Zelda was freezing, her body shivering uncontrollably and her damp hair sticking to her face. She buried her face in the solid, warm chest she was leaning on and focused her mind on the woodsy smell of his soap mixed with the musk of his sweat.
"We're almost there, Princess. Hold on." She heard him speaking softly in her ear. He really had such a nice voice, she thought. It was a pleasing tenor with a slight rasping quality that could be either a soothing burr when whispered or a frightening growl that could be heard over the din of battle. Her mind started drifting off as she contemplated which songs would be best suited for his voice. Maybe they could duet together someday?
Link scarcely waited till his horse had stopped before quickly dismounting, the Princess tucked securely in his arms. Courtiers and servants flooded the courtyard, clamoring to see their unconscious Princess and shouting in alarm. Link ignored them and carried her through the entrance and up the stairs to the infirmary, guards following him to keep the paths clear of curious onlookers. He burst through the door with a swift kick.
"Magda?! Hurry! The Princess needs help!" A stout woman with gray streaks in her mousy brown curls came bustling towards them. Her mouth set in a determined line when she saw the Princess's ruddy, sweat-slicked face.
"Quickly, young Master, bring her here. Dori, go grab ice from the cellar! Mari, help me get Her Highness out of these clothes!" Link deposited his charge on the bed as gently as if she were made of glass before he was shooed out of the room.
He took up a guard post outside of the door and sent a messenger to inform the King of his daughter's condition. And then, he waited.
A/N: Really short chapter but I haven't given it up yet! Will post again very soon :)