Archive of Our Own

The bed below felt… comfortable as Cassandra’s eyes fluttered open. The room was hazy as she rubbed her eyes, feeling well rested. It was the first time in ages since she’s slept this well… Having been on the road, sleeping in a small tent, exploring the world alone with Fidela… But. Wait. This wasn’t her tent. 

She looked around, surprised. This was the castle-! … This is Rapunzel’s room-! She looked around in the bed, feeling for the princess. No, she was alone. Sighing, Cassandra got out from under the covers, a soft silky dress sliding to her ankles. That was weird, she didn’t remember putting on a dress. Specifically not the Princess’s night dress- Cassandra blushed. Pascal made a noise of discomfort next to her as she moved. 

“Sorry, Pascal.” She whispered.

“Raaaa- punzel !” Came the voice of Eugene Fitzherbert outside the door, calling for Rapunzel. She wasn’t here, though. Cassandra blinked around, still confused. How did she get here and- and why was she in Rapunzel’s room? She could probably ask Eugene since he sounded so ready to barge in. 

“Sunshine, I have just been waiting for the day we were both off-” The doors swung open and Eugene didn’t skip a second at the sight of Cassandra. “I’m so ready for our date tooodaaay.” 

Cassandra stared at Eugene in confusion, laughing. “Uh huh..?” 

“And youuuu-?”  Eugene made a motion towards Cassandra, shaking his hands. “Are- exciiiii- ted? What, is something on my face, what’s wrong, huh?”

Cassandra looked around, confused. Why was he looking… at her?

“I’m not going on a date with you, Fitzherbert.” She almost gagged at the sentence. 

“Oh. Uh. Alright, well, what did you have in mind?” Eugene looks awkward, having not known how to respond. He shook his head, thinking. “Uh.. We can… uhm.. Darling, I don’t have any idea what you want to do.”

He reached for her hands, which snapped up and away from him. 

“Rapunzel?” He looked taken aback, hurt even.

“I’m not Rapunzel.” Cassandra snapped, taking a step away from him. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Huh, Blondie..?” Eugene chuckled, confused. “What-...?”

“You think-?” Cassandra blinked at him, laughing. “It’s me . Cass.” She realized, then, how little she sounded like herself. “W-... Wait am-?” 

Hurriedly, Cassandra hopped a step to the mirror, staring into it. “No- hah. No way.” Who stared back but Rapunzel, her green eyes looking over the brown hair that graced her head, the freckles that adorned her pink, bright skin… She yelped in surprise, falling back. 

“Rapunzel!” Eugene ran to her, pulling her off her back to sit up. “Rapunzel, what are you talking about?” He patted her head, bringing her into a hug. Cassandra pushed him off, scooting away. Pascal came closer to the two, making a noise of confusion.

“It’s me, Cass.” Cassandra repeated, shaking her head. “What the fuck is going on?”

“Well, that language is making me uh.. Trust you. Uhm. Okay.” He offered a hand to help her up. She took it, shakily. 

“So you’re … Cassandra. Then where’s Rapunzel?” Eugene worried his lip, and Cassandra could sense the panic that was rising in him. “Cause, uh. We haven’t seen you in a whole year and you- you were out in the world alone without me or- or Pascal- or anyone.”

“Shh-! Eugene!” She raised a hand to smack at his face but he stopped her. “Can you just. Help me figure this out before freaking out?”

“Yeah- yeh.” Eugene nodded, lowering her hand. “Uh- what do you remember before… uhm… Before you ….” He shook his hands, gesturing. “-became Rapunzel.”

“Okay well-” Her own anxiety rose as Cassandra tried to remember what had happened. She thought about yesterday, where she had been visiting a town at the outskirts of the Kingdom of Neserdnia. She’d just.. Been to the local bar, then went to bed in the inn nearby. There’d been nothing special… Cassandra sighed, pacing. She couldn’t remember, though, what she’d done the day before…

“Uh…” She shrugged, looking around. “I’ve.. been drinking a lot.”

“C ass… ” Eugene sighed. 

“If she’s… in my body then… Rapunzel’s going to be… very sick today.” She explained, pressing against her temple. “Ugh… What happened earlier… I can barely remember.”

“Cass you have to." Eugene gulped, nervously. "How much did you drink?? " 

"Not that much!" She looked indignantly back at Eugene. "Just- I was at a party. I know it's not my thing, but there.. ugh." She looked embarrassed as the memory came to her. "I've been missing Corona a lot.. So there was some kind of event in Veritas- that very edge city of Neserdnia …. And… there was a girl who asked me to come to some kind of… celebration of … love?"

Eugene smirked, nodding. "Yeah….?"

"I- ugh. Shut up." She punched Eugene's shoulder. " Anyways . She… she said.. what did she say…"

Eugene fidgeted, clearly frustrated with the situation. But she was trying. Nothing was coming to her. But she talked to her all night, why isnt anything coming back to her?

"She must be the one who did this." Cassandra bit her lip. "I can't remember anything about her."

"Ok ay so what do we do? Rapunzel might be all alone at some inn, hungover." Eugene grimaced. "She's all alone, Cas."

"Then, ugh.. you're off duty today you said? Maybe we can go get her? Find someone to figure out how to undo… this. " 

“That’s…You said Neserdnia? That’s a week of travel. Cass, how- UGH okay. Let’s- let’s talk to the King and Queen, okay?” Eugene sighed, rustling his hair. 

–

“And you’re saying… The real Rapunzel is in Neserdnia…?” King Frederick stated plainly.

“Yes, your Highness, so we reeeeaally wanted to get going and go get-'' Eugene began.

“And you’re not just saying this to have a week-long vacation together?” The king played with his mustache, laughing. “Honestly, you think I wouldn’t see two love birds wanting to go off to frolic in the wilderness together?”

Eugene and Cassandra looked at each other, and Eugene laughed nervously.

“Look, your royal-a- highness. We-” Eugene stammered, before the king raised his hand to silence him.

“I think I can find someone to take your place while you’re away, Eugene.” The king laughed, looking at Cassandra, he lifted his hands for her to take, which she did awkwardly. “Rapunzel, if you’re safe, I’m okay with you gallivanting off with your husband… It’s alright. I’ll be able to watch over the kingdom. But stop coming up with these silly reasons!” He chuckled. 

Cassandra laughed awkwardly, nodding. “Yeah- Okay… dad.” 

The King didn’t seem to realize her falter. “You can take Maximus, but. Eugene.” He puts his hand on Eugene’s shoulder. “Take care of her, alright? And be safe .”

Eugene smiled softly, then nodded. “Of course, your Highness.”

The two left, Eugene taking Cassandra’s arm- trying to seal the deal a bit. Cassandra felt her whole body stiffen as she reciprocated. This was SOoooo so awkward. 

–

Maximus had been grateful to be asked outside of the kingdom. The horse had been missing adventure outside, and despite having not understood how Cassandra was here, he wanted to help. Especially if Rapunzel was in danger. 

Having only been given one horse however, Eugene and Cassandra looked at each other a moment. 

"I'm going to steer us, I know where we're going." Cassandra started leaping up on Maximus. A laugh came from Eugene.

"Okay okay- we're pretending you're my girlfriend until we're out of Corona. You're going to hold me, Rapunzel loves doing that! "

Cassandra laughed, shaking her head as she made no move to get off Maximus. "Uh uh. I don't care what Rapunzel would do, I'm not her. Maybe she gets to lead you this time. Get on and let's go, Fitzherbert, we're losing daylight."

Eugene pouted, then sighed as he hopped up behind her, fidgeting uncomfortably. "Fine. But if someone thinks you're an imposter now then that's your problem. I'll just go home."

"Without your wife, sure." The two shuffled uncomfortably on the saddle. Pascal made a noise, looking between them. Cassandra rolled her eyes, putting the chameleon carefully on the horn of the saddle. 

"We're going ." Cassandra blinked indignantly at Pascal before she kicked Maximus's sides gently. The horse neighed in triumph before galloping off towards the walls of the castle. 

– 

First night on the road. Nothing had happened but the whole party was starving . Cassandra had started a fire while Eugene set up the small tent, the two of them silent as they did their tasks. Pascal and Maximus spoke silently to one another, not that the humans here could tell what they were saying. 

Smacking the splinters from her hands, Cassandra looked to the rest of her party. 

"Alright. I'm not sure if any of you have been to Veritas before. It's a place crawling with thugs. There's no telling if that woman put anything in the way of getting back to Rapunzel."

"We need a plan." Eugene shuffled with the tent's poles. "If she's alone, chances are Rapunzel is… going to try to make friends."

The four looked to one another in agreement. 

Sleeping was going to be awkward. They were still in the outskirts of Corona, and there was a chance of someone coming up to them to ogle the royal couple. But Cassandra was not about to sleep next to Eugene like that. It didn't matter how close they were now.

"Take the tent." She muttered softly, shifting dirt into a makeshift pillow for later. "I'll stay on watch tonight."

"R- C ass." Eugene shook his head. "You need sleep if you're guiding us there. Let's take shifts okay? Anyways, can't let my Sunshine be confused and sleepy when we get her back in her body."

Cassandra sighed again, frustrated. "Fine. I'll wake you when I start to get tired. Just go to bed, all of you."

There was an uncomfortable feeling in the air as Eugene went inside the tent. Pascal and Maximus looked at one another, but each settled down to sleep. It was distressing going to bed hungry, and although she was usually in a bad mood, Cassandra’s attitude was making everyone a little bit… tense. Though, Cassandra didn’t seem to care if she noticed at all. 

Black hair rippled in the wind as Cassandra sat quietly by the fire, her eyes scouring the darkness for any sign of movement. She sighed softly as her mind wandered to Rapunzel. The woman she cared for most.. She was going to have a rough time… Ugh… What did that witch do…

– 

The next morning was quick, having packed up and left. The group was hungry but there was another town not too far, so breakfast would have to wait. Eugene only held onto Cassandra, awkwardly pressed up behind her in the saddle. Cassandra wasn’t going to make any more complaints about it- yet. But this stupid dress was getting on her nerves. She had to sit like a Princess with it on. She was so used to pants that this was… frustrating. 

The town they came upon was small, and they only came through to get food. But being the Royal couple, Eugene and Cassandra were stopped many-a-times before they could get anything done.

  We’re losing time.

Surely Rapunzel was going to be alright on her own. Sure, she’d never once seen the Princess hungover … But she had Fidella. Cassandra felt shame come over her as she imagined the girl at the party again. She could barely make out her features, just that she was in a deep purple dress, and a corset…what else? 

Cassandra had been lost in thought, almost steering Maximus into a caravan going the other way. The people seemed nice about it when they saw their Princess, but Cassandra couldn’t help but feel nervous. She was used to being ignored on the road, having not been as well known as Rapunzel or Eugene. If it were her and Fidella, there would have been some kind of fight…

–

Getting as comfortable in the small tent as she possibly could with crippling guilt running down her back, Cassandra stared at the peak. 

How could she be so reckless- she put Rapunzel in danger again. She closed her eyes, feeling tears threaten to come to the surface. But Cassandra didn’t cry. Even after everything that happened, she was still used to holding her feelings in. Without a Rapunzel to talk to about them. Maybe that’s why she’d indulged this random girl. She was pretty, and Cassandra had missed Rapunzel. Talking to her, being with her… And the girl had been interested in her- the way Cass was for Rapunzel. She scowled at the thought. No, that wasn’t about Rapunzel. It couldn’t have been. But the girl’s appearance came back to Cassandra again. Purple dress, long blonde hair? No wonder she’d gone for her… Ugh. 

This was all her fault…

–

Having not slept more than an hour, Cassandra felt especially grouchy the next day. She refused to talk to Eugene, too pissed off at everything that moved to do anything to reassure him about his missing wife. This was about Rapunzel, not him.  

Eugene had tried to make light of it, but when they had to pretend to be in love for another fan , Cassandra only scowled and muttered to herself. Not sleeping well was also normal for Cassandra. Every night she had dreams about what happened with Zhan Tiri, of her hurting everyone she loved just because she didn’t feel loved or heard. She’d spoken briefly about it to Rapunzel before leaving but it didn’t help. It wasn’t enough. There was still too much locked away inside. Something was wrong with her. 

–

The next day was not going to be fun. This area of Corona and Neserdnia’s outskirts was full of bandits. Cassandra had just been through here, and it was… well.. Fun. She’d beat the hell out of a couple of ruffians here, and won some small tournament they’d been running. They’d chased her away when she won,  though, having been sore losers. 

Cassandra and Eugene were steady though, both tense as they moved through the forest. Pascal looked around for booby traps, his eyes peeled. But they all stopped when the noise of a crying girl came from off road. 

Eugene and Cassandra looked to each other, both assuring each other this could be a trap. But they led Max towards the sound, finding a small girl holding her leg under a tall tree. Cassandra got off Maximus first to speak to her. 

“Are you hurt?” Cassandra looked around for movement in the trees, leaning down to the girl. “What are you doing here on your own?”

The girl sniffled, her bruised knee looking painfully not-trap-like. “I fell from the tree…” She whimpered. 

“Okay, let’s get you to your parents, okay? Do you have parents here?” Cassandra looked a bit impatient, but tried to clear her grumpy brain. 

“Y eah … they’re in Ironhaven… I’ve been waiting here for them to get back- they- I got lost…” The girl whimpered . 

Ironhaven-? That was another day’s journey. She turned to Eugene, coming over to talk to him. 

“We can’t take this girl home. There's no time.” Cassandra hissed. “Let’s just drop her off at the nearest city and be done. We need to get to Raps.”

Eugene shook his head, making a noise of frustration. “We can’t let her just… she's a kid. ”

But Cassandra didn’t see the reason in it, too tired to care. “But Raps-”

“ Would kill us if she knew we dropped a kid off in the bandit capital of the- middle-of- a -nowhere.” Eugene countered, shaking his head. 

“Ugh. If this… takes too long, I’m going without you, Eugene.” Cassandra grunted, walking back to Maximus. Eugene went to help the girl up, carrying her back to Maximus. He helped her as they rode, careful to avoid her possibly broken leg. 

As they come close to a known bandit camp, the group slows to a trot, holding their breath. This was the only way to Ironhaven and it was known for its large bandit camps. They tried to stay silent but the group felt eyes from the trees.

“Hey, aren’t ya the Princess?” Came a hoot from behind them as a horse started riding up. Cassandra blew a breath out, frustrated. 

“No, not really. Carry on.” She tried to shoo him off. 

“Yeah ya are!” The man chuckled, riding up on their side. “You know, you should be careful in these here parts. Bandits galore.” The man grinned, winking at the kid. 

“Thank you sir, I’m sure we won’t-uh… run into any of them, okay kid hold on.” Eugene spoke quickly as he kicked at Maximus’s sides, causing Cassandra to teetar in the seat as Max sped off. The man only laughed, and the sound of other horses from the trees sounded. 

“Eu gene! ” Cassandra hissed, leaning forwards to guide Max, though she didn’t continue whatever thought she had, only looked back to find five horsemen after them. 

Shit. 

“You’ll make us a lotta money!” Came a laugh from one of the men, riding up beside Max. “P rincess .”

Cassandra grimaced, only telling Max to speed up. 

The girl squealed in Eugene’s grip, wiggling. He tried to shush her, pulling out his boot’s knife in one hand. 

“We’ll keep you safe.” He promised, before matching his knife against the blade of a nearby bandit, who hooted in amusement. 

A large horse stood in their path, its rider giant , and Cassandra pulled on Maximus’s reins with a yelp. They came to a stop, trying to avoid a collision. As they slid, the horses from behind circled, giggling and laughing as they did.

Cassandra reached for any kind of weapon, looking surprised when she found nothing but the ends of her dress. A man ran at them, and Cassandra hopped off to kick at him. Her dress caught on Maximus’s stirrup, making a rip as she missed the bandit’s body entirely. The bandit laughed, tackling her to the floor. Cassandra gasped, before clawing at the man’s face.

Eugene got off Max, holding the child tight in his arms. But she pushed away from him, hopping from his grasp. Shit . 

“Kid-!” He yelped, before watching as the little girl merged into the crowd of men, laughing as they approached Maximus. The kid had led them this way- she must have been a part of this… So it was a trap. Damn it! 

Eugene readied his fists, fighting off a few bandits until they tackled him to the ground. He watched helplessly as Cassandra was smacked hard in the head, before they came and hit him.

– 

Eugene woke with a start, waking Cassandra beside him. The two were roughed up, Eugene sporting a very painful looking black eye. 

“Shit- Cass!” Eugene struggled in the rope they were apparently tied up in. Max and Pascal were gone, and their money and their bag with their tent. 

Cassandra squirmed, trying to stand up. Eugene attempted with her, and the two stood there, staring side-eyed at one another.

“I TOLD you that we shouldn’t do this. Of COURSE it was a trap.” Cassandra yelled, shimmying away from him. Eugene pulled back, grunting.

“ Yes it was a trap! Okay!” Eugene pulled against her, before rubbing the rope against a tree’s branch. “But that’s not our PROBLEM now! We need to find Max and Pascal.”

Eventually the rope broke as they tirelessly rubbed it against the broken tree branch, and the two hurriedly ran off to where they’d last seen the bandits. They stood in the trees, carefully observing each and every spot until Eugene spotted a man walking presumably back to camp. They followed him wordlessly, until they spotted Maximus bucking against a tree, whinnying indignantly. Pascal was about to be put on a skewer-!

They looked to each other, before Cassandra barged in, grabbing the nearest thing she had and throwing it at the bandit holding Pascal. The chameleon yelped as he fell to the ground, but ran to Eugene with relief.

Cassandra grabbed the chair the bandits had set up near a tree stump they’d made into a table. She brandished it like a sword. 

“Give us back our horse and we’ll be on our way.” Cassandra yelled, threateningly holding her weapon towards the little girl who sat feet away at the fire.

The bandits laughed, gearing up to fight them again. The little girl glared at Cassandra as she backed away, quickly hidden in the group of bandits. One of them slammed a chair towards Cassandra, which she barely dodged, brushing her shoulder and knocking her off balance. Eugene rushed in to steady her, before parrying a jab at her face. 

“Cass- you!” Eugene started, before pushing against the knife he’s parried, striking at the barrer. “You can’t do that!” 

She ignored him, grabbing the chair that had been thrown at her to use as a shield- which she bashed into a bandit’s chest, knocking the wind out of him. 

Eugene and Cassandra stood back to back as the remaining bandits circled. Suddenly, a noise from the tree rings out as the ropes holding Maximus break, releasing the horse as he bowls over three of the bandits. 

Jumping up, the group screams, scooping up the little girl and running into the trees. Seems Max had knocked some fear into them before they’d gotten him tied up. Cassandra sighs in relief and starts packing up the items strewn across the bandit camp, before Eugene helps. Sounds of hoofbeats make them hurry to get back on Maximus’s back and head out.. 

–

The group hid in the alleyway of the nearby town, all gasping for breath. Eugene glared up at Cassandra as he breathed.

“C ass . Why did you engage them?” 

“I-! I can handle a fight, FItzherbert.” Cassandra turned away, shaking her head. “Pascal-”

“C ass .” Eugene’s voice was stern, but he sighed. “I know you’re not in a good place right now, for whatever reason.. But it’s important we get to Rapunzel without … encouraging more danger to come to her!” His voice raised, upset. 

“I didn’t. Mean. for it.” Cassandra said through gritted teeth. But Eugene only sighed and turned away. 

“Come on, Max, let’s get you some apples.” Eugene looked at the turned back of Cassandra before he walked away, guiding Max out of the alley. 

Pascal crawled onto Cassandra’s shoulder, looking concerned. He made some… noises in an attempt to soothe her. But Cassandra turned her head away from him, making the chameleon frown. 

He sighed, in the way chameleons can, and jumped off to waddle after Eugene. Cassandra felt her face redden again, like she was about to cry. There wasn’t any time for this! They were a day from Verditas. Rapunzel had to still be there. 

She had to be safe… 

Cassandra stayed there a while longer before moving to find Eugene. 

He was silently eating a kebab with Pascal and Max eating their respective foods nearby. He handed Cassandra a kebab silently. 

Ugh… This was the worst. 

–

The warm fire sat in the middle of their makeshift camp outside of town. The inn had been too rundown and expensive to sleep in their own beds, and Cassandra and Eugene weren’t about to share a bed tonight. The two were silent, angry with one another. But Eugene was willing to compromise. 

Eugene sighed gently, before offering some kind of pastry to Cassandra, who raised an eyebrow. 

“We’re a day out.” He stated, with a small smile. “We’re going to find her.”

“Not if those thugs try to … I don’t know, steal Maximus again.” Cassandra pouted, holding her arms over Rapunzel’s ruined dress. She was starting to freeze out here with nothing to cover her fully. It pissed  her off more. “What if Rapunzel isn’t even there anymore? The … that lady might have done something with her-!” 

“Cass, stop worrying, I’m sure Rapunzel can take care of herself. Especially with your.. What, seventy knives you keep on your person?”

“I can’t stop worrying.” Cassandra snarled at him, making Eugene jump. “What can’t you understand about that? She’s your wife, why aren’t you just as worried as me?”

“ You put Rapunzel in danger again, Cassandra.” Eugene’s voice turned cold. “This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t gone off with some… some witch or whatever! I’m only here to help my wife .”

Cassandra ground her teeth together, a fire burning in her gut. “You know what, Eugene? I could have done this alone. You could have that stupid fucking day off, and I could have been there and back without any problems.”

“ You’re the one causing them!” Eugene countered, laughing like she’d said the dumbest thing he’d ever heard. “I’m sorry if I’ve been worried about you. I missed you, Cass. You’re one of my best friends. But maybe that doesn’t mean anything anymore.”

Eugene got up very abruptly, before turning and walking to go to the tent. Cassandra bit her lip angrily, kicking at the dirt. 

He wasn’t wrong. This was her fault… Even if she can’t remember what happened. Ugh. 

–

They rode into Veritas, Cass guiding Max along the path she remembered. But the Innkeeper shook his head about seeing a ‘ Cassandra’ . Cassandra and Eugene looked frustrated, but still didn’t engage each other. Maximus made a sigh to Pascal, and the two looked sadly at the humans. 

Where would Rapunzel have gone in her body? Cassandra grimaced, unsure. Maybe… the witch had something to do with her disappearance? Where had she been…? 

The town was still cleaning up from the event. Perhaps she’d be in that… room she’d taken Cassandra into. Cassandra blushed, angry at the thought. How could she have been so stupid-?

She led Eugene to the inn, where she’d spent the night with the witch. Angrily she knocked on the door of the room she’d been in. 

“Hey, uh… you!” She yelled, mad, “Come out here.”

There was rummaging behind the door, before a voice sounded. “Huh?”

“You heard me, come out here and face me, witch.” Cassandra tried the doorknob.

“Cass?” Another voice muffled behind the door. That was- That was Cassandra’s voice-! Raps!

“Rapunzel, open this door! I’m here for you, let me save you-!” Cassandra felt the pit in her stomach grow.

Behind the door was silent for a moment, before Cassandra saw herself open the door. Another woman hid behind her. 

“What- what’s with the yelling, I-?” Rapunzel laughed, looking concerned. Her eyes widened as she saw herself . She thought for a moment before saying, “I’m- I’m okay. Bronwyn here was going to help me get back to-”

“ Bronwyn! ” Cassandra’s eyes widened as the name struck a memory. “What did you do to us? What do you want with Rapunzel?”

“What- nothing!” The woman hid further behind Rapunzel, scared. “I just- I uh!”

Cassandra pushed on Rapunzel’s arm but she stood firm, confused. “... Cass?”

“What?” Cassandra stopped, grunting. 

“So she did switch us…” Rapunzel mumbled, blinking to Bronwyn. 

“Rapunzel, let me in.”

“Why are you being mean?” Rapunzel countered, before spotting Eugene behind her. Her eyes grew round, and she looked back to Cassandra. “I know you were worried but Bronwyn did this for us!” 

“What does that mean, why did you do this?” Cassandra felt a snort come out.

“If you just relax then I’ll explain, okay?” Bronwyn poked out, before ducking immediately back behind Rapunzel. 

“F ine.” Snorted Cassandra, who stepped back.  Pascal jumped from shoulder to shoulder to hug Rapunzel’s hand, making an excited noise. It was then Eugene that stepped forwards to take Rapunzel into a hug. It was weird, seeing him hugging Cassandra’s body.

“I missed you.” Rapunzel whimpered, leaning up for a kiss. Eugene reared back, laughing awkwardly. “Sunshine, I doubt Cass wants to see me kiss her. ”

Shrinking back in embarrassment, Rapunzel looked to Cass. Cassandra knew she looked awful, when Rapunzel stared at her with wide eyes. She hadn’t slept well this whole week, and had a bit of a busted lip from the bandits. Her hair was a mess and her dress was torn. She couldn’t even keep Rapunzel’s body safe.

“Cass…” Rapunzel started, but was cut off by Cassandra raising her finger to Bronwyn.

“I need her to talk , Raps. I can’t remember anything- She did something to me- to us!”

“Just listen.” Bronwyn spoke up, laughing awkwardly. “I didn’t mean any harm. I’m not sure what situation you were in to cause this…? But anyways, I- I did this for your- your love!”

“Bullshit.” Cassandra sighed, shaking her head. “Love? Do you love someone here? Fuck off with that and tell me the real reason.”

“It was!” Rapunzel cut in, her face red. Cassandra raised an eyebrow at her. “It was! It was about your love… your love for…me?”

Cassandra’s turn to turn pink. “Yeah, I love you, what’s wrong with that?’

“Your romantic love.” Bronwyn corrected. All eyes blinked at Cassandra, who looked around.

“What do you mean? ” Cassandra bit her lip defensively, but winced at the pain. “I don’t-”

“I swapped you with the person whom you love most.” Bronwyn went on, peeking over Rapunzel’s shoulder. “Romantically. It’s what I do, here in Neserdnia.” 

“You are some kind of witch, aren’t you?” 

“No! Just a follower of Enrena.” Bronwyn smiled hopefully. 

“I don’t-” Cassandra sighed, pissed off. “Can we come in and talk about this?”

Rapunzel raised an eyebrow, looking Cassandra up and down.

“Ugh…. Raps, I promise I won’t hurt her.” Cassandra sighed. 

Bronwyn and Rapunzel parted from the door, letting Cassandra and Eugene inside. It was a pretty inn, and Cassandra… remembered being here, the night she met Bronwyn. 

“Enrena is the goddess of sexuality, eroticism, and lovers.” Bronwyn explained, which Cassandra crossed her arms about. “She adored people, those who searched for love. She’s worshiped throughout the kingdom for her powers- the power to bring those in love closer together.” 

Cassandra rustled in her seat on the bed, uncomfortable.

“That’s what the festival was about?” She asked, not giving up her stern voice. 

“Yes!” Bronwyn smiled. “I saw you were unhappy, so I wanted to bring love to you.”

Cassandra crossed her legs now, looking away. “Yeah. Okay. What does Rapunzel have to do with you sleeping with me?” 

Rapunzel and Eugene made a noise of surprise.

“I-.” Bronwyn chuckled, lifting a hand to Cassandra. “I didn’t sleep with you, if you don’t remember. You were drunk. . I wouldn’t have my way with you like that.”

Cassandra’s turn to be surprised. “But you- I was in your bed? That’s all I can remember…”

“Because I brought you here to be safe.” She explained, “You were experiencing Enrena’s powers, and you weren’t yourself. So I kept you here.”

“Uh huh. And why was she experiencing her powers?” Eugene asked, curiously. “I mean- Can you switch my wife back into her body? I’d really really like to kiss the right woman right now.”

Rapunzel giggled. 

Bronwyn chuckled again. “Well… I can’t. Not by myself.” Cassandra stared at her, furious. “But uh… it’s because she was at the festival. The drinks contain her pure essence. The liquid is made pure by Enrena, and poured into, might I say, delectable drinks. I bought them for Cassandra because she seemed unhappy.”

“So you… didn’t cast a spell on me..? It was some… alcohol.. Potion?” Cassandra held herself, now embarrassed and confused. 

“No spells.  A body swap. It’s a common enough situation here. Normally though, the lovers aren’t so far away from each other.” The woman chuckled. 

“We’re not lovers, though.” Cassandra sighed, her voice raising. “She’s my best friend, sure… But Rapunzel is Eugene’s love.”

“But she captured your emotions.” Bronwyn shrugged. “She’s the love of your life. You feel the most romantic love for … who I now know to be the Princess of Corona.” The witch looked at Rapunzel with a smile. Rapunzel smiled back, though looked quite embarrassed. 

“So… you’re saying Cassandra is in love with Rapunzel.” Eugene stated very matter-of-factly, looking around. “Because that’s what I’m hearing.”

“Cass..” Rapunzel smiled at Cassandra, before coming to sit at her side. 

Cassandra felt her temper rise with her embarrassment. “I’m not in love with Rapunzel .” Her heart felt like it was about to explode as she spoke against her feelings. “Your goddess was wrong.”

“Enrena is never wrong.” Bronwyn gasped, shaking her head. 

“Well she was! I don’t love anyone like that.” Cassandra shook her head, wincing away from Rapunzel’s touch. “And you know what? I’d rather not be in her body anymore. Can you switch us back now?”

“I told you I cannot.” Bronwyn shook her head. “You have to accept your feelings to return to normal, Cassandra.”

“Well I can't, okay? They’re not real, and your goddess is a liar.” Cassandra hated the attention on her, it felt like a dark cloud. 

Bronwyn got up, an angry look on her face. It looked like she was about to retort when Cassandra interrupted. 

“You know what?” Cassandra stood up, walking out the door. “I’m done with this. I don’t care if I’m in Rapunzel’s body forever. Let’s go home.”

Cassandra slammed the door behind her, leaving the group in surprise, looking at one another. 

–

Cassandra felt the tears hit her eyes like a hot wound, pouring liquid down her face. She walked to the nearest tree and leaned against it, sliding down to her behind. Hiding her eyes in her knees, Cassandra sobbed quietly. This was all too much to handle.

It was another hour before she heard anything aside from her own sobs. The sound of feet in the grass. Barefoot. 

“Rapunzel, I don't want to talk about it.” Cassandra shifted away from the intruder, rubbing at her face. 

“Cass..” Rapunzel stared at her with soft eyes. “Please talk to me…? What’s going on with you? I haven’t seen you for a whole year and you … hate me again?”

“No, Raps!” Cassandra turned to her, making the princess jump at the sight of her swollen eyes. “I- I don’t hate you..”

Rapunzel gripped her other arm, shrugging. “I’m just.. Confused.” 

The two looked at each other, both… sad. 

“I’m… Rapunzel I don’t know… how I feel about you.” Cassandra admitted. “You’re my best friend- I’ve never… I haven’t felt romantic love since I was… I don’t know, like fifteen? How could I be in love with you? You’re-.... I can’t feel that way about you.”

“Why not?” Rapunzel sat by her side, listening to the sniffling of her friend. “It’s okay if you do.”

“It’s not. You’re with Eugene.” Cassandra looked away again.

“I-” Rapunzel paused, before sighing. “Well, yeah.. But that doesn’t mean your feelings don’t matter.”

“They’re never going to matter, Rapunzel.” Cassandra turned back, a shock of pain in her eyes. “I love you and I can’t have you.”

Rapunzel only seemed stiffer as Cassandra started to bawl, a hand gently, awkwardly, placed on Cassandra’s leg. 

“I can’t do it Rapunzel.. I can’t pretend it’ll be fine..” Cassandra sobbed.

“Then don’t.” Rapunzel spoke softly, her hand firmer on Cassandra's leg. “You don’t have to be okay, Cass.. But … I can’t fix this, I need you to know I’m not judging you for anything. I… I know my love for you is platonic- but..” Her voice trailed off as Rapunzel tried to think of how to solve this situation, as she always did. Even when it wasn’t her fault.

“I-.... She said I have to accept my feelings.” Sniffled Cassandra, taking Rapunzel’s hand gently in her own. “But Raps… That’s hard when you don’t feel the same way… Not- I don’t want you to force yourself I’m just.. I don’t know what to do.” 

Instead of speaking more, Cassandra pulled Rapunzel into a rare hug, gripping her tightly. Rapunzel listened as her friend bit back sobs, her chest heaving. 

“I love you, Rapunzel.” Cassandra spoke, finally. “I have for years. It’s hard to say how long exactly… But I love you… I wish we could be together, like I want but I know we can’t… I hope we can still be best friends.”

“Of course we can, Cass.” Rapunzel smiled, squeezing Cassandra tightly. “You’re my best friend, and I love you.”

“I love you too.”  

It was then that the two fell against one another as if fainting, their eyes losing focus as the magic from the potion wore off. It seems Cassandra had spoken her true feelings. 

As she came back into focus, Rapunzel laughed, looking back at her best friend. They were… they were back in their own bodies..! She squeezed Cassandra again, before pulling her into a more lax hug. The two stayed there a moment, both looking downright dreadful with Rapunzel’s torn clothes and swollen lip, and Cassandra’s swollen eyes. But they giggled in their love for one another for another couple of minutes. 

Cassandra stood first, offering a hand to Rapunzel who took it shakily. Her body was probably aching just as much as Cassandra’s head was pounding. How had Rapunzel stayed calm with this feeling..? She was just a wonder that way. Taking each other’s hands, the duo walked back to the hotel’s room, knocking on the door. Eugene opened it, raising an eyebrow as he pointed between them. Rapunzel nodded before hugging him tightly, a very tentative kiss on his lips as her own hurt. 

Cassandra looked a bit uncomfortable as they embraced, finding herself a bit nervous with everything that just happened, before she was pulled into the hug by Eugene. She gladly took it, sighing into the warmth of the others. 

“So, back to normal..?” Bronwyn broke in, leaning towards the group as she interrupted. 

“I suppose.” Cassandra raised an eyebrow at the witch-lady, pulling away from her friends. “But.. ergh.. I guess I’m still confused how this was supposed to make me happy.”

“Are you not happy now that you’ve expressed your feelings?”

“Not.. entirely.” Cassandra blinked at Rapunzel, who smiled curiously. “It stung mostly.”

“Well, it helped your relationship, I can tell.” Bronwyn spoke matter-of-factly, nodding. 

Cassandra looked a bit … more than irritated with Bronwyn, so Rapunzel took over speaking, “Well we’d better get back to Corona… Seems my father thinks I’m on a romantic trip right now and I’m due back soon.” 

“Enrena’s gratitude.” Bronwyn nodded, smiling. “I hope to find you all again someday. Come for the festival next year?”

Looking to each other, the trio smiled. “Maybe.” Rapunzel spoke, giving a hug to Bronwyn as a goodbye. “We’ll definitely try.”

Will we? Thought Cassandra, a smug smile on her lips as she walked over to where Fidella was whinnying to Maximus. Petting the large brown horse’s nose, Cassandra whispered that she’d missed her. 

The trio rode home carefully, as they passed back through the bandit territory. But the ride back home was much easier compared to the ride there. 

What would I do without them by my side?