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- Can't believe she's gone.
Rapunzel was in her throne, with only Eugene and Pascal in the room. The day was just beginning, but the princess was feeling low. With the damaged caused during the battle against Zhan Tiri and Cassandra, Rapunzel had to sleep in another room, as hers had a giant hole in the wall. But the reason she couldn't sleep was the lack of a person in the castle.
- Oh blondie, it breaks my heart to see you like this.
Eugene came closer to the princess, he hugged her in a way to ease the pain. Then he noticed a piece of cloth from one of Cassandra's outfits between Rapunzel's fingers.
- Everybody found exactly where they were meant to be... right?
- Of course, now we not only have peace but happiness!
Rapunzel kept her sight down, only hearing Eugene and feeling the cloth in her fingers, she was trying so hard to push aside her emotions for the sake of the kingdom but couldn't. Cassandra's betrayal hurt less than her departure, at least before, she had the moonstone as an excuse for Rapunzel to find her, but now, Cassandras was gone to explore the world.
- Eugene, could you attend the reconstruction efforts? I need to rest.
- Sure thing Sunshine.
Rapunzel got up from the throne and left the room. The castle of Corona had a large number of corridors and staircases, with always more than one way to reach any place. There were paths filled with large windows and bright colorful carpets, others had statues, paintings and armors decorating the walls. But Rapunzel always chose the same route to her room, the one that went through the back of the castle, the one where all the staff navigated, the one that also leaded to Cassandra's room.
Rapunzel walked the path without thinking, she ended up in front of that wooden door, which lead to where her closest friend used to sleep. She entered the room. It was the first thing she ordered to be repaired, and it was. Cassandra had taken some belongings for her journey, including the portrait Rapunzel had made.
The princess sat in the bed, with all the things Cassandra had left surrounding her.
Rapunzel went back to her room, it wasn't that bad, only some parts of the floor were destroyed, along with the balcony. But the walls, the furniture and the paintings were fine. Unable to get her mind off Cassandra, the princess did the only thing she thought could ease her.
There was a part of the ceiling still unpainted, Rapunzel had reserved it for a special occasion. Without any trace of doubt, she started to paint. Her story was depicted in that surface, her days, nights, struggles, destiny, and dreams.
Every brushstroke was filled with emotion, the colors represented not only her longing but her love. The flow of the lines was a dance, like the beams of the sun and moon tangled together. The stars came out, Rapunzel didn't stop her activity, instead, she took out a lantern and kept painting. All the dots in the sky shone brighter that night. Rapunzel fell asleep with a paintbrush in her hand.
While she was dreaming, a figure entered through the main door. With a ladder, she reached where the princess was.
- Raps, what are you doing up here?
- I'm painting. - Rapunzel replied still sleeping
- Let's go to your bed.
- Alright. - Rapunzel wrapped her arms around the person and snuggled up in her chest. - You know, I was painting you.
- Really? - Cassandra chuckled.
- I just... miss you so much.
- Well don't worry, I'm staying with you.
Rapunzel finally came to her senses. She wasn't sleeping, Cassandra was really there. In her bed, she pulled her friend to also lay there. The princess hugged Cassandra with all her strength. Unable to hold herself anymore, some tears began to emerge from her green, emerald eyes. Cassandra also wanted to cry.
- What are you doing here? what about your destiny? - Rapunzel tried to compose herself.
Cassandra took a deep breath and responded.
- I realized that I don't need a destiny. - Rapunzel was confused, but relaxed when Cassandra's hand brushed her cheek. - I need a dream.
Rapunzel felt another set of tears leaving her eyes, and without hesitation, she kissed Cassandra, who also started to cry after feeling the warmth of their lips together. Some seconds passed before the two separated.
- Why? - Rapunzel asked.
- I'll tell you everything tomorrow. - Cassandra was happy, but her hands were shaking, with chills all over her body. - But now, I need to know something.
- Anything.
Cassandra took another deep breath. - I want to stay here with you, that is my dream. But I don't want to be cast aside or diminished. If you want me here, I need to know you're willing to make some sacrifices and let me be.
Rapunzel cleaned the tears in Cassandra's face.
- I once lost you because I didn't listen to you. - Rapunzel kissed her on the cheek. - Having you here will not be a sacrifice, nor it will be loving you. You are also my dream
Cassandra had that shy smile on her face, and her eyes screamed everything she felt in that moment.
- I love you Raps.
- I love you too, Cass.