"So. It is done."

Link didn't answer, his blue eyes fixed on the dilapidated castle in front of them, his expression weary.

Zelda studied his features, her emotions a whirl of confusion. She didn't know what to feel. For over a century, her thoughts had been focused on defeating Ganon, on banishing the evil that destroyed her country and killed all the people she loved. But now, now that the Calamity was gone, she had no idea what was expected of her. She didn't even know what she wanted to do. She was the Princess of Hyrule, the only living descendant of the Goddess Hylia herself, and all she could think of was the fact that she was, in a small, selfish way, happy to be alive.

But was it even appropriate to feel happiness, after all the lives that had been lost?

She couldn't say.

At least... At least I'm not alone, she thought to herself, and it comforted her, even if it was followed by guilt. Link would follow her no matter what she did now, she had no doubt about it. She would give him a choice, of course, but the boy was devoted and brave. No matter how tired, he would continue to walk with her until his feet wore away, until his wounds bled out.

He'd done it before, and she knew he would do it again. He was a Knight of Hyrule, the truest of them all, blessed and chosen by Hylia and the Master Sword themselves.

But she knew he was tired; he was only mortal, after all, and he'd done so much for her, for her country and the world. If she were a better person, perhaps she could have set him free.

If she were a better person. But Zelda still needed Link, in more ways than one.

She wasn't sure she would ever be able to set him free. She wasn't sure she wanted to.

"Let's go," she said quietly, turning away from the castle, turning away from the nightmare that was finally over. Link hesitated but followed all the same.

"Princess... Where will we go now?" his warm, serious voice asked as they walked.

"Forward," Zelda replied, sounding far more assured than she felt.

The bed was warm, softer than anything Zelda had ever slept in. She was sure her bed in the castle had once been more luxurious, but she found she could barely remember it.

I must be even more tired than I thought, she mused, burying her face in the pillow. I never want to get up.

"Princess."

She almost groaned aloud.

"What is it, Link?" she muttered, eyes still firmly closed.

"Dinner is ready."

"I'm not hungry."

Silence.

"You haven't eaten in a hundred years, Princess."

I haven't thrown something at you in a hundred years, either.

"I'll eat later."

"... There won't be anything left later."

She opened one eye to glare at him. He was standing somewhat sheepishly at her bedside, hands behind his back. He'd always been a glutton.

"Link, I forbid you from eating everything by yourself," she ordered. He winced and seemed to wilt under her gaze a little.

"But... it tastes better when it's hot..." he muttered. Zelda pressed the bridge of her nose tiredly.

"Fine, I'll be right there," she sighed. He brightened up like a puppy almost immediately and her annoyance melted away. She was sore all over, and exhausted enough to sleep for a millennium, but seeing her knight still eager to serve after a battle like theirs gave her some of her energy back.

We can restore Hyrule on our own, she assured herself as she left the stable inn to join Link outside. It won't be easy, but... if Link is there, I'm sure we'll find a way.

When the world later threatened to crash around her ears, Zelda could have cursed her own naivete.

Notes:

I'm a historian, OF COURSE I was gonna write a political restoration fic at some point. Though, it's just an introduction for now.

I'm running like crazy to finish a ton of serials and one-shots so I don't have an update schedule planned just yet. When the next chapter goes up, hopefully I'll have a better grasp on how to manage six serial fics at once (cries). I don't drop stories, so don't worry about any of my other works being ignored or dropped.

As always, reviews are appreciated! I love hearing your thoughts!