A/N: Sorry to make you wait.
Rapunzel opened her eyes, only to find herself in a lavishly furnished room. Even the bed was richly embroidered with all sorts of elaborate patterns.
It felt strange being there, the last thing she remembered she was riding in a boat with a young man, a white horse and a little chameleon. She also remembered being drawn in a cart by two other men in a strangely familiar uniform. Everything else was still a bit blurry to her.
While she was pondering on whatever happened, the door suddenly opened and, out came a man and a woman, with a crown atop both of their heads, lavish clothes, brown hair as well as surprisingly familiar features. A little too familiar. The woman's wide green eyes, and the man's caring smile, she had the distinct impression that she had met them before. But her memory was still vague.
The two approached her gently as not to disturb her. They could also see the familiarity in this young lady's face, but they wanted to be sure. The woman was the closest to approach her and cupped her cheek with her hand and the man next to her gave the young lady's face a deep, thoughtful look. Even though there were a few differences between the two, they could tell that she was the one they've yearned to see for so long.
And though it took a while for Rapunzel to regain her senses, she realized where she had seen their faces before. Then, struck by impulse, they lunged at one another and embraced each other firmly in their arms. The lost princess had finally returned.
With every passing second Eugene became more and more concerned about Rapunzel. He regretted leaving her like that, but he had little choice. The guards would've quickly recognised him and figured that Rapunzel was part of some sinister plot to reattempt the theft of the lost princess' crown. But resisting the temptation to be at her side was far from easy. Ever since he left her, his mind was completely flooded with visions of her, not only in his sleep, but in day dreams as well. She was everywhere.
And with every thought of Rapunzel he felt a strange sensation touching his heart. In some ways it hurt more than anything he ever had to face, but all at once he wanted to feel that way. The only silver lining to the situation was that she'd get all the medical attention she needed and, of course Maximus and Pascal were keeping her company.
Eventually, Eugene gave up thieving and tried to live an honest life, but his face was still plastered throughout every tree and wall- even if his nose was still inaccurate. There was nowhere left to run. No matter how hard he tried to maintain a simple, honest life guards would always chase after him.
One day, he was resting on top of a tree, when guards finally managed to catch him. But this time he didn't bother to run or even put up a fight. He let them drag him all the way back to the castle, but instead of tossing him in a cold dank cell for all eternity, he was taken to a comfortable room filled with all sorts of luxuriant things.
To an even greater surprise, within that room were four chairs and seated among two of those chairs were none other than the king and queen. And on the third chair was a young woman with brown cropped hair, bright green eyes that could warm even the coldest of souls and a crown sitting atop of her head. But not just any crown, the crown of the Lost Princess herself.
And the strangest occurrence of them all was that he recognised that girl's face.
The girl instantly recognised his face as well and jumped out of her seat to embrace him, while he opened his arms to welcome her warm embrace. But, despite the warm reception, he could still feel her shivering as if it were the dead of winter.
Rapunzel pulled from their embrace, grabbed Eugene by the collar and planted a deep, passionate kiss upon his lips. And though he was shocked by her sudden outburst of enthusiasm, he gently supported her head and returned her kiss with the same passion.
When they finally pulled out of their passionate embrace, Eugene gave a formal bow to the girl standing in front of him. "How do you do Your Highness?"
Rapunzel blushed at the sound of her new title. It was hard enough for her to believe that she found her real parents, but the idea that she was part of the most important family in the entire kingdom was more than a shock.
Eugene was also just as dumbstruck by the idea; it would be hard for the two to form such a close relationship with a princess when he was nothing more than a lowly thief himself.
Nevertheless the two were more than happy to see each other once again as they leaned in for one more kiss.
And when the kiss finally ended Rapunzel insistently introduced Eugene to her parents. They were kind enough to offer a full pardon to him in gratitude for rescuing their daughter as well as food and lodging, until other arrangements could be made or at least until they could sort everything out. Things started out calmly, but Eugene was rather tense the woman he cared about so much was also royalty, a princess and he was nothing more than a lowly ex-criminal. It was obvious that few people were ever going to approve of him associating with their princess. But, despite his issues, he tried not to look nervous. After all, he didn't want Rapunzel to worry.
After things were settled between them, Rapunzel and Eugene managed to get together alone. Although the moment wasn't exactly as romantic as they would have hoped. He hadn't seen her in so long and she only had so much time left, it was going to be a difficult road ahead for everyone. But, despite their hardships, the two were willing to forget about their worries for one day and focus on the few brief moments that they would hope to remember for the rest of their lives.
Finally the awkward moment was broken by Rapunzel as she cried in Eugene's arms. The feeling was overwhelming for her, she had undergone such a traumatic discovery, and though it was a pleasant revelation she couldn't enjoy it forever. Rapunzel was still very sick and though the doctors helped her to live a little longer she wasn't completely cured.
The days passed slowly, and Rapunzel's seizures continued ravaging her day and night, her everyone did all they could to sustain her, but it their efforts were in vain. Her spirit was practically completely drained; even Eugene or her parents couldn't comfort her. Until came the day when the doctors announced that they could do no more for her, the damage was already too severe. The entire kingdom was devastated by the news, their princess had been returned to them after all these years and they will still lose her. Nonetheless, the townspeople decided that they would continue rejoice at her return, so that she could live her final moments happily.
And so a grand festival was held in her honor, and despite her current condition Rapunzel was clearly enjoying herself. There was plenty of singing and dancing, and Rapunzel's old friends from the Snugly Duckling even entertained the people. Everyone gave presents to the young princess in order to make her feel more at home and to hopefully help her get better. But Eugene was the one who truly lifted her spirits as he kneeled down before her and offered her a shining silver ring.
A/N: Again, I apologize for the delay, but I do hope that this latest chapter shall please you.
Remember I'm opened to any and all suggestions you may have for me. Please review.
