Unsere Prinzessin

Author's Note:

Since the traditional Rapunzel story is of German origin, I consider German to be the actual language spoken by the characters. That is why the title of this, and some of my other pieces, are in German.

(For some reason, I can't include a link to my other go to my profile, and check them out from there. Thanks.)

Rapunzel had expressed some curiosity about the equipment used by Eugene's Troopers, and her father had encouraged her to learn more about such matters as preparation for one day being Queen.

"These men will someday be your's to command. And the decision may fall upon you whether or not to send them to war. You need to understand that they are human beings, and not just pieces on a chess board."

Today, Eugene had taken her to the firing range to try out a carbine and pistol. He had prepared a few cartridges with a half charge of powder for her to use. He demonstrated the procedure of loading and firing, and how to hold it firmly to her shoulder, then handed her the weapon. She set her face in a look of determination, bit the end off of the cartridge, primed and closed the pan, and rammed the rest of the cartridge down the bore. Taking a deep breath, she shouldered it and fired. The carbine went off with a "chuf-WHOOMP!" and a cloud of smoke. She opened her eyes and broke into a huge grin. Eugene asked her if she wanted to try again and she eagerly said yes. She fired five more rounds, then asked to try a full charge load. Eugene raised an eyebrow, but handed her the cartridge.

"It's especially important to hold the butt firmly against you shoulder when you fire this one. Also, set your feet a little wider, and lean into it."

Rapunzel did as instructed, then brought piece up and fired. This time went it went "chuf- WHAM!", and knocked her back half a step. She lowered it, and let out a very un-princess like exclamation. Eugene and the other Troopers watching gaped in astonishment for a moment, then all busted out laughing. Rapunzel clapped her hand over mouth and blushed beet red.

Eugene caught his breath and commented.

"Half an hour, and you're already swearing like a veteran."

The Troopers raised a cheer in her honor.

"Unsere Prinzessin!"

Recovering her composure, Rapunzel handed the carbine back to Eugene.

"I'm gong to have a bruise from that last one. But I did ask for it."

That evening at dinner, Cassandra teasingly commented.

"I heard about what you said this morning at the firing range."

Rapunzel blushed, and lowered her head. The Queen looked at her questioningly.

"And just what did you say?"

When Rapunzel refused to answer, Cassandra leaned over and whispered into the Queen's ear. The Queen looked shocked.

"Rapunzel! Where did you learn that word?"

Rapunzel was blushing even more and kept silent. The King asked what she had said, and the Queen whispered in his ear. He looked shocked, then began laughing. Now that the cat had been let out of the bag, Eugene told the full story. The Queen continued to frown, but the King, just shook his head and chuckled.

The story circulated through the entire Army by the end of the day. Although she did not know it, Rapunzel went up a great deal in the men's esteem. A week later, Cassandra entered Rapunzel's chambers with a sly smile on her face. Rapunzel asked her what was so amusing, and she handed over a piece of paper with a cartoon drawn on it. It depicted the Princess in an over-sized uniform, and full equipment, holding a carbine. The caption read:

"Unsere Prinzessin die Reiter. Wohin sie führt, werden wir folgen!* FIDELIS AD MORTEM!"**

*Our Princess the Trooper. Where she leads, we will follow. (That's from Google translator. If it's not correct, please let me know what is correct German.

**"Faithful unto Death." Motto of the 3rd. Regiment of Horse, Army of Corona.