Tangled Up in You
A/N: See previous disclaimer from Chapter 01. A special thank you goes out to bStormhands; my friend, for incredible help in completing this chapter.
Chapter Fourteen: Eugene's Revelation, Part Fourteen
I See the Light! (Part One)
As the Father, Mother, Daughter trio of William, Catherine, and Rapunzel continued to hold each other, refusing to let go out of fear; laughing and crying; yet, still trying to cram the affection missing from almost eighteen years of separation into every possible second; Lieutenant Rupert, Eugene, Doctor Lambert and Amanda remained respectfully silent, the latter two still unknown to most of the group.
Doctor Lambert; simply amazed at this wonderful turn of events remained where he was rooted, seen and acknowledged only by her highness the queen; was content to wait, biding his time. He knew that he would be requested to fully investigate the wonders of the power the sun had imparted on the Royal Daughter.
Amanda; closing her eyes, calming her thoughts, and opening her mind; began to reach out to the living world around her; ever receptive to the wide and varied emotional eddies and vortices swirling around her, her control allowing her to easily separate them and discern their origin. Amanda easily picked up the presence of the six individuals in this very special group.
First, she sensed King William, strong and confident, yet now filled with a happiness that she had not sensed in him before; his joy filling Amanda's heart with absolute happiness that this day finally arrived.
Second, she also sensed Queen Catherine, silent and wise, also now filled with happiness not felt before; the long empty spot of her heart filled to overflowing; her joy too filled Amanda with absolute elation. Amanda, despite her own happiness, realized that she would have to be more mindful of the Royal Couple, as they might not be quite themselves for the next few days or so, to ensure they remained protected, as she swore to do.
After the Royal Couple, the third person she decided to evaluate using her senses was the Crown Princess, Rapunzel. While Amanda was very well versed on the eddies and vortices constantly swirling around the Royal parents; the princess on the other hand, while somewhat timid and unknowing of the world around her, was something totally different; an open book, so to speak. Amanda easily picked up the happiness within the princess; the happiness of this totally unexpected reunion. As she continued, Amanda was not surprised at all at what she sensed in Rapunzel next; absolute love, adoration and affection for Eugene.
While Amanda sensed that Rapunzel was very intelligent and capable, she lacked the knowledge one would expect in an eighteen year old woman; as if she had been intentionally deprived. As she continued to meld with the Crown Princess and probe her sub-conscious yearning to learn as much about her as she could in as short a time as possible, she also felt the doubt she sensed so easily at first, once so apparent, slowly fading in the glow of her love for Eugene.
More troubling to Amanda, however, was the presence of fear, as well as a foreboding, as if there was something in the back of the princess' mind; in her deepest sub-conscious thought which was quite troubling to her. She decided that since the future was always in flux and actions today potentially change tomorrow she would simply be wary, ever mindful of the living world around her; and extend her promise of protection to the daughter as well. She would also share this revelation with Rupert.
She next turned her attention to the fourth individual; Eugene, amazed at what she felt. Here was the man that just yesterday and earlier today had caused her such pain; yet, now as she stood there in the shadows she found herself totally calming and thinking that this man was the Eugene she remembered so fondly; her once surrogate dad; her source of joy during a joyless time in her life. As she continued her probes, all she could sense was extreme calm, as if he had come to a momentous decision; and, of course, as much affection for Rapunzel as she felt for him, if not more so.
She made a mental note to review the Operational Contingency Plan: Rapunzel; specifically the sub-plan Papa Romeo Alpha; section Romeo Bravo Charlie / Mike Lima as it pertained to the couple; and, section Papa Romeo / Kilo Alpha Lima as it pertained to the overall situation; amazed at the foresight of its authors, though, since the king approved it, not too surprised.
Amanda; content in the belief that she would be able to quickly recognize if the two couples ever felt danger, and sensing the doctor nearby but ignoring him as she could feel his immense curiosity of the magical hair of the princess, and his desire to serve the Royals as his family had for several generations; finally turned her attention to her husband. Poor Rupe; oh yes, she giggled to herself; he just hates that nickname; as it cannot be as wonderful as hers. Though, and he is always quick to admit, it is the best she can do, given his name.
She felt the keen disappointment in him for always living in the shadow of that hot headed Captain Newman, his true identity never revealed. She also felt his longing to be able to come out of the shadows and assume his proper role, wear the black uniform of the Royal Coronian Special Forces Detachment – Solaris, specifically the silver braided black shoulder boards. These shoulder boards, adorned with the double silver sun symbols, depicting the rank worn by a Colonel of the Royal Coronian Special Forces. The insignia worn by its commander to be specific; by the man handpicked by the king to lead this unit; by the man who led the complete development, training and deployment of this very special unit; and, to be able to do so; sooner, rather than later.
She could sympathize with Rupe; for she too shared that very same desire. She also hoped to one day reveal her true identity as well; to wear her black, as this was her favorite color, uniform with the silver braided black shoulder boards. Her shoulder boards adorned with the single silver sun symbol; the rank worn by a Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Coronian Special Forces Detachment – Solaris, worn by its deputy commander, to be specific. Worn by the woman who had steadfastly stood by Rupert through the highs and lows of the trials of reaching initial operational capability; the woman whose faith in the organization and its mission had proven so critical to its success.
As she probed his thoughts and confirmed her beliefs of his deepest yearnings, she felt his surprise and some dismay that she could be so close and he not feel it; not totally unexpected as she had better control, given that she knew of her gift earlier and had more chance to practice with it. As she continued her gentle probings, she felt the resistance as he fought her probes. "Oh," she said playfully, grinning and softly laughing; "he wants to play hard to get, huh? Bring it on! I can get by anybody's defenses! I am the Master"
Rupert jumped a little, grimacing, as Amanda quickly found that special little place in his mind, the one he hadn't even knew existed until she showed him before, the one that she had used before to take down some of the toughest adversaries of the kingdom, and gently nudged; using none of the force reserved for combat. Ever ready and completely wary of his retaliation, she quickly closed her mind sure to keep him out, or so she thought. She wasn't quite quick enough in her defenses and he returned the favor, grinning with immense satisfaction when he heard her yelp, "EEP!"
Their 'gaming' at an end; they stopped their playing and allowed each other into their thoughts, basking in the feeling of each other. When melded, they felt whole; as if they were but two halves of a better whole; the whole being them; the two headed and four armed unbeatable kingdom advocate for peace; each the other's soul mate. They finalized their intertwining of their minds and began sharing their active thoughts; conversing through them as easily as if in person, and soon having quite the animated discussion, entirely indiscernible to anyone who happened to be near.
"What do you think, honey;" Amanda asked; as she took in the scene before her; still remaining hidden in the shadows.
"Simply amazing, sweetheart;" Rupert exclaimed; still in awe of what had transpired over the past few hours, yet somewhat befuddled by it.
"Who would have thought, huh;" Amanda quizzed, sensing her husband's befuddlement.
"That the princess would finally return or that Flynn Rider would be the individual who finally accomplished it;" Rupert replied.
"Both, actually; though, and please do not freak out, his real name is not Flynn Rider;" Amanda replied.
"WHAT;" Rupert exclaimed, Amanda easily picking up on his amazement; silently berating him for freaking out.
"Did I not just tell you not to freak out?
"Huh uh,"
"It's just that his real name is something completely different, and, he shares something with us;" Amanda gently replied, sensing her husband rapidly calming yet still slightly perturbed.
"…with us? How can you know this;" Rupert desperately asked his wife, not yet quite calmed.
"Simple. I know him;" Amanda replied
"From where, or should I say, from when;" Rupert asked, becoming very interested in this turn of events; an interest Amanda quickly picked up on.
"Well, sweetie; the 'where,' was the orphanage I was sent to when my parents died so tragically and suddenly; the 'when,' simply being that the incident with my parents happened back when I was seven; he was the one to comfort me when I first arrived, with us later becoming very close as we shared similar interests and, more importantly, abilities; though, and this is not bragging, mine seemed more developed then his. Rupe, you cannot begin to imagine my disdain at his descent into thievery."
"Oh…, I am so sorry, I never knew; so, what is his name?"
"It is alright Rupe, this isn't a memory I readily share so I should be apologizing for keeping it tucked away. Anyway, please join me and let's find out together;" Amanda replied, using her greater mastery of their 'gift' to aid Rupert in calming himself enough to hear the internal dialog of the man once known as Flynn Rider. Rupert's calming provided Amanda greater access to his sub-conscious; allowing her to guide him to those memories she wanted him to see, as they were the most critical to the here and now. As she guided her husband's probings, directing him to where he needed to be; Rupert was astounded at what he discovered.
"So, his name is Eugene Fitzherbert. I guess I can see why he changed it. A name like that…;" Rupert began; thinking about the impact of the wanted posters with his birth name on it.
Also, I can see he is from…, he's from…, what;" he exclaimed, understandably quite astounded; as Amanda guided him to another startling tidbit.
"Yes, Rupe; he, like us, has origins in the Kingdom of Avandell;" Amanda confirmed.
"So that is how he…, how he co…, how he could…;" he stutteringly began, tentatively, very quickly stopping; shocked at the implication of finally understanding that it was not all it seemed to be when Captain Newman could not find or capture him as he committed theft after theft; thefts that seem to occur with complete impunity.
"How, what…:" she asked.
"How he was never caught! How he managed the theft of the tiara. How it was not our assumed conviction that Captain Newman was incompetent that kept him free for so long; but…, something so completely unexpected..."
"Yes, my love; I am sure the Captain will be totally thrilled," Amanda began, with her usual sarcasm, continuing with; "and until just now, even I had no real idea of how he could have so easily pulled off the theft of the tiara of the Lost Princess. I really thought he was some simple petty thief who got lucky while going for the big time; this revelation will serve to remind us of the importance of not trusting our suppositions over our interpretation of the environment."
"But…; but, it doesn't explain how he is here, now!"
Amanda; having already discovered the great affection felt by Eugene for Rapunzel as well as that felt by Rapunzel for Eugene, as well as their amazing journey; rather than explaining the unexplainable, simply remained silent and helped guide her wonderful husband to the one, the most important, memory set; the memories of the last 48 hours; of the Stabbington brother's plan to steal the tiara, and his forced cooperation; of Flynn Rider's escape; of hiding in the tower; of the Snuggly Duckling; of the dam; of the revelation of his true name revealed; of the camp fire; of the village; and finally, of their time in the boat.
"Does this help;" Amanda asked, already knowing the answer.
"WOW, will the captain ever be upset! I mean…, you mean…, that the…., the girl…; the prin…; the lost princess;" Rupert roughly stuttered out, unable to string a coherent thought together; finally stopping, quite flustered.
Amanda, grinning at Rupert's discomfort at the discovery of this amazing facet of the case, continued; "Yes dear; he was coerced to take the tiara, the unwilling participant; he then somehow found her hidden location, and after being knocked out three times with a frying pan, agreed to bring her here for the lanterns; in return for his satchel. Ironically; he brought her to see HER lanterns, and the satchel she promised to return to him contained his loot; HER tiara; the very tiara currently gracing her head!
During their journey, taking place over the course of roughly two days, he fell in love with her; and she fell in love with him. And, as I am sure you can feel; he was the one who realized who she was. He was the one who risked instant death to reunite a family; a royal family. Quite the wonderful love story, isn't it; plus, when you think of their unlikely meeting, it sort of sounds familiar, huh?"
Amanda could easily feel the affirmation from Rupert. Their conversation soon faded to silence; basking in the shared memory of their own introduction; first, in an unlikely alleyway; second, their formal introduction with the Royal Couple, and their own initial and growing romance; a romance encouraged by the Royal Couple; a relationship they both absolutely cherished.
Flashback
Amanda was still in shock over the events of the past two days. First, her unlikely rescue of the noblewoman, her introduction to Rupert and her reaction to him, and the subsequent introduction to the Royal Family; second, her entry into the service of the Royal Couple, and her own covert role as the protector of the queen; and, finally, the remarkable conversation she had just had with Catherine.
She was not really paying attention to her surroundings as she respectfully followed the queen towards the palace; her destination the private Royal Dining Room. She still lacked a firm control of her gift and, feeling no need to make any sweeps of her surroundings for any threats, made no effort to discern who might be near, or to attempt to identify them; thus, she missed an important clue as to who was joining them for lunch.
The dining room, being in a more private area of the palace was served by three doors; two were used by the Royals depending on where they were coming from, while the third was used by the kitchen staff and other servants as they served the meal. The two entrances, adorned with beautiful wood doors amply decorated with the symbol of Corona, stood on opposite sides of the room; the first, allowing entry from the Royal Garden; the second, allowing entry from the King's private study.
Amanda was about to follow Catherine into the room when the queen suddenly stopped just shy of the closed door, gently holding on to Amanda's arm to gently bringing her to a stop. Amanda was at first perplexed by this action taken by Catherine; but soon realized that there must be a very good reason for this action, and patiently waited for the queen to speak.
"Amanda," the queen gently asked, her motive as yet perfectly masked from Amanda, should she have cared to try to deduce it; "could you do something for me, before we enter?"
Amanda replied almost immediately; "of course; your highness."
"Reach out with your feelings and tell me who might be near; and if you can form any kind of link with them."
"Yes, your highness;" Amanda said, already beginning to calm her mind so that she would be more receptive.
Meanwhile, Rupert; still in awe of the amazing girl named Amanda, and having also finished his conversation with William and equally in shock of his promotion to Lieutenant so soon into his service; was not really paying attention to his surroundings either as he followed the king into the palace. The private dining room was his destination as well. He too, overwhelmed by the sense overload, missed the clue of who would be joining him for lunch. He was about to reach out to open the dining room door for his king; the door opposite from the one the queen was standing by with the subject of his thoughts and affection, Amanda; when William similarly stopped him, his plan also indecipherable to Rupert. Confused by this, Rupert respectfully asked; "Is there a problem your highness?"
"Oh, of course not," William assured him, his poker face well in place; "there is just something I would like you to try first."
"Ok, your highness."
William then asked Rupert; "Could you please reach out with your feelings and tell me who might be near; and if you can link with them?"
"Why yes I could; your highness."
Rupert and Amanda, completely unaware of the other's presence, calmed their turbulent thoughts, cleared their minds, and began to reach out, seeing who they could discern. As they began, they could each discern the Royal they were currently paired with; as they were the closest. As their minds further cleared with each passing moment the picture forming in their two minds grew larger and clearer. The two spheres being formed in each of their mind's eye soon discerned the palace attendants; both within and outside the palace, as they first looked outside the building. As they turned their senses in towards the building, soon they were easily discerning their respective Royal, all the palace attendants within the castle, the Royal Palace Guard members, the other Royal, and…, and…
"Oh;" the young pair exclaimed softly; not noticing the amused look on their Royal's face, as they realized who they were supposed to be linking with.
As their control increased and they found it easier to share their thoughts for the other; thoughts they shared; thoughts they soon found themselves drowning in. They quickly deepened the connection, soon becoming blissfully and totally unaware of anything and everything else. As if two halves of a single whole, Amanda and Rupert soon almost totally opened themselves up, completely wishing the other to share their thoughts; basking in its wonder.
King William and Queen Catherine; seeing the idyllic look on the faces of their young charges, and hearing their wistful sighs of adoration and knowing true love when they saw it and realizing how important such a relationship was to their new found roles; knew that they had found the pair to create their dream organization and a whole lot more. They remained silent as the two young people deepened their connection and further explored. The wonder the two young people felt at their connection so overwhelming to almost be scary; almost.
"So," the Royal pair finally asked their young charges, almost simultaneously, after allowing them their connection for roughly 10 minutes of bliss; "who did you sense, did you feel a real connection with them, and how did it make you feel?"
"I sensed Amanda; I felt as if I was a whole person when joined to her mind; I felt complete with her; as if a great emptiness in me was finally filled," Rupert sighed; not seeing the happy look gracing the king's face.
"I felt Rupert; I most certainly did feel connected with him at the deepest level; it made me feel as if a missing part of me was returned at long last," Amanda sighed, also not seeing the satisfied look gracing the queen's face.
"And, did you enjoy the feeling, and would you want it to continue;" the Royals expectantly asked, already knowing the answer.
"Most definitely; I never knew anything could feel so wonderful…;" the young pair echoingly sighed, completely unaware of the smirks on the Royals faces; or that the royals had had some idea of what might have just occurred.
The Royals knowingly smiled to themselves, sure that they had indeed found just the right team to help form a new organization charged with their protection; and, much more.
"Let's have lunch," the royals went on to say, inviting them into the dining room.
Sorry for the cliff hanger…this chapter might end up at over 10,000 words.