Disclaimer: Any use of the title, dialogue, and plot is strictly prohibited. All original characters are the author's property and may not be used for personal purposes. Tangled is owned by Disney.


Prologue

Corona: 1848


It was a quiet night in Corona, and the princess—who had finished dinner with her parents and boyfriend—was now in the library, sitting in a comfortable armchair, engrossed in the adventures of a dashing rogue who traveled the world.

When Eugene had explained the book that profoundly impacted his future, the princess—after spending a few weeks assimilating to castle life—had gone down to the library to search for the work.

After much perusing the princess had found the volume and spent her evenings reading. She had told Eugene about her discovery, and the two would often spend their nights reading by the firelight.

"Blondie?"

At the sound of the familiar voice, Rapunzel leapt up, knocking the book to the floor in her excitement.

eugene bowed before the princess, grinning. "I apologize for my lateness, your Highness. I was out in the garden and thought you might like this. rose."

Rapunzel chuckled, accepting the flower. "I forgive thee for thy tardiness and thank thee for your gift."

Eugene smiled. "I knew you'd like it. It was the most beautiful rose out of that flower garden. But you are more beautiful than any rose I've seen."

Rapunzel embraced him and took his hand. "That's very sweet, Eugeene."

"You deserve nothing but the best, my beautiful princess."

After a few minutes Eugene picked up the fallen book and walked over to two comfortable chairs and sat down, motioning for Rapunzel to do likewise.

The princess complied, and the two were soon lost in the pages detailing Flynnigan's heroic and daring feats.

"Eugene?" Rapunzel asked after a few minutes, turning toward her boyfriend.

Eugene looked up from the paragraph he was reading. "Yes, love?"

"I was wondering…" The princess faltered, hoping the question wouldn't be impertinent. "If I could hear your life story? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

Eugene thought about the question for a moment, considering his answer. No one had ever asked to hear his life story. Throughout his life Eugene had encountered people who saw him as nothing but an orphan boy who later became a notorious thief. Even though there were parts of his childhood he didn't want to remember—memories he wanted to keep repressed—Eugene decided it was time Rapunzel knew about his past. Over the six months he had known Rapunzel, he knew the princess wouldn't judge him because she saw him as a good person despite his actions.

After a few minutes of considering, Eugene gave his answer. "I don't mind telling you, Rapunzel. I think it's time you knew."