Tangled in a Knot

4. Royal Guard Tryouts

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Day of Tryouts

"Are you ready, Cassandra?" her father said. "You must be ready to put all of your training into action." 

She grasped her sword, which was sheathed in her belt. "I was born ready, Father!" 

The Captain smiled, hugging his daughter. "I'm proud of the woman you've become, Cassandra. If there's anything you need to talk about, just know I'm right here. I promise I'll always have your side no matter what." 

She blushed. "Thanks, Dad. I really needed that," she said, hugging him.  

Cassandra began running off when she stopped. "Dad, can I talk to you about something?" 

"Of course, Cassandra," he said. He embraced his daughter. "Be upfront and honest with me. What is on your mind?" 

Cassandra sighed, nervously tugging at the end of her tunic. "I think I'm bisexual. I mean, I think I like girls and guys," she said. "And right now, I think I might be feeling something for the Princess, Rapunzel. I don't know how it came about but she knows and she feels it too. She tells me she's pansexual and polyamorous. Do you think we're worth it? What if somewhere down the line she rejects me?" Cassandra stood up straight. "This is Rapunzel we're talking about. That girl knows nothing about rejecting people. Her heart is pure and a thought like that would never cross her mind. I know her like I know my own mind... although my mind, I admit, is in a place where I'm not sure what I'm feeling is good or OK." 

The Captain of the Guard put reassuring hands on his daughter's shoulders. "I understand how hard it may be for you, Cassandra, but remember this. Your feelings for the princess are valid and I'm sure how she feels about you is valid too. And I'm also sure she feels the same way about you that she does Prince Eugene Fitzherbert." 

"Are you... are you sure?" Cassandra asked. 

"I know so," said the Captain. "Now go out there and knock 'em dead!" 

Cassandra smiled, running out there and doing her best. After tryouts, she became a member of the Royal Guard.

"What did I tell you, Cassandra? You've gotta believe in yourself. I'm so proud that you've gotten this far, my daughter. I'm so proud that you're an official part of the Royal Guard! That makes me proud to a father," the Captain said, hugging her. 

Rapunzel and Eugene came trudging up to Cassandra. Both girls blush at each other. 

"Go ahead, Rapunzel. Tell her." Eugene smiled. "Unless you want me to poke you and tease about how platonic this all is." 

Rapunzel blushed, gulping. She walked up to Cassandra, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. "I'm proud of you, Cass," she said instead. "I mean, wow! You're a real warrior now! I mean, not like a warrior- warrior. Kinda like an awesome Royal Guard member! You did it, Cass! I believed in you, and you went the extra mile! Have I told you yet how darn proud I am of you?" 

"Well, I wouldn't have been able to do it if it weren't for my father and the internal voice inside telling me that I could do this," Cassandra said. "And... I told my father about my feelings for you. I told her that I might be... no, I'm totally certain, that I'm bisexual." 

"Bisexual?" It took Rapunzel a minute to process what that meant. She remembered the talk her and Eugene had that one day. "Oh yes. When someone loves two or more genders," Rapunzel said. "So, are you into girls and boys?" 

"I think so," Cassandra said. "Although I don't really feel much for boys. I mean, I acknowledged the crush Varian had on me and I guess he wanted it to go further, and I didn't hesitate." 

"Aww! You two would be so cute!" Rapunzel said. "But we all know that Varian is bi too as he's dating Hugo now!" 

"Last time I checked, those two loverboys were engaged," Cassandra said. 

"Whoa! Really? That's awesome! Tell Varian I said...!" 

"Said what?" Varian said. Right beside him was his gay fiance, Hugo. 

"Oh my gosh, Varian! You look so different now! It's like... it's like!" Rapunzel cried. 

"Like what?" Varian said. 

"It's not important," Rapunzel said. "Anyway, congratulations!" 

Varian and Hugo smiled. 

"Thank you, Rapunzel," Varian said.  He then bid them goodbye. 

"It was nice to see them again," Rapunzel said. "Now I have some things to do. Some royal business to attend to, being a princess and future queen, you know all the weight that you have on your shoulders. Well, seems you do too, Cass. Being part of the Royal Guard and all." 

She grabbed Rapunzel's hand. "But I still have time for you," she said. "Don't you ever forget that. Make time for the ones you love, Raps." 

"I will," Rapunzel replied. "I promise." 

"I know you will," Cassandra said. "You never go back on your promises."