The sun hangs low on the horizon as Link steps through the Castle gates, his boots heavy against the stone floor. His gaze drifts to the sky, its orange hues fading into deeper purples. A tightness forms in his chest—he should be with Leona right now. He promised her he'd come by before nightfall, but Zelda's mission had been sprung on him last minute, urgent and unavoidable.

He moves faster through the courtyard, his mind torn between his duty and the woman he loves. Every step brings him closer to the group waiting near the stables, but every step away from Leona makes his heart ache. The weight of his sword feels heavier today, as though the burden of everything he's been asked to do is pressing down on him.

"Link," Zelda's voice snaps him out of his thoughts. She stands near her horse, flanked by a few guards. Her tone is firm, sharper than usual. "You're late."

Link bows slightly, a gesture of apology, though his heart isn't in it. "I was with Leona—"

Zelda's eyes flicker, barely perceptible, but enough to let him know that the excuse doesn't sit well with her. "I see." Her voice remains cool, her face unreadable. "This mission is critical. We don't have time to delay."

The words hit harder than they should, but Link doesn't argue. He knows his duty. He knows what's at stake. Still, as they mount their horses and ride through the gates, the guilt gnaws at him. Leona had been waiting for him, expecting him, and once again, duty had pulled him away.

The wind whips through Link's hair as they ride across the Hyrule plains, the landscape rushing by in a blur. But he's only half-aware of the scenery; his mind is somewhere else. It's with Leona, back at the castle, probably wondering if she'll even see him tonight. It's the same cycle over and over—he leaves, promising he'll return soon, and when he does, it's always late into the night, when exhaustion claims him before they even have a moment to talk.

Zelda rides slightly ahead, her posture rigid, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. Link can't help but notice how calm she appears, how unaffected. She's focused on the mission, and the mission alone. As for him... his thoughts are scattered.

After hours of riding, they reach a small village tucked between hills. It's dark now, the only light coming from the flickering torches lining the main road. The village looks battered—homes are in shambles, and the few villagers who are still awake look haunted, their faces pale and weary.

Zelda dismounts with a fluid motion, already moving to speak with the nearest villager. Link follows, his eyes scanning the damage. The Yiga Clan had been here, their mark unmistakable in the destruction left behind. Zelda moves with purpose, talking to the village elder about the attack, asking precise, focused questions.

But Link can't keep his mind from wandering. The sight of the ruined village reminds him of his own fears—the ever-looming danger of the Yiga, the increasing attacks across the kingdom, and the knowledge that if anything were to happen to Leona while he was away...

He shakes the thought from his head, trying to focus.

"The Yiga are getting bolder," Zelda murmurs to him after a moment, her eyes sweeping over the damage. "They're no longer content with small ambushes. They're escalating."

Link nods. "We'll stop them."

Zelda's gaze shifts to him, and for a brief moment, her face softens. But then something flickers in her eyes, and she turns away. "We need focus, Link. Complete focus."

Link frowns. "What do you mean?"

Zelda doesn't respond right away. She looks out at the village, her expression tightening. "Distractions could be fatal. For all of us."

The words hang heavy in the air, and though she doesn't say it outright, Link knows what she means. Leona. She thinks Leona is distracting him, pulling his attention away from his duty. His heart sinks. He opens his mouth to say something, to defend himself, but he stops. What could he say? That she's wrong? That he's been doing everything he can? The weight of Zelda's expectations presses down on him, suffocating.

The ride back to the castle is tense. Link keeps his distance from Zelda, his mind racing. Her words echo in his head, cutting deeper than he wants to admit. Distractions could be fatal. Does she really see him as less capable now? Does she think he's failing because of Leona? The thought stings more than he expected.

They reach the castle just as the moon rises, its pale light casting long shadows over the stone walls. Zelda dismounts and walks off without a word, heading straight for her chambers. Link watches her go, feeling the distance between them growing wider with each passing day. Once, they had been close, their bond forged through battles and hardships. But now... something's changed. Or maybe it's him. Maybe he's the one who's different.

Link turns toward Leona's chambers, his steps heavy. He hasn't seen her all day, and the guilt gnaws at him. When he finally reaches her door, he knocks softly, hoping she's still awake.

The door creaks open, and Leona stands there, her eyes lighting up when she sees him, though there's concern in her gaze.

"Link," she says softly, pulling him inside. "You look exhausted."

Link sits down heavily, rubbing his forehead. "It was a long day. Another Yiga attack."

Leona frowns, sitting beside him. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he mutters, though the weight of the day still clings to him. He glances at her, guilt gnawing at him. "I'm sorry I didn't come by earlier. I wanted to, but... duty."

Leona smiles, though it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I understand. Your duty is important."

Link sighs, leaning back against the wall. "Zelda... she said something today. She didn't say it directly, but I know what she meant. She thinks I'm distracted. That being with you is making me lose focus."

Leona's smile fades. "What did she say exactly?"

"She said distractions could be fatal." Link shakes his head, his frustration clear. "I don't know... maybe she's right. Maybe I'm not giving enough to my duty."

Leona's hand tightens on his arm. "Link, you're doing everything you can. You're only human. You can't be perfect all the time, and you shouldn't have to choose between me and your duty."

Link looks at her, the weight of her words slowly sinking in. "I just... I don't know what to do."

"You don't have to do it alone," she whispers, resting her head on his shoulder. "We'll get through this. Together."

Link wraps his arm around her, pulling her close. For a moment, the weight of everything fades away. But deep down, he knows that the pressure from Zelda—and the kingdom—won't disappear so easily.

The next day, the training yard is buzzing with activity. Zelda stands at the center, overseeing the guards as they practice their formations. Link watches from a distance, his muscles still sore from the mission the night before. But there's no time to rest. There's never time to rest.

As he approaches Zelda, she glances at him, her face unreadable. "Ready for another day?"

Link nods, though the exhaustion in his bones tells a different story. "Always."

Zelda studies him for a moment before turning back to the guards. "Good. There's much to be done. The Yiga aren't going to wait for us to catch our breath."

Link tenses at her words. There's something in her tone, a subtle reminder that he's not doing enough. That he doesn't have the luxury of taking it easy anymore. She doesn't say it outright, but the meaning is clear—there's no room for distractions. No time for anything other than their mission.

The unspoken criticism stings, cutting deeper than he expected. He clenches his jaw, trying to push the feelings aside. But as Zelda walks away, her back straight and her eyes focused, he can't help but wonder how much longer he can keep this up. How much longer he can balance the two worlds that are slowly pulling him apart.