Warnings: HEAVY Innuendos, SLIGHT Spoilers for Ocarina of Time

Zelda's entire body was trembling, and she gnawed at her lip anxiously. "Your highness, you mustn't bite your lip," Impa said gently, draping a thick veil over Zelda's face, "You'll ruin its shine."

"I know, Impa," Zelda snapped, "I just can't—"

Zelda exhaled shakily, hanging her head, "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to yell. I'm just so…frightened."

"I know, your highness," Impa soothed, "But you must do this. This is the duty that was passed onto you; you must face it with courage."

"I-I know," Zelda breathed, blinking her eyes rapidly to keep the tears within, "But I fear I've made a mistake. Maybe I should have chosen a diplomat after all."

"I feel you'd still be just as afraid as you are now, even if you hadn't selected Link," Impa said calmly, "It is only natural that you would feel this way. I'm sure Link is very frightened too, regardless of how he acts. But this is your role to fulfill; you are honoring the tradition that was passed on to you."

Zelda peeked past the thick curtains separating her from the rest of the temple. Citizens of Hyrule filled the place, chattering like birds from their perches in the pews. "I only wish there was another way," Zelda tearfully confided, "I don't want to do this!"

"Shh," Impa offered one last embrace to the shaken princess, "Don't think on it. I will be there for you tomorrow morning—remain strong! Now go, it is time!"

With her face concealed from the crowd by her veil, Zelda slowly entered the room, the roses so tightly gripped in her hands pricking her fingers with their thorns. Her elegant, white gown trailed behind her, giving her the appearance of a spring lily, one little girl had said. Zelda certainly didn't feel beautiful. She felt wretched, despondent, and pathetic. Link stood stiffly at the altar, and Zelda noted the evident anxiety gleaming in his eyes. His hands were sweaty as he took Zelda's shaking ones in his own. He bit his lip, guilt and anguish flushing in his complexion. He did not want this either; both of them longed for a different path than this.

After reciting the ancient chants of marriage, Link had lifted her veil as was the custom, slowly, reluctantly. "I'm sorry," he whispered to her, the pain of the act obviously affecting him too as he swiftly, lightly kissed her.

As the applause thundered throughout the temple, Zelda returned her veil to its previous position of masking her face, so that none of the guests would notice her tears.

Zelda blinked, her eyes heavy with a warm and pleasant laziness. The curtains of the balcony fluttered in the wind, and sunlight bathed the royal bed chambers with a peaceful glow. It took Zelda a few moments to realize where she was, but when she did, she couldn't help the light, joyful feeling that filled her very being. Only a few inches away from her lay Link, his face peaceful as he slept with his cheek sunken into one of their pillows. His bare back rose and fell in time with his relaxed breathing, making him resemble the very essence of tranquility. Zelda smiled broadly, tenderly reaching across to brush some of his hair from his face. Her body still hummed with contentment and pleasure from the night before, the night where she and Link had reinstated their union in a way that left her breathless at the thought.

With a quiet gasp of revelation, she suddenly remembered that she was completely naked, and she hastily moved to bring the covers higher over her body to hide her very improper state of dress. A hand cupped hers, stilling it as it gripped the sheets. "Don't hide," Link mumbled sleepily, his eyes only half-open as he smiled, "You're beautiful."

Zelda blushed, shuffling closer and kissing him slowly, "Good morning."

"Good morning," Link replied, their lips making a soft sound as they parted. Link gazed deeply into his wife's eyes, caressing her cheek, "How're you feeling?"

"Wonderful," Zelda answered honestly, wrapping her arms around Link, "Completely and absolutely wonderful."

Link grinned shyly, his hand shifting to rest on her bare hip, the thumb tenderly stroking over the bone, "As do I."

Their lips met again in a gentle press, Zelda winding one leg about Link's waist to hold him close. "I can barely believe this," Zelda confessed with a whisper, "You love me?"

"I do," Link promised, kissing her once more to confirm it.

Zelda reluctantly drew back, "How did you know? When did you realize it?"

Link thought over it briefly, "I don't know; it crept upon me so suddenly, I hardly knew what had happened until I was practically drowning in my feelings for you. I felt like such a failure-I was humiliated when Takoume stole you away. I pursued you because I wanted to prove myself, to the kingdom and to you, but I didn't love you yet. I kissed you when I saved you because I was glad I'd found you, and because I wanted the men to believe us to be in love. Once I had you back, I wanted to redeem myself in your eyes, so I tried to be a better husband to you. I tried to talk to you more often, and I found that I truly enjoyed being around you. I still didn't love you, but I was growing more attached to you. When we argued that night, and you asked if I loved you, you surprised me. I didn't know what to say. I told you the truth, but it hurt so badly to know that I'd brought you pain. I wanted so much to please you and impress you."

"But then when you fell the next day," Link shuddered as he spoke of it, "I, goddesses, Zelda, I was so frightened I'd lose you! I realized just how much our relationship had come to mean to me, and I suppose I recognized then that my feelings for you had become deeper than I had previously thought. I had a day's time to mull over it, and then you kissed me, and I couldn't hold myself back anymore. In answer to your question, I suppose I felt it the instant our lips touched. But I said nothing because I wanted to be absolutely certain of what I was feeling."

Link's cheeks flushed with color as he finished. "Al-alright, so those were my feelings," he chuckled nervously, "Now let's hear about yours."

Zelda grinned at him happily, stroking his face and kissing him as he finished. "I feel I don't deserve you," she whispered in between light brushes of her lips, "How are my feelings to compete with such kindness and perseverance?"

Link smiled in return, accepting each of the kisses with pleasure. "I think it is clear who is undeserving of the other between the two of us," he mumbled shyly, "But regardless of how you view your feelings, I'd like to hear them all the same."

Zelda finally drew back, kissing Link's nose as she thought over the question, "Well, I didn't love you either when I was kidnapped or when you rescued me. But when you started spending more time with me, I began to grow fonder of you and of our time together. I had no one else to talk to between you and the soldiers, so I began to appreciate you in a way I hadn't before at the castle. I didn't love you when we were with the Parella and you tried to kiss me. I felt uncomfortable, even though I'd grown to like you more than I ever had before. Yet I still viewed you as a friend. But as we traveled on, I began to think over why I was so uncomfortable with the idea. And I comprehended that I wanted you to love me, even though I wasn't sure of my own emotions yet, I wanted desperately to be loved. I recognized that, before being rescued from Takoume, I had considered myself to be practically unlovable."

Link began to protest, but Zelda shushed him gently, continuing, "I was beginning to think that you might be in love me, and I began to grow hopeful that someone actually could care for me after all. When you confessed that you didn't, it nearly broke me. But I still couldn't understand why I so desperately wanted you to love me. After saving me and showing me nothing but kindness until and after we had reached the Gorons, I realized that I was beginning to love with you. After our kiss, similar to you, I comprehended everything I had been feeling. I knew in that instant that I was falling in love with you, and as soon as you admitted your own emotions as you lay dying in my arms, I knew that I too was truly, madly, and deeply in love with you."

Link grinned softly, nestling closer to Zelda and kissing her once more, "How could you ever believe yourself to be unlovable?"

Zelda couldn't answer as Link's lips kissed her own over and over again. Link seemed to drain her of her objections with each touch, and Zelda allowed herself to become lost in the sensation of it, wrapping herself in the warm rush of feeling that overcame her. A knock at the door startled both of them from their reverie. "Your highness?" Impa's voice echoed through the mahogany.

Zelda gave a light shriek of surprise, scrambling out of the bed and quickly sliding on a light robe, tying it about her waist. Link took care to cover his naked body with the blankets on the bed, smiling at the behavior of his wife. Zelda ran her fingers through her hair hurriedly as she opened the door. "Good morning, your highness," Impa's eyes shone, as if she knew what the couple had been up to, "I didn't mean to intrude, but I believe the little prince has grown very hungry."

Zelda gasped with awe, nearly having forgotten that she was a mother. In Impa's arms, Galen squirmed, clenching and unclenching his little fists as he cried bitterly. Without a moment's hesitation, Zelda cradled him into her arms. "I fed him a special potion I used to give you as a child," Impa smiled, "But you also preferred your mother, I'm afraid."

"Thank you for all you've done, Impa," Zelda said sincerely.

Impa bowed, "It is nothing, your highness. I have critically important matters to discuss with you later, but I will allow you to see to your child first."

Zelda nodded her understanding, focusing solely on Galen as the door shut once more behind her. She pressed kisses all over the infant's face, a new wave of love for him sweeping over her. "Good morning, little prince," she whispered.

Link watched them from the bed, a contented grin upon his face. "Come here," he beckoned his wife.

Shyly, Zelda returned to the bedside. Link motioned for her to join him, and Zelda blushed, sliding out of her robe and snuggling against Link's side, sitting upright against their pillows. Galen kicked his foot angrily, his eyes pinched shut as he released another cry. "Alright, alright!" Zelda smiled, beginning to feed him once more.

Link's arm wound around her shoulders protectively, holding her close. His other hand came to rest over Zelda's arms, helping her support the baby. "We're a family," he murmured softly, "Can you believe it?"

"Yes," Zelda replied, happiness dampening her eyes, a few tears slipping down, "I can."

She arched her head back, kissing her husband who returned the gesture passionately as their child nursed in her arms. They were happy.

"Impa, what matters of importance did you wish to discuss?"

It was a bit later in the morning, the sun shining brightly through the castle's windows. Zelda had left Galen in Link's care as she met with Impa on one of the castle's balconies. Impa smiled at the princess, but her eyes disclosed her solemnity. After a brief embrace, Impa motioned for Zelda to sit with her, "First, I'd like to hear all about what happened to you and Link on your journey."

So Zelda told her everything. She spoke of the Exchanges, meeting the Parella and Gorons, her feelings for Link and his for her, defeating Takoume, and birthing Galen. Impa listened intently, and as Zelda finished, she immediately prompted, "But Takoume—what state was she in when she passed?"

Zelda's brow furrowed, "She seemed to be healthy to me, if that's what you're inquiring."

"No, I meant—was there anything specific about her condition as she died? Was she undergoing anything?" Impa elaborated.

"I don't think—" Zelda began, still utterly confused. But suddenly, she remembered something, "Wait, I just recalled—Takoume once said that she was pregnant with twins!"

Impa shook her head somberly, "It's just as I feared then."

"What?" Zelda questioned, beginning to grow apprehensive, "What's happened?"

"I heard rumors that two very underdeveloped baby girls were sent to the Gerudo several days ago, approximately the time at which Takoume died. They were very premature, and their mother was nowhere to be found. They were put under special care, and their skin, unlike the other Gerudo, was a pale green in color."

"But—they can't be Takoume's children! That's impossible!" Zelda protested.

"I suspect Takoume might have used the last of her power as she died to transport her children to safety," Impa explained gravely, "These are merely rumors, of course, and I plan to investigate the matter personally as soon as I may. But if these children truly were Takoume's heirs, they will likely be very powerful sorceresses like their mother when they mature."

Zelda rolled her eyes, irritation weighting her tone, "More sorceresses! That's precisely what Hyrule needs!"

"I'm told that to honor their mother, they were given derivatives of her name: to be precise, the names Kotake and Koume," Impa rose from the bench, Zelda following suit, "But don't despair, princess. If the rumors are true, we will monitor them closely. I'm sure they will not trouble Hyrule for centuries to come."

"I surely hope you're right," Zelda muttered, following Impa indoors once more.

"He's faultless," Zelda murmured, holding a sleeping Galen in her arms as she admired him, "I can't believe he's ours to keep."

Link smiled, propping his head on Zelda's shoulder and enfolding his arms around her middle, "I know. I still can barely comprehend it myself."

The two stood at a large window lining one of the royal halls, looking out over the castle terrain as Galen slept. Zelda leaned her weight back into Link's arms comfortably, grinning merrily as he kissed her cheek. "Your highness," Impa's voice echoed as she entered the hall, "I do not intend to interrupt, but Lord Radimir has requested an audience with you."

Link's arms tensed tightly around Zelda in reaction. Zelda gasped softly, prompting Link to loosen his grip once more. But a look of worry still enveloped his face like a cloud. "Tell him I will see him shortly," Zelda said to Impa.

Impa bowed, leaving once more. Zelda tenderly broke away from Link's embrace, gently settling Galen into his arms. Link said nothing, not meeting Zelda's eyes and studying the floor instead. "Link," Zelda cupped his face in her hands, "It will only be a discussion between friends, I promise you that. I love you."

Link smiled weakly, "I-I know that. But I also know that he is intelligent and cultured and undoubtedly finds my wife to be very beautiful."

Zelda smiled, bringing Link's face forward and kissing him deeply. "I don't care for him in that way, and I'll make that clear to him if need be," she said between the long, zealous connections of their lips, "I don't want an educated man; I want you. Just you my handsome," kiss, "brave," kiss, "kind," kiss, "selfless," kiss, "and wholly wonderful husband. My Link."

Link's eyes lingered shut as Zelda gradually eased back, causing Zelda to laugh, nuzzling her nose to his. Link's eyes flickered open, smiling bashfully and stealing one more quick kiss, whispering, "I love you."

"I love you too," Zelda replied, caressing his cheek before unenthusiastically departing to meet with Radimir.

Radimir stood on the terrace, jolting from his posture of leaning over the railing and instantly smiling upon seeing Zelda. Zelda couldn't help but feel a strange rush of déjà vu, the situation hauntingly similar to that of the day Zelda was kidnapped. "Your highness," Radimir bowed respectfully, "It's wonderful to see you in good health and safely returned to the castle."

Zelda curtsied politely, "Thank you, Lord Radimir."

Radimir bashfully extended a hand he had previously clasped behind his back, revealing an exquisite bouquet of flowers. "For you," he explained timidly, his cheeks a slight crimson, "In honor of the arrival of your son."

Zelda blushed as she held the bouquet, unsure of how to respond. The flowers were breathtaking and stunningly arranged. "Th-thank you, Lord Radimir," Zelda finally replied, "They're lovely, but I'm afraid I must speak with you over something."

"You may discuss anything with me," Radimir assured her, taking her hand into his own.

Zelda stiffened at the gesture, gently removing her hand, "Thank you, but I'm afraid I won't be able to have any more private audiences with you in the future."

Radimir's face betrayed his bewilderment and hurt, "Whatever can you mean?"

"I simply mean that Link will soon be king, and I his queen, when we come of the proper age," Zelda elaborated, "I think it only fair that he deal with matters concerning his kingdom alongside me. Previously, I have shunned him from his position unfairly, but from henceforth, I find it only right that he also be present whenever a problem within Hyrule rises."

Radimir looked thoughtful, his mind processing everything Zelda had said and contrasting it with how she had always acted before. "I…see," he eventually managed to answer, "I suppose that does make sense; I respect your decision, Princess."

Zelda grinned appreciatively, "Now then, what did you wish to discuss?"

"I only came to inform you that the Gerudo raids upon the forest villages have ceased," Radimir clarified, "I've come to suspect that they were stationed much deeper within the Kokiri Forest—the part that is often referred to as Faron Woods. But nevertheless, they seem to have lost interest in plundering our homes."

"That's fantastic news," Zelda concurred, thinking it best to keep hidden how much she knew of the Gerudo's hideout, "Thank you for keeping us informed."

Radimir bowed deeply, "It's my pleasure, Princess."

"He gave you flowers?" Link's voice was soft, a frown carving deeply into his face.

"To celebrate the baby," Zelda elaborated, setting the vase she had selected on a table within the main foyer.

"I'm certain that's exactly why he brought them," Link remarked sullenly, fidgeting with Galen who had begun to fuss.

Zelda smirked at Link's jealousy, striding over to him and standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek promptly, "I told him that I preferred you be present for all future engagements."

Link's eyes widened incredulously. "You…truly, you said that?" he stammered.

Zelda nodded, smiling warmly, "I did. You're the prince of Hyrule, Link. And my husband. It's only right that you oversee political matters as well."

Link blinked, his eyes filling with joy. Unable to express his thankfulness, he stooped down, being careful not to crush the crying Galen, and kissed Zelda. "Thank you," he whispered, "I—I don't know what to say."

"Then don't say anything," Zelda told him telepathically, "Show me; kiss me again."

A teasing smile quirked at Link's lips. "You little minx," he muttered lightheartedly, joining their lips once more, Zelda's arms draping around his neck.

Galen squealed between them, and Zelda finally jerked away, taking the boy into her arms, "Alright, alright! Hush, little one!"

Link grinned at the sight, Zelda still trying to pacify the agitated infant. "He must be tired," she concluded, her brow furrowed with frustration as she adjusted Galen in her arms.

Link was silent for a moment before motioning for Zelda to follow him, "Come with me."

Zelda arched an eyebrow but followed Link obediently. All the while, Link wore a mysterious grin, his blue eyes gleaming softly with cheer. Gradually, the royal couple came to a room that had been designated to be Galen's nursery. "The royal nursery?" Zelda inquired, "Oh! To put him in his cradle!"

Link's smile spread wider, his secrecy growing all the more baffling, "Step inside."

Zelda entered the nursery perplexed, Galen still whimpering in her arms. She didn't understand; everything was as it had been before her kidnapping. There was the cradle and the table and—

Zelda gasped, her eyes filling with wonder at the sight of it. In the corner sat an elaborately crafted rocking chair, woodland animals carved beautifully into the wood, patterns of spring flowers and shimmering stars and feathery clouds decorating the sides. Zelda approached it in amazement, slowly, as if in a dream, lowering herself into the seat. It was comfortable; it was perfect. "Link-" she began, her eyes welling with tears of joy.

"Happy late birthday, Zelda," Link said shyly, "I…I hope you like it."

"I love it," she laughed at the absurdity of his worry, tears trickling down her face, "Oh, Link, I love it so much! Why are you so good to me?"

Link leaned over the chair, its gentle rocking already coaxing Galen into a quiet slumber, "You deserve it; you've always deserved it. Happy birthday, dearest."

I apologize. I understand that this is probably the latest I've ever updated. I could tell you all my reasons for being tardy, but I really doubt you have any interest in my excuses.

Moving right along, wowsers, it's the last chapter! Of course there will be an epilogue next week, and I'm hoping I'll have time to edit all the past chapters for spelling, grammar, and other miscellaneous mistakes before then. Then the complete story will be, well…completed!

Otherwise, apologies for the excessive mushiness and kissing within this chapter. And yup yup, Takoume's twins, who you could've possibly forgotten about considering they were only mentioned once, are meant to be the Koume and Kotake from Ocarina of Time! Koume and Kotake are about 600 years old when Link faces them, if I'm not mistaken, so this story is meant to happen around 600 years before the events of Ocarina. That's why the Zoras have not yet evolved from the Parella, but other species from Skyward Sword days, such as the Kikwis and ancient robots, are implied to be in shorter supply and are never mentioned. On the other hand, certain races from Ocarina, such as the Gerudo and the Gorons, are already beginning to accumulate.

That explanation being given, I hope to see you all again next week! With luck, I'll be on time for the epilogue! Happy reading!