Zelda looked out her window, thinking of Link. He had been gone for days, attempting to defeat Ganondorf. She gazed upon the valley in front of her, the setting sun illuminating the dark forest. She couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness as she gazed out that window. Link, her hero, was off defeating the most notorious villain in all of Hyrule while she, the ruler of the land, was simply resting in her chamber. But, she couldn't help but feel a sense of doom, as if something bad were about to happen. Ignoring this feeling, she sat down, climbing onto her bed as shadows danced across the room, illuminated by a few candles laying scattered around the quarters. Closing her eyes, she prepared to rest, only to be interrupted by the gunshot of her door slamming open.
"Princess Zelda, come quick." the Hylian Captain ordered, a sense of panick his voice.
"What is the meaning of this?" Zelda inquired, getting off her bed and strolling to the door.
"It's Link, he-." the Captain started, but was cut off by Zelda.
"Link? But, what happened?" Zelda asked, her eyes widening.
"He defeated Ganondorf," the Captain started, "but as Link walked off, Ganondorf did something. We don't know what. But, Princess Zelda…" he hesitated, his voice filled with sorrow, "Link is dying."
Pushing past him, Zelda ran out into the hall, running past guards and workers, trying to find Link. She must've run the length of the castle by the time the Captain caught up.
"Princess Zelda… Stop!" he panted, grabbing Zelda by her shoulder.
"No, I'm going to find Link!" she resisted, irritated. Shrugging off his hand, Zelda continued running.
"Princess Zelda, I'll take you to him if you let me." the Captain offered. Staring at him in curiosity, she agreed, following after him. They walked awhile around the castle, taking various stairways and hallways until the Captain finally stopped at a door. "Here he is. This is it." the Captain presented, standing in front of an old wooden door. "I'll stand guard while you," the Captain gulped, speaking in a smaller voice, "say goodbye."
"He's not going to die." Zelda responded, opening the door and stepping inside. Link was lying on a small bed, his face illuminated by candlelight.
"Hello Link." she greeted, her face stone cold.
"Hello." he responded in a hoarse, weak voice. She stood in silence, observing Link. Instead of the strong, brave hero she knew, he appeared as sick, as if he were about to die.
"Link, I know you, you'll get through this." Zelda said, walking to the side of his bed.
"No, Zelda, I… It's true. I am about to die." Link croaked, his voice growing weaker. He looked up at Zelda, focusing his colorful, yet not as vibrant as usual, eyes on Zelda.
"No you aren't." she disagreed in a small voice. "No you aren't!" she yelled, a lot louder this time, refusing the fact that he could die.
"Zelda. My time in this world is running short." he answered. "But I need to tell you." Link stopped, looking into her eyes. "Zelda, I love you."
Staring into his eyes, she kissed him. After she released him, letting his head back onto the bed, Link spoke.
"I love you Zelda." he repeated, closing his eyes as a tear ran down Zelda's face. She buried her head onto Link's chest, crying, holding the body of the hero who was now dead.