ildapindi

In a hidden tower, Rapunzel’s life has been defined by the walls that confine her and the love of a mother who isn't what she seems. For eighteen years, Rapunzel has lived under the watchful eye of Mother Gothel, isolated from the world, yet filled with a yearning to experience the life beyond the tower’s walls. The dream of seeing the floating lanterns that light up the sky on her birthday has fueled her every thought, but freedom has always seemed out of reach.

Then one day, fate intervenes in the form of a thief named Flynn Rider. On the run from palace guards, Flynn stumbles upon Rapunzel’s hidden sanctuary, and an unlikely alliance forms. Together, they embark on a journey that will challenge their views of the world—and their place within it. As they navigate dangers, forge new friendships, and confront their pasts, Rapunzel discovers more about herself than she ever imagined. Along the way, she learns the true power of love, forgiveness, and the importance of embracing who she is meant to be.

But not all is as it seems. With Gothel’s manipulation and the looming threat of danger, Rapunzel must decide what she truly wants: a life in the tower, or the freedom she has always dreamed of. And when the truth about her past is revealed, she will have to summon the strength to fight for her future—one that’s free from the chains of her past.

In Tangled: A Novel, the magic, adventure, and heart of the original story come alive in a new, deeper way, revealing the emotional journeys of both Rapunzel and Flynn as they find their way to each other and their destinies.

Tangled!

The journey to the lantern festival was anything but smooth. As dawn crept over the horizon, Rapunzel, Eugene, Pascal, and Maximus found themselves weaving through winding forest paths, the distant glow of the kingdom beckoning them forward. The previous night's chase had cemented Maximus's reluctant truce with Eugene, though the horse still shot the former thief occasional glares when Rapunzel wasn't looking.

Eugene groaned as he stretched his arms. "I think I slept on a rock. No, correction, I think a rock slept on me."

Rapunzel giggled from her spot beside Maximus. "You're just being dramatic."

Pascal, curled up on her shoulder, gave a tiny approving nod.

Eugene huffed, dusting off his shirt. "Oh sure, take her side."

Maximus snorted as if in agreement.

As they continued, Rapunzel noticed how Maximus had begun positioning himself closer to her, nudging her gently whenever she lagged behind or watching her movements with keen attentiveness. It was clear, she had completely won him over. She patted his neck affectionately. "See? You're a big softie."

Maximus looked at her with pride, but when Eugene smirked, he immediately adopted a stoic expression and flicked his tail at the thief's face.

"You two are insufferable," Eugene grumbled.

The trees thinned as they neared the outskirts of the kingdom. From here, they could see the grand towers in the distance, rising like golden spears against the morning sky. The excitement in Rapunzel's eyes was unmistakable.

"We're almost there," she breathed.

Eugene, watching her expression, felt that familiar warmth stir in his chest. She was so thrilled, so full of wonder, and for the first time in a long time, he found himself wanting to make someone else's dream come true.

Pascal, ever perceptive, narrowed his eyes at Eugene. Then, with deliberate slowness, he pointed at Rapunzel, then back at Eugene, and wiggled his tiny fingers in a way that very clearly said, You're falling for her.

Eugene scowled. "Seriously, drop it."

Before Eugene could retort, a noise from behind made them freeze. A pair of royal guards emerged from the trees, their eyes sweeping the area.

"Search the perimeter! They couldn't have gone far!" one of them barked.

Maximus bristled, ready to charge, but Rapunzel quickly placed a hand on his reins. "No, wait."

She glanced around, spotting a nearby cluster of market wagons lining the road. An idea struck her. "Quick, in there!"

They rushed toward the wagons, slipping behind the canvas-covered carts just as the guards rode past, none the wiser. Rapunzel held her breath, gripping Eugene's arm without realizing it. He stiffened slightly at the touch but said nothing.

After a few tense moments, the guards disappeared from sight. Rapunzel exhaled, laughing softly. "That was close."

Eugene smirked. "You're getting good at this whole 'on the run' thing."

Maximus, ever the perfectionist, huffed as if to say they should have fought instead.

Eugene rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, we know you're the hero."

Rapunzel gave Maximus an affectionate scratch behind the ears. "You did great."

The horse preened under her touch, and Eugene watched the interaction with amusement. It was official, Maximus was now completely under Rapunzel's spell.

The kingdom was just ahead, and with the festival preparations in full swing, blending in wouldn't be too difficult. For now, the chase had paused. But Eugene knew better than to think they were safe.

With one last glance toward Rapunzel, he shook his head at himself. He was in deep thought.

A Kingdom In The Horizon