When Link was relieved of his shift that evening, he found King Rhoam still at work in a makeshift camp outside the castle. A guard announced his presence.
"Sir Link, Knight to Princess Zelda and Champion of Hyrule!"
Link quickly fell to the ground to kneel.
"Stand, Sir Link. I would like to personally thank you for all you have done for Hyrule and for my daughter."
Link stood and bowed. "It is my pleasure to do my duty for Hyrule and Your Majesty."
"Your unwavering devotion to your duty is commendable," the king said, smiling faintly. "What do you have to report at this hour?"
Link relayed Mipha's instructions on Zelda's condition and Zelda's request for a meeting with full precision and no emotion. He conveniently left out the part about Zelda's innocent kisses.
King Rhoam thoughtfully ran a hand through his beard. "We shouldn't push her too far. Let's tentatively schedule a meeting for this Thursday morning. She can reschedule for a later date, if needed."
Link bowed again, deeply. "I will inform her. Thank you, Your Majesty."
"And while you are here, may I ask a favor of you?"
"Of course, Your Majesty."
"Could you speak to the other Champions regarding the remaining monster camps? Since most of our forces are occupied in search and rescue at the moment, having the Divine Beasts take care of the most dangerous work would be very helpful."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Should I include Lady Mipha in the raids on the monster camps? She has been instrumental in caring for the wounded soldiers the past few days."
"I trust your judgment on this, Sir Link. Please ask Lady Mipha to stay behind and continue her work with healing."
"It will be done.". Link bowed (again! One of these days, his back would snap) and excused himself from the tent. It was already dark, so the other Champions were most likely asleep. Besides, he reasoned that Zelda was a Champion too, so she should be there. There was absolutely no other reason he sent a few servants the next morning to invite the others to a meeting in Zelda's chambers after her breakfast.
Definitely nothing selfish about it at all.
Sir Stephen was not a difficult man to find. Link slipped into the dining hall and was immediately accosted.
"LIIIINK!"
"Hyaugh." Link said eloquently.
Stephen relaxed his grip around Link's poor, constricted shoulders. "You really did it, man! We're so proud of you!"
"Oh, uh, thanks…?"
Stephen grinned and practically started dragging Link over to a table. "Anyway, come sit with us and tell us all about it!"
"Actually, I had a favor to ask you."
"Oh? What is it?"
"There's a Champions meeting in about an hour and I'm supposed to be guarding the princess. Could you cover me?"
"Of course! Anything for the hero of the hour!" Stephen performed the most flamboyant bow Link had ever seen. "Or of the day, or the week, or the year…"
Link rolled his eyes and shoved Stephen lightly in the arm. "Don't get starstruck. And I won't be giving out autographs."
"Sure, sure, whatever. Just wait until the ladies start asking and your answer'll change." Stephen leaned in close. "By the way, look off to your left."
Link followed Stephen's directions to a small group of knights around their age, who turned away, blushing and giggling when they noticed his eyes on them. He raised his eyebrows at Stephen.
"We could do a little bet on how long you last before giving an autograph to one of those fine ladies."
"Don't use me as your excuse to talk to Dame Sophia! I have guard duty."
At least Stephen had the decency to blush.
"Anyway, thanks for helping me out today. I'll see you at the princess' room in an hour. Don't get too distracted!" Link ran away courageously before Stephen could come back to his senses. He was not going to be late for breakfast with Zelda.
After all, he shouldn't keep a princess waiting.