With how much time and effort Zelda had put into praying lately, and a little coaxing from her knight, she finally decided it was about time they had a day to relax. She wore a blue, white, and gold formal dress rather than her travel clothes. Link couldn't help but notice how well the outfit suited her. She looked like a true Princess.

They spent some time in the library, though Link wasn't much of a reader himself, and then he took her on a little picnic in the castle gardens, where she pointed out several species of birds and butterflies.

After some time spent in her study, Zelda led Link out onto the bridge leading to the rest of the castle. She stopped, however, when she heard mechanical sounds coming from below, and leaned over the side to watch the researchers working with the ancient Sheikah Guardians. Her eyes sparkled like they did when she was excited as she began to rant about the mechanical wonders. She really did have a bright mind and a fascination for Sheikah tech. Link admired that about her.

"What are you doing out here, Zelda?"

Her smile disappeared. She turned toward the scolding voice.

Link knelt down on one knee and bowed his head, as was customary, as Zelda's father crossed the bridge to where they stood. The King's tone was harsh, and he did not look very happy either.

"I..." Zelda clenched her fists. "I was assessing the results of the experiments with the Guardians. These pieces of ancient technology could be quite useful against the-"

"I know that," the King interrupted. "They are essential to Hyrule's future, and our research demands that we keep a close eye on them. However, as the Princess, you currently have a crucial, unfulfilled responsibility to your kingdom."

Zelda gave a small sigh, her gaze dropping.

"Let me ask you once more. When will you stop treating this as some sort of childish game?"

She looked back up at her father's scowling face. "I'm doing everything I can. I- I'll have you know that I just recently returned from the Spring of Courage where I offered every ounce of my prayers to the Goddess-"

"And now you are here, wasting your time! You need to be dedicating every moment you have to your training. You must be single-minded in unlocking the power that will seal Calamity Ganon away."

Link frowned. Can't he let her breathe for once?

"I already am," Zelda said, shaking her head in frustration. "Don't you see? There's nothing more I can do!" Her tone suddenly turned from angry to nervous and pleading. "My hope... My hope is that you... That you'll allow me to contribute here it whatever way I can."

"No more excuses, Zelda!" the King snapped. "Stop running away from your duty. As the King, I forbid you to have anything to do with these machines from this moment on, and command you to focus on your training."

Zelda began trembling slightly. Link had to fight off the temptation to growl. Telling her to stay away from the Guardians was like telling her to stop being herself.

Her father turned toward the scene below, where the experiments continued. "Do you know how the gossip mongers refer to you? They are out there at this moment, whispering amongst themselves... that you are the heir to a throne of nothing. Nothing but failure."

Link could almost feel the hurt emotions coming from Zelda in waves.

"It is woven into your destiny that you prove them wrong." He turned away from the Guardian, which was spinning its pot-shaped head around, to face his daughter again. "Do you understand?"

She slowly hung her head as if a great weight was being placed on her shoulders. She could barely keep her voice from shaking. "Yes. I understand."

As the King turned to go, Link had the urge to stop him and tell him all about how hard his faithful daughter was working. Of course, it wasn't his place to address the King without invitation, but he felt he needed to do at least something.

He took a deep breath, then spoke, though his nerves screamed at him to remain silent. "Your Majesty?"

The King paused. "What is it?"

Link looked up and cleared his throat nervously. "If I may, your daughter works very hard. She is tired, and needs a break once in a while. She's... not a machine."

The King whipped around, making Link flinch. "You dare accuse me of treating her like one?!"

"No! I- I didn't mean-"

"Enough! This matter is finished. I now see that you may very well be the cause of my daughter's dawdling. I'm putting you on probation. If you do not shape up, I will see to it that you are replaced. And as for you..." He turned toward Zelda again, who was barely holding herself together. "You are to leave at once for the Spring of Power."

As soon as the King was gone, Zelda began to shake with silent sobs. She stayed rooted to the spot, not wanting to show her face.

"I'm sorry," Link whispered, silently scolding himself. He'd only made things worse.

"No. Thank you for... for trying. I'm the one who should be sorry."

He stood, shaking out the knee he'd been putting his weight on. Then he rested a hand on her shoulder.

She turned her head reluctantly, blinking tears from her eyes.

Don't be. We'll figure this out, his expression said. "I'll teach you some tips on horseback riding on the way," he offered.

She sniffled and nodded. "I would like that."