Plot and written by: Sylven
Pairing: Zelda x Link
Genre: Romance
Rating: T-rated (will turn m-rated)

The Legend of Zelda franchise © Nintendo
I don't earn any money writing this.

Authors note: Thanks for the patience and nice messages again! Also, if there is something you would love to see in this fic, just tell me. So, this chapter is a bit nicer to our Hero since I felt bad ending him in such a tough position in the previous chapter. This chapter also is extra long because you had to wait extra-long.

Follow your heart and seize your destiny.

*THWAP*

Another one. The count had already been lost with the Hero, as he placed another arrow in position. He tightened the bowstring, and he let it go.

*THWAP*

The target was completely filled with Link's arrows, nearly enough space for any more arrows. Teake, the captain of the Gerudo soldiers, was watching with tensed nerves seeing another arrow land into the target, making the previous arrow fall out of its spot.

"Hero, are you OK?" Teake asked. Link didn't answer and absent-mindedly placed a new arrow in its position. It wouldn't take long until his quiver was completely empty. Teake already had seen this before. Whenever a warrior of hers was troubled, they always seem to relax by shooting a few arrows or spears.

The target seemed to be full... Link looked at the target next to it, seeing it also filled. How many arrows did he actually carry with him? The Hylian Champion tightened the string and-

"Good morning, Link."

*CLANK*

missed. Link looked up, seeing his arrow roll on the ground after missing the target. He couldn't reminisce the last time he missed the target. Link now looked at the entrance of the training ground, seeing that gorgeous Godde- the Princess standing there. The Princess who confessed; the same Princess who gave him a proposal for courting; the Princess who could become his Queen if he would be her King.

What, Link, distressed? No... Nope, not a chance. "'Morning, Princess." Link walked to the targets and pulled his arrows out of the wood, putting it in his quiver. "Do you remember anything from yesterday?"

Zelda smiled and skipped towards Link, helping with the arrows. "Yes, I remember everything." The Hero dropped a few arrows in shock, a scowl slipped over his lips. If she did remember everything, Link wasn't sure how to even answer her feelings. "But the part before sleeping is a bit fuzzy... I remember you brought me to the hotel and brought me to bed but-"

As the Princess was explaining further, Link already lost what she was telling, after hearing she didn't remember her confession. Perhaps it was for the best. That way he also didn't have to reject her, since he had to keep protecting her and not get distracted. Let alone the fact he didn't have the King's approval according to the oath.

Perhaps the best feeling of this all was that awful lump in his throat as if every arrow he just shot landed in his trachea.

Zelda placed the arrows in Link's quiver, making him get out of his train of thoughts. Her green orbs now fell on the missed arrow. She grabbed it and placed it back in the quiver. The Royalty giggled a bit, unconsciously giving a tug on Link's heartstring. "I apologize for distracting you. Otherwise, knowing you, you would have hit the target."

Link looked expressionless at her, which she noticed. Distract... He began hating that verb. Zelda wanted to ask what was wrong, but she got cut off suddenly.

"Link! I have some fantastic news!" Riju said with a childish grin on her cheeks, emphasising fantastic. She walked downstairs, as Link and Zelda stood up from arrow picking. "Just as fantastic as how you had to sneak into Gerudo Town before saving Hyrule!"

Link cocked an eyebrow, confusion completely filling him. Sneaking into Gerudo Town whilst wearing female clothing wasn't his most fantastic time, and Riju knew that damn well. Link smiled and played along with it. "Oh? You got me curious now."

The Princess was more curious about the so-called fantastic way Link had to sneak in.

"Let's just say," Riju's expression now turned a bit more serious, "the masks awakened and the mighty bananas are on sale."

Link's eyebrows knitted together. The Yiga were moving again? Had they heard about the Princess being here? The Hero now got why Riju was talking in 'code', for they didn't want to worry Zelda. The Princess only got more confused, not getting what they were talking about, so it seemed to be working.

"That's great!" Link said with a grin. The Chieftain became aware of how often the Hylian had to hide his burdens because that almost seemed like a sincere grin. His acting was next-level deceiving, which only seemed to worry Riju. She never truly realised how his burden must have felt.

"How about some breakfast before leaving?" Riju asked with a smile. "I assume you would like to leave and continue your journey, right?"

Link nodded and Zelda smiled with a little curtsy. "That would be great. We have a lot of places to go to," the Princess stated. Riju led them to her throne room, where many Gerudo were placing down food and drinks. Link frowned and held back a deep sigh. Great, he now found out his appetite was non-existent. This was going to be a very long day...

After breakfast and some consultation, the Princess and Hero decided to travel to Kakariko with their horses, something Link wasn't too happy with, now he knew the Yiga were back in action. He rather wanted to travel with the Sheikah Slate, but Zelda wanted to use the Korok Seeds. The Princess' will was the law...

~ ღ ~

"That's four."

The Princess placed the fourth Korok Seed on the construction of the Bokoblins, and Link looked around to make sure no monster or Yiga would show up to harm his- the Princess. Zelda placed her bow on her back, the way Link normally carried his.

"See, my appointed Knight, I can protect myself very we-" Zelda was about to brag about her growing archery skills, but she abruptly got shut down when an arrow of Link flew a mere inch from Zelda's cheek. She turned around, seeing a Keese dropped on the ground and she looked back at Link again who lowered his bow.

Normally, Link would give a sarcastic remark, something like 'What were you about to say, Princess?', but now he placed his bow on his back and picked up a few Bokoblin teeth without saying anything. Even a mere expression didn't leave Link's face.

The Princess frowned deeply. "This is going to sound very ironic, but you are awfully quiet."

Link looked up, seeing her worried expression as their eyes met. Forcing a smile, he said: "I'm doing fine. I didn't get much sleep last night."

Zelda smiled too and nodded, thinking his smile was a genuine one. "We are almost at Kakariko Village. Perhaps a small nap wouldn't harm."

As soon as Zelda turned around to walk to her horse Storm, Link's smile vanished immediately; like snow melting due to a fire arrow. It hurt... Where was Mipha when he needed some healing? Link sighed unnoticeably and also walked to Epona. He looked at the road they needed to travel, and they almost arrived at Kakariko Village; only a little bit to go.

Taking a deep breath, he followed suit behind the Hyrule Royalty who already galloped with Storm. He really couldn't wait until he was at the village, because he couldn't hold this charade for a lot longer. He mounted Epona and softly brushed her alongside her neck, whispering sweet nothings.

Link always believed animals could sense Hylian feelings, so he wanted to make sure Epona knew he was alright. Well, alright was an overstatement. The Hylian Champion sure was going to spoil Epona with some sweet, red apples later.

After a few minutes, the Hero and Princess arrived at Kakariko Village and they received a very warm welcome. Cottla and Koko were overjoyed, and Dorian and Cado helped them get off their horses. Cottla and Koko already had a lot of questions for the Princess but unconsciously, she didn't seem to put much of her focus on them after she saw Link walk towards Paya.

The Princess frowned a little, not liking the feeling she had. Since when had she become jealous? Link should do whatever he pleased. Koko saw the Princess look at the Hero, and she couldn't help but be curious.

"Is something wrong?" Koko asked, watching the Hero to see if she could see what the Princess was looking at. Zelda looked surprised at the little child. A smile painted Zelda's lips and she shook her head. Just before Zelda wanted to talk with little Koko, Link interrupted her carefully.

"Princess."

Zelda had to hold back her scowl, hearing him call her Princess. Maybe she should tell him she already once heard him call her Zelda during the thunderstorm. Contradictory, since she already told him but her hangover didn't remind her.

"Sir," she exclaimed, turning around. Rolling her lips inside, Zelda had to be careful with her expressions seeing Paya standing behind Link; and it nagged her. Why couldn't she just find the courage to confess to him? Yet again contradictory, because she already did.

"Impa would like to meet us inside," Link stated, ignoring the sir title by keeping his emotions incomprehensible; thanks to him biting his inner cheek. The Royal Highness might have been staring a little bit because Paya didn't know how to posture herself and she seemed quite nervous. Or was that because of her being close to Link?

"That sounds like a good idea. I would love to see her," Zelda acknowledged with a nod and she began walking. Link walked behind the Princess and Paya carefully walked behind the Hero. Koko and Cottla kept looking, anxious with this visit.

After walking up the stairs, Paya opened the doors and led the Princess and Hero inside with a little bow. Zelda walked further and Link told Sheikah girl she wouldn't need to bow. Once completely inside, Paya closed the doors again and Zelda embraced Impa, who embraced her in the same manner.

"Welcome, Princess and Hero of Hyrule," Impa said with a smile. Link and Zelda both smiled, taking place on the seating cushions on the ground. "I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time. You both have finally been reunited."

"We are grateful for everything you have done, Impa," Zelda smiled with a bow, one Impa didn't accept. "Without your knowledge and help, we would have been lost." Link nodded. Truth to be told, Link had no idea what he had to do if he hadn't come to Impa here in Kakariko Village. "Without your knowledge and help, my Knight would have been gone," Zelda added to Link's surprise. Never did he realise he would have been dead if it wasn't for the Sheikah's. "Words cannot describe my gratitude."

"Please, Princess, you and your Knight have saved Hyrule. Let's not discuss who is grateful for what because my help was only 10 per cent of this all," Impa explained. "Other than that, are you happy to have reunited and see Hyrule again?"

Link grinned and Zelda nodded, both very happy to be free once again. "It's a great sight, seeing every race proud and courageous after everything that has happened."

"That's true, everyone stood their grounds. Well, enjoy Kakariko Village. We have a feast prepared for tonight and I would love to know which Sheikah you choose as a candidate for the council."

Link immediately turned to look at the Princess, who looked with wide eyes and her face paled, every bit of blood sinking to her feet. Council candidates... That was something she didn't think about. It was custom for the Royal Family to have a council consisting each a spokesperson for every race.

"R-Right, of course!" Zelda laughed, which made Impa cock an eyebrow. Apparently, the Princess forgot. "Well, for the Hylians would be an easy pick. It would be the Hylian Champion of course."

Said Hylian Champion felt a heartstring break. He got why he would be the best spokesperson for the Hylians but... He forced a smile and nodded.

"I see. Well, if everyone would leave me to be with the Hero of Hyrule. I will quickly join outside again," Impa suddenly voiced to Link's and Zelda's surprised. Why did she want to speak with Link alone? Zelda nodded doubtfully, and she slowly lifted herself up and Paya led her outside again.

The Princess looked back at the doors and Paya saw her caution. Perchance some sort of distraction would help her...

Link lied down on the ground, letting air go he didn't know he was holding. He opened his eyes and saw Impa holding a bottle above his head.

"Drink this," Impa said. Link cocked an eyebrow and took the bottle, inspecting it. It was a little bottle with a clear liquid. "Don't worry, it's just water. I think you're very thirsty. Did you know panic makes your mouth dry out immediately?"

"What makes you think I'm panicked?" Link asked, smelling the liquid. It smelled like nothing. He drank it, and it seemed just like water. He placed the empty bottle next to him, looking at Impa again who sat back on her pillows.

"It's funny how easy you break character when Princess Zelda leaves you alone," Impa deducted with a smile, referring to Link lying down just now. "You need to practice your expressions by the way. I might have never seen such a fake smile."

"Ha, thanks," Link thanked her sarcastically, scratching his head. Of course, he noticed himself how different he was around Zelda. Together he was more serious and defensive; alone he was the sarcastic, seal-pun making man who once said Koga from the Yiga clan had a weird belly. As for the fake smile, it might have been his fakest yet... Link in the council, really?

"Disappointed how the Princess wants you to be the Hylian council-member? What did you think about it?"

Link placed his head on both hands, which were supporting on his knees. "I can't be her King and council-member at the same time, right?"

Silence filled the room, and Impa's smile radiated even more awkwardness for the blushing Hero. Did he just actually confess his feelings to Impa? Something he had been keeping a secret for quite some time? Link looked at the bottle next to him with widened eyes. "What in Hylia's name did you make me drink?"

"Nothing special," Impa answered with a shrug. "I have a little gift for you, which I had to give you after fulfilling the King's wish."

Link looked up with confusion. The King's wish? Saving the Princess, she meant?

"First things first before I'm giving it," Impa showed an envelope, sealed with a waxed, golden Royal Crest. Link's eyebrows raised, wondering what was inside the envelope. "You woke up after 100 years without memories, heard you had to save the Princess and you collected a few memories. My question is after all this, what are your thoughts about the Princess?"

"What are my thoughts about the Princess?" Link repeated slightly confused. His head now supported on one hand, tilting it a little bit as he was thinking. "Well, she is strong, smart and courageous. I currently envy her when it comes to enjoying life, smelling flowers or animals. Genuine sweet and cute... Beautiful even. I'd love to court her but I'm afraid I-"

Link instantly slapped both hands on his mouth, a blush completely covering his face. Impa couldn't help but smile widely, making him blush even more. "...get distracted and you'd lose her?"

Link frowned, both hands on his mouth and his head automatically nodded without him wanting to. "What was in that drink?!" Link exclaimed, smelling it again but not getting any hint of what it was. "How did you know what I was about to say!?"

"Truth elixir. It's a Sheikian recipe. It will work out in about 15 minutes," Impa said, making Link completely baffled. "Thing is, knowing you, you won't ever admit how you feel; always carrying the burden alone. So this was the only way to get it out of you, dumb boy. Also, you told me this already, 100 years ago. I needed to be sure you still felt the same."

Impa stood up from her pillows, and she walked to the speechless 'dumb boy' with the envelope in her hand. Speechless because he, himself, couldn't believe he had told Impa this already. In what circumstances? Had she drugged the Hero more often than once?

"B-but, the oath. I'm not allowed to have these feeling according to the oath with the King!" Link said, trying to get his thoughts back on track. "The Princess actually gave me a proposal for courtship! Do you know how much hurt I have since!?"

"Wait, wait," Impa began confused, sitting next to Link who was mentally hitting himself because he kept spilling one thing after another. Never ever was he going to trust Impa with things like this ever again. "One thing at a time. Do you remember your oath? Since when?"

I, with my shield and the sword of evil's bane, shall uphold the laws and Wisdom of the past, defend the Royal Family from all Powers of evil, and I shall never stray far from the pathway of Courage. My full devotion only for protecting the Princess; my life giving for her, but never my love for that would harm. I swear this oath... As a Knight of Hyrule.

Link rubbed his forehead, reciting that toxic oath into his mind. "I-I went into the castle to save the Princess, and as soon as I entered the courtroom it just… I just relived it again."

"I see," Impa whispered. It was true, Impa herself was present during that day. Even the Princess was present, hearing Link repeat those words the King made him say. Those words to make sure the appointed Knight would never stray from his true purpose; the purpose of protecting the Princess, which the council knew would be hard if said appointed Knight would have a conflict of interest. "The Princess gave you a proposal? That's quite unfortunate. When did that happen?"

"Last night, at Gerudo Town. After partying a bit the Princess got… Tipsy. She just suddenly confessed, saying she wants me to be the King next to her and courting. I haven't answered her and she doesn't seem to remember. I-I don't-"

"Link," Impa pressed the envelope into his hands, and he looked down at it as if it pained him a lot. The elder Sheikah truly couldn't help but feel extremely sorry for him. "Listen to me. Open this letter there where time is in your favour." A deep frown created between Link's eyebrows.

Where time was in his favour…?

What was taking so long? Zelda was hugging her legs with her head on her knees, watching the door of Impa's house in the meanwhile. A deep satisfying sigh left her lips as Koko and Cottla were making little braids in Zelda's hair. After being stuck for 100 years with such a demon, made this feel like a godsend present. She missed the feeling of people playing with her hair.

Now a pout slowly grew on her lips. Something she also missed and never knew she needed was a bit of a... Affectional touch. It was stupid, but the way Link held her hand after they teleported to Gerudo Town made her heart skip and her stomach flip-flop. It was the kind of affection she wanted to experience more, but only with one person.

After noticing it was about half an hour since Link was left alone, Zelda suddenly turned pale when she realised she left the Sheikah Slate with Link. Could he...? Paya walked towards Zelda with folded clothes in her hands.

"Your Highness, I have some clothes you might want to try on."

"T-Thank you," Zelda replied, looking at Paya with an unsure smile. "Uhm, I have to do something first. Will you excuse me?"

Koko and Cottla stopped braiding and Zelda stood up, fast walking towards the stairs to Impa's house. Paya, Koko and Cottla were looking with some confusion seeing the Princess rush upstairs.

Completely out of breath, Zelda knocked a few times. "May I come in?"

It was quiet for a second, but after a few more seconds, Impa answered she was allowed to. Zelda opened the doors, looking around. She walked up on the stairs, also looking around. Impa watched her reaction as the Royal Highness kept looking around. The Princess realised, taking deep breaths.

Link was gone.

"W-Where did he go to? Where did he teleport to?"

"Princess, he will be alright. Let's just say I gave him a small quest. Link will be back soon again."

The expression on Zelda's beautiful face was completely pained. Only now Impa could truly see Link's meeting with death had turned into a huge trauma for the Princess. "H-He didn't say bye."

"Princess, Link doesn't have to fight anyone. He only has a destination to go to. He will be OK."

Zelda looked at the picture on Impa's wall; the picture of Hateno Fort where Link's final battle took place before he was sent to the Shrine of Resurrection. The place where Zelda's power awakened.

"How do you feel?" Impa suddenly asked unsure, seeing the Princess' focus wasn't on her. "I can't help but notice you still carry a huge burden with you. Hyrule is safe; you are safe; the people are safe. What burden d-"

"Link isn't," Zelda whispered to Impa's surprise and mostly confusion. Link wasn't... Safe? "I watched him a lot when I was stuck, holding back Ganon. Mostly when he was about to sleep or sleeping, just to make sure he wouldn't be attacked so I could wake him up in time again. Or when the blood moon rose."

Impa cocked an eyebrow, hearing the Princess' voice tremble as she was talking further. "Every night, until this day on, nightmares keep haunting him. Almost every night he wakes up crying, not knowing himself why he was crying because he doesn't know the people in his dreams."

A tear travelled from Zelda's eye down on the ground as she kept looking at the picture. Impa closed her eyes, not sure what or if she should say something.

"Seeing his scars on his hands and the one on his cheek, keeps reminding me of the heartache I have put him through. At Hyrule field, he removed his Hylian Tunic so a Zora could heal him. The number of scars was nauseating. I-I was the cause of that and I can never, ever, forgive myself for hurting him."

The Princess finally looked at Impa. "What if he were to come back... And his collection of wounds, and thus scars, have grown bigger? I-I can't handle that," Zelda rubbed the tears from her cheeks with her fingers. "He did everything to make me smile and happy, but that should be my task for him because he had it way worse. Yet, I don't know what would make him genuinely happy."

Impa could think of something, knowing how Zelda confessed due to the Gerudian alcoholic drink after Link told her. But that damned oath stopped Link of doing anything. It also wasn't Impa's place to meddle.

"Princess... This will befall on you quite heavy," Impa began, gaining the Princess' attention. "I gave Link a letter, one not made by me. I had to give it to him with a message."

Zelda frowned worriedly. Why would a letter not written by Impa befall her? "Whose letter is it?"

"The letter was made by the King of Hyrule, your father," Zelda's eyes widened in shock. Her passed-away father had written a letter for Link? "The message was as follows: Give this to Link once he becomes the Hero of Hyrule and make him open it there where the time is in his favour."

"W-What?" Zelda gasped a little, unsure what to do. "Where is this place?!"

"Honest to the Goddess, I do not know. I also do not know what is written in the letter," Impa answered, lowering her head. "I do know you have to let Link do this."

"How so?"

"Because this might lessen his burden a lot."

~ ღ ~

A place where time was in his favour.

Link stood in front of the entrance of the Temple of Time, the only place he could connect to 'time'. The Shrine of Resurrection also was a place he considered because he had been there for 100 years, but after trying to open the envelope there, the seal didn't seem to break.

Taking a deep sigh, he entered the temple. His nerves got the better of him, not knowing what was awaiting him. Link stood in the middle of the temple and he stared at the envelope.

"Here goes nothing," Link whispered, opening the envelope slowly. A triumphant smile grew on his lips, seeing the seal finally did break.

Link took the letter out of the envelope, but he frowned confused seeing a white paper without any text. Did Impa just trick hi-

All of a sudden, a gold, bright light emitted from the golden, broken seal and filled the complete temple, causing Link to place his arms in front of his eyes. The light was so intense he wondered if the Princess could see the light from Kakariko Village.

After a few seconds, Link tried to look again, hoping the light would be less. His eyes widened slowly, looking at his surroundings.

The temple seemed to be restored.

The roof wasn't broken anymore, the windows were back in its glory and the temple was closed with wooden doors. It was as if Link travelled back in... Time.

The Hero of Hyrule walked towards the back of the temple, standing on the red carpet decorating the floor. The inside of the temple was completely white. Even the statues of the goddesses were looking beautiful in their former glory. He didn't remember the Temple like this, only as the ruins it looked like now, but this was beautiful.

"Link."

The Hero gasped and turned around after hearing a heavy voice behind him. King Rhoam of Hyrule was standing at the doors of the temple, smiling in the direction of the blonde Hylian.

"If you are here, and you've got the letter, means you have saved Hyrule and my daughter. Yet, it also means I have passed away. Otherwise, I could have told you the content of the letter alive," The King told as he got into motion. Link was completely frozen. How was this possible and what should he do? Kneel? Even though the King just said he had passed away?

The King continued: "Let me explain. First, I apologize I'm not directly looking at you, for I do not know where you are standing. What I am telling now is all in your absence. Also, this message is all possible thanks to the creator of the Temple of Time; a man named Rauru. The man called this a recordari, a spell making it possible for me to speak to you even when I am not around anymore in your time. This spell only works inside the Temple after you opened the magically seal, so the outside is still the Hyrule you know."

Link couldn't help but look outside the window, still seeing ruins and broken guardians. The Hero had no idea who this Rauru was or what the King's message could be for Link to be here and hear it out loud instead of reading it in the letter.

"The reason I brought you here, is because I would like to sincerely apologize to you." Link frowned deeply, not understanding what the King had to apologize for. "You see, you took an oath. An oath every council-member agreed to before you had to repeat it. An oath making your already existing burden heavier."

Link scratched the back of his head, not getting where the King was going with his story. The Royal Highness stopped in front of the biggest statue of Goddess Hylia, and he sighed.

"I know how you felt about the Princess later on because I have known you for a long time. The first time the Royal Family met you was when you were 4 years old. You met Zelda here, in the Temple of Time after you both had multiple nightmares. The nightmares of a man clothed in green with a fairy and a Hylian Princess captured by a greater evil, here inside this Temple. From that moment on, we knew your destinies."

Link cocked an eyebrow, looking around and truly not remembering this place. He had been here before? This was where he met the Princess for the first time?

"Your adoration for my daughter grew," the King said turning around again. "And my daughter's adoration for you grew also. Yet your oath forbade everything. So due to this, I will give you this letter."

Link's blue eyes slowly grew, suddenly the puzzle pieces fit in his mind. Wait, wait, wait, was he honestly going to-

"Link," as the King began, a bright light suddenly emitted on the white letter, appearing in writings what the King was about to say. "The Hero of Hyrule. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving Hyrule and my daughter. I hereby declare your oath uplifted, and please give my daughter what I couldn't give her; freedom, laughter and love. I couldn't be there for her, which I know you will. Even with your oath uplifted, I beg you, still protect her at all cost."

Link was looking at the letter with shaking hands, seeing every word appear on it.

"I grand you official written permission to court my daughter, Princess Zelda of Hyrule. Prosper and be in health. Yours truly, the King, Rhoam Bosphoramus of Hyrule."

The letter was finished with the King's signature. The Hero looked up, seeing the King smile satisfyingly. "Thank you for listening to me. I am proud of you, my people and most of all, my daughter. May you live at pea-"

A sudden high-pitched sound evaded the complete Temple, causing Link to immediately cover his pointy ears. The King and Temple got distorted, as the magic didn't seem to work anymore. The pitched sound drove Link insane as if his head could burst any second. Was this part of the magical spell of was something else going on? Link couldn't think straight anymore, thinking he was stuck here.

'Mine hero, thou should'st flee.'

Whose voice was that? It sounded like the Princess' but it also wasn't. The voice sounded familiar to him.

'I shall contact thou anon, yet for now, 'scape the temple. Use the doors.'

Link looked up, seeing the doors nearby and he immediately did what the mysterious voice told him to. The Hero ran quickly and he pushed open the doors with his shoulder for his hands were occupied on his ears, landing right on the ground next to a broken guardian.

Sitting straight up immediately and searching his surroundings, he saw the temple he was used to; the old ruins. Slowly removing his hands from his ears, he noticed the sound was gone. Link looked at his hand, seeing he still held the envelope and letter. A smile tickled his lips, happy he didn't lose it.

Link stood up, looking at the Temple as he did. So this was the place he first met the Princess. He didn't remember anything about that time, not even the nightmares about the green-clothed man and Hylian Princess. It all happened when he was 4 years old, so he might not even have remembered anymore if he hadn't been in the Shrine of Resurrection.

Link still had so many questions he couldn't ask. Who was Rauru? How did the King plan this... Recordari? What was that high-pitched sound? Whose voice was that? The last one was the weirdest yet because Link swore he had heard that voice many times before.

With a sigh, Link grabbed the Sheikah Slate and he looked at the time, seeing only one minute had passed since he opened the envelope. That's weird... Did time just stand still? It felt as if he was gone for 45 minutes but it only was 30 minutes.

Link folded the letter and he placed it neatly back in the envelope. Time to go back to Kakariko Village then. It was about dinner time and Link, as the glutton he was, couldn't wait for the Kakariko pumpkins. Most of all, he couldn't wait to see the Princess once again.

A blue light surrounded Link and he teleported away, but not before a big smile appeared on his face.

~ ღ ~

Stop following me!

Kakariko Village had been very busy the whole day, but now especially since it's almost dinner time. Link teleported back on the platform of the Ta'loh Naeg Shrine, and a big satisfied sigh left his lungs.

"How dare you."

Oops, the Princess knew he was going to teleport of course... Link slowly turned around, seeing the Princess sitting on the not functional elevator plate, hugging her knees as she did. The Hero saw two green, mad eyes looking at him, and he could bet she was also pouting behind those knees.

"How dare you," she said again, of which he noticed it wasn't a question. Zelda slowly rose back on her feet, and Link looked amused at her braided hair and Kakariko outfit she was wearing. So even here she was having a costume party. "You left me alone! You didn't even say goodbye! What if something happened with you!?"

"Nothing happened. I'm OK," Link answered with a grin. A deep wrinkle arose between the Princess' eyebrows, seeing he wasn't taking her seriously. Even when she was looking mad at him, he still found her adorable. Now he didn't mind one bit to have these kinds of thoughts after knowing how she felt and after he got the King's permission. Now was the big question, when will Link ask the Princess?

"You don't get it! I already almost lost you! Don't you ever dare leave me again without saying anything or without any explanation!" Nothing mattered to Link when she was angry at him. He only wanted to pinch her pink cheek, seeing her stamp on the ground. She never was intimidating to him when it came to strength. "Stop smiling!"

"I apologize," Link said with a smile and a little nod with his head. "I like your clothes and hair."

Zelda suddenly got hit with some sort of lovesickness. A blush evaded her cheeks, she rolled her lips inside and she had gotten completely speechless. Also, let alone the fact her stomach flip-flopped, fairies tickled her belly and she felt as if a heat-wave hugged her. Compliments were quite rare with her Knight, so she never knew it would have such an impact on her.

"D-don't change the subject!" the Princess yelled mad, "Because of this, you have to sleep with me tonight!"

Link stared with wide eyes at the Royalty, who still kept looking mad. Finally, she realized what she might have demanded, even though she didn't mean that. Her face turned more scarlet and her mad frown melted as soon as Link's cheeks also turned a shade of red.

"I-I-I didn't mean that! I-I meant in the same room! I-I am not leaving you alone again!" A chuckle escaped over Link's lips, only worsen the awkwardness for the Princess. "A-And what is with you receiving a letter from my father!?" Zelda asked, finally a question removing that obnoxious, but also a lovely smile from her Knights face. Link was taken aback, not sure on how to answer that question. There were many ways to answer that question, though. Link turned his head a little, looking down towards Impa's house. The elder Sheikah stood downstairs with her granddaughter, also both looking at the Princess and Knight who were standing next to the Shrine.

"You're being all mysterious," Zelda muttered, seeing Link look at Impa and Paya. Or was he only looking at Paya? That thought annoyed the Princess a little.

"OK," Link answered, grabbing the Sheikah Slate. "There is one place I need to go, but I need you for that." Zelda's eyebrows knitted together, confused at what he meant. "I actually wanted to do this later but I honestly cannot wait."

"What do you mean?"

Link held out his hand, for the Princess to grab it. One eyebrow cocked up, trusting her Knight but not getting where they were about to go to or why Link needed her. A wide smile grew on Link face, having trouble containing his excitement. Ever since he had received the letter, his body was completely filled with adrenalin and energy. He could climb twenty mountains, even during the rain, and still not be tired with the amount of energy he currently had.

The Princess placed her hand onto his, both feeling a jolt, but neither brought it up. Link wrapped his fingers around her hand, again giving a contrast between warm and cold hands. Zelda rolled her lips inside, holding back the fairies and satisfying sigh. Who could have known such scarred hands could have such a gentle touch.

Would that little scar on his upper lip also have a gentle tou- NO. Zelda blushed deeply, ashamed she let such a vulgar thought even enter her mind. Link smiled a little, seeing the Princess turning redder with every second.

"What's wrong, Princess?"

Zelda gasped, looking at the man standing in front of her with a cocky smile. "N-Nothing! I do hope you are not purposely stalling!"

"Perhaps," Link answered with a grin, causing Zelda's blush to worsen. He was purposely stalling? He was enjoying seeing her blush? If she didn't know any better she would have thought he might have been flirting with her. Yet, she didn't know any better, because that was exactly what he was doing. Blue light emitted around them, but the hand-holding Royalty couldn't help but look with widened eyes at the Hero in front of her.

As soon as Zelda and Link disappeared, Impa turned and looked up at her granddaughter. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling fine," Paya answered with a wide smile. "As long as Master Link is happy, I am feeling fine..."

~ ღ ~

The weather was still very nice and warm for 4.30 pm, and the smell of the salty sea was quite intoxicating. The Princess and her Knight landed on the platform of the Yah Rin Shrine. Link let go of the Princess' hand and he placed the Sheikah Slate back on his belt. Zelda walked towards the ledge, looking with a big smile seeing the beach.

"What village is this? This didn't exist 100 years ago! I want to swim!" the Princess looked down, wondering something. "How do we get down? Do we have to climb?"

"Uhm, well..." Link stood behind her, so she turned around to look at him as he was scratching the back of his head. "We could. But you could also hold me around my middle and we fly down."

What!? Zelda looked back at the beach again, hiding her deep blush. And here she thought holding hands was already highest on her 'things that make her feel weird' list. Now she suddenly had to 'hug' Link?

"So?" Link asked, holding back a chuckle after seeing the Royalty's ears reddened. Finally, he was enjoying teasing the Princess now he could be honest with his own feelings. He also had to stop not to continuously jump because his excitement almost got the better of him.

"Alright, alright!" Zelda suddenly answered with a pout, holding her head down in an attempt of keeping her blush a secret. "As long as you remember I am still mad about you leaving me."

"Sure, Princess," Link smiled whilst Zelda wrapped her arms around his waist. Zelda rolled her lips inside and Link bit the inside of his cheek, both holding back on any weird, sudden moves or sounds. Though, they both couldn't hold back on their noses. The Princess smelled so nice, like Silent Princesses and fruit. Link smelled like freshly cut grass and herbs. Zelda could smell Link all day. "OK, let's jump on three, Princess. It's not scary."

Link already teleported the sail in his hands, counted to three and they both landed safely on the grassy ground - but not without Zelda shrieking a little.

"Alright, I know an easy way to get up there," Link said, pointing up Tuft Mountain, whilst his sail teleported away again. The Princess looked up with a cocked eyebrow, not getting why they had to get up there. What was up there?

"I fully trust you," Zelda muttered, still with some doubt in her voice because it seemed pretty steep. Link walked in front and the Princess followed him, but she stopped. Since when did she start following him? Link gave the Sheikah Slate to the Princess, making her even more surprised.

"Take these three, Princess," Link stated, pointing at three clothes items of his. Said Princess nodded and tapped those items, which soon teleported onto her. She was now dressed in his climbing gear. Her hair suddenly was braided, the shirt was a tad too big and the pants were about right. Only the shoes were too big for her dainty feet. Opening and closing her hands, she saw the gloves fitted her hands like... Well, a glove.

Link was watching her as she inspected the gloves, and she looked utterly adorable. A gasp left Zelda's throat when Link reached for the red climbing rope bound around her torso and one metal carabiner. He made a knot in the red rope, and instead of watching his hands, Zelda was watching his concentrated expression. Goddess, he looked sexy- NO. NOT AGAIN. Truth be told, Zelda couldn't help herself when Link was licking his lips whilst concentrating on the knot, making her automatically lick hers.

Link clicked the carabiner on his belt and one on her belt. "You go first, I go behind you. I want to make sure you don't fall, Princess."

Zelda nodded with a frown and she looked up, not sure where to begin. "Alright. I will try."

After Link gave a quick lesson on how to do it best, Zelda already quickly got the gist of it. Some time and metres of climbing had passed, and how higher she got, how more fun the Princess was beginning to have. Sure, Link could have been faster on top if he was alone, but the Princess having fun was way more important for him than to be fast.

As soon as they got on the top, Link grabbed her hand and heaved her up with a smile. The Princess was trying to fill her lungs with oxygen, noticing how bad her condition had gotten after being prisoned for 100 years. Still unconsciously holding her hand to lead her towards the spot, Zelda kept looking around and enjoying the sight.

"Where are we going?"

"One more second, Princess."

Zelda smiled looking at the animals here on top of the mountain, not even noticing Link was still holding her hand. Walking around a huge boulder, the Royalty suddenly saw where they were. A gasp of shock filled her lungs, and she let go of his hand, running towards the pond. Link immediately unclasped the carabiner off his belt before the Princess dragged him with her.

"Lover's Pond!" she exclaimed, looking around in childish surprise. Her cheeks were still reddened due to the climbing exercise and her braid was a mess, so she was nowhere near a Royal maiden, but that didn't matter to Link. Zelda examined the flowers and the very clean water of the pond, not even noticing Link's position.

"How did you know I wanted to visit Lover's Pond?" Zelda asked with a huge smile, placing her hands in the cool water. That felt great for her slightly damaged hands. "I don't remember me telli-"

The Princess immediately stopped mid-sentence, suddenly remembering she did tell him. Staring at the water, her memories slowly returned from before going to sleep in Gerudo Town. The missing 10 minutes. Saying she wanted to Lover's Pond with him; explicitly with him. Not sure what to say, Zelda tried to continue the subject in a very careful manner.

"I... I do remember... But..." Link stayed awfully quiet, something she knew he did when he also didn't know what to say, or when he chooses to not say anything just because it would be easier. It was a technique Zelda really needed to get a hang of. "What else... Did I say?"

A blush grew on her cheeks. T-That must have been a dream, right? Her looking at him whilst holding his cheek, saying she wanted him to court her, that must have been a dream... Right?

The Princess straightened her legs, standing upright again. She slowly turned around, her eyes widening when she saw the sight in front of her Knight. The Hylian Princess was looking at the Hylian Champion, bowing in front of her.

"L-Link?" Zelda's mouth completely dried out, wanting to take a big gulp out of that pond, but having to hold herself back. "W-Why are you bowing to me all of a sudden?"

Zelda wasn't something you'd call dense. Link was bowing in front of her in front of this Goddess-forsaken Lover's Pond. Even Risa the Gerudo, who kept having zero's for every test she had gotten in Ashai's dating class, knew what this was about.

Link didn't say anything, but instead, he showed the Princess the envelope without saying a word or a mere glance. Zelda's emerald eyes widened, seeing the broken Royal seal on the envelope. T-This was her father's letter?

Zelda gently took it and she opened it with shaking hands. Gulping nothing, she pulled the letter out and unfolded it, immediately seeing the former King's signature. A lump in her throat grew and Link knew this might be very emotional for the Princess, taking granted the Princess and King never truly made amends before his death. But she really had to read this letter, so he had to hold himself back to not comfort her.

With a deep, shaky sigh, Zelda began reading the letter. With every syllable she read, the more she began to tremble. Link heard she folded the letter again and he didn't dare look at her. What if her proposal was only alcohol talking? If this wasn't going the way he hoped, he was voluntarily going into the Shrine of Resurrection in the hope of forgetting this embarrassment.

"L-Link." he heard her whisper. "Uhm, you... You hadn't answered my courting proposal yet."

A chuckle left his throat. "Don't you reckon this is enough of an answer, Princess?"

Said Princess dropped on her knees, making Link immediately look at her with worry. A smile accompanied with a few tears greeted the Hylian Champion.

"I'm so happy," Zelda laughed, rubbing the tears from her face. "Even after you have seen my spoiled and irate sides…" Truly, she was happy, but seeing her father knew them better than she thought was still making her emotional.

"I will follow you everywhere, forever," Link smiled, referring to her spoiled and irate side. "Why did you go on your knees? A Royalty isn't supposed to be on her knees."

"My fiancé isn't supposed to be on his knees either," Zelda giggled, which was one of the most beautiful giggles Link had heard until this day. Link was slightly taken aback hearing his new title. My fiancé... The Hero was officially Princess Zelda's fiancé.

His lips formed into a wide smile, helping her brush the tears from her cheeks. "I think that's a title I could really get used to..."

"Talking about titles, we are now courting. How about you stop using my title?"

Link looked with widened eyes at the Princess in front of him, who was looking at him with mischievous eyes. "M-Maybe when we're alone?"

"We are alone."

"No, we aren't," Link deduced, and as soon as Link pulled the Princess up, an out-of-breath Hylian suddenly turned up. The Hylian looked at the Hero and Princess and his chin almost fell on the ground. "Hi, Mimos. Finally found the right pond?"

Zelda cocked an eyebrow, suddenly having a lot of questions. How did Link notice someone? Who is Mimos? What wrong pond was he at?

Mimos pointed at Zelda with complete confusion. "Was that beauty waiting here!? So if I knew of this pond sooner I could have-"

"Oi, I told you about this place before," Link stated. "Also, this beauty is the Princess of Hyrule so some respect would be at its place."

A scarlet blush grew on the Princess' cheeks and Link soon followed suit when he realised what exactly he had been repeating. In the meanwhile, Mimos bowed multiple times in forgiveness, saying he didn't notice her due to her lack of Royal clothing. Surely enough, she was still wearing Link's climbing outfit.

"I-I forgive you, even though you have nothing to be forgiven for," Zelda laughed, telling Mimos to stand up again. "My... Knight had been showing me around Hyrule and this was one of the places I wanted to see. Don't worry about the formalities. It was refreshing to be talked to in the informal sense for once."

"Still, there's this thing called respect..." Link whispered to himself with his arms folded. Suddenly realising something, Link grabbed the Sheikah Slate from his belt, looked at the time and gasped. It was already quite late and Link saw his... Fiancé (he needed to get used to that new title) talking with Mimos. "P-Princess."

Zelda turned around, seeing Link point at the Sheikah Slate, and more specifically, the time. "The stuffed pumpkins!"

Zelda giggled, seeing her Hero stressed over some stuffed pumpkins. "Alright, you glutton. Let's go." the Princess turned around to Mimos with a wide smile. "It was nice meeting you, Mimos. I know you will find a girl."

Link held his hand up after selecting the Shrine near Kakariko Village and Zelda accepted it with a slight blush. Holding hands with a fiancé felt much different than holding one with a Knight.

Mimos almost fell on his behind in shock after seeing both the Hero and Princess disappear surrounded by blue light. Besides that, the expressions on Zelda's face made Mimos only more confused whether she had feelings for the Knight. Was Hyrule also going to have a King very soon?

~ ღ ~

The first thing Link noticed after landing back on the teleport plate, was a huge blush on Zelda's cheeks. He couldn't help but smile, placing the Sheikah Slate back on his belt.

"You called me 'beauty'," Zelda whispered, placing her hands on her cheeks, trying to hide the blush Link had already seen. Link's smile instantly disappeared. He would have thought Zelda was blushing because of holding hands, but apparently, the compliment was still on her mind.

"Well, yes, because Mimos called you that and I repeated it without realising, Princess," Link answered with a blush of his own growing, not daring to look at her. The Princess pouted, walked closer to Link and snatched the Sheikah Slate from his belt, earning a gasp from the Hero.

Link saw the deep pout on the Princess' face and his eyebrows knitted into a sad frown. It would be nice if Link would have the courage to actually be honest with the Princess. Not just any Princess, but his fiancé he started courting with since half an hour ago.

Zelda turned back into her Kakariko outfit and her hair back into braids. The mad Princess literally pressed the Sheikah Slate onto Link's chest and she stomped away downhill. A sigh left Link as he slowly followed her and placed the poor Sheikah Slate back onto his belt.

"Princess, wait please?" Link asked but said Princess walked further. The Hylian didn't want her - what was supposed to be - nice day end into a horrible one. "Princess..."

Her hair swung on her back as she walked further, still ignoring him.

"Zelda."

With a gasp, she suddenly came to a halt hearing her given name. Zelda turned around with a scarlet colour staining her cheeks and she looked eye in eye with her appointed Knight; emerald meeting sapphire.

"I-I am sorry," Link suddenly stated, "but all those years I had to follow my oath, not showing I have feelings for you due to the conflict of interest. It's hard for me to suddenly change by giving compliments or showing affection." He bowed his head a little. "I'm sor-"

"Holy Hylia." Link looked up in confusion, seeing the Princess holding her hand in front of her mouth with a shocked expression. "How shamefully selfish of me, please, forgive me! I hadn't given that one thought!" Link steadied himself again whilst the Princess walked closer towards Link. "How dare I act so spoiled... I'm so sorry, Link."

A smile grew on Link's face. This wasn't even what Link was trying to aim for, but he just genuinely wanted to apologize.

"I should have been more considerate," Zelda said with a bow of her head. "I'm sorry." she looked up again, with the most beautiful smile Link had seen. Mimos was right, which was something Link didn't question at all. Zelda was gorgeous. "Also..."

Link stared at her with a cocked eyebrow, seeing the Princess blush and look away. Her fingers of her left hand were occupied with twisting the fingers on her right hand. "I liked you calling me by my name..."

Her hands were distracting him and not in a bad way, but more in the way of Link wanting to hold her hands. He ended up doing so, his index finger entwining her little pinky finger. A blush grew on their cheeks, both still not very used to intimate skin-on-skin after those 100 years. Sure, they held hands, but that was for the reason to teleport. Now, it was for the reason just to hold each other.

"Alright, love birds." Zelda and Link immediately jumped away from each other, turning a new shade of red. Impa stood downhill, looking at the fresh, young couple. "Time for dinner. We have been waiting."

"Y-Yes, please pardon us," Zelda said, bowing her head ashamed multiple times. Link scratched the back of his head, not sure how he should react. The Hero was already bummed he couldn't hear that sneaky, little Sheikah come near them.

"Don't worry, I get it. Love is addicting if you give in to your feelings," Impa said with a smile. "Besides, now a huge burden of mine has disappeared too."

"What?" Link asked out loud, Zelda's confused expression showed the same. Of course, they didn't think Impa didn't have any burdens, but they didn't get why their official courting had anything to do with it.

"It's easy," the elder answered, who decided to walk again. Link and Zelda shared one gaze before walking after Impa. "Paya is my granddaughter. To require a granddaughter, means I have had a husband and children myself. I felt awful knowing I could happily go on with my life whilst two of my friends were 'cursed' to be stuck for 100 years."

The Heroes were completely taken aback, both still keeping silent. "Knowing you both have found each other again, feels very relieving to me."

"I understand," the Royalty answered with a smile and a nod. "You don't need to worry anymore. Link and I will be doing OK." Link nodded too with a coy grin.

"That's great. I know a great store for you youngsters where you can get pregnancy protecti-"

"FOOD!" Link yelled, immediately running away towards the crowd. Impa laughed and Zelda blushed deeply. If only already holding fingers made Zelda feel this much in love, how would that feel? No, no, Zelda shouldn't have those thoughts!

"I used to be your hand-maiden and protector, Princess," Impa said, seeing Zelda's troubled expression. "If there's something wrong, you can always ask me."

Zelda nodded with a frown. "Well, we got hand-written permission from my father to court. But Link isn't a Royalty, nor is his blood. If I were to collect council-members and they find out about Link and I, don't you reckon the people would mind?"

"Princess, with all due respect... Link is the Hero of Hyrule. He defeated Calamity Ganon and he brought peace back again. If anything, Link's current 'Hero' title is much greater than your 'Princess' title."

The Princess looked up, seeing Link with Koko cooking the stuffed pumpkins. He seemed to be having a lot of fun. Paya joined too, handing a few freshly carved pumpkins. Impa was right. The people would have no reason to disagree with their courtship. A smile decorated the Princess' face, seeing her Hero happy. This was definitely a life she could get used to.

Impa and the Princess soon enjoyed supper together with the others. Link and Koko taught the Princess how the make the filled pumpkins and the festivities continued until the later hours.

After the festivities, the women of the village decided to take a bath all the way back in the village, at the little waterfall. Whilst they were taking a bath, Link was still secretively taking guard of the Princess, making sure not some Keese would come after her.

"Master Link, relax. Sheikahs have generations of fighting skills. The Princess is safe," Steen explained with a smile, poking the fire to keep it going. Link cocked an eyebrow, not sure how Steen knew he was being cautious. His sapphire blue eyes travelled to the fire, caught by its entrancing colours. Link's eyelids got gradually heavier, and he couldn't fight it anymore. With his head on his knees, he slowly fell into a slumber. It was quite a long day and Steen's words were relieving to the appointed Knight.

"Link. Link, wake up!"

With a gasp, Link's eyes shot open, seeing the Princess standing in front of him with a worried frown. That waking call gave him some sort of trauma, for it sounded exactly like his wake-up call after his 100-year slumber. Link faked a smile, seeing her. "Hi? What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" Zelda repeated. Link's sky-blue eyes looked into her grass green ones, knowing exactly what was wrong. "It sounded as if you had a nightmare. Are you OK?"

Link looked around, seeing Paya and Impa look with the same worried expression also. "I'm fine. Really," Link said with a chuckle. Zelda's expression showed complete disbelief, but she was going to act too.

"Alright... I will see you soon then," she answered, straightening herself and walking towards the Shuteye Inn. Link's eyes followed the Princess' back, and he suddenly got out of his trance when Impa patted the Hero's blonde head, receiving a confused frown from him. Paya's expression was quite the same, seeing her Grandmother's bold action.

"It will be OK, Link." Link's confused frowned deepened. "Peace has been returned to Hyrule. Peace will return for you soon too."

Those were some promising words... A little smile tickled Link's lips. A night without nightmares sounded like a luxury he'd really love to have. After giving a small nod, he realized he should meet Zelda in the Inn. Link hadn't forgotten he promised her to sleep in the same room as her tonight. Also, he really needed a way to rephrase that sentence…

Link entered the Inn and the Princess was already sitting in her bed with her nightgown on. Her nightgown was white with golden embroidery. Her green eyes looked up at him, seeing his blue ones with an unsure expression. A smile formed upon her beautiful lips. "What's wrong?"

"You are on the wrong bed," Link answered, earning a deeply confused frown from the Princess. "I will sleep in the bed closest to the door. I also want you to sleep in the soft bed."

At first, Zelda wanted to discuss against it, but she knew she couldn't win. Link wanted to protect her, and that was the end of it. The Princess moved to the other bed, and she went under the covers, watching Link as he was barricading the door shut.

This was also a discussion point Zelda learned to let go very quickly. Her Knight always made sure every door was very secured closed, sometimes with a boobytrap, but that also depended on where they were located. Zelda watched him whilst hugging her bend knees, smiling to herself as her fiancé was concentrating. Goddess, she loved him so much.

A blush crept over her cheeks, for this was the first time she admitted it to herself. But she was going to share the same room tonight with him, so it might send some mixed signals if she would tell him now.

Link smiled to himself when the door was closed shut made with a construction of ropes. He walked towards his bed and placed his weapons on the ground and the Sheikah Slate on the bed cabinet. Zelda couldn't help but watch, and Link couldn't help but feel two pair of green eyes on him. Of course, he already noticed - it was hard not to notice.

Link went into his bed and he grabbed the Sheikah Slate to look on the map. Zelda still stared at him and Link gradually became more nervous. He already was nervous, having to sleep in the same room as the Princess, but it became more because she was staring. Her smell also didn't help. She smelled so amazingly sweet and she looked so freaking beautiful. Link had to be careful to not stare back at her before things became... Awkward.

"Where are we going tomorrow?"

Link looked at the map, thinking about a plan. "Rito Village I think..." Link answered, tilting his head confused. "What the...?"

"What's the matter?" Zelda asked, lifting her head hearing his confusion. Link saw something on the map, just below the Woods of Hyrule.

Rauru Hillside.

Again Rauru. Link hadn't forgotten about what had happened in the Temple of Time. The name Rauru, the high-pitched sound, that voice.

"Link, what's the matter?" the Princess asked again, not enjoying Link having secrets hidden from her. Link looked up, seeing her big green eyes. His heart tightened, seeing her worried frown. He still had a hard time believing they were actually courting.

"Nothing. I misread something," he lied with a smile. "Tomorrow will be a long day again."

Zelda nodded, placing her head on her pillow. This bed was indeed significantly softer than the other one, exactly the way she liked it. Link placed the Sheikah Slate on the bed cabinet and he followed suit, placing his head on the pillow too. Link was wondering something, now they were courting... Were they supposed to give a goodnight-kiss?

The Hylian Champion looked at Zelda, seeing her blush deeply. Apparently, she had the exact same thought, making Link chuckle softly. Zelda looked at him, covering her sheets over half her face, only showing her green eyes.

"Good night, Link."

Link grinned at her, making her heart skip a beat. Her heart almost caved after Link's good night wishes to her. "Good night, Zelda."

Trying to hide her blush, she turned around but Link had already seen it. The adoration he had for the Princess grew every time she felt troubled by him calling her by her name. He closed his eyes with a deep sigh. Let's see if this could be a night without a nightmare...

Time passed slowly and Link already had gotten into a slumber. Zelda opened her emerald eyes slowly, turned around in her bed and she looked closely at Link. Her eyebrows formed into a worried frown, seeing the same symptoms she saw outside. Link was trembling, gasping and mumbling again. The worst part was him having nightmares about people he didn't remember anymore, not being able to see their faces.

He once wondered out loud who that little girl in his 'dreams' was, but Zelda never had the heart to tell him it was his little sister.

Link's hand twitched, which was the last straw for the Princess. She left her bed and slowly and quietly went towards him with her pillow in her hands. The bed had enough space for Zelda to lie down next to him, which she did.

Zelda covered herself with the sheets and she put her pillow underneath her head. The worried Princess held his hand and whispered sweet nothings, telling everything will be fine and it's just a nightmare. Confusion entered her body when she saw the Triforce shine on her hand. Why did it suddenly shine?

Link's forced expression turned softer, and his trembling and gasping stopped. Zelda almost thought Link got awake again, but a little adorable snore left his throat. A triumphant smile adored Zelda's lips, seeing her comfort lessened his anguish. Her finger entwined his and she closed her eyes with a smile, as slumber softly entered her body.

What happened?

Everything turned white. As blinding light as before the Temple transformed into its former glory. The blinding light lessened, and Link looked around, not sure where he was. He swore he was just having a nightmare. Was he still even still sleeping? Link could even move his body the way he wanted. Pinching his upper arm, he noticed it didn't hurt. So he was still dreaming, but fully conscious of what he was doing.

Where was he? What was going on? His surroundings looked like a Temple too, but not the Temple of Time. If Link had to choose, he would say the Forgotten Temple minus the biggest Goddess statue he had ever seen.

"Welcome, mine Hero."

Link turned around with a gasp, looking at a woman who floated a few meters above ground before landing gracefully. Mine Hero? Who was she? She looked like the Princess, but also not. Even the voices were similar.

This woman had blond hair, with bangs and blue azure eyes; as azure as the sea. Her longer bangs framing her beautiful and frail face were decorated with a blue ribbon.

"Mine apologies for the intrusion in thy slumber."

"W-Who? What?" Link was completely taken aback. His confusion worsened when the woman giggled and he automatically took a step back whenever she stepped forward.

"Never worry, mine hero. I mean no harm at all," the woman said. "If anything, I helped thou in thy journey by granting thou stamina and extra health."

Link's eyes instantly widened. That's where he knew the voice from! From the Goddess statues! A gasp filled his lungs, and he immediately wanted to bow down.

"Do not bow. Contrarily, I hast to bow down for thou, for saving mine Hyrule, mine Hylians and mine Princess."

Sweat dripped down and Link nodded, not sure what to say or do now he knew the Goddess Hylia was standing in front of him. Link knew something was about to happen though. He never had the audacity to meet the Goddess and Link had to flee the Temple of Time as soon as possible.

"I-Is something the matter?" Link wondered carefully, making the Goddess lift her head in surprise.

A giggle left her throat. "Most astute! Yes, something is the matter. That is why I hast appeared to thou in thy slumber," the Goddess explained, skipping around like the Princess who was going after a butterfly. "It is adoring how much thy head is filled with the thought of the Princess."

"T-Thank you?" Link said unsure with a blush covering his cheeks, scratching the back of his head. Hylia smiled softly, seeing the head-scratching. Apparently a threat almost every Link of every Era handled when embarrassed. Link cocked an eyebrow, suddenly realising he thought about the Princess; he didn't say anything about her. But knowing the Goddess was standing in front of him who had shown many different kinds of powers, this didn't surprise Link one bit.

"When thou were in the Temple, a huge amount of magic was needed to compose the Recordari. A Recordari is also time-travel back to the past. This was thanks to Rauru, the creator of the Temple of Time. Yet, the magic was too firm-set and caused a distortion further back into the past."

"Alright," Link answered with a nod, still understanding what she was talking about. The Goddess smiled and walked towards Link.

"Due to that, two evil beings entered this Era. Receive me when I say to thou, I honestly crave thou to be peaceful and fortunate with the Princess."

Link frowned deeply, feeling a conjunction coming. The Goddess stared into her Hero's eyes; sapphire meeting azure.

"Yet first… Thou hast to die."

Authors note: Nice cliffhanger, innit? That was a long chapter! Wow! Let's pretend they have bathrooms and toilets in BOTW and both Zelda and Link brushed their teeth before sleeping.
Also, I can promise whenever I write a cliffhanger, the cliffhanger is actually going to happen. I don't write cliffhangers for the sake of writing cliffhangers but actually really for plot purpose.

Can you guess which evil beings entered the BOTW era? Let me know! Another promise, Paya will have a lot more text next chapter.

Thank for reading once again and I hoped you liked this chapter and I didn't make anything too complicated. If I did, PM me or anything. Thanks again!