Rapunzel was home.

The kingdom rejoiced and everything and on the next day, the following day after the day the princesses was back, Eugene Fitzherbert was called by the king to have a little talk and settle things, while the princess and her mother enjoyed some real mother-daughter time.

Eugene woke up from a troubled sleep only to be grabbed and dragged to the king's study room although he had no idea where he was going.

"My legs are fine, I can walk" Eugene said while still being dragged on the palace polished floors.

"Keep your mouth shut Rider" the guard replied yanking on Eugene's shirt.

"Ow shit" Eugene mumbled and suddenly wished that blondie was here, she surely won't like to see him like this.

"Can you at least tell me where we are going?"

The guard turned to him, looked him straight in the eyes and said with an obnoxious smirk

"The king" then turned ad continued his way.

That's it.
Two words and Eugene froze and stopped struggling to get out of the guards grip.
He knew it. He knew what was coming. He knew what was coming the minute Rapuznel told him that she was the lost princess.

Pfffft and he thought that if things turn okay with them he would take her and start a new good life with her and find a good home in some other kingdom where's he not wanted and they'll get married and live happily and and and , but nooo she had to turn out to be a damn royalty and ruin his plans of them together. But not any royalty but the lost princess and now it all makes sense , the hair, the mother, the tower, the lanterns but now it's all gone once the king says his words.

Flynn Rider was fearless, invincible, Incredible, nothing in this damn world scared him. He fought everything from thugs to guards to stupid animals and ran hundred miles everyday, not giving a damn about anything but himself.

But Eugene Fitzherbert was a whole different story, a whole different person-not technically of course-but still. He started his life as an orphan, never knowing the feeling of having a family. After he got out of the orphanage, Flynn came and took control of his whole being and that resulted in making him the most wanted, charming thief in the kingdom.

Then she came and what a blessing she was, squeezed Flynn from his body, every last drop of Flynn was out of his body the moment she brought him back to life. He was 100% Eugene and he fucking loved her so much.

But now it seems all useless, now he has to face the truth, the punishment, his doom call it what you will. He might have been introduced as the hero who found and rescued the lost princess yesterday, but now he could only pray that the king is some fun guy hiding under those layers of royalty (and facial hair).
3 knocks on the king's study room door is what announced they had arrived
"Your highness we have brought the criminal as you ordered"
`criminal` Eugene winced upon hearing this word, he never considered himself o be a criminal only a thief, he didn't kill anyone ever much to his own surprise.

"Come in" a voice boomed from inside and suddenly Eugene's heart was pounding faster. It came from the king's mouth and went through Eugene's body making him shudder to the idea that he had to face him right now.
Eugene who was already on his knees was shoved inside the room and couldn't help but look at the floor not even daring to glance at the king. He was already scared but now he is freaking out.

Yes of course he was scared for himself although he deserves whatever punishment he's going to get, but he was scared mostly for Rapunzel. Was he going to see her ever again? What if they hang him?, she'd be devastated, what if they force her to get married to some stuffy arrogant prince who doesn't give a shit about her?

Yup he was freaking out.

Eugene sat down, on the floor, head down, to show both respect and shame. The floor was so polished ad clean that he could see his reflection, but this wasn't the time to admire himself because this is the moment his life would be decided.

"Thank you, you can go now"
"But your majesty, with all due respect, this criminal is dangerous, we can't leave him without a watch"
"I said you can go" The king said so firm and loud looking about to explode at the guards if they argue any more.

The guards glanced at each other but quickly left with a bow and an apology.

Now getting to the business.

The minute the room was empty the king looked at the man on his knees in front of him. He looked weak, humiliated, scared, and the king damn loved it. Finally, this man, the thief, the one and only, the man he's been chasing for 8 years, the great Flynn Rider. However, despite how much he hates to admit it, this man is also the person who finally found his daughter, his precious sweetheart, the one he thought he'd never see again, the one he lost 18 years ago is just outside in the gardens, he can hear her laughter from his study room. And this man before him is the reason why.

God be with him in this decision.