Chapter Text
A week has passed so many wishes came true was exhilarating. Being freed and rescued from Gothel, reuniting with their long lost families that actually cherish them, hosting a welcome home festival for the princess lasted days to weeks but the saddest thing was when the siblings had to separate and try to get used to their new lives wasn’t going to be easy.
Rapunzel paced around the halls worried about her brother, everything felt so odd she was not used to living in a place without him and he hasn’t even come to visit once.
The new changes were harder than she thought. Trying to get into the swing of this royal life wasn’t going to be easy.
She has guards on her tail almost at all times following her around in every corner, understanding that they’re just doing what they’re told but it was kinda creepy and uncomfortable.
Rapunzel was informed to have a lady-in-waiting who would teach, assist, help and attend to her since she was so far behind. The problem was that she didn’t have one yet like Friedborg who was her mother’s lady-in-waiting.
She thought that she didn’t need one up until now. Gothel never raised them, she was mostly gone during the day. The siblings taught each other everything including enhanced astronomy, cooking, how to read and write, even sewing clothes.
Friedborg spent hours instructing her how to properly sit, then spent the rest of the day opening and closing a door and how to sip her tea but somehow Rapunzel still wasn't getting it right. Everything made no sense to her, struggling to even have a conversation with her mother’s lady-in-waiting since she isn’t a big talker.
Pascal snuck into the room till the end of the session. The chameleon shook his head as if to say that manners are overrated and she agreed.
Rapunzel struded to the garden thinking that if Varian was here he would help make living in the castle so much easier, his presence was always comforting to have around, he would help explain the demonstration that Friedborg was trying to show her during the lesson. Her brother understood her more and better than anyone else could.
She climbed the tallest and biggest tree with a small gaggle of guards preparing to catch her if she fell.
“What would Varian do or even say during a stressful situation?” She thought to herself, sitting on a tree branch staring up at the sky.
“Probably something about finding anything to distract your mind?” How was she supposed to distract her mind when she had things that were too complicated for her to comprehend and guards following her like parents with a baby.
“Do something that you enjoy like art.” She thought of it, jumping off and landing safely on the ground in a heroic pose. Within seconds she noticed the guards rush to her, one with a ladder under his arm.
“I’m alright. Really I can get down on my own” She said with an awkward grin.
“Princess,we can’t take any risk.” The well remains guard gripping onto the ladder tightly.
Her boyfriend stood behind them presenting a sketch book, art brushes and some paint.
“Eugene, you brought me my art supplies, how did you know?”Rapunzel walked over with a loving glance.
“I know you well.” He smirks.
“Actually your kid brother came by for a short visit, wanted to check up to see how you were doing. He heard about your struggle and mentioned that you like to paint when you're stressed so here I am.” Holding the art supplies up.
“Ahh what I missed him.” Disappointed that she never got a chance to see him or even talk about life in old Corona.
“Yeah sorry but you’ll definitely have a shot at seeing him again next week or tomorrow if we’re lucky.” He tries to cheer her up by handing her the notebook.
“Thanks Eugene.” She gave him a hug. For a split second Rapunzel wondered if she did that properly but remembered that it was Eugene, one out of the few people that she could truly be herself around.
Eugene silently glared at the guards asking them for some space, they scooted a few feet away from the couple.
“Did you notice anything different?” He breaks the embrace and turns in a small circle before striking a pose.
“Hm?” His girlfriend checked him over.
“Is it a new shirt?” Pointing at the vest
“Nope.” He shook his head
“Did your barber give you another haircut?” Eugene had a royal hair treatment every day since they arrived at the castle.
“You’re getting warmer.” Her boyfriend’s face lightened up with excitement.
“Hm? If you’re talking about the swoop of your bangs having more volume then I don’t really think that really counts as a change.” Rapunzel folded her arms together.
“What do you mean it doesn’t count, the steeper swoop totally changes the shape of my face as a touch of falsification don’t you think. Decor comes to mind.” Placing a hand on his chin.
“Eugene you always look great now, how about I race you to the gazebo.” Drew a starting line with the dirt using her foot.
“I can’t.” He said with a sigh.
“Why not? Afraid I might beat you?” Raising an eyebrow.
“Never, actually your dad really wants Hugo and I to brush up on some laws against criminals and the punishments for breaking them. He says it’s a part of a… um formal education that we might be lacking.” Rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
“Oh.”disappointed again.
“We can’t let your dad down, having our faces on wanted posters for the past few years still seems to bug him. You would think that bringing home the lost princess would resolve everything but oh well.” Eugene shrugs.
“Sorry about that.” Realizing that the captain may be forgiving by freeing them of all charges but not her own dad. She apologized for his actions and words towards them.
“Sorry? For what? For giving me a chance to spend the rest of my life with you, the most beautiful and my favorite person in the world, sharing this life of cuisine and endless spa treatments, providing me with a suite in the castle, offering me a future as a prince seated next to a wonderful partner. Studying for fancies and diplomatic decorum from macro and micro economics even nitro economics if I have to. Is that a thing?” Stopping to question what he said.
The princess just shrugged, she wasn’t familiar with scientific stuff like her brother or Hugo.
“I don’t think so but my point is I’ll join the lamest club here or participate in a pasta eating companion. If that's what it takes to make the king accept me I couldn’t be happier Rapunzel.” Eugene held her hand.
“Oh Eugene, that’s so sweet of you.” Giving him a warm smile.
“You want a boost?” Tilting his head towards the direction of the gazebo.
“That’s ok, you know I love adventures no matter how small.”
“So walking it is, I’m okay with that.”Release her hand.
Rapunzel took a deep breath in resolve to enjoy herself. She approaches the guards asking for a moment of privacy.
“We were instructed to look after you.” they turned away and shook their heads.
The princess noticed the bead of sweat dripping down their faces under all the heavy metal armor, they must've been feeling extremely hot.
“It’s such a hot afternoon. Maybe you should go to the fountain in the main garden. It looks like a perfect place to cool off, I am just going to be at the gazebo having a quiet moment of reflection and do some painting. You guys have been working so hard since my return so take a break. Please go have a refreshing splash and it will make you feel better. It would make me really happy to see you well cared for and happy, don’t want you guys to pass off heat exhaustion now.” One of them cracked a smile and the others did too.
“Go on, I'll come get you guys when I’m ready to head back inside.” Watch the guards leave.
The new dreamers walked to the gazebo so that she could start painting.
After thinking for a while Rapunzel was set to work on the perfect view but then noticed Cassandra in a small field.
She was training with a sword, waving it around, slashing downward, sideways and lunging forward before placing it down and picking up a metal orb. Doing a few shot-put which was throwing a heavy weighted round ball as far as possible until it accidentally flew over almost hitting Rapunzel if it wasn't for her quick response in dodging it.
“Oh hi Cass!” Waving at her while she ran over to retrieve her ball.
The female guard stayed silent, not thrilled about the Princess’ return. Feeling that security around the kingdom has gone lax, since Rapunzel always has to have a regiment tailing her.
“Here’s your ball back.” She picked up the silver orb, handing it to Cassandra, she snatched it from her hand and walked away.
“What is her deal?” Eugene said not too thrilled with the reaction given to his girlfriend.
“It was kinda heavy, I should ask my mom about something.” Rapunzel decided to get the guards to join her before her dad found out.
Entering the main garden, the guards who seemed so happy frolicking in the fountain hurried to put their helmets back on. She waved at them glad to see how refreshed they looked. Trailing behind them, they walk back inside the castle.
Rapunzel turned into the main hall when she saw the queen walking up to her.
“Hello sweetheart.”Arianna beams as she approaches the couple.
The princess greeted her then asked the queen about Cassandra and the heavy iron ball.
“Oh I see, you already met Cassandra. She’s the captain’s daughter and is quite loyal, strong sprinted, and brave. She is very serious and hard working when it comes to her training. Oh speaking of training, tell me what did you learn?
“Well I learned how to sit, close doors and drink tea” the short haired girl looked away awkwardly.
“That’s a lot for one day and you know you can ask me anything right?” Arianna gave her a reassuring smile.
“Well, why do I have to learn all these things? All of these rules? Can I just be myself?” She looked at her sadly.
“Of course you can just be yourself, we just want you to feel comfortable in the court. After all, you are going to be queen someday. You need to know the custom.” She walked over to hug her.
Rapunzel looks troubled.
“What’s wrong?” The queen spoke softly, worried and concerned.
“I was wondering if I could be her friend but I don’t know how to start a conversation with her.”
“Why don’t you invite her to join us for dinner tomorrow in the upcoming feast for Elodie the Great. This way you’ll get to know her more. You’ll probably find her in the east wing. ” her mom suggested.
“That’s a great idea. Thanks mom.” Rapunzel smiled before rushing off.
_______________________
“I understand that you want to remain a soldier and you will always be an excellent guard until the day you resign or are told to leave but right now you have to understand that the princess is back. The queen is looking for someone to help her, she needs a lady-in-waiting. A person to be there willing to protect and teach her and I think you're perfect for that role.” The Captain really wants Cassandra to make a good impression so that she’ll be chosen.
“But I’m not interested in that kind of stuff. My goal is to make the most comprehensive maps of the kingdom, like finding any hidden caverns connected to Hertz Der Sonne’s underground tunnels.” Cassandra hopes that by doing so, she will prove to others that she is worthy to remain a member of the guards.
“I know but this would be a great opportunity for you. Show the queen how prepared you are to train her in the ways of the court.” Placing a hand on her shoulder.
“I’m sorry dad, I just need time to think about it.” Cassandra turned away heading to her room.
________________
In her room Cassandra opened the secret drawers inside her closet, pulling out a map of the kingdom that she had been working on ever since she was a little girl. The light kingdom was huge and held enough secrets to keep a navigator busy for a lifetime.
Going over her map, wanting to fully complete the missing and blank spaces. A sudden knock on the door was heard, startling her.
“One second.” She said, hiding her map away under her bed.
Opening the door to be puzzled by Rapunzel and Rider in front of her.
“Can I help you?” Questioned staring at the princess from head to toe.
“Hey Cass, I would like to reintroduce myself. I’m Rapunzel.” She smiled.
“I know who you are. The whole kingdom knows your name.” The female guard crossed her arm.
“May I talk about what happened earlier in the garden? You have quite a strong arm.” Eugene mentioned changing the topic of an awkward conversation.
“Thanks, I guess.” She just rolled her eyes not really knowing if it was a joke or a compliment.
“Can you tell me what you were doing earlier with that mini canon ball?” Rapunzel did not know the name of the metal orb from earlier.
“It’s called a shot.” Blocking the doorway so they wouldn’t barge into her room uninvited.
“Were you playing a game earlier, are you on a team?” She imagined how far the female guard threw it.
“I play individual sports.” Cassandra said in a serious tone. No one wanted to pair up with her; they were either afraid to lose or were too misogynistic and didn't see her fit to be part of the royal guards.
“Like running because I like to run too.” Rapunzel grinned widely.
“Oh.” Awkwardly replied back.
“Anyway I came by to invite you tomorrow night. Would you like to join us in the upcoming feast?” The princess clapped her hands together.
“I’m actually kinda busy, my father and I -.” Creating an excuse.
“Oh I checked with the captain earlier if you were free. He thought it was a great idea since we can work together and don’t worry, you're both invited.” She informs her.
Rapunzel had the nerves seeking the Captain’s approval without even knowing if she wanted to go or not.
“Great.” Cassandra said sarcastically and unthrilled since she was now stuck in attending some random event that she had no say.
“You and Eugene will sit beside me since the seats are assigned.” Rapunzel smiled with glee.
“I’ll see you princess and Rider tomorrow night then.” Gritted her teeth.
“Please call me Rapunzel.” Touching her arm which caused Cassandra to aggressively flinch away.
“I’m so sorry, I should’ve asked you first.” She should’ve known better to ask for consent since Varian was the same.
“It’s fine but if you don’t mind I would like to go back to what I was doing before.” The female guards held the lock stile.
“Oh ok then bye.” Running off with a little wave
“Goodbye.” Glaring at the couple before closing the door.
“Why is she like this? It's so infuriating. How can the chief’s son stand her all the time?” The female guard mumbled under her breath, fuming with rage that the princess had to ruin her plans.
Meanwhile Eugene shows Rapunzel the royal library.
“Wow Varian would be so excited to see this. Look at all the reading materials!'' She had never seen so many books before besides from the little store in town. Amazed since they only had a few in their whole life now she has more than she can read in a lifetime!
“I don’t know where to start.” Examining the library.
“You can take these books back to your room if you want.” Eugene walked up to her.
“I can?” Her face brightened with happiness.
The princess ran around in search of more interesting books, Eugene fell asleep while reading The Tales of Flynnigan Rider first volume.
Hours pass as the sun sets, Rapunzel decides to get science, baking, and Flynn Rider books that they didn’t own for Varian knowing his interest and a book on sports for Cassandra, since she’s so sporty!
While scanning around she found a little unusual book hidden in the shadows. Bound in glowing green letters titled The Lost Lagoon, she opened the book to see poems written in Coronian and some other languages.
The sun set and it was time to go. She decided to take the fascinating book with her, gently waking Eugene up and bringing it back to her room after dinner.
The brunette settled in her bed opening the book.
Arianna knocked on the door waiting to be allowed to enter her bedroom.
“Yes? Come in.” The princess replied quickly hiding the book as the door opened.
“Sweetheart, are you awake I have some news to tell you.” The Queen poked her in.
“What is it ?” Rapunzel looked concerned.
“Darling, the time has come for me to assign you a lady-in-waiting.” Her mother sat at the side of her bed.
“Already? I mean I know I had a rough day today but I can try harder I promise.”
“Oh don’t worry Rapunzel, the lady-in-waiting isn’t just someone who just helps you, she’ll be your constant companion.” She smiled holding her hand.
“I have Pascal for that .” They turned to the chameleon. He smiled, standing on a nearby ottoman.
“Truthfully, I’m not sure what I should do with a human companion. I mean I had Varian but he’s not around, it doesn’t feel the same. I really don’t like the idea of replacing him.” Rapunzel turned away upset at the thought of someone trying to replace her brother.
“I know but you have an awfully lot of actions, activities, responsibilities and events coming up and it can be stressful for you since you’re still learning to be a princess. This person won’t replace the relationship that you have with him, I think you need someone to help you navigate through these ceremonies and to just be your friend and confidant. The kingdom has been waiting for your return Rapunzel. Do you understand? ” She reassured her.
“Yes mom, May I think I can handle it. I ask who you chose? ” Look up into her mother’s eyes.
“I’ve decided to appoint Cassandra.” The queen declared.
“Really!? Cassandra is my lady-in-waiting. That's wonderful, I can’t wait to get to know her more.”Rapunzel was excited by that idea. Maybe a lady-in-waiting as strong as her wouldn’t be so bad. Cassandra did take part in their rescue. Imagine the female guard teaching her how to throw a shot or how to handle a sword.
“Will you be announcing it tomorrow during the feast?” She asked while her daughter nodded.
“Alright until then it’ll be our little secret for now.” Arianna stood up, gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek and bid a goodnight leaving her room.
Rapunzel's smile faded as the doors shut, slumping on her bed sighing. She gaze at the ceiling
“I hope Varian is doing alright in Old Corona.” Missing him dearly and slowly fell asleep, dreaming about water and the secrets that swam.
______________
During the Feast
“There you are.” The Queen approaches Cassandra.
“Good evening, your highness.” She formed a courtesy.
“I saw you riding Fidella this afternoon.” Impressed by her skills.
“She’s an excellent horse.” Hiding her exhaustion from spending all night working on her map.
“And you’ve become a skilled rider. I know you’re dedicated to keeping Corona safe. ” Arianna smiled.
“I am.” The female guard lifted her chin up proudly.
“Rapunzel has some news tonight that I think will please you.” Winking at the captain’s daughter before she went to greet the king.
Cassandra questioned for a quick moment of a much more exciting idea, was she getting promoted?
“Hi there sport.” Eugene greeted and clapped a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t call me that.”She glared, causing him to immediately back away.
Everyone was getting settled and chatting but Cassandra just wanted the feast to get over with. Her palms were sweating nervously about the announcement.
Rapunzel went on and on about the library and the book she just found.
“She never stops talking, does she?” Thought to herself.
“Not interested in poetry.” Cassandra wasn’t interested in having a conversation.
“But are you into books about sports?” The princess asked.
“Huh?” The female guard shifted to her bewilder.
The short brunette grin, handing her the book about field sports for beginners.
“Thanks.” She felt kinda offended by it, sliding the book under the table.
Arianna placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. Eugene distracted Cassandra by asking her questions about herself before she could answer Frederick tap on his chalice, the king and queen rose up for their seats.
The chatter went silent giving their respect.
“We’re all here now to raise a toast” He announced, lifting his glass in the air.
“offering our thanks to the bounty and wishing for peace once more.” Everyone clanks their glass together shouting “may we have peace” in unison.
The well wishes and peace offering seemed to go on for eternity until the queen spoke.
“On this happy occasion our family is delighted to make announcements that I know will be less than providential.” Turning her head to Rapunzel.
“Dear, would you do the honor.” The princess responded with a simple yes, her mother sat back down.
Rapunzel got close to Cassandra, invading her personal space.
“Cassandra, I’d like you to be my lady-in-waiting.” She proposed holding her hands.
“What.” Her eyes widened in shock.
“You’re my lady-in-waiting isn’t that wonderful.”the room filled with clapping. The only person who wasn’t thrilled was Eugene.
“Cassandra, congratulations, what an honor.” The Captain was thrilled.
She broke free, excusing herself from the dining room.
Cassandra ran outside into the forest to get some fresh air. She sank against a large oak tree. Feeling absolutely humiliated, she got her hopes up for nothing, feeling like no one understood her frustration not even her father who knew that she wasn’t fit to sew buttons, dresses, and teach manners now she’s going to be forced to do this thing that she really doesn’t want to do.
“How am I going to train and live the destiny that I was born to fulfill.” Thinking to herself in rage staring at the moon. Her pet Owl swooped down sensing her distress wanting to comfort the female guard.
“There is nothing I can do. This was a decision that has walls around it. I can’t convince anyone to get me out of this mess and I can’t protest without falling out of favor with the rulers of Corona. I'll be kicked out of the guards. A royal assignment was the final word and my fate has been sealed.” Wanting to stifle a scream.
___________
The next day was their very first meeting as Princess and Lady-In-Waiting.
“I want to start by saying that I’m so excited when I saw you on my birthday. I just had to get to know you. My mother suggested that you be my lady-in-waiting and it felt so right.” Rapunzel hands Cassandra a plate of cookies.
Cassandra accepted one and took a bite. It was delicious, bursting with flavors of all kinds. Not too sweet or bitter it was just right.
“This is the book that I was talking about yesterday. It’s in two languages.”Rapunzel reveals The Lost Lagoon book to Cassandra.
“First part is all about this ancient power. Then the poem talks about a cave and the rain opens up with a thousand tiny kisses, that is adorable.” The new lady-in-waiting stared at the book fascinated by the summary that the brunette gave her. The poem sounded like directions to the mystical location.
“Ancient caves?” Cassandra questioned wanting her to continue.
“I’ll read it to you, when on a winter eve we met, our truth was but a glimmer the moon shine. Extra bright fortune beneath the shimmer, here Corona was built amongst fear flowing out. When voices clash and metal strikes the light within taps out, ancient caves collapse. Ceiling filled with swamps of sky, beneath pooled water was entered with the lack of fear. Truths sealed with precious stones, they hold the ancient power that underlies Corona’s strength and binds us like sun and flower.” Rapunzel read more of the book while Cassandra was able to line up the descriptions with places she’s missed on her map in the past.
“There’s another language that I can’t seem to understand.” The princess looked at her .
“Let me see.” Leaning over her shoulder to see the writing.
“This book is really old.” Cassandra recognized the language.
“Wait, what do you mean? How did you know?” The other girl asked.
“This is Saporian handwriting and a hundred years ago Corona was two different lands. Old Corona and Saporia the fact that this book is written in half saporian means that this is genuinely ancient no one speaks or read it except a few scholars.” Exchange glances with one another.
“Really, I’d like to learn more about the history of this kingdom. Can you teach me?” The brunette was intrigued.
“ I don’t know entirely about history but maybe Xavier can, he’s the blacksmith here he knows everything from tales, legends to history of the seven kingdoms.” Informing her
Rapunzel was amazing as she continued reading and landed on a part that caught her interest the most.
“Three divisions brings three decisions: remember the heart knows best. The moonstone, topaz, opal and emeran tapestry unfold, will guide you to the lost lagoon.” The thoughts of the moonstone reminded her of Varian.
“Hey, can I borrow that book?” Cassandra asks while the princess gives her a soft smile and hands her the book.
The lady-in-waiting stood up, taking it back to her chamber to compare the poem and riddle to the maps.
“Yes, now that it's complete I’ll start my search tonight.” If there was a hidden source of power in Corona and she found it she would be undeniable, decided to go searching for the Lagoon that night.
__________________
Midnight
Cassandra decides to sneak out of the castle, not realizing that Rapunzel had followed her.
When the path became clear she climbed up on top of another boulder. It unsuspectedly split creating two walls with water running in between.
The female guard froze in a panic, thinking that she’s going to drown.
“Slide down.” Rapunzel shouted from above.
“What are you doing here?” Cassandra squeezed her eyes shut.
“Looking for the lagoon with you, this is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping would happen when you became my lady-in-waiting.” She hopped down, grabbing Cassandra’s hand and guiding her to the other side.
“You were really scared up there.” Rapunzel refuses to let go. Holding hands always made her brother feel safe to know it brought a sense of comfort, maybe it would be the same for her.
“Not at all. I just wanted to make sure it was safe before you came here with me.” Cassandra refuses to meet her gaze.
“I appreciate that but what you need to know is that I love adventure, you forget that Varian and I were in a tower for years so I really want to see the world.” Giving her a soft smile.
“You should go home now, it’s not safe.” The female guard scowls.
“No way, I feel more at home exploring the kingdom than learning about the ways of a proper and besides this is way more fun.” Cassandra's eyes widened; she was just like her, not wanting to do this ridiculous stuff, just wanting proof of worth and to be herself.
“Did you tell Eugene?” Wishing that he didn’t tag along either.
“Don’t worry I didn’t tell him. Why can’t we let anyone know about the ancient secret power of the kingdom? Why shouldn’t my family know about it?” Rapunzel asked curiously.
“If this information got in the wrong hands there could be real trouble. I mean look what happened with the sundrop and a fragment of the moonstone.” Cassandra observed her up and down.
“You have a good point but can I at least tell Varian, he knows how to keep a secret really well no matter how hard a person tries to pressure him into spilling the beans and he already wields the power of the moon.” The princess wanted to inform someone about it, knowing her brother would be more thrilled about the adventure than the power that an ancient cave held.
“Fine.” Rolling her eyes. Until they saw a glimpse of light.
They gasped, turning their attention to the lost lagoon.
The moon shines on the water in a dazzling display of light, creating a majestic blue hue. There were clown fishes hiding in the coral with a few regal tang swimming in front of it, bright orange starfishes clung on rocks, mandarin fishes, butterfly fishes, different types of angelfishes, betta fishes, koi fishes, symphysodon discus, moorish idol, boesemani rainbow fishes and seahorses swam around. The walls surrounding the lagoon are covered in bright green moss.
Rapunzel finally releases the other girl's hand, running and diving into the water.
“Cassandra, aren't you going to join me?” Popping her up from the water.
“I-I can’t.” Cassandra’s voice shaking in fear.
The princess knew that feeling from years of growing up with a little boy who endured so much thanks to Gothel. She immediately realized the sight of fear.
“It’s okay to be afraid, if you can’t swim then I’ll teach you.” She offered.
“Huh?” Cassandra was astonished by the reaction. Why wasn’t she laughing?
“I’ll teach you how to swim. I understand why you might be afraid and you have every reason for it but I really think you’re going to love it and you do know that I learned how to sit right.” The female guard stifles a smirk.
Cassandra walked around the edge until she got to the stone steps.
“It’s a lot easier to take off your boots.” Rapunzel suggested
“Have you ever taught anyone how to swim before?” Pulling off her shoes.
“Nope, you’ll be my first student.” She swam closer to the guard.
“So why should I trust you?” Cassandra walked down to the stairs.
“Why shouldn’t you? Have I done something to make you not trust me?” Tilt her head to the side in confusion.
“No it’s just how did you know how to swim?” Wondering how she learned.
“It’s amazing how fast you can pick something up when your life depends on it. My first adventure I almost drowned in a closed cave if it weren’t for Varian’s wither incantation and the one who taught me the importance of swimming though I thought he was flailing around like a bird. We taught each other a lot of stuff and I always say that the first step is always the hardest.” Rapunzel looked at the female guard closing her eyes, taking a deep breath dipping her foot into the water.
“Good now, take a few steps forward.” Cassandra followed her order till the water came up to her thighs, a wave of fear rushed to her body.
“I think this is good enough for today. I’m done, I can't do it.” About to retreat back.
“We barely started. These are what I say to my brother whenever he’s scared. Focus on something you enjoy doing each step by step with details. So tell me what type of procedure you do?”
“Well I can tell you the process of polishing armor.” Cassandra rubbed the back of her head.
“That’s great, now each time you tell me about polishing, take a step forward.” Rapunzel held her arms out.
After every verbal step, Cassandra takes a physical on deeper in the water, so busy focusing on the instruction that she wasn’t afraid by the time she got deep enough to tread.
“Good, move them back and forth like this as you continue to tell me more about preparing armor for battle.” She did as she was instructed.
“You’re almost there now, move your legs like you’re running, don't worry I’m right in front of you and that rock is behind you, you’re an arms length from safety so tell me about the next step then take your final step away from the rocks.” Reassuring her.
“Woah I’m doing it!” She smiled looking down, forgetting about her arms. She started to sink until the princess swept her back to the surface pulling her back to the safety of the rocks.
“You did it, that just was treading water the next time we’ll practice swimming. You’re so brave for facing your fears.” Rapunzel was excited for her .
“It was nothing.” Waving the princess off.
“May I ask? Why are you so afraid of water? Facing your biggest isn’t nothing, you should be proud.” staring at her with concern.
“When I was six I was at the seashore with my father, he told me a hundred times to stay close to him when I saw the most beautiful seashell I wanted to grab, not paying to where I was going a wave snatched me up and carried me out. I almost drowned. My father saved me, he was so concerned and I was so scared that day.” Cassandra shares a scary moment in her life.
“That must’ve been terrifying, no wonder why you were so petrified.” Shocked by what happened in her past.
“I’m alive so who cares.” Cassandra shrugged looking away.
“I do. Your story is what makes you who you are today. ” The brunette held onto the other’s trembling hands.
They sat in silence with the fishes.
“Ever since that day I could never get in the water.” She took a deep inhale and exhaled.
“But you did today.” Still holding her hand.
“Yeah.” Cassandra was confused, Rapunzel hadn’t laughed or judged.
The sun starts to rise higher and the light hits the Lagoon. They noticed these blue gem-like things blazing at the bottom of the pool. Rapunzel plunged down and retrieved a few but when taken from the water, there’s nothing particularly special about the blue gems.
They decide to head back to the castle before anyone grows suspicious. The two promised to keep the Lost Lagoon a secret between them and probably Varian.
Later that morning, Rapunzel turns the two blue rocks she retrieved into matching friendship bracelets for herself and her new friend. Handing Cassandra the other pair. She smiled, wrapping it tightly on her wrist.
End of chapter.