Chapter 27

A few hours later, Flynn and Eugene met back at the cabin. Both were relieved to no longer have to worry about the girls – at least for now.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about, Flynn?" Eugene asked.

It's better to speak this way, not out loud, Flynn's look stated.

Uh, ok. What's going on? Are we in trouble?

No, well not exactly at least. But we have to figure something out. Those Stabbington guys are dangerous. And they want me to help them with a heist.

What do they want to steal? Eugene was trying to stay calm. He knew if his brother was worried about them, the Stabbingtons must be really bad news.

Well, they, uh, they want me to help them steal the lost princess's crown.

Wait, you told them no right?

Well not exactly. I tried to at first.

At first? You mean you agreed to do it?

Not exactly. I kinda didn't have a choice. They threatened to hurt you.

Ok. Well, we will figure something out. When is the theft supposed to happen?

That's still up in the air. They are leaving it to me to plan it out.

So, what are we going to do about the threat?

Not much we can do, Eugene. It's not like we can beat them up. They are a lot bigger than we are.

So, what are you thinking of? I know you already have some idea of what you want to do, or how you want to do it.

Let me think about it a little more. We'll talk about what I have in mind later.

Ok. So, what do you think about Amber and Arabelle sneaking out?

I'm not sure what to do about Arabelle. Amber should be scared enough after getting kidnapped to stay inside for a bit.

That's true. You know, I've been thinking. Does Amber remind you of anyone?

Now that you mention it, yeah she does. I can't quite put my finger on who though.

That's it. That's who she reminds me of. Remember how Mom would look first thing in the morning? All rumpled and messy?

Oh yeah, I remember now.

Doesn't It make you wonder if Mom really did die in the fire like we were told, Flynn? Maybe it was someone else.

Yeah it does make me wonder a bit. Enough reminiscing now. We should eat.

Yeah, let's go inside. I put a stew on over the fire earlier. It should be done now.

Sounds good. Let's go.

Later, after a quick meal, they went back to discussing the plans for the theft.

"So, we're just gonna go in and take it? What about the guards that are guarding the crown constantly?"

"I don't know yet. Maybe cause some type of distraction. Then you can come in behind me while the guards are distracted and take it."

"I don't know, Flynn. I don't trust them at all. Was it really their idea to take the crown? I thought you said they weren't smart enough to come up with something like this."

"I know. I'm sure someone else at least gave them the idea, but I don't know who that might be. Until then, we need to finish planning how we're going to be able to get the money so we can go somewhere else and start over."

"Ok. So, when are we planning to do this? I don't think those guys are gonna want to wait long."

"Yeah, I told them we need a month to plan it all so it's gonna have to be soon."

"So, we have a little time to figure this all out. We can talk more about it tomorrow. Maybe we can find a way out of it. I just don't like the idea of working with them."

"Me either, Eugene. But that sounds good. I'm gonna head to bed. It's been a long day."

"Night, Flynn."

Two weeks later, Eugene and Flynn were just cleaning up from a late dinner when Arabelle showed up.

"Flynn, you never told me what was going on. You promised to tell me. Did you think I would forget?"

"Oh, hi, Arabelle. No, I didn't think you would actually forget, but I was hoping."

"Wait, why did you just call me by my name, Flynn?" Arabelle asked. "You never call me by my name."

"Flynn," Eugene cut in. "We might as well tell her. She might have some ideas to help us out."

"Yeah, I'm not going anywhere. So, tell me. What were you so worried about?"

Flynn gave up. It was easier to fight Arabelle but he wasn't going to deny his brother.

"Yeah, see that day I ran into you the last time, I was just basically blackmailed into helping those Stabbington brothers with stealing your missing sister's crown. Told me if I didn't help, then they were gonna hurt Eugene. I couldn't let them do that. I just couldn't."

"Why the crown? I didn't think they were that smart."

"I don't know why. I don't think they're that smart either but I sure wasn't gonna bring that up. I was worried about what they would do."

"Okay so what have you come up with so far?"

"Not much at the moment. Just thinking that we could sneak in when the guards aren't paying attention. Then hopefully sneak back out."

"How about you just go into the vent above the crown, drop down into the room, grab the crown and climb the rope to get back out again?" Arabelle was quick to provide her opinion.

"Wait, there's a vent? How do I not know this? How do you get into it?" Flynn sputtered.

"Well, yeah. Not really a vent so much as a loose tile on the roof. You just climb up on the roof and it's impossible to miss which one is loose. You can take the rope and stuff up there the night before, under cover of darkness. Then when ready, all you have to do is move the tile and climb down." Arabelle explained patiently.

"You know, Flynn. That might actually work. Way easier than coming up with a distraction."

"I think you're right. That would be easy enough to make work. As long as no one saw us taking the stuff to the roof, no one will even guess it was us," Flynn responded.

"So, what are you going to do with the crown once you take it, Flynn? Did you think about that? Are you just gonna give it to those horrible Stabbingtons?" Arabelle asked.

"I haven't figured that out yet, Arabelle. We have to give it to them. They threatened Eugene."

"But Flynn," Eugene interrupted. "What if we made them think we gave it to them, but take it back at the last minute?"

"I have a better idea. Why don't we replace it with a replica? I can make the switch in the crown room the night before. Then they would never have the real one." Arabelle suggested.

"You know, that's not a bad idea. Where would we get the replica without causing suspicion, though?" Flynn asked.

"Actually," Arabelle responded. "A bunch of replicas are made and sold every year on our birthday. Some are better than others. I have one in my room. It's better than worrying about losing the original."

"That's a great idea. So, when would you want to make the switch, Arabelle?" Eugene asked.

"Well, my parents are so busy with organizing the lantern festival for my birthday, that I could make the switch any time before the festival happens. Do you know when you plan to take it?"

"Well," Flynn said. "I don't think the Stabbingtons are going to wait much longer. And if your parents are as distracted as you say they are, it might be best to do it while they are at their busiest. So maybe the day before your birthday – they will still be planning everything so they will be too busy to notice the switch to a replica crown. Then when the Stabbingtons get it, they will just have a fake one."

"That close to my birthday, Flynn? Are you sure that is a good idea?"

"Honestly, I would rather not do it at all, but I don't think that will be an option, and I want to get these guys gone as soon as possible. So, yeah, while it could be bad for your parents to lose her crown the day before your birthday, or at least think they lose it, it's better to get it over with."

"I see your point," Arabelle responded. "I can make the switch two days before my birthday. Then you can 'steal' the crown and give it to the Stabbingtons as soon as it's done."

"Ok, so we have a plan. Anything else we need to know before we do this, Arabelle?" Eugene asked.

"I think that's it, guys. I will let you know if there is any trouble making the switch."

"You better get back to the palace before someone notices you're gone." Eugene stated.

"Uh, yeah, Princess. I better walk you back. Come on. Let's go." Now that they had a plan, Flynn was eager to get Arabelle away from any possible danger.