There's not even a shadow of a doubt in my mind right now. I'm going to die.
But the strange thing is, I don't even really care about that.
I mean, it's not like I get all kinds of warm fuzzies thinking about the fact that within the next twenty-four hours, I'll no longer be alive. But... I've realized that there are far more important things than my own life. First and foremost: Rapunzel.
And I don't even know if she's okay.
Who's to say that those damn Stabbington Brothers didn't get her? God knows what they're doing with her right now. I shudder to think. Even if they didn't find her, she could have found her way into some other horrible situation. She only got a taste of what the world was like, and it was mostly the good side. But there's so much more to the world, a whole other, darker side, that shows itself when you least expect it.
In a sudden burst of rage, I let out a thunderous growl, and slam both my fists on the nearest stone wall. Of course, I'm instantly met with the throbbing pain that accompanies such a stupid, reckless action, and I rub my hands, wincing. Well done, Rider. Way to solve a problem.
For the first time in... I don't even know how many years... I actually want to cry. Yes, I'm admitting it this time. My eyes are even starting to sting a little, and my throat's tightening with uncontrollable emotion.
Why did I have to leave her?
I should have just left it alone, gotten us both far away from the Brothers as fast as possible. I bet she would have understood the rush, if I explained it all. Knowing her, she would have followed me, giving me her full trust, like always.
Now that trust is most likely broken.
Irreparable.
Even if I do figure out a way to get out of here—fat chance—who's to say if she'll forgive me? If she'll even speak to me?
That does it.
A single tear pushes its way through the inside corner of my left eye, and I blink it away, letting it roll down my face. The first tear I've cried since I was staying at the orphanage. The first time since then that I've actually allowed myself to feel.
I've had a lot of firsts in the last forty-eight hours. First glimmer of hope in finally achieving my "dream"—which now seems completely obsolete. First time meeting a girl with seventy feet of magical hair, that's for sure. First time singing in a pub with a couple dozen thugs. First time fighting with a frying pan. First time being hit with a frying pan. First time telling someone my real name.
First time falling in love.
Yes, are you happy? I've admitted that, too! Would you like me to say it again?
I LOVE RAPUNZEL!
There.
But as true as that is, it doesn't exactly help the situation. Love, as powerful as it is, can't break through a stone wall and transport me to... wherever she is. It can't redeem me of years and years of stupidity. It can't fight off the Stabbingtons, or anyone else that might threaten her. All it does is... make me depressed.
Because I can't do anything about it.
Cue tear number two.
And number three.
Oh, hell, just let 'em all come out!
I suddenly find it incredibly difficult to remain standing. I lean my back against the wall I've just punched and slide down into a sitting position. Though I'm surprisingly okay with the fact that I'm currently crying in a cell, I take great pains to make sure no one else is privy to that. I'd never hear the end of it. The last words I'd hear in this life would be a jibe about just how pitiful I am. Yeah, not so much. I'll pass on that humiliation, thanks.
After a few minutes, I've cried myself dry, and I wipe my eyes, getting to my feet again. My mind wanders back a few hours, to when Rapunzel and I were in the boat. I was so close. Just a few more inches, and I could have kissed her. And she wanted it too, I could tell. That was one of the happier moments of my life—knowing Rapunzel wanted me just as badly as I wanted her.
Well, so much for that.
And now, I'm about to do something that I've never done. Ever.
I pray.
God... if you're there... just... please let Rapunzel be okay. Do whatever you want with me. I know I've been a real dou—um, jerk... but please... spare her. Let me die, let me go through hell and then some, I don't care. Just keep her safe.
And then I hear the jingle of keys, and a quiet laugh.
They're here for me.
