I pick at the plush of my seat nervously. I look again to the elaborate closed doors next to me. Just moments ago, I was on my walkway reading when one of the king's—my father's personal attendants approached me. All he had said was that the king wished to speak with me, but was in a council meeting, so if I wouldn't mind following him to wait, miss? I hate the way attendants speak to me─like I'm a small child that's hard to please.

When I first sat down, it occurred to me that this could be about Link. I thought I had been so careful. The only other person who knew was Impa, and I know she wouldn't have told. Honestly, I doubted that was why I was here. Even so, there was always a possibility...

My mind drifted back to Link. I couldn't help but smile when I thought about the past month. Almost every night I had snuck out with him. It felt like I spent more time disguised in a simple maid's outfit than in my own clothing.

And then there was Link himself—he was so different than I had initially thought of him. After about a week or so, he seemed to stop trying to make fun of me. I started to feel more comfortable around him soon after. It had only been a month and he already felt like my closest friend. I had always had people around me whom I considered friends, but I had never been particularly close to them. They were all children of wealthy nobles or my father's advisors who seemed more interested in pleasing me than actually listening to what I had to say.

Link never tried to go out of his way to flatter me. In fact, it felt like quite the opposite. It was a refreshing change. If I ever shared an opinion, he would either agree and add upon what I had said, or he would disagree and present a counterpoint. This is why I was so surprised when I discovered that he couldn't read. He spoke so intelligently, shared such surprisingly complex ideas. Also, I admitted rather guiltily, I had never thought about how many people didn't have the chance to learn how to read. I couldn't imagine my life without books.

That was why I forfeited a whole week of learning so I could teach him at least how to sound out words. He learned quickly, which didn't surprise me. I made sure to bring him a new book every time we met.

I may have taught him how to read, but it still felt like I was learning a great deal more from him than he could ever learn from me. Swordplay was only one example. He told me about one-handed and two-handed swords but had seemed embarrassed when I asked further questions and he could not answer. It was adorable.

I told him that I thought so, and he laughed. I couldn't help but love when he laughed. It made his dark features light up and showed that he had dimples. He seems so much less intimidating when he laughed.

I remember the night he had laughed the most. He had led us our usual way out of the courtyard but had stopped when we reached Castle Town instead of the empty barn where we usually went. I had looked at him questioningly, and he stared and began to tap the toes of his boots behind him. I noticed that he did this when he was nervous. "I've been saving up rupees doing odd jobs here and there," he had said. "I have enough now to finally show you Castle Town. For real this time."

I was surprised that I hadn't responded right away. In the dim light, I could've sworn that I saw Link's long ears go red. Finally, I stammered out, "Y-you didn't have to do that for me."

"Yeah, well," he replied, looking up. "Everyone should experience this place at least once—even if they are an annoying princess."

I smiled at his last remark. Something like that would've stung me just weeks ago, but now we traded comments like that all the time. "Alright. Show me what you've got."

He gave a slight smirk and grabbed my hand. "Get ready for the best night of your life." I hadn't said it out loud, but I didn't doubt him.

I found myself smiling again as I remembered how he led me to various shops, a stand selling sweets, and many small games. Among them was the bomb game I had seen on my first night in town and one that involved treasure chests that Link had said was only open at night. Before either of us knew it, the rupees were spent. I remembered feeling slightly guilty. Had I known his plans, I would've brought money of my own.

There were still hints of light in the sky, so we hadn't headed back to the castle yet. Instead, Link lead us to the barn where we always went. It was owned by a family that knew Link's uncle. They had no use for the barn at the time, and they allowed us to use it whenever we wished.

Neither of us had much energy to actually practice, so Link showed me how to climb onto the roof. After I overcame my initial fear, I found it quite peaceful up there. I had felt closer to the stars. I told Link this, and he murmured in agreement.

We were quiet. I felt the cool night air on my face, and gently touched the tip of my nose. It was like ice. After a few more moments, Link broke the silence. "I still can't believe you lost every single game."

He was sitting next to me, and I whipped my head towards him. "Well, excuse me. It's not like you were so great either," I said, feigning outrage.

"Not untrue, but Goddesses, fifteen years in the world and I've never seen someone aim as—"

I cut him off. "You're fifteen?"

"Yeah...?" He seemed puzzled. "How old are you?"

"Thirteen." I don't know why this had bothered me so much. I had never considered an age gap between us, even if a small one.

Link seemed to sense my unease. "If it makes you feel any better, I just had my birthday barely two months ago."

"You have a summer birthday?" I asked. The season had begun to change to autumn a while ago, but two months ago would have been in the middle of the hottest part of the year. "I've always wanted a birthday in the summer," I continued. "Mine's in the dead of winter."

"So was my mother's," Link said. This surprised me. He had never really spoken of his family before.

Something occurred to me. "Was?"

He seemed to realize what he had said. "Was. She's dead," he said bluntly. I wished I hadn't pointed it out; he seemed so emotionless now.

"Link...I'm so sorry. I had no idea." The words seemed so insignificant, but they were all I had to offer.

"Nah, it's ok. I was so little when it happened. Her birthday is one of the only things I remember about her."

That seemed even worse to me. I didn't know how to reply.

"You know, I don't think I've ever told anyone about my mother before. They either already know or never bother to ask," he said softly.

I turned to him again and smiled. "I'm not sure if you view that as a good thing or not, but either way, I'm honored to be the first person you've told yourself."

He studied me pensively. I tried to guess what he was thinking, but his face was unreadable.

After a moment, he said, "Well, princess, I've shared something that I've never told anyone before. Now it's your turn to repay the favor."

That wasn't at all what I was expecting him to say. Caught off guard, my mind felt completely blank.

Finally, I thought of something. "If you must have something, I guess I could tell you about Annie." He raised an eyebrow.

"Annie was my only real friend growing up. Which, is really ironic, as she isn't real herself. I never told anyone about Annie because if I ever shared anything that came even partially from my imagination, I was sent to bed because I was 'unwell and hallucinating'." I had tried to keep my tone light, but it was hard to keep the bitterness out of my voice.

Link was smiling. "I would say we're even now. Thank you very much."

I gave a small laugh at his formality. Ever since I started talking with Link, I haven't thought about Annie at all. I much prefer having a real friend anyway.

We stayed on that roof until moon was high in the sky. I may have even dozed off once or twice. I don't remember much else of our time that night, just that I returned to my room feeling quite possibly the happiest I had ever felt in my life.

I continued to reminisce about my times with Link until the doors next to me opened with a dull whine. The pit in my stomach returned. I watched as well dressed men filed out of the doors, not a single one of them even sparing me a glance.

After a few moments, one last man, who seemed to be at least a century old and confused to find himself in the hallway, finally left.

"Zelda?" My father's voice rang out from the council room, calm and commanding.

"Here," I squeaked, jumping up. I desperately willed my voice to stop shaking. Carefully, I entered the large council room.

Inside, I saw my father on the opposite side of the room sitting at the head of a long table. He was flipping through a stack of papers with a concentrated expression. If he hadn't called me in, I would have thought he had forgotten me.

I knew better than to say anything. I inched closer toward him, and then stopped. I tried to be completely silent, but my heart was beating wildly and my breathing seemed loud and disruptive compared to the silence of the room. More than anything, I wanted to disappear.

My father looked up. I tried to put on a calm countenance as I met his gaze. "Ah, Zelda, there you are. I hadn't even noticed you. My apologies," he said, his voice filling up the entire room. He wasn't loud, exactly. He was more...authoritative. Powerful. If he wasn't my father, I would even say intimidating.

"It's alright, Father." I internally cringe. Was that sincere enough? Was it too informal?

He pushes the papers farther down the table and gestures to the seat closest to him. "Sit down, my dear. We haven't spoken in a while."

He was right. I don't remember the last time we had a real conversation one on one. Slowly, I walk toward the seat and sit down. Whoever was sitting there before had not pushed it in and, based on how far the seat was pulled back, was much larger than me. I tried to scoot it forward without scraping it across the floor.

"How have you been?" my father asked. His eyes were full of warmth, but I could tell he was worried too.

I think carefully before responding. "I am well. Things have returned to normal since the incident." That wasn't untrue. The nightmares I used to get have almost completely stopped.

He seemed relieved. "I was going to ask about that. I was admittedly very perturbed that the ordeal may cause you to fall ill," he said. "Ever since your mother became sick years ago, I have worried about the fragility of your health."

His words seemed to cut me. I've spent so much time trying to avoid thinking of my mother. I haven't seen her for almost five years except on special occasions. She had started to get sick when I was much younger, but when I was eight she suddenly was able to fight it less and less.

The last time I saw her was about six months ago. I had been excited, but as I walked toward her chambers the dark faces of the maids who took care of her quickly diminished the feeling.

She had tried to sit up when I walked in. The effort caused her to cough and wheeze. She covered it with a handkerchief, but when she pulled it away I saw blood in the cloth. My heart seemed to stop.

I couldn't help it. I ran. Distantly, I could have sworn I heard a weak voice calling my name, but I couldn't make myself go back. I just couldn't.

My father's voice brought me back to the present. "Zelda? Zelda? Are you feeling well?"

Quickly, I nodded my head. "Yes, I'm sorry. I tuned out for a moment. It won't happen again."

He smiled at me, but it was a sad smile. He gently put his hand on mine, which was resting on the table. "I know it's hard, not getting to see her. We just have to have faith that she'll get better soon," he said.

I smiled back at him. That was the almost the same exact thing he had been saying for years. I had given up hope for her recovery a long time ago.

"To be quite honest, darling, the reason I called you to speak with me was because of your tutors." I looked up at him, trying to hide my sudden panic. My tutors were boring, yes, but their opinion of me was extremely important. They dictated whether or not I would be fit to be queen one day.

"What about my tutors?" I said. I internally scolded myself. Not only was that informal, but the question was completely unnecessary. I need to keep quiet.

"Lately, their reports all seem to have one thing in common. They all say that you've seemed tired and distracted lately, to the point where you've missed assignments. Now, I am fully aware that you have been through a lot lately, but I must again emphasize the importance of your lessons." His tone was firm but kind. I was terrified of the possibility that his kindness may go away if I did not tread lightly.

"Yes, Father, I understand. I am truly sorry for my negligence. I will talk to my handmaiden about going to sleep earlier so I may be less tired for my lessons," I respond, bowing my head in shame.

He nodded in approval. "Hopefully that is all that is necessary. You are dismissed."

I stood up from the chair and bowed my head to my father again. Then, I left as quickly as I could without being rude.

I don't pay attention to where I'm walking. My head is spinning, and I wipe sweat off my hands onto the skirt of my dress.

I find myself at the wardrobe that leads up to my secret balcony. This doesn't surprise me; I always go there when I'm distressed. I look around to see if anyone is watching, and carefully open the warped wooden doors of the armoire and climb inside.

When I reach the tiny balcony, I look up to the sky and breathe in the fresh air. It doesn't have that old and almost dusty taste like the air inside the castle. The sky is cloudy and dark. I have no idea what time it is, only that it's past noon. I'm not worried, though. I'm not meeting Link tonight and I have no where else to be.

I sit down and stick my nose through the wooden railing. Soon it feels cold, and I am reminded of being on the roof with Link. I smile creeps across my face and I close my eyes.

Link.

• • •

"Zelda...Zelda, sweetie...please wake up."

I turn over, facing away from the voice.

"Zelda, please. It's your mother."

That gets my attention.

I open my eyes. I look over to see Impa's silhouette standing over me. I can't really tell, but it seems like she's wringing her hands anxiously.

"What about my mother?" I croak. I still feel like I'm mostly asleep.

"Please get up. I'll take you to her." I blink. Slowly, I realize that something terrible must have happened.

I scramble out if my bed, nearly falling. I don't even bother to put on shoes. Everything is moving in slow motion.

Vaguely, I realize this is like my nightmares. I pinch myself as I run out of my room, hoping that I'll wake up. Nothing.

It's late in the night, but the castle feels alive. I can tell that something is wrong.

I turn corners and slide across the marble floor, almost running into walls. Her hallway is on the opposite side of the castle from mine.

I hear alarmed cries and violent coughs before I even reach the hallway. I stop at the end, partly because I'm out of breath, partly because I'm terrified.

I'm still not even sure this is real.

Forcing my legs to move, I walk toward her door. Maids move out of my way. They seem sensitive, and I'm grateful. All the while, the coughing gets louder and louder.

And then it stops.

For a moment, the entire world seems silent.

Then, everything explodes. I hear my father yelling. I hear people screaming. I hear my footsteps on the hard, cold floor as I run to her room.

The door is ajar, but I hardly notice as I push it open. Inside, I see her bed. The huge bed that I always hated because it made her seem even more small and frail. My father yells again, and I realize he isn't yelling, he's sobbing. I feel sick. I walk toward the bed.

There she is. Blood splattered all over her nightclothes. Silvery gold hair still wet with sweat. Eyes still open.

Ringing. My ears are ringing. People are talking, telling me things. At least I think they are. Their mouths are moving, but I don't hear anything.

Someone pulls me away. I'm so numb that I don't even think to fight back. I hadn't realized I was limp until someone was carrying me.

I'm back in my own room. In my own bed. It's almost as if Impa never woke me up. I could pretend that nothing happened. Everything is fine.

I don't know if I fell asleep again. I didn't move at all. I couldn't. If I moved, time would come back and it would be real. Right here, right now, I was safe.

Impa came up to me again. I saw light in my windows. Maybe it really was a dream.

One look at Impa's face and I know that it isn't.

"Darling, you must eat. It's almost midday." Her voice is so gentle and full of pity.

I'm not sure if she left to get food or if it was already there, but now I'm eating. It doesn't taste like anything.

I stare out my window. I haven't left my bed. The clouds look like they're from an storybook illustration.

Before I realize it, the sun starts to set. I'm eating again. In the back of my mind, a tiny voice repeats the same thing over and over. Don't forget. Don't forget.

Link. I'm supposed to meet Link.

I stumble over to Impa. She looks at me, concerned. "Dressed. Please," is all I can say.

She looks at me as if I'm crazy, but helps anyway. I fade out again, and when I come back I'm sitting on my bed fully clothed.

I stand up, swaying. I try to find some sense of balance as I walk out of my room.

I walk to the courtyard, my father's sobs playing in my ears on a loop. I drag my hand across the rough stone of the castle when I get outside. It hurts, but I don't stop.

I see Link in the courtyard. I go toward him, but then I'm on the ground. I don't remember falling. Link runs over. I feel his footsteps shaking the ground.

I try to stand up, but Link has to help me. He leads me toward a few large bushes and we hide behind them.

I'm sitting on the ground. Link is in front of me. "Princess? Are you ok? Did something happen?" he asks. After a moment, he adds, "What happened to your hand?"

I look down at my hand. My palm and fingers are bleeding. I'm confused for a moment until I remember dragging it across the wall.

I look at Link. "My mother died."

Those three words seem to break the spell I'm under. Everything is blurry still, but now it's because of the tears that have suddenly welled up in my eyes. "She died. She's dead. Gone," I say, and keep repeating those words like a mantra.

Link looks stricken. He stiffened second I started to cry. He reaches out a hand toward me, but pulls it away uncertainly.

I try to wipe away my tears, but suddenly everything is red. I used my bloody hand. I almost laugh picturing what I must look like, but the tears quickly come back.

Link takes a familiar piece of cloth from his belt and hands it to me. I take it and wipe the blood and tears from my face. Then, I wrap it around my hand.

I look at him. "I'm sorry," I say, tears still steadily falling from my eyes.

"Why?" He looks confused.

My head fills with all the reasons I should be sorry. I let him get hurt in the forest when we first met. I take away all his free time. I always let him take care of me when I'm hurt. I'm crying in front of him.

"For everything," I finally say. It feels like such a stupid thing to say, but I don't know what else to do.

To my surprise, he laughs, but it isn't a humorous laugh. I can't quite place it.

He doesn't say anything, but he pulls me into him. He puts his arms around me, and after I get over my initial shock I register what's happening. Hug.

I put my arms around him as well. He's warm. He smells like sweat and trees and...something else. Something sweet.

"It's going to be ok," he whispers. I start to shake again, and he holds me tighter. "It's going to be ok. I promise."

"How can you be sure?" My voice is muffled.

"I'm sure because I know how you feel. I won't leave you until it's ok again."

He used to be so immature and annoying. I'm glad that he changed. He really does seem older.

"Zelda?"

That's the first time he's actually used my name. Hearing it in his voice feels good. "Yes?"

"I promise I won't go anywhere."