"Happy Birthday, my love."

Zelda's eyes opened after her hands rubbed them quickly. She stared into the eyes of her husband, who was hovering over her body. He smiled a toothy grin.

"Oh my goddesses," Zelda stammered. "My birthday."

As Zelda rose from her slumber, her eyes darted around her bedroom. Countless servants and other Hylians were scattered throughout. The one directly in the middle held a cake.

Her father.

There were tears in his eyes.

Zelda did not hesitate. She swung her legs off of her bed, almost pushing Philip out of her way. She ran over to her father, throwing her arms around his neck. He carefully passed the cake off to a servant beside him. He wrapped his arms around her back, rubbing her ever so gently.

"Happy Birthday," the King smiled. "You're an adult now, Zelda. Isn't that incredible?"

Zelda smiled. "Wow, an adult..."

"Your mother is smiling down upon you, on this wonderful day," the King remarked. "You are the Queen of Hyrule, my dear." The King's cheeks were a soft peachy color, radiating the love he felt for his late wife and young daughter.

Zelda giggled. "I have been for a little while now, father."

The King chuckled. "While that is true, no one will look at you as a child anymore." The King hesitated a moment, before letting out a hearty laugh. "Except for me."

"My gift to you, today, is a day off," Philip said, and the servants within the room laughed, including the King.

"How very kind of you," the King nodded. "Ruling a kingdom is hard. It'll be good for Zelda to have a break on her special day."

Philip smiled. "Exactly. I planned an entire trip for you today, Zelda."

Zelda's eyes squinted skeptically. "A trip?"

Philip nodded. "Yes. To Kakariko Village, first, and then all across Hyrule."

Zelda beamed. "Really? Wow, Philip. That's actually really nice of you."

Philip's head tilted slightly. "You seem surprised."

Zelda shook her head nervously. "No, no. I'm not, don't worry." She smiled, straightening her stature. "When am I leaving?"

Philip clapped his hands, and the room began to clear. "Now."

Zelda's eyes widened. "Oh, okay. Let me get ready, first." As the young queen began to fumble through her dresser excitedly, picking an outfit to wear for the day, she paused suddenly, slowly turning to face Philip. "Wait, you said all around Hyrule, did you not? That will take over a week."

Philip shrugged his shoulders. "Well, maybe I'll take over the kingdom for a week. Ease some responsibilities off of you. I promise, I'll be alright."

Zelda shook her head. "No way. I'll visit Kakariko, but I'll be back tonight. I cannot go for a week."

Philip places his hands on his wife's shoulders. "Dear, please do not worry. Your father and I have already discussed this little vacation for you." He kissed the top of her head softly. "There is absolutely no need to worry."

Zelda pushed Philip out of their room. "Thank you. I'll meet you down in the throne room in a few moments. Please wait for me there."

Philip laughed. "Sure, dear." He smiled at the eagerness his wife seemed to have.

As Zelda shut their door, locking herself away from Philip, she began imagine the trip he had planned for her. Could he really rule Hyrule for an entire week without her? Would Zelda's father reclaim the throne momentarily?

Zelda froze.

What about tonight? With Link?

She rested against her door, sighing. She had forgotten about her promise to Link. His promise to her. Their plan to leave Hyrule forever.

She clenched her teeth nervously, slipping into her clothes she would wear for that day.

~~~

"I have no idea!" Zelda said, crossing her arms over her chest. "Now I'm stuck going on this trip away from the castle for a few days. And I'll be expected to return."

Link began to pace around the garden the two had met up in once before. He shrugged his shoulders. "Now what do we do?"

Zelda sighed. "I need you to escort me on this trip. I'm sure then we will be able to run away."

Link's brows furrowed. "And you're sure you want to do this?"

Zelda's lips opened, yet no sound emerged. Her body felt empty. She would be leaving behind a legacy. Her family name. Her people would lose hope in her.

Her father would lose all love for her, she was sure of that.

Zelda's head fell into her hands, as tears began to form at her eyes. "I don't know, I don't know anymore..." she whispered, barely audible. Her heart felt as if it had shattered. Into millions of pieces, it broke, leaving behind nothing but a mess.

Link kneeled down beside the queen. "Hey, it's going to be okay." He kissed the top of her head, after making sure no one was around. "I'm always going to be here for you, Zelda. No matter what you decide to do."

Zelda clenched her fists. "I'll go tell Philip."

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