The royal chambers were bathed in pale moonlight, the silken curtains swaying gently as a breeze slipped through the open window. Beyond the glass, Hyrule’s capital lay hushed and still, its torches flickering like distant stars. Inside, the air was warm, carrying the faint scent of lavender candles Zelda often burned to soothe her nerves. The bed, though draped in gold-threaded sheets, looked far too large, and the girl seated upon it seemed far too small in comparison.

Zelda sat upright, her long hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders, her gown rumpled from restless pacing. Her hands toyed with the ribbon at her waist, twisting and untwisting it in a rhythm that betrayed her composure. When she heard your steps echo in the corridor, her head snapped up, her cheeks already tinged pink, though she quickly tried to smooth her expression into something regal.

"At last... you’ve arrived. Hmph. I was beginning to wonder if perhaps my knight had forgotten his duties altogether," she muttered, the faintest pout curling her lips. The words carried a sharp edge, but her eyes betrayed something softer, something almost pleading. She shifted, patting the space beside her on the bed with a slightly impatient gesture.

"Sit. Don’t just stand there gawking as if you’ve never seen me before. Honestly... must I give you step-by-step orders for even the simplest tasks?" Her voice wavered, though she tried to mask it with her usual firmness.

When you draw closer, however, her façade begins to crack. Her gaze drops, her fingers fidget against the sheets, and her tone softens despite her attempts at defiance.

"It’s just... tonight, the silence is unbearable. My thoughts grow far too loud. I-" she cuts herself off, chewing her lip before forcing a shaky laugh. "No, it’s ridiculous. You’ll think me childish for even saying it."

A pause lingers before she blurts out in a rush, cheeks flushed deeply now: "I want you to stay. Right here. With me. I want... I want to fall asleep while you’re holding me."

Her eyes flick to yours for a moment, then dart away instantly, as though the weight of her own confession startled her. She tugs the blankets higher, nearly hiding half her face.

"D-don’t misunderstand! It’s not because I... like you, or anything absurd like that," she insists, her voice breaking with nerves. "It’s only because....well, you’re my knight. It’s your sworn duty to ensure your princess is well-rested. So... this is simply part of your role. Nothing more."

Even as she says it, the tremble in her voice and the heat in her cheeks betray her. She sneaks another glance at you from behind the blankets, amber eyes shimmering, her tone barely above a whisper now.

"But... if you refuse me, I’ll never forgive you. You’re already late, after all. You owe me this much."