Sunset.
It dripped lazily down from the sky, glazing the buildings and canals of Goponga in rich shades of coral and peach. The cobblestone streets seemed to be stained with it as an unending rush of people passed through, seeking home and hearth and family as the day wound down, spinning onward toward night. Here and there a few streetlamps had already been lit, lending even more of a glow to the city despite that they competed poorly with nature's grand show from above. The sun itself was the color of heart's blood as it sank lower and lower on the horizon.
Mipha watched it all from the window of her room at the inn, a few floors above where people were hurrying to and fro. Her tail rested on her shoulder, fingers moving over it in slow strokes as she stood close to the nearly pristine glass. Yet again she found herself wondering where Link was staying. What he was thinking at this moment. Was he nervous too? Had he forgotten their promise, or was he simply not bringing it up for some reason? So many questions.
She'd seen him only once in the month since their reunion here, a brief meeting a few nights ago to get everyone ready for how the wedding would proceed. As per Gopongan tradition, he would wait alone for her outside the Temple of the Goddesses as she came up the canal in a gondola, and then they would proceed inside together. Everyone else would already be waiting, and once they reached the altar they would speak their vows and exchange their rings. Acquiring the rings had been Link's responsibility, apparently, and she couldn't help but privately wonder how he'd found someone to make custom ones on such short notice.
Oh, well. It didn't matter how he'd done it, she supposed, only that he had. And even more important was his behavior towards her. He'd been just as warm as at their first meeting last month, if a bit shy, and seemed determined to make her feel as comfortable as she could be. It'd done much to help set her at ease. Even if she couldn't entirely banish her fears and worries, at least she could feel secure in that she'd be married to someone who cared wholeheartedly about her. Whatever else happened, she no longer had to be terrified that she was going to marry a fortune-hunter who saw her only as a means to an end. Link wasn't like that. He never had been. He'd wanted to be friends with her because of her, saying that he liked her because she was nice and fun. That clearly hadn't changed—she recalled his obvious discomfort when she'd pointed out last month that as her husband he would have a much higher rank than he currently possessed. Link was more guarded now than he'd been as a child, but that had bled through. And it'd reinforced the obvious sincerity in his declaration that he didn't care about her title, only about her. After all her anxieties over this whole affair, it'd been beyond relieving to have him say such things. It didn't banish the rest of her doubts, but it was something.
A knock sounded on the door, and Mipha turned. "Who is it?"
"It's us!" Kodah knocked on the door again. "Time to get you all ready to go!"
"Right, yes..." Mipha closed her eyes for a moment. "Come on in, then."
"I'm glad you didn't say prettied up," Gaddison said as she followed Kodah in. "Because you know Mipha doesn't need our help for that."
Mipha blushed. "Oh, now, really..."
"She's right." Kodah grinned. "You could walk in there in a rag and you'd still dazzle Linny!"
Had she really thought having her friends assist her would be less embarrassing than a stranger? "That... that isn't true, you're..."
Kodah nudged Gaddison. "Spoken like someone who never noticed how he always used to look at her back then, eh?"
"That was then." Mipha's face was hotter than ever. "This is now. We are adults, not children."
Gaddison walked over to where Mipha's wedding finery had been carefully laid out. "Not sure what that has to do with anything."
"Everything." Her shoulders slumped. "We have both grown up, and I very much doubt he is clinging to a silly childhood crush."
Kodah tilted her head. "Aren't you?"
"Even if I was, that doesn't mean he is." Mipha exhaled. "He is Hylian, lest we all forget. And he will have Hylian tastes."
Gaddison looked like she had a response for that, but thought better of it. "Well... in any case he's still going to be your husband. So let's get you ready to go marry him."
"Just like she was always supposed to." Kodah nudged Mipha. "Eh? Eh?"
Mipha buried her face in her hands. "Please do not bring that up. Especially outside this room..."
Gaddison frowned. "Why? Has he said something?"
"No." Mipha looked away. "He's... said nothing. Nothing at all."
They spoke in unison. "Oh."
Mipha pursed her lips, her eyes still on the far wall. "Yes, so... it is best not brought up in front of him. It should remain our secret."
"You never told anyone else, right?" Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Gaddison carefully unfolding part of her wedding garments. "Just us?"
"Just you," Mipha confirmed. "I considered telling Father, but... something always held me back. And I am glad it did—he would have felt such guilt about agreeing to Rhoam's proposal had he thought my heart was set on Link."
"And then he might have blown it when he found out you were marrying him after all." Kodah took up part of what Gaddison was unfolding. "Your dad is great and all, don't get me wrong, but sometimes parents are like that." She sighed deeply. "Especially fathers."
Despite herself, Mipha couldn't help but giggle. "I suppose you're right."
"Hey, at least Kayden wasn't scared off," Gaddison pointed out. "The last time I fancied someone, my father managed to send him all but running for Upland Zorana." With Kodah's help, she carried over the sheet of fabric. "Now then, let's get you all ready to dazzle that groom of yours." She winked, and Mipha clapped her hands over her face again.
"Now, now, you're blocking the way," Kodah admonished her, gently prying Mipha's hands off her eyes. "Arms out and hold still."
"Yes, yes..." She stuck her tongue out at them, as if they were all twelve again, and her friends laughed.
It was a somewhat lengthy process, getting her dressed; the gown, if it could be called that, consisted of multiple layers of sheer blue lotus silk wrapped intricately around her body. There was a long, full skirt to it, with a top layer embroidered with lotus flowers and the Zora crest, using thread that had been dyed with crushed luminous stones. Seed pearls had been sewn into the voluminous sleeves, as well as the sash that would be tied just below her chest. The fabric was so thin that even with multiple layers it would leave little to the imagination. Which wouldn't normally bother her, but the fact that attention would be called to her physical shortcomings, as Hylians saw it, was a nuisance. Mipha sighed inwardly. Yet another reminder—as if he needed one—for Link of what he wouldn't be getting. He would've spent the majority of his teenage years seeing Hylian girls, with their hair and skin and the large breasts that Hylian men found so attractive; to be trapped in marriage to a Zora who lacked all those things had to be disappointing, no matter how much he cared about her as a person. There would be no traditional wedding night, not for her.
"It's too bad you don't have that opal anymore," Kodah mused as she attached one of the sleeves to the bodice of the gown with a pair of lotus-shaped clasps. "That would've looked gorgeous with all this."
Mipha's eyes strayed to her suitcase, almost involuntarily. I think I forgot to unpack it when we were at home... but it isn't mine to wear and it has a scratch anyway. "Yes... you're right." She sighed. "But there is nothing to be done about it now."
"What do you think he did with it?" Gaddison attached the other sleeve.
"I have no idea." And I am afraid to ask.
"Hmm." Gaddison merely grunted, and began to tie the sash. "So how mad was Dento about it?"
Mipha laughed slightly. "Not really angry, more... stern. Annoyed. He chided me for being a careless child, and then began grumbling about what he would make in its stead."
"Sounds like him." Kodah grinned. "What did you tell him happened to it?"
"That I had lost it at Veiled Falls." She watched them pin a much larger piece in the center of the sash, one in the shape of the Zora crest and set with luminous stones in each crescent moon.
"Ha!" Kodah threw her head back and laughed. "Not so far from the truth, then!"
"No, I suppose not." I would say that I lost my heart there too, but in truth he'd stolen it long before then. And I am so afraid of him doing it again.
"And... you're sure you don't want to bring it up?" Gaddison caught Mipha's chin in her hand, preventing her from turning away. "He might just be nervous to bring it up to you, and if both of you are too scared to say anything then you're going to get nowhere and just hurt yourselves."
"I don't think he remembers." Mipha tried to shake her head, but couldn't; her friend's grip was too firm. Meanwhile, Kodah was beginning to put her necklace and tiara with the matching veil on her. It too had luminous stone-dyed thread running through it, like veins that would glow in the dark. "And if he does, it undoubtedly will embarrass him. Both of us."
"You don't know that." Kodah took her wrist and attached a silver bangle. "He could feel the same way you do and be too afraid to say it." She laid a hand on Mipha's shoulder. "Are you... I mean... how do you really feel about getting to marry him after all now that it's finally happening? No more avoiding the question, either," she added.
"I..." Mipha looked down. "I do not know," she said finally. "My feelings are too mixed to declare them strongly either way. I am relieved it is him, for he will be kind to me, but I feel guilt too, over his own loss of choice in the matter."
Don't worry about that, he'd said when she'd asked him about it. Talk about avoiding the question. There had to be someone else he had his eye on, some pretty Hylian noblewoman, and this arranged marriage had thwarted his chance for happiness with her. He just didn't want to say that because he was determined not to make her feel bad, and wanted to put her comfort and happiness above his own. How very like Link. It was so sweet a thing, indicative that his kind heart hadn't changed, but also so dangerous for the same reason. That sort of thing could easily make her fall in love with him all over again, and so much deeper this time. Which she did not need to do.
"Fair enough." Gaddison shrugged and released her. "I can't blame you for that, even if I do think you two need to speak honestly about that promise. I know, I know!" She raised her hands in the air. "I won't bring it up again, alright? Just keep what we said in mind, just do that. Okay?"
"And in the meantime..." Kodah grinned again. "You at least get to kiss him at the ceremony. You're excited about that, I bet!"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Mipha said primly, even as a fresh heat flared up in her cheeks. Her friends just laughed.
"Well, whether she is not—and you know she is," Gaddison said in a slightly lower voice to Kodah, who giggled as Mipha hid her face. "It's about to happen soon. Let's get your things and head out."
"Yes." Mipha sighed. "Let us be off."
For what felt like the hundredth time, Link reached up to touch the circlet on his forehead, making sure his hair wasn't obscuring the sapphire set at its center. He scowled, annoyed with himself for his paranoia and yet unable to really shove it aside.
It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if the gem was a little covered up, he conceded, but he didn't want it to be. The circlet was a special piece he'd commissioned along with the rings, back before Rhoam had announced his plan to arrange a political marriage with Mipha, and he didn't want to hide it. Not when the sapphires in them had the meaning they did: love and wisdom, tied to the goddess Nayru and the Zora themselves. His intention had been to convey to Mipha, and everyone else, his commitment to being a part of her family, her culture. It wasn't quite the same now, under the circumstances, but he still wanted the jewels on full display.
Night had fallen now, the sun almost completely gone from the sky; all over Goponga, lamps had been lit to stave off the gloom. Everyone else was inside the temple, waiting for him to appear with his bride and go through the ceremony. Link glanced down at himself again, making sure that nothing had gotten on his clothing, despite that he hadn't done anything that could have spoiled it since the last time he checked. The snug black pants and deep blue tunic—their colors uncomfortably reminiscent of what he'd worn at the festival a month ago—were still pristine. Not a single speck of dust or dirt. Not even a single hair marred it.
Sighing, Link lifted his eyes to scan the horizon again. Even at this hour there were many gondolas plying the waters, which no doubt accounted for her delay. Whatever Mipha's true feelings on marrying him were, he knew better than to think she'd run away. Not when so much depended on this. She might not be happy that she had lost her chance to be with whoever it was she truly wanted, but her sense of duty wouldn't allow her to jeopardize the fragile alliance this was meant to strengthen. No. This tardiness was out of her hands.
For a few minutes more he waited, and then—could it be? A jolt of excitement shot through him as he saw one of the distant gondolas heading his way. A lantern secured to the front of the boat swung gently in the evening breeze; behind the driver, he thought he could see something else shining, but he couldn't be sure.
It became clear as the little craft drew closer, however, and Link's heart almost stopped, his breath catching. Mipha was clad in a gown made of layers of sheer blue fabric, her hands folded in her lap atop a small bundle. The dress, as well as the veil that streamed behind her, covering her tail, had been embellished with threads that must've been dyed with luminous stones, matching the ones in her tiara and jewelry; in their soft glow she looked even more beautiful than usual. He was dimly aware that his heart had resumed beating, at a much faster pace than it had been before he'd gotten this first glimpse of her. Her gaze met his, her amber eyes seeming to shimmer in the almost otherworldly light she was bathed in, and his knees all but buckled under him. Somehow, though, he remained standing, his attention fixed on her. Nothing but her mattered in this moment.
Link offered her his hand once the boat had been secured; Mipha tucked her little bundle safely under her arm before taking it, letting him help her onto solid ground. "Thank you, Link," she murmured as she steadied herself with his assistance.
"Of course." He waited until she was secure enough to stand on her own, and then took a step backwards. "You look beautiful," he whispered.
"I—oh—I—" Mipha's eyes widened, and in the light of the stones he thought he saw her blushing. "Th-thank you..."
"I'm only speaking the truth," Link said automatically, and then internally winced, especially when an odd look seemed to flash in Mipha's eyes for a second. Way too close to what I said to her that night. But it was a common enough phrase that she shouldn't suspect anything, and he relaxed when the expression faded.
"You... are kind as always," she finally said. She held his gaze for a moment, and then seemed to remember what she was carrying. "Oh, forgive me... I should have given this to you the other day, but I did not think of it in time... at least I have it now, though."
"What is it?" Link asked as she unwrapped it. Something silver sparkled in the light as she pulled back the fabric.
"A component of your armor. Remember?" Mipha lifted out a long, slender chain. It was rather simple, save for the Zora crest it bore. "This will become part of it, but for now I have made it so you can wear it on its own." She stepped forward. "Here, I will put it on for you."
Link wanted to say something, but could only nod as Mipha moved closer to him than she'd been in years. Her sweet face was so near to his, her body inches away from him. If that. The gown flattered her perfectly, the multiple layers of fabric doing nothing to conceal her alluring form from his wandering eyes. In eight years apart she'd blossomed into the loveliest woman he'd ever seen; no one held a candle to her. If only the wedding night he'd fantasized about these past few years could happen. If only.
She looped the chain diagonally around his body, and clasped it at his right shoulder. Mipha then stepped back, but only so she could study him in a way that made his heart rate spike a second time. Once she was done with her inspection she adjusted it slightly, and the brush of her fingertips against his chest, even through the fabric of his shirt, made him nearly stop breathing altogether. "It is a bit long, but that is to be expected, I suppose... I shall have to adjust it when I have your exact measurements."
Up till now he hadn't given much thought to the reality that she would have to measure him in order to craft the armor correctly; frankly, this really wasn't the time to dwell on it, and what he knew it entailed. "Right, well..." Link cleared his throat. "It looks great now. You did good work."
"Thank you." Mipha smiled. "I'm glad you like it."
"Of course I do." You made it. "Should we go in, then? I think we've kept them waiting long enough." Link offered her his arm.
"You're right." Mipha looped her arm through his. "Let us go."
As they walked towards the entrance of the temple, she took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Link's heart ached. He'd done his best a few days ago to soothe her anxieties, but she was clearly still nervous. It was natural, he supposed, and it wasn't like he didn't have fears of his own, but all the same he wished he could completely alleviate them for her.
Would it be different if she wanted to marry me? If we'd kept our promise out of a mutual desire to? Maybe. For her sake, I wish that was happening right now. But I can't do anything about that. All I can do is hope that she'll be able to make the best of a bad situation.
Inside the temple it was warmer, at least partially because of all the guests gathered in the many pews. Link would've continued with her up the aisle in the center, if one of their friends hadn't stepped up beside them just inside the doors.
"Here, let me take that," Gaddison said, her voice barely above a whisper. She gently took the cloth from Mipha, and in exchange handed her a bouquet of three different flowers, all of them a creamy white and sweetly scented. "There. Go on now." She smiled at both of them.
"Thank you," Mipha whispered back. She cradled the bouquet close to her chest, her fingers tightening slightly on Link's arm. He nodded at Gaddison, and then they continued on.
The faces they passed seem to blur into each other for him—he knew he saw his father, Mipha's father, her little brother, Kodah, King Rhoam and his daughter, and others he vaguely knew, but none of them truly registered. All Link could focus on was Mipha at his side. Mipha's arm locked with his. Mipha, so sweet and beautiful and about to become his wife. How could he possibly have room for any other thoughts in his head?
At the far end an aged Zora priest named Kapson awaited them. His back was bent, but his eyes were still sharp and clear. Statues of Din, Nayru, and Farore loomed large behind him, as if watching the ceremony. He cleared his throat when they came to a stop a few feet from him. "Welcome Sir Link, Lady Mipha."
No doubt Mipha was used to being addressed with a formal title attached to her name, but his own still made him vaguely uncomfortable, despite that he'd worked hard to achieve it. Link shifted slightly, even as he and Mipha bowed.
"Now, face each other please."
Mipha let go of his arm, and they moved to stand face to face. The scent of the flowers she held was starting to go to his head. Or maybe the sight of her was. She regarded him seriously, not a hint of a smile on her face, and yet there was no unhappiness there either. Maybe a bit of nerves, but that was all. That helped. It would've hurt for multiple reasons to see her looking pained by what was happening, not least of which was that he'd never been able to bear seeing Mipha in any kind of distress.
"Now then." Kapson coughed. "You stand here in the presence of the holy and the mortal; your own families and friends, and the divinities that shaped our blessed world in long-forgotten ages. Under the eyes of the Golden Goddesses, as well as your own patron deity Hylia, do you Link, promise to love and cherish Mipha, to protect and care for her, for the rest of your days through good times and bad, until you pass into the next world?"
"I do." That he meant it with all his heart was something Link silently prayed wasn't too obvious on his face.
"And do you, Mipha, under the eyes of the Golden Goddesses and your own patron deity Lord Jabu-Jabu, promise to love and cherish Link, to protect and care for him, for the rest of your days through good times and bad, until you pass into the next world?"
"I do." Something in Mipha's gaze seemed to warm, and Link's heart skipped a beat. Maybe she didn't love him as he loved her, but she did still care about him, and was at least glad she was with him instead of an unpleasant stranger. That would have to be enough.
"Very well." Kapson nodded approvingly. "Exchange your rings."
Link reached into his pants pocket and retrieved two rings. One he gave to Mipha; she took it in the hand that held her bouquet. Then she extended her left hand to him. Willing himself to be steady, Link took her hand in his and slipped the ring onto the correct finger. It was a simple silver band adorned with the Zora crest, a small sapphire set in each of the three crescent moons. Once it was secure, he offered her his own left hand. Mipha gave her flowers to Gaddison—who had slipped up to stand behind her—and took his hand. Onto his finger she slid an exact copy of the one he'd given her. The sight of both their hands adorned with the rings he'd had created for this day filled him with a strange fluttering sensation.
"And now, with the power granted to me as a humble servant of the gods, I pronounce you husband and wife." Kapson pressed his hands together. "You may seal your union with a kiss."
Here it was: the moment he'd dreamed of since he was a child. His heart beating so rapidly that it almost made him dizzy, Link stepped closer to Mipha. She stepped forward too, and his mind went completely blank for a few seconds before he recovered and placed his right hand on her back. Mipha slipped her arm around him too, and they cupped each others faces with their left hands, the metal of her ring cool against his cheek. For a few seconds they simply held each other, and then Link leaned down and kissed her.
There were no words to describe it. Not really. And even if there were, his mind went blank again anyway. Blissfully so. Mipha's lips were soft and warm and sweet; a dream come so incredibly true. They parted under his kiss, and it was all he could do not to deepen things, to slide his tongue into her mouth and feel those sharp teeth she'd shown him in so many smiles when they were younger. Only the awareness that there were so many witnesses here held him back. It also kept the kiss from lasting too long. Link had to summon up every bit of strength he had in order to pull away, cut it short, only barely managing it before things would've become awkward. The taste of her lingered in his mouth, his lips all but throbbing with the need to have more. This small sample wasn't enough, and he ached with the knowledge.
Was his face red? He had no idea. Mipha seemed to be blushing again, but that was only natural, considering they had just kissed in front of everyone. He doubted she was having the same reaction as he was.
Regardless, though, it was done.
They were married.
For better or worse, their union truly did start now.
A while later, Mipha found herself seated beside Link at the small table that had been set up at the head of the massive ballroom inside the governor's mansion. The rest of the guests were all seated at somewhat larger tables that had been arranged at the edges of the room, leaving plenty of space for the dancing that would occur once everyone had partaken of the dinner that the kitchen staff was putting the finishing touches on, according to Governor Linebeck. Who, Mipha recalled with some mortification, had winked at her and Link when he'd shown them the room a few days ago and spoken of the "sweetheart table" he'd procured for them to sit at during the reception. She hadn't had the courage to look at Link's face at that pronouncement.
The ride here from Shrine Island, where the Temple of the Goddesses stood, had passed in much of a daze for her. She and Link had had their own private carriage in the procession, and hadn't spoken much during the ride. Which was just as well, for she'd needed time to recover from the kiss they'd shared.
Oh, that kiss. It would be a lie to say she hadn't been giving that moment endless amounts of thought over the years, so Mipha didn't bother pretending otherwise. Until a short while ago, the only kisses they'd ever shared were those brief, chaste ones the day they'd promised to marry each other, at merely ten years of age. And those didn't come close to what had happened tonight. It'd be inaccurate to call it passionate, but it couldn't be called passionless, either. Tender was what it was. Tender and soft and sweet, even a little shy. She could still taste Link's lips, and part of her didn't want to eat dinner because she'd lose that little piece of him that lingered in her mouth. That it seemed likely to be the only taste of him she'd ever get was too much to bear, and she pushed the thought out of her mind.
Link's hand found hers under the table, and she looked over as he squeezed it. "You okay?" he asked softly.
Mipha nodded. "Yes. Just a bit hungry." It wasn't a complete lie, given that nerves had kept her from touching much of her lunch hours ago.
"Yeah, me too." Link smiled, and her heart did a flip. Oh, Jabu preserve her, why did he have to be so handsome? The sapphire on his forehead sparkled in the light, the color matching his tunic and complementing his gorgeous eyes. His long hair was loose too, framing his beautiful face with its shimmering perfection. How desperately she longed to run her fingers through it, to touch his face again and kiss him, in a private place where no one was watching and they could take their time.
But she couldn't, so she pushed that thought aside too and laughed. "You really have not changed."
Link blushed again, like he had after their kiss, and Mipha had to force herself to breathe thanks to how adorable he looked when flustered. Nayru help her, how was she supposed to survive being married to this man when he kept affecting her this way? "H-hey, it's been hours, anyone would be hungry..."
"Especially you," she said teasingly.
Link tried to glare at her, but couldn't keep a straight face and was laughing within a few seconds. "You know me too well."
No such thing, she wanted to say, but held back. "Only because some things never change."
There was a slight pause, and then Link nodded, his expression unreadable. "... Yeah."
What was that all about? Mipha hesitated, on the verge of questioning him, but at that moment the doors opened and the kitchen staff finally streamed into the room, bearing the food they'd all been waiting for. Traditional Hylian dishes had been prepared, as well as recipes unique to Goponga, and thankfully raw fish had been provided for her and the other Zoras in attendance. No doubt her father's staff had seen to that during the planning stages of this wedding.
It seemed as though they'd scarcely finished their last morsel of the meal when the procession of guests coming to pay their respects began. Hand in hand they rose to greet them all. Mipha's nerves threatened to overwhelm her at the sight of some of them, but Link's gentle hold on her hand helped anchor her. Her father and Sidon were the first to arrive, which soothed her too.
"Mipha, my beloved daughter..." Dorephan's eyes seemed to glitter with happy tears, his voice rough with them even as he smiled proudly at them both. "And Link, my dear boy... I cannot express how overjoyed I am to see you two together like this. It seems as though it was meant to be."
Mipha fought to keep her expression steady, even as her heart skipped a beat. Does he know somehow? I never told him... did he suspect something? She didn't dare look at Link. Instead, she smiled back. "Thank you... I am so glad you are happy for us."
"Naturally, naturally." Dorephan nodded. "You two have always been such close friends, and you, Link, are like a son to me. I am all too happy to officially welcome you into our family."
"The honor is all mine, Your Majesty." Link bowed. "You have my word that I will do everything in my power to make your daughter happy."
Dorephan chuckled. "Oh, now, there is no need to be so stiff and formal, my boy. We—"
"You better!" Sidon, evidently tired of waiting his turn, glowered up at Link. "You better not ever be mean to her, Hylian!"
"Never." Link shook his head, looking more serious than ever. "I'd never do anything to hurt her. Your sister is the most important person in the world to me."
Except for whoever it is you would rather be married to, Mipha thought bitterly, but she swallowed it down. That was an unbecoming thought. Link still cares deeply about me, that shall have to be enough. It isn't fair for me to expect him to cling to old feelings as I do.
Sidon narrowed his eyes. "You promise?"
Link laid his free hand on his chest. "With all my heart. And if I break it, you're allowed to skewer me with your spear."
Sidon's eyes widened. "How did you know I have a spear?"
"Because Mipha did too at your age." Link laughed. "We'd always play fight together, and get lessons from Seggin."
"He teaches me too!" Sidon jumped up and down. "Did he—"
"Now, now, Sidon, there are other guests that wish to greet them, we must let them have their turn as well," Dorephan said gently. "Come, let us go for now."
He ushered him away, impervious to his son's protests. Mipha took a deep breath. Next up in line—if the disorganized knot of people could be called that—was King Rhoam and his daughter. She'd heard of her, but never personally met her before. "Greetings, Your Majesty." She and Link bowed.
"Link. Princess Mipha." Rhoam nodded to her. "Might I now introduce my daughter? This is Princess Zelda. Zelda, this is Princess Mipha."
"It is my honor to meet you." She studied her. Zelda was slightly taller than Link, more slender than her father, yet in possession of the curves that Hylian men favored. Beautiful, too, with long blonde hair and bright green eyes. A pit opened in her stomach. Was this the sort of person Link preferred now? He might even have had his eye on Zelda herself.
"Likewise." Zelda nodded, her expression and tone neutral. "I hope you will be happy in your marriage, Princess." Her gaze strayed to Link, and something seemed to briefly change in her eyes before vanishing again. "You as well, of course."
Link nodded back at her. "Thank you, Your Highness."
"Of course." Her gaze traveled over them both again. "If you will excuse me..."
Without waiting for an answer, she turned and walked away into the crowd. Rhoam's brow knit. "Yes, this is a most auspicious day for both our kingdoms, I would wager—may it be a blessing for you both as well."
They thanked him just before he followed Zelda away. A few more people, including Gaddison and Kodah, came up to offer their well-wishes, and then an older man that Mipha recognized as Link's father, Rusl, came up. His blonde hair was starting to show some gray, and he'd grown a thin mustache in the years since she'd last seen him.
"Your Highness." He bowed to her. "And my dear son." Rusl smiled warmly at Link. "How happy I am to see the two of you reunited in such a way. I always wondered if this might happen someday, to be honest."
"O-oh?" Mipha managed. Her heart seemed to have migrated to her throat, making it difficult to speak. "You did?" Did he tell him about the promise? We never spoke of it in the letters...
"Yes. The two of you were so sweet on each other, after all, that I couldn't help but wonder." He chuckled. "And look at you now! Married! Perhaps it was fate. I know, I know, you hate that word," he added; Mipha glanced over to see that Link looked vaguely uncomfortable. "But all the same, it does my old heart good to see you two together again. I still remember how you both cried the day you had to go away. Inconsolable..."
Link winced. "Dad, please..."
"Sorry, sorry." He laughed. "Forgive an old man's ramblings, I'm just so pleased and proud to see you married and settling into what I hope will be a happy life together. You take good care of each other, alright?" Rusl turned to Mipha. "I know my son can be a bit of a reckless fool sometimes, but you've got a sensible head on your shoulders from what I remember, and he's good at heart, where it really counts. I have faith in you both."
"Th-thank you." She felt just as flustered as Link looked.
"Of course."
The rest of the guests passed by in a haze; Mipha found herself introduced to a few other people she hadn't known, but their names flew out of her head almost as soon as they'd turned away. Guilt gnawed at her, and she tried to console herself with the thought that it was natural, given her state of mind and the plethora of people to meet.
Finally, they all trickled away. Relief set in as everyone was at last done and mingling amongst themselves. Even Sidon was being kept busy—her father, knowing her well, must have anticipated her current weariness and seen to it that her brother, sweet as he was, wouldn't come over and put more pressure on her to interact. Slightly dizzy and overwhelmed, Mipha let go of Link's hand and sank into her seat. A glance at his face revealed that he was feeling much the same.
That hasn't changed either. We always ducked out of social events early together, precisely because of this. Somehow we never exhausted each other when it was just the two of us. We were always able to just sit comfortably together in silence, able to tell when the other needed it. I want that back. I want my best friend back. He's promised to still be my friend no matter what, and I desperately hope we can find our way back to that place, even if there is never romantic love between us. It would ease my heart somewhat to at least reclaim the relationship we once had.
Link touched her hand to draw her attention. "Do you want any dessert?" He tipped his head in the direction of where cakes and pastries had been laid out on a massive sideboard. "I can go get you some."
A vision of the masked stranger feeding her that fried dough that night flashed into her mind; she shook her head as much to clear it as to answer Link. "No thank you. I need some time to let my stomach settle before I eat again."
"I understand." He paused. "Say... remember that time at the ambassador's birthday party that I stole all those cream puffs and hid them in my shirt, and we ran off to Veiled Falls and stuffed ourselves till we were almost sick?"
"How could I forget?" Mipha giggled, her heart warming when Link started laughing too. "You had cream all over you, and they were a little squished, but they still tasted so divine. I think because we had done something rather naughty to get them."
"I could do it again if you want." A mischievous look she hadn't seen in years sparkled in his eyes. "There's no waterfalls here, but we could find someplace secluded in the gardens, I bet."
"Oh, you are incorrigible!" Mipha hid her face behind her hand as she laughed even harder. Though it was also partly to conceal the blush she could feel rising at the thought of seeing under his shirt now, and helping him wipe the cream off his chest and stomach the way she had that night all those years ago. Her heart pounded, and she tried to banish the images that came to mind. "I think it would be much harder to get away with now, anyway."
"Yeah, true." Link brushed some hair out of his eyes, a fond look on his face. "We're kind of the guests of honor."
"Kind of?" They were seated close enough together that Mipha couldn't resist lightly elbowing him. "We are the guests of honor. It is our wedding, after all."
"And thus the center of attention." The look in his eyes turned to concern. "Which I know you've never been that comfortable with for very long. You okay?"
"Better now." Mipha smiled and squeezed his arm. "Since they are focused elsewhere and we can have this moment to ourselves. What about you?"
"It's the same for me." Link glanced over at the guests. "It was always more fun when it was just us, wasn't it?"
"Yes." Mipha let her gaze rest on his profile. Longing stirred in her chest, a hollow ache behind her heart. Why did he have to be so kind, so beautiful, so very tempting? He was her husband now, but he wasn't truly hers in the way she wanted. Someone else had claimed his heart, she was sure of it. And as long as they held it, this would never be the marriage she'd dreamed of.
I want him for my own. I always have. Now more than ever, I wish to be the one he holds most dear. If only I could be what he needs.
"Well, we—"
Link broke off as Linebeck called for everyone's attention, standing in front of the musicians that were now done assembling. "Friends and foreign dignitaries! I once again welcome you to my home, and thank you for the honor of allowing me to host such an important gathering!" He beamed as everyone applauded. "Now then, we have all had a bit to drink, but have we truly made merry? No! So here begins the most festive portion of the evening! And I think we should hold to tradition and have our lovely bride and groom lead us in the first dance, shall we not?"
Mipha's eyes flew to Link, aware that others were almost certainly looking their way. "I had almost forgotten about this..."
"Me too," he admitted. Standing, he offered her his hand. "Come on. I promise I won't step on your feet." Link winked.
"I stepped on yours just as much back then," Mipha said with another laugh as she rose and took his hand. "But I have improved too, so I will not tread on you either."
"Same here."
They walked to the center of the dance floor; Link pulled her into a close hold, one hand resting on her back, the other holding hers. Mipha placed her free hand on his shoulder blade, her gaze locked with his. And as the music started, the awareness of all the other eyes upon them both fell away. There was only her, and Link, and the song they danced to. He led her through the steps without missing a beat, and soon her anxieties gave way to a singular joy in being able to dance with him like this.
"Where did you learn how to do this?" she asked as he raised her hand so she could twirl, the skirts of her gown billowing out around her like a blossoming flower. "On breaks from training?"
"It's required, actually." Link gave her a lopsided smile. "Knights are expected to attend royal functions and balls, so they don't want us to embarrass ourselves and the kingdom. So that's how I got a little bit better than I was as a kid."
"Oh, stop." Mipha squeezed his hand. "You are wonderful."
Link's eyes warmed. "So are you."
She started to say something to that, but Link twirled her again before she could, and the thought flew out of her head. They whirled around the ballroom a little more, and then finished when he dipped her low, earning applause from all the guests. Mipha could barely hear it over her pounding heart, though, and her limbs felt shaky as Link helped her stand again.
He doesn't know. He can't possibly know the danger I'm in from him, of falling even more desperately in love with him than I ever was before. If he realized it he would keep me at arm's length instead of doing all these things to stir my feelings. Link is... many things, but he isn't deliberately cruel. Making me fall for him when he cannot love me would definitely qualify. So he wouldn't do it knowingly.
Now that their dance was over with, everyone else wanted a chance to join the revelry. Dorephan waded through the crowd so they could have their father and daughter dance, and in the confusion she found herself easily separated from Link. Mipha didn't get another glimpse of him until she was in the midst of her dance with her father, and her heart sank: Link was with the Hylian princess. There was no way to know who had asked whom to dance, but it didn't matter, did it?
I wouldn't be surprised if he was smitten with her... she is beautiful in all the ways I am not, at least to the Hylians. I hear she is celebrated for her brilliant mind as well, and very popular at court. I don't think King Rhoam would allow a commoner, even one he fostered and granted a title, to marry his only daughter, but that does not stop feelings from growing. Perhaps that is why Link didn't want me to worry about his lack of choice in our marriage—he already knew that his affections for Zelda were doomed due to his status.
"Mipha?" Her father's voice broke into her gloomy thoughts, and she blinked up at him. "Is something amiss? You seemed upset for a moment."
"No, I..." She glanced away, and regretted it as she saw Zelda smile radiantly at Link; his back was to her, so she had no idea what his expression was. "I simply have mixed feelings, is all, I suppose... nothing you should worry about."
"You are my daughter. I will always worry about you." Dorephan's brow creased. "What troubles you? I thought you were relieved to be marrying Link."
She'd cried in his arms on the carriage ride back to the inn that day, pouring out all her relief at not being made to wed a cruel or indifferent stranger; of course he was aware of that side of her feelings. "I am, but..." Mipha sighed. "I do not know whether this is ultimately a good thing for us both."
"You fear that he does not feel as you do."
Mipha fixed him with a wide-eyed look. "What?"
"Mipha, I saw how you two behaved as children. And I see how you look at him now." Dorephan smiled slightly. "You are as smitten with him as you ever were."
"I..." Her face burning, Mipha dropped her gaze again. "Is it... truly that obvious?"
"To the eyes of a father who has always paid close attention to his beloved daughter, yes. I cannot speak for anyone else." He sighed. "I do not know what Link's true feelings are on that score, but I do know that you are very dear to him, as you always were."
"I know that too." Mipha blinked back tears. "But I do not think he has the sort of feelings that people typically marry for... that you and Mother had an abundance of. And I feel as though..." She hesitated. "As though it is terribly selfish of me to be relieved to have him, when that ignores the pain he must feel at losing his own freedom to choose a wife of his preference."
I could never resent you. He'd echoed those words back to her in the gardens. And Mipha believed it with all her heart. Yet before she'd learned of her groom's identity, she'd resented Rhoam and the situation in itself that she'd been placed in. Might not the same be true for Link? Especially if Rhoam's fixation on title and status had already thwarted his would-be romance with Zelda.
"It is not selfish to be relieved that you will be treated kindly." Dorephan shook his head. "And as for Link, well... he is harder to read than he was as a child, but I have not witnessed any unhappiness in his countenance." He squeezed her hand. "My dear, I know the future is as uncertain as ever, in a way, but have faith as I do. Joy will find you both, I am sure of it."
Mipha tried to smile, her vision blurring a little. "Thank you, Father. I shall try to believe too."
Linebeck had insisted they spend their first night as a married couple in one of the mansion's many guest rooms. So when they finally tired of the party, they made their farewells to everyone and excused themselves. One of the maids guided them upstairs through the confusing and unfamiliar halls, till they finally came to the right room. They thanked her and headed in.
Link waited for Mipha to enter first, and then closed the door once he was in too. A fire had already been lit in the fireplace, as well as lamps on both sides of the bed. He watched as she walked towards the vanity and the suitcase beside it, his heart thumping at the sway of her hips, the hint of the lush curves that the layers of sheer silk couldn't completely hide. Such a cruel joke, to finally have her as his wife and be unable to touch her the way he ached to.
Shaking off that unhappy thought, he moved to the other side of the bed, to the table where his own suitcase rested. Link took out the clothes he would sleep in and then hesitated. A glance over his shoulder showed him that Mipha was beginning the process of removing each layer of her elaborate gown. It occurred to him to offer to help, but the fear of it being misconstrued held him back. He wanted to undress her, of course, as a prelude to consummation of their marriage, but she couldn't know that. So he held his tongue.
No, it was better to focus on changing his own clothes, and try his best to ignore what was happening on the other side of the room, ignore his deep desire for her. It felt a little awkward to disrobe in front of her, but there was really nothing for it. Besides, Zora didn't have the same attitudes about nudity that Hylians did, so it probably wasn't a big deal to her.
And it's not like she'll be tempted to look at me, anyway. Link's heart fell at the thought, even as he removed his circlet and set it down on the table. I'm sure whoever it is she wanted to marry is another Zora—plenty of those in the Domain, she would've been spoiled for choice. Unfortunately for her, she's stuck with me, a dumb Hylian. However much she's relieved to have me instead of someone awful, it doesn't mean she finds me attractive. I guess I can't blame her. If I thought she wanted to be intimate with me I'd make an advance, but... I doubt it. So I won't.
Mipha was still undressing when he finished changing, so Link walked over to the fireplace just beyond where she stood, his back to her. He didn't need its heat, given what he knew was going on behind him, but the warmth felt good on his face nevertheless. He stared into the flickering flames, his mind slowly processing the events of the day.
Was it really just hours ago that we were still only engaged? And now we're married. It doesn't feel any more real than it did a month ago, when we stood in that drawing room and reintroduced ourselves. She looked so beautiful then, too. She always does. If I hadn't been so stupid as to lose the brooch the night before, I would've brought it with me that day to give to her, just because she deserves to have it back. I wonder where it is now? Probably fell into the canal somewhere, or someone else found it. Either way it's gone. Ugh. I'm such an idiot. I'm sorry, Mipha. I guess I can't do anything right for you. You deserve so much better than me.
"Link?"
He turned. The layers of her gown were all neatly folded up on the vanity; only her jewelry remained on her, as well as a nervous expression. "Yeah?"
"I... that is... would you..." Her gaze dropped to the floor; Link waited for her to finish. "When... that is, without these..." She touched the bangles, the necklace. "Without them, for a Zora, that is as good as being without clothes is for you. So... will that make you uncomfortable?"
"No." He shook his head. "But don't worry about me. Do what you feel comfortable with."
"Thank you." Mipha took off one of her bangles and set it on the vanity beside her gown.
Link nodded. "Should I turn away again?"
"I..." Mipha looked down at herself, and then back up at him. She slowly shook her head. "Not unless you are uncomfortable. You are my husband, after all... it is a bit silly to be so shy." She tried to laugh.
"It's only our first night as husband and wife," he said gently. "I understand if you're still nervous. You don't have to force yourself to agree to anything you don't want to just because we're married."
"I'm not. Don't worry." She removed the other bangle. "And anyway, it is not as if I'm..." She stopped. "... Never mind."
Link frowned. "You're not... what?"
"I am not Hylian." She unclasped her necklace and carefully laid it out. "We do not have the same... ideas, shall we say. About such things."
"... I guess not, yeah." It was obviously a lie; Mipha had never been good at hiding things. But if she didn't want to talk about whatever it was she had on her mind, he wasn't going to push her. Building up trust, to the point where they could confide anything in each other the way they once had, was going to take time. He could wait for her. "Anyway, um... which side of the bed would you prefer?"
Mipha glanced over at it. "This side will be fine, I think. Unless you would rather have it?"
"No, this is fine with me."
He started to walk back to the other side, but Mipha stepped in front of him before he could make it to the foot of the bed. They stared at each other for a second, and then she threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. Link went still, and then a moment later wrapped his arms around her in return. It wasn't lost on him that she was completely unadorned. Nor could he deny how blissful it felt to simply hold her, to be held in return. It felt like forever since they'd hugged like this, and it was almost overwhelming.
"I'm sorry," Mipha whispered. "I know this can't be what you wanted, and I..." She pressed her face to him, her voice hitching. "I am still glad it was you, but... I know that is selfish, and—"
"Shh." Link closed his eyes and leaned his head against hers. "Don't say that, okay? You could've gotten someone really awful." You almost did. "It's not wrong to be relieved and happy that you didn't."
"But—but you—" She looked up at him, and his heart clenched at the sight of the tears in her eyes. "You must have—you didn't get a choice in this either, and—"
"I told you, don't worry about that." Link hesitated, and then brought his hand up to softly stroke her tail. It was a sign of affection in Zora culture, and one they found very comforting. He didn't know how Zora felt about doing it for others, but he knew that it always made his heart swell with affection and warmth for Mipha whenever he did it for her. "You matter so much to me, you always have—I'm glad I can be here for you. Take care of you. I'd hate to see you stuck with someone you were miserable with."
I just hope you're not miserable with me. Goddess, I just... all I want is to see you happy. I hate the thought that I've taken that from you, even if it wasn't my choice. If I could set you free to be with who you'd prefer, I would. It'd hurt, but I'd do it without hesitation. I love you too much to do anything else.
"I want..." Mipha swallowed audibly. "I want you to be happy too. I want to be here for you too, to take care of you. You deserve the best as well."
And I already have it. "Thank you." Link smiled. "That means a lot to me to hear that." He continued to stroke her tail, and Mipha's eyelids fluttered. "We'll do our best for each other, then, okay? I promise."
A shadow seemed to pass over Mipha's eyes, but she nodded. "I promise too."
"Thank you." He pulled her close again, and they let the embrace linger a little longer before breaking apart. Mipha climbed into her side of the bed, and Link was about to do the same when he suddenly stopped. "Um. Mipha?"
"Yes?"
"We, uh... we have to talk about... this." Link gestured at the bed. "My house has a couple guest bedrooms, and I'm sure the one we'll live in when we're in the Domain does too... if you'd rather, I can sleep in one of those."
"I..." To his surprise, Mipha looked distressed. "No, I... I can't ask you to do that, especially not at your own house..."
"Then... do you want to sleep in a guest room?"
"I..." She looked down, her fingers starting to run over her tail. She'd always done that when she was nervous, he remembered. "That seems so..." She searched for the right word. "Lonely, I suppose? I like the idea of being able to talk to you before we fall asleep... but of course if you're not comfortable..."
"No, I..." Link blinked. I was expecting her to jump at the chance to get out of such an intimate situation with me, honestly. "Uh... hmm. Well..." He scratched the back of his head. "Why don't we see how this works out tonight, and we can decide what we want to do when we get home?"
Mipha nodded. "That sounds good."
"Alright."
They doused the lamps on either side of the bed; the firelight still lent a warm glow to the room, but it was nothing that would keep them up. Link laid down and pulled the covers over himself. The rustling and creaking on the other side told him Mipha was doing the same. He closed his eyes.
If I were braver, I could at least ask to hold her through the night. Even just that would feel so good. But I'm a coward. A coward who knows the answer would be no, anyway, so there's no point in bravery here. Better to just give it up.
"Link?" Mipha shifted.
"Yeah?" He opened his eyes and rolled over to face her. With the flickering light of the fire behind her, he could just barely make out her features. Something about seeing her in the dark, mere feet away from him and in the same bed, tugged on his heart. Even if he couldn't have all that he wanted from her, this closeness was still a gift to be treasured. It was hard not to hope that she'd want it to continue.
"Goodnight." She reached over; understanding, Link gave her his hand to hold. Her webbed fingers interlaced with his, clasping them firmly but gently. "And... thank you."
"Goodnight, Mipha." He smiled, even though she probably wouldn't see it. "You're welcome."