Author's Note: Hello, my lovely readers! Sorry for abandoning this story for a while, but I got to that point in the last chapter and I didn't know where to go from there! It took me forever to figure out how to continue, but I think I found a solution! I hope you all like what I'm doing with the story, and, per your requests, Aurora and Flynn will be back in this chapter.
Chapter 10
Just as I was about to continue the story, the door opened. "Aurora, time to go," Eugene called. "You wanna go visit your grandparents, don't you?"
Aurora pouted, sticking her bottom lip out. "But Aunt Janine is telling a story! I wanna know what happens next!"
That got his attention. "What story are you filling their heads with this time?" he asked, an eyebrow raised as he smirked at me teasingly.
I smiled back at him. "I'm telling them our story, bonehead. And they're quite enjoying it, actually. You don't want to take her away from a valuable part of her heritage, do you?"
Suddenly Rapunzel poked her head through the door. "Why didn't you tell me you were telling the kids the story?!" she exclaimed, her short brown hair swaying around her chin. "You need me for some of it, you know!"
I grinned triumphantly at Eugene. "Two against one, Gene! Sit down and enjoy, but leave the storytelling to me and Rapunzel, mkay?"
"Fine," he sighed, settling down into a comfortable armchair. Immediately, Aurora climbed up into her father's lap and nestled into a comfortable position.
"Now, hopefully without any further interruptions…"
XxXxXxXx
Rapunzel smiled as she held out her hand for a handshake. "Pleased to meet you, Eugene," she said politely.
My brother reached out and took her hand into his. "The pleasure is all mine," he replied. Rather than shake her hand, he brought it up to his lips. Rapunzel blushed furiously, and I couldn't help a smile. Maybe I should give up thieving and become a matchmaker!
"Eugene, where'd you go?" another voice called. "You'd better not be having fun without me!"
Eugene sighed and hollered over his shoulder, "I'm over here, Phillip!" A few seconds later, a man came around the corner. He looked to be about 6'0" tall, and he had broad shoulders and thick arms. Dirty blond hair fell messily about his ears, and mischievous hazel eyes sparkled in our direction.
The man who was obviously Phillip stopped when he saw the three of us. "Care to introduce me to your new friends?" he asked with a smirk on his face. He was very playful, obviously, and he looked about 23-25. He was also very handsome, especially with his black shirtsleeves rolled up to expose the hardened muscles in his forearms. One look at him and I knew he was a blacksmith.
"This is my twin sister Janine and her friend Rapunzel," Eugene replied, but the way he leaned toward Rapunzel as he spoke seemed to suggest that Phillip had better not get any ideas about her. Eugene didn't have to worry about that, though; Phillip was staring at me the whole time.
I held out my hand for a handshake, secretly hoping that he wouldn't do what Eugene had done to Rapunzel. Luckily, he didn't, but he did flash me a very winning smile. It seemed to light up his entire face, and it exposed the fact that one of his teeth overlapped on top of another. It didn't detract from his looks; in fact, it added to them. I thought he was quite handsome.
Eugene suddenly had an idea. "Why don't we pair off and meet at the docks at sunset? Then we can get a good view of the lanterns." Rapunzel gasped in delight, causing Eugene to grin. He offered her his arm, and she looped her hand into the crook of his elbow.
I was about to protest, but then I saw how happy she was. How could I deny her? "Happy birthday, Rapunzel!" I called. "Take good care of her, Gene!" They both waved at me before continuing on down the street.
"So, Janine," Phillip said as he walked up beside me. "There's a bakery that sells the most exquisite pastries. Would you like one?" My mouth watered. I couldn't remember the last time I'd indulged myself with a treat of any kind, let alone something like a cake or a cream puff. I nodded emphatically, and we went off in another direction.
I found out many things about Phillip. He was two years older than me, but he'd started working with Eugene only a year ago. He explained to me that his father had left when he was young, but his mother was still around, working as a midwife. His mother had helped with the birth of the lost princess eighteen years ago, so on the day of the festival, the king and queen always sent her a gift along with a pouch of coins.
I didn't say anything to that; how painful must it be to know that the woman who helped bring your daughter into the world was still here, but your daughter was nowhere to be found? I was among the many of the kingdom's citizens who had given up all hope of ever finding her, but I understood why her parents kept looking. If it was my daughter, I wouldn't give up, either, especially with the queen unable to have more children after her sickness.
The rest of the day passed so quickly, I couldn't believe it when it was time to head over to the docks. Maximus had followed me around the whole time, but he seemed more relaxed around me. He even started acting somewhat friendly…for a horse, anyway. When Phillip and I arrived at the docks, Eugene and Rapunzel were already waiting for us. Two gondolas sat ready, with plush red benches inside.
The happy couple waved at us as we went out in our boats, all four of us anxiously waiting for the lanterns. I looked over to where Rapunzel and Eugene were deep in conversation. She looked up and gave me a small smile before a look of joy and wonder appeared on her face. I didn't have to turn around to know what had happened: the lanterns had been launched.