There were screams outside in Firebirch. People screaming in fear under the slowly melting sun. Rapunzel hurried through the hallways, urging staff to hide and protect themselves. She threw open the doors to the throne room to see her husband whispering urgently to Pierre. He was all decked out for a duel, fit as he had been when they attended the School for Good.
“Flint…” she whispered, running to him and he put his arm around her. “Where are our sons?”
“Pierre is about to go hide with them.” Flint assured his wife, then pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You should join them.”
“I stay with you.” Rapunzel spoke firmly.
Flint knew there was no use arguing and nodded. He turned to Pierre, his golden eyes sparkling.
“Go hide with the princes, Pierre.” He said calmly. “We’ll see you very soon.”
Pierre bowed, offered a ‘good luck’, then hurried off.
It was suddenly silent and the couple stayed close, listening. Then there was the sharp clicking of heeled boots on marble. Rapunzel paled. Those footsteps…sounded so familiar…
“It can’t be…” she whispered.
Flint set his sword on fire.
The double doors blasted open and Rapunzel and Flint shielded their faces from the debris. When the dust cleared, Flint stepped in front of Rapunzel, staring down the zombified hag that now stood in the doorway.
“I’m baaaaack.” Dame Gothel sang, and she grinned a wicked, gummy grin.
“Gothel.” Flint growled.
“Yes, it’s me.” She raised her arms as if to embrace the two.
“H-how?” Rapunzel whispered. “You died!”
“Oh, the School Master has been so very kind to me.” Gothel scratched her head, clumps of hair falling out. “Since we are in an age of New Evil…I get a chance to rewrite the ending.”
Flint took a threatening step forward.
“Tsk, tsk Flinty boy.” Gothel waved a finger. “You should know the schools are only teaching students to be Evil from here on out. What an…interesting fairytale your little Phoenix would make.”
She suddenly appeared beside Rapunzel, tracing a rotted finger down her cheek. “She’s so beautiful, just like her lovely, backstabbing mother…”
“You leave my daughter alone.” Rapunzel smacked her hand away and Flint moved her behind him, both glowering.
“Oh but of course. She’s the next generation of Evil.” Gothel shrugged and her soulless eyes glinted. “No, no, I’m only here for you two…it’s high-time I get my happily ever after!”
She flicked her cloak and she and the royals disappeared from the throne room, leaving a maid sobbing in fear behind the thrones.
YOU ARE READING
Fire Princess
FanfictionYears ago, once her fairytale had ended, Rapunzel married a prince who's entire family possessed the powers of phoenixes. That same power was passed onto her children. This is the story of her daughter, Phoenix of Firebirch, who attends the School f...
