Summary: Princess Zelda marries Link's cousin Rudin.

The children were in school, and Mipha and Link were cleaning up from breakfast when a letter arrived. It was addressed to Her Royal Highness Princess Mipha and Sir Link and bore the Hyrule Royal Insignia.

"My name's first, so I get to open it," teased Mipha.

"Okay, and if your title were any longer, they would need a bigger envelope," said Link.

"Jealous?" said Mipha. She tore open the envelope, removed the card, and started reading.

"Holy Hylia!" said Mipha. "Zelda is getting married, and we're invited. And she wants you to speak at the reception." She handed the card to Link.

The formal part of the invitation said King Rhoam was requesting the honor of their presence to the marriage of his daughter Zelda to Rudin, then gave the date and location: Hyrule Castle, of course, and in one month's time. There was a small handwritten note from Zelda at the bottom.

Dear Mipha and Link,

I hope you both will come and, Link, I would appreciate your saying a few words at the reception. It will also be an opportunity for Link and his cousin Rudin to catch up. And please do not get me a gift. My gift will be to see you there.

Zelda

"So, things did work out with my cousin after all," said Link.

"Yes, the officer she met awarding the Hyrule swordsmanship competition medal, who also happens to be a blood relative of yours, apparently made good," said Mipha. "Of course, we're going."

"I'm sure I met my cousin when we were children, but I don't remember," said Link. "From what I learned, my grandfather on my father's side had two sons. My father was the older of the two, and he had one son, me. My uncle had a son and a daughter named Rudin and Lara. Both my father and uncle died in battle at some point. Rudin is a year younger than me and Lara three years younger. That's all I know."

"Well, it's interesting that Zelda is marrying someone in your bloodline, at least," said Mipha.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to meeting my relatives. But you know how nervous I get speaking in public. I'll need to prepare the speech. And when I get there, I can't wait for that part to be over so I can relax and enjoy myself," said Link.

"Don't be nervous, sweetheart," said Mipha. "You'll only be speaking in front of the most important people in Hyrule."

"Remind me to never look to you for sympathy!" said Link. "Why can't you upgrade your healing power to include nervousness?"

"Even if I could, it's more fun to watch the Hero of Hyrule being so nervous," said Mipha. "You'll charge ahead fearlessly against a Lynel but stand terrified in front of an audience. You're so cute when you're like that. By the way, what are you going to wear?"

"I was thinking the Zora armor set. I belong here now, and I should show that."

"Good answer," said Mipha. "And it will go well with my Zora headdress and the beautiful sapphire pendant you gave me for our first anniversary. I'm also looking forward to some shopping in Castle Town while we're there. And as much as I love the children, it will be nice for you and me to be together without them for a bit. Father loves watching them, and Sidon can play with them. So, I think everyone will be happy."

"Are we sure father is not invited too?" said Link.

"That's a good question," said Mipha. "He and King Rhoam are friends for a long time. But I doubt he will attend even if invited."

"How are we going to get there?" said Link.

"Well, if you're wearing the Armor I gave you, then we can swim there together just like real Zoras do," said Mipha. "I can help you along the way if you get tired, and if you're hungry, I can catch some fish. We only need to find a spot to cook it since you still haven't learned to like it raw."

"Alright, that should be interesting. We're traveling light then," said Link. "Should be fun."

Later that day, the children arrived home from school. After they finished their homework, Mipha called them over.

"Mila and Midon, we want you to know that in a few weeks, Daddy and I need to visit Hyrule Castle for a wedding. Princess Zelda is getting married. Grandfather and Uncle Sidon will take care of you when we're gone, which should only be a few days. So, promise me you'll be good," said Mipha.

"Why can't we come?" said Midon.

"Because children are not invited," said Mipha. "Only adults are allowed."

"Who is getting married?" said Mila.

"Princess Zelda and a person she met named Rudin, who is Daddy's cousin," said Mipha. "You remember Princess Zelda from our trip to Hyrule Castle, right?"

Mila looked over at Link.

"Are you sad, Daddy?" said Mila.

"No, Mila, why would I be sad?" said Link.

"Because you like Princess Zelda," said Mila.

"No, Mila, I am very happy for her," said Link. "I like her as a friend. She is a wonderful person and deserves a great husband. I hope my cousin lives up to that."

The time went by, and eventually, it was time to leave. Mipha and Link walked Mila and Midon to King Dorephan's room. Sidon was there as well.

"Now, please don't worry and enjoy yourselves," said King Dorephan. "The children will be fine. Sidon is looking forward to having fun with them. They'll probably have so much fun they won't want to come home."

"I'm sure you're going to spoil them, Father," said Mipha. To the children, Mipha said, "Now, be good."

Mipha and Link each kissed them.

"Say hello to Princess Zelda," said Mila. "I like her too."

"We will, Mila," said Link.

"Let's go," said Mipha. They both dove into the Domain's water, then swam over the waterfall to Ruto Lake and later on into the Zora River. There were two more waterfalls, and then the river became calmer. The waters were safe to travel now, and they had left early enough not to rush. Mipha swam over to Link and took his hand.

"Let's lie on our back and float with the current for now," said Mipha. "Isn't traveling in the water so relaxing?"

They held hands as they floated with the current. It was a bright and sunny day, with only a few clouds. No thunderstorms were expected.

"This is nice," said Link. He looked over at Mipha, and she was lying with her eyes closed and smiling. She was so beautiful. How lucky he was to be with her. She opened her eyes and saw him staring at her.

"Thinking anything interesting?" said Mipha. "Or are you rehearsing your speech in your mind?"

"Please, don't remind me," said Link. "I was thinking about how beautiful you are and how lucky I am."

She leaned over, and they kissed.

"I'm lucky, too," said Mipha. "And these have been the happiest years of my life. We better pick up the pace if we want to get there before dark. Let me know if you're too tired, and I'll pull you."

So, they began swimming again and worked their way through the Zora River and eventually to the Hyrule Castle Moat waters. The castle loomed large in the distance, and it was beautifully decorated with pennants and flags blowing in the wind. This was a big celebration. When they arrived at the castle, they were recognized and greeted by a captain of the royal guards.

"Your Highness and Sir," said the Captain, "Welcome to Hyrule Castle. Her Highness has reserved one of the royal guest rooms for you. I will have someone escort you there now."

The Captain summoned one of the guards who proceeded to show them to the guest room they were already familiar with from their earlier stay there. They had nothing to unpack of any consequence, so they were soon ready to wander around. The wedding was tomorrow, and tonight everyone was on their own.

"You know where I want to go?" said Mipha.

"Castle Town, I assume," said Link. "For dinner, right?"

"Let's go," said Mipha. It was a short walk to Castle Town, and they headed straight for the Crab Castle restaurant. Mipha again ordered several crab dishes and a cooked Hyrule Bass dish for Link. After dinner, there was time to stroll around the shops.

"I want to come back here after the wedding and do some shopping," said Mipha.

"Are we swimming back home?" said Link. "How do we carry everything?"

"We can put everything in a bag and tow it back. Or we can rent a boat like we did the other time," said Mipha. "But we should bring back something for Sidon and the children. And father would enjoy some of the crabs from here, so I want to bring some of those too. The crabs are saltwater creatures but can survive the trip. I'm getting a bit tired now. I think I wore myself out, pulling you part of the way here. You need to work on your stamina. Let's head back to our room."

They were soon back in their room.

"Can I work on my stamina now?" said Link smiling. "Or are you too tired?"

"Not tired at all," said Mipha smiling back.

The next day was the big day, and everyone in the castle was running around making final arrangements or checking things were perfect. Link had arranged for his Zora Armor to be cleaned overnight, and it looked spotless now.

"How do I look?" said Mipha. She turned around to face Link and smiled. She was wearing her Zora royal headdress and the gold and sapphire necklace Link had given her. She looked stunning.

"You look beautiful," said Link. "The necklace and your headdress go very well together, and of course, your natural beauty brings out the best in both of them."

"Oh, so sweet," said Mipha. "See, you're getting better with words. And just in time for your speech. Are you ready?"

"Yes, I think so," said Link. "Though I still can't wait to get it over with."

A member of the royal guard knocked on the door and said it was time to go. She would escort them to the hall where the wedding would take place. Mipha and Link followed the guard to the hall where the ceremony would take place, and it was so crowded it was hard to move. The room was colorfully decorated with a variety of local flowers, and the buzz of overlapping conversations filled the air. They noticed Revali and Daruk, as well as just about every Hyrule dignitary they could imagine.

"We should say hello to Revali and Daruk," said Mipha. "I understand Urbosa is in the wedding party, so she is probably busy getting ready."

"Yes, Hylian weddings are a bit more formal than Zora ones, but I don't think they exchange rings or anything," said Link. "Not that I've been to any, but that's what I read."

Mipha and Link wandered over to Revali and Daruk.

"Hello, Revali and Daruk," said Link. "It's nice to see you again."

"Hi Mipha and Link," said Daruk.

"Hello," said Revali. "It is nice to see you too. I should congratulate you, Link, on completing the Trial of the Hero. I didn't think you had it in you, but I admit I was wrong."

"Thank you, Revali," said Link. "I still hope to visit you someday at Rito Village and get some archery pointers from you."

"I would be glad to," said Revali. "You probably do need some pointers."

"Did both of you come alone?" asked Mipha.

"Yes," said Revali.

"So, this is the princess's big day," said Daruk. "I probably shouldn't say this in front of Mipha here, but I sometimes thought, Link, you and the princess would end up together. Especially after you became her special knight and traveled all over with her."

"A lot of people think that," said Link. "But by the time I became her knight, my heart already belonged to Mipha, and it has been with her ever since. By the way, have any of you met the groom? He is a cousin of mine, but I don't recall him."

"No," said Revali. "When Daruk and I arrived, the groom wasn't here."

"Well, I'll just catch up with him at the reception if I can," said Link.

A guard rang a bell then announced that all guests should take their seats as the ceremony was about to begin. Mipha and Link were directed to their seats, and Revali and Daruk were seated nearby. After a few minutes, some music began, and the wedding party started filing into the room. Everyone stood. Link didn't recognize anyone but Urbosa.

He could see his cousin Rudin now at the front of the room. Rudin was wearing his military uniform and looked quite smart in it. Link recognized one of the medals on his chest as the Hyrule Swordsmanship Champion medal. Link had that medal as well, but it was boxed away with one of his uniforms. In appearance, Rudin looked a bit like Link. His hair was slightly darker and eyes blue, but not quite so bright blue as Link's. There was definitely a family resemblance.

After the wedding party had finished their entrance and taken their places, the music changed. Looking to the rear, they could see King Rhoam beginning to escort Princess Zelda to the front. The audience bowed their heads as the King passed. Zelda looked beautiful in a long white gown and a gold and diamond tiara on her head. King Rhoam escorted her to the front and then kissed her as he left her standing beside Rudin. Zelda and Rudin looked at each other and exchanged smiles. They both looked overjoyed, thought Link. Good for her.

The official in charge then stood up and asked everyone to please be quiet while he performed the wedding ceremony. He then instructed Rudin to repeat after him:

I, Rudin, take you, Zelda, to be my wife. I promise before Hylia to be faithful to you and to love and honor you all the days of my life.

Next, it was Zelda's turn.

I, Zelda, take you, Rudin, to be my husband. I promise before Hylia to be faithful to you and to love and honor you all the days of my life.

"Having exchanged wedding vows and promised before Hylia to be true to each other, I now declare Rudin and Princess Zelda to be husband and wife. Congratulations!"

Zelda and Rudin kissed, and the hall erupted into applause.

"Wow, it's finally happened," said Link.

There was no formal procession out of the hall, so people started lining up to offer congratulations to the newlyweds. Mipha and Link joined the line, and it gradually moved forward. Finally, it was their turn.

"Congratulations!" said Mipha and Link together.

"We are both so happy for you," said Mipha. "You look beautiful Zelda."

Zelda leaned forward and hugged Mipha.

"You look beautiful yourself, Mipha," said Zelda. "That necklace is gorgeous."

"Link, I am so glad to see you again finally. It's been many years since last we met," said Rudin.

"Yes, I hope to catch up with you later and talk for a bit, but we don't want to hold up the line now," said Link. "Congratulations again."

Mipha and Link moved on and headed over to the refreshment area for something to drink.

After the receiving line ended, it was time for the traditional first dance of the bride and groom. Then others were invited to join the dance.

"Will you do me the honor, Lady Mipha?" said Link.

"You know we should dance more often," said Mipha. "The last time was at our wedding. Maybe you would get better at it."

Afterward, they sat down, and soon, it was time for speeches. Link didn't pay attention to any of them. He was still rehearsing his own in his mind and getting more and more nervous by the minute. He looked around the room, and there were King Rhoam and so many influential people in attendance. Mipha sensed his nervousness.

"Just take a deep breath and relax," said Mipha. "You'll do fine. Everyone here admires you and respects you, so don't be intimidated by them."

Finally, it was Link's turn at the podium.

Your Majesty, happy newlyweds, and guests,

Princess Zelda did me the honor to ask that I say a few words on this special day. Now for anyone who knows me, they know I am a man of very few words. And I know we are all anxious to get through the speeches and get on with the party. But I owe Her Highness many things in my life, and one of them is saying what I need to today.

When Princess Zelda was still a young girl, His Majesty did me the honor and trust to appoint me as her knight. It was a heavy responsibility in those times. But during our time together, I came to see Princess Zelda as not only a ruler but a person facing a monumental challenge. She overcame bouts of insecurity and feelings of failure and inadequacy. Many would have given up in her circumstances. But she never wavered in her dedication, and it is thanks to her heroism that we are all here today to celebrate. I am sometimes called the Hero of Hyrule, and I won't make light of what I did. But at the end of the day, it was Princess Zelda sealing away the evil being I weakened who was the hero. She is a truly exceptional person, and we should never forget that. She commands our respect for all she did for us. And she commands our love for the beautiful, kind, and caring person she is.

So, let us celebrate today and wish the new couple happiness as they begin their lives together. To Princess Zelda and Rudin!

The crowd applauded as Link returned to his seat.

"Not bad," said Mipha. "You didn't sound or look too nervous."

"Looks must be deceiving," said Link. "I desperately need something to drink."

The speeches ended, and the party began. Mipha and Link danced together a few more times. Then, when he saw the opportunity, Link went over to speak with Rudin.

"Very nice speech, Link," said Rudin.

"Thank you," said Link. "Speaking is not one of my strengths, and I'm glad I got through it. Do you have a few minutes to talk now?"

"Sure," said Rudin.

"I was hoping you could tell me a bit more about my father or anything you can remember from when we were growing up," said Link. "I have a lot of memory issues."

"Oh, yes, I heard that," said Rudin. "I understood you suffered some head injuries in your battle with Ganon, and it affected your memory."

That was the understood explanation. Only a select few knew the real story and about the other timeline. It would be up to Zelda to share that with him if she wanted to. Link thought it best to say nothing.

"Um, anyway, I don't have too much I can tell you," said Rudin. "I know your father was some sort of military liaison with the Zoras, which is why you spent so much time growing up there. We didn't get together very often as a family. Both our mothers passed away when we were young, and we eventually both became soldiers in the service of King Rhoam. Both our fathers died in battle at some point, and we were on our own. I served at Kolomo Garrison, and you were at Hyrule Castle. But you rose quickly through the ranks to Captain and were noticed by the Royal Family. The next thing we heard, you were Princess Zelda's knight. You were a tough act to follow! I excelled at swordsmanship, and when I won the Hyrule Swordsmanship competition, Princess Zelda noticed me."

"Alright, thank you," said Link. "By the way, is your sister Lara here?"

"Yes, let me find her for you," said Rudin. "She was part of the wedding party."

Link followed Rudin to another table. Urbosa was sitting there along with some other people he didn't know. He said hello to Urbosa but then continued with Rudin alongside another person at the table.

"Lara, let me introduce you to our cousin, Link," said Rudin.

Lara had very similar features to Link, blonde hair, and bright blue eyes.

"Hello, Link," said Lara. "It's an honor to meet you finally. Nice speech, by the way."