The rain was still pelting against the windows as the morning rolled around, though it seemed to go through waves of intensity during the night. If anything, it acted as a comforting white noise amidst the turmoil of what had happened just hours earlier, creating a much-needed sense of coziness for the men. Liom had woken Link up for the early morning shift, gently rocking him until he was awake. He stretched out his neck as Liom fell asleep in the opposite corner, tuckered out from a day's worth of guarding followed by the self-imposed night duty.

Link offered Liom his bench, but he chose to sleep on the floor, spreading a piece of linen across the dusty surface.

A few hours after the final dose of sleeping draught, Dornan opened his eyes as expected. He snapped them closed immediately, not even being able to tolerate the softer, filtered light.

Standing, Link met Dornan's side, patting him on the shoulder as his friend coughed. He tried to shuffle out from under Link's grip, wriggling from side to side. He looked like a tortoise that had been pushed onto its back, unable to roll back over. It was almost comical, given everything that had unfolded.

"Stay still!" Link chided him. "You've caused enough trouble as is."

"Din's blessing." Dornan wheezed.

"Huh?"

"Din's blessing- How did you get it?"

Link stopped dead in his proverbial tracks. He wasn't sure if he'd heard Dornan right.

"You've woken up from a near death experience and that's your question?"

"Yes!" Dornan spluttered. "Now answer me!"

Thinking for a few moments, Link tried to remember that day. Like so many recent events, it seemed like a lifetime ago.

"She threatened me… At the temple of time." Link murmured.

"Is that all?"

"We were called there, by the three goddesses. Rel led us through the sacred grove. They tested her."

"But what did you do?"

"I fought a shade."

"So, you showed great strength?"

"I suppose-"

"Ah HA!"

Dornan shook violently as a coughing fit erupted from his lungs. Going against the doctor's advice, Link slowly helped Dornan to a seated position, patting him on the back. He figured it wasn't healthy for him to be near the dust of the untouched surfaces, concluding that it was the lesser of two evils. Using a delicate hand, Dornan felt the skin around his eye, recoiling instantly.

With a certain sluggishness and a few deep breaths, Dornan surveyed his surroundings. He shrugged as his eyes landed on Liom.

"It seems we have a visitor." Dornan observed.

Link glanced at Liom as he slept on the floor.

"Yes. And it appears he is enamored with Fienna."

"I could have told you that." Dornan blinked a few times. "Where the fuck am I?"

"The shop underneath us."

"Oh! I should have recognized this place. That's the stove that heats the water." Dornan wheezed as he pointed to the old cook top in the corner.

Link grabbed Dornan's arm.

"Stop fucking moving!"

Defiantly, Dornan kept moving his arms. He ran his hand over his neck, stopping on the faint scar that had been left after Fienna's healing.

"What's this?" Dornan murmured. "I don't remember that."

"What do you remember?"

"I don't remember anything."

A sense of apprehension encroached on Link's thoughts. This seemed all too familiar.

"You don't remember having a knife shoved into your neck?"

"Not at all." Dornan muttered before coughing deeply. "What happened?"

Link shifted uncomfortably.

"A fire."

"A fire? Is that why I'm coughing?"

"Yes." Link paused. "Telma's is destroyed."

"What?"

Disbelievingly, Link stared at Dornan. "This is familiar. You should talk to Rel."

Dornan waved his hand dismissively.

"Well." Link continued. "Since you're alive, I'll go tell her."

"She was worried?" Dornan asked quietly.

"She most definitely was. You ruined both of our nights."

"I hope I ruin many more a night." Dornan smiled ruefully. "How did I ruin it?"

"She's sleeping in my bed."

"Marvelous."

Turning to leave, Link stopped himself.

"Stop fucking moving."

Upstairs, Rel hadn't slept for a single moment. She kept an ear out for any sign, any sound that might suggest that Dornan was alright.

The time she'd spent trying to sleep was spent tossing and turning, her thoughts constantly racing as she considered the similarities between the day she arrived and the events of the preceding evening. She would be a fool to believe that they weren't connected, and she didn't doubt that both crimes were perpetrated by the same person.

Fienna had let herself in several hours after Rel had gone upstairs and she wasn't in a particularly talkative mood. It was evident that she was exhausted and no doubt in need of rest.

Rel made sure to check on Telma and Kalen periodically, providing them with an ever-burning fire and a watchful eye. She considered that whoever had targeted Telma knew that she was a close friend and loyal to Zelda. The thought crossed Rel's mind that it perhaps had something to do with the supposed group of Gerudo that were gathering underneath Zelda's nose. It did, however, seem likely that they weren't involved, given the way they'd helped Rel since she arrived in Hyrule.

When she wasn't keeping herself preoccupied, her thoughts drifted to Link. She was painfully aware that he'd suffered his own injuries in his pursuit of helping Dornan and she wanted nothing more than for him to be safe and sound, sleeping beside her at night.

Her concentration was broken by the sound of the front door opening and she knew just by the sound of the footsteps that it was Link.

Before he could speak, Rel threw her arms around his neck. He returned the gesture with an arm around her waist, the other still gripping his sword.

"How is he?" She whispered. "Is he alive?"

"Yes. And he's moving. Although the doctor instructed that he didn't."

Against the medical advice they'd received, Dornan was moved upstairs by the afternoon. Liom and Link were able to lift him, trying their hardest to make the journey as smooth as possible.

The man found it exceptionally difficult to keep still, insisting that he could still do some translating work or research as he laid on the lounge chair. Rel happily ignored him, forcing him to sleep with her own medical draughts. It appeared that he may be left with permanent scarring on the face, particularly around his eye area.

The smoke had settled on the rubble across the street, with Link volunteering himself to help search for anything that could be saved. Even now, Link still remembered the work that Shad had been doing. Much to their dismay, it appeared that everything had been destroyed in the fire. Strangely enough, the tunnel entrance had been completely blocked and they were unable to move the obstruction. It was simply another small detail in a larger picture.

Both Rel and Link remained restless on the first night that the street was without Telma's institution. Several civilians felt the same way, not knowing what to make of the street without Telma's Pub.

People came and went over the course of the next few days as the group developed a new routine. The men would search for anything that was salvageable in the remnants of the fire, while the woman acted as support.

Shad arrived a few days later, remaining in disbelief that his months of work were all but gone. Link completely understood Shad's despair and wished that there was a way they could rectify the situation. Even with the frustration of working together, Link still felt a sense of loss.

It appeared that Telma would be out of the premises for months. If Zelda was helping, it would appear she was doing so quietly from the castle.

"That was going to be my life's work." Shad sighed in disbelief.

"Bah!" Dornan exclaimed from his laying position. "Just leave it to me."

"Don't push yourself." Shad smiled.

"I've nothing better to do."

With Dornan's injury, Rel was assigned the role of leader of the oracles. She acted as a fine predecessor, with natural confidence and attention to detail, all of which she'd learned from Dornan. It was with her guidance and assistance that Telma and Kalen were able to find makeshift premises to live in and she advocated for them to remain close, insisting that she should keep a watchful eye out for them.

After more silence from Zelda, Link woke up to the sound of loud banging, almost as if furniture were being moved.

Both he and Rel sleepily made their way down to the street to find Telma and Kalen carrying barrels and kegs into the abandoned shop front. Naturally, the men joined in until it was fully stocked and ready for them to be serving customers.

With nowhere to stay, Shad relented and left for Ordon to be nearer to his wife and forthcoming child.

The cold weather persevered, but as Telma had predicted, the snow was now well and truly gone. Rel had tried to stop the rain, but it appeared that her ability to call upon the weather was a mere glimpse of what she was usually capable of. The rain stopped naturally and now that it was autumn again, it didn't seem out of place for the weather to be gloomy.

Link felt a sense of selfishness as he wished for alone time with Rel. Despite everything, he needed the sense of closeness and intimacy with her, and he hoped that she still felt the same way.

Rel spent a lot of the time lost deep in thought, in between caring for Dornan and acting as the spokesperson for the group. It wasn't uncommon for Link to find her surrounded by stacks of books as she took notes in silence. Similarly, Fienna was also living in her mind, silently considering how she was going to speak with Hylia.

Much to Link's delight, he wasn't expected to be in uniform. There was no purpose drawing attention to himself, especially considering that he needed to be in Rel's close vicinity at most times.

Auru arrived one evening, though Link couldn't identify when. The days had all but melded into one following the attack on his friends.

He was wearing civilian clothing, something that was especially noticeable to Link as it was the first time he'd seen him like this. Ashei had joined him that evening, also wearing inconspicuous clothing. They slipped through the streets unnoticed, though it seemed pointless in Link's opinion. Whoever had targeted them already knew that they lived here. It was obvious to anyone that whoever had done it was simply biding their time.

As Auru stepped through the door, both Rel and Dornan looked up.

Recognizing Auru, Rel stood to greet him.

"Good evening." She said formally. "We weren't expecting you."

"Were not." Dornan corrected her, not even looking up from his book.

Auru bowed in greeting.

"We thought it necessary and polite to update you on Zelda and her whereabouts."

"We would appreciate that."

"Yes, we would." Dornan scoffed. "Because it would appear to me that we have been forgotten about. Again."

"I understand." Auru hesitated.

"Is Zelda well?" Link asked from across the room.

"Has there been any investigation into these crimes that have happened under your noses?" Rel added.

"We are investigating." Ashei shrugged.

"Investigating?" Rel said calmly. "Have you found anything at all?"

"It will happen in time."

"In time? Surely you can ask the women who were brought into the court room during my trial. That would be a fine place to start."

"Do not pretend that you understand our processes."

"As someone who has been the arbitrator at several folk moots, I can say with complete honesty that I understand the process." Dornan rebutted.

"What is going on?" Link snapped. "Ashei, surely you realize how crazy this all sounds? It seems fairly straight forward. To all of us."

Auru glanced at Ashei who returned the look with a sad expression.

"Thus, we are brought to the reason for our visit." Auru shifted uncomfortably.

"Well?" Link coaxed Auru.

"Zelda's father will not make it to morning."

Even Fienna who had been listening from the balcony had stopped to listen. The group went silent as they considered Auru's words, waiting for him to continue.

Link's gaze landed on Ashei who confirmed what Auru had said with a nod.

"We won't keep you any longer." Link spoke up. "Be with Zelda."

"Thank you, Link." Auru breathed. "The bells will sound tomorrow, early in the morning."

"Do we need to do anything?"

"There will be days of mourning, followed by a coronation." Dornan added flatly. "Though, I do not see why they would bother crowning Zelda if she were going to be disposed of. In her words."

"We can only hope for the best." Auru concluded. "I have brought you up to speed. Understandably, we will depart."

They left on a somber note, leaving the household in a state of shock.

Alone in her chamber, Zelda watched the night sky from the grand floor to ceiling windows. She considered stepping out onto her balcony, to feel the fresh air on her face, but she decided against it. It was still unseasonably cold and the mere touch of her fingertips to the glass was enough to cause them to fog.

Wrapped in her favourite dressing gown, she tightened the sash, hoping to feel a sense of comfort at its touch. She tried to concentrate on the silk fabric on her skin, using it as a distraction from her thoughts.

Standing in her childhood room, Zelda considered how many memories she'd forged within these walls, reflecting on the touching moments she'd had with her father. It was here that he read Zelda her first book, tucked her in over countless nights and kept her warm during the winters. These moments played out in her mind over and over as she desperately clung to the hope that he would make it. Knowing that it was futile, she let out a quiet sigh.

Despite the fire in the corner, these walls now felt cold and empty.

Zelda struggled to comprehend that by tomorrow evening, her father would be gone. She'd tried her hardest to prepare for it, but no matter what, she still wasn't ready.

An all too familiar sense of loneliness washed over her as she feared the unknown. She thanked her lucky stars that she was able to keep some of her confidants close as she navigated this event. Loneliness was a feeling that she was overly familiar with, ever since she was a child. From what began as a yearning to speak with others later developed into a craving for physical closeness and intimacy.

It started off with a glance from a young kitchen hand and the feeling of knowing she was desired in return. It was something that she fantasized about, the thought enough to satisfy her at the time.

But as life returned to normal after the events of seven years prior, Zelda's internal isolation consumed her. At every counsel meeting that she sat through, she could tell that the men resented her presence. It started off as small gestures and words, eventually growing until the insidious venom pushed her out of the court.

They didn't doubt that something bad would happen again.

So, when word came from Labrynna, she saw her chance. It happened three times over the course of years. That for the second time in her age, evil would be on their doorstep once more. This would be it. This could be the second time that she proved herself to her father, the counsel and most importantly, herself. She could prove that she was the figurehead that her people needed, that she could be relied on in times of peril.

The plan had been set in place, although it seemed that her contemporary in Labrynna had lost track of his friend and fellow oracle. But he soon found her and had sent her to arrive in summer. Where the other oracle was, he had a vague idea. Zelda saw this as yet another opportunity to prove her worth and reliability.

Zelda silently mused over her memories. A soft knock on her door broke her focus. She knew who it was simply by how heavy it was.

With a soft smile, she made her way to the door, opening it.

Darpa stood on the other side.

"I just wanted to check on you." He said quietly.

Zelda's heart raced.

"Come in." She said softly.

Unusually, Darpa hesitated. For what reason, Zelda did not know.

"Are you alright?" She asked gently.

"I feel- Strange." Darpa confessed.

"Let's talk in private."

Hesitantly, Darpa followed her inside.

Before he could act, Zelda had slipped her hands around his neck, pulling him close. He closed his eyes and placed his hands on her shoulders. Gently, he pushed her off.

"I'm sorry Zelda-" He began. "But- This feels strange."

"It never felt strange before."

He looked down.

"I think it's because I'm starting to develop feelings for someone else."

She paused.

"Who?"

"I'd rather not say."

They waited in silence for a few moments.

"I suppose this is how you must feel a lot of the time?" Darpa said sadly. "Feeling strange- When I am present, and you are thinking about someone else."

Zelda slipped her hands from his neck, resting them on his chest.

"Does it matter?" She lamented. "I cannot be alone- not now."

His expression remained stilted and dejected.

"I don't know how you do it."

She threaded her fingers through Darpa's black hair, using her free hand to stroke his face. He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch.

Before he could react, Zelda closed the distance between them, planting her lips on his. After a moment of hesitation, Darpa returned her affection.

She untied the sash of her dressing gown, giving way for him to reach his hands inside.

"Ashei will be back soon." Darpa whispered to her.

"We better make good use of our time then."

"You won't resent me if my mind wanders?"

"Do you resent me?"

Darpa didn't answer as Zelda pulled him into her embrace, exposing her naked body.

He left soon after they finished. Zelda hoped that no one had detected how long he'd spent in her room. She knew she was kidding herself if she genuinely believed no one had noticed. The cold hard truth was that simply nobody cared anymore.

With Ashei still absent, Zelda decided to go for a late-night walk in the gardens. She was well and truly beginning to not care about her own safety as she hastily slipped on her shoes.

Although she knew that she was inappropriately dressed, Zelda didn't care. Her delicate slippers did nothing to keep her feet warm, but she didn't mind. She had her heart set on being in nature, even though some of her favourite trees and flowers had died in the snowstorm.

Knowing these walls like the back of her hand, Zelda slipped past any wandering guards and castle staff. She was by the hedges quickly, the cool night air causing her to shiver. She could still feel her knight's touch on her body, though each passing day she felt numb to it. She would probably move on soon, craving the novelty of a new touch.

The coast seemed clear. Just as she was about to step into the moonlight, a smarmy, unsettling voice disturbed her.

"Good evening, Princess."

Cursing herself for getting caught, Zelda composed herself. She turned to face Gresham who was smirking as he watched her.

"Good evening, Gresham." She replied politely.

"Forgive the impropriety. I did not expect to see you here." He said with a slight bow.

"I merely wish to take a nighttime walk." Zelda said calmly.

"Let me walk with you my dear Princess."

Gresham offered his arm to her, which she accepted even though it shook Zelda down to her core.

He started to lead her down one of the paths, the brass braziers lighting the way. Zelda kept her features neutral, knowing that even the slightest hint would set off alarm bells as Gresham watched her in the torch light.

"I must say princess, you have grown into a fine young woman." Gresham observed. "You will make a fine queen."

She took in his words, measuring her response.

"Thank you." Is all Zelda said.

"Have you seen him?"

Those words stung deeply.

"I have not." Zelda answered. "I have not been allowed to see him."

Gresham made a tsk sound with his tongue.

"Oh dear." He smirked. "How awful."

Zelda internally practiced her most pleading tone.

"Please, Gresham." She started. "Allow me to see my father, before-"

He raised his hand, cutting her off.

"I am feeling generous tonight, Princess." He continued to lead her down the path.

"Thank the heavens."

Gresham came to a sudden stop.

"May I propose a bargain?"

Zelda looked at him, confused.

"A bargain?" She blinked.

"Yes." Gresham paused, making sure that Zelda was hanging on to his words.

"What sort of bargain?"

"With your upcoming period of mourning, it would be appropriate to assign a steward, would it not?"

The following morning was cold and misty, a somewhat fitting scene for the somber mood.

Surprisingly, Link was the first to rise out of the entire household. It pained him to force himself out of bed, given that he had a beautiful woman draped over him just moments before. He stepped gently out of the room and through the communal living area, enjoying the silence.

The doors to the landing were open, something that had become common since Fienna joined the fold. He hadn't seen her for a couple of days and started wondering where she was and what she was up to.

He took his time to enjoy the peacefulness of the morning, watching the clouds move across the gloomy sky.

A warm hand touched his shoulder.

"I was cold without you." Rel said warmly.

Link threaded his fingers through hers.

"I've missed you lately." He confessed. "We've not had much time together."

"I know. I've been preoccupied."

"It's alright."

A few people were walking through the streets below them. Link watched them absently, thinking about what Liom had said to him that night in the shop front, as they watched over Dornan. Liom had seemed so sure of his feelings for Fienna, even in such a short amount of time. Admittedly, Link felt envious about how sure he was. He'd spent too much time thinking about his lost love as opposed to moving on.

Rel went back inside and started boiling water.

"You and tea." Link teased.

"What do you think people drink at temples?"

The mention of the temple caused Link to stop and take a breath. His thoughts started to race as he waited for her reaction, to see if she'd noticed. Just a few nights earlier, Link had found himself in a state of sleeplessness, wondering if Rel meant to return to her temple in Holodrum. Every night that he spent with her only ignited his desire for her to stay.

"Link?" She asked concernedly. "What's wrong?"

He thought for a moment. "Nothing- I'm just mulling over something."

"And what is that something?"

Link looked at the door of what was Rel's old bedroom.

"Where is Fienna?"

"She's asleep beside Dornan." Rel frowned. "His condition seems to be worsening. His scars are healing- Even his eye- but Fienna is worried."

With a frown, Link looked away.

"What do you think?" Rel continued.

"I think it's one hell of a coincidence." Link replied.

"You and I both."

A familiar ashen haired man appeared at the end of the street. It was of course Liom. Link gave him a wave of acknowledgement.

"Thank the heavens." Rel scoffed as she met his side. "I cannot stand being around Azay any more than I need to."

"That's the first time I've noticed your accent in weeks." Link observed.

"I don't think she likes me very much!" Rel laughed.

"I wouldn't worry about her. She's just being- difficult right now."

"She wasn't always like this?"

"No. She used to be nice."

"Was that before or after you broke her heart?" Rel smirked.

"Broke her heart? Ha!" Link shot back. "It wasn't that serious."

"Is that how you learned to do-" Rel flicked her eyes down. "That?"

"No. She didn't like it."

Rel screwed her face up.

"What?" She shook her head. "Alright. I'm going to end this conversation before I start feeling jealous."

Liom let himself in, a solemn expression across his features. He didn't say anything in greeting, choosing to simply take a seat and fold his arms.

Still apprehensive about the exposure of their relationship, Rel dropped her hand from Link's. She followed Liom's lead and sat down by the fire. Link remained standing in the doorway.

"It's cold in here." Liom said finally. "You always have those doors open."

A very sleepy Dornan trudged to the table. Fienna had her hand placed firmly on his back, trying to keep him steady.

"Good morning." He mumbled.

"Dornan, you need more rest." Fienna insisted.

"I need a stiff drink. Then I will have my energy back."

Noticing that Liom was present, Fienna smiled sweetly.

"I suppose I should get this out of the way, considering that all of you are present." Liom started.

"Very well." Link said calmly.

"The king has died."

"I thought so." Link paused. "How is she?"

"As well as she can be. Though, even with the preparation, once cannot dictate their grief."

"Our condolences." Fienna chimed in.

"Thank you Fienna." Liom continued. "The bells will chime soon."

"Fucking- what now?" Dornan wheezed.

"The funeral. And a coronation."

"As is expected."

Rel folded her arms.

"Wouldn't now be a perfect time for this- 'great danger' to rear its head?" She huffed. "It has been at the forefront of my mind for weeks now."

"I agree with Aurelia." Dornan added. "We've been waiting for months."

"Isn't that your forte?"

"I'm greatly fatigued."

"Do you recall anything?

"The last thing I remember seeing was a tea party."

"See-" Rel looked at Link. "He's still not all there."

"Yes, I am!" Dornan rebutted.

"A tea party?"

"Yes, a fucking tea party!"

"Are they always like this?" Liom asked Link.

"Yes." Link answered.

Fienna kept her head down, listening intently as everyone spoke around her. With a deep breath, Liom stood from his seat.

"I'm fucking tired." He sighed. "Everyone- Everyone up at the castle is against us. Anyone who is close to Zelda is monitored and followed. They mean to force her hand, to give what is left of her power to the counsel."

"Force her hand into what?"

"If I knew, I would tell you."

He bade them a quick farewell before turning his attention back to Link.

"Oh, Link." He said with a slight smirk. "You'll need to wear the cape if you go to see Zelda."

"Fine." He huffed.

"Alright. Wait for word from me. We will reconvene later."

Liom's eyes lingered on Fienna for a few moments before he walked down the stairs.

Dornan smirked as he retrieved his pipe from behind a cushion. He took his time to light it, staring off into space as he did so. He was immediately met with resistance from Rel.

"Really Dornan?" She sighed. "You barely survived that fire and now you are inhaling smoke voluntarily?"

"Mmhmm." He hummed.

"Will that really help your memory?"

"My memory seems damaged anyway." Dornan frowned.

"That's unlike you."

"I know."

Leaving them to their conversation, Link slipped away to get changed. He took his time to slip on the many layers of clothing, keeping an ear out for the bells. He could hear the three oracles bickering quietly through the walls. Link started thinking about what he would say to Zelda, silently rehearsing it several times. He could relate to her, given that he was an orphan, but he didn't remember either of his parents. It was hard to imagine what Zelda was going through, given that she was close to her father until recently.

His concentration was broken by the echoing of a bell. Even the oracles had stopped arguing as it rang throughout the walls of Link's home.

Rel appeared in their doorway.

"I don't know what to say." She said quietly. "Do I apologize?"

"It's alright, Rel."

"I'll wait for you to get back."

By the time Link had left, a group of citizens were amassing in the town square. They remained quiet and apprehensive, waiting for an explanation regarding the chiming. As expected, the weather remained gloomy and dark, a fitting send off for a king.

Ever the savvy businesswoman, Telma was opening early that day, getting ready to serve the crowd of people who were likely to come through during the day. She gave Link one of her signature winks as he passed.

Feeling uneasy, Link made sure to line his pockets with the leaves of the plant that he and Rel had found by the river, hoping to ward off any bad luck that might come his way. He clutched the leaves tightly as he observed the faces of the mourners.

On reaching the bridge to the castle, Link was met with spears shoved into his face.

"No visitors." The guard said.

"I'm a knight you fucking moron." Link snapped. "Or is it usual for civilians to wear your colours?"

"Who sent for you?"

"If you don't remove this spear from my face, I'll gladly take off your fingers."

Link didn't wait for an answer, instead choosing to barge past the guards. This was the second time that he'd been stopped in a similar fashion, and he was even more annoyed than the first time. It didn't matter how often he was at the castle, he still outranked them. They acted as an unnecessary obstacle and for what purpose Link didn't know.

Several guards and other castle staff were congregating outside of the throne room. A few onlookers who recognized Link stepped aside for him, allowing him to get through.

The throne room was completely empty, save for Zelda who was standing by her father's chair.

She was adorned in dark colours, her light blond hair obscured by a black veil. The fabric of her clothing stood out as a stark contrast against the white marble hall with its blue accents. Everything seemed so insultingly ordinary.

Only slight glimpses of Zelda's features were visible through the darkness of the veil, no doubt creating trouble for anyone who might be watching them.

From the corner of Link's eye, he could see Darpa waiting by one of the windows. He seemed to be lost in thought as he stared through the misty glass. His usual demeanor was dialed back, so much so that he didn't even notice Link approach.

Link's footsteps echoed throughout the walls as he met Zelda's side. Although he was level with her, she didn't turn to look at him or greet him, an action he found strange.

"Zelda?" He asked, keeping his voice down.

"The entourage will not give me a moments peace." She replied in a hushed tone. "They refuse to stop following me. Even now."

"My sincerest apologies, Princess Zelda." Link said in his normal volume.

"Thank you."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"There are some things that I need to tell you."

Giving her a sideways glance, Link waited for her to keep going.

"I feel like I am disrespecting him." Zelda continued, folding her hands tightly in front of her. "But even now, I am being undermined."

"How so?"

"Due to the young man Ezra's scholarly excellence, the counsel has appointed him as steward of this kingdom."

Link's brow furrowed. "How?"

"As ordered by my father. Signed in his handwriting."

"A forgery?"

"I would have hoped."

"So, now what?" Link asked as he kneeled.

"It's only a matter of time until I am pushed aside, and I would be a fool to believe otherwise." Zelda stopped to look around. "I will be coronated as a means to keep the peace. After that? I believe it is time for us to run."

Link stood.

"To where?"

"Ruffilio perhaps."

"Very well."

"How do I gain the upper hand, Link?" Zelda fretted quietly. "I'd hoped the oracles would- I don't know what I expected. But I need more time."

"That I do not know." Link replied.

"The only way for a steward to replace a monarch is for that person to either die or leave their post."

"Do you think they will try to kill you?"

"They won't." Zelda finally turned to face him. "Because they know that there will always be civilians who will fight back. No… They will drive me away. They will finally have their means to end- Proof that I no longer care for my people."

"And what will that do?"

"Turn them against me."

"We will figure it out, queen."

"How- How can this be happening? I found them… I have the seasons, the ocean of time and secrets at my disposal!"

"Is that wise, Zelda?" Link asked with an arched eyebrow. "Surely your focus should be on Hylia. The oracles harness their power by being in touch with their descendants. At least, I think that's how it works."

"What good would that do Link?" Zelda held back a sob. "I've spent twenty-five years here and not once has she visited me! The only glimpses I got of the memories that live through me were when he held me against my will. I will not be locked in a tower again!"

"I would not allow that." Link answered.

Her eyes softening, Zelda relaxed. She let out a deep breath before composing herself again.

"Really?" She breathed.

"I want to end this curse upon us. For good."

"How would we do that?"

"I don't know." Link shook his head. "Let's just address what's happening in front of us."

"Aurelia is needed for that."

"I know. I'll speak to her."

"How much sorrow is the flame worth? How is destruction quantified?" Zelda muttered. "Is this it? The despair?"

"I'll talk to her."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of several guards approaching them.

Darpa snapped out of his stupor immediately, stomping toward them.

"Your time is up, princess." The lead guard declared.

"We outrank you." Darpa snapped at him. "Allow your queen to mourn!"

"You may be the queen's right hand, but your temper must be kept in check."

Sensing that an ordeal was about to occur, Zelda raised her hands.

"It is fine." She said elegantly. "I will continue my peaceful reflection in the gardens."

Link turned on his heel, making eye contact with Darpa momentarily. As he'd done outside, Link pushed past the guards, silently daring any of them to make the first move.

One of the guards tried to follow Link, who gave him a threatening stare.

Once outside, Link felt like he could finally breathe. He kept his head down, refusing to acknowledge anyone as he charged ahead.

Seeing a group of people congregating, Link took the closest corner, not knowing or caring where it led. He could see a grand archway, leading out into the courtyard. Unfastening the cape, Link stormed outside.

Just as he was about to taste freedom, an arm extended, blocking Link's momentum.

"We haven't formally met yet."

Link looked up to find a red-haired man standing beside him. He recognized the distinctive Gerudo features, thanks to the time he'd spent with Rel. This young man was also the spitting image of the one he'd seen in the eastern estate.

"And who are you?" Link asked, already knowing the answer.

"Allow me to introduce myself."

"Humor me. I haven't got all day."

"I am Ezra. The newly appointed steward for this fine kingdom."

"Forgive me, I'll be on my way." Link huffed, trying to push past him.

"Does Hyrule's finest knight not wish to meet one of his peers?"

"I am a reluctant knight and I wish to merely go home."

"I don't doubt that you will see me more often, given that I may need to call upon your loyalty."

"I'm sure that things will remain peaceful while Zelda is left to mourn."

"And if they don't?"

Link said nothing.

"You remind me of my father, Robern." Ezra observed. "You really do."

"Are we done?" Link asked. "I've other matters to attend to."

"Oh! I'm very sorry." Ezra smiled. "I was hoping that we would become acquainted at some point. Granted that Zelda is very fond of you."

"Good day to you, Lord." Link said flatly. "I'll be on my way."

Despite the several pairs of eyes following his every move, Link proudly made his way out of the courtyard and onto the drawbridge.