Drops of Gold - Hiccunzel

Prologue

[DISCLAIMER]

The characters in this story, apart from Emma, do not belong to me. All rights reserved to Disney and DreamWorks.

If you're new to this story, which you most likely are, hi!

If you've read this before, I decided to start it all over again because I've only ever fleshed out the plot recently lol.

Happy reading!

☼

Streaks of sunlight lit the vast room. With haste, Rapunzel sprung from the comfort of her duvets, her feet making contact with the cold floor as she scurried off to the windows. Inside it was quiet, but beyond the glass panes is the bustling atmosphere of the crowd; stalls were being set up, purple banners and festive flags possessing the same sun at the center were being hung anywhere one could lay eyes on, all in preparation for the grand celebration honoring the birth of the kingdom's beloved princess.

The princess they had not seen in a long time.

Weeks before she was due to deliver their child, the Queen fell tremendously ill, nearing the verge of death. The King sought every physician and every method there was in a desperate attempt to cure his spouse, to no avail. Having heard the situation, a witch imprisoned within the depths of the castle's dungeons took the opportune moment to offer her golden flowers in return for her freedom.

Though dubious of the witch's true intent, the King could not decline and risk the Queen's life any further. He accepted, and fortunately, she was true to her words as not only did the queen survive, she also gave birth to a happy, healthy child gifted with golden hair and golden tears—one that easily caught the eyes of those who seek wealth and power.

In the past, she would make appearances in grand events that required the presence of the King and Queen, and even interact with the children of commoners and nobels alike as Rapunzel's joyful nature, the supervision of the castle's servants, and the limited time she's permitted to do so assured them of the confidentiality of the princess's gift. That was, until the day of her fourth birthday, when a misunderstanding amongst her playmates made her weep so suddenly. Drops of gold stained the marble floors, whispers and gossips drowned out her sobs. The news spread like wildfire, reaching even the smallest of towns in the farthest corners of the earth.

And thus began the nightmare; the encounters of criminals who sought after her valued tears; the attempts which forced her into seclusion within the palace walls.

There was none other than them to blame; it was their mistake for being too complacent.

Anything could happen.

Rapunzel turned to the sound of knocking on the door and locked gazes with the servant who entered. "Your highness," said she with a light bow of the head and a warm, fond smile, "It is a rare sight to see you up this early in the morning."

"Good morning!" the princess greeted, her smile growing even more.

"Come look at them, the musicians are already rehearsing! Oh, and I just can't wait to see the floating lanterns again later in the evening!"

Emma, Rapunzel's loyal handmaiden who was only a few years older and who had kept her company for most of her life, chuckled at her delight.

"You say this every year."

"It never gets old."

There was a moment of silence as Rapunzel eagerly watched the people on the ground. Emma spoke.

"I'll prepare the bath for you, princess. Please do come down when you are ready, the King and Queen are waiting for you in the dining hall."

Rosy lips stretched into a big smile. She felt giddy with excitement for what's to come. The fact that they have not forgetten her, that the celebration of her birth brings people even from outside the kingdom joy that would last the entire day, if not more, gives her satisfaction.

Even if it meant she was to remain isolated within the walls of the palace.

Their happiness is more than enough.