My Name is Rapunzel

by K. C. Hilton

  “How do you know this?” Somehow I knew the answer, but I had to hear it from her.

  “I was that baby, born to your great, great grandmother. Your father was my grandson.”

  I slumped into a dining chair. “That would make you…”

  “Your great grandmother.”

  So many things made sense. How she knew about the power in my hair. Why we lived near her. Why Father allowed her to come. Why she held the deed to half the estate.

  And that meant it never would have worked for Mother to bear a baby in my place. That plan had been doomed from the start. Gretta would never have let me go.

  And Father knew it.

  My head swam. Too much to take in. All betrayal. I dropped my head in my hands and groaned. Henry. All I wanted was to feel Henry’s arms around me, comforting me, assuring me we’d fix it together, but something told me this wasn’t fixable.

  “I wanted your hair. We could have easily shared, but you tried to keep it from me. So I had to curse you. Problem is, it can’t be cut because of the curse. So now you must remain with me always.”

  I lifted my gaze and stared. I had no words.

  “So, now, if you want me to keep that dragon alive—and whether you think so or not, it is up to me—I think it best if you confine yourself to the tower. Don’t worry, I won’t let you starve.” She pointed to a tray on the table that held a large plate of food, with a cup of coffee and a glass of juice.

  “This is blackmail.” My voice slumped with my hope.

  “Call it what you will, but we had a deal and it’s time you lived up to your end of the agreement. If you try to leave this place, then Henry will no longer be around to protect you.” Gretta smiled. “It didn’t have to be this way. We were happy for a time, the two of us here. But you had to go and ruin everything.”

  That witch!

  I shoved the tray off the table, letting it crash to the floor, then made my way back to the tower. I could hear Gretta’s cackling laugh echo through the castle until I reached my room.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  I bolted up the stairs. I would not cry—not until I was safe in my room, alone. How dare Gretta threaten me with Henry. After all these years, she had finally gotten one over on me. I had never even dreamed Henry was the dragon.

  And Gretta was my great grandmother?

  I wiped the tears from my cheeks and stood in front of the window. Henry wouldn't be flying during the day, so I wouldn't be able to see him until tonight. I wished I could talk to him and tell him what Gretta was up to. I had to protect him, like he'd protected me through so many years.

  I needed to warn him, but how? I couldn’t climb down the tower, or I'd fall. I was quite sure Gretta would be watching my every move, so I couldn’t sneak out the door. She only wanted my hair, and I would lop it all off if I could. It was only hair. I'd gladly do it so I could be with Henry.

  I wanted to lie down and have a good cry.

  Happy birthday to me.

  What a wonderful way to spend this special day, confined in my tower, the place I called home. I would be by the mailbox by now and Henry would be watching me from the hillside. Oh, how I wanted to go to him and be wrapped in his arms.

  John!

  John wanted me to meet him tonight. We were supposed to go away together. I couldn't even leave to tell him I'd changed my mind. He'd think I stood him up. I never wanted to hurt his feelings, but now he'd think the worst of me.

  A delicate, once-white dress hanging on the opposite door caught my attention. It always looked so perfect hanging there, waiting. Hopeful. My fingers trailed over the silky fabric and lingered on the delicate lace. I squeezed my eyes closed, but not before a single tear escaped. It wasn't the dress's fault.

  No, the dress was meant to be the beginning of a wonderful new life—a promise. It was meant to be my wedding dress, a symbol of my undying love for Henry. But now, it served as a painful reminder of a once happy life. A life I could have had with Henry, a life that was stolen from me.

  A life I would never have. Especially now.

  I pulled the gown from the armoire and slipped it on for Henry. It felt wonderful next to my skin. It had been a full year since I had worn it. I wanted Henry to see me in this dress like always, even if it was through the window. I smiled at myself in the mirror and watched my smile fade as reality crowded out my joy again.

  I dove into my bed and pulled the covers up to my chin.

  I awoke from a dreamless sleep and it was twilight outside. An entire day had passed?

  Henry would be out flying soon. I'm sure he wondered where I was this morning and why I didn't go to the mailbox. John would be waiting by the stream, only to be disappointed when I didn't show up.

  I picked up the metal trinket box on my nightstand and threw it as hard as I could across the room. It hit the engraved star on the right side of the fireplace and shattered.

  But…wait? Did the stone move? There was no way the weight of that little box had forced a stone to move. Yet it had.

  I jumped to my feet and ran to the fireplace. I ran my fingers over the engraved stars. “Look to the stars.” I whispered. What did you mean by that, Father? Placing both hands on the stone, I pushed as hard as I could. I heard a creaking noise, then a popping sound. I jumped back when a section of the stone wall next to the fireplace opened up to reveal a secret passage.

  I lit a candle and held it into the darkness. Cobwebs were strewn throughout the cold space. Steps descended to who knew where. This was my way out. How had Father known?

  I scurried to my bedroom door and locked the knob and latched the deadbolt. Gretta would never know I was gone. If she came looking for me, she would think I was only ignoring her.

  My descent down the secret passageway steps was slow. The steps were barely wide enough to hold one foot. I felt the walls squeezing in on me like a closing coffin.

  Breathe. Breathe.

  I held the candle in one hand and placed my other against the wall to keep my balance. If I fell, nobody would find me. I had to be careful. Finally I reached the bottom of the steps and noticed a lever. Pulling up on the lever made a small part of the stone wall, no bigger than a porthole, open outward.

  I blew out the candle and set it aside, then pushed on the wall. The opening had been concealed by bushes and vines, which were planted far enough away so the door would open enough to allow someone to enter or exit.

  Quietly, I slid through the opening and listened as my eyes adjusted to the darkness. Silence. That was a good thing. I found a lever on the outside of the opening, tucked inside a stone. That would allow me re-entry if I needed it, though I hoped to God I never would. I pushed the heavy door closed.

  First, I had to tell John that I wouldn't be leaving with him. He would most likely be sad, but he should understand. When a girl loves someone for 250 years, that love isn’t going to disappear.

  Now, I had to make my way to the stream without being seen. The full moon would light the way. As long as Gretta wasn't watching, I’d be fine. It was nearly dark and Henry would be out soon. I needed to hurry.

  I stayed close to the castle walls until I reached the end. Gretta's quarters were on the other end, but I'm sure she'd stayed up late that night to see if I obeyed her.

  I darted across the expanse and made it to stream.

  John knelt beside the stream. Tying his shoelace when I arrived.

  “John.” A tiny squeal escaped my lips. I tried to be the proper and reserved young lady I was brought up to be, but Henry was alive and I’d be seeing him soon! I bounced on my toes and slung my arms around John's neck. I was so happy to see him, like he’d been my brother.

  “Rapunzel, you came!” John's hands sought comfort on the sides of my face and he gazed into my eyes with such fervor I could nearly feel it with every passing beat of my heart. We were dangerously close. The warmth of his breath collided with the wintry nature of night I'd felt only moments before, as it caressed my cheek, hinting at
what was sure to come next. Was he going to kiss me? No, I couldn't let that happen. I loved Henry. I had to let him down easy.

  “You’re wearing a wedding dress.” John looked me over, head to toe, like a groom on his wedding day.

  “Oh, John. I forgot…” I couldn't believe I wore the dress. What a cruel mistake. I needed to tell him about Henry. What if he didn’t believe me?

  John’s eyes were dark with deep longing as he leaned toward me.

  I couldn’t wait another moment. I had to tell him.

  I opened my mouth to voice what I had been rationalizing inside my mind. But before I could utter a single word, I was silenced by the crushing of his lips against mine. I closed my eyes and the sounds of the forest disappeared.

  I felt weightless. I could float away, past the clouds and beyond the moon. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world to be kissed, to be wanted. But it wasn't Henry.

  John slowly pulled away, still cupping my face. He whispered, “I can't wait for us to begin our new life.”

  I had to tell him.

  “We'll always remember this moment for as long as we live.” As if that wasn't enough, he added, “I love you. I know we've only known each other for a short time, but it's true. I love you.”

  “John, I have to tell you something.” If only it didn't have to be this way for him.

  “Can it wait? Shouldn't we get going?” John glanced at the castle. I was sure he wanted to put as much distance between it and us as possible.

  I shook my head and slid my hand into his. The sooner he knew, the better. He needed to leave this place, get far away. He'd be better off. I could only hope we’d remain friends.

  “John,” I shook my head. “I can't go with you. I need to stay here.”

  John took a few steps away from me. I felt awful. I hurt him.

  “Why not? I thought you wanted a life. A real life. I could give that to you.”

  I took a deep breath. “Henry is alive. I can't leave him. I love him.”

  John’s face darkened. “Look, Rapunzel, you don't have to make up a story. You could just tell me you aren’t interested. I don't need to hear any more stories.” John turned away and shoved his hands into his pockets. “All I ever wanted was the truth.”

  “It's true. Henry is the dragon. I didn't find out until last night. And Gretta knew about it.” He had to believe me.

  “You seriously think I'm going to believe that Henry is the dragon?” John laughed. “How did you find out? Did you suddenly learn to speak dragon?”

  “I'm telling you the truth!” I hissed. “I can't explain it, but it's true! He's been watching me from the hillside as a man. At night he turns into the dragon.”

  “If this is true, then why did he wait ‘til now to come out? Why did he not come forward and tell you he was still alive?” John was making fun of me again, just like he did when we first met.

  “If he sees my face, he turns into a dragon.” Tears of frustration streamed down my face. Of all the people I wanted to believe me, it was John, and now he had let me down. I thought I could trust him with the truth. I was wrong. Again.

  “And, if it’s true…if Henry really is the dragon…” John tone dripped with sarcasm. “Never mind.” He shook his head. Defeated.

  “What? What do you want to say to me?” My fists balled at my sides. Nothing he could say could hurt me. I had my Henry back.

  “Have you not connected the dots?” John raised his eyebrows. “If Henry is the dragon, then he killed Luke.”

  My heart stopped beating. How had I not realized—

  A loud cackle erupted near the edge of the forest. I narrowed my eyes and scanned the area. Where was she? Only the shadows of frightened animals were there.

  As the fluttering wings of birds and small animals cleared, I found the source of the laugh. The witch. She'd found me. There she stood at the other end of the clearing. Her wicked glare revealed the tragedy about to unfold.

  “How could you? How dare you try to leave me again? I thought we had an understanding, Rapunzel. I think it's time our agreement was finally satisfied. Once and for all.” she said. With another eerie cackle, she raised her outstretched hands above her shoulders, pointing them toward the sky, and started chanting strange words. The slow rhythm of her words increased after each pause.

  It was happening again.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  “Run!” John screamed, his eyes widening. “Run!” When I didn't move, confusion washed over his face. He couldn't hide his emotions in the light of the moon.

  The witch's chanting grew louder and louder. The air churned as a storm began to brew. The whistling winds howled through the trees. A dark and haunting thunder roared in the distance, growing closer by the second. Broken branches, twigs, and leaves began swirling through the air. This wasn't a typical storm. It was a witch's brew.

  John didn't understand what was happening. How could he? But I did.

  My heartbeat threatened to pound right out of my chest. How could I stop what was unfolding right before my eyes for a second time?

  My ears rang with the sound of my thumping heart. Why couldn't I move? Fear constricted my body like a snake. My lungs were crushed as the weight of regrets and responsibility squeezed the life out of me. My stomach boiled. It would empty soon.

  I parted my lips to utter a warning, but no words came. They remained trapped in my throat along with a lifetime of warnings I should have uttered then and now. Why couldn't I speak?

  I whipped my head to the side and implored John with my gaze. Please, John. Run. I knew he wouldn't. It was no use. He would stay and defend me until his dying breath. Just like Henry had.

  Oh, why? Why had I gotten close to John? I should have known it would end like this. That he would be Gretta’s next victim. She couldn't allow someone to come between her and me, lest she die.

  John locked eyes with mine. He opened his mouth and spoke the word I knew he would. The same as Henry had so many years ago.

  “Run!”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Oh, I wanted nothing more than to run. I truly did. It wasn't because I didn't want to leave this nightmare behind, because I did. I wanted to do exactly what John told me to do. We needed to leave this place fast. Go somewhere—anywhere, but here. But still…I couldn't move.

  John grasped my shoulders then yelled again, “Run!” His words cracked with urgency, “Run!” He tried shaking me out of my stupor, but it was to no avail. Why can't I move? What's wrong with me?

  I heard him, but I didn't respond. I didn't move. I didn't run. I was frozen like a lifeless statue in a cold museum. With only the movement of my eyes, I pleaded with him to help me. A tear escaped one of my eyes, and then rolled down my cheek. That single tear managed to do what my heart could not. Escape. John didn't understand my tearful plea, just as Henry hadn’t.

  It isn't fair!

  I felt my chin and lips begin to tremble. I wanted to double over and cry just like a little girl would do. I wanted to run home to my mother and hug her close to me, but she'd been gone for years.

  How would my death affect my Henry? We'd finally found each other again. I am not supposed to die. Not now. Not this way!

  “Run!” John yelled again, “I said, run!” His nostrils flared and a bead of sweat slid down his temple. John shook me again. This time fierce, determined to get me to follow.

  Again, fate had other plans.

  I squeezed my eyes shut and felt a tightening in my already clenched jaw. Another mass of birds fluttered away, squawking loudly as they escaped the trees and circled overhead. They knew death was near and they could feel it. I wanted to escape. I wanted to fly away just like they could. Yet I remained still. I was frozen.

  As the storm moved around me, I shut my senses down one by one. I could no longer smell the sulfur of Gretta’s brew. I could no longer see the fear and urgency in John's eyes. I could no longer taste his lips on mine.

  All I knew, all I still want
ed, was Henry.

  A voice broke through the clamor of the storm. A man's voice. I searched through the smoke and flying debris. Who was speaking?

  “Stay back!” Gretta raised her big walking stick and pointed it toward the road to town. “Don't come any closer.” The wind carried her shouts.

  Who was it coming down the road? Why did he risk his life to enter this chaos?

  There. The fog cleared and a figure was visible through the mist. “Hey, you two,” he pointed at John and me. “You need to get out of here. This storm is dangerous.” His eyes searched the area around them and settled on the witch. Recognition lit his face. “Okay, the stakes are higher than I thought. You need to run. I’ll deal with her.”

  Noble, but foolish.

  The man took a few steps forward until moonlight touched his face. He looked familiar. Who was that? He moved forward a bit more and the bright light illuminated his entire face.

  The clerk from the bookstore. Edwin.

  “You!” Gretta gasped as she recognized her assailant. “After what I’ve done for you, you’re turning on me?”

  “I’m not the one you loved. It was my father. You only helped keep me healthy for his sake.”

  “Back and forth through my life—in and out of a wheelchair at your whim. Not because you cared so much that you had that kind of power, just because you couldn’t be bothered to help us. You let Father die.”

  Gretta pointed her long bony arm at me. “She let him die! It’s her fault. She withheld the ingredient I needed.”

  “I don’t believe that for a moment. You had plenty. You just liked the game. You wanted people to need you.”

  Gretta took a step toward Edwin.