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RAPUNZEL

T he 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, and an 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. “It is her,” 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.

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.”

Guilt twists deep within. The Stag Prince has refused to give up on me all these years. I’m so worried he’ll be disappointed when he arrives. With so much of my memory still missing, I fear he’ll find I’m not the same person he remembers—the one he’s been so desperate to find.

Even worse, I’m afraid that when I do see him, I’ll discover emotions I wasn’t aware of. And if so, what will that mean for my feelings toward Ren?