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When the sun begins to sink below the horizon, it isn’t long before Rapunzel begins to nod off. She offers me the bed, but I refuse to take it. When she finally drifts to sleep, I carefully slip one arm behind her back and another under her knees, lifting her from the sofa.

Finik is asleep in her lap, and I take great care not to disturb him as I deposit them both on the bed. I arrange her hair as best I can so that it hangs off the side of the mattress and out of her way.

Her eyelids flutter open, and my heart stutters as she gives me a sleepy smile before closing her eyes again.

Finik yawns and moves to a nest of blankets near her pillow. A smile tugs at my mouth as he crawls beneath them, only the tip of his fluffy tail sticking out.

I tuck the comforter up under Rapunzel’s chin and around her shoulders to make sure she remains warm throughout the night. Now that she’s asleep, I take a moment to truly study her.

Her long hair shimmers in the firelight like fine strands of silver. She is the most beautiful female I’ve ever seen, and I am already completely taken with her.

The seer’s words return to me, sharper now, weighted with meaning I hadn’t fully grasped before. She is the one who told me I must search for an enchanted tower. She said it would contain my destiny, and a great treasure that would save my kingdom.

And now, not only have I found my fate one, but the moment I witnessed Rapunzel using her magic, I knew. It isn’t just a gift, it’s a lifeline.

Last winter was brutal. Fields that had thrived for centuries withered beneath the unusually heavy frost, leaving our food stores half empty. We’ve planted extra crops this season, but my father fears it may not be enough.

North of our kingdom lies the Troll territories. And it seems their harvests suffered as well. They’ve increased their attacks upon our borders, stealing food from our granaries.

Rapunzel’s magic could be the answer. If it is, however, that presents an entirely different set of problems. If word of her powers were to reach the Trolls, they would want her. They might even try to steal her away. Especially if she were a member of the royal family of Cambryn.

The Trolls hate our people. They rejected the last offer of peace my father made last year.

My hands curl into fists. I will die before I let them touch her.

Sitting on the edge of the sofa, I run a hand roughly through my short hair. Such worries are for later. For now, I need to work on convincing Rapunzel to leave with me. And the sooner I can get her to my kingdom, the better.

Once we reach Cambryn, I can ensure she is safe from any who may seek to harm or control her.

CHAPTER 8

REN

Buttery morning light spills through the window. I lean casually against the wall, arms crossed, watching Rapunzel as she makes tea. I offered to prepare breakfast, but she declined, claiming I’m her guest.

I bite back a grin as her gaze keeps flicking toward me, fast and guilty—like she's trying to memorize me without getting caught.

Little does she realize I’m as fascinated with her as she seems to be with me.

She hands me a cup of tea, and I pretend to study it thoughtfully. “Well, this is rather forward of you,” I muse. “In my culture, tea is sacred. Sharing it is basically a marriage proposal.”

Her eyes widen as I continue. “So, I’ll accept your proposal.” I give her a roguish grin and wink. “But only if there’s honey.”

Without missing a beat, she pushes the small jar of honey across the counter, further away from me.

I burst out laughing, and she does the same. I’m delighted that she feels comfortable enough to joke with me.

“Rapunzel!” A woman’s voice calls out and we both freeze. “Let down your hair!”

Her gaze snaps to the window. “It’s Glinda,” she says in a panicked whisper. “You need to hide.” She grabs my arm. “She can’t know you’re here.”

“Hide?” I echo, but she’s already pushing me toward the wardrobe in the corner of the room. She’s surprisingly strong for someone so small as she practically shoves me into the cramped space.

The scent of wood and lavender fills my nose, and I crouch low as she seals me inside. Through the thin crack between the doors, I see her whirl around the room, tidying up the space and hiding the extra dishes and cups that I’ve used.

“Rapunzel, let down your hair,” Glinda calls out again.

“Just a minute,” she replies before moving to the window and looping her hair around a large hook near the ledge before tossing her very long braid over the side.