Chapter 2

4 years earlier

"Cassandra, please come forward and kneel."

Cassandra does what she's told, stepping forward and lowering to one knee before the king.

The warm morning air is still, with the summer sun high in the sky. Trickling water can be heard beneath the peaceful tweeting of birds amongst rustling leaves.

The palace courtyard is a field of grass completely enclosed within the towering walls of the castle. The yard is littered with concrete statues and vibrant flower bushes. There's a large fountain in the centre, with winding paths protruding from all edges of it and weaving through the vast garden.

An audience fills the courtyard – from nobles to royal guards to servants, all standing amongst each other and witnessing the orderly ceremony before them.

King Frederic stands beneath a large white pavilion at the top of a short staircase. Queen Arianna is positioned off to the side over her husband's right shoulder. Rapunzel stands silently next to her, wearing an elegant pink gown and clasping her hands in front of herself.

Cassandra lowers her head respectfully as she remains kneeled before the king, dressed in a suit of glistening silver armour with a crimson cloak clasped in front of her collarbones. Her short dark hair rests atop her shoulders, a particular curl falling in front of her eyes like it always does.

Frederic's deep voice continues to announce to the crowd before him, "Be it known to all here present that I, King Frederic, am minded to raise Cassandra by virtue of her honor, loyalty, valor, and skill at arms, to the high rank of knighthood. Know that she has been recognized for her long and honorable service to the kingdom of Corona through years of training under the royal guard. So let it be, on this day, that she is hereby admitted as appointed knight… of princess Rapunzel." His voice lowers as he addresses Cassandra, whose chin lifts to meet his eyes. "Do you swear to defend and protect the princess until she depart the throne, or death shall take you?"

It's a duty that Cassandra had been assigned to years ago by the king and queen - one that she had naturally fulfilled even long before this day, being the princess' mentor and life-long best friend.

Though Cass has trained under the guard since she was eight, and had been taken in as a member of the royal family years before that, it is by tradition that she finally receive an official title from the king, now that she is eighteen years of age.

"I do," promises Cassandra. She can't help the beam of pride that causes her to puff her chest out as she says it, having trained her entire life for this very moment.

It's a day she has been looking forward to for as long as she can remember, ever since she had her first sword fighting lesson as a child. From that day forward, she knew it had been her purpose to follow in her father's footsteps – to become a warrior as noble as he had been, and make him proud, as she had always promised him she would do.

Frederic nods at her, then moves aside. In an orderly fashion, Rapunzel steps into view and replaces him in front of Cassandra.

The princess gingerly accepts a sword from one of the servants. She holds it out in her hand, softly tapping the end of it on Cass' shoulder. "I hereby dub thee Cassandra. Receive your arms and take this sword to your side to defend me well."

Another servant steps forward, this time handing a shield to Cassandra. Corona's emblem, a golden sunburst, is faintly carved on the glistening surface.

Rapunzel then extends both her arms, presenting the sword that balances across her palms.

Cassandra accepts it from her, unable to ignore the princess' proud and excited smile beaming down at her.

"You may arise and accept this offering as a symbol of my gratitude," announces Rapunzel.

Fully aware that Rapunzel's words are only a script that she has been required to memorize for this very ceremony, Cass' heart still pounds at the thought of what she knows is about to come next.

She rises to a stand, holding both her sword and shield at her sides.

Then Rapunzel bends forward, planting a brief kiss on Cassandra's cheek.

Though she knows the gesture is tradition only, and meant to be strictly ceremonial, Cassandra can't help the heat that rises to her face from the feeling of it. It makes her stomach flutter in a way that she wished it didn't. Not to mention the fact that everyone here is staring directly at them, and suddenly she is more self-conscious than she believes she's ever been.

With sparkling eyes, Rapunzel smiles at her again, and Cass' lips tug into a captivated smirk.

"Your mount," the king speaks up again, stealing both of their gazes. He steps toward Cassandra with the reigns of a white stallion gripped between his burly fingers. "To serve you well in your endeavors, as he had done for your father before you."

The horse follows closely behind him, white mane flowing as the animal briefly shakes his head out. He's equipped with a golden studded bridle and saddle, decorated with Corona's emblem. Across his chest in small golden lettering is the name 'Maximus' embedded in the leather, though Cassandra is no stranger to her father's horse.

They've been riding together for years, but it isn't until now that Cassandra's ownership of him has become official.

Cassandra sheathes her blade into the belt holster of her armour, then accepts the reigns from Frederic.

The king places a loving hand on the girl's shoulder, gazing down at her with brimming admiration in his mournful eyes. His voice softens, his next words meant only for her rather than the entire audience. "He would be very proud of you, Cassandra."

Her heart bursts with sudden emotion at that. She knows that Frederic is right. She just wishes that her father could have lived to see this day, more than anything.

Cassandra nods at the king respectfully, a soft smile appearing on her lips, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

His eyes glisten as he grins down at her, reminded of the little girl she had once been. It had felt like so long ago, yet it's as if it had only been yesterday. Now, she has not only grown into a strong young woman, but an honoured knight of Corona. One that Frederic trusts with his life to be the one to protect his daughter, for many years to come.

Frederic turns to face the audience once more. He reaches for Cassandra's wrist, shooting her hand into the air in triumph.

"Let the celebrations begin!" he declares in an enthusiastic, booming voice.

The crowd erupts into applause, cheering for their knight.

Cassandra had predicted that everyone around the castle would treat her differently after her ceremony, because becoming a knight is one of the most honourable roles a person can have within the palace. What she didn't expect however, was the number of festivities that followed, for not only one, but multiple days afterward.

On the third day, when the kingdom is deep in celebrations and dancing and wine, the king and queen host an honorary ball within the castle – one that Cassandra practically has no choice but to attend, considering all of it is meant for every young knight that have earned their titles within the week.

She convinces herself otherwise, because it seems that everyone in this kingdom will jump at any chance to party, no matter the occasion, which she could never understand.

The rest of the knights are men, and only meant to serve the royal guard in whatever battles and wars are to come. Not like Cassandra, who has been assigned to the princess only, which is a different role entirely. It makes her stick out amongst the others, not to mention she is the only female knight within the castle. Therefore, she has to attend because everyone would notice if she didn't.

By early afternoon, the palace ballroom is bustling with guests, from servants to citizens to royal guards and distant relatives of the king and queen.

The vast room with towering ceilings and polished marble floors is brightly lit with rays of summer sun beaming through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Violet curtains drapes alongside each one, matching the purple hue of Corona's flag that has been strung up in small triangular banners across the room.

A row of golden chandeliers glisten overhead like stars. Various painted portraits line the white paneled walls, along with concrete statues on podiums and large vases of vibrant flowers.

A band of musicians play a soothing orchestrated song that fills the hall with life. Dancing figures in flowing ballgowns and formal tailcoats sway to the rhythm of the ringing violins.

A long banquet table lengthens across the floor at one end of the room, covered in a white tablecloth. It is positioned at the top of a short staircase, overlooking the ballroom.

The king and queen are seated near the end of the table, alongside other nobles and members of the royal family. Goblets of crimson wine and plates full of steaming food are set out before each of them, next to flickering candlesticks and collections of silverware.

Cassandra stands next to the table above the stairs, dressed in her suit of silver armour, much unlike every other woman in the room. Her hands are clasped behind her back, chin lifted, and chest puffed out as she gazes stoically at the dancers before them.

In a room full of pleasant laughter and smiling faces, Cassandra's lips are pressed tightly together as her eyes focus on Rapunzel in the distance.

Within a crowd of bobbing heads swaying to the music, she spots the princess' curled brown hair within them, pinned up with various colorful flowers, and stray curls framing her face. Her lilac ballgown sparkles beneath the light, corset tied around her waist with ribbons, short sleeves draping off her faintly freckled shoulders, skirt layered in silks and ruffles and trailing elegantly behind her as she moves.

If not for Rapunzel's breathtaking appearance, what Cassandra absently focuses on is the young man the princess is currently dancing with.

Cass watches them from a distance, unable to place the irked sensation it causes within her chest.

She supposes he's attractive. Not that that's something she would notice otherwise. Maybe the man's mere presence here wouldn't bother Cassandra so much if he weren't the tenth guy Rapunzel has danced with since this ball started.

Somehow, Cass doesn't trust a single one of them. Perhaps that's only because it's her literal job to keep an eye on Rapunzel, and ever since becoming the princess' appointed knight, she's become more paranoid about the whole thing, and feels that something bad is going to happen as soon as Cass takes her eyes away.

Not like it's any of Cassandra's business who Rapunzel chooses to dance with. She can't blame them anyway, considering Rapunzel is clearly the most beautiful girl in the entire room.

"You know, Cassandra..." Queen Arianna speaks up from nearby, "She isn't going anywhere."

Cass blinks out of her trance. She looks over at the woman who is seated at the table, unsure what she means. "What?"

Arianna sets down her chalice of crimson wine after taking a casual sip from it. "The chair is yours." She gracefully gestures to the empty seat next to her, her voice soothing beneath the distant music, "Sit. Have a drink. Enjoy the food. You've earned it."

Cass shakes her head politely, focusing her attention forward once more. "I'm not hungry."

Frederic chortles from his seat next to Arianna, chalice also in hand, "You remind me of your father when he was your age. As stubborn as a mule."

"Parties aren't really my thing," says Cass.

"Oh, they're not all bad," Arianna tells her, as if the girl is exaggerating. "Becoming a knight is quite the achievement, after all. Just… think of this as a well-deserved break from your training."

But Cassandra would take the training yard over a ballroom any day. She couldn't feel more out of place here. Clearly, the queen has a very different idea of fun. At least Cass isn't being forced to dance right now. Still, she'd much prefer target practice.

Frederic leans out of his seat toward Cassandra. He raises a hand to his mouth secretively, whispering, "The wine helps."

Though a part of her is tempted by that, she can't find it in herself to relax right now. So, Cassandra continues to stare forward and observe the rest of the room, hands still held behind her back like a guard on high alert.

The song ends, and the dancers come to a halt to applaud the band at the far end of the ballroom.

When their applause dies down a few moments later, a new tune begins to fill the space, as elegant and gentle as the last.

Frederic pushes himself out of his chair and rises to a stand. He theatrically reaches a hand down toward Arianna who is still seated next to him, "May I have this dance, my queen?"

With a grin, she gracefully places her fingertips into his palm. "I would love to."

As she rises, and they both step toward the dancefloor, Arianna strokes a loving hand on Cass' shoulder as she brushes past, flashing the girl a reassuring grin.

With that, they disappear into the crowd, leaving Cassandra alone.

It doesn't take long for the same head of hair Cass has been staring at this entire time to find it's way over to her. Rapunzel emerges from the crowd, immediately rushing over to Cass while lifting the front of her skirt in both fists.

"There you are!" She meets Cassandra at the top of the steps as everyone continues to dance behind her. Her voice is cheery and slightly breathless, "For a second there, I thought you might have left."

"Don't tell me you're tired of dancing already, princess," jokes Cass.

A puff of laughter escapes the princess' lips. She glances over her shoulder, a slight wince appearing on her face, "Is it that obvious?"

"What? You don't enjoy having preening men breathing down your neck all day?"

"Yeah, nuh-uh. Noooo thank you," Rapunzel shakes her head assuredly. "I'd much rather hang out over here with you. But you know, I'm the princess, so… apparently that means dancing with every prince who asks. And not being allowed to say 'no'."

Cass inhales through gritted teeth, folding her arms across her chest, "I don't know, Raps... That sounds like a you problem."

"Wow. Glad I can count on you to lift my spirits," Rapunzel comments sarcastically.

Cassandra flashes a cheery smirk at her. "You're welcome."

A mischievous glint appears in the princess' eyes then, thick lashes fluttering, "You know… I bet I'd be having a lot more fun if you were out there with me."

Cassandra bursts into laughter, before stating in an unenthused tone, "I don't dance."

"Says who?"

"Says me."

"Oh, come on, it'll be fun!" Insists Rapunzel, who is actually jumping from excitement. "It beats standing around not talking to anybody."

"For your information, I am actually having the time of my life over here. In fact, I prefer it. Besides, I'm technically on duty right now. Like… twenty-four-seven."

"Yeah, but I don't need protecting right now," Rapunzel scoffs, "It's not like anything's gonna happen to me."

Though Cass doesn't say it, her mind automatically reverts back to the number of men that clearly have their eye on Rapunzel here, not to mention the amount of wine they've all probably been drinking.

"You know, Prince Mustache over there hasn't been able to stop staring at you all day. I'm sure he would love to dance with you," points out Cass.

Rapunzel snorts. "Okay, Cass, I know that acting all mister-tough-guy is your favourite thing to do, but just because you're my appointed knight now, that doesn't mean we're not still best friends. Like I know you have a duty toward me and all that, but… nothing's changed between us. We can still have fun, right?"

Cassandra hesitates. She supposes Rapunzel is right. Maybe she is too serious for her own good, but if anyone in this room would have two left feet, it's Cassandra. She'd rather spare everyone the humiliating sight of it. "Yeah… but—"

"Oh, will you just shut up and come dance with me?" Without warning, Rapunzel grabs her by the wrist and starts dragging her toward the dancefloor.

"No—Raps!" Cassandra protests in a harsh whisper, her stomach dropping with fear.

But Rapunzel doesn't let go, or even seem to be listening. In fact, her grip is surprisingly painful as she only continues to pull the other girl into the crowd, completely ignoring her pleas.

Before Cassandra knows it, she's stumbled to a complete stop in the middle of the dancefloor, surrounded by people, with string music enveloping her. Though she can hardly hear it beneath the pounding of her own heart.

Rapunzel is standing directly in front of her – albeit a lot closer than Cass had expected, with a beaming smile and an expectant look in her eyes.

Cassandra nervously glances around herself, watching all the people dancing around her who don't seem to pay them any mind. "I… I've never done this before."

"It's easy! I'll show you," chirps Rapunzel.

Then as if it is the most casual thing in the world, she takes a step closer until their chests are almost touching, and takes Cassandra by the hand again, this time holding it up near their faces. She places her other palm on Cass' shoulder.

But Cass only stands there, hardly breathing, and unsure what to do with herself. Being a few inches taller than the princess, she finds herself peering down into the most innocent green eyes she's ever seen, with a smile that actually manages to ease her self-consciousness somehow.

Then Rapunzel takes Cassandra's other hand and places it around her own waist.

"Just follow my lead," Rapunzel whispers, then they begin to dance.

Feeling more awkward than she's ever been, Cassandra actually manages to take a few steps without completely trampling Rapunzel's toes. Though, her entire body is rigid, and her heart is practically in her throat. She attempts to swallow down her nerves, unable to resist the slight sweating of her palms. Still, with every step she takes, eventually her muscles begin to relax somewhat.

She stares at her own feet for most of it, mainly because it's so much easier than the awkwardness of having to look into Rapunzel's eyes.

Soon enough, they're swaying in each other's arms and blending in so well with the crowd that Rapunzel actually forgets that Cass isn't a dancer.

The movements come naturally to Rapunzel, as it should – having taken ballroom lessons since she was a child, and having been required to perform the very act countless times.

While she'd been training her whole life to be an elegant product of royalty, Cassandra had been training to fight. To kill. To do the exact opposite of what a princess would.

But all Cass can seem to think about is how close they are standing to each other, and the feeling of her own palm pressed against the back of Rapunzel's corset, and the princess' hand held in her own, in a way that it never has been before.

If this were anyone but Rapunzel, Cassandra would've never let this happen. Maybe it's because she's so stunned by it all that she doesn't try to stop it, or because they've been best friends for their entire lives that the sight of Rapunzel alone is familiar and comforting to her, when nobody else is.

When Cassandra glances around themselves, she notices multiple figures have put their own dancing to a halt solely to observe them from a distance. Suddenly, she's reminded of the rest of the people in the room, and the overwhelming amount of them.

She can only imagine how this must appear – the princess and her knight, dancing just as every other pair in this room, though they clearly stand out more than the rest, solely being who they are. Everybody knows who they are.

A part of Cass feels guilty for it, as if she isn't worthy to be the one dancing with the princess. It's the last place she belongs. Though it isn't a shock to anyone that Rapunzel is able to captivate the attention of an entire room so easily.

"Everyone's staring at you," Cassandra murmurs near Rapunzel's ear as they continue to dance.

"Maybe it's you they're staring at," says Rapunzel, their voices low enough that nobody else can hear.

A part of Cass believes that may be a joke, because there's no way that could be true.

She isn't much to look at. Her hair is a mess. Her face isn't caked in makeup. She wears armour rather than pretty dresses. Nobody in this room would ever give her a second glance, especially being next to someone like Rapunzel. Not like she would want them to. Hiding in the background is what she does best, anyway.

"They're not," says Cass.

"Why not?" asks Rapunzel. "You're beautiful."

Cass' chest tightens at that, blinking in confusion. It isn't the first time Rapunzel has called her that. Arianna does it too, though Cass wishes she wouldn't. Every time she hears it, it only makes her want to shut down and hide, and she isn't even sure why. It's stupid.

Still, there's nothing but sincerity behind the princess' eyes as she says it. So much of it that Cass might have actually believed it.

You're beautiful. It's what Cassandra wants to say. It's the only thing that makes sense to say, but the words are trapped in her throat.

Absently, she finds her feet weakening beneath her, as if in a sudden trance. She slows to a stop, which causes Rapunzel to do the same.

Cass parts her lips to speak, before the song comes to an end and their audience erupts into applause.

Snapped out of her thoughts, Cassandra hadn't realized until now that almost everyone had stepped away to form a clearing around them while they danced. Now they're all smiling at her from the sidelines and clapping their hands together as if they'd just been watching some sort of show.

Feeling awkward again, Cass releases Rapunzel's hand at last, taking a respectable step away from her.

When she looks up to meet eyes with Rapunzel again, there's a wide grin on her face, and laughter on her tongue.

"See? Easy, right?" she asks.

But Cass hardly smiles back at her, her heart still in her throat. "Yeah," she lies, "Easy."

A/N: I've made 2 pieces of fanart for this story that I will link on my profile, since I can't put links in the actual story.