Disclaimer: The Legend of Zelda world and its characters belong to Nintendo.

Author's Note: Hi readers! I wanted to give a heads-up that next week's chapter might be posted late. Instead of the usual Friday, it might come on Sunday or even mid-week. :-( I just started a new job and my Uni professors are a little more hardcore this term. I will definitely post as soon as I can because I don't want to leave y'all hanging. Please know I appreciate every review, follow, and favorite! Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Morning came – or perhaps it was afternoon? Life bustled outside Link's room as the Zora people went about their day. In the distance, he heard splashing, laughing, and even singing. He stayed and listened for a few moments. Stretching, he felt something folded under his hand and grasped it. It looked like a note. Pulling it closer, he unfolded it and read.

I'm at my lessons. Joy. Then I have to go feed Jabu Jabu. Praying to Nayru he doesn't sneeze again... I think about that every time now.

Try not to get into too much trouble while I'm away. Honu will help you get breakfast when you're ready. You're free to go anywhere in our city or the lake. Don't leave the domain – we can't protect you outside it.

Love, Ruto

He folded the note and placed it in his pocket, then sat up. All the places Ruto had touched with her light had healed, all except one. He had realized that when the dagger wound was cold, danger wasn't near. Reassured by that, he found his tunic folded up neatly for him on the tray nearby. He picked it up and put it on, followed by his boots.

Honu, loyal to her Princess, had been watching for Link and went to his side as soon as she saw he was awake.

"You look like you're feeling better," she greeted him.

"Almost like new." He smiled at her.

"Are you hungry?"

"Starving."

"Walk this way, please." She led him toward the upper level of the domain to a cavern where he had never visited. Inside was an intimidating portrait of King Zora, along with a table and chairs. On the table were various covered dishes, a single plate and silverware laid out at the far end of the table. He imagined this must be where King Zora, Ruto, and a few of the King's favorites had their meals together. Link's memory flashed back to the man he had heard Ruto arguing with yesterday and wondered if he was a favorite. Probably, he realized, without relish.

Honu pulled out the chair for Link and curtsied, a gesture which took Link off-guard. "No need for that," he told Honu. "Thank you. For everything."

"Of course, my lord. It is my pleasure to serve you. The Princess has told me much about you."

"I am no lord. Just Link."

She gave no response this time, and he supposed she was intent on treating him as though he were one of Hyrule's most esteemed men. He noticed that Honu watched him with particular interest as she uncovered the dishes before him. There was bread, fish, fruit, and eggs, along with water and juice. It was much more elaborate than what he was accustomed to eating on the road. Malon was always happy to feed him when he stopped by Lon Lon Ranch or he could pay to eat at an inn. For the most part, since neither of those options were always convenient and along his route, he was used to either fishing or hunting.

Honu remained as he ate. She stood at a distance and tried not to stare at him, but naturally, Ruto had told her everything. This outsider boy was the reason she did not wish to marry Jireto. While Link seemed ordinary and unimpressive, Jireto was majestic, a true warrior. Honu couldn't help but look at him to try and see what Ruto saw.

He took a sip of the juice, eyeing her. "I hope I am not keeping you from anything important, Honu," he said. "I don't mind cleaning up after myself."

"There will be no need for that, my lord," she answered. "My main duties are to attend the Princess, but she has told me she will not be needing me for a while."

He suspected that Ruto had given her orders to ensure he did not leave the Zora Domain. He had no plans to do so, at least not yet. He wanted to search for Navi, but if he got captured or hurt, it did neither of them any good. Link could see no way around that aside from healing himself. If there was anything in Hyrule that could heal him. He had his doubts, given Sheik's and now Ruto's difficulty.

After he finished eating, he stood from his chair. He helped Honu clear the table, which seemed to fluster her. She insisted that he let her wash everything, so he told her, "I'll go to the lake. Alone, if you don't mind. I just... need a few moments to think."

She curtsied again, leaving him to it.

Link felt eyes on him as he passed, diving down to the doorway that led out to Lake Hylia. It was a relief to finally get outside into the fresh air and away from the curious stares. He swam to an island with a section of trees that would offer him privacy for quiet contemplation. He needed a plan.

He didn't get very far in his thinking. A voice from behind startled him, causing him to jump into the water. Looking up, he saw a fierce-looking Zora with markings along his arms, chest, and neck. His stare held no friendliness, and he did not smile, instead regarding Link with severity.

"Who are you?" Link asked.

"No, not who am I. Who are you? Ah, but you are an Outsider. You chance bringing enemies upon us and expect our hospitality in return, but your offenses are even greater than this."

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean." Link had recognized the voice by now, but he still felt confused.

"I know you have it. The sacred stone of the Princess that is to go to her future husband," the stranger said. "I am to be her husband. The stone is rightfully mine, but I hear you have it. I command that you give it back at once. Else, I will bring you before King Zora as a thief, and you can await his justice."

"You've got it all wrong. Listen – sorry, what was your name again?"

"Jireto, future king of the Zora. Not that you are worthy to speak my name, Outsider."

Link could feel himself growing annoyed, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Jireto – listen. I needed the stone for an important mission given to me by Princess Zelda. I can't just hand back the stone, much as I would like to. I know it's not mine. I don't mean any offense."

Jireto paused, considering. "It sounds to me like the ramblings and nonsense of a thief. Hurry and put your clothes back on, Outsider Thief. We go before King Zora today."

Link saw no way to refuse him, and he did not want to engage in a fight with Jireto. He knew it was best to remain peaceful so as not to upset the Zora. They were good allies. Besides, he supposed Jireto was only doing what he thought was right. It didn't matter how misguided he was.

Going before King Zora did not sound like the worst thing. Perhaps Ruto's father would vouch for Link. He was loyal to Princess Zelda and her family. She allowed him to be King of the Zora, and he did not interfere with matters outside his domain. Surely, an explanation like the one Link had given Jireto would suffice when the listener had more sense about him. Jireto seemed blinded by pride and a need to be somebody. Link could not imagine Ruto actually wishing to marry him, but if he were honest with himself, he did feel a little jealous.

"Alright. I'm ready to go now, then." The quicker Link could get this over with, the sooner he would be able to be on his own again. Link took a breath and dipped back underwater, swimming back toward the secret entrance.

Jireto swam behind him to keep an eye on him at all times. Once they reached the throne room, Link waited for Jireto to announce their presence to the King, then stepped forward to stand on the platform. Jireto stood behind him, maintaining a vice-like grip on Link's shoulder.

"Great King Zora, I bring before you a thief. I have come to learn, through guarding the Princess, that she has given her sapphire to this boy. He has accepted it and states he cannot give it back. I wanted you to know, before we keep him under our roof for much longer, that he is a traitor to our people. He claims something which is not his, and I bring him before you for your justice."

It took a great deal of discipline for Link to refrain from rolling his eyes. Give me a break, he thought.

King Zora sat in silence for several moments, regarding Link. "Is this true, Link?"

"I do have the sapphire," Link said after a pause, "but I didn't take it to hurt or betray your people in any way. I took it for the good of the realm."

Jireto barked out a laugh. "Do you see how he passes off his thievery as altruism—"

"Quiet, Jireto," King Zora said. "Let the boy explain. Please."

Link swallowed his smug satisfaction at King Zora silencing his opponent. "I took it because of a mission given to me by Princess Zelda. She directed me to collect three spiritual stones. We had to stop them from falling into the wrong hands. Anyway, the Zora sapphire was one of these stones."

"And was Princess Ruto under the impression that you took it because you agreed to marry her?" King Zora asked.

Link gulped, feeling his face turn red. "I suppose she was," he answered. "But I... we are good friends. I've never ruled it out. I can try to give the stone back to her, if she changes her mind someday. I just can't do that right now."

"And why not?"

Link took a breath. These questions were not ones he ever expected to contend with, and he wasn't sure if it was a good idea to tell everything. He trusted King Zora, but what if there were spies? What if telling him the information put him in danger? Ganondorf already knew enough to have Link tracked, to try and stop him from completing his quest. "Well, the stones are part of a tool that we need – Princess Zelda and I, that is – to complete the mission."

"Hmm."

"He's being very vague, Your Majesty. Clearly, he is lying," Jireto spoke up.

"That is for me to decide," the King answered. "Right now, I am most concerned with the issue of Princess Ruto's marriage. That is, first and foremost, what the stone is meant for. A sacred gift for a sacred union. Link… is not of the Zora, and yet, he has done much for us. My own instinct tells me that we must trust him. However, I do not know if he is a suitable match for my daughter."

"How about if I decide that?" Ruto materialized behind her father as she returned from Jabu Jabu's altar. She had not announced her presence immediately, wanting to understand why Link and Jireto had an audience with her father. "Since it's my marriage and my life, why don't I choose who I want?"

"You are young, Sweetling," King Zora said to her. He was not taken off-guard that she had been listening and seemed to have been expecting it. "But I suppose you are right. One of these men will be your husband someday. Who would you choose?"

Link was shocked and honored. King Zora would allow him to be an option? But he wasn't ready for marriage at all and didn't know if he ever would be. There seemed so much for him to do, still, even as he realized he did care for the Princess and very much wanted to be close to her.

"Easy question," Ruto answered. "I choose Link."

"She is too young to decide for herself!" Jireto shouted. "My King, no disrespect, but you would let a girl with no understanding of how the world works choose her husband for herself? This is dangerous—"

"Jireto, hush," the King silenced him again. "My daughter, are you sure you don't say this out of anger at Jireto? Is this truly your heart's desire?"

"Yes!" She glared at Jireto. She would get him back for insinuating that she was just a girl with no intelligence or feeling of her own. "Look at how Link answers you calmly, while Jireto dominates the conversation. Look at how hastily he jumps to conclusions that Link is a thief. Do you think he would make a good king? I don't. He is much too impulsive and will create many enemies for us when he rules."

King Zora regarded the three of them as Ruto went to stand by Link, Jireto glowering in the background. Yes, he knew the man he had chosen for his daughter could be impulsive, but perhaps that would fade as he got older and hopefully wiser. Yet Ruto seemed adamant that she wanted Link, and he could see how she might fall in love with the boy who had rescued her when no one else could. King Zora put up a good fight, but in the end, he could deny his daughter nothing in the way of her happiness. He loved and spoiled her beyond belief.

"Then the matter is settled," the King said. "Jireto, I am sorry. The boy will not be charged as a thief." He looked to Link. "There is only one question left. Link, do you agree to marry my daughter when you both come of age and keep the sapphire within the Zora Domain, once you can retrieve it?"

Link could feel his ears warming again. King Zora was waiting for an answer. "Y-yes," Link said, much to the Princess's delight. She squealed and threw her arms around him, which made him turn even redder. Link gave Ruto a tentative pat on the back, afraid of doing anything else in front of her father, and asked himself what in the name of Hylia had just happened here. How did he get himself into these messes? Not that he didn't like Ruto - he did, very much - now that it was official, it felt like much more to process.

"Jireto, I am sorry," King Zora said, turning back to the other man. "You are no longer to marry the Princess, but we will still find a high position at court for you. You are one of our best men. I appreciate you bringing this matter before me, but the boy remains free of any charges and may stay under our protection."

Link bowed, thanked the King, and turned to go down the stairs, but Jireto blocked his path. The look in the Zora warrior's eyes told him this wasn't over. Ruto hissed at him, "Move."

He stepped aside so they could pass, then looked back at the King. King Zora remained silent. Jireto bowed grudgingly and exited the throne room.

Later That Day, in Lake Hylia . . .

"I never wanted to marry him. I always wanted you, ever since that day you came to help me. I only wasn't sure if you wanted me, too." Ruto lay in the grass under the late afternoon sun, reaching over to touch the tips of Link's fingers as he stretched out beside her.

Link hesitated, trying to come up with a response. He didn't want to say anything that might mess up the moment. Before too long, Ruto turned on him, assaulting him with questions.

"Didn't I tell you not to get into trouble, though? Did you even read my note?"

He blinked at her, then sat up and took off his boots to dangle his feet in the clear water. "Trouble seems to find me lately," he answered. "And yes, of course I read your note." He'd saved it, careful to place it into his pack in his room before going into the water. He didn't want it to get wet.

"You're doing that silent thing again," Ruto observed. "Honestly, Link, sometimes trying to get you to talk is like pulling teeth."

He gave a halfhearted smile, his quest ever-present on his mind. He felt like he was wasting time. Navi had advised him to come here thinking he would enjoy it, that it would restore him somehow. He did like Ruto, liked her in a way that he hadn't felt about Saria, Princess Zelda, or even Malon. Ruto could be spoiled and self-absorbed, but she also had gifts she didn't show most people. She knew what she wanted and pursued it. He had noticed her body more when they lay in bed together – but he couldn't think about that now…

Link took a deep breath of the fresh air and watched a fish swim along. "I'm just glad you're happy."

"Aren't you happy?" She watched him, but before he could answer, they realized they were no longer alone.

Both fell silent as they noticed a figure swimming toward them underwater. Ruto could tell who it was before Link recognized him.

"What does Jireto want now?" she asked, immediately on the defensive.

"I don't know, but it can't be good."

He swam before them and popped his head above the water, first to leer at Ruto, then address Link.

"I challenge you to a duel, Outsider," he said. "We will allow our swords to settle who is the better man for Princess Ruto."

"Really? Jireto, go away. My father already decided, and that man is clearly Link." Ruto picked up a heavy stone and threw it at the other Zora, but he dodged it.

"You are an impulsive child, but you will be my wife someday. Hopefully, you will be less obstinate by that time. No disrespect to King Zora, but he has done you no favors by always giving you what you want. I can teach you what it means to be a true woman and queen."

How boldly this man spoke to her! No wonder she had been so happy about her father freeing her of the promise to marry Jireto. Link found himself becoming angry as he listened.

"She already is. She needs no help from you on either of those points," Link said. "I accept your challenge."

"Pity, that I must duel you, a mere child. Some would question my sense of honor. I will naturally have the advantage over you, but there is no way to avoid it while our King refuses to see sense." Jireto dodged another rock that Ruto lobbed at him. "We fight at dawn. Right here, on this island."

Once he had left them, Ruto turned to Link. "Are you crazy? He'll completely wreck you, and after I just healed you too…"

Link suppressed a laugh at her reaction. The Zora warrior would be a piece of cake. He wasn't worried about the fight, more that when Jireto lost, he would try to find some other way to get Link in trouble with the King. He worried the cycle would continue until he was either imprisoned or banished from the Zora Domain. One man on the ground, he could handle, perhaps even two or three, but five of them on horseback in the middle of Hyrule Field was another matter entirely. "You shouldn't worry," Link told her. "I'll flatten him, and then he'll finally leave you alone. Hopefully."

He stood, holding out his hand to help her up. "Come on. We still have plenty of daylight left," he said. "You never did show me all there was to see here before. Our day in the sun together was cut too short."

She accepted his hand. As she stood, she found her face inches from his, and then both their hands were together. This time, she didn't have to prompt him. His lips found hers and she sank into his kiss, wishing it could last forever. If she was mad for him before, it was thousands of times worse now. If he disappeared again, she feared her heart would entirely shatter. It might take a lifetime to pick up the pieces. But no, she couldn't allow her thoughts to go there, not when this moment was so perfect.

After pulling back, Link searched her face to make sure that it was okay, that he had done it right.

"That was… you really have grown up…" she whispered.

But maybe it was more than that.

Maybe, despite his own wishes and misgivings, he was falling for her too.