A/N - I think I may have an obsession! Just a super quick one-shot to get me through Xmas and the New Year - there will be more stories to come in 2011.

Apart from that first time, there on the balcony, which he took to be a free pass for returning their daughter, Eugene automatically dropped to one knee in the presence of the king and queen. Particularly the king. The queen? Well, she seemed to see that there was more to Eugene; just as her daughter could.

The king, on the other hand, unnerved Eugene in ways he didn't have the words to describe. This man had ordered his death once. And, should he ever put a fingernail wrong, would no doubt do so again.

So he was especially worried, several months later, to receive a summons to a private audience with the king.

Eugene walked into the throne room and immediately dropped to one knee, bowing his head. The king arose and walked over to the young man.

"Eugene Fitzherbert," said the king.

"Yes, your majesty," said Eugene, not raising his gaze.

"I wish to speak to you about my daughter," the king continued.

"Yes, your majesty," Eugene repeated, wondering how this conversation would end, and if it would end with him keeping his head.

"Rapunzel is very fond of you. I have no doubt that she would spend the rest of her life with you if she were allowed."

Eugene closed his eyes. Suddenly he could see the end of this meeting and it wouldn't be good.

"However, I cannot allow my princess to spend the rest of her life with a common man, a common criminal."

And there it was.

"No, your majesty," he mumbled.

"That's all? No argument, no protest?" The king was a little surprised by this.

"What would you have me say, your majesty?" Eugene was still addressing the floor. "I love your daughter, more than anything. More than life itself. But that will never be enough. I will never be enough."

"Eloquently put, Eugene," said the king. "I was hoping you would say something along those lines. It is fitting, therefore, that I have a solution."

At this, Eugene finally looked up. The king had walked back over to the throne. On a cushion beside the throne lay a long, ornate sword. Eugene's eyes widened. The king returned and laid the blade flat on Eugene's shoulder. He flinched as the cold edge just touched his neck.

"My daughter cannot court a common man," said the king, a wry smile crossing his face. "Therefore I ask you to arise: Sir Eugene Fitzherbert, knight of the realm. And," he added with a wink, "valid suitor to the princess."

Eugene didn't trust his legs to support him. The king put the sword aside and took Eugene's arm. He felt the young man tremble under his grasp.

"Up you get lad," the king said, kindly. "That's sort of an order."

From somewhere Eugene found the strength to stand, and found the courage to look the king in the eyes.

"Thank you," he stammered quietly.

"Thank you!" squealed a much louder, higher pitched voice. Rapunzel had walked in at the end of the rite and now threw herself across the throne room and into her father's arms. She turned to Eugene, cuddling close. "My knight in shining armour!"

"Slightly less than shiny," Eugene admitted, putting his arms around the girl and planting a delicate kiss on her forehead.

The king smiled as he watched the princess and knight leave the room, hand in hand. The queen approached him and linked her arm with his.

"Well done, dear," she said, with a soft smile. "I think you've given them a happy ending."

"No," the king replied. "I think it's a happy beginning."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!