Page 59 of Twined

“You’ll see,” Little Captive,” Dax says softly from beside her.

“This is all for you. They love you.” Behind her, Quinn runs a hand down her spine. “We love you.”

Although I’m the only one who can openly show Rapunzel public affection—I am her Prince Consort, out of respect for Quinn and Dax, I refrain. I do, however, grab her hand and give it a gentle squeeze. “They’ve planned this for weeks.”

Below us, one by one, Newkirk’s staff lights the rectangular lanterns they spent so much time making for tonight. For their queen, who saved them from a tyrant.

To be with her on this special occasion—the first time she’s ever celebrating her birthday.

And one by one, those lanterns lift into the air, floating over our heads. But I don’t watch them. I don’t evenseethem. All I see is Rapunzel. Rapunzel, once watched the world from a single window and dreamed of a life beyond the tower. Now, she’s Queen of Rygard, reaching out to touch the lights as they drift over her head.

Lights that are beacons of hope for a healing kingdom.

A hope made possible because of a tiny woman who possesses the courage of the mightiest of souls.