Chapter 1

Rapunzel knew friendship wasn't something that was permanent, at least not always. But there were times in people's lives where they had to move on and do something new for themselves.

She'd known Cass would be leaving Corona for a few weeks now, but it still was crazy to imagine life without her. Ever since she'd been brought back home to the kingdom, Cass had always been there.

On the morning of Cass's departure, Rapunzel headed down to her best friends room. She was still busy packing, although Rapunzel knew she'd be travelling light. She kept her room pretty bare.

"Cass?" Rapunzel asked, tapping on the open door.

The swordswoman looked over at her, smiling. "Oh... Hey Raps," she greeted her with a smile. "I... I wasn't expecting to see you until I left."

"I figured I'd stop by a little earlier," Rapunzel explained. "I... Just wanted to make sure you were certain about going through with all this. Moving to Arendelle and all."

Pausing her packing, Cass was silent for a few moments. She wasn't certain if this was the right decision either. She wanted to let go of her feelings for Rapunzel, but was a bit too extreme?

After all, wouldn't simply just trying to find a new girlfriend for herself be a much better option? But then Cass knew the whole of Corona practically embodied Rapunzel. The sunshine, the happiness, everything was a reminder of her. And Cass knew if she was to truly let go, she needed to cut herself free.

"Yes, I'm sure," Cass answered. "Besides, I can't just turn down Queen Elsa's offer now can I?"

"I know, I know," Rapunzel admitted. She then walked over to Cass's bed, reflecting on memories they'd shared together.

From the awkward beginnings of their friendship when they'd first met, to Cass opening up to her, to the many, many slumber parties and late-night adventures sneaking out of the castle. This room was going to be pretty empty without her.

"So. you've really packed everything you need?" Rapunzel wondered. "Tooth, brush, spare clothes, everything?"

"Raps, I'll be alright," Cass assured her. "You don't need to dote over me anymore. I'm a big girl I can look after myself."

The brunette princess sighed. "I know, I know, but it's just... you're going now and it might be a while before I see you again. I know that I... I haven't been able to return your affections, but I still care about you as a friend."

Cass nodded. "Yes, I do have feelings for you still Rapunzel, and I need to get them out of my head. You're married to Eugene and you should be happy with him." She stroked Rapunzel's cheek softly.

"I am!" Rapunzel insisted. "But you should be happy too. You mean so much to me."

"I know and don't worry, I am happy," Cass assured her best friend. "I'm starting a new life for myself, probably gonna meet new friends along the way too." She hugged Rapunzel tightly. "But I promise, you can visit me whenever you want. Just... Let me have some time to sort everything out."

Hugging back, Rapunzel felt better about the whole affair now, but she still felt some guilt in her heart. Had she not noticed Cass's feelings so late... Maybe she could have tried to help her. But now what was done was done.

"Just making sure... so do you know everything you need to know about Arendelle?"

"Yes, but I could always use a refresher," Cass stated. "The Queen of Arendelle is your cousin right?"

"Third cousin, on my mother's side," Rapunzel explained. "It's a bit confusing in the whole family tree department, but they are very close to us."

"Do you know what she's like, the Queen?" Cass wondered. "Does she visit here often?"

"Not exactly, I didn't much chance to speak to her at her coronation," Rapunzel admitted. "I mean, she did freeze everything there."

"I remember," Cass said. "I was worried about you for a week."

Not long after Cass and Rapunzel had first became friends, the princess and her boyfriend visited Arendelle for Queen Elsa's coronation. Cass had wanted to go, but her father had wanted her to stay and protect Corona. It didn't help that Cass then got word Arendelle had been plunged into an ice age due to the Queen's magic.

"But her sister was really nice though!" Rapunzel chirped. "She's a lot like me, so you'll probably get along better with her."

"Well, I guess we'll see. But I have to admit, one reason I'm going is the food. Supposedly, Arendelle has the best pastries in the world."

"Oh, it does! They had them at the Coronation Ball, I stuffed my face."

Cass chuckled. "I bet you did."

Rapunzel sighed. "I'm still gonna miss you though... You were my best friend Cass."

"And you were mine," Cass responded. "And you always will be."

The princess pulled the brunette into another hug., burying her face into her neck. "You better write me."

"I will. I promise."

Cass then zipped up her bag, smiling at Rapunzel. She was glad she was leaving on good terms. Part of her still wished she could put the bag down and kiss Rapunzel and stay with her forever.

But that wedding band on her finger reminded her of why she was doing this? Rapunzel was taken now and there was no way she'd get the love with her that she'd dreamed. This was for the best, for both Rapunzel and for herself.

"Okay... I better get down to the docks," Cass said. "The captain of the cargo ship I booked passage on gets very cranky if his passengers are late."

"Okay, I'll be right down to see you off," Rapunzel replied.

Cass smiled. "Thank you, Raps... for everything."

xXx

A day or so later, in Arendelle, the royal family stood to await the arrival of their new visitor. Queen Elsa stood at the docks in the port, wearing a very formal, navy coloured variation of one of her many ice dresses. It was not often they got envoys from other kingdoms in Arendelle, but Elsa knew the kingdom of Corona very well.

But this visit was different. For the past while, Elsa had put out a call for a new personal handmaiden and bodyguard, someone to assist with duties around the castle and in the kingdom more than any of her other servants. It was a post in the royal staff that hadn't been filled in many years.

To Elsa's surprise, she'd got a reply from the kingdom of Corona, from a young woman named Cassandra. While Elsa hadn't expected a reply to her offer so early, Cassandra seemed very eager to offer her services. A little too eager if Elsa was honest.

Still, she did want to try out this new style of ice dress. She'd taken time to experiment with different styles and patterns of her icy attire, something to keep her mind at bay from the many, many royal duties she was burdened with as queen.

That would be another thing Elsa hoped a personal servant would help with. Someone to hopefully help her make heads or tails of all that paperwork. Anna had helped out a few times, but even she was struggling to keep up with the duties of running a kingdom.

Speaking of the princess, she was standing at Elsa's side, Kristoff standing with her as well. Currently, she fidgeting with the back of her dress. She was grunting and groaning as she was trying to reach to the corset of her gown.

"Ugh, I swear Ingrid made the laces on this dress of mine way too tight," she grumbled.

"I could use a little ice magic to help with that," Elsa whispered, giggling.

"No, no, I'm good really!" Anna chirped. "Just gotta... no, that's not right either."

Kristoff rolled his eyes at his girlfriend's shenanigans. "Honestly, Anna, you knew we had guests today."

"You two know I sleep in a lot!"

The royal ice harvester and the snow queen chuckled. "We know." They knew all too well. Anna's lie-ins were infamous all over the kingdom.

Finally, Anna then reached behind her dress and loosened the bodice slightly. Her whole body relaxed and she sighed in relief. "Oh, that's much better! I can actually breathe now."

Elsa chuckled and smiled, but then saw a shape on the horizon. "Okay, stand to attention, everyone. I see the ship pulling into the harbour right now."

Anna took in a deep breath and held herself in a rather elegant pose like Elsa's. The blonde had to giggle how cute Anna looked. She quite liked the adorable manner that Anna presented herself as during occasions like this. Maybe one day, she'd be just as good of a queen as her.

On the horizon, the royals could see a large ship flying the flag of Corona sailing towards the fjord of Arendelle. It was very beautifully designed, although that was to be expected of the kingdom of the Sundrop. White, spotless masts with the golden Coronan crest adorned on them.

As the ship docked at the pier, the long gangplank was lowered and the various passengers disembarked. Elsa and Anna kept an eye out for which one they thought might be Cassandra. They hadn't seen her in person, so they were just guessing as to what she looked like.

"Is that her?" Anna wondered as one of the man guests walked onto the pier from the ship.

"No, I don't think so," Elsa replied.

Anna then glanced over at her sister curiously. "You really sure you need a new personal bodyguard and handmaiden? I mean, you handle it pretty fine already. I mean, you already dress yourself and you're completely badass in a fight with your powers."

"It's best not to deprive a young woman of good employment, dear sister," Elsa noted. "Besides, she personally requested this place here."

"True," Anna admitted. "But I wonder why she left though. Corona's a nice place and I hear she and Princess Rapunzel were the best of friends."

"Not all friends remain as close as they once did," Elsa reminded her. "You and I know that all too well."

"Unfortunately, we do," Anna agreed.

Even though they'd been reunited for more than a year at this point, Anna and Elsa still carried the burden of those long thirteen years apart. Even with all the secrets revealed about the reason why they were kept apart, Anna still felt awkward sometimes interacting with Elsa again, and Elsa was still a little unsure of herself in public.

Then Kristoff noticed a person making their way off of the ship. He narrowed his eyes as the stranger walked onto the pier.

"Hey...is that her?"

A woman wearing a brown tunic and beige leggings started to walk towards them. She had short black hair in a pixie cut with a few curls out of place. Notably, she carried a sword on her back and had a duffel bag slung over her shoulder.

Elsa felt her cheeks glow a little when she saw her. This woman was... intriguing to say the least. Something about her face, those eyes, the almost shine that her black hair had. She cleared her throat, trying not to look like a fool in front of Anna and Kristoff.

But Anna, ever the romantic, knew love at first sight when she saw it. She simply smirked.

The woman then noticed Elsa and then bowed respectfully. "Queen Elsa, it is an honour to meet you." She then bowed at Anna. "Princess."

Anna and Elsa curtseyed and Elsa smiled at the newcomer. "You must be Cassandra. We've heard quite a bit about you."

"I am at your service, my Queen," Cassandra replied dutifully.

"Oooh, she's so polite!" Anna chirped.

The Queen giggled. "You'll have to excuse my sister. We've all been quite excited to meet you, myself included."

"I... I appreciate that," Cass replied.

Elsa turned to Kristoff. "My friend Kristoff here will show you to your quarters in the castle. After I've inspected the cargo on the ship you've travelled in, we'll meet in my study to discuss your duties."

"And then we're inviting you to dinner!" Anna then added.

Blushing, Cass felt quite humbled at that. "You didn't have to."

"Oh, but I insist. If you're gonna be around Elsa and me, we gotta make you feel like part of the family." Anna stated. She reached forward and took Cass's hands, grinning.

With a big smile like that, how could Cass refuse such an offer? And if they were having those pastries she'd heard so much about... well, that was just icing on the cake.

"Well, in that case, Princess, I'll gladly have dinner with you. Right now, I really need a lie-down. It was a really, really long journey."

"Of course," Elsa agreed.

Kristoff stepped forward. "If you'll follow me."

Cass nodded and followed Kristoff towards the castle. As she walked away, Elsa looked over at her. First impressions... well, she certainly seemed willing to do her duty. But Elsa hadn't expected Cass to be so insanely beautiful as she was.

Corona clearly raised their warriors well. The way she just walked, with that sword on her back... reminded Elsa of stories she'd read as a child of knights saving princesses in distress.

Anna just giggled. She knew anything she said would just spoil this rather... perfect moment.

xXx

Sometime later, Kristoff and Cass were walking through the halls of the Arendelle Castle, Kristoff giving Cass a bit of a tour of the place as he led her to the bedroom. While Cass was trying to listen to what Kristoff was saying, she was still a little overwhelmed by the decor of the castle.

The detailing and patterns on the walls and carpets were so different than those in Corona. And the hallways felt much smaller and content. Likely to keep the heat in during the cold winters that Arendelle experienced so often. It was definitely going to take Cass some getting used to.

And yet, Cass knew this was perfect. The kingdom was different, the people were different, the food would be different... nothing here would remind her of Corona, of the life she'd now left behind. And for Cass, that's all she'd ever wanted.

"So... this is your first time in Arendelle?" Kristoff asked her.

"Yes, but my friend Princess Rapunzel told you quite a bit about the place," Cass said. "Although she never said this place felt so... small."

Kristoff chuckled. "Yeah, Arendelle is pretty tiny compared to Corona, but I suppose that's the appeal. Quiet, more intimate."

Some very inappropriate thoughts entered Cass's mind, of her and another woman snug in one of these rooms and... Cass quickly put that thought to bed. To distract herself from her lesbian way of thinking, she tried making more small-talk with Kristoff.

"So... what's your job around here?"

"Royal ice harvester," Kristoff stated. "Ice is kind of a big thing around here, if you couldn't tell."

Cass smirked. "And that means the Queen has a lot of faith in you?"

"More like her sister has a lot of faith in me," Kristoff replied with a chuckle.

"Ah, yes, Rapunzel told me the two of you were together," Cass remembered. "She apparently said she caught the two of you making out after Arendelle thawed."

Kristoff blushed in embarrassment. "Yup... that was one crazy first date." He looked over at her. "So... you got love life back in Corona. Maybe a nice guy to cheer you up?"

"I'm... not into guys," Cass said. "Girls are my type."

And would always be her type as far as she was concerned.

"Oh, okay, so is there a girl then?"

"There... was," Cass admitted, trying not to draw too much attention to that detail of herself. "But it's behind us now."

"Well... I'm considered a bit of a love expert around here... I mean I grew up with a family of magic trolls believe it or not."

Cass chuckled. "Yeah, I've seen crazier shit than that, let me tell you."

Eventually, they arrived at the quarters specified for Cassandra. It was a rather grand looking bedroom, very spacious. Much more room than Cass ever had in Corona. It was the polar opposite of the hallways they'd been walking through.

As she looked around, Cass knew she'd be very comfortable here. There was plenty of space to put her swords and various other weapons as well. At least she wouldn't have to stuff them all in a closet like she'd done back home in Corona.

"Woah, sure is a lot of space in this castle," Cass remarked.

"One of the best rooms in the house if you ask me," Kristoff said. "My room is just down there and Anna's and Elsa's are just around that corner there."

"Ah, I guess the Queen wants to keep me close."

"You're her bodyguard, you gotta be close to her body."

Cass blushed deeply. More innapropiorate thoughts entered her mind. Her and Elsa inches apart, Cass staring into the Queen's eyes... she looked away, her cheeks growing redder. God, Rapunzel was right. She was a completely useless lesbian.

"Uhhh, not in that way!" Kristoff realised. "Christ, I'm such a doofus."

"N-No, I get it," Cass stuttered. "Trust me, I slip up like that too."

"Heh," Kristoff rubbed the back of his head. "I like you already, sword lady." He smiled at her. "Well, best leave you be to unpack and stuff."

"Thank you," Cass said.

After Kristoff left, Cass sighed and put her things on the bed, before flopping onto it herself. She was exhausted.

Her first impressions of Arendelle. The place was quaint and innocent. The people were friendly and the scenery was just beautiful.

Rapunzel had clearly not done this place justice.

But then there was Queen Elsa. She was definitely not what Cass had been expecting. They'd only spoken once, yet Cass felt a sense of kinship with her, and a deep attraction. She'd met plenty of Queens during her lifetime, but Elsa was different.

Like, she could tell that there was something about the Queen that resonated with her.

Perhaps it was the family resemblance to Rapunzel, or perhaps she seemed to majestic and regal, with an almost divine presence about her. Whatever it was... it made Cass all the more eager to serve and to learn as much as she could about her.

Queen Elsa... was certainly fascinating.

She put out the little hand-painted portrait of Rapunzel and herself on the desk. This would be the only reminder of Corona she'd allow herself to have.

She remembered the painting fondly. Rapunzel had doodled it not long after they became friends. Cass just sighed then. She really had hoped they would be more than friends, but now, Rapunzel could be here, to motivate her in spirit.

Even though life hadn't played her a good hand, she really did hope Arendelle would be a fresh start she was hoping for. It certainly had left a very good first impression on her.

xXx

Elsa knew she should have been focusing more on her royal work. These documents were vital in regards to a new bill her advisors wished to put through. But try as she might, she couldn't stop thinking about the new arrival in Arendelle. She'd been around many a woman in her time, but none had made her blush at first sight as Cassandra had done.

Anna hadn't stopped teasing her about it all the way back to the castle, much to Elsa's chagrin.

However, the Queen had to admit... Cass was very beautiful. Her muscular arms, the air of loyalty and bravery she carried about her person. Elsa was very eager to get to know Cassandra, all of her, she secretly hoped. Because the thought of being embraced in those muscles... was quite arousing.

She sighed dreamily, letting her mind wander. Her thoughts became enveloped with the image of Cassandra, dressed in a shining suit of ice armour she would personally design. Cass would be a proud, beautiful knight, her royal protector.

And speak of the devil, a few minutes later, Cass walked into Elsa's study. She rubbed a bit of sleep from her eyes, but she soon stood to attention in front of the desk. "Reporting as you instructed, your majesty."

Trying not to blush, Elsa smiled, looking up from her desk. "Ah, you're punctual. I like that." She grinned. "But if you're going to be my new handmaid and bodyguard, Cassandra, we need to really ditch the formal titles. I like to be casual with my personal servants."

Cass nodded. "I see... It's just when I was first assigned to Princess Rapunzel, I always referred to her by her title, that was until I became her friend." She looked at Elsa. "I'd prefer to just refer to you by your title, for now, your majesty. We have only just met."

There was a little disappointment at that, since Elsa was quite fond of the way Cass pronounced her name. She said it so... sensually.

"I understand," Elsa expressed. "I was just looking through the notice I got from the King Of Corona about your performance in the Corona Royal guard... he was greatly impressed with you."

"I did my duty, your majesty."

Elsa looked at the paper. "According to this, in one notable instance, if it wasn't for your act of bravery, Corona would have been taken over by Saporian Seperatists."

"Again, just doing my duty to the best of my ability." Inwardly Cass was blushing furiously and her ego was preening a little. The woman she was crushing on was praising her, on a mission she considered to be one of her favourites.

Although, she did hate having to convince Rapunzel she was with a man. She never liked to lie to people, especially about her sexuality. When the mission was dealt with, she came out publicly and everyone gladly accepted her, much to her relief.

"I assume you know that I'll be wanting nothing more than the best of your ability in my service, Cassandra," Elsa stated. "And that you are already aware of the various duties you'll be undertaking here."

"I am aware," Cassandra replied.

"There is... one matter that is puzzling me," Elsa stated. "You were a model officer in Corona and among their finest warriors. If you hadn't taken this post, you'd have succeeded your father as captain of the guard within two years. Why throw that life away and come here?"

"It is... a personal matter, Queen Elsa," Cass expressed. "Please understand that it wasn't my intent to leave Corona, but there were some factors that happened that made it... uncomfortable for me to stay there."

Elsa nodded. "I understand."

"Is that everything?"

Inside, Elsa didn't want Cass to go. She wanted her to get used to her duties... but then again, this was her first day. This was definitely a good chance to get to know the woman a little better, and for Elsa to better assure herself of her attraction to her.

"Well... I was hoping you would walk with me a little while. I do like to stretch my legs after doing my work." She smiled. "They can get quite stiff from being sat at my desk all the time."

"I understand. Plus, Kristoff gave me a quick tour but I didn't really see everything. "

Elsa smiled, walking out of the room. Cass just stood for a few seconds, admiring the Queen's elegant and graceful stride. Even the way she walked was breathtaking.

Like a lovesick puppy, she quickly followed behind. Elsa led Cass all over the castle, showing her every nook and cranny. Cass had to admit, Elsa was definitely not her expectations. She was regal and dignified like Rapunzel's mother, the only other Queen she knew, yet she was quite a goofball. She had quite a taste in rather bad puns, much like Cass was.

They were getting on well... maybe a little too well. Eventually, they came to the gallery, where many portraits hung up. Cass then noticed one of the paintings, of two little girls, one with blonde hair and one with red hair, sat in front of a woman with brown hair and a man with a moustache.

"Is that..."

Elsa nodded. "Yes, that's me and Anna when we were very small."

"And I take it those are your parents?"

A deep sigh came from the queen, one filled with sadness and mourning. "Yes... they died at sea about four years ago now."

"I'm sorry," Cass admitted. "I... I didn't know who my biological parents were. The only family I had was the captain and that was because he took me in."

Elsa looked at Cass regretfully. "That sounds very lonely."

"I didn't have any friends until I met Rapunzel. I was... quite a shy, introverted woman believe it or not."

"No, to tell you the truth... even with my powers revealed to the world, I feel a bit isolated and closed off too," Elsa replied. "I don't get to know the people of my kingdom as well as I should. Anna's a lot better at that than me."

Cass smirked. "Maybe she should be the Queen."

There came a playful giggle from Elsa. "Perhaps, but I'm still doing just fine for now."

"Then maybe... you could use a new friend, besides Anna," Cassandra admitted. "I know that honestly making freinds outside of those you know can be a rather... rewarding expereince."

Elsa smiled. "I agree. But I am very busy and I rarely do find the time. Hell, I barely can make the time to spend with Anna these days, and she's my own sister."

Cassandra said "And I imagine your boyfriend isn't too happy."

"Oh...I uh...I don't have a boyfriend," Elsa stuttered, blushing awkwardly.

"...oops, I'm sorry! I didn't mean it to imply, I-"

Elsa chuckled. "It's fine... I actually prefer women."

Cass blushed as well. "Huh, I do too. Small world huh."

"You do?"

The brunette grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head. "Yeah, I, er, I have for a while."

To her surprise, Elsa walked a little closer. "And... what do you like about women more than you do men?"

"Well, women smell better for one thing," Cass admitted. "Although I kinda do work up a bit of a sweat when I work out."

"Mmhmm."

"And women are just nicer to be around. More pleasant. They make me feel more... welcome and happy."

"Do... feel more welcome around me?" Elsa wondered, looking up at Cass with those big blue eyes of hers. The way she said those words made Cass feel enamoured with her

Cass blushed. "I guess... I do."

They didn't speak then, just leaned in closer. The entire room seemed to fade away, the only thing in the universe just being the two of them. Cass closed her eyes as her lips neared those of the Snow Queen. Was this a dream? She didn't know or care. She was this close to kissing her.

Elsa closed hers as well and leaned in a little more, before she opened her eyes and smiled. She managed to restrain herself. "Perhaps... this is something we should discuss another time. I need to freshen up for dinner."

Even though she was a little gutted, Cass nodded. "Of course... I'll see you later then, your majesty."

As Elsa left, Cass just blushed. "That... really happened didn't it."

It really did.

xXx

Author's note: To celebrate the end of Tangled and the release of Frozen II on DVD, I bring you the first instalment of my CassElsa series! I've been wanting to write these two as a thing for a long, long, LONG time. I love both of these women and I'm glad to be making this little love story for them. Chapter 2 will be out probably later in the week.

See you then!