Prologue: Seven Years in the Making
Terrified. It was the only word that could accurately describe how Link was currently feeling. Utterly terrified. With all he had faced through his adventures, traveling through time, defeating Ganon, saving Hyrule and then even Termina, he had never been more scared in his entire life than he was now as he watched his beautiful bride walking toward him in a stunning deep blue dress. He swallowed the knot in his throat as sweat trickled down his neck. It wasn't that he didn't want to do this, but this was still a big step, and they were still only seventeen. Wasn't it a little soon? Weren't they just a little young? Part of him agreed on both, but another part of him upon seeing her smile couldn't help but feel happy and smile back. Their relationship would surely have its hardships just solely from them being different species. Never before would the marriage between a Hylian and Zora ever be fathomed throughout Hyrule. Many would judge them, think of them as freaks, but they would not care as those people did not matter to them. Only they mattered to each other. He continued to watch her make her way to his side as a short silenced filled the air.
"Zora people... and friends and family of the groom," the Zora who stood in front of them added, acknowledging Link's closest friends, "We come together today for the rather unusual joining of two souls and to pass on the lineage of the Zora hierarchy..."
The Zora continued on his opening speech, preparing to make this official. Link still was having his doubts, and as he looked to his left, he noticed he wasn't the only one.
"Hey," Link whispered, "Are we sure about this?"
"You were the one who said you were ready," she whispered back, "This was an inevitability with us already being engaged for since we were ten."
"I know, but don't you think we should have wait a couple more years," he continued to whisper, "Do you really want this now?"
"I do," she said, not realizing what she said was heard to the Zora in front, "I've waited for seven years for this moment. I love you. I've always loved you. I thought you would feel the same."
"Ruto..." Link softly called her name, disheartened at her claim, "Why would you think that? Yeah, I didn't like you at first and didn't understand what it meant when we got engaged, but I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere. That has to mean something."
"Do you love me?" Ruto asked with a crack in her voice, "Do you honestly, truly love me?"
Link remained silent for a moment as he looked to her. He saw tears form in the corners of her eyes, waiting to fall for either answer. He looked over her. Sure, she was another species, but he had once crushed for another who turned out to be a different species, so what's the difference really. She was beautiful, nice, and once she got out of her prissy princess phase, fun to be with. Link especially enjoyed watching her dance and listening to her sing. He couldn't imagine a day without her.
"I do," Link simply replied.
"I pronounce you King and Queen of Zora's Domain," the Zora claimed confusing the two newly weds, "You may now join."
The two looked at the Zora briefly in confusion before turning their gaze back to each other. As they looked deep into each others eyes they both knew one thing. Regardless of what to come, they would stand it together, sharing their pride, happiness, and love for each other. Link took Ruto's hand within his own and pulled her close to him, and kissed the Zora princess who not only just became queen, but his newly titled wife as well, as the crowd behind them cheered for the finalization of their marriage.
