Zelda opened her eyes to sunlight streaming into her tent. She attempted to swallow, but her throat was incredibly dry from the dessert wind. She squinted against the light, as sounds of the bustling camp drifted inside her tent. Impa was supposed to have woken her already. Zelda grimaced, Impa had been much too easy on her lately.

Is something happening soon? Zelda felt her stomach twist in nerves. It had been five years since the attack and Zelda still felt like a child. A small helpless child.

She felt her chest tighten and panic start to set in. She knew the council wanted her to marry. It was the most logical solution: the last heir to the Harnikan line marrying a foreign prince to gain back her kingdom. Zelda knew the plan made sense. She just wasn't sure about the marrying part. She imagined an old man slobbering at the thought of seizing her kingdom from her.

Zelda felt a fire stir inside her. A man destroyed the Harnikan family and she wasn't going to let it happen again.

She rose quickly, throwing her sheets to the side and arguments swirling in her head already. She reached for her throwing knives and belt. Zelda paused when she saw her reflection. Sometimes the sight still surprised her. She was no longer the little princess she once was. A different girl stared back at her, one with tan skin and fierce blue eyes. She grabbed her cowl and covered her face. Her livelihood was still a well-kept secret. Only whispers and rumors were heard by many of the common folk. Although the Sheikah welcomed her with open arms, Zelda had become quite fond of her alter ego.

She exited her tent and sweat immediately formed behind her neck despite the braid her hair was tied in. Zelda made her way to Impa's tent, nodding to the other Shiekah as she passed. The small encampment was located at the edge of Hyrule just when the glorious green vibrant forests turned into aired dried deserts. The Shiekah had settled here after Ganondorf's coup. Zelda spent three years with these people. After hiding out with the Zoras and traveling through Hyrule, Impa and Zelda settled with the Shiekah.

Impa took her place as the leader of the tribe, a small force of three hundred men, women, and children. Her tent was the most ornate in the group, an honor that had to be forced on the humble Impa. Zelda slipped in and saw Impa laying her head lazily on her desk.

"Impa?" Zelda was surprised. It was extremely unusual to see Impa so casual. She slowly raised her head. The years had been hard on her; you could see the constant worry and stress in her eyes.

"My princess," she gave Zelda a sad smile. "How are you this day?"

"I am fine." Zelda couldn't hide the skepticism in her voice. Impa gestured to a tray of fruits and cheeses.

"Please sit princess. We have much to discuss." Zelda took her spot across from Impa. Her throat was suddenly very dry again.

"I and the tribal council have found a…" Impa paused, "…suitor." Her hands were fists on her desks.

Zelda shakily reached across the table towards a pitcher of water.

"He seems to be very kind. People speak nothing but kind things of him and the council believes he will be an excellent ally." The words tumbled out of Impa like a waterfall.

The tent settled into an awkward silence. Zelda frowned into her glass of water. She couldn't stop the sigh that escaped her. It was odd. She has felt this decision looming over her for years, and now that a suitor was finally found she was oddly relieved.

"How old is he?" Zelda asked as she took a grape from the platter.

Impa frowned. "You are being surprisingly calm. The council and I thought you would put up more of a fight…"

Zelda shrugged. "I may be young but I am no fool. I have had to do a lot of growing up over the past years…and well," Zelda paused and stared off at the distance towards the direction she knew Hyrule Castle was. "I am not going to let the council control me…I will follow their advice for now but when the time comes I will rule my country myself. The same applies to my future husband as well."

Impa knew better then to be shocked. Long gone was the timid princess that she once knew. Ever since Zelda had promised revenge her focus had been on little else. She started her training the day after the attack. She mastered the ways of the Shiekah in record time. She charmed the hearts of all those around her sowing seeds for future alliances.

"Who is he?" Zelda asked, breaking Impa out of her thoughts. Pride filled her chest.

"Link."

Zelda had heard of Link of Orden. It was a small country to the south that had always been in good graces with Hyrule. They never had the military prowess that Hyrule and some of the other countries possessed, but they were respected. They had surprisingly flourished since Ganondorf's takeover of Hyrule. Orden was the leader of a growing list of countries against Ganondorf. They took numerous refugees despite the assassination of their king. His son, Link, was thrusted onto the throne at the ripe age of eighteen.

Link wasn't lacking experience; he had years of military service under his belt and was regarded as one of the best swordsman in the region. Zelda was impressed at the council's decision.

"Link of Orden?"

Impa nodded. "It took some convincing but he really is the best candidate. He may be new to ruling but he clearly has a knack for it. He has had skirmishes with Ganondorf's forces and has won numerous battles. He rides to the front lines himself." Impa shook her head. "The council wanted a more lucrative choice, like Prince Ralis of the Zoras, but Link…is something else entirely."

"You speak very highly of him…" Zelda was surprised at Impa's flattery. "Have you met him?"

"Yes…he doesn't speak much but he…" a thoughtful pause settling over Impa. "Just seems like the right choice."

"Well then" Zelda leaned forward and placed her elbows on Impa's desk. "When do I get to meet my husband dearest?"

"Soon, we will leave tonight." Impa stood and stretched her arms above her head. "Supplies are currently being gathered."

"Tonight? Why so soon?" Zelda said as her heartbeat speed up.

"Time is of the essence, my Princess."