A/N: Thanks for getting past the summary. This is an idea that I had earlier this evening, and I hope it pans out. I don't have a beta at this point, but if someone would like to take me on that'd be great.
The story has an M rating mainly for language. There will be stories told with mature content, so if you're not supposed to read that kind of stuff you best be on your way.
I do appreciate reviews, they're nice to have and encourage more writing. I haven't written anything substantial in 3.5 years, and this is my first tangled fic. ConCrit is welcome too.
As always, I own nothing. I just play.
It was pouring rain and the entire royal party was soaked and freezing. The only person in the party not fazed by the rain was a certain Eugene Fitzherbert, who had spent several evenings of a past life in the forest in similar conditions. And it was this particular person who was trying to convince the captain leading the group to make a pit stop.
"I know the town up ahead. There are some good inns there, comfortable places with good food and good lodgings. Namely, warms beds and baths for Her Majesty and Her Highness."
"Hmpf! And what kind of place does a former thief judge as suitable for royalty." The captain said ceremoniously. "I say we press on for the Earl's estate."
"Are you nuts! They'll have caught consumption by that point!" Eugene was yelling over the torrential rain. "His drafty old manor house is at least two more hours from this point, and I'm telling you that Lynnestra is that glow of beacons JUST. OVER. THAT. HILL!"
"What's all the yelling about?" The King rode up on his horse to check in on Eugene who had left his spot beside Rapunzel to 'check up on the idiots'.
"Your Majesty," the captain saluted, "Mr. Fitzherbert here is trying to convince us to stop in Lynnestra for the evening. I say that we can make the Earl's estate before nightfall."
The King pondered this before turning to Eugene, "What say you Mr. Fitzherbert?"
"Your Majesty," It was odd to call him that, since in private quarters (where they most commonly held their conversations) the King insisted that Eugene call him Edward. "I can see that the ladies are suffering in the rain, and I promise you that good lodgings can be found in Lynnestra." Here he made a pointed look at the captain. "Lodgings suitable for gentried company, if not necessarily royal company."
King Edward looked back to see his wife and daughter, and their ladies, looking absolutely miserable in the downpour. "I don't know much about the town, to be honest. But you insist there's suitable lodgings?"
"Yes. I know exactly where they are."
"Well then Mr. Fitzherbert, lead on. Take the front position with the captain here, and I'll inform the ladies as to the situation." King Edward turned his mount and headed back.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Rider" The captain sneered.
"I certainly do, captain" Eugene snapped back. "When we approach the gates we make for The Duke's Head, first right at the top of the high street."
"The Duke's Head?" A guard asked, apprehensively.
"Yep," Eugene smiled, more to himself than for any effect. "A little slice of heaven in the middle of nowhere."