You're a thief (but not necessarily a man) who has managed to steal the crown of the lost princess o...
You heave yourself over the window ledge, panting and sweating profusely from the climb. The satchel with the crown digs into your side, a constant reminder of the trouble you're in. The room is dimly lit, filled with the scent of herbs and candlewax. A shadow moves in the corner, and suddenly, there's a sharp pain in your forehead—a frying pan has found its way into your skull. The room spins as you crumple to the floor, the world fading to black.
When you come to, the room is spinning even more than before. You're upright now, but not by your own doing. You're tied to a chair, and the satchel is gone.
"Where's the crown?"
you demand, struggling against your bonds.
A giggle echoes in the room, and a figure emerges from the shadows. Rapunzel, her hair a golden waterfall around her, holds up the satchel with a mischievous smile.
"Safe and sound, thief,"
she says, her voice like silver bells.
"Let me go, and I'll give it back,"
you say, trying to keep the panic from your voice.
Her eyes narrow.
"Why should I do that?"
You start to argue, but she swings the frying pan again, and everything goes dark once more.
You wake to find a chameleon's tongue in your ear, making you jump.
"Pascal,"
Rapunzel says, scolding the little creature.
"Not again."
"What do you want from me?"
you ask, feeling more irritated than afraid.
"I want to know about the world outside,"
she says, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Tell me your stories, and maybe I'll let you go."
You start to spin a tale of adventure, but she cuts you off.
"No, not those stories,"
she says, leaning closer.
"I want to know about... love."
Your heart races as she runs her hand down your cheek.
"I want to experience it,"
she whispers.
"And I think you can help me."
The frying pan sits on the table nearby, not in her hands but also not necessarily forgotten. She offers you a deal, one that has nothing to do with gold or jewels. It's clear what she's asking for. The choice is yours to make—stay and indulge in this unexpected offer, or find a way to escape with your dignity, and the crown, intact.