There was no peace to be had.

Zelda met her father's critical gaze, mentally steeling herself for his inevitable lecture.

"I know I've been dedicating more time to my research than you would prefer," Zelda began, "But—"

"There is no excuse," the King snapped.

The throne room guards shifted uncomfortably. Evidently, they dreaded what was coming just as much as Zelda did. Faron, kneeling a few paces away, seemed to be the only one unbothered.

"As the Princess, you have a crucial unfulfilled duty to your kingdom! Let me ask you once more. When will you stop treating this as some sort of childish game?"

His words stung. Zelda drew a deep, shuddering breath, trying to keep a brave face.

"I'm doing everything I can," she insisted.

Her father scoffed, "Sneaking off to Zora's Domain and nearly getting yourself and two Champions killed. Yes, it seems you are doing everything you can to ruin this kingdom's future!"

"That's not—" Zelda tried to protest.

"Do you know how the gossip mongers refer to you?" the King demanded, "They're out there at this moment, whispering among themselves." His face twisted into a disgusted sneer. "They say that you are the heir to a throne of nothing, nothing but failure."

His last word was a hiss. Out of the corner of her eye, Zelda saw Faron lift her head fractionally.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

She swallowed hard before making another attempt to defend herself, "I'll have you know that it was just recently that I returned from the Spring of Courage where I offered every ounce of my prayers to the Goddess—"

"And clearly you've wasted no time in returning to things that should not concern you!" the King interrupted sharply, "From this moment on, I forbid you from continuing your research!"

Horror twisted Zelda's stomach.

"But, father—"

"Do you wish to prove the rumors true?!"

"Your Majesty," Faron cut in, suddenly rising to her feet, "If you'll recall my purpose here."

It sounded almost like an order. Zelda had to resist the urge to cower, knowing her father would be enraged by such a challenge.

The King's eyes narrowed venomously, his voice cold, "I fail to see the relevance of your role to this discussion, and I will not tolerate your speaking out of turn, Cham—"

"My role is to protect your daughter," Faron forged ahead, "From anything or anyone I consider a threat to her wellbeing. As I see it, my role in this moment is to protect her from you."

Zelda was stunned. Her father's face turned bright red.

"How DARE—"

"If you wish to replace me as Champion, feel free," Faron dared him, turning on her heel, "Come with me, Princess."

Zelda hesitated, following uncertainly.

"Zelda, don't you dare!"

She paused, turning back to meet her father's livid gaze.

"She's right, father," Zelda said, failing to control the tremor in her voice, "Faron is only following your orders. And, as per your wishes, I must permit her to carry out her duties."

With that, she turned again and followed the Champion, listening to her father shrieking protests at their retreating backs.

After what felt like an eternity, they cleared the throne room, Zelda halting to lean weakly against the wall. Faron watched her silently.

"Thank you," Zelda said at last, "But that was very unwise."

"He knows as much as I do that he can't replace me," Faron pointed out confidently.

Zelda envied that confidence.

"So what will you do?" Faron asked.

Zelda's fingers curled themselves into fists.

"I won't defy my father's wishes," she said, feeling her heart break as she spoke the words, "I'll summon the other Champions in preparation for my journey to the Spring of Wisdom."

It'll be some comfort to have them with me.

Probably the only comfort she'd have...