Page 42

RAPUNZEL

I jolt awake, heart pounding in terror as echoes of cruel laughter claw at the edges of my mind. The witch’s violet eyes gleam wickedly from the shadows of my nightmare, her fangs curled in a malicious grin as she whispers words that freeze my soul.

“He can't protect you, little bird. I'll take him from you first, and then you'll be mine again. Forever.”

Cold sweat trails down my spine, and I reach out instinctively for Ren. But my fingers close on empty sheets beside me. A sob catches in my throat, loneliness slicing through me like a blade as I remember why he isn’t here.

But even now, despite the pain he caused, my heart aches for him as images of my nightmare still linger.

I drag in a shaky breath as I sit up in bed. We’re leaving for Sylvalis bright and early in the morning, and I know I should rest, but I cannot fall back asleep.

Finik is still asleep in a nest of blankets on the other side of the bed as I slip from the room and step out into the hallway.

My feet seem to move of their own accord, guided by some sort of instinct—a strange pull deep within.

When I turn a corner, I see light spilling out from under a heavy oak door.

Ren’s voice drifts from within, murmuring words I can’t quite make out. Drawing in a deep breath, I quietly open the door and step into what must be the castle library.

My heart clenches at the sight of him. He’s standing next to Rowan and Rielle, bent over a map spread across a grand wooden table in the middle of the room.

Rowan looks at Ren. “Do you really think fifty guards aren't enough to keep her safe?” he asks incredulously.

“I won't risk her, Rowan. We must do whatever it takes to ensure her safety.”

The pain of his betrayal is still bitter and sharp, but the fierce devotion in his words shakes my resolve. How can he hurt me so deeply yet care for me so thoroughly?

“What will you do if she chooses Theron?” Rielle asks.

Ren clenches his jaw. “All I want is for her to be happy. Even if it isn't with me.”

My heart aches with the knowledge that he's willing to sacrifice his own happiness for mine. But, I cannot simply forget how he hurt me. I need the truth of my past, of who I am, before I can even think of repairing what we've lost.

I take a small step toward them, and Rowan's fox ears shift toward me, his head snapping in my direction; Ren and Rielle turning too.

“Rapunzel.” His eyes flash with concern. “Are you all right?”

I’m not quite sure how to answer that, so instead I reply, “I'm fine. I just… I couldn't sleep.”

Rowan nods toward the table. “We're plotting the safest route to Sylvalis.”

Moving closer, I study the maps, my gaze drifting over unfamiliar landscapes until the image of a star-shaped flower catches my eye.

It looks exactly like the ones embroidered across the bodice of the elegant blue gown I sketched in my book—the dress from a dream I once had.

Beside the flower, a name is written in delicate script. “Valora,” I whisper softly.

“Lumaria’s capital,” Rowan says. “It’s not far from here.”

My breath catches as a memory strikes—vivid and clear. I'm in a grandstand, the roar of the crowd filling the air as I gaze down at Theron. Wearing gleaming armor, he grins up at me, accepting my favor with a flourish. “Thank you, Princess.” He winks. “I’ll be sure to win now.”

“See that you do,” I tease back. “I think the people of Lumaria will enjoy seeing my brave Stag Prince, their future king, win the tournament.”

He takes my hand. “I won’t let you down.” He smiles as he presses a kiss to the top of knuckles.

I inhale sharply. “I remember now,” the words leave my lips in a hushed whisper. Lifting my gaze to Ren, I meet his eyes evenly. “I’m Princess Rapunzel of Lumaria. And I was engaged to Prince Theron of Sylvalis to unite our two kingdoms.”

“Are you certain?” Rielle asks.

“Yes.” My voice shakes as I trace my fingers over the map. “Valora—the capital. That's where we have to go. That's my home.”

“It’s about two day’s ride from here.” Rowan looks at me. “We’ll send a raven with a message to your family, announcing that we’re on our way.”

“Do you know them?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Despite sharing a border, we don't often deal with Lumaria.”

“Why not?”

“Lumarians...” Rowan hesitates. “They tend not to trust Fox Shifters. They think we're crafty. Cunning. Not to be relied upon or trusted.”

The irony is bitter, considering the betrayal I’ve suffered at Ren’s hand. I glance at him, seeing the brief flash of pain in his expression. The room feels stifling suddenly, and I take a small step back, excusing myself. “I should return to my chambers.”

Even as I say this, I know it’s technically Ren’s room, but I’m sure he’ll be sleeping somewhere else tonight after what happened between us.

When I reach my chambers again, I sit on the edge of the bed. Finik’s head pops up from his nest, and he hops from his blankets to my side, his little nose and whiskers twitching as he gazes up at me.

Picking him up, I cuddle him to my chest, trying but failing to hold back my tears.

A gentle knock sounds, and Rielle slips inside. “Forgive my intrusion,” she says. “But I wanted to speak with you before you leave.”

Sniffling, I wipe away the moisture on my cheeks. “It’s all right. What did you wish to talk about?”

“I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry.” She takes a seat beside me. “About what happened between you and Ren.”

“It’s not your fault,” I murmur.

“I know.” She takes my hand. “I just wanted you to know that I’m here for you, Rapunzel. Even if things don’t work out between you and my brother, I still wish to be your friend.”

“Thank you, Rielle.” Although some of my memory has returned, it’s still incomplete. Ren was the one person I thought I could count on, but after what happened, I feel so lost and alone. For her to offer her friendship means everything right now. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”

“I wish I could go with you,” she says. “But my parents will not allow all three of us to go.” She sighs. “But don’t worry. You’ll be quite safe. Rowan and Ren will escort you to your home. And they’ll have plenty of guards that you won’t need to worry about the Goblin witch or any Troll raiders.”

“Troll raiders?”

She nods. “Their lands border ours. They often travel in bands four or five strong, preying on small convoys or lone travelers. It’s how Ren got his scar.”

I knew Fox females rejected him because of this mark, but he never told me how he got it in the first place. “What happened?”

“It was a Troll attack,” Rielle says, her voice quiet.

“Ren was out running in his Fox form with his betrothed.” Unexpected jealousy rears its ugly head at the thought of Ren with someone else.

“They were ambushed. Ren saved her, but he gained that scar in the battle. Afterward, she rejected him for it… even though he’d earned it by protecting her. ”

Anger swells my chest. “Ren is a good person. How could she just leave him like that?” My heart aches for him all over again. “I can’t imagine how terrible that must have been.”

Rielle nods. “Their betrothal was arranged by our parents. They barely knew each other, but that was no excuse.” She lifts her gaze to mine. “And I know he hurt you, Rapunzel, but I also know how deeply he regrets it. Do you think you might be able to forgive him?”

A maelstrom of emotions swirls deep within.

My feelings for him are still so strong, and yet I can’t forget his betrayal.

“My heart is broken but, I cannot deny that I still—” I shake my head, unable to speak through my sadness.

Drawing in a deep breath, I straighten. “I need to find my family, regain my past, and maybe then… I can forgive.”

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.