The sky was a deep blue. Not black, not just yet. It's hue was that of cerulean—dark, but still beautiful. Stars twinkled in the sky, waving to the village people and townsfolk down below in Hyrule.

Link's mind was restless as he snuck from the barracks to Zelda's castle. Hyrule Castle.

Images swamped his mind of the dream—or should he say, nightmare—that plagued his sleep. Zelda's body, completely shredded and destroyed. All life was sucked from her body.

Link shook his head. There was no use thinking about it now.

He did as Zelda had told him. Scale the tower of her new room, where her and her husband lay. He prayed all would go well, just as the two had hoped earlier in the day.

His hands wrapped around the arrows that he took from his quiver. His muscles seemingly grew twice in size as he began to move upward, straining his body. Every part of him began to ache, but a picture of Zelda appeared in his mind.

Her smile, the one that attracted her toward Link at first. Her soft, blonde hair, that blew effortlessly in a nighttime breeze. Her blue eyes, that shone brighter than any light reflecting from the ocean.

Link shook his head once more. He could do this.

For Zelda.

As he neared the top, he heard the balcony door creak open slightly. He paused, waiting for any signal.

"Link?" a soft voice whispered.

A smile appeared on the young knight's face. "Look down," he whispered back.

Zelda's head appeared over the balcony, and immediately, her perfect lips curled into a smile. Her arms fell over the railing, as she cupped Link's cheeks in her warm, soft palms. "Come on! Hurry up!"

Link quickened his pace, lifting his body over the balcony railing. He hoisted himself up, smiling as he looked down at Zelda. She wore a long, silky nightgown that reflected moonlight. Her smile shone through the darkness of night.

She turned her back to him, sliding open the glass balcony door. She led Link inside, to which they quickly exited the bedroom before Philip would awaken.

"How will we sneak past the guards?" Link asked, concern lining his tone.

Zelda smirked. "Don't worry. Mostly everyone is asleep at this time. We can go down to my private study and talk there."

Link, at that time, immediately remembered the new setup of the castle. Zelda and Philip had moved to a new tower, where they could have enough privacy away from all of the hustle and bustle in the rest of the building. Zelda's old bedroom had been transformed into a private study, in which she could retreat to whenever she so desired.

Her bedroom was a far ways away—however, if the two moved stealthily and quickly, they should be able to achieve this mission of theirs.

Darting silently down the halls of Hyrule Castle, the young knight and new queen entered through small entryways, sneaking through many secret ways within the stoned walls. Zelda led Link to her private study. When they made it to their destination, Zelda shut the door quietly before her.

She turned to face Link, who was admiring the beauty of the small room.

"Even your study," he began, "is as royal as any other room."

Zelda blushed. "My father, as well as the maids, go a little crazy with decorations, I'd say."

Link nodded. "Can they do this to the barracks?"

Zelda giggled. "I'll see what I can do."

Link smiled softly. His fingertips grazed the dressers and desktops in the study, feeling the smooth oak wood. A bright chandelier hung overhead. Link turned to Zelda curiously. "How come you haven't turned on the lights yet?"

Zelda shrugged her shoulders. "There's one large window at the end of my study. I don't want anyone thinking I'm in here."

Link nodded. "I understand."

The room fell quiet as the two wondered what to say next.

Zelda heaved a sigh. "Link, I'm at a loss for words."

Link squinted his eyes slightly. "About what, Zelda?"

Zelda shook her head. "I don't exactly know. I wish I knew, Link!" Her voice rose as she ended her sentence. The young queen lifted her right hand to her mouth, covering it to keep herself from making any more noise.

Link walked back to Zelda, taking her hand away from her face. He squeezed it gently. "Don't worry. You're just stressed, I understand."

Zelda nodded. "You're right." She looked up at Link, seemingly lost in his eyes. "I don't want to be Hyrule's Queen anymore."

Link's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"

Zelda clenched her left fist. "I quit."

Link's eyes darted around, eventually landing back on Zelda. "Yeah, see, Zel..." he nodded his head slowly—very slowly. "I don't think you can do that."

Zelda rolled her eyes. "Why not?"

"You'd be giving up on your people."

"If Philip wants the throne so bad, he can have it."

"But what if he treats Hyrule wrong?"

"My father will take back control."

"Can he even—"

"I'm not discussing this!" Zelda finalized. "My way will work. It has to."

"What will you even do afterwards?" Link wondered aloud. "Where will you go? Who will you live with?"

Zelda smiled slyly. "You, of course."

Link grew red. "M-Me?"

Zelda nodded. "Why, of course! My own personal knight." She punched Link's broad shoulder playfully. "I'll tell my father I'll be going on a trip to mend trade issues within the southwest—The Gerudo."

Link sighed. "He knows the Gerudo." He waited a moment, when Zelda scrunched her nose angrily. "He knows there aren't any trade issues."

Zelda inhaled sharply. "Lady Urbosa will be on my side, I'm sure. I just want to leave, Link!"

"Wait!" Link almost yelled. He fell to the floor, sitting down. "Let me think."

Zelda fell beside him. "Why do you need to think?"

Link's eyelids hang loosely, showing his annoyance with the queen. "Zelda, I care about you."

Zelda's shoulders fell. "And...?"

"And I won't let any harm come to you." Link put his hands together, and they touched his lips. "If we were to do this..."

"We can travel all of Hyrule together!" Zelda began to beg. "Oh, Link, please! Help take me away from this awful place!"

Link fell silent.

Zelda closed her eyes, knowing deep down, her plans had fallen through. She would be trapped in the castle, forever.

Until, Link's head rose.

"Tomorrow night. We leave the castle."

Zelda smiled.

Link's lips curled into a smile. "We will leave, and travel the country, without any worries."

Zelda's head began to repeat those last few words within her mind.

Without any worries.

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