Forbidden (A Short Story)

Caught

Rapunzel was woken up by the sudden stream of light.  It was her birthday!  And that meant today was the birthday ball.  But this time, Rapunzel knew who would be there, and she elegantly hopped out of bed and ran to her wardrobe.  Hanging on the door of the closet, was a black lace dress with a dropped neckline and ruffled sleeves. 

"I chose this for you, Flower," her mother had written on a post-it note, "You look stunning in black.  Flynn chose it too :)"

Of course he did, Rapunzel thought, seeing the plunging neckline and the large waterfall skirt.  Immediatley, she tossed the dress out the window, not caring where it ended up.  She flung her closet doors open, and picked an elegant dress, laying it carefully on her bed.

She cleaned her room, and did her studies, and at exactly eight in the morning, there were a series of loud knocks on her bedroom door.

Before her hand even touched the door handle, the door swung open and ten maids rushed into Rapunzel's room. 

"Let's get you ready, Madame.  This will take all the way until five PM," one of her maids said in her slightly noticeable accent. 

"Thank you, Astrid.  Since, I need a lady to escort me at the ball, will you do me the honors of accompanying me?" Rapunzel asked quietly.

Grinning, the maid, Astrid, agreed.   The rest of the day was spent pampering Rapunzel with scented toiletries and makeup.  Finally around five, Rapunzel stood with a robe over her gown and a veil to cover her face.  Rapunzel helped Merida fit into her attire, placing a veil over her face and hair as well.  Rapunzel was excited for the ball.  Jack was going to be there with a good friend of his.  Hiccup, his name might've been. 

"Are you ready, m'lady?" Astrid asked, her hand extended for Rapunzel to take. 

Rapunzel removed her robe and took Astrid's hand. 

"Please, call me Rapunzel," she said, smiling.

Astrid grinned again.
An hour later, both girls stood at the top of a grand, gold staircase.
Their names were announced before the veils were lifted off their personel, revealing their inner and outer beauty.
Rapunzel heard a gasp in the audience. As she turned, she saw Jack staring at her in awe and wonder.
In Jack's eyes, she was stunning in her flowing lavender gown. It billowed around her showing the heart shaped neck line adorned with diamonds and pearls. A necklace lay on her neck with a small seashell at the end. Her long her was curled and pinned up into a large braid. Natural makeup, flats, and a golden tiara completed her looks.
She and Astrid walked down the stairs, and as they reached the last step, music began to play.

"Care for a dance?" a masculine voice asked behind her.
Turning around, Rapunzel found the white-haired, blue-eyed boy bowing slightly with his hand outstretched.
They danced the night away, Rapunzel and Jack laughing and joking.
Astrid had met Hiccup, and they ha instantly clicked. Rapunzel usually saw glimpses of Astrid's deep blue gown, curled blonde hair, and silver hair clips and her beloved prince.

Eventually, the night was over and the people retired to their homes. Rapunzel sat on her bed in her white night gown, smiling softly to herself as she thought of Jack.
Speaking of which, Jack climbed into Rapunzel's window, giving her a warm embrace from behind.
He gave her a kiss on the cheek before whispering in her ear, "Hello, Rapunzel."
Rapunzel shivered as she felt his cold breath tickle her ear. She smiled before twisting around.
"Hello, Jack," she breathed before giving him a welcome kiss.
The night passed quickly, but as Jack and Rapunzel gave their final kiss of the night, her door burst open.
"Rapu-" Gothel sang before staring wide-eyes at the shocked, blushing couple.
"Guards!" Mother Gothel roared.
Soon the room was filled with palace guards.
"Go! Hurry!" Rapunzel whispered urgently.
Quickly, Jack pecked her cheek and scrambled down the vines.
"Who was he, Rapunzel?" Mother Gothel asked angrily, "You know you are to marry Flynn."
Rapunzel didn't say anything in fear of her mother's wrath.
"TELL ME!"
Just as Rapunzel opened her mouth to counter her mother, a masculine yell was heard from the courtyard. 
"Jack!" Rapunzel screamed as she leaned out her window.
"Rapunzel!"