A/N: Short chapter, sorry! Next'll be longer, for sure. 3 Just a bit of cute Eugene/Rapunzel fluff? Yaay. Leave a review if you read, please!
"I just don't understand, Marietta!" I let out a frustrated sigh as I looked sadly down at the needlework lying in front of me. My etiquette teacher said I was to practice every day and night before I went to sleep. Her instructions had been vague and unhelpful at best, and the fact that I couldn't wrap my mind around this cross-stitching idea was starting to upset me.
"Calm down, Princess," Marietta handed me the round wooden drum, over which the fabric was pulled, and sat down next to me on my bed. I knew how to sew, I was actually pretty handy with a needle. But I could not see the point of these tiny stitches that crossed over one another, following a specific pattern, just to make… a picture? I sighed in frustration and looked down at the mess of string in front of me. I wasn't going to give up, but I did feel as if I had every right to be annoyed with my clumsy fingers and the tiny needle. Marietta chuckled next to me and I pouted a bit. "Why don't we put this aside for now, Majesty?" Marietta asked with a small, understanding smile. I nodded and stood, placing the fabric down on my bedside table. It was only three days after my return to the palace, and already I had been thrown into my studies. Today, though, was to be different.
All day yesterday I had stood at dress fittings, being pricked here, pulled there, tightened all over, and earlier this afternoon about a dozen dresses had been delivered. The seamstress had beamed at my excitement over the new gowns, and I had run my fingers over the soft material oohing and aahing at the embroidery, and just showing my usual excitement. The seamstress said I flattered her with my amazing acting skills, but what she didn't understand was that I was actually that excited for my new gowns. I'd only ever owned a few different dresses in my life, and the rich colors and materials of these new garments genuinely sent me into an excited tizzy.
As Marietta went over to my closet I cocked my head to the side and looked at her curiously. A new dress for dinner? My gaze seemed to ask. She laughed lightly as she rummaged through the layers of lace and silk and satin, finally pulling out a gown. It was much more exquisite than any I'd ever worn to dinner, and my face showed my confusion, for Marietta addressed the issue. "Tonight is the big banquet to welcome you back, Princess," she told me. I blinked twice and bit my lip, causing Marietta to laugh gently. She came to my side then, and started unlacing the back of the pale green gown I was wearing, and I stepped out of the dress at the appropriate time.
"Why do I always have to change?" I asked, genuinely curious. Marietta was adding another layer of petticoats to the ones I already had on, and then turned to tightening my corset up a bit. I flinched, gasping sharply as she pulled against my ribs. That was the worst part of getting ready in the morning, or at any time really. I sighed as she came to face the front of me.
"You have to look appropriate for every occasion, Princess," she told me, as if this was common knowledge. In all fairness, it probably was for anyone else who wasn't me. I nodded silently, watching her fingers smooth out the skirt of the gown. She then went around to my back again, and started to button up the long row of pearl buttons that held the dress on. I smoothed the pristine skirts with my own fingers, fretting with the silk, smiling to myself. I was more than excited for this so called banquet. My mother said that there would be lots of food and singing and dancing, and many people who would come from far and wide to meet me. And Eugene would be there, I couldn't help but think in excitement. I hadn't seen him all day, he'd been busy with his training and etiquette lessons of his own, and I had been in lessons as well. I impatiently switched my weight from one hip to the other and sighed, causing Marietta to giggle. "Stop fidgeting, you're almost ready!" She warned me. Almost immediately after, there was a knock on the door. I squeaked in excitement and rushed to allow whomever it was entry to the room, and every fiber of my being hoped and prayed it was Eugene.
Another squeak escaped my lips as I pounced on Eugene, catching him totally unaware as I threw my arms around him. It was so nice to see him. I was surrounded by unfamiliar, new things, and to see someone who I was familiar with was the most comforting thing to happen all day. I squealed for the third time as Eugene swept me up in his arms and carried me back into the room, setting me back down in front of Marietta once more, a small grin on his lips. "I'm not here to distract you, just escort you when the time comes," He told me, laughter in his voice. I nodded and bit my lip as Marietta giggled once more. She got back to work, this time fussing with my hair. It was still entirely too short to do much of anything with, but Marietta knew a way to pin it back so it framed my face in a rather attractive manner. She finished quickly, and then turned me towards a mirror.
"Satisfactory?" She asked as she propped one hand on her hip and tucked a stray strand of hair back in its place. I bit my lip as I looked myself up and down, hardly recognizing the girl in the mirror. The gown Marietta had dressed me in was a powder blue in color. The sleeves were a bit puffy and off the shoulder, and the skirts flowed out from my hips, but not in the same manner as a ball gown's skirts would. The lacy petticoats peeped out from the bottom of the dress and were a soft pink color, and some matching pink flowers had been embroidered along the neckline of the dress. I twirled once, watching the way the gown flowed out from my body and clapping happily as I came to a stop, facing Eugene.
"Isn't it beautiful?" I asked in excitement as I took the skirts in my hand and twirled around once more. Eugene laughed and kissed me gently on the forehead before nodding.
"Almost as beautiful as the young woman wearing it," He commented, causing me to blush a light pink color. I twirled around once more, watching as the dress spun out, and tripped, causing me to fall into Eugene's arms. To say I was clumsy was quite an understatement. Marietta offered me a pair of shoes then, the tall kind with exceptionally high heels and the kind that I knew would be obnoxiously uncomfortable. Sighing I slid my feet into them, and Eugene grabbed my arm as I teetered. I'd never worn shoes often, and I had never in my life worn high heels. Chewing on my lip I shook my head.
"I can't walk in these!" I exclaimed as I took the first step forward and nearly fell over. I could see Eugene's smirk that he was trying so hard to hide, and pouted as I grabbed onto the bed post, feeling like a baby bird flying for the first time. Eugene took my hands in his, facing me, and started walking backwards, guiding me. I took one slow, shaky step, then another, then another. I found that if I placed all of my weight on the heel rather than the ball of the foot, it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been originally. I had no idea how I would dance in these, but it would all be worked out eventually. If I fell in the middle of the dance floor, so be it.
"See, not so bad is it?" Eugene asked. I nodded and smiled weakly as he came to stand beside me instead of in front of me, and we walked around the room once more together, making sure I was stable. I bit my lip as Eugene steered me towards the door, and stopped suddenly.
"Wait, wait! Please! Give me one moment…" I begged. My nerves were getting the better of me, and I just needed time to stop and breath. I inhaled deeply, squaring back my shoulders, expanding my ribs against the corset. Holding my head high I nodded then. "Alright, I think I'm ready…" I murmured as I laced my hand through Eugene's. He gave me a swift kiss on the cheek, leaving a small tingling sensation in the pit of my stomach and fire where his lips had met my skin. How did he manage to do that to me?
Without any time to contemplate, we had started walking forward. My room was right outside of the grand hall, and so I could hear the babble of talking people before I could see them. I looked sidelongly at Eugene, and couldn't help the small smile that crept onto my lips. He was dressed in full uniform, from the white gloves on his hands down to the polished black boots, and he looked superb. I felt honored to be escorted in by him, and I was genuinely excited for the night's festivities to begin. With a rather grand smile on my lips I listened as the herald announced us, and we entered to loud cheers and claps. The hall was filled with people of all genders, heights and sizes, and a multitude of colors lay before my eyes. I blinked twice and followed Eugene down the stairs, my smile wavering slightly as I realized just how many people were in the crowd. As we approached people yelled, trying to get my attention here, asking me to look this way, commenting on my gown or how very lucky I was. So many voices called out, so many faces to remember… I panicked, my nails digging into Eugene's skin. My head felt light and I felt a bit dizzy, and I didn't know where to focus my attention. I squeezed out a quick smile and hurriedly dropped into a chair at one end of the long banquet table, and Eugene quickly sat beside me.
I could feel my heart thudding, and my head was still spinning. There were just too many people in this small room. "Is everything ok, Princess?" Eugene asked in a low voice. I rubbed my temples discretely and nodded.
"I was just overwhelmed is all," I told him in a soft voice. He nodded and squeezed my hand under the table as the king and queen were announced and then took their seats as well. I inhaled deeply, my eyes looking around at everyone at the table. There were so many people who I didn't know… and I had a feeling I would be required to meet every one of them. The feeling of being overwhelmed hit me once more, and I leaned back in my chair and let out my breath. It was going to be a long night, I could tell.
After hours of dancing, laughing, and smiles, I was glad when my father put his hand to my back and told me I could leave if I wanted to. There had been so much food and drink and music and dancing, and while it had been quite a fun night, I was just ready to go back to my room, take of my gown, and fall into the deepest sleep possible. I bit my lip and looked around, hoping to spot Eugene so I could at least say goodnight to him. The party had been moved out to the main square of Corona after the feast, and there were so many townspeople gathered round that there was hardly room to dance. I'd danced with a good many men that night, all of which asked if I was enjoying my stay, if the palace was comfortable, and many other questions, which I had just nodded and answered with polite responses. Eugene, how ever, had disappeared after the feast when the royal guards had been excused. He was much harder to spot in his normal brown vest and white shirt, but finally I caught a glimpse of him and my face lit.
"… and that is how I did it," Eugene was obviously just finishing up a story as I approached. All the men surrounding him applauded, and he smiled charmingly at me as I tapped his shoulder. "Speaking of the princess," he said to the crowd, who chuckled and made remarks as Eugene turned his back to them. He held what I figured to be a pint in his hand, and his face was slightly flushed, his eyes glassy.
"Eugene, are you alright?" I asked, my voice concerned. He looked me in the eye and smiled as he took another drink out of his glass.
"Never been better, Blondie," he murmured as he slung his arm over my shoulder. I wrinkled my nose as he put more weight on me than usual, but held my ground and kept him standing. "I just had a few too many is all, and after some sleep, I should be good to go!" He wobbled for a moment, and I held him up, a small frown on my face. I had no idea what had gotten into him… he was usually so pulled together, but here he was stumbling, his words slurring slightly every now and then.
"We should get you inside, then. C'mon, let's go," I marched towards the palace, his arm still around my shoulders, and he chuckled. People stepped aside as I made my way around the back of the crowd, trying to avoid going straight through the thickest part. I was tired of being around so many people, and I just wanted to lay down and sleep. Finally we reached the back entrance of the palace and I quickly slipped in. A maid spotted me and asked if she could get us anything. I told her to bring a cloth and basin of water to Mr. Rider's room and she hurriedly curtsied and scurried off. It took only a few minutes to get to Eugene's room, and as soon as we entered he flopped down onto his bed, face first.
"Roll over," I commanded him with a sigh. He did as I asked and smiled up at me.
"Hey gorgeous." I rolled my eyes and shook my head at him as the maid offered me the cloth, which she'd soaked in water.
"What did you do to yourself, Eugene?" I asked as I dabbed at his forehead. His skin was surprisingly cool to the touch. I had thought he would have some sort of fever since his skin was so flushed, but he felt normal. Maybe a little warm, but nothing to cause worry.
Eugene sat up then, and smiled at me. "I had a wee bit too much to drink," he mumbled as his fingers traced over my facial features. I tilted my head to the side, curious now. "You know… if you drink lots of alcohol it makes your head spin," he told me as he leaned in closer. He smelled like ale, I noticed. I wrinkled my nose and stood up straight. So too much alcohol made you act like a fool? Interesting, I couldn't help but think. I giggled as Eugene's fingers traced the outline of my lips, and then dropped to my waist. He pulled me in close and rested his head on my chest, and I gently ran my fingers through his hair. "You should sleep in here with me tonight," he told me then, his words muffled since he had spoken into my dress. I furrowed my eyebrows and frowned slightly.
"I don't think that is ok…" I told him with a small sigh. The first thing my etiquette teacher had gone over with me had been courtship and men, and mannerisms and how to behave around them. I was to be modest and shy, reserved, and not to show much skin. Any kind of touching besides to dance or to be escorted was not allowed, and clothes were never, ever to be shed around a man, even if he was my betrothed. She told me the rules would change once I was wed, but until then, anything from her list was forbidden. Eugene sighed into my chest before sitting up and looking at me through groggy eyes.
"You're right…" He murmured sadly, and I couldn't help but giggle. "I'm going to pass out now, so… goodnight," Eugene murmured. He stood up, then, and pulled his vest and boots off before putting his hands on my shoulders and looking me straight in the eyes. My breath caught in my throat then, and I bit my lower lip as he slowly closed the distance between us. My blood was rushing in that funny way again, and my stomach was doing flip-flops. I could smell the alcohol on Eugene, but I could also smell the soft scent of his soap as well as his cologne, which was a musky, manly smell. One of his hands moved to my waist, then, and the other tilted my chin up so I was looking him in the eyes. My lips parted as the blood continued rushing, and I could feel my face flushing as his lips met mine for a brief second. I pulled away then, my cheeks a bright, flushed pink. My heart was thudding, and I was unsure of the small fire that seemed to be crackling in what I could only identify as the pit of my stomach.
"Good night, Eugene," I told him as I placed one quick, nervous kiss on his cheek and then quickly walked from the room, shutting the door behind me. I fled to my room quickly after removing my heels, running through the halls, my breath still coming in short bursts, but not from the physical activity. I had no idea what was going on… was this love? I gulped and shut the door behind me, pressing my back against the cool wood and letting my eyes flutter shut. I had no idea how Eugene did it to me, but he caused the most… amazing warm sensation to flow through my body whenever he was close to me.
"Well hello there, Princess," my eyes flew open and my breath caught in my throat as my eyes scanned the room. It was Marietta. I smiled softly at her and moved from the door, going over to sit on the edge of my bed. She stood from the chair she had been sitting in and placed my shoes in their place in the closet before coming over to me and pulling the pins from my hair. "Stand," she commanded.
I obliged and turned my back to her so she could start unbuttoning my dress. I stifled a yawn and stepped out of the dress, and she immediately started on the corset. "How long have you been waiting here?" I asked her, worry in my voice.
"Not longer than fifteen minutes," she told me. I nodded as she removed the corset and then removed my petticoats, and replaced them with a night dress. "Did you have fun at the banquet?" She asked.
I sighed and flopped back onto my bed, watching as I wiggled my finally free toes. "It was… fun, actually," I told her with a wide grin. I'd had much more fun than I thought I would have, and I enjoyed dancing with the towns' people and getting to know them. I'd met the bakers and plumbers, the guards and the wives, and I had loved every one I'd met. I smiled up at my ceiling as Marietta scurried around, putting things back in their places. Chewing on my lower lip I sat up suddenly and bounced off of the bed, heading over to my bed side table and rummaging through the drawer there. After a few seconds I found what I was looking for: my paints. Eugene had brought them to me yesterday afternoon, and I hadn't had time to get started on my first mural. Marietta watched me for a moment with a curious look in her eyes as I looked up at the tall wall in front of me. Without a word I grabbed a chair and pulled it over, then squeezed some paints onto my pallet and grabbed my paintbrushes. I singled one brush out, a thicker one for background painting, and stuck the other few behind my ears. With my lower lip in my mouth I carefully climbed onto the chair and started painting.
Hours passed, and I was hardly aware of the time flying. Marietta had left my room long ago, and I had only just finished my background when I realized the moon was getting lower and lower in the sky, and the sun would be popping up any minute now. I felt physically exhausted, but my mind was wide awake as I stepped off of my chair and stepped back a few paces, looking at my work. The mural wasn't even half way done, but so far it was looking just as I had hoped it would look. The sun was setting in my picture, and it was the very same courtyard Eugene and I had first danced in. The sunset alone had taken me at least an hour and a half, and the colors were a bright variety. The flagstones were a sandy brown in color, and the shop fronts were all different colors as well. That was all I had gotten done. I let out a soft sigh and cleaned up my work space, and then quickly fell into my bed. I hardly had time to wrap the covers around me before I was fast asleep.