Queen Zelda stood in the courtyard, welcoming delegates as they arrived for the annual Hyrule Nations conference. She had just finished greeting the king and queen of the Zora, when the thunderous sound of heavy horses burst through the front gate. Such a dramatic entrance could only belong to one man, and that was the man representing the people of the desert.

Zelda straightened her posture and held her head high as the large Gerudo dismounted, and kept her gaze fixed straight ahead. She refused to be intimidated like the last time they spoke, and instead readied herself for the coming insults.

"...Lord Ganondorf, your presence at this conference is appreciated."

"As if I would let you sneak one by me without my attendance," Ganondorf grumbled as he stepped up to Zelda and looked her over. "Or is this just another excuse to get me back to the castle? You know, if you miss me that badly..."

"The Gerudo are a sovereign nation and hold one of the six medallions, therefore they have a rightful seat at this conference," Zelda continued, ignoring his bravado. "We have had peace for a hundred years, your work in keeping that peace is admirable."

Ganondorf sneered, before leaning down to Zelda's shoulder. "What about our own personal peace, huh? We couldn't work toward keeping that going?"

Zelda stepped back and huffed. "I wasn't the one who burned that bridge. If you've come to the conference with the sole intention of rekindling what you've snuffed out, then you're wasting all of Hyrule's time. If you sit through the conference like a gentleman and participate with the greater good in mind, then perhaps when the week is over, I will hear you out. But before then, I expect you to-"

"Mommy!"

For a split second, Zelda's eyes went wide as a little girl with olive skin came running out of the side gate. Ganondorf watched closely as the little strawberry blonde ran up to Zelda, and once she saw Zelda was with someone, patiently stood and fiddled with the buttons on her purple riding habit.

Zelda pursed her lips, and addressed Ganondorf. "Please excuse me." She then whipped around and knelt down to the girl's level, her demeanor changing from stoic to sweet.

"What's wrong, my dear?"

"Umm... I wanted to ride Phoenix around, but when I went down to the stable, the stable master said I couldn't because she has to have her hooves floated. But Mommy, you don't float a horse's hooves, you float their teeth! And I just checked her hooves yesterday, they're fine!" The little girl then bowed her head. "He always does this..."

"That stable master... Alright baby, just a second." Zelda stood and turned to Ganondorf. "My lord, your presence tonight at the arrival dinner as my guest of honor would be most appreciated. We have rooms prepared for you and your entourage, which the servants will show you to. If you'll excuse me, my daughter needs my assistance..."

Zelda turned to leave with her daughter, when Ganondorf reached out and gripped her arm. He said nothing, but stared Zelda down with a glare icy enough to freeze a volcano.

"I-is there anything further you require, my lord?" Zelda asked, a tinge of worry in her voice. "If you have matters to discuss, I will be in my office after dinner..."

Ganondorf's eyes narrowed, but he slowly released Zelda's arm and watched her hurry off toward the stables. He then called for his general, who quickly joined him. "Aveil, did you know Queen Zelda had a daughter?"

"No, my lord, I did not."

"Did you notice the girl's hair? Like the sunset."

"Yes I did, sir. And lovely olive skin."

"A girl any mother could be proud of. How old do you think?"

"...Maybe seven? No more than eight."

"What a coincidence," Ganondorf growled, kicking a loose brick out of his way. "We broke up eight years ago."