Birthday Kisses

  I guess I should briefly warn you that there's some not exactly consensual kissing in this - it is meant to be fairly innocent so I hope I don't offend anyone.

Rapunzel, I hope this gets to you. I am so sorry, but I won’t be able to make your wedding. I was on my way, honestly, but there was a storm in the Southern sea, and I have been stuck on this godforsaken island for a week now. Believe me I’m devastated, but I’ve tried everything I could to get there in time and it’s not going to happen. I know you’re going to make the loveliest bride; tell Fitzherbert he doesn’t deserve you.

I’ll try and be there before the month is out so save me some cake.

Your friend

Cassandra

***

  “I know I’m a married woman, but can I be the first one to kiss the birthday boy?” Rapunzel said with a smile.

  Varian gave her a small smile and a half hug as she stepped forwards to kiss him on his cheek.

  “Thanks Rapunzel. So, Uh, do I really have to do this?” He said nervously.

  “Yes.” Rapunzel answered. “It’s a Corona tradition, and I personally love it.”

  “You’re not the one whose expected to stand in the great hall and wait for somebody to kiss him.”

  “Every young man for a hundred years has stood in the great hall at midday on their eighteenth birthday and accepted the kiss of any young unattached lady who offers it. Just think Varian, I meet Eugene the day before my eighteenth birthday, you might meet your future spouse today.”

  “Uh, no, I am nowhere near ready for marriage. Also, you forgot the part where I have to stand there waiting to be kissed and I’m not allowed to leave until somebody does. I’m going to be there all-night Rapunzel! It’s going to be humiliating.”

  “No, that won’t happen, I’ll send somebody to release you if it does, I promise. Not that I need to promise, because it is not going to happen. You are the Royal Engineer, and you are looking very dapper, the young ladies are going to come. I guarantee it.”

  Varian looked at himself one more time in the mirror, straightening the waistcoat and jacket Eugene had insisted that he wear. He was far more comfortable in his shirt and leather jerkin, but here he was stood in a suit as if he were going to some kind of ball.

  As if summoned Eugene appeared in the doorway.

  “It’s midday and the girls are lining up.”

  “Don’t tease him Eugene.” Rapunzel said, then whispered (in a way that Varian could totally hear because he was stood right next to her). “He’s a bit shy.”

  “Oh, I’m being serious, there are half a dozen girls queueing outside of the door to the great hall, and I’m sure I saw more heading in that direction on the way here.”

  “What?” Varian squeaked.

  “Somebody is popular with the ladies.”

  “But why?” Varian shouted as Eugene pushed him down the corridor towards the hall. “What do they want from me?”