This is my first attempt to write about Cassandra, Rapunzel's tough-as-nails handmaiden from Tangled: the Series. I really love her so much; she is such a badass and fun character to watch. I wanted to start with a quick glance inside her mind, featuring material drawn from the TV show and the book Rapunzel and the Lost Lagoon, which really provides some good insight into her character. I plan on writing some more stories featuring Cassandra, so please enjoy and expect more from the Iron Handmaiden!
I am a soldier.
It's what I was born to do.
I have trained for the Coronan guard since I was six. My father still doesn't believe I am ready. I hope I can prove him wrong one day.
I am a fighter. I can take on any foe. My duty is to this kingdom. This is my home. I have mapped out Corona like no one before me. I have charted every location and every secret place unknown to most of the kingdom's inhabitants. If anyone were to attack, I could anticipate their moves.
I train every day that I can. A soldier has to be prepared, physically and mentally. I feel at home when I'm training. The feel of my sword in my hand is as natural as my arm or my leg. I live for the feeling of slashing the air, warding off foes that exist in my head. Well, it's not like I visualize an enemy before me. I don't play pretend or do imaginary friends. What's the point? There's nothing there.
I run. I throw. I work out as much as I can. If I'm going to succeed my father as captain of the guard, I need to be in top physical shape.
Rapunzel changed everything.
Ever since I became her lady-in-waiting, I have been looking after the princess almost constantly. Not that I despise it. At first, it was tough to get adjusted to her peppiness and unbelievably sunny persona. But Raps is a good person. She has a heart of gold and a liveliness that really does brighten just about everyone around her.
She could use a little more caution, however. She can be too trusting. I know people are rarely what they seem at first glance. Raps doesn't always understand this. She is going to be queen someday. I hope she has enough sense to be the competent ruler she could be. It's there. I've seen it.
Her spirit is infectious. Her smile can warm just about any heart. She cares about everyone. But she needs to understand that not everyone is good at heart. She needs to understand that people do not always share everything like she does. I don't trust other people easily. I don't share whatever is on my mind. I know what this world is like. She has to make up for years of isolation from the world. If only it weren't so difficult.
Sometimes, I wonder if I will make it. I mean, I helped the princess sneak out of the kingdom. And what happened? Her hair grew back, and now it's unbreakable. We still have no idea why or how to get rid of it. But no one – except her pretty boy Eugene – knows the truth about how she got her hair back. And I still fear what might happen if the secret gets out. So far, no one else knows. But I can't guarantee it will stay that way. If her parents find out, I'm done. My father would be furious. I could get banished. I will never see my best friend again.
It is my destiny to be a soldier. I was born to do this. Born to be a guard. That is what I was meant to be. It is going to happen. This is my life.
Right?
