Love in Zora's Domain

Chapter 55 - A New Beginning?

Summary: Six months have passed as life goes on. Purah finishes the experimental phase of her research on an anti-aging rune, setting the stage for its application. However, Zelda struggles with the ethical dilemmas the technology presents.

The early morning sun shone down on Hyrule Castle as Queen Zelda and her husband Royce strolled hand in hand towards the family dining room for breakfast. As they walked, Zelda playfully pouted at Royce.

"I still can't believe you forgot our six-month anniversary," she said, her soft green eyes twinkling with mischief. "Does our marriage mean so little to you?"

Royce's expression turned sheepish. "No, of course not, sweetheart. As I explained in bed when we awoke, I didn't forget. I just didn't realize I needed to mention it right away. Besides, every day with you is like living a dream, so they all end up being special to me."

Zelda squeezed his hand affectionately. "Well, I'll forgive you this one time since you made such a sweet reply. But don't you dare forget to speak up on our one-year anniversary!"

Royce couldn't resist teasing her back with a playful suggestion. "Maybe we should set a reminder on the Sheikah Slate, just in case?"

Zelda laughed and tickled him lightly before they arrived at the dining room.

It had been six months since their wedding, and their marriage had been happy and fulfilling. With Royce by her side, his love and affection had banished the last ghosts of Zelda's self-recrimination over her failure to prevent the Calamity. He had also seamlessly transitioned into his role, sharing duties and tasks with Zelda to ease her workload.

In the mornings, their days began with a shift in perspective as the couple transformed from romantic partners to colleagues. They met over breakfast in the family dining room, exchanging updates and notes on the day's upcoming events. Zelda now handled diplomatic issues and overall governance matters. Meanwhile, Royce took on the task of overseeing education, engineering activities, and research, drawing from his background as a science teacher.

Although his focus was primarily on science education, Royce's interest also extended to Sheikah technology. Both shared a passion for understanding and advancing their knowledge, and together, they formed a supportive partnership. So, their mornings were spent discussing their respective concerns, their days filled with the tasks of governing and research, and their evenings spent together, reconnecting as a loving couple.

Meanwhile, in Zora's Domain, Raypha and Tidon had completed their first year of tutoring and had moved on to their second year. The coursework was more challenging now and required more time and effort.

"We have so much homework now!" moaned Tidon after the family finished breakfast and the children prepared to leave for classes.

"The instructors swamp us with it," Raypha agreed.

"You're not studying anything I didn't have to learn," said Mipha. "The difference is you have a greater variety of instructors, which is a good experience for you."

"What about Dad? Did he have to learn all these things, too?" Tidon groaned.

"I wish I had the opportunity to learn as much at ... a young age," said Link, correcting himself before he said 'your age,' for they aged so differently from him. "Don't use my lack of formal education as an excuse."

"Besides, knowledge increases as time goes on," said Mipha. "There will always be new things to learn."

Raypha and Tidon hugged their parents goodbye and headed out the door. On the way to class, Raypha couldn't resist playfully teasing her brother.