To Capture the Heart of a Hero

Chapter 10 – Apologies

Okay.

That was how Link felt his first meeting with the King had went. Just okay. He felt it probably could've been worse, but it certainly could have been a hell of a lot better too. It was also difficult to decide how to assign blame for such a thing. Was it his own fault, for being so nervous? Was it the King's fault, for being too mischievous? Or was it Zelda's fault, for storming into the room and interrupting the entire thing?

It was hard to say…

After Zelda had returned to the room, she had started reprimanding Caius for making such a foolish joke with Link, while the King merely tried to wave the entire thing off as harmless. He even tried to get the Hero involved, by adding, "It was pretty funny, right Link?". Zelda quickly cut him off, however, insisting that her father leave Link out of this. The Hero wouldn't be able to save him this time…

Zelda then proceeded to give the King a stern scolding, where she made sure to point out that the Hero of Hyrule was not his plaything, Link's valuable time should not be wasted like this, and Caius should be very, very ashamed of himself for treating an important guest in such a manner. As she did so, the King ceased any attempts of trying to defend himself, and just shamefully hung his head while occasionally nodding. At this point, it was almost hard to tell which one was the parent and which one was the child in this situation.

Much like the King, Link just sat there in uncomfortable silence. It felt rather awkward to hear Zelda reprimand her father like that. He wished he could simply excuse himself from the room, but no such opportunity presented itself, so he had to endure the scolding just as the King did. Link couldn't help but feel some sympathy for the man. He knew that the joke had been relatively harmless, and he didn't feel like Zelda's judgment was entirely necessary. Nevertheless, it seemed like the Princess had no intention of letting him off easy.

As things dragged on, Link felt reminded of all the times he had seen Mayor Bo get scolded by Ilia. He soon made a mental note that daughters could be terrifying little things. Or maybe that was just all women in general. He wasn't sure.

Eventually, Zelda insisted that Caius apologize to Link for his idiotic and deceitful comments. By this point, the King didn't even bother arguing and just did as he was told, formally apologizing to the Hero. Link in turn just awkwardly accepted it, hoping that they could finally move past this.

Which before long, they did, although the conversation didn't have quite the same energy as it did before. From this point on, the King behaved more formally and respectfully, as you would expect of a man of his position. He no longer laughed or joked, at least not while under the watchful gaze of Zelda, who refused to leave the room a second time for fear of her father delving into his doltish humor once again.

Fortunately, the tension in the room began to ease over time. The King had requested that Link recount the tale of his journey, as he wanted to hear the events from the Hero firsthand. Link didn't mind doing this, since it was just recollecting his memories, and he also was able to spend a lot of time talking about Midna, which lifted his spirits a bit. Caius responded positively to the tale, often encouraging Link to continue, or pausing to thank the Hero for any particularly impressive achievements. Zelda also chipped in from time to time, adding details that Link might have forgotten or glossed over. As the tale went on, her frustration with her father slowly seemed to evaporate, and eventually she was softly smiling along with them. It was a rather happy end to what would otherwise be considered a total disaster. Which, considering the Hero's track record for disasters, was something to be thankful for.

Things were eventually cut short when Doctor Roswald entered the room, and announced that it would be best for the King to get some rest. Caius tried to argue against it, and even Zelda asked if they could be allowed just a bit more time, but Roswald wouldn't have any of it. The sick man had already been entertaining his guest for far longer than he should have been, and he now needed to get some proper rest.

"But Link was just getting to the part where he encountered a Yeti!" Caius complained in a somewhat whiney tone that didn't match his deep majestic voice at all.

The doctor simply smirked. "Yes, I understand…However, while I hate to interrupt such a thrilling tale, I'm afraid I can't guarantee your recovery if you refuse to follow my instructions."

Zelda just gave a nod of approval. "I understand, Roswald. We'll end things here for today." She then glanced towards the Hero sitting in the chair. "I'm sure Link understands as well, don't you?"

At that moment, Link just vaguely recalled what Zelda had requested of him before coming here. "Oh, um, yes. Your health is very important, Your Majesty."

The King just sighed, releasing a pent-up breath along with a few coughs to accompany it. Even at a glance, it was clear that the doctor's words were no exaggeration. The King was definitely growing weary. "Very well," he agreed. "Link, you'll have to come visit me another time and finish this tale of yours."

"Of course, I'd be happy to," Link replied with a smile and a nod.

Caius then leaned in close and spoke to Link in a whisper. "Perhaps at a time when my daughter isn't around, hm?"

Zelda just scowled at the two of them. "Father, I heard that."

"Oh?" asked the King, suddenly playing innocent. "Heard what, my dear?"

"You're impossible," Zelda said, shaking her head. She then sighed before walking over to his bedside and giving him a soft kiss on his temple. "Get some rest, okay? I'll see you again soon."

"I will," Caius promised.

Zelda smiled and enveloped one of his hands in her own for a moment. She then gave him an affectionate pat before releasing his hand and walking back towards the partition.

The King then turned to the Hero once more, and extended a hand to him. "Link, it has been an incredible honor to meet you."

Link rose from his seat and accepted the King's handshake. "Likewise, Your Majesty."

"Feel free to visit again soon. I eagerly await the continuation of that story."

"Of course."

The King grinned. "Very good. Farewell then, Hero of Twilight."

Link then took his leave, walking through the partition and returning to the front of the infirmary. There, he found Zelda conversing with the doctor.

She gave the man a small bow of the head. "Thank you for everything, doctor. I know it can't always be easy."

Roswald just gave her a knowing smile in return. "It is not as bad as you think, Princess. I tend to have a high tolerance for dealing with difficult patients."

"A quality I am grateful for," Zelda said with a smile. "Do you know how much longer he'll have to stay in the infirmary?"

"It's hard to say…With the way things are progressing, it could still be a while."

Zelda frowned a bit. "That is unfortunate. I was hoping he might be able to return to his own bed and his own room at some point."

Roswald nodded a bit, as if considering this. "I see…We should be able to make that transition eventually, but not right now I'm afraid. I think it'd be best for him to remain by my side for the time being, so I can quickly administer treatment should things take a sudden turn for the worst."

Zelda just nodded. "Of course, Roswald. I trust that your judgment is best. I leave him in your capable hands."

"Your words are too kind, Princess," Roswald said with a bow. "I will continue to do the best that I can."

"Thank you," Zelda replied. She then glanced back at Link. "Sorry for the hold up. Are you ready to go?"

"Oh, yeah, no worries," Link said, waving his hands a bit.

Zelda smiled as she led him towards the infirmary's exit. "See you later, Roswald."

The doctor gave a small nod of his head. "Farewell, Princess. And you as well, Hero."

Link gave a short nod in return and then dismissed himself. Before long, the two of them were out in the castle halls, free of the infirmary at last. For the first time since entering that place, Link allowed himself to relax.

Zelda glanced over at him. "Are you okay?"

"Huh?" Link quickly turned to her. "Oh, yeah, I'm all right."

Zelda just gave him a sympathetic smile. "Apologies, Link. I know this sort of thing stresses you out."

Link shook his head. "No, it's fine. It's just something that I need to get used to."

Zelda nodded a bit. "Of course. With enough time, I'm sure you'll grow comfortable with doing this sort of thing."

"I can only hope so," Link said with a small laugh.

There was silence for a moment. Zelda then glanced down the hallway towards an opening in the stone walls. She soon gestured towards it. "Do you have time to talk?"

Link nodded back. "Of course."

The Princess soon led the Hero over to the opening, which looked out into one of the castle's courtyards. From here, they could see some of the well-trimmed hedges, as well as a small fountain in the distance. They stood there in silence for a while, Zelda glancing at the scene with a content smile, while Link leaned against the wall, doing the same.

Eventually, Zelda turned to face the Hero with curious eyes. "So, tell me Link, now that you have officially met my father, the great and mighty King of Hyrule, what do you think of him?"

Link nervously scratched the back of his head. "Well, I'm honestly not sure…He's definitely not what I expected…"

Zelda just giggled a bit. "Ah, he took you by surprise, I assume?"

"Well, yeah…" Link admitted sheepishly. "I didn't expect him to be so friendly and down to earth and…and…" He paused, trying to think of a suitable word.

"And so much trouble?" Zelda supplied.

Link scratched his head some more. "Um…I don't know if I would say that..."

Zelda just shook her head in mild amusement. "Oh, Link, my naive Hero…Surely you have witnessed enough to understand my plight? I'm afraid my father can be quite the troublemaker when he wants to be."

Like you're any different, Link thought to himself with a frown. He knew that the Princess could be just as mischievous when she put her mind to it, but he wasn't about to call her out on it, and he didn't necessarily want to badmouth the King either. "I guess I could see it," he agreed halfheartedly.

Zelda noticed his suddenly reserved expression and frowned a bit. She turned away, gazing out at the courtyard once more. "My apologies again, Link. I hope you can forgive me."

Link whipped his head around in surprise. "Huh? For what?"

"For my father's foolish idea of humor. And that ridiculous trick he played on you."

"Oh, you mean that joke?" Link asked innocently. "You don't have to apologize for that."

Zelda shook her head some more. "No, I feel partially responsible for it. I should never have agreed to leave the two of you alone." She then paused before baring her teeth in frustration. "I should've known he might try to pull something like that. 'I was referring to her mother', oh the gall of that man!"

Link just watched as Zelda began to seethe a little bit. "Um, does he do this sort of thing often?"

"Far more often than what is considered appropriate," Zelda said, taking a second to compose herself. "Unfortunately, he's been stuck in that room for some time now. I believe this is what he's resorted to in order to entertain himself."

Link frowned at this, feeling a little guilty. "It's okay. I don't mind if he likes to tell a few jokes…It's better to have a sense of humor than none at all, right?"

Zelda turned to Link. "Yes, but that does not mean he should resort to trickery in order to get his laughs. Especially not with the brave Hero who saved our Kingdom."

"I feel like it was pretty innocent though," Link said shyly. "I don't think he meant any offense, and I really didn't mind it."

Zelda's curious gaze began to settle into something more akin to a scowl. "Link, why are you defending him?"

"I'm not," Link replied quickly. "I just wanted you to know that I wasn't offended by his joke, and that you didn't need to scold him so badly for it…"

Zelda raised her eyebrows a bit. "You are displeased that I defended you?"

"What? No," said Link, shaking his head. "I just don't think you need to be so hard on him."

"Now you are offering him pity?"

"Um, no, I…" Link's voice just trailed off. He wasn't sure what he was trying to say.

Meanwhile, Zelda just shook her head. "Trust me, Link. I know my father better than anyone else, and I know that he truly deserved the tongue-lashing I gave him earlier. Over the constant years of dealing with him, I've learned that you must be strict about these sorts of things. Otherwise, he'll simply never learn."

Link just raised his eyebrows. "He's been doing this for years?"

Zelda simply nodded. "He can be incredibly stubborn when he wants to be. I'm sure he could even give you a run for your rupees."

"Ha ha, very funny," Link replied sarcastically. "Now who's the one cracking jokes?"

Zelda smirked a bit. "I hope you are not accusing me of such a thing. I am being incredibly serious."

Link just shook his head. Her smile told him otherwise. "Still, I don't want you to get angry at your father over something like this. Honestly, it feels like you always defend me far more than what is necessary."

The smile quickly faded from Zelda's face. She seemed rather surprised at this accusation. "I do not."

"Yes, you do," Link shot back. "Whether it be today with your father, or at the garden with Ernest, or even against myself when you were trying to bestow me with a title. It feels like you're always defending me…"

Zelda just gawked a bit. "Well of course, Link. You are someone who is very important to me, a trusted ally and friend. I will always be happy to stand up for you."

"But does it have to be so excessive?" Link asked with a frown. "You nearly chewed your father out for five minutes straight."

"I…" Zelda paused. She didn't know what to say to this. Her first instinct was to simply say that it was necessary, but she knew that this response wouldn't satisfy the sudden curiosity that was growing within her.

Why did she go to such great lengths to defend Link? Why had her father's trickery made her so upset? As well as Ernest's treatment of him, and even Link's own self-doubt? Zelda tried to think of a concrete answer, but she had a hard time pinpointing her thoughts. Was it because he was an important figure who had saved her Kingdom from certain doom? Was it because he had been a good friend to Midna, as well as herself? Was it because he was just a genuinely nice guy who was worthy of her protection?

In the end, Zelda honestly had no idea. Even she felt stumped by this conundrum.

Nevertheless, the Princess realized that Link was still staring at her, so she soon frowned and hung her head in shame. Upon recognizing the full weight of the Hero's words, she felt like she may have stepped out of line. "I…I'm very sorry, Link. It was never my intention to embarrass you or make you feel uncomfortable."

Link just blinked a few times. "Wait, what?"

Zelda released a solemn sigh. "Clearly, you wish that I had never stood up for you in the way that I did. I went overboard in my attempts to defend you, and for that I sincerely apologize."

However, the Princess soon glanced over to find the Hero waving his hands at her. "No, Zelda, it's okay. You don't have to apologize. I really appreciate everything you've done for me. Honest."

Seeing his excessive dismissal, Zelda felt her spirits lift a bit. "Do you really mean that?"

Link smiled. "Of course. I'm fine with you sticking up for me. I just don't want you to feel like you have to go so far just for my sake."

Zelda allowed herself to return his smile. "But if I don't, then who will?"

This gave the Hero some pause. "Um…"

"Surely not yourself?" Zelda asked with a hint of teasing in her voice. "I've already witnessed your miserable attempts at such things."

Link frowned. "Hey, I can stand up for myself! I just…only do it when it is necessary."

Zelda gave him a warm smile. "Fair enough. But in that case, I too will go as far as I feel is necessary. It is my right, as this Kingdom's Princess, and as a friend."

Link just stared at her in confusion. Just a moment ago, Zelda had seemed rather dejected, but now she appeared to be somewhat motivated. He wasn't sure what he had said or done to help her recover so quickly, but it seemed like the argument had been wrestled out of his grasp. He soon sighed in defeat. "If that is what you wish."

"It is," Zelda replied, smiling at him. "And Link, if it makes you feel any better, just know that I would have done the same for Midna if she were here. Although, something tells me she would have had no problem standing up for herself," she mused with a giggle.

Link laughed at this too. "Yeah, probably not."

Zelda smiled at the Hero. It felt nice to just casually talk with him like this. Throughout the past week, the two of them had stayed so busy that they hadn't often come across each other, even though they were staying in the same castle.

"So tell me," Zelda said, changing the subject, "how have you been adjusting to life here at the castle? Are things going well?"

"Well enough," Link replied with a shrug. "It's definitely different from what I'm used to in Ordon, but it's growing on me."

"I've heard from various sources that you've been a big help around here. I appreciate your willingness to assist."

Link smiled, beaming with a bit of pride. "Of course. I'm always happy to help."

Zelda nodded at his confidence. "How has everyone been treating you? With kindness and respect, I hope?"

"Yeah," Link replied as he lowered his eyes. "More kindness and respect than I care to accept, honestly."

Zelda paused. "Hmm? What do you mean?"

Link gulped, realizing he may have been a little too outspoken. He hadn't meant to let that detail slip out. "Er…it's nothing."

Zelda just stared at him, her growing concern evident in her expression. "If something is bothering you, then tell me."

Link just tried to shrug it off. "No really, it's nothing."

"Link," Zelda pleaded, staring at him with her soft sapphire eyes.

The Hero just cursed. He already knew he couldn't resist that look. "Fine…It's just been a little hard having to get used to all the attention."

"The attention?" Zelda inquired.

"Yeah. Ever since I was named as the Hero of Twilight, I've noticed that everyone around here has started admiring me, complimenting me, and treating me like I'm some sort of celebrity."

Zelda just gave a single nod. "Ah, I suppose that sort of thing is to be expected. I'm afraid the inhabitants of this castle are naturally curious, especially when they hear that someone of your caliber is currently roaming the halls. It's no surprise that they've taken such a keen interest in our newly-named Hero." She then paused, glancing over at him with a frown. "What kind of attention have they been giving you, exactly?"

"It's nothing too crazy," Link said with a shrug. "There's just been a lot of handshakes and 'thank you's and compliments; all from faces I've never even met before. It can all be a little overwhelming sometimes."

Zelda tried to give him an encouraging smile. "I'm sure they just want you to know how much they appreciate everything you've done. Most of us might not be standing here today if it weren't for you."

Link sighed. "I know…but I never did any of this so I could earn everyone's praise. I just saved the Kingdom because…well, because it needed to be saved. I never wanted any special treatment or anything like that. It just doesn't feel right to me."

Zelda just sadly smiled at him some more. Here he was, being a little too modest again. "But Link, surely you feel you deserve at least a little attention? I would say that your actions far exceed the capacity for what is considered 'praiseworthy'."

"Yes, I suppose," he agreed, although his voice didn't sound very confident.

"Just bear with it for now. People are only clamoring about you because of the recency of your heroic deeds and title. Give it some time, and eventually their constant fascination with you will begin to fade. At that point, the crowds will start to leave you alone."

Link just nodded a bit. "I know…If anything, I probably just need to learn to accept things for what they are."

Zelda smiled. "And you will, at your own pace."

"Yeah," he agreed. He then paused for a moment. "The rumors, however, I can live without."

"Rumors?" Zelda repeated as the smile quickly faded from her face. "What rumors?"

Link blinked in surprise. He assumed she might have caught wind of some of the talk being passed around the castle halls. He tried to shake his head and give the Princess a reassuring smile. "It's nothing. Just people making some assumptions about me, most of them exaggerations."

"Like what?"

"Just stupid stuff," Link said, suddenly feeling embarrassed. It was bad enough hearing this from Ashei, but now he had to pass it along to Zelda as well? He soon sighed. "Stuff like I'm strong enough to fight a hundred Bulblins or which hand I use to wield my sword…"

Zelda just stared at him for a moment. "And this bothers you…"

She hadn't really phrased it as a question, but her eyes seemed to be imploring Link for an answer. "Well, yeah. It makes me nervous to know that so many strangers are discussing me behind my back. Not to mention, a lot of these rumors feel so ridiculous, it almost feels like they're creating a false image of me. I would honestly feel better if I knew that they weren't talking about me at all."

To Link's surprise, Zelda's eyes soon flashed with a small bit of horror, before she heavily frowned and bowed her head. "My sincerest apologies, Link. I never intended for this to happen."

Link just stared at the Princess, feeling stunned and confused. Another apology!? "What do you mean?"

"Once again, I feel partially responsible for your trouble," Zelda replied in a solemn tone. "I'm the one who recounted the tale of your adventure to the Hyrule Council, so naturally all of these rumors stem back to myself."

Link raised his eyebrows. "You started all of these rumors?"

Zelda shook her head. "Not directly, no. I believe I gave an accurate summary of your journey, but that does not prevent people from misremembering and misconstruing the tale once it reaches their ears. I fear that these rumors only started because I was willing to share your story in the first place."

Link shook his head back at her. "But that's not your fault. The Council had to know the truth of how the Twilight Invasion was resolved. You had a duty to tell them what happened."

"But that is not all," Zelda said, still hanging her head in shame. "I am also the one who insisted on granting you a proper title, which is where all of this attention stems from. I honestly believed that I was helping you, but now I'm wondering if I've just done nothing but cause you trouble."

Link just stared at the Princess with his mouth hanging open. "Seriously, Zelda? Do you really believe that?"

"What else am I to believe?" Zelda asked, still looking at the floor. "All I hear is nothing but the burdens I have placed on you."

To her surprise, she just heard Link give a small laugh. "Don't be ridiculous. Sure, this title and everything that came with it has been a lot to deal with, but that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate it. And it definitely doesn't mean that you have never done anything for me."

Upon hearing this, Zelda dared to glance up from the floor, only to see the Hero's comforting face smiling at her.

"You've helped me more than you realize," he told her. "Remember what I said just a little bit ago? I said I really do appreciate everything you've done for me, and I meant it. The Goddesses only know where I might be without you."

Zelda suddenly found herself blushing upon hearing the Hero's praise. She hadn't expected his words to sound so heartfelt and appreciative. Still, she couldn't deny that his warm and comforting attitude had managed to lift her spirits once again. "Um…Thank you, Link. That truly means a lot."

"You're welcome," the Hero replied happily. He then laughed a bit as he continued to stare at the Princess. Zelda just gave him a weird look.

"What?"

Link shook his head, laughing some more. "It's funny. You accused me of feeling sorry over every bad thing that happens around me, but you're no different."

Zelda blushed a bit more, realizing the truth in his words, but she soon tried to suppress it. "I…I am only trying to take responsibility for…for the results of my actions and the behavior of those who dwell in my castle."

"You can't apologize for everything though," Link said with a grin.

"But…" Zelda's voice trailed off. She knew he had a point there.

Link just gave her a look of confidence. "You can relax. I don't mind if things get difficult around here, and I certainly don't blame you for any of my troubles. That's just the way things are sometimes. No point in dwelling on them."

Zelda just stared at him in awe, admiring his nonchalant attitude and carefree grin. This Hero may get nervous on occasion, and he may have trouble accepting his importance to the Kingdom, but in spite of all that, he never seemed to let anything truly bother him. He never seemed to take offense or get angry. He was just willing to let things go, in a mature and respectful manner. To Zelda, he had always seemed like a free spirit, and she truly admired him for it.

She soon smiled. "You're nothing if not sincere, Link, and I really appreciate that about you."

"That's just who I am," Link replied, trying to hold back a sheepish expression. It still felt a little weird for him to receive praise from the Princess, but he accepted it all the same.

"I'll try to keep my apologies in check from now on," Zelda told him. "Although…I won't promise anything."

Link smirked at this. "Well then, while we're at it, is there anything else you need to apologize for? Might as well get it out now."

Zelda laughed at his challenge, and then took a moment to consider it. "Hmm, perhaps I should apologize for you being stuck on guard duty with Ashei? I know that she can be troublesome at times."

Link laughed back. "Ashei? No, she and I get along surprisingly well actually…" He then paused. "For the most part, anyway."

"Is there anyone you don't get along with?" Zelda asked with a smirk of her own.

"Zant comes to mind…"

Zelda just laughed again. In addition to his other qualities, she also felt that Link had a charming sense of humor. At the very least, he seemed to have a way of making her giggle with amusement. She soon placed a gloved hand over her mouth, hoping to compose herself. "It is always a pleasure to speak with you, Link."

"Yeah, I enjoy our talks as well," he said, smiling back.

Zelda soon turned and glanced out at the courtyard. "I should probably be on my way…" She then paused, her eyes widening. Why did it look like the courtyard was bathed in the orange glow of the evening? How much time had passed since she originally went to fetch Link?

She whipped her head towards the Hero. "Wait, what time is it?"

Link leaned back a bit, surprised at her suddenness. "Er, I don't know…Close to dinner time, I think?"

"Oh shoot," Zelda lightly cursed. "Why do I always lose track of the time?" She soon shot up, gathered the folds of her dress in her hands, and promptly began running down the hall. Link just stood there for a second, dumbfounded, before deciding to take off after her.

"What is it? What's the matter?" he tried to ask, but she just ignored him and hurried forward.

Before long, the Princess turned a corner, stopping just short of a small staircase that descended down to another hallway. Link quickly caught up to her as she glanced at the nearby wall, where a wooden clock rested.

"Six o'clock?" she murmured with a frown. "Damn…" She then jumped a bit, placing a hand over her mouth. "Oh, forgive my language."

Link just shook his head. "No worries. What has you so alarmed?"

Zelda removed her hand as she released a sigh. "I promised Fost that I would meet with him at this time to discuss a potential transportation arrangement for our upcoming meeting. I'm supposed to meet him clear on the other side of the castle, and now I'm going to be late."

Link just gave her a comforting look. "Oh, is that all? Fost seems like a kind and understanding guy. I'm sure he won't mind."

"Yes, but being late to pre-established meetings reflects poorly on myself, and Fost will be all too keen to remind me of that!" Zelda said with a huff. She then turned away, still feeling frantic. "Forgive me for cutting things short, Link. I'm afraid I must be on my way."

Link paused, before stretching a hand out towards her. "Hey, Zelda, wait-"

Zelda just gave a quick shake of her head, as she forced her feet to keep moving. "It's been nice talking with you. I'll see you again s-"

"Zelda, look out!"

Zelda's eyes went wide with fear as her foot suddenly tripped on the staircase that she had forgotten was there. Her whole body instantly lurched forward, and Zelda just gasped before squealing at the top of her lungs.

"Aiiiiieeee!"

Suddenly, a hand shot out, grabbing Zelda's own and halting her descent. She quickly planted her feet on the stairs beneath her, steadying herself. She stood there for a second, still terrified of what had almost transpired. She took a few quick breaths as she glanced behind her.

There stood Link, firmly clutching the Princess's hand with his own. He was just staring down at her with an expression full of concern. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.

Was she okay? Zelda felt too stunned to give an answer. In fact, she was actually having a hard time even processing the question. Her body felt breathless, and her heart was racing. Zelda's entire self was still too focused on the horrifying thought of plummeting to her doom.

Nevertheless, the cogs in her mind eventually began to turn. She gave Link the smallest of nods, and spoke up in a shaky voice. "U-Um…Mm-hmm…" she mumbled.

Link just released a small bit of pent-up air from his lungs. "Here," he said. He then gave a gentle tug on her hand, pulling her back up to the top step next to him.

Once she was back on solid ground, Zelda placed a hand over her heart, trying to calm herself. Naturally, the tiny organ was still beating at a furious pace. She slowly turned to face the Hero. "Th-Thank you, Link. You really saved me there."

Link just eyed her before breathing a sigh of relief. "I'm just glad you're all right. You really should be more careful."

Zelda nodded. She knew he was absolutely right. Inwardly, she was already berating herself for being such a fool. How could she have been so reckless? If Link hadn't been here, she might have gotten seriously injured! She soon blushed, feeling embarrassed about the whole thing.

"Y-You're right. Forgive me for that. It was…very un-Princess like."

"Don't worry about it…" Link said with a small smile. He then awkwardly glanced down before speaking up again. "Um…can I have my hand back now?"

"Oh!" Zelda nearly jumped as she looked down and realized that she was still clutching the Hero's hand, and quite firmly at that. She quickly released it, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red. "Y-Yes, of course."

Link just slowly retracted his hand back to his side. He cautiously eyed the Princess up and down. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Zelda nodded. "Yes, just a little startled is all." She took a deep breath, trying to calm down and still her ever-beating heart. She also smoothed out the folds of her dress, hoping to make herself look more composed and presentable.

Once she finally felt at ease, she dared to look back towards the Hero. She just gave him a shy smile and a nervous laugh. "Um…I guess we're both a little clumsy, huh?"

Link blinked in surprise, but he soon smirked. "At least I had a flowerbed to break my fall," he said with a laugh.

"Fortunately, I had a Hero to break mine," Zelda replied sincerely. "Thank you, Link."

"Yeah, you're welcome," he replied, as if it was no big deal.

The Princess then stood there for a moment, silently admiring her Hero. She truly appreciated his warmth and kindness, and the fact that he always seemed to be looking out for her. It felt good to know that he could be counted on a trusted ally. No, he had already proven himself to be far more than that. He was a trusted friend.

However, as Zelda continued to stand there in silence, she couldn't help but feel a bit…strange. Despite her attempts to collect herself, she still felt like her cheeks were burning with a tint of red, and her heart continued to beat hard in her chest. What was going on? The near-death experience on the stairs had already come and gone, so why did she still feel so…so flustered? Ordinarily, she would never feel so shaken like this, especially over such a small accident. And yet, as she continued to admire the Hero before her, she felt an odd sense of nervousness. Why did it suddenly feel so unnerving to meet his gaze?

Meanwhile, in the back of her mind, she heard Link's voice call out to her, as if from a far-off place.

"Um…Zelda?"

"Huh?" she replied mindlessly.

"Weren't you just in a hurry to leave?"

Zelda blinked, suddenly snapping out of her daze. "Oh! Yes, yes I was." Quickly taking in her surroundings, Zelda recalled what she had just been doing. She needed to get to her meeting with Fost! With a few nods of the head, Zelda turned, walking down the staircase at a much more careful pace than before. She then glanced back at the Hero one last time. "Thanks again, Link. I promise I'll see you soon!"

Link just returned her farewell with a smile and a nod. "See you later, Zelda."

Zelda then faced forward again and rushed off down the halls. She was careful not to move in a reckless manner, but she still kept an urgent stride. All the while, Zelda's heart kept beating strongly and rhythmically, as if determined to create a steady tempo within her chest.

Zelda just frowned, feeling a bit anxious. Why did she still feel so unsettled? Sure, she was going to be late for her meeting with Fost, but Zelda doubted that this was the source of her uneasiness. No, instead, her thoughts kept returning to the Hero clad in green, warmly smiling at her, gently taking her hand, and doing her the small favor of saving her life.

Zelda soon felt her face begin to steam a bit, so she quickly shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. Her behavior was extremely irrational, and she could only assume that there was something seriously wrong with herself…

I would like to take a moment and say thank you to everyone who has left reviews on this story. Receiving comments/feedback always serves as a great form of motivation when it comes to writing, so it's honestly been a big help. Please feel free to continue sharing your thoughts as the story progresses. And of course, thank you all very much!