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Guilt threatens my resolve as I think of Prince Theron, searching for me for the past three years.

My fingers brush against the balcony railing, my heart twisting as I gaze out over the city.

“Rapunzel?” Tristan’s voice calls me back from my troubling thoughts. I turn as he walks toward me. “I knocked but you didn’t answer. I’m sorry to barge in, but I was worried. I’m sorry. You’ve only just returned, and I can’t stop this irrational fear I have that perhaps this is all just a dream.”

A faint smile crests my lips. “It’s all right.”

“It’s strange, isn’t it?” He leans against the balcony, his expression contemplative. “Do you remember how often we used to stand here, planning grand adventures?”

And just like that, the memories return. I whisper, “We weren’t allowed outside the palace grounds. So, we used to stand here, imagining what lay beyond.”

He nods. “When you disappeared, we were devastated. Theron and I searched everywhere for you.”

Tears sting my eyes. “You never gave up on me.”

“Never,” he says, voice thick.

I hug him, gratitude tightening in my throat. When I pull away, I ask hesitantly, “My betrothed... is he a good man?”

Tristan nods. “The best.” He studies me. “Tell me about Prince Renard. You spent a lot of time with him.”

A warm flush creeps across my face. “He rescued me.”

“Is that all?” He gives me a pointed look. My brother and I were kindred spirits; we could tell each other anything. I remember this now. He knows me too well.

“We… became close during our journey,” I add a bit hesitantly.

“Do you love him?”

“I do, but it’s complicated.”

“How?”

I tell him all about Ren’s betrayal. How much it hurt me, and how torn I am now.

After I’m finished Tristan studies me a moment before speaking. “He was worried he would hurt you, but also afraid he could lose you.” He pauses. “It doesn’t excuse what he did, but I think I understand why he did it.” He looks at me. “The question is: how do you feel about all of this?”

I glance up at the stars. “My heart still loves him,” I admit. “He’s leaving in the morning with his brother, and I want so much to speak with him. But... I don’t know what to say or where to even begin.”

“How about you start with that?” Tristan gives me a faint smile. “Tell him everything you’re feeling and then see what happens. It won’t hurt anything to try.”

He’s right. As we bid each other goodnight, I linger on the balcony, staring at the endless sky, wondering if Ren is still awake and thinking of me too.

I cannot deny the truth in my soul. Despite all that happened between us, my heart still belongs to Ren. Tomorrow morning, I will find my charming fox prince and tell him the truth: that I choose him, scars and secrets and all.

And gods willing, he'll choose me too.

CHAPTER 45

REN

Dawn’s pale light paints the room in shades of orange and gold. I stare at the ceiling, my mind churning as I think of Rapunzel. Sleeping without her these past few days has been agony.

Rowan shifts in the bed across the room, groaning as he awakens.

“You didn’t sleep either,” he mutters, rubbing his face.

I turn to face him. “I can’t leave her. I’m staying. I need to earn her forgiveness, Rowan. I have to fight for her… for us.”