Hello! I managed to change the first chapter's title - I'm still struggling with this site, so many options - and as I was clicking things I came to the site's break down by visitor country, and there are people from so many places! Hello to all! Also to those who speak Spanish, hola hola! Me emocioné tanto al ver los números jajajajaj.

Hope you enjoy this one!

Whatever uproar he had imagined the return of the Princess would make, he was sure he fell short on imagination.

As soon as they saw the Princess they began to call for her. Begs, wails, shouts. Link put himself on front, full height, shoulders squared, eyes alert. He felt bad for treating them the same as a mob of bokoblins but he could feel Zelda's tension and the look some of the citizens were giving her were nothing short of worrying. They moved slowly, the same people made a barrier around them, the few soldiers that were accompanying them tried to control the crowd, but Link knew that their restraint had more to do with Zelda - maybe some of it with him, as he was sure he looked capable enough - but he made sure to remember the soldiers that at least tried to protect her, some didn't even move away from their positions.

As they neared the Square they could see the Castle and its destruction, Link moved with intent, keeping in check every tear-smeared, angry shouting or apparently unaffected face. From the corner of his eye he saw what caused, in big part, this reaction; bulletin boards were posted throughout the Square, Link side glanced Zelda. She remained stoic, smiling slightly to everyone, nodding at people or raising her hand in acknowledgement; those boards had long lists of dead soldiers and citizens.

They were making their way to the Castle's entrance when a group of snobbishly looking men moved hurriedly towards Zelda.

"Princess!"

"Thank the Goddessses!"

"My prayers have been answered!"

They started talking to her, so fast and all at the same time that Zelda could only sigh. They didn't stop. Link glared at them.

"Surely you could all wait till her Majesty has eaten and rested, right?"

They looked offended, and he could feel Zelda's surprise. He kept on walking, and they followed behind, still looking to each other.

He knew the Castle had seen better days, but he had actually expected a less functioning machine; he was greeted by maids - some of them came crying to Zelda, and the way she squeezed back some of their hands made him sigh in relief - some soldiers squared themselves when they saw her and genuinely smiled, and there were already people making repairs.

Zelda dismounted with his help, and he escorted her to the entrance, Zelda rested a hand on one of the main doors and exhaled, so low he was sure only he could have heard it. She kept on walking, and Link remained on her right side, a few steps behind.

He remembered the Castle, and he could recall the Grand Hall they were crossing. As of now, it was filled with construction materials and people shouting at each other, four souldiers had come to greet her Majesty, and had nodded towards Link before putting themselves in position around her.

She went straight to a private room, it was small, but it had a table that could separate her from others and enough chairs for her guests. The soldiers remained outside, the men hurriedly sat, and Link accompanied Zelda to her chair.

And then the men let go, money and land, oath breakers and slander. Link remained inexpressive but he could see already that they had worries that were not to be solved in the face of Zant's invasion. Zelda took note of a few things and dismissed two of them, she talked about money to another and he too, took his leave. The remaining two were expectant.

"How many are left from the council?"

They looked at each other, "Old Rauru died, we found him inside the Castle, he was found on his bed..."

"Dotour lost all of his lands-"

"A vast amount, he still has two plots of-"

"A vast amount then, Dotour is trying to not lose everything."

"Mikau and Kafei are..."

"Fighting..."

"They are slandering each other and are at each others throats, basically."

Zelda nodded, "Call for a meeting then, everyone has to come, in uhm," she looked through the tiny window, "three hours."

The men bowed, and left.

"You have to eat and rest, Zelda," said Link through gritted teeth.

"Right."

She raised her head, "Hey, everything is fine, this is how things are in here, I am actually a bit surprised everything is working so well."

"You still should eat and rest, you have just fended against an invasion..."

"We. And mainly you," she smiled, "also I am well rested. Remember how I hoarded the night?" Link's face made her giddy with happiness, "but I will do as you say, Hero, I owe it to you."

Link opened the door and followed, they went up the stairs he had walked as a wolf in what felt like a lifetime ago. Her room was in better shape, a fire was heating her room and Zelda fell soundly on her bed. Link opened the door and told one soldier to bring food for her Majesty.

He stood by her door.

"Link, I must say that I am most grateful for your concern, it does make things feel less heavy."

He didn't speak.

"I thank you for everything you did, and everything you went out of your way to do, too. I will be awaiting for you here, you are free to go now."

"Tell one of your maids to ready a room for me, I'm staying."

Zelda snickered, but realised soon enough he was serious.

"Link you must go back to Ordon."

"I am not leaving you with this."

"You are not."

He had his brows furrowed.

"Link, this," she motioned towards the Castle, "is my life, I know how to handle it, I was born and raised in it." Zelda came towards him, "Also, you are not leaving me with it, because for one this is my burden," she stood to her height and affectedly said, "I am Princess Zelda Eugenia Harkinian Hyrule," she winked, "so if anything you are returning me to my duty, and two," she touched his arm, "you are coming back, aren't you? For me to give you the whole west wing of the Castle."

Link snorted, "Zelda..."

Two knocks on the door and Zelda retreated to her bed, "Yes?"

"Your Highness, I brought you food."

Link opened the door and let her in, the maid looked at him briefly, and her blush followed her movements.

"Thank you, Leela."

The maid curtsied and left.

"Link, I am not letting you carry more of my burdens, I barely know how to thank you now."

"You don't have to thank me."

"And you said that you needed to go back to Ordon, don't make me feel guilty for keeping you here."

Link stood still, closed his eyes.

"Link, you will regret it if you stay. Please go back to Ordon... I won't go anywhere."

And he sighed.

"Okay," he made fists of his hands and nodded.

"Link", Zelda looked at him, and couldn't say anything.

"I am saying 'okay' because I understand, not because I'm angry or anything," when Zelda didn't say anything he bowed, "I swear."

He stood by the door two seconds more than necessary, "I'll see you soon."

And he left.

Bye Link! Hope to see you soon!