ミ☯ 𝐀 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 ☯ 彡

2.01 | Rapunzel's Enemy

A glorious day dawned in the kingdom of Corona, with the sun's golden arms stretching over the distant mountains, casting a warm glow.

The people gathered eagerly in front of the castle, their excitement palpable as they awaited the beginning of the day's grand event.

It was no ordinary day. It was the five hundredth anniversary of the Goodwill Gopher Grab.

"We have much to celebrate during this year's Good Will Gopher Grab." King Frederic announced, booming with pride. "Not only is this the five hundredth anniversary but we commemorate this, Princess Rapunzel's very first festival and Princess Rosalie's first festival with her sister by her side."

Rapunzel's first festival. Ever.

For Princess Rosalie, who had spent all her life in the kingdom, such events were hardly a novelty.

She was used to the holiday celebrations, grand parades, fireworks, the whole nine yards. She was accustomed to the noise, the joy, the excitement.

But seeing her older sister standing before the crowd, so radiant and proud, was different.

This was Rapunzel's moment.

The crowd erupted into applause, echoing across the royal courtyard, as Frederic turned to his beaming daughters with a proud wink.

"To mark this joyous event, our Princess Rapunzel has redesigned the Gopher Grab seal of goodwill."

The newly-designed seal was unveiled before the crowd, drawing cheers and gasps of admiration. It was simple yet elegant, just like Rapunzel herself.

The kingdom adored her and Rosalie could see why. As scanned the faces in the crowd, however, her smile faltered. She'd been hoping to see one familiar face among the sea of excited onlookers.

But there was no sign of him - Varian - and her heart sank a little. She had hoped he would be here, celebrating among the people.

Rosalie had a feeling why he wasn't there.

His father, Quirin, had been deeply disappointed after the machine accident in Old Corona and, though the village was being restored to its former glory, Quirin wasn't yet ready to forgive Varian, let alone allow him to join in the festival's festivities.

"Are you okay?"

Snapping out of her thoughts, Rosalie blinked and turned her attention to Rapunzel, who gave her hand a squeeze. Rosalie nodded, smiling again.

"Ladies and gentlemen of Corona, Princess Rapunzel and Princess Rosalie." Frederic introduced, gesturing to the princesses.

They both waved to the crowd, their bond of sisterhood evident as they stood side by side.

Rosalie's hand tightened on Rapunzel's as they made their way forward, and her lips curled into a soft smile, her gaze scanning the faces of the townspeople, grateful for their adoration.

"Thank you so much. Aw!" Rapunzel warmly said, her excitement bubbling over as the crowd's applause grew louder. "You're all too kind."

Then, as she basked in the glow of the celebration, a lone, gravelly voice pierced through the cheers.

"Boo!"

Rosalie's eyes widened. She exchanged a glance with her father, who raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Rapunzel, however, seemed oblivious to the insult. Her face remained radiant and she waved back at the unseen booer, her smile never faltering.

"And a boo to you too, sir!" She responded, as though the word itself had been a playful greeting.