"Mipha, dear, I believe you're missing a bangle."

The Zora King's laughter echoed throughout the throne room as Mipha let out a sharp gasp, hands flying up to her jewelry.

Why was he just telling her now?

Her searching hands found both bangles hanging firmly in place.

"Forgive me, my dear. I couldn't help myself." Her father's smile widened slightly as he eyed her. "So tell me, why are you so worked up about this particular visit?"

"Should I not be?" Mipha asked, hoping her father didn't notice the almost imperceptible stutter. "The Calamity has been vanquished, my brother can rest in peace, and two heroes are coming to pay their respects."

"Well put. However, you did forget one other important factor." Her father leaned down, speaking in a tone only she could hear. "There is also the matter of a childhood crush."

Mipha felt her face warm considerably, her face frozen in a most unprincess-like expression.

Her father sat back, laughing heartily as Zelda and Link were ushered into the throne room.

The Zora Princess did her best to watch her charge carefully as she guided him through the streets of their city. It was difficult to strike a balance of not too fast and not too slow. Goddesses, why did Hylian's have to have such oddly elongated legs? It could make walking with one so difficult, as their stride was so much longer than her own. She'd had to jog just to keep up with when they had gone to attack Vah Ruta.

Thankfully, the Hylian hero was more at ease this time. He was quite content to let her set the pace of their venture, or at least, he made no complaints known to her.

Once again, the duo stopped as another small cluster of Zora greeted them. Mipha politely stepped back as they gathered around Link, thanking him for his efforts to save them and asking a few questions. The Hylian Champion answered each with only a few quiet words when a simple nod or shake of his head wouldn't do.

While he was distracted, the Zora Princess took the opportunity to check her adornments, making sure that each was worn as properly as could be. It wouldn't do to be improperly dressed, even if ever so slightly while hosting such an important guest.

Her hands flew down, clasping just above her waist as Link looked back at her. He politely excused himself from his audience and motioned silently for her to continue.

It… stung that he would speak to a random passerby but not her. Speaking to the members of the Bazz Brigade was understandable, as he'd been a member in his younger years. It was the Zora that he had no clear connection to that made her wonder what was wrong with her. He had greeted her with a nod and a small smile yet had made no attempt at conversation.

He hadn't even brought a flower this time.

Had she done something to offend him?

Or had he simply caught on to how awkward she felt while around him?

She sent a fervent prayer to whatever deity was listening that he hadn't caught on. It would be simply mortifying if he remembered any of their shared history…

Or had any inkling of what sorts of thoughts she had involving him.

Honestly, asking him to a candlelight dinner? Someone who barely remembered her? Someone she herself barely remembered?

Her father had been correct when he had mentioned her girlhood crush but that was no excuse to be having such thoughts.

She felt herself starting to overheat again as she realized just how far she'd allowed the tide of her thoughts to carry her. The idea of slapping herself in an attempt to recenter herself did cross her mind; however, so did Link's potential reactions.

So, she fought internally to regain control of herself as she guided him toward the exit that would lead to the Veiled Falls.

"I take it that you also wish to name a new Champion."

Mipha looked up at her father, concerned for him as she heard the hard edge in his voice. It was unusual for him to add to the weight of a conversation rather than alleviating it through humor. Of course, she understood entirely. After learning what Vah Ruta was to her family, she had come to want nothing to do with the Divine Beast. She did not envy her father's predicament in the slightest."

"I would." The Hylian Princess glanced at Mipha before returning her gaze to the king. "I understand that this must be quite… difficult for you. Shall we give you some time to-"

"That will not be necessary." Her father sighed. "You may investigate Vah Ruta and we will work with you to select a new Champion; however," he said, annunciating the word sharply, "my daughter is not to be considered."

Zelda agreed readily, looking quite relieved by the decision. "Link, there are a number of things for the king and me to discuss. I would like it if you were to take this opportunity to catch up with your old friends."

The Champion had looked ready to make an argument, but a firm look from Zelda was all it took to quell any and all arguments.

"If I may." Muzu, who had yet to say a word through the entirety of the conversation, finally stepped forward. He bowed deeply to express his gratitude when Dorephan nodded to him. "During the commotion of your last visit, there was no time for you to visit Prince Sidon's grave. Perhaps it would do you some good to pay respects to an old friend."

Link was unresponsive for several seconds before giving a slow nod.

"I think it would also be appropriate for Lady Mipha to show him the way."

"An excellent idea," the king agreed. He turned to his daughter expectantly.

"It would be my pleasure."

At first, the prospect of being alone with him had been a nerve-wracking thought. Now, as they drew near to the small shrine that was nestled next to the glittering water's next to the Veiled Falls, she found it was the furthest thing from her mind.

"You will have to excuse the damage," Mipha murmured quietly. "Ruta's rampage did significant damage to the Domain and surrounding area."

Link nodded as he approached the marker. Resting his hand on the gravestone, he read the inscription quietly before bowing his head. "I'm sorry friend."

Mipha watched, uncertain of how she felt. To see him show such reverence for her brother's grave warmed her heart but it also hurt so terribly. Her brother, so vibrant, full of life, and a beacon of joy wherever he went, had died far too young. And now, it fell to them to carry on in his place. She hurt for herself but also for his friend as well. Silly crushes aside, she knew that his passing must have been difficult for Link as well.

Eventually, the Hylian opened his eyes, tilting his head as he noticed something at the grave's base. Following his gaze, Mipha noticed a small patch of white daisies.

Link stared at them for a moment, a thoughtful look on his face. He must have reached a decision as he nodded to himself before reaching down to pluck a single flower from the patch.

Standing, he returned to Mipha, holding the small, vulnerable flower out to her. "It's from your brother."