Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this far and for your support. I really appreciate how this story has been received thus far. I'm a few hours late because I was a bit tentative with the quality of this chapter but it does set some things up. Enjoy! (or don't it's really up to you)

The dark night had brought clouds of rain to the kingdom of Hyrule, which now carried through to an ominous morning. The princess of Hyrule was sitting at her throne when she started to hear a crescendo of quick footsteps, She soon saw a guard run in with a panicked expression.

Princess Zelda stood up quickly.

"Report!"

"Your highness…the watchtowers have spotted dark mist coming from the northeastern section of Hyrule field. We've sent out scouts and are now awaiting their return. The knights will be ready to venture out at your command, your highness."

"Very well. I will go to the knights myself. I want to give the order as soon as we know what is out there."

Princess Zelda hurried to where the knights were gathered just in time for a single scout to run in towards Zelda.

"Princess!…A dark sorcerer…has been spotted…it makes haste towards the castle!"

Zelda was surprised to hear this but took an authoritative tone.

"Knights of Hyrule! You must protect your kingdom! Go now and defeat this foe!"

The knights proceeded to follow her command and run out in formation as Zelda looked out at the large group of knights.

"Link!", Zelda said when she spotted the familiar tunic.

"Yes, Princess?"

Link turned around to see a concerned Zelda walking towards him.

"Link…are you sure you should go out there…your visions…what if you…"

"I won't."

Link could tell she didn't believe him as he looked at her worried expression. He took her left hand and said,

"Zelda…"

Zelda closed her eyes and bowed her head.

"Just be safe, okay?"

"I promise I will."

Zelda looked up at his blue eyes, wishing fervently that his words were true. Entangled by the dreaded thought of losing him, she stepped closer to Link, placed her right hand on his shoulder, and kissed him on his cheek. She withdrew slowly, unsure of any logic behind her impulse.

'Have I stepped too far? I am the princess, after all, was this improper? Should I be guilty for the feelings I can no longer deny? Have I really any reason that Link feels the same way? Does he know how much he means to me? Did I make it all up in my-'

Her thoughts were soon interrupted by a sudden rush of feelings, old and new. Link had kissed her. His lips were now on hers. He gently moved his hand to her back, which pulled her closer as she gave in, dissipating her nerves and ushering her into a calm sense of belonging.

As the kiss ended, Zelda looked longingly into his eyes and placed her hand on his cheek.

She reluctantly let go of Link after a moment of silence and nodded 'okay' for him to leave. Zelda watched him slowly back up with sad eyes and run out of the castle.

She wanted to smile, she wanted to laugh, she wanted to share the delight in her eyes with her Link, yet all she could do was worry for her hero's safety.