm.

"With the help of our army, the rightful chiefess of the Gerudo tribe, Naboris, defeated the witches and brought the Triforce of Power to Link and me so that we may wish for a way home. Chiefess Naboris informed me that her tribe was unrightfully banished from our kingdom. Despite the workings of the Ganondorf and his surrogate mothers, the Gerudo people only wished for peace and unity with Hyrule. However, their resistance to the Gerudo matriarchs resulted in the use of dark magic to bend the people to their will.

"My husband and the battalion are still fighting to free the Gerudo members from the witches' spell so that peace may reign once more. I know that is a lot to take in, so if you have any questions, I implore you to simply ask."

The men murmured to one another before one asked, "Why have you not confided this to us before? We were aware that evil had befallen Hyrule, but we'd not realized to what extent."

Zelda paused for a moment before admitting, "I was ashamed. As the ruler of this land, I was unable to protect it and instead, I relied on Link and Queen Midna to save our land. My shame doesn't excuse my actions nor my deceit, but that is the truth."

"That's not fair, Your Majesty," Rusl piped up, earning the eyes of everyone in the room. Even Zelda swiveled to face him with a good level of confusion in her gaze. "I think we can all agree that you've been a most beloved queen. From what I hear, you protected us from being killed by this-this Zant, you called him.

"It sounds like you're amongst those who suffered the most, and you protected us from a similar fate. You stood by us through this all and then some. Everyone that I know has been well-taken care of and happy under your rule, Your Majesty."

"Even I was unaware of how much you've been actively working on to better our kingdom until I took your responsibilities under my wing," Cole admitted. "With both your own initiatives or volunteer work."

"You've also brought this kingdom up from its shambles," Councillor Benson added quietly. "You oversaw the reconstruction of Hyrule's town and villages."

"Our people were terribly worried when you were missing," another added. "They hold you in such high esteem."

With every word of praise, Zelda could only listen with her heart in her throat. She'd been holding onto her shame for years and long convinced herself that the council would shame her for her failures. Having their support nearly knocked her off her feet.

Looking upon the fond gaze of her council, she wondered how she had never seen their respect for her before. "Thank you for your kind words. I've wanted nothing more than what's best for our kingdom. Hearing your acclamations means the world to me."

Trying to bring herself back to the matter at hand, she flattened her palms on the podium and swallowed the tightness in her throat. "Speaking of which, I've heard about what has transpired in the kingdom. I believe that it's possible, with the defeat of the Gerudo matriarchs, that the King of Holodrum may surrender his threats."

"And how do you wish to retaliate? At your order, we can send the knights to Holodrum and get you somewhere safe, Your Majesty."

"Before we resort to such dire actions, I believe we should try to resolve this diplomatically. So long as we have Labrynna at our side, we have a fighting chance to settle this between the rulers and councils of our states. More than anything, I want to ensure that our people are safe."

Cole's brows knit. "You're the nation's queen. When your life was threatened, we were devastated. It would not be unreasonable for you to send out an attack on King Fletcher."

"I understand that my life was at risk, but King Fletcher was wise to attack discreetly. Many people within Hyrule and Holodrum are still unaware of what transpired and of the king's involvement, especially considering he has not mobilized his army. I certainly will not send our army out to attack another nation's king without clear and just cause."

"And what in the meantime? You cannot stay within reach. You could be killed, Your Majesty," a councilor argued.

"There is nowhere I can hide that magic cannot reach. If King Fletcher wishes it, he could find me in the depths of a cave." Zelda shook her head again. "No, I will remain in the castle. The commanders have done well to train our army and so I would feel safest in these walls protected by our guards. Moreover, I am queen: I will not cower. I will stand up with my kingdom and my people."

They looked at each other. By now, they knew that their monarch was stubborn and that her love for her kingdom was infinite.

"Your Majesty, if I may," Rusl spoke again from behind her. Everyone looked at him once more. "Perhaps they're right. Your kingdom adores you. No one would blame you if you retreated and let the army defend you in your stead."

"Thank you, Sir Rusl. I appreciate your worries, but I assure you – all of you – I will be fine. I would not argue if I believed otherwise.

"Back to the subject at hand, I want to ensure that no external communications with King Fletcher will be made. If there's any news from without or within the kingdom, I want it all reported to me immediately. Make haste and ensure all the necessary preparations are made."

War was brutal. Whether the armies were grand or the battles were long, each knight had to put their strength and focus into every second of the fight, lest they lose it all. Every strike needed to be precise, especially as the Hylians weren't aiming to hurt but rather free the Gerudo warriors from their spell.

Despite his vast experience with fighting and swordplay, Link never fought in a war of this capacity before. He was a lone wolf, save for the occasional rescue missions where he had to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. But he never fought a battle with so many warriors, each fighting their own battle.

It was treacherous, hearing the cries and screams of lost voices in the crowd, not knowing where or who it was coming from. His trained eyes could catch every faulty swing and every brutal fall from afar. It was his instinct to dive in and help and it ached him to his very soul that he couldn't save them all.

Within the fray, Link found Eagus; clad in a full set of armor, he was nearly the size of a Darknut and his arm came down like an Armos. Link had never seen him so ferocious. When he spotted the young hero, he froze for a moment before lifting the mask of his helmet and nodding sternly. Link returned the gesture in earnest, grateful that someone as powerful and loyal was on their side.

Link would do everything in his power to protect them all.

When one of the enemy's captains found the prince in the crowd, she charged forward, whipping her spear over her head and straight down. "Link!" Eagus warned and Link leapt out of the arc just at the right moment.

While the tip was still on the ground, Link aimed for the stone in her circlet. But at the same moment, the woman released her grip on the shaft and unsheathed a smaller blade. In a series of intense blows, their weapons met every time. Link was smaller than the captain, but he was swifter and stronger. His blade whipped across hers and it flew out of her grip, burying in the sand out of reach. Before she could dive in that direction, Link jabbed the pommel of his sword into the stone, shattering it instantly.

Her hand went up to reach her forehead instinctively, her eyes dazed as she came to. Nearby stretcher bearers arrived to carry her out of harm's way while he moved forward.

With a flash of the evening sun on his sword, he knocked the blade out of the next guard's hands. Another swung her scimitar towards his right hip and bounced off the metal of his shield. Link jammed the shield into her in rebuttal and she toppled to the sand clumsily. Everyone within his direct vicinity could only spare a quick, fascinated glance at their hero as he swept the warriors off their feet.

Gripping the hilt, he swept his blade to the right and upward to knock the sword out of the next guard's hand. He elbowed the next woman and swiped the feet out from under another.

The next enemy came dashing towards him, suddenly determined to best her companions, but the hero spun gracefully and met the steel of her scimitar. Unleashing all his energy into the clash, he shoved her to the ground. As she toppled, she knocked down her friends, all of them scrambling in a lumbering choir.

A short distance away, deep in the fortress, the seven Gerudo women who were first freed from their spells stepped up to aid the Hylians. Each of them used their most evident and valuable trait to aid in the fight, whether that meant fighting in the battle, carrying out fallen soldiers, or healing those who were injured.

Naboris was far too young to fight in battle. Though she was the most spirited of them all, no one would let their chiefess put herself in harm's way at such a young age. Instead, she remained with those coming out of their spell and explained to everyone what'd happened.

Every time she tried to apologize for the actions of her mothers, the others would swiftly dismiss it. They knew she wasn't responsible for their mistakes, and she'd always done everything in her power to protect everyone. They couldn't fault her for something that was out of her control.

With every speech she delivered, she felt more love for her people and more impassioned about what'd happened. They'd gone through so much – they'd been possessed and held captive, they'd gone hungry and tired and afraid, but through it all, they kept their faith and love for one another. There was no greater beauty in the world to the young chiefess.

It wasn't until the last flicker of dusk that the very last Gerudo guard was freed from their spell. As it did with Naboris and the others, it took a while after the enchantment was broken before they were fully awake again. That allowed the Hylians a moment of reprieve and allowed the first that was released from the spell to explain what happened and reassure the others that they were safe now.

The Hylians made camp in the sands around the fortress, lighting fires and pitching tents for the night before they could set out by dawn. There were so many people Link needed and wanted to speak with, but for a moment, he just needed to catch his breath.

He wandered off towards the gate and looked up at the night sky. There was so much for him to reflect on and yet his mind was so exhausted, he couldn't form a single clear thought. All he wanted was to be still.

The dark sky was smeared with violet celestial streaks and speckled with twinkling stars. Insects chirped and trilled in the from the barebone shrubbery scattered across the sands and a prairie dog howled in the distance. As a gust of wind whipped past him, he took a deep breath and shut his eyes.

It'd been a long day. In just a matter of hours, he said goodbye to his dear friend once more, left the Twilight Realm, parted with Zelda yet again, and fought in an arduous battle to relieve the Gerudo members of their spell. He was surprised he hadn't collapsed then and there.

He hoped Zelda and Rusl made it back to the castle okay. He couldn't stop his mind from returning to Zelda. More than anything, he just wanted to be at her side. At the very least, he knew she was safe with his mentor; there was no one he trusted quite as much as him.

But as much as he wanted to stop time, there was much he needed to do.

Kicking up sand beneath his heel, he turned back to the camp and made his way straight to the commander's tent. Candlelight flickered through the canvas, outlining Eagus's broad silhouette alongside another. Link loosened the flap of the tent and asked, "Commander?"

"Link? Is that you? Come in." Following his order, he found Eagus and Auru standing around the makeshift desk. "You did great work out there today. We're so happy to have you back."

Link smiled with a stern nod. Auru approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder, leading him deeper into the tent. "I know you must be tired, son, but would you care to catch us up on what happened to you and Her Majesty? And what was the Gerudo's involvement in all this?"

Link knew the question was coming. It was only fair to give everyone the frankest summary of everything that happened when they'd undoubtedly been worrying and searching for them all this time.

They seated him on a crate and listened as he started the story from the top. He explained how Zelda got kidnapped at the reception, how he and Percival went searching for her and eventually found the Gerudo fortress.

He needed to emphasize everything that Naboris did to help him and Zelda. Considering what he learned about politics and allyship from his marriage to the queen of Hyrule, he knew that they deserved to be cleared of any blame concerning Kotake and Koume's actions. He promised to welcome their tribe back to the kingdom and he intended to keep that promise.

The hardest thing to explain was Midna and the Twilight Realm, especially since Zelda was always careful when discussing those details. Link always suspected it was either out of fear something like Zant's Invasion would happen again or out of the avoidance of her feelings - not that he could deny feeling the same way. It was strange discussing Zant, Midna, and even Ganondorf with those who knew little about it.

But he knew there was no use denying the existence of the Twilight Realm now that everyone knew that they'd vanished from the Hyrule - and the entire light realm for that matter. So he tried to explain most simply: it was a nice, peaceful place, but while they were safe there, they made every effort to return to Hyrule.

"Well, now that this spell or whatever is over and done with, we'll let the queen and her council decide what to do next," the commander said with finality. He scratched his dark hair before flattening his hand on his head. "We're set to return home in the morning after everyone's gotten some rest. Ashei should be much better by then, too."

"Wait, what happened to Ashei?"

"She and Shad suffered some injuries in the battle against the Gerudo matriarchs," Auru explained. Link's eyes widened. Eager to ease his worries, he continued, "They've taken healing elixirs and they should feel better after some rest."

His gaze drifted to the side as he lowered his head. That was always the difficult part of fighting with more people: there were more chances for fatalities and causalities. When he fought on his own, he only had to worry about himself and at times Zelda and Midna.

"They'll be okay, Link. Go rest for the night. We'll wake you in the morning when it's time to go."

While he was more than ready to return home, neither the hero nor the queen could get much sleep that night. After they'd just reunited, it was difficult for them to be separated once again.

Once the queen greeted everyone in Hyrule Castle with all the politeness and pleasantries she could manage, she wound up in her chambers alone at night. But that just resulted in her tossing and turning so restlessly that the sheets tangled around her legs. Eventually, she had enough. She rubbed her eyes and got out of bed, surrendering to another sleepless night.

With gusto, she threw open the doors to her balcony. A gust of wind picked the voile curtains off the floor, swirling and twisting like wispy ghosts in the night. She lifted her silk robe and stepped onto the balcony.

Snowflakes speckled the night sky like falling stars, and a blanket of heavy snow covered the gardens and the roofs in town. Just seeing the firelight dance on the stone walls lightened her heart, knowing her people were safe and asleep in their homes.

Closing her eyes, she flattened her hands together and kneeled on the frosted ground. She sent a prayer to the golden goddesses above that Link and the knights would make it out of the battle safe and whole, and she prayed that the people of the Gerudo tribe came out unscathed.

She knew that battles rarely ended without causalities or fatalities, but she hoped against hope that everyone would be okay. Perhaps the goddesses would take pity on the situation and watch over both sides given the circumstances. After all, the Gerudo women were unaware of their actions and the Hylians were working to free them. That was honorable, wasn't it? They deserved mercy, didn't they?

With one final prayer, she prayed for the well-being of her friend and her kingdom in the Twilight Realm. Midna had done so much for her, even before this entire debacle, and she knew that the parting would be equally difficult for her. She wished her unwavering bravery and fortitude would see her through this hardship.

The kindness Midna showed her would never be forgotten; Zelda would always hold her close to her heart, no matter the distance. She only wished the world would know of her sacrifices and remember her, as well.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped back into the room alone. She shrugged a robe over her nightgown and picked up a candleholder before peering out of the room to ensure that there was no one in sight. It was far too late, anyhow, for anyone to be up and about besides the patrolling guards. Even Lady Irene retired to bed after her many enthusiastic remarks at the queen's return.

The chilled stone walls were just as she remembered them. Torchlights lit the way and plush blue carpets wound through the halls as she made her way to the kitchens to whip herself up some tea. There was no use waking someone up this late anyhow.

Embarrassedly, she rarely used to kitchens. If she ever craved some snack or tea, she simply had to ring for it and a servant would rush it over. She only knew where it was because it was adjacent to the dining hall she and Link shared.

Someone was already there. There was another candle lit, the warm glow bouncing off the stone walls, and there was a distinct sound of clanging pots and pans. Zelda peered around the corner and found someone rustling through the cupboards.

"Rusl?"

He froze when his eyes met hers, a guilty look on his face, reminiscent of a child caught reaching for the cookie jar. "Oh, Your Majesty…my apologies."

Zelda tilted her head, a small amused smile curling her lips. "There's no need for apologies. Whatever are you doing up at this hour?"

He slowly lowered his hands, his cheeks rosy with a blush. "I'm having a little trouble sleeping. I find that a warm belly helps put me to bed." She hummed. "I'll get out of your way."

"No, no, that's quite all right. I was just getting some tea myself and truthfully, I'd appreciate the company."

"Oh," he said with a look back at the cupboard. "I can make that for you if you'd like."

"You don't need to go through the trouble."

"No trouble at all." He gestured for her to sit on a stool as he pulled out a pot from the cupboard. The queen watched as he gradually relaxed, his shoulders slackening and his Ordonian accent peeking through his formal tone.

"My wife tells me my tea is pretty good, though I think she only says that so I feel more inclined to make her some when she asks." He chuckled a little and Zelda smiled. "Not that I can really complain."

They fell into silence as the water began simmering, bubbles bursting through the surface. Zelda eventually asked, "May I ask, how did you and Uli meet?"

"Of course, Your Majesty. We grew up in Ordon together. All of us villagers did, in fact. It's the kind of place you usually don't want to leave." Zelda listened attentively with her chin resting on her hand.

"But you see, I wanted to be a knight and then Uli followed me to Castle Town. That's how I knew she loved me: she was willing to leave everything behind for me." He sighed nostalgically once he started scooping the water into two porcelain cups.

After some shuffling, he turned around, set them on the steel table with a clink, and pulled out a stool for himself opposite the queen. "Kind of how Link did for you. He really loves you, Your Majesty. I see it in his eyes."

Zelda tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as a smile tugged on her lips, before folding both hands around the teacup.

"We Ordon men are lucky like that," he said breezily. "I remember when Uli told me she was pregnant with Colin. Goddesses, I thought I'd start flying. Poor Link had no clue what was going on!"

The queen froze for a moment and Rusl's laugh withered when he realized what he'd said. It was an innocent enough anecdote, but suspecting what he did, what was left unsaid suddenly solidified into palpable tension.

He thought to fix it, sifting back through his years of chivalry, yet he couldn't think of a single instance that would help dig him out of this.

After a moment, Zelda gathered herself as if nothing had happened and smiled politely. "I can only imagine," she simply said. "You've raised lovely children."

He cleared his throat and nodded, grateful that she was able to move on from it so naturally. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It certainly was difficult, especially with Link."

"Oh? Was he troublesome?"

"No, no, I just meant we were still young at the time. There were some times that he was a handful, but not intentionally. More so that trouble found him."

She pressed the cup to her lips and hummed. "That certainly sounds like him."

There was a beat of silence where Rusl appeared lost in thought, though his smile was still present. Eventually, he said, "There was this one time we went fishing - I don't know if he ever told you, Your Majesty, but Link is quite the fisher. Back in the day, I taught him how to do it with one of my rods. It was an old wooden one, but he still couldn't keep it upright.

"One day, we're sitting on the dock and he's holding the rod when a big Ordon catfish bites onto the bait. It must've been 25 inches! He starts pulling and pulling and he can't reel him in, so I tell him to let it go. Oh, but you know Link. He's a headstrong one, all right."

"Most definitely," Zelda agreed with a smile.

"He's still holding onto the rod when the catfish yanks the hook, and the kid goes up in the air and straight down into the water! Well, the line broke and the fish got away, but the poor boy is still in the water - fuming."

With a polite hand over her mouth, she laughed at the image it cultivated.

"I had to go in after him! Oh, and I remember the water was real cold that day. When my wife saw us come home wet and shivering, she nearly yelled my ear off!"

"That must've been difficult to explain."

"It was! Uli did a great job of scolding the both of us." After a smack on his knee, he shook his head with a smile. "But those were some of the best days of my life. There's nothing quite like being with the ones you love, even when you're getting into trouble."

Zelda's laughter quieted to a soft smile. "I agree."

"I just know the two of you will continue to have that same happiness together. And even though we're in Ordon, we send out our love as well."

The way Rusl spoke about Link and love brought back memories of her parents and the way they made her feel as a child. It was a warm fuzzy feeling of comfort and safety like being wrapped in a blanket or cradled in someone's arms.

She'd been so lonely for so long before Link came into her life and brought these beautiful people along with him. Would she ever be able to thank him enough for that? She doubted it.

Zelda wanted to express how much she appreciated his kindness and support but the sentences she put together in her mind fell flat. Nothing she could say would properly express her gratitude. Instead, she simply said, "Thank you, Rusl."

When they drank the tea and Zelda finally felt sleepiness weigh her down, the farmer cheerfully escorted her back to her chambers. "I must thank you for accompanying me. I had a wonderful time."

"Of course, Your Majesty. It's always a pleasure speaking with you," he said as they arrived at her door. "You get some rest, now. Link will be home before you know it."

"Thanks to your tea, I'm sure I'll fall to sleep in no time." He chuckled heartily at her little jest and she smiled proudly. "Goodnight, Rusl."

"Goodnight, Your Majesty."

When dawn chased away the shadows of the night, Naboris stepped into her mothers' chambers alone. From the large window of their quarters, she could see the golden light rise on the eastern horizon, painting the desert in its scarlet beams. A howling wind carried sand over the rolling dunes and the sound was only pierced by the sharp whistle of cicadas.

She turned on her heel and examined the room. It was the same as it always looked, curled onto the rug in one of her mother's laps, listening to the great stories of her renowned brother and the great ambitions they wished to emulate.

Naboris agreed that he was a great king. All he ever wanted and sought was the best for his people – her people now, she realized – and he was very close to achieving it.

However, while Naboris could see that his cruelty and betrayal of the kingdom of Hyrule were unjust, her mothers couldn't – or at least wouldn't - admit it. They believed he was faultless. It was why his death was so hard on them: they always said he was taken before his time and that Hyrule deserved to suffer for their actions.

Naboris never actually had the opportunity to meet him, though she imagined he might've spoken with Kotake and Koume once he returned to the light realm. She was too young to remember that clearly.

Either way, she learned that all their greed resulted in was death. They never achieved anything, as far as she was concerned, as her people were still imprisoned and their memories were shunned.

Naboris wouldn't follow in their footsteps. She would do everything that they failed to do, with or without the glory they sought, and she would free her people from the shame that tainted their good name and the exile that afflicted them for so long. And with Zelda and Link on her side, it seemed that dream was achievable at last.

When her people arose from their slumber, she had her most trusted advisors, seven of the greatest women she knew, gather her citizens and bring them to the chambers. She stood at the head of the room and waited patiently as they all assembled before her.

Everyone seemed a little out of sorts. They'd been under the spell far longer than she was, and it even took her a while to make sense of the time that passed without her. Either way, she commanded their attention with all the power of a great ruler.

"Today marks the first day of a new age. Our people were under the care of vengeful rulers for too long. It's time we leave the past behind and focus on a brighter future together. From now on, we look out for each other instead of focusing on one person's goals. That's why I want to appoint a council to help guide me and lead us towards a better future."

The crowd erupted in exclamations and murmurs, either pleased or confused with this new development. Their tribe only ever followed the command of one king; they never had a democracy before. It was a large leap to make and one that no one took lightly.

Each of the Gerudo members had strong feelings about it, good or bad, but Naboris wholeheartedly believed it was for the best. She witnessed what unquestionable power could do to a person, and she would not let history repeat itself any longer.

After her speech, Naboris and her council-to-be went to bid the Hylians adieu. Hyrule's army gathered at the gate, quiet and slow-moving. A single night of peaceful rest wasn't enough to wipe away the purple blotches under their eyes or rectify the tenderness in every muscle. Their steeds were rounded up, including Epona once Link happily reunited with her, earning a forceful nuzzle on the shoulder.

She strode to the mass in large strides, shoulders and chin high, followed by her friends and council members. The young chiefess seemed a great deal more mature in the short time the hero knew her.

The time she spent imprisoned in her dungeons by the merciless hands of her mothers, followed by their fateful deaths, took a toll on her girlish youth. She was stronger, no doubt, but also more solemn.

"Link," she said, her voice stern but pleased. He released Epona's reins and turned to face her. The group around him murmured in surprise to finally come face to face with the chiefess of this entirely new civilization. "I can't thank you or your soldiers enough for freeing us from my mothers' spell. We couldn't have done it all on our own."

He nodded. "Some of my guards checked out the barrier this morning. It seems your wife has already made good on her promise: we can finally leave this place. And we will, I'll come to the castle at the first chance, but we have a lot to get done here first."

His eyes wandered to the invisible barrier surrounding the rusted gate. He couldn't really tell what had or hadn't changed, but he didn't doubt Zelda would do the right thing.

With a smile, he nodded once more to the young girl. "Whenever you're ready, you're welcome in the castle. But for now, I hope everyone is okay from the battle."

She smiled, that shining and girlish smirk flashing back to her momentarily. "We will be. My people are strong. They can overcome this." Taking a step back, she addressed the group, bowing her head in respect, and the others behind her unflinchingly followed her lead. "Sav'orq. Safe travels."

A biting chill permeated the great foyer of Hyrule Castle. Though the chandeliers were alight across the breadth of the gold ornate ceiling, there was still a darkness that fell with the cold air, concealing itself in the corners where light and heat couldn't reach.

Bracing herself for the return of her army, the queen stood at the center of the room large, tiled floor, cozily wrapped in a fur-lined cloak and flanked by a group of soldiers. It was customary for a Hylian regent to greet her battalions upon their arrival back from battle and with her husband as second-in-command, Zelda had even more incentive to arrive at the earliest convenience.

When the scouts in town announced the first spotting of the army on the horizon, she hastened to the great gates and tapped her thumbs against her fingers anxiously. With the earth trembling under the steady foundation of the castle, the towering doors creaked open; the bright white snow glared through the gap between the doors and only became more evident as the opening widened.

Snowflakes fluttered down around the grand statue amid the courtyard, piling onto the sheets blanketing the rest of the garden. She took a deep, steadying breath of the steely cold air - far more potent than the still air in the Twilight Realm - and reminded herself that she was home and Link would be as well shortly.

As if on cue, the earth began to rumble and tremble under the heft of hundreds of horses as they arrived at the gates. Scouts shouted out orders to one another, ringing even from a distance, and the gates were drawn open.

Zelda's mitts were folded eloquently over her coats. Images of Link's battered body flashed in her mind as if to taunt her of the worst possible scenario and she sent out another quick prayer to the goddesses that he was all right. But the army split around the statue and came in orderly around the pathways. Her eyes searched the crowd, her heart pounding against her ribcage despite her best efforts until they landed on the familiar bridle on Epona's back.

Her gaze traveled to the hand on her reins, blinking through the limbs of the crowd, and eventually landed on his distinct blue eyes, and she finally exhaled. He was holding up the back of the group, almost as if he was herding the group safely back home. When the gates closed and he spotted her, he moved through the crowd to the front alongside the commander.

With a strong voice, she addressed the crowd. "Brave soldiers, you've done your kingdom proud. You've acted with true honor and performed with remarkable skill. Thanks to your actions, we may now mend the tears that have been cleaved long ago and become whole once more. On behalf of Hyrule, we thank you for your bravery and your diplomacy."

Eagus tucked a helmet under his arm as he stepped to the bottom of the stairs, thumped a fist over the breastplate of his armor, and knelt to the ground. The symphony of a hundred other beats followed, ringing like a bell tower throughout the enclosure.

Link arrived at the head of the group at that moment. Her steel blue eyes softened to cotton as she looked upon him, but he knelt to the ground and thumped his fist over his heart with the fealty she treasured the most.

It was tradition for knights to celebrate a victory with an evening in the Castle Town bar. Knowing this, the queen arranged for the commanders to report on the battle the following day in court. After all, they arrived only moments before sundown, and they deserved a nice celebration for all their hard work.

Though Link was unwilling to leave her, she informed him that Rusl was due to return home in the morning and advised him to stop by the party to talk to him.

Eventually, the court and kingdom would hear about Zelda's pregnancy, and now might be the only time to tell Rusl first before he left. They couldn't quite leave Hyrule for Ordon given everything that'd happened and they didn't know when they'd see or speak with any of the villagers again.

Music from the lutes, lyres, and flutes filled the room almost as thickly as the hot and heady air, tinted with the potent smell of whisky and smoked meat. Just the same, the smiles and cheers of the knights lit up the room far more than the candelabras and wagon wheel chandeliers hanging from the wooden beams on the ceiling. For one night, all the stress of battles and threats was put to the side, and the knights could simply enjoy their fill of ale and feast on platefuls of food.

When the hero walked into the heady room, a loud hurrah rang out and glass mugs chimed, bubbling over with foam and spilling onto the tables. By all accounts and purposes, a party like this was even more his speed than the royal parties he was now used to.

When Eagus took note of his attendance, he slapped his back in a way that made the young man stumble forward. "My boy, I'm glad you came! Here!" Eagus picked up a mug that looked like a teacup in his giant hands and tapped into the keg. He handed the young hero the messy cup of ale and pushed him into the crowd. "Go enjoy yerself, son."

Link stumbled in, looking amongst his colleagues with a shaky grin. His shoulders instantly relaxed, however, when he saw his friends at one of the tables, apart from the noise. He made his way over, trying not to spill his glass on the decorative rug when the men playfully shoved him as he passed by.

Shad sat at one of the seats between Ashei's legs as she perched up on the tables. Rusl was clad in his adventurous gear, leaning back on his chair comfortably beside Auru. Telma had her back to him but leapt up when she heard the rest of them greet the hero amiably.

The barkeep excitedly enveloped the hero in her snug embrace, almost as stifling as the grab of deku baba but a ton more comforting. "You!" She held the word teasingly, causing a shy smile to work its way onto his lips. "We were all worried sick about you, you know!"

"We're just glad you and Her Majesty are safe," Auru added. The hero scratched the back of his neck nervously as he looked between his friends, landing on Rusl's tired but content expression. When the older man patted the seat beside him, Link suddenly remembered why he was there.

He wasn't quite eager to share the news in front of everyone just yet, and he was sure Zelda wouldn't be keen if the news caught on like wildfire gossip before she could make a formal announcement. Instead, he took him up on his wordless invitation and asked the two youngest resistance members if they were okay first.

"Psh," Ashei said with a nonchalant wave of her hand. "This isn't anything compared to the frostbite you get on the mountains, yeah? Besides, I got a cool new scar."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far," Shad said with a slight pinch in his brow. "It was painful surely, but we're both well healed now. Thank you for asking. Besides, I'm sure you've suffered worse. Speaking of which, is the queen all right? We haven't gotten a chance to ask."

There was a slight change in Link's demeanor that only Rusl noticed. His shoulders stiffened and his cheeks reddened a bit more than the heady bar would cause. With a small gulp, the blond bobbed his head and lowered his eyes to the glass cup in his hands. "She's fine."

"Oh yes, I spoke to Her Majesty yesterday. She seems to be doing well, all things considered." Link met his kind eyes and Rusl gave him a reassuring smile, nodding as if to communicate something the hero didn't quite understand.

"She's a tough gal, that one," Telma said sagely. "And that's exactly what we need right now."

"Especially with what's going on in Hyrule lately," Auru added. "We might've won the battle, but the war's not over just yet."

Everyone silenced at that heavy note, but Telma waved it away quickly with a swat of her cloth. "Never mind that. Tonight's a night for celebrating. Remember if you need anything, it's on the house."

A chime of "Thanks, Telma," came from the group.

After finishing his glass, the young prince was able to enjoy the night with his friends. Others came around and greeted him throughout the night with light punches to the shoulder or fun ribbing. Link just felt warm and happy to be surrounded by his companions and to know that his presence was missed.

But as the night went on and the drinks were poured, the crowd got drunker and the noise got louder. Ashei even dipped Shad for an embarrassing kiss in front of the group, which earned a few wolf whistles and cheers from the others. Link took it as a sign that people wouldn't notice if he slipped out and asked Rusl if he could speak in private. He eagerly accepted before the two of them retreated to the empty patio.

There was no one on the cobblestone streets besides them: the only ones anywhere near were the guards at every gate and the patrolling officer in the alleys. The markets were packed up and closed earlier and the shutters to the houses were tightly secured. The only sound was the fountain in the town square and the whistling of the wind. If any outsider were to walk in, they could've easily thought Hyrule's capital was a ghost town.

Typically, Castle Town wasn't completely empty even late at night. Usually, there'd be at least a few quiet souls wandering the alleys or trying to sell their wares, and shutters were hardly ever locked up.

But there was an understandable amount of anxiety given Fletcher's threats and the recent battles, and night always seemed to draw out the worst fears in people.

Rusl began to climb the stairs, expecting Link to follow, but he only made it to the first landing.

Holding onto the iron railing for support, Link blurted, "She's pregnant."

Rusl froze in his step. He didn't move for a moment and the stagnancy was frightening. The air got colder and Link gripped the railing a little tighter. "Zelda, I mean...Zelda's pregnant."

Rusl took in a quivering breath. He expected it, he felt it in his very gut, but it was completely different to hear Link say it out loud.

Though Link wasn't his by blood, he was his son in his heart, in every right, and he loved him when he'd left Ordon and the entire realm for that matter.

In that sense, this child would be his grandson, the very first of the newest generation, and he couldn't help feeling the pride and joy he felt when raising his own children.

After a moment, he turned around and met Link's eyes, restless and nervous as they were, looking up at him from a few steps down. With a rosy face and creased eyes, Rusl simply shook his head and threw himself on top of the hero, causing him to stumble backward clumsily.

Rusl's voice was gurgly and wet as he held back his sobs and embraced him tighter than ever. "I'm so happy for you." Link gripped him back firmly. "I'm so proud."

When Rusl drew back, he saw the gleam in the hero's eyes and was reminded of the baby that was born only minutes prior, the infant who just lost his father in a war-stricken world, and the little boy who'd fallen off Epona for the first time. Just as he had then, he placed his weathered hands on Link's face and wiped away the tears that trailed down his cheeks.

"You will be a great father, Link," he asserted. "I just know it."

Link cupped his hands over his mentor's and bobbed his head as if pledging to him that he'd do his very best. Rusl pulled him closer and placed a kiss on his forehead, over the mussed-up bangs that still smelled like the trees of Ordon for some reason. "I'm so proud," he said again. And he meant it.

Chapter Text

When dawn broke that morning, its light breaching through the voile curtains and casting a wave of shadows over their chamber floors, she knew it was time to rise. The sunlight painted the room in an idyllic glow, radiating her husband's tanned skin and his wheat-colored locks. His body rose and fell with every rumbling snore and she knew he was still deep in sleep.

Even in the early light, she could see the marks over his shoulders and back, some old and faded, others still fresh from battle. Carefully, she reached out and traced the jagged lines with the tip of her finger. It was only a moment before his breathing shifted, but he didn't move until she settled a palm over his back and the arc of his shoulder blade.

Sheets shifted and rustled as he turned and propped himself up on an elbow, a small smile on his lips. Just the way his messy bangs fell over his blue eyes made her smile.

"Good morning, love," Zelda greeted. Her fingers wandered his chest, lightly caressing the ridges. "How did last night go? Did you tell Rusl the news?"

"I did," he said, voice still coarse from sleep. "He was really happy. He said he'll tell everyone back home."

She hummed, her eyes following the route of her lazy finger. "Perhaps we could arrange for you to drop by for a day or two and relay the news alongside him. I'm afraid I can't afford to miss any more time but-"

His hand caught her finger and her eyes flashed back to his, noting the firm look in his gaze. "I'm not going to leave you again. We just got back and you're…"

His gaze softened all too quickly when it traveled to her stomach. He released her finger and grabbed her side instead. His hand seemed so large over her waist, but she knew it wouldn't be long before a bump would grow and he'd no longer be able to envelop her so easily.

"They'll be happy either way."

"Perhaps."

His eyes got distant with thought, and so too did Zelda's. There was something she hadn't had a chance to tell him yet - something she didn't feel right keeping from him.

"Link, there was something I wanted to speak with you about." He hummed inquisitively. "Do you remember, back in the Twilight Realm, when Midna said that we'd see each other again?" He nodded.

"You see, when we obtained the Triforce, Midna devised a better plan. Instead of wishing for a mirror, she proposed that I wish for the ability to turn any mirror into a portal between realms with a single touch."

He furrowed his brows as he thought back to the moment they spoke in secret. At the time, he thought they were just saying their goodbyes. And yet, he also recalled that Zelda touched the mirror before the portal whisked them away.

There was no mirror behind them and he sort of assumed it was left in the Twilight Realm. If things hadn't gotten so hectic, he might've realized how it didn't make much sense at all.

"So you can…make portals now?"

She smiled a little at his simplistic explanation. "Yes, I'm able to transform any mirror into a portal, which also means that there is no mirror to break. Should we need to see Midna again, she's never that far away." When he realized what she was saying, a warm, nearly nostalgic smile stretched his lips. She almost didn't want to continue.

But Midna trusted her with this gift and the enormous responsibility that came with the ability to connect realms at a whim. She didn't want to betray her by abusing it in any way.

"Even so, I don't believe it'd be wise to do so often. It's only available as a last resort, such as when we were trapped in the Twilight Realm."

Though she expected him to look upset, his expression softened to something thoughtful, pensive almost.

When Midna first destroyed the mirror, Link felt every negative emotion in the book and flipped through them rapidly. He was angry; he was hurt and sad and disappointed, just to name a few.

But once those initial feelings mellowed out and he had a chance to really reflect on her decision, he realized that she only had the best intentions for both realms. What she did was wise and sensible, and he couldn't blame her for doing it. Especially not after what everyone had gone through.

In truth, though he wished she'd change her mind about keeping a second mirror around, he had trouble believing she'd go through with it. This idea, however, seemed like the perfect compromise.

As much as the three of them would like to be able to talk or catch up regularly - as if they were only another kingdom rather than another realm away - it wasn't exactly the safest option. At the very least, now they knew that she'd always be there if they needed her and vice versa. It was also much better than the shattered glass they were left with last time.

"I'm sorry that you're not able to see her more often," Zelda continued. "I know it was hard on you to say goodbye when the Mirror of Twilight was shattered, as it was for me."

"Yeah, I didn't expect it at first. But I understand why she did it and I know it's for the best. As long as she's okay, then it's okay."

"I feel the same."

A silence prevailed for a moment while he lovingly stroked her before he spoke up again. "Speaking of…how are you feeling?"

"I'm well enough. Now that you've told Rusl the news, I'd like to share it with Cole before we announce it to the entire kingdom."

"You're doing that today?"

"I have a meeting with him today; I might as well deliver the news. Besides, we don't have much time before it'll be difficult to hide."

He tried in vain to suppress his growing smile at that last remark. It was hard to imagine his wife with a baby bump but the idea filled his heart with warmth, just knowing that she'd be carrying their first child. He wondered how many they'd have. "I hope it goes okay."

"Thank you," she said, craning her neck to press a kiss on his jaw. "I better get on with it."

The blond swept her lips up before she could draw away from him. His hand came up to her jaw and cradled her ever so gently; his lips were lazy on her, but warm and sweet like honey and she just melted against him. When he pulled away, enough for dawn's golden light to shine between them, he smiled down at her. "Not yet," he murmured, warm against her. "Don't leave."

She took a small breath as she looked between his eyes and those silver specks in his irises that she could only see from up close. Playfully, she dared him, "You'd keep me from my duties, sir?"

"No." His eyes watched his hand sweep up a strand of hair by her ear, fingering it absently, before he flashed his gaze back to hers. "I just…would like an audience with the queen."

His little jest made her laugh breathily. It was always endearing to her when he used aristocratic jargon. At times, she pondered if it was a good thing or not, that she was rubbing off on him.

She became decidedly distracted from that train of thought when he began peppering kisses across the tendons of her neck and over her shoulders. "I suppose I could spare a moment or two."

He smiled wolfishly against her. "Then I better make the most of it."

Zelda found herself in the armchair of her advisor's study in a matter of hours. The two cordial state workers were surrounded by yet another dozen documents or so, separated and organized into piles of what's been done since her disappearance and what's left to do. She was delighted to hear that her advisor did a great deal of work keeping up with state affairs in her absence, though she couldn't really say she was surprised: she was well aware that her advisor was the best in the business.

They worked in a comfortable silence, aside from the shuffling and occasional question or confirmation. It was surprisingly comfortable to be back in the castle and back to regular business. As much as she enjoyed being in the Twilight Realm with her dear friend, there was security in doing business as usual and knowing that she was back in control of her kingdom once again.

And being in Cole's presence gave her a sense of security as well. They worked well together, whether it was simply organizing their thoughts or bouncing ideas off each other. What's more, he sorely reminded her of her father in his unfaltering work ethic as well as his proud demeanor.

She had a multitude of things to discuss with him, most of it in relation to the state of the kingdom and her plans, but as she mentioned to Link, she also planned to tell him about her pregnancy. As her advisor, he needed to find out before she announced it to the entirety of Hyrule. On a personal note, however, she was excited to share the news with him, knowing that he'd be happy for her.

As time carried on, they eventually got the documents organized and went on to discuss their plan for dealing with Holodrum. "We're already aware that Holodrum and Termina have an alliance, so I believe we must secure Labrynna's allyship as well. It would even the odds, so to speak. I was thinking of discussing the matter with Prince Percival to guarantee his support before discussing it with the king and queen."

"The prince actually did pay me a visit a while ago, Your Majesty," Cole began. "He made it clear that he'd support your cause should you require his help. I think it'd be reasonable to take the matter straight to the heads of state."

Zelda folded her hands over her knees. "He did? What did he say to you?"

"Prince Percival reported the events that transpired at the wedding and thereafter. It's my understanding that your husband sent him to me as he was in the desert at the time."

"That was very responsible of him," Zelda said thoughtfully, looking to the ground with a soft smile. Lately, she couldn't help noticing a trend with Link. With every turn, he'd chosen the best and most rational solution for Hyrule. He was becoming more and more of a ruler with every choice he made. "Well then, I suppose I'll send a letter to the regents straight away."

"Very well."

"There haven't been any attacks from Holodrum's army, have there?"

"No, Your Majesty, but the guards are stationed in the villages to safeguard our people in the meantime. We cannot be certain when or if he will make an attack."

"As long as the people are safe."

"I have to say, Your Majesty, I admire the fact that you're willing to handle this diplomatically. However, if you were to choose to take on Holodrum before they had a chance to mobilize, no one should blame you. It seems like a perfectly adequate response to his arrangement of your capture."

"If I can avoid employing our soldiers for battle, I will. I've already spoken with Commander Eagus this morning, and he's informed me of the losses we've sustained from the battle with the Gerudo citizens. And that was simply the result of a civil battle, which would be nothing in comparison to the scale and ferocity of a war spanning nations. We cannot afford to be hasty with such a serious matter."

"I understand. We'll do our best to avoid such a conflict."

"Thank you," Zelda said. "I was also thinking of taking on a project of my own now that I've returned home and I was hoping to acquire your thoughts."

At this, the advisor took his quill and a fresh piece of paper. "It came to me the other day when I was relaying the events to the council. You see, a lot has transpired over the last few years, and I think it's about time that we scribe the most authentic and candid recount of the events.

"It's only fair that people remember history as it happened, whether it's regarding the Twilight Realm or the Gerudo tribe. I feel like a great deal of negative pieces have been written on both civilizations and it's only fair that we mend those reports by accounting for the positive contributions they've made towards Hyrule."

"And how would you like to arrange this?"

"Well, I do imagine it'd take some time to get the proper accounts from those who were involved, especially with everything else that we're dealing with. However, I imagine we could at the very least employ someone of great caliber and start with a basic summary to keep safe in our archives. I'd suggest Shad of the resistance is the most capable of researching and recording such notes objectively. Perhaps even Auru could contribute if he'd like."

"It's a fine idea, indeed," Cole said as he dotted off the final period with his quill. "I'll arrange for him to meet with you shortly." Zelda nodded as she took her documents off the advisor's desk. "Is that all, Your Majesty?"

"Yes and no." Her fingers dusted the folders in her lap a little anxiously, though there was no particle in sight. "I do have news, though it's more on a personal account." Cole peered at her dubiously over his lenses and placed his quill down. With a small breath, she met his gaze and said firmly, "While Link and I were away, it's been brought to our attention that I'm with child."

The advisor's glasses nearly flew off his face as his head whipped upwards, mouth agape. "W-What? Are you certain?"

"Yes. I'm nearly two months along."

He leapt to his feet in a hurry, tripping on the fine wood legs of his chair, and rushed to face the queen properly. "I can't believe it! We must make proper arrangements for you immediately. We'll need an in-house doctor; we'll certainly need to clean up that old nursery…Oh my." Zelda arose and folded the papers against her chest. "The people will certainly be pleased to hear the news. I'll inform the council and then we'll need to make a formal announcement to the people."

"Breathe, Chancellor Cole," she urged, noting the way his face turned purple from the excitement.

He took a deep breath at her advisement, which visibly settled his nerves. "Oh, my dear, this is wonderful news. I cannot wait to meet the newest heir! Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Chancellor Cole. We'll handle all the arrangements in due time. We'd like to wait until the end of the week before we announce it so that everyone has settled from the battle. I'm still not that far along anyhow, but I did want to inform you first."

"Of course, of course. Thank you, Your Majesty. I do appreciate it." She smiled and nodded before excusing herself. When the door closed behind her, the chancellor let out a short breath of laughter and got straight to work again.

Meanwhile, Zelda had much more to do and little time to reflect on personal matters, especially as her next appointment was a far more intimidating one. She made her way through the corridors and up the many flights of stairs to the throne room. The hall was typically empty on days without petition, and it always seemed a far deal larger and lonelier without her citizens filling the space, conversing quietly, or moving about the line.

It always reminded her of Ganondorf and the hours in which he waited for the hero to arrive, after he'd drawn her body back from the spirit realm in a show of his limitless power. Though she wasn't conscious, she could feel what was happening around her, almost as if she were having a terrible nightmare. She could hear his taunting, burning, and biting like hot coals, and she could feel the instant relief when Midna and Link arrived at last, completely unaware and yet fully prepared for what they were walking into.

The brunette shook her head a little to separate herself from her thoughts and walked into the room, head held high, until she reached the throne – her throne, she had to remind herself. It wasn't long before her guests arrived, escorted across the royal blue carpet by a Hylian guard and two of her own.

"Chiefess Naboris," the queen said with a small bow of her head.

"Queen Zelda." The Gerudo leader couldn't have been a teenager, yet she exuded a maturity that didn't quite match the childlike and candid description Link initially gave her. She could only imagine the toll all these events had taken on her innocence in such a short period of time and it made Zelda's heart ache.

"Thank you for coming here today. I hope the trip wasn't too arduous." Naboris shook her head simply, her hands on her hips. She and her exceptionally tall guards were draped in thick cloaks, clearly unaccustomed to the cold winter that swept the central provinces. Yet, their clothes still glimmered with gold and extravagant colors, shining like beacons in the cool and cold marble of the chamber. "We have much to discuss, but first allow me to ask, how are your citizens?"

"Mostly okay. Nobody was too hurt, thankfully."

Zelda nodded. "I'm very relieved to hear that. I'd like to apologize, first, for the initial attack from my guard. From my understanding, they believed that the Gerudo members were in part responsible for my disappearance. We're aware now that it was a misunderstanding, but I can imagine that it was a difficult situation for you and your friends to witness nonetheless.

"Moreover, though I could never truly begin to express my remorse, I'm so sorry for the time that your tribe has spent in exile. As far as I'm aware, we had no knowledge that the Gerudo tribe was still within the realm of Hyrule and I personally believed that there were no remaining inhabitants in the desert. Had I known, I would've taken immediate action to aid your tribe.

"Still, that doesn't amend the fact that you and your citizens were isolated for such a long time. If there's anything that I may do now to fix this, please tell me and it shall be done."

"What we need is access to resources," Naboris said simply. "We need food and water. The desert doesn't have much to live on alone, and we're prepared to trade any of our finds for more supplies."

"Certainly. We will arrange a trading negotiation for our provinces immediately. For the time being, however, I cannot in good conscience take anything from your tribe. We'll provide anything that you're in need of until you're settled and then we may begin a proper transaction that we both can agree with. Does that sound sufficient?"

Naboris pursed her lips as she tried to hide back a smile and simply nodded. "Yes, that sounds like something we can do."

"Wonderful. We'll schedule a proper conference when it best suits you to discuss this in further detail. I'd also like to draw up a contract to negotiate a treaty based on our earlier conversation, as I'd very much like to maintain the peace between our provinces, as I'm aware you do as well.

"But if I may ask you, there is a matter in which I'm unclear and I'd like your account." Raising her brows, Naboris inclined her head and encouraged her to continue. "Do you know of King Fletcher's involvement with the former matriarchs?"

At that, the young chiefess drew a sharp breath. "Yes, they worked together but I don't know much. After some point, they stopped telling me anything. But I know that they wanted to use his army to get revenge on…on you and the hero. Since we couldn't leave the desert, they couldn't exactly use our army."

"I see. Has the king tried to contact you at all?"

"No, he hasn't," she said. "I don't know how but I'm guessing he found out what happened."

"Yes, perhaps he has. Thank you for your disclosure," Zelda said, hiding her disappointment and frustration with Fletcher. She had little to no information on what he was planning, though she clearly couldn't fault Naboris for not having news to share. In fact, it was better that he didn't try to involve the young chiefess in his twisted plans.

"I'll have my councilmen work with you to arrange a proper consultation. In the meantime, I hope that you'll make yourself comfortable in the castle and take some time to tour our town. I believe you'll find that our community is very friendly."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." When the group left the room, Zelda sank into her throne for a moment and looked past the columns to the stormy clouds outside. All she could pray for was the safety of her kingdom, but it seemed that was too much for her to ask.

The little village on the outskirts of Hyrule was blanketed by a sheet of silver snow, sparkling under the starlight. Every working part of Ordon was frozen from the winter, when all the farmland laid dormant under snowbanks and the small stream leading to the pond was covered by a thin sheet of ice.

The wildlife hid away in the crooks and bends of the land and fishes bustled beneath the ice. Only winter owls hooted in Ordon's barren branches while the wild wolves of Faron howled in the distance.

But it was calm and peaceful, even with the imposing implications of the knights stationed at the gates of the village. Upon arrival, Rusl identified himself and the knights respectfully pushed open the old wooden gate.

As he crossed the swinging bridge over the great canal, running his hand along the coarse rope, the wooden planks creaked and shifted under his weight. His eyes wistfully lingered on the old house hanging in the trees when he passed it and continued down to the village.

At that time, every villager was snug in their homes. Only the orange glow of hearths emitted through the tiny windows; thin wispy shadows danced on the wooden walls and light was cast onto the snow. He passed another small bridge over the frozen stream and made his way to his home, cozy in the corner of Ordon.

A small, loving smile stretched his lips when he heard his family's voices muffled through the door. For a moment, he just soaked it in; it'd been two months since he last saw them. There were longer periods where he'd been away, the invasion being one of them, and it always pained him. Still, there was no feeling in the world like coming home.

He carefully turned the doorknob and pushed it in, and some snow sprinkled from the roof at the jutting movement. The voices silenced for a minute before he heard excited shouts of "dad" and "daddy" coming from his children and his smile stretched impossibly large.

Rusl swept his daughter up in his arms, emitting a sharp giggle, and ruffled up his son's blond hair when Colin attacked him with a hug.

Meanwhile, Uli stood up from the rocking chair by the hearth and set the small picture book on the table. Her sparkling eyes creased from the joy at the scene playing out before her and she slowly made her way to his side.

Colin stepped back quickly for his mother and Rusl adjusted their daughter to sit in the crook of his elbow. "Welcome home," she greeted with a small peck on his cheek. "We're so glad you're back. How's everything in Hyrule?"

"It's much better but there's still lots to be done."

"What about Link and the queen? Are they safe?" He nodded firmly, receiving a relieved sigh from Uli and a big grin from Colin. "Let's sit. I have much to tell you."

While Rusl set his armor aside and cleaned himself up, Uli put the children to bed, despite Colin's insistence on hearing what'd happened. She kissed her children on the head with promises to tell them all about it in the morning.

It only took the small toasty space and a warm bowl of soup for Rusl to warm up, his frozen fingers and glowing face thawing like ice. Uli watched him relish in the taste of the delicious soup, glad that he was warming up and finally getting a good meal after a long journey back home.

Still, she was incredibly impatient and wanted to know what'd happened. Wriggling like a worm in her seat, she eventually insisted, "Well? What happened?"

"All right, all right," he said with a chuckle, setting his spoon aside and dabbing his mouth with a napkin.

With a very lengthy explanation, he gave her a summary of what'd happened since he left, back when the queen first went missing. There was a lot she already knew from his letters, but apparently much had changed in the last few days alone before he could've sent word.

The most troubling details were the battle and the threats on the kingdom, and she couldn't help but worry for her little family and their community.

But she was very relieved to hear that Link and Zelda arrived home safely and in one piece. That was the most important thing at the moment. She placed a hand on her heart and sighed. "Thank heavens."

"There's more," Rusl said, his smile curling into something mischievous.

She knew that look – it was one her husband wore well and often. "More?"

He carefully took another sip of his soup, drawing out the excitement and teasing his wife, and she had half a mind to take that bowl away from him. After dabbing his smile, he revealed, "Zelda's pregnant."

"What?!" Uli cried, her hands coming to her mouth. "Are you serious? Don't you joke with me…!"

"I'm serious!" he said, his hands up in surrender. "Link told me himself last night. But honestly, I had some suspicions. When I was escorting the queen back to the castle, she'd gotten a little sick and she reminded me of you when you were pregnant."

"Oh my goddesses!" Her voice was muffled behind her palms and her eyes watered, but her joy shook her voice. "I can't believe it!"

"They wanted to share the news with everyone, but they've got a lot to do now that they're back, so they asked me to tell everyone before they announce it to the entire kingdom."

"Everyone will be so happy! We should tell them now!"

"It's nighttime, dear," he said with a mirthful shake of his head. "We'll tell them first thing in the morning."

She glanced out the window with a click of her tongue, though it didn't spoil her smile. "Wow, a baby. Link's having a baby. Where did the time go?"

Rusl shook his head. The same thought had been circling his mind. Milestones like these always reminded him how quickly time went by. It seemed like just yesterday Link was a baby himself, wobbling about that same house in linen diapers. Now, he'd grown up so much he forgot that the hero was much younger than himself.

"I don't know," he said as he looked upon his wife. Her blue eyes sparkled in the light, gleaming with tears that slipped out and rolled down her pink cheeks. "But I can't complain."

"So tell us the news already!" Mayor Bo insisted, leaning forward expectantly on his large wooden chair. His bushy eyebrows rose above his peering eyes and his frown set beneath the tufts of his mustache.

News of Rusl's arrival traveled through the village by morning and a small committee gathered in the mayor's house first thing. It was typical for news like this to be shared amongst the entire community and everyone wanted to hear firsthand what'd happened.

Every adult gathered around the fireplace to hear the news from Rusl. Though the youth of Ordon were playing some games on the carpet, their curious ears couldn't help but perk up to overhear what the adults were talking about.

As he had for his wife, Rusl relayed the story as clearly as he could. It wasn't the first time and it certainly wouldn't be the last time he had to deliver news from the town back to the village. He knew all about how to get the story across without missing an important facet, and he knew just what parts to leave out: things that would cause more strife than good.

The townspeople asked many questions, some involving the state and future of the kingdom, and most involving the well-being of their very own ranch hand. A great deal of relief came from the announcement that Link was home and safe. After that, a lot of built-up tension in the room melted away and the villagers got visibly more comfortable.

"Well, that's good then. I s'pose we better prepare for the worst. Spring's comin' soon and we don't wanna another accident to happen."

Ilia placed a soothing hand on her father's shoulder. "I'm sure things will be fixed before then." His large hand landed on hers, though a heaving sigh deflated him. She knew how devastated he was when she was taken by the beasts long ago and she didn't want him thinking something like that could ever happen again.

"Now that the queen's back, I'm sure of it," Jaggles said, clapping a fist into his other hand.

Rusl exchanged a knowing smile with his wife, his arm casually swung over her shoulder. "Well, since we're discussing the queen, there's something else you should know."

The others looked up at him expectantly, assuming the worst while simultaneously hoping for the best. They had their fair share of bad news as far as they were concerned. But judging by the smug look on their friend's face, they weren't too worried about what he had to say.

"I spoke to Link and the queen, and it turns out, they're having a baby."

It took a moment before a chorus of cheers rang out from the villagers. Between slapping each other's arms and lightly shaking one another with excitement, it was clear the news was taken well.

Meanwhile, the youngest members of Ordon pushed to their feet and joined the group upon hearing the announcement. Colin took hold of his sister's hand and led her closer to their parents. "Really? Link's gonna be a dad?"

"You bet."

"How far along is she?" Pergie asked.

"About two months, I think," he answered, giving a slight squeeze to Uli's shoulder and drawing her closer. "As you mighta guessed, they won't be able to visit, but they wanted us to know first."

"It's a shame," Sera said with a shake of her head. "We ought to celebrate this. They'll need lots of new toys and clothes…"

There were a lot of traditions that came with a newborn in the small village, some of which included giving gifts or preparing home-cooked meals for the family, which was difficult to do when the couple wasn't present. That realization put a bit of a downer on the growing excitement within the group.

At that, Ilia stepped up from the shadows. The entire time the villagers were discussing the news, she'd been quietly ruminating over it. Though her feelings for him had fluctuated over the years, any romantic feelings had long dwindled and their friendship remained strong.

Hearing that he was going to be a father filled her with joy and excitement, and she just knew they had to do something about it.

Astutely, she placed her hands on her hips and addressed the small committee. "We might not be able to bring them to Ordon, but we can bring a little piece of Ordon to them," she affirmed. "We should all put together something for them, like old clothes or toys, and send them over.

"I mean, Link was thinking of us and I'm sure he wishes he could've visited! But if this is the best we can do, we should do it."

"That's a lovely thought, Ilia, but who's gonna bring the stuff?" Hanch asked.

Though Rusl was typically the one to travel to and from the kingdom, it wasn't even an option this time as he'd only just arrived back to this family.

There was a bit of back and forth. Though many people offered, it wasn't really that safe to be going across the kingdom just yet and no one was eager to send their loved ones across the field. It wasn't until someone said, "Maybe one of the knights who're stationed here can do it?" that they reluctantly agreed.

For now, all they knew was that Ilia's idea was a great one – perhaps the best gesture that they could manage all things considered. Though Link was miles away from home, he would always be part of their community.

Especially after he'd saved the tykes and brought Ilia home, he had a special place in their heart and they'd give just about anything for him to know that.

And so, they went about sewing clothes from the nicest fabrics, weaving blankets from the coziest yarn, and carving toys from the finest wood. Within a short time, they were able to put together a big bundle of presents for the newest bundle of joy, and by then, they discovered who'd be the perfect messenger.

A herald delivered the news to Castle Town, hollering it early in the morning like a town-wide wake-up call. Rumors did as rumors do, spreading across the kingdom like wildfire. A royal baby wasn't exactly something that could hole up in the crooks and bends of the town.

Within the next month, their friends came around with well-wishes and compliments for the couple at the unexpected revelation. After all the drama that befell the couple, their friends were glad something good finally came their way.

For the councilors, on the other hand, the news was beneficial. A baby was just what the kingdom needed, a new beginning, a new hope. It was great for public relations, especially during such a strange and dark time.

But nobody was as happy as the couple themselves. To say it plainly, it really had been a challenging time for them but Zelda's pregnancy became a spot of bright light amidst the dark.

From the grand doors, Link sucked in a breath of air. He couldn't tell if she had the 'glow' that he read about or that was just her usual radiance, but she was as luminous and dazzling as the Triforce sculpture above her. Sunlight projected shadows on the porcelain floor and danced on her skin, making her dark hair gleam golden and her blue eyes look clear.

His footsteps echoed in the empty room. Teasingly, when he found his way before the throne, he sunk to a knee and bowed his head. "Your Highness." Zelda shook her head with a small smile. She never had the heart to tell him that her proper title was 'majesty'; she suspected he was only following Midna's advice to call her 'highness' from back when she was still a princess.

Deciding to play along, she rose to her feet and crossed the short distance between them. Her violet gown pooled around her feet when she bent at the knees, tucked a gentle finger underneath his chin, and tilted his head upwards. "Good sir," she replied. With those blue eyes and that wolfish grin, she was suddenly reminded of his accolade. How quickly time had flown.

Leaning forward, she dipped her head and took his lips. She felt his smile widen against her before he rose to his feet and tucked his hands behind her ears, threading his fingers through her silky locks that'd been bound in a braid.

The leather of his fingerless gloves was rough against her cheeks but she leaned into his embrace anyway. After a moment, they parted with a breathy laugh. Zelda realized Rusl was right: his eyes seemed to sparkle when he looked at her.

"You're in a pleasant mood today," she noted lovingly. "Is there any particular reason?"

"I'm excited for this," he said. "How're you feeling? Any different?"

She looked down at herself. "Not particularly. I am a little sore in the chest and waist, but my ladies' maids said that's to be expected with the growth. Do you see?" She stroked the tiniest bump on her stomach.

"That's…" His eyes widened. "Is that the bump?"

"I believe so."

A huge smile flickered across his face when he hesitantly reached out. "Can I…?" With a small, demure smile, she nodded and moved her hand before his covered the space. It was subtle and swathed by her gown, but it was still noticeable when he touched it. A small laugh escaped him and his eyes flashed back to hers. "Wow."

"It's remarkable, isn't it?" The deep voice startled them both and Link spun to see Renado at the doorway. He was ushered in by a herald, and to their surprise, was accompanied by someone else.

By his side was none other than Link's good friend Ilia. "Chief Renado, Ilia, what a pleasure to see you both," Zelda said.

Both guests carefully strode down the deep blue carpet until they found themselves before the two royals. His long robe billowed as he placed a hand on his stomach and bowed at the hip. "Your Majesty, Your Highness. It's a pleasure to see you back safe and sound. I must offer my congratulations, also, for your new surprise."

Once his initial surprise wore off, Link's smile returned. Neither of them had any idea Ilia would be accompanying him, but it was definitely a pleasant surprise. It'd been a long time since he'd seen any of his friends from Ordon, save of course for Rusl. He knew that she'd been training with Renado for the last few years and often got letters from Kakariko. From his understanding, she trained intermittently in Eldin province while Fado was working on the ranch.

"Thank you," Zelda replied easily. "We're pleased to be back. And thank you for traveling all this way. I imagine it wasn't easy, what with the weather and all."

"It was no trouble at all." He straightened up and gestured to the girl at his right, who'd folded her hands politely and grinned at them both. "I hope you don't mind but I brought my friend and apprentice, Ilia, with me."

Zelda smiled and bowed her head to the blonde. "Certainly not. Welcome, Ilia. It's a pleasure to see you again."

"You too – I mean, for me too," she stammered, then shook her head. "It's nice to see you both." A more teasing smile grew on her lips when she looked at Link and said, "And congratulations! This is so exciting!"

"Yes, indeed," Renado agreed. "It's clear the goddesses' have shone on you both."

"Thank you," Zelda replied. "We're certainly excited as well. Truthfully, however, we're at a bit of a loss in terms of how to move forward so we're fortunate to have your help."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I've assisted women in your condition many times over and I can honestly say that it's difficult for many first-time parents. We will help you every step of the way," he replied warmly.

"If I may guess, Your Majesty, you must be about three months along. Is that correct?" Zelda nodded. "Yes, you're still quite early. Just about finished the first term."

"What can you do?" Link asked.

"There's quite a lot we may help with," Renado said, nodding his head to the young hero. "For example, we'd monitor Her Majesty's exercise, diet, and stress levels. There are also more specific factors to track such as heart rate, cravings, symptoms, and so on.

"Together, we'll correlate a schedule that ensures that you don't overexert yourself as well as adding in daily walks. Ilia will discuss a proper diet with your chefs so that you get all the proper nutrients."

Link took a deep breath as he looked at Zelda. He hadn't realized just how much they needed to do. When they were still in the Twilight Realm, he'd started researching about pregnancy, but he hadn't even thought about all the things that needed to be done.

And since they arrived back in Hyrule only a short time ago, the two royals were up to their shoulders in work. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing that she looked just as overwhelmed.

"I understand it's a lot to take in, but that's why we're here. We'll work with you every step of the way."

Zelda gathered her bearings first, taking in a small breath of air and nodding sternly. "Thank you. It's certainly a relief to have such wonderful support."

"Of course! We'll take good care of you!" Ilia chipped in. She met Renado's gaze with a small knowing smile before turning back to the couple. "Also, Your Majesty, there was one last thing…I hope you don't mind, but we brought some presents from the villagers of Ordon."

The royals exchanged a surprised look. "Oh?" At that, Ilia and Renado pivoted, and as if on cue, a dozen servants or so came striding in, holding a package in each of their hands.

For a moment, the couple was shellshocked, looking upon the grand gesture from his family back home. It was certainly unexpected. Zelda was the first to speak, shaking out of her surprise smartly. "Thank you. This is all so very kind."

"I know it's a lot," Ilia said with a giggle and shook her head. "We were just excited."

"No, not at all." She looked at the attendants. "Perhaps you ought to deliver those straight to our chambers."

They nodded at the order and followed in a straight line back out the door. Zelda turned back to the two practitioners.

"Again, I must thank you for everything. We greatly appreciate it. We'll allow you some time to get settled in and we can reconvene later on."

Renado and Ilia nodded and bowed, but not before the young woman flashed them another bright grin. She was happy to be helpful in any way to her good friend and was especially happy now that he was going to be a dad.

After everything they'd gone through, she still cared so deeply for him and was happy to see good fortune finally smile down on him. She just hoped it would last as long as possible.

Chapter Text

When word finally arrived from Holodrum's governing body, everyone was taken by surprise. A familiar postman had delivered the letter to Chancellor Foster, who'd hastened it over to Cole, who then shared it with the queen. Once it made its rounds through the entire council, they'd sat through yet another arduous committee to figure out their next move.

It wasn't unexpected per se. Everyone was waiting for Holodrum to make a move now that the news of the royals' return was spread far and wide, and they were relieved to be on the receiving end of a diplomatic letter rather than Holodrum's grand royal army.

But since she first heard of their response, Zelda hadn't been able to focus on anything else, no matter how many times she reread the same reports over and over. She wasn't sure how much time had passed before there was a knock on her door.

After she'd granted entry, blond tufts of hair poked through the open door, and her husband noticeably relaxed when their eyes met. "Hey," he greeted. "You weren't in our room. Did you forget about the appointment?"

She winced. She'd completely forgotten about their check-in appointment with Renado. "It's okay. There's still time." He stepped in and shut the door behind him. "Are you okay?"

Absently, she twirled her quill between two fingers. It was a busy day, perhaps the busiest since they'd arrived, but she knew that it wasn't done just yet. First, she needed to discuss something rather important with her husband.

"Yes, I'm fine," she finally said. "Would you sit for a moment? There was something I needed to speak to you about." Though he nodded, there was concern on his face, a brow raised just a little, and his lips set in a frown. Slowly, he made his way opposite her desk and leaned against the back of the chair. "We've received a letter this morning from Holodrum."

Holding her gaze for a moment, he carefully asked, "What did it say?"

"The council has requested a committee between the leaders. They've stated their desire to settle the matters diplomatically and requested my presence, as well as the representatives of Labrynna and Termina, due to their involvement." Even before she finished her statement, she could predict his next response.

A ton of thoughts sped through his mind, but he hesitated before speaking any out loud. It was hard for the hero to properly express his worries because he didn't want her to think that he didn't believe in her. Link knew that she was more than capable of protecting herself – he's seen it; he's fought beside her. But like at the Terminian wedding, she wouldn't exactly have a bow and arrow or any other weapon at the ready.

Finally, he said, "I don't know about this."

"I understand."

She, of course, knew that he'd be worried about a trip to Holodrum. Just the same, Zelda wasn't exactly eager to be standing face-to-face with the man who'd kidnapped her, but she was even less eager to decline a negotiation. It was her role as queen to find a diplomatic resolution - if there was one - before thrusting her kingdom into yet another war.

"I was hesitant at first as well. But it may lead to a resolution yet."

"It's just…I don't trust them."

"Link, I wouldn't do this if I didn't believe it was the right choice."

The blond shot her a deadpan look. As much as he wanted to believe she'd do the wise thing, she always threw herself headfirst into danger for Hyrule. Though he wasn't exactly one to talk.

"It's different now," she argued, reading his face easily. "I'm carrying our child. I wouldn't…"

Her voice sounded more fragile and Link let up a little. Zelda was right. When push came to shove in the desert, she erred on the side of caution and retreated to safety. In any other case, he knew it'd take a lot more to convince her – if he could.

He held tight to the fine chestnut chair. "What do you think they want to say?"

"These types of meetings aren't uncommon. It usually involves signing new contracts and swearing fealty. Basically, when a kingdom decides to surrender, they need to pledge that they won't make any further attacks."

"And you just have to believe them?"

"In a way, yes. That's why it's wise to involve the royals of Termina and Labrynna, so that they may bear witness to the declaration. If Fletcher were to betray us after the fact, it wouldn't bode well for his alliances with the other kingdoms."

With a sigh, he straightened himself up. "Well, if you have to go, then at the very least you're gonna take my dagger. And I won't leave you for a second this time."

Zelda opened her mouth to speak but paused. "I take it that you're willing to come along then?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

"Well, initially, I was worried about leaving Hyrule unprotected yet again. After all, Fletcher tried to usurp the throne last time in our absence," she explained. "However, the army was clearly prepared to protect Hyrule due to Eagus's and your diligent planning over the years. The council believes that it'd be best if you were to accompany me. And truthfully, so do I."

There was something else. It was something she'd been thinking of since receiving the letter. More carefully, she continued, "Furthermore, I did want to ask if you'd be willing to join in the discussion with the king and his council."

At that, he looked taken aback. "Me?"

Zelda wasn't surprised: she expected him to be hesitant, but she also truly believed it was something he was ready for. "Yes. I believe you have some valuable insight, especially as a commander. This is, after all, in hopes of avoiding a battle. I think your unique perspective could prove to be beneficial."

"Am I even allowed to do that?"

"There's no reason why you wouldn't be. After all, half of those in attendance aren't regents themselves. What's more, given the circumstances, I can't imagine anyone having the gall to deny such a simple request."

Link examined her carefully, trying to discern why she wanted him there and how he felt about it. She never asked him to take part in a meeting unless he needed to.

It felt nice, in part, to know that she trusted him to take part in such an important meeting, but it was extremely intimidating, too. The princes and councilmen would be there, and so would Fletcher. The thought of him made him grit his teeth.

Slowly at first, and then more firmly, he nodded. "Okay," he said. "If you think it's a good idea, then I'll do it."

"I'm glad." The brunette smiled proudly before standing to her feet and fixing her gown. "Now that that's settled, I suppose we ought to get to our appointment." He nodded to her once more before following her out the door and back to their room.

They arrived at the chambers at the same moment the doctors did. Ilia and Zelda went into the adjoining room alone so that she could prepare for the appointment.

Crackling tinder filled the silence of the room while the blonde helped the queen undress to a slip. "Let's get you lying down. This is just a normal checkup, so there's nothing to be worried about, all right?"

Thankful for her hospitality, Zelda nodded as Ilia eased her back into the bed and covered her up to her shoulders with a sheet. Then the blonde opened the adjoining doors with an excited smile and a "Come on in, guys."

Link found a seat at the edge of the bed beside his wife and took her hand into his, while Renado went straight to work. The hinges of his medical bag unfastened with a click and opened to reveal a myriad of tools strapped along the lining. "How're you feeling today, Your Majesty? Have any new symptoms appeared?"

"I feel fine." Adding abashedly, "Only, my feet are a bit sore."

Renado laughed good-naturedly. "That's quite normal. It's typical for your feet and ankles to swell during pregnancy. Soaking in some cool water might help with that." He pulled a stethoscope from his bag and popped a bud into his ear. "Since you've been tracking your progress, you're likely aware that we're already at the twentieth week. Have you felt any movement yet?"

Zelda placed her free hand on her bump and frowned. "No, I haven't."

"Don't fret," he said with a gentle shake of his head. "Many first-time mothers don't feel anything of the sort until later in the month."

"How will she know?"

"Oh, she'll know," Ilia answered Link with a little giggle. Even before she started practicing, she remembered supporting the mothers of Ordon with their pregnancies and waiting to feel the babies kick beneath her hands. Link was more indifferent about it than she was. "It's very noticeable."

"Here, this might ease your worries. May I?" Renado pulled his chair closer and politely reached out to the queen.

With her nod in approval, he carefully folded the sheet to expose her swollen belly. Then, his silver disk in his fingers, the shaman started to search for something. Zelda met Link's eyes and he simply squeezed her hand.

"Ah, there we go," Renado finally said. He removed the earpieces and held them out for the couple. "Listen to this."

Upon his instruction, the royal couple each took a bud into their fingers and slipped it into their ears. It took a moment before they heard a faint, rhythmic bump, and their eyes flashed to one another. With a gasp, Zelda's hand came up to cover her mouth and Link whispered, "Is that…"

"Yes," Renado answered with a warm smile. "It's the baby's heartbeat."

There was no way for either of them to describe the euphoric joy of hearing their child's heartbeat for the very first time. Pregnancy was a miracle in and of itself. The ability to create and carry life was something beautiful that not even the wisest philosophers could explain, nor could the poets do it justice.

But this was their child, a product of their love that they'd created and nurtured together; it was unlike anything either of them had ever experienced.

Trembling, Link held his wife's eyes and brought their entwined hands up to his lips. He swore right then and there that he'd protect them with everything he had. Whether it was witches, monsters, or Ganondorf himself, he wouldn't let anyone hurt them.

Seemingly reading his mind, Zelda smiled shakily, threaded a hand through his scruffy blond hair, and pressed his forehead against hers. When his eyes clenched shut, tears pricked the corners, and a small laugh escaped him.

Watching the scene before them, Ilia's hands were folded at her chest and she nearly burst into tears, but Renado wordlessly nodded in her direction and she understood. Together, they quietly slipped out of the room and shut the door behind them to give them some privacy.

In nearly thirty years of his life, Edmund had never been reckless. Even as a child, he was studious and meticulous, and his closest friends were his textbooks. He never thought he could be so impulsive, and much less could he predict the cause of it: a woman, ginger-haired, kind-hearted, and giggly, and completely and utterly wonderful.

But when he realized he was going to get nowhere without undoing the wrongs he'd done, Edmund didn't give it much thought. He didn't allow the more logical part of his brain to consider the risks of standing against the King of Holodrum. The one thing he did think to do, however, is exactly what he should've done at the start.

Ignoring the pitying looks of his servants as he passed them in the many winding halls, which were almost as unnerving as the grotesque statues along the walls, he made his way to his wife's temporary chambers. She'd taken off to the east wing of the castle, in a simple but lovely boudoir that hadn't been occupied for years.

Once word got out that she'd become a recluse in her own home, the gossips called it a scandal. But she'd done it anyway because she wasn't sure how to cope with her betrothed, the man that she'd only recently discovered was terribly conniving.

In the few times they've spoken since she confronted him with the letters, Roperi told Edmund just what it was that bothered her. It wasn't even entirely that their actions against the queen of Hyrule were unjustified and cruel, but that he'd hidden it away from her.

He'd always treated her as an equal, despite their differences in opinions. In his proposal, he'd asked her to be his queen, and in a short time, they were scheduled to be crowned together.

But for the first time, she felt as though he didn't value her input at all. She couldn't possibly be his partner if he wouldn't tell her his plans and intentions, and especially not if she couldn't voice her opinions.

A sturdy knock that contradicted every shaken nerve in his body resounded on the wooden door of her chambers. He heard a light patter of footsteps approach and it opened moments later. His wife had a clearly worn look on her face that didn't at all compare to her usually chipper expression.

"Is there a reason you're bothering me so late at night?"

He swallowed and held her gaze, as difficult as it was. "May I come in?" he asked. "I have something serious I'd like to discuss with you."

She hesitated, unnerved by his statement, and hesitantly stepped aside with a sweep of her hand. "I suppose so."

With a polite nod, he entered and looked about the room. It was smaller than their shared chambers, but somehow her presence made it cozier. He realized he'd easily give up all the luxurious furnishings and plush mattress if only he might share this space with her instead.

He pivoted to face her and found her standing with her hands planted on her hips, patiently waiting for him to speak. In the dim candlelight, her fiery hair shimmered like copper and her eyes sparkled like emeralds. He held his breath. "I feel as though you should know that I'm leaving."

"'Leaving?'"

"Indeed. I'm going to Holodrum." Her expression shifted immediately, and he could see the pain flicker across her eyes. "It's not – My alliance with Fletcher is over. That's not why I'm going, I assure you."

She opened her mouth and closed it, unsure what to say – unsure whether she ought to believe him. "What then?"

"There's a committee between the kingdoms and I'm hoping Hyrule might accept my backing. I understand that what I've done cannot be undone, but this is a start, I believe."

"You're not going alone, are you?"

He pushed his glasses up with a single finger. "No, I doubt I can do much to help alone. I figure taking my advisor might be helpful."

"I'll come with you."

"What? No, it's far too dangerous." She raised a brow, challenging his statement, and he backtracked. "No, you're right. Surely you can handle it. But it's my mistakes that must be atoned for."

Though she wasn't entirely sure if she wanted to face Fletcher again, she was a ruler and she wanted to be a part of it. There was no way she was going to be left in the dark again. "I will not take no for an answer. Am I a ruler or am I not?"

Staring at her with unabashed awe, he wasn't sure how to respond. Just the way she carried herself, so utterly confident and assured, made his heart hammer. "If that's what you wish."

"It is. Is Percival going?"

"Yes," he said after some thought. "I believe so."

"Very well."

They held their gaze for a moment, and Edmund studied her intently. She was very beautiful to him, and he adored her when she was stern and steadfast. "It's nice to speak with you again."

Roperi took a deep breath. Their marriage was shaken by her husband's actions, which were bordering on war crimes, for lack of a better term, and then his deceptions about it. When she first discovered it, she didn't know what to think.

Even now, standing across from her husband, the prince of their land, she was still unsure who he truly was, but she couldn't help but admire that he was doing everything in his power to amend his mistakes. He was right: he could never take it back, but at least he wanted to work towards a better future.

Roperi also knew that it was a risky endeavor to stand against the king of Holodrum. Though her husband wasn't incompetent, Fletcher was sneaky and unpredictable. There was no saying what he'd do or how he'd react when all the royals stood against him. It was as dangerous as cornering a rat.

But she could see he was determined and set on his decision, and she couldn't help but feel warmth bloom in her chest at the thought of his bravery.

"Yes, I suppose it is."

Zelda had one final matter to settle before their trip to Holodrum. Her earliest appointment that morning arrived earlier than scheduled. She was sorting through her papers before noon when the door rattled beneath her servant's hand and heralded the guest in.

She'd only met the young scholar on a handful of occasions, but he, just like the other members of the resistance, was unique and charming. While she didn't have the time to make many friends of her own - even fewer that were her age - she delighted in meeting any of her husband's vast group of friends.

Upon entering the room, the young man bowed down, his glasses nearly falling off his nose as he gripped a journal to his chest. "Your Majesty," he greeted as he rose. "My apologies, I suppose I'm a tad bit early."

"There's no apology necessary. Please sit." Zelda gestured a gloved hand to the seat at the opposite end of the desk. "Before we begin, I was informed that you and your companion, Captain Ashei, suffered some devastating injuries during the battle. You must tell me how you fare."

"Oh, of course, Your Majesty. We've gotten along just fine. I've learned much about the development of elixirs, but I've never experienced such fast relief myself. It certainly did wonders for any injuries – internal or otherwise."

"I'm pleased to hear that." Zelda folded her hands on her desk, her head tilted to the side, and Shad cleared his throat. He was always terribly nervous around aristocrats or gentry of any kind, but it was even harder not to be intimidated by the queen. She was stunningly beautiful, and by far the most graceful and dignified noble he'd ever seen.

"I must thank you for joining me today. I understand that my advisor, Chancellor Cole, has spoken with you already, but I did want to meet with you personally. I have a project in mind that I'd like to start and I was wondering if I might employ your help.

"As you already know, our kingdom has been quite busy with many affairs, and this project would not take any priority over the more pressing matters, but I do figure I would ask for your thoughts. During these last few years, we've had several developments with the Gerudo tribe and the Twilight Realm, and I would like the events documented for further preservation."

"I think that's a splendid idea, Your Majesty. It'd be valuable for further generations to remember such events."

"Yes, that's precisely what I thought. As you're a scholar and you've already done a great deal of research on such subjects, I thought you'd be the best person to manage such a project. You'd be compensated, of course, and you could employ others if you should require help. I understand that Master Auru is quite the scholar himself, so perhaps he could assist you as well."

Shad's mouth dropped as he listened to her offer. After a moment of spluttering, he nodded eagerly. "I'd be honored, Your Majesty."

"As I stated before, this undertaking doesn't require urgency. You may take as long as you need to complete it. I'm well aware that many of us who have stories to recount will be busy with other matters within the coming weeks, but I want to ensure that everyone who has a valuable story to share may contribute in due time."

"Of course."

The queen plucked her quill from its holder and scribed something on the sheet in front of her. "You've been doing your research from the library, correct?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

She tutted. "That won't do." With finality, she dotted the nib on the paper. "Take this letter and bring it to Chancellor Foster. He will arrange a private study for you. From this point forward, it shall be your office to do as you please."

When she folded the paper and handed it to the young scholar, he blinked in wide-eyed amazement, magnified behind his thin lenses. "Your Majesty…that's…"

"You've done a great deal for Hyrule, just as Captain Ashei and the other honorable members of the resistance. This offer is well overdue."

He swallowed and carefully took the thin envelope, as if it would dissolve in his hands. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will not let you down." Zelda nodded firmly. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

She paused. "Indeed, there's one last matter I'd like to discuss with you. I've been made aware that you've encountered an…unfamiliar entity within the last few months. By this, I'm referring to a raven with strange markings. Am I correct?"

"I-Why yes, I have. Have you seen it as well?"

Zelda smiled a little knowingly and ducked her head for a moment. "I have indeed. This bird is actually a companion of mine," she began. "Link and I will be making a trip to Holodrum shortly. Therefore, I must ask for a favor."

"Of course. Anything, Your Majesty."

"I'm sure the raven will be watching over Hyrule during our time away. Should Hyrule come into any trouble in our absence, I must request that you write a clear letter to me explaining what has happened and send it along with my companion to Holodrum."

"It'd be my honor to do so. May I ask, though, do you believe Hyrule will be under attack?"

"There has been no threat on Hyrule, but we can never be too careful. I must, however, ask that you keep this matter discreet. If you should require enlisting anyone's help, I only trust the resistance with this task as well. Understandably, Captain Ashei might encounter the raven first."

Even though her words were comforting, he couldn't help feeling uneasy about the request. The head of state was known to be a prophet of sorts, and the type of conflict she was worried about wasn't something to take lightly. But he was dutiful to his kingdom and he certainly wouldn't let his friends down.

Ignoring the knot in his stomach at the thought, he nodded. "I understand, Your Majesty. You have my word."

A chill raked her spine upon walking into Holodrum's courtyard for the first time. Up until that moment, the queen of Hyrule had never set foot in the northern kingdom. It was renowned for the extreme weather, which shaped every season, whether it was the thick humidity that weighed down the summers or the icy chill carried on the blustery winds in the winter.

There were even legends that the oracle of seasons watched over the land, disguised as a traveller of sorts amongst the civilians, but it was yet to be proven.

Despite her difficulties with its king, she had to appreciate the raw beauty of the kingdom. The mountains fringed the northern edges, lined with roaring waterfalls that poured into the ravine below. The town was large and bustling, with a market twice as large as the one in Hyrule.

Fletcher's castle was luminous, with spires as sharp as icicles and windows large and crystal clear. Afternoon sunlight dazzlingly reflected off its walls, as if it were made of ice or glass. The inside of the castle was even more startlingly beautiful. Light trickled in from the dome window on the ceiling, imbuing the empty space between the stone staircases with a spectral halo.

Zelda clenched and unclenched her fingers, a habit of hers that was disrupted when Link swiftly took her hand in his. She raised her eyes to find that he was looking at her softly with a slight tilt to his head, and she nodded appreciatively. As they were escorted up the stairs and across the mezzanines, her heels clicked against the crystal white tiles and into the silent space.

Surprisingly, there was no one else in sight until they arrived in the courtroom. Edmund, Percival, and the courtiers were already there waiting, and Zelda's pale blue eyes passed over each of them until they landed on the ginger-haired prince. His mouth opened upon sight of her, but then it pressed into a line and he nodded firmly. Besides her husband, he was the only one there she could trust.

The meeting didn't start until the king of Holodrum arrived. Doors at the far end of the room swung open upon his entrance. The king was just as looming and mysterious in the courtroom as he was at the door of her cell. He was thin and tall, perhaps the tallest person she'd ever seen, and his jet-black hair was swept back with oil.

Her entire body tensed when his beady eyes flashed to her, but his face, chiseled and sharp, was cold and stoic like an old stone statue. As she'd been accustomed to for a long time, she remained steadfast and proud, lifting her chin and straightening her shoulders, though her grip tightened on the wooden arms of her chair. Fletcher's eyes flashed to Link's deathly glare before snapping away altogether.

Though Zelda had never met any of Holodrum's court in person, it was clear who the king's advisor was. He too was tall, but he was much older and bonier, and wore a velvet robe that trailed to the floor. When he stood, his chair screeched against the tiled floor, and he cleared his throat to gather everyone's attention.

"Before we begin, I'd like to extend our council's gratitude to the representatives of our fair kingdoms for travelling here today. I understand that this time has been trying for everyone involved, but today we shall work towards a solution that works in everyone's favor."

His startling blue eyes levelled with Zelda's as he gestured to her first. "Your Majesty, Queen Zelda, I implore you now to speak and make your case to the court."

With a short, polite nod, Zelda took the proffered stand. It was at times like these when her dignity and grace were undeniable. "Thank you, councillor. As you all know, I've been the crowned queen of Hyrule for many years now, and I have quite an understanding of the intricacies of politics. Yet, I still cannot fully comprehend the absolute absurdity and irrationality of this betrayal.

"It all began at Prince Edmund and Princess Roperi's wedding many months ago, where my husband and I were in attendance. I was called to a meeting with Prince Edmund and Prince Percival, but on my way there, I was attacked and taken captive by masked bandits.

"When I awoke next, I was in Hyrule's desert in a prison cell. At the time, I didn't know where I was or why I was taken until King Fletcher," she met his eyes firmly, "came to my prison cell and explained his plans to overthrow my kingdom. I later discovered that he was working with two witches in the desert.

"By their will, I was banished from my kingdom for months. My husband and Prince Percival searched for weeks until they found me at last, and together we returned to Hyrule at once."

A councillor turned to the ginger-haired prince. "Is this true, Your Highness?"

"Precisely," he agreed as he rose to his feet and pulled on the flaps of his doublet. "Prince Edmund and I were holding that very same meeting that Queen Zelda spoke of when His Highness told us of his wife's disappearance. I was absolutely appalled when I heard, and so I offered my assistance in the search."

"And how did you find Her Majesty?"

"We searched far and wide for days on end. It wasn't until we arrived in Holodrum and I held audience with the king that I discovered his ruse," he stated. "I pulled a trick of sorts, pretending to want to join in his plan, and was able to discover that Fletcher and Prince Edmund were planning on taking over Hyrule in Her Majesty's absence. He admitted to me that she was being held, which is how Prince Link and I eventually discovered Queen Zelda's whereabouts in the desert."

"Very well," the councillor said. "Prince Edmund? Would you make your case?"

"Yes, of course." Zelda quickly stepped away from the stand just as he approached. The raven-haired king at the other end of the table rose his head expectantly, his eyes narrowed and piercing, and Edmund swallowed.

It was time at last for him to choose his side before the court. At that moment, the prince of Termina needed to shed his mask and reveal to whom he was truly allegiant once and for all. His eyes swept the room and quickly pushed his spectacles up his nose.

"I understand that my involvement in this matter has been questionable and uncertain. And so, I'm here today to set the record straight." With a knot lodged in the pit of his throat, his voice was shaky and uncertain. But then, he rose to the emerald green eyes in the crowd, his wife's, and he was grounded. He knew exactly what he had to do.

"I made a mistake. I betrayed my allies in Hyrule and conspired with the king of Holodrum. I arranged for Queen Zelda's kidnapping at our wedding to aid Fletcher in his plan to overtake Hyrule. In return, I was offered a sizable bounty and the southern lands."

He turned his gaze to Zelda. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I didn't make my choices out of spite or malice: I did it to aid my kingdom with its financial state. Still, I was foolish and I betrayed you, and I'm deeply sorry for my falsehoods."

Zelda took a deep breath as she held his gaze until he simply bowed his head. The councillor who'd been taking notes the entire time turned to Link with a raise of his thin brows. "Prince Link of Hyrule," he said. "Do you have anything you'd like to add?" His wife turned to him, her eyes kind and encouraging, and he swallowed his breath as he made to stand.

It'd been a long time since he last attended court, and it'd always proved to be difficult. But he had a duty to stand up for his kingdom and his wife, and more than that, he wanted to do everything in his power to protect them both. So he did as Zelda and Edmund did before him and made his way to the podium at the end of the long glass table.

When he looked up from the sleek, glass podium, he met the cold gaze of Fletcher, and it made his skin crawl. He couldn't help but notice that the king was quiet in all this. A clear, sudden image of Ganondorf flashed through his mind, of his menacing eyes and snide grin, and he clenched his hands into fists.

"When Zelda was first taken…I couldn't understand why. I couldn't think of anyone who'd want to do that to her. But then, when those bandits told me it was Fletcher."

He met his gaze. "I don't know why you think you can do this, to Hyrule or Zelda. But she's protected Hyrule for as long as I've known her, and the people aren't just loyal to her, they love her. Just like we'll stand up for Hyrule, the kingdom stands up for her. No matter what, Zelda will always be the queen and you can't take that away."

His eyes met his wife's. Though her expression was rigid, he could see in her eyes that his words made her happy, and he nodded firmly to her.

When all the councillors and ambassadors defended the case, Holodrum's advisor stood up once more, clearing his throat. With so many people standing against Fletcher's falsehoods, he was yet again backed into a corner. Even if Holodrum's council was on his side up until then, they had no case to support him now.

"Once more, I'd like to thank you all for sharing. It's clear now what has transpired," he declared. "As leaders of our lands, we may feel that we must do what we can for the sake of our people, but our kingdom has acted out of line and we accept the responsibility for our misconduct. Your Majesty, I ask that you speak for your actions now."

For the first time since he arrived, Fletcher spoke up. His voice was firm with that same unpleasantly arrogant tone that Zelda recognized far too well, and would far too often haunt her in the night. His eyes fixed on the queen's, and though she appeared brave by raising her chin the slightest, inwardly she grinded her teeth.

"Your Majesty," he said, tone dripping with a theatrical remorse that'd obviously been rehearsed, "I apologize for my actions. They were terribly wrong, and I hope that you might forgive me."

"Why?" It was a simple question, and yet she couldn't figure out the answer for herself. Despite favoring Link in court years ago, she hadn't done anything to him and Hyrule hadn't ever betrayed Holodrum. At the very least, she deserved an answer now. "Why did you do it?"

He paused then as everyone watched him and patiently awaited his response. For once, it appeared that he didn't have a snarky remark prepared.

Licking his lips, he finally said, "Death can really open one's eyes." That was the only thing he said. Though it wasn't really an answer and he didn't bother to elaborate, Zelda understood. She was well aware that the past king, his father and a great friend of her own, died years ago.

"Grief is a terrible feeling. I, too, lost my parents long ago. But you've terrorized my kingdom and endangered my people, and I cannot condone your actions. I will, however, agree to move forward should you choose to maintain the peace."

His eyes narrowed for a moment as he clenched his jaw, but his advisor spoke for him. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is indeed our wish to move forward from these unpleasant events.

"In order to do so, we've drafted up a peace agreement to ensure that from this moment forward, there will be no attacks between our kingdoms; any matters that need to be settled will be done so diplomatically. I ask now that you sign this treaty to swear your allegiance to one another and the peace between our nations forevermore."

As stated, the pledge was passed between leaders. At her right-hand side, Chancellor Cole nodded and handed the quill to the young queen. With a shaky breath, she swiftly signed her name alongside the others.

Seeing the dark and ominous clouds form in the otherwise pale blue skies was the first indication that something was very wrong. On the precipice of spring, the people began to enjoy the nice, brilliant blue sky. They certainly weren't unaccustomed to a spring shower, but there was something evil permeating the air that the people of Hyrule knew something was off.

Then, there was a strange siren call that boomed throughout the town. At the same time, guards standing around the castle walls noticed a thick, sickly violet fog rise from the fields. It was too dense to see through, even with lanterns, and a panic swept the townspeople. Eagus and Ashei sent troops out to order people to clear the streets while the others prepared for whatever was headed their way.

Shad was in his new study when it began. From his open windows, he felt the shift in the air, and it settled like a stone in the pit of his stomach. He remembered the queen's warning – a premonition of sorts – and more importantly, remembered the task she'd given him.

When she first entrusted him with it, he'd scribed the letterhead and signature while leaving the details to fill in if and when the time came. He pulled out the letter from his cabinet and wrote what he could see before folding it into an envelope. Hurriedly, he pushed out of his seat and stumbled across the sea of books scattered throughout his room before shoving out the door.

The castle staff were sweeping through the halls like a human current, murmuring to one another in confusion, but Shad cut right through until he found himself in the training yard. It was the first place he'd ever seen the raven and he hoped against hope it'd be there waiting for him.

Surprisingly, it wasn't nearly as chaotic in the training yard as it was in the castle. The soldiers were organized and divided by battalion, stringing their bows and sheathing their swords while the others were marching out of the castle. It was clear that they were diligent and prepared for this moment; all that was left to do was to go out and defend their land.

At the nearest corner, overseeing it all, was Ashei. He momentarily forgot what he'd come there to do. "Oi! What're you doing?" she called out with a hand on her hip. Flustered, he ran to her side. "Don't you see we're in the middle of something here?"

"I'm…" He paused, trying to remember. "I'm here for the raven, remember?"

She frowned and looked up at the sky. "I doubt any bird's gonna get through this, yeah?"

"It's not just-" He huffed. "It's not an ordinary bird, Ashei-"

As if on cue, a loud screech echoed throughout the space. Immediately, all the soldiers braced themselves as if a cannon had been shot. Instead, a large raven burst through thick haze and stretched its pitch black wings to slow its descent as it perched on another target. Shad threw a look at Ashei as if to prove a point and she simply rolled her eyes.

Quickly, he pulled the letter out of his pocket, prepared as always, and approached the bird. The crimson eyes bore into him. The stark intelligence in them was startling at first and he held his breath as he offered the envelope.

"I believe you know what to do," he said in earnest. "Please deliver this to the queen straight away."

The bird wasted no time and snapped the letter into its beak, making Shad recoil in surprise. With powerful flaps of its large, inky wings, it took off once more, casting a powerful gale as it soared back into the treacherous clouds.

Just as they reached the bottom of the stairs, Link tensed. He felt a shift in the air, and Zelda met his gaze, silently asking what it was. Seconds later, a sharp shatter pierced the air when a projectile sailed through the dome window. Quickly, Link shoved Zelda out of the way.

A torrent of glass rained down on them from the broken window above, twinkling and chiming like falling stars. The projectile dove and then swept upwards in a graceful arc just before it hit the ground. While the last fragments of glass trickled to the floor, the "thing" was revealed not to be a projectile at all, but rather a black bird.

Upon seeing her, Zelda's heart started to hammer in her chest. After all, she'd recruited Midna to watch over Hyrule in her absence and report to her with any bad news. Something had to be wrong.

Together, the Hylians knelt beside the bird while she ruffled her feathers and stuck out the letter pointedly. Exchanging a troubled look with her husband, the queen carefully plucked it from her beak and peeled it open with shaky hands. Quickly and silently, Zelda scanned it over, and Link could see the pain in her eyes intensify with every word.

When she was done, he took the letter from her hands and read it over for himself. He'd only gotten a few sentences in before Zelda pushed herself to her feet and headed back up the stairs again with long strides and her hands in fists.

Chapter Text

Storming through the castle, Zelda cleverly found her way to the sanctum. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her hands were clammy and clenched, but she wasn't afraid. She was enraged.

At the top of the winding marble staircase, an arched doorway led to a grand throne room, and Zelda didn't hesitate to march right into it. Holodrum's king was propped in his tall, silver throne, one leg casually draped over the other, and his hands lazily lying over the armrests.

A trail of fire burned under Zelda's heeled boots as she strode to the centre of the room, head high and eyes piercing. But before she could even get a word out, a sickening crackle echoed in the chamber and she turned to find that a wall of ice sealed the doorway behind her.

Trailing a short way behind her, Link and the raven were there just in time to see the door get sealed shut. His heart dropped to his stomach, his eyes widening in panic. In a burst of speed, he slammed his body into the ice, but it was far too thick to break that way. Zelda's figure was distorted in the glass, only a few feet away and yet out of reach.

His hands desperately pounded at the glass, but his wife's face hardened into something serious, one gloved hand reaching up to the glass to cover his own, before she turned back and stepped deeper into the room.

Watching her walk away wrenched at his heart. He didn't waste another minute before chipping the ice away with his sharp blade while Midna tilled at it with her beak; together they tried to break it down one fracture at a time.

Everyone remaining in the foyer looked amongst themselves in confusion, still startled by the sudden rainfall of glass. While Cole was left to read the letter that was haphazardly shoved into his grasp when Link went after the queen, Percival chased the Hylians, and the rest followed suit to find the cause of all the commotion.

Amidst all the turns and twists of the corridors, a cane shot up suddenly, blocking their passage and halting them mid-step. Immediately, Edmund recognized the withered wood and threadbare cloak. "Seer."

"Quite foolish of you to run without looking," she shunned, her voice as crispy as he remembered.

"There's no time for this," Percival insisted, his voice firm even though he was nearly out of breath. "Let us through this instant."

"Are you sure you know where you're headed?" She lowered her cane slowly, tapping it once with a resonating thud. "It's only wise to be prepared."

"What're you speaking about?"

"The king has become quite a proficient sorcerer," she elaborated. "But he's still just a pupil. One with his capabilities could not possibly keep up the stream of magic he's been spewing."

"Sounds just like him," Roperi replied, arms folded over her chest, "to overestimate his capabilities." It wasn't until that offhand remark that Percival finally realized what the witch was saying.

For as long as he knew Fletcher, he'd been hotheaded and egotistical with a tendency to get ahead of himself. Being the spoiled prince that he was, he usually got away with it, but now, at the hands of the supernatural, his habits might actually have some real consequences. And with his appetite for performance, it wouldn't be too difficult to get him to overexert himself at all.

Zelda's figure glowed in the light that poured in through the western window. With all her years of training behind her, she knew she could battle the king of Holodrum right then and there.

But there was more at risk than just her own well-being this time, and so instead, she remained calm and level-headed to get through this as painlessly and safely as possible. She did, however, take a mental note of the dagger through her peripheral vision.

At last, she spoke, her words seething as they fell from her lips. "Withdraw your attack now."

"You should've fought when you had the chance, Queen Zelda," he replied languidly.

Stepping into the light ever so casually, his tall shadow pooled over the carpet like spilled ink until it landed inches from the toes of her boots. In the pure sunlight, the evil that pervaded him was more obvious and detrimental, like his very soul was drained from his body. His sharp, hunter's gaze was desolate, and his face looked grey and sickly, though his voice didn't falter.

"But alas, you wanted to take the noble route. That was always the difference between you and me. You valued diplomacy, and yet I valued accomplishments. It's clear now that I was right all along."

"Enlisting soldiers to fight battles in the name of your pride is not an accomplishment. It's cowardice."

"I'd bite my tongue if I were you," he snapped, an inkling of umbrage in his tone. "Under my siege, Hyrule will fall, and there's nothing you can do about it. All of your allies are under my roof.

"You've got nothing but your own army to hold you down, and I assure you it will not be enough. By the time you return home, your kingdom will be under my command and I shall be your king, should I take mercy on your life." His eyes flashed over her body with a lecherous smirk before he added, "Perhaps I could find other uses for you."

The connotations made her skin crawl. "Enough is enough. You have no allies, and you've not only betrayed the treaty but your own council as well. Whatever power you think you've gained is unsustainable."

"What do you know about power? There is always more to gain."

"Indeed. And so you'll never be satisfied."

"Satisfied?" he jeered, a hint of humor in his voice before his figure fragmented into thin air.

While Zelda swiftly spun to search for him, she felt her hip for her dagger. Her gaze found Link's through the ice again, his eyes furious and desperate, watching what he could while simultaneously trying to break through the wall of ice.

Warped but still loud enough to hear, Link shouted a warning just as Fletcher appeared behind her and gripped her tightly. Cringing in pain, she held her breath as black smoke swirled around them. His knuckles ran down her cheek and neck, enjoying the way Link grew more furious the further his hand ventured.

With a caustic whisper against her skin, Fletcher asked, "What do you know about satisfaction?"

Though Zelda craned her neck at his chilled touch, she didn't try to squirm away; instead, she used his distraction to her benefit. Gripping the hilt of her dagger, Zelda twisted her arm and pierced his stomach with its jagged blade.

With an anguished cry, he threw her in shock, and Zelda landed on her hands and knees with a grunt. Link cried out again, slamming into the ice with all his might. To his astonishment, it shattered instantly upon impact and he flew right through, surrounded by a mosaic of broken shards.

Footsteps thundered when the rest of the group finally found them. Link was running to his wife's side, Fletcher's menacing stature looming above them. Though the place where Zelda had stabbed him was torn and bloody, the gash was nearly gone; he'd apparently mended himself with his magic.

A group of knights gathered around Zelda to help her to her feet while Percival, to Link's surprise, grabbed his shoulder. The Labrynnian whispered faintly, "When he's weak, his magic weakens."

Link's eyes widened and flashed to the king's with a sudden realization. Only seconds later, the memory of Percival telling him that Fletcher's only fear was him dawned on him. Percival stayed at his side, exchanging a knowing nod with the hero.

Cole followed the crowd aside the advisor of Holodrum, and the two of them studied the scene with a great deal of indignation.

"What's going on here?" Holodrum's chancellor ordered. "What have you done?"

"I did what none of you believed I could, and I didn't even need your army to do it. A horde of my beastly creations is taking down Hyrule as we speak. And I will be its new king."

Drawing his shoulders high, Link stepped forward. He knew that what he said next would change the course of everything, but it was the only thing left to do. It was clear that Fletcher had spiraled far out of control and any chance of getting through him logically was long gone.

But Link wasn't afraid, not after everything he'd done; he only hoped that Zelda had the same faith in him.

"You wouldn't be doing anything that hasn't been done," Link said firmly, assuredly. The simple statement earned everyone's attention. A little louder, he continued, "Lots of kings take kingdoms, don't they?"

Fletcher's predatory eyes snapped to the hero's, narrowing with a quick scan down his figure. "What did you just say?"

"If you really want glory, do something that hasn't been done." He stepped forward. "Like defeat a hero." Breath quickening, Zelda took a step after him. She suddenly felt very cold.

Fletcher simply laughed incredulously. "You must be kidding. You think you can go up against me?"

"Yes, right here and now." Sharp eyes piercing into Fletcher's armor, he shrugged. "Unless you're afraid."

A murmur erupted from the crowd, and the king's eyes swept over them immediately. It suddenly became apparent how many people had been listening to the hero's challenge.

More than that, they would witness his response. A hero challenging a king wasn't something that happened every day; whatever he said now would travel throughout every person in each of the kingdoms and be remembered for a long time. He couldn't back down in front of the princes, councilors, and queen herself. He wouldn't.

"Of you? Not a chance." He scoffed as he magicked a blade into his hand, grazing the razor-sharp edge with a hint of veneration. In a last-ditch effort to scare him off, he added, "I take your challenge and raise you one: we fight to the death."

"Link," Zelda pleaded witheringly, and the broken sound made Link flinch.

He knew that what he was doing was perhaps one of the most reckless things he's ever done. Dying now would hurt her more than anything, especially considering the fact that they were soon-to-be parents. But he had to do this – he needed to solve this the best way he knew, which meant laying his life on the line for his kingdom and his queen.

Every attack would weaken the king, simultaneously felling his magicked beasts and saving Hyrule. He saw it when the ice shattered mere seconds after Zelda stabbed him. Hyrule's soldiers were robust and strong-willed and could undoubtedly mow down a sizeable army, but Fletcher would simply keep magicking the beasts into existence until they eventually overpowered them. Link needed to stop it at its source.

Eyes flashing dangerously, he said, "You have a deal."

"No," Zelda uttered. "Please. Don't do this."

She gripped his shoulder, trying in vain to hold him back. They both knew he was a capable warrior, and she had more faith in him than anyone; he'd defeated Ganondorf single-handedly, after all. But sadistic villains didn't fight fairly. Just like in the battle against the Gerudo witches, no matter how strong the warrior, the smallest slip-up could be lethal. She couldn't lose him. Not now.

"Please, Link."

The look of abject pain in her eyes made his breath catch. It was rare to see such obvious distress in her, and it killed him that he had to do this, but he knew Fletcher wouldn't stop any other way.

"I'll come back to you," he said softly. "I promise."

With a wordless exchange, the knights came and led her away, though she struggled, wrestling pointlessly against their grip. When she came alongside her allies, Percival went to stand beside her.

"It's okay," he soothed with a firm hand on her shoulder, meeting Link's eyes with an assuring nod. "He knows what he's doing."

Midna perched onto her other shoulder as well, nuzzling into her cheek to provide any comfort she could in her alternate form.

It started simply. Teeth bared, Link slid into the painfully habitual – almost instinctual - fighting position. It was clear from the get-go that Fletcher had seen a few battles himself. From rumors around Hyrule Castle, he'd heard that the king was a skilled hunter; he could see it in the intense focus of his eyes and the slight squint as he analyzed him.

The beast in Link acted instinctively to the threat. In a flash, he leapt into the air and came down on the king. But to his surprise, the Master Sword caught air just as a blinding light flashed him. Everything went white as he fell to the floor, blinking confusedly from his momentary blindness.

But as the wolf he'd once been, his other senses heightened, his ears twitching as Fletcher's near-silent steps approached him from the side. Though he couldn't see the arc of his blade, he'd swung just in time for their swords to meet in a sharp toll.

Watching from the sidelines, everyone was amazed by the hero's sheer skill. Most of the courtiers, swordsmen, and royalty in attendance hadn't seen his proficiency, though many heard the tales of the hero from Hyrule. Everyone was biting their nails in anticipation, and Zelda was no exception. Her legs were trembling and she was sure they'd soon give out beneath her.

Sparks flew from the blades as they clashed over and over. Shapes started sharpening in Link's vision until he could make out Fletcher's figure. Their blades came to a stalemate and the blond easily overpowered him, pushing into his blade and gritting his incisors to a grind until Fletcher was nearly bent backwards.

The scraping of their steel blades was deafening, and a bead of sweat rolled down the king's forehead. When he could no longer hold the blade, Fletcher fumbled backwards, and Link landed a few blows to his chest until his opponent lost his footing.

When Fletcher's body hit the floor, his figure melted into a shadow, slinking right under Link and manifesting into his tall, lean figure at his back. Cold breath crept through the light hairs on the nape of Link's neck, causing him to shudder and leap out from beneath the arc of the king's blade. Fletcher's face faltered for a moment, but a near savage sneer replaced his expression.

His body melted down once more, but his shadow fractured into multiples, skulking over the floors and up the walls until they camouflaged into the room. Link looked around himself, attentively readying himself for where he'd appear from next, ears perked and eyes alert. But Fletcher didn't fight fair. He reappeared inches away from Link's face, toppling him over with a single hard shove.

The hero hit the ground, his sword sliding a few inches out of reach. Stretching his fingertips and barely grazing the hilt, Fletcher firmly placed his foot on his wrist and leaned menacingly over him, nearly salivating down at Link.

"You're harder to pin down than your wife."

Link's stomach turned at the implications. With a growl, the blond kicked Fletcher in the gut. The air was knocked out of him long enough for Link to snatch up his sword and nick his side. The blade pierced his skin with a splash of blood.

When the king's hand landed on the wound, he cringed at the blood coating his palm. His fingers clenched over the cut, in an urge to heal himself, but his hands twitched and tensed. Something feral flashed in his eyes. In a sudden burst of speed, he ran forward towards the hero and lunged impossibly high into the air, his blade poised and pointed downwards as if driving a spear into a prey.

Link rolled out of the way in the nick of time and arced his blade in a circle, landing another clean cut on the king, and Fletcher gripped the fresh wound with a snarl. Blades clashed loud and frantic as Fletcher became more desperate. At last, Link jutted the pommel of his sword into the king's gut with such strength that he slid across the polished floor, and his blade slid out of reach this time.

Link didn't waste a moment. He leapt onto the king, his knee digging into his chest, and his blade pressed against his neck. A look of pure terror flashed in Fletcher's dark eyes when he realized that he was as good as dead. His entire life flashed in front of his eyes, and there he stood, at the precipice.

As the hero's eyes bore into his, he recognized the look of fear and hesitated. It was a look he had never seen before in the eyes of his enemies. When he felled the Dark King, no part of him showed any remorse. He died the way he lived: with no regrets.

For a moment, Link wavered in the thought that maybe – just maybe – the fear in Fletcher's eyes was his reawakening. Maybe, close to death, he would realize the way he should've lived instead.

A series of arguments waged in his mind, but at last, through gritted teeth, Link spoke. "Stay away from Hyrule." Fletcher's eyes widened; his forehead wrinkled in bewilderment.

Effortlessly, Link withdrew his blade and pushed off him. For good measure, he lifted the sword that Fletcher wielded in case he got any ideas. The hero then turned to the crowd, to his wife, as the group cheered for his victory; just as the fight proved his skill, his act of mercy revealed the strength in his heart.

Zelda was silent, still. Her wisdom made her doubt that the king would have any sudden change of heart. And since she watched him carefully, she noticed that as he made to stand, Fletcher reached for something small that gleamed in the folds of his tunic. Instantly, she realized it was the dagger she'd used on him earlier.

For the next few moments, everything slowed down. Every movement was blurred and every sound was subdued. With a shout that didn't quite reach her ears, Zelda pitched forward and shoved Fletcher backwards.

His back slammed into the window, colliding with the glass and shattering into a thousand sparkling pieces. Arms flailing around him, he desperately reached out for a handhold. In the last moment, his hands wrapped around Zelda's ankle and tugged her along.

Time sped up immediately once she fell to the ground. As she was dragged against the polished stone, she slapped her hands against the tiles, digging her nails in for purchase. Link dove forward and grabbed them, tugging her back with all his might. But Fletcher, dangling hundreds of feet in the air, was weighing her down.

Like an arrowhead, Midna nosedived out the window and clipped his hand with a peck of her sharp beak, and it was that sharp pinch that forced him to release Zelda. With a cry, he plummeted to the chasm below, the sound growing low and distant until it was lost to the roaring waterfalls.

Zelda fell forward into Link's arms and he held her tight against him. Lying on the ground, they trembled with heavy pants, trying to come to terms with all that had just happened.

In an instant, everyone around them caved in, asking if they were okay and checking for wounds. Percival held his hands out and tried to push them back. "Don't crowd them!" he ordered. "Give them a moment."

Together, the two princes escorted everyone out of the room and shut the door behind them with finality. Though it should've felt bigger and colder without the crowd, the room somehow felt smaller instead. Link looked at his wife, burrowed into his arms, and clenched her shoulders, terrified that she was hurt or injured. "Are you okay?"

The sound of his voice coaxed her from his arms and she lifted her head to look at him. Her eyes were creased and brimmed with tears, bearing into his with such intensity. "Why?" she asked, voice wavering and frighteningly weak. "Why would you put your life on the line like that?"

Link couldn't tell if she was angry or hurt - maybe she was both and he couldn't blame her for it. "He - Fletcher wouldn't have stopped," he said, and it surprised him how hoarse his own voice sounded. "I had to do something. I know you care about Hyrule more than anything, so-"

"Link," she interrupted severely. "If I were to lose Hyrule, I would be devastated. But I would die if I lost you. I cannot-" Her voice fractured on the word, shattering like the glass shards around them, and all at once the tears gave way, rolling down her flushed and marred cheeks. It was the first time in a long time that she ever shed a tear. "Don't you ever think that you could compare."

It was as if she'd shed the last mask she ever wore, as if she tore down the final barrier - those that stood taller than even the castle walls, any and all that'd ever been put around her. He felt it deep in his chest, raw and intense like an arrow piercing through his armor. He didn't have the words that could possibly measure up or possibly express the way he felt.

With furrowed brows, his fingers threaded through the hair pasted to the sides of her face and his dirtied hands gripped her sodden cheeks before he pulled her into a passionate kiss. A hiccup of a sob escaped her as she leaned into him, gripping his shirt with all the strength she could muster.

The goddesses granted them a still moment, at last, as time waned to a stop so that they might hold onto each other a little longer without a single interruption.

With all the royals, chancellors, and knights bearing witness to Fletcher's admission of guilt, there was certainly no way that Holodrum's council could eschew blame, and the Hylians left Holodrum in high regard.

Though there were several important topics to be discussed, the queen certainly didn't want to be in any state of vulnerability when doing so, and so they'd decided to discuss matters in correspondence until further notice. At the very least, however, they did have a physician come in and check the royals out for any serious injuries, which had thankfully been avoided.

Besides the wheels trundling through the dirt, the carriage ride was soundless. Link fell asleep on her shoulder as Zelda wistfully watched her kingdom roll by, eyes chasing the fields but her mind elsewhere. She tried with all her might to prepare herself for the state of her capital upon return; the thought of what it might look like after Fletcher's attack on Castle Town made her stomach churn.

But to her surprise, as they rolled through the gates, there wasn't nearly as much wreckage as she anticipated. A thick cloud of smoke hung in the air and debris was scattered on the ground, but she couldn't see much detrimental destruction or damage to the buildings, and she certainly didn't see anybody in the streets.

Zelda looked at her husband, minding the low snores that rumbled his chest with a small smile, and thanked the goddesses that he agreed to work with Eagus all those years ago. She didn't even want to imagine what would've happened if it weren't for his battle experience that'd culminated in such effective tactics. Her fingers threaded through his wheat-colored hair, and in his sleep, he nuzzled the slightest into her shoulder.

Thank the goddesses indeed.

It was an idea Zelda considered with utmost importance. Though it would be easier just to take it up with her husband, as she usually did with matters such as these, she knew that it'd be wiser to get at least one councilor on her side so that he wouldn't have to deal with the pressures of court again – at least, for one last time.

Cole was overlooking the new alliances with her that morning. For the last while since their return, they'd drafted up new and extensive contracts for their separate alliances with Termina and Holodrum. There was talk, also, of writing up a union act between all the neighbouring kingdoms, including Labrynna, to interweave their loyalties henceforth.

But as they reviewed the contracts together for the better part of the morning, she couldn't avoid the thought that tacked itself to the back of her mind. Zelda tapped her quill at the last serif of her signature and handed it to her advisor.

He nodded firmly and shuffled the papers back into a neat file. "Yes, this will do for now. I'll send it over to Chancellor Benson for review."

Just as he made to stand, Zelda held her hand out. His hand gripped the armrest of the chair for support and raised a brow. "Wait, Chancellor. Before you go, there's something I'd like to discuss with you." At her word, he settled back into his seat. "I've had this notion for a while and have given it great consideration since. I should like your opinion on it before I present it to the court."

"Of course, Your Majesty. You'll always have my discretion."

She nodded, her eyes drifting to her desk for a moment. Truth be told, though she trusted this would be the right course of action, she couldn't quite predict what the others would say about it, especially Link.

Cole's opinion always meant a great deal to her, as her father's trusted advisor and now her own. In a way, he was her confidant and conscience. Whatever he had to say about her idea would greatly impact her decision to present it to her husband.

Taking a breath, she flashed her eyes back to his. "I believe Link should be king."

Cole's brows inched up his forehead and his head jerked back a bit, but she'd still consider it a rather subdued reaction to such a bold request. She couldn't tell if his repose was a good thing or not. His crinkled eyes went distant for a moment, but she waited for his answer patiently.

"I see. Would you explain why?"

She'd prepared for this. "His leadership qualities have been evident in his recent actions. When I was taken, he made clear and direct orders to the officers and notified the council and you every step of the way.

"He was the one who made an alliance with Chiefess Naboris and mended relations between Hyrule and the Gerudo tribe. He spoke tactfully at the council meeting with Holodrum, but when duty called, he once again laid his life on the line for Hyrule's benefit.

"It was clear, even years ago, when I'd given him the choice to become a consort or a king: he chose to strengthen our military rather than take the higher title. His training alongside Commander Eagus has proven to be beneficial when they were able to protect our kingdom in our absence.

"I believe the protocols and procedures they developed will continue to be valuable in years to come, and so I don't believe they shall need to rely so heavily on his leadership."

Cole listened attentively, and when she finished her case, he steadily held her gaze. Her expression was steadfast, unchanging, and firm, but her voice was full of conviction, and he knew she'd really given it her full consideration.

After a moment, he smiled. "I agree." Zelda blinked in surprise, but she didn't speak just yet. "Truth be told, I didn't believe any man would choose to be a consort over a king, given the choice, but it really solidified my faith in his integrity when you announced his decision.

"As of late, I've also noticed some patterns in his behavior. He's truly matured over the years that I've known him, but his honest nature hasn't changed. I believe he'd make a fine king."

Having her councilor agree with her so readily was a relief. She relaxed her shoulders the slightest, absently fiddling with her fingers while she continued, "Would the council approve? I understand that it's unusual to change positions after a decision was made."

He rocked his head side-to-side as he mulled over her question. "It's not typically done, that's for certain, but there's no law against it. If anything, I believe the councilors prefer that he didn't immediately take the position as king." Then, with a lighter tone, he added, "I think you ought to be more concerned whether His Highness will accept."

She smiled then, nodding to herself. Yes, that's exactly what she thought.

"No peeking, all right?"

After weeks of working on the royal nursery, Ilia insisted on surprising the couple with the final result. It was a hard project, too. The old nursery was out of use for a long time, since the queen herself was a baby, and it showed. Cobwebs stretched themselves over the corners and dust settled over every surface. After the servants took off every covering sheet and scrubbed the room from top to bottom, she took it upon herself to deck it out.

Ilia had a lot of fun with it too, especially since no one in their village had enough space for a nursery: most babies slept in the main room or with their parents growing up. Neither Ilia nor Link knew that there was such a thing.

The thought of leaving their baby alone in a room across the hall made Link a little uneasy at first, but he and Zelda were able to work on a compromise. The nurses would watch over the child in the nursery during the day, while they were both busy with work, but during the night, the baby would sleep in a cradle in their room, so that they could be there whenever he or she needed them.

The couple kept their eyes closed as they followed her to the room, which they hadn't seen since the whole project began. When the door swung up, the blonde finally said, "Okay, you can open your eyes!" Simultaneously, the two opened their eyes, and their mouths fell in surprise.

The nursery appeared far larger without the plain, tattered sheets stretched throughout. Light seeped in through the iron-grated windows, and new crimson drapes were sewn and drawn aside with golden cords. Most of the intricate furnishings from the royal family were refurbished and polished to a shine, including the cradle in the center of the room.

But now, the woolen blanket from Pergie was tucked into the mattress. There was even a new, finely crafted rocking horse with a bridle similar to Epona's painted onto it.

It was a perfect blend of both the royals. It had all the fanciful, ornate details befitting a royal child, but with a homey touch of Ordon.

Ilia excitedly started the tour, and the two followed close behind. "Here's where the toys are," she started with a dramatic gesture to the wicker basket. It was full to the brim with toys that the villagers had given them, including dolls, balls, puppets, and the rattle Renado crafted from amber.

Opening the double-doored wardrobe, Ilia added, "And here are the clothes. The bigger sizes are stored in the basket down there.

"I also put the cradle here for safekeeping." Ilia was, of course, talking about Link's favorite gift. Though he wholeheartedly accepted and treasured, albeit abashedly, all the presents that the Ordonians gave, there was something especially heartwarming about Rusl and Uli's.

Back when he was a little boy and Uli was pregnant with Colin, she'd spent many warm afternoons fashioning the cradle out of wicker and twine. He could remember the time she lost it and he'd helped her search the village for it, only a short day before the attack in Ordon Springs.

They'd always expressed that it was a family heirloom that they wanted to pass on, and the fact that they let Link use it made his heart flutter with tenderness.

After they'd circled every corner of the room, the trio arrived back at the front of the room, and Ilia clapped her hands at her chest. "Well, what do you think?"

Absently nudging the rocking horse, Link smiled to himself. "It's so nice, Ilia. Thank you."

Zelda agreed with a warm smile. "It's beautiful. We cannot thank you enough."

Ilia waved her hand dismissively. "You don't have to thank me. It was a lot of fun! It's not every day I get to decorate the royal nursery," she pointed out with a big grin.

"Even so, with all the personal touches, it's clear that you've spent a lot of time on this."

"Of course. That was the best part!" she exclaimed. "I can't wait 'til the baby gets to see it! Only a little longer now!"

"About a month," Link agreed, raising his eyes to his wife.

"That's so exciting! Did Renado go over the birth with you yet?"

"We've discussed it briefly," Zelda agreed, nervously folding her hands over her belly.

It made her a little nervous to think about now that it was only a short time away. The check-ups were going smoothly and Renado went over the procedure with them many times over, but that only made them even more nervous. They never realized just how intense it would be.

Apparently, Ilia could sense the building anxiety and brushed it aside with a simple shake of her head. "Don't you two worry. You'll be fine. Renado is very accomplished. He'll take great care of you and the little one!"

Zelda smiled a little coyly and nodded. "Of course. Thank you."

With a hand out and a terribly wolfish grin on his lips, he asked, "Come with me?"

Zelda had heard those words before, and she never regretted agreeing to them then. And so, the brunette placed her gloved hand in his and smiled. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," he said, pushing the door open with his shoulder and following after her.

Though Link previously admitted having trouble being romantic, Zelda always found herself swept off her feet. Perhaps he never realized just how charming he was just by being himself. He wrapped her cloak around her shoulders, tied it firmly around her chest, and smiled when he met her adoring eyes. It was a pleasant night, fortunately, but he became a tad paranoid when it came to keeping his wife warm.

His wife wasn't exactly the best at being honest about her symptoms, and he knew she always had a weakened immune system. Even an odd sneeze would send his heart racing. But she'd gone through the entirety without a hitch, and she always tried to ease his nervousness with small assurances.

True to her word, she'd been taking better care of herself than usual. At times, he suspected she might be nervous too, though she didn't say much about it.

Castle Town's bustling patronage had dwindled as stores closed for the day. Musicians and bards started clearing away, and the stablehands were saying goodbye to their furry companions. Parents stood in their doorways, hollering for their children to come back home for dinner, and though the kids begrudgingly parted, they were uplifted moments after by the enticing smell of a homemade meal.

Everyone smiled and greeted the royals as they passed them by. When they crossed the western gate, the guards dutifully bowed at them, and Zelda couldn't help but smile when she noticed that Link didn't cringe like he used to.

He led her over the green fields, through the sparse pine trees and around the small flower patches. Golden butterflies fluttered through the tall grass at the top of the hilltop, and they stopped to take in the view.

Lilac clouds waded slowly through the sky as the blazing sun bounded towards the horizon. From the high vantage point, they could see the Great Bridge of Hylia and Lake Hylia below, glimmering from the golden beams of sunlight. The viewing platform below was repaired somewhat, the broken columns cleared away, but the stone bleachers were still timeworn and decayed.

Link always knew the most beautiful places to view her kingdom: it was one of the many things she loved about him. She squeezed his hand, and he smiled proudly at the way her face lit up at the view before leading her down to the highest bench.

"And…" he said roguishly before pulling out a pack of chocolates from his bag. She'd recently developed a craving for sweets, which was another thing Renado assured her was normal.

Unfortunately, Ilia had also taken it up with her personal chefs to provide her with healthy and balanced meals. Though the queen understood why, it did make satisfying her cravings a bit of a challenge. She reached out for one, but Link swiped it back at the last moment.

"You have to promise not to tell Ilia."

She smiled mischievously and held her hand up in oath. "I promise." Joining in her laughter, he offered it back to her.

With adoration, he watched her snack on the chocolate. Zelda was always incredibly beautiful to him, but there was something different about her when she was pregnant. In a way, she seemed snugger and softer, and he couldn't help but want to cuddle her at every chance.

Gaze tender, he mused, "I can't believe there's only six more weeks. It's gone so fast."

Without looking up, she nodded in agreement. "It has. I ought to thank you for being so wonderful."

" Me ? You're the one doing all the work."

Zelda's eyes rose to him, examining him, before a soft smile spread over her lips. "Perhaps. But I couldn't have done it without your support."

Shaking his head a little, he finally scooted closer, nuzzled against her shoulder, and placed a gentle hand across her belly. She welcomed the touch, though she could be reserved about most displays of affection in the eyes of the public. It was comforting, his touch, his embrace, and she basked in it.

Softly, he murmured, "Thank you."

One of her hands intertwined with his over her belly while the other gently carded through his hair. "What for?"

"For saying yes."

Though she turned her head the slightest in his direction, he didn't meet her eyes. She understood what he meant, though he didn't need to thank her at all. Marrying him was one of the best decisions of her life.

"Thank you for asking." He laughed breathily through his nose.

Spring's sun began its descent towards the horizon, just above the highest points of the great bridge and beyond the mountain ranges. Guays squawked and fluttered about the violet sky, and Link eyed them warily, though they didn't approach.

"Link," Zelda finally spoke, softly to not interrupt the tenderness of the moment, but with a conviction that caught his notice. "How would you feel about becoming king?"

He tensed at the unassuming and yet heavy question before raising his head. "Where's this coming from?"

She met his eyes. "I know that this is sudden and we've settled the matter many years ago. But much has changed since then. Truth be told, I've seen a lot of impressive leadership in your choices as of late, and I cannot help thinking that you might like the option to reconsider."

He listened intently but remained silent. "I don't want you to feel any sort of pressure, but I would like to see how you'd feel about it."

Link hadn't considered being king since they were engaged, and many years have passed since then. He was conflicted about it at the time, but Zelda left it in his hands to decide what he wanted and supported him either way. He didn't think he'd ever be given the option again, and now that he was, he didn't know what to do with it.

"Could I even do that?"

"Do you mean change your decision?" He nodded. "It's certainly unconventional…" she began and looked forward into the distance, a breeze blowing through her braid, "but there's no reason why you couldn't. Besides, it wouldn't be the most unconventional thing either of us has done."

"I didn't - I don't know."

"I understand that this might come as a bit of a shock, but I wouldn't ask you to reconsider if I didn't believe it was a sensible option. You've proven to have all the qualities of a great leader: you're courageous, wise, and honest, just to name a few."

"What about the knights?"

"I figured you might worry about that. However, I believe that your years as a commander have certainly impacted our army a great deal already. It was evident when we were absent from Hyrule. The plans and procedures you've set in place with Commander Eagus allowed the knights to ensure our people's security. Likewise, the captains would continue the training and techniques you've implemented.

"Regardless, I have no intention to pressure you into this position, and I couldn't ask you to give up training the knights if you truly wish to continue. You've done more than enough for Hyrule. This decision should solely be based on what's best for you."

He followed her line of sight to the horizon, to the highlands that encompassed Lake Hylia and the sun nearing the horizon. He believed Zelda when she said she wasn't asking anything from him: she'd done a great job taking care of Hyrule's politics on her own since becoming queen, and they both knew she'd be more than capable of continuing that way.

If he was being honest, though, he did see the benefit of being a ruler. He could make decisions for Hyrule and its future, where he'd been limited so far. Though Zelda usually consulted him when it came to important matters, all he really could do was offer an opinion or judgment. It didn't necessarily hold any weight in court to anyone but her.

He'd always had an innate sense to protect Hyrule and his wife, even before he knew who he truly was or what his destiny held, but being a king would be different than anything he'd ever done before. "Do you really think I could do it?"

"I've never met a man more befitting a king." Meeting her gaze, he noted the corners of her lips curved into a small smile.

For a moment after, they faded into silence, until the sunlight faded to a silhouette around the peaks. When the stars started blinking into the night sky, something firm and odd jutted out against his hand. He leapt up, whipping his head to look at Zelda. Her face split into a knowing smile. "You felt it, didn't you?"

"Was that-"

"Our baby. I suppose they're a bit of a night owl."

Link nodded, though he distracted himself while searching her belly for more movement. Another kick jerked only a short distance from the last, and it made the blond erupt with nervous laughter.

Their baby was moving around, lively and energetic. He wondered if they'd be as adventurous as the two of them. Would they want to explore all of Hyrule? He couldn't wait to show them all the beautiful places he'd seen.

As he mused on all the lovely thoughts, he started to think more about their previous conversation. Firmly, he looked up at his wife and said, "I'll do it."

Zelda's eyes flitted from their hands to her husband. His sudden statement confused her momentarily, but realization soon struck.

"Are you certain? You may take as much time as you need to consider it. It's a big decision and there's no urgency."

"I know, but…I want to do this. I want to help you make Hyrule the best place for our family."

The brunette searched his eyes for a moment. Years ago, he'd had a lot of trouble making that very same decision. But right here and now, he seemed so certain, so set, that she couldn't help but smile.

Knowing that they'd be working side-by-side for the future of Hyrule was a nice thought. She respected his ideas and beliefs; with that and every other wonderful quality that encompassed her husband, she knew he'd make a great king.

"I'm so proud of you, Link. I know that you'll do wonderfully."

"Thank you, Zelda," he said, squeezing her hand surely. "You've always believed in me."

"And you've always proven me right."

Chapter Text

It started sometime in the crest of the night. Awoken by a sudden and tight cramping, Zelda lurched in bed and groaned in discomfort. By her side, Link sat up and blearily rubbed his eyes, as diligent as ever. "Is it the kicks again?"

In the last few weeks of her pregnancy, the baby's kicks would startle her awake, and he'd do everything from massage to cuddle her until it coaxed her back to sleep. It was only a brief glimpse into the restless nights awaiting them.

Wearily, Zelda placed a hand on her stomach and shook her head. "No, it's not."

A little more awake, then, Link frowned and examined her, his hand covering hers to feel what she was feeling. "What is it?"

She drew a breath as she looked down at herself, noting the way her stomach tensed beneath her hands. It wasn't very painful, but it was uncomfortable and hard to ignore. Less than a minute later, she met his eyes. "I think that was a contraction."

Panic flashed over his face. But then, just as quickly, it was replaced by something more serious.

He leapt up and out of the room before Zelda could get another word out. Frowning to herself, she slowly pushed herself off the bed and followed after him, already knowing where he'd gone.

A few rooms down, a sudden and urgent knock shook the wooden door and awoke the shaman. Perturbed by the sudden awakening, the shaman took a candle to the door and opened it, its halo of light illuminating the hero's worried features. "Link? What is it?"

Just before Link could speak, the queen wobbled over, hand on her stomach, and the shaman sighed in relief. "I believe I had a contraction. It's all right. He's just a bit worrisome."

Renado shook his head with a small smile and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "She'll be fine, son. This is all quite normal." He turned to the queen. "When they get nearly five minutes apart or if your water breaks, let me know. Then it'll be time. Otherwise, you may go about your day."

"Of course."

"Don't you worry, Link. We will take good care of her."

His words did not relieve Link at all. They did indeed go about their day, but he'd been on high alert the entire time. Whenever the commander or servants came by, he flinched, ready to run to her side, but the entire morning went on without much fanfare.

Meanwhile, Zelda remained as steadfast as always. Every so often, she was interrupted by pangs of pain, which admittedly began to get more and more unbearable as time dragged on. But she'd been diligent about keeping track of the time, and the contractions weren't yet five minutes apart.

Eventually, she'd given up hope of getting anything done in the reclusion of her study, where her pain emphatically took the forefront of her attention, and decided to take her work outside.

Her councillors were extra lenient and insisted that she had many breaks scattered throughout her day, and she had suspicions that either Link or Ilia - or perhaps both of them - coerced them. Heavens knew how intimidating they could be. Either way, she couldn't really complain since she was able to get more fresh air and spend some time on the project she'd started months ago.

On a stroll in the royal gardens alongside her newly found friend, Zelda breathed in the flowers, which smelled even sweeter that day, and bathed in the sunlight, which felt even warmer. It wasn't particularly hot for the summer, but she felt it more in the late stages of her pregnancy.

It was nice to devote some time to a project she believed to be of great importance, and she appreciated how invested Shad was in it as well. Though he often got carried away with ventures such as these, he'd admit to being especially devoted to this one. After all, the queen herself requested his assistance, and there was no way he'd disappoint her.

"So far, I've gotten multiple reports from council members about the Gerudo civilization. Many of them denied knowing that the tribe still resided in the desert, which is to be expected. After all, there's no mention of them on any recent map or textbook. Either way, I still haven't gotten all the reports from the knights just yet."

"That's quite all right. They've been especially busy as of late."

"Ah yes…" he said, scratching the back of his head with his quill. "There's that. Also, I'm ashamed to admit that I'm a tad intimidated. They can be rather...brutish."

Zelda held back a smile at that remark. Yes, the knights weren't exactly known for their dignity or refinement, but both of them were rather smitten with members of the guard. They had their own charm, brutish or not. "If that's the case, perhaps Auru could offer some assistance. He's partaken in the project, has he not?"

"Yes, perhaps that might be a better option." He scribbled down another note in that notebook of his, his nose buried deep in the crook of it. "Sometimes I forget that he was a knight as well."

"He has indeed accomplished much."

"A jack of all trades, shall we say?"

"We shall."

On the path that they were on, they came across a newly installed seating area between the shrubbery. Chirping birds fluttered in and out of the bird bath, shaking water droplets off their little wings. The brunette held her hand out to her companion for a moment while she sat down on the stone bench. "Perhaps we should take a seat for a moment."

"Your Majesty? Are you well?"

"Yes, I'm quite all right. I just need a moment." Straightening her pleated skirt, she gestured to the other bench. "Join me."

With a polite bow of his head, he sat down and cleared his throat. "Right, of course. It is a touch warm today."

"It truly is."

"Would you prefer to continue indoors?"

"No, no. I enjoy the fresh air. Thank you."

"All right. Well, I wanted to ask you some questions as well," he continued, fixing his glasses over his nose. "I understand that you've spoken highly of the queen of the Twilight Realm. Could you tell me a little bit more about Queen Midna and your relationship?"

A corner of her lips twitched at the mention of her friend. Closing her eyes for a moment, Zelda tilted her head up towards the heavens.

"I met her shortly after Hyrule was first invaded. The usurper king, Zant, and his minions had taken me prisoner in one of the castle's towers. That's where I first met Midna, who was a princess like I was at the time." Shad listened intently, transcribing her words as she spoke them.

"After introducing herself, she told me how Zant had usurped her throne as well and placed a terrible curse on her. Until that moment, I'd only ever heard of the Twilight Realm in legends, as many of us had, but I believed that she was telling the truth."

"Apologies, Your Majesty, but why did you believe her? How could you be sure that she wasn't working with Zant?"

"I suppose there was no way that I could've known for certain. However, she was in possession of an ancient relic that was treasured by the Twili and not many knew of, which was consistent with the rest of her story. More importantly, though, there was something intangible about Midna. She was candid, straightforward, and passionate about her hatred towards the usurper king."

"I see."

"Throughout our relationship, she proved time and time again to be trustworthy. Even when she was close to death, she used what little strength she had left to ask me to guide Link forward."

"Instead, you gave her your life, correct?"

Zelda hesitated and fixed him with a deliberative stare. "How did you know that?"

A proud, yet bashful smile turned the scholar's lips. "His Highness told me. I'd asked him a few questions about the queen as well."

Of course he'd tell Shad that. "Yes, I'd granted her my spirit so that she may continue her journey with Link. It was a small price to pay for all that she'd done and continued to do for our kingdoms."

"I don't mean to overstep, but I must say that your sacrifice was very admirable. Not many people would give up their lives for their kingdoms."

"Perhaps. Yet both Link and Midna had sacrificed themselves every day for months. My choice pales in significance."

"That's not what His Highness said," Shad insisted. "He said that without your sacrifice, neither he nor the Queen of the Twilight Realm could've gone forward with their quest. I believe your contributions were greater than you realize, Your Majesty."

For a moment, Zelda didn't respond. She'd always considered herself more of a burden during the invasion than a contributor. Though Link always insisted she'd helped them more than she believed, it was always his opinion against hers.

But since disclosing the true details of the Twilight Invasion, people who didn't know her as well or weren't always in her favor, such as the councillors, stated that she'd done well under the circumstances. It was hard to be apprehensive when so many people came forward with their support.

Just as Shad began to blubber an apology for overstepping, Zelda shook her head with a smile. "Thank you, Shad. I truly apprec-"

Her voice clipped on a sharp breath, her face falling, when raw pain shot through her body. The contraction that assailed her was far worse than any of the others so far.

"Your Majesty?"

Zelda replied, "I'm fine," but her voice was strained through her teeth and her face was flushed, and he could clearly tell that she was not fine. With her fingers wrapped around the edge of the stone bench and lips pressed tightly to mute her pain, Shad finally realized what was happening.

"You – Are you – is this…?" Her voice was caught on a breath, but she figured he understood despite her silence. Already, he shot up from his seat and started looking around for help.

When at last her contraction tempered, she stifled a sigh. "It's okay. It was just a contraction."

His spectacles nearly shot off his face when he whipped his head to look at her, aghast. Voice high and pitchy, he repeated, "'Just a contraction?'"

"There's no need to worry. They're still manageable," the brunette insisted, but Shad had already called out for the guards. It was a short while before the rattle of metal rang out from the other side of the wall, and two knights rushed through the gate.

"The queen is in labor. Somebody find the prince and bring him here! And let the shaman know!"

The guards instantly turned to Zelda on the bench, who was pushing to her feet. By the flush of her skin and her slow, cautious movements, it was clear that she was struggling, but her expression was as collected and stoic as ever.

"I'm fine, truly." She waddled over to the trio and shook her head dismissively. "We may convene in my chambers, but there's no need to panic."

"Your Majesty, you're in labor!"

"I'm fine," Zelda assured them. But as they argued, another contraction racked her body, even stronger than the last, and she buckled at the knees.

Urgently, the guards reached out for her, but Shad took her arm and insisted, "Go!" Without any further delays, they rushed off through the gate, and soon the clanking of their armor was out of earshot. "Your Majesty, it's all right. We'll get you to a bed. Can you walk?"

She drew in a steadying breath and nodded. It was certainly difficult, even with paced steps, and so she abashedly leaned into Shad's shoulder. The poor scholar was flustered, his breathing nearly as shallow as hers, and he was mindful to walk as slowly as he could muster.

Still, the predicament was terrifying: even without much experience with pregnant women, he knew that contractions only got worse over time. But he knew staying put wouldn't help at all, and he certainly didn't want the queen to be out in the garden when she could no longer walk.

Head-to-head with a practice dummy, Link was teaching the recruits how to do a jump attack. His hand absently twirled his sword as he instructed, "You want to focus on the target." With a big leap, he threw one hand over his head and swung the blade squarely on the head of the dummy. From the sheer force, it rocked side to side; fortunately, the equipment in the training yard wouldn't break as easily as his makeshift targets in Ordon.

Link brandished the blade in the direction of the line of dummies and ordered, "Try it out." After they cheered for the impressive show, the recruits quickly shuffled into position. Seeing how impressive the hero looked, they were eager to try it for themselves.

Of course, they soon found out it wasn't as easy to do as they thought. It was difficult to get the timing and precision right, and often they found they were too slow or couldn't use enough force.

Link walked along the line, pointing out little errors and nudging them into a proper stance with the fuller of his blade. He'd made it past each recruit by the time a fully-fledged knight burst into his corner of the training yard, eyes bugged out and panting when he met the prince's gaze. Even before he could catch his breath, Link understood.

But still, the knight explained, "The queen's in labor, sire. In the western gardens by the birdbath."

A wave of excitement and worry swelled through him simultaneously. His sword fell with a clang, ringing throughout the entire yard. He didn't say anything before he kicked into a run.

His bangs were swept off his forehead as he raced through the halls, weaving through noblemen and servants alike with quick "Sorry's" and "Excuse me's."

They dodged him with short exclaimations and clumsy backwards steps, though more out of surprise than anything. Seeing their prince run amok could mean several things, but they all suspected one above the others.

When he burst through the front doors, the brilliant sunlight momentarily blinded him. He hadn't even realized how bright it was in the training yard. His gaze frantically swept over the courtyard, his hand running through his hair and gripping it at the top of his head.

But then he heard a loud, pained cry, something he'd never heard from his wife before, and he followed the sound before he could even see her. Just then, Zelda and Shad exited the western gates.

He raced down the steps just as she collapsed, one elbow looped around Shad's and the other hand on the stone ledge around the bush. Eyes clenched, mouth pressed in a line, and sweat trickling down her forehead, it was clear she was having a bad contraction. "Zelda!"

Hearing her husband's voice, she lifted her head. "Link."

Shad looked up as well, nearly as red in the face as the queen. "Oh, thank goodness you're here! Her Majesty told me she's been having contractions all morning, but I hadn't noticed until just a short while ago. It appears they've rapidly intensified."

Her gaze dropped to the ground. Though normally he'd argue that she should've stayed in bed all day, now wasn't exactly the time for a lecture. And so instead, he swept his arms underneath her legs and hoisted her up.

Her eyes flew open and met his before Link lovingly joked, "What am I going to do with you, Zelda?" It wasn't by far the first time he'd lifted her, but she was never as particularly heavy as she was then, and she marvelled at his sheer strength. Yet he'd wrangled goats and thrown Gorons, and she figured she probably wasn't quite that heavy.

Shad's eyes were wider than hers when Link turned to him and instructed, "Let Renado know we're coming."

"R-Right, of course." The poor young man stumbled into a run, racing into the castle and out of sight while Link followed a short distance behind.

Once again, every servant and councillor they passed watched in awe as the prince raced through the corridors, but this time with Zelda in tow. Every so often, she cried out, clinging to his torso almost painfully while he could only assure her, "It's okay. Almost there," and keep going.

Every scream and cry made his chest tighten and sent his heart climbing up his throat. To hear Zelda cry out in pain was a clear indication that it was unbearable. But he gritted his teeth as he pressed her firmly against his chest: he had to remain calm and be the steadfast warrior she needed.

When they got to their room, Link kicked the door open and found Renado and Ilia waiting for them with the bed all prepared for her. Nodding to the doctors, he took her to the bed and set her down extremely gently on the sheets.

Snapping the gloves onto his hands, Renado asked him, "Will you be staying in the room?"

But Link was already crouched at her side, his hand in hers, and he firmly said, "I'm not going anywhere." Then, he turned to Zelda to ensure that that was all right, and she nodded to him in a way that told him she'd have it no other way.

Renado nodded with a small knowing smile while Ilia began prepping and positioning her. Meanwhile, Link brushed the hair off her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Against her dewy skin, he affirmed, "I'll be right here."

Word of her labor swept through the kingdom like a coursing rapid. Cheers were deafening in Telma's bar that evening as glasses were poured to the brim and clanked together in celebration.

When the most southern corner of Hyrule received a letter from the postman, they laughed and danced for their good friends all night. Rusl spent the whole evening bawling happy tears, to which his little family lovingly embraced him while spilling a few tears of their own.

Back in the palace, everyone had been especially careful and quiet, as if the smallest noise from the lowest bowels of the castle would somehow disturb the queen. Her cries pierced through the corridors, surprising everyone at the intensity and volume of her voice, especially considering how soft-spoken and stoic Zelda typically was.

Her contractions carried on through the night and only got more painful with every passing hour. Through it all, Link was right there holding her hand, though he nearly lost feeling in his hand from her forceful grip. He was even more doting than usual, fluffing her pillow and keeping her hair off her neck. He only left every so often to dampen a cloth with cold water and wipe the sweat trickling down her face.

When dawn was drawing near, Renado finally declared, "All right, it looks like it's time." He strapped on his gloves yet again as Ilia excitedly positioned her, and Zelda turned to her husband with teary eyes.

With a quivering smile, he clenched her hand and nodded firmly. "You can do this. I know you can do this."

Within seconds, Renado was urging her to push. She could only frantically nod in response while puffing out short breaths. She listened to her body and pushed, her face contorted from the strain. "You're going to have to push harder, Your Majesty! Push!"

"You can do it!" Ilia encouraged her from her place beside Renado.

Curling herself into a ball, she released Link's hand and gripped his tunic hard enough to make him momentarily lose his balance. She pushed again, with all her might, and he tucked his free arm under her knee to help her.

She was only able to push for a few seconds before she fell back with a small, piteous whimper. The sound made Link's heart drop to the pit of his stomach.

Of all the suffering Zelda had gone through in the years he'd known her, he'd never seen her in agony like this before. He'd do anything to take her place. "You're doing great, Zelda." His voice was weak and throaty, but his gaze was fierce, and she held onto it as she tried again.

They'd gone on like this for a while. She gave her all in little bursts and earned only a few moments of rest in between. It must've been hours before the shaman finally exclaimed, "I can see the head. Keep going!" Her energy had long been sapped, but hearing that urged her to keep going.

Gritting her teeth, she bore down and pushed the hardest she ever had. "Almost there! One last push!" Zelda's sharp cry was overlapped a moment later by another.

As the baby fell into the shaman's arms, Zelda fell back onto her elbows, panting for breath. Link stayed by her side and held fast to her shoulders.

"Congratulations." The shaman pushed to his feet, baby in hand, and a warm, yet exhausted smile stretched his lips. "Allow me to introduce you to the crowned prince of Hyrule."

Link's eyes widened while Zelda let out a faint, breathless laugh. When Renado gently placed the baby onto his mother's chest, Link could only look on with amazement.

Their son's little nose was scrunched up, his face puffy and red, as his piercing cries filled the hushed room. But Zelda cradled and soothed him with nearly inaudible shushes, and Link carefully, cautiously, ran a knuckle over his soft cheek.

"Our son," Zelda uttered softly, and Link breathlessly nodded.

Ilia only took the baby to measure and clean, and soon after, the practitioners stepped out of the room to grant the little family their privacy.

Pressed against the brunette's chest once more, the new parents couldn't keep their eyes off their child. He was cradled in his mother's arms, but Zelda was cradled in Link's, their hands clasped over the baby's blanket.

He was fussy at first, but when she started to hum a familiar lullaby, his cries faded to a soft whimper. There must've been some sort of enchantment in the song, or maybe it was the softness of Zelda's voice, because all other noise fell silent.

With widening eyes, the baby blinked up at her, eliciting a sob from the queen. She looked up at her husband. "He has your eyes."

Link tugged on the hood of the blanket to get a better look at him and realized she was right: his eyes were big and blue like the night sky, just like his. "He does," he agreed with a flustered laugh. "But I think he looks more like you. He's beautiful."

Zelda smiled. Craning her neck, she pressed her lips to his, unmoving and gentle and whole-hearted. When she drew back, her eyes remained on his smile. "We'll have to pick a name eventually, you know."

He laughed again and nuzzled into her hair. "I know."

"Any thoughts?"

He shook his head against her, his voice muffled by her dark locks. "None at all." She laughed then, noting the drowsiness in his voice, and didn't respond. For a while after, the small family simply lay together, cradled in each other's arms.

Twilight felt darker now that they were gone. Midna forgot what it felt like to be alone, but it became blatantly transparent after her closest friends left once more. In a way, it was exactly what she imagined they experienced when she stepped into the mirror the first time, only to shatter it at her feet.

With that insight, it was hard to ignore the guilt gnawing at the pit of her stomach. But she was proud, at the very least, to have found a superficial fix to the pain that parting imparted. If they ever needed her, she'd only be a touch away, and she trusted Zelda would be responsible with the gift.

So far, they'd managed to get away with just using the raven. When they needed her in Holodrum, she was able to come to their aid without the use of the portal. And she was glad that she was. It still made her heart skip a beat when she remembered the way that malicious king grabbed at Zelda's ankle, trying in vain to drag her down with him into the chasm.

It still amazed her how selfish people could be in the light realm, albeit she experienced nearly the same thing with Zant.

Shuddering the thought away, Midna shook her head to remain focused. Thinking of that was no use now. It seemed that the king was gone, and for now - thank the gods - peace came again.

Every so often, the workers around the castle would ask about "the light ones," they called them, and Midna would simply say that they were fine. Work days also slowed down without the project of building a mirror and checking on Hyrule so often; though, she'd sometimes search the realm in her free time just to be accessible.

She leapt off the kagarok right at the newly opened mines. Since the Hylians' departure, the expeditions were less intense, and operations continued as usual. Midna made it her business to ensure everything was operating smoothly and safely, and so she placed a helmet on her head and strode into the caves unflinchingly. Her workers toured her on all their progress and advancements before they returned to business and permitted Midna to explore on her own.

It was after she'd done a thorough search of the equipment that a faint sparkle caught her eye. Her eyes tapered with apprehension, but she turned to glance at where it came from. It was a little way further into the deep cavern, where even the dim glow of the twilight didn't reach. She glanced back to where the workers were toiling away at the rocks before she decided to explore the phenomenon for herself.

Squinting to see what she could, she followed that gleaming light like a beacon and stumbled through the rocky terrain before she finally arrived at the source. It was a pure obsidian stone wedged between the fissures, her reflection cast in the ridges. But where did the light come from? She hazarded a glance at her surroundings again just to ensure that no one was within sight, but the sharp, rhythmic clangs were distant and only their echoes surrounded her.

Assuredly, she turned back to the flitting gleam cast over the stone before reaching out to her reflection. It rippled at her touch before the brilliant light shrouded her, and she fragmented into black rain. There was a brief moment where Midna cursed her impulsiveness, but she took it all back when she realized where it led her.

Her breath caught in her throat at the sight. For what was the first time in years – in her own flesh and bone - she was in the light realm. But what's more, she was once again in the presence of her closest friends, the Hylians, in their large, overtly fancy chamber. Midna instantly realized why.

Zelda, weary and dishevelled, was lying in the four-poster bed with her back propped against the headrest. But her eyes were alight with happiness as her hand dropped from the mirror.

"Midna." Her voice came out weak and tired, but Midna wasn't worried at all.

"Zelda." She urged her voice to stay steady and tried to hold back her tremulous smile, which was never much of a problem before.

She found the hero on the other side of the bed, at his wife's side, looking at the mirror with wide-eyed amazement. But something was wriggling restlessly in his arms and he cradled it with his characteristic gentleness. "Link."

"I know you've trusted me with this power," Zelda said, a hint of mirth in her voice, "but we've resolved to misuse it just this once."

Midna swallowed and nodded. "I see." Then, a smile split her lips. She stepped forward, away from the closed portal and closer to the bed. The air was even warmer than she remembered and the light was so much brighter.

Link stood up slowly and made his way to her side, the smile on his face as wide and unyielding as she'd ever seen it. Her hands were trembling when she reached out, making her cringe at her own vulnerability. But it flew out of her mind as soon as their baby landed in her arms.

A small gasp escaped her: he was so small and light. Link sat himself by his wife, exchanging a chiming laugh with her, but Midna paid it no mind. It was so unlike her to be easily taken by someone, but he was precious: the epitome of the two souls she cherished the most.

His skin was fair but flushed, and little dark tufts of hair sat on his head, but his dark blue eyes blinked up at her, curious and wide, and Midna pursed her lips. When she finally took her eyes off the child, she found the two Hylians were staring up at her with expectant smiles on their faces.

She cleared her throat. "He takes after you, Zel. Thank goodness." Link rolled his eyes with a chuckle despite himself. "What'd you name him?"

Link answered for them. "Sol." Midna looked up suddenly. They didn't need to explain themselves: it made perfect sense to her.

They were paying homage to her realm. As royals of their kingdom, it meant that Hyrule was finally putting a good name to her realm and her race, long since exiled. But as her friends, it meant that they'd cherished their time together just like she did – not that she doubted it, of course.

"Not bad." The baby's little hand reached out and tugged at the end of her long, fiery hair. She snorted. "Not bad at all."

Then, as she admired him, she suddenly said, "You know, there's something I'd like to give him, if you don't mind."

"Midna, you don't have to-"

"Shush, you." With a flick of her hand, a small object manifested from tiny black crystals: it was a trick both Link and Zelda had seen many times before.

A nearly inaudible gasp escaped the brunette when she saw what it was: the small mirror they'd crafted side-by-side in the Twilight Realm. While it wasn't the portal they'd planned for it to be, it was a treasure regardless.

"I mighta held onto it - for memory's sake. But I think he ought to have it."

"Midna…" The Twili queen flashed her a smile, her eyes twinkling with mirth, while Zelda's brimmed with tears. She'd felt just about wrung out emotionally that day, but in all the best ways. "Thank you."

"Just be careful with it," Midna said, turning her attention back to the little prince. "I think your dad's had enough looking around Hyrule for mirror fragments." Link laughed with a shake of his head, his own eyes welling up at the sentiment.

With that, the Twili pressed a soft kiss on Sol's forehead, blessing him with all the love she felt for the small family. Little did she know that to them, she was part of it too.

It was the grandest event of the year, and everyone from all corners of the land came to witness it. Not only was the hero they all knew and loved going to be crowned as the king of their land, but they could finally meet Hyrule's new prince, the son of their beloved monarchs.

The first time he'd ever traversed the castle courtyard, Link remembered thinking how grand it was. It was larger than Ordon's ranch, with more flowers and plants than he could name, and enough space to fit all the citizens of the kingdom.

Yet he never thought that they might actually gather there one day, and he certainly didn't expect that they'd be there for him. But people of all ages, classes, and species were swarming through the castle gate, and the benches were filled to their threshold with all his friends. Everyone from Ordon was there, filling up an entire quarter of the seats.

Bathing in a warm stream of sunlight, he closed his eyes and allowed himself a moment to just bask in it.

Light was a constant, a part of his life that he never really noticed was there. In Faron Woods as a child, sunlight would stream through the crowns of the trees as he threaded through the evergreens, pitching beams of light that flitted away with every quick moment, like skittish deer in the forest.

It was there in the morning to wake him for a new day of work, and in the afternoon, it burned on his back as he labored in the field. Sometimes, it'd warm up patches of grass where he'd inevitably curl up and drift off to sleep.

It was a constant comfort that followed him through life – a presence so powerful and yet so subtle that he never really paid attention to it until it was gone.

When sunlight was drained from this land, only then did everyone realize how prevalent it'd been all along. Hyrule without sunlight was like a world without air – devoid, empty, and yet somehow heavy on the chest.

Link felt it more than anybody, conscious in the twilight. He felt it as he was dragged through the portal for the first time, stripped of his body and his voice, and he felt it as he looked upon the princess of the land, shrouded in her cloak with the light diluted from her eyes.

The absence of light similarly left no shadows to cast: darkness had taken a toll on the shadow realm, too. It was blotted out, for if light was gone, so were the shadows it shed.

But now light existed again, and for the soon-to-be king of the land, it took Zelda's form. And he'd do anything to never lose her again.

A soft voice came from a few feet away, and he turned his head to find her standing on the far end of the rampart. He was almost blinded by her beaming smile and the shimmer in her eyes. Donned in a white and gold threaded gown, Zelda looked ever the vision.

Her gown was commissioned to match his tunic and surcoat, specifically for the occasion. It was fitted at her waist, though the skirts were light and flowing, rippling around her legs and flashing glimpses of her ankles as she walked towards him slowly.

He drew in a breath, his eyes lingering on her even as her eyes twinkled knowingly, and she turned her gaze past the balustrade. "It looks like the ceremony will start shortly," she noted. "Are you ready?"

"I guess so." She turned to look at him with a slight tilt of her head, and he met her steel blue eyes. "Just a little nervous."

"You will do wonderfully, Link. And not only today. I know it." She stepped forward to straighten his surcoat. "I wasn't gifted the Triforce of Wisdom for nothing, after all."

He smiled at her quip. "I guess that means I should be brave today."

"Yes, I suppose it does. But should you find yourself needing supplementary courage, Sol and I will be by your side."

His hand came up and stole hers from his collar, ensconcing her thumb in his fist. His gaze was heavy and levelled to hers, pining and desperate, as if he was afraid she might slip out of his fingers.

She tightened her grip. "I'm not going anywhere."

He raised her hand and pressed a lasting kiss to her wrist. "Please don't."

Zelda was right: it wasn't long before the bugles sounded throughout the courtyard. With that signal, everyone quieted down and looked towards the great castle doors expectantly. Two guards swung them open to reveal the royal family, and the crowd whooped with cheers and hollers. With kind smiles befitting their handsome features, the two smiled, their eyes sweeping over each individual.

For the longest time, the thought of being a king felt stifling, especially knowing all the troubles Zelda had gone through. In truth, Link never expected nor wanted it: he was wild and untamed, feral like the beast within, and politics were like the shackle on his paw.

But as time went on, he realized how wrong he was.

Looking upon the faces in the crowd reminded him that with or without the title, he'd always do whatever he could to protect them. He always had. Their friendships were forged in fire, in trials and tribulations long ago, and since then, he'd kept that spark alive out of the genuine love and adoration he felt for them.

Zelda, too, had done so much for Hyrule. She fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless, and listened to her people's pleas every day in petition. She fought tooth and nail against her councillors when she needed to, and even when they were being bearable, she was always on her best behavior to keep up appearances.

After Ganondorf capsized the castle, she built the town back up from the debris, and when her allies betrayed her, she rewrote and redefined their alliances. She redesigned and refurbished villages from their ruin, and seamlessly reunified the lost Gerudo tribe when she learned about their struggles.

Perhaps being king wasn't just a title after all. Perhaps it would free him to defend the kingdom alongside his wife in every plausible way.

At last, Link took a knee before the minister and bowed his head, and the courtyard was silenced again.

"Do you solemnly swear to govern Hyrule under the respectful laws and customs within reason? Will you present Hyrule with wisdom, power, and courage to pursue law, justice, and mercy in all judgments? Do you hereby swear to practice all of your power to protect Hyrule to the best of your abilities?"