A month had passed slowly for Rapunzel. She was in her second trimester and the nights were plagued by nightmares. One night in particular, the princess got out of bed, being roused from her sleep by a terrible dream, and began to pen a note to Eugene, whom she missed tremendously.

Dearest Eugene,

I'm beginning to show more each and every day. I'm carrying up high, so I guess that means we're going to have a little girl, right? I can't begin to describe the ache in my heart from not seeing, holding, or touching you. I miss you so very much. I can't wait until you return home safely and run into my arms. I will suffocate you with tender kisses, unless you're hurt, which you won't be. And then these nightmares of mine will cease. I only have Pascal to talk to about them and, even though I love him, it doesn't bring me the comfort you do when I have nightmares. Till then, enclosed is a portrait that the royal painter did of me. You can see how big I've gotten since you were last here. We will finally be a family, and you'll get to hold your daughter in your arms. And, as always, I love you more than words can express.

Your faithful loving wife,

Rapunzel

The princess counted down the days until she received a letter back from Eugene, which had been nearly ninety-nine total count days and was in her seventh month. She had passed the time by knitting two pairs of baby booties. She had often come to the queen with questions.

"Mom, how long does war last?" She absentmindedly put her hand on top of her, now, protruding stomach.

"Oh, sweetheart, I know you miss Eugene, and with good reason, too." The queen squeezed the hand atop her enlarged belly. "But war can last up to decades. Let's just pray that the conflict between Corona and Asher are resolved quickly."

"Excuse me, Princess, but we found this letter on the battlefield addressed to you."

"Thank you," Rapunzel dashed up to her quarters to read the note.

My dear and lovely Rapunzel,

I can see, in the portrait you sent me, the progress Anna is making. Has it been so long that I've been away? My heart tells me it's true, but my brain is having trouble comprehending that thought. You are still as beautiful as ever, my love. I feel horrible that you're having nightmares without my help to ease your troubled mind with only a frog for comfort. I can't wait till I return home and your kisses heal my battered body. Not that I'm, in any way, hurt. The war is almost over and I can smell victory for Corona. You are constantly on my mind, and in my heart. Rapunzel, I just want to tell you that

She looked right and left. "Where's the rest of it?" Rapunzel wondered aloud. She searched high and low for the rest of the letter. Then the princess noticed Pascal chewing on something. "Have you seen it, Pascal?"

The chameleon stopped chewing, and shook his head.

"Open up," Rapunzel commanded.

The lizard did so and the princess discovered that he was only chewing on a leaf.

"Pascal, I get the feeling that Eugene is in trouble." The chameleon hopped into her hands. "Go find Maximus and tell him that I need him to travel to the kingdom of Asher and help Eugene."

She let him down, and he jumped out of her hands, scampered across the room, and down to the stables. Rapunzel could only guess what Pascal was up to. She got up from her desk and wandered out onto the balcony. Only when she saw a flash of white disappear into the evening did she exhale a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

Pascal scurried back onto the balcony. He was panting, the poor thing. "Thank you, Pascal," Rapunzel purred into his tiny chameleon ears.