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Mother reaches me first. “Rapunzel?” her voice quavers as she cups my face with both hands. “It’s you.” A tear slips down her cheek.

“You’re really here,” my father says, his eyes glossy with tears.

Emotions flood through me like a giant wave, as they wrap their arms around me, hugging me so tightly I can barely breathe. “Mother.” A broken sob escapes me. “Father. I’ve missed you both so much.”

When we finally pull away, my father turns to Ren and his brother. “Thank you for bringing our daughter home. When your raven came, we—” his voice catches—“we were afraid to hope.” He struggles to keep his voice even. “We’ve had so many people claim to have information about our daughter over the past three years...” He shakes his head. “How can we every repay you?”

“No payment is necessary,” Ren replies. “We are simply glad she has found her home.”

“Ren is the one who found me.” I meet his gaze briefly before turning back to my parents. “He saved me from the witch who held me captive.”

Finik takes this opportunity to climb out of my pocket, startling my parents. “Rapunzel,” Mother gasps. “What in the world is that thing doing in your pocket?”

“Mother, this is Finik.” I gesture to him as he perches on my shoulder, tiny nose twitching with interest as he studies his new surroundings. “He was my only friend while I was in the tower.”

“Tower?” Father frowns. “What are you talking about? Who held you captive? Where have you been all this time?”

As I explain my story, I don’t tell them about everything that happened between me and Ren, or of my feelings for him. Instead, I explain how he saved me from the tower and the blood witch who stole my memories. How he kept me safe and brought me to his kingdom, offering me a home when I couldn’t remember anything of my past. And of how welcoming his family has been to me.

Ren stiffens and pain flickers across his expression as I use his formal name and title when I refer to him.

“We owe you a great debt,” my father says to Ren and Rowan. “To your family as well. We will have rooms prepared for you and your men. Stay a few days with us. We will hold a feast in your honor. And we’ve already received a raven from the kingdom of Sylvalis. Prince Theron—Rapunzel’s betrothed—is already on his way here. I’m sure he would like to thank you as well for all you’ve done.”

I don’t miss the way Ren flinches at the mention of Theron’s name. “Thank you.” Ren dips his chin in a polite nod. “But I’m afraid we will only be staying tonight.” His gaze sweeps to me, sorrow and regret darkening his fox eyes. “We must return to Cambryn at once. We’ll leave in the morning.”

Something inside me splinters. I want to tell him to stay, but the words will not come. Instead, I watch as he and Rowan are led away by one of the staff to the guest chambers.

When my parents announce that it’s time for dinner, I subtly scan the hallways, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ren. I hate the way we left things, and I want so much to see him. To hear him talk, to see his mischievous smile, and have him tease me as he used to—back and forth. But when we reach the dining room, he and his brother are not there.

One of the servants walks up to my parents and bows low. “Prince Rowan and Prince Renard were served in their chambers.”

Before I can ask why, my mother leans close and pats my hand. “I hope you don’t mind, my dear. I thought it would be nice to have dinner with just the family this evening. Your brother should be arriving soon.” She smiles. “He’ll be so happy to see you.”

My brother.I think of the image I’ve drawn many times. A flash of memory returns and I see his face as he grins at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement before he laughs at something I’ve said.

I may not remember much, but I believe we must have been close, for my dreams are often of the two of us laughing together.

One of the servants places a separate plate and silverware beside me, for my brother. I’m anxious to see him, wondering much I’ll remember, and hoping his presence will trigger more memories of my past.

As if my very thoughts have summoned him, the doors swing open, and a young man with short, silver-white hair steps inside. His piercing blue eyes meet mine, and his mouth falls open. “Rapunzel?”

A flood of memories surges through me. “Tristan,” his name leaves my lips in a hushed whisper as myriad emotions swirl within.

He rushes forward and gathers me in his arms, embracing me in a bear hug as he spins me around in a circle. “Thank the gods, you’re here.” He pulls back just enough to look down at me. “My little sister. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.” He gives me another fierce hug. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Tears of joy escape me as more memories begin to resurface of us as children, playing in the gardens, hiding from our tutors. Sneaking into the kitchens for sweets. Whispered secrets and shared laughter. “I missed you too, Tristan,” I barely manage to speak around the lump in my throat. “Where have you been?”

He looks the same and yet different—the slight scruff of beard along his jaw making him seem older.

“I’ve just returned from Sylvalis. I traveled with Theron as we followed what we thought was a lead on your disappearance.”

I’m touched beyond words to hear that they were still searching for me.

“Theron was right,” he adds, staring at me as if he’s afraid I’ll somehow disappear. “All this time, he believed you were still alive.” His voice catches. “He refused to stop looking for you,even though everyone told him you were—” His head snaps to my parents. “Has anyone sent word to Theron?”

“Yes. A raven was sent,” I tell him. “Letting him know I was coming here.”

“Well then”—Tristan smiles—“I’m sure he’s probably already on his way. All this time… I can only imagine how happy he’ll be to see you, Rapunzel.”