Don't forget to tell the people you care about that you love them. They'd really appreciate that.


"Welcome to Hyrule, little one." Zelda proclaimed, moving closer to Dinaria who had eagerly scurried to lean on the Bridge barrier, and crossed her arms on the stone.

The girl made no response, only stared with pining orbs at the sands now freckled in the distance. Zelda noticed Dinaria began to shiver, no longer comforted by the desert's warm embrace, and motioned for Link to offer her a cloak to wear.

The monarch cast a look below at the tranquil Lake Hylia and frowned. The waters were still polluted black, although now in condensed sections like oil. Her stomach twisted at the question: Were her troops successful? Link released a grunt of concern that grabbed their attention, and went to hold Zelda's hand as a squad of armor-clad Zoras approached them.

Their large fish helmets hid emotions, but their bodies were held stiff and unsure. Dinaria gasped at the aquatic creatures and held her ground aggressively. Zelda touched her shoulder, assuring that they were friend and not foe, but they were so foreign, the desert girl scarcely believed her.

"Princess Zelda," The commanding officer stepped away from the group and greeted with a low bow, "What a relief to see you are safe."

"The water, it is still sickly," she watched as he removed his helmet to reveal scarred gills and hard features. Out of the corner of her eye, Zelda noticed Dinaria soften at the bright teal orbs of the Zora man.

He smiled, scales emanating a silver sheen as he explained, "It has gotten better though, we are still working to clean it. Our King will not be able to return to the Domain until all is well, but we have made progress. It would be best if the Captain of the Guard gave more information."

"And where is Lady Ashei?"

"She left for Kakariko yesterday; her husband was wounded, so they could not wait for you any longer." The Commander placed the helmet on his head once more and saluted her.

Link and Zelda exchanged glances of concern. "Is Sir Shad alright?"

"The scribe is built like a cockroach, he could survive anything the Gods throw at him."

Zelda nodded as she turned to Link, declaring, "We should head out then. We have no time to waste." They bid the Zora platoon farewell and crossed the Bridge to a patch of wild grass. Dinaria's red eyes filled with the lush green on the ground and she ran her hands through it. She seemed disturbed by the presence of flowers, unlike Fuana who eagerly picked them.

Link produced a necklace carved into a horseshoe and called for Epona with a song that filled the silence of Hyrule, and the teen gasped at the mare who bolted happily to her master. Link rubbed his steed's soft nose and laughed as she nipped at his hair. He lifted Naru up first, and then Fuana, but when it came to Dinaria, she backed away. "No way!" she shouted, scared of the creature but not willing to admit it.

"She doesn't bite." Link tried to assure, Epona shaking her mane in offense.

Dinaria frowned, "I can walk."

The green knight's face twisted in shock. "It's a long walk."

She crossed her arms and marched forward. "There's no room for all of us on its back. If you guys can walk, so can I!"

Link prepared a noise to combat her nonsense, but Zelda stopped him. "Let her be stubborn." she insisted, sure that eventually the girl would grow tired and let her guard down. The couple began their journey home, to a warm bed and hot food, but still Zelda could not shake the feeling of being watched.

It took Dinaria a few hours before she grew tired of walking, but she wouldn't accept defeat so easily. Instead, she trailed behind them, head high and stance proud, but Zelda could see the way her knees wobbled with each step. The trip was nearly complete, and each break felt like an interruption to progress. The village was across the fields, visible on the horizon and so tantalizingly close she could almost hear the fanfare for their return.

She sighed, and Link held her close, hand delicately on her waist as they walked. Dinaria chuckled behind them, being the only other person on this journey to know what occurred beneath desert stars. Zelda blushed, would the child be able to keep a secret long enough?

"I can't wait to s-see the d-d-doctor again, I have so many new herbs to sh-show him," Fuana mused, "I hope Luda has been t-taking care of him."

Naru yawned, "Who cares about plants when I got goodies." Zelda snapped her head to see the blue-haired child pull out gems of various colors and sizes from her pocket.

"Where did you get those you little rodent?" Dinaria spat.

Naru stuck her tongue out at her. "Raerani gave them to me as a gift."

"P-Please don't fight," Fuana paled at the sour looks the two gave one another. Link turned to Zelda and asked with a wrinkle by his eyes if Nayru and Din had a history of quarrel in their folklore. Naru threw a tame insult at Dinaria who eagerly swung back with her retort.

The Princess closed her eyes and sighed, "I suppose water and fire do not mix well with one another; however, no matter what battle took place between the Gods–" she cleared her throat to casually shout back at them, "–Hylia was sure to end it."

The girls silenced themselves with a grumble, and Link muffled a chuckle. They continued in silence, dark clouds beginning to form overhead as the wind became crisp and harsh. Brittle leaves started to brown on the trees, and Zelda's gut sickened. She held her hair as a hard gust almost knocked her over, a voice whistling in the wind. She paused, heart pounding at the familiar cadence traveling the air.

A memory assaulted her without warning as she heard the whispers of the dead.

"I...See you later..."

Her jaw tightened at the promise in Midna's voice, but she reminded herself that such jealousy was counterproductive, she already had the heart of her love, bound together by a bond he agreed to to.

Wouldn't you like to give in to your demons at least once. What if he regrets you.

Zelda was still as a statue, heart pounding as Dark hissed within her mind. Link looked back at her as he noticed her stop, and her mouth opened to speak but no words came out.

Keep walking.

She did as she was told, afraid of the consequences of going against his wishes. She wore a mask of tranquility as they trekked, Zelda keeping a few paces behind Link who didn't seem to notice her change in demeanor.

"How are you doing this?" She whispered to the villain, fists clenched but ears ringing.
He chuckled. You got into my head, I got into yours. A perfect balance; don't you like those.

Traveling his memories was a terrible idea, she should have never let her anger get the best of her! Her eyes darted over to Link who was giggling with Fuana, the Master Sword on his back glistening. Maybe she could –

That won't purge me this time.

"An exorcism should do it then."

His chuckle rattled her skull, but his connection seemed to weaken. He was not as strong as she feared. Zelda smirked to herself, this was a good sign.

Don't get cocky, wench.

"Like hell I won't," she snapped, closing her eyes to try and push him out of her mind. He stayed quiet, but was definitely still there. He growled, as if not finding what he was looking for. "Do you search for your darling?"

Shut up, whore.

The venom in his voice and choice of words held great weight in her cognizance, but she wouldn't let him get the best of her.

You're lucky I can't wrap my fingers around your pretty little neck. You think you're invincible right now with Din in your grasp.

Zelda glanced back at Dinaria who was rubbing her cold arms aggressively. "What are you planning," she asked threateningly.

It sounded as if he was standing behind her, mouth close to her ear as the wind caressed her cheek like a breath. He chortled, You think you have her, but history shows Din has only one Master.

Another gust and he was gone, her mind her own as she was left with a bitter taste in her mouth. What did any of that mean, what was he implying, why did he–

"ZELDA WATCH OUT!" Link shouted back to her.

Whipping around, she barely missed the front of a thick tree branch swung in her direction; she jumped back, bumping into Link and knocking him over. Dinaria snarled like a rabid beast, clutching the weapon tighter in her hands as she attacked Zelda once more, hollow eyes blind to her victim. The Princess grabbed the branch and shouted, "Dinaria what are you doing!"

The teen tore away with a newfound strength, the monarch dodging and avoiding the weapon in a panic. Fuana screamed as Epona reared with a fearful whinny – Naru jumped down and ran to Zelda. Dinaria prepared another strike just as Zelda extended her hand out to her, and suddenly, the light of a small barrier encapsulated the assailant in a blue jewel. Naru gave a loud grunt, and Zelda saw that she too had her hands out, nose dripping with blood as Dinaria pounded the barrier with her fists.

Thick black veins traveled up her arm and into her neck, curling themselves across her cheek like the stain of a devil's kiss. Zelda gasped at the too familiar image of possession, cursing the very ground they stood on. Dinaria produced flames in the palm of her hands and hurled them at the crystal until Naru could hold her no longer. The child let go with a loud shout, crumbling with fatigue, Zelda reaching for her before Dinaria dare harm the girl. But just as she took a step forward, there was a loud whack!, and Dinaria collapsed to the floor – limp as wet laundry. Fuana stood behind her with a branch clutched tightly, wearing a look of horror.

"D-Did I kill her…" She began to hyperventilate, shaking like a leaf as Link stood up and began tying the teen up. He checked her pulse, and sighed in relief.

Zelda helped Naru clean her nose and held her close in thanks, nodding to Fuana and motioning her to put the stick down. Link turned to Zelda and wondered what caused such strange behavior.

"Dinaria is possessed," she announced matter-of-factly, gesturing to the spiderweb veins that sullied her skin.

"What do we do then?" Link wondered with a frown, sitting the unconscious girl up.

"Naru is far too drained for me to perform an exorcism now. The sooner we get to the Shaman, the better. Until then–"

A series of groans escaped Dinaria's plump lips as she tilted her heavy head back, red irises lost and forlorn. "W-What is going on…" she mumbled, breath hastening when noticed her hands were bound. Naru and Fuana shrunk back in alarm, but Zelda came forward.

"Oh God, is it true? Din is a monster – I'm a monster." Her eyes shot open and she wore an expression of hysteria.

Zelda waved her hand in front of Dinaria's face and mumbled an incantation of sleep, and Dinaria relaxed into slumber. "You define yourself, little one. Din may have been corrupted once, but I promise you I shall not allow that to happen again." Zelda whispered to her sleeping form.

They continued traveling with Dinaria sleeping on Epona's back the rest of the trip.

Din has only one master, the thought haunted the Princess with each step on the red earth. When they reached the gates of Kakariko, they were greeted with mixed expressions. Fuana and Naru could not contain themselves, running off to play with friends and indulge in smiles and laughter. The people cheered for Zelda and Link, ecstatic to see them return in one piece, but when Dinaria arose with her limbs bound like a wild animal, their grins faded.

They were leery of the Goddess of Power, prejudice still thick in their blood, even after a festival in her name. They blamed Din, and Dinaria could sense she would be shamed here even more than she had in the desert. Her proud eyes were cast down, and Zelda tried to pull their attention away from the girl, but it was futile. When the reached the Sanctuary, she stumbled away from the Spring fearfully, the spirits must have spoken to her for the first time, and she wished not to hear them – it only made her feel like more of an outsider.

Once inside, Shaman Renado and Telma greeted them with joyous sighs of relief. The Shaman approached them slowly upon noticing the girl dressed in strange garbs. "You found her." He gasped, but Dinaria looked away. Her eyes hovered over Telma who filled her with curiosity, her very Gerudo features yet sharp ears must have felt familiar to Dinaria, which she expressed through a steady stare.

"In the Gerudo Desert, yes." The Princess nodded.

Telma crossed her arms and smiled, "What was a little cutie like you doing in the desert?"

Dinaria furrowed her sharp brows and grumbled, "I am Dinaria, Princess of the Gerudo, daughter of Saboorudorf. I will not be talked to like a child!"

Telma and Shaman Renado exchanged glances of confusion, and Zelda assured them with closed lids that she would explain soon. "She requires an exorcism, Shaman." Zelda requested.

He laughed as if she were joking. "No holy power can cure adolescence, Your Highness." When she didn't chuckle, his smile fell, "You are serious."

Zelda pointed to the black veins still protruding on her body, starting at the back of her hand. "The shadow has managed to possess her somehow. She attacked us on our way here."

Dinaria opened her mouth to argue, but with her cool gaze, Zelda assured she was not speaking ill of her character. The Shaman inspected her arm with great interest and clicked his tongue. "I will see what I can do, this is an old magic. Come child." He led her to a bench and sat her down, Telma following after.

It was then that someone opened the door, and sprinted to envelop Link and Zelda in a very tight embrace. Ilia cried out in joy, her brooch digging into Zelda's chest as she hugged them. "I'm so happy you guys are back!" She pulled away and patted them down, emerald orbs overflowing with tears of happiness. "Well, how was the desert? Link, did you treat the Princess like a proper Lady out in all that heat?"

He blushed, giving Zelda a look she couldn't understand.

"Ilia, how is Shad? I heard he was injured during the battle." Zelda inquired.

"Him and Ashei are on their way now – is that her?" Ilia pointed to Dinaria who was leaning back with her eyes closed as the Shaman bathed her in thick smoke. "She's just a kid too," she frowned, but didn't let it bother her too long, "I hope you don't mind Your Highness, I went ahead and called for a meeting after I heard you were back in the village."

"It is alright, we have lots to do." Zelda invited Link to his seat beside her, and he shuffled in place. The position was a little different now, wasn't it? The real question was whether or not she would bring it up today, but she pretended not to notice the inquiry in his celestial eyes. She coughed and excused herself to speak to the Shaman who appeared to be done.

Dinaria opened her ruby orbs to clear skin; however, the varicose veins on her hand were still an inky shade. "There is an ancient magic here," he whispered to the Princess, "I can only lessen the symptoms, and that would require cleansing her once a day. You are so busy, I would hate to force you into that schedule."

Telma cleared her throat, grabbing their attention and tapping her foot. "I'll take care of her."

Dinaria looked up at the woman with slightly parted lips and wide eyes. Shaman Renado tilted his head, "Are you sure?"

"Why not? Everyone in the village has to do their part, so why not have her work for me and learn to be humble at the same time?" Her cat-like eyes cast Dinaria a look. "Plus, it gives me a reason to see you everyday, Shaman." She winked at him.

He grunted. "Princess Zelda?"

She nodded, "I see nothing wrong with it."

Telma smiled, "Then it's settled." She turned to fully face Dinaria and extended her hand kindly, "I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Telma."

The girl looked up at her, wide-eyed and unsure. Yet, the more Zelda looked at the bar maiden, the more she found similar features seen on Saboorudorf: the hooded eyes, painted lids, and sharp brows; Dinaria must have found comfort in them.

She shook her head carefully, and without realizing, said softly, "Sav'aaq."

Telma, taken aback at first, let her features melt with warmth as she helped the girl up and laughed, "Sav'aaq, huh? I was told the Gerudo people were extinct, and only mutts like me existed, ha ha! Maybe there's a lot we can learn from each other."

Dinaria seemed pleased by her answer, gingerly following behind Telma as they left the Sanctuary. The Council Nohansen began to pool in; Earl Kemp, Counselor Fane, Mayor Bo, but as Zelda began counting heads, she couldn't help but frown.

"Where is Alger?" she pondered aloud.

King Ralis responded," I last saw of him, he was on the watchtower roof."

Shaman Renado added, "He has been spending most of his time alone since the King's death."

"I see." Zelda nodded. It only made sense that the courtier be near the last remnant of his king. She felt sorry for the bird-like man, her father's death was hurting him more than she expected. Auru offered to do the documentation while Alger mourned.

Just as she was about to call the meeting to begin, Ashei stumbled in with Shad in her arms, his shoulder wrapped in thick bandages and eyes wide with embarrassment. Link gasped and stood to help her, but the warrior simply carried her husband to the table and sat him down, checking him like a doting mother.

"Give him some air woman!" Earl Kemp scolded, but she ignored him.

Zelda furrowed her brows. "By the Gods, I heard you were injured Sir Shad, was it that bad?"

He gave a nervous smile that glowed with the blush on his tanned face as he patted Ashei's hands to a stop. He assured awkwardly, "Not at all Your Highness, my wife is just very protective of me."

Ashei crossed her arms and almost angrily objected, "You were injured in the middle of a battle, and I'll be damned if I let my husband die under my watch." Her dusky eyes made the mistake of glancing in Ilia's direction, and Zelda caught the wave of remorse that slapped Ashei across the face after the blonde noticed the accusing stare.

Zelda interjected before any argument could begin, "Everyone is on edge. A lot has happened these few weeks, and a lot of questions need answers."

"That is why I insisted on being here Your Highness," Shad produced a book from his jacket and held it out for her to take, "The Battle for Lake Hylia is right here."

Zelda ran her gloved hand over the leather cover speckled with water spots and started to read.

"Princess Zelda XVIII separates from the main party with Sergeant Sutter with success. Captain of the Guard Ashei leads her men into battle along the Hylia Bridge where a horde of Bokoblin patrol. Earl Kemp and his battalion escort the majority of Zora soldiers toward the Domain, via passage found by Zora forces.

Archers ready themselves initially, and rain a series of arrows down on enemy forces. No other form of enemy is seen present. Bokoblin mob send their calvary in the direction of Hylian forces; they are messy yet effective in wounding foot soldiers. Captain Ashei calls for defensive tactics while organizing a small squad to rush the enemy. Proves successful in dwindling combatant numbers, but leads to a game of cat and mouse between groups. Two hours pass, enemies begin to convulse and explode sporadically after the ground begins to shake. Hylian forces pick off remaining Bokoblin…"

A splat of blood on the page caused Zelda to glance up at Shad who rubbed his shoulder.

"...I have been shot in the shoulder with an enemy arrow. Captain Ashei commands soldiers hold their ground and await the return of Zora soldiers and Earl Kemp..."

Zelda looked up at her company. "And what was the result?"

Earl Kemp shrugged his large shoulders. "We apprehended an oracle. She was hiding in the Domain, sitting in a puddle of her own filth behind the Zora throne."

"And what happened to her." The Princess primed, needing to coax the conversation further.

King Ralis answered for the group slowly. "According to my men, she...she melted, mumbling nonsense about an Old God."

Zelda slammed her fist on the table without making an expression, trying to hide her frustration. "And the water?"

"Filthy," Regis answered for his King, "But slowly getting cleaner. It seems we will need to coexist a little longer."

Zelda hated his tone.

"That isn't all, Your Highness," King Ralis begrudgingly admitted, "In your absence, we had a group of deserters."

Her blood ran cold. "What do you mean?"

Earl Kemp spat, "Dishonorable dogs they were, Your Highness.

"It's a lot more complicated than that, Lord Kemp," Regis narrowed his jade eyes, "Soldiers talk, Princess Zelda, and our people spoke of your past transgressions against us. Those documents you signed may be in the Domain, but our people certainly remember them."

Zelda dug her nails into her palm until she was sure she would draw blood. "Those were forged documents and you know it."

"But your soldiers didn't, so some unwilling to hear our merciful King decided they would rather leave than serve their Queen." He shook his dorsal fin in disagreement with their attitudes.

Zelda rubbed her temples, room spinning with a myriad of emotions. Link touched her arm, but all she wanted was a cold drink. Her body pounded with her heartbeat, mouth dry from the heat of anger as she wanted to just hide from their judgmental stares. Someone asked for her news, but she was already irritated at the woman's voice in her head reminding her, You are pathetic.

"We found the Goddess in the desert," she growled, "With what remains of the Gerudo tribe." She assumed they made noises of disbelief, and hurled question after question at her, but she couldn't hear, the torches in the room were too bright, her skin too heated. She shot up from her seat and hid her panic as she called a recess, rushing out of the dark Sanctuary into the burning sunlight. She tried not to run to her room as faces flashed behind her eyelids.

The rose watched as the lovebird fell to the prick of her thorns along with her many rosettes, their screams of agony like a sick animal.

She was in her room and fought her very hardest to wait until the bad feelings passed, but the pain in Ilia's eyes, the thought of her people doubting her character, the weight of those who died in her arms, it was too much! Zelda scratched under her bed for a bottle of wine she had stashed like a greedy beast, and swallowed as much as she could. She closed her eyes and hid her face in her bed as she waited for the sweet dance of intoxication to greet her. The bad thoughts melted together until they were unrecognizable, a happy buzz rocking her into numbness. It wasn't enough though, she could still feel the lingering sadness in the pit of her stomach that could easily be avoided with a few drops of spirits.

But a knock came from her door, and she rapidly shoved her bottle back under her bed. She didn't give him the okay, but Link entered anyway, timidly checking in on her at first. He smiled sadly at her, wondering if she was alright.

"I am fine." She focused all her attention on appearing her usual regal self, but it was proving difficult. If Link noticed, he didn't make it apparent. He strolled in and knelt down to where she was sitting on the floor and cupped her face with his warm hands. She melted under his touch, all the pressure and feelings of letting people down seemed ridiculous when looking into his sky blue pools. She saw hurt in him, and she was envious by how strong he was regardless. It made her guilty for drinking the pain away. But it was her only way, he just didn't understand.

She giggled in an attempt to hide her discomfort. "Those royals – they are all drunks huh?" she mumbled, and he either didn't hear or wished to ignore the comment.

"Shaman Renado said, if you wanted–" He kissed her nose, "–We could collect herbs for him during the recess. He thinks it would help."

"Help what? There is nothing wrong with me," She grinned like an idiot. He paused, handing her water, sitting next to her silently.

She wasn't sure how long they sat in her chamber, but she did know her embarrassment was immeasurable. Link made no comment on her obvious moment of partial drunkness, and she felt it was best that way. They descended down into the lobby of the Inn to see Dinaria bossing two Eldin Virgins around as they happily fulfilled the wishes of their Goddess. The teen beamed with her newfound position of power, but when Telma noticed, she swooped in to give a piece of her mind. Link escorted Zelda outside where Epona waited patiently for her master's return, eager to gallop about with him.

They were to collect herbs in the fields, not too far from the village, yet not so close that danger could easily follow. It would provide her mind some time to relax before returning to the meeting. It will be nice, she kept reminding herself, breathing in Link's scent so to fill herself with his calm. The afternoon sky was stitched with fluffy white clouds that reflected a slightly golden hue. It blessed the ground with warmth, complimenting the spots of orange and yellow that had begun to form in the trees. Epona galloped healthily, and Zelda enjoyed the feeling of the wind in her hair and on her skin as the sea of green grass ran beneath them.

Link found a spot he deemed the best for their search, a shady area beneath a tall tree with purple wildflowers. They slowed down and dismounted at this spot freckled with flowers, and began their search in the grass. Link showed some difficulty, but Zelda was able to find most of what was on the list written by the Shaman. The Hero ebbed after a while, plopping down on his side and placing the flowers on her head while she worked.

It made her chuckle, the way he watched and showered her with petals as if she were a spring nymph. "May I help you?" she laughed.

He shrugged, "I was just admiring how beautiful you are."

She playfully shoved his shoulder. "You are such a flirt," Her smile began to fall, "...What are we to do now, Link? I feel like all the progress we have made has only put us right back where we started."

He sat up, reaching out to gently encourage her to lay in the grass with her head resting on his lap. He then began to run his fingers through her hair, pulling the stresses from her mind and sprinkling them on the ground like flower petals. She sighed, outstretching her hand to rub her thumb over his soft lips as she lost herself in his smile. He encouraged her to sleep amongst the flowers, kissing her forehead tenderly. A yawn slipped passed her lips, but she wouldn't dare try to rest while his eyes were rimmed with purple. He hadn't been sleeping well either; why was that?

The question made her lurch forward. She knew Link suffered from his own demons, but would never share them. They were bonded, it was her duty as his other half to care for him even if he did not want it. Epona sauntered over to a patch of tasty clovers just as Zelda turned to press her lips against his surprised mouth with sweet rhythmic motions. They breathed the same breath as she peered up behind long lashes and hummed, "You should rest as well."

He paused, eyes flashing with age before closing with a smile to assure her he was fine, but she didn't believe it. She roughly grabbed his collar and crawled on top of him, pressing her nose to his as she read each line on his innocent face. He blushed under her scrutiny, falling back on his elbows as her hands ran over his body, feeling each small scar under his tunic. She bent down to run her lips over his neck, stopping at his pulse as his form melted beneath her. She would return the favor of washing the painful memories away. Dark hurt him just as bad as he would hurt her, if not worse; his wounds were on his conscience. She felt like a failure to a group, a faceless entity with varying lives and wills, but he felt like a failure to her: a person of meaning, an irreplaceable individual whose life was above his. She thought back to the first time she saw him cry, and held him tighter to kiss away his pain.

There was a rumble, but not from his chest. The clamorous pounding of hooves pulled them from their serene dream, colors dulling at the sight of stallions charging toward them aggressively. Link pulled Zelda up, but the foreign cavalry was moving fast – a lone rider ahead of the rest chased after them as the couple tried to mount Epona. Zelda reached to grab Link's hand, but was snatched up onto the cavalier's lap as he circled Link and came to a stop. His men followed in suit, and Zelda kicked and screamed against him.

She heard Link draw his sword, but the cavaliers grunted in warning. "Unhand me, you cretin!" Zelda barked, glaring up to try and bite her assailant who tightly held her arms.

He was young, platinum blond locks glowed like the clouds at sunrise, a goofy grin of delusional pride lit his hazel eyes. He gave her a smolder, pushing a few strands of hair behind his round ears wrapped in string to force a point, as he bellowed, "Fear not my love, your Hero is here!"

"Are you mad? Who are you?!" She wiggled her arm free and was about to punch him, but he took the gesture as a formality, taking it mid-movement and kissing her knuckles.

He cleared his throat, "It is I, Prince Harod of Neighsdon, your betrothed! Here to break the spell put upon you!"

The words reached her ears like a slap across the face, her face mimicked the white of his eyes as she saw how horrified she appeared in their reflection. All she could think of was a single word:

Shit.

Link paused, she could see him slowly processing the words over and over again until they made sense. But they weren't making sense, and she noticed his eyes widen at a realization known only in her nightmares.

"Y-You're...betrothed?" Link whispered, stepping forward, face white with confusion yet burning with betrayal. He shouted, as if asking the Gods, "You're engaged?!"

Zelda's blood went cold, world shattering around her to reveal a harsh reality behind her wondrous looking glass, "I-I can explain–"
Harod interjected, "Explain not my love, he is but a fake! I have met with your father, and he told me of the mind tricks placed upon you by this imposter! I am the real Hero, and will save you accordingly."

She tried to hide her anxiety, manifesting it as pure anger at the fool before her. "What in the name of Hylia are you talking about, King Daphnes is dead. You spoke to the very creature that has thrusted Hyrule into turmoil!"

He pulled her close and cuddled her as if she were a toy injured during play. "He said you would think that my love, but believe me, you are under a spell! I am the Hero of Time, chosen by your Goddesses to save you!" Zelda and Link stared at him in disbelief as he showed a crudely drawn Triforce on the back of his hand, mixed with a green tunic and makeshift hat he wore on his head. "I have been so fascinated by Hylian mythos, I even converted for you my love!"

He was completely mad.

"Let her go!" Link threatened, blue orbs burning possessively at the way he held her so casually. The Prince opened his mouth to speak, but Zelda took the matter into her own hands, hitting him between the legs happily. He howled in pain, releasing her sharply. She dropped down and ran to Link, the cavaliers pointing their lances at her, but the Prince motioned them to stand down.

"Blessed Hylia," He groaned, but still managed to smile , "You are a strong woman. I will forgive you my love, because you are under a spell, and my undying adoration does not let me hold ill will against you!"

"Leave us alone!" She warned, calling Farore's winds to whisk them away from this overwhelming scene.

Still she heard the Prince cry out, "I will save you my love, don't you worry!"

The pair descended down to the shore of the Eldin Spring, plopping down in awkward and angry silence. She avoided his stare, but he wouldn't let her hide away so easily. "You're engaged," He laughed, face red with a plethora of different emotions, "Were you going to keep this a secret forever?"

He had a right to be infuriated with her, but she couldn't help but fight back at the words that made her feel sick. "None of this was supposed to happen, I did not anticipate this!"

Link gestured to the two of them. "You mean this, or getting caught!"

Something snapped, and a feeling of wanting nothing more than to scream at him filled her core. She felt like he was accusing her of being like her mother; even if that wasn't his intent, she still found herself comparing her actions to the late Duchess. "It was arranged, I could do nothing about it, it is meaningless!"

He ran his hands through his hair and paced, turning his back to her as his voice lowered in torment. "That was why said what you did...In the desert." Shivers ran up her spine when he stared at her with a broken heart. "How long...How long did you know about him?"

At some point, they had garnered a small audience, and they waited for her answer just as eagerly. She frowned at them, her sins catching up to her. Her heart ached at the way he looked at her, small and vulnerable – it was all her fault. She could lie, but it was withholding truths that got her in this mess to begin with.

She opened her mouth, but another voice cawed instead. "Prince Harod of Neighsdon is here?" Alger stumbled from whatever hole he was hiding in with a happy smile. He appeared tired, but lit up at the prospect of help. "Your fiance still came Princess, he can aid us – Neighsdon can help all of us!"

The people mumbled with a minor sense of joy, but Link and Zelda spun away from them, her face contorting with sorrow as she bitterly announced, "He is not my fiance, and they will not be helping us."

Alger spat vehemently, "And why the hell not!"

"The shadow has somehow convinced him that I am under a spell, and that Link is the demon."

He shrugged, "Tell him otherwise, then we can hold a quick ceremony, unite the Kingdoms and then send for help. Neighsdon would have to respond."

"That is impossible." Zelda faced her people who darkened with disappointment.

"What do you mean it's–" He took a step forward and read her face, eyes widening and lips curling into a frown as the pieces came together. Princess Zelda braced herself for his tantrum, looking him dead in the eyes as he would–

Smack!

Her cheek stung.

"You stupid whore! Do you know what you've done!" Angry tears streamed down his face as he screamed ballistically at her. "Neighsdon was our only hope and you throw it away, all for a tryst I knew wouldn't work! You have doomed us all you damned woman!"

He had slapped her, it had barely set in as she touched her warm cheek. It didn't hurt, and neither did his words, but the look on her people's face made her want to drop dead. Alger winded his hand back for another backhanded hit, and she was ready to take his punishment.

Yet, as he swung at her, Link grabbed his arm and shoved the old man away. He spat at Link's shoes and hurried away with a frustrated huff. Link kept his back to her – no matter how indignant he was toward her, he still had a promise to keep. She felt so sorry, she only wished he would look at her so she could prove it. The crowd didn't matter, they were a sea of faces, an entity that is ever changing – but he was an individual, a companion she swore to protect. She deserve his hatred; she had let him down.


As if things couldn't get anymore complicated.

Special thanks to:

PumpkinBoss, zero1991, FuriedNight, Spectre17214, SweetestChick, kansa, and luisAM21

You guys are awesome, I appreciate you all so much - from reviewer to silent reader, you have my thanks. This year started a lot different than how I expected it. My grandfather passed away about a week ago after a long battle with COPD, so I dedicate this chapter to him. His name was Paul. You never got to read my first novel gramps, so here's to you marine.

Everytime you leave home, take the time to say goodbye to your family. If you haven't seen a parent or grandparent in a while, or even a friend, shoot them a text of hello. Every second counts my friends :)

My lovely editor who started his first year of college but is still kicking ass: SunnyAirisu222

Don't forget to R&R with any comment, question, or concern - I love to hear to from you! Don't eat yellow snow, and stay hydrated my lovelies! See ya!