A/N: I'm not happy with this, but I don't have time to scrap it and start over.


"... Very well. You may accompany Impa and Purah but you are to devote yourself entirely to unlocking your sealing powers. Am I understood?"

"Yes, father."

He hid the small fractures that threatened to shatter his heart behind a facade of austerity. If only he could have taken the weight that rested on his poor daughter's shoulders; however, such a thing was beyond him. Really, the king was at his wit's end when it came to what he was supposed to do to help her. He had thought that removing all distractions so she could focus on her training would help. All it had done was drive a wedge between them and hurt her.

As he studied the forlorn expression in her eyes, the thought once again crossed his mind that he may have been wrong this entire time. If removing the distractions did nothing, then perhaps allowing her to indulge in her curiosities might. And perhaps there was another strategy he could employ at the same time.

"I think it would be wise for the pilots to join you and Link as well."

Zelda perked up at the news. A small glimmer of hope and excitement appeared in her eyes, though she did her best to hide it from him.

Another fracture in his old heart.

"It would be my pleasure."

"We'll keep our little sister safe."

"I suppose I could find the time to lend my services."

Urbosa was the only one to remain silent. King Rhoam didn't look at her, though he could hear her fingers tapping against her hip as her eyes drilled into him. He already knew where she stood on his attitude toward the girl.

While he did hope that their accompanying Zelda would lift her spirits slightly, he had another motive as well. Rhoam was aware that she had developed bonds with each of them, with Mipha and Daruk quickly becoming steadfast friends with her, while Urbosa had filled her mother's shoes for years. Even Revali, as aloof as he often was, had developed a bit of a soft spot for her. What was more, each pilot had been blessed with a special power of their own. Maybe spending some time with them would help her discover the secret of her own powers.

It was his last hope. Sometimes, he found himself wanting her to access them for no other reason so that he could let it go and hopefully begin the healing process with her. It would take years, assuming she even wanted to repair their relationship and quite a lot of his little girl's forgiveness.

Zelda turned away, maintaining proper posture as she made to descend the stairs. As he watched her leaving, he was overcome by a whim. It wasn't something he would have ever thought to do before that moment but perhaps it would help. And, right then, he was willing to try just about anything.

"One last thing." The princess paused, turning back to face him again. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small object that fit comfortably in his palm and held it up for her to see. She had given him the small piece of Sheikah technology a few days prior, hoping to distract him with a promise that the ancient device may play a pivotal role in the coming days. "Your mother gave one of these to me as well," he explained as he reached into his breast pocket and pulled out an identical device. "She also thought that they would play a vital role in the Calamity's defeat." He studied her face, seeing shock, fascination, and something else he could not identify in her eyes. "You are to take this with you and, if you are able, you will determine its use and how it may serve us in the days to come."

The Hylian King held the device out, allowing Zelda to approach and tentatively take one. She locked eyes with him for a brief moment before nodding and stepping back.

"Now, go prepare for your journey."

The princess nodded before excusing herself and descending the stairs with her friends in tow. Only Urbosa remained behind, her eyes still burning a hole in the side of his face. Below, he watched his daughter walk out of the Sanctum.

"I take it you are displeased with me."

"That would be putting it mildly."

King Rhoam sighed as he prepared himself for another "discussion" with the Gerudo Chieftain. "Sometimes, I think you take her parting words too seriously."

"The two of you are like family to me." Urbosa glowered down at him as she stepped forward. "I don't need her parting words to speak up when I see you doing this to her."

"And what would you have me do?" Normally, he would have tried to hide his irritation; however, he felt no regret for the bark in his voice. "Have you considered what happens if she fails to unlock her powers?"

"I have," the Gerudo replied as she began pacing before him. "We all will eventually die."

"Indeed. It may be harsh but we must be willing to do whatever it takes to prevent that."

"And how has that worked for you so far?" She didn't wait for him to answer. "Has she gotten any closer?"

The Hylian couldn't help but wonder if she were holding back at the moment. He knew that her anger toward him had buried itself deep; however, she had only ever skirted the line of disrespect toward her suzerain. Even if she were to do more than skirt the line, he would be hesitant to do much. She was a powerful ally and, as little as he may have liked her, he believed it was good for Zelda to have a woman of strength in her life.

Rhoam took a deep breath, reaching for whatever reserves of patience he had left. Though he found the woman to be disagreeable, he knew that she had his daughter's best interests at heart. He also knew that Zelda looked to the chieftain as a mother. Perhaps, if he could set aside his dislike of her, they could work together to help the girl and preserve the future. "I ask again, what would you have me do?"

Urbosa sighed as she looked at him again, "I think you should stop playing the king and start being her father. We both know this hurts you just as it does her."

The king chuckled ruefully. "Is that concern I hear?"

"I've lost what love I had for you," she answered, "but she still adores you. That is reason enough for me to speak to you."

The King of Hyrule remained silent as he considered her words. It warmed his heart to know that his little girl still loved him. At the same, his chest throbbed as he considered the loss of his wife, his friendship with the Gerudo Chieftain, and the pressure that he and his child faced.

Why were the two of them cursed with such a fate?

"Watch over her for me," he said quietly.

"I'll do it for myself," she replied curtly, turning away from the king and descending the stairs with a languid grace that only a Gerudo could muster. Stopping partway down she looked up at him over her shoulder. "For what it's worth, it was good of you to give her the device." Without waiting for a response, the woman left him.

The king leaned back, taking a moment to close his eyes and reflect. One of these days, he would either relent or Urbosa would fry him with her lightning. The question that remained was which would come first.