Cassunzel Short Stories

I'm Here

3 years after the final battle. Warnings: Depresion, talks of suicide, talks of wanting to die, talks of death, stuff like that. Please do not read if any of that triggers you. Enjoy!

As Cassandra came up to the Coronan gates for the first time in 3 years, she didn't have time to feel any guilt from her past. She rode Fidella as fast as she could go; heading towards the castle. All things considered, and how far she was from Corona, she got there in record time. She barely stopped to eat or sleep unless it became a necessity. Or if her trusty horse needed a break. Once the fear passed and she could actually focus, she would treat Fidella to a million apples.

It was nearly a month ago when Cassandra received a letter from Eugene. Though she and Rapunzel had shared multiple letters in the time she was gone, the second she spotted Owl with the letter in his talons, she knew something was wrong. She could feel it. Besides the fact that it was the first letter she received in nearly two weeks. Rapunzel used to send her one letter, or at least try to, nearly every other day. It wasn't the usually brightly colored envelope she usually received, but rather an envelope labeled 'urgent' in bright red letters. Once she opened it, she noticed Eugene's handwriting right away. 'Come back to Corona immediately. Rapunzel needs you.'

A million thoughts ran through her mind as she wasted not a single second, packed up her stuff, and rode off. She didn't know what she was expecting, but all she knew was that if she received a letter from Eugene, it wasn't good. What if she was hurt? Cassandra would never forgive herself if Rapunzel ended up getting herself really hurt when she wasn't around. She was supposed to protect her.

Riding through Corona to the castle, she could tell something was terribly wrong. The usual busy streets, with laughing children and the smell of burned steel and pastries were no more. The usual bright and lively streets were dark and gloomy. No one was out and it was the middle of the day. The sky was filled with dark roaring clouds as if the gods were upset too. Something was seriously, seriously wrong. She made Fidella ride faster as her fear and worry only heightened.

Once she reached the castle, she saw two guards she didn't recognize. Jumping off Fidella as quickly as possible, she ran up to them. They raised their swords, ready for a fight. Cassandra quickly took out the letter and basically shoved it in their faces. "I was called here by the future king. Now let me in!" The guards exchanged a look but otherwise moved aside. Smart men. If they hadn't, they'd probably be in a casket right now. Nothing was gonna stop her from getting to Rapunzel.

She wasted no time running through the corridors. She ran past the meeting room, towards Rapunzel's room, only to be stopped. "Cass?" She knew that voice. Eugene.

She whirled around. "Alright Fitzherbert, what's-" She stopped mid sentence. He looked horrible. There were bags under his eyes, his usual bright eyes were darkened and what worried Cass most of all was the fact he didn't respond back with some teasing remark. "...going on?" Something was seriously, seriously, seriously wrong.

Eugene sighed and waved at her to follow him. She did. Eugene led her to the dining room. "You might want to sit down."

Cassandra didn't like the sound of that. But she did it anyway.

"Alright Eugene, what the hell's going on? Because if Rapunzel's hurt and you're making me waste time, I swear I'm gonna-"

"She's not hurt. Well, not physically at least." Eugene

responded, his voice quiet and mellow.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Eugene then looked up at her and what she saw in his eyes was nothing like she's seen on him before. Pure pain. Pure sadness. Worry. And most of all, exhaustion. Were those tears in his eyes? Cassandra couldn't tell. "Rapunzel's not hurt, Cass. But..." He swallowed. "..Pascal's dead."