They didn't get much time to themselves while traveling. Though Calamity Ganon was finally gone, much of their kingdom was still left in disarray, and it would take time for it to return to its former glory. While most of their time was dedicated to visiting other villages and other parts of the kingdom, there were a few rare moments when Zelda and Link would get time to themselves.
They had been in the middle of making their way to Zora's Domain to check up on Divine Beast Vah Ruta when they came across a meadow full of flowers, but what made Zelda stop was the sight of the rare and endangered Silent Princess. Only it wasn't just one flower, it was a whole patch of them.
The princess audibly gasped, sliding off her horse to examine them further.
"I can't believe how many are growing here!" She breathed, absolutely delighted. "I'm so pleased to see them finally thriving in the environment on their own. I wasn't sure if they had survived the past 100 years. This is absolutely fascinating!" She grinned up at him, then noticed something else out of the corner of her eye. "Oh, Link, look at all these plants that could be used as ingredients for our travels! Let's take a break and I will collect some for us to use."
Link jumped off his horse as well, smiling at her enthusiasm. While she crouched over the flowers, he went off to the side to sit and watch her for a while, and to enjoy the pleasant weather. Despite all it went through, Hyrule was still beautiful.
It had been around a month since the end of Ganon. They had done a lot since then, but it seemed as though their list of tasks was never-ending. While it was hard work, the outcome was always worth it. Not only that but Zelda was to be the queen, and seeing her interact with her people and learn all she can about them was good for her in the long run. And Link was always there to protect her and ensure her safety.
It was some time later when Zelda made her way back over, carrying a small basket full of ingredients for him to put in his bag. While Link stood up, dusting off his clothes, she sat that basket on the ground, slowly. He paused, confused. There appeared to be something deep on her mind. In fact, she appeared to have had something on her mind for a couple days now. She always gave him weird looks and looked lost in thought.
"Link… " Zelda spoke up softly, "I would like to experiment something on you, if you wouldn't mind…" She was vaguely pink in the face. Curious, he nodded his consent to her.
Zelda took a step closer to him, face getting redder by the second. She wouldn't meet him in the eye, only nervously eyed his shirt until she seemed to steel her nerves. She suddenly took another step forward, squinting her eyes shut and leaned on the tips of her toes until her lips met softly against his.
He was startled. Heart beating wildly, Links own face began to redden until it matched Zelda's own, pressed against his. A few seconds into his surprise, he began to relax, and closed his own eyes to return the kiss gently, emotion welling up inside of him. Link leaned into her, his hands snaking around her waist. Zelda made a noise of surprise and put her hands on his chest, pushing away gingerly, face beet red. He looked at her through hooded eyes, his own face flush.
"Zelda…" He murmured, and she turned impossibly redder. He gave her a soft smile, one which she returned.
Fidgeting, Zelda cleared her throat. "I…I must confess, I wasn't sure if you would reciprocate my feelings." She gave a nervous chuckle. "…Link, I have something else I want to confess to you."
He nodded for her to go on, fingers toying with a few soft strands of her golden hair on their own accord. She seemed to unconsciously lean into his touch.
"I want for you to remain by my side, Link. You… are the one that I love. You have always stood by my side and supported me, through everything. It truly means a lot to me, more than words can say." She made direct eye contact with him. "Link… will you promise to stay with me always?"
His eyes widened for a moment at her eagerness, but soon another smile eased its way onto his lips. The hopeful, determined look she was giving him was pricelessly adorable. He had intended to stay by her side anyways, to protect her. But what she was asking was for something more, something he never dreamed she would ask. After a moment, he nodded his affirmation for her. "I will always be with you. I promise."
The smile she gave him was bright, and she jumped up to kiss him again, throwing her arms around his neck. He held her tightly, soon picking her up to spin her around. They were both elated and it was bubbling from inside of them, their joy spilling over. She broke away laughing, looking more beautiful to him than anything he had seen in the entire kingdom of Hyrule. After all their trials and heartache, they could finally be happy, together.
They soon left for Zora's Domain. Sidon was awaiting their arrival, and didn't miss the new way Link hovered around Zelda, how he stood next to her side as she climbed off her horse and how their hands immediately sought each others. Sidon's eyes widened and his head jerked back and forth between them in bewilderment.
"What is this I see?! When did this happen?!"
Zelda giggled, and Link could only smile weakly at the exuberant fish prince.
"Don't spare any details, let me know exactly what happened!"
