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“Please, you must try some!”
A short, matronly woman pushed a wooden bowl filled with a steaming brown stew dotted with orange carrot and white potato under Zelda’s nose. As the viscous liquid sloshed over the sides, her stomach churned, and the queen cut her eyes to the man standing next to her.
Link gave her an imperceptible nod before stepping forward with a wide grin and taking the bowl from the woman. “Looks delicious!” he said.
The woman squealed in delight, turning to her family and gesturing that didn’t they see?! The king was eating her stew! As she turned back to her regents, rosy cheeks in the cold air, she held up a second, empty bowl.
“And a bit for the queen as well?” She grinned like it was a tantalizing offer, and Zelda’s stomach twisted in nausea. How would she ever explain to this woman without hurting her feelings that if she even so much as smelled that… soup again, she’d lose her stomach for the sixth time today?
“I don’t believe Your Majesty would have ever had the opportunity to try it,” she continued, giving Zelda a toothy grin. “It was a Lookout Landing special during the Upheaval. Sure, it uses leftover scraps—we only had so much—but it’s got a surprising depth of flavor! My recipe has become a local favorite for some of us here at the landing.”
Zelda’s stomach twisted again, although this time it was for an altogether different reason. The Upheaval. Memories flashed through her mind quicker than she could blink—falling down a dark chasm, disappearing thousands of years in the past, leaving everyone behind, leaving Link behind, making allies, losing friends, swallowing a stone that changed her–
Zelda was pulled back to the moment with a soft squeeze to her upper arm, and her head snapped to look at her guardian. His worried blue eyes flitted over her face, and he seemed to understand because his mouth pressed into a thin line. He turned and spoke quietly to the woman operating the soup station.
The queen couldn’t hear what they were saying, and truth be told, she wasn’t listening very closely. Link was probably paying with an excessive number of rupees and coming up with some plausible, reasonable excuse for her inexcusably rude behavior. Honestly, she couldn’t even stomach a sip of the poor woman’s soup? What kind of ruler was she? Zelda took a slow, deep breath, and she let herself sit in a moment of silence as she looked around the Winter Festival.
It was the first time in more than one hundred and seven years that Castle Town—or what they’d managed to rebuild of it—was holding such a themed market, complete with food and drink vendors, merchants, and ice skating. It should have been a theoretical jewel in Zelda’s crown of rebuilding, but despite all the glittering joy and merrymaking, she couldn’t find it in herself to relax.
And she certainly hadn’t felt like participating.
The plan for the Winter Festival had been in the works, before .
Before she and Link investigated the dungeon and she ended up 10,000 years in the past. Before she swallowed a stone and did a brief stint as the Light Dragon to restore the Master Sword. Before she played yet another role in a battle between light and evil on a grand stage that seemed better fit for gods.
Before she had returned. Again. To another new Hyrule that seemed to need her less and less.
When Link had taken her home to Hateno, the Winter Festival had been one of many plans left dusty on her desk. Metaphorically. Clavia, of course, would never let any dust accumulate and had kept their house spotless while Zelda flew in the skies and Link traipsed all over Hyrule to save her. (Yet again.) The festival hadn’t even begun to be on her list of priorities when she returned. In fact, she had been rather hasty in setting it aside in favor of other, more pressing and serious plans, but, surprisingly, Link had insisted.
And he so rarely insisted.
Despite all her efforts to work on other projects, Link kept pushing her back to the Winter Festival. It had come to a head one morning when she refused to leave the house or focus on anything except her plans for memorials. Between the Calamity and the Upheaval, there had been so much…death, so much lost. It had consumed Zelda’s every waking thought since she returned, and he wanted her to focus on some silly children's carnival. Link silently listened to her protestations about how it was superfluous and too pricey for a young government to fund after two catastrophes and then pushed the parchment back in front of her anyway.
“You always talk about how much you loved it as a kid ,” he had said. “ Kids need a little magic and wonder. And adults need to remember their joy and how to celebrate with each other. Mourning is important ,” he had whispered as he placed his hand over hers, his breath warm and gentle in her ear. Tears had dripped down her cheeks and smeared the ink on her scrolls. “ So is joy and celebrating what we have.”
So after a slight delay, when Zelda dragged Link upstairs and asked him to touch her until she forgot the pain and could only think of him, Zelda reluctantly poked at the project. Prodded at it until she found herself seeing the merits of his plan. She had been so caught up in the excitement and magic of a Winter Festival once more that when she had gotten the news, it felt like soaring and then hitting the dirt with no water (or sturdy appointed knight) to catch her.
And nothing had been the same since.
Well, except for Link. He was unflappable, as always.
“Everything okay?” Zelda tried not to jump as Link’s concerned voice cooed softly in her ear before he pressed his warm, soft lips to the chilly tip. “You cold?” He wrapped an arm loosely around her back, his hand cradling her hip and his thumb rubbing circles.
Zelda shook her head, and she turned to look at him. “I’m alright.” She said quietly, her eyes flicking to the people in the soup stand. When she saw they were seemingly happily chatting and not at all staring at her with intense hate for being a terrible queen, she looked back at Link and forced a smile. “Just ready to move on,” she whispered.
Link nodded with a slight, encouraging smile. “Of course.”
The pair turned and gave warm smiles to those manning the soup booth before sliding back into the crowd and walking, hand in hand, between the many booths that lined either side. Sweet smells of cinnamon, vanilla, and apple mixed with the savory scents of sizzling onions and meat in what was probably a joyous cacophony for Link.
For Zelda, her stomach rebelled, and she frowned, slowing down and stepping to the side while her ever-present partner followed closely. She pressed a hand to her lower belly and frowned, staring at the ground.
“You’re feeling ill, aren’t you?”
His tone was kind, but Zelda couldn’t help but huff. Of course, she was feeling poorly. What did he expect?
“That’s how things are going to be now,” Zelda bit out, trying not to glare as she rubbed her stomach, willing the feeling to end or, at the very least, subside so it wasn’t quite so intense. She just wanted to get through this day and go back to the home that had been set aside for their two weeks in Castle Town. It was a poor substitute for the Hateno house, but as Zelda willed the tears in her eyes to recede, she chastised herself for even thinking about their home. She promised herself she would not give in to her silly homesickness.
“Zelda,” Link began gently, but Zelda shook her head. She didn’t need to hear it. She was being ridiculous, and Link shouldn’t pander to her just because…
No.
She was the same as she always was. Regardless of whatever was happening…down there. She was Queen Zelda, a mostly competent and capable ruler, and she would handle her emotions with the grace required of a regent.
“No, it's fine.” Zelda wiped her cheeks, stood up straighter, and flattened her coat with her hand before holding her hand out for Link to grab. “Shall we go?”
Link looked like he wanted to say something, opening and closing his mouth, but when the giant Zora King suddenly appeared and slapped his hands on Link’s shoulders, Zelda couldn’t help but be a little relieved by the interruption. The recently crowned king jumped only a bit before turning to look at the source.
“King Link! Queen Zelda!!” Sidon grinned widely, his teeth almost sparkling in the winter sun. The nearly seven-foot-tall maroon Zora squeezed Link’s shoulder before throwing his hands out widely. “What a joyous event! Great work, both of you! How are you enjoying the festivities?” He turned and held a hand out to his wife, who clasped his red hand with her green and looked at her lover fondly.
“We are,” Zelda forced a smile as she looked between the Zora King and Queen. “And you? Have you found plenty to eat?”
“Yes!” Yona gushed, her voice a sweet tinkling sound. She reached for Zelda’s hand with her free hand and squeezed it. Had the Zora royals always been so touchy? “We had some warm…apple juice-water. I can’t remember what they called it., but it was a delightful mix of tart and sweet!
“Absolutely marvelous,” Sidon interjected.
“Oh! And a pie with some kind of squash…” Yona trailed off before shaking her head, apparently giving up on trying to remember what it was called. “It was delicious! What about you?”
“We’re working on it,” Link said kindly, giving Zelda’s hand an intentional squeeze that she decided to ignore.
“Oh, well, let us look for food together!” Sidon grinned, pulling Link along by the shoulder. As Link was pulled next to his friend and forced to let go of her hand, Yona fell into place by Zelda. The Zora queen exchanged a small smile with the queen and dropped her voice to a lower murmur.
“We were most pleased to receive your invitation to this Winter Festival,” she looked at Zelda, watching as she carefully navigated the stone street. “We hadn’t heard from you in some time and were growing a little concerned. I’m sure you had much to do after returning home from such a long and arduous journey… I’m glad to see you are alright?”
Zelda blinked slowly and looked up at Yona with a slight smile, commanding herself to rally. “Indeed. We are so glad to host you. Thank you for coming all the way from the domain for this little festival.”
“Why, of course! It is beautiful,” Yona said in wonderment, and as Zelda looked around at the glimmering lights and older Hylians shaking their heads at sprinting small children with young parents trailing behind, she began to see what the Zora—and Link—may have been seeing. “You should be so proud of this project! You did amazing work putting this together. Just what the kingdom needs, if you ask me.” Yona smiled slyly at Zelda, who ducked her head as her cheeks heated.
After a few seconds, Zelda collected herself and nodded slowly, her words slow and careful. “I’m grateful for all the work everyone has put in. It was really a group effort. I couldn’t have done this myself.”
Yona pulled up short, and Zelda turned to face her. “You are too modest, Your Majesty,” Yona said, a twinkle in her eye. “Words of your achievements have spread widely! And I do appreciate hearing the latest news.” When Zelda only blinked, the Zora queen frowned. “Are you alright, Zelda? Should I fetch something for you?”
Zelda swallowed thickly and shook her head. She wasn’t okay, but as nice as Yona was, Zelda was not prepared to expose a secret of this level to her. “I’m fine. I think I’m just a little hungry,” she answered honestly, beginning to look left to right, frowning when she didn’t immediately see the familiar shock of dirty blonde hair. “It’s alright. I’ll just– Where is Link?”
“Right here. Is everything okay?”
Zelda pressed a hand to her chest to calm her racing heart after her husband appeared—out of nowhere—to her left, wrapping his arm once again around her lower back and cradling her curvy hip in his hand. Link seemed to put together that he had surprised her as a deep blush spread across his cheeks, and he murmured, “Sorry.”
“It’s fine.” She smiled at him before raising her voice a little louder and looking between the three other royals. “We were just talking about getting some food?”
Link looked between her and Yona, who had taken a step towards Sidon and was looking curiously at the newly married couple.
“Well, let’s go get some food then!” Sidon boomed, and stepped forward once more, this time with Yona’s hand in his.
Link let the Zora royalty walk for a bit, waving them on when Sidon looked back questioningly, before Link looked at Zelda, squeezing her hip to get her attention. “Everything okay?” he whispered.
Zelda shrugged. She couldn’t lie to him. She didn’t want to lie to him. And yet… Was now the time? “My stomach…doesn’t feel great.” She said honestly, pressing the flat of her palms to her middle, as if it would alleviate the mental or physical discomfort she was in.
Link frowned and turned to her, putting his hand over her hands. Zelda was thankful for their cloaks and close proximity. The last thing she needed was someone telling the Lucky Clover Gazette that the king was seen touching the queen’s stomach. Already there were bets on when Hyrule would expect the newest royal, and while they weren’t wrong—she and Link had struggled to leave the bedroom in the months following their reunion—Zelda wasn’t ready for the rumors.
The truth was, Zelda wasn’t ready at all.
She closed her eyes and leaned into Link’s touch, his warm hands soothing her belly. As she blinked her eyes open, she pressed her forehead to his.
“Zel,” his voice was deep, gravely. The way it was after they’d made love, and it sent shivers down Zelda’s spine. “Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on. You haven’t been the same since we got the news,” he murmured, rubbing his hand in gentle, soothing circles. “I know this is bothering you and–”
Zelda pulled her head back a bit, still keeping her voice at a soft whisper. “Bothering me?” She forced a single, staccato laugh and rolled her eyes. “Why would this be bothering me? Everything is perfect! We’re perfect. We’re in love and together. We’ve saved Hyrule. Twice! We’ve assured the line of Hylia–!...” She trailed off and shook her head, feeling particularly petulant. “We’ve done everything that’s asked of us and more. This is nothing but good news,” she finished in a monotone and looked away at the ground, ashamed at her lies.
Link leaned in and reached up, using his gloved hands to fix her cap to cover her ears. “Is this what we’re doing, Zel?”
She cut her eyes back to him and raised an eyebrow.
He huffed, his warm breath curling in spirals between their faces.
“Apparently so.” His words were firm, but his tone was amused, and he framed her face with his hands and rubbed some warmth into her cheeks with his thumbs. “You’re just the same as you always were,” he teased. “Stubborn little princess.” Link kissed Zelda’s nose, which was pink with the cold.
Zelda glared a bit as he pulled back, but her lips were slipping into a smile. “I thought you lost your memories.”
Link snorted and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her shoulders as he hugged her close. “You’re so funny,” he said as he kissed her cheeks. “Now tell me what’s wrong. And the truth this time.”
When Zelda only looked at him, he cracked a grin.
“Oh, c’mon. I hear I’m a pretty good team player when it comes to life-and-death issues,” Link waggled his eyebrows. “Have even been called a champion once or twice.”
Link’s grin fully bloomed when his antics finally, blessedly , got a rambunctious cackle out of his love.
“You’re ridiculous,” she said fondly. Which Link knew meant, I love you.
“I know. Now tell me,” he insisted with a grin, squeezing her tighter.
“Okay! Okay!!” Zelda laughed, and when Link released her, she kept her smile for a couple more seconds before it dropped off. “I’m worried, alright?” She looked down at her still-flat stomach but rubbed a hand over it anyway, trying to imagine what the next few months would look like for her. It was an image she had struggled with lately.
“Worried about what?” Link prompted her, rubbing her back. When she hesitated, he continued. “Zel, c'mon, you’re killing me here. You know I’m a pretty good problem solver, too.”
She huffed a laugh and looked up at him, her lips curling into a smile. “I know. You are the best.” She leaned over and kissed him on the lips once. It was so soft and warm Zelda felt like she could pour her entire being into Link in that moment.
When Link pulled back, he kissed her nose before smiling at her. “You can’t always distract me with kisses, you know.”
“Can’t I?”
Link pretended to think for a moment. “Well…one day I might get wise to the plot, but for now, I won’t complain.” He grinned lecherously before kissing Zelda’s cheeks, jaw, and down her neck while Zelda scrambled for purchase against his chest, giggling and squealing for Link to cut it out.
“Tell me,” was his muffled response, and Zelda gave in, only because he was getting dangerously close to kissing down the front of her shirt, and they were still in public!
“Fine!” she giggled. “I’ll tell you, just,” Zelda shook her head and pushed Link away, to no avail, as he cuddled her closer. “Just stop!” Her cheeks burned slightly from how widely she was smiling.
They shared a moment of silence as they smiled at each other, Zelda catching her breath in Link’s encircled arms. The smile slowly dripped from the queen’s face as she prepared her words.
“I don’t know how…” Zelda began before shaking her head. “I don’t know. It’s sort of…everything?”
“Everything?” Link raised a brow and stood up straighter. His hands fell to his sides before he scratched the back of his head. “Geez, Zel, I– … I don’t know what to say. I thought we talked about and agreed on–?”
“No, we did,” Zelda said hurriedly. “Although, admittedly, it did happen quite a bit sooner than I was anticipating. I guess I should have suspected that the Hero of Hyrule would have a certain…virility, however?”
She poked his chest gently, and Link blushed. “Well…what is it then? If you are excited for the…” Link looked around before leaning forward and whispering in Zelda’s ear. “The baby. Then why are you…?” He pulled back before biting his lip. “Do you… Do you worry I won’t be any good–?”
“What?!” Zelda was so surprised by Link’s statement that her protestation came out as a loud squawk that definitely garnered the attention of some passersby.
After the king and queen smiled and waved them along, wishing them a good time at the festival, Zelda lowered her voice once more, her eyes wide. “No, Link, I-I think… No, I know you’ll be an amazing father! It’s not you that I’m worried about at all. It’s… Well… To be honest, it’s me.”
“You?” Link was incredulous, his eyebrows raised. “Zelda, how can you possibly think… You are the most wonderful leader this nation could ever hope for, and you will be the kindest, wisest, and most caring mother. I know this.”
“Some caring ruler. I disappeared for ten thousand years and left you here to clean up the mess.”
“Zel, that’s not fair. That wasn’t your choice, and you did the best that your circumstances allowed. And why are we even talking about this? I highly doubt the same skillset required to fighting the demon king will be necessary in raising the little princess. Where is this coming from?”
Zelda worried her lip between her teeth, looking at Link with shining green eyes. “That’s the thing… I know I can fight evil. I know that we can triumph. I know I can be a queen. At least somewhat.” Zelda ignored Link’s frown and pressed on. “But a mom? Link... I…I don’t know that I can… What if I can’t balance the responsibilities? What if I run the kingdom into ruin? What if I miss finance meetings because I accidentally scheduled her dance classes at the same time? Or… Or I make a mistake and insult some foreign dignitaries because I’m too tired? Or she grows up to resent me and hate me because I’m always too busy with the kingdom and forget to make time for her?”
Zelda stood there, panting, and Link raised an eyebrow. “Feel better?”
“No!” Zelda crossed her arms.
Link chuckled. “Okay, well, some of that was real, and some of that seemed…a little early to be worried about.” He wrapped his arms around her once more and pulled her into a hug. “It’s okay Zel. I know things were tough with your father, but they’re different now. The entire world is different.” He pulled back. “And that’s not a bad thing. Besides,” he nudged her chin with his knuckle. “You have a whole team behind you. If the finances get too bad, I’ve got plenty of treasures from exploring that I’m more than happy to part with to fund whatever you need. Hudson has donated tons of materials. All throughout the region, people are working to rebuild. Yes, things have been…bad,” Link winced. “I won’t deny that. Monsters have destroyed homes, but the people have come together to protect their land and rebuild.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “I saw that firsthand when you were gone.”
Zelda sighed and let her head rest against his. “I suppose you are right.”
“But?” Link prompted
Zelda pulled back, a small frown tugging at her lips. He always knew her so well.
“What if I’m not any good at the mothering side of things?” Zelda asked quietly. “I hear getting a baby to latch and feed can be downright impossible, and you know how impatient I can be already! Add a screaming baby and a messy house and no sleep, and I–” She shook her head before looking at Link seriously. “I fear for you. I worry I may be an absolute terror in the home.”
Link snorted and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, kissing her cheek and pulling her close. “Well, that’s why we’re getting the nanny, right?”
Zelda sighed and nodded. “Right.” The first order of business Impa had taken upon herself as soon as they had told the Sheikah Master that they were expecting was to appoint a nanny. Almost as if she knew and expected that Zelda wouldn’t be able to handle it herself.
Link didn’t seem to notice her change in mood as he began rattling off the Sheikah nanny’s various qualifications and why Zelda shouldn’t worry. She tried to hold it in. She really did. Zelda told herself that she was going to be a mother now. And she was a queen. Hadn’t she earned enough wisdom by now not to be lost in bitter, spiteful thoughts when all he was doing was giving this woman some well-earned praise and trying to reassure Zelda?
Apparently not, as Zelda couldn’t help the restful words bubbling past her lips.
“Well, then, I guess we should just be grateful that we’ll have a nanny since she’ll clearly be better at being a mother than me.”
Link stiffened before looking over. Zelda pouted her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. As green met blue, a wide grin spread across his face, and he nuzzled her cheek with his cold nose. “Uh oh… Are you jealous? ”
“No,” Zelda said stiffly, sticking out her bottom lip. She firmly ignored Link’s kisses to her cheeks as he chuckled.
“Uh-huh.” He pulled back and smiled at her. “Just because I think she’s going to do a good job and be helpful to us, does not mean I don’t know that you’re going to be the best mother Hyrule has ever seen.”
His words lodged in Zelda’s throat, and she choked up, smiling a bit. “Yeah?”
“Yes.” He said firmly, kissing her cheek. He reached down and grabbed her hand. “Now, we should talk about this more later, okay? For now, we need to get you,” he dropped his voice, “ and the little one , some food.”
Zelda nodded before hesitating. “There is…one more thing I wish to tell you.”
Link paused and looked up at her expectantly.
“It’s…embarassing. But I think… I’m just worried that everything is going to change now. Nothing will be the same.” She looked down between them at her clasped hands. Her whispered words felt childish in her mouth. “I don’t like change.”
“Change is inevitable.” Link said softly. Zelda rolled her eyes before meeting Link’s blue. She couldn’t help but smile as the frost in her heart melted at his glance. “Look around,” he smiled.
She looked up and down the many stalls and all the people milling about, eating and laughing. Grandmas looking at mittens. Children holding mugs of hot cocoa with two hands, giggling with white cream on their lips. Parents looked at toys while children held onto their pant legs and begged for more.
“Not too long ago, Castle Town was a graveyard,” Link said softly as he stepped closer. Zelda shivered in the halo of his radiating heat. “Now it’s thriving. Buildings are built, and families expand every day. And that’s because of you.” Link put his hands on Zelda’s shoulders and rubbed down her arms, creating some warm friction in the cool air. “Not all change is bad,” he murmured, stepping up on his tiptoes.
Zelda dutifully bent her head and closed her eyes as she felt his warm, soft lips on her forehead.
“I know,” she whispered, squeezing Link’s hand. “You’re completely right. I just…” She shook her head before she stepped back and twirled, a mischievous grin on her face as she grabbed Link’s other hand. “I just want all of your attention. Everything will change when we have a baby, and I… Well, it’s completely selfish, but I want to be able to hold both of your hands.”
Link got a faraway look, and Zelda’s heart sank. It was the same concerned look she’d been on the receiving end ever since they’d gotten the news, and Zelda had acted less than enthusiastic when Link had been immediately overjoyed.
It was not that she wasn’t excited. She just…hadn’t been expecting the news. And certainly not so soon after she and Link had rejoined each other’s sides.
Zelda could not have been more surprised when Link’s face transformed into a grin.
“Turn around,” he said with a playful tone.
“What?” Zelda raised an eyebrow.
Link put his hands on her hips and pressed. “Turn around, ” he insisted.
Zelda let him maneuver her body, holding her against him. Her back pressed against his warm front, and he tucked his chin over her shoulder. Zelda leaned her behind against him and wiggled slightly suggestively until Link chuckled in her ear and held her hips firmly. The move confused Zelda, until her eyes fell on the sight he wished for her to see, and she jumped, clapping her hands together once.
“Oh!” she said excitedly, turning back to look at Link.
He grinned at her, his cheeks rosy in the cold wind.
Zelda turned back to watch a tiny baby with straight black hair and deep green eyes gleefully babble from his secure place, strapped to his father’s chest. He was held in place with some sort of wrapped cloth. The baby looked utterly content, and the father was holding his partner’s hand, a steaming mug in the other.
“He has both hands free,” Link said smugly, and Zelda grinned as she leaned back against him.
“So he does,” she mused as she watched the baby lick his fingers, his face sticky with chocolate and pie. “Perhaps some changes aren’t so bad. That is an awfully cute sling.”
“They sell them just over there.” Link pointed, kissing Zelda’s cheek.
Zelda was tempted but…what if someone saw? She looked back at Link, and he seemed to understand immediately. “I’ll talk to the vendor after the market closes,” he promised.
“Thank you,” Zelda said softly, leaning forward and kissing Link. After a few moments, they parted. “I think I’d like some apple cider.”
“Yeah?” Link brightened. “You’re feeling better?”
Zelda nodded. “And maybe even one of those molasses cookies I saw on the way in?”
Link grinned and bowed deeply, kissing her knuckles in a practiced move that he knew would—and did—illicit giggles. “You got it, Princess,” he winked.
“That’s Queen, now,” Zelda tutted.
“Yes, of course,” Link grinned, bowing with a wide gesture. “How could I forget? My queen.” He stood with a sparkle in his eye. “I shall return swiftly,” he promised, before bounding off into the fray of people.
“Please do,” Zelda murmured to herself quietly before turning and looking at her people. Despite all they had been through, despite all they suffered, they were still here. Showing up for her and for each other in small ways. Sharing warmth. Swapping stories and recipes. Laughing loudly.
For once, Zelda felt less resentful of their resiliency. Instead, she found herself overcome with gratitude that only blossomed further at the sight of Link coming back with her cookie and cider, this time with Sidon and Yona in tow. They’d clearly found plenty of food as their arms were laden with breads, pastries, and fried treats.
Zelda couldn’t help the giggle that poured out of her as they found an empty table and spread out their prizes. As she watched Sidon and Link tease each other and start arguing the finer details of yet another eating competition, Zelda nibbled her cookie and exchanged amused glances with Yona. As Zelda watched Link, she imagined him holding their daughter on his chest.
So many changes had come. So many more were on their way.
But as long as Link remained her constant, she’d be alright. As she rubbed her stomach, she smiled to herself, knowing now what she suspected Link had known the whole time.
Their duo might be ending, but it was bringing the way for a more loving triad. With this child came hope for a better future. A safer, happier Hyrule. Zelda thought that maybe she was starting to see how beginnings could be exciting, too.