A/N: I promised to update sooner so TA DA! I hope this chapter isn't confusing in any way. I don't know why I think it is. Review please! P.S. There's a little part in this chapter that I got from a piece of artwork which can be viewed at deviantART .com. The artist is Tell-Me-Lies
Our little practice kissing session made it all the way to his room and onto his bed. I warned him we had to stay quiet because it was still early and not everyone was asleep. But that didn't stop him, that's for sure. So I gave in and kissed him just as much back.
"Wait. I just thought of something." I said, breathlessly.
"What?"
"I haven't talked to my parents all today."
He groaned "Can't you just wait 'til tomorrow?"
"I'll be right back though." I giggled "You wine too much."
He smirked. "I'll be here."
I closed the door behind me, walked down the hall, and peaked into my parent's bedroom. My father was lying in bed, looking at paper work while my mother was reading beside him. When she noticed me, she set down her book and opened her arms. I smiled and ran to hug her.
"So tell us, darling. How was the boat ride?" Mother asked
I looked away. "Well… I have a confession to make. We didn't go on a boat ride. We went to the Snuggly Duckling instead."
"We know."
"You know?"
"A few of the guards noticed you all leave on horses." Father explained
"I'm sorry… but Diana and I really wanted to go. And Cecelia wouldn't have let us if we told the truth."
"You could have told us, Rapunzel." Mother said
"I didn't think you'd let us go either. Not after last time."
"I think we would have." Father said "We know you've been there many times before."
"And we know Eugene was with you. He always looks out for you."
I smiled.
"But I think you're still not telling us something. Who else went with you?"
"Ben came…"
Mother made a confused face "For what reason?"
"Diana really likes him but Cecelia won't let her see him. So they needed to get away. Eugene and I went too because I kind of… got them together."
Mother sighed "Darling, I know you mean well but she's getting married."
"But shouldn't that be up to her?"
"My sister doesn't think so. I don't know what it would take to get her to change her mind."
I frowned and leaned back on my arms. "Cecelia doesn't know about today, does she?"
"No. And we don't plan on telling her."
"Just promise to tell us where you're going from now on. You can tell us anything."
I hugged them. "I know. I love you both so much. I feel like… I've known you my whole life."
I looked at my mother and she smiled, her eyes a little watery. "That's because you have."
I walked back to Eugene's room with a smile on my face. I slipped inside and dove into bed beside him and kissed his jaw. I quickly fell asleep in his arms.
Early that morning, I went to wake up Diana. Pascal came along too, in case I needed help. "C'mon, Diana, time to wake up! It's a new day!"
She groaned and covered her head with her pillow. Pascal poked her shoulder. "I brought you tea and some ice for your head."
She groaned again so I laughed "You were quite the party animal last night."
She peeked out from her pillow. "Oh no… How bad was I?"
"You weren't that bad… up until the point that you climbed on the table."
She sat up and held her head. "How humiliating…"
"But you did have a really good time. Ben said it was the best date he has ever been on." I said, cheerfully.
She chuckled weakly.
I handed her the tea from the tray and she look a long sip. "Eugene says you're going to feel really lousy today. He says take it slow and it'll eventually go away. And you might want to try to avoid your mother as much as possible, just so she doesn't notice."
She nodded "I could have got caught, Rapunzel. I think I should stay away from the Snuggly Duckling for a while… But however will I see Ben again?"
"We'll think of something." I said, moving towards the door "I have to go though. I have another dancing lesson this morning. But Pascal will stay with you, in case you need anything. Wish me luck!"
My second dancing lesson went very well actually. I was really getting the hang of it! My partner even commented on my improvement. "Am I free to go?" I asked when we finally finished.
"Not quite." Cecelia said. "I'd like to hear your thoughts on the books I gave you."
I didn't have much to say since I barely read any of them. I did read a few chapters in one book but then I got bored and stopped. Cecelia wasn't very happy. She took me to the library to catch up on my reading while she read a book of her own.
We read for an hour or two and I was starting to get restless. If I had to read one more page about fine dining, I would lose it.
Eventually, Eugene found me and I grinned at the sight of him. Cecelia frowned. "What is it, Mr. Fiztherbert? Rapunzel is busy."
"Don't mind me. I just came to find a book."
I wondered what he was up to and I gave him a confused look. He flashed me a smile then disappeared behind the book cases.
It was hard to concentrate with Eugene in the room, even if I couldn't see him. I really wanted to talk to him but Cecelia would look up at me every five seconds. Eugene finally returned with a book in his hand but I couldn't see what it was called. I tilted my head, trying to read the cover. He smiled at me again. "Guess I'll see you in a little bit, Punzie."
Cecelia and I watched him leave. A few minutes later, I looked out the window to see him reading to four little kids. I smiled softly.
Cecelia sighed "Alright, Rapunzel. That's enough. You may go."
I sprang up and my book went flying. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll read more later, I promise!"
I ran outside to where Eugene was. The children looked excited to see me coming towards them but I pressed a finger to my lips, which warned them to keep on listening. Eugene smiled when I sat down beside him and he continued on with the story. The book wasn't The Tales of Flynnigan Rider, but the storyline seemed very similar from what he had told me. I rested my chin on my fists and followed along.
Late that afternoon, I went to the stables to talk to Ben. His time with Diana was running short and I desperately needed a new plan. I really had nothing in particular to ask him but I hoped that just talking to him would give me an idea.
When I got to the stables, I noticed Dakota with a newer guard and the captain. She did not want to be taken anywhere but the captain kept pulling on her reins.
"What's going on?" I asked.
The captain hesitated. "This animal refuses to cooperate."
I moved closer to pet her nose "You can't push her."
"That horse needs discipline."
In the corner of my eye, I realized Ben was listening. So I stood up straighter, about to prove to him and to myself that I was perfectly capable of giving authority. "She needs more training! And I- I forbid you or any of the other guards to touch her until she is ready."
The captain glanced at Dakota then back at me. He nodded once then turned to the other guard and directed him towards the stables. "Take another one."
The captain took Max while the other guard took a more tame horse. Ben walked over and patted Dakota on her side. "Nicely done, Rapunzel. I'm impressed."
"Well, she shouldn't be treated like that… And I think I'm going to train her."
"Princesses don't train horses. That's my job, remember?"
"You said she doesn't listen to you. I bet she'll work better with me. Right, Dakota?"
She smiled and quickly nodded.
"Then it's settled! We'll start as soon as the ball is over…" That's when it hit me. I smiled like I had a master plan. "Speaking of the ball, are you going, Ben?"
"No." He shrugged "Wasn't invited. Why would I be?"
"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to come."
He looked a little surprised. "Uh, isn't it tomorrow?"
I nodded.
He hesitated "I don't think so, Rapunzel. I really doubt there's any room on the guest list for someone like me. But… thanks anyway."
Before I could even try to convince him, he walked off. But I wasn't about to give up. "Okay, then I'll just have to make him top of the guest list."
I really wanted Ben to go to the ball because Diana would be there. And Cecelia would be so focused on my performance, she'd barely be paying any attention to her daughter. So I thought it was the perfect opportunity for them to be together. I knew people of Ben's… class weren't normally invited to royal gatherings, but I was hoping my mother would make an exception.
"This might be their last night together!" I explained to her "So I was wondering if you could come with me and personally invite the Cooper family to the ball."
Mother thought about it for a long moment. I pushed out my lower lip and linked my fingers together under my chin. She finally smiled and said "Okay, Darling. Show me where they live."
Ben's house was crammed between two other houses. It was in good condition though with flowers in the windows. Mrs. Cooper looked very surprised to see us when she opened the door. She started fussing over her hair as she spoke. "Your highness? This is… very unexpected."
"Mrs. Cooper," Mother smiled "I'd like to invite you and your family to the ball tomorrow evening. My daughter would love for you to attend."
I looked past the two of them to see Ben in the background. His mouth hung wide open so I smiled and shrugged innocently.
Mrs. Cooper blinked with disbelief "Oh my… Um, please forgive us your highness but I'm afraid we have nothing to wear for such an occasion."
"That's quite alright. Rapunzel has brought you all something. May we come in?"
"Yes, yes, of course!" Mrs. Cooper stepped aside, still in shock. Her husband and Ben gathered beside her. The inside of their house was small yet clean and cozy. It was kind of nice, actually. A little house like theirs could easily feel like home sweet home.
"Okay, Darling, show them what you've brought." Mother said.
I nodded and held up the gown I had brought for Mrs. Cooper. When I mentioned it was one of my mother's dresses, she looked like she was about to cry. As for Mr. Cooper, the outfit we had brought him was worn by my father. They were both speechless.
Ben took me to the side while Mother talked with his parents. I handed him his outfit which I got from Eugene's closet. I figured they were about the same size. "Well, it wasn't worn by a King or Queen but Eugene's close enough, right?"
He chuckled then smiled. "You didn't have to do this… but thank you."
"You should be excited. Diana will be there and I believe she's without a date."
He blushed and cleared his throat. "Well, in that case, I guess I'll be going after all."
