Chapter 1: Mixed Feelings

"Wow. a lot has happened this year. I made some bad mistakes, had a life changing trip around the world, I then saved the world, regained the love of my best friend, and then realized something crazy that I've been hiding from myself for a long time... I'm in love with my best friend."

Rapunzel's Journal, 167'th page.

"Listen, I know this might be a lot to take in. I'm not expecting you to understand just yet, but I hope in time, that we can be friends." Rapunzel said calmly.

Rapunzel was sitting on her throne in the royal hall of Corona's capital. The Sun dimly lit the usually decadent hall. The process of Rebuilding Corona was still underway. It had only been a few weeks since Rapunzel's coronation as queen. In that time she had enacted many decrees and was already revered and loved for her youthful energy and strength.

But this situation was not something to be revered, or praised just yet. Eugene stood stiffly bearing his Red and Yellow uniform as she gave him the news.

"I would very much like for you to continue serving as the Captain of the Guard. It would help me greatly to have you still here with me in Corona." said Rapunzel.

She didn't want to break Eugene's heart, but she had to end their relationship. It was tearing her identity apart. She had been deeply conflicted over the past few weeks about her feelings and having to deal with the Kingdom's situation on top of that was exhausting.

Eugene felt crushed, he didn't understand what had happened. But he would respect Rapunzel because he still loved her all the same, even if she didn't want to continue being in a Relationship.

He stared at the ground, almost paralyzed. Rapunzel took a deep breath and stood up. She knew what was happening. The first thing Eugene noticed as Rapunzel walked towards him was her shining crown. That triggered all the memories of her and him to play over in his head, and at that moment he began to well up in tears. He was scared about what Rapunzel was about to do. Would she slap him? Would she scold him for being a terrible person? Would she have him executed?

Rapunzel simply gave him a hug. Eugene composed himself and hugged back.

"It's my fault, Eugene. I promise you've been great. I just need to figure out a few things. I promise." said Rapunzel, reassuringly.

Eugene was greatly taken aback by this. He understood now. He would respect her wishes. It was the right thing to do.

"Thank you, Rapunzel." replied Eugene, softly.

Rapunzel let go and Eugene turned to leave. He wiped away the water in his eyes and left the room. Before he could turn the corner away from the main door, he paused.

"I won't ever leave your side, your highness." said Eugene.

He then left. Rapunzel thought this was what she wanted and even though she knew it was she couldn't help but get emotional. She sat back down on her throne and let out what seemed a mountain of silent tears. She knew she loved him, but not in the way she thought, or the way she wanted. She sat alone and eventually composed herself enough to exit the hall and enter her bedroom. She walked through the halls of the Castle stoically, while people walked by and addressed her with all the traditional mambo jumbo. She didn't have the time for it today. She ignored everyone, even Stan and Pete.

"Hello, your highness. You don't seem to be feeling well, are you ok?" asked Stan, worriedly.

She smiled back at him.

"I'm fine, Stan. thank you." she replied.

Rapunzel stepped into her room and locked the door behind her with a click.

6 Months Later…

People, that's all Raps heard as the seemingly endless amount of her subjects shuffled out of the hall chaotically. It had been another long day of answering requests and decrees. She was tired of it. The night sky shone bright through the windows of the hall. Eugene, who was standing to the right of Rapunzel knew something was bothering her.

"Rapunzel, are you ok?" asked Eugene.

Rapunzel was relieved at his presence. Over the last few months they had been able to somewhat repair their relationship and formed a stable friendship. He was a good guy and still helped the queen in any way he knew how. Rapunzel had this monotone look in her eye that usually was never present. Rapunzel turned and smiled reassuringly.

"Yeah yeah I'm ok, just had a bit of a long day is all." she replied.

Eugene smiled and looked down at his watch.

"You can go home, You know? I'll be fine for the rest of the night." said Rapunzel.

"Are you sure, your highness?" replied Eugene.

"Absolutely." Rapunzel said.

Eugene smiled, bowed, and turned to leave the room. Before he exited he knocked on the large wooden door.

"Goodnight, Rapunzel." he said warmly.

"Goodnight, Eugene. Say hi to Lance for me." she replied.

He nodded and left. Eugene had decided to bring Lance, Angry, and Red back to the Capital. They decided to move into one of the biggest and oldest houses of the entire kingdom together. It was a quaint but nice life for Eugene, he raised the girls and enjoyed living with Lance, as they had known each other since birth.

And now, there was nothing in this vibrant room but Rapunzel on her throne, alone, on another beautiful night. Nothing but the bright lights of the candles, chandelier, and the bright decor to keep her attention.

Just as she was about to doze off, another slightly different knock rang her door and snapped her back awake. She woke with a yawn. Rapunzel stretched and stood up. Her eyes focused on someone she thought she would never see again.

"CASSANDRA!" she cheered.

Cassandra stood at the door to the hall, smiling deeply. She looked like she had been on quite the adventure since she had left. She wore the same outfit she had when she had left Corona for the bright beautiful world beyond the walls. But it was worn, and her brown travel bag had actually acquired some new decor. Most notably a sunflower patch sewed onto the side, next to a moon. Things hadn't been the same since she had left, that was for sure.

Cassandra speed walked towards her favorite person swifty and happily. It had been way too long. The two caught each other in the center of the room and hugged as though they hadn't in an entire lifetime. They might've crushed each other if they didn't make sure, but it didn't matter. Rapunzel beamed for the first time since Cassandra had left. Cass spun Rapunzel around and brought her back down again. They shared a laugh. They parted after what seemed like an eternity. Cass didn't even have to say anything, but Rapunzel felt enormously better. All the painful memories, annoying busywork, overpowering senses, and awkward moments just melted away at Cassandra's touch.

"How are you? What's happened since you left?" Tell me everything!" said Rapunzel.

Cassandra smiled and took off her glove. Her pale hand stroked Rapunzel's cheek softly. Rapunzel leaned in to Cass' shock. She smiled even brighter. Rapunzel had never seen Cass this happy. It was relieving after everything that had happened.

"I didn't mean to be gone so long. And I swear I'll tell you everything, ok?" Cass replied.

"Ok!" said Rapunzel.

"Ok." replied Cassandra softly.

After all this happiness, Cassandra seemed to miss one person who was usually always here.

"Where's Eugene?" asked Cass.

Rapunzel gave a disappointed look, she stared down at her feet. Cass knew something had happened, and she was what had happened to her unlikely friend.

"Let's go." said Rapunzel.

Raps grasped Cass' hand and they walked through the dimly lit castle halls together. Cass noticed how strong Rapunzel's presence felt now. She truly was queen material.

Rapunzel let go of Cass' hand as they approached the door to her room.

"Aww." thought Cass.

Raps then shoved Cass into her bedroom and locked the door. She let out a sigh of relief. She then turned and stared at the floor again, unable to find the right words. Cass walked over and gently put her hands on Raps' arms, leading her to the small space in front of the balcony window.

The sky gleamed through the window, illuminating them both in the moonlight. They sat on the comfortable chair and gazed at the bright, beautiful night sky as Cass slowly told Rapunzel the life changing adventures she had in the short time she was gone, about insane tournaments, crazy magic encounters, about jobs she had taken and people she met. It seemed like this trip had really helped Cass understand herself and the world better. Rapunzel listened closely, but couldn' t help but notice how beautiful Cass looked tonight.

Rapunzel didn't forget about the kiss they had shared on the bridge leading to Corona's capital on the day Cass had departed. She could still feel it in her thoughts and even more in her dreams. It was this kiss that had brought up the storm of emotions leading to her breakup with Eugene. It had made so much clear, and so much think about as well.

Cassandra seemed to notice her train of thought being lost, she noticed how her gaze had moved from her eyes down to her lips. Raps knew this and leaned in. followed by Cassandra, their lips almost parted when Cass felt a slight nudge to her chest. Raps had stopped her and composed herself. She was blushing so hard she might actually explode, and so was Cass...

"Oh my….GOSH." thought Rapunzel.

Cass felt guilty, she knew she shouldn't have overstepped like that.

"I'm so sorry." Cassandra said awkwardly. They both laughed and exchanged awkward apologies and reassurances. It was so silly but so nice. Raps was glad to be close with Cassandra again.

Rapunzel then explained everything that had happened over the past six months. Cass took it in and understood that this time may be hard for her, so for now, she would hang back and not push any farther.

"I'm sorry, Raps." said Cassandra.

Rapunzel smiled and gave Cass another tight hug.

"I'm ok now, I promise. I'm just glad that you're back." she said, holding back tears. Raps dug her head into Cass' shoulder as she pulled Raps closer.

"I'm so glad to be back, too. I missed you… so much." replied Cass.

Rapunzel yawned and made a noise. She was falling asleep in Cass' arms. Cass could feel her arms grow tired and weak.

"C'mon Your Highness, I know you can do better than that." said Cass playfully as she smiled.

Raps nuzzled even deeper into Cassandra. Cass picked her up gently and stared at her sleeping, beautiful face. She had dreamed of being this close with Rapunzel for years, but knew they would have to take their time with this relationship, especially with everything. Cass gently put Raps down on her gigantic bed and pulled the blankets over her until she saw Raps pull them close. She was dead asleep. Cassandra smiled and swept the hair out of Raps' face.

"Goodnight, sweetheart." said Cass.

She got up silently, tip toed over to Rapunzel's lamp and turned out the lights.