The sun was beginning its descent over the fields of Lorule, sending streaks of dark orchid and amber across the sky. It wasn't so different from sunsets Princess Hilda had seen before. She used to look out the window of her study feeling the rot and decay of her kingdom sink into her. It was the time of day when the wind pummeled relentlessly against anything in its path, whistling sharply against the castle's walls. Withering, leafless trees swayed violently enough for their thin branches to snap. Yuga used to tell her that she was much like that fading light – the only beautiful thing left amidst so much ugliness. To Hilda, it was symbolic of Lorule's dark history and former beauty, and so she'd resigned herself to the comparison eventually.

She listened for the wind now, but she could not hear it as she used to. Hilda turned from the tall, arched window back to her desk. She pulled out her chair and began to read from what should have been a familiar passage from her favorite book. It was indeed the same book she'd once known so well – the one where Lorule's history was recorded. But what had once been a well-worn tome was now in extraordinarily good condition for its age. Gone were the hand-written ravings of past members of the royal family and smudged ink.

The passage where the destruction of the Triforce was recorded had changed.

To stop the war, the King of Lorule split the Triforce into its three respective traits: Hope, Beauty, and Reason. The three pieces would vanish into obscurity for a time. The greed in the hearts of mankind subsided and the fighting ceased. However, the Triforce couldn't be erased from mortal memory. It is said that the three pieces will reappear someday, manifested on the hands of those chosen by the goddesses.

There was an illustration of a Triforce. Each golden triangle had a virtue printed next to it. Hers corresponded to 'Hope', just as Yuga had said. The one that matched the mark on Ravio's hand had 'Reason' next to it. Reason seemed fitting for Ravio, she mused. He had, after all, been the one to talk her down from her plan.

But whose hand held the third piece? Was it someone she knew, or someone she'd yet to meet? There was no way she could know. Her thoughts returned to Ravio. Perhaps he might know. But how would she raise the issue? Would he think it was strange or out of place for her to ask such a thing? If she told him that this existence came about from a wish, she couldn't be sure of how he'd react.

The doors to her study swung open with a loud creak, startling the princess. Yuga stormed in trying to hide an irritated expression.

Hilda paused and set the book down. "Is something wrong?"

"Something most distressing..." Yuga spoke in a carefully controlled tone. "The sorcerer of legend's bracelet has vanished from the armory."

It took a moment for Hilda to process what he was talking about.

Of course, the bracelet!

The bracelet held similar abilities to Yuga's staff. It wasn't the first time it had gone missing, and Hilda had a good idea of who had taken it - probably a certain knight in purple. Her mind began to race, but the prospect of Ravio having it wasn't what concerned her. What had Yuga been doing in the armory? She'd never restricted his access to rooms in the castle, but it still didn't sit well with her.

Hilda sighed, trying not to let her mistrust show. "I will get to the bottom of this myself. Your efforts are appreciated, but do not concern yourself with the bracelet."

"It is still very vexing, Your Grace. As you know, that bracelet has been kept under careful watch by the royal family for untold generations," he said, with a great sense of pride. "I'd hate to see it fall into the wrong hands," he added, his tone growing cold.

Hilda's heart grew heavy, wondering if this was the precursor to some scheme of his. She decided to change the subject. "It's quite late. I think I should get some rest." She began to walk past him.

He grabbed her hand, his fingers interlocking with hers, catching her by surprise. She turned back to him, letting her hand rest in his.

"Allow me to walk you to your chambers, my dear. Your company would take my mind off the missing bracelet for a little while." Yuga gave Hilda's hand a light squeeze. She blinked. Hilda stood there a moment contemplating whether to feign trust or to maintain an appropriate emotional distance from the man who'd betrayed her.

"Which is none of your concern," Hilda answered sternly. "The bracelet, I mean...And I don't need you to walk me to my chambers. You don't need to wake me up in the morning either," she ripped her hand from his grasp and turned to leave. Behind her, she could feel the weight of his disappointment, his gaze never leaving her as she quickened her pace to escape it.

Then why do I want you to?

Back in the comfort of her own chambers, Hilda sat down in front of her mirror and gave a frustrated sigh, reaching for her hairbrush. A large ceramic box sat on her vanity, which she hadn't noticed earlier. Hilda's curiosity was piqued. She set down the brush and opened the box. Inside, a figure of a couple stirred to life, beginning to revolve slowly. They appeared to be a king and queen. They held each other as if dancing, longingly staring into each other's eyes. A sweet, legendary melody began to play. A bemused look crossed Hilda's delicate features. She propped her elbow on the surface of her vanity and rested her chin on the palms of her hands, exhausted from her day. She couldn't help but think of her parents. Perhaps they had danced at royal balls long before she was born. She frowned, wondering if her parents in this prosperous, beautiful Lorule shared the same cruel fate as she was always told – her father assassinated, her mother left to languish in her grief.

She didn't know how much longer she could hold her eyes open. She continued to watch the couple in their endless embrace as her eyelids grew heavy.

A crowd watches the newlywed couple as they end their dance. The queen looks up into the eyes of her king and smiles. They both have purple hair - the color of Lorulian royalty, and eyes that are a bright, vibrant red.

"For Lorule," she smiles, leaning in even closer to him.

"For Lorule," he bends to place a kiss on her forehead as a resonating wave of cheers and applause erupts through the ballroom. All of her senses are heightened. It is as if Hilda is there, experiencing the joy in the hearts of all in attendance, especially the king and queen, her parents.

The dreamy ballroom setting fades. It feels as if years have gone by.

The king is alone in the courtyard, but he is smiling, his mind fixed on pleasant thoughts of his future child.

A single arrow flies through the air. The king never sees it coming. The arrow strikes its mark and embeds into his noble heart with a sickening thud.

Hilda was ripped from her nightmare as she bolted upright, inhaling sharply. She could have sworn the arrow had impaled her own heart. Instead, she felt a familiar warmth on the back of her hand. The Triforce of Hope was glowing a bright gold.

Her mouth was dry from fear. She took several slow, deep breaths as she turned her head to look over at her vanity on the other side of the room, wondering when she'd gotten into bed. The music box had been shut, leaving the room silent for a long moment before she heard the faint sound of footsteps in the corridor, growing further away.