Rapunzel (Faerie Tale Collection) by Jenni James Page B

Goodness, she felt nearly old enough to be a woman now. So many things had happened to her, so many handsome beaus to tempt her into smiling at them all. So many dances to accept. Tomorrow was her day, her glorious chance to show the world just who she was and let them know it was time for her to be taken seriously.
    After the ride, she brought the horse back to the stables and jumped off. Her hand instinctively reached for the butterfly pendant near her heart. It was still there. She gave a quick prayer of relief that she did not lose it, as she always did, and then scampered into the house.
    Immediately upon entering through the side door, she was met by Lottie, her maid. Agitated and wringing her hands the older girl approached.
    “What is it?” Rapunzel unbuttoned her riding gloves from about her wrists and slipped them off as she began to climb the servants’ stairs up to her rooms. “Whatever has put you in such a state?”
    “Their majesties request your attendance immediately in the throne room,” said the maid as she began to follow her up the steps.
    Rapunzel paused in the cramped stone area and looked down at her. “The throne room? Why ever for?”
    Lottie shook her head, and then those dark eyes locked with Rapunzel’s for a moment.
    “What is it? What will you not tell me?”
    She shook her head again. “Just hurry, please. And be sure to dress appropriately.”
    “Appropriately? Good heavens!” Rapunzel grumbled under her breath as she climbed the last of the steps and opened the door leading to the elaborate family wing. She was going to have to bathe first and then put on her court attire. Ugh. They must have visitors. She rushed down the hall to her chambers with a frown upon her lips. But why summon her ? It made no sense.
    As she opened her door, her heart jolted and then suddenly sprang to life. “Of course!” She spun around just as the maid entered behind her. “Jonathan has come! He made it! He made it in time for my birthday. I knew he would. I knew it.” She did not wait to hear Lottie’s response. Instead, she rushed into the bathing room and giggled.
    Twenty minutes later, primped, curled to perfection, and looking simply dazzling in her ruffled peach satin and cream lace, Rapunzel entered the grand throne room and elegantly curtsied before her mother and father.
    Her smile was wide as she arose, but then quickly dimmed when she realized Jonathan was not there.
    “Rapunzel, at last!” her mother exclaimed from her opulent seat. “Come forth, my dear, and meet our guest, Lady Vactryne.”
    Her mother’s smile was too bright, her looks too eager as she beckoned a woman from the shadows. Something was wrong. Rapunzel glanced at her father. He immediately looked away.
    What was this about?
    Taking a couple of steps to the right, toward the awaiting guest, Rapunzel curtsied again, this time much deeper, allowing her mind to sort through the confusion and stress she could feel mounting in the room. As she raised her head, she met the gaze of the intense woman standing before her. Lavishly bedecked in purple velvets and silks, the woman was tall and angular—her sharp eyes were beautifully made up, but crisp and spiteful.
    A shudder ran down Rapunzel’s spine.
    “So this is your daughter, the princess?” The woman smirked and then said, “She is very lovely.”
    Rapunzel glanced at her father again. Still, he would not meet her eyes.
    The queen tittered nervously. “Yes, thank you, Lady Vactryne, she is.”
    She walked closer to Rapunzel. “And you have named her after the plant you stole from me?” An unexpected cackle arose from the stranger’s throat.
    “Y—yes,” her father replied, clearly nervous.
    Rapunzel remained silent, not sure what to do.
    “Do you remember what you two promised me that fateful night?” came the sinister question.
    “We have not forgotten,” said the king. “I still regret it to this day, and humbly beg your apology.” He father stood, his