Rapunzel

22

There were no guards at the castle. No soldier or any sort of protective measures. 

After spending a week walking through the forest to get to the demons' castle, they were greeted with nothing. They had scoped out the entire territory, looking for any sort of watch guard, but they found nothing. 

Eldric lead a group into the castle, leaving Rapunzel, her father, and half of their troops behind as back up, and scouts. Noah had gone with Eldric to storm the castle. 

Rapunzel sat in the bushes beyond the tree line, staring at the front door. She bit her lip anxiously while waiting for any sign that its safe to enter, or that they need help. Her heart pound in her chest as she waited. King Lucio watched her, knowing that nothing could be said to calm her down. She was worried for her mate, and needed to know if he was okay. 

Eventually, Noah stepped out of the door and waved them inside, giving the all clear. A sigh of relief came from Rapunzel before she shot out of the hiding place like a cannon. She dove straight into Noah's arms, squeezing him tightly as she reassured herself that he was okay. 

"I am alright, love. You need not worry so much."

She blushed and let him go, grabbing his hand as he brought her inside. The maids and servants from the castle were standing over next to the wall as Eldric watched over them. Two other soldiers drew their swords, readying themselves to kill them. Rapunzel launched herself between the servants and the swords.

"They have nothing to do with the war. These people are innocent!"

"How do you know?" Eldric questioned.

"I remember them. When I disappeared, my spirit came here."

One of the maids gasped. Rapunzel turned to look at her, taking in the young girl's wide eyes and shaking hands. 

"It was you? I could feel your presence that one time. It was warm. It gave me comfort and hope. Thank you for finding us. I know that you will help us all and make sure we are safe," the maid gripped her hands, thanking the princess as tears of joy welled in her eyes.

"You are more than welcome, dear," she replied, then looked to her father. "We must help them get away from here."

King Lucio merely nodded. He could see now that none of the demons that worked as servants in the castle meant any harm. They were escorted back to safer ground by several soldiers that acted as guards, thanking his daughter as they passed.

"Is there more that you remember, Rapunzel?" 

Noah pulled her into his arms, holding on tight due to the memory of her being gone. It would be a long while until he could hear the mention of it without immediately looking for her. She let him hold her as she conversed with her father.

"There was a girl. She looked like she was asleep, but she was truly under a spell. I recognized her, but I know not what from."

"Is she near the castle, sister?"

Rapunzel's brows furrowed. "I do not think so. She was in a castle, I am certain of that. However, it was not this one."

With a nod from the king, the remaining soldiers left to search the area for the other castle. Noah led his mate outside, back to the servants who were asking to go to their families to bring them to safety as well. 

Prince Eldric and King Lucio stayed in the castle. They swept the entire building for clues as to where this other hidden palace may rest. The prince had a sinking feeling that the girl was important, for why else would she be under a spell and hidden from the rest of the world?