Sunlight streamed in through the curtains Mipha had forgotten to close the night before; she ignored it, opting instead to stare at the ceiling. Her sleep had been fitful, restless, and just before dawn she'd given up trying to doze off again. It'd been... an hour since then? More or less? Which meant she still had some time before she had to get up and get ready for the day.
As if she could be truly ready for this.
Taking a deep breath, Mipha sighed. The glow of last night's revelry was all but gone now, leaving behind the dregs of guilt, dread, and nausea. Resignation, too. It was true that her life had already changed irrevocably the day those messengers had visited her father, but it hadn't fully felt like it until today. For today was, as she was unable to forget, the day she would meet her fiance. Somewhere in this city, the man who would all too soon be her husband waited to meet her.
What would he be like? Mipha stroked her tail where it rested on her shoulder. How old would he be? That he was one of King Rhoam's foster sons told her nothing—that practice was nothing new, and there could be a man interested in this union that was several years older than her. Even a decade or two. Or more. She shuddered. And what of his personality? Would he be kind? Or was this merely a power grab? There were so many horrible possibilities, and she didn't trust Rhoam to be interested in her personal happiness. No, whoever he'd chosen had surely been because of reasons that would have nothing to do with the quality of her marriage. She'd only met the man once on a diplomatic visit he'd made to the Domain years ago, but he struck her as being the sort of ruler who cared primarily about end results, with little concern for the interpersonal if it didn't serve his needs. Not evil, but... not particularly warm or kind, either. Not like her father.
Mother... you were so happy with him, weren't you? Tears brimmed in her eyes. Her father's words when he'd told her of his agreement to Rhoam's proposal came back to her: her parents had married for love, not politics. Even if he hadn't said that she would already have known it, simply from her memories of watching them together. Her father had adored her mother, and the feeling had been mutual. Growing up with that as an example, she'd nurtured a secret hope for that to be in her future too. And when Link had confessed his desire to marry her at Veiled Falls, she'd thought: oh. Oh, here is my chance for that sort of love. For her heart had already belonged to her best friend, and what a joy to know he'd returned her feelings. They'd only been children, but she'd loved him all the same. As she'd grown older she'd gained the ability to marvel at it, at the fact that they had found something that some adults struggled with. It had to be so rare, a connection like that.
Or at least, it would be if it hadn't been severed. She closed her eyes, the tears beginning to slide down her cheeks. He'd forgotten her, and now she was marrying another. Would they ever even see each other again? What would happen if they did? It was almost unbearable to think about. She couldn't begin to imagine what he might say to her, what she'd say to him. How she would explain this, what excuse he would have for abandoning his promise. Just the thought of such an encounter sickened her.
Stop that, she told herself sternly. It isn't going to happen. So there is no use in stressing yourself needlessly about it. Isn't it enough to worry about what is going to happen today?
Mipha sighed. How true that was. And while she laid here fretting, time was ticking away and she had yet to begin readying herself. Physically, at least, if not emotionally. If she didn't want to further tax her nerves, she had better start.
Wiping at her eyes, Mipha rolled over. This inn provided waterbeds instead of sleeping pools, and it felt so strange still. Sleeping in an actual bed was something she'd have to get used to, though, as she doubted a Hylian husband would want to share a pool at night. Oh well. She swung her legs over the side, and prepared to get up.
Her plan was momentarily derailed, however, when an object on the bedside table caught her eye. The opal and the delicate silver filigree that surrounded it sparkled in the light, looking beautiful despite the plainly visible scratch on the jewel's surface. Mipha sighed again as she picked it up, inspecting it more closely. Seen in the light of day, it somehow looked even more stunning, flaw aside.
Is this what the opal I gave Link would have looked like? The color looks about right from what I remember. That one was uncut, though, so who can say? Whoever worked on this one had considerable talent, that is undeniable. Still, it makes me wonder what could've been if Link had brought back mine for Dento to cut and set into something. Though in all likelihood it would've been a piece similar to this, for fastening a wedding garment with.
Mipha ran her thumb over the scratch, fresh guilt welling up in her. This wasn't her opal, and it wasn't her brooch. It belonged to a stranger, a kind man whose name and face she didn't know, and had been gifted to him by someone he held dear. And now, because of her, it was lost to him forever, and she had no idea how to even begin to find him and return it. His poor heart had to be aching so at its loss... oh, if only she could meet him again somehow, give him back his treasured keepsake!
Moping about it wasn't going to help, though. Shaking her head, Mipha rose. Her suitcase sat open on the table, and she hid the brooch inside one of the inner pockets before rummaging through the clothes she'd brought. There were several appropriate options, and after some consideration she chose one of pale blue silk, with a pattern of lotus flowers embroidered in silver thread. Fleet lotuses were ubiquitous all over the Domain, growing in every body of water, and had become something of a symbol of her people, second only to the symbol of Nayru. She was their favored goddess of the Golden Three, after all, and their religious traditions centered around both her and Lord Jabu-Jabu.
Once she'd seen to herself and put on her chosen sash and jewelry, Mipha headed downstairs to the common room of the inn. Her father and the guards they'd brought with them were already there, and her stomach churned. She'd hoped to have a little more time to herself without having to discuss what was about to happen.
Thankfully, her father seemed to sense her mood, or had predicted it, and made little conversation as she joined him with her plate of fish. The temptation to eat slowly so as to delay their departure roared up in her, but Mipha shoved it down. Being late to the meeting would only complicate matters with King Rhoam, and they didn't need that. Whether she liked it or not, things needed to go as smoothly as possible today to ensure the alliance wasn't disrupted. Her own happiness came second to the safety of her people.
Still, though. It wasn't remotely fair. Hyrule Kingdom had started the turbulence centuries ago, by colonizing what was now Akkala Province, between Zora's Domain and the Republic of Eldin up north. The territory had passed between hands a few times, with it currently considered to be part of the Domain. Rutela, the reigning queen at the time, had graciously allowed the Hylian citizens who'd settled there to remain in their homes, but it had been a tenuous agreement. There was always talk of Hyrule Kingdom wanting what it perceived as their land back, and it set everything at risk, most especially the fragile peace. Rhoam's idea of setting the peace in stone, for good, was to marry off one of his foster sons to her, the heir to the Zora throne. To say that it rankled her deep down to be forced into this just to keep at bay a conflict that the Hylians had started was an understatement.
But, she reminded herself yet again, Rhoam was not his ancestors, and had had no hand in the age-old conflict. He might not be the kindest or the warmest man, but he wasn't any more interested in going to war than her father was, and for that she supposed she had to be grateful, no matter how bitter this agreement tasted. They were all working with what they had, trying their best to protect the innocents who would be hurt if the peace were broken again. The cost of so many lives lost far outweighed her personal feelings. She knew that. She was willing to sacrifice her chance for love if it meant saving countless people in both lands.
She just didn't have to enjoy it.
Soon enough they were all done eating, and Mipha reluctantly rose and headed outside with a heavy heart to where their carriage was waiting to take them to the governor's mansion. It was located on the north end of Mercay, the largest of the islands that made up Goponga; this inn, meanwhile, was on the eastern edge of Kincean, the second largest, and connected to Mercay via a long bridge. The current governor was a Hylian man named Linebeck X, a descendant of a wealthy family of merchants who had had a hand in establishing Goponga as the thriving independent entity it was today. Mipha knew little about him save for that he was apparently popular among the citizenry.
In any case, it wouldn't be a long ride to the mansion, a fact she had mixed feelings about. As the carriage rattled along, Mipha found herself unable to decide whether she wanted to keep delaying the meeting, or just get it over with. It would happen either way, of course, but she found herself torn about how quickly she wanted to get to it.
Despite her insistence on letting him take the forward-facing seat, Dorephan sat with his back to their destination. Mipha had little interest in looking out the window, though, preferring to stare down at her clasped hands in her lap. They rode in silence until they came to the bridge connecting the two islands, and then her father finally spoke. "Mipha?"
"Yes, Father?" She risked a glance up at his face, and her heart clenched at the anguish in his eyes.
"My dear... I am so sorry." Dorephan sighed heavily. "As a king, I know that my duty is to protect our people. Yet you, my daughter, are also a part of that, and I cannot help but feel that I am letting you down in allowing this to go forth."
"Father, no... please do not think of it that way." Fresh tears pricked at her eyes. "I am the princess of the Zora. It is my duty to protect our people as well, and if I must go through with this, then I am fully prepared to do so. Our people's safety comes first."
"As their ruler, I know this. Yet as your father, my heart yearns for your happiness above all else." He sighed again. "It is not an easy thing to ask you to do this, and every day since the messengers came to me I have wondered if it is the right course of action."
"Of course it is," Mipha whispered. "Think of Sidon. Think of all the other children in the Domain, and their parents. Their families. They must be kept safe."
"I have. I do. But I also find it impossible not to think of you as well." Dorephan reached over and took Mipha's hands in his. "I am... so sorry, Mipha. My desire to protect our people does not prevent me from wishing things did not have to be this way. I have prayed to Lord Jabu-Jabu and Nayru every night for your happiness despite this regrettable situation, and I will continue to do so. If there is a way for you to find contentment of some sort in the midst of this, then may our gods bless you with it."
"Thank you, Father." She squeezed his hands, her eyes blurring as the tears began to fall. "Thank you..."
"Of course." He too seemed to be on the verge of tears as they gazed sorrowfully at each other. "You are my precious daughter, and I have wanted only the best for you since the day of your birth. I pray I have not taken your chance at happiness from you... that is the last thing any parent would want."
"I do not believe you have." Mipha shook her head. "It is true that I am... apprehensive about what awaits me at this meeting, but I have faith in our gods. If there is good to be made of this, then I will strive to do my best to find and create it. And if nothing else, I can rest secure in the knowledge that I am keeping our people safe."
He did not need to know that her faith had been severely tested by so much over the past eight years. He did not need to know of her hidden resentment towards King Rhoam and the depths of her fears of what her marriage was to be like. No, her father felt guilty enough about what he'd had no hand in creating. This situation was generations old, and the proposed solution had been thought up by a different monarch. Even if she had a terrible husband, she would still never blame her father for this. Not least because that would hurt too much.
"I confess that I cannot see how that could be enough, but I will trust in you." Dorephan squeezed her hands. "You have the kindest heart to ever grace this world, Mipha, and I hope that your husband to be appreciates it the way he should. You deserve nothing less than to be loved dearly, and he will be a fool if he does not."
"You sound like Sidon." Mipha managed a watery laugh. "He said something very similar to me the day before we departed the Domain."
"Then he is wise beyond his years." Dorephan smiled sadly. "We speak only truth, my dear."
No flattery. Only truth. The mysterious stranger's words echoed in her head, and Mipha swallowed, her pulse spiking. "Thank you. I..." She pulled one hand out of his grasp so she could wipe at her eyes. "I too pray that you are right."
"I am not always, but in this case I know I am." Dorephan chuckled slightly and released her other hand. "I am sorry to make you cry, I am sure you do not wish to meet your fiance while weeping."
"It is fine." Mipha dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. "There is time enough for me to hide the evidence." She took a deep breath. "There is no avoiding this, after all, so I shall face it with a smile."
"My dear, brave Mipha." He regarded her with quiet pride. "I hope you know how proud of you I am every day."
"Don't!" Mipha forced herself to laugh. "Or I shall start crying again."
"My apologies." Dorephan laughed too, but as their eyes met Mipha's heart constricted again, and she had to look away lest she truly begin shedding more tears.
After that the rest of the trip didn't take long, and before she knew it they were pulling up in front of the massive governor's mansion. Mipha took a moment to gaze up at the wide, four-story building before accompanying her father towards the front doors.
"I have heard it said that the gardens here are a sight to behold," Dorephan murmured. "And since the climate here is warmer than it is back home, they are able to keep it blossoming even during the winter months."
"I'm sure it is lovely," Mipha said, her eyes focused on the doors as she forced her feet to move forward, rather than running back to the carriage and hiding.
A Hylian butler in a crisp, clean uniform let them into the house, where they didn't have to wait long for Governor Linebeck to make an appearance. A brown-haired man in his late thirties, possibly early forties, with a thin mustache and beady eyes, he hurried towards them with arms spread wide.
"Honored guests! I am so pleased to see you again, Your Majesty!" He enthusiastically shook her father's hand. "How is your health, King Dorephan? Well, I hope?"
"It is most excellent. And yours?"
"Good, good." Any hope Mipha had of being able to tune out a banal chain of small talk between her father and this man was lost as he next turned his eyes on her. "Ah! And this must be your lovely daughter, Princess Mipha! I am ever so honored to make your acquaintance, my lady!" He bowed.
"The honor is mine," she said politely. "I thank you for allowing us to use your home for this meeting."
"Not at all, not at all." He waved his hand dismissively. "Come along, come along—you are the first ones here, but there is tea and other refreshments to be had while we wait for the Hylian entourage."
He led them to a large, airy drawing room near the back of the mansion, with a good view of the fabled gardens from the massive windows. Irises had been arranged in porcelain vases atop the table and mantel, lending a subtle, powdery fragrance to a room that already smelled of tea and honey and sugared treats. Mipha's stomach twisted as she saw the little fritters she'd eaten the night before sitting there among the other pastries on the sideboard. Had it really only been last night? It felt like years.
"Help yourself to any food, if you're peckish," Linebeck said, bustling over to take a few treats for himself. "Your choice of tea as well, if the ride made you thirsty."
"Thank you." Mipha poured herself a small cup of tea, as did her father; she really didn't feel thirsty, but perhaps it could help settle her nerves. They seated themselves on the sofa facing the double doors to the room, while Linebeck plopped himself down opposite them with his plate of sweets, which he ate with gusto as they quietly sipped their drinks. The sound was a bit nauseating, frankly, and did nothing to soothe Mipha's already upset stomach. How she was holding down her breakfast seemed like a miracle.
He'd just gotten up, presumably to serve himself some more, when the butler appeared at the doors. "The Hylian delegation, my lord."
"Oh!" Linebeck hastily wiped his powdered-sugar laden hands on his coat. "Well, show them in, show them in!"
Mipha rose from her seat, as did her father. Her heart was pounding so hard it was a wonder the rest of the room couldn't hear it, and she was almost dizzy enough to pass out. Two men in the livery of Hyrule Kingdom soldiers entered first, followed by a massive man in royal regalia that she vaguely recognized as King Rhoam. She could see two more guards coming up the hall, and in between them and the king—well, that had to be her fiance, didn't it?
He came into view as King Rhoam moved aside, and Mipha got her first look at him. Short and slender, and clad in a royal guard's uniform of blue and red with gold trim and white gloves, but instead of the customary cap he had a golden circlet on, a diamond set in its center. He looked to be about her age, with long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail, and striking blue eyes. His gaze met hers, and Mipha's eyes widened as recognition crashed down on her.
It... it can't be... She couldn't breathe, could only stare back at him. Can it?
"—cess Mipha." With a start, she realized that King Rhoam was addressing her. "It is now time to introduce you to the man you will be marrying. This is—"
"Link?" Mipha whispered, at the same time that Rhoam said it.
Link nodded. "Hello, Mipha." His voice was a soft, pleasant tenor. "It's good to see you again."
"I... yes... I..." Now she was sure she was going to faint. Somehow she remained standing though, her gaze locked with Link's. "It... it is..."
"Link?" Dorephan sounded incredulous. "Is that you, my boy?" He let out a jubilant laugh. "What a joy it is to see you again!"
"Your Majesty." Link finally tore his eyes away from Mipha and bowed to her father. "I'm pleased to see you well."
"Not half so pleased as I am to see you!" His relief was palpable, even in Mipha's dazed state. Her own was bubbling somewhere deep beneath the surface, waiting for the shock to fade before it could fully emerge. "So you are the one who will be marrying my dear Mipha? What a wonderful surprise!"
"Ah yes, I was told that you were already acquainted." Rhoam chuckled. "It seems this is less an introduction than it is a reunion."
"Yes." Link nodded again, his eyes back on Mipha as she struggled to hold herself together in the face of this revelation. "It is."
"Well! Isn't that fortuitous!" Linebeck clapped his hands together. Mipha started to open her mouth to say something, but closed it as she realized she didn't have any idea what to say. She was still frozen in place, staring at Link.
It's... him... I... it's... after all this time, he's here... and... and we are going to...
"Indeed." Rhoam cleared his throat. "Now then, shall we get down to the business of arranging the details of this union?"
"Oh, of course! But first—"
Mipha barely heard Linebeck's entreaties to the Hylian king, urging him to partake of the food and drink. Their conversation existed in a separate world as she walked forward, and Link moved to meet her. Blood pounded in her ears as they continued to stare at each other. "Is... is that really you?" she managed at last.
"Yeah." The corners of his mouth lifted in a small smile, and her racing heart seemed to stumble on a beat. "Did you forget I was fostered by the king?"
"No! Of course not, I..." Mipha gripped her hands so tightly it almost hurt. "I simply... I did not expect... I don't..." Her gaze dropped to his booted feet. "Forgive me, I scarcely know what I am saying... this is quite the shock..."
"I understand."
Her eyes flew back up to his. "You do?"
Link nodded. "I didn't expect to be the one selected either," he admitted. "I'm the lowest ranked, after all, and—"
"Let us all be seated." Rhoam had returned from the sideboard. "There is much to be discussed, and the day grows no younger as we stand about."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Link bowed to him, and then headed off to seat himself. Not before giving another glance back at her, however, which made her tremble.
Still in somewhat of a daze, Mipha sat back down first. Across from Link. His gloved hands were folded in his lap, his gaze directed down at them. She was faintly aware of King Rhoam seating himself beside him, but her eyes were only on Link's face.
He is... oh, he grew up to be so handsome. Her heart was still racing, heat shimmering through her as she studied his features. The cute little boy from her memories had matured into an almost impossibly gorgeous man. Even so, she'd recognized him at once. There was no mistaking him, despite that so many changes had occurred in the years since they'd last seen each other. Time had wrought a transformation on him that she found difficult to take her eyes off.
Yet she knew she needed to. With great reluctance, Mipha looked away from him, trying to focus on what was being discussed by her father and King Rhoam. It was important to hear all of it, and it wouldn't do anyway for her to be caught staring at him.
To her relief, she'd only missed them exchanging pleasantries during her appraisal of Link. King Rhoam cleared his throat. "Now then... am I correct in surmising that you have no objections to the groom I have selected?
Out of the corner of her eye, Mipha saw Link's gaze flick over to her. She nodded. "You are."
"I too approve of him," Dorephan said. "Link will be welcomed back to the Domain with open arms. We are all very fond of him there."
"So I have heard, yes." Rhoam nodded. "It is why I selected him—I was hesitant about offering up someone of lower rank than my other foster sons, but his history with your people seemed to me to outweigh that."
"Your instincts were quite correct." Dorephan stroked his chin. "To have selected a man with the respect for our culture and close relationship with my daughter that Link has shows great wisdom and a dedication to maintaining this alliance. I commend you on your choice."
Rhoam seemed to sag in relief at hearing that. "Thank you. Now then..." He took a sip of his tea. "I suppose the first thing we must hammer out is the choice of venue for the wedding itself."
"Indeed." Dorephan set down his own cup. "Since to have it take place in either of our kingdoms could be fraught, may I suggest the Temple of the Goddesses here in Goponga?" He looked over at Linebeck. "That is, if you do not object."
"Not at all, not at all!" Linebeck shook his head. "In truth, sire, I was about to suggest that very place myself, as well as offer up my own home for the requisite reception." He clapped his hands together. "You'll find that this manor is well equipped for hosting large parties, being as it is fitted with a large ballroom that leads out into the magnificent gardens. I daresay you will not find a better choice of venue for such a thing anywhere in the city."
"Oho! That is very generous of you!" Dorephan chuckled. "I think we should take him up on his offer. What say you?" he asked Rhoam.
"Yes, yes, that does indeed sound like the best option." Rhoam set his cup down as well. "Now then, under the circumstances, I do not believe I am remiss in saying that a short engagement period would be best. I am confident that, with people from all our households hard at work, we should be able to return here in a month for the ceremony."
"A month?" Mipha exchanged an alarmed glance with her father. "But... that..."
Rhoam frowned. So did Link, she noticed. "What is the problem? Are you having second thoughts?"
"No, not at all." Mipha shook her head. "It is simply... it is simply that... Zora tradition..." She glanced at Link, who now looked confused. "It..."
"My daughter refers to the custom of Zora princesses crafting armor for their intended husbands," Dorephan said, saving Mipha from her stammering. "It is a long process, and thus cannot be finished in time for a wedding that takes place a mere month from now."
"Oh... I've heard this before." Everyone's eyes went to Link. "It's very important in their beliefs, and I would be meant to wear it during the ceremony."
So you remember that, at least. A pang went through her. Weeks before his departure, Mipha had shown Link her father's armor that her mother crafted for him prior to their wedding, and told him of the story behind it. At the time he'd been keenly interested in it, to a degree that only made sense after his confession at the falls. Once she had that bit of context, it'd been clear that he'd been thinking seriously about her making some for him. If only you remembered our promise too...
"Be that as it may, I would prefer not to wait for such a thing to be completed before we can set this in stone." Rhoam looked uncomfortable. "Is there an acceptable substitute that he could wear instead?"
"I'm not sure," Dorephan admitted. "This is an unprecedented set of events, no Zora royal wedding in generations has proceeded without the nuptial armor being completed by the ceremony. But then, I suppose this marriage is an unprecedented thing in itself. So perhaps..." He turned to Mipha. "Is there anything you would be able to craft in the time you do have?"
"I could try." Her eyes darted briefly to Link. "There is a component of it that I could make, and then I can finish the rest of the armor after we are married..." Her breath caught and her heart thumped as she said the words.
After we are married. After Link and I are... married. Her head spun. Can... can this really be happening? Link... is to be my husband after all? I had thought... I believed it could never be... and now here he is, and we... we are...
… someone pinch me, please, for I cannot tell if this is real or a dream yet.
"That seems like a good compromise." Rhoam nodded. "Now, as to the matter of the honeymoon..."
Mipha heard them only at a great distance as she continued to steal glances at Link, studying other details of his new appearance. He wore earrings now, small, simple blue hoops at the lobes. It suited him. So did the long hair. Her fingers itched with the urge to touch it, play with it. Link had let her play with his shorter hair when they were children, and now that he'd grown it out her fascination was even deeper. Especially since its length and beauty only added to how handsome he was now. How would he look with it untied, the silky, honey-colored locks flowing freely around his face? Her heart hammered at the thought of undoing it for him, running her fingers through it as they gazed into each other's eyes. As they touched each other in oh so intimate ways.
Beside her, her father agreed with Rhoam that a few weeks spent in Zora's Domain seemed like the best option, given her status. That could be thought about later; right now she was more interested in looking at Link. He hadn't gotten very tall, but that was okay. She didn't need a husband that towered over her; their small height difference was much more comfortable. And though he was slender, something about the fit of his clothes, the shape of him, hinted at the hidden strength he surely must have as a knight. Mipha found herself wanting to see him without clothing on, or at least without a shirt. Just to confirm her theory, of course.
... oh, who was she kidding? Yes, she was curious to see if she was right, but more than that, she was quite simply very attracted to him. An attraction that seemed to grow a little more with each furtive glance.
He will likely not be attracted to me, however. Her heart sank as reality set in. However much I am drawn to him, he will probably not feel the same pull to me. Hylian standards of beauty are so different, and he will have absorbed them during his time in Hyrule Kingdom, away from me and the Domain. I... lack certain things that Hylian girls have, that Hylian men find appealing. No matter what that kind stranger last night said, he is the exception to the sad rule that I am not seen as desirable in their eyes. Link would never be cruel about it to me, I am sure, but still. I doubt my body is his preference.
Distracted as she was, Mipha almost missed hearing them say that she and Link would be spending part of the year in Zora's Domain, and the other part of it in Hyrule Kingdom. Link already had a home in Castle Town that they would move into, and her father would see to it that they were provided with a living space in Zora's Domain. And, if she was hearing right, they would depart the Domain after the completion of their honeymoon period, for their first stay in Hyrule Kingdom.
"I believe that settles everything, then? Unless you have any questions or objections..." Rhoam looked over at Mipha; she shook her head mutely.
How can I possibly object to the fulfillment of my long-held wish? For eight years I have yearned for Link, for our promises to each other to be kept. I had begun to sink into despair, particularly when I felt I would break our oath, and fear gripped me relentlessly at the thought of this day. Yet now, I... oh, I know he probably does not recall it, nor truly want it, but I cannot help but be so relieved, selfish as it is. I do not have to marry a stranger. I will marry my best friend, secure in the knowledge that whatever else happens, I am united with someone who cares about me. Even if he does not love me, I will still have that. That will have to be enough.
"Very well," Rhoam continued. "Since that is settled, I believe we can adjourn this meeting. My steward will be in contact with yours, and we can soon begin preparations for the ceremony."
"Your Majesties?" Link's voice caught her attention; she looked up at his face again. "May I... have a little time alone with my fiancee before we depart?" Her heart pounded and her head felt light again at hearing him refer to her as such.
"I have no objections." Dorephan was the first to speak, his voice warm. Mipha's heart ached at the sound of it. He'd always been so fond of Link, and after his sorrow earlier that morning it was wonderful to see him so relieved and happy at how things had turned out. "In fact, I believe you two deserve to have a private moment now."
"I suppose you are right," Rhoam said, nodding slowly. "Very well. But do not intrude too much on the governor's generosity for too long."
"Take a walk in the gardens," Linebeck urged him. "They are still in bloom and will make a lovely backdrop."
Link rose. "Thank you." He bowed to all three of them, and then looked over at Mipha. A sudden shyness came into his eyes, and she smiled faintly in hopes of encouraging him as she nodded and stood too.
Oh, Link... however am I to avoid falling for you all over again, when you are so clearly the same sweet boy that captured my heart all those years ago? I can sense that you are about to claim it once more, again without even trying.
Link offered her his hand as she reached him; only her surprise made her hesitate before taking it, and only for the smallest fraction of a second. He nodded to her, and together they walked out of the room.
It was only a short walk to the gardens, but Link found himself wishing it were longer, if only so he had more time to hold Mipha's hand. A passing servant opened the door for them, and he thanked her before proceeding outside.
The gardens were indeed as beautiful as promised, and they paused for a moment to take everything in. It was hard to concentrate on anything when he had Mipha's delicate, webbed hand held in his, but Link forced himself to focus on the scenery around them.
And then promptly lost all his thoughts again when he turned and looked at her. His breath caught, his brain shutting down in a repeat of what had happened last night when he saw her through the arch. Except now she was bathed in the light of day, her scales shimmering in the glow of the sun, allowing him to see in more detail how the blue sash she'd chosen draped itself over her body. Link's mouth went dry as he struggled not to let his eyes wander down over her. It'd been one thing to stare at her from behind a mask, but to let himself be caught eyeing her figure now was another thing entirely. No matter how perfect it was.
It was so difficult not to, though. So difficult not to remember how it'd felt to hold her against him last night, to feel her pressed close while they danced. So difficult not to simply pull her in again and kiss her till they were both dizzy with it.
But I can't. I'm not the one she wants. His shoulders slumped slightly. I'm the one she's getting, but... she doesn't have a choice in the matter. She doesn't feel that way about me anymore. So I have to find a way to deal with the way I feel, and not impose it on her.
"It is beautiful out here..." Mipha said softly. "I can understand his pride in it."
"... Yeah." Link tore his eyes away before she could turn to him, pretending to have been admiring the flowers instead of her. "It is."
They walked onward, hand in hand, wandering down a path lined with wisteria-draped arbors. Link stole glances at her whenever he could, his chest aching with yearning at every glimpse of her sweet face. Until today it'd barely seemed real, but now it was finally starting to really sink in: in a month, he and Mipha would be married.
My fiancee. How bittersweet those words had tasted on his tongue, and yet some part of his heart had been sent soaring. A part he hated, if he was honest with himself. It felt so wrong to be happy that he was marrying her. The only thing he could allow himself to be glad for was that she wasn't marrying Astor, that he'd be sparing her that misery at least. That was one thing he didn't have to hate himself for.
The path eventually led them to a courtyard of sorts, with a fountain at its center. Mipha let go of his hand, sending a pang through him, and walked over to sit on the edge of the fountain. Link started to follow her but then stopped, unsure of how close she was comfortable having him be.
The question was answered, however, when she turned those beautiful amber eyes on him and spoke. "Will you join me?"
"Of course."
He sat down beside her; Mipha watched him for a long moment, making his pulse race. "What did you wish to speak to me about?" she asked finally, breaking the lengthy silence.
"Oh... I..." Why was it so much easier to talk to her when his face was hidden? "I just wanted..." He swallowed. "It's been so long, and I wanted..." Link trailed off for a moment, searching for the right words. "I'm... so glad to see you again."
Do you remember what we promised each other? What I said to you? What you said to me? You gave me that opal to seal it, but I lost it. I'm sorry. What did you lose? Was it your memory of that day, or just the desire to keep our promise? I wish I knew, so I could know what to say to you now. I don't want to hurt or embarrass you by bringing up something you regret. We were just children when we said that, after all.
… But I loved you. I know I did. I think I still do. Last night made that so clear. If only I knew how to tell you that that was me.
"I am so glad to see you too." A crack in her facade—a tremor in her voice, her eyes widening and filling with emotion. "It truly has been far too long..."
I didn't mean it to be. I'm sorry. "It hasn't even been a year since I became a knight," he admitted. "His Majesty granted me a minor title and a home in Castle Town too, that's where we'll live when we're there."
Mipha's head tilted. "A title?"
"Yeah." Link smiled sheepishly. "A baronet. It's the lowest of titles, but I guess it still means... something, or else he wouldn't have given it to me."
"Ah." She laughed softly. "Although you will soon have a much higher rank, once we are married."
"I guess, yeah." He shifted slightly. That line of thought was too close to why Astor—and undoubtedly the others—had sought Mipha's hand. For him it had only ever been about his feelings for her. Even if he didn't want to reveal that, he still didn't want her to think he was only after her title and money. "What about you?"
"Me?" Mipha blinked. "What do you mean?"
"Well, I..." Link hesitated. "I know you lost your mother... I'm so sorry. I wish I could have been there for you."
"So do I." Her eyes seemed to glitter with tears. "Mother, she... she loved you, you know. Like a son. I think... I think she would have been happy that things have worked out like this."
"... And you?" His heart was beating uncomfortably fast now, the distinctive heat of dread spreading through him as he waited for the answer he knew he didn't want to hear, but needed to nevertheless. "How do you feel about it?"
"I am..." Mipha pressed a hand to her mouth. "I am so relieved..."
Link's eyes widened. "You are?"
She nodded. "I have... I have been so scared..." A small sob escaped her. "That I would have to marry someone horrible, someone who cared only for his own advancement, and not at all for me... I dreaded today so much. But then..." Mipha looked back up at him, her hand falling away so that he could see the smile she managed through her tears. "Then you walked into the room, and I..." She brushed at her eyes. "I know now that I will be safe, that I will not be forced to endure marriage to a cruel stranger. So yes. I am relieved."
"Oh... I..." Somehow I didn't expect that. I should've, considering what she told me last night about dreading today... but I didn't think she'd actually be relieved it was me, considering she still doesn't have a choice in any of it.
Mipha frowned. "What is wrong? Did I say something hurtful?"
"No, it's not that, just..." Link's gaze dropped. "I realize that this is an awful situation for you. To lose your choice about who you're marrying. So I wouldn't blame you if you resented me, or—"
"Oh, Link, no, please..." He looked up to see the tears beginning to run down her cheeks. "Don't ever say things like that, I could never resent you... you are my dear friend and you've always been so kind to me."
"And that'll never change." Link hesitated briefly, and then reached over and took her hands. "Mipha, listen—no matter what, I'm always going to be your friend. I don't care about your title or any of that, I never have. I've always cared about you. That hasn't changed. I know this situation isn't ideal at all, but I promise I'll do whatever I can to try to make it easier for you. I don't want to see you unhappy."
"But what about you?" Her fingers tightened on his. "This is taking your choice away too, isn't it?"
"Don't worry about that." You're the only one I've ever wanted. "Being your friend is more important to me than anything else."
"We..." Mipha let out a weak laugh. "We are soon going to be more than friends... we will be husband and wife."
"I know." It barely feels real, but it is. "I just mean, well..." He gave her a lopsided smile. "I don't see why we can't be both."
"You have a point." She fell silent again, just watching him; he couldn't begin to guess what she was thinking. When she finally spoke it was barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Link."
"Of course." He found himself leaning closer. "You're my best friend. I'd never do anything I thought could hurt you, and I could never resent you either."
"Even after all these years?" Mipha leaned in too, a wondering look on her face. "Surely you found someone else to bestow that title on in that time."
"No." Link shook his head. "No one's ever replaced you." No one ever could.
"You..." She drew a shaky breath. "You are far too kind."
"No. I just missed you." There it was. It might be a dangerous statement, if she read the truth into it, but all the same it was a risk he was willing to take. Mipha needed to know that he did still care about her, at the very least. Friends could miss each other, family members missed each other, it wasn't inherently romantic. "It really is good to see you again."
"I missed you too." She didn't mean it the same way he did, but his pulse quickened nevertheless. "We will... soon be seeing a lot of each other, won't we?"
"Yeah." She was close enough that he could faintly feel her breath on his face. He would barely have to move to kiss her. And oh, her lips looked so soft. What would she taste like? Goddess, he wanted to find out. "We will."
"That will be nice." She smiled, and his breath caught. "But I suppose we had better get back now. Unless there is something else you wish to say?"
I love you. "No." Link let go of her hands and stood up. "Thank you for coming out here with me."
"It was my pleasure." Mipha rose. For a second she stood still, holding his gaze, and then offered him her hand. "Shall we?"
Link took it. "Yes."