"You certainly got here fast," Urbosa noted. "I should have expected as much, from the Princess's own appointed knight."
Link approached, eyes drifting to the Princess, who leaned on the Gerudo Chief's shoulder, fast asleep. Perfectly peaceful. Naboris stood high over the sands of the desert like a colossal statue. Nights in the dry desert were cold, but the divine beast's systems provided enough warmth for comfort. He had reluctantly allowed the Princess to spend the day with her mother's old friend. After all, Urbosa's reputation spoke well of her ability to hold her own against the Yiga, whoever they were. And maybe the Princess would feel better after getting a break from the knight she seemed to despise.
"She was out on a survey all day today. Still as the sands now…" She gave the Princess a loving glance, then turned her attention back to Link. "So? Spill it, boy. Have the two of you been getting along all right?"
Link shifted uncomfortably, remembering when the Princess had run off and then yelled at him. She hadn't shouted since, but she still seemed cold toward him.
Urbosa chuckled. "It's okay. I know. Your silence speaks volumes." Urbosa began explaining what Link himself had been wondering about for some time. The source of the Princess's said coldness. "She gets frustrated every time she looks up and sees you carrying that sword on your back. It makes her feel like a failure when it comes to her own destiny."
So that's why she hates me, he thought. She tries so hard to manifest the powers of the goddess Hylia, yet it slips from her grasp.
"Don't worry, it's not like you carry blame in any of this."
Link couldn't help but disagree. If only the Princess knew what it had taken for him to get to where he was today. Ever since he could remember, he spent his days covered in sweat out in the sun, training and training and training. He had developed a large number of scars throughout his life. He'd fought countless opponents. He was a prodigy, no one could deny it. But he had paid for his status with a life of sweat and blood. But none of that mattered if she didn't know.
"It's unfortunate. She's put in more than enough time. Ever since she was a young girl, she's gone through rigorous daily routines to show her dedication. She once passed out in the freezing waters trying to access this sealing power. And she has nothing to show for it."
He looked at the Princess with a newfound level of empathy.
"That's the motivation driving her research. I'd be doing the same thing. She really is quite special." Urbosa caressed the Princess's forehead, pushing a strand of her golden hair behind her ear. "You be sure to protect her with her life. It's quite the honor."
Link met Urbosa's gaze. His only goal was to see his mission fulfilled, the Princess protected from all harm. That was what he'd already vowed to do. Though… he hoped it wouldn't come to that. There was no telling what the next Calamity would bring. With each coming day, the strange feeling he had when looking at the Princess became stronger. It went beyond his duty, beyond the expectations behind the eyes of all who saw him. He could only pray to Hylia that he would be able to protect her.
"The night brings a chill," the Gerudo Chief said. "It's probably time we take her in. Hmm. Or…" she broke off, a mischievous grin spreading across her blue-painted lips. She pointed her slender hand toward the sands below and snapped.
A bolt of lightning struck, shaking the ground. Link flinched and stumbled in one motion. His battle instincts kicked in, his muscles tensed and pulse quickening. His fingers itched to draw his sword, but he knew better. It was only Urbosa's doing, and she would never bring harm to the Princess.
At the sudden, deafening crack, the Princess gasped in surprise, waking immediately. "Urbosa! What was that?! Did you feel that?" She paused, eyes drifting to her knight. "Wait, what? How did you… What are you doing here?!"
Urbosa threw back her head, laughing heartily.
"Wh- what's so funny?"
The Chief's laugh trailed off. "You're as expressionless as ever, Link. Loosen up a little, won't you?" She knew enough to not expect a response from the knight. "Now, I'm going to go join the ladies for a Noble Pursuit. You'd better get some proper rest, little bird."
Link offered the Princess his hand, but Urbosa was already helping her up.
She wobbled slightly on her sore feet at first. "How long has he been here?"
"Not long."
As he'd hoped, the Princess seemed less harsh toward him, if only a little, as he accompanied her back to Gerudo town. There, she would sleep in the best comforts the chief could offer. Link saw her off before returning to the Kara Kara Bazaar for the night. As he went, his mind pondered on Urbosa's words. The Princess had every reason to be frustrated. He wouldn't blame her if she wanted to scream. In a way, they were the same, only she had not yet reaped her reward for all of her hours, days, years of bitter work. His last waking thought was the goal to be more sensitive to her feelings from now on.
