Sheik stood before a circle of training dummies, kunai strapped to her legs and a tanto on her lower back. Her mind drifted to the women's gossip at court the previous day.

They'll be such a handsome couple.

Can you just imagine the heirs?

Sheik struck out at the nearest dummy faster than the blink of an eye. The straw arm and head barely hit the floor before she moved to the next dummy.

How did she snag such a good-looking Prince? She's such a prude.

But I hear that Prince Link is quite the flirt in Calatia.

Not enough of a flirt to soften the Princess' hard heart.

Another straw head hit the floor.

She'll just refuse him like she does with all the others.

She's not going to find anyone better than a Crown Prince.

She'll refuse him; just wait and see. No one is good enough for our prissy Princess.

Sheik decimated the rest of the training dummies in seconds. She hated court. She hated the gossip. And most of all she hated the fact that after six months of research she had found no plausible way of annulling the Courtship and Marriage Contract Clause of the alliance treaty.

Later this evening would be the official announcement of the courtship of Princess Zelda and Prince Link, but as was tradition in Hyrulean Court, everyone already knew. It was all anyone could talk about at court for the past week, yet no one could technically say anything aloud since it wasn't official. She was plagued by whispers wherever she went, and she was sick of it.

Sheik cleaned and returned her weapons to their closet, changed back into her gown, and reluctantly removed the cloaking spell that turned her eyes red and darkened her skin. Zelda took the servants' passages from the training room to her bedroom to avoid the many visitors that were pouring into the castle for the announcement. The Bathory's were already making themselves at home in the visitor's wing.

Zelda shuddered at the thought. In the six months since the Ordon Village Harvest Festival, she and Link had attended four other events together, and their relationship had only gotten worse. Goddess' Day in December was filled with awkward small talk and being overly polite with each other. Their outing in February ended in another fight. Calatian National Day in March was essentially a contest to see who could sass the other more. And at the State Dinner held in Hyrule only two weeks ago, Zelda took every opportunity to stomp on Link's toes whenever he subtly insulted or embarrassed her.

It was a contest of wills, a test in stubbornness, and Zelda was growing tired. It was more exhausting than she would have ever thought to stay mad at one person for so long, not that Link made it very hard. He was so insufferable and infuriating; every time he spoke, Zelda just wanted to punch him in the mouth. But that was only when they were actually together. When Zelda wasn't having to tolerate Link's presence, she remembered how kind his smile was and how open and sweet he had been with her. But the pride and arrogance she had seen during her very first meeting with the Prince had taken over. He hardly seemed like the same person she had brunch with on the garden terrace in Kakariko all those months ago. As much as Zelda hated to admit it, Ilia had been right; she wanted to go back to the time when she thought it wouldn't be too bad being friends with and even courting Link, the time when he would make her smile and be willing to defy contracted law to make her happy.

It had been so easy, then she had to go and screw it all up by lying to him.

"Princess?" a tentative knock sounded from the door. "It's Lana."

"Yes, come in," Zelda sighed.

Lana slowly peaked inside the door before walking in, "Are you feeling alright? Your aura is very sad."

"Sad," Zelda sat in one of the chairs in front of the fire. "Angry, frustrated, confused."

"Is it the announcement tonight?"

"And Prince Link," she nodded. "I just don't know what to do with him, and I'm tired of our stupid game."

"Why don't you tell him that?" Lana tilted her head.

"I can't give in first," Zelda gasped. "He's the one who started all of this; he should be the one to apologize first."

"You know Prince Link is thinking the exact same thing," Lana laughed quietly. She sat down next to Zelda and put on as serious a face as she could muster. "But you two are bringing out the worst in each other right now. I've never seen you act so hostile outside of a debate, and all this fighting will simply lead to more hatred."

"I know," Zelda rested her head in her hands. "But I don't know how to stop this fighting. Every time I've tried, Link just sees it as an opening to attack."

"What if you just ignored him?" Lana suggested with a giggle. "Only respond to him when he's kind."

"Or just start crying whenever he insults me," Zelda started laughing with her. "Then he would have to apologize, in front of everyone even."

They sat laughing for a while, thinking up even more ridiculous ideas to disarm Link. Eventually Queen Elaina came in to make sure Zelda was getting ready for the announcement. She sat talking with the girls while Alice, the maid, put up Zelda's hair in an elaborate bun.

"I do see what you mean though," Elaina said. "Prince Link is quite arrogant."

"See," Zelda looked to Lana through the mirror. "Mother agrees, so he should have to apologize first. His pride could stand to be taken down a notch anyway."

"But wouldn't it make you better than him if you humbled yourself and apologized first?" Lana countered.

"I already tried that, and it didn't work," Zelda rolled her eyes.

"Let me tell you, Your Highness," Alice said around a mouthful of hair pins. "As a mother of three boys, I know they can be the most stubborn, hard-headed beings on the planet. Sometimes it takes humbling yourself to make them see they should do the same."

"See," Lana clapped happily. "Alice is on my side. Thank you, Alice."

"Anytime, Miss Lana."

"When is my next outing with Prince Link after this, Mother?" Zelda asked as Alice moved around to freshen up Zelda's make-up.

"Not until Midsummer," Elaina answered. "You'll be going to Calatia City for their Midsummer Bonfire."

"A bonfire in the summer?" Zelda asked confused.

"It is slightly colder there than it is here," Elaina shrugged. "And it will be at night."

"Then I will see how things progress today and at the bonfire," Zelda stood as Alice finished her make-up and began helping the princess into her dress. "And maybe I will seek an end to this ridiculous fight."

"That sounds fair enough for me," Lana smiled.

Half an hour later, Zelda was walking down the stairs with her mother to meet with the other royals in the receiving room off the Grand Hall. Zelda smiled and greeted King Clement and Queen Adalynn before walking over to Prince Link.

"I have an idea," she whispered to him so their parents couldn't hear.

"Faking illness so we don't have to go through with this?" he asked.

"Close," Zelda glared at him. "During the proceedings you will tell my father you wish to court me. He will ask if that is truly your wish, and you could say no."

"Will that really work? Even with the contract."

"It might since you are stating it publicly," she replied with a shrug. "My father may uphold your wish before the contract and refuse to enforce it."

"Intriguing," Link smirked. "I can see all the shocked faces now."

"It's up to you though," Zelda said as she walked to the door that led into the Grand Hall. "I hope you make the right choice."

Zelda entered through the side door after the butler announced their presence. She gracefully sat on the throne to the left of her father's and kept her eyes on the main entrance of the Great Hall. It couldn't have been five minutes, but it felt like an eternity waiting for the Bathorys to be announced. They walked up the aisle created by the standing courtiers and bowed respectfully before the royal family of Hyrule.

"King Gerrik of House Hyrule," Clement announced with a flourish. "I formally present my son and heir, Crown Prince Link of House Bathory."

"Well met, Prince Link," Gerrik stood and nodded in greeting.

Zelda tuned out the trivial small talk that was spoken just for the pleasure of the court. Her stomach began to sink as the inevitable drew near.

"Now Prince Link, what is your reason for visiting Hyrule?"

"I have come to ask your permission to court your daughter, Princess Zelda," Link stated.

Zelda stared at Link and tried to keep her emotions off her face.

"And is that truly your wish?"

Link turned his gaze to Zelda. He tilted his head as a small smirk spread across his face.

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is."

Shock struck Zelda like a bolt of lightning. He said yes. Why would he say yes after all this time they've spent fighting? She was so stunned, she almost missed her father turning to her.

"Princess Zelda, do you consent to court Prince Link?"

Zelda stood and joined Gerrik at the front of the dais to buy herself time to think. She could deny her consent like she did with all the other suitors that came to call, but then what would the court think? She looked to Link, and this brilliant, mischievous smile was spread across his face. It was the same smirk that graced his face on that first day in Kakariko Village. Zelda's answer came without a thought.

"Yes, I consent to court Prince Link."

"Then you have my blessing. May your courtship prosper."

Link swept forward to kiss Zelda's hand before leading her out among the courtiers to be congratulated. It was a whirlwind of emotion. Everyone was smiling and congratulating, and all she could do was nod and say thanks. Drinks were handed out in celebration, but Zelda felt light headed without the alcohol.

It wasn't until almost midnight that everything slowed down enough for Zelda's thoughts to catch up to her feelings. Link was escorting her to her room when she finally asked.

"Why did you say yes?"

"The shock finally wearing off?" Link smirked.

"You could have said no, but you didn't," Zelda stopped just outside her door.

"You could have said no as well," he countered. "But you didn't."

"I, well I," Zelda stammered trying to remember just what she was thinking when she consented to court the Prince. "I didn't want to say no," she finally whispered.

"Then for once," he raised her hand to his lips. "We are of the same mind."

Link gave her a quick bow before heading to his own room, leaving Zelda more confused than ever.


April ended in a deluge of rain, and May flew by in a rush of qualification exams and parties celebrating the end of qualification exams. Too soon for Zelda's liking, it was mid-June, and she was due to leave for the Midsummer Bonfire in Calatia in a week. She had talked at length with Lana about what Link had said to her after their courtship was announced. Lana saw it as Link's way of offering up a white flag in their on-going war, but Zelda wasn't so sure. Her mind went round and round in circles as she packed for her trip.

Did this mean they weren't fighting anymore?

Should she make some sort of peace gesture?

Why did men complain about women being so confusing?

Obviously they were the impossible-to-read sex!

It was a two day trip to reach Calatia City from Castletown. Zelda tried to calm herself on her ride by reading her favorite book, but she couldn't keep her mind focused on the pages in front of her. She eventually got so exhausted of sitting in the carriage, she insisted on riding a horse for the first part of the second day. When they finally reached Calatia's capital city, Link was there alone to greet Zelda. She couldn't help but notice that was exactly how she had greeted Link on his first visit to her home. Prince Link gave her a quick tour of the castle before showing her to the guest chambers.

"The library is on the second floor," he continued as servants brought Zelda's luggage into her room. "Biggest set of double doors you can find. And the gardens are quite pleasant this time of year if you wish for some fresh air."

"Will you be free to join me at all this afternoon?" Zelda asked. She sounded too hopeful and needy to her own ears, but Link simply smiled.

"I'm afraid I have to polish my mask collection," he smirked. "Father wishes for me to still attend court this afternoon."

"I should go with you then," Zelda said. "The nobility will want to see me anyway since I'm here."

"No, I wouldn't force this torture on you," Link smiled sadly as he turned to the door. "Hyrule's nobles are puppies and kittens compared to the asinine, old fools I have to deal with. Enjoy your freedom, and I'll see you at dinner."

"See you at dinner," Zelda called as Link left. She felt a little dazed and disoriented. That was honestly the most civil conversation she'd had with Link in almost a year; she didn't know how to react to it. Maybe a walk will clear her head.

Zelda wondered around occasionally asking for directions to the nearest garden. She was directed to an older part of the castle, a place that was more wood than stone. She pushed open a solid door to see the most beautiful cloistered walkway. Window-like openings that would have looked out onto a courtyard were completely obscured by a waterfall of pink flowers. Zelda made her way to the door-like opening that led into the courtyard. Her smile grew. The large courtyard was filled with cherry trees in full bloom. Zelda was amazed; the summer was far past the peak blooming period for cherry trees.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" a voice called.

Zelda turned to see a dark-skinned woman with short white hair. The woman was scantily clad, exposing a lot more skin than even Calatian standards found acceptable. She also carried a staff that Zelda could tell was imbued with magic.

The woman chuckled in a way that was far from mirthful, "I work year-round to keep these trees in perpetual bloom. It's not a difficult spell once you get it down, but it does take a lot of time and practice."

"The beauty of the trees must make the effort well worth it," Zelda replied evenly. The awe she had felt earlier was frosted over. The woman's presence seemed to suck the warmth and light from the garden.

"I do agree, Princess," the woman smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "But the real reward is when I let the trees actually bear fruit. Cherries grown with magic are said to have the most tantalizing taste. My dearest Link counts them as his favorite."

Zelda's suspicions were confirmed; this woman must be the Sorceress Cia with whom Link had a previous relationship. She needed to proceed cautiously then.

"It is a shame I cannot try some," Zelda pursed her lips into a smile.

"Yes, a true shame," Cia's eye lit up with a strange fervor. "I only harvest them for Link's birthday. Cherry crepes are a staple at the State Dinner held in his honor."

"I look forward to the opportunity to taste them," Zelda looked around at the trees. She wanted to leave, but she knew Cia would just see it as a weakness.

"Yes, it will be interesting to see if you make it that long," Cia replied. "Court can be quite vicious here, you know."

"I have been warned," Zelda narrowed her eyes. She didn't like the sound of that threat at all. "Now if you will excuse me, I must get ready for dinner."

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Princess."

"Likewise."

Zelda hurried as quickly as she could back to her room. It wasn't until she was safe on the bed did she realize how heavy her chest felt, how difficult her breath came to her. The change was subtle but enough for her to notice. Cia carried a dark aura, a very powerful one that could even effect Zelda despite all the protection her light magic offered her. Zelda forced herself to calm down and began her meditation practices. Obviously no one else could sense the dark aura otherwise something would have been done to stop the sorceress. Or possibly use of dark magic wasn't as stringently regulated in Calatia as it was in Hyrule. Either way, Zelda could think of no way to approach the matter, so she let it go. There was enough on her plate with her precarious relationship with Link.

After an hour of meditation, Zelda finally got ready for dinner. Link knocked on her door a little while after to escort her down to the dining room.

"Are you ready for dinner?" Link asked.

Zelda nodded even though she felt far from prepared to deal with a social conversation.

"Just to warn you," Link said quietly as they walked down the stairs. "Some of the nobility insisted on joining us for dinner, so the best survival tip I can give you is to not be offended by anything they say and show no emotion."

"So basically how I've tolerated you the past few months?"

"Exactly."

To say dinner was interesting would be an understatement. Zelda had spent many a day jumping hurdles for the Hyrulean Court, but that was nothing compared to what she had to endure during dinner. The Calatian nobles were snobbish and rude and infinitely worse than dealing with Link on his own. By the end of the meal, Zelda's cheeks were hurting from the fake smile she had plastered on her face all night. Thankfully, Link helped excuse her from the traditional after dinner chit chat by saying she was still tired from her long journey.

"I want to attend court with you in the morning," Zelda said suddenly as they walked back up the stairs. She didn't know what made her say it, but after her encounter with Cia, surviving Calatian court felt like something she needed to prove she could do.

Link's eyes looked like they would pop out of his head, "Are you insane? They'll eat you alive. I don't care how easy you think dinner was; court will be ten times worse."

"All the more reason to prove I'm not weak," she replied. "We are courting now Link, and they need to see I'm not some silly Princess they can manipulate."

"But," Link began to protest, but Zelda would have none of it.

"But what, Link? I'm not as weak as you would like to think. I'd have thought dealing with you all these months would have proven it."

"I may not be able to protect you if something goes wrong," his eyes hardened.

"You mean if I do something wrong?" she fired back accusingly. "Good thing I don't need your protection anyway."

Zelda stormed into her room, slamming the door behind her. Despite her anger, she almost laughed when she heard Link grumbling about stubborn women all the way down the hall.


Link had never felt more nervous in his life. The thought of Princess Zelda attending court that morning was eating away at his stomach. Why did she insist on putting herself through that torture? It wouldn't prove anything except to show that she was too frustratingly stubborn for her own good. She couldn't even see that he was actively trying not to fight with her. She should be grateful he was trying to keep her away from the lion's den that was court.

But, damn, he absolutely hated that he loved the fire that sparked in her blue eyes whenever someone challenged her. He had learned very quickly that the quickest way to get Zelda to do something was to tell her she couldn't. Loath as he was to admit, he admired her tenacity and strength. Link had never met anyone quite like Zelda, which is why his selfish brain refused to give her up.

Link made his way to the guest room Zelda was using. She insisted on taking breakfast in her room, probably so Link wouldn't have time to try and persuade her from her plan. He knocked on her door dreading the next three hours of his life. But then he saw her. Zelda had gone all out wearing an elegant dress in the navy blue of House Hyrule and a formal tiara in her braided hair. The crest of Hyrule could be seen in her intricate necklace and bracelets. She looked every inch like the future Queen she was born to be.

"You look beautiful," Link breathed. His brain was incapable of thinking anything else.

"Is it too much?" Zelda's face dissolved into a worried frown. "I thought the extra jewelry was a bit overboard, but my mother would have insisted."

"It's perfect," Link smiled. "You look like a Queen. There's no way the nobles will be able to touch you now."

"We'll see," Zelda rolled her eyes as she closed the door behind her. "I'm sure you'll find some way to embarrass me like you always do."

"Only if the opening is just too tempting," Link smirked as he led the princess down to the first floor.

"Don't make me stomp on your foot."

They remained silent until they reached the doors to the Grand Hall. Zelda squeezed his arm when he moved to open the door, so he stopped.

"Can I ask you for a favor?" she whispered. Her voice trembled slightly; Link could say nothing but yes.

"Will you promise not to leave me alone with them?" her eyes turned to his, and Link felt his heart jump in his chest against his will.

"I promise to not leave your side."

"Then let's get this over with," Zelda turned to the doors, her emotions fading from her face, and they entered court.

The three hours didn't drag as much as Link would have thought. He led Zelda around introducing her to all the nobles of Calatian court. She was a pro dealing with those who snubbed her. She ignored those who only called her 'Princess' instead of the more respectful 'Your Highness' and had a razor sharp comeback for every subtle insult thrown her way. Slowly but surely, she was winning their respect. What had taken him years to accomplish, Zelda made quick work of in hours; Link was impressed to say the least. Zelda had definitely come with a plan to conquer the court and win over the begrudging hearts of the nobles.

Once it was time for lunch, Link whisked Zelda away so they could eat privately. They sat in the Private Dining Room silently staring at each other until Link broke the silence.

"You were fantastic, you know?" his smirk evolved to look more like a genuine smile. "You were born to be a Queen."

"I do believe that's the first genuine complement you've given me," she smiled back.

"Come now, I must have complemented you at least three times on our way to court," he laughed.

"Yes, but were they genuine?" Zelda countered.

They dissolved into easy banter as their food arrived. It was refreshing for Link to talk with the princess without fighting the whole time. Even though he had come to realize some time ago that his anger was directed more at his father for putting him in this situation, Link still felt the childish need to lash out in rebellion. He had gotten over Zelda lying to him ages ago, but he still fought with her because she was the only one who could be affected by his anger. He couldn't direct his rage at his parents effectively because of their status, so all of it fell on Zelda, which he knew was unfair since she was just as stuck in this situation as he was. But despite realizing this, Link just couldn't let go of his anger. He hated being forced into decisions he didn't want. He hated having his entire life planned out for him. He hated the expectation to be perfect all the time.

"Hello? Link?"

Link shook his head slightly to clear his thoughts and turned to Zelda, "I'm sorry; I was lost in thought."

"I just asked when we would be heading to the bonfire tonight?" she smiled.

"The Midsummer's Feast will start at six o'clock in the castle, and we'll head down to the bonfire before it's lit at sunset," he explained.

"I've never actually seen a bonfire before," Zelda said as a servant came to clear their dishes. "I know it's a common tradition in Hyrule for them to be lit in remembrance of loved ones fallen in war, but we haven't had a major conflict since before I was born."

"Then you're in for a real treat," Link smiled. "The Midsummer Bonfire is an unparalleled spectacle."

"I can't wait to see it then," Zelda stood and furrowed her eyebrows slightly. "Do we have to go back to court?"

"I think we can excuse ourselves on the grounds of resting for the bonfire tonight," he smirked mischievously. "Would you like me to take you back to your room?"

"Actually," Zelda's voice sounded timid, and she looked everywhere but at Link. "I was wondering if we could take a walk, or something. Just an outing would be nice in this weather, you know?"

"But what would the nobles think?" Link asked in a mock scandalized voice.

"Let them think what they wish," Zelda's blue eyes twinkled with that fire.

"Then lead the way, Princess."


The rest of the day passed by in a blur for Zelda. Her plan to gain their respect had not crashed and burned like she feared it might. And she couldn't believe she had spent a whole day with Link without fighting once. Zelda never thought it was possible. Even as they walked to the bonfire together, she was still waiting for some huge fight to break out between them.

The Midsummer Bonfire was being held in the fields on the outskirts of Calatia City. The walk from the castle to the city gate was pleasant. The streets of Calatia City were filled with booths selling everything from food to jewelry to toys for children to play with. As much as Zelda wanted to just window shop through all the booths, she and Link had to stay close to the King and Queen. It was strange being a part of a royal entourage. The tradition of nobles following the King and Queen around during outings had never really been common in Hyrule, and Zelda was definitely sure she didn't like it. There was no escaping the sideways glances the nobles gave them, and it was far too easy to overhear any gossip, especially if it was directed at her.

But it seemed that Link was determined to keep the smile on her face genuine. He bought her jewelry she thought was pretty on the grounds that she needed more green to wear and indulged her with sweets she had never seen before in Hyrule (her favorite was the macaroons). It was easy to pretend they were in their own little bubble until Zelda caught the smug expression on King Clement's face. She had never understood the King's sudden transformation from a spineless insect to a manipulative snake during their visit to Kakariko, so she had become deeply mistrustful of him.

As if he could sense what gave her pause, Link whispered in her ear, "Just ignore my father. He's being too much of a smug bastard these days."

Zelda had to laugh at that, "It tends to happen when people think they're getting their way."

"I believe your mask collection is growing," Link smirked. He placed a hand on the small of her back to guide her. "We should be able to slip away from the rest of the entourage once we get to the bonfire. Come on."

Zelda didn't understand how they'd be able to slip away. Surely even if there was a large crowd they would still stick out. But then she saw the bonfire. Once they exited the city gates, it immediately caught her eye. Zelda didn't entirely know what she was expecting, but it surely wasn't this. The bonfire was made of hundreds of logs stacked in tiers that created a giant cone shape that had to be at least fifty feet tall.

"I told you it was awesome," Link laughed at Zelda's expression. "Come on; we're missing out on all the fun."

He grabbed her hand and started running down the road toward the bonfire. Zelda could hear voices calling after them, but she couldn't understand them over the sound of her and Link's laughter. They didn't stop until they were breathless at the foot of the giant bonfire.

"Told you we could slip away."

"I don't know why I thought you had something more subtle in mind," Zelda laughed breathlessly.

"It's as you said though, isn't it?" Link raised an eyebrow at her. "Let them think what they wish."

They walked around the growing crowd surrounding the bonfire as the sun went down. Zelda stopped to mingle occasionally with the common-folk, and Link entertained her with stories of all the different Midsummer Bonfires he'd been to.

"My parents wouldn't let me go when I was younger," he said. "They thought I was sickly while the doctors insisted I just needed time outside to play like any other boy. But I couldn't see the bonfire from my rooms because the city wall was too high, so I would sneak into the highest tower and sit and watch the bonfire burn all night."

"That sounds wonderful," Zelda smiled.

"Not as wonderful as actually seeing it up close," Link pointed to some men carrying torches. "They're going to light it now."

Zelda stood in awe as the men walked around the massive base of the bonfire setting fire to every other log. From the other side of the stack, she could hear a voice talking of passion and the will to fight and invoking the name of Din to aid them in their future endeavors. They stood and watched the fire slowly make its way up to the top of the bonfire, only moving when the heat became too much.

They walked in silence for a while after. Zelda got the feeling that Link, much like herself, wanted to say something but didn't know how to start.

"I forgot to tell you I found an interesting garden yesterday," Zelda finally said. "And it made me wonder if you liked cherries."

"Cherries?" Link looked taken aback at the randomness of the question. "No, they are too sour raw and too sweet when cooked. They also remind me of, oh."

He stopped and turned to look at Zelda with an expression that was half fear, half guilt.

"Did you meet her? Was she there in the garden?"

"Yes, actually," Zelda smiled wanly. "She sent me some thinly veiled threats and tried to assert some sort of claim over you."

Link's eyes filled with anger, reflecting the bonfire shining next to them.

"I should have been there. I shouldn't have been at court; I should have been with you so that this wouldn't happen."

"Link, it's alright," Zelda placed a hand on his shoulder to help reign him in. "Look at me." She reached up to cup his face in her hand, hoping that focusing would help him calm down. It took a second, but the fire in Link's eyes changed to something else, something Zelda couldn't quite name.

"I should apologize for my actions," he whispered.

"There was nothing you could have done," Zelda shook her head. "You had to obey your father, and I'm perfectly fine fighting my own battles."

"No, I mean," Link fidgeted nervously. "My actions before now, at that State Dinner and National Day, all of it really."

Zelda couldn't stop the small gasp that escaped her lips. Her hand fell from his face.

"I wasn't mad at you. I was mad at my father and the situation," Link broke eye contact and ran his fingers through his hair as if he was frustrated. "And I took out my anger on anything I could because that's what I do, and I'm sorry."

He looked back at her nervously as if expecting her to reject his apology, but Zelda could only smile.

"When did you finally come to your senses?" she asked with a giggle.

Link snorted before turning to fully face her, "During that courting ceremony, actually. I thought of you eventually courting another man, and despite knowing you would be just as miserable with that poor chap as you would with me, my selfishness and I couldn't just let you go."

He reached up to tuck a wayward strand of hair behind her ear.

"I figured that at least with me, that fire in your eyes wouldn't go out."

Zelda felt warmth fill her at those words. The hope she had lost after the Ordon Harvest Festival so many months ago suddenly returned.

"It was the way you smiled," she said without thinking. "That's why I said yes. You reminded me of the Link I met in Kakariko, the Link I wouldn't actually mind courting."

She looked up into his eyes. Zelda was scared to ask but also feared leaving it unsaid.

"Can we go back to that time? Can we put aside out anger and stop fighting?"

"Yes," Link smiled. "Fighting you is far too exhausting."

"I beg your pardon?" Zelda gasped in mock annoyance. "You are far worse. Dealing with your court this morning was easier than dealing with you alone."

"I beg to differ," he smirked mischievously. "You are more stubborn than is reasonable."

They went back and forth for what seemed like an hour, circling the bonfire and avoid nobles wherever they could. It wasn't until the bonfire's light began to wane that someone came looking for them.

"Your Highnesses," a page called out to them. "The court is preparing to leave."

"Alright, thank you," Link rolled his eyes after the boy left. "I guess we'll have to head back now."

"Yes, I'll be needing some sleep before I head home tomorrow," Zelda yawned.

The walk back to the castle was a quiet one. Zelda found herself leaning more and more on Link's arm as they walked, and by the time they reached her room, she felt dead on her feet.

"Until next time, Zelda?" Link brought her hand to his lips. His brow was quirked in a silent question.

"Until next time, Link."