Thank you everyone who's enjoying my story! Quite a few more alerts and and favorites, not to mention the reviews. I know a lot of authors ask/beg for reviews, but seriously, just knowing my story, or my penname, is on alert is freaking awesome and speaks volumes. So, thank you, everyone. And here's chapter three, I hope you enjoy it!

Eugene stood outside the balcony doors, waiting anxiously next to the king. He felt stifled, but he couldn't blame it on his newest outfit or on his new boots, which fit great. No, it wasn't his new outfit making him feel fidgety; he could feel the king's eyes boring into him. Taking a deep breath, Eugene spoke to try to ease the tension.

"Nice weather." Frowning at his lame attempt, Eugene shifted on his feet.

But apparently it worked and the king turned his gaze from Eugene. "It is- a nice day to start a celebration, too."

Eugene hummed in agreement. They stood in silence a bit longer and Eugene noticed the king appeared to want to say something, but stopping himself. Eugene eyed the man out of the corner of his eye and realized he seemed uncomfortable. That should have made Eugene feel better about his own nerves, and yet he knew the king was probably bothered by something else, something that spelled trouble for Eugene.

Eugene debated being the first to say something, but decided he shouldn't invite trouble and anyways he could hear Rapunzel and the queen coming down the hall. The king and Eugene looked to see the two rushing over to them with Annette and another lady-in-waiting right behind them, frenzying over the mother and daughter's appearance even as they walked. Eugene couldn't help but grin at the crown sitting upon Rapunzel's head.

"Thank you, Annette, Maria," She dismissed the aides with a smile before turning to her husband. "I'm so sorry, dear, but you know how it is. A queen and princess ought to look their best when addressing their people." She smiled in a way that reminded Eugene of Rapunzel when she was trying to coax someone into doing something for her or agree with her. He almost chuckled.

Sighing in feigned weariness, the king shook his head. "Women… I'm married to one and yet I'll never understand them."

At that, Eugene had to chuckle. The king shot him a small grin before turning to the queen and holding his arm out to her. She smiled lovingly at him and pecked his cheek as she took the offered arm. They glanced back as Eugene shadowed the king and Rapunzel took his arm.

"Ready everyone?" The king asked.

They all nodded and he turned to the guards standing on either side of the doors and they opened them, allowing the four to walk out onto the balcony overlooking the small courtyard. It was the same balcony he and Rapunzel met her parents. Once again, Eugene felt he shouldn't be here; it was a family moment and he was intruding on it. But the king and queen both insisted he be there when they announced the return of their daughter seeing as he was the one who rescued and brought her back to them, so here he was.

Eugene and Rapunzel stood behind her parents as the king made the announcement. "My good people of Corona, it has been eighteen long years since our daughter has been taken from us. But through the pain and waiting, the queen and I found strength in you all. Your loyalty and faith has been a blessing, and we thank you. But the wait is over! Our daughter, your princess, has been found and returned at long last!" The king finished to loud cheering.

"My husband and I are honored to introduce our daughter, Rapunzel!" The queen said happily.

Eugene squeezed Rapunzel's hand before nudging her forward. With an excited yet unsure smile she stepped forward. As soon as she reached the stone railing and stood next to her father the cheering from the crowd grew louder and Eugene could even hear whistling. He saw Rapunzel wheel back before giggling. She waved shyly at first, but then began leaning over the railing to wave at everyone.

Grinning, Eugene was happy to see Rapunzel taking to everything so easily. He had no doubt that she would excel at anything that came with being a princess. She may have her doubts, but he didn't. He saw the king eyeing him mischievously but before he could wonder why the king addressed the people again.

"I would like to give my deepest gratitude to our daughter's escort who returned her to us- Eugene Fitzherbert." He turned back to Eugene and gestured him forward.

When Eugene stared at him wide eyed the king merely raised a brow before pointing next to Rapunzel. Gulping in both nervousness and shock, Eugene stepped forward and stood next to Rapunzel. She turned to him with a wide smile and grabbed his hands, pulling him closer to her and the railing.

Knowing he must look like an idiot or a deer cornered by hunters, Eugene tried to school his expression into something calm. And then he heard a few astonished exclamations flying through the crowd.

"Is that Flynn Rider?"

"No way, couldn't be!"

Grinning self-consciously, Eugene raised a hand in a short wave before backing up a step so that Rapunzel was their main focus. It only kind of worked, but at least their eyes were back on their princess. Eugene couldn't stop a glare at the king, but the king merely chuckled and pretended to ignore it.

Once the cheering had died down enough for the king to be heard he announced a celebration that would begin immediately and the crowd cheered even louder. He chuckled before addressing the others. "Come, let us join the merriment!"

And with that the four excitedly exited the castle and joined the people. Eugene noticed tables being set up for a banquet by the palace cooks and a group of musicians had gathered and was playing lively music. People were already dancing and running around. Entering the fray, Rapunzel immediately dragged Eugene towards the music and once again Eugene found himself dancing. Only this time was better because he was dancing with Rapunzel.

Deciding to not let any future troubles worry him, Eugene figured he may as well live the moment and enjoy it for all it was worth. And it was worth every second that he was dragged by a firm grip on his hand as Rapunzel met various people.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

The week-long celebrations were mostly a blur to Eugene. Two reasons: one, he was almost always with Rapunzel who flitted from place to place and greeted many people, and two, he was a hard partier when occasion called for it. And he decided that the occasion did call for it. Eugene can proudly say that he didn't get piss drunk, just enough to forget all the worries and whatever else that came with being him at the moment.

Meaning being an escort to the princess whose crown he previously stole much to the ire of the entire kingdom who doesn't trust him.

Yeah, this would be thrilling. On the last day of the celebrations, Eugene could feel a storm coming. Not a Mother Nature storm, but a trouble-for-Eugene storm. So he dressed soberly, in a black vest outfit, and as he was walking around with Rapunzel and greeting more people the sun was glinting off of her crown. Now, being a thief for many years he's come to be drawn to exquisite things. And while he was not a thief anymore, nor had any inclination to be so, he was suddenly very tempted to lift the crown off of Rapunzel's head. Not to steal it, but to tease her.

So while she was crouched down in her cute, modest purple dress with Pascal sitting on her shoulder as she said hello to a little girl, he quickly reached out and nimbly lifted the crown. He straightened and put his hands behind his back with the crown hidden and watched her as she stood, waving to the little girl, her mother, and baby sister. She immediately noticed her bare head and turned to him with a sly smirk. He whistled, putting on an innocent face, but she knew better. He smiled as he held the crown out to her, but when she reached for it he held it up just out of her reach, using his taller physique to his advantage.

She smiled and pulled on his vest, once more surprising him with her strength, and spun him so he was leaning back and she was supporting him. It idly crossed his mind that normally a man and woman's position would be switched, but he didn't care as Rapunzel leaned down and kissed him. He placed the crown in its rightful spot and knew that, with Rapunzel, nothing would ever be normal. Their entire situation wasn't normal, so what did he care?

Later that night, as the sounds of the celebration drifted quieter, Eugene and Rapunzel were in the sitting room adjacent to the library. He was slouched into the corner of a loveseat with Rapunzel curled up beside him, resting her head on his chest. The hand he had slung over her was making slow circles on her back and he actually thought he had made her fall asleep until she shifted a bit.

"It's been quite a week, hasn't it?" She asked sleepily.

Eugene chuckled quietly. "Or something…"

"Eugene?"

"Yeah?"

"What's been bothering you?"

Eugene lifted his head from where it rested against the back of the cushions. "What do you mean?"

Rapunzel sat up but still held onto Eugene. "You've been acting… strange. Quiet. What's on your mind?"

Chuckling, Eugene pulled Rapunzel in and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Rapunzel."

Rapunzel's eyes widened a bit as she stared at him. Her brows furrowed in contemplation. "I…" She stared him in the eyes. "I love you, too, Eugene," she whispered. "But what's bothering you?"

Groaning with a smile, Eugene sat up straight. He grabbed her hands and looked out the window. A few lanterns drifted by, bringing a peaceful smile to his face. Turning to her, he decided he would tell her.

"People won't just accept the fact that I changed, Rapunzel. And they might try to… change things."

Rapunzel frowned. "Like?"

"I don't know..." He shrugged. He heard a noise outside the door. He knew what it was; guards. He noticed them lurking around him this last week, no doubt hoping to see him slip up and catch him doing something illegal. "They'll be looking for any excuse to see me arrested, I bet." He smiled at her bitterly. "I'm getting the sense that I'm not going to get off scott free."

"But my father-"

"-Is only one man. He may be the king, but he has to answer to his people, and his council."

Rapunzel frowned. "But… You saved me. You…" She swallowed. "You gave your life for me…" With tears in her eyes she leaned in and wrapped her arms around him tightly. He returned the embrace, stroking her hair to calm her down.

She sniffed. "I won't let them do anything to you."

Eugene smiled. God he loved her and her stubborn will. He chuckled and nuzzled his nose into her neck. She giggled and squirmed, causing him to laugh.

"Oh, I think someone's ticklish."

"No!" She squealed as he moved his fingers to her sides and lightly scratched.

In retaliation she roamed her fingers over him to find his ticklish spot and found one on his stomach. Snorting, he tried to pull away but Rapunzel grabbed his vest and pulled him down. She sat on his stomach and furiously tickled him.

He couldn't take it anymore and laughed, kicking his feet to try to gain some ground to remove her. Unfortunately he was too exuberant in his movements and started falling off the small couch. They both landed with startled yells, but she somehow managed to keep on top and was now pinning him on the floor.

The doors burst open and half a dozen guards spilled in the room. Eugene and Rapunzel looked up in surprise, but they weren't as surprised as the guards were.

"Er… Your Highness, is everything alright?" One guard asked carefully.

Rapunzel grinned sheepishly. "Yes, everything is fine."

The guard cleared his throat and eyed Eugene, but it wasn't like they could fault Eugene for anything seeing as he was being pinned down by the princess. Embarrassed, the guards excused themselves and exited, pulling the doors closed behind them.

They waited a moment as they looked at each other, but soon were laughing, trying to keep quiet. Not able to resist it, Eugene leaned up and kissed Rapunzel. She startled at the suddenness, but quickly responded. He sat up and she fell into his lap, never breaking the kiss. She placed her hands on either side of his face and he wrapped his arms around her. When they pulled back from each other she let out a half giggle, half laugh and leaned her head onto his chest. He kissed the top of her head.

"Well that was fun," he casually said.

Rapunzel laughed again. "I think the guards were more embarrassed than us."

"Well they did just walk in on their princess straddling someone," Eugene snorted.

Even though her head was down, Eugene knew Rapunzel was blushing. He chuckled before shifting them so he was leaning against the front of the love seat with her in his lap still.

"But seriously, Eugene, I won't let them do anything to you. You don't deserve it."

Eugene looked down at Rapunzel before responding with a sigh. "No, I probably do." When Rapunzel shot her head up to argue he cut her off. "I am a criminal, Rapunzel- have been for many years."

"But that doesn't mean you automatically deserve any kind of punishment. People change, you changed."

"I did now, yes. But people will want to see me tried for the crimes I committed."

Rapunzel sighed in frustration. "But…" She shook her head.

Eugene kissed her forehead. "It's a bad situation, I know. But… this isn't some fairytale with a happy ending."

Rapunzel looked thoughtful. "Well…I did live up in a tower and you came to my rescue. And I turned out to be a princess. Shouldn't that count for something?"

Chuckling, Eugene squeezed her, laying his head down on hers. "It does; you're going to be a great ruler someday, Blondie."

Rapunzel groaned and swatted his arm. "You're being difficult."

"Well, I am a devilish rogue."

They laughed. Hearing inquiries outside the door, the two stood up just as the door opened and the king and queen entered.

"I hate to break up whatever was going on in here," the king started, staring hard at Eugene. Trying to look innocent, Eugene figured the guards must have told the monarchs about walking in on them earlier. "But it is getting rather late and the mornings in the castle start early so it'd be best if the two of you went off to bed."

"Yes, father." Rapunzel walked up to them and kissed her parents on the cheek. "Good night, father, good night, mother."

The queen smiled at her daughter. "Good night, dear. I love you."

Rapunzel smiled brightly. "I love you, too. Both of you."

The king kiss Rapunzel's forehead. Before leaving, the king and queen also bid Eugene goodnight.

With a small bow, Eugene returned the formality. As the king and queen left, Tristan and Annette took their places to help Eugene and Rapunzel prepare for bed. Eugene grabbed Rapunzel's hand as the four began walking towards their new permanent suites. Eugene was glad to see the guards had left their post and was no where in sight.

He and Rapunzel had gotten quick glances at their suites earlier and Eugene was surprised, though he shouldn't have been, to see that they were even more luxurious than the guest rooms. The best part was that Eugene's rooms were now just opposite of Rapunzel's. The bad part- they were also just down the hall from the king and queen. Rapunzel was thrilled to be so close to her parents, but Eugene was even more intimidated. Their aides, as well as the monarch's aides, also stayed on that floor, only a little further down as to give the ruling family respectful privacy but staying close enough to be of service.

Not caring who saw, Eugene pulled Rapunzel in for a kiss before they parted ways at their doors. She smiled and said goodnight as she and Annette disappeared into Rapunzel's room. With his own smile, Eugene entered his room with Tristan following behind.

"You ought to be careful doing that," Tristan advised.

"What? Kissing the girl I love?" Eugene asked.

While he was expecting a prissy remark, Eugene was surprised when Tristan appeared flustered. Clearing his throat, the younger man finally regained some of his posture. "Regardless, she is a princess and as such must maintain a certain… decorum. And being her… escort… you must as well."

Eugene shrugged without commenting. He would never do anything to put Rapunzel's reputation at risk. And it wasn't like he kissed her in front of visiting nobles or her parents. As for the public… Well, Rapunzel already initiated that one, so who cared- surely not him. Besides, if he wasn't going to be staying long he may as well live it up.

After preparing the bath and setting out Eugene's new pajamas, Tristan left with a stiff 'good night'. Taking his time in the bath, Eugene wondered about what could happen. The king and queen said he should get a pardon, yet Eugene doubted other people will be happy with that. He was foolish to let himself believe for even a second that he would get it. Shivering, he just hoped that they wouldn't give him the death penalty again.

With that thought now haunting him he got out of the water. In his new silky soft pajamas, Eugene padded over to the window and opened it. He sat on the window seat and looked out over the kingdom. The view was even better from this floor and angle, and he could even see the bridge leading into the woods on the other island. How simple things were before he came here… But he wouldn't trade it for anything. If he never happened across Rapunzel he would still be running and hiding and she would most likely still be stuck up in that tower, daydreaming about the floating lanterns.

He truly did love her, and was glad to have found her and go off on the crazy adventure she blackmailed him into. Finally having found a pleasant train of thought, Eugene closed the window with a last deep breath of fresh air and headed to the bed. He flopped down onto it and groaned. It was so incredibly soft and cushiony. He wiggled himself into position and kicked the sheets down. And the pillows! There were so many.

Eugene must have spent a good ten minutes shifting pillows and sheets until he created the perfect nest for him to sprawl out on, which he did gratefully. It had been a long day, well long week really, and he was tired. So it didn't take long at all for him to fall asleep.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

True to the king's words, the castle did wake up early. The sun had just peeked over the kingdom when Eugene was awoken by Tristan knocking on his door. Sighing, Eugene answered it without greeting. He didn't have to worry about insulting Tristan because the younger man merely nodded his head in greeting. Then again, even simple courtesy was part of his job so he had to do it.

Eugene didn't even get to have consolation in the form of his beloved Rapunzel. Though he did enjoy the perky kiss she greeted him with when they both came out of their rooms.

"How are you so awake?" He whined.

Giggling, she responded, "I'm a morning person!"

"Yeah, that much is obvious…" He said, dryly.

"Aw, is Eugene a grump when he wakes up?" Rapunzel teased him.

"Can you blame me? This is far too early! Who in their right minds would want to wake up so early?"

Rapunzel stared at him with an innocent face. "Morning people like me?"

He groaned and rubbed his face with a hand, taking hers with his other. "I'll have to get used to this, huh?"

She giggled. "Yup!"

Then Eugene remembered his darker thoughts from last night but declined mentioning anything to Rapunzel, not wanting to worry her. He had only told her to prepare her so it wasn't such a shock when something finally happened. The two followed their aides down to the Dining Hall.

Eugene couldn't help but to remark, "So, will you two always be leading us around like we're lost puppies? Although I must say, this place is a maze, so the 'lost' bit just might happen."

Rapunzel giggled as Tristan and Annette looked back at them. Tristan was his usual un-amused self but Annette was grinning.

"We don't always have to lead you, or even follow you, if you don't wish it. Their Majesties' aides are only there when summoned. We were informed, however, that for at least a while we be near until you two became accustomed to the castle and the routine," she explained.

Now that made sense to Eugene. Next to him Rapunzel smiled gratefully. "We really do appreciate it. Eugene is right; this place is like a maze. I know I would definitely get lost in here without help."

"Actually, it's not that difficult. The castle is structured rather beautifully; each hallway connects to one another and each room is measured perfectly, creating a kind of circular pattern."

"Oh? Are there any drawings of the castle layout?" Rapunzel was immediately interested and rushed forward to converse with Annette. Eugene smiled at the sight of the two talking. Just as the queen had said it would be, Annette and Rapunzel quickly became companions. Rapunzel even convinced Annette to not call her 'Highness' anymore. Yet the girl insisted it was too informal to use just her name so she always referred to Rapunzel as 'Princess'.

Rapunzel hadn't been too keen on that either but decided to allow it, hoping to wear her aide down even more until it was just 'Rapunzel'. Eugene and Tristan, on the other hand, were curt with each other. Eugene, however, occasionally tried to crack that stoic shell on the younger man by making crude remarks or teasing him. Needless to say it hasn't worked yet.

Soon they came to the Dining Hall and the two aides scurried off after opening the doors for the two to step through. It was a routine now for Rapunzel to run to her parents and greet them with a peck on the cheek before taking the seat across from her mother. When Eugene had asked her one day why she chose that seat she stated with simplicity that it was close to both her father and her mother and he couldn't argue that.

So, Rapunzel had her seat and Eugene had his. He was still nervous sitting with the monarchs for meals, and it didn't help that he would catch the king, and now the queen, watching him as if they were assessing him. Eugene could at least say he didn't feel like a bug anymore. But this only cemented his belief that something was going to happen. He just wished they would tell him what was going on.

The breakfast went as most of their meals did- light chatter between Rapunzel and her parents on any and all subjects while Eugene remarked on something or answered a question every now and then. And Pascal had started to join the meals at the table. It had been very amusing the first meal Pascal attended- the servants had entered and began setting out the food only to realize there was a reptile at the table. One of the older ladies actually screamed and dropped a platter, thankfully already emptied.

Eugene had tried to keep his chuckling to a minimum and only barely managed as Rapunzel apologized profusely to the lady for scaring her. In the end when everyone had calmed down, the servants had surrounded Pascal with curiosity. Rapunzel proudly introduced him and some of the servants took a liking to him, while some were weirded out.

When their meal ended, Eugene had intended to spend time with Rapunzel but she was whisked away to meet with a few tutors her parents hired to educate her in the subjects she missed out on as a child. She had been ecstatic to hear she would be learning new things, but also worried she wouldn't be able to understand some of the things. Eugene had been quick to assure Rapunzel that she would do fine. Although he was offered to attend the meeting with the tutors, Eugene felt it would be boring and that Rapunzel really didn't need him there. He said he wanted to go see Maximus and see how the horse was doing.

Rapunzel parted with a pout but excitedly followed her parents to the library to meet the tutors. After wondering around a little- alright, he got lost- Eugene made his way out of the castle. He breathed in deep, savoring the wet Earth smell that was making its way in. The storm clouds were slow moving, so Eugene figured he had time for a visit to Max without getting drenched.

He entered the stables and looked around before spotting a young stable hand. "Excuse me: do you know where Maximus is?" He asked

The boy turned to him. "Maximus? …The captain's horse?"

"Yes."

"The palace horses have their own stable down by the jails."

"Oh… Thank you."

Eugene was about to walk away when the boy stopped him. "Aren't you Flynn Rider, the thief?"

Eugene turned back and smiled. "I am. Or rather I used to be. The name's Eugene Fitzherbert now."

The boy smiled and Eugene noticed he had a tooth missing. "I'm Alexander Fenton," he introduced himself, holding out a hand.

Eugene chuckled at the boy's manners and shook his hand. "Well, it is a pleasure meeting you young Fenton."

The boy grinned. "Say, what you looking for the captain's horse for?"

"Maximus? I just wanted to say hello, see how he was doing."

Alexander's eyes widened. "Do you know him?"

"Know him?" Eugene shrugged, "We're buddies!"

"Really?" Alexander gasped. He glanced around before leaning in towards Eugene. "Can I go with you, then?"

Eugene raised his brows. "I suppose you could… Uh, but do you have permission?" Eugene did not want to be responsible for getting the boy in trouble. Nor did he want to be accused of kidnapping… Alexander hesitated, which gave Eugene his answer. "Well, how about you find out if you can go?"

Alexander beamed and ran off. Eugene could hear the boy's excited voice followed by a low murmuring.

"Rider?"

Eugene winced at the anger in that one word. Someone was walking his way quickly. He figured the person wouldn't be pleased with his appearance, but when he saw who was making their way toward him he just had to groan.

It was a guard. Eugene glanced between Alexander, who was hurrying after the guard, and the man and saw that they looked very much alike.

"Rider! What are you doing sneaking around here and talking to my son?"

Ah, so they were father and son. "Ok, well first off, I wasn't sneaking. And second, I asked Alexander a question and we got to talking," he shrugged.

The guard just glared at him.

Alexander pulled on his father's arm. "Papa, he wants to see Maximus. And I want to go with." Suddenly shy, Alexander said, "You know I like that horse…"

Eugene grinned at the kid, but put on a serious face when the guard looked back at him. "I promise I'll take him there and we'll chat with Maximus and then I'll bring him right back." At the sound of thunder in the distance, Eugene added, "Before the rain hits."

The guard looked like he was going to say no, but Alexander put on a very cute pleading face. Sighing, the guard relented. "Fine… But, Rider, I swear if anything happens to my son or you try anything funny I will throw you in a cell!"

"What am I going to do? Steal him?" Eugene asked, joking of course. The guard actually growled and Eugene held up his hands. "Alright, bad choice of words, I apologize."

"Papa…" Alexander pleaded with wide eyes on his father.

"Go. But get back soon; you've still got your duties."

"Thanks, Papa!" Alexander hugged his father around his middle before running towards the door, grabbing Eugene's hand along the way and pulling him with.

Grinning at the kid's excitement Eugene asked, "So, you like Maximus, huh?"

Alexander, who was still pulling him by the hand, turned to him with a wide grin. "Yes! He's so big and fast! And he's all white! Most horses are brown or have a few colors, but he's just white!"

"True, true." Eugene allowed himself to be pulled by the little boy. "So, how old are you, Alex?"

Alexander beamed at him. "Nine!"

"Wow! You're turning into a young man, now, huh?"

Alexander straightened a little. "Sure am! I'm going to be a guard, just like my father! Ma isn't so sure about that. She wants me to be a farmer. But I like horses." The boy chattered on and on and Eugene realized with amusement that Alexander reminded him a bit of Rapunzel- they both even had freckles .

They made it to the palace horses stables quickly enough thanks to Alexander's rush to get there. He greeted another stable hand, who was just a bit older, and asked where Maximus was. The kid pointed them in the direction, curious eyes on Eugene as they walked by.

Maximus' stall was a little bigger than the others and Eugene figured that was because he was the captain's horse. They stopped just outside and Eugene said, "Hey, Max!"

Maximus turned to them with surprise in his eyes. He saw Eugene and gave a look that clearly said, "Oh, it's you."

Eugene frowned. "Well you don't have to be so happy to see me."

Maximus shrugged before catching sight of Alexander. With inquiring eyes he looked at Eugene.

"This is Alexander Fenton. He works at the other stables. When he found out I was coming to see you he wanted to come along." He leaned in towards Maximus and whispered loudly, "He loves horses and he's fascinated by you."

Eugene grinned when he turned back to see Alexander blushing. Maximus whinnied in pleasure and bent his head down to put his nose on Alexander's.

Alexander laughed and reached out a hand to pat Maximus on the nose. "So cool!" He squealed.

Eugene and Maximus laughed. Apparently in a playful mood, or he was just like that with kids, Maximus snorted against the boy's brown hair, making the short tresses blow around and causing him to giggle.

Eugene glanced around the stall and saw fresh hay piled against the wall. He gestured Alexander over to him and lifted him up to sit so he would be at height level with Maximus.

"So, Maximus, how've you been?" Eugene asked. He knew that before he would have called himself crazy for conversing with a horse, a palace horse to boot, but after what they've been through together Eugene didn't find it odd at all. What he did find odd was that he could somehow interpret the horse's expressions and neighs.

Maximus apparently took that for an invite to complain because his brows lowered in distaste as he glanced toward the offices for the guards before turning back to Eugene with a look that said, "Same ol', same 'ol- dealing with stupid guards."

Eugene nodded. "Yeah, I know what you mean. They chased me for how many years and never managed to catch me?"

The two shared a shrug while Alexander watched them in awe. "You can understand him?" He asked Eugene.

"Sure. I wasn't able to before, not that I tried." Eugene smiled, "Actually, a mutual friend of ours convinced us to get along and after fighting each other some we finally did."

Maximus grinned with a shrug: "What can you do?"

Eugene laughed. "You know Rapunzel can be very convincing. Actually, it borders on manipulating…"

Maximus snorted, nodding his head solemnly.

"Rapunzel? As in Princess Rapunzel?" Alexander asked.

"Yup."

"Wow! So she's friends with you, too, Maximus?"

Maximus neighed and nodded in excitement.

"Max here is quite fond of Rapunzel."

Maximus glared at Eugene before shrugging.

Alexander giggled. "This is so cool!"

Eugene and Maximus laughed. A sudden, loud thunder clap startled them all.

"Well," Eugene said, "I'd better be taking you back. I did promise to return you before the rain hits." Alexander slumped in disappointment and Eugene was surprised to see Maximus do the same thing. "Hey, don't look so glum, you two! We can always visit each other again!"

Maximus whinnied, bobbing his head and Alexander cheered. Eugene lifted the boy off the hay stack and Maximus nuzzled his hair, eliciting another giggle. Before they left, Alexander patted Maximus on the nose.

"Bye, Max!"

Eugene and the boy reached the doors and Eugene was startled to see all the dark clouds; looked like the storm was moving in faster than he thought. Eyeing the distance to the other stables, Eugene asked Alexander, "How fast can you run?"

Alexander grinned at him. "Probably faster than you!" And with that he took off without warning. Taken by surprise, it took Eugene a second to realize he was going to be racing the boy and that said boy had just unfairly gotten a heads start.

"Hey!" Eugene raced after Alexander.

The boy wasn't kidding when he said be was probably faster than Eugene, because Eugene was out of breath by the time he caught up. Just as the first drops of rain began falling the two made it into the stables, Alexander beating Eugene by a mere couple inches. Eugene slowed to a stop and leaned against a support beam trying to catch his breath, which was hard considering he was laughing.

Looking up he saw Alexander laughing, too, barely out of breath. "I think you could give Max a run for his money!" Eugene exclaimed.

Alexander laughed bashfully. "Ma's always calling me a rabbit on account of my running around. She says I need to learn to go slower. That's why I'm working here." He gestured to the stables.

Eugene chuckled. "There's nothing wrong with being a fast runner." And didn't Eugene know it- he had had to run and escape the guards many times in his life. "Well, Mr. Fenton, it was quite fun and I hope to see you again."

Alexander grinned and held out his hand. Chuckling some more, Eugene shook it and parted with a wave.

"Bye, Eugene!" Alexander yelled after him.

Grinning, Eugene headed back to the castle. He was slowly getting wet as the rain fell heavier but he didn't mind- rain was his favorite weather. When he reached the castle the guards at the front door eyed him and his wet appearance with distaste before letting him in.

Shaking his head, Eugene ignored them. He made his way up the stairs and through the hallways. Passing a door, he heard a voice.

"Flynn Rider is a criminal! He cannot be pardoned of his crimes just like that!" A snap of fingers accompanied the statement.

Eugene froze. He quickly scanned the hall and saw no one. He eyed the door and saw a plaque stating that the room was an office of sorts.

"He brought our daughter back, Anthony!"

With a wince, Eugene realized he was eavesdropping on the king talking to someone. And yet, he couldn't pull himself away.

A sigh. "I understand how that can cloud your judgment of-"

"Are you accusing me of being blind towards a person's character?"

Eugene shivered at the steely tone the king was using and was glad to not have been addressed like that.

"Er, no, Richard…," the voice continued, losing some confidence, "I just believe that while you and Eleanor like to see the best in people and give them second chances some people don't deserve that."

"And the man who rescued our daughter, found out she was the princess, and brought her back to the kingdom that meant to hang him rather than hold her hostage and ask for ransom doesn't deserve a second chance?"

Eugene frowned. Ransom? The thought hadn't even crossed his mind. Actually, if people thought he was capable of that then he was insulted; he may be a thief, but he would never stoop that low.

"He didn't even ask for a reward," the king continued. "In fact he said he didn't want one." The king sighed. "Anthony, you weren't there to see him when Rapunzel returned to Eleanor and I; the man has honestly changed- for the better."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, that won't hold up in the trial, nor against the council."

Eugene stepped back. He knew it. He knew he wasn't going to get off so easily. He hastily walked away, not caring to hear more. The fact that the king was standing up for him made him feel better. Actually, he was touched. But, like he told Rapunzel, the king was only one man and had to answer to the people and council.

Navigating the halls, Eugene made it to the royal rooms. He looked at Rapunzel's door and wondered if she were done meeting the tutors. Well he had nothing to lose. He stepped over and knocked on her door. He really wanted to see her right now.