Warnings: SLIGHT Spoilers for Skyward Sword

The horses whinnied happily as Link and the men drew near. Zelda chuckled warmly as Epona nuzzled her sleeve. "Yes, it's me, old girl," Zelda murmured, stroking Epona's muzzle.

"She was very worried for you, you know," Link smiled as he saddled his horse.

"Oh, I'm sure," Zelda smirked. She glanced at Link curiously, "What are you doing?"

"I thought you might need some help mounting, considering your condition," Link grinned.

Zelda gasped, "Link, Epona's your horse—I couldn't ride her! Whose horse would you ride?"

Link shook his head, "I'll be leading Epona, of course. I'm fine, Zelda; I don't need to ride."

Zelda opened her mouth, fully intending to protest, only to have Link silence her hurriedly, "Zelda, I could never forgive myself if I forced a pregnant woman to walk as I rode. We've no extra horses; it'll be fine."

Zelda frowned, but already she knew it would be impossible to convince Link otherwise. Thus, she reluctantly accepted Link's help as she settled onto the horse's saddle. Link shot her a grateful smile and began to lead Epona by her reins into the brush of Faron Woods. Still tired from her capture in addition to the toll her pregnancy had taken upon her stress, the steady sound of the horse's hooves soon lulled the princess to sleep.

"I can hardly believe it! This is very unusual and quite inappropriate behavior for a princess to exhibit!" Impa scolded harshly.

Zelda kept her head down, her golden hair masking her face from her nursemaid. "Are you even going to attempt to explain yourself?" Impa demanded, her tone exasperated.

"I set things right with the peasant boy," Zelda mumbled.

Upon lifting her eyes, Zelda found that Impa's disapproving expression had been replaced with one of shock. "We're friends now," Zelda added as a silence enveloped the room.

Impa sighed, contemplating the situation, "Nevertheless, that is no excuse for your disappearance from the funeral. I would have never expected such reckless behavior from one such as yourself; all you needed to do was ask my permission first."

"I'm sorry, Impa," Zelda apologized genuinely, "It won't happen again, I promise."

Impa sighed, resting her forehead in her palm, "Still, I must punish you somehow."

Zelda nodded respectfully, "I expected such a consequence."

"You will not be leaving the castle for the next two weeks," Impa decided, "You will learn not to wander by remaining obediently within you castle walls. No exceptions whatsoever."

Zelda sighed, wanting to pout but knowing full well that it would do her no good. She nodded once more to show her submission. Impa exhaled, "Very well. You are dismissed."

Trudging away, Zelda halted at the door, glancing back at Impa, "Impa?"

"Yes?"

"The boy…Link. Who is he exactly?"

Impa smiled gently, "He's the chosen hero, your highness, descended distantly of your own line. He has been kept safe in the outskirts of the kingdom, and he has been raised and trained by the kind village folk. I visited him myself the day of his birth, to ensure that he would be brought up properly and prepared for his duties as your protector when the time was right. And I know now that I was not mistaken in believing that the village would see to it that he grew into a fit and noble warrior, even at such a young age."

"The village? What about his parents?" Zelda questioned, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"His father died before he was born in a skirmish against some foul witchfolk, and his mother passed shortly after giving birth," Impa elaborated, her eyes full of sorrow as she spoke.

Zelda gasped, murmuring under her breath, "How tragic…"

"It is indeed," Impa agreed solemnly. She glimpsed at the princess with a strange look in her eyes, "Perhaps now you might understand the burden of the guilt you inflicted upon Link. He might be more capable of relating to your pain than you give him credit, Princess."

Epona nickered as Link roped her reins to a tree limb, the other soldiers following his lead. Zelda stirred, raising her head slowly as she awoke. "Why are we stopping?" she mumbled, her voice still heavy with sleep.

"The men need to eat," Link explained gently, "As do you, Princess."

Zelda blushed as Link's warm hands wrapped around her waist, lifting her down from the horse. Still drowsy from her nap, Zelda's feet buckled from beneath her, and she yelped as she felt herself tumble forward.

Her cheek met the fabric of Link's tunic as his swift arms draped around her, catching her soundly. "Easy there," he chuckled, holding her body firmly to his.

Zelda's blush deepened, her entire face uncomfortably hot, "I, um, I'm fine. I just need a moment to collect myself."

Link nodded, still holding the princess against himself. Zelda felt a new feeling blossom in her chest beside her embarrassment. She felt…safe. So much safer now that Link was with her to protect her again. It was comforting to be around him, knowing he'd do anything to keep her from harm. But nonetheless, it was still an awkward position for two people who did not care for each other to be in.

Zelda broke away from Link's embrace tenderly, trying to lighten the mood as she prompted, "I believe you mentioned lunch?"

Link chuckled once more, "Yes, come with me, your highness. I expect you might want some privacy from the soldiers."

"Some time alone would be nice," Zelda admitted, hiking up her skirts as she followed Link through the underbrush.

With confidence, Link led Zelda through the trees, the surroundings fondly reminding the princess of her childhood games with the hero. When Link finally stopped, Zelda had to catch her breath at the sight before her. A waterfall echoed through the trees, a large, sparkling lake lying before the couple. "Ah, I suspected there'd be running water nearby," Link grinned at his success, "Would this be a nice place for lunch?"

"It's charming," Zelda could not disguise her delight, her eyes glowing at the discovery.

Link's smile broadened, undoubtedly pleased. He removed two loaves of bread from his satchel and sat upon the sand of the lake's bank, motioning for Zelda to eat with him. Zelda cocked her head to one side, confused, "We're…eating together?"

Link nodded, commenting seriously, "I'm not letting you out of my sight, Zelda. Not after what happened."

Zelda sighed, sitting down across from Link, leaning against a tree, "I appreciate your concern, Link. I only wish you didn't think me so weak and unable to defend myself."

"I have full confidence that you would be able to defend yourself marvelously were this a normal opponent. But given the circumstances, I think it wise to remain together at all times."

Zelda knew that Link was right, but she longed to not be treated quite so—childishly. Even though she could feel that sense of security returning to her from before. She accepted her loaf of bread from Link, and both began eating in silence. As they ate, Zelda did not miss the way Link's eyes seemed to wander to her stomach in between bites, a soft smile spreading his lips whenever they did. Finally, Link broke the silence, "Has…has the baby been kicking lately?"

"Yes, it woke me up several times last night," yet Zelda couldn't help but smile down at her large belly.

"I'm relieved it's doing so well," Link remarked cheerfully, "Will I get a chance to hold it once it's born? Or will I never see it due to your hoarding it to yourself?"

Zelda smirked at the joke, "I assumed you would be occupied with your hunting."

Link inched nearer to Zelda, placing his hand atop her stomach, Zelda flinching with surprise. "I'd never be too busy for my child," he swore.

Zelda smiled genuinely, "I'm glad. And how do you plan to spend your time with our child, should I allow you to see it?"

Link grinned, settling back across from Zelda, "I'd teach him how to hunt, swordfight, fish, play games—everything he'd ever need to know."

"Him?" Zelda raised her eyebrows, "The firstborn of the royal family is always a princess, don't you remember?"

Instead of becoming upset as Zelda had expected, Link shrugged playfully, "Ah, well, I'm sure a girl could enjoy hunting and fishing too."

Zelda giggled, "That's hardly proper behavior for a princess, Link. Besides, she won't be able to do much of that for the first few years of her life."

"Then I suppose I'll have to settle for helping her learn to walk," Link suggested, still grinning, "And I could always sing to her, since we both know what a talented singer I am."

Zelda burst out laughing, unable to restrain herself. Memories of her wedding rushed back to her, so clearly picturing Link as he stuttered his way through one of the Hyrulean chants, his pitch wavering pitifully as he anxiously fidgeted beside Zelda. "What's so funny?" Link demanded, feigning teasing anger.

"I was remembering our wedding," Zelda managed in between laughs. She couldn't remember the last time she'd truly laughed. "The first time I had the honor of hearing you sing."

Zelda couldn't recall the last time she and Link had spoken like this—perhaps they never had. It was relieving to know that they shared at least one thing in common: a deep love for their child. Perhaps they'd even make good parents; they'd always been decent acquaintances, after all.

Link's grin softened, the atmosphere shifting from playful to serious. "Our wedding," Link murmured under his breath, as if he were pondering the memory.

Zelda bit her lip, the uncomfortable feeling she usually felt around Link returning. She stroked her baby bump as the previous silence reintroduced itself. But then—a splash. "Did you hear that?" Zelda looked to Link.

"Hear what?"

"That splashing sound—something moved in the lake."

Link stood, drawing his sword cautiously. "Master Link!" Thorolf's voice sounded as the general burst through the woods, "Sir, the soldiers are ready to move on now."

Link turned around, frantically shushing the general. Thorolf halted, a look of bewilderment spread across his face. Then, to the surprise of both the general and the princess, Link dove into the water. "Link!" Zelda screamed as the hero vanished beneath the deep surface of the water.

Thorolf whistled for the rest of the soldiers as Zelda waded out into the lake. There was no sign of Link anywhere. Suddenly, the princess lost her footing, and with a shriek she plunged into the water. A strong current coiled around Zelda, sucking her deeper and deeper beneath the surface. She swam as best she could against the water, but it was useless. Eventually, she gave in and allowed herself to be pulled along the current.

"Zelda, dearest, are you alright? Please say something!"

Zelda was still attempting to catch her breath, having just surfaced in a strange, foreign cavern. She gazed at Link, who was grasping onto her arm desperately, helping to heave her onto a rock, "Dearest?"

Link blushed, "As your husband, I assumed it was an appropriate nickname."

Zelda's cheeks flushed once more. "I'd…rather you didn't," she said, the gesture too sweet to be exchanged among friends.

Link nodded his understanding, helping Zelda to her feet, "Alright."

"Where are we?" Zelda asked, allowing Link to link their arms together, helping to steady Zelda.

A sudden "Eeeep!" was heard, and Zelda and Link turned their attention to the water. A strange creature was staring at them with wide eyes.

"Oh no, intruders!" it screeched, disappearing beneath the surface.

Zelda's eyes widened with recognition. "Link," she whispered, "I know this place—it's from one of Impa's stories. We're in Lake Floria, the keep of the Water Dragon, Faron."

So, so sorry this is extra late. My excuse is that my parents actually unplugged our router last night, so I had no internet. But I might have to make up for this exceptional tardiness somehow…hmmm… (cross your fingers for me because I have something in mind—let's hope it works!)

But anywho, here's another chapter for your eyes to enjoy! ANNOUNCEMENT: I'm going to try to change my updating days to FRIDAYS instead of SATURDAYS. Saturdays just don't seem to be working out for me, so hopefully I'll be able to meet my deadline if I switch things up a bit. See you all next week!