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By the time dessert comes out, my grandmother has told Rapunzel several rather embarrassing stories from when I was just a small kit, while my amira listens, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“We’re so glad to have you here, my dear,” my mother says to Rapunzel. “I’ve heard that humans do not have fated bonds, so how did you know that my son was the one for you?”

Rapunzel’s expression softens. “It was his kindness and his charm, and the way he makes me feel safe.” She looks down at our joined hands. “He’s proven himself to me over and over again.” Her eyes meet mine, full of affection. “It’s the reason I know I can trust him with my heart.”

Rapunzel squeezes my hand under the table, her smile radiant and open as she gazes at me.

And my heart breaks all over again.

After dinner, my mother pulls Rapunzel aside, already discussing dresses for an official bonding ceremony.

Shame fills me, and I glace at Rowan to find him staring at me in disapproval.

“Mother,” I interrupt. “Let’s talk about this later. Rapunzel just arrived. Let’s not overwhelm her with wedding plans just yet.”

“Nonsense.” My mother waves me off, laughing. “Every girl dreams of her ceremony. Don’t you, dear?”

Rowan grips my arm. “If you’ll excuse us a moment. I need to borrow my brother.”

Rapunzel nods, and he practically drags me out of the dining hall. He doesn’t stop until we step into a narrow side hallway.

Rowan turns to me. “Even if you aren’t sure it’s her on the poster. You have to tell her. The longer you keep this secret, the worse it will be in the end.”

I drag a hand roughly through my hair. “I know.” Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the illustrated poster with Rapunzel’s face. “That’s why I brought this. I just need to find the right time to… the right way to tell her.”

“Well, you need to do it soon.” Rowan crosses his arms. “You can’t keep lying to her, Ren. You need to tell Rapunzel the truth.”

“I will,” I hiss. “I just need to figure out how to—”

“What truth?” Rapunzel’s voice interrupts, and I freeze.

Rowan stiffens beside me, and we both turn to see her standing a few feet away, confusion etched in her features.

“Rapunzel.” I take a small step toward her. “Perhaps, we should talk in private.”

“No,” she says, voice soft but firm. “Tell me now.”

Worry tightens my throat, but I somehow manage to force the words out. “I… found something at the tavern, last night.”

“What is it?”

I hold the folded poster out to her. “I discovered this hanging behind the bar. It—” I swallow hard. “It looks like you. The lettering is faded, but I believe it may be a reward offered for your safe return to Prince Theron. It’s dated roughly three years ago.”

Silence hangs heavy in the air as she stares down at the parchment. When she finally lifts her gaze to mine, sadness is easily read in her expression. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”

“I didn’t know how. I—” I step closer, desperate. “Deep down, it felt wrong, but I—”

“You knew how much it meant to me to remember. To know who I was. This could be the first real confirmation we’ve found… a link to my past.” Betrayal burns in her gaze. “And you kept it from me?”

“Rapunzel—”

Her eyes shine with tears as she takes a small step back. Off to the side, I notice my sister. From the look on her face, I assume Rielle must have heard everything. Or, at least, enough to know what I’ve done.

“You lied to me,” Rapunzel says, voice shaking. “Why, Ren? I don’t understand.”

“Because I was afraid I would lose you. If I was wrong, I could hurt you by giving you false hope. But if I was right, you might choose to leave me.” As the words leave my mouth, I realize how hollow they sound. I hate that I’ve caused her so much pain.

“I knew you were acting strange.” A tear slips down her cheek.