Mipha : The Zora Champion

Chapter Eleven

 I lay in my bed in the inn, trying desperately to fall asleep. Zelda had refused to sleep in the same building as Link and me, so she was sleeping in Lady Impa's house.

What a brat.

Link had gone for a walk to clear his thoughts, and I waited patiently for him to come back. I wanted to see him again before I fell asleep.

Zelda had told King Rhoam about what had happened, but he had simply said he would "deal with it later", which meant he probably wouldn't do anything. I was relieved.

I decided to get up and wait outside for Link, so i stood up out of my bed and walked to the door. I pushed it open and walked outside, the chilly wind hitting my skin. I shivered and sat down on the steps outside the inn.

The town was silent, but the wind was loud and blowing. Clouds covered the moon and stars, making for a not-so-beautiful night. I didn't mind, though. I knew the stars wouldn't be gone forever.

I heard footsteps approaching from the distance, and turned to see Link walking toward the inn. He saw me and smiled. I smiled back.

He walked up and sat on the steps next to me, sighing. "How are you?" He asked.

"Good," I replied.

"I told you King Rhoam wouldn't do anything," He folded his hands. "He simply doesn't care."

"I know," I said quietly. "I was just scared."

Link nodded. "I know."

We sat silently on the stairs, looking up at the cloudy sky. "We should go for a walk." I broke the silence. "I mean, if you want to."

Link nodded. "Good idea." We stood up, ready to walk out of the town.

"Link, Princess Mipha," A voice came from the door of the inn. I turned to see Revali, leaning through the door. "The King wants you."

Fear tied a knot in my stomach. "For what?" Link asked. 

Revali shrugged. "I don't know, but it doesn't sound good."

I took a deep breath and followed Link into the inn. My brain buzzed with a thousand thoughts. Are we going to be banished? Is he mad at us?

We walked past Revali and up the stairs in the inn, to King Rhoam's room. Link pushed open the door, and King Rhoam was sitting in his chair in front of his desk.

"Link. Mipha." He said blankly. "Take a seat."

Link and I walked over to a pair of chairs across from the King, and sat down. He glanced over at me before King Rhoam started talking.

"I am very disappointed with both of you." He started. "Mipha, you followed Link out into the forest at night and participated in letting Princess Zelda's horse loose. I scold you for this, but it is Link I am most upset with."

I wanted to try to explain the truth of what had really happened, but I was afraid that if I tried to talk I would start crying. So I sat silently, waiting for it all to be over.

"Mipha, I warn you not to participate in any more schemes. You are a fine young girl, and I don't want you wrecking your life and your reputation. Do you understand?"

I nodded and managed a reply. "Yes, King Rhoam."

"Now, Mipha, you may go. Link, please stay seated." The King stated.

I stood up and looked at Link, before walking out into the hallway. Immediately, I burst into tears.

The King thought I was some rebellious child. I was anything but. If there was one thing I hated most, it was when people had the wrong idea of who I was. He thought I had let Zelda's horse go. I would never even imagine doing anything like that. I leaned against the wall and let tears fall down my cheeks.

"Are you okay?" Revali walked up to me. "The King seemed pretty mad."

I nodded, wishing he would go away. "I'm fine," I rubbed my eyes.

"I wouldn't worry about it." Revali said assuringly. "You didn't do anything wrong, did you?"

I shook my head.

"Then you're fine." Revali said. "It doesn't matter what other people think you did, only what actually happened. If you're innocent, what other people think doesn't affect that."

That seemed to lift a weight off my shoulders. "I guess so," I sniffled.

"Besides, if anyone is getting in trouble, it's Link." Revali said.

Just when I was about to ask what he meant, the door opened and Link walked out, looking bewildered and horrified.

Revali scoffed and walked down the stairs. I turned to Link.

"What happened?" I asked. Link started crying.

"I..." Link said. "I'm not the royal guard anymore. I have to go."

"What?" My eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean?"

"He said I'm not the Royal Guard anymore." Link quietly replied. "I can't be around the Princess anymore. I can't be around the Champions anymore."

"No," I whispered. "No, we can work this out. I'll go tell him-"

"No," Link shook his head. "You'll only get yourself in trouble. I'm sorry, I have to go." He walked past me and out of the inn. I raced out after him.

"Link, wait!" I called. But it was no use. He was already running down the path that led out of the village and into the wild.

"Please, don't go!" I called after him, and he looked back at me one last time, tears clouding his gaze. Then he ran off into the night.

I fell to my knees, and cried into my hands. Sadness poured over me, and I wanted nothing more than to disappear.

I felt a soft hand on my shoulder, and looked up to see Revali standing behind me.

"Come back to the inn," He took my hand and pulled me up. "It's cold out here."

Reluctantly, I let him lead me back to the inn. I lay down on my bed and sobbed into my pillow for the rest of the night.