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Her eyes soften with understanding as she nods. “I hope you find what you're searching for.”

When she finally leaves, I lay down and turn onto my side. Finik curls up on the pillow above my head.

Even with the turmoil in my heart, hope sparks within. I finally know who I am. I have a family out there, waiting. I want to share this joy with Ren more than anyone, but for now, my broken heart needs time to heal.

Sighing, I think again of my Fox prince. Closing my eyes, I picture his teasing smile and his charming ways. I remember the whispered promises between us. Everything that was, and everything that could have been.

CHAPTER 43

RAPUNZEL

The carriage rocks beneath me, the rhythmic clatter of hooves threatening to lull me to sleep. I’m exhausted, but I’m too excited to rest. We’re less than half a day’s journey from Valora—the capital of Lumaria. Less than half a day until I see my parents and my brother.

Finally, I’ll find the answers I’ve been searching for all along.

Ren’s family sent a raven to my family and to Prince Theron. Perhaps after I meet with my parents we’ll continue on to the kingdom of Sylvalis, to speak with the Stag Prince. Maybe the more people I see from my past, the sooner I’ll regain all my lost memories.

Ren rides at the head of the entourage with Rowan. We’re traveling with seventy-five guards, but from what I’ve overheard, Ren is still worried about a possible ambush sent by the witch.

He and I have barely spoken since we left his castle, but Rowan always seems to find his way to my side when we stop for a break to eat and stretch our legs. He’s a good person, andan even better brother. Every chance he gets, he subtly tries to encourage me to speak with Ren.

But each time my thoughts drift to my Fox prince, my heart tangles in a painful knot of anger, hurt, and betrayal. Whenever we stop, I can sense his gaze on me almost constantly, yet I refuse to meet it. I can't face him. Not yet.

The capital of Lumaria unfolds before us as we approach. White stone buildings with golden rooftops gleam beneath the sun, vibrant banners fluttering in the gentle breeze. It feels both familiar and foreign, as if I have stepped into a dream I half remember but cannot quite grasp.

At the gates, the guards halt our procession. One walks toward us, his golden armor nearly blinding as he steps out from the shadows of the city wall. “State your business,” he commands.

“I am Prince Renard of Cambryn.” Ren says from atop his horse. He gestures to Rowan. “This is my brother, Prince Rowan. We are escorting the Princess Rapunzel home.”

The guard walks to my carriage. His breath catches as his gaze meets mine through the window, staring at me as if he’s seen a ghost. Which, in a way, I suppose I am. Everyone believed I was dead. Everyone except for Prince Theron, it seems.

“Princess,” the guard bows low. “We’d heard rumors that you’d been found but—” he blinks at me, still in shock. “Thank the gods you’ve returned.”

Another guard moves to his side, eyes wide. “Itisher,” he murmurs, voice full of awe. “Welcome home, Princess.” He jerks his head toward another guard. “Go! Inform the King and Queen at once! Tell them their daughter—the Princess Rapunzel—has been found alive and she has returned.”

The guard takes off at a sprint toward the palace. The rest of the guards fall into formation to escort us to the castle.

As we proceed through the city, whispers spread like wildfire, as crowds gather on either side of the main thoroughfare, watching us pass.

“It’s her.”

“The lost princess.”

“She has returned.”

As we draw closer to the castle, I’m excited but also nervous. I press my hands into my lap to keep them from trembling. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, and I can hardly believe it’s here.

When we reach the palace courtyard, my breath catches as memories flood my mind. A grand marble fountain stands at the center, water cascading over intricate carvings of celestial beings.

I remember this place.

The carriage door swings open, and one of the guards help me down. My legs feel a bit unsteady, but I hold my chin high.

I notice Ren standing with his brother. I wish things were different between us. As much as I crave his steady presence, and wish he was at my side, the memory of his betrayal still stings, and I force myself to look away.

The guards lead me into the palace, through familiar hallways lined with towering columns and gilded chandeliers, until we reach the throne room. The doors open, and I see my parents sitting upon their thrones.

They stand as if in a trance, their expressions frozen in disbelief for a moment before they start toward me.