Updating a day early, 'cause I felt like it. I actually really love this chapter. I did a bit of experimenting with a different pov. It turned out to be a lot of fun. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Fifteen

When Arianna saw her daughter-her baby girl getting ready for her wedding, she hadn't cried. When she saw Rapunzel recite her vow, she stayed strong. As she was being whisked away from her for the second time, Arianna lost her composure. She began to bawl with big sloppy tears falling from her eyes. She fell on the steps of the palace.

Arianna spent the rest of the day in bed. Her pillow was drenched with her tears. Her hair in knots. Martina, her lady-in-waiting found her there in the evening. Arianna had asked Frederic to leave. No one had seen her all day. Martina let out a gasp, but nothing more. She had been her lady's maid for nearly all her life. She understood when her comments were not appreciated.

Martina grabbed a water basin and rag. She soaked the rag for Arianna to place on her eyes. She sighed, feeling a bit better now. Martina helped her out of bed. She dressed her in a fresh nightgown. Could something feel so soft? Martina had another maid send dinner up to her. Arianna didn't want to eat. No, she couldn't eat. She was all cried out, at this point.

Her baby was gone. For real this time. The very thought had terrified her all these years.

It still did.

She was sound asleep. Little could disturb her. When Arianna became a mother, she knew that she would get little sleep, if that. What she hadn't expected was all those long nights with no sleep at all. Arianna spent nearly a week without closing her eyes except to blink.

Rapunzel was finally sleeping peacefully. Six months was a good age. Arianna was already getting more rest. She still cherished every moment. Just in case.

The baby began to cry. Arianna groaned. She was finally getting to sleep. She got out of bed, whispering to Frederic that she was fine, and looked into the cradle.

Rapunzel wasn't there.

Panic seized her in the moment. Arianna hadn't known real fear until then. She glanced around the bedroom. No Rapunzel. She ran to the balcony. A dark clock, nearly blending in with the night, was making its way down the castle. Arianna opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came out. She didn't realize that Frederic had joined her until he laid a hand on her shoulder. She gasped.

"Where's Rapunzel, dear?" he questioned, yawning.

"Gone! She's gone! My baby . . ." Arianna grabbed her skirts with one hand and ran to the edge of the balcony. "I need to get her back! Rapunzel! Rapunzel! I'm coming, honey! Mama's coming!"

Frederic held her back. She pounded her hands against his chest. She needed to get her baby. No one could keep her from Rapunzel. That was her daughter. Arianna had already lost so many of her babies. She wasn't going to lose Rapunzel.

"Guards!" Frederic called. The two guarding their doors burst in. "The princess was captured. Send all the men after her."

Arianna didn't remember what had happened moments after then. She came to her senses while her husband explained everything to the captain. She couldn't climb down the balcony. But that wasn't stopping her from getting her daughter back.

When Frederic was distracted, Arianna tore out of the room. She found the stables easily. It had been more than a year since she last rode, but she was persistent. Arianna set out, following the group of guards into the forest. She caught up to them, easily.

"Your highness?" asked a guard, his mouth gaping wide.

"I'm getting my daughter back," was all she said back.

They rode along the trees, determined as ever. A hoard of horses blocked the kidnapper's way, so they couldn't get through. She shrieked as Rapunzel was pulled out of her arms. Arianna stumbled off of her horse, not letting anyone help her. She dashed to the captain's side. He gave her back her daughter.

The weight of Rapunzel back in her arms was more than relief. A dam holding back her tears broke. Arianna sobbed, but wiped her tears away before they could get on her daughter's beautiful face. She wouldn't let that happen ever again. She kissed Rapunzel's eyes and hands over and over. She was safe. Her baby was safe.

Frederic arrived, also on horseback. He came crashing down. He scoped the both of them up. Holding them tight.

They were safe.

But now Rapunzel wasn't with her.

She was away in the Dark Kingdom's castle. Married. Who knew when she would be able to see her again?

So Arianna took matters into her own hands. She took out a paper and quill. Within five minutes, she had written a letter. Inviting Rapunzel (and Eugene and Edmund, of course) back to Corona. It would help with both of their homesickness. She hoped, at least.

When Rapunzel went down for breakfast that morning, she didn't expect a letter from home. But she opened it, with a wide grin on her face. She recognized her mother's handwriting immediately.

Dear Punzie,

The castle has felt empty without you. Your father and I both miss you. The citizens do, too.

Rapunzel read on about how Corona was doing. Her parents were just fine. There were splotches of wrinkled paper. Tears, perhaps? She continued.

We'd love for you, Eugene and Edmund to come visit us. I know that we said that we would give it a few months, but if it's alright with you. Take your time making up your mind. We're excited to hear back from you.

Love,

Mom

She nearly screamed out of joy. She was going home. At last. Rapunzel ordered for more paper to be brought up. She quickly scribbled down a reply. Of course they were visiting.

Why wouldn't they?

I love Arianna. There is literally no New Dream in this chapter, but, well, this is what writer's block gives you. Next chapter might come out a little late. I don't know when. But I really hate it where it's at right now. Also, can I just say that I freaking love the nickname Punzie?

Anyway, thank you so much for reading! I adore reviews!