Mipha stared up at the ceiling, watching the play of water shadows from outside. On the wall nearby a clock ticked away quietly. It was still fairly early, but she'd given up trying to get back to sleep. It sounded nice, certainly, but at this point just wasn't going to happen. Though not for lack of trying.

She and Link had arrived in the Domain fairly late yesterday. After the long trip, a tour of their new home, and finally a belated dinner, they'd both been too tired to have the discussion about sleeping arrangements they'd agreed to have upon arriving here. So it was that Link now slumbered gently beside her, his face turned towards her from his side of the bed. They couldn't put the talk off beyond today, however, and would have to address it at some point. Mipha dreaded it.

How am I to tell him that... that I want him to stay here, beside me? That I cannot face the idea of sleeping alone? I think it would further twist the knife, somehow, to not have him next to me at night. A brutal reminder that we do not share the sort of intimate relationship I so long for with him. It is hard, yes, to go to sleep in the same bed and not touch each other the way I want to, but I think it would hurt more to have one of us banished from the bedroom we are meant to share as husband and wife. Regardless of what we do not do in it.

And yet, eventually they would probably have to. No one had said anything about it to her—yet—but they didn't have to. Mipha was well aware of all her duties as a royal heir. Unless she intended to abdicate, she and Link would one day need to produce an heir of their own. And there was, of course, only one way of conceiving such an heir.

But I do not want him to lie with me simply out of obligation. A knot formed in her stomach. Link would be kind about it, I'm sure, but that wouldn't make it the joyful act it's supposed to be. I want him to want to do that with me. I want him to take me in his arms and show me both tenderness and passion. I want that sort of relationship with him so badly. I can never have it, though, so it is foolish to dream.

Link stirred slightly, and Mipha looked over at him. No—he was still asleep, long lashes resting on his cheeks, hair tousled around his face, one hand visible on the pillow. He looked peaceful. Beautiful. Mipha just barely restrained a sigh at the sight of him. If only she could close the distance between them—both physical and emotional—and kiss him. Touch him. Hold him. The need was painful in moments like these.

For the second time in a row last night he'd undressed in front of her without a thought, sending her into a tizzy she'd had to struggle mightily to hide. He hadn't shown her all of him, but what she'd seen had been enough to make her heart beat so fast and loud that she'd been convinced he would somehow become aware of it even from across the room. Link was no child anymore, but a fully grown man, and the thoughts and feelings he stirred in her were as adult as the body he carelessly bared in her presence. How she longed to run her fingers over his firmly muscled chest, through his glorious golden hair, to feel his hips moving against hers. To touch and kiss every inch of his beautiful skin, his gorgeous face, to have those strong arms around her as they joined themselves in this bed. Her face felt so flushed right now, dwelling on it, and her heart rate spiked. If she wasn't positive it would be the one thing to wake her deep-sleeping husband—for that was another thing that hadn't changed about him—she might've let her hand wander to relieve her frustration, as she had alone on the boat yesterday when she claimed to need a nap. Later, perhaps.

As if somehow roused by her salacious thoughts, Link stirred again, his eyelids fluttering as he fumbled his way into wakefulness. Mipha took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself and banish her fevered imaginings lest he suspect something. It would not do to have him realize that she wanted him like that, not when he didn't want her in return. That would only make things awkward between them, and would surely sink the chances of them continuing to share a bedroom.

Which is so selfish of me. I know. And wrong. Yet it would be so lonely my heart cannot bear it. Oh, Lord Jabu-Jabu, forgive me, but I am so weak for this man. Even just his companionship as we fall asleep at night is a blessing I cannot do without. I have adored him since we were children, in every possible way. If I cannot be physically intimate with him the way I crave, then let me at least be close to him, so I may revel in our renewed friendship. I am selfish, but I cannot help it. Forgive me. Both of you. Please.

Link yawned, and she turned to face him. He smiled sleepily, and her heart skipped a beat. "Hey, Mipha."

"Good morning, Link." She smiled back. "How did you sleep?"

"Perfectly, thanks." There was a bit of hair in his eyes, and her fingers itched with the urge to reach across the bed and brush it away for him. "What about you?"

"Well enough." She shrugged at his look of concern. "I suppose it was a bit disorienting to be back in the Domain, yet not in my childhood bedroom."

Link frowned. "Did I bother you somehow?"

He looked so anxious that Mipha shoved her own fears down and reached out, brushing the unruly lock away from his worried blue eyes; they seemed to widen a little at her touch. "No, not one bit," she said softly. "It was..." She hesitated. Here it was, hours ahead of when she'd thought—hoped—the conversation would take place. Ah well, maybe it was better to get it over with. "It has been... lovely, actually, these past two nights, having you here. Being able to talk to you before we fall asleep, and when we wake up. I have felt safe and—" She took a deep breath. "It is nice to not be alone."

"Then..." Link looked back at her for a long moment. His expression was impossible to read. "You don't... I mean..." He cleared his throat. "You want me to stay in here?"

She gave him a tiny nod. "Only if you don't mind, though."

"I don't." He went silent again, just looking at her. "I've been... I was thinking the same thing," he said finally. "About it being nice to not be alone, to be able to talk to you... I just didn't know how to say it, and I didn't want to pressure you, so... thank you."

"It is my pleasure." Mipha reached over again, this time to take his hand. "And I know you would never pressure me into anything, so please don't be afraid to ask for anything you want. You are my best friend, I would be happy to do what I can for you."

The corners of his mouth curved in a faint smile. "I thought I was your husband."

"You are both." Mipha laughed, and was pleased when Link did too. His laugh was as pleasant and warm as the rest of him, and she so enjoyed hearing it. "Or do you not remember asking why we can't be both?"

"I remember." His smile grew, as did the ache in her chest. "I'm still glad we can be. You..." Link swallowed audibly, his smile fading into a nervous, shy expression. "You've always meant so much to me. I've always missed the days we spent together here, and I'd hate to think all of that was lost because of things we had no say in. Like being apart for so long."

Mipha shook her head. "I don't want that to be the case either. I..."

"What? What is it?" Link peered at her with fresh concern in his eyes. "Did I say something to upset you?"

"No, no, please don't worry about that." She squeezed his hand. "You are so sweet, but I do not want you to worry so much. I simply had a thought." Mipha smiled, feeling shy herself suddenly. "Why don't we... go to Veiled Falls today, after breakfast? For old times' sake?"

Something seemed to flicker in his eyes, but she wasn't sure she didn't imagine it. Especially when he smiled again. "I'd love that. Are you sure you don't have royal duties or anything, though?"

"No." Mipha laughed. "Father was adamant that I be relieved of them during our honeymoon. So I am perfectly free to laze away the day with you, doing whatever I please."

Link laughed too. "Sounds good to me."

"Then we shall do exactly that." Instinct made her almost lean over and kiss his cheek, but she restrained herself just in time. Instead, she reluctantly let go of his hand and got out of bed. Knowing that her body wasn't alluring to him the way his was to her kept her from feeling too self-conscious about the fact that she was completely unadorned by any jewelry. It stung, certainly, but that was just something she'd have to come to terms with.

After a quick breakfast they readied themselves and packed up what they'd need for their outing to Veiled Falls. She could catch her own lunch there, of course, but Link helped the kitchen staff put together a small basket of food for himself. Armed with that and a few other necessities, they set out.

It was a little further to the Falls from their new house, but Mipha knew the Domain so well that she had no problem getting them onto the correct path. She glanced at Link as they walked along, and her eyes widened at the expression on his face. "Why, Link... what has you in such a good mood?"

"Being back here." He looked over at her, and smiled. "Don't look so surprised. You know I loved living here. I wasn't able to really take it in yesterday, but now..." His smile grew wistful. "It looks just like I remember. It's great to be back."

"And it will once again be your home," Mipha reminded him. She had her arm looped through his, and they both carried things with their other hands. "For at least part of the year."

"My favorite part of the year." He nimbly avoided a pair of Zora children running away from their parents.

"Really?" Mipha tilted her head. "Not that I do not love it here as well, but I had assumed you might prefer Hyrule Castle Town. I've heard it's wonderfully diverting."

"It's..." His brow furrowed. "I guess. There's lots of stuff to see and do, and there are things I'm looking forward to showing you. But it never felt like home to me the way the Domain does. I'm more comfortable here."

"Huh. That, I did not expect."

"You should've." His eyes were so soft that it made her breath catch, and there was no rebuke in his voice, just warmth. "I hated leaving, remember? I wanted so badly to stay."

"I do remember, yes." A pang went through her. "You wept in my arms until your father gently separated us and put you in the carriage." The way he'd cried out for her as it drove away had haunted her for years. "But... it has, nevertheless, been eight years. I would've assumed you'd settled in, adjusted to living amongst your own people rather than we strange Zora, and come to prefer that."

Link frowned. "Hey, you're not strange, don't say that."

"I am joking," Mipha said hastily, squeezing his arm. But was I? Really? I suppose I did want to hear what he'd say to that... how shameful of me.

"I know, but..." His frown deepened. "I don't want you to think I'm like the—like other Hylians. I know there are a lot of us that are rude to Zora, and I want you to know I'd never be like that. Eight years didn't change that."

"Link, I know that, don't worry." Her stomach churned. "I would never think that of you. You have always been so kind, and interested in everything to do with us. I admit there have been some Hylians who were unpleasant to me, but I've never thought you would be."

"I know. I mean, I figured that might've happened to you." Link coughed. "I've seen it happen in the capital, and it makes me sick to think of anyone treating you that way."

"Do not worry about it." She squeezed his arm again. "I have received kindness as well." Fresh guilt pricked at her heart. I mustn't think of him. No matter how much it eats away at me that I will never be able to return his cherished item to him. "I am sorry. I don't mean to upset you."

"It's okay." Link shook his head. "I... well, to get back to what we were talking about, I guess I... kind of adjusted to it, but I always missed this place, and you. To me, this was always my real home. Not Hateno, not Castle Town. Here. So yeah, I'm glad to be back."

"That..." Mipha looked down at the bridge beneath their feet. "That makes me so happy to hear..."

I have been so worried about taking you away from where you'd rather be. I had assumed you'd want to be closer to whoever it is that has captured your heart. But maybe that is too painful? Even so, I'd still think you'd prefer to be around your own people, rather than mine. It is a relief that you still find joy here. A selfish one, but a joy nevertheless. As for me... I am glad to simply be at your side.

It wasn't much further to Veiled Falls, and Mipha's heart leapt as she saw the tree she'd sat under as she waited for him that fateful day. She'd seen it countless times since, of course, but something about returning here with him made it different in a way she couldn't have put into words if pressed. She didn't dare glance at his face as they passed it, for fear of what she would—or rather, wouldn't—see there.

But... perhaps merely being here will spark a memory. I hope...

As they neared the water's edge they let go of each other and set down their things. Link took a blanket from his basket and spread it out, and Mipha set the towels she'd been carrying atop it before removing the golden cords draped over her chest. Next came the ultramarine sash, and then she was ready. Mipha glanced back at Link as she waded into the water, and her heart pounded as she saw him take his shirt off and toss it onto the blanket next to the towels. He'd already undone his hair, letting it hang loose around his shoulders; oh, Golden Goddesses above, why did he have to tempt her so? It wasn't fair. It did confirm that he was oblivious to her desire for him, but that wasn't much of a consolation. Holding back another sigh, Mipha turned to face the water so that Link wouldn't catch her staring. It was a bit of a wrench to look away right as he was taking his pants off, but she'd see him without them soon enough.

Mipha was nearly to the center of the pool when she heard splashing behind her; turning, she saw Link wading in. She smiled. "How long has it been since you went swimming?"

"Much too long." Link sighed deeply. Goddesses, he looked incredible like this. "Might have been since I was here last... unless you count me jumping in the fountain in Castle Town." He grinned guiltily.

Mipha laughed. "That depends on how deep it was."

"Deep enough for a runty ten-year-old." He glanced down at himself. "Probably still deep enough for me, actually, considering I'm still a runt."

"Oh, now who is saying things they shouldn't about themselves?" Her smile fading, Mipha moved back over to him. "Who has put cruel ideas in your head?"

"I..." Link's eyes darted away. "Too many to name." He looked down. "I guess you can only hear so many jeers about how you're like the summer solstice before you take it to heart..."

Her frown deepened. "Summer solstice?"

"Shortest night of the year." His gaze met hers. "They'd all say it like it was a riddle, and laugh themselves sick."

"Oh, Link," Mipha whispered, her eyes stinging. "That is awful." She slipped her arms around him and pulled him into a tight embrace. "Please don't listen to them. There is nothing wrong with you."

"I knew you would say that." He wrapped his arms around her and sighed. "Every time they'd mock me for something, whether it was my height or my background or whatever they'd decided needed to be laughed at, I thought about you and how sweet you've always been. I knew there was at least one person in the world who wouldn't do that to me, even if you were far away."

"You're right. I would never." She reached up to stroke his hair; it didn't have the same meaning for Hylians that it did when Zora's stroked each other's tails, but it was still comforting for them, as far as she knew. Link had always liked it when they were younger, if nothing else. "I wish I could've been there with you."

"I wish I could've been here." Link sighed again. "I never understood why I had to go away just cause the king thought I had potential. I wanted to stay here and learn from Seggin, like you and our other friends. But I didn't get a choice."

"And now you've had no choice about any of this, either." Mipha let her hands drop and she pulled away, biting her lip. "I am so sorry..."

"Mipha, don't, I wasn't talking about marrying you." Link shook his head. "That has nothing to do with this."

"Doesn't it?" She stepped back. "You... were robbed of choice as a child, and now as an adult, you are stuck with me."

Link's face fell, and seemed to pale. "Is that how you see it?" His voice shook. "Are you that unhappy? I..." He stumbled back. "I'm sorry, I..."

"No, no, Link, that's not what I meant at all!" Stricken, Mipha moved towards him again, bile rising in her throat at the pained look on his face. "Please, I... I am sorry..." She stared down at the water, tears filling her eyes. "I should not have phrased it like that. I'm sorry. I only felt guilty that you lost your choice of where to live and train as a child, and now you've lost your choice of wife as well."

"Mipha, this is the third time I've told you not to worry about that, I—" Link paused. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice dropping. "I know it's not easy for you to let go of things like that. But please. Please believe me when I say it's fine. This has to be hard enough for you, losing your choice of husband, without burdening yourself with guilt over something I don't want you to feel bad about."

"But... I..." She looked up at him with tear-filled eyes as he placed his hands on her arms. "You..."

"I'm fine," he repeated, his voice as gentle as his eyes. "And I'm not stuck with you, or anything like that. It's not a bad thing to marry your best friend. Something would've been arranged for me eventually anyway, and I'm grateful I ended up with you."

Mipha let out a watery laugh. "That is how I feel too. I must be honest and say I have not been impressed with the Hylian nobility I have run across at diplomatic events and at the ambassador's." She paused. "No offense intended, considering you are technically one of them now."

"Don't remind me." Link wrinkled his nose, and Mipha laughed. "I still think of myself as a commoner, to be honest. And so do they." He squeezed her arms. "At least with you I can sneak out of stuffy parties when we're bored. Even if you won't let me steal desserts anymore."

"That was only because I knew you'd be caught!" Mipha giggled. "Maybe at the next one, if we are not the guests of honor again."

Link's eyes glinted with mischief. "I'll hold you to that, then."

"Oh, you really are as incorrigible as you ever were." Fondness crept into her voice. "And yes, before you ask, I have missed getting into trouble with you," she added.

"Then you are too." Link grinned. "You were just as bad as I was, you just needed me to bring it out of you."

"That is not fair! It was my idea to smuggle those frogs into Muzu's office, remember?" Mipha jabbed him lightly in the chest, ignoring how her heart sped up at the brief contact.

"Of course I do. I'm just saying I was a terrible influence on you." He laughed again. "Just try and deny it."

"I cannot." Reaching up, she brushed some hair out of his face. It is strange, but the more I casually touch him the way I used to, the easier it becomes. I only hope our history keeps him from suspecting anything. "And I wouldn't, because I enjoyed every minute of it. You gave me such a precious gift: six years of the most wonderful friendship, one where I didn't have to worry about you treating me differently just for being the princess."

Link shrugged. "To me you were friend and partner in crime, not the princess."

"I know. And I loved it." I loved you. I may still, despite your... forgetfulness. "It meant as much to me as it did to you, and I missed you just as terribly when you were away."

"Well, I'm back now." He leaned a little closer, and Mipha found herself tilting her body towards him too. "We can pick up where we left off."

We already did. We are married. Or do you not remember that we swore to do that upon being reunited? "... Yes." She nodded. "We can."

Link frowned. "What's the matter?"

"Oh... nothing. Just thinking..." She let her eyes travel over him, forcing her expression to be neutral. "Whatever you say, you are far too big for me to take up the waterfall like I do with Sidon. A pity, since I would've liked to show that to you..." Not the best lie, but... it is true, so it's not entirely a falsehood.

"Oh, right." His expression grew distant. "I remember you practicing that all the time back then... you were really good at it, and I always wished I could do it too." A shadow grew in his eyes. "If only I was a Zora, I could."

"Stop that." She put her hand on his shoulder. "There is nothing wrong with what you are. And..." She pursed her lips as she thought. "If... if I remember the texts correctly, there is a way to enable the armor I am making for you to allow you to do that."

"What?" Link's eyebrows went up. "Really? I... thought the armor was only made for the husbands of Zora princesses."

"The kind I am making is, yes." Mipha nodded. "But at one point in the distant past, other types were crafted and sold to Hylians, in the days when our kingdoms were one and fought against others together. Perhaps if I search in the library, I can find what it is they did to achieve such a feat, and replicate it for you."

"You don't have to go to any extra trouble on my account." Link scratched the back of his head. "Really."

"But I want to." Mipha smiled. "It was your childhood wish, wasn't it? I would love to help you realize it."

He gazed down at her, his expression impossible to read. "... Thank you."

"Of course." Her own face grew serious. "Link, you know how much I care about you. You've said you want to take care of me, and I meant it when I said I wanted to do the same. Anything I can do that will make you happy, I am more than willing to."

"The same goes for you." Link spoke so softly that she had to lean even closer to hear him over the waterfall; they were now so near to each other that their foreheads were almost touching, and if one of them moved wrong, they would practically kiss. "Don't ever be afraid to ask."

"I won't. I promise." I hate lying to you. But there is simply no way I can bring myself to ask for the physical intimacy only I want. I cannot be so selfish and make things awkward for you.

"Good." He held her gaze, and for several seconds it almost seemed like they were on the verge of kissing, intentionally.

But then it passed, and a wicked gleam came into Link's eyes as he swept her up in his arms. Mipha yelped. "What—what are you doing?"

"Something I wasn't able to as a kid." He grinned lopsidedly at her, his eyes still sparkling with fresh mischief, and her heart thumped. Link gathered her closer, making her breathing stop—

—and then he leapt into the deeper water, taking her down with him as he sank below the surface. Mipha's cry of surprise was cut off as she was abruptly submerged; she playfully struggled against him, and he let her go. They swam back up, and Mipha beat him there. "You—you—"

"What?" Link smiled innocently, looking so boyishly cute that her mind rebelled again at how deeply unfair this all was. "As I recall, you always used to sneak up on me and drag me down with you."

"Did I?" Now it was Mipha's turn to feign innocence. "Are you quite certain? That sounds more like something the others would do..."

"I played with you more than anyone else," he countered. "And you were definitely guilty." He swam closer. "So that was payback."

"Then so is this!"

She jumped onto him, throwing her arms around his neck and landing on his chest, knocking him beneath the water again as his eyes widened. Link's arms came around her as they sank, and he clutched at her rather than trying to push her off, even playfully. He moved his head closer to her, his eyes still wide; horror dawning on her, she moved to hold him beneath his arms and swam back up in a rush.

"I am so sorry!" she blurted out as they surfaced. "Forgive me, I... I'm so sorry!"

"What?" Link blinked and shoved some wet hair out of his eyes. "What are you sorry for?"

"Scaring you like that." She turned away, running her hands over her tail. "I did not mean to, I swear..."

"Mipha, I wasn't scared." Link touched her shoulder. "I was just startled when you did that, that's all."

"You were holding me so tightly, though." She buried her face in her hands. "As though I'd badly frightened you."

"No, I..." There was a long pause. "I was just... trying to pull you down further with me." Link coughed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you think you'd done anything wrong. It was just part of our old games. Remember?"

Mipha opened her mouth to say something, but then a distant memory drifted into her head. She nodded slowly. "Yes... you're right... I do remember..."

"See?" Link nudged her. "I'm fine. Don't worry."

"I will try not to." She turned to face him again. "But perhaps we should simply swim normally now, without any more such games."

"Sure, yeah, but..." He hesitated. "Will you..."

"What?" She frowned. "What is it, Link?"

"... I want to see you go up the waterfall," he admitted. "It's been so long... you don't mind, do you?"

"Of course not." Mipha relaxed. "Just a moment."

She swam to the bottom of the falls, the water misting over her face; a glance over her shoulder revealed that Link was watching her. He smiled, and she smiled back at him, before turning and beginning her ascent.

Unburdened by any additional weight she reached the top more quickly than usual, pushing herself to swim even faster than she normally did. In the back of her mind she was vaguely aware that she was trying to impress Link, but she buried the thought and focused on making her landing as graceful as it could be. She only gave herself a few seconds to catch her breath before she leapt down and made her descent, sliding smoothly down before diving into the water. She could faintly see the outlines of his legs as she plunged beneath the surface, right before she swam back up in one fluid motion.

"Well?" Mipha swam over to where he was waiting for her. "Was that like you remembered?"

"Better." Link's eyes were alight with pure awe. "You really are incredible, Mipha."

"Oh, no, I..." She turned her face away, blushing. "When did you become such a flatterer?"

"I didn't. I'm just..." He paused as if searching for the right words. "I'm only saying what I see. I've always thought you were amazing. You know that."

"True, you always were very impressed by that." Mipha looked back at him. "I'm sorry I cannot take you up. I really do wish you could experience it for yourself."

"Hey, it's fine. You're looking into how to make it possible with the armor, right?" When she nodded, he smiled. "That's enough for me, then. If there's a way to do that, then eventually we'll be able to do it side by side. That's even better, right?"

Mipha smiled. "Yes, it is."

"Then don't worry about it."

They played and swam in the water for a long while after that; Mipha eventually relaxed about resuming their old games, and soon enough the air was filled with the sounds of splashing and laughing, drowning out even the sound of the waterfall itself. An argument soon ensued about whether or not their scores were even, and if they weren't, which one of them was ahead. It was like being ten again, and Mipha's heart lightened. As long as she didn't let herself dwell on the effect being close to Link and touching him as part of their play was having, of course.

Eventually, though, they began to tire and hunger. Mipha trailed after Link as he swam back to the shallower water; as he waded through it her eyes dipped down below his hips, to the way the short breeches he wore clung to him. She swallowed hard, her heart racing again and her hands burning to just reach out and touch. He was her husband. Why couldn't she be braver?

Because he would never welcome me doing such a thing. For all that he's said, I know it would make him uncomfortable if I did that. I cannot bear to repay his kindness like that. I must control my feelings for him, for his sake and mine.

She did reach out and touch his shoulder, though, when they were almost to shore; Link stopped and looked back. "What is it?"

"Link, this..." Mipha's fingers trailed down over his shoulder blade. Over the burn scar she'd seen while peeking at him as he undressed on their wedding night, and had been waiting for a chance to ask about. "What happened, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh... that..." Link's gaze dropped to the scar. "I got that... about four years ago, I think. They wanted to prepare us in case we had to go into battle against sorcerers, so they brought in some people from the Royal Academy of Magic for a training exercise. One of them was another of Rhoam's foster sons." His expression darkened. "Several years older than me, a baron's son who'd caught the king's eye with his magical talents, so he attended the Academy instead of being trained as a knight. And because I got a similar opportunity despite being a commoner, he resented me. So... when my back was turned, he burned me and claimed it was an accident."

"No..." Mipha covered her mouth with her other hand. "Please tell me they punished him..."

"Not a chance." Link laughed bitterly. "He was older and higher-ranked, and I was just a common-born kid. So they believed him. I got sent off to the infirmary to heal, and he got comforted when he pretended to be distraught."

"That is horrible." Tears filled her eyes. "I cannot believe no one did anything... no one cared for you..." She laid her hand atop the scar tissue again. "I wish I could've healed this for you." Her thumb moved slowly over him. "And then skewered that awful man with my spear."

"... Heh." Link closed his eyes for a moment and laughed. "I'd like to see that." He laid his hand over hers and squeezed. "Don't worry about it. It doesn't hurt anymore."

"I am glad, but..." Mipha moved closer to him. "You should never have endured such a thing to begin with. It makes me sick that he got away with it."

"His family has some influence at court, and he'd done well at the Academy, earning the favor of instructors descended from more prestigious families." Link looked away. "He and I are two of five foster sons that Rhoam has. One other is higher-ranked, and married to... some noblewoman, but the rest are all hereditary baronets, whereas I started out as just a nobody, son of a country knight. That... rankled some people, that I was allowed into that circle despite my low-born status. Including that guy."

"They are fools." Mipha's free hand clenched into a fist at her side. "You are just as worthy as any of them, if not more. And you are not nobody, don't say that."

"In the eyes of the nobility, I am." He shrugged. "I know you don't think of me that way, though."

"And I never could." Mipha traced her fingers down over the scar again. Whenever her mother had patched her up, she'd always kissed the bandaged wound and said it was to make it feel better. It hadn't done anything for the pain, but the affection inherent in the gesture had soothed her emotionally. She wanted so badly to do that now for Link, but it would probably make him feel awkward, so she held back. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you when this happened."

"It's not your fault." Link squeezed her hand again. "Don't worry about it. Please?"

"I will always worry about you. But fine." Mipha let go of him. "Go on ahead and eat, I will catch my own meal."

"Okay."

She let herself stare at him a little more as he walked away, and then turned and dove back into the water. There were a few bass swimming around near the falls, and she managed to swiftly grab one, sending the others scattering for deeper water. Holding her catch firmly, Mipha swam back to shore.

Link was already sitting on the blanket, eating the food he'd packed for himself; she started to sit next to him, but hesitated. "Um... Link?"

He swallowed a bite of food. "Yeah? You need something?"

"No, I..." Mipha glanced down at the fish in her hands. She'd already broken its neck, ending its suffering. "Should I... would it bother you to see me eating this?"

"What?" He gave her a blank look. "No. Why would it?

"Well, I didn't know if..." She fidgeted. "If you would think it disgusting..."

Link continued to stare uncomprehendingly at her. "I never did when we were little, why would I now?"

"That is true... I suppose I am being silly." Her face burning, she sat down next to him. "I'm sorry."

Why should it be any different, after all? What difference will it make? He already has no desire for me, why should something he witnessed countless times years ago affect that? I am a fool in so many ways.

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Link laid his hand on her thigh, sending shockwaves through her. "And you don't have to be self-conscious around me either. There's nothing wrong with you, or what you eat. Okay?"

"... Thank you." Mipha swallowed down the lump in her throat. "I shall try not to be."

"Good." Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him smile, and a new warmth surged up inside her, fierce as the waterfall.

They laid down together on the blanket afterwards, not saying anything, just basking in the sun and the sound of the falls. A blue sparrow hopped across the grass nearby, and Mipha watched it until it flew away. From the water came the quacks of at least one duck, and the splashes and ribbits of frogs. It could've been any day from their shared childhood; how many lazy afternoons had they spent here just like this, after all? Somehow Veiled Falls had become their favorite place to meet and play together, just them. There had been other friends to while away the days with, of course, Gaddison and Kodah and Bazz and Rivan, but the closest bond had always been between the two of them. She couldn't explain it, but something had drawn her to Link right from the start, and him to her, and it'd been a spark that they'd carefully nurtured together, building it into the roaring blaze that was their friendship.

Maybe it was that that convinced him he wanted to marry me. Maybe he was simply confused, as children often are, about their own feelings. He could very well have mistaken his affections for me as being romantic. I suppose I cannot hold that against him. We were so young. Innocent mistakes do happen, particularly at that age. That he still cares so deeply about me is nothing to dismiss or take for granted. However much it may pain me that my feelings are not returned, I must take care to still cherish what it is I do have. Had I been less lucky, King Rhoam might well have selected someone like the man who hurt Link to be my husband. Or indeed, that man himself. I cannot ever forget to be grateful that I was able to marry Link.

She'd just begun to think that Link had fallen asleep when his hand brushed hers, and then he interlaced their fingers together. Mipha glanced over; his eyes were closed, but he opened them, as though he'd sensed her gaze. He seemed almost on the verge of saying something, but remained silent as they simply stared at each other. After a couple minutes Mipha smiled, and Link smiled shyly back, his grasp on her tightening. Her heart swelled with affection for him, feeling suddenly like it would grow too big for her chest to hold in.

I am falling, came the dim thought as they continued to gaze at each other. The ground is collapsing beneath my feet and I am tumbling down. He is pulling me into the depths like gravity itself, and I am powerless to stop him. This marriage has sealed my fate. I am doomed.

Link closed his eyes again eventually, and Mipha watched him a little before closing hers, listening to the soft sound of his breathing as she let her mind wander. In a perfect world, he would've confessed tender feelings of love to her after taking her hand, and they would've shared a kiss here on the grass. The first real kiss of their marriage, with no witnesses around. None that could tell a tale, anyway. And who cared if they did? But this was not that world, and she had only her fantasies to try and content herself with.

I was hoping you would remember. The sour thought inched up her throat, from a shrinking heart that began to ache. That bringing you here would stir something in your thoughts. But you have either forgotten, or cannot bring yourself to speak of it because that would mean acknowledging your error in interpreting your own feelings. And you are so afraid of hurting me, that it seems all too plausible for you to avoid the topic so you may spare me. It is kind, but... perhaps misguided. I don't know. I don't know what is worse, this silence or a frank conversation in which I hear the truth I dread. But I am in pain either way, and I will not speak of it. You don't need the burden of that guilt. This is on me to move past. Not you.

… To be honest, I am not sure how I can. I must find a way, though, to avoid hurting us both.

Dusk was overtaking the city as Link left their house, the moon already beginning its ascent into the sky. The many luminous stones the Zora worked into their architecture kept it from feeling gloomy, however, illuminating everything in an ethereal blue glow as the light of the sun faded away. It was one of the smaller, shallower reasons he preferred it here over the Hylian capital: lanterns and streetlamps worked fine for letting one see after nightfall, but lacked the beauty of the luminous stones. The Zora also knew better how to arrange and affix everything so the lighting was more consistent, and thus made for a safer, clearer time wandering through the streets.

Of course, the stones would also now forever remind him of his wedding day, of Mipha's gown and how she herself had seemed to glow in their light, her own singular beauty further enhanced by it. Link's heart swelled as he thought of it again, and he couldn't keep a smile off his face. Her words this morning had inspired fresh fear and guilt in him about what he'd done to make sure it was him at the temple that day, but her assurances had set his heart at ease again. Mostly. Even so, it was hard not to feel joy at the memory of marrying her. He'd daydreamed about their wedding ever since he was a child, it was one of the things that had bolstered his spirits in the face of the taunting and teasing he'd endured from the other cadets. They hadn't known about the promise, but all the same it'd been hard not to feel a bit internally smug that he was already engaged to a Zora girl as they all whined about the Hylian noblewomen who wouldn't give them the time of day.

Then again, he doubted anyone would've been much impressed by such a claim even if they'd believed it. So many of them had shown themselves to be exactly the type of Hylian Mipha had voiced her distaste for that night in Goponga, even teasing him about having lived with "weird fish people". Which had gotten him into more than a few fights until he learned to control his temper better. And if he hadn't had the sense to keep silent about the fact that he was more attracted to Zoras than to Hylians, that undoubtedly would have opened him up to even more ridicule. Possibly even outright disgust. Hell, he'd seen barely hidden revulsion in those of them that he encountered after the plan for the political marriage was announced, and had been on the receiving end of pitying glances and words when he was revealed to be Rhoam's final choice. It'd infuriated him, and he'd struggled to remain polite while telling them that they needn't feel sorry for him.

I don't want any pity. Not from them, not from anyone. I married the woman I love, that's so far from pitiable that it's almost laughable. It's true that she doesn't feel the same way, but... that isn't a defect in her. Maybe that's something someone could justifiably feel sorry for me over, that my feelings are unrequited, but not the fact that I'm married to a Zora. And certainly not this Zora in particular. Anyone with any sense would envy me for getting to be her husband.

What a day it'd been. In a way, it almost felt like the first real day of their marriage, given that most of yesterday had been spent aboard the ship that'd carried them here from Goponga. Mipha had napped for a while in their cabin, leaving him alone with his thoughts and her friends and father for a time. Dorephan, for his part, was thrilled at their union, which was a relief. Gaddison and Kodah, meanwhile, had taken a more measured approach so far. They'd been his friends too back when he lived here, and had been happy to see him again and to see Mipha married to someone friendly... but all the same had sternly warned him not to hurt her. He really couldn't fault them for being protective of her, not when he felt the same. At least his sincere oaths that he would never harm her in any way had seemed to do the trick, and they'd all been able to relax and laugh together, reminiscing about bygone days until Mipha had woken up and rejoined them.

I'm just glad she missed the part where Kodah confessed she'd had a crush on me back then but gave up because she could tell I only had eyes for Mipha. That was embarrassing enough in itself, but would've been so much worse with her there. Especially because she probably would've figured out that I'm still in love with her. Bad enough that I think those two suspect. I don't think they know about the marriage promise, though, thankfully. I just... hope they don't put ideas in Mipha's head about how I feel about her. I don't want to make her uncomfortable.

Which had made his close call this afternoon all the more harrowing. In a moment of weakness as they'd laid there holding hands, he'd almost blurted out that he loved her. It hadn't helped that she'd been looking at him so tenderly that for a few seconds he'd let himself believe that she would've been happy to hear such a thing. But he'd managed to come to his senses and hold himself back, and keep those wild imaginings inside his own head.

They'd enjoyed themselves late into the afternoon, doing some more swimming and exploring the way they used to as children. As daylight waned they'd finally headed home for dinner, and afterwards he'd excused himself to go get in some practice while she soaked herself in a long bath to clean off the grime of the day and relax. He'd clean himself up when he got back; no sense in doing it before exerting himself again.

The training grounds were empty when he finally arrived; no surprise, considering the hour. They were well-lit, but everyone who used them was understandably either at home or out having fun. It occurred to Link that if he had the marriage he longed to have he too would be at home, sharing that bath with Mipha before taking her to bed and making love to her. His blood warmed at the thought, his heart pounding as images of them together flitted through his head. He'd nearly kissed her under the water earlier, and it was a miracle that the feel of her pressed against him hadn't made his body betray him and reveal his attraction to her.

Shaking his head to rid himself of the thoughts that could cause such a thing now, he grabbed a practice sword and began swinging it at one of the dummies. It wasn't the most effective way of relieving his frustrations, but it'd do for now. As long as he didn't think too hard about Mipha in the bath, anyway.

No. I can't dwell on that right now. Link's fingers tightened on the hilt, and he swung the sword more aggressively. The straw dummy swayed and wobbled under the assault, and he had to force himself to hold back lest he break it. Memories of Mipha in the pool at Veiled Falls, water dripping and sliding over every scale on her delicate, perfect curves, tried to dominate his thoughts, but he fought them off, striving to focus on his training.

Just when he was beginning to lose the battle, relief came in the sound of a closing door, and footsteps heading his way. Link looked up; a Zora in armor was heading his way from the building at the back. Their eyes met as the other man got closer, and recognition sparked for both of them. "Hey... you're..."

"Link!" He barreled forward the rest of the way and threw his arms around him, making Link drop the practice sword. "I heard you were back! No time to see your old friend Bazz, though?"

"Hey, I only just got back last night," Link protested. Bazz was a head taller than him now, and had almost knocked him over in his eagerness. "And today I—"

"Relax, I'm just teasing you. I know you're on your honeymoon and all that." He winked.

Heat swooped through him, blazing in his cheeks especially. "I—yeah, we're—"

"You and Mipha, huh?" Bazz nodded slowly, a thoughtful look on his face. "I approve. Unless you're not treating her right?"

"Oh, don't you start on that too." Link rolled his eyes. "Gaddison and Kodah gave me the third degree on the boat yesterday for what felt like forever. Do you really think I'd try to hurt her?"

"Of course not!" He shook his head. "We just... we care about her, you know? You too, of course, but... well, it's hard to explain."

"No, I get it." Link looked down. "I'd hate anyone that hurt her too. She... she deserves only the best."

"You have no idea how relieved I am to hear you say that." Bazz clapped a hand on Link's shoulder. "Not that I ever doubted how much you cared about her, but... well, I have to be honest, I had a bad feeling about this whole arranged marriage thing the minute I heard about it. She could've gotten saddled with someone really terrible, you know?"

"Yes," Link murmured. "I do know." Better than you think.

"So I'm glad it's you," Bazz continued. "You two were always really close, and I know she really missed you all these years."

"I missed her too." He retrieved the practice sword and took another swing at the dummy. "Every day."

"Good, good." He paused. "Not that I wanted you to be miserable, or anything, just... she's great, so of course anyone with a brain would miss her."

Link glanced at Bazz. "You... don't mind, then?"

"Mind?" Bazz scratched his head. "Mind what?"

"My marrying her." He thrust the sword into the dummy's midsection. "You sound like you're sweet on her yourself."

"What?" Bazz burst out laughing. "Oh no, not at all! Mipha's great, don't get me wrong, but she's like a sister to me. I've got my eye on someone else."

"Oh?" Link raised an eyebrow, relief cautiously starting to blossom. "And who might that be?"

"That's..." Bazz clamped his mouth shut. "Uh-uh." He shook his head.

"Oh, come on." Link grinned. "You can tell me." He pretended to think about it. "Is it... Kodah?"

"Nope. And a good thing too, cause she's nuts about Kayden." He laughed. "I don't know if I could deal with unrequited love, man. That's rough."

"... Yeah. It is." Link tried not to sigh. "So, I take it that means that whoever it is likes you back?"

"I'm pretty sure. Mostly." Bazz smiled sheepishly. "We've been dancing around each other for a while, and I thought I had no hope when she started dating someone else, but then her father kind of scared him off, so that went nowhere... and now I'm thinking it could work after all."

Link cocked his head. "It's Gaddison, isn't it?"

"What?" Bazz paled. "How—how did you—"

"First off, you basically just admitted it. Second, I remember her father being very overbearing. So it was simple math." He shrugged.

"Uuuuugh." Bazz groaned, his shoulders slumping. "At least you don't have to deal with that. The King really likes you for some reason."

"Must be my natural charm." Link stabbed the dummy in the neck this time. Mipha's words from that night in Goponga drifted back to him, and his hand shook as he withdrew the sword.

A charming stranger, she called me. Would she have felt that way if she knew who I was? I still wonder how she would've reacted if I'd been able to unmask myself at the end of the night. Or if I'd done it when I bought her that food, like she tried to trick me into doing. I know she wanted to see what I look like, for whatever reason... maybe I should've let her. I'll never know.

"Okay, I know you're just joking, but I really do envy you," Bazz said mournfully. "You have it made, man... a father in law who already thinks of you as a son? That's what everyone wants from their in-laws! And yours is the king? You struck the jackpot, I hope you know that."

"I'm well-aware, trust me." Link took a couple more swings. "Even though..."

"Even though what?" Bazz prodded him.

"... We didn't choose this." She didn't choose me. "I can't help but feel like..." He paused to consider his words. "She didn't have a choice in this. There must have been someone else she'd rather have, and now she's stuck with me because of a political situation neither one of us created. It doesn't feel fair to her." He gave him a sidelong glance. "Do you know who she wanted to be with?"

"I honestly have no idea." Bazz scratched his cheek. "If there was someone she was sweet on, I haven't heard about it, so she either kept it quiet or just... didn't have anyone in mind."

Link frowned. "No one? You really haven't heard anything?" She told me there was someone she wanted, but that it couldn't happen now. And she wouldn't lie like that, especially not to a stranger she'd never see again. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely." He nodded. "I mean, I'm not saying it's impossible, there might've been somebody, but I just haven't heard or seen anything."

"I believe you." Link adjusted his grip on the sword. "And... I hope you're right. I'm trying to make this easier for her, but I can't replace whoever she would've had to give up, you know? I don't want her to be miserable."

"I'm sure she's fine," Bazz said encouragingly. "You're a great guy, Link. I mean, I knew that when we were kids, but it's a relief to see you haven't changed. If anyone can make Mipha happy, it's you."

Don't. Please. I don't need false hope. "Thanks." He took a deep breath and aimed another slash at the dummy.

"Of course." Bazz reached out and squeezed his shoulder. "Listen, it's late, so I have to get home now, but... take care, alright? I'll see you around. I know you're busy with honeymoon stuff and all, but come see your friends while you're in town. Okay?"

"I will." Link smiled. "You take care too. It was good to see you."

"Likewise." He saluted Link and then walked away.

He stayed there for a little while longer, venting what he could, and then Link put the sword back and headed home. It'd been a necessary outlet, but he missed Mipha and wanted to be back at her side. They'd spent the whole day together, true, but it was only the second full day they'd had with each other in eight years. They'd been inseparable before then, and the forced distance between them had been a harsh shock. He was no longer the child who'd sobbed helplessly as a carriage took him away from the best friend he loved so much, but he still remembered being that boy, how much pain it'd caused him to be away from her. It was possible that he wanted to make up for lost time, that he'd never stopped grieving that loss. Eight years was such a long time.

Did it ruin things for us? Would we have been together if I'd stayed? I don't know. There still would've been political trouble between the kingdoms, most likely, and I might've lost you. There's no way of knowing now. Even so, it's hard not to fantasize about having been able to stay, and marrying you because we both wanted to. That... would've been ideal.

His pace quickened as he neared their house, and when he got there Link was practically running up the stairs to their bedroom. The door was closed, and he carefully opened it; he started to call out to Mipha, but the sight that greeted him stopped him just in time.

All the lamps had been doused except for the one on his bedside table, and a fire crackled in the fireplace. Beneath the sheets of the bed Mipha lay curled up asleep. Link shut the door as quietly as he could and headed towards the bathroom, pausing only to take a brief look at her.

He returned a short while later; Mipha didn't stir as he climbed into bed. She was facing him, her eyes closed and one of her hands resting on the pillow beside her. Instead of putting out the light Link sat and watched her, listening to her deep, even breathing. After a few minutes he tentatively reached out and touched her tail. When she still didn't wake, he began to slowly stroke it. Mipha sighed in her sleep but otherwise didn't react.

When you invited me there today, I was hoping it would get you to remember our promise. I wish it had. I want to talk to you about it. Do you remember? Because I do. I remember swearing to marry you when I'd become a knight and could return to your side. I remember you promising to wait for me, and giving me the opal to seal it. I remember how you kissed me, and I kissed you too. Two children who didn't know anything real about it, but knew it was how you expressed love.

And I did love you. I really did. I still do. A lump rose in his throat as he stared down at her. The firelight played over her face, flattering her almost as much as those blue stones had. What was it I told you today? That it's not a bad thing to marry your best friend? I left out the part where there's nothing better. I hope it was enough to soothe your guilt, because if you keep pushing I'm afraid of what I might say to convince you not to feel bad for me. Like what I did to make sure you'd be my wife. I don't know if you're ready to hear that. When we danced, you said that whoever I married would be lucky... would you still feel that way if you knew it was you?

Link continued to stroke her tail, affection for her washing over him in thick, heavy waves. At last, when his own eyes began to fall, he leaned down and kissed the crest of her forehead. Mipha still didn't stir; he smiled sadly at her and then turned to douse the light.

"Goodnight, Mipha," he whispered as he drew the covers over himself.

I love you.