AN: This plays 10-years in the future. Rapunzel's' parents won't rule forever. Soon it would be her turn to face the burden of the crown. Cass has been back for a while and so has Varian after he finished his studies of alchemy around the world. Also, Eugene is as handsome as ever.

The blue sky was full of sunshine and it couldn't have been a better day in the kingdom of Corona. Varian hummed satisfied. Down in the dark of the royal laboratory chemicals shimmered happily in glowing vials. His latest experiment was a complete success. Proud of his progress he pushed his goggles up and stretched his stiff shoulders to loosen his muscles. It was time for a break. In quite the good mood he made his way upstairs, maybe a short visit to the kitchen was in order to celebrate. If he was lucky a cupcake or two were still waiting for him.

"Congratulation everyone! You all did splendid!" Varian heard Rapunzel's cheers while passing the throne room. The entrance stood wide open. He peaked his head through the huge doorway. It seemed like some event was in full swing. A small crowd had gathered around the princess and the hall was filled with lively chatter.

Rapunzel was about to say something else when their eyes met. Instantly she smiled.

"Varian!" Her voice fell all over with excitement. " Come in! Your right on time." She hopped from a little platform to drag him to her side. Seeing her enthusiasm Varian felt laughter bubbling up.

"What's going on?" He asked bemused.

"This," she pointed with a wide grin to the colorfully decorated podium "Is Coronas first consulting-contest!"

Cassandra, Eugene, and Nigel seemed to be the last man standing. Also somehow Shorty had made it into the mix.

"You're lucky, we were just about to start the last round. Wanna join?"

"Uhm, I don't know. I probably shouldn't …" Varian sounded unsure.

"Oh, come on! It's gonna be fun," she insisted eagerly. A thought flashed up in her head and her eyes were shining playfully. "It's like a riddle."

The alchemist's interest was sparked.

"Well, I suppose I have a little time to spare," he winked, fully knowing what she was doing. But he couldn't say no to her anyway. Infected by the princess high spirit the corners of his mouth rose and he let her pull him on stage.

Eugene and Cassie didn't seem to mind and Shorty was blissfully toying with his fingers.

"No fair," Angry and Lance simultaneously complained. Both did not make the final cut and were now reduced to simply being audience members. However, there was no heat behind their words. Just for the heck of it, Varian stuck his tong out to mess with them a little bit more. At least now nobody would win. Looking down he saw Catalina waving her hand at him. He smiled in return and she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

"And yet here he gets special treatment again. Who would have thought?" Nigel remarked icy, crossing his arms displeased over his chest.

Rapunzel rolled her eyes in annoyance. There was nothing new with Nigel giving Varian a hard time. He never really got over the resentment he harboured for the young man. Albeit lately his passive-aggressive behavior got worse.

"Don't sweat it, kid. Whispers say the winner is gonna be the next royal adviser. So all his feathers are pretty much ruffled to the max," Eugene semi-helpfully explained.

"If it's -," Varian started.

"Guys, guys, calm down!" Rapunzel interrupted. "Varian had work to do so he couldn't be here. No more delays lets begin! Here comes the last question." She felt the weight of Varian's whole attention resting on her. He watched her every move, analyzed every word. It was like playing with fire. "So, uhm, hypothetical..."

"Hypothetical?" Varian raised a questioning eyebrow, but Raps was not to be deterred.

"Purely hypothetical, there is a kingdom - not Corona! - and rumor has it, the neighboring kingdom is about to attack. The enemy has an army of 3000 men, the kingdoms own is 5000 strong. There are 2 possible points the invasion could land. Uhm, what's your advice in this situation?" She asked the tiny group.

"Attack," Cass answered impulsively.

Nigel sighed. "Split your army to guard the 2 entries."

"Maybe just talk it out?" Eugene offered.

A loud snore came from the corner Shorty was in, he had fallen asleep, thumb in his mouth and totally ignorant to his surroundings.

"So?" Rapunzel looked expectant at Variant.

"It's quite the loaded question," he laughed. "May I have some time to think about it?"

"Lives are at stake. Every minute counts," the future queen pressed.

"Even more reason not to blindly rush into anything." Varian kept his cool.

Rapunzel thought a moment about his request. "… I understand. Very well."

"Your highness, you can't be serious he -"

"Enough Nigel! It's getting rather late anyway. Let's meet up tomorrow for consulting-contest part 2 to hear Varian's opinion."