On The Edge

Chapter Two;

“It’s settled. Rapunzel will marry Hans as soon as she is sixteen.” King Thomas closed the door to their chamber behind him, his huge shoulders heaving in a sigh of relief. His wife, the Queen of Corona, sat up in bed – her face drawn and tired, the baby princess in a cradle by the bed.

“They… agreed? Just like that?” Something in Primrose’s tone sounded almost melancholy; not at all joyous, like Thomas had expected her to be.

“Well – yes. Just like that.” He cupped her cheek, looking into her wide, green eyes. “Rose, dear – why aren’t you relieved? We’ve stopped them declaring war – for now, at least.”

She nodded wearily. “I know. I know it’s best for Corona, dear, but I can’t help wondering… Is it best for Rapunzel?”

Thomas sat down on a plush, cream armchair, and stroked his short brown beard thoughtfully. There was a long silence. When the king finally spoke, his voice was touched with sorrow. “We have no choice, Primrose. It’s that, or death for a lot of our people. We’ve run out of options.”

“I understand.” Primrose agreed resignedly, her eyes sad.

Thomas’ eyes crinkled at her distress, and he stood up, offering his hand. “Come on, darling. Let’s go onto the balcony.”

“But – Rapunzel…”

“She’s asleep, dear, and she’s just had a feed. She won’t wake up for a while, and if she does, I’ll tell Lin to summon us. She’s on duty in the corridor.”

The queen finally relented. “Fine. A short walk – not the balcony. We’ll go out to the gardens.”

“The gardens it is.” Thomas helped her off the bed, offering his arm.

“I’ll be back soon, sweetie,” Rose murmured before leaving the room.

The couple walked around the castle gardens for an hour. They checked on servants, inspected plants and, most of all, talked. They didn’t mention how close they were to war, or how worried they were – they talked only of Rapunzel.

“She’s beautiful.”

“Of course, my dear – she’s your child after all. I dare say the whole of Corona is simply dying to meet her!”

“Oh, yes – I’m sure they are. They’ll have to wait. I think I like her just being ours for a while, instead of sharing her with all the kingdom.”

“I know, dear. I know.”

“I’m so happy, Thomas. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my life.” This statement was spoken almost with reverence and wonder; as if Primrose was shocked at how content she was.

“I’m glad, darling. I am. Should we go check on Rapunzel?”

They returned to their chamber, laughing and chatting about their new life with their daughter; their spirits higher than they had ever been.

Primrose threw the door open excitedly, her face bright, then fell to her knees – her voice twisting into a blood-curdling scream of despair.

For the window was open, and the baby princess was gone.