Love in Zora's Domain

Chapter 11 - Royal Visit

Summary: Queen Zelda visits Zora's Domain to see the children.

It was a sunny morning in Zora's Domain, and Mipha and Link were at breakfast while Raypha and Tidon slept in their slumber pool.

"Are you ready for Her Majesty's visit?" said Mipha.

"As far as I know," said Link. "You know this is a friendly visit to see the children, right? She is not coming as a formal head of state or anything."

"I know, but I meant are you personally ready," said Mipha. "You get so emotional sometimes."

"Yes, I know," said Link shaking his head. "And I really should get over it. It's like the little boy in me still misses the adventuring, traveling around Hyrule and battling evil. But the feeling passes quickly. I wouldn't trade my life with you and the children now for anything. It's just some silly nostalgia."

"I understand, sweetheart," said Mipha taking his hand. "And don't feel guilty or ashamed about feeling nostalgic. Naturally, you miss those exciting days. But I know your heart is mine and you know mine is yours. Don't worry about those feelings for Zelda."

The children woke up about an hour later, and it was just after lunch that Link noticed Zelda's entourage crossing the Great Zora Bridge. It was a bit odd, he thought. She had two Royal Guard soldiers along with two Sheikah warriors. Link went down to the plaza to greet her while Mipha stayed with the children.

Zelda had dismounted, and she and her guards made their way across the bridge to the plaza.

"Your Majesty, welcome to the domain," said Link as he knelt on one knee and bowed his head.

"Thank you, Link," said Zelda as she reached out, took his hand, and bid him rise.

"Did your journey go well, Your Majesty?" said Link.

"Yes, fine," said Zelda. "But I am anxious to see these two beautiful children of yours. My royal command is that you take me there at once!"

"Right this way, Your Majesty," said Link as he led the way to his house. Two Royal Guards came with him, while the two Sheikah left. When they reached the house, the two guards waited outside while Link let her in and closed the door. They found Mipha standing in the children's bedroom with the two children by her side.

"Hello, Mipha. Oh! Aren't they adorable!" said Zelda as she bent down and hugged each child in turn.

"When they are old enough, if you don't mind, I would love them to call me Aunt," said Zelda. "And I'm a little upset at you both for making me wait over a year to meet your two beautiful children!"

"It was better that you waited until they were a little older, Zelda," said Link. "They can interact with you much more now. And thanks to you, we have plenty of pictures on your Sheikah Slate from when they were small."

"Dr. Purah is almost finished making her own Sheikah Slate and has a way of downloading pictures to a Guidance Stone. You should do that the next time you see her," said Zelda.

"Good idea," said Link. "These devices seem pretty indestructible, but I would hate to lose all those memories."

"You both look wonderful," said Zelda as she stepped back. "I can see parenting agrees with you."

"It's been an incredible experience, Zelda," said Mipha. "I wouldn't trade it for anything."

"Same here," said Link. "The children have brought us both no end of joy."

"That's wonderful," said Zelda. "And I can see why! I insist you invite me to any parties you have for them. And when they are old enough, I will throw a party for them at the castle. I can't get over how cute they are! Do they talk much yet?"