King Rhoam had to collect himself, letting out a huff of defeat, grappling with whom he should be most angry. The thought occurred to him that he was partially to blame. What if his stern treatment of Zelda had stunted her ability to unlock her power, or worse...had chased her into the arms of that man? He feared it was true, but he couldn't let it show.

This was one of the worst possible outcomes coupled with one he never would have imagined. It was a lot to take in, but he forced himself to consider his immediate concern, which was the Calamity. What would become of his kingdom? His daughter? He would have to discern a fitting punishment for that man later—if there was a later, which was regretfully unlikely without Zelda's fully realized power.

With a heavy heart, Rhoam put it behind him.

And if the Calamity is somehow quelled…I will only have to break her heart once more when I deal with that man appropriately. In time, she will move on and she will thank me.

Rhoam surveyed the Champion's shaken expressions. The wind silently sent the tall grass rippling, giving an unsettled atmosphere in the wake of what had been witnessed. Rhoam looked over his shoulder, glancing at the phantom that was encircling Hyrule castle. There was a long pause before he spoke and his voice held little command. "Champions, it is time to take to your Divine Beasts. Although we may lack the means to seal Ganon away, we must continue to defend Hyrule until the very end."

Impa gathered the courage to speak before the others. "Wait, Your Majesty. If I may… Astor gave a warning regarding the Divine Beasts, and considering that Ganon has already taken control of the Guardians I think we should listen. We must be prepared for anything Ganon may throw at us."

"Are you seriously suggesting we listen to the ramblings of that insane man calling himself a prophet?"

"But, Your Majesty… What other choice do we have?"

"Not a chance! I'm not going to hearken to anything that man has to say. By the goddesses, he's going to need someone holier than Hylia when I find him!"

The Sheikah woman shifted uncomfortably but stood her ground. "Your Majesty..." This time, Rhoam could detect the tiniest hint of disapproval in her voice, perhaps even veiled disgust—a tone that conveyed he should be begging Zelda's forgiveness for humiliating her and treating the man he'd come to know as Astor with such disrespect since it was so apparent Zelda cared about him for reasons Rhoam couldn't comprehend. "What about Princess Zelda? I'm worried for her."

"You think I'm not?" Rhoam said, irritated.

"We can't be so quick to give up on her, nor can we discount the effort she has put in. If we take extra precautions we can still use the Divine Beasts to locate her. I choose to remain optimistic and believe she will awaken to her power very soon."

Rhoam was at a loss. Impa was too much like a friend to Zelda, not the advisor he had appointed her to be. He was baffled at how she did not at all seem angered by Zelda's shameful display and complete abandonment of her duty.

He was about to rebuke the Sheikah adviser when the four champions and Link gave a nod of agreement at Impa's words. The King stood silently as they began to devise a plan to oppose the blights, should they appear.

oOo

Zelda opened her eyes and lifted her head from Astor's robes, looking around as she assessed the place he had transported them. It appeared to be an area of the Lost Woods she was unfamiliar with. Yet there was something distinctly different about this place from those dreary woods. There was an abundant amount of Silent Princess flowers, more than Zelda had ever seen in one place. She knew immediately that there was something otherworldly about this place.

"No one will bother us here," Astor stated calmly. His arms still held her and he seemed hesitant to let her go. "Are you alright? You're still trembling."

Zelda took what comfort she could in that embrace, the sights and sounds of the Calamity still fresh in her mind along with the terrible outrage in her father's voice that left her hollow. "I am now…" Her voice faltered, and she held back a raucous sob in the back of her throat, overwrought by everything that had transpired and how tenderly Astor was holding her. "The worst has come to pass... But I'm alright as long as you are with me."

The shoulder of his robe was damp from her tears. The prophet took notice but mercifully said nothing.

"Where are we? It looks much like the Lost Woods, but no... It's just too beautiful." She looked up, seeing stars dimly giving their light through the canopy of the trees.

Astor gave Zelda's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It's a place of respite I think. I found this place after I cut ties with the Yiga Clan. And I think for you, rest is well deserved."

Zelda dropped her gaze. "But how can I rest? Everyone is facing the Calamity, while I am here in relative comfort and safety. Already, Father has accused me of running from my duty… And he has no reason to think otherwise… At least from his perspective. I… I'm so ashamed. I can only hope that with your words, the Champions will be prepared." Zelda said tensely, still trying to recover. "What did my father say to you?"

"Let's not discuss it... He's an ignorant old fool with neither the blood of the Goddess nor the gift of prophecy. As the Prophet of the Calamity, Ganon impressed its fear of your imminent power upon me, sending me visions of things to come. That is how I know it will happen. That is fate's true course that Ganon seeks to upend."

Zelda gave a small nod of acknowledgment, although she was too broken down to take much comfort in his words. She wanted so much to touch his face and tell him how much she loved him, but she held back, not wanting to feel any more vulnerable than she already did. And she was afraid she might hurt him on account of the fresh bruise he had received. It was clear that her father had struck him.

"I was so afraid of what Father might do to you. I'm so sorry I asked you to accompany me back to the Castle". H-he's a mean old man…" Zelda sniffed, breaking into a relieved but slightly tearful giggle.

Astor smirked, nearly laughing along with her, finding Zelda adorable in her moment of catharsis. "You managed to abide that man for seventeen years? I see that you are stronger than I would have ever imagined. I am glad to have gone with you. There's nowhere else I need to be except by your side. I never thought it possible, but you were able to pull me back over the threshold and away from Calamity Ganon."

Zelda's lovely green eyes lit up, and Astor knew those dark days serving Calamity Ganon were truly over, and as he held her he realized how empty that time had been. It was disorienting, like waking up from a distended dream. And he couldn't resist her any longer. No one had ever held to him or looked upon him in the way she did.

He cupped her cheek, damp with tears. "Zelda... How can I help you awaken your power?" There was a sensual note in his voice. He wouldn't be the one to set off her power. He knew that. But he wanted to at least pretend as though he could.

Gazing into his almost hypnotic yellow eyes, Zelda felt she could lose herself. Her lips parted slightly, though not to speak. She held the gaze he was giving her, almost pleading for him to lean in, and—Zelda's breath hitched. He interlocked his lips with hers and she gave a small sigh of happiness. The moments passed and neither of them seemed willing to break away. And she couldn't stop her tears as they flowed freely, feeling a sense of release, drinking deeply of that kiss. She pulled back the hood of his robe, being careful to avoid the bruises on his hollow cheeks as her fingers grazed his pallid skin.

"Take all that you need from me," He breathed between kisses, taking her in the most intimate embrace before grabbing her under the ass and hoisting her up with some effort. Zelda gave a surprised but pleased sound.

"Exquisite..." Astor declared, giving her ampleness a firm squeeze, the folds at the back of her white gown bunching in his hands.

Zelda giggled and kissed him again, slowly, intensely, though she wobbled a bit, Astor struggling to support her weight. An intoxicating warmth spread throughout her whole being, her body yearning for his undeniably.

A dim feeling of sadness began to creep in as she wondered if they ever truly had a chance to be together that wasn't in secret. Would anyone ever accept them when there were so many reasons they would object? He was chosen by the Calamity to facilitate its resurrection. That perhaps would never be forgiven. She knew he would likely be put to death, and she'd have no say in the matter. Yet she couldn't stop herself from loving him. What might she do if she were expected to forsake him?

I must awaken my power and save Hyrule before I allow myself that worry... Zelda scolded herself, grappling between her love and her duty to her Kingdom.

Astor gave a pleased laugh. "Alright, Your Highness. You're breaking my arms." He set her down, with an apologetic look.

Zelda uttered an almost involuntary whimper of longing, reaching out for him again, her anxieties welling up as doubts plagued her more than ever. "Lay down with me while I fall asleep?"

Astor's jaw nearly dropped.

"Hey, don't make this difficult." Zelda teased, pulling at the strings of his robe.

"Y-yes, Princess" Astor laughed as they kissed, their hands working hastily to remove the gold collar that hung over his shoulders, his matching belt, and the string of beads around his hips. She worked with him as he took off his robe, which was held together with hidden clamps. Astor draped his robe over her shoulders, and Zelda wrapped it around herself like a blanket, taking in the softness and warmness of it.

Zelda's gaze moved over him, admiring his silhouette. Under the robe, he wore a high-collared crimson shirt and a pair of black form-fitting pants that did not appear ancient and worn like his robe.

They laid down together on the moss-covered ground. Astor slid his hand under the robe which was draped over her, sliding his hand over the curve of her hip where her gown gathered. His name escaped her at his touch. She lifted herself slightly to lean on his chest and kissed him vehemently. Astor greedily wrapped an arm around her waist, kissing back with savage abandon.

The moments passed and then she drew away slowly when she sensed Astor growing nervous and eager.

She pushed his braided sections of hair away from his eye absentmindedly, noticing the fine lines under his eyes, somewhat hidden under dark makeup. His dark brows tensed as he reflexively smiled a the gesture, and then settled into an affectionate but pensive gaze

"I have dreamed of this moment…Of us…" She confessed.

"You have?" He said, at a loss.

"Your heart is pounding. What is it?"

Astor nearly stumbled over his words. He was both ecstatic and fearful of the role he would play in her life. "Nevermind that, Zelda. I think it's time you got some rest," he said, evading the issue.

Zelda sensed there was something he was keeping from her, as though something was haunting him. He was a seer after all. She couldn't imagine the heavy emotional toll that came with knowing one's future.

In time, she found she could barely keep her eyes open, falling asleep in his arms.

"Happy Birthday, Princess…" Astor whispered, feeling the welcome beginning of sleep descending upon him.

He had waited and prepared for this fated day when Ganon would rise. Yet, he was not spending it as he originally envisioned. He could scarcely comprehend that he was lying next to the princess of Hyrule, helping to comfort her in her darkest night. And for the first time in his life, he understood what it was to love and be loved.

Prometheus17: And still more to write where I can hopefully expand on the apocalyptic feel. Thanks for your compliments! That exchange between Astor and Rhoam was a lot of fun to write. I was partially inspired by Faylian's earlier comment and my reply to her. Astor just doesn't spare any details with Rhoam, and you can see his words left an impression.