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Chapter Text

Once upon a time Cassandra found the little things Rapunzel did slightly annoying. Now they seemed to be everything to her. Take the humming for example, at first it was infuriating because really who needs to hum that much. Presently it was Cass’s favorite sound, not to mention the fact that it was comforting ( on more than one occasion she had fallen asleep to it ).
Every little trait meant a lot to Cass except for the fact Rapunzel was called her ‘baby’. It’s not that Cass hated pet names, they were fine but Cassandra was not a baby. Rapunzel could call her anything; honey, sweetheart, even Cassie for all she could care but, never ever the name baby. The whole issue started with the stupid paint supplies.
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“ Hey Cass, could you grab my paints from the shelf?” Rapunzel calls from the other side of the room.
Cass grabs the watercolors off the shelf, walking over to deliver the paint. She gives the blonde a confused look and wipes the smear of blue paint off of her girlfriend’s cheek.

“ You’re not even painting, how'd you do that?,” Cass scoffs, frowning at her now stained blue thumb.
Rapunzel ignores the comment, beaming at the watercolors then she glances around. Noticing that the princess doesn’t have a paintbrush, the knight walks back to the shelf again deciding to get a fine tip paintbrush.
“Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you baby,” That. That’s what threw Cass off. She couldn’t believe it.
“ Hold on say it again,” Cass says, trying to make sense of what she thought she had heard.
“ Thank you baby?” Rapunzel asks, a bit puzzled. Cass groans. She had heard the blonde correctly. “ What’s so wrong with the word baby?”
Cass groans again, glancing at the clock that showed it was ten minutes until she had to show up for duty.
“ I gotta go. I love you. Don’t call me baby.” Cass says as she walks out the door. Rapunzel gives a soft chuckle and picks up the paintbrush, knowing exactly what she's going to paint.
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Cass walks back to her room, having decided not to sleep in Rapunzel's tonight. She takes off her helmet and breastplate shoving the armor into the closet near her bed. She yawns, moving the blanket on her bed, not expecting to find a painting of Rapunzel holding an infant that looks a lot like. Wait a second, was that supposed to be her! Cass huff squinting a message written in ink at the bottom.
“You’ll always be my baby, love you, Raps,”
Cass catches herself grinning like an idiot, shoving that stupid painting under her bed. Cass wonders if she should go up to Rapunzel’s room right now and talk about appropriate pet names for her. She doesn’t though, instead she lies flat on her back thinking about being Rapunzel’s baby. Maybe it wasn’t so bad.

Chapter Text

Cass has had panic attacks before but nothing compared to the impending sense of doom she could feel now. She presses a finger to her wrist frowning at how quick her pulse is. She can barely breathe either; it feels like someone is stepping on her chest. She sinks down onto the floor, leaning her head back against the wall of the castle hallway. This was not her favorite way to end a shift. Her head falls to her hands. She looks up to see Lance standing over her with a concerned look on his face.
“Cassandra? You okay?” When the ravenette doesn’t respond, he looks at the children behind him, Grumpy (or something like that) and Red and looks back at Cass.
“ Watch her, I’m going to get Rapunzel,”
Cass puts her hand out looking at how much it shakes. The knight watches Lance’s form fade down the hall. Then he turns a corner and he's gone. Cass gives the two tweens a miserable look before her body shakes and she fights the urge to vomit.
“You look terrible, like really pale and sweaty, but you’re shivering, ” Angry (that was her name!) remarks, earning a punch in the arm from Catalina. “What? I’m just telling the truth,” Cass chokes out a laugh at the girl’s brutal honesty trying to ignore the pin and needles feeling in her feet and hand. She pulls herself to her feet ignoring Catalina’s protests but barely gets a whole 30 feet on shaky legs before she can hear Raps’s voice.

“Oh Lance, she’s trembling. What’s wrong with her?”
Cassandra hated the way Rapunzel’s voice sounded so full of terror and she hated herself for making the princess feel that way and her stupid mind for making her feel like she was going to die.
“ Might be a panic attack, it’s pretty hard to tell,” she heard Lance’s deep voice chime in.
Cass’s legs were too shaky so she sat back down. Rapunzel made her way over sitting down next to the warrior.
“Cass, I need you to do something for me,” The words are spoken softly like the blonde is afraid that Cassandra might break.

"I want you to close your eyes and tell me how to polish a suit of armour."
"You don't need to understand Cass, just close your eyes, take a deep breath and tell me everything."
Cassandra, despite being extremely baffled by the princess’s odd request, obliged. She closed her eyes, took several breaths and started talking.
"F—F—-first you hang your suit of armour up to make sure every piece is properly aligned," she said, "and that there's no rust."
"Then what?"
"Then—-Then, you need to polish the chest plate. With a soft cloth, in circles, going outward. Then you work on the arms, which can be hard because of all the joints."
Rapunzel couldn't hide her smile, as the older girl’s shoulders relaxed and her voice stopped wavering.
"Come on, keep going. You're doing really well." She said, stroking Cassandra's hair.
"You then have to polish the helmet and the mouth cover, moving your cloth around in circles, again. Then the legs, you have to get the thigh plates for the shins...."
Cassandra kept going, detailing every step that she had remembered by heart. Cass leaned her head on Rapunzel’s shoulder, eyes closed and worn out by the whole ordeal. Rapunzel gives the warrior a small smile at the now even breathing.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Rapunzel already knew what the answer would be.
“Not really, I’m fine, just a little panic attack,” Except Rapunzel knew it wasn’t. Lance has said that it had taken Cass about three minutes to even notice him. There were sudden ones that came out of nowhere he had explained on the way down. Those were usually worse. Rapunzel pats the thigh plate of the armor and stands up, Cassandra follows suit, grabbing Rapunzel's hand. The knight realized could probably get through any attack, physical or panic, if she had the princess by her side

Chapter Text

It was usually Cassandra who had the nightmares. That was probably why when the whimpering and shaking started she was so confused. Rapunzel bolts upright, shaking and panting.
It felt so real. Zhan Tiri was right there. Rapunzel finally realized that there was a hand of shoulder and her head snaps to Cass who’s sitting beside her furrowing her brow. The look of concern on her girlfriend's face has the blonde in tears.

“Hey, hey, it’s alright, I got ya,” The ravenette says gently rubbing small circles on Rapunzel’s back. “ Do you want to talk about it?” it feels weird to even utter the words, normally it was the other way around.

Rapunzel nods slowly “But you don’t want to,” Cass swears she can feel the guilt creep into her. She wasn’t very good at stuff but whatever it’s for Rapunzel. “No, but you want to and that's all that matters right now,”

“I had a nightmare and we were fighting Zhan Tiri but I couldn’t save you this time,” her voice cracks and suddenly Cass feels like she might cry, she’s never heard Rapunzel sound so broken before. “It was you and I tried over and over but you just wouldn’t…” the brunette begins sobbing harder.

“I, I died?”

“You died,” Rapunzel echoes.
Cass presses her lips to Rapunzel’s. “Wellll, I’m right here now, so let’s lay back down, ‘kay?”
Rapunzel gives the knight a soft smile. “Okay,”
Cassandra wraps an arm around the princess and pulls her closer. Rapunzel can barely feel sleep take her but she knows she can always hear the soft voice of Cass saying “Sweet dreams love,”

Chapter Text

It was pouring. The type of rain that made you look to the windows and watch the torrential cloudburst. The type of rain that made Cass glad she got off of work early. Best part: no plans for the evening. Nada. Nothing. Zilch. That meant she could spend the whole evening with Rapunzel.

Rapunzel was not having the best day. The meeting with King Garrett of Jandora was so boring. Not to mention that he was kind of a chatterbox, she’d probably got a whole five words in the meeting to the end of it . Plus the fact that she hadn’t slept very well last night; Cass had to sleep in the barracks with the other guards. She began her walk back to her bedroom pulling the door open to see her girlfriend sitting on a chair, reading one of her old fantasy books.

“Hey there,” Cass stands, enveloping the blonde in a hug. “Long day?”

“You could say that,” Rapunzel mumbles through a yawn, walking over to sit next to Cass. “but, I want to hear all about your day,”

“It was fine, trained some recruits,” Cassandra trails off once she sees Rapunzel yawn again. “Are you okay?”
“Fine, just a little tired. Didn’t sleep too good last night,” Rapunzel gives the knight a energetic smile, hoping that she won’t be able to see underneath it. She grabs a sketchbook and begins slowly doodling hoping to convince the raven-haired woman.
Cass watches wearily as Rapunzel’s hand slows significantly and her head droops little by little until it's on the desk in front of her.
“Raps?” Cassandra calls and the blonde jolts upright.
“Mm up, I swear,” Rapunzel slurs, giving Cass a pitiful look.
“Oh hon, you look exhausted.” Cass says fingers pinching the bridge of her nose. “Bed now,” Rapunzel’s mouth opens to protest but she's quickly cut off. “That’s an order, princess. You’ve yawned ten times in the past five minutes. Bed. Now.”

Rapunzel shoots Cassandra an annoyed look. “I’m too comfy right here.”
“Fine then, I’ll carry you” soon Rapunzel finds herself being carried bridal style to her bed. Cass lies the princess gently on the bed then walks to the other side squeezing in next to the princess.

“Hey Raps?” Cass looks over to see the princess is already dead asleep. “Little tired huh?” Cass mutters as she moves toward Rapunzel throwing an arm over her. Guess it was just her and the sound of the rain tonight.
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Rapunzel blinks slowly, as if to check if this was real. Cass was sitting there in her bed watching her sleep. Cass grins see that her eyes are open.
“Morning, beautiful. Sleep good last night?” Cass says tracing an indent from the pillow on the blonde’s cheek.

“Mhm,” Rapunzel murmurs, leaning in for a kiss.

“I can tell,” then Cassandra laughs that laugh that can always make Rapunzel smile. Rapunzel groans, burrowing her head in the pillows. “You’re making fun of me aren’t you?”

“Nope, you’re very cute when you sleep, other than the fact that you kick,”

“I hate you,” comes the muffled voice of Rapunzel.

“Nah, you love me,” Cassandra teases softly, pulling the blonde back into her arms.

“I do,”

Chapter Text

Rapunzel stooped to the bushes trying to investigate the mewling sound. It was a particularly cold day and she had been to the stables to visit Max and Fidella (maybe sneak them a couple carrots if she was being honest). The walk back had her pulling the thick wool cardigan that she had stolen from Cass’s side of the closet closer to her then, she heard it.

The blonde pushes aside a stick to reveal a scrawny black cat. She gently reaches out and pets it, breathing a relieved sigh when the feline doesn’t hiss or claw at her. Instead the cat struts out of the bush weaving in between her legs. The sigh turns into a grin when the cat jumps into Rapunzel’s arms, nestling in.
“Got a name, little guy?,” whispers Rapunzel, peering into the cat’s amber eyes. He only purrs in response. “Alright how about…Silvester?,” Silvester lets out a soft meow brushing his head against Rapunzel’s cheek.

Lance was the first one to notice. “Eugene, look at the kitty!” He said, sounding like a little kid before running over to pet Silvester’s silky head.
“Hey blondie, whatcha got there?” Eugene's voice chimed in, raising an eyebrow at the feline nested in Rapunzel’s arms.
“Meet Silvester, he’s my cat now and I love him,” Rapunzel says, giving Eugene and Lance a bright smile.
“Mhm, and Cass knows about him?” Eugene says, raising an eyebrow. All of Rapunzel’s confidence was wiped clean. “Not exactly,” Rapunzel admits gazing lovingly at Silvester now asleep in her arms.
“But you do know Cassandra hates cats right?” Rapunzel nods sadly “I know what she’ll say,” She dropped her smile and tried to look grumpy before speaking “Rapunzel a stray shouldn’t be this cuddly now get it out of here before it ruins something,”
Lance gives an impressed slow clap. “That was a killer impression of Cass,” the blonde replies with a smile readjusting the cat in her arms.
“She’ll find out eventually and she’ll just have to get over it,” Eugene offers to the princess kindly.

Cass stretched. It had been a fine day. Almost no crime today, the sun was shining, Eugene hadn’t been too annoying but he had whispered to “be ready” but whatever nothing could ruin this until she spots the cat on her side of the bed. A small one, black staring at her.

“Raps? What is that?” Cassandra groans glaring at the feline who had started licking itself right on her pillow.
“That’s Silvester,” The blonde replies, “I love him and so do you!” she pokes Cass’s side with a grin.
“So, why’s he here?” Cass mutters as the blonde tiptoes to give her a kiss.
“He’s our pet now,”

“Thought we had Pascal,” the chameleon gives a slight squeak as if to say “Yeah what about me!”

“We do but we have Silvester too” Rapunzel mumbles gesturing towards the feline. “You just need to hold him” She snags the cat trying to push him in Cassandra’s arms. Silvester reaches out, swiping a paw across the knight’s face. Rapunzel can’t stop the giggle as Cassandra’s jaw drops and her features turn from annoyance to anger.

“Rapunzel, a stray shouldn’t be this comfortable around people,” Rapunzel’s smile drops before she shoots a “ He didn’t have a collar,” sounding like a whiny little kid.

“Rapunzel,” Cass drawls.

“Oh no!” the princess gasps, “Rapunzel in b flat. You’re disappointed in me,” turning on her heel and giving Silvester a scratch under his chin.

“Somewhere in Corona a child cries for their lost pet,” Cass mumbles, walking toward the bed and trying to push herself next to the blonde. She jumps back when that stupid cat hisses at her just for trying to kiss Rapunzel.

“Rapunzel make the cat-”

“Silvester,” Rapunzel corrects, laughing at how defeated Cass looks.

“Yeah, yeah, make Silvester move,” Cass demands. “He’s in my spot,”

“Oh is he now?” Rapunzel grabs the feline making a show of giving him all her attention.
“
That’s not fair, Raps,” She stands abruptly, “It’s the cat or me. Pick one,” Rapunzel picks up the cat slowly moving it to the other side of the bed. “Oh, get over here.” Cass sighs as she lays with her head on Rapunzel’s chest. “You know, I really thought you were going to pick him,” Cass mumbles softly.

“Oh, sweetie I would never,” the blonde says, stroking the knight’s hair softly.

“I know, we’re not keeping that cat though,”

“I already found its owner, genius.” Rapunzel says, flicking Cassandra’s nose. “Some little girl in the village. Silvester is out first thing in the morning,”

“Good because if that cat got any more attention, I don't know what I would do.”

“Just admit you were jealous of the cat,”

Chapter Text

The low hum of the Corona library was usually a comforting background noise, a gentle white noise that helped Rapunzel focus. Today, however, it was competing with the soft, irregular snores emanating from the chair beside her. She glanced over, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Cassandra, perched somewhat precariously on the edge of the ancient, ornate armchair, was fast asleep.

The lines of tension that perpetually etched themselves around her mouth were softened in sleep, making her look younger, more vulnerable. Rapunzel found herself momentarily captivated.
She’d been trying to decipher an ancient Corona text on lunar cycles and their influence on… well, something. Honestly, after an hour, it had all started to blur together. Cassandra, ever the diligent protector (even when off-duty), had insisted on accompanying her, claiming she needed to “brush up on her history.” Rapunzel strongly suspected that Cassandra had just been bored and missed her company.

Now, however, Cassandra was clearly beyond brushing up on anything. The weight of her head had slowly drooped, and her chin now rested against her chest. Rapunzel knew she should probably wake her. The hard wood of the chair couldn’t be comfortable. But the sight of Cass so deeply relaxed, so unguarded, was… endearing.
She shifted slightly, trying to get a better angle on the text, when she felt a sudden, damp sensation on her shoulder. She froze. A slow, creeping dread washed over her.
Rapunzel cautiously turned her head.

Yep.

There it was. A glistening trail of drool, slowly making its way down the pristine fabric of her favorite purple dress.
Rapunzel stifled a giggle. Of all the things she’d imagined seeing her Cass do, drooling in her sleep was definitely not one of them. The sight was so incongruous with the gruff, stoic warrior she knew and loved, it was almost comical.

She debated her options. She could wipe it away discreetly and pretend nothing happened. She could wake Cassandra up and gently tease her about it. Or… she could take a picture. The last thought flitted through her mind, wicked and tempting. No, she decided. That was definitely a step too far.
Instead, she reached for a nearby handkerchief, determined to clean the mess before it stained. As she dabbed at the damp spot, Cassandra shifted slightly, her head moving further down until it was resting directly on Rapunzel’s shoulder. The weight was surprisingly comforting, and a soft sigh escaped Cass's lips.

Rapunzel’s heart skipped a beat. The handkerchief momentarily forgotten, she found herself stilling, afraid to disturb her slumbering friend. The warmth of Cassandra's body
radiated through her tunic, a solid presence that filled the quiet space between them.
She looked back down at the ancient text, the lunar cycles now a distant concern. The library's hum faded into the background, replaced by the gentle rhythm of the ravenette’s breathing.

She knew she should probably wake her. She really should. But for now, she decided, she would just let her sleep. After all, a little bit of drool was a small price to pay for this moment of quiet intimacy.

And maybe, just maybe, she'd tell Eugene about it later. He deserved a good laugh, too.

She leaned her head against Cassandra’s, a soft smile gracing her lips. The damp patch on her tunic might be a bit unhygienic, but the memory of this quiet moment, the unexpected vulnerability of her friend, she knew would stay with her long after the stain was gone. And that, she thought, was worth more than any ancient Corona text.

Chapter Text

The air in the Corona castle was usually buzzing with activity - maids hurrying with linens, cooks clattering pots and pans, and the rhythmic tap-tap-tap of Varian experimenting in his workshop (much to Eugene's chagrin). But today, a quiet hum of concern vibrated beneath the surface, centered entirely around a certain spiky-haired warrior currently curled up in Rapunzel's lap.

Cassandra, once the epitome of stoicism and unwavering resolve, was…small. Not physically, of course, but in a way that tugged at Rapunzel's heart. Since the incident with the Moonstone, and the long, arduous road to recovery, Cass had been prone to these…episodes. Rapunzel called them "little days," a term that caught on quickly amongst their friends.

Today was a particularly clingy one.

Cass's face was buried in the soft folds of Rapunzel's dress, tiny whimpers escaping her. Her grip on Rapunzel's hand was surprisingly strong for someone who seemed so vulnerable.

"Shh, Cass," Rapunzel soothed, gently stroking the back of Cass's head. Her fingers found the familiar uneven cut of Cass's hair, the remnants of a hasty decision made during…well, during a lot of things neither of them liked to dwell on. "It's okay. I'm here."

Eugene hovered awkwardly near the doorway, looking like he wasn't quite sure if he should approach. "Uh, Blondie? Everything alright?"

"Everything's fine, Eugene," Rapunzel said softly, keeping her voice low so as not to startle Cass. "Just a little day. Maybe you could, uh, go see what Varian is up to? Keep him from blowing up the alchemy lab again?"

Eugene looked relieved to have a task and quickly scurried away.

The truth was, Rapunzel didn't know what to do. She'd consulted healers, searched ancient texts, even asked Mother Gothel's former confidantes (a decision she immediately regretted). The consensus was…there was no consensus. It was likely a coping mechanism, a way for Cass to process the trauma she'd endured. But knowing that didn't make it any easier to witness.

"Punzie," Cass mumbled, her voice thick with sleepiness. Her fingers tightened around Rapunzel's hand. "Hold me."

Rapunzel's heart clenched. She shifted slightly, pulling Cass closer. "I am holding you, Cass. I've got you."

But it wasn't enough. Cass wriggled, making little frustrated noises.

"What is it, Cass?" Rapunzel asked, her voice laced with concern.

Cass looked up, her eyes wide and vulnerable. "Cuddle. More cuddle."

Rapunzel chuckled softly, a sound that rippled through Cass like a warm wave. "More cuddle, huh? Alright. Let's see what we can do about that."

Carefully, she adjusted her position, easing Cass further into her lap. She wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close until Cass's ear was pressed against her chest. She began to hum a soft lullaby, one her mother used to sing to her when she was little.

The effect was immediate. Cass let out a small sigh of contentment, her body relaxing against Rapunzel's. The humming continued, a gentle melody that filled the room with warmth and security.

After a while, Cass spoke again, her voice barely a whisper. "Tired, Punzie."

"I know," Rapunzel said, continuing to hum. "You've been through a lot. You deserve to rest."

Cass snuggled deeper into Rapunzel's embrace. "Stay?"

"Always," Rapunzel promised, kissing the top of Cass's head. "I'll always stay."

Silence descended upon the room again, punctuated only by the gentle rhythm of Rapunzel's heartbeat and the soft snores that soon began to emanate from Cass. Rapunzel closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment to bask in the quiet intimacy.

She knew this wasn't a permanent solution. They would have to continue to explore the reasons behind these episodes, to find healthy ways for Cass to cope. But for now, in this moment, all that mattered was providing comfort and security.

She would hold Cass close, offering her the love and understanding she needed. She would be the safe haven, the unwavering presence in a world that had been so cruel. She would give her all the cuddles she needed, until the storm passed and the sun shone bright again.

Because that's what friends do. And Rapunzel knew, deep in her heart, that their friendship was worth more than all the gold in Corona. She would be there for Cass, always, through thick and thin, sunshine and shadow, big days and little days. And that was a promise she intended to keep.

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Chapter Text

Rapunzel's smile bloomed as she watched Cassandra across the small yard. Even instructing a village child on the finer points of stick-sword combat, her girlfriend looked powerful, grounded. These monthly lunches at her father's cottage had become a cherished ritual.

"She keepin' herself out of trouble?" the ex-Captain asked, a touch of awkwardness still clinging to his voice. It was strange seeing him without his armor, his flat-billed cap and slightly sunburned nose painting a picture so different from the stern guard she'd grown used to.

"She actually just got promoted to Lieutenant," Rapunzel replied, a playful lilt in her voice. "I think it was mostly so Eugene could pawn off the paperwork."

A soft chuckle escaped the retired Captain as his eyes followed his daughter. Cassandra was now demonstrating how to parry, her movements precise and deliberate even with the makeshift weapon.

"What was she like as a kid?" Rapunzel asked, genuinely curious. "Cassandra almost never talks about her childhood."

The Captain turned, a smirk playing on his lips. "What kind of dirt are you diggin' for? I got plenty of embarrassing stories. Mostly, she was a little hellion. Loved to hide and scare people. Got your dad a few times, I think."

Rapunzel giggled, trying to imagine the stoic Cassandra ambushing the King. "He says she’s lucky the first time it happened he didn’t strike her down where she stood."

"Can't tell you how many games of 'The Floor is Lava… That Turns Into Acid' she made me play," he continued, a hint of fond exasperation in his tone. The memory sparked a similar one in Rapunzel's mind, playing the same game in The House of Yesterday's Tomorrow. Then, a revelation:

"She looked for you," the Captain said, his voice softening. "Around ten years old, all she talked about was the 'lost princess this,' 'lost princess that.' Cassandra would sneak Fidella out of the stables and go searching. Broke her wrist doing it, actually." He chuckled at Rapunzel's wide-eyed surprise.

"You're kidding!"

"Nope. I think that's why she was so ticked off at Eugene when he showed up with you in tow. Now, you can't tell her I told you any of this or she'll skin us both." He took a long, deliberate sip of his lemonade.

"Oh, you got me!" Cassandra's voice cut through the air, dripping with mock triumph. She was kneeling beside the young girl, her stick-sword positioned perfectly between her arm and her side. The girl beamed at Rapunzel and her father.

The Captain's gaze softened as he watched them. "She loves you a lot, if you couldn't tell. Playing with a kid? That's for you." He nervously adjusted the bill of his cap, a gesture that mirrored Cassandra's own guardedness.

"She loves you too," Rapunzel offered with a warm smile. Standing, she called out to Cassandra, who was now twirling her stick blade. "Cass, we gotta go. Meeting with the council."

Cassandra dropped her "sword" and, to their collective surprise, pulled her father into a brief, tight hug. The Captain shot Rapunzel a bewildered look as he awkwardly returned the embrace, a confused joy evident in his eyes. Then, Cassandra moved to saddle Fidella.

"She just hugged me?" The retired man asked. "You're doin' a number on her, princess."

Rapunzel laughed, pulling herself onto Fidella behind Cassandra. They were only five minutes down the road, heading towards the castle, when Rapunzel finally spoke, a teasing note in her voice.

"I can't believe you used to look for me when you were little!"

"Oh, shut up," Cassandra muttered, but Rapunzel could hear the affection woven into the words.

Chapter Text

It wasn’t very often that Rapunzel caught Cassandra looking at herself in the mirror but this was one of those days. Cass had been making her way back to their room when she had caught her reflection staring back at her but it didn’t seem like her. That’s when the realization dawned on her; her hair was longer. She hadn’t cut it in a while. The black curls had now reached her shoulders.

She looked like her mother.

The thought was a knife in her side. Same hazel eyes, same black curls. “Cass?” the voice makes her jump. Rapunzel intertwines their fingers, giving Cassandra a concerned look. “ Are you okay? You’ve been staring at the mirror for a hot minute now,”

“I need a haircut,” Cassandra mumbles quietly.

“It is getting long.” Rapunzel says, running her fingers through the back of it, grinning when Cassandra leans into the touch.

“I look like Gothel, don’t I?” The words are blurted and the look of guilt across Rapunzel’s face doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Oh, sweetheart, you are nothing like her.” Rapunzel says. Every so often this happened, Cass thinking about Gothel, the moonstone, and so many other mistakes. “ I could…give you a haircut. If you want?”

“Okay,” Cass sighs “but I just want it cut to my normal length. Nothing fancy,”.

Rapunzel took Cassandra’s hand giving little squeezes and led her back to their room. About fifteen minutes later hair clung to the old sheet Rapunzel had fastened around Cassandra’s neck.

“All done! How does it feel?”

“Lighter,” It was lighter. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She stood giving the blonde a look that said “Thank you, I needed this but don’t ever expect me to bring it up again,”.

The look was returned with a kiss on the tip of Cass’s nose. “Love you too"

Chapter Text

Rapunzel twirled a strand of Cass’s braid around her finger, her eyes sparkling with an innocent fervor that always made Cass’s stomach flip-flop in a way that was both annoying and utterly intoxicating. They were perched on the edge of the Corona castle roof, the late afternoon sun painting the sky in hues of orange and violet.

“Isn’t it romantic, Cass?” Rapunzel sighed contentedly. “Us, up here on the roof, the whole world laid out before us… it’s just like Romeo and Juliet!”

Cass choked on the sip of tea she'd been trying to enjoy. The delicate porcelain cup rattled precariously in her grip. “Romeo and Juliet? Seriously, Sunshine? Romeo and Juliet?”

Rapunzel, oblivious to Cass’s inner turmoil, continued to gaze dreamily at the landscape. “Forbidden love, societal pressures, fighting for what you believe in… doesn’t it sound just like us?”

Cass slammed the teacup down, the clink echoing in the relative quiet. "No! Absolutely not! How can you possibly compare us to those two morons?"

Rapunzel blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. "Morons? But... it's a classic love story!"

"A classic stupidity story, more like," Cass huffed, crossing her arms. "Those kids were impulsive, melodramatic, and ultimately, completely useless. They literally just died because they couldn't communicate for five minutes!"

"But they died for love!" Rapunzel protested, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"Dying for love is dumb, Raps," Cass said, exasperated. "Living for love is way harder, and way more meaningful. Romeo and Juliet opted for the easy way out. We're not like that. We actually work on our relationship."

Rapunzel tilted her head, considering. "Well, I guess they didn't have any good friends to mediate. Or a chameleon with a talent for mimicry."

Cass snorted. "Exactly! Pascal could have single-handedly solved that whole problem. 'Hey, Romeo, Juliet's not dead, just chilling. Calm down!'" She mimicked Pascal’s squeaky voice, earning a giggle from Rapunzel.

"Okay, okay," Rapunzel conceded, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes. "But you have to admit, there are similarities. My father wasn't exactly thrilled when we started dating. Remember the whole 'Princess of Corona dating the ex-wielder of the moonstone debacle?"

Cass grimaced. "Yeah, well, your dad got over it. Eventually. And that’s because we didn't resort to poison and dramatic speeches on balconies." She reached out and gently took Rapunzel's hand. "We fought for each other, and we talked, and we…convinced him of how ridiculously perfect we are for each other."

Rapunzel squeezed Cass’s hand, her smile genuine and bright. “Ridiculously perfect?”

“Yeah, well… relatively speaking,” Cass mumbled, avoiding her gaze. She hated how easily Rapunzel could fluster her.

"Besides," Cass continued, trying to steer the conversation away from potentially mushy territory. "Romeo was a lovesick puppy who was obsessed with Rosaline one day and then suddenly head-over-heels for Juliet the next. That's not love, that's indecisiveness."

Rapunzel chuckled. "Okay, point taken. So, we're nothing like Romeo and Juliet. What Shakespearean couple are we like, then?"

Cass paused, considering. "Hmm... maybe Beatrice and Benedick? Snarky banter, undeniable attraction, and a healthy dose of reluctant admiration?"

Rapunzel tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I do like a good battle of wits."

"And I do like annoying you relentlessly," Cass grinned, squeezing Rapunzel's hand again. "See? Perfect match."

Rapunzel leaned in, her hand cupping Cass's cheek. "Speaking of perfect matches... you know, Romeo and Juliet did have one thing right."

Cass raised an eyebrow, a wary expression on her face. "What's that?"

Rapunzel's eyes sparkled as she leaned in close and whispered, "The kissing. They did a lot of kissing."

Before Cass could formulate a witty retort, Rapunzel pressed her lips to hers, a soft, lingering kiss that silenced all thoughts of Shakespeare and star-crossed lovers. When they finally broke apart, Cass was breathless, and the annoyance she'd felt earlier had completely evaporated.

"Okay," Cass admitted, a faint blush creeping up her neck. "Maybe those two weren't completely useless. Just mostly."

Rapunzel giggled, leaning her head against Cass's shoulder. "I still think our story is more romantic."

Cass wrapped an arm around Rapunzel, pulling her closer. "It is. Because ours is real. And it involves a lot less dying." She pressed a kiss to Rapunzel's hair. "Now, how about we go inside and find something less tragically stupid to do?"

Rapunzel nodded, content and happy. As they walked back towards the castle, arm in arm, Cass couldn't help but smile. Romeo and Juliet, be damned. They were Cass and Rapunzel, and that was a much better story anyway.

Chapter Text

The kingdom was quiet. Corona, bathed in the silver glow of a crescent moon, slept soundly. Inside the royal castle, in a room usually echoing with Rapunzel’s laughter and Cass’s sarcastic retorts, only the soft rhythm of their breathing could be heard. Or, rather, mostly soft breathing.

Cassandra stirred first. A frown etched itself onto her face, pulling at the corner of her mouth. Something was… wrong. Uncomfortably wrong. She tried to shift, to roll onto her side, but found herself inexplicably pinned. An unwelcome weight pressed against her leg, heavy and…warm?

Her eyes fluttered open, reluctantly adjusting to the dim light filtering through the gap in the curtains. Disorientation clung to her like morning mist. Where was she? Oh right. Rapunzel’s room. Their room, technically. They’d been sharing it since…well, since things had gotten…complicated. And then, wonderfully, uncomplicated again.

She glanced down. And promptly froze.

Rapunzel.

Sleeping soundly, her face soft and unguarded, a few stray strands of glowing blonde hair fanned across the pillow. Her chest rose and fell with a gentle rhythm, and one leg…

One leg was draped possessively over Cassandra’s own. Not just on her leg, but completely entangled. Rapunzel’s knee was digging into Cass’s calf, her ankle somehow hooked around her shin. It was a physical impossibility, a testament to Rapunzel’s unconscious contortionist skills.

Cassandra’s breath hitched. She suddenly felt acutely aware of every point of contact. The warmth radiating from Rapunzel’s skin, the slight pressure of her leg, the way their bodies were pressed together from hip to ankle. It wasn't exactly sensual, not in this position, but it was…intimate. Unexpectedly so.

Panic flickered. This was bad. Very bad. Not because she didn’t want to be close to Rapunzel – gods, she did – but because she was notoriously terrible with… this. This awkward, vulnerable, post-sleep intimacy. It required a level of softness and grace that Cassandra often struggled to muster, even with Rapunzel.

Her mind raced. Option one: slowly, carefully, disentangle herself and make a silent escape. Pretend it never happened. Blame gremlins. Option two: wake Rapunzel up and deal with it like rational adults. Option three: set the bed on fire and run away.

She immediately discarded option three, though the chaotic appeal was undeniable. Option two felt…confrontational. Risky. But option one? Slipping away unnoticed? That was the Cass way.

She started to inch her leg out from under Rapunzel’s, a painstaking process that involved a lot of awkward wiggling and suppressed groans. Rapunzel only stirred slightly, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Hope surged. Almost free…

Then, disaster.

As Cassandra's leg began to completely pull free, seemingly out of nowhere, Rapunzel's arm snaked out and latched onto Cassandra's now-freed ankle like a heat-seeking missile locked on its target. Her grip wasn’t tight, but it was definitely there.

Cassandra’s heart leaped into her throat. She was trapped. Again.

She risked another glance at Rapunzel. Still asleep. This was starting to feel like a bizarre hostage situation orchestrated by a very cuddly, very blonde, very unconscious princess.

“Seriously?” she muttered under her breath, knowing full well Rapunzel couldn’t hear her.

Deciding to cut her losses, Cass changed tactics. Maybe if she just stayed still, Rapunzel would eventually shift on her own. She could play dead until the princess released her from her sleepy clutches. Yes, that was a plan. A terrible, cowardly plan, but a plan nonetheless.

She focused on regulating her breathing, trying to ignore the uncomfortable pressure on her leg, the way Rapunzel’s hair tickled her nose, the unsettling proximity of her face.

It didn’t work.

After what felt like an eternity, Rapunzel stirred again, this time more deliberately. Her eyelids fluttered, and she blinked, slowly focusing on the world around her.

The first thing she saw was Cassandra’s face, a few inches away, looking distinctly…panicked.

“Cass?” Rapunzel mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. “What’s wrong?”

Cassandra swallowed. "Nothing," she said, perhaps a little too quickly. "Just… enjoying the view."

Rapunzel blinked again, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Oh, are you?” She stretched, a languid, feline movement that only served to tighten her hold on Cassandra’s ankle.

Cassandra winced. “Not…really.”

Rapunzel’s smile faltered. “What do you mean?” She pushed herself up on one elbow, finally taking in their…entangled state. Her eyes widened slightly.

“Oh,” she said, a blush creeping up her neck. “Oh, wow. I… I didn’t realize.”

“Clearly,” Cassandra deadpanned, trying to ignore the heat creeping into her own cheeks.

Rapunzel giggled, a soft, sleepy sound. “Sorry,” she said, though she didn’t sound particularly apologetic. “I’m a cuddler.”

“Apparently,” Cassandra repeated. “Now, could you maybe…uncuddle? My leg is starting to lose circulation.”

Rapunzel’s eyes danced with mischief. “Maybe,” she said, drawing out the word. “But…it’s kind of nice.”

Cassandra groaned inwardly. Of course, Rapunzel thought it was nice. She was a ray of sunshine trapped in human form. She found joy in everything, even waking up in a tangled heap with her grumpy girlfriend.

“Rapunzel,” Cassandra said, her voice laced with warning.

“Okay, okay,” Rapunzel said, releasing Cassandra’s ankle. “I’m letting go.”

She sat up, stretching again, and Cassandra finally had the space to disentangle herself completely. She sat up too, rubbing her now-tingling leg.

“So,” Rapunzel said, turning to face her, her smile bright and unwavering. “That was…interesting.”

“That was uncomfortable and potentially damaging to my musculoskeletal system,” Cassandra corrected.

Rapunzel laughed, a melodic sound that Cassandra secretly loved. “You’re such a grump,” she said, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from Cassandra’s face.

Cassandra leaned away slightly, resisting the urge to melt into the touch. “And you’re a menace to society when you’re asleep,” she retorted.

“Hey!” Rapunzel protested, feigning offense. “I’m a perfectly lovely sleeper!”

“You’re a leg-thief and an ankle-snatcher,” Cassandra countered.

Rapunzel’s smile widened. “Maybe,” she conceded. “But I bet you still love me.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Unfortunately,” she said.

Rapunzel leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Cassandra’s cheek. “Good,” she whispered. “Because I definitely love you.”

Cassandra’s heart did a little flip. Gods, she hated how easily Rapunzel could disarm her.

“Alright, alright,” she mumbled, pushing Rapunzel away gently. “Enough with the mushy stuff. I need coffee.”

Rapunzel grinned. “Coffee sounds good,” she said, hopping out of bed. “Maybe we can even convince Eugene to make us breakfast.”

Cassandra shuddered. “Let’s not get carried away,” she said. “I’m not sure I can handle him before noon.”

As they walked towards the door, Rapunzel slipped her hand into Cassandra’s, lacing their fingers together. Cassandra didn’t pull away.

“You know,” Rapunzel said, squeezing Cassandra’s hand. “I wouldn’t mind waking up like that again.”

Cassandra groaned. “Don’t push your luck, sunshine,” she said, but her voice lacked its usual bite.

As they left the room, the morning light began to stream through the window, illuminating the rumpled sheets and the lingering warmth of their bodies. It was a scene of domestic chaos, of tangled limbs and tangled hearts, a testament to the messy, imperfect, and utterly beautiful love that had blossomed between a princess and a knight. And, secretly, Cassandra wouldn't trade it for anything. Even a good night's sleep.

The next morning, the roles were reversed.

Cassandra woke first, a deep, contented sigh escaping her lips. She felt…good. Really good. Refreshed, relaxed, and strangely energized.

Then, she felt it.

A weight on her chest. A soft, warm weight.

Her eyes snapped open.

Rapunzel.

Sleeping peacefully, her head nestled against Cassandra’s chest, one arm draped possessively across her stomach. Her breath was soft and even against Cassandra’s skin, and a few strands of her glowing hair were tangled around Cassandra’s fingers.

Cassandra stared.

This was…new.

She had never been the cuddler. She was the independent, aloof one. The one who valued her space and her solitude. And yet, here she was, perfectly content to be trapped under a sleeping princess.

A slow smile spread across her face.

She carefully shifted her arm, wrapping it around Rapunzel’s back. The princess snuggled closer, burying her face deeper into Cassandra’s chest.

“Well, well, well,” Cassandra whispered to herself. “Looks like the tables have turned.”

She knew she should probably wake Rapunzel up. They had a kingdom to run, after all. But for now, just for a few more minutes, she allowed herself to bask in the warmth and the quiet, the feeling of Rapunzel’s body against hers.

She closed her eyes, listening to the rhythm of their breathing, and drifted back to sleep, a small, contented smile playing on her lips. Maybe, just maybe, this whole cuddling thing wasn’t so bad after all. Especially when she was the one doing the cuddling.

When Rapunzel finally woke up, she found Cassandra still asleep, her arm wrapped firmly around her. She smiled, a soft, loving smile that only Cassandra ever saw.

She knew Cassandra wouldn’t admit it, but she knew she loved this. She loved the closeness, the intimacy, the feeling of being held in Cassandra’s arms.

She snuggled closer, pressing a kiss to Cassandra’s jaw. “I love you,” she whispered, knowing Cassandra probably couldn’t hear her.

But maybe, just maybe, she could feel it.

And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.

The sun rose higher in the sky, painting the room in a warm, golden light. The kingdom was waking up, but in that small corner of the castle, time stood still. Two women, tangled together in a web of love and affection, finding comfort and solace in each other’s arms.

They were a princess and a knight, a ray of sunshine and a grumpy storm cloud, a cuddler and a…well, maybe now a cuddler too.

And they were perfect.

Chapter Text

I'm back and I happen to need fic suggestions bc I have writers block.

Chapter Text

1. Cuddle Grumbles: Cassandra claims to absolutely hate cuddling, but she's always the first one to subtly lean into Rapunzel's side on the couch, or stay nestled in her arms longer than she lets on.

2. Silent Comfort: When Rapunzel is overwhelmed or having a bad day, Cassandra doesn't try to cheer her up with words, but instead silently wraps her in a strong, grounding hug, letting Rapunzel just exist in her arms.

3. Morning vs. Night: Cassandra is a meticulous early riser, while Rapunzel loves to sleep in. Cass will often bring Rapunzel a warm drink in bed, grumbling playfully about "laziness" but secretly enjoying the quiet morning moments together.

4. Artistic Muse: Rapunzel has countless sketches and paintings of Cassandra – some fierce in training, some sleeping peacefully, and many where Cass looks utterly exasperated but secretly fond.

5. Protective Instincts: While Rapunzel is perfectly capable of defending herself, Cassandra is still fiercely protective. She'll glare daggers at anyone who looks at Rapunzel the wrong way, even if Rapunzel hasn't noticed.

6.Shared Silence: They can sit in comfortable silence for hours, Cass sharpening her sword or reading a strategy book, while Rapunzel sketches or paints. The quiet presence of the other is often all they need.

7.Secret Baking: Rapunzel often tries to get Cass to bake with her, and while Cass protests loudly about "mess" and "pointless endeavors," she secretly enjoys the methodical mixing and the delicious results. She's surprisingly good at kneading dough.

8.The "I Told You So" Look: Cassandra has a specific "I told you so" look that she gives Rapunzel when one of Rapunzel's spontaneous ideas goes slightly awry, but it's always followed by a fond sigh and help to fix whatever went wrong.

9.Comfort Food: When Cassandra is stressed or upset, Rapunzel will make her favorite simple, hearty meal, often something Cass's father used to make for her, and just sit with her while she eats.

10.Hand-Holding: They're not overly showy with affection in public, but their hands instinctively find each other under tables or when walking side-by-side, a silent reassurance.

11. Polishing: Rapunzel occasionally insists on "helping" Cassandra polish her armor, which usually results in more paint and glitter on the metal than shine, but Cass secretly cherishes the chaos and leaves the small, shiny speckles.

12.Bad Dreams: If either wakes from a nightmare, the other is immediately there. Rapunzel will sing quietly to soothe Cass, while Cass will hold Rapunzel tight, whispering reassurances until she calms down.

13.Pet Names: Rapunzel often calls Cassandra "Cassie-bear" or "my Knight," which makes Cass roll her eyes every time, but a faint flush might appear on her cheeks. Cassandra, on the other hand, usually just calls Rapunzel "Rapunzel," but sometimes, in private, a soft "Sunshine" slips out.

14.Shared Adventures (Quietly): While Rapunzel loves grand adventures, Cassandra prefers quieter explorations. They often compromise by finding hidden glades in the forest or secret corners of the castle to explore together.

15.Reading Together: They often read together, Rapunzel reading aloud from a whimsical story, and Cass listening while reading her own practical texts, occasionally interjecting with a sarcastic comment or a surprisingly profound observation.

16. Hair Brushing: On quiet evenings, Rapunzel loves to brush Cassandra's hair, braiding and unbraiding it mindlessly. Cass pretends to just tolerate it, but she always leans into the touch, finding it incredibly relaxing.

17.Unexpected Compliments: Cassandra is terrible at receiving compliments, but Rapunzel showers her with them constantly, praising her strength, loyalty, and even her rare smiles. Cass usually just grumbles and changes the subject, but she stores every word in her heart.

18.Midnight Snacks: It's a running joke that Rapunzel always gets hungry in the middle of the night. Cassandra, who's usually up anyway, will sneak down to the kitchens with her, making them both simple sandwiches or grabbing fruit.

19.Mutual Protection: Above all else, they are fiercely loyal to and protective of each other. Rapunzel fights for Cassandra's heart and freedom, and Cassandra fights for Rapunzel's safety and happiness.

20. Hair Braids: Rapunzel will often braid small strands of Cassandra's hair while they're talking, or quietly working on something together, and Cass will never remove them until bedtime.

Chapter Text

The thing about dating Cassandra, Rapunzel had quickly learned, was that it was… exactly what she expected, yet utterly, bewilderingly not. Cass was still Cass – fiercely loyal, wonderfully snarky, a little bit of a neat freak, and prone to tackling problems head-on with a sword or a well-aimed glare. Rapunzel loved all of that. She’d fallen in love with all of that.

What she hadn’t expected, what was slowly, sweetly, incredibly disarming her, was the other Cass. The Girlfriend Cass.

It started subtly. They were at a particularly bustling royal assembly, a sea of unfamiliar faces and cloying perfumes pressing in on all sides. Rapunzel, ever the people-person, found herself feeling a rare flutter of anxiety, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of polite chatter. She gave a faint, almost imperceptible shiver.

And then, a hand, solid and warm, settled on the small of her back. Not a possessive grip, but a grounding touch, a silent anchor in the swirling chaos. Cass didn't say anything, didn't even look at her, merely continued to scan the room with her usual vigilant gaze, as if this was the most natural thing in the world. But the subtle pressure, the quiet presence behind her, made Rapunzel’s shoulders relax, her breath come easier. It was like Cass had built a quiet sanctuary around her, just for her. Rapunzel leaned back almost imperceptibly into the touch, a soft smile blooming on her face.

Later that week, she was holed up in her art studio, wrestling with a particularly stubborn shade of violet and an even more stubborn headache. Her hair was a wild, paint-splattered mess, and she’d forgotten to eat lunch. The door creaked open, and Cass walked in, not with her usual brisk stride, but with a careful, almost stealthy step. In one hand, she carried Rapunzel’s favorite mug, steaming gently.

"Figured you were due for a break," Cass mumbled, setting the mug down on a cleared space beside Rapunzel's easel. "And you get that wrinkle between your brows when you're concentrating too hard. Means you're dehydrated."

Rapunzel peered at the mug. "Oh, Cass, thank you! I lost track of time." She took a sip, and her eyes widened. "Wait. Is this… chamomile with just a hint of honey and a tiny squeeze of lemon?"

Cass just shrugged, a faint flush on her cheeks. "It's how you like it. You mentioned it once."

Once. Rapunzel had mentioned it months ago, in passing, during a late-night conversation. She hadn't even remembered saying it. But Cass had. And not only remembered, but applied that memory. It was such a small thing, yet it felt monumental.

Then came the flowers. Rapunzel didn’t even know Cass noticed flowers beyond their utilitarian purpose for identifying plants or making poultices. But one afternoon, Rapunzel returned to her chambers to find a small, vibrant bouquet of wildflowers – blues, yellows, and purples – tied with a simple bit of twine, sitting on her bedside table. There was no note. No occasion. Just flowers. Just because.

When Rapunzel found Cass later, polishing her sword with a focused intensity that bordered on meditative, she asked, "Cass, did you… did you put those flowers in my room?"

Cass didn’t look up. "They looked nice. Figured you'd like them." It was as close to a confession of tenderness as Rapunzel had ever heard from her.

It wasn’t just the big gestures, either. It was the quiet, almost invisible ones.

Rapunzel would be sketching, humming to herself, and Cass would quietly slip a perfectly peeled apple or a handful of dried fruit onto her desk, knowing Rapunzel forgot to eat when she was focused.

When Rapunzel was rambling excitedly about a new artistic concept, Cass would listen, truly listen, not interrupting, only offering the occasional "Hmm" or "Interesting," making Rapunzel feel completely heard and valued.

If Rapunzel mentioned a slight chill, Cass wouldn't even ask; a moment later, a warm blanket would be draped over her shoulders.

When a particularly difficult memory from her tower days resurfaced, leaving Rapunzel quiet and withdrawn, Cass wouldn't bombard her with questions. Instead, she'd simply sit beside her, offering a comforting silence, sometimes a gentle hand-squeeze, other times just her steadfast presence, a silent promise that she wasn't alone.

Rapunzel had always thought she knew every facet of Cassandra. The brave warrior, the loyal friend, the slightly awkward perfectionist. But this Cass, this incredibly attentive Cass, who remembered every preference and anticipated every need, who expressed her love not in grand declarations but in a thousand tiny, thoughtful acts – this Cass was a revelation.

One evening, as they sat by the window watching the sunset, Rapunzel leaned her head on Cass’s shoulder, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with the setting sun.

"You know," Rapunzel murmured, tracing patterns on Cass's armored gauntlet, "you're really good at this."

Cass grunted, a soft, almost shy sound. "At what?"

"At being," Rapunzel paused, searching for the right words, "the best girlfriend ever. I… I didn't even know you could be like this."

Cass stiffened slightly, then relaxed, her arm coming up to wrap loosely around Rapunzel's waist. "What's that supposed to mean?" she mumbled, a hint of her usual defensive snark. But Rapunzel could feel the subtle tremor in her voice, the vulnerability in the question.

Rapunzel giggled, pressing a soft kiss to Cass’s cheek. "It means," she whispered, "that I love you even more than I thought possible. And that you keep surprising me, in the very best ways."

Cass was quiet for a long moment, watching the last sliver of sun dip below the horizon. Then, her grip around Rapunzel tightened just a fraction, a silent, powerful affirmation. "Good," she simply said. "That's good."

And Rapunzel knew, with a certainty that settled deep in her heart, that she was the luckiest princess in all of Corona. And that the surprising, tender, thoughtful Cassandra was still, and would always be, full of wonderful things yet to discover.

Chapter Text

The crisp autumn air bit at Cassandra’s cheeks, painting them a healthy flush that mirrored the fiery maples lining the winding path. Beside her, Rapunzel wasn’t merely walking; she was practically dancing, her boots scuffing through drifts of fallen leaves, each crackle a tiny burst of joy. The woods surrounding Corona had transitioned into a breathtaking display of golds, oranges, and deep reds, a symphony of color that never failed to enchant Rapunzel.

Cassandra watched her, a soft, familiar ache settling in her chest – the good kind, the kind that came from profound love and hard-won peace. It had been a long road, one paved with betrayals and heartache, a journey through darkness that had nearly cost them everything. But they had found their way back. Rapunzel, with her unwavering light, had pulled Cassandra from the abyss, and now, walking hand-in-hand (or rather, Cass walking slightly behind, allowing Rapunzel to flit and dart), they were building a new path, together.

"Ooh! Look at this one!" Rapunzel exclaimed, bending low, short brown hair brushing her shoulder. She carefully selected a particularly vibrant maple leaf, its points a riot of crimson and saffron, the veins a delicate network of dark amber. "Isn't it incredible, Cass? How many shades can fit on one tiny, perfect leaf? It’s like a miniature sunset."

Cassandra chuckled, a warm, genuine sound that still surprised her sometimes, so alien to the guarded girl she’d once been. "It's great, honey." She watched Rapunzel turn the leaf over in her palm, her brow furrowed in concentration, as if decoding an ancient, beautiful mystery. Rapunzel always found wonder in the smallest things, a trait Cassandra had once found baffling, then endearing, and now, utterly essential to her own happiness.

Her left hand instinctively went to her pocket, brushing against the small, velvet-covered box nestled within. The ring. It had been there for weeks, a silent, weighty presence against her thigh. She’d picked it out with painstaking care: a simple silver band, elegant and strong, with a delicate, intertwined vine design – mirroring the way she felt their lives had become irrevocably woven together.

Every time Rapunzel’s eyes lit up, every time her laughter rang through the rustling leaves, every sweet, unexpected kiss Rapunzel pressed to her cheek, the ring felt a little heavier. It wasn’t just the physical weight of the metal and the small, understated emerald she’d chosen (a nod to Rapunzel’s eyes, and the enduring nature of their love); it was the weight of forever.

Forever. The word had always been a cage to Cassandra, a trap set by her father’s rigid expectations, then a cruel taunt after her own colossal mistakes. She’d spent so long feeling unworthy, feeling like a broken thing that could never truly be fixed, let alone kept. The idea of someone wanting to bind their life to hers, permanently, had once been terrifying, then unimaginable. But Rapunzel… Rapunzel had seen past the jagged edges, had patiently, stubbornly, lovingly glued her back together. And now, Rapunzel was offering her a future where ‘forever’ wasn’t a threat, but a promise of unwavering light, a garden they would tend together.

Looking at Rapunzel now, bathed in the soft, dappled light filtering through the autumn canopy, that weight felt less like a burden and more like a grounding force. A promise she was ready to make, a commitment she longed to solidify.

Her palms were getting clammy. She subtly wiped them on her pants, a nervous habit she thought she’d long since shed, but which seemed to resurface when her heart threatened to beat its way out of her chest. This was it. This was everything. The culmination of shattered trust, painful reconciliation, and an unfathomable love that had blossomed from the most unlikely of friendships.

Rapunzel finally tucked the leaf carefully into her bag, a tiny treasure for her collection. She looked up then, her eyes, the color of a summer sky, meeting Cass’s. Her smile was soft, radiant. "Isn't it the most beautiful thing?" she asked, not just of the leaf, or the woods, but of the world, of their shared breath in the crisp air. It was a question, Cassandra knew, that encompassed everything.

Cassandra swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. Her gaze swept over Rapunzel’s bright, open face, taking in the small smudge of dirt on her cheek, the gentle tangle of her braid, the absolute, unyielding hope radiating from her.

"Yeah," Cassandra managed, her voice a little rougher than she intended, but full of an emotion that made her chest ache deliciously. "Yeah, it really is."

The ring felt like a molten ember in her pocket, warm and insistent. Not a burden, not a threat, but a burning certainty. Not today. Not in this exact moment, surrounded by crunchy leaves and the ghosts of past doubts. But soon. Very, very soon. The weight in her pocket was a joyful one now, a harbinger of a future she was finally brave enough to reach for.

Chapter Text

The late afternoon sun cast long, golden shadows across the training grounds, painting the weathered stone walls in warm hues. Rapunzel, ever the champion of colour, was attempting to teach Cassandra a new, particularly vigorous dance move, which mostly involved Cass trying not to trip over her own feet while Rapunzel giggled.

“Alright, alright, that’s enough for today, Sunshine,” Cassandra chuckled, catching Rapunzel’s hand as she spun a little too wildly. Her grip was firm, familiar, and utterly safe.

Rapunzel leaned against her, a contented hum escaping her lips. “You just don’t want to admit I’m a better dancer than you.”

“I’ll admit you’re… more enthusiastic,” Cass countered, a smirk playing on her lips. She looked down at Rapunzel, her gaze softening as her eyes traced the curve of Rapunzel’s smile, the laugh lines around her eyes that had deepened slightly over the years. This was it. The moment she’d been rehearsing in her head for weeks, months even. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a drumbeat of nerves and certainty.

She took a deep, steadying breath, pulling Rapunzel gently away from the middle of the grounds, towards a secluded alcove where the setting sun dappled through the leaves of an old oak. Rapunzel, sensing a shift in Cass’s demeanour, tilted her head, her bright green eyes full of curiosity and affection.

“Cass, what is it?” she asked, her voice soft, noticing the unusual tension in her friend’s shoulders.

Cassandra turned to face her fully, taking both of Rapunzel’s hands in hers. Her grip was almost trembling. She looked into those wide, trusting eyes, and every prepared speech flew out of her head, replaced by a sudden, overwhelming urge to just speak from the heart.

“Rapunzel of Corona, I’ve loved you since you were eighteen,” Cassandra began, her voice a little rougher than usual, thick with emotion. She saw Rapunzel’s breath hitch, her eyes widening even further. “Before the magic, before the moonstone, before everything that tore us apart and brought us back together. I loved your light, your unwavering optimism, even when I thought I was too broken to ever truly feel it myself.”

She squeezed Rapunzel’s hands. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to wake up with you every morning, see the sunlight catch your hair, hear you hum as you paint. I want to hear about your day every night at dinner, whether it’s a grand diplomatic triumph or just a funny story about Pascal. I want to share every quiet moment, every loud celebration, every challenge and every victory. I want to be the one you turn to, and the one who always turns to you. I want to grow old with you, and remember all the adventures we’ve had, and all the new ones we’ll create.”

As she spoke, Cassandra reached into a hidden pocket in her tunic and pulled out a small, velvet-covered box. She opened it, revealing its contents without any flourish, her gaze fixed entirely on Rapunzel’s face.

Rapunzel’s hands flew to her mouth, tears welling in her eyes, blurring the sight before her. Her heart was soaring, a dizzying, joyful ascent she hadn’t thought possible. This was real. This was Cassandra.

“Oh, Cass…” Rapunzel whispered, her voice choked with emotion, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek. She didn’t need to see the object; she only needed to see the earnest, vulnerable hope in Cassandra’s eyes.

Cassandra knelt down, the movement fluid and practiced, but utterly weighted with the significance of the moment. “So, Rapunzel, my sun, my guiding star… will you marry me?”

A gasp, a sob, a joyous, uncontrolled laugh burst from Rapunzel. “Yes! Oh, yes! A thousand times yes!”

Before Cassandra could even begin to stand, Rapunzel launched herself forward, tackling her to the ground with all the force of her boundless joy. They landed with a soft thud on the grass, Rapunzel’s arms wrapped tightly around Cassandra’s neck, her face buried in Cass’s shoulder.

“I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you!” Rapunzel squealed, peppering Cass’s neck and hair with kisses, her entire body trembling with happiness.

Cassandra, winded but absolutely beaming, let out a grunt, a mix of genuine pain and sheer adoration. “Let me stand up,” she managed to say, her voice muffled against Rapunzel’s hair, but her arms were already wrapped just as tightly around the woman who had just promised to be hers forever.

They lay there for a long moment, tangled in grass and their newfound engagement, the setting sun painting their world in the colours of a beautiful, endless future.

Chapter Text

The grandfather clock in the hall had struck three a disconcertingly long time ago. Rapunzel sat in the plush armchair by the fireplace, a half-finished sketchbook resting on her knees, the charcoal in her hand leaving smudges on her nightgown. Every creak of the old castle settling made her heart jump, her gaze flicking towards the door of their shared chambers.

Worry was a cold, tight knot in her stomach. Cassandra was never this late. Not without sending word. Patrols ended hours ago, and the messenger bird roosts had been silent. Visions of ambushes, of falls from Fidella, of shadowy figures in the alleyways of Corona, played behind her eyes, each one more terrifying than the last.

Then, she heard it. Not the firm, confident stride she knew so well, but a clumsy, shuffling scrape. A thud against the door, followed by a muffled curse. The knot of worry in Rapunzel’s stomach instantly transformed into a spark of hot, relieved irritation.

She yanked the door open to find Cassandra leaning heavily against the frame, her uniform tunic untucked and hanging askew, her usually impeccable hair a mess of escaped strands. Her cheeks were flushed, and her silver-blue eyes were glazed and unfocused. The smell of cheap ale and expensive whiskey wafted in with her.

“Where were you?” Rapunzel’s voice was tight, the words sharpened by hours of anxiety. “I was worried sick.”

Cassandra blinked slowly, a lopsided grin spreading across her face. She pushed herself off the doorframe and stumbled into the room, catching herself on the back of a sofa. “Rapunzel! Sunshine! You’re still up!”

“Obviously. Answer the question, Cass.”

“We were… celebrat-ing!” Cassandra announced, drawing the word out into three triumphant syllables. She swayed, her boots scuffing the fine rug. “Big, big celebration. Huge.”

Rapunzel crossed her arms, her foot tapping a silent, impatient rhythm on the floor. “What were you celebrating?”

Cassandra’s triumphant expression melted into one of profound, drunken concentration. Her nose scrunched up. She stared into the middle distance as if the answer were written on the air. After a long moment, her face lit up again. “I don’t remember what! But we were definitely celebrating!” She punctuated this by attempting to punch the air and nearly overbalancing.

Rapunzel’s stern facade cracked, just a little. It was impossible to stay truly angry at this ridiculous, inebriated spectacle. She sighed, the sound heavy with exhausted affection. “Right. A celebration. Of course.”

Cassandra, having forgotten the need for balance, slid gracelessly down the side of the sofa and landed in a heap on the floor with a soft ‘oomph’. She didn’t seem to mind, simply leaning her head back against the cushions with a contented sigh.

“Up,” Rapunzel commanded, walking over and offering her hand. “C’mon, off the floor, Lieutenant.”

The title did the trick. Cassandra’s eyes flew open, shining with pure, unadulterated pride. She grabbed Rapunzel’s hand, her grip surprisingly strong even in her stupor. “That’s me!” she slurred, beaming as Rapunzel hauled her upright. “I’m the Lieutenant! Lieutenant Cassandra. Of the Royal Guard. Protector of the Princess. That’s my job.” She swayed dangerously, her full weight leaning into Rapunzel.

“I know, my love,” Rapunzel grunted, wrapping an arm around Cassandra’s waist to steady her. “And right now, your job is to get into bed without cracking your head open.”

She began the slow, arduous process of maneuvering her fiancée towards their bedroom. It was like guiding a very heavy, very uncoordinated marionette. Cassandra’s boots were the first to go, kicked off into a corner. Rapunzel then worked on the complicated brass buttons of her tunic.

“You’re very pretty,” Cassandra mumbled into Rapunzel’s hair, her breath warm and smelling of hops. “My pretty fiancée. Did you know we’re getting married?”

A genuine smile finally broke through on Rapunzel’s face. “I had heard a rumor to that effect, yes.”

“Good.” Cassandra nodded, her head lolling. “S’good. Gonna marry you so hard.”

Rapunzel couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. All the annoyance had evaporated, leaving only a deep, warm fondness. She finally got the tunic off and tossed it onto a chair, then guided Cassandra to sit on the edge of the bed so she could work on her breeches.

Cassandra cooperated, albeit clumsily, and soon she was down to her undershirt and smallclothes. Rapunzel gave her a gentle push, and she fell back onto the mattress with a soft groan, her arms splayed out.

“The room is spinnin’, ‘Punzel,” she complained, squeezing her eyes shut. “Make it stop.”

“It’ll stop soon,” Rapunzel soothed. She fetched a damp cloth from the basin and gently wiped the sweat and grime from Cassandra’s forehead and neck. Cass sighed at the cool touch, her tense muscles relaxing.

Rapunzel pulled the thick duvet over her, tucking it firmly around her shoulders. In the soft moonlight filtering through the window, Cassandra looked younger, the usual sharp lines of worry and concentration smoothed away by sleep and alcohol. A loose curl lay across her cheek. Rapunzel gently brushed it away, her fingers lingering on Cassandra’s warm skin.

She was about to turn and go wash up herself when a hand shot out from under the covers and caught her wrist. Cassandra’s eyes were open, the glaze in them replaced by a sliver of startling clarity.

“Hey,” Cassandra whispered, her voice rough. “I’m sorry. For worrying you.”

The last remnants of Rapunzel’s earlier frustration vanished. She leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to Cassandra’s forehead. “I know. Just… send Owl next time. Even if you’re celebrating something you’ll forget.”

Cassandra’s lips quirked into a sleepy smile. “‘Kay.” Her eyes fluttered closed again, her grip on Rapunzel’s wrist going slack. “Love you,” she breathed, the words already thick with sleep.

Rapunzel stood there for a long moment, watching the steady rise and fall of her fiancée’s chest. The fears of the evening felt silly now. Her brave, stubborn, ridiculous lieutenant was home, safe, and snoring softly. She quietly slipped into her own side of the bed, shifting close until her back was nestled against Cassandra’s side, feeling the solid, reassuring warmth of her through the blankets.

“Love you too, Cass,” she whispered into the dark, and let the sound of Cassandra’s breathing lull her to sleep.

Chapter Text

The scent of sugar and butter was practically a physical presence in the air, thick and sweet enough to chew. Before them, a gleaming table stretched, laden with an array of miniature cakes, artfully arranged slices, and tiny bowls of frosting and fillings. Rapunzel, with her short, rich brown hair bouncing around her face as she leaned closer to inspect a particularly intricate floral design, looked like a kid in a candy store.

"Oh my gosh, Cass! Look at this one, it's lavender and honey! Do you think that would be too… much? Or maybe just quirky enough?" Her eyes, wide and sparkling, darted between a deep purple confection and Cassandra’s face.

Cassandra managed a concise, "Looks nice, Rapunzel." Outwardly, she was a picture of calm, arms crossed, leaning back slightly in her chair. Internally, however, a tiny, high-pitched scream was echoing somewhere in the cavernous halls of her brain.

We are tasting wedding cakes.

Rapunzel and I.

She said yes. To me. To me.

They'd been engaged for three months now, and Cassandra still woke up every morning with a jolt, half-expecting it to have been some elaborate dream. Then she'd see Rapunzel, humming as she painted or watering her window box flowers, and the reality would hit her again, fresh and dizzying. Rapunzel, her Rapunzel, was going to be her wife.

"And this one," Rapunzel continued, picking up a small fork and delicately spearing a piece of what looked like white chocolate raspberry. "This is classic vanilla bean with raspberry compote. But the vanilla is really good. Not too sweet, you know? It's got that warmth." She took a bite, her eyes closing in bliss. "Mmmph. Okay, this is a strong contender."

Cassandra watched her, a soft, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "If you like it," she rumbled, her voice a little deeper than usual to hide the sheer, unbridled adoration bubbling up.

Sun above, she's beautiful. Even with a mouthful of cake, she's utterly captivating.

And she's marrying me.

"You have to try this one, Cass!" Rapunzel pushed a plate towards her, a sliver of dark chocolate espresso cake. "It's got a kick, like you!" She winked, and Cassandra felt a flush creep up her neck.

"Right." She picked up her fork, taking a deliberate bite. The cake was rich, intense, with a welcome bitterness from the coffee. "It's good," she conceded, nodding.

She compared a cake to me. A wedding cake. Our wedding cake.

My heart is going to explode.

I'm going to marry Rapunzel. I, Cassandra, who stole the Moonstone, who betrayed her, who was a mess of insecurities and anger, am going to marry Rapunzel, the princess of Corona, the actual sun incarnate.

How is this my life?

Rapunzel, oblivious to the internal maelstrom raging within her fiancée, was already on to the next sample, a lemon and elderflower creation. "Ooh, this is very spring-like! A little adventurous, maybe? But a nice palate cleanser."

"Whatever you think, Rapunzel," Cassandra said, her voice even, though her mind was still screaming.

Think, Cass. Say something useful. Say something smart. You're supposed to be a capable, discerning fiancé, not a puddle of starry-eyed mush.

"It's… zesty," she offered, finally, after taking another bite of the espresso cake just to give her hands something to do.

Rapunzel giggled, a bright, melodic sound that sent another internal shriek of delight through Cassandra. "It is! You're right. Okay, so we've got the safe, delicious vanilla-raspberry, the adventurous lemon-elderflower, the bold espresso, and the unique lavender-honey." She tapped her chin thoughtfully, then looked at Cassandra again, her gaze soft and affectionate. "What do you really want, Cass? This is our wedding, after all."

Cassandra's breath hitched. What do I really want?

Her gaze lingered on Rapunzel's face – the freckles dusting her nose, the way her hair curled just so at her temples, the sparkling intelligence in her green eyes.

"I… I want you," Cassandra blurted, the words slipping out before she could filter them. Her cheeks burned instantly. Gods, she was such a sap.

Rapunzel's smile widened, melting Cassandra's carefully constructed façade of nonchalance into a gooey mess. She reached across the table, taking Cassandra's hand, her thumb stroking the back of it gently. "Oh, Cass," she murmured, a warmth in her voice that made Cassandra's knees feel weak. "That's a given."

She squeezed Cassandra's hand. "But for the cake? We need to pick a cake."

Cassandra squeezed back, her heart doing a frantic little jig. "Anything you like, Rapunzel," she said. "Truly. Whatever makes you happy. I'll love it."

Because she would. She would love anything Rapunzel chose. She would love anything Rapunzel did. She would love Rapunzel, fiercely and completely, for the rest of their lives.

She said yes. She actually said yes.

And for a moment, just a moment, Cassandra let the internal scream of pure, unadulterated joy become an audible hum, a gentle vibration that thrummed through her as Rapunzel, beaming, turned back to the cakes, still holding her hand.

Chapter Text

The scent of lilies and lavender filled the air, a soft counterpoint to the hushed murmurs of the assembled guests. Sunlight, dappled and warm, streamed through the stained-glass windows of the Royal Chapel, painting shifting mosaics of color onto the polished stone floor. At the front, bathed in a particularly vibrant emerald hue, stood Cassandra.

Her uniform, specially tailored for the occasion, was a deep, rich midnight blue, the silver trim catching the light like distant stars. Her short, practical brown hair was neatly combed, and for the first time in what felt like forever, her shoulders were relaxed, her usual warrior’s tension replaced by a quiet anticipation. Her gaze, usually sharp and watchful, was fixed, unwavering, on the heavy oak doors at the back of the chapel.

She was nervous. Terrified, even. Every beat of her heart felt like a drum against her ribs, a frantic rhythm she fought to control. This was… new. A frontier she’d never imagined crossing, and the unfamiliar terrain made her palms sweat. She shifted her weight, her gloved fingers tightening infinitesimally around the small, worn leather-bound sketchpad tucked into the breast pocket of her tunic. A grounding anchor, a silent promise of the world that still existed beyond this moment.

A collective sigh rippled through the gathered crowd as the organ music swelled, a triumphant, yet tender, melody. The doors creaked open, and then there she was.

Rapunzel.

She was breathtaking. Her golden hair, now a much shorter, more playful cascade of curls framing her face, shimmered as she moved. Her dress, a creation of ivory silk and delicate lace, was simpler than many expected, yet utterly perfect for her. It flowed around her as she walked, elegant and unhurried, her eyes already locked onto Cassandra’s. A soft, radiant smile bloomed on her lips, a greeting, a reassurance, a promise all rolled into one.

Rapunzel’s gaze met Cassandra’s, and the world outside the chapel, the kingdom, the guests, the very concept of time, seemed to fade into a hazy backdrop. All that existed was Rapunzel, walking towards her. Cassandra’s breath hitched.

“Nervous?” Rapunzel’s voice, a light, lilting whisper, reached Cassandra before she even reached the end of the aisle. It was barely audible above the organ, a secret shared between them.

Cassandra’s lips twitched into a smile, a genuine, unguarded thing. “Terrified,” she breathed back, the confession as soft as a fallen petal. Her eyes traced the path of Rapunzel’s walk, the grace in every step.

Rapunzel’s smile widened, her eyes sparkling with amusement and something akin to mischief. She was halfway to the altar now, her hand resting lightly on her father’s arm. Eugene, looking impossibly dapper in a surprisingly subdued velvet jacket, was seated in the front row, his grin so wide it threatened to split his face. He caught Cassandra’s eye and gave a thumbs-up, his expression a mixture of pure joy and paternal pride. Cassandra offered him a small nod, a silent acknowledgement of his support.

As Rapunzel drew closer, her gaze swept over the assembled faces, a brief flicker of warmth before returning to Cassandra. She paused beside her father, who gently placed her hand into Cassandra’s. The touch sent a jolt, electric and grounding, through Cassandra.

The officiant, a kind-faced elder from the village, cleared his throat and began the ceremony. His voice was calm, measured, and completely lost on both of them.

“...and so, we gather here today to celebrate the union of two souls, two spirits, two hearts…”

“Cass,” Rapunzel whispered, her fingers interlacing with Cassandra’s. “See the lady with the hat in row three?”

Cassandra, whose attention had been firmly fixed on the warmth of Rapunzel’s hand, tilted her head slightly, following Rapunzel’s subtle nod. A woman in a rather ostentatious feathered hat, a vibrant splash of fuchsia against the muted tones of the other guests, was gesturing animatedly to her companion.

“Mmmhmm,” Cassandra replied, her own voice a low rumble, barely disturbing the air.

“I really want to paint that,” Rapunzel murmured, her eyes alight with artistic inspiration. The sheer audacity of it, even now, made Cassandra’s heart swell.

“Later,” Cassandra whispered back, her thumb stroking the back of Rapunzel’s hand. She squeezed, a silent promise. Later, we’ll paint everything.

“You look very handsome, Lieutenant Cassandra,” Rapunzel said, her voice a silken thread weaving through the officiant’s words. Her eyes, a vibrant green, held a depth of emotion that made Cassandra’s knees feel weak.

Cassandra felt a blush creep up her neck, a sensation she hadn’t experienced since she was a teenager. “You’re… you’re radiant, Rapunzel,” she managed, her voice a little rough. She avoided looking directly at Rapunzel’s face for a moment, focusing instead on the way the light caught the delicate lace of her sleeve. “Absolutely radiant.”

The officiant continued, speaking of love, commitment, and the sacred bond. Neither bride was truly listening. They were caught in their own bubble, a private universe woven from shared glances and whispered secrets.

“Did you practice those vows?” Rapunzel asked, a tiny smirk playing on her lips.

“Of course,” Cassandra replied, though the truth was, she’d practiced them a thousand times, and still stumbled over them in her mind. “Did you?”

“Every night for a week,” Rapunzel confessed. “I was afraid I’d get them mixed up with a song lyric.”

A muffled chuckle escaped Cassandra. “Don’t worry, I’ll remind you.”

“You’re a good woman, Cass,” Rapunzel said, her tone softening, the playful edge melting away. Her thumb brushed against Cassandra’s knuckles. “Thank you.”

Thank you for what? For being here? For taking this leap? For seeing me, truly seeing me, when no one else did? Cassandra didn't need words to answer. She squeezed Rapunzel’s hand again, her gaze intense. Always.

Eugene, in the front row, let out a particularly loud sniffle, and Cassandra and Rapunzel exchanged a knowing glance, a shared smile of fond exasperation. He was so unashamedly sentimental.

The officiant spoke of rings. Cassandra fumbled slightly with the small velvet box in her pocket, her fingers still a little clumsy with nerves. She pulled out the simple, elegant silver band, its surface unadorned, a mirror of Cassandra’s own personality.

“I, Cassandra, take you, Rapunzel…” she began, her voice steadier now, the practiced words feeling more natural as she looked into Rapunzel’s expectant eyes. She spoke of devotion, of protection, of a love forged in the fires of shared adventure and quiet companionship.

Rapunzel’s turn came. Her voice was clear and strong, a melodious counterpoint to Cassandra’s lower tone. She spoke of inspiration, of laughter, of seeing the world anew through Cassandra’s eyes. She spoke of home, and how she had found it in Cassandra’s arms.

As they exchanged rings, their fingers brushing, a wave of profound calm washed over Cassandra. The terror receded, replaced by a deep, abiding joy. This was right. This was real.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

The officiant’s words were the cue they had both been waiting for. Cassandra leaned in, her gaze never leaving Rapunzel’s. Rapunzel met her halfway, her eyes closing as their lips met.

It wasn’t a kiss of passion, or of desperate longing. It was a kiss of profound understanding, of quiet contentment, of a future unfurling before them, bright and full of promise. It was soft, tender, and filled with all the unspoken words they had shared throughout the ceremony. It was the culmination of a journey that had begun with fierce loyalty and evolved into something infinitely more beautiful.

When they broke apart, both of them were beaming. Rapunzel’s cheeks were flushed, and Cassandra’s stern expression was softened by a rare, triumphant smile. The chapel erupted in applause, a joyous clamor that echoed their own happiness.

Eugene was openly weeping now, dabbing at his eyes with a handkerchief, his grin still firmly in place. Pascal, perched on his shoulder, was chattering excitedly, no doubt offering his own brand of congratulations.

As they turned to face the congregation, hand in hand, the sunlight caught their joined fingers, making the silver rings gleam. Cassandra felt a sense of completeness, a peace she had never known. She looked at Rapunzel, truly looked at her, and saw not just the princess, but the woman, her partner, her wife.

“Ready?” Rapunzel whispered, her eyes twinkling.

Cassandra squeezed her hand. “Always.”

And together, they began their walk back down the aisle, not as a warrior and a princess, but as two wives, their hearts beating in synchrony, ready to face whatever the future held, together. The lilies and lavender perfumed the air, a sweet promise of their shared bloom.

Chapter Text

The last guests had finally, finally dwindled away, leaving behind a joyous, echoing silence in the grand hall. The fairy lights, once a dazzling spectacle, now cast a soft, sleepy glow on scattered confetti and half-eaten cake. Cassandra, flushed and radiant in her wedding attire, leaned against the arm of their bed, her eyes half-lidded. Rapunzel, equally stunning but with a distinct slump to her shoulders, was already halfway under the duvet, a tangled mess of chestnut hair and silk.

"You ready for bed?" Cassandra murmured, her voice raspy with exhaustion.

A muffled groan from beneath the covers was her only reply.

"Raps," Cassandra tried again, nudging the mound of blankets gently. "Is that a yes, or are you just… becoming one with the mattress?"

A sleepy sigh, followed by a soft "mmmph," drifted up. Cassandra couldn't help but smile. Social batteries, exquisitely drained. They’d spent hours greeting, hugging, laughing, and accepting congratulations from every aunt, uncle, former guard, and distant cousin twice removed who’d ever crossed their paths. It had been wonderful, truly, the most perfect day. But oh, the sheer people. It had been an onslaught of interaction, a relentless tide of well-wishes that had slowly, systematically, leached every ounce of energy from their bones.

Cassandra eased herself onto the bed, careful not to disturb her wife (Man, that felt good to say!) too much. The heavy weight of her gown felt like an anchor, and the delicate lace trim, once a source of pride, now felt like an irritant against her skin. She kicked her boots off with a silent prayer of thanks, the satisfying thud echoing in the quiet room.

She had just managed to wiggle out of her bodice when she felt a familiar weight press down on her arm.

"Raps," she grumbled, her voice even sleepier than before. "Move."

A sleepy murmur, barely audible. "Wha?"

"Move," Cassandra repeated, shifting slightly. "You're lying on my arm. I think I’m losing circulation.”

Rapunzel mumbled something unintelligible and burrowed deeper into the pillows, her head now resting precariously close to Cassandra's shoulder. Cassandra sighed, a soft, defeated sound. She could feel the warmth radiating from her wife(There it was again!), the gentle rhythm of her breathing. The anticipation of their wedding night, the romantic, intimate hours they’d imagined during their engagement, had evaporated somewhere between the third round of toasts and the surprisingly vigorous cake-cutting ceremony.

Cassandra let her head fall back against the pillows. The stars outside the window seemed to shimmer with a distant, indifferent beauty. She was married. To Rapunzel. The woman she loved more than anything. And right now, that felt like enough.

She closed her eyes, the silken sheets a welcome embrace. The thought of… activities… seemed impossibly far away, a task requiring an energy reserve they simply didn't possess.

"Cass?" Rapunzel whispered, her voice thick with sleep, her hand finding Cassandra's.

"Mmm?"

"You okay?"

Cassandra squeezed her hand. "Perfectly," she murmured, already drifting. "Just… tired."

A soft snore from Rapunzel was her only answer. Cassandra smiled again, a drowsy, contented smile. They were married. They were in bed. And they were both, utterly and completely, asleep. The wedding night, in its traditional sense, would have to wait. For now, the quiet, shared exhaustion was more than enough.

Chapter Text

The word sent a fresh, giddy shock through her system every time she thought it. Wife. It was real. The gold band on her left hand, cool against her skin, was proof. The memory of yesterday was a vibrant, living thing behind her eyes: the flower-strewn archway in the courtyard, her father’s trembling smile, Eugene’s overly-dramatic tears of joy, the way Cassandra’s hand had felt so certain and steady in hers as they exchanged vows.

And Cass herself. In her uniform, her short, dark hair impeccable, a single, stubborn strand falling across her forehead. The look in her eyes as Rapunzel had approached—a mixture of awe, terror, and such profound love that Rapunzel had felt her own knees go weak.

Now, that formidable, beautiful wife of hers was deeply asleep, her breathing a slow, even rhythm. The morning light traced the strong line of her jaw, the faint scar on her cheekbone, the elegant slope of her nose. One arm was thrown above her head on the pillow, the other rested across her stomach, her own wedding band gleaming dully in the dim room.

Rapunzel’s heart felt too big for her chest. It was a feeling so immense it was almost painful, a buoyant, swelling joy that threatened to lift her right off the mattress. She wanted to trace the lines of Cass’s face, to kiss her eyelids, to whisper the events of yesterday back into her ear so they could relive it together.

But she didn’t. She just watched. She committed this moment to a memory she knew she would treasure forever: the first morning.

A small, soft sound escaped Cassandra’s lips. A mumble, incoherent and sleep-slurred.

Rapunzel’s smile widened. Cass was a sleep-talker, a fact Rapunzel had discovered during many late nights in the library or after exhausting royal galas where they’d both collapse in Rapunzel’s chambers. It was usually nonsense—inventories of weapons, muttered strategy, the occasional grumbled complaint about a stuck wagon wheel.

Cass mumbled again, a little louder this time, her brow furrowing slightly. “...have to secure the… no, the eastern parapet…”

Rapunzel bit her lip to keep from giggling. Even in her dreams, her wife was fortifying the castle.

“Shhh,” Rapunzel whispered, her voice feather-soft. She reached out, not to wake her, but to gently smooth the furrow from her brow with her thumb. Cassandra’s skin was warm, solid, real. “It’s okay. Everything’s secure.”

Cassandra’s head turned toward the sound of her voice, but her eyes remained closed. She was still deep in her dream. “Raps…” she mumbled, the name a half-sighed, half-slurred admission.

Hearing her name on those sleeping lips made Rapunzel’s breath catch. The joy in her chest melted into a deep, overwhelming wave of tenderness.

Cass shifted, her body tense with dream-logic. “...the banner… it’s crooked…”

This time, a quiet laugh did escape Rapunzel. Of course. Even on their wedding day, Cass’s keen eye for detail had been on high alert. She’d subtly straightened Rapunzel’s crown three times before the ceremony.

Leaning in closer, her short hair brushing against Cassandra’s cheek, Rapunzel whispered, her tone fond and amused. “You’re sleep talking again, roll over.”

It was their ritual. Their middle-of-the-night shorthand. Usually, it was enough to coax Cass into shifting positions and settling into a quieter sleep.

On cue, Cassandra grunted, a low, acknowledging sound in the back of her throat. Still utterly asleep, she obeyed the familiar instruction. She rolled onto her side, turning away from Rapunzel, her body curling instinctively. The tension seemed to drain from her shoulders.

Rapunzel watched her for another moment, the new wife-shaped shape in her bed. Then, she carefully shifted closer, molding herself against Cassandra’s back. She slipped an arm around her waist, her hand splaying over the soft cotton of her sleep shirt, feeling the steady rise and fall of her breathing.

Cassandra sighed, a contented, heavy sound this time. One of her hands came down to cover Rapunzel’s, their wedding bands clicking together with a soft, metallic tink that was the most perfect sound Rapunzel had ever heard.

“Mine,” Cassandra murmured, her voice thick with sleep but suddenly, perfectly clear.

Rapunzel nuzzled into the back of her neck, breathing in the familiar scent of her—steel, soap, and Cass.

“Yeah,” she whispered into her skin, her eyes finally drifting closed, the last of her disbelief melting away into perfect, peaceful certainty. “I’m yours.”

Chapter Text

The ballroom glittered like a captured star, a symphony of polite chatter, clinking glasses, and the soft strains of a chamber orchestra. Rapunzel, radiant in sun-gold silk, was in her element, flitting between groups, her laughter like wind chimes, her smile illuminating every corner of the vast hall. As Princess of Corona, beloved by all, she exuded joy and effortless grace.

Cassandra, however, felt less like a graceful songbird and more like a very large, slightly bewildered owl thrust into a spotlight. Her Lieutenant of the Guard uniform, now subtly embroidered with the royal crest that signified her additional role as Princess Consort, felt heavier than usual. Every move was measured, every glance felt scrutinized. Guests, usually deferential or simply invisible to her as she performed her duties, now approached with simpering smiles, eager to praise her courage, her unique marriage, or worse, ask about palace gossip.

"Lieutenant Consort, such a pleasure!" "Lady Cassandra, you look simply stunning tonight!" "Do tell, how does it feel, being married to our sunny Princess?"

Cassandra plastered on what she hoped was a polite, yet slightly intimidating, half-smile. She deflected questions about her personal life with terse mentions of guard patrols and security protocols. She was a knight, for goodness sake, not a performing monkey. Her job was to protect, to serve, to stand firm against threats, not to discuss the finer points of her marital bliss with Lady Elara from the Northern Marches.

She missed the days when her uniform marked her solely as an authority figure, not a curiosity. Even her fellow guards, while respectful, now treated her with a new, frustrating level of deference – a deference that felt less about her rank as Lieutenant and more about her proximity to the throne. Directives she issued were followed with a touch more solemnity, and informal banter had all but vanished.

With a final, strained nod to a particularly tenacious Duchess, Cassandra spotted her chance. A less-used corridor branched off near the kitchens, leading to a small, seldom-visited sitting room. She slipped away, melting into the shadows, the muffled sounds of the party fading behind her. Pushing open the heavy oak door, she found the sitting room dark and blessedly empty. She sighed, leaning against the cold stone of the fireplace, eyes closed. The scent of old books and dust was a balm compared to the cloying perfumes of the ballroom.

She stood there, savoring the silence, for what felt like mere seconds before a soft, melodic voice broke through the quiet.

"Are you hiding?"

Cassandra's eyes snapped open. Rapunzel stood in the doorway, a soft, amused smile playing on her lips, her chestnut  hair shimmering even in the dim light filtering from the corridor. She held a half-eaten pastry in one hand.

"Maybe?" Cassandra grumbled, pushing off the fireplace and scowling playfully.

Rapunzel giggled, stepping closer and taking a bite of her pastry. "Aww, is my big, sweet knight not liking the attention she deserves?" Amusement was evident in her voice, but there was also an underlying current of genuine affection.

"You know I don't," Cassandra sighed, rubbing a hand across her temple. "It's… too much, Raps. All of it. The looks, the whispers, the endless questions that have nothing to do with whether the West Gate is secure. It's not just the nobles, it's everyone. Even my guards are treating me like… like I'm made of spun glass." She gestured vaguely back towards the ballroom. "I just want to do my job. Be a knight. Not some accessory to the crown."

Rapunzel set her pastry down on a nearby table and wrapped her arms around Cassandra's waist, resting her head on her chest. "But you are a knight, Cass. The best one. And you're also my wife. And the Princess Consort. And Lieutenant of the Guard. It's a lot, I know." She tilted her head up, her eyes soft. "And I get that it's overwhelming. You're not one for the spotlight."

"Understatement of the year," Cassandra muttered, her own arms coming up to hold Rapunzel loosely. Being held by Rapunzel was the only thing that made the chaos outside seem distant.

"I just… I love it," Rapunzel admitted softly, a slight flush on her cheeks. "I love seeing everyone so happy, so excited about the future of Corona. And I love that they see you as part of that future. They see how amazing you are, how strong and brave and dedicated. And they're celebrating us." She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Cassandra's jaw. "I know it's hard for you, but I just… I want to share my joy. And you're one of the greatest joys I've ever known."

Cassandra felt a familiar warmth spread through her chest, countering the irritation. Rapunzel, with her boundless optimism and genuine love for people, thrived on connection and celebration. It was one of the things Cassandra loved most about her, even if it often sent her scrambling for the nearest broom closet.

"Yeah, well, your joy usually involves a public parade and me being forced to wave," Cassandra grumbled, but there was no real heat in it. She squeezed Rapunzel gently. "I just wish I could be Lieutenant Cass sometimes, without the 'Consort' part drawing everyone's attention for all the wrong reasons."

"But being both is who you are now, my love," Rapunzel whispered, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. "It doesn't make you less of a knight; it just means more people get to see how incredible you are. Even if you'd rather they didn't." She grinned, a playful glint in her eyes. "Besides, think of it this way: more people means more potential threats for you to heroically dispatch, right?"

Cassandra actually let out a small, genuine laugh. "Only you could make 'more potential threats' sound appealing."

"And only you could find a quiet corner to sulk in when everyone wants to celebrate you," Rapunzel teased, then pressed a soft, lingering kiss to Cassandra's lips. "Come on. Just a little more. You don't have to talk to anyone if you don't want to. Just stand next to me. Let me shield you a bit. "

Cassandra looked into Rapunzel's earnest, loving eyes, and felt her resolve waver. She hated the public attention, yes, but she wouldn't trade her life with Rapunzel, or her new roles, for anything. Not if it meant losing this.

"Alright," she conceded, a small, tired smile gracing her lips. "But if anyone asks about our honeymoon, I'm just going to stare at them until they walk away."

Rapunzel laughed, a bright, happy sound that echoed gently in the quiet room. "Deal. My big, sweet knight." She took Cassandra's hand, lacing their fingers together. "Now, shall we make a grand re-entrance, or a stealthy one?"

"Stealthy," Cassandra said immediately, and Rapunzel squeezed her hand, understanding completely. Together, they walked back towards the glittering ballroom, Cassandra feeling a little less like a bewildered owl, and a little more like a knight, with her very own, very bright, personal sun by her side.

Chapter Text

The late morning sun streamed through the tall windows of their shared chambers in Corona Castle, dappling the polished stone floor. Rapunzel, her warm brown hair tied back with a simple ribbon, hummed softly as she dabbed paint onto a canvas, capturing the vibrant hues of the courtyard garden outside. Cassandra sat nearby, ostensibly reviewing a stack of guard reports, but her gaze kept drifting, restless, to the open sky.

A familiar restlessness had settled in Cassandra – a low thrumming in her veins that spoke of open air, speed, and the kind of untamed freedom she hadn’t fully indulged in since… well, since before things got complicated, then wonderful, then settled.

Rapunzel, ever perceptive, glanced up, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Something on your mind, Cass?"

Cassandra grunted, setting the reports aside. "You know what I miss?" She turned to meet Rapunzel's gaze, a glint in her usually guarded eyes. "A good ride. No particular destination, no world-ending threats, just… riding."

Rapunzel’s paintbrush clattered onto her palette. Her smile widened, lighting up her face. "Oh, Cass! Are you serious?" Her brown hair bounced as she practically sprang from her stool. "You want to go riding? Just like old times?"

"Well, not exactly like old times," Cassandra amended, a hint of a smirk touching her lips. "No trying to outrun royal guards or escape mysterious rock spikes this time, hopefully. Just… us."

"Us!" Rapunzel practically sang, already untying her apron. "Way too happy to oblige!" She bounded over, pulling Cassandra up by the hand. "Fidella and Max will be thrilled! They haven't had a proper stretch in ages."

Within minutes, they were in the royal stables, the familiar comforting scent of hay and horseflesh filling the air. Fidella nickered a greeting to Cassandra, nudging her hand for an ear scratch, while Maximus whickered excitedly, sensing Rapunzel's boundless energy.

"Still got it?" Cassandra challenged, expertly tightening Fidella's saddle girth.

Rapunzel, already mounted on Maximus, reins held loosely in her hand, laughed. "Please, I never lost it! And this time, no long, flowing locks to accidentally get tangled in the stirrups!" She patted her neatly bobbed brown hair, a reminder of all the adventures that had brought them to this peaceful, married life.

They rode out of the castle gates, the guards offering respectful nods. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. They started at a comfortable canter, the ground eating up under their horses' hooves. The wind whipped past them, carrying away any lingering castle stuffiness.

Cassandra felt the tension in her shoulders ease, replaced by a familiar exhilaration. She glanced over at Rapunzel, who was beaming, eyes shining with pure joy, her face flushed with the exertion. Rapunzel caught her eye and grinned, a flash of her old adventurous spirit.

"Race you to the old Willow Crag?" Cassandra challenged, pointing towards a distant rocky outcrop topped with an ancient, gnarled willow tree. It was a spot they’d found years ago, during one of their initial, more volatile, adventures.

"You're on!" Rapunzel shouted, digging her heels in. Max, always eager, surged forward.

Fidella, not to be outdone, matched Maximus's pace instantly. They galloped through sun-dappled glades, skirted laughing streams, and weaved through stands of ancient trees. The thunder of hooves, the rush of wind, Rapunzel's delighted whoops – it all blended into a symphony of pure, unadulterated freedom.

They were neck and neck, their competitive spirits flaring in the most affectionate way. Cassandra leaned low, a rare, genuine smile plastered across her face. Rapunzel, despite her more untamed riding style, held her own, her eyes fixed on the crag.

Finally, they burst out onto the rocky rise, pulling their horses to a halt in a cloud of dust just inches from the crag itself. Breathing heavily, they dismounted, chests heaving but eyes sparkling.

"You… you almost had me," Cassandra admitted, leaning against Fidella, trying to catch her breath.

Rapunzel laughed, a clear, joyous sound. "Almost doesn't count, Lieutenant!" She walked over to the edge of the crag, Cassandra following, and they looked out over the sprawling kingdom of Corona. From this vantage point, their home looked peaceful, serene, full of potential.

Cassandra reached out, her hand finding Rapunzel’s, intertwining their fingers. "That was good, Raps. Really good." The words were understated, but the warmth in her voice, the soft squeeze of her hand, spoke volumes.

Rapunzel leaned her head on Cassandra’s shoulder, her gaze sweeping over the landscape they both loved. "It was perfect, Cass. Just like… well, just like our old times." She turned her head, her brown eyes meeting Cassandra's, full of love and contentment. "And our new ones."

Cassandra chuckled, a rare, soft sound. "Yeah," she murmured, tightening her grip on Rapunzel's hand. "Our new ones are pretty great too." She lifted Rapunzel's chin, and their lips met, a kiss that tasted of wind, freedom, and a lifetime of shared adventures, both wild and wonderfully domestic. The ride had been exhilarating, but the quiet moment, together, was the real treasure.

Chapter Text

The flickering gaslight of the guard’s office did little to flatter Cassandra’s face. She was hunched over a stack of deployment reports, one hand pressed subtly to her stomach, the other gripping a quill like a lifeline. Her usually sharp gaze was dulled, shadowed by sleepless nights and the relentless gnaw of responsibility.

Eugene Fitzherbert, Captain of the Guard, leaned against the doorframe, a half-eaten apple in his hand. He’d been watching her for a full minute, the apple forgotten. “You look like shit, Cass.”

Cassandra startled, dropping her quill with a clatter. “Thanks, Fitzherbert. Always the poet.”

Eugene pushed off the frame, crossing the room in a few strides. He peered at her, his usual roguish smirk replaced by an uncharacteristic frown. “No, seriously. Your skin’s pasty, there are bags under your eyes big enough to hold my entire wardrobe, and you just flinched like I shot you when you dropped that quill. You look like you’re about two seconds from collapsing.” He pointed a finger at her. “Go to the doctor.”

Cassandra scoffed, picking up the quill. “I’m fine. Just a long day. These reports aren’t going to file themselves, and we’re short-staffed with the festival preparations underway.”

“No,” Eugene stated, his voice losing its usual lazy drawl, becoming firm, commanding. “Not a question, Cass. You’re going to the infirmary. Right now.”

Before Cassandra could protest further, a sharp, searing pain tore through her stomach, making her gasp and double over, clutching her middle. The quill clattered to the floor again, this time forgotten.

Eugene was at her side in an instant, his arm around her. “That’s it. Come on.” He practically lifted her out of the chair, ignoring her weak protests. “Don’t even think about arguing. I’m your Captain, and I’m ordering you to get medical attention.”

The infirmary was quiet, smelling faintly of antiseptic and herbs. Cassandra, pale and grumbling, was propped up on a cot, a concerned physician gently pressing on her abdomen. Eugene stood by the door, arms crossed, looking remarkably un-Eugene-like in his seriousness.

“It appears to be a stress-induced ulcer, Lieutenant,” the physician finally announced, stepping back. “You’ve been pushing yourself far too hard. Rest, a bland diet, and some specific medication should clear it up, but you need to take it easy. No guard duties for at least a week.”

Cassandra opened her mouth to argue, but the physician held up a hand. “No arguments, Lieutenant. Captain Fitzherbert already filled me in on your… dedication. This is serious. You could perforate it if you continue to ignore it.”

Eugene cleared his throat. “See? I told you.” He shot her a pointed look. “I’m going to send word to Rapunzel.”

“No, don’t bother her,” Cassandra said quickly, her face flushing. “She’s got enough on her plate with royal duties. I don’t want her to worry.”

“Too late,” Eugene said, already striding out. “Someone needs to keep you in line, and I’ve got guards to manage.”

It wasn't long before the infirmary door burst open again. Rapunzel, her brown braid flying behind her, rushed in, her eyes wide with alarm. She wore a simple dress, clearly having abandoned whatever she was doing to come straight here. She skidded to a halt by Cassandra’s cot, her expression a mix of fury and profound worry.

Cassandra, still feeling a bit weak and embarrassed, managed a small, sheepish wave. “Hi.”

Rapunzel’s gaze, usually so warm and full of light, narrowed dangerously. “Don’t you dare ‘hi,’ me, Cass.” Her voice was low, trembling with suppressed emotion. She sat heavily on the edge of the cot, gently taking Cassandra’s hand. “An ulcer? A stress-induced ulcer? What were you thinking? Why didn’t you say anything?”

Cassandra squeezed her hand. “I didn’t want to worry you. And I kept thinking it would get better.”

Rapunzel sighed, a shaky breath that spoke volumes of her distress. “Worry me? Cass, I’m your wife. Of course I’m going to worry! How could I not worry when you’re literally making yourself sick from overwork?” Her eyes welled up slightly. “I feel like I’m failing as your wife.”

Cassandra’s heart ached. “You’re not, Raps. Never.”

Rapunzel shook her head, a tear tracing a path down her cheek. “You’re wrong. Apparently I am, because you had an ulcer and didn’t tell me, and I didn’t notice. I should have noticed how tired you were, how much extra time you were spending at the office, how you kept pressing your hand to your side. I was so caught up in… everything else, that I missed this.”

“Rapunzel, no,” Cassandra insisted, trying to sit up straighter, wincing slightly. “It’s not your fault. I’m good at hiding things, you know that. I didn’t want to burden you.”

“You are never a burden,” Rapunzel declared, her voice firm despite the tears. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “And we’re supposed to share our burdens. That’s… that’s what marriage is.” She looked at Cassandra, a resolve hardening in her emerald eyes. “You’re not going to be alone here tonight.”

Cassandra gave a weak smile. “You don’t have to stay the night, Raps. I’ll be fine. You have duties tomorrow, and that cot looks horribly uncomfortable.”

Rapunzel leaned in, kissing Cassandra’s forehead tenderly. “Yeah, well, the vows said in sickness and health, so…” She settled back, her hand still clasped in Cassandra’s. “And besides,” she added, a faint, familiar smile breaking through her worry, “someone needs to be here to make sure you actually rest. I know you, Cass. You’d try to sneak out at four in the morning to ‘check on the patrols’.”

Cassandra managed a genuine laugh, a little weak, a little pained, but real. She looked at her wife, her fierce, loving Rapunzel, and felt a quiet warmth spread through her chest, deeper than the ache in her stomach. Maybe, just maybe, letting herself be taken care of wouldn't be so bad after all.

Chapter Text

Cassandra hated being useless. She hated it more than being wrong, more than having to admit she needed help, more than the bland, unseasoned gruel Rapunzel insisted she eat three times a day. The doctor had been clear: "Stress-induced ulcer, Lieutenant. Strict bed rest, no exertion, and absolutely no stress. For at least two weeks." Two weeks. It had been barely three days, and Cassandra felt like she was going to climb out of her own skin.

Rapunzel, bless her short, brown-haired, eternally-optimistic heart, was doing her best. Too good, almost. She was a constant, gentle presence, bringing herbal teas, reading aloud from surprisingly dull historical texts (Cassandra tolerated them only because Rapunzel's voice was soothing), and generally hovering. It was driving Cassandra insane.

Her stomach, a dull, aching knot that periodically flared into a sharp, fiery stab, reminded her why she was confined. But her mind, sharp and restless, refused to be confined alongside it.

She’d been lying on the chaise lounge in their shared sitting room – a concession from Rapunzel who'd deemed their bedchamber "too confining" – for what felt like an eternity. The afternoon sun dappled through the window, highlighting dust motes in the air. This was her life now. Watching dust motes.

A sudden surge of frantic energy hit her. She couldn't just sit here. The Guard wouldn't run itself. Eugene was capable, yes, but he lacked the… finesse. The firm hand. The 'Cassandra' touch.

She pushed herself up, wincing slightly as her stomach protested. Her old Guard uniform lay folded on a nearby chair, mocking her with its readiness. She reached for it.

"Where are you going?" Rapunzel's voice, remarkably calm considering she'd just appeared in the doorway, startled Cassandra. She hadn't even heard her approach.

Cassandra straightened, trying to project an air of nonchalance. "Check on recruits. Heard there was a new batch reporting in this morning. Need to make sure Eugene isn't, you know, doing a 'Eugene' with them."

Rapunzel walked slowly into the room, her hands tucked into the pockets of her simple yellow dress. Her eyes, usually luminous with life, held a weariness Cassandra felt like a punch to the gut. The perpetual crinkle around them wasn’t from laughter anymore. "Eugene's got it," Rapunzel said, her voice soft but firm. "I spoke with him this morning. He's running drills, reviewing regulations, the whole nine yards. He even asked me if I thought 'Cass's dad would approve of his stern face.'" A faint, tired smile touched Rapunzel's lips, but her eyes remained serious. "He's managing, Cass. Just like he always does when you're away."

Cassandra bristled. "I'm not 'away', Raps, I'm just… temporarily indisposed. And I'm quite sure Eugene's 'stern face' is probably just him pouting because he can't get away with anything."

Rapunzel sighed, a quiet, almost inaudible sound that still resonated deeply with Cassandra. "You're indisposed, yes. And you need to stay indisposed." She gestured to the uniform. "Don't even think about it."

Cassandra glared at the uniform, then at Rapunzel. The fight was already draining her, both physically and emotionally. She sank back onto the chaise, defeated. Rapunzel's shoulders seemed to relax slightly. The guilt gnawed at her. She saw the exhaustion in Rapunzel, the way her shoulders were perpetually a little slumped, the slight dark circles under her eyes. This wasn't just about Cassandra's ulcer; it was about Rapunzel having to shoulder everything. The kingdom, the responsibilities, and now Cassandra herself, a demanding, uncooperative patient. She hated being a burden. But the thought of not being useful, not contributing, felt like a deeper pain than any ulcer.

Later that evening, the smell of Rapunzel's latest, ridiculously bland, "healing broth" filled the air. Cassandra picked at it, pushing around the pale vegetables with her spoon. Rapunzel watched her, a concerned furrow in her brow.

"You need to eat, Cass. Doctor said nutrient-rich foods."

"It tastes like sadness, Raps," Cassandra grumbled, but took a dutiful bite.

Rapunzel just sighed again. The sound was becoming all too familiar.

After dinner, Rapunzel began to put away the dishes. Cassandra, feeling a sudden surge of restless energy combined with the dull ache in her stomach, stood up. "I think I'll just… tidy up the scrolls on the desk. They're a mess." She started towards her cluttered writing desk, where maps and reports lay scattered. It wasn't Guard work, technically, but it was something.

Rapunzel stopped, a half-dried plate in her hand. She turned, her expression unreadable. Cassandra could feel the familiar tension building in the air.

"Cassandra." Rapunzel's voice was low, devoid of its usual lilt. There was no gentle suggestion, no coaxing. It was an order.

Cassandra hesitated, her hand hovering over a rolled-up parchment. "But they're-"

Rapunzel put the plate down with a soft clink. She walked over to Cassandra, her gaze unwavering. The usual warmth in her eyes was replaced by something steely, edged with a visible, profound weariness. This wasn't the Rapunzel who navigated diplomatic crises with a smile; this was the Rapunzel who’d stood down an army, whose patience had finally worn thin.

"Just... lie down, okay? For me." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the unspoken plea, the sheer exhaustion behind it, was louder than any shout.

"But I don't-" Cassandra began, a protest forming on her lips, a stubborn refusal to be babied, to be helpless.

She was cut off. Not by Rapunzel's words, but by the intensity of her wife's stare. It was a glare, yes, but more than that, it was a look of utter, desperate fatigue. A quiet, desperate plea that broke through Cassandra's stubborn defenses like nothing else could. It said: I can't do this anymore. Not if you keep fighting me. Please. For the love of all that is good, just do this one thing.

Cassandra felt a sudden, unexpected pang of shame, mixed with a rush of something akin to fear. She hadn't realized how much she was pushing Rapunzel, how much her own stubbornness was costing the woman she loved. The fight drained out of her, leaving her feeling hollow and smaller than usual.

She slowly, reluctantly, turned and walked back to the chaise lounge. She sank onto it, pulling a blanket over herself, feeling the familiar ache in her stomach and the new, sharp sting of remorse in her chest.

Rapunzel watched her, her expression slowly softening from the steeliness into quiet sadness. She didn’t say anything, just walked over, adjusted the blanket, and gently, almost hesitantly, stroked Cassandra's hair.

Cassandra closed her eyes, feeling Rapunzel's touch, the light scent of paint and wildflowers that always clung to her wife. Rapunzel's resolve was indeed draining, Cassandra realized. And she, Cassandra, was the one draining it. The realization was a bitter pill, harder to swallow than any bland broth. She just hoped, desperately, that there was still enough left for them both.

Chapter Text

The first fat drops of rain splattered on the cobblestones outside the castle window, each one a tiny drumbeat announcing the arrival of a summer storm. Rapunzel, her short brown hair still damp from a recent trim, bounced on the balls of her feet, her eyes alight with mischief. She peered out at the darkening sky, a grin spreading across her face.

"Cass!" Rapunzel called, turning to her wife, who was meticulously sharpening a dagger at the hearth. Cassandra barely looked up, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Hmm?" she grunted, the rhythmic rasp of stone against steel filling the brief pause.

"It's starting to rain!" Rapunzel exclaimed, already moving towards the large oak doors that led out to the courtyard. "The perfect kind of rain for a romantic moment!"

Cassandra's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Romantic moment? Rapunzel, what are you plotting now?"

Rapunzel shrugged as innocently as she could, though the twinkle in her eye betrayed her. "No plotting! Just… seizing the moment. Come on!" She reached for the heavy door handle.

Suddenly it clicked.

"Absolutely not," Cassandra said, her voice firm, leaving no room for argument. She set the dagger down with a decisive clink and stood up, crossing her arms. "We can kiss inside, where it's warm and we won't end up with miserable head colds."

Rapunzel’s smile faltered slightly, but she wasn’t deterred. "But it'd be romantic, Cass! Like in all those stories. You know, the dramatic fairytale-style kiss under the downpour." She mimed a dramatic embrace, swaying her hips.

Cassandra let out a humorless huff. "Oh yes, because nothing screams romance louder than shivering uncontrollably and nursing a fever for a week. Snotty tissues and a sore throat are not romantic, Rapunzel."

"But the experience!" Rapunzel pleaded, taking a step closer. "Imagine the feeling of the rain on our skin, the smell of the earth… and then, a kiss that washes away all the worries of the world!" She reached out, trying to take Cassandra's hand.

Cassandra deftly pulled her hand away. "Or it washes away all the warmth from our bodies and invites every germ in the vicinity. My answer is no. We have perfectly good blankets and a roaring fire right here. We can have a romantic moment without risking pneumonia." She gestured pointedly towards the crackling hearth.

Rapunzel’s lower lip jutted out in a pout. "You're always so practical, Cass. Can't you just let loose for once? Just one little kiss in the rain?" She batted her eyelashes, a technique that usually worked wonders.

"My practicality is what keeps us alive and healthy, Rapunzel," Cassandra retorted, her tone softening slightly as she saw the genuine disappointment on her wife’s face. She walked over to Rapunzel and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Look, I love you. I love spending time with you. And I love romantic moments. But I also love not being sick, and I love you healthy and not miserable with the sniffles."

She leaned in, her eyes softening with affection. "How about this? We can watch the rain from the window, curled up together on the sofa. I'll get us some hot chocolate, and then," she tilted her head, a playful smirk dancing on her lips, "we can have the most romantic kiss right here, with no risk of hypothermia."

Rapunzel considered this, her pout slowly dissolving. She looked at Cassandra, at the genuine concern and love in her eyes, and then back at the rain lashing against the glass. The image of a damp, shivering kiss suddenly seemed less appealing than the thought of being warm and safe with her wife.

She sighed, a little dramatically. "Fine," she conceded, a small smile returning to her face. "Hot chocolate does sound pretty romantic."

Cassandra beamed, relief washing over her. She wrapped an arm around Rapunzel's shoulders and pulled her close. "That's my girl. Now, let's go orchestrate some sofa-based romance, shall we?"

As they turned away from the doors, a particularly strong gust of wind rattled the windowpanes, sending a spray of cold rain against the glass. From inside, the sound of the storm was a comforting backdrop to the warmth of their embrace, and Rapunzel knew, with absolute certainty, that her most romantic moments were always with Cassandra, no matter the weather.

Chapter Text

The soft morning light filtering through the window did little to dispel the general malaise that hung around Rapunzel like a shroud. Her usually vibrant brown hair lay dull against her shoulders, and her cheeks, though flushed with fever, lacked their usual healthy glow. Still, here she was, perched precariously on a stool, brows furrowed in concentration over a half-finished tapestry.

A sigh, heavy with long-suffering affection, sounded from the doorway. Cassandra, in her Lieutenant of the Guard uniform, leaned against the frame, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised.

"Rapunzel," she stated, her voice even, but with an underlying steel that Rapunzel knew well.

Rapunzel startled, a thread tangling. "Oh, Cass! Didn't hear you come in. Just trying to finish this-” She broke off with a wheezing cough, clutching her chest. Pascal, who had been perched on her shoulder, chirped worriedly and started gently nudging her ear.

"Pascal!" Rapunzel mumbled, reaching up to pet him, but her hand was shaky.

Cassandra pushed off the doorframe, striding purposefully into the room. "Pascal wants you to get back to bed, just like I do." She reached out, her hand cool against Rapunzel's burning forehead. "You're practically radiating heat."

Rapunzel tried to pull away, a stubborn gleam in her eyes despite their watery appearance. "But I have so much to do! The Royal Correspondence, that new initiative for the orphanage, not to mention this tapestry..."

Cassandra’s expression hardened, though her touch remained gentle as she guided Rapunzel off the stool. "You're no good if you keep pushing yourself; You'll just make yourself sicker. All that will do is delay everything even further." She picked Rapunzel up, a surprisingly easy feat for the strong guard, and carried her towards their bedroom.

Rapunzel went limp in her arms, a small, triumphant smirk playing on her lips. "You're such a hypocrite," she mumbled into Cass's shoulder. "Remember when you had that ulcer? You tried to train half the guard with a hole in your stomach!"

Cassandra bristled, a faint blush rising on her neck. "That was... I didn't have a fever! And it was a stress-induced ulcer, entirely different." She laid Rapunzel gently onto the bed, pulling the covers up high. "Now stay there."

Rapunzel watched her, her eyes wide and appealing. "But it's so boring." She sniffled, then her voice dropped to a barely audible whisper. "Cuddles."

Cassandra froze, midway through adjusting the curtains to block out some of the harsher light. Silence stretched between them, thick with Rapunzel's hopeful gaze and Cassandra's internal battle. Cassandra picturing the germs, the inevitable coughs, the aching joints... The thought of being laid low, unable to perform her duties, was almost worse than the idea of actually being sick. She could practically feel the fever incubating inside her already.

"Please?" Rapunzel whispered again, her voice weaker this time. Her lower lip quivered just enough to twist Cassandra's gut.

Cassandra let out a long, exasperated sigh, running a hand through her short hair. "Fine," she grumbled, though a small part of her had already caved the moment Rapunzel had asked. She rounded the bed, carefully sitting on the very edge, her back rigid. She pulled Rapunzel’s head gently onto her shoulder, leaving a small, almost imperceptible gap between them.

"Just for a minute," Cassandra muttered, trying to keep her voice firm, as Rapunzel’s warm, feverish head rested against her, a sigh of contentment escaping the princess. "And don't even think about breathing on me strategically."

Rapunzel just hummed, already half-asleep, her fingers weakly fumbling for Cassandra's hand. Cassandra allowed it, her thumb brushing over Rapunzel's knuckles. She still didn't want to get sick, not one bit. But watching Rapunzel finally relax, finally give in to the rest she desperately needed, a different kind of warmth spread through her chest. A warmth that, for once, had nothing to do with fever. It was just... love, begrudging as it sometimes was.

Chapter Text

The castle was a symphony of hushed night sounds – the distant hoot of an owl, the rustle of leaves against a window, the soft, rhythmic breathing beside her. For anyone else, it might have been peaceful. For Cassandra, Lieutenant of the Guard and currently locked in a wrestling match with her own brain, it was just infuriatingly quiet.

She’d been lying there for hours. Her body ached with exhaustion, her eyes burned from being clamped shut in futile attempts to force sleep, but her mind was a whirlwind of checklists, battle strategies, forgotten worries, and an acute awareness of every single joint in her body that dared to feel uncomfortable. She was absolutely, utterly hating life. Every dark, quiet, sleepless minute of it.

A frustrated huff escaped her, and the gentle breathing next to her wavered.

"Mmmph? Cass?" Rapunzel's voice was thick with sleep, a low, melodic murmur. She rolled onto her side, long brown hair fanning across the pillow, a warm hand blindly reaching out to find Cassandra’s arm. "Still awake?"

Cassandra grunted, pulling her arm away slightly to rub at her temples. "Unfortunately."

"Melatonin?" Rapunzel mumbled, already halfway back to dreamland, but still trying to help.

"Took it," Cass snapped, then immediately softened. "Hours ago. Did nothing."

Rapunzel hummed sympathetically, eyes still closed. "Oh, Cass." She shifted closer, draping an arm over Cassandra's waist, pulling her back against her chest. The warmth was comforting, the familiar scent of paint and wildflowers that always clung to Rapunzel a familiar anchor. Rapunzel’s fingers began to gently stroke Cassandra’s hair, a slow, repetitive motion.

For a while, it almost worked. The quiet repetition, the soft press of Rapunzel's lips against her shoulder, the steady beat of her wife's heart against her back... it was a balm. Cassandra closed her eyes, trying to surrender to the peace radiating from the woman behind her. She focused on the warmth, on the calm, on the love.

Minutes stretched, then what felt like an eternity. Rapunzel's breathing deepened, the strokes on her hair slowed, then stopped. The soft murmurs ceased. Rapunzel was well and truly asleep again, a faint, contented smile playing on her lips.

And Cassandra was still wide awake, her mind still buzzing, more aware than ever of the impenetrable wall between her and rest. A fresh wave of frustration, hotter and sharper than before, washed over her. It wasn't fair. Rapunzel could just... sleep. Her mind just turned off. Cassandra's mind, however, was an endless loop of responsibilities, anxieties, and the persistent, maddening awareness of her own exhaustion.

The silence grew heavy again, but this time it felt acutely lonely. She was completely alone in her struggle, trapped in the prison of her own wakefulness. The warmth of Rapunzel, once comforting, now felt like a cruel reminder of what she was missing. She didn't want to be alone. Not like this.

Slowly, carefully, Cassandra turned in Rapunzel’s embrace, disentangling herself just enough to face her. Rapunzel looked utterly serene in her sleep, beautiful and peaceful. It felt wrong to disturb it, but the alternative – another hour or two or three of solitary torment – was unbearable.

"Rapunzel?" she whispered, her voice rough with fatigue and a hint of desperation.

A soft "hmm?" escaped Rapunzel, her brow furrowing slightly, but her eyes remained closed.

"Rapunzel?" Cass repeated, a little louder, gently nudging her arm.

Rapunzel finally blinked, her eyes fluttering open, unfocused for a moment before they landed on Cassandra's troubled face. "Cassie? What's wrong, love?" Her voice was still sleepy, but laced with immediate concern.

"I still can't fall asleep," Cassandra confessed, the words a raw whisper of pure exhaustion.

Rapunzel's hand found her cheek, stroking it gently with her thumb. "I know," she murmured, her voice heavy with understanding and regret. "I'm sorry, baby." She pulled Cassandra closer, shifting so Cass could rest her head on her chest, right over her heart. The familiar, rhythmic thud was instantly more grounding than the quiet drone of the night. Rapunzel’s fingers began to thread through Cassandra’s short hair again, a slow, steady motion that was less about putting her to sleep and more about simply being there.

"It's okay," Rapunzel whispered, her chin resting on Cassandra's head. "You don't have to sleep. You just have to be here with me."

Cassandra closed her eyes, not with the intention of sleep, but just to soak in the warmth, the scent, the unwavering presence of her wife. The frustration hadn't vanished entirely, but the sharp edges of loneliness had dulled. Maybe she wouldn't sleep tonight, but at least she wouldn't be hating life all by herself. With Rapunzel's arms around her, even wakefulness felt a little less like a curse.