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Chapter 30 -
Back Once Again, Though Defiantly
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You walk in when you seen Rapunzel being hugged by her mother.

“(____)! You're okay! I had to beat Lady Cane down so hard, unfortunately the doors fell on her harder.” Cass hugs you and you smile, hugging back. Your eyes trail to the King and he looks angry at Rapunzel, then you when he glances to you.
The King ordered you and Rapunzel to speak with him tonight in the throne room after everything was sorted out.

“So I'm trying to understand this, you snuck out last night, went beyond the walls of Corona’s where you touched a mysterious rock that caused your hair to return?” King Frederick said in confusion.

You stood by Rapunzel, not meeting the King’s gaze to both of you.

“Yes.” Rapunzel replies.

“And you acted alone and forced (____) along?”

“Look, I know you're angry, but can't you see? I'm okay. I'm more than okay!” She tries to smile it off, but the King stands up.

“Rapunzel!” He sounded angry and his voice commanded her to stop before he sighs. “There's something I need to tell you.”

“I love you. The night you were taken. A part of me died, the best part of me. For 18 long, agonizing years, that I swore somewhere, someway, by some miracle that fate decided to show mercy and return you to me. I would never let anything happen to you again.”

Frederick turns to you, “And (____). I am issuing the same for you. Rapunzel, (____) is here for a reason as well, but even she does not understand.”

He gently moves her hair, “And now that this has returned, the very reason that you were snatched away from me in the first place.” He frowns and turns away. “I'm afraid I have no choice, Sweetheart, (____).”

He places his crown on, “As of tonight, I am forced to exercise my marcal right as King to forbid you two from leaving these walls of the kingdom without my consent.”

“Father!”

Your eyes widen and shook your head, “Your Majesty-”

“And know this! This will be the last we speak of mystical rocks or magic of any kind to ANY ONE is that clear?” Frederick hands her the Princess crown.

“There is so much more to me than you think.” Rapunzel voice cracks and she closes her eyes before running out.

You can tell Frederick was saddened by that, so you stood up to him. “Frederick, you're being over protective.”

“Don't tell me what to do.” He turns away to look out the window.

You throw your arms, “Why is everyone here so…..STUBBORN and so PRIDEFUL!” You paced back and forth, “I'm going to speak to you like I did with Quirin. Don't listen to me, fine.” You look out the window and sigh, glancing up at the moon.

“You are a King, a leader, a husband, and a father. It's very difficult to juggle it all and as King you have to take care of a whole kingdom. You have to protect everyone, especially your daughter.”

You lean on the window seal, closing your eyes, “You hear her cries and just so…..useless as she was taken and you weren't there to do anything until it's too late. You want to anything and everything to keep her safe now.”

Frederick watches you, not saying anything. “What I'm trying to say is. Don't lock her away again. She needs to find out everything and experience everything to know how to be a Great Queen one day.”

“Rapunzel can take care of herself, King Frederick and she has friends who will always stick beside her.” You walk toward the exit, “This will keep putting distance between you. Rapunzel loves you, don't make things more complicated than it is.”

You walked out, not seeing Queen Arianna and go down the halls. The way you talked to the King like you'd seen it yourself.

There's a chittering noise coming up from behind you and you look only to have something jump into your arms. “Whoa! Wha-” In your arms, it's…..you blink as a name immediately pops in your head, “Rudiger.”

The chubby raccoon looks up at you happily, smiling with a single tooth poking out and he purrs, seeming to like the name. “Oh I missed you!” You say happily and hug him. Something crinkles between you two.

Rudiger holds up a piece of paper and crawls up to lay around your neck when you take the paper. You smile softly, reading the letter and roll your eyes. “Typical Varian.”

You think then glance at Rudiger, “Wanna help me sneak out, Rudiger?”

He grins widely and nods.

“The King can't keep me locked up either.”

You packed a few things in your satchel before glancing out into the halls. You made it outside, by climbing out a window on the first level of the castle. Along the way, Rudiger helped you by going ahead and lead you to the blind spots so the guards don't see you.

Now you're running across the bridge when Rudiger made a loud distraction to let the guards investigate.

You grin, the wind from running flowing through your hair and following Rudiger through the woods. You didn't have to take the roads and soon you come up on a hill to see Old Corona Village below.

Going past the entrance to Varian’s home, you picked an apple and let Rudiger eat it while he lay on your shoulders.

The door slightly creaks open and luckily it was unlocked because if that happened then you knew Quirin wasn't home….or he's awake. Quickly, you hide behind a wall as Quirin walks into the kitchen. You bite your lip and cover your nose. What a great moment to want to sneeze.

Unfortunately, Quirin heard a noise and began to walk toward you. Rudiger notices and runs out in front of him, chittering. “Not you again. Get out of here.” Quirin says and chases Rudiger outside, closing the door behind him.

You took this chance and run to Varian's room. Inside, you close the door quietly and see Varian sleeping soundlessly in his bed.

“Varian.” You whisper, gently shaking his arm, but he stays asleep.

“Varian.” You say again and he mumbles in his sleep, then hums tiredly.

“Are you awake?”

“Mmhm.” He mumbles sleepily.

You roll your eyes, but smile softly and brush his bangs back. He hums and smiles in his sleep. Luckily you wore a long sleeve to hide the mark, so you were safe.

“Varian, can I lay with you?”

“Mmhm.” Varian answers in his sleep, but doesn't move.

“Can you scoot over?” You ask, trying not laugh.

“Sure….” Varian turns over so his back is to you, leaving you with more room to lay down.

You slip your bag under his bed and slip next to him. There was only one pillow so you pull it from Varian and he doesn't do anything. You snuggle into the pillow and yawn.

“Goodnight, Varian.”

Varian yawns and pulls the covers close to him, mumbling softly, “Goodnight, (____)....”

You smile and close your eyes, feeling sleepy and more comfortable now that you were back with your friend.

Suddenly, Varian's eyes fly open in surprise and he looks over his shoulder.

You're now breathing softly and you hands are laying in front of your face.

Varian turns back and blinks in confusion, but chuckles silently. He shifts and closes his eyes, smiling tenderly now that you're here.