The following morning was quite hectic. Ever since the sun rose, and even before that, servants were running around the castle hurriedly in preparation for the ball later that same evening. Some went to the throne room, where the ball itself would be held, to decorate with ribbons of maroon, crimson, and gold and vases filled with silent princesses held together by ribbons. Others went to the kitchen, where Zelda's favorite dishes were being prepared. She wasn't a fan of cake, so His Majesty himself ordered for 1,000 lemon chamomile cookies to be made. To say the least, the castle smelled strongly citrusy for the rest of the day.

As for Zelda herself, she also had to wake up at dawn in order to get ready. First, she ate breakfast and had her morning tea, then she was dragged off to the bathroom and was given a rose and lavender bath so she could feel relaxed and rejuvenated for the rest of the day, then she was put in comfortable clothing while her maids took her final measurements to make sure her dress would fit her. She was spaced out for most of it, as per usual, but this time, she was thinking about something, rather, someone.

Still, despite how hectic and busy the castle was, Peach would always find time to drink tea with her mother.

The two sat in the garden, on a table right beside the pavilion. The day was even colder than yesterday, so both of them wore shawls over their shoulders, and the wind constantly blew their hair to the side. The Queen watched her daughter grumpily drink her tea as if she were taking a shot, then slam the poor cup down on the table, almost breaking it.

"She's gone crazy, mother," Peach said, putting a hand on her forehead.

The Queen smiled reassuringly. "Oh please, Peach, I'm sure it's not that bad-"

"You don't understand, mother. She told me to go into her room. She was giggling. GIGGLING!!!" Peach laughed, with a lack of humor. "She never giggles, she rarely even smiles genuinely. And yet, the whole night, she was laughing and smiling, kicking her feet. She was blushing, mother. She was talking, mother. She's insane, mother."

"She is just a girl in love, Peach. I remember when you used to come to me and giggled and blushed and talked about your crush on Link," The Queen smiled.

Peach tried to hide her blush. "That was different, I was like 12-" 

"Peach you talked to me about him last week."

"Shhhh!" Peach silenced her mother, who smiled. "Anyway, I bet she's thinking about him right now! I don't get it, they've known each other for a couple of days and yet they're already madly in love with each other?! That doesn't make any sense."

"Sometimes, that's just how it is, Peach," The Queen said, blowing on her tea. "When His Majesty and I met-"  

"Oh boy, here we go."

"Let me speak," The Queen huffed. "When he and I met at a ball back in The Mushroom Kingdom, I fell in love with him at first sight. It was just a couple years after Zelda's mother died, and he looked like such a cranky old man, I wanted to make his life just a little happier. And when I found out he also had a daughter, oh I was overjoyed. I thought that, perhaps, you wouldn't be lonely anymore, that you wouldn't be sad."

"Mom..."

The Queen wiped away a stray tear before leaning on her elbows and smiling widely. "So, how shall we make those two lovebirds stick together?"

Peach couldn't help but frown at her mother's sudden change of topic, she wanted to know more about her feelings after all. But she sighed, knowing her mother would be too stubborn to talk about herself. "Well, she does need an escort."

"I thought Link was going to be her escort?" The Queen wondered.

Peach shook her head. "Link's going be guarding the entrance when the ceremony starts."

"Then, in that case..."

"I've already made a plan, and I've informed Marth of it. All we have to do now is wait and see how it goes."

"My my, my daughter is so cunning."

Peach smirked. "I learned from the best."

***

"What the hell is this?"

"My suit, why?"

"This is the same suit you wore the first day you came here."

"Yeah, and?"

Marth slapped his hand on his face after listening to his friend's idiotic speech. Oh this was going to be horrible. He had concluded preparing himself for the ball and decided to check in, see how his dear friend Ike was doing, see if he was preparing himself properly, only to find that not only did he wear the same suit he did the day they first arrived in Hyrule, but he did not even realize how inappropriate and wrong that was. Oh goddess, have mercy, please calm Marth's heart so he doesn't "accidentally" murder a certain someone on this festive day.

He didn't think they would've had to use it, but he was suddenly glad they had the option. He sighed and waved his hand at a servant who stood by the door. "Go, bring me that suit."

"What suit?" Ike said.

"An extra one I brought from home." That was a lie. "I made sure it was your size in case you pulled some buffoonery like this." That was half true.

"Oh, well, thanks, I guess," Ike shrugged as he stepped into the bathroom. Marth honestly had to wonder how Zelda fell for this guy. He supported them fully, and he did acknowledge Ike's charm, but at times like this how can you not hate the guy? Marth sighed as the servant came back, carrying a rosewood colored suit with gold trimmings and gold epaulettes, as well as an ivory undershirt and red vest, and to finish it off, a red scarf to go around his waist and black boots and pants to add a sense of unity to the whole outfit. It was quite beautiful, really, and Marth had no doubt Peach was scheming something else when she handed him that suit and told him to leave Ike waiting in front of Zelda's room before the party began. But oh well, as long as Ike at least looked decent with it, he was sure everything would be fine. Hopefully.

"Uh, Marth," he heard Ike call from the other room. "This shirt, it's kinda tight."

"Just leave it partially open, it's fine," Marth answered back. It wasn't.

"If ya say so," Ike said. "Say, do you think I could go see Zel- uh, Her Highness before the party starts? I haven't seen her all day and I'd like to, well, congratulate her."

"You mean gush at her?"

"That too."

Marth couldn't help but chuckle. "You'll see her soon, don't worry."

***

"Link won't be my escort? Did you finally decide to ask him out?"

"...No. I'll be your escort!"

Zelda looked at her younger sister with a raised brow, before turning her attention back to the mirror in front of her. She could see the maids adding the final adjustments to her dress, but most importantly she could see herself. And she found herself quite pretty. She wore little makeup, only red eyeshadow to help bring her eyes out, and crimson lipstick. Her hair had been styled back into a low bun held together by a brooch, with a braid wrapped around her head and two strands of hair on either side of her face to help frame it. She also wore a gold headpiece, with beads tied with strings holding it together.

Her dress consisted of two parts, a crimson top with long, puffy sleeves, and that split in the middle to reveal an ivory skirt. A gold belt tied beneath her bosom allowed for the skirt to easily flow out from under it. It also held up a small crimson banner which was decorated with many intricate gold details. She also wore gold and ivory necklaces and earrings, which thankfully weren't too heavy.

She was pretty. Really pretty. Usually she didn't take time to compliment herself, but goodness did she love the way she looked right now. The dress wasn't overly complicated, but not too simple either. It was the perfect mix between comfort and elegance, and she loved it. She felt so good about herself, she felt... confident. Ah, what a refreshing feeling it was. And it was all thanks to him. Her dearly beloved. She couldn't help but wonder what he would think when he saw her. Would he compliment her? Or would he blush and get shy? Oh, perhaps he would kiss her cheek again like he did yesterday. Just thinking about it made her face flare up.

"Princess, are you alright?" said one of the maids.

"I-I'm alright, it's just a little hot in here," Zelda quickly lied.

"Shall we open the windows?"

"No need, I'll be alright."

"I'm gonna go finish getting ready, 'kay? I'll be back soon," Peach said before quickly leaving the room. As she looked out the window, she noticed the sun was beginning to set. She smirked. Time for the plan to begin.

***

People crowded the entrance to the castle, each shoving their invitations to the guards as they marched in. The castle was dimly lit with candles, the only exception being the passageways people were not allowed to pass through. So, as Marth and Ike walked their way through the dark hallways, they could only rely on the soft light of the moon to guide their way. The shorter man glanced at his friend, who now had his hair slicked to the side, with slight worry. Ike seemed quite... energetic. Desperate, would be a better word.

"Are you alright, Ike?" Marth asked.

"Well, yes, I suppose," Ike answered. "Just... a bit excited, I guess. I haven't seen Zelda all day, and-"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, you really miss her cause she's the love of your life, blah blah blah. You've told me a hundred times already."

"...have I? Perhaps I should say it more then."

Marth rolled his eyes. He felt around the pocket of his indigo suit, acting surprised when he didn't feel a handkerchief in it. "Oh no, it seems I forgot my handkerchief."

The duo stopped in their tracks, right in front of a set of large wooden doors. "Want me to go back and get it for you?" Ike offered.

"No, no, I'll go back and get it myself," Marth said, turning to go back to where they came from.

"Then-"

"Just wait for me here, I'll be back quickly." In truth, he already knew his handkerchief was missing, he didn't take it with him just so he could make this excuse after all. He could've very easily have just brought it with him and lied, but he already felt a little guilty about somewhat tricking his friend, even if it was for the greater good.

Ike watched Marth fade into the darkness of the hallway, almost as if he were never to be seen again. He sighed and leaned against the crystal frame that stood behind him, twiddling with his fingers while he waited for his friend to come back. He looked down at his chest and tried to pull his undershirt so it would cover it more, but to no avail. He brushed some strands of his hair that had fallen out of place to the side. He looked out the window. The stars were... bright, he supposed.

Honestly, the only thought in his mind was Zelda. No matter how hard he tried to think of other things, everything reminded him of her. The shine of the stars in the night sky could not even compare to the way her eyes sparkled whenever she would talk, whenever she looked at him. He couldn't help think of her smile, her little dimples, her cheeks which would flare up at the smallest things. He loved her so much, with his entire heart. He wanted to see her, he needed to see her. Tell her how beautiful and amazing she was, shower her with his love, and perhaps receive some love in return.

It came as quite the surprise to him when he heard annoyed muttering coming from behind the door in front of him. Something about tardiness. What came more as a surprise was the fact that he somewhat recognized one of the muttering voices, and suddenly he felt quite nervous.

"...you shouldn't..."

"I will not be late to..."

"...a little longer..."

"...her room!"

The rapid clacking of heels and a screaming maid alerted Ike of the fact that he should mentally and prepare himself for what was about to be bestowed upon him. 

The door slammed open and her eyes immediately met his. Those shining, turquoise eyes whose beauty was only enhanced by the cool light of the stars sparkling above. Her crimson lips parted slightly, almost tilting up into a smile until she realized the situation she was currently in. A hand went up to her mouth as her eyes grew wide and her cheeks a shade darker than usual.

Ike did everything in his power to stop himself from hugging her as she spoke, "I-Ike!" She looked back into the room, at the maid, whose eyes were equally as wide. Zelda pursed her lips, facing away from Ike as she slowly closed the door, trying her best to calm down as she did. "W-what are you doing here? I thought you and Marth would go straight to the ballroom and-" She shut the door, slowly turning around while hiding her cheeks with loose strands of her hair. As she looked up to meet his eyes, she was instead embraced by warm, strong arms that made her feel oddly safe. His hands snaked around her back, softly, delicately. His lips grazed her neck as his chin nestled into her shoulder. She could feel the potent beating of his heart as he pulled her in close, his chest against hers.

"Zel," he whimpered quietly. "I missed you." Her heart burst at his words. How was it possible to love someone so much? This entire day, she had spent it thinking of him, there was not one moment where she did not want to be by him. And now that she was, she never wanted to leave him.

She wrapped her arms tightly beneath his arms, moving closer to him. "I missed you, too." She sweetly kissed the side of his head, only resulting in a tighter hug from him. He loved her so much not even his mind or body could handle it. The moment that door closed and he knew she would be out of trouble, his body acted on its own. He wanted her, to feel her in his arms, and now that she was, he couldn't let go. Nor did he want to. But he also wanted to admire her, to look at her. And so, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, moving away as he looked into her eyes. And all he saw was love. Endless love, eternal love, a love so strong that no matter what, it would never be broken.

"My dear," he hummed, gently placing her hand on her cheek, smiling, "you look wonderful tonight. I feel as though I've been blessed by the gods."

"Please, you're exaggerating," Zelda giggled.

"I am not," Ike grinned. He glanced at her lips, subconsciously leaning in. She gently placed her hands on his cheeks, closing her eyes as she parted her lips. 

"Ike! You there, old friend, old pal?!" Zelda pushed Ike away just as Marth walked into view. He looked back and forth between the two of them, noticing the red faces, the awkward energy. He definitely just interrupted something. Good thing he said something beforehand, he wouldn't have wanted to walk in on them being, well, very intimate.

He cleared his throat as he walked up to Zelda, offering her a hand as he bowed down. "Happy birthday, Zelda, I wish for you to only feel joy for the rest of your life." He took her hand and gently kissed it, making Zelda smile. He stood up straight again and looked at her with warm eyes. "You look stunning, I hope you enjoy the night."

"Thank you, Marth," Zelda smiled. As Ike watched, he noticed some pressure was building up in his chest. And not the good kind. Jealousy? But there was nothing to be jealous about. It was just an honorary uncle congratulating his honorary niece. But he was here first! He was just about to kiss her. And it just had to be interrupted by this guy. Gods dammit it all.

"Zellie! There you are!" The three turned to look as Peach sprinted her way towards them from the other side of the hallway. She looked at Marth and smiled, winking. He winked back. "Oh, I'm so sorry I'm late! I just couldn't find the right shoes and-"

"Yes, yes, your outfit just has to be perfect," Zelda sighed. She glanced at Ike, noticing he seemed a little upset. She raised a brow. Why was he upset? Did she do something wrong? A realization hit her as she looked at Marth, making her let out a short laugh. She gracefully strolled her way to Ike, who tensed up as soon as she came close to him. She wrapped her arms around one of his and looked up at him with a loving smile. "Sir Ike, since my dear sister here was late, would you mind being my escort to tonight's ceremony?"

His eyes were wide and his cheeks were red, but he nodded. "It would be an honor, Zel- Your Highness!"

Her smile grew as she looked back at Marth and Peach. "Shall we go, then?"

"Yes, of course! We'll go on ahead," Peach said, taking Marth's hand and sprinting away with him.

Zelda turned to look at Ike as they walked down the dark hallway. He didn't look at her, he was too ashamed of himself to so much as dare to. She smiled, "Were you jealous?"

He was silent for a while. "Perhaps a little."

Zelda frowned with fake sadness. "You wound me, I would've hoped you knew my heart belongs only to you."

"N-no! I didn't mean-"

She laughed. "I'm only teasing you, love."

He pouted, his cheeks still a deep shade of red. "You've gotten awfully good at it."

She stood on the tip of her toes and kissed his cheek, making him flinch. "I've learned from the best."

"If you keep going, I might just steal you for the night," Ike smirked.

She scoffed with a smile. "Are you threatening me?"  

"Sweetly, yes," Ike nodded. He noticed that they were approaching the doors that led to the ballroom, and the guard which stood in front of them began to clear their throat, ready to announce the two's entrance. Ike sighed. "And now would be the perfect time to do so."

"Well, it's not like I would stop you."

"Wait, what-"

"Entering, Princess Zelda Genevieve of Hyrule, and her escort, Sir Ike!" The guard opened the door, letting in a gust of warm air from the ballroom. The room was dimly lit with a lingering scent of lavender and aster. People turned to face them, whispering among themselves about the man that stood at the princess' side. Ike couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious, and it showed as his posture staggered a bit. Zelda reassuringly squeezed his arm with hers, and he thought that, as long as he remained at her side, perhaps he would get used to the people's whispers.

And yet, as soon as they took one step into the room, people began to flood around them. They began to badger Zelda about how her day had been going, who this man was, they told her happy birthday or complimented her looks. Ike could tell she was beginning to feel overwhelmed, so he took her hand and bolted towards the nearest balcony he saw. People ran after them, but as soon as they were past the door that led to it, he shut it and closed the curtains, leaving the people to wonder what was going on on the other side.

Ike huffed as he turned to Zelda, still looking at the door in case people tried to go through. "And that's why I don't like social events." His face twisted with worry as he looked at his beloved, who had hand on her chest and her face was contorted with distress. He gently placed her hand on her shoulders and leaned down a bit. "Are you alright, my dear?"

"Yes, just," she sighed, "A little tired. The ceremony has just begun and I'm already exhausted. I didn't expect for so many people to crowd around me all at once."

Ike scratched the back of his head. "I fear that may be partially my fault."

"It's not, people just don't know how to mind their business," Zelda scowled.

Ike couldn't help but smile. "You've gotten a lot more talkative since yesterday."

A blush dusted her cheeks. "Is that so? I suppose it's because I haven't seen you all day, so I feel very expressive now that I'm with you." The smile on Ike's face grew wider as he put his forehead against hers. She smiled too, but that turned into a frown all too quickly as she turned away from him.

"Zel? What's wrong?" Ike asked.

She looked up at the bright moon, a gentle breeze blowing past. "I'm afraid."

"Afraid of what?" Ike said as he walked up to her, standing beside her.

She clutched onto the railings, her eyebrows furrowing. "You'll leave soon, right?" He didn't say anything. "I'm afraid that, once you leave, we won't see each other anymore."

"That will never happen."

"Ike, you live in Tellius! That's a ways away from Hyrule! And I'm sure you're busy, you won't have time to come here every month. And I'm a princess, my father won't so much as let me out of the castle to go buy books. How are we supposed to meet?"

As he gazed into her eyes, he could see the anguish held within them. The heartbreak she would suffer if they were to part ways. And he hated the idea of that. He looked down and contemplated for a bit. He was planning on saving it for the end of the night, but he couldn't stand seeing her like this.

"Then," he said quietly, gazing into her eyes, "What if I didn't leave in the first place?"

"What?" Zelda said quietly. Ike placed a kiss on her forehead as he reached into the pocket of his coat. Out of it, he took a small, purple box with an aster decorating the top of it. Zelda gasped once she laid eyes upon it. "Ike-"

"I went out to buy it very early this morning, and I was planning on leaving this for the end of the party, but," he looked at her, eyes filled with love, "I can't stand to see you sad. I love you, Zelda, with my entire heart. I know it may be a little soon, but I don't care. You're the love of my life, the person of my dreams, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, to stay by your side." He opened the box, revealing a simple yet beautiful silver ring. "If you'll allow me, of course."

"Ike," Zelda said, tears forming in her eyes as a smile spread across her face. "Yes, yes, gods, yes!" She jumped into his arms, nearly making him drop the box. He lost his balance for a moment as he wrapped his free arm around her waist. But he laughed. He laughed and cried, holding the woman of his dreams in his arms and spinning her around. He was in total euphoria. Nothing could possibly compare to this. Finally, he'd get to spend the rest of his life with her. The idea of becoming king was a little scary, but he'd do anything if it meant he could remain at her side.

Gently, he placed his hands on her waist, snaking them up her back. He put his forehead against hers, looking at her comforting and welcoming eyes. To his surprise, she stood on the tip of her toes and pressed her lips against his, sending yet another wave of euphoria throughout his body. He held her close, tight, and only imagined doing this every morning, for the rest of their lives.

~The End~