Eugene tied Maximus' reins to the post in the dim royal stable.
"Eugene!" called Rapunzel. "Come on, the gates are opening soon!"
"Coming!" He replied, and hurried off to his wife, who had turned to talk to Pascal, her frog-er, chameleon.
"You can't just steal fruit!" She scolded her small reptile. "You're just as bad as Eugene was! If you wanted some I just could have paid for it!"
Pascal squeaked an argument that Rapunzel seemed to understand.
"I know, but we're guests here. We have to be on our best behaviour." She brushed her dark brown hair away from her face, a habit that she'd always had although it was much shorter than before.
She linked her arm around Eugene's and gazed up at him, her big green eyes sparkling.
"Are you ready?" She asked. Pascal climbed onto her shoulder, quivering with excitement.
Eugene grinned and yanked her into the thick crowd, squirming his way between a duke and a duchess.
Rapunzel giggled as they squeezed by nobles, peasants, and even a reindeer, all heading to the gates of Arendelle.
The two royals were visiting the kingdom for a royal event: A princess' coronation. They were both wearing a beautiful sun on their clothing, the symbol of Corona. Its golden rays stretching out to the ends of the earth were a sign of peace and joy.
When they finally pushed their way to the front, the gates were just opening. As people began walking inside, a girl with bright ginger hair and a flowing green dress ran out, looking very excited.
"Do you think that's one of the princesses?" questioned Rapunzel.
Eugene shrugged, too busy looking at the beautiful palace ahead of them. It was huge and white, with tall green spires that reached to the sky and elaborate stain glass windows. Two grand fountains stood in the courtyard, and decorative flowers covered every surface.
He decided to take up castle collecting.
"I heard that the gates have been closed for 13 years, and nobody could come in or out!" Rapunzel babbled on. "Why would they do that? Maybe they're hiding from something, or maybe they're like me and think the outside world is dangerous and the only way to..."
"Rapunzel, we're here to watch a coronation, not gossip the kingdom to death," Eugene teased.
"Sorry," she blushed, absent-mindedly patting Pascal.
"Welcome to Arendelle!" a servant greeted them as they entered the castle. People had already filled the halls, their loud chatter echoing across the long, lavish corridor.
Beautiful paintings filled one room, while another had large weapons and sets of armour on display.
They wandered the castle until they heard the bells that announced that the ceremony was starting soon. The two hurried to the chapel, and found a seat near the back.
The girl with the ginger hair was off to the side, and she waved at someone in the crowd. The queen-to-be was front and centre, wearing a grand blue and black dress and a long purple cape.
A small gold tiara was placed in her white hair, and Eugene couldn't help feeling disdainful. Such a small crown! He pictured Rapunzel's crown, large and made of only the most precious jewels, stowed safely in Maximus' saddlebag. He knew no thief could get past the mighty steed.
Rapunzel nudged him,
and he realized everyone had stood. He quickly got up as the priest chanted some words in another language.
"She looks nervous," murmured Rapunzel. Eugene realized she was right. Her majesty's hands were shaking and her eyes were wide as she held up the ceremonial orb and staff.
"Queen Elsa of Arendelle!" The priest announced.
"Queen Elsa of Arendelle!" Everyone echoed.
The queen quickly set down the royal objects as the crowd applauded. She looked relieved. Eugene was glad ceremonies weren't so solemn in Corona.