Link could not wait to get rid of his title and of the responsibility to lead Hyrule.
"I hate it when bards end stories with 'And then he became king. And he was the best king.' That's nonsense. Killing the bad guy doesn't suddenly make you capable of drafting tax bills," said Link, changing into his green tunic. "And kinging is almost all bill drafting."
"You were Zelda's placeholder for like, five days," laughed Sheik. It still felt weird to call the princess by her name. Even weirder to think of her as his sister.
And weirdest of all, to have to dress up as a prince now. He missed his mask.
"More than enough for me to want to not have anything to do with it," said Link, putting on his cap.
"What will you do now? Where will you go?" asked Sheik.
"I don't know," said Link, reaching for his cane. "I'll find something to do, sadly. It's part of the Hero deal. Stuff just finds you like that. You're in bed, and a fairy comes to tell you you're the chosen one. Or you're at home and suddenly your embodied shadow arrives demanding dinner. It happens."
"I would much prefer it if you stayed," said Sheik.
"Sheik, seriously, I'm not good with politics. I'm especially bad with getting political things done, and people make me anxious, let's not even talk about court appearances," said Link, getting up. "I wish I could be a hero like the ones in the tales, who love to parade and rule. But I'm just me."
Sheik embraced him, burying his face against Link's neck. "I don't want you to go," he said, his voice muffled.
Link felt the wetness of his tears against his skin.
"Just go with him already," said Zelda from the door, glaring at the both of them.
Sheik startled, and let go of Link.
Zelda leaned against the doorframe. It wasn't until days later that Sheik had started to see the differences in her. She was still herself, as strong and wise and decisive as always. And yet, sometimes, her face seemed so different, that it made shivers run down Sheik's back.
"But- I…," said Sheik.
"You're the prince now. You can do whatever you want," said Zelda, with a half smile. "And you're not very good at socializing, I have to say."
"I work better from the shadows," said Sheik.
Zelda nodded. "I know. Sheik, I have already taken so much away from you. Please, don't feel like you are tied down by your duties now. Go live out the years I stole from you."
"Zelda…you did what you had to do. I was angry, but…I understand, and I don't hold it against you," said Sheik, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I would have done the same thing in your place."
"It's almost like you both are related or something," joked Link, and got punched by both of them, because now he was immune to disapproving glares.