Romance Fan Fiction ❯ Enemy of the Stars (A Stars Above Sequel) ❯ Chapter 7: Punishment ( Chapter 7 )

It had been a week since the duo met Carina. And that week has been the most frustrating, infuriating, most annoying time of Cassandra’s life. Although Rapunzel was putting up with Carina, by her own standards, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t perfect. The two women have been at each other’s neck nearly all the time already and of course, Cassandra was stuck in the middle of it. Cassandra swore she was losing it, she was barely able to keep her temper in. Cassandra knew that someone had to be the bigger person and keep a calm, level attitude but it was becoming increasingly harder day by day due to Carina and Rapunzel’s daily arguments. It was starting to become unbearable and annoying. She couldn’t stand to be next to Carina in the first place but for the first time in he life since she’s known the princess, she couldn’t stand to be next to Rapunzel either while she was acting like this.

Cass quite literally had to tear them apart on multiple occasions to make sure that they didn’t kill each other. Cassandra was hoping they would get it out of their system the first couple of days but the duo was still at it. Usually, Rapunzel would have gotten over her temporary anger and bitterness and made Carina her friend, despite their differences. That’s how she’s always been. She was known for her forgiveness and kindness towards others; especially those considered ‘different’. But apparently, Carina was a different story.

Cassandra had no idea where this sense of protectiveness came from and although at first, it was sweet, now it’s incredibly annoying and infuriating. Cass had no idea how much more she could take. She couldn’t help but sigh in exasperation for like the 100th time upon realizing that this was gonna be a long journey.

Currently, Carina and Rapunzel were arguing again as Cassandra watched them with her arms crossed, leaning against a tree. Nova was sitting next to her while picking pretty flowers from the grassy meadow. Nova seemed to take a quick break and looked up at Cassandra. “Momma?”

Cassandra looked away from the screaming battle being played a small distance away. “What’s up squirt?”

Nova’s adorable smile widened at her favorite nickname. She tilted her. “Why did we half to leav home? I mis eveyone so much.”

Cassandra smiled and kneeled to her knees. “I know sweetheart, me too. But remember what your mother and I said? It’s so we can be safe.”

“Oh..” Nova responded. “Is it becuz of that meanie who hur mommy? The scawy one?”

Cassandra placed a hand on her head, making the little girl giggle. Cassandra smiled and then nodded. “Yes, the scary one.”

Suddenly, Nova’s smile dropped as she looked up at Cassandra with an expression of fear. “Is he gunna tak mommy awa?”

Cassandra shook her head. “No, he’s not gonna take mommy away.” She gave her what was hoped to be a comforting smile. “That’s why we had to leave. To make sure he can’t take your mother away.”

“Do you pwomise?”

Cassandra ruffled her hair, making the baby giggle. “I promise.” She pulled the little girl into her lap and nuzzled her. “You know I won’t let anything happen to your or mother.”

“Becuz you ar’ stron and bave!” Nova put up her tiny arms and flexed them to try and match her mother as she made a fierce face.

Cassandra laughed. She was just too damn adorable. She scooped up the little girl and coddled her, making Nova let out a surprised squeal of laughter. Cassandra nuzzled her with her nose, tickling Nova. “You got that right.”

Nova laughed and tried to push her away with her tiny hands. “Momma, stop, ‘at tickle’!” Deciding to take pity on the girl, Cassandra stopped and just held her in her arms, smiling lovingly down at her.

“I love you, momma,” Nova said as she cuddled into her mother.

Cassandra smiled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I love you too, you little rascal.” Nova giggled.

Cassandra placed Nova back in her arms and looked back up at the war before her. Nova looked at the two women fighting then back up at Cassandra, clearly noticing a scowl placed upon her mother’s features. “Is mommy in troble?”

Right as Nova asked that, Rapunzel heard it somewhere in the distance, making Rapunzel pull away from the fighting match. Rapunzel just so happened to accidentally catch Cassandra’s eye contact. Without looking at Nova, Cassandra narrowed her eyes and spoke; evident anger and frustration in her voice: “Yeah,” She responded, her eyes narrowing even more towards Rapunzel. “She is.” Rapunzel seemed to gulp and slightly cower as she quickly looked away from Cassandra’s unwavering and pissed-off eye contact.

----------------------------------------------

Rapunzel seemed to be avoiding Cassandra. That was a smart choice. Cassandra couldn’t do anything with Nova present but she was tired of the fighting. Rapunzel seemed to continue to disregard Cassandra’s warnings and she finally had enough. Cass knew that the princess couldn’t hide from her forever. After all, they quite literally slept in the same room.

Although out of courtesy, the first night Cassandra asked Carina if she wanted to stay in the extra room they had in the caravan but thankfully, she declined saying she’d prefer to sleep outside with her supplies rather than sleep in the same vicinity as Rapunzel. That was the first of their many fights to come. Cassandra was currently in their shared room, her arms crossed as she waited for Rapunzel to enter the door. It was late and Carina and Nova were already passed out. Both Nova and Carina were heavy sleepers. One could literally dump ice cold water on them and they still wouldn’t even stir. Cassandra knew that Rapunzel stayed out later on purpose in hope that Cassandra would just give up on waiting for her, because Rapunzel knew damn well how much trouble she was in, and fall asleep. Unfortunately for her, she wasn’t gonna give up that easily.

It didn’t take long before the princess finally did enter those doors and when her eyes landed on Cassandra, she stopped to a halt. “Oh, hey, Cass… I didn’t know you were up.”

Cassandra got to her feet. “Yeah because you were hoping that I wasn’t.” She narrowed her eyes.

Rapunzel looked away at being caught but tried to play it off, seemingly forgetting that Cassandra could see right through her bullshit. “No, I was just.. Out..”

Cassandra raised an eyebrow. “Doing what?”

“...Finding supplies?”

“Try again.”

“N-No, no, really! I was!”

“Is that your excuse for why you’ve been avoiding me all day, too?”

“I-I’m not avoiding you! Why would I be avoiding you?? There’s no way!” She laughed nervously.

“Maybe because you know you’re in deep shit.”

Rapunzel looked away from her unwavering gaze. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about..”

“Oh, really?”

“Nope.”

“Then why are you avoiding my eye contact?”

“Because uhh…” She tried to think of some kind of excuse before she gave a cheesy grin. “Your eyes are just so beautiful that if I stare too long, I get lost in them.” Rapunzel internally winced at that. What kind of pathetic excuse for a response was that?

“Yeah, nice try. Not flying.”

“Oh, well, uhm…” Rapunzel was pretty much panicking at this point. “Oh! You know what, I just remembered that I, uh… forgot something outside. Yes, yeah, totally that.” Rapunzel began to quickly turn around but Cassandra was quicker as she slammed the door shut before she could make her departure.

“You’re not going anywhere,” Cassandra spoke, her voice calm and threatening. It made Rapunzel nearly shiver. Her teal-like eyes stared into her soul as she gulped and slowly started to back up with her hands up in defense. Cassandra followed and advanced toward her.

“N-Now hold on Cass… l-let’s talk about this.”

“I tried talking,” Cassandra spoke, her voice venomous. “But you didn’t listen so now, ‘talking’ is out of the question.” Rapunzel continued to back up as Cassandra slowly walked toward her. Seeing an opportunity, she tried to make a quick escape only for Cassandra to grab her arm roughly and pulled her into her body; her back pressing against her chest and her arms pinned to her side. “I tried to warn you,” Cassandra said cooly into her ear, her warm breath making Rapunzel shiver.

“I-It’s not my fault! She started it!”

“Oh, really?” Cassandra responded darkly. “Which one? The one from fifteen minutes or an hour ago? How about the one from yesterday? Did she start those too?”

“...I-I can’t help it! She’s just so.. so infuriating!”

“I don’t care,” Cassandra spoke. “I asked you a simple task: to put up with it and keep your mouth shut. But you completely went against that. You two are driving me up the wall.” She clenched her teeth.

“Then why don’t you go deal with her?!”

Cassandra smirked. “Because I can’t do anything to her. You, on the other hand…” Cassandra thrusted roughly into her, making Rapunzel let out a surprised whimper. Her smirk then dropped into a dark scowl. “All you’ve been doing is pissing me off despite all the obvious warnings that I know you saw. And I can’t handle anymore of this and if it continues, one of you is gonna be very, very sorry.”

“...By ‘one of us’ you mean me?”

Cassandra smirked. “Bingo. I gave you plenty of warnings and since you didn’t listen… I guess I’ll just have to teach you a lesson that will make you listen.”

“B-But-”

“Shut it,” Cassandra demanded. “Tonight - I’m in charge. Completely. Got it?” Her voice was so threatening and dark, Rapunzel couldn’t help but nod instinctively. Cassandra smirked at her silence. “Good girl. If you’re good, maybe you’ll be rewarded. And remember, whatever happens tonight is your fault. Understand?” Rapunzel nodded. “Good. Now that that’s taken care of…” Suddenly Cassandra spun Rapunzel around and slammed her against a wall. Although Cassandra was being way rougher than she ever has been, it never actually hurt Rapunzel. It stung and her ears were ringing, sure, but it didn’t hurt.

Cassandra had her arm placed against her throat. She pressed down but not enough to suffocate the princess. She leaned forward. “Let’s get started, shall we?” Her cold, dark voice rang out. With that, she roughly crashed her lips to Rapunzel’s. With how Cassandra was softly pressing against her throat, Rapunzel was stuck and couldn’t move as the warrior pretty much ravished her mouth. Rapunzel couldn’t help but groan into the kiss because of the unusual rough treatment.

Cassandra pulled back and smirked. “You like being man-handled, don’t you, Raps?”

“...Technically, it’s woman-handled…” Rapunzel resorted quietly but it ended in Cassandra pressing her arm more firmly against her neck.

Cassandra narrowed her eyes dangerously. “Did I say you could talk?”

“...You asked a question...”

“It was rhetorical and you know that. Do you want to keep testing me? You’re already in deep, deep water.” For once, Rapunzel actually shut her mouth. Cassandra smirked. “Look at that. You can listen.” Rapunzel, not used to Cassandra’s slight insults and dirty talk, tried to argue back only for Cassandra to thrust roughly into her, making the princess let out a surprised deep moan.

When Cassandra was sure she shut her up, she recaught her lips into another harsh, rough, but still an ever-so-mind-shattering kiss. Cassandra rocked against her, bringing slight pleasure to the princess. But it wasn’t enough and it was driving Rapunzel crazy. And that’s exactly what Cassandra was trying to do. Cassandra was quick about her actions as she tore Rapunzel’s clothes to shreds. Rapunzel wanted to yell at her for it but with how Cassandra trailed her soft, but rough hands all over her body, Rapunzel couldn’t find it in her to care. Cass herself had her clothes off in seconds.

Cassandra continued to torture her by skipping over the places that she knew brought the princess pleasure. Rapunzel let out a sexuaully frustrated groan. “C-Cass-”

“Shut up.” Cassandra cut her off. Rapunzel listened but she let out a frustrated whimper. Cassandra smirked as she slowed her wandering hands. She softly trailed her hands down her body before back up again. She felt Rapunzel’s stomach muscles tense under her touch. Cassandra then trailed her hand up her thigh slowly. She could feel the princess’s breath hitch but when she reached her destination, she stopped and left the hand on her upper inner thigh. “Who’s in charge, Rapunzel?”

“Y-You…”

“Good. Who do you belong to?”

“...You again, Cass.”

“Are you still going to disobey me?” Rapunzel stayed silent. Cassandra snarled. “Rapunzel.”

“...I-I can’t make any promises, Cass… something about her just pisses me off to no end…”

“Fine,” Cassandra spat. “I was giving you one more chance and you blew it. Now…” Cassandra leaned forward and smirked before she whispered into her ear hotly: “I’m not holding back.” Rapunzel’s breath hitched. Without warning, Cassandra roughly shoved her fingers inside her.

Rapunzel couldn’t help but arch her back at the sudden intrusion. “A-Ah!” The warrior started to roughly pump in and out of her at a rapid pace. While she was doing that, she was kissing Rapunzel like never before. Rapunzel was finding it especially hard to keep up as the warrior ravished her body. Rapunzel tried with all her might to keep herself connected to Cassandra’s lips but with the force of her thrusts, she couldn’t help but throw her head back and moan. Cassandra took the opportunity to attack her neck. She bit, sucked, nipped, licked… She did it all. With how hard she was sucking on certain places, she knew Cassandra was purposely trying to leave marks; if the smirk that was spread across her face had anything to say about it.

It wasn’t long before Rapunzel felt a release creeping on her. Cassandra knew this and quickened her pumps and it hit her like a ton of bricks. Cassandra didn’t let her enjoy it though as she was suddenly turned around and tossed onto their bed. Cass wasted no time climbing back on top of her and started to kiss the hell out of her again. Rapunzel, still sensitive from the first release, was unable to keep up at all as she only held on for the ride. Cassandra’s hot, wet, opened mouth kisses made Rapunzel dizzy. Cassandra pulled away for a couple of seconds to let her breathe but it didn’t last long as she went in for more.

When Rapunzel tried to move her arms to wrap around her, Cassandra grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head. Cass tied them to the bedpost as she pulled back and smirked. She felt liquid rush between her legs as she saw the princess, beneath her, breathing roughly, her lips thoroughly kissed and her face flushed. Without a word, she grabbed their ‘little magic worker’ and had it set up in seconds. Then Cassandra tried something new. She grabbed Rapunzel’s legs and pushed them forward until they were almost to the princess’s shoulders. With that, she thrusted harshly into her.

Rapunzel couldn’t help but widen her eyes at the new position; an unbearable, almost painful, pleasure taking over her entire body and senses. As Cassandra endlessly pounded into her, Rapunzel’s moans grew with a burning passion. It wasn’t long before the princess had to squeeze her eyes shut. “Look at me, Rapunzel,” She suddenly heard Cassandra’s hot and sexy voice say. She tried. She really, really did but it was futile. As Cassandra let out a sexy growl, she roughly grabbed the princess’s face. “I said look at me!” Rapunzel had to pry her eyes open as she looked up with half open eyes at her pissed-off lover. It was all she could do. Cassandra seemed to allow it as her grip became softer and more loving to her face. It was a ‘reward’, Rapunzel guessed. But it didn’t last long as Cassandra untied her, then suddenly flipped her over and entered her from behind. Cassandra traced her backside, which made the princess shiver, as the warrior endlessly pounded into her. Rapunzel groaned and pressed her face into the bed as she tightly gripped the sheets.

But after some minutes, Cassandra flipped her over again. This time, she was pulled into the warrior’s lap, her legs on either side of her, as Cassandra thrust upward and forced the princess’s hips down. Cassandra kissed and licked her neck as the princess tried to hold on for dear life. “You piss me off, you know that?” Cassandra’s gruff and still-ever-so pissed-off voice suddenly spoke out.

Despite her current position and the fact that she barely registered what Cassandra just said, Rapunzel couldn’t help but smile, her eyes half open. “Yeah, but you know you love me.”

“You’re lucky that I do or your ‘punishment’ would have been much more... hostile.”

“So, is this what you call ‘non-hostile’?”

“If I was being hostile, the situation would be different. And not a good different.”

“That mad, huh?”

“You promised me you would put up with her.”

“I am putting up with her.”

“You call starting a fight every ten minutes with her ‘putting up with her’?”

“...She started most of them.”

“Yeah, well,” Cassandra responded before switching them one last time. This time, Cassandra shoved Rapunzel back onto her back. She then positioned onto her side before she rose one of Rapunzel’s legs and placed it over her shoulder. With that, she started pounding into her from that angle, hitting deeper and harder like never before. The new position brought Rapunzel incredible, white, blinding, over-stimulating, hot, mind-blowing pleasure. So much so, it was practically painful. “...I’m finishing it.” Rapunzel couldn’t help but widen her eyes at the sudden pleasurable pain it brought and try as she might, she couldn’t keep her eyes open anymore as she squeezed them shut. Thank god Cassandra didn’t force her to open them again because she didn’t know if she could anyway.

She was able to slightly open them as Cassandra’s mouth curled up into a heated smirk. The same smirk she wore when she knew that she was winning and had Rapunzel pinned beneath her at her mercy. She knew that the princess was close by how her chest heaved so she slowed down; a cute, sexually frustrated groan rose from out of the princess. “So, let me ask again: are you going to continue to disobey me?” Cassandra couldn’t tell whether Rapunzel was trying to decide to be defiant or if she simply couldn’t speak or focus but either way, she didn’t care as Cassandra narrowed her eyes and gripped her hips tighter. She saw small bruises starting to appear but she knew that it didn’t hurt Rapunzel all that much, not really, or the princess would have told her. Right? Right. She seemed to be enjoying herself a little too much. That wouldn’t do, this was supposed to be a punishment.

Cassandra gave her one hard, rough, quick thrust into her, making Rapunzel let out a surprised half-yelp as the princess slightly arched her back. But this time, Cassandra slowed almost to a halt. “I’m only gonna ask one more time. Are. You. Going. To. Continue. To. Disobey me?” Much to her relief, Rapunzel finally nodded quickly without hesitation. “No,” Cassandra said. “I want to hear you say it.”

“I… won’t.. disobey you.. I’ll listen...” If Cassandra wasn’t still pissed off, she would have groaned at how breathless and heated the princess sounded.

“Good. Are you going to fight with Carina? Or are you gonna keep your mouth shut and bite your tongue like a mature adult?” Rapunzel was quiet for a second. Cassandra narrowed her eyes. “Rapunzel.” She clenched her teeth; saying each syllable of her name with vicious intent.

Cassandra gave her another harsh thrust which made Rapunzel finally respond. “O-okay, okay! I won’t…I won’t fight with her…!”

Cassandra narrowed her eyes a second time and with the utmost terrifying, annoyed, dark voice Rapunzel has ever heard her use, she responded: “You better not be lying to me and stay true to your word this time.”

“I.. mmh… promise..”

“You better. For your sake." She paused. "…And my sanity.” Rapunzel didn’t even get to respond as Cassandra started wildly pounding into her again, this time going much deeper and faster. She positioned her thrusts so she hit that spot. It didn’t long before Rapunzel’s breathing quicked once more, her eyes widened and she arched her back as it hit her like a ton of bricks. Her body went slack, her mouth fell open and her body convulsed. Cassandra followed shortly after. When Cass could move again, she pulled out of the princess and threw the toy somewhere in the room before plopping next to the half-dazed, panting princess. With barely even movement, Rapunzel could already feel it hurting, well, everywhere from the rough treatment. Rapunzel’s head quite literally fell to the side as she looked at Cassandra. Cassandra knew exactly what she was thinking.

“Don’t look at me like that,” She responded, obvious anger and aggravation still in her voice. “It’s your own damn fault.”

“Oh come on, don’t be like that Cass. I said I was sorry.”

“Actually, you didn’t.”

Rapunzel paused, realizing that she actually didn't, then she gave her a cheesy, shy grin. “I’m sorry?” Cassandra only huffed, rolled her eyes, and looked away. Rapunzel’s smile fell and she sighed. “Come on Cass, I’m already not gonna be able to walk for a week, plus I have to find a way to cover up all these marks, what else do you want from me?”

Rapunzel realized rather quickly that she should not have asked that question because Cassandra turned towards her and smirked. Not the good type of smirk. “As a last resort of your punishment, you’re not gonna cover any of that up.”

Rapunzel pulled back quickly. “What?! You can’t do that!”

“I can and I will.”

“Casss!” Rapunzel whined. “Anyone who we come across will see! Not to mention, Carina will see!”

“You should’ve thought about that before you decided to go against me. Besides, you’ve been showing your ‘possession’ over me ever since we first met up with her." Casasndra smirked. "I might as well do the same.”

“Okay, fine, you’ve proven your point! Now please let me cover it up!”

“Nope. You dug your own grave.”

“But-” Cassandra shot her head towards her and give her that look. Considering her body and insides were broken and she wouldn’t be able to take it a second time, she really did not want a round two. “...Fine.”

“Good. And next time, don’t avoid me. Nor lie to me.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Rapunzel mumbled sarcastically.

Cassandra suddenly gripped her face, narrowed her eyes, and pulled her in closer. “What was that?” She asked, her voice dark once more.

Rapunzel couldn’t help but shrink as Cassandra held her gaze. Cassandra made sure that she couldn’t look away. “N-Nothing..”

Cassandra let go of her. “That’s what I thought.”

“...You’re so mean sometimes, you know that?”

“As I said, it’s all your own fault. You pushed me to this point.”

“I don’t see you doing it to Carina…” Rapunzel responded, not even thinking about that statement.

Cassandra turned her head towards her and gave her a deadpan expression. “Think about what you just said then re-try that statement.”

Rapunzel took a second to process it but when she did, her eyes widened. “...N-Not like that! You know, like, ‘punish’ her... In a violent way.” Although she was still pissed, Cassandra couldn’t help but let out an amused smile.

She raised an eyebrow, the amused smile still present on her face. “In a violent way?” She shook her head. “You really don’t like her, do you?”

“That’s an understatement. I hate her.”

“You don’t ‘hate’ anybody.”

“And that should tell you how much I don’t like her.”

“Well, now you know how I felt about Adira. Its about time you get a taste of your own medicine.”

“Why don’t you hate her? Do you still have…” Rapunzel paused before asking hesitantly. “...feelings for her…?”

“What?” Cassandra asked, turning her head to meet Rapunzel's eye contact. “No, of course not.”

“Then why do you keep taking her side?”

“I am not taking her side. I hate her as much as you do, but I’m capable of keeping my temper under control.”

“...I got your message, you don’t have to keep pointing it out.”

“Yeah, I do,” Cassandra responded harshly. “Because you didn't seem to get it after the first couple times. So, I’ll say it as many times as necessary until you get it into your stubborn brain.” Cassandra turned towards her fully and gave her a serious expression. “This isn’t a game, Rapunzel. This place where we’re going is gonna be like nothing we’ve ever faced before. It’s that dangerous. And if you two keep going at it, not only will it lower your guard, but we also won’t even make it there because I am going to snap. And I promise you, it will not end well. You need to start taking this seriously.”

“I am taking this-”

Cassandra cut her off. “No, you’re not. You’re letting little dumb remarks get to you. If she won’t stop being the self-absorbed, arrogant asswhole that she is, then you need to be the one to end it by not feeding into it. That’s exactly what she wants. She’s messing with you on purpose and you’re stupidly just letting it happen. It's her game and you're falling for it.” Her voice was harsh and stern. Maybe a little too harsh.

Rapunzel looked downward and played with her hands. “...I’m sorry..” She mumbled like a little kid being disciplined. But with how soft, shameful, and hurt she sounded, Cassandra’s eyes softened to their own record.

Sighing, Cassandra hooked her fingers under Rapunzel’s chin and lifted her head back up to eye level. “...You’re letting your guard down by being so pissed off and focused on some stupid words. You’ve never let words bother you before. Why now?”

Rapunzel shrugged. “...I don’t know. Something about her just.. sets me off.”

“Well, then don’t let her. I’m at my absolute limit, Rapunzel. You two have been driving me up the wall. If there’s a next time, which there better not be, I won’t be so nice.”

“You call this nice?”

“This is pretty damn controlled for how pissed off and annoyed I really am. So do us both a favor and control yourself.”

“...I already said I would, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, well, you said that last time to,o and look where we are now. You can’t blame me for having a hard time trusting your word.” Even though Rapunzel knew that she was right, Cassandra could still see how much that statement actually hurt her through her eyes. Sighing, Cassandra changed her expression to be a reprimanding, worried one. “You are gonna end up getting hurt or worse, you are gonna get end up getting someone else hurt. By acting like this, you’re putting Nova in danger and teaching her bad habits.”

“...Fine. I’ll keep my mouth shut like you want so badly." Rapunzel’s voice was bitter as she looked away.

“Come on Rapunzel, you know that’s not what I meant.” Rapunzel only continued to avoid her eye contact. Cassandra sighed and much to Rapunzel trying to push her away, Cassandra pulled her in by her hips. She tried to squirm away but Cass’s grip was strong. “I can’t risk putting you and Nova in any more danger than I already have. And you’re putting us all at risk.” Rapunzel still didn’t respond. “Just… please Raps. Just stay true to your word this time.” She paused. “...I don’t wanna end up accidentally hurting you.” She whispered, softly placing her hand over the bruises that were starting to form.

Rapunzel looked back up to meet her eyes. “...Are you really that upset?”

Cassandra groaned. “That’s an understatement. I’m pissed, aggravated, and highly on edge.”

Rapunzel sighed. “Alright, I’ll bite my tongue.”

“No matter what she says?”

Rapunzel held up a hand and placed it over Cassandra’s heart to seal the deal as she smiled sweetly at her. “No matter what she says.” She confirmed.

Finally, Cassandra’s face broke out into a sweet smile as she pulled her forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Thanks, Raps

“...Mhm.”

“And… I’m sorry for being so rough, but..”

Rapunzel cut her off. “You wanted to get your point across,” And to let Cass know that she wasn’t mad nor upset, she let out a giggle. A giggle that hurt everything down there like hell. Cassandra noticed her wince. “And it worked.”

“You’re not seriously hurt, are you?”

Rapunzel rolled her eyes with a smile. “No, Cass, I’m fine. A little embarrassed about tomorrow and every move I make hurts like hell, but other than that, nothing too serious.”

Cassandra chuckled, relieved of the fact that she didn’t accidentally seriously hurt her lover in her moment of anger and frustration. “I did give you a warning.”

“You’re scary when you’re mad.”

“Don’t push me over the edge then.”

Rapunzel grinned. “At least the sex was good.” Cassandra shoved her playfully at her joke, making the princess laugh. “If I didn’t know any better, I would have been scared for my life. My flight or fight senses kicked in.”

Cassandra gave her a sarcastic, teasing grin. “Really? You didn’t seem to do either. Actually, you froze.”

Rapunzel huffed. “I tried to run but you blocked my exit. What else was I supposed to do? Fight back? You could easily overpower me any day.”

“Correction: I did overpower you today. And maybe I wouldn’t have been as rough if you hadn’t disappeared for hours just to avoid me. What were you doing anyway?”

“...I told you, I was collecting supplies.” Cassandra gave her a deadpan, ‘I’m still not buying that BS look’. Rapunzel sighed and sat up, wincing in the process. Cassandra followed, curious to know the real story. Rapunzel suddenly reached over the grabbed something from her bag. Rapunzel then blushed madly, something that caught Cass off guard, and shoved a small box into her arms. “I-I was getting this.” Cassandra gave her a confused look before she slowly opened the box. What was inside stopped her in her tracks. Her eyes widened upon seeing a necklace and a bracelet placed inside. Usually, jewelry wasn’t her thing, but how they looked… they were completely and utterly gorgeous. The bracelet was silver and had her name carved into it. In the middle lay the symbol of the moon as well as a sword and roses wrapped around it beautifully. The necklace was similar except, she noticed, it had a hidden picture of all three of them. They were… unbelievable. And looked incredibly expensive.

She must’ve stayed quiet for too long because Rapunzel started rambling, a blush still covering her face. “The r-roses are supposed to symbolize romance, love, beauty, and courage. The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage. I-If you don’t like them, I can-”

“No,” Cassandra cut her off. “They’re… beautiful. But why?” Cassandra gave her a teasing smile. But Rapunzel saw so much love and appreciation in her eyes. “Was this a way to get out of punishment? If that’s the case, you should have given them to me before.”

Rapunzel relaxed her nerves as she giggled. “Like I had any time to prepare. You practically cornered me. But, no, I’ve actually... Been planning this a little over a week. The nearest town has the best jewelry maker around. And since your birthday is coming up...”

Cassandra pulled back and gave her a surprised expression but then it softened. “...You remembered?”

Rapunzel gave her a confused expression. “Of course I did. Why wouldn’t I?”

Cass looked down. “Well, it’s not like we’ve talked about it often nor have celebrated it. I think I’ve only ever mentioned my birthday like once - years ago. Honestly, I didn’t even realize it was coming up. I stopped celebrating it a long time ago because no one ever cared enough to remember or celebrate it… I don’t know how you even remembered.”

Rapunzel smiled and wiped her bangs out of her eyes. “It’s my job as your wife to know these things. And from now on, we are celebrating it whenever it comes around.”

Cassandra couldn’t help but break out into a love-filled, sweet smile. One of her unusual sweet ones Rapunzel only got to see occasionally. Cassandra leaned forward and placed a small, lasting kiss on the princess’s forehead, a show of love, before pulling back. “You didn’t have to do this,” She signaled to the best gifts she’s ever received. “It must have cost a fortune.”

Rapunzel smiled. “Of course I did. You deserve the world and so much more.” Then her smile turned into a sorrowful one. “Besides, after everything I’ve put you through these last couple of weeks…” She trailed off and looked down.

Cassandra’s eyes softened as she gently placed the box onto the side table. “Hey,” She started before she hooked her fingers under her chin and raised her head back up. “You’re going through a lot, Raps. All I want is for you to be happy and if a couple lash outs come about every once in a while, I get it."

“...It still isn’t right. I shouldn’t be putting you through… all of this.”

Cassandra’s smile turned sweeter as she moved her hand to her cheek. “Unfortunately, when it comes to you, I’m an empath. Whenever you’re in pain… it breaks me seeing you go through it.”

“Yeah, that’s the problem… I just wish I could stop… whatever is happening.”

Cassandra sighed. “Yeah, me too. But you and I both know emotions don’t work that way. You can’t help it.”

“That’s the other problem…”

Cassandra leaned forward and nuzzled her. “It’ll go away with time, Raps. I know there are a lot of things you still need to figure out but you’ll get there eventually, I promise. I did.” Cassandra smiled sweetly and pressed her forehead against Rapunzel’s. “And I’ll be there with you every step of the way just like you were there for me.”

Rapunzel couldn’t help but smile as she closed her eyes. “...I know.” She took a deep breath to keep herself from crying before reopening her eyes. Wanting to change the subject, Rapunzel pulled back. “So… do you like them?" She asked with a cute tilt of her head. "I had them designed to fit you. I know jewelry are not really your thing but…” She trailed off.

Realizing she wanted to change the subject, Cass gave her an honest smile. “I love them, Raps. Really. Honestly, they are probably the best, most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received. How in the world did you afford something like this?”

Rapunzel smiled. “I saved up by doing small jobs around Corona before we left.” She then giggled. “But the surprises aren’t over yet. I still have stuff planned for your actual birthday.”

“Of course you do,” Cassandra responded with a sarcastic smile as she shook her head. Then she looked back at Rapunzel with one of the most sweetest smiles Rapunzel had ever seen on her. This smile was so sweet and full of love... that it nearly caught Rapunzel off guard. Nearly. “I.. this really means a lot, Raps.”

Rapunzel smiled and leaned forward to place a small kiss on her lips. “Glad you like it,” She whispered. She then giggled softly. “Does this mean you’re not mad at me anymore?”

“Hm, I don’t know..” Cassandra responded teasingly before giving her an amused smile. “Are you actually gonna listen to me for once?”

“Only if you promise to not let Carina bully me since I have to ‘bite my tongue', as you say.”

Cassandra chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t.” She smirked then pressed her pointer finger to the tip of Rapunzel’s nose. “As long as you behave.”

Rapunzel rolled her eyes. “I’m starting to wonder if you think that you’re my mom now or something.” She gave Cassandra an amused grin.

Cassandra laughed; the sound of Rapunzel’s favorite melody made her smile grow wider. “That would be weird.”

Rapunzel giggled. “Yeah, it would.”

Cassandra smiled at her. “We should probably get some rest. We have another long day ahead of us tomorrow. And you need rest so you can keep yourself under control."

“But I’m not…” Rapunzel yawned, her eyes half-open. “...tired..”

Cassandra chuckled. “Sure you aren’t. It’s been an…” She gave Rapunzel a heated smirk. “...eventful night.”

Rapunzel blushed deeply at the hidden message but another yawn betrayed her. “Fine..” She mumbled, her voice slurred and tired. Rapunzel wrapped her arms around Cassandra’s torso, digging her face into her bare chest as she smiled and cuddled into her warmth. Within seconds, she was asleep. Cassandra chuckled before she pulled the blanket over both of them, wrapped her arms around the princess protectively as she slowly started to drift off to sleep herself. Right before she passed out, she realized something for the first time:

….She was glad that Carina abandoned her all those years ago.