Author's Note: This takes place after Twilight Princess. After playing the game through for a second time, I thought this up as a continuation of sorts. I'd love to hear your thoughts, including criticism and advice, so don't hesitate to review! Thank you to all the people who are taking the time to read this! Much appreciated!

Disclaimer:All Zelda rights go to Nintendo

Queen Zelda gazed out her bedroom window as the orange sun steadily rose over Hyrule Field. Of course, the softly glowing sun was not where her eyes were set. No, the Queen's sapphire eyes were locked on a small group of soldiers-one man in particular. This man was leading the soldiers through their daily training exercises. Zelda smiled tenderly as she brushed her chestnut hair, watching the Castle Town Soldiers drop to do push-up under the order of their Commander. Her eyes were trained on the Commander, whose bright yellow hair made him stand out amongst the gleaming silver of armor. Though he wasn't obligated to do so, the yellow haired Commander rose early every morning to train the soldiers who had once called him "General." He was still their General, amongst other things. Link, once a poor farmer in Ordon, had risen to the title of Hero, then General, and eventually, King.

Zelda pulled the brush through her silky hair, paying little attention to the dark strands. As a Queen, she should have attendants to help her with tasks such as brushing her hair and getting dressed, but she preferred to take the early morning as time to herself. That decision had nothing to do with the fact that early morning was Link's training time. Or that she spent the time gazing out her bedroom window, viewing the soldiers' training rounds. Just a mere coincidence.

Watching him instruct the newly recruited soldiers, the Queen thought back to when she had first met the young hero, back when she was only a princess. It wasn't just the fact that he had saved her kingdom that made Zelda love him. It definitely was a contribution, but there were other things as well. His deep blue eyes that rivaled the color of the evening sky, or his absolute selflessness. He wasn't a man of many words, but when he did speak, he could have quite the sense of humor. These attributes, as well as his famous heroics, led the poor farmer to become an idol of Hyrule, and a favorite among the citizens. So naturally, when the time for Princess Zelda to find a husband came up, Link became even more important than before. The people were thrilled to have the Legendary Hero as their King, and the Princess was just as happy. As a Princess, Zelda never expected she would be able to marry for love, but she did love him, whether the feeling was returned or not.

The Queen's gentle smile faded as her eyes fell upon the golden band across her finger. Yes, it was what she had wanted, and it should have been a Happily-Ever-After, but the Queen knew the band was just a gold-coated lie. Regardless of her love towards him, Zelda knew that Link didn't feel the same way. Despite what he said, she was not stupid, and his frequent disappearances and lack of intimacy gave him away. In their whole marriage, the only time he had kissed her was their wedding day, after the "You may now kiss the bride" declaration. Zelda remembered the kiss in a bittersweet memory. To her, it had felt so real, so true-until she had looked up to meet his eyes and saw only emptiness in them. No unending love or overjoy, simply the cold emptiness of despair. Zelda had tried to make it work, but no matter what she did, the cold vacancy never left his blue eyes. She knew why. Among the disappearances and coldness, the strongest sign came at Twilight. He never uttered a word when dusk fell, only stood there, staring at the fading sun. Each time, Zelda could see his heart breaking over again. So, she knew, on that wedding day, the eyes he had wanted to gaze into were not her sapphire ones, but the ruby eyes of another princess.

Zelda sighed tiredly as her vision clouded, and the lines of her golden ring blurred under tears. She hastily wiped them away. She wanted to cry, but would never let herself. Crying was useless-it didn't fix anything, didn't help people, and certainly couldn't make Link love her, so why bother?

"My Queen?" A servant rapped on the door, making Zelda jump slightly.

"Yes?" she bit back her pain and responded in a neutral tone.

"I"m just coming to remind you of the council meeting today." The servant reminded her through the dark wood of her bedroom door.

"Yes, of course." the Queen replied calmly. "Thank you."

"Yes, my Queen." the servant answered before shuffling away from her door. Queen Zelda cast one last glance at her husband, then sighed at turned away.

"I'll always love you, Link," she spoke quietly, wiping away the remaining tears, "Even if you'll never truly be mine."