Hi everyone. Why does the littlest guardian loves bunnies so much? Here's your answer, enjoy.

Chapter 2: Within the Walls of Confinement

After the death of Queen Melanie, a servant of the castle, Martha, was to be Belladonna's caretaker. She only knew the Princess for at least three years, aware that she was also blessed by the Goddess Flora. However, when the youngest daughter of the King reached her fourth birthday, something horrifying happen that no one had expected.

Now, Martha wasn't really like all the other servants of the castle. Because she never liked Queen Melanie, she deemed Princess Belladonna as only a nuisance and her powers were cursed, not blessed. Her distrust for the Queen only grew after seeing her converse with Mother Gothel right after Belladonna was born four years ago.

"Princess, where are you going?" she asked sternly after catching the child's attempts to sneak out.

"J-Just to see Rapunzel." the girl replied timidly.

"No, Princess. I was under orders by the King to watched over you. And that I shall do."

"But I'll only be-" Belladonna got cut off.

"Enough! You are going to stay here, in your room." the servant became impatient with the Princess.

All the other servants were standing, a bit nervous at the scene between Belladonna and Martha.

"I just want to see my sister!" the Princess exclaimed.

"You can see her any other time! In fact, I'd very much preferred if you stayed away from her!" Martha grabbed the girl's arm. "I have served this kingdom for a very long time and you are the only one who is making everything difficult! You and your wretched mother just had to come during a time of grief, trying to replace our beloved Queen and Princess as well!"

"I would never replace Rapunzel! I love her, she's my sister!" Belladonna struggled against Martha as the servant's grip tightens.

The girl cried out in pain as she fought even harder. In the middle of the struggle, the Princess accidentally scratched the woman in self-defense, her nails left opened wounds on the flesh. The woman immediately let go as she fell to the floor.

A scream was let out as all the other servants left to tell the King, leaving Belladonna alone to see the fallen form of the servant in front of her. She stumbled back as she looked down at her hands, her nails were emitting some sort of deadly touch. She looked back at Martha and suddenly, an overwhelming feeling of fear washed over her. She stayed put, trembling as footsteps can be heard. They were getting closer until the Princess can see her father. A look of shock spread on his face.

"Belladonna, are you alright?" Crisanto asked in panic.

The child couldn't answer, so she just nods. She then looked back at Martha for the woman was barely alive.

"Your Majesty..." she called out in a hoarse voice.

"Martha, what happened?" the King questioned.

"That thing did this!" the servant exclaimed, pointing at Belladonna.

King Crisanto was not happy over the fact that one of his servant called his daughter a "thing", but he dismissed the remark. Martha was taken to the infirmary to have her wounds be treated. To keep both the Kingdom of Floralia and Belladonna safe, the King decided that it was best if she stayed hidden in the highest tower. As for the servant, she was losing a lot of blood. Despite the wound wasn't deep, there was continuous bleeding. Soon, Martha died from blood loss. King Crisanto had the servant buried in the cemetery and kept her death a secret, claiming that she has left the kingdom.

The King later escorted his youngest daughter to the tower, where she shall stay for the time being. Just him and her.

"Now listen, Bella, the place I will take you shall be your new home." he explained.

"Am I going far away?" the Princess asked worriedly.

"No, it's close." Crisanto answered.

"Then, I can see Rapunzel, right?" Belladonna questioned, filled with hope.

The King was hesitant at first before he answered, "I'm afraid that you won't be seeing Rapunzel for quite a while..."

"Then when? Tomorrow?" she asked in curiosity.

The King didn't answer and open a portal to gain access to the tower. He motioned his daughter to go first and followed her after. When the child saw her new "home" she became confused.

"This is..." she immediately turned towards Crisanto. "Father, why..."

She stopped to see a grave expression on his face.

"Bella, listen to me. You'll have to stay in this tower for a while."

"But why?" the Princess asked until a thought came to her mind. "Is... Is this because I hurt Martha?" she waited anxiously for a response, but the King didn't give any. However, she can tell from his eyes that it wasn't about the servant, it was about her. Her eyes widen in fear, "Please, Father, don't make me stay here! I can't stand to be away from you or Rapunzel, please!"

Oh no, was this her punishment? Because she harmed a servant? Or was there more than that?

She begged, tugging at her father's shirt. But the more he didn't respond, the more he confirmed her fate. The girl cried as she fell to her knees, loosing her grip on him until she let go. Her father only looked at her in pity and guilt. Despite she was literally right there in front of him, how can he faced her? Guilt can only confused the mind even more.

"Bella, I-" he got cut off.

"I promise, I won't do that again... Just please!" she cried. "I promise I... Hic! Won't disobey her again." the poor girl started hiccuping as she continued to cry uncontrollably. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry..."

"Bella..." he stopped himself. "Martha is dead."

"What?" she questioned in confusion.

"She died from blood loss."

"So it's all my fault..." she started blaming herself, looking down in shame. "That's why I'm being punished."

"Bella, you're not being punished. It's just-" Crisanto sighed. "It's very complicated."

"Then why? I don't understand, I don't understand anything at all!" she asked in frustration.

"I don't expect you to." was all he could answer.

"Hic! Please, I don't want to be alone..." the girl tearfully pleaded in a quiet voice, not making any eye contact. "Hic!"

Crisanto couldn't find a response, so instead, he patted her head.

"I'm sorry, but it's for your own good. This tower will keep you safe." he kneel down to get to her level. He gently place his hand on her cheek, moving her face so their eyes can meet. "I do love you. You understand, right?"

"Um-hmm." she gave a nod as she wiped her tears away from her eyes.

"Good." he kissed her on her forehead before he stood up. "I'll send for some servants to bring you anything you need. If there is something you want, asked them, okay?"

She gave another nod as she watched him exiting. When there was no more footsteps, she quickly got up and ran to the direction where her father went. The King had exited the way he came in, but the portal disappeared. The Princess then head downstairs to find a circular door at the bottom of the floor. It should lead below the tower. The girl tried to opened the exit, but all her attempts failed. She was trapped.

Giving up on escaping, the Princess returned to her room. She examined the open space that has yet been filled. Despite the room had nothing, it was very beautiful, with beautiful hues of purple. However, the widows were designed to looked more like a prison. She place a hand on the bars of the window, looking at the palace from afar. As sunlight shined, she looked away, staring at the floor.

"Such confinement to hold a tiny life, isolated from everything and everyone." the girl sadly realized.

The Princess began to questioned her powers. Why her? Why was she giving such devastating powers? She never asked for such things. She never asked for any of this!

"This tower will keep you safe." her father's words rang in her ears.

After the sun was covered by a cloud, the child looked out to her old home. Her thoughts trailed to her sister.

"You're lucky, Rapunzel." she remarked with a sad smile. "Despite I'm free to roam around this cage-like room, it looks like my wings are...Clipped. At least you can fly free beyond the walls of confinement. These same walls that separate you and me."

It was like someone had put a wall in the birdcage, quite literally. The youngest bird couldn't go anywhere while the older sister still has the door open. She can leave whenever she wants. Everyday, Princess Belladonna remained in her tower. Locked away. Nobody visited her, except for the servants. But even they don't stay for long. They only came to bring her whatever she might need. Coming and going because they were afraid of her. Weeks passed, even months.

Eventually, the loneliness got to the Princess. Everyday, she would blamed herself- her cursed powers for the reason why she was locked up. Can nothing good come out of her if all she was capable of is bringing death and destruction? Whenever she begins to missed her sister, she would blamed herself once more. All she felt was immense pain and sadness. The girl was miserable and grew slightly jealous of Rapunzel, as much as she doesn't want to admit it.

Belladonna became hopelessly lost and worried about her future. What fate will await her? Can any bright future come to her? Was she condemned to all this sorrow and suffering? What good can a Princess of Death gained in a life filled with nothing, but fear and loneliness? Everyday, she would feel nothing, but pain. Nothing of any physical sort, but she was suffering mentally. No one was really there for her.

In the Throne Room, King Crisanto was sitting in his throne, pondering over one thought. Is there a cure for Belladonna's powers? He doesn't know and he would continue thinking if it haven't been for the sound of the door knocking.

"Come in." he replied. The door opened to show a scarred woman in a baggy dull cloak with a staff in her hand. The King was surprised, "Gothel, what is it you need?"

"Your Majesty, I have a request. I wished to be a caretaker for your daughter, Princess Belladonna." Mother Gothel replied.

"Why? Are you aware of her..." what should he say? "Blessing?"

Mother Gothel laughed, "Oh, my King, I wouldn't call it a blessing. More like a curse. Although, I feel partially responsible for Queen Melanie's death."

"What's that?"

"She died, leaving her child motherless. I understand that girl's loss. I, too, have lost something that I can never get back."

"Don't blame yourself, Gothel. You were there for Melanie during those seven years. Seven years that I couldn't be there for her." Crisanto reminded her.

"King Crisanto, you are kind. Although, I feel it is fitting for me to look after your daughter. It's only fair for me to help guide the child of your late wife."

"I'm not quite sure. The former caretaker died." the King was hesitant.

"I once help guide Queen Melanie through her time of need and now, Princess Belladonna needs me. I'm sure she would want to know what kind of person her mother was." the servant insisted.

"Very well, you shall have access to the tower." the King replied.

"You look worry, Your Majesty." she noted.

"I just..." the King sighed. "I want to find a way to help cure my daughter, so she can come back. I feel guilty for locking her in the tower, especially when she wasn't at fault."

"Don't worry about it too much, my King. I shall teach the girl all that I know."

"I see, I hope you succeed."

"Indeed." after the servant left, the King didn't hear her last remark. "I shall succeed."

Little did the King know, what the sorceress had in mind was something that he didn't expect.

Meanwhile...

It's been many months, six in fact, since she last seen her sister. It was probably the same thing with her... Only, she haven't seen a single soul for a very long time. A girl of twelve years, dressed in a sleeveless pink dress, was watching from her opened window, with her head resting in her hands as if in a daydream. A floral crown of lilac and white flowers was adorn in her hair. Her long waist-length golden hair was gently swaying back and forth in the cool night breeze. Many flower petals drifted gracefully in the wind, the scent of Lilac Bellflower was so sweet.

Her blue eyes gazed at the stars until her sight drifted of to a certain place. Just a few miles away was the tower. That place where they kept her. The Princess didn't understand. Why was Belladonna locked up there? What did she do that she has to be kept in the tower? Snapping out of her thoughts, the Princess resumed her gaze at the tower. She wondered, how was Belladonna doing? Was she also looking out her window, looking for her as well? Unfortunately for Rapunzel, the dark night sky really hidden any view of the window. Belladonna can probably see her because her room is filled with light.

That day when her sister was locked away, her father had been very secretive. Even when Rapunzel found out that her sister was in the tower, the King never answered her questions. He didn't even give any real reasons why, but he had forbidden her from going up there. Why?

Well, she wasn't going to just stay in her room and heed her father's words, even if he was King. However, sneaking out in the middle of the night will spread panic. It could ruin her chance to see her sister again. She'll have to plan. That was when the first question popped in her head.

How was she going to get access to the tower?

"Don't worry, Bella. I'll find a way to see you." the girl promised as she rest in her bed.

She'll have to find that way tomorrow morning.

It has been a long time since she had been in the tower. How long has she been in here? Weeks? Month? Maybe six months? Perhaps even more... The seasons have been changing a lot. She remembered that during Spring, the time when she was taken to her "new" home, she would stare out at night to find Rapunzel. Luckily, she can see her sister's room because it was filled with light. However, there was little light in the room here, only a few candles that glowed rather eerily. She would play with her dolls sadly. Much more like useless goods that wasn't needed, much liked her. She wasn't really needed. After all, who needs a girl who have destructive powers? Who would want her? A burden to the family, one who have gone from being a King's daughter to a prisoner of her own home.

She remembered missing out on Rapunzel's twelve birthday on April 7. She couldn't attend the party nor leave this cursed tower at all! Looking through that same window, she would hear the festivity. The music from the instruments, the sound of cheers, the songs of the crowd... Through this tiny window, it was the only way to see. Well, there was also a balcony at the top of the tower, but she doesn't dare go up there... At least, not yet. The tower is very high and during extreme weather conditions, one might accidentally slip and fall. And that fall will only mean death.

Being in this tower can be very lonely sometimes. Even her play set. A tea party for only one...

But during the Summer, it was worse when the frequent storms come. The thunder would roar so loudly and the lighting flash, terrifying the poor girl. Every night, she would tremble in her bed, having no one to comfort her. There was no one. She was all alone. The only thing that stays with her is darkness. Darkness and loneliness. It was truly a living nightmare.

But Spring and Summer have already passed. The calmness of Autumn have arrived... And soon the peaceful Winter will too. Belladonna was drawing on a piece of paper with a box of crayons on her bed with only a candle for her to see. It was a drawing of her and Rapunzel together. She hoped that day will come. The day when she and her sister can escape from this place. Of course, she loves her home, but she wishes to explore the world. To see what was in store out there. But... If she ever get that chance one day, where would she go?

The mountains? The beach? To other kingdoms?

She have no idea. When the girl have finished her drawing, she place the paper and the box of crayon on her desk before going to bed. Before going to sleep, however, she would looked at the stars and that pale moon. In time, sleep caught up with her as the girl closed her eyes. Hopefully, she'll dream her wish will come true... One day.

Another day will soon passed. It was dull and tiresome. Today is November 13, the girl's fifth birthday. Obviously, she could just spent the rest of her day playing by herself. But what's there to play when your whole life is filled with loneliness? Nothing, but an empty void? What was the purpose of trying to live a normal life when she is considered dangerous? Why was she like that? She doesn't know the origins of her powers. What a way to celebrate one's birthday, locked in a tower where no one dares to come visit her. She was just too lonely.

Unaware to the girl, there was always one visitor amongst the shadows. The King. Everyday, he would watched her in secrecy as she played by herself. But she never knew that.

It was now close to being evening and Belladonna was close to just give up on the day. Until...

She heard the door to the tower opening. Curious, she went out of her room to see what was going on. Once she got to the Tower Basement, she noticed that the door was closed. Was it just her imagination?

"Bella." a soft voice whispered.

The child turned to the source of the voice to have her eyes widen.

"Rapunzel!" she exclaimed happily.

"Shh." the older Princess place a finger to her lips.

Rapunzel came out of her hiding place as Belladonna ran up to hug her.

"I missed you so much!" the girl cried, not caring about keeping her voice down.

Rapunzel sighed in submission. Well, there is no point continuing it, right?

"And I missed you too." she wrapped her arms around her beloved sister.

"But, what... Why are you here?" Belladonna asked, looking into her sister's eyes without breaking the tender embrace.

"Father wouldn't allow anyone to visit, even me. So I came on my own." Rapunzel explained.

"But how? Why?" the little girl questioned as the sister made their way into Belladonna's room.

"I came through with the help of a magic beanstalk." the girl answered. "And... Because it's your birthday, Bella, I have a present for you."

"Really?!" Belladonna questioned in excitement.

The only present she'll ever accept would be from Rapunzel because her gifts has something that all the other toys doesn't have. It has some sort of meaning. All the others were exchanged between strangers, but Rapunzel is no stranger to her. And as proof, the Princess showed her a box in purple wrapping with a lilac bow on top.

The younger sister opened the gifted box to see a purple stuffed bunny. It was completely handmade!

"I hope you love it, even though it's not that good." her sister humbly admits.

The girl blushed embarrassingly over her sewing skills, despite it wasn't bad. The sewing have a natural feel to it, but Belladonna didn't care about that. She just looked at the stuffed bunny and squealed so happily. Like what any other normal young girls do, she hugged it close, rubbing its cheek against hers. She then gave Rapunzel another hug.

"I love it! Than you, Rapunzel!"

And so, Rapunzel began her plans to visit Belladonna everyday. She had to be careful though. At night, her father would regularly go to the tower. If he caught her, then all her chances would fail. So, to be safe, she would visit during the mornings or afternoons. If she's lucky, she might be able to sneak during the night after her father left on rare occasions. The sisters would play with each other so much that Belladonna didn't feel lonely anymore. As a matter of fact, she enjoys having her sister in her life again. It was like what they used to do before her imprisonment in the tower. Although, she can experience it again.

However, on one Winter's day, the King decided to come for an early visit. The girls were unaware of his presence, but the Crisanto can feel the presence of his older daughter. To confirm his suspicion, he peek through the crack of the door.

'Rapunzel? What is she doing here?' he ponder as he eavesdrop on their conversation.

"I don't think Father loves me." he can hear Belladonna's voice.

Crisanto frowned at that comment. Was she that lonely and desperate that she didn't believe in his love for her? Or was it because time seemed to have not changed in this tower that she has forgotten? Or perhaps, changed her opinion?

"I think he does love you." Rapunzel replied. She shook her head, "No, I know he does love you."

"Then why would he locked me here in this tower?" the child asked.

"He must have a good reason, perhaps all he wants is to keep you safe." the older girl respond.

The younger girl nods her head, recalling that her father did say something along those lines.

"If only he could have shown it..."

"There are many ways to show love other than simple kisses and hugs." Rapunzel pointed out.

"Like what?"

"Simply thinking about the ones you love. Caring for them is anything form of love, even if you don't know about it." Rapunzel turned towards the door and smiled, giving her father a wink.

King Crisanto was initially shocked, but then he smiled, knowing that Belladonna will be in good hands with Rapunzel. He was such a fool. He could never separate the two apart. Perhaps, that was why Melanie entrusted her daughter to Rapunzel. Understanding the situation now, the King left the tower via portal.

Knowing that his daughters will be fine, there was just one objective in his mind. Finding a cure.

At night, Rapunzel sings Belladonna a song to help her go to sleep. It was soothing and melodic. It gives out this calming feeling in the young girl's heart. After all, it was only natural for the Guardian of the Lilac Bellflower to make anyone feel at ease. When the twelve year old have realized that her sister have fallen asleep on her lap, she smiled as she carefully carried her to bed. The girl was sleeping so soundly as she was put in bed. After placing the stuffed bunny in the girl's little arms and covering her with a warm blanket, Rapunzel gave a goodnight kiss on Belladonna's cheek.

"Sweet dreams, Bella." she quietly replied as she left, being very careful not to disturbed her.

Belladonna smiled as she snuggled her bunny. In her beautiful dreams, she dreamt of her and Rapunzel. It would be nice to travel a little bit from home- to be free from this tower, wouldn't it?

I hope you enjoy. Please leave a review and to any "Guest" out there, at least have a name that I can call you by. See you soon!