Summary: Princess Zelda unlocked her powers in time to fight the Calamity, saving Hyrule and everyone in it, but it came with an unintentional consequence: a power that she never wanted came with being part Goddess. The power to read minds.

~BOTW Post Calamity Zelink AU ~

This fic spawned after my friend and I panicked after thirsting over a Youtuber because omg what if he could read minds? Yeah. So that's why this exists. It's just a manifestation of my irrational fear, apparently. ️

Word Count: 10867 (oops again)

Princess Zelda had prayed to the Goddess for years, begging for the sacred powers her bloodline demanded of her. She needed to seal away the Calamity, to save her friends, her family, and the Kingdom of Hyrule.

She'd been blessed in time to accomplish all those things.

But in many ways, Zelda wished that the Goddess had remained deaf to her.

She'd make the trade again, of course. A lifelong inconvenience on her part was more than fair to keep everyone in Hyrule safe, but even a Princess was allowed to have selfish thoughts once in a while.

Only now, she knew everyone's selfish thoughts.

The Goddess's spirit that had laid dormant in Zelda for years had awoken, and her powers were Zelda's to command. But Zelda had forgotten one important thing: Hylia was said to be omniscient, all knowing, and an excellent judge of character.

Zelda now knew why.

In the months that had passed since the Calamity, she'd spent a solid amount of that time locked in her room, crying herself to sleep through the splitting pain in her head, the urges to scream, the desire to shut down and lock herself away for a hundred years. But then her servants would come in to bring her food or potions, and it would start all over again.

Millie walked in and set the tray down far from Zelda, but Millie's voice was crisp and clear inside Zelda's mind as Millie's thoughts invaded Zelda's mind.

She's so selfish. The people need to see her, and all she does is hide. For the savior of Hyrule, she's not even brave enough to face her kingdom.

"Thank you," Zelda whispered, curling deeper under her blanket, pulling the end up across her face so she could block her ears, as if that ever actually helped. Their thoughts were inside her mind, and there was no blocking that out.

There were only two other people who knew about her newfound condition.

She'd had to tell her father, to explain why she so desperately needed her space and to be around as few people as possible. He'd been so pleased that Hylia's spirit had awoken, that he'd never considered the consequences until she'd come to him in tears, repeating every thought that passed through his head as she clawed at her hair until he had to physically restrain her with a tight embrace.

That was the day she learned just how much her father truly loved her. His every thought was about her, her well-being, her health, her bravery, her courage, her wisdom, her powers, his pride, their past, his wife. It was all the things he'd never said to her aloud being screamed into her brain.

What have I done? he'd thought to himself.

Zelda had simply shaken her head. "It's not your fault."

He'd done his best to keep his thoughts to a minimum around her, thinking of a blank nothingness when she was around. She appreciated his effort, and while most of the time it worked, there were other times she'd still hear him.

She looks so frail.

Nothing. Nothing. Think of nothing.

I'm so sorry.

She'd often lie to him when he asked if it was working on his part. She knew he was trying, and she appreciated that more than anything. So, she'd told him yes, that she only rarely heard him think of something.

The only other person who'd been told was Impa. Impa was a warrior and an advisor to the throne, but now, she acted almost exclusively as someone who travelled the kingdom searching old Sheikah tombs and pestering scholars in the most innocent way to try to cure Zelda.

She'd return every few weeks to report her lack of progress, or to try some odd trick that inevitably didn't work before she'd set out again.

So, Zelda was left with a constant migraine, ringing ears, an inability to focus, and a strong desire for sleep, when the thoughts she heard were solely her own.

One day, Rhoam knocked on his daughter's door.

I need her. I can't do this alone.

His thoughts set Zelda on edge, but she trudged to the door and cracked it open. "What do you need me to do?"

Rhoam's mouth dropped in surprise for a moment. Sometimes, she still caught him off guard. "It's your mother's anniversary. You have to make an appearance."

"There will be so many people, Father."

I'm sorry.

"I'm sorry, Zelda. I need you. You'll be Queen one day. We have to see if there's a way to temper this ability."

"I don't want to test that theory in front of Hyrule."

I'm sorry.

"I've made all the excuses I could for the past few months. People believe you're dead, that the Calamity killed you and that we've been keeping it from the people. I just need an appearance from you, and then you can leave."

Please.

Zelda sighed. "Is it today? I've lost track."

"It is."

"Okay. Fine. But I really can't stay long."

Thank you, Zelda.

"You're welcome," she said, closing the door to gift herself a few more hours of peace before all hell would break loose in her mind.

Her maids, Millie and Dorna, came in later that evening to help her dress. Zelda had lost a fair amount of weight since her powers, often nauseous from her headaches, and failing to eat. It made her far too thin.

Zelda used to like Millie; from her outward smile and positive attitude, she'd always thought that they'd gotten on well, until she could hear the spiteful girl's thoughts.

I can't believe she's finally going to show her face. Look at her. She's gotten so ugly. Now if I were Princess of Hyrule, I'd make sure I at least looked like I'd bathed recently.

Tiredly, Zelda glanced at the wet tub she'd only recently gotten out of, and ran a subconscious hand through her damp hair.

But Dorna, who had always been a woman of few words, was Zelda's saving grace.

Poor thing. I can't even imagine what she's been through since the Calamity. That beast. I can't even imagine. But look, she looks so beautiful. She looks like her mother in that dress. I should do her hair up the way I once styled the Queen's. Oh, she'd be so proud.

A small smile spread on Zelda's face as she kept herself tuned closer to Dorna's thoughts, though Millie's were a gnat in the background.

"You look beautiful," Millie lied, mentally complaining about Zelda's gaunt cheeks and how no makeup could save her.

"Yes, you do," Dorna agreed, truly meaning it as she straightened out a wrinkle.

Zelda dismissed them, needing to get away from their thoughts before she made her way to the balcony that she needed to stand at for ten minutes, and then she was free.

Guards were no longer stationed outside her door, but at the bottom of the stairwell that led to her room, out of range for her to hear. If she focused, she was sure she could hear them like a whisper, but she didn't want to make it any stronger if she could help it.

Still, she got to the stairs and was bombarded with the thoughts of soldiers and servants mulling around, laughing, loud both inside and out.

Oh, she was never going to get through this.

Backing away, she ducked down a hall and pushed open a door, feeling her head start to thud.

What?

Is that the Princess?

Looking up, Zelda saw that she'd barged straight into another occupied room, and she whispered an apology before staggering out the door.

"Oh!" she gasped, hitting someone in the hall, feeling hands steady her.

Zelda.

The voice in her mind was familiar. She was one of the few who got to hear him use it frequently. Many said he was quiet, but she had coaxed conversations from him until he offered them on his own.

She hadn't seen him in months.

She's safe. Thank the Goddess Jem was wrong.

"Princess," Link breathed, letting go of her so he could bow.

"Link. It's so good to see you again."

"You as well, Princess," he said, his eyes finally darting up to her. Oh, she's been sick. That's why she's been gone. She's looking thin. Maybe I could bring her a meal. What did we used to eat all the time? Steak tips?

Zelda smiled, genuine and excited as she grabbed his hand and tore him from his thoughts. "I mean it. I've missed you."

Goddess, it hasn't been enough time to rid myself of this crush. "I've missed you, Princess."

Rubbing her thumb over his knuckle, she felt him stiffen.

Don't think about her hand. Don't even notice it. Don't—

Zelda let him go, not wanting to distress him.

No! She let go.

"What have you been up to?" she asked, motioning for him to follow her down the empty hall. "It's been so long since we spoke."

"Since your father reassigned me, I've mostly been…"

Zelda tried to listen to him, but for once, she wasn't distracted by his thoughts, but his appearance.

His eyes were still just as blue, just as piercing and focused, like a bird of prey soaring the skies. He was more muscular now, though still thin and lean. Their time together had been enjoyable, but not particularly strenuous in terms of exertion. Now that he was doing more 'soldierly' things, he'd gained more muscle.

Blonde hair tied back, as always, she thought his ponytail looked a little longer, and she wanted nothing more than to pull it down so she could see for herself.

The fading yellow of a bruise was under his eye, and there was a cut marring his lip. She wanted to ask what had happened, but his mouth moved so perfectly, his lips looking soft and inviting, and more tempting after months of avoiding him. She'd thought her attraction to him might have died down in her time sequestered, but seeing him in front of her had it all rushing back. She wanted to laugh at his jokes or antics again, or fall asleep to the sound of his breathing while he sat guard by the fire.

Why is she looking at me like that? Is there something on my mouth?

His tongue darted out, wetting his lip as he gently tested to see if he felt anything. It only had her more distracted, unable to say anything at all, or even acknowledge the story she hadn't listened to.

Oh Goddess, her eyes. I've missed them.

This time, those eyes he was entranced by darted up to him, and she felt blush spread along her cheeks.

"I'm sorry, Link, I believe I might have gotten distracted. Did you ask something?"

He stared at her for a moment longer, his thoughts lingering, before clearing his throat. "Yes, I asked if you wanted an escort."

She looped her arm around his, enjoying the way his thoughts scrambled at her touch. "Are you back at the castle permanently?"

Outwardly, he was the perfect soldier whose face betrayed nothing. "Permanent is so binding. I'm here for a while."

"Good. We'll have to meet up on a day when I'm not required."

I'd love that. "I'd like that."

Zelda kept guiding him to empty halls, taking the long route. Link noticed, though he didn't say anything.

For a while, he was blissfully blank, thinking nothing specific enough for her to hear. But when she felt his eyes peeking at her, his thoughts erupted.

Should I say something? Should I tell her she looks beautiful? That's going too far; it's been months. She probably doesn't want to hear that from me. Everyone must tell her. Goddess, I want to tell her. Should I? No. No, she probably doesn't even feel comfortable around me anymore.

Link stayed quiet, and Zelda struggled to find a way to set him at ease, but she couldn't find any as her anxiety rose with every passing step until they both stopped just shy of the door.

He bowed low, always aware of her, of who she was and what she meant. Even the way he bowed had a meaning behind it, and he associated a low bow with her; the lower the bow, the more respect it showed to that person.

"Wait!" she said suddenly, and he looked expectantly at her. "Come with me? Be my appointed knight to help me through this?"

Her knight. The words played over and over in his mind, and Zelda bit her lip, never really understanding that he felt just as strongly about her, even after all this time, as she did for him.

He smiled and nodded. "Of course, Princess."

With a deep breath, she put a shaking hand on the door handle and pushed it open. From there, every step she took across the long room towards her awaiting father had her head pounding again.

At first, it was a low hum, a murmur like boiling water over a stove. But the closer she got, the louder it became until the murmur became shouts. Thousands of shouts. Different topics, different thoughts, nothing discernable. It was worse than being trapped in a crowd, ringing her head like she'd been stuck inside the bell of a tower.

She could feel herself start to sweat already, holding her breath to try to stop the pain, as if that could somehow work.

Rhoam spoke to her, but she heard nothing, so he simply guided her to the railing with him while he began his speech.

Zelda shook as her head felt like it was about to implode. Tears welled in her eyes, and she didn't even care when she lurched forward for something to hold on to. The sunlight blinded her, felt like her eyes were burning and disintegrating. Her ears rang at the highest pitch until there was nothing left to hear. Her stomach rolled.

The voices were so loud, like taking a sword to her brain and just pounding down on it repeatedly. Her soft, pained whimpers turned into a long hum that distracted Rhoam for a moment to check on her before placing a hand on her arm that she couldn't feel.

She tried to fight it. She really did.

Stumbling backwards, she pressed into the wall, needing to feel its support to keep her on her feet. There was nothing but pain, and she was sure she was about to die.

With her eyes shut tight, she started to sob, her whole body convulsing.

Time moved differently while she was in pain, and the voices got louder, panicked even.

But she came to her senses only long enough to see that she was no longer on the balcony, but on the floor inside the room, cradled by Link as he listened to instructions given by Rhoam. There were still no outside voices, so she couldn't hear what he said. And his thoughts were lost in the sea of others, Link's too.

She only vaguely felt Link's arms slide under her legs as she dug her face into his neck, her arms tightening around his neck as she needed to feel anything that wasn't the pain. And he was familiar and safe, even if her skin didn't register much just yet.

He was whispering something. She could see his lips move, but her head throbbed so hard, she was sure she was going to die. Panic seized her, and she tensed, her fingers clenching hard, her toes kicking free of her heels because she needed to cross her ankles. She needed to be tight, to curl up, to feel safe as death tugged at her and urged her towards it with the promise of a release from her torment.

It was the bounce of her mattress that told her they had stopped. Some feeling was returning to her with the loss of the crowd's thousand voices, but the damage was done, and her head was exploding still.

But she could feel Link slide himself onto her bed and pull her with him, keeping her clutched against him. The feeling wasn't gone yet, so she tightened again, balling up into him, her legs curling under his so there was something she could grasp.

His breath tickled her ear as she finally felt his cheek pressed against hers, whispering calming words in her ear. She could catch his tone, but the words themselves made no sense, like he was speaking a language she didn't know. His hand was supporting her head, and she was grateful, because her limbs suddenly slackened, and she relied on him not to let her collapse onto the mattress. His other hand rubbed soothing circles on her back.

The pain was still there, but rather than feeling like an axe hacking at a log repeatedly, it only felt like the axe had lodged itself into the wood, and there it stayed.

Finally, she could tell that she was shaking, her whole body convulsing. Her voice was still a high-pitched whine that she couldn't stop. But her eyes cleared enough to see that Link's shirt was ruined. It was drenched with her tears, and stained by blood.

Her tongue darted out to wet her dry lips, and she tasted the blood on her. And sniffing, she could feel that it had come from her nose.

Link's voice started to turn back from sounds to words being whispered in her ear. They ranged from him telling her she was okay, to him breathing out a shhh to try to calm her. She didn't even notice that he was rocking with her.

He stopped when he felt her stir for the first time. "Zelda?"

Raw and sore, she managed to make her throat groan once in acknowledgement, though she'd stopped the pained sounds from spilling.

"What happened? No, don't even answer that. Are you okay? I mean really, grand scheme of things; are you okay?"

Was she?

His thoughts were still quiet as her brain tried to process and recover. She couldn't answer. She didn't know.

"I'm cold," she managed to choke out, pressing into him with what little strength she'd regained.

Holding her tighter, he leaned to the bottom of the bed and pulled a folded comforter up and draped it around her before sliding away to replace himself with the pillows beneath her.

She fisted his shirt to stop him. She didn't want pillows. She wanted Link.

"Don't go. Please."

She almost wished she could hear his thoughts in the long stretch of silence, but she didn't mind it. The recovery was a reprieve. She'd felt this before, at the beginning, when she'd been around crowds. Everyone's intrusive thoughts would return.

Link's hand smoothed back her hair. "Okay. Let me just get a wet cloth for you. You were bleeding."

"No."

"I'm coming right back. I'm not even leaving the room, okay?"

The cold left behind without him against her had her ducking into the blanket even more, turning into the pillows as hard as she could.

He was right though, returning only seconds later. He knelt on the floor by the bed and coaxed her face up towards him, first running the cloth around her sweating face, and lingering on her neck before taking care under her nose and around her ears. The cloth came back red, and Zelda watched him toss it behind him into the washbowl before running a hand through her hair again.

"I should get a physician for you."

She shook her head and pulled his hand away from her hair to tug it.

Receiving the message loud and clear, he slid back onto the bed and looped his arm around her while she moved against him, her face back in the crook of his neck.

It wasn't the first time they'd stayed like this. Before the Calamity, they'd found themselves in this position several times, either on the road under the stars, stolen moments at an inn with the knowledge that no one would barge in on them, or even in a recovery bed.

His hand traced a light pattern up and down the arm she had draped across his chest.

"Months pass since the Calamity, and the day I see you again, you look like you're dying in my arms. You scared me, Zelda."

She loved the sound of her name on his lips. He only called her that when he was sure they were safe, opting for Princess every other time.

Her hand knew exactly where to go, resting on his abdomen where below his shirt was a massive scar.

"We're even," she whispered.

Link nodded, rocking the bed slightly. "Yeah. I guess we are."

He kept up the pattern on her arm even as her leg wrapped around his and she dragged them closer.

Link chuckled and sat up. "Hang on, greedy." Adjusting the comforter off her shoulders, he moved it so their legs were covered, and he pulled it back up so she could tuck it under her chin. They'd had to hide their closeness in the past, and he was surprised just how easily they fell back into patterns that they hadn't followed in months.

Despite it all, neither had confessed a single feeling to each other, nor had they kissed each other properly. Forehead, cheek, hand. That was all.

Zelda sighed against him, her eyes heavy and burning from the lingering pain and from crying.

Link knew her well. "Rest your eyes if you want. I've got you."

Nodding against him, she already felt herself starting to doze. "My knight," she said, attempting humor, though it came out as little more than a wistful sigh.

He hummed and wrapped his fingers through hers, bringing her palm to his lips to press a long kiss into it before dropping their arms back down, not letting go. "Always, Princess."

Sleep was blissfully peaceful. She was warm and comfortable, being held by the person she trusted most in the world, though he didn't quite know why she needed his presence to soothe her, only knowing that, as it had done for him in the past, they were each other's comfort.

Zelda jerked awake, but kept her eyes closed.

"No, don't get up!" her father's voice said quickly, and she felt her and Link settle back down. "Is she sleeping?"

Is she okay? I don't like him being in her bed. But she looks calm now, at least.

Zelda wanted to groan, but she kept quiet, knowing that if she moved now with her father around, Link would surely untangle them.

"Yes. She fell asleep a little while ago."

Goddess Zelda. You scared me.

Rhoam sighed, and she heard his heavy footsteps. My Zelda. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. His hand smoothed her hair back.

Zelda could feel Link tense up beneath her, his arm tightening a fraction as thoughts raced through his mind. He's going to know. He's going to send me back to Hateno, away from Zelda.

"Your shirt is a mess," Rhoam said.

"It's dried now. I'll change later."

Rhoam let out a begrudging noise. I don't like him in bed with her. I shouldn't have told him not to get up. Look at their hands.

"Your Majesty," Link whispered, before Zelda could think to pretend that she needed to adjust and unlace their fingers that still rested together across his chest. "May I ask what happened?"

Goddess, she scared me. I can't lose her. And Goddess, he's staring at our hands. If I don't die from this, it'll be a miracle.

"Since the Calamity, well, since awakening her powers, Zelda has been… unwell. I have people looking into a way to ease her burden, but so far it's without success. It can… cause her great pain."

Unwell? Link thought, pulling her closer, heedless of Rhoam's presence. He didn't realize just how careless he'd gotten in his concern until he felt himself let go of her hand so he could run his knuckles along her cheek. Hylia, take her pain. Please. That was… she feels that? And you're her benevolent spirit? You let her go through that pain? Give it to me, if someone needs to feel it. Just not her.

Rhoam cleared his throat, and Link realized his slip, pulling his hand back and resting it awkwardly away from her.

Smitten. How long, I wonder? I don't like it. I don't like his comfort. I don't like his hand on her. And I don't like him in her bed.

"Link, you're close with Zelda." It wasn't a question, but Link nodded. "I would like you to keep an eye on her. Forget your other duties; I want you back as her appointed knight for the time being. I don't see any physical threats, but I want someone…" someone who loves her, "someone we both trust to be with her for now. She shouldn't have to go through this alone."

"Is there anything I can do for her?"

"Be there."

Link's grip tightened again. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Rhoam let out a long, hard sigh. I don't like him in her bed. "She looks… peaceful. I'd hate to disturb her. Are you okay with staying here for the night?" Goddess, I hate this. I hate him in her bed. I hate the way he looks at her. "If you're alright with that. No obligation to." No. I don't hate it. I hate him in her bed, but he looks at her with the devotion I'd want for her. I should have seen it before.

Link nearly choked. "Yes, Your Majesty. I'll stay." And not be strung up for being in Zelda's room while she's asleep? Yeah, I'll take it.

"Okay. Take care of her."

"Always."

Rhoam's thoughts scattered, half a groan, half a bombardment of thoughts of a wedding, of a life, before he pushed them down.

Zelda heard the door shut, and Link rubbed her back. "Do you want me to stay?"

She grinned and sat up slightly, just enough that she could look him in the eyes, though her vision was blurry. "You could tell I was up?"

"I know you." I want to know more.

Pulling herself up a bit, Zelda cupped the side of his face with her hand and pressed a bleary kiss into his cheek, too long to be mistaken for a simple friendly gesture. And when she pulled away, he mimicked her, pulling her close, pressing his lips closer to her lips than she'd dared. I'd do it if this was any other situation, he thought, his top lip teasing hers before he decided against it and instead moved down her jaw to leave a featherlight trail towards her ear until his nose brushed against her. I love you.

Zelda's heart was already pounding, but hearing those words made it skip and flutter so hard that she arched into him.

Well, that's a reaction, he mused as his thoughts shifted to the way she felt against him. She swallowed hard as she heard his inner admiration for her body and it had her burning. All she could do without letting on though, was to curl as close to him as she possibly could, letting her hand find his skin, letting it burn them both.

"Your father basically gave me permission for this," he joked to relieve some of the tension he felt as she slid her hand under his shirt to wrap around him. His thoughts were either raging at the thought of her hand trailing all over him, or it was just blank and broken, his focus on things that couldn't be put into words.

"We've never needed permission."

He chuckled and nodded.

Should I? Would she let me? I can't. Not now. Later. But how far would she let me… I need more of her.

When he didn't move, she traced his skin with her fingertip to encourage him to do whatever he was thinking. He tensed beneath her, and she heard him steel himself before his hand slipped his hand into a geometric hole in the back of her dress until he'd left a burning trail all the way up her spine to rest.

She shuddered and sighed. He'd never go for it, she knew, but if she thought he would, she'd welcome his touch everywhere. She needed him. She wanted him.

Shit, he practically moaned in his mind. But aloud, he chuckled and pulled her against him tighter, his leg tugging her as his arms sucked her in.

"You need to sleep," he whispered, pushing her hair back again.

I've been deprived of her for months. I don't think I'll be able to let go.

"Link," she tried, but he moved his hand from her hair to her cheek, rubbing his thumb back and forth.

"We'll talk about all this in the morning. Just get some rest, Zelda. Do you want to get under the other blanket?"

"No," she said, worming her way closer, her head back where it fit perfectly against him. "You're warm enough."

They'd talk about this all tomorrow.

Maybe even about what was wrong with her.

Zelda woke up to a cold, empty bed. Her hand felt around before her eyes open, seeing if Link was still there, but she figured he must have left in the night, preserving her decency and decorum. Maybe he even went somewhere to meet with her father so he'd know.

Before the Calamity, Zelda had been in Gerudo Town with Urbosa, celebrating being alive still with a few Noble Pursuits. She'd woken the next morning feeling terrible, and, at Urbosa's orders, she'd drank water all day while she stayed in the relative quiet to relieve her pounding head.

This was somewhat like that day.

Her head was throbbing in a different way than last night, a residual pain rather than a new one, and she groaned. Even the thoughts inside her head were loud, and she struggled to force them down.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, she could hear her name repeated again and again, and she shook her head to push the chastising reminder away. She got the message from her mind.

Pushing the blanket off of her, she groaned, fiddling with the dress that she still wore. She didn't hear Link at all, so she was fairly confident he'd gone, so she pulled the zipper down and stepped out of the outfit, holding it up and thanking the geometric cutouts that had allowed Link access to her skin.

Remembering last night was somewhat like being drunk all over again. She could remember bits of what they'd said to each other, though the pain had shut down some of her memories, and she forgot other pieces of their conversation.

Leisurely taking her time to change, she pulled her leggings on, and her white shirt. Though she debated adding the blue over the top, she decided against it and instead tied her large brown belt on over the white, grabbing her boots from the corner and sliding into them. She'd go to find Link. He would be around, and perhaps he could escort her to Hyrule Field for some air and some peace. Her father would likely allow it, and maybe she could tell Link what had happened.

Shit. Shit!

Zelda spun around towards the door. It was Link's thought, she knew, but it was loud and stressed out. Cautiously opening the door, she was surprised to find that he wasn't there.

There was no way… right?

Moving from her antechamber to her lounge, she saw no sign of him.

"Link?" she called, passably curious since he'd stayed the night, not because she couldn't follow his thoughts to where he was.

Oh, shit! Zelda!

A moment later, she heard the creaking door that lead to the small room the chamber pot was kept in.

His eyes landed on her immediately, and his face began to flush.

She's dressed. How long was she awake? Oh shit, she'll figure it out.

"I was just…" he pointed to the room before slamming the door behind him. "Sorry."

Mouth agape, Zelda had to walk across the room, away from him so she could hide her burning red face. There were few reasons he'd be embarrassed to be found in there after so long, and from the trajectory his thoughts were taking as he watched her walk, she had a feeling she knew which it was.

"It's fine," she choked out, beyond grateful that he couldn't read her mind.

She didn't know why she was over here, so she grabbed a book at random. "I was going to find you," she said, flipping aimlessly through the pages until her face calmed down and then set it back.

Link waited patiently. Of course he was patient, because his mind sure wasn't. It was occupied by an internal fight with himself about his guilt over admiring the way her leggings hugged her body, and his respect for her as more than just the Princess.

Oh wow, he thought, his mind abruptly distracted. I like that statue. Is that Sheikah? Would she think it's weird if I went over to it? It looks kind of weird. Is it stone? Carved stone? No! She was talking to you. Did she say something? It's quiet. Oh man, I didn't hear her, didn't I?

Zelda lost her train of thought. Had she asked him a question? It was so easy to forget when everyone else's thoughts invaded her own.

This is awkward.

"Um, Princess? Are you feeling better than last night? You look better."

"Oh, yes, much. Thank you. It's still, you know… but it's not as bad by any means."

Pushing her hair back, she shook her head at her awkwardness before taking a seat on the soft couch.

After briefly assessing that statement, Link's thoughts went quiet. She looked up at him and fidgeted with her hands. "Thank you. For staying last night."

"Anytime," he said.

Zelda pursed her lips and fought back a grin. "Is that so?"

"I-I'm sorry. That's not what I meant!"

His thoughts started to spiral, and Zelda laughed, unable to help herself. She had to tease him, to coax some of his frantic thoughts out of his mind and to his lips. "So you won't sleep with me if I ask?"

"No! I will!"

"Oh, you will?"

Shit. Shit, shit, shit! Get it together, Link!

"I meant to say that I'll stay with you for the night to sleep, if ever you want."

That's good. That's clear, right?

"What if I wanted you to come back tonight? Would you?"

And his thoughts were gone once again as he stared at her, dumbstruck until gradually he made himself function again.

Is she flirting with me? Just teasing me? Playing a game? I'd sleep in here every night if she'd let me, but that's probably not the smartest thing to say.

Zelda smiled a little wider at his thoughts. And wider still as they changed to a less than innocent scenario.

"Yes," he finally muttered, embarrassed by where his thoughts had gone so quickly. Is she actually asking? Goddess Hylia, send me some help.

"Great. I'll see you tonight then," she said, just to clarify for him. "I have something I want to talk to you about. About me."

"Are you okay?"

She was saved from needing to answer by a knock on her door, suddenly aware of her father saying her name again and again so she'd know it was him.

As Zelda headed straight for the door, Link moved to stop her. "Do you always answer your door for just anyone? What if it's Yiga? You don't even ask?"

"It's just my father; calm down, worry wart."

"How do you know?"

Zelda stopped, her hand hovering over the handle. Not like she could say she could hear his thoughts.

"I recognize his footsteps."

What? That's not safe in the slightest. I might need to tell her about the growing Yiga threats so she'll be more careful.

Yiga threats? Even after the Calamity?

She bit her lip, so desperate to bring it up, but knowing that there was no smooth transition to it right now. So instead, she opened her door.

Rhoam stepped inside, his thoughts quiet until he noticed Link just behind her. Does he know about you yet?

Zelda shook her head as she led her father back to the couch.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked Zelda aloud, gesturing for Link to be at ease around him in the meantime.

"Yes. Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. We have a contingent staying around for a few days, and the guest quarters are in this wing. I was going to suggest you perhaps stay in Kakariko with Impa to get some fresh air while they're here."

They'll be loud, and Impa will know where you can stay in peace.

"Yes, that would be nice," Zelda said, glaring at the door. Her father had done a lot to keep guests away from staying over, but when they did, she'd often find somewhere else until they were gone so that so many thoughts in one place, constantly going, didn't send her into a pained fit.

She'll need protection. Any objections if Link makes a temporary return as your Appointed Knight?

"Link?" Zelda asked, turning to him. He'd been distracted, but still listening, and now, entirely attentive. "Would you mind accompanying me, like old times?"

"I wouldn't mind at all. I'd be honored."

Oh yes, I clearly detest the time I get to spend alone on the road with just you. She knows she doesn't have to ask.

It was true. She knew she didn't really need to. Before the Calamity, all she had to do was bat her eager eyes at him and he'd melted. She didn't need to read minds to know that. He'd eaten a frog for her, after all. Or rather, for science. He'd even gone in for it raw before she'd stopped him.

Maybe that was the day she'd started to turn her feelings from friendly affection to something more.

She'd been so caught up in her memories of the days they spent together before she'd unlocked her powers, before this constant throbbing pain in her skull, that she hadn't heard a single thought of Link's the entire time they'd been riding on the road.

Their destination was Kakariko, but it was a bit aimless, so they took their time, riding at a snail's pace, catching up on what Link had been doing for the past few months while she'd been holed up.

He told her of his adventures and missions, and she marveled at just how far he'd come as a leader since the Calamity. She'd held him back as her knight, demanding his attention when it was clearly better used elsewhere. Even hearing his thoughts, ranging from what gory or boring details to leave out of his story, to how he wished he were her appointed knight again, Zelda couldn't shake the feeling that he'd lost nearly a year's worth of progress in his career because of her.

With clear blue stretching across the sky, Zelda suggested they take the ferry near Riverside Stable to cross Hylia River so they could spend some time at Batrea Lake. It was rare that Zelda got to simply enjoy her surroundings, especially while they were outside her room, and Link had a blissfully peaceful mind. It was either empty, like he were simply so entranced by nothing that it occupied him, or he was looking around for danger.

For a short part of their ride, Link tried to convince Zelda that they should stay at Riverside Stable, but Zelda adamantly refused to be near anyone else, especially at a stable and inn where other minds would be running wild with the boredom before sleep.

He'd offered to ride through the night with her if she really wanted to get to Kakariko, and though that was tempting for the safety Kakariko offered, it was even louder than a stable. So, like they'd done many nights in their past, their decision had simply been to pitch their tent under the stars and use the bedrolls they'd packed, expecting at least one night in Hyrule Field before reaching Kakariko.

Zelda hung back when Link paid the fee for the ferry, and then he watched Zelda curiously as she refused to follow him while he boarded their horses for the night. She could hear his suspicion and confusion loud and clear, but she'd simply sat down on the raft and waited for his return.

Link unfurled the rope and pushed the small boat into the river, letting the current carry them across.

It was slow enough that Zelda began to play with the glove on her hand to cover her Triforce. They were dressed in their normal Hylian clothes rather than royal finery or uniforms, so her hidden mark stayed secretly buried under the fingerless leather.

With a sigh, she watched the water for a time before Link started to think to himself, dipping his hand experimentally into the water.

Could I swim upstream? Doubtful. Maybe that's what I should try to do next. But maybe… maybe I'll try a calmer river to start. Who would be stupid enough to come with me? Maybe Hal. Oh, look at that rock! I wonder if it tastes like rock, or like water now. I kind of want to test it, but Zelda would have me locked up for insanity if I licked a rock in the middle of a river. Yeah, putting it that was makes it sound stupid. Well, it probably is.

Zelda kept her mouth covered with the crook of her elbow, watching Link covertly while he was distracted, his brow furrowed as he stared at the one single rock that jutted out from the water. His hands fiddled with the straps on one of their things, thumbing it absently as if it brought him comfort.

When they arrived on the other side, Link tied it up and secured the rope for the night. They planed to just camp on the west bank of Batrea Lake, so they had the few items that they didn't want to leave behind, such as their bedrolls.

They worked in relative silence to set up their tent and fire, preparing for the night as the sun began to set. Zelda did the tent, while Link took the fire, as they used to do.

It was familiar to be with him again, as if their separation hadn't even happened at all. If she closed her eyes and ignored her powers, she could pretend that this was one of their nights when Link would sit by the fire until his weary eyes forced him asleep, and Zelda would do her best to keep watch. She could feel Link's head on her lap still, and she could feel his soft hair run through her fingers while he'd slept. She hoped he would fall asleep like that tonight.

Once their camp had been set up, they indulged in a moment of peace overlooking the sunset lake, orange ripples form the light breeze, reflections of the trees from the pristine water, even a fish or two visible from the disturbance in the water that brought attention to the contrasting red and blue scales of the fish.

It was peaceful as she watched the sun slowly dip towards the horizon, her thoughts mirrored in Link's mind as well. Just seeing a sunset was a relief after the Calamity, and since she'd locked herself in her rooms, her view of the sky had been sorely obstructed.

"Link?" she asked after a long while of comfortable silence. "Do you mind if I…" she gestured to the spot immediately beside him, closer than they were already sitting.

Do I mind? he scoffed internally, though he simply nodded and hummed his permission aloud.

She scooted closer, wrapping her arm through his and threading their fingers together. Though she longed to rest her head against him, to use him like the soft pillow she knew he could be, she had to resist the urge.

Goddess, she's beautiful.

Zelda turned to see Link unabashedly watching her with a soft smile playing across his lips.

"What?" she laughed, curious what kind of answer he'd give her.

"I just missed you. Us. Out here like this. It's just like how we were before the Calamity."

"We were slightly more stressed out."

"Oh, absolutely. Impending doom can do that to a person."

"We're a good team."

He nodded, giving into temptation by allowing his free hand to brush her hair away from her face, though it really didn't need fixing. "We are."

Oh, thank the Goddess that he couldn't hear her mind as her skin burned from his touch, her cheeks on fire, and her heart racing as if he'd left her with a breathless kiss rather than a simple touch.

When the sun had passed the horizon and the sky darkened, Link moved away to stoke the fire while Zelda watched the moonlight play over the water.

With him farther away, she felt a little more courageous than before. "I have something I want to tell you about," she said quickly so she couldn't talk herself out of it.

"I'm all ears," he said, attentive, but also focused on the flames, not hearing the urgency behind her words.

She could hear distant thoughts that she couldn't make out, and pushed them from her mind, getting distracted as she attempted to decipher them. One of her many drawbacks, she knew. Easily distracted. Easily losing her train of thought.

"Um, maybe… maybe we should eat first. Is there food?" she looked over her shoulder, staring at the sticks dug into the ground that held their meal over the flames to cook.

"Soon."

Her head had begun to ache, so she stood up to lean against the nearest tree, pressing her forehead into the bark as if the physical pain could stop the internal one.

There!

There!

Closing her eyes, she tried to keep her focus on the water.

God, she's got curves. What I wouldn't give to—

Well, that was unlike Link, she thought, turning towards him in surprise.

But his attention was still on the fire, his thoughts distracted by the color and the flicker of the flames.

Stop moving, moron. You'll get us found out and killed.

Did I bring everything?

Don't trip. Don't trip. Don't trip.

Ugh. Is… is that string in my mouth? Where's my knife?

Is he getting his knife now? Did I miss something?

Those weren't Link's thoughts.

Zelda felt her breathing speed up at the overlapping voices, and instinctually, she looked around, panicked.

Did she see us?"

Oh shit.

Maybe if those morons weren't moving so much…

Duck! Duck! Duck!

It wasn't me!

Shakily rising to her feet, she kept her eyes on the grass in front of her as she lightly walked back towards Link and the fire.

Good, she was just moving.

Stay still moron!

Lord Ganondorf, we seek your power and approval as we approach the—

"Link," Zelda said, crouching beside him.

He turned to her, his eyes widening. Oh, she's close. Goddess, her eyes are… wrong. Something's wrong. "What is it, Princess?" Cautiously, he glanced around.

Stopping him from making a scene as efficiently as she could, Zelda got comfortable beside him and pushed a piece of his hair back, the same way he'd done to her earlier. He froze, and she heard his thoughts scramble a bit. "Link, I need to tell you something incredibly important, but you can't react. How much do you trust me?"

More than anything. "A lot. What's happening?"

Are they together, together?

She smiled to keep up appearances, despite her terror, and Link's mind went straight to her lips before he waited, confused but patient. She scooted closer and played with a loose strand of his hair by his ear so she could whisper. "There are Yiga here."

Before anything else, his hand snaked around her waist, tight and tense. Shit, shit. Where? How did I miss them? There's here, watching. It's why she's so close to me. They have to be close enough to read lips. Where? Bushes, trees, path, water. Idiot. I should have paid better attention. "Where are they? Did you see them?"

"I don't know. I didn't see, but, please, trust me. They're here. They can see us."

His eyes scanned the area, before he turned into her hand. Hide my mouth. Hide my mouth. He turned her palm over and pressed his lips to it, though it wasn't a kiss. His eyes were vigilant over her shoulder. "How many?"

She shuddered at the touch of his lips, but she could read his intent clearly, and it wasn't instigating romance.

Easy distraction. We strike them when they're vulnerable.

If I was that lucky son of a bitch, I'd already have her on her back so I could get right at—

Is that really an ant?

Four distinct voices that she could tell.

"I believe four. Maybe more, but four at minimum."

"And they're watching us right now?"

"Yes."

Why wouldn't they strike yet? What are they waiting for? Where are they? Princess Zelda can see them, so why can't I? What are they—they're waiting for us to be distracted. So let's be distracted.

He pulled Zelda closer, twisting them so he had a new angle behind her to check.

He's going to see us. Move, move!

Zelda wrapped her arms around his neck, playing with his hair so she could get close to his ear once again. "You're facing them. They're going to move."

How does she know? "I thought you didn't—" Oh shit, she's a good actress. That feels good. Focus!

His head tilted back subconsciously as Zelda caressed his skin. She was being self-indulgent at the worst time, but her body knew that Link was never going to let her this close to him again, especially if he felt they were in this situation because of his lack of vigilance.

All her focus went into stopping her hand so Link could focus. Because she didn't want to be killed. She had her sealing powers, but they weren't a weapon. Perhaps she could blind them, but that would harm Link as well.

"Just trust me, they're there."

Something's wrong. He's just staring. Can he see us?

Oh, move!

Zelda sat back and scooted over so it could be assumed he was simply staring at her, perhaps in awe.

What an idiot. He's got that practically straddling him, and he's just going to look at her? I'd have her on my lap so fast—

—shit. I think I see them.

Zelda turned to Link expectantly, feeling his hand tighten on her waist. Even if she couldn't hear his thoughts, she'd know. Because before the Calamity, she grew to know him.

His thoughts were wild and hard to follow, half baked plans and strategies whirling around all at once until he seemed to settle on one. But his mind quickly turned to Zelda. She could get hurt. No. Impossible. I won't let her. His eyes settled on hers. "How much do you trust me?"

"More than anything," she muttered, using the same words he'd thought about her.

It was enough to blank out his mind for a moment, thoughts fragmented as her name came through several times, though it wasn't fully formed as his stream of consciousness was.

He helped her up, taking her hand in his as he led her away. "I saw something earlier that I think you'd like," he said, much louder than his normal volume.

Why is it never a bear? It just had to be Yiga, Link thought, his grip on her tightening. She deserves better than to live with these assholes haunting her. She's trembling. I can feel it. I'll kill them all.

Follow them!

Ouch! What did I step on?

Idiot.

I'd kill these three myself just to shut them up.

Zelda whimpered as the voices overlapped again and again. Link's thoughts were running wild as he analyzed his surroundings in such detail, and the Yiga following them were doing the same. Her head throbbed, and the whine that came from her throat was accidental, but it caught Link's attention.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded, listening to his thoughts as his eyes raked over her body, looking for wounds or injuries that she might be hiding for his benefit. Because the sounds she was making were pained, and he could read her like a book most days.

She already knew what gratuitous thoughts Link had of her body on a normal day, but he had the ability to compartmentalize, a skill that loud Yiga didn't possess as his thoughts made comments on her walk and sway while they followed through the bushes, his attention far to rapt. And while she warmed up when Link had those thoughts, she shivered when this Yiga had them.

"They're so close," she whispered desperately, leaning into his arm so he could listen to her words.

"I know. I can hear them now."

He was so focused that she couldn't get any read on his thoughts, but she did trust him more than anything, so she simply held on tighter.

Go!

Got him!

"Link!"

Link had his sword out before she'd even finished calling his name, using the surprise to his advantage and taking the first Yiga down without a second thought.

He spun his sword expertly in his hand, a taunt, while keeping Zelda in his other. With three opponents, he wasn't going to let her be anywhere other than directly at his side.

But when he'd brought the first Yiga down, the others had panicked, their thoughts screaming louder than the roar of Calamity Ganon. Even Link was thinking so much, his attention on every detail.

It was too much. The pounding threatened to split her head open, and she collapsed to her knees, forcing her hand from Link's so she could clutch her head, letting out a high pitched noise of pure pain.

Link moved so he was directly over her just before a vicious sickle attempted to strike at her.

—if I go left!

—that way we can—

—he'd just move—

—but I can't see what—

—Zelda is—

—by the side of the—

—some Goddess—

—unworthy—

—kill them both then—

—got him!

Zelda's head shot up, trying to sort the voices, or to at least hear a full sentence. At this point, she couldn't even tell when they were Link's thoughts, or the Yiga's. But there was one standing just behind Link, long sword raised, and Zelda's hand shot out, sending a burst of power at him, knocking the weapon straight out of his hands, and blinding him.

Link spun and took advantage of Zelda's help.

She wished her magic was offensive. But even when she'd shut down the rampaging Guardians with her power, she'd simply deactivated them, not destroyed them. The Goddess' magic wasn't a tool for power, but an instrument of defense.

It was too much again, and Zelda cradled her head at the furious screams inside.

Goddess only knows how long she sat there, her heart thudding desperately to break free of her chest. But soon, it was silent, and through the pain, all she could feel were Link's hands on her shoulders.

He was saying something that she couldn't hear just yet, and she felt him guide her chin up to look at him. His face was contorted with concern, and he wiped his thumb under her nose revealing a streak of red. Almost subconsciously, her tongue darted out and confirmed that the blood was hers, dripping from her nose to her lips, so she sniffed it in.

Link pulled her up, hugging her close to him as they headed back to the fire.

His rough hands were on her neck, stroking her skin in an effort to get her attention.

The world was still blurry, but she pressed her palms into her eyes and rubbed them into focus, like someone waking up from sleep might do.

"Can we go in the tent?" she asked softly.

Nodding, Link helped her inside and set her down on her bedroll before kneeling beside ger again.

Warmth flooded through Zelda, and she held her hand out, letting the light engulf the tent. Sealing powers were meant to keep things in, and other things out. As long as they were in the tent now, with her magic forming a fortified and impenetrable barrier to allow them some peace, she finally sighed and began to hear some of Link's thoughts. Most of them were simply concern for her, realization of what she'd just done, or reflecting on what a poor job he'd done with their security.

"Link," she sighed, pulling at his arm. "What happened?"

"Two of them took the others and ran. You're safe. I think. Are you okay?" he asked, this time grabbing a cloth from their bag to clean the bloodied underside of her nose.

"No."

"We can head back. Straight to the Castle or Kakariko. Ride with me, I'll get us there; wherever you want."

"I can't go to either place right now. There's too many people."

"What?"

"I need to tell you something. Not tomorrow, but now. Something only my father and Impa know, and something you have to swear to keep a secret."

"On the Goddess's soul," he said seriously. I'd sooner let everyone in Hyrule die than betray you or your trust.

Her head was still hurting. What she really needed was to sleep. To just let her heavy eyes close and sleep it off as she always did.

She could tell that soon enough, when there was peace in his frantic mind once again, he'd ask questions of her that she couldn't lie through.

How did she know everything, for a start.

Sliding under the blanket of her bedroll so she had something to clutch onto, she rested her chin on her knees.

"Something happened to me when I unlocked my powers during the Calamity. Or more specifically, when I unlocked the Goddess' spirit."

Is there a difference I should know about?

Zelda soothingly ran her hand through her hair several times. "The Goddess was omniscient. The people believed she was all knowing. But she wasn't. No one can tell the future, but she could read the present. She had the wisdom of understanding her people. They just didn't know how or why. But I do."

Several questions raced through Link's mind, but his eyes stayed locked on Zelda, waiting for the answers rather than asking what he wanted to know.

Everything came out in a rush, pouring from Zelda's mouth so she couldn't stop herself before she was done. "The Goddess was omniscient because she could read the thoughts of those around her. If someone didn't believe, she knew because she could hear them thinking it. And if someone was devout, she knew. If someone didn't like the meal they were eating, she could hear them complain."

Quietly processing that, Link nodded, though he wasn't agreeing. So… can she hear my thoughts?

"I can."

What? Is she answering my thoughts?

"Yes. I am answering your thoughts, Link."

His eyes bugged out, mouth open wide as if he needed all the air he could get.

Holy Hylia. She's in my thoughts. You're in my thoughts? How long?

Zelda nodded and sighed. "I unlocked my powers, and this came with it. That's why I stayed away for so long. Too many thoughts cause me unbearable pain. I haven't learned to get a handle on it yet, so I just stayed away. It's why my father sent me away while there were people staying on my floor of the palace. I'll hear them all the time, and it just hurts too badly. Yesterday, the crowd was too large. I thought my brain was going to split apart."

Why would you want me around if you needed peace?

"You're a peaceful presence to me. Your thoughts aren't loud, and sometimes, you think in terms of visuals, which helps because I can't hear a visual unless you start thinking to go with it. And honestly, I miss you. We were close before I had this curse, and I… wanted you with me, regardless."

I'm having a conversation through my mind. This is crazy. No, you're not crazy, Zelda, if you can hear me. I just mean, this whole thing is… a lot.

"I know. And I can't really turn it off. I don't know if it's possible, but I'm not there yet if it is. So if you're thinking it, I can hear it. It's how I heard the Yiga. It's why I can't go straight into Kakariko or back home. Impa has been looking for a way to help me, but still nothing."

Oh Goddess, what embarrassing thoughts have I had about Zelda recently?

She smirked, and he caught it.

"What have I done?" he asked, his face turning red.

"You've been very kind in your thoughts," she laughed. "Though I was highly intrigued by just how much you wanted to taste that rock in the river."

"Goddess…"

I've thought about her. I know I have. What have I thought about specifically? Goddess, I've thought so many inappropriate things.

Zelda bit her lip and waited for him to remember that she could hear everything he was thinking, especially as he tried to wrack his brain for what he might have thought. Her cheeks burned as he stared at his hands, completely oblivious. She should stop him.

"Link," she said, despite enjoying the incredibly interesting list of things she was learning.

His eyes shot up to hers, though he noted the fine blush across her cheeks. She tapped her head lightly as a reminder.

He looked ready to either cry or throw up. Maybe both. "Hylia above," he muttered, burying his head in his hands.

Zelda wanted to feel more sympathetic, but she couldn't stop the giggles that burst from her lips. Though her hand shook, she ran it through his hair, feeling him twitch beneath it.

"I know this isn't a consolation, Link, and I swear, I wouldn't listen in on your mind if I could help it, but I can at least level the playing field. I've had very similar thoughts about you. You just can't hear them."

He groaned and shook his head. I'm not royal. You can think whatever you want of me.

"I think the world of you."

Chuckling, Link glanced at her and smirked. "That must have been planned. You came up with that too quickly."

"I don't need to plan. I just think quickly."

Link scoffed. "I wouldn't know."

The bedroll suddenly felt too constrained, and the tent too small.

"I don't hold you to the things you think about, Link. I've seen some guards with a mustache, and wondered if kissing them would tickle and wanted to test it out, but I wouldn't actually do that. I just thought it. So, just know that despite me hearing a few things, I don't expect anything, and I'm not judging you for your thoughts. They're supposed to be a private place. I learned this with my father at the beginning, when he would curse the Goddesses for what they did to me, where he wanted to tear down their statues and destroy the springs. I know he never would, but he thought it."

"Okay. Okay, I've just… well, I've got to get my thoughts in order."

"Once I'm asleep, I don't usually hear anyone. You might want to use that time to your advantage."

"Zelda," he started, but she heard his thoughts finish his sentence before he finally found his voice again. She sat smugly, waiting. "You know I've thought about it, so if I were to kiss you, what would you actually do?"

"Are you offering to conduct an experiment? Because I'm always interested in the pursuit of science."

Laughing this time, Link shook his head. "No. When I kiss you, you're not going to expect it. That's how good I'm going to get at keeping my thoughts tame around you."

Her smile widened at the use of the word 'when'. "But your other thoughts about me are so much more entertaining."

Flushed red once again, Link crawled into his bedroll and buried his face. Just leave me here to die.

Zelda's laugh was loud and perfect, and she knew that even in his utter shame, he wanted to hear it again.

She settled her head against her arm and closed her eyes, her cheeks hurting the longer she smiled, but she couldn't wipe it off her face.

"Goodnight, Link. I'm looking forward to your surprise."

Link ducked his head down and covered his eyes with the crook of his arm.

I'm sure you are, Princess.