Summary: Princess Astra turns six years old and celebrates with her family and friends. Mipha's feelings get the better of her, and she shares Astra's surprising heritage with her father. Sopha finally makes her move, with unexpected consequences.

It was evening at Hyrule Castle, and Princess Zelda had just finished telling her sister Astra a long bedtime story as they lay in bed together.

"That was the best story, Zel!" said Astra. "Did all of that really happen?"

"Yes, we believe so," said Princess Zelda. "A very long time ago now."

"Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?" said Astra as she turned to Zelda and put her arm around her.

"Of course, sweetheart," said Princess Zelda as they hugged each other. "I hope my story didn't scare you. But tomorrow is your birthday! Isn't that exciting?"

Astra snuggled with Zelda and closed her eyes.

"I know! I can hardly wait! I'm not scared of the story, and I loved the adventure. And I love you, Zel. You're the best sister!" said Astra.

"I love you, too, Astra," said Princess Zelda as she kissed her sister on the forehead. "Sweet dreams."

After a few minutes, Astra was fast asleep. Zelda gently got up, covered Astra with a blanket, and quietly left the room.

"Our birthday girl is still sleeping?" said Queen Zelda next morning. "Did you keep her up late with your stories, Zelda?"

"I did tell her an especially long story for her birthday, Mother, as I promised her," said Princess Zelda. "I thought it best to tell her the story the night before since she will be so active today and probably too tired tonight. But I stayed by her side until she fell asleep, and I think she's slept enough by now."

"That's good," said Queen Zelda. "I know how much she loves your stories, sweetheart. But you should wake her now, as she does need to get ready for her party."

Princess Zelda made her way to Astra's bedroom, and she smiled, seeing Astra sound asleep, hugging one of her stuffed animals with both arms and legs. Zelda made her way to the bed and sat down. Then she gently brushed Astra's hair back and whispered, "Happy Birthday, Princess. It's time to wake up."

Astra opened her eyes, saw her sister sitting there, and smiled.

Zelda leaned down and kissed her.

"Good morning, Zel!" said Astra. "That was a great story last night! I even dreamed about it!"

"I'm glad you liked it," said Princess Zelda. "But now you should get up. You need to get dressed and ready for your party. I'll help you."

"You're so nice to me," said Astra as she sat up, reached out and hugged Zelda.

"Of course I'm nice to you, you're my dear sister, and I love you very much," said Zelda. "Now, which outfit do you want to wear? I can get it ready for you while you take a quick bath, and then we'll go down to a late breakfast together. And don't play too long in the water with your boats!"

"I won't! I want to wear the green one today," said Astra letting go of Zelda. "It reminds me of what the hero wore in your story."

Astra hopped out of bed and drew the water for a bath, then started washing up as Zelda got her outfit ready.

"Do you need help, Astra?" Zelda called out to her after a while.

"No, I'm a big girl now, remember?" shouted Astra as she finished bathing, got out of the tub, dried herself off, then put on a bathrobe.

"Here, let me help you get dressed and fix your hair," said Zelda. "You look so beautiful, Astra. I just adore your soft blonde hair! And you've gotten so big, too!"

Zelda helped her dress, fixed her hair, then they both made their way to the family dining room.

"Oh, here is the birthday girl at last!" said Queen Zelda as she reached out and hugged Astra then kissed her. "You look lovely, sweetheart. Happy Birthday!"

"And a big Happy Birthday from me too," said Rudin as he hugged and kissed Astra in turn.

"Thank you, Mom and Dad," said Astra smiling at them both.

"Come, both of you, sit down and have breakfast," said Queen Zelda. "We have your favorite omelet, Astra. And the weather looks clear and warm, so you can have your birthday party in Forest Park as you hoped."

"Hooray!" shouted Astra. "That will be so much fun with my friends. When does the party start?"

"Around lunchtime," said Queen Zelda. "We will have a buffet lunch for all the guests, and then you and your friends can play some games in the park. And, of course, your Uncle Link and Aunt Mipha will be here. If you want, you can spend some time sailing with Uncle Link after your friends leave. I'm sure he would love to do that with you. I'm afraid your cousin Link has to work today as he is in the Royal Guards. But Cousin Lapha and Cousin Tila said they would come, and your Aunt Lara is coming too. It will be nice to see her again."

"How does it feel to be six years old now?" said Rudin.

"It feels great, Dad, kind of special!" said Astra.

After finishing breakfast, Princess Zelda said she would take Astra to visit cousin Link.

"Let's go find cousin Link so he can wish you a happy birthday," said Princess Zelda taking Astra's hand. "Once the party starts, he will be busy making sure we are all safe."

"Oh! Do we expect some danger today, Zel?" said Astra sounding more excited than apprehensive.

"Not that I know of," said Zelda turning to look at her. "But we don't want any danger, Astra. Remember all the stories I told you? There are bad people in the world who might wish us harm, and we need to be prepared for that and protect ourselves."

"I understand," said Astra as they walked to where Zelda knew young Link would be with his squad.

When they arrived, Link was discussing security plans with two of the lieutenants. Seeing Zelda and Astra, he interrupted his discussion and said he needed a moment. They both saluted and moved away, then Link first bowed to Princess Zelda, and then bent down and hugged and kissed Astra.

"Happy Birthday, Princess Astra! I'm glad you stopped by," said Link.

"Thank you, Cousin Link," said Astra. "Or am I supposed to call you Captain Link when you're working? Zel said you couldn't come to my party, and that's too bad!"

"Cousin is fine," laughed Link. "But yes, I have to work today and make sure your family is safe. Maybe Cousin Tila and I can take you sailing one of the weekends we're here and not busy."

"That would be fun," said Astra. "Cousin Tila is such a beautiful swimmer. I love to watch her in the water."

"I'll let you get back to work now," said Princess Zelda. "I just wanted you to have a chance to wish Astra a happy birthday before things got busy."

"And I'm glad you did. Thank you, Your Highness," said Link as he bowed again. "And enjoy this special day, Princess Astra."

Zelda and Astra left, and Link signaled the lieutenants he was ready to resume their discussion. Guards were to be posted around all the access points to the park.

Meanwhile, at another part of Hyrule Castle, Lapha had finished eating breakfast and was beginning to straighten up her room. She shook her head as she looked around. Sadly she seemed to have picked up Dr. Purah's bad habit of leaving notes and papers scattered about, and now and then she had to take time organizing things, or there would be no place to sit. She had been busy all week but was taking off today to attend Astra's party. Besides wishing her cousin Astra a happy birthday, a custom she had grown to accept was important to Hylians, it would also be a chance to see her parents at the party.

The family get-together last weekend had been great fun, and she had forgotten just how much she enjoyed being with her brothers and sister. Midon was still the clown of the family, and he especially liked to tease Mila. But she knew it was all in fun, though Midon could sometimes be annoying when he crossed a line. And it had been enjoyable spending some one-on-one time with Mila. She and Mila had shared their feelings growing up, and Mila had always been there for her, the big sister she sometimes needed.

But speaking of Mila, Lapha was still troubled by something Mila had said last weekend, and she didn't know why. Lapha had an excellent memory, and after straightening up her room, at least to the point it was half-way presentable, she sat down and went over in her mind what Mila had said during their trip.

First, Mila teased Midon back about being modest. Then Mila spoke about her book and the fact she was still dating Kendal. Mila seemed pretty stuck on Kendal as they had been dating for some time now. But anyway, then they all raced at the Mikau Lake falls as they waited for the ferry to North Hyrule. She smiled, remembering how upset Midon was when Mila beat him and started teasing him about it! Later they journeyed to North Hyrule, and she and Mila checked their bungalow together, then joined the others for some surf swimming. Then they had dinner, and afterward, Mom and Dad went for a walk along the beach. She and her siblings were chatting when Tila asked what it was like for her family growing up, and of course, they all knew she was really interested in her husband, Linky. Mila talked about when Linky was small, and so did Midon. They reminisced a little about Linky, then Mila got worried about Mom and Dad being gone so long. Tila reassured her they were safe, then they started talking about how Mila used to be so sensitive to the chance of losing Dad. Mila began to recall times they had almost lost him. When was that? Once was with Tila's sister, Sopha, when Lapha was nine years old. And then there was that other time when Lapha was only five years old, and Mila snuck off and saved Dad's life. She vaguely remembered how angry Mom was at the two of them for that, sneaking away. Reckless, she had called it. That was when Dad battled his evil twin, his dark double. Then they talked about how close Mila was to Dad growing up. And shortly after that, Mom and Dad returned.

Lapha shook her head. Whatever it was that had bothered her escaped her now. But something in all that had provoked sudden anxiety in her mind before Midon interrupted her train of thought. Lapha looked at her Tab and noticed the time. She was supposed to meet Tila, as they were going to the party together. She needed to get ready now.

Meanwhile, earlier that morning in Zora's Domain, Mipha made her way to the throne room to say goodbye to her father. She and Link would be leaving soon for Hyrule Castle, and Link had been busy and asked her to say goodbye for him as well. She was trying to cope with the Astra situation as best she could, and avoided thinking about it most times. But on trips to visit Astra, it was impossible to avoid, and especially a trip to celebrate her birth. The whole Astra event hurt, and it was a hurt she couldn't share with Link. She knew Link was as much a victim of what happened as she was, but the idea he spent eight years married to Zelda and had a daughter with her was difficult to put behind her. Link didn't remember most of it, of course, but some record of it survived in the journals he brought back. She couldn't unburden herself to Link because she knew he already felt terrible about it. Knowing how much she hurt would only make him more miserable. That Timela creature was pure evil! When Mipha arrived at the throne room, she greeted her father then got to the point.

"Link and I will be leaving for Hyrule Castle soon, Father," said Mipha. "It's Astra's sixth birthday."

"Yes, I remember you told me," said King Dorephan. "I hope you enjoy your visit. Link is very close to Astra, isn't he?."

"Yes, they are very close," said Mipha. "And Astra has always taken a special liking to Link and enjoys sailing with him."

"That's wonderful!" said King Dorephan. "I always knew Link would be good with children and make a wonderful father since the time he used to play with little Sidon and have adventures with him."

"Yes, Link does love playing with children," said Mipha. "I think one reason is that he has never fully grown up himself. He still enjoys playing games and having fun like a kid."

"Well, to be fair, I think so do you, sweetheart," said King Dorephan. "When Link wasn't here, you used to play with Sidon more as a playmate than a big sister. He had so much fun with you, and used to be so excited it was hard to get him to sleep."

"Yes, Sidon and I had a great deal of fun growing up," said Mipha. "He was always so cute, if sometimes prone to saying the wrong thing at the wrong time."

"Yes, that he did!" laughed King Dorephan. "Sidon is off now, inspecting our security. By the way, looking at pictures of Astra, she reminds me so much of your husband at that age. Surely you've noticed the resemblance."

"Yes, I have noticed the resemblance," said Mipha as she looked down.

King Dorephan noticed her reaction.

"Mipha, darling, whatever is the matter? Have I said something wrong?" said King Dorephan.

"No, Father, it's nothing you said," said Mipha as she wiped her eyes.

"Come here, sweetheart," said King Dorephan as he stood up and reached out. Mipha came to him, and they hugged each other. "I never liked seeing my little girl cry, and I still don't. Tell me, what is wrong?"

They held each other, as Mipha sobbed once, then composed herself, and they separated.

"I should be stronger," said Mipha wiping her eyes again. "And I usually can be. It's just on visits to see Astra that I struggle to hold it in."

"Whatever do you mean, sweetheart? Hold what in?" said King Dorephan.

Mipha looked up at her father and took a deep breath. Then she spoke.

"Astra is Link's and Zelda's daughter," said Mipha.

"What!? How is that possible?" exclaimed King Dorephan looking stunned. "I cannot believe Link would cheat on you! I would swear before all the gods that he loves you more than life itself! A child with Queen Zelda? And six years ago now? I don't understand."

"It's not that simple or what you might think," said Mipha. "Link didn't know he was cheating on me, and in a sense, he wasn't. But I need to explain the whole story to make any sense of it."

"Yes, please do, as I am both shocked and bewildered beyond belief," said King Dorephan. "Come, sit here beside me, and we can talk."

King Dorephan called to one of the guards and told him that he did not want to be disturbed. Then Mipha told her father the whole story about Timela and how Link spent eight years in an alternate timeline ending up married to Zelda with a daughter named Astra, but that somehow Astra survived into this timeline when Goddess Hylia restored the temporal order.

"But this is all so fantastic!" said King Dorephan when she finished. "I wish you had told me sooner, and I understand now how you must feel, sweetheart. I don't know what I can say to make you feel better other than to stress, as you already know, that it was not Link's fault, and he truly loves you very much. I am sure Link wishes in his heart that this never happened. But how can we be sad that a lovely little girl has a life now, whoever the father is?"

"You're right, of course, Father," said Mipha. "My head tells me the same thing, but my heart struggles with the thought of Link being with Zelda like that, however unintended it was. It's as if that evil Timela creature wanted to show me what life for Link would have been like without me. I can't help it, but it hurts to think about it. I know Link dearly loves his little daughter, and I've loved her as a niece as well. Link grew very close to her in the time he remembers being her father. How can he wish it all didn't happen? How can anyone wish away a lovely little girl? But I need to hold my emotions in check better."

"No, you should not hold in your emotions about this, sweetheart," said King Dorephan. "It's good you told me, and you should never hesitate to come to me for comfort or support. I love you so very much, Mipha. You will always be my darling little girl, no matter how old you are, and I am always here for you. Promise me you will remember that and let me be your father."

"Yes, thank you, Father," said Mipha as she smiled at him. "I feel the same way about my children. And I will. I need to go now, and I will let Link know I told you about the incident."

They embraced again, and King Dorephan kissed her gently on the forehead. Then Mipha left to meet Link and begin their journey to Hyrule Castle.

Link was waiting for Mipha in the plaza and sensed something was wrong when he saw her expression.

"You alright?" said Link.

"I'm trying to be," said Mipha. "I just couldn't hold it in today and spoke with Father about Astra. I needed to let my feelings out, to share them."

"Oh!" said Link. "I see."

He thought for a moment. Despite everything Mipha had told him, she must still be hurting inside.

"Well, that's fine, sweetheart," said Link after another moment and reaching out to take her hand. "But you could have come to me."

"No, I couldn't, Link," said Mipha. "It's not fair to you and Astra, knowing how much you love her. I love her too. It's just the thought of you being with Zelda that haunts me. No, I needed to speak with Father about my feelings, and I feel better about it now that I have someone else to unburden myself with. But let's not discuss it any further. I'm trying to get over it, and we should go."

"Of course," said Link. "But I understand, Mipha, I do. I'm so sorry for hurting you, and that's all I'll say. Can we kiss to start our journey as we usually do?"

Mipha looked at Link, and he had a pained expression.

"Yes, of course, sweetheart," said Mipha as she touched him gently on the cheek. "Whatever happens in our lives, I love you more than anything."

"And I love you more than anything," said Link. "I die inside when I see you unhappy."

They embraced and kissed once. Then Link pulled her closer, and they kissed again as he held her.

"It's okay, sweetheart," said Mipha finally. "I do feel better now. We should go, and a swim together will lighten my mood."

They held hands as they made their way to Ruto Lake and dove in.

The swim to Hyrule Castle was routine and uneventful, though Link noticed some guards were evident at several places along the way. They arrived around lunchtime, which was when the party was due to begin. Queen Zelda had Tabbed both of them that the party was in Hyrule Forest Park, so they headed straight there.

When they arrived, the adults were milling about together while Astra and her friends were playing together in the park. Mipha and Link made their way toward the adults, but Astra noticed them and stopped playing to run over and say hello.

"Uncle Link and Aunt Mipha! You're here!" said Astra as she ran to them and got a hug and kiss from each.

"Happy Birthday, Astra," said Mipha. "You look so big now!"

"Of course we're here," said Link. "How could we miss this special day? Happy birthday! We got you a book of adventure stories you can read, or your sister can read to you if she runs out of her own."

"Oh, thank you!" said Astra as she looked at the book. "I just love adventure stories."

"Here, let me have the book back, and I'll leave it with your other presents while you go play with your friends now and have fun," said Link. "If there's time, I can take you sailing after the party is over."

"I hope so!" said Astra. "Will Aunt Mipha be coming with us too?"

Link looked at Mipha.