After the Calamity:Love story

Chapter 4:Silent Princess

Captain Branson and Lieutenant Lawler had just returned to Hyrule Castle from Zora's Domain. They had been Princess Zelda's royal guards for her journey to Mipha's and Link's wedding and were very relieved the trip was over.
"I wonder what happened, Sir," said Lawler. "I had hoped to enjoy some good food and drink at the wedding reception and raise a glass in honor of Captain Link. Instead, we're told that we're returning to Hyrule Castle before the wedding even takes place, and not a word from Her Highness the whole way back."
"Yes, something must have happened," said Branson. "She seemed pretty sulky. Anyway, we did our duty and got her safely home. Now, let's go get some of the food and drink we missed at the Domain."
The two soldiers went off together to enjoy their free time.
Meanwhile, Princess Zelda was in her room, lying on the bed and crying. By now, Mipha and Link must be married, she thought. How could Link do that to her? Was he blind? She was much prettier than Mipha and was the future Queen of Hyrule. How could he choose Mipha over her? It made no sense! The only satisfaction she could think of was that Mipha would outlive Link by many years, so Mipha would have the pain of losing him. Of course, Mipha would outlive her, too, so she wouldn't be around to gloat. Anyway, she was not going to let this go by.
But what to do about it? Obviously, Link was not going to have anything to do with her now after what she did on his wedding day. But she needed a way to see Mipha and him. Her anger was overtaking her sadness now, and then something her father said gave her an idea. She would ask her father to invite Link to Hyrule Castle to receive a medal. He could not refuse her father's command. And his wife would surely come with him to see him receive the award. Or perhaps all the Champions could receive medals, thus making sure Mipha would attend in case Link was worried about her. Zelda quieted down, wiped some tears from her eyes, and fell asleep thinking of what she could do.
The following day, Zelda was having breakfast with her father, and she decided to put her plan into motion.
"Father, something you said yesterday gave me an idea," said Zelda.
"Yes, dear?"
"You said that Link deserved a medal for what he had done for Hyrule," said Zelda. "I am inclined to agree with you. Perhaps we could award the Royal Medal of Valor to him?"
"Hm, yes, that does seem fitting," said King Rhoam. "For that matter, all the Champions deserve that recognition."
"Yes, that's true," said Zelda with a smile. "I think an award ceremony similar to the ceremony when they received their Champion outfits would be appropriate."
"Very well, I will ask the Royal Mint to strike the five medals, and I will make the pronouncement," said King Rhoam. "I think everything could be ready in one week."
"That would be perfect," said Zelda. "I believe I heard Link and Mipha would return from their honeymoon at Lurelin Village by then."
They resumed eating breakfast, and Zelda was feeling quite happy now. She just had to make Mipha's death look like an accident, or Link would never forgive her. Then, once Mipha was gone, Zelda could try to comfort Link on his loss. And after enough time, he would come to realize she was the better choice anyway.
Meanwhile, that evening at Lurelin Village, Mipha and Link were having a late-night swim.
"You're so graceful in the water, sweetheart," said Link. "It's beautiful to see."
"Come here, and hold your breath, sweetheart," said Mipha.
Link took a deep breath, then Mipha took his hand, and she dove deeper into the water. Mipha stopped then waved her hand through the water, and the luminescent plankton there glowed white. Next, Mipha traced a heart with her finger, and the heart flashed on and off a bright white in the dark water. Then Mipha pointed at Link, and he smiled and nodded. Finally, Mipha pulled him back to the surface, and Link exhaled.
"I love you," said Mipha as they floated together.
"I love you, too," said Link. "And you have opened up a new world for me, the world of water."
"I'm glad, and I hope you come to love it as much as I do," said Mipha.
Then they embraced and kissed as they floated in the calm sea just outside of Lurelin Village. After several more kisses, they decided to call it a night. Mipha helped pull him to shore, and they returned to the inn which they had reserved for themselves. A Zora guard was on duty outside, and he wished then goodnight. Then they retired to their bed at the inn, kissed and cuddled, and finally made love. Both never felt happier!
The week was one of blissful married happiness for both Mipha and Link and sealed their love for each other as husband and wife. They enjoyed swimming, relaxing, and the warm sunny weather there. They didn't mind the occasional rain shower either, though, as it gave them an excuse to cuddle inside and watch the storm. The food was delicious too, with its Porgies and crabs. Lurelin Village was a popular honeymoon spot, and it showed. When the week was finally over, they returned to Zora's Domain together. Mipha's father welcomed them home, and then a guard presented them with two envelopes sealed with the symbol of the Hyrule Royal Family.
"We each got an invitation from King Rhoam to receive a medal, sweetheart," said Mipha as she read her letter and Link opened the envelope addressed to him.
"Yes, so I see," said Link, and then he scratched his head. "Each Champion is to receive a medal for bravery."
"The ceremony is the day after tomorrow," said Mipha. "At least we have a day to ourselves here first."
"Yes," said Link, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Ever since the terrible experience with Princess Zelda on their wedding day, Link had hoped to keep both Mipha and himself away from her. He had not yet told Mipha what happened as he did not want to ruin their honeymoon. But as her husband now, he did not want to keep any secrets from her. And in any case, she needed to know.
"You don't seem terribly excited," said Mipha seeing Link's long face.
"It's not that, sweetheart," said Link. "But I need to tell you something that happened on our wedding day. So perhaps we could sit here."
They sat together, and Link began to tell the story.
"Well, I probably should have told you this sooner, but I didn't want anything to cloud our honeymoon," said Link. "You may remember that Zelda was not at our wedding, and I gave some excuse about her not feeling well. But the truth is that Zelda must be incredibly jealous of us. She threatened to make our marriage a short one if I went through with it, and I could see hate in her eyes. So I was hoping we could keep far away from her."
"Oh! I see," said Mipha. "I am not surprised she's jealous. You're not very good at reading women's feelings, are you? But, from the way she looks at you, I could see that she wanted to be more than just a friend to you. In fact, when you were her knight, I was the jealous one, fearing that you would develop feelings for her."
"I admit I'm terrible at reading women's feelings," said Link, shaking his head. "I guess you know that better than anyone! But I don't know what to do now."
"We can go and just be careful," said Mipha. "I can't believe Zelda would hurt either of us. She has the blood of Goddess Hylia in her and has always been a devout person, praying to the ancient gods."
"I hope you're right," said Link. "Jealousy is a powerful emotion."