A/N: You're in the great game now.

Corrected lines from Ch7, changed from 3 months each to 6 months each:

"If she says yes, then in six months we'll have a joint coronation. Another six and you'll be married."


Chapter 8: Tangled vs The Push Mix

playlist on YouTube Ch8: Tangled vs The Push Mix (Broken Dreams)


While Rapunzel struggled to get the crown to stay in place, in a way where she still liked how her hair looked around it, another knock came at her open doorway. With a huff and groan, she tore it off and set it back on the dresser yet again. She turned around to see her mother standing there, admiring her efforts.

"Oh! Mom," she startled, "I'm sorry I was gonna be right down but I couldn't get this thing to-"

The Queen held a hand up as she chuckled. "It's quite alright, Sweetie. I was planning on meeting you here to walk down together." Her other hand remained behind her back.

"Oh, okay," she chuckled back more easily, though she still gestured back to the crown. "I couldn't get it to sit right, though."

"Oh you don't need to actually wear it all the time," she smiled.

"I know, but, well, I just figured it might be nice to, for this…" Rapunzel shrugged. Since I may not have a chance to much longer, you'll at least get to see me in it now…

"Well," the Queen pursed her smile, and sauntered over to her side as she produced a small flat square box from behind her back. "I have another idea though..."

Rapunzel gasped, grin flying right up. Despite recognizing she was suspicious of gifts, she was not able to help how so many recently had instantly lifted her spirits. In the past few days, each and every thing given to her was to help her feel more at ease either in the castle, or with her family, or just being out in the world in general. Which she supposed was the same thing that had been done to keep her happy in the tower, but these things were indeed helpful, the new places were daunting, and these givers actually truly loved her.

"I've brought you a little something that you probably can't wear at the same time as your crown anyway." She presented it to her.

"What is it?" Rapunzel wondered out loud to her as she graciously took it and lifted the lid off. Inside was nestled the clear likeness of a butterfly, made of golden wire and several different brightly colored jewels. "Oh, wow!" she exclaimed, but still wondered with an even greater curiosity now, "It's a butterfly, but, what is it?"

"It's a barrette."

"A barrette?"

"Here," she offered warmly. The Queen plucked the piece out, showed her the clasp, but then swiftly moved to fasten it into her hair. She gathered up the end bits of her swoop, and slipped the bar in below them and the rest of her hair. With it clasped, those ends were finally secured, no longer drooping down over her temple or springing back from behind her ear. They stayed elegantly and effortlessly out of the way.

Rapunzel watched her in the mirror, only twitching once as she realized it was a hair thing, but then again, happily, as she felt the familiar brush of fingers through that area. Slightly different though; she tried to memorize this new feeling of her real mom's slender fingers and nails. She smiled excitedly at her reflection, turning a bit to see it better, then gratefully looked to her mom's reflection. "It's beautiful," she sighed.

The Queen looked at her via the mirror as well. "I had noticed you seemed to have a bit of a stubborn part right there. So? Do you like it, though?"

"Like it?" She wound back and sprang up at her for a hug. "I love it! Thank you!" Asking if I like a gift though? Like, what if I didn't? I do really like this, but it's not like I could say no! Or- I mean? What would they do here, I wonder…

Surprised, she quickly adjusted to hug her daughter back, just as lovingly. "You're welcome! I'm so glad you like it." She released her but held her shoulders as she looked her up and down. "And you look absolutely lovely in this dress!" She switched to take just one of her hands, and twirled her around in a swirl of light green. "Oh I knew you would!"

Rapunzel followed along, giggles bursting out of every bit of her very being. She stepped out away as she twirled, then back in, but continued playing with the way the chiffon skirt swished around one way and then the other. "Thanks!" she chirped, shyly going to bite her lip, but trusting this mom. The one who looked just like her. Who in even just a few days, had filled their time with such heartfelt compliments, that never turned into a backhand.

"Ready to go?"

"Yup!"

Arm in arm, the chuckling duo headed out.


The Queen actually directing her through the halls and explaining how to find her way through the castle was one thing. But when they arrived at the gardens and the patio set up for them, and she took her seat, she realized it was practically the first time her "mother" had ever taken her somewhere - besides the circle they had walked around that first day here. And as for this mother, it was more lovely quality time with just the two of them.

"So, uhhh, Mom," Rapunzel beamed, "What did you wanna, talk about, I guess?"

"Well, your future…" She settled in with placing her napkin on her lap and arranging her tea cup and plates and silverware. "All of our futures, actually."

Rapunzel's spirit tumbled. She tensed, gripping her chiffon skirt in her lap. Great. I have to tell her I don't wanna stay - but...

"So, these past few days, your father and I have been talking a great deal, and-"

"He said I didn't have to," she blurted. "I mean- I'm sorry-"

The Queen was surprised at being cut off, and the possible decision already, but graciously just smiled at her. "It's alright, and, I know you don't have to, of course. But, is that what you really want?"

She cringed. "I- I'm sorry, but, yes. I want to… refuse."

The Queen studied her carefully, her smile turning so soft. "I see."

"And that'sss… okay with you?" she ventured a guess.

"Sweetheart, being a princess- being the Crown Princess, and becoming Queen one day, is a real job. We completely understand you weren't expecting this, that it's all so new to you, and if it's not something that you really want, then your heart wouldn't be in it. Quite honestly, everyone would be worse off for that, especially you. Your father and I certainly don't want you to be miserable."

Rapunzel fidgeted her hands around, tensing at the end, but remembered there should be no turnaround after that anymore. She laughed at herself a little for it. "I know, but, I guess I'm just, surprised, is all. That you're actually, giving me the choice? But I suppose…" If I don't have Eugene to go with, what's the alternative? "What happens when I refuse? I mean, ever since I first told Eugene that I was the Lost Princess, and he tried to explain to me what that meant, I've thought that I would just, meet you two, but then…" Her twisting hands finally opened out in front of her as she shrugged, trying to play it off as cute. "Leave? Because I mean, if I'm not Princess then…?"

The Queen was shocked for a moment, but then chuckled. "Oh, Baby, you'll always be our daughter, whether you accept the title and position of Princess or not. We will always support you, no matter what you choose. You'll still live with us- that is, I suppose, unless you don't even want that?" Her brow furrowed with the unforeseen turn.

"Oh, well… I don't know then…" Rapunzel's mouth contorted in thought. I'm still so… at war with myself!? "And… Actually?" She perked up, ghosting her hand over her ear, in the habit of expecting her hair to fall in her eye just then, but the barrette had held it back. "I don't even really understand what that 'job' would entail?" If I don't have anywhere else to go, then maybe I might as well? Just to see… Maybe?

"Well!" The Queen finally took a deep, elated breath, pleased to finally get to the actual topics she wanted to discuss. "It's not all just about looking pretty in the crown or fancy dresses. Though, presentation is certainly part of ruling, it's only one part. It also, may not always be that much of a fairytale." She gave a quick, reserved but hopeful, smile. "It's, running the kingdom, and all that comes with that. From foreign relations, to internal affairs. Defending it, and seeing it prosper. But don't worry, you'll have tutors and your father and I to teach you everything you need to know and show you the ropes, long before you ever have to step up yourself. There is a lot, but your interests are already so varied and you're so smart, I have absolutely no doubt that you could do it."

I'll mess up- She cringed again. "I guess at least part of it is, I'm… scared. That I'll mess everything up and let everyone down…"

"No," she protested sweetly, "We all have faith in you. And you still have plenty of time to learn."

Rapunzel blushed, completely flustered. Uncomfortable accepting the compliments, she subconsciously looked for any reason to counter. Yes, the wanted thief, I'm so proud. "I'm not sure I've made the, best decisions up til now…" At least not ones that parents would be 'proud' of…

The Queen tilted her head. "Why do you say that?"

"Well, I mean, Eugene was a thief, so, I'm sure you can't be that proud of the first friend I made out here, even if he's not so bad after all. Or the rest of my friends from The Snuggly Duckling." She scrunched her shoulders up. "From everything I've seen so far- I mean, as friendly as they are- criminals are pretty much supposed to be the opposite of royalty, aren't they?"

The Queen's expression had fallen to serious, and close to disheartened. "Sweetheart, we are very proud of you and Eugene making your way back to us."

"But he-" stole the-

"You had better judgement in him than a black and white law system."

She bit her lip, thinking about how much of her being here had hinged on him not being hanged. But why does my heart hurt because of him now? Meekly, she offered back, "I guess…"

"Rapunzel," the Queen sighed as her own eyes fell to her lap. "I can't help but think-..." she sighed again, searching her eyes. "Sweetheart, are these things she said to you?"

Rapunzel shot back straight in her seat, frozen from the accusation. "I-..." She lost her nerve for eye contact, suddenly realizing her mother did seem to have pinned that all correctly. Embarrassed to admit it, though, she mumbled, "I don't know…"

"Because I know the girl from the story you've told us was very brave, and adventurous, and courageous, and downright irrepressible."

Rapunzel practically scoffed and shook her head. "If I was courageous I wouldn't be so scared…" Courageous during the lanterns, to give him back the satchel- and any other time with him- but right here and now? "I'm terrified…" Again… Is this really a Dream we have to give up on?

"You know, I once heard, 'Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.'"

"But I didn't even know I was a princess until a few days ago! I- I don't even know my way around the castle. My fear is- so much more real- I've seen what happens when I fail people- I mean, there's so much I really just can't do - you've seen by now. When we even first came in for lunch that first day, even Eugene was showing me how to- like- Little things like this!" Her attention darted around, as she suddenly realized she had missed doing the thing again. She snatched up her napkin and laid it out over her lap. "See?! I-" won't survive - No! You were wrong about the world, and you were wrong about me! She slouched in her seat and dropped her face to her hands. "I'm sorry, I'm just not used to being able to do anything, so when something feels overwhelming, I guess I just go back to assuming I can't do it…"

"Oh, Rapunzel…" The Queen had been watching her inner turmoil play out with great concern. "You've already made it so far, and it looks like you've been proving yourself so well so far. Just yesterday, you told us how you actually lassoed that man escaping!"

"He still got the best of me, then I needed help again-"

"You still were vital to stopping him!"

She crossed her arms in a huff, off track. "Yeah, then the Captain let him get away…"

"Anyway," the Queen smiled, "Anything else you need help with, we'll gladly show you. We understand, and it's okay. Like you just said, even Eugene is always so considerate and helpful." Her grin grew at that.

She pouted to the side. "But I shouldn't have to need all this help."

"Baby, it's not your fault," she urged. "Everyone needs help sometime or other. But there's so many other things you do already know and are so good at! You're doing just fine, Sweetheart, please. Just relax, and, especially for now, enjoy yourself getting comfortable and settled in here. You don't have to make any decisions just yet."

She took a deep breath, sighed, and indeed tried to relax. "I just don't even know if this is who I was really meant to be… Like, why me? Maybe- maybe everything that's happened- maybe I was never, really, destined to be princess, ya know? Maybe?" She added a pleading look, practically begging to be proven a failure.

"Well, we think you'd make a very fine princess," she desperately tried to soothe back. "You're so smart, Dear, and oh! We'll teach you history, languages, foreign policy, economics, art-"

"Art?" she perked up, unexpectedly but excitedly latching onto that one. "Wait, teach me art?"

"Yes," she chuckled, "Though I know you are already quite the self-taught artist, I'm sure art history would interest you as well. And, as princess, ultimately someday, it would be you who would be in turn helping the kingdom. I doubt you could ever mess anything up. But, only you can decide what is right for you."

Rapunzel felt the warming touch on her heart, melting into the compliments, out here in the fresh air, in this surprisingly pleasant exchange. As nerve wracking as the topics were, the area her mother had set up was the most calming and splendid place to work through the difficult issues. "Well," she nodded, "Thank you, and, I guess…" She smiled and curled her bottom lip in. "I don't know, but maybe I am still thinking about it?" I could be the one to help people? Like… a new gift… A smile tugged at her. Even if it's without Eugene, I could have this, well, POWER?! To help people?! That I was born for! That smile lit up fully.


Eugene could not stop from goading Max a little too much.

The horse, even with that mind of his own, continually ended up outpacing the King beside him. He kept having to hold back a step or two.

Eventually the King could not hold back his laughter, "Eugene."

"Sir?"

He motioned with his chin. "Go on ahead."

His goofy crooked grin burst out. "Thank you Sir!" Although, it turned devilish as he leaned down to Max's ear. "Hey Max, you remember how fast you got me to the tower?"

Max gave a tiny whinney of acknowledgement.

"Think you could beat that record?"

Max snorted, accepting the challenge.

"HahHAH, yeah buddy!" Eugene held on tight as he was whipped back when Max took off like a shot.


"Alright then. Speaking of Eugene, though," the Queen grinned cheekily, "Has he told you anything about the Southern Isles?"

At the mention of Eugene, she coughed on her tea a little, startled and uneasy thinking about him right now. But perhaps it was better to get the focus off of herself. "Um, no, he hasn't. Why?"

"To be quite frank, they are part of the reason, or perhaps the whole reason, that we are so anxious to get certain plans settled as soon as possible."

She chuckled awkwardly, "I thought you just said I could take my time?"

"You can," the Queen chuckled back. "It's just, a whole thing. Don't worry about timing right now." She waved it away.

"Oka-a-ay…? Well, I mean, I'd love to help, but…" She sighed, looking back toward the castle, and the side road that led back to town, and beyond, the way back out to the woods; the way he had gone this morning, but should also hopefully return. The way he would leave forever tomorrow. She turned back to her mother: sweet, so reassuring, supportive, so loving. "Me? All alone, being in charge of all these people? You've gotta understand how much that sounds like, still. I think I'd like to try and see if I can, but-"

"Sweetheart, you won't be alone. You'll still have your father and I for many, many, more years. We have advisors, and staff, the guards, and, someday," she said slowly, sure to keep her gaze on the plate of cookies as her smile pinched her cheeks, "You'll marry, and have a husband by your side."

Rapunzel froze, the worst yet, staring deep into her tea. Marry… She saw again, Eugene, smiling, holding her hand, down on one knee, mouthing those words and more. She saw too, him pinned on the couch beneath her, saddened, scolding her as the only heir. Then, she lying beneath him: 'Princes marry Princesses.' She cleared her throat. "Do I have to marry a prince?"

"Well," the Queen tried to stifle that smile, "It's a little more complicated than that, but basically, in order to someday become Queen, yes."

She bit her lip. If they need me- and he's set on leaving and wants me to stay- I don't know, maybe it really will be best…? "And who would that be?"

"Ah, within our own realm, there are four unmarried princes from the Southern Isles, but at the present moment, I'm afraid that's all that are really eligible. Another one has his own throne to worry about, so he could not very well come here to rule beside you. Anyone else would be from another realm. Although, hm-mm," her cheeks at last pinched adoringly, "Our very youngest would-be-eligible prince is only seven years old, oh but such a cute precocious little boy!"

As Rapunzel thought on it, she was taken aback. "Wait, but, the Southern Isles, that's the place that- Isn't that who Eugene stole my crown for?"

She nodded carefully, now very uneasy. "Yes. So far, between their King and the other nine princes, they have been expanding their territory, both through marriages and more hostile takeovers, or outright war."

Rapunzel gulped. "And they want to take over Corona?"

The Queen nodded again. "We're a prosperous port kingdom, and we have been vulnerable all these years without an heir apparent. Had Eugene delivered them your crown, well, I'm afraid they would have extorted us to either pay an exorbitant ransom, or surrender and appoint one of them as our heir."

"But now you- I- well, we, have the crown back, but- oh." Marriages… "They- wait," her face quirked up and her nose scrunched. "If I marry one of them, then won't that be almost the same thing?"

She sighed. "Unfortunately. Surely they would still see it more as an annexation or conquest rather than an alliance, but, yes, it would still make one of them King, just like if we had been forced to appoint one of them. However, we believe it would be slightly better to still have you on the throne as well, to keep a tie to our own royal bloodline."

Rapunzel stared around at the various china and accoutrements, trying to figure it all out like a puzzle she did not have all the pieces to. 'You are a quick one… That's just because you've never even kissed anyone before.' She frowned. The logistics they were debating now seemed cold and hard, not like the dreamy romance she had spent these past few days floating through. But I haven't even met them… Well, out of four, maybe I will like one! And I should do this, for my parents, for this whole beautiful kingdom! She looked back up to her mother, determined this time. "How would this work?"

A flash of dismay fleeted over the Queen. "Well, we'd invite them to your homecoming celebration."

Eugene won't even be here for that… She stared into the table.

"You'd get to meet them."

...she remembered tilting the chair forward, the split second of mutual amazed awe, before they both stubbornly scowled.

"And dance with them."

...she reached for him, but his position sent him the other direction; but was that disappointment on his face?

"And just get to know them."

...the fire's warm glow over his soft smile and gentle eyes, all focused on her.

"And you know, just see where things go."

...they were screaming at each other, shoving the crown back and forth between them, as she pushed him out.

Rapunzel licked her lips and took a shaky deep breath, looking around again.

"If you decide to choose one of them, then you'll be engaged, which-"

"What?" She finally looked up again, confused.

"'Engaged?'"

"Yeah."

The Queen's tensely gracious smile actually relaxed and brightened at getting to be the one to teach her something. "That's what it's called once two people decide they are going to get married. Then the period between that, and the wedding, is the engagement. And the wedding is, a ceremony, and party, where you two will say your vows, and that is the start of the marriage."

"What vows?"

She took a deep breath. "They're promises, that you will only ever, be, with that one person. That you'll always, love, cherish, and honor one another."

Rapunzel stared back into the table. 'B-but... I promise. I will never leave you… That's my New Dream.'

"So far, we were planning to have any possible wedding around your next birthday," she smiled, excited already. But when she looked closely at her daughter, her melancholy had only worsened. "Rapunzel?"

She snapped back to her mom.

"Sweetheart," the Queen worried at her, "You're thinking about him, aren't you?"

"What-" she sat back in her seat and started waving her hands in defense. "No, no no no no!"

"It's alright," she chuckled. "You two were never as inconspicuous as you may think."

She sighed. "Yeah, Dad told me that he knew, so I guess he told you? Besides, it doesn't matter anymore anyway. He's leaving tomorrow."

"Oh," she said sadly, startled at the news. "I'm… I'm so sorry, Rapunzel. I thought… Well I thought you two…" she trailed off.

"That we what?"

"I mean, weren't you?"

Rapunzel tilted her head down to the side, still awaiting an explanation.

The Queen merely took a deep breath and sighed in exasperation.

She sighed. "Mom, I'm... confused. And I'm still learning how to deal with other people. I can't make him stay, and I don't understand what you're asking."

"Alright, well, why is he leaving?"

Rapunzel pouted. "Because he… The investigation's ended, and there's nothing else for him to do, and he…" Deep breath. "Because he wants me to be princess, so he's… leaving. And he doesn't want me to go with him."

The Queen frowned, and looked away. She took a long drink from her tea, then shakily put it down. She took a deep breath herself and cleared her throat. Still avoiding her eyes, she rambled quietly, "I thought perhaps I could just ask him about this today, but then I suppose if I don't get the chance, and really," she nodded towards her with narrowed eyes, "I should ask you directly, too, anyway…" Another sigh.

While Rapunzel watched her try to collect her thoughts, she nibbled on a cookie. Nervous, but desperately trying to look nonchalant.

"Rapunzel," she finally met her eyes with a smile, "What do you know about marriage?"

She coughed abruptly, blindsided. After a hard clear of her throat and a drink of water, she chuckled nervously. "Uhhh, well, I did kind of have an idea of what it basically was, but I thought it was more of a bad thing. But between what he's told me, and the couples I saw around the kingdom, and then you and Dad, it looks more like it's just... wonderful!" she sighed. "Like," her gaze drifted away wistfully, as if his smiling face were right in front of her, and she smiled back. "Getting to stay with your best friend forever, and... " She blushed, "Have a family with them."

The Queen watched her with a dreamy look of her own. "And you wanted that?"

Rapunzel instantly got choked up; the vision disappeared. She merely bit her lips and nodded. But soon she shook her head. "But if he wants to leave me here, so easily," she scoffed, "Maybe it's for the best…"

The Queen nodded to the side in concession of the point. After Rapunzel collected herself, and another moment of silence, she gently began again. "Sweetheart, I'm sorry, but now I feel I must ask…" Before they even had a chance to try to meet eyes again, she continued. "What all have you two done?"

Rapunzel blanched again. What.

"I mean, did he-" she sighed, "I had hoped he wasn't just-"

"Mom," she interrupted with scandalized disbelief, both embarrassed and anxious about the whole topic. I can't tell her! It does feel like it'd be too weird, and he did even tell me not to! Oh please don't force it out of me!

"Rapunzel, I'm sorry, but you've already spent quite a few nights with him, and if he's leaving so soon-"

"Mom, what do you think he did?" she asked, suddenly confused.

She did lower her voice to a whisper, and looked greatly pained herself to speak. "Did you two have sex- I mean is that why he's suddenly leaving-"

Her heart dropped to her stomach and she was pretty sure she was about to throw it up. "MOM!" she cried out, but then just hid her face in her hands. -and why would that make him leave? -is this normal? I can't imagine talking with her about any of that stuff!

"I'm sorry- I'm sorry-" The Queen flailed her hands about her, at a loss. She looked back and forth quickly, then just jumped from her seat, alarming Rapunzel more, but she merely stepped around the table and came to kneel at her daughter's lap. She reached to rub her arm. "Rapunzel, Sweetie, you had said you were fine staying with him, and we trusted the two of you to-" She shook her head. "I mean, if you did, we believed you loved each other. That is if you- Do you even know what it is-"

Rapunzel stared down at her with more frayed nerves than ever, simultaneously freaking out from these distressful thoughts of Eugene, and the maternal confrontation. She shook her head clear, unsure what to even argue. "Yes, I know what it is, but we- No, we didn't- But we do love each other! But- but why would that make him leave?"

The Queen sighed in relief, then sadly explained, "Sometimes, that may be the only, or at least the main reason, why a boy, or man, says or does certain things. Once they get a girl to… give it to them, they leave as fast as they can, onto the next one- because they may feel it's more about the power, so it's just a conquest to them. They'll try to accumulate as many different girls as they can." Realizing the slight tangent, she waved her hand to dismiss the digression. "But anyway-"

'Out of how many?' 'A lot!' … 'Give it to him, that's how fast he'll leave you!' "B-but- he- he wouldn't-" With a thousand yard stare, she merely repeated her words from the shore.

The Queen scrambled to hold her hand. "Oh, Sweetie, I didn't mean it as a definite accusation of him, just a possibility I feared."

Rapunzel tried to regain her breathing. But if he knows I want to have sex tonight- did he expect that and that's part of why he's done all that so far- and why he's leaving so soon? - No, he didn't abandon me before. And this time is just 'cause of the princess stuff. And besides- 'give it to him?' I want it from him, too!

"Rapunzel?" She ran her thumb over her hand she held. "What are you thinking, Sweetheart?"

'I'll take what I can get while I can.' Her mouth had gone dry, but she pressed on, desperate to break this cycle her mind was spiraling down. "Gothel told me the same thing about him and the crown. So I did. And then he did leave- but just to get rid of it, he said…" 'I'm scared to lose you, too.' All of his loving declarations haunted her. 'I'm yours.'

She nodded. "But he did come back for you." She smiled and cupped her cheek. "Part of 'Flynn Rider's' reputation was, all those women, whatever he really thought of them- i-if he told you?"

She managed a tiny smile. "He did tell me."

"Alright, well, points for honesty," she smirked back. "But then giving his life for you? And what I've seen in these past few days, plus he clearly never pressured you into doing that? Baby," she beamed, "I do believe he loves you."

Rapunzel choked up hearing her mother tell his side of the story so sympathetically. "I know- I know he does love me- so why does he want me to stay where I can't have him?!" She threw her fists out on the table. "I'm sorry- but I don't know," she shook her head, "I just don't know. I don't know if he's caught between Flynn and Eugene, I don't know if I misjudged who he was verus who he is now- or who he's trying to be- but, he wouldn't've… chosen to die, if he didn't love me somehow. I know I said he listens to me, but he did talk me into coming back once I told him I was the princess. I just didn't want you to, try to hang him again, but he insisted. But otherwise he does listen to me, so well, and he's so caring… If the- Sssouthern Isles! is going to get power here anyway, why can't I just go with him?!"

"You can! Rapunzel, if you don't think you can handle this, or if you really don't want it-"

"But he wants me to stay, so whyyy…?!" She balled her fists up in front of her face. "And I can't make him stay with me, either here or anywhere else!"

The Queen's gaze fell, she herself finally realizing both those options had apparently already been taken off the table by the man himself. It saddened her, and not only for her daughter's sake. "Rapunzel," she glanced down, "If you're right about his, decision, then the question is all about you, and only you. And you know, it, may not be the most prudent thing timewise, and I know we said we want to start making plans, but you could always just wait entirely, whether you meet any of those princes or not. You do not need to make a final decision for a long time yet, but, what is it you feel you might want to do?"

One way or another, he's leaving, without me… She sucked in a big sniffly breath, then settled down. "No. Ya know what? I can do this. I have already done so much that I never thought I could. I love keeping busy. I'm still getting used to it, but I love people. I adore every little thing I saw around the kingdom on my birthday. So if there's a purpose here only I can fulfill, then I want to do that. I want to help. This kingdom already seems so amazing, but I wanna make people's lives better and brighter. I wanna…" Let your power shine. She scoffed a little giggle at herself. "I wanna let my power shine…"

The Queen beamed at her, then reached up for a hug that Rapunzel dove into. "What an amazing princess already," she rubbed her back, "You'll be wonderful."

Rapunzel squeezed her tight, and revelled in staying in the hug as long as she wanted, until she actually felt better from it. She sat back up, fully collecting herself. "And who knows, you said there's four of them, right?" She shrugged. "Maybe I will like one of them even better. He…" She sighed, "He really is only the first man I've met and I know it's only been a few days…" She understood the concerns of this logic a lot better now. Whoever she married would have absolute power, the same as her, or possibly more. That, she would decide who to give it to. And yet, her heart ached, like it had cracked, and would continue spilling out til it was empty… The one man I would hope I could trust with all that… I can't…

The Queen did not look nearly as happy as she had started off tea with, but still smiled through her own strange sadness.

"So," Rapunzel held her head up high, "What's my first thing to do as Princess?"


Max thundered into town, flying straight up the main road to the front of the castle.

Eugene could not help but laugh, in exuberant relief and disbelief, at the difference from a few days ago. The guards had long ago been informed of his status change to free man and hero. Now he cackled like a child; Anyone lucky enough to spy me this time is watching history in the making, again! I'm gonna get up there, and- one way or another, she's gonna get ME! This arrival, unlike previous days, felt like coming home.

He hopped off at the front door, and, too excitedly, grabbed the guard there by his shirt. "Where's the princess?!"

The confused guard merely cowered, silent as the grave, clueless as to the reason behind the demand from the man he knew to only be a guest.

"Urgh," Eugene shoved him away in anxious frustration. He barged through the door himself, determined to search every inch of the castle and its grounds, til he found the girl he had last left begging to be his bride. I can't wait to tell her! The girl who had since, remarkably, come into her own.


Rapunzel and the Queen finished with tea, then began pouring over a pile of mismatched papers inside a leather folder; plans for her Homecoming Celebration.

The list of foods made her mouth water even though she was already full. Every festivity sounded so interesting, and the ceremony plan was slowly warming her heart, wrapping its pain in better, more fuzzy feelings of anticipation.

"Lanterns during the da-" She cut herself off, hearing the faintest calling of her name. Eugene? She looked all around, but saw nothing and no one yet.

The Queen noticed. "What's the matter?"

"I thought I heard-"

"Rapunzel!" Sure enough, Eugene's voice carried over to them faintly.

"Oh," the Queen tittered.

Rapunzel glanced at her, but continued turning in her seat, scanning the grounds. I suppose I don't need to worry about him not coming back now, but why is he back so soon?! "That's Eugene," she explained in case it was necessary, "I hope everything's okay?"

"Rapunzel!" His voice came a little clearer, as well as his tone.

"It certainly sounds like everything is 'okay,'" the Queen slyly mused, hiding her face in her teacup, suddenly looking joyfully amused again.

Rapunzel quirked another look at her, then looked back towards the castle - just in time to see Eugene's head appear over the first terrace's ledge, moving fast.

"RAPUNZEL!" He no longer sounded muffled, and by the end, had spotted their table below. Everything I've been looking for-! "RAPUNZEL!" he yelled again, this time with recognition, still running. He did not slow down.

Confused and concerned, Rapunzel watched him racing towards them faster than she thought she had ever seen him run. The Queen watched as well, but openly laughed.

"RAPUNZEL!" he yelled yet again, the lark in his voice most evident. He leaped and bounded down the hill, barely able to keep up with his own legs against gravity.

"Eugene?" she called quizzically. She stood from her seat and unexpectedly stepped away from the table, right into his path.

"RAPUNZ- Oohp shi-!" Going more than full speed downhill, it was impossible to stop, and there was no chance for Eugene to change course and avoid her. In a blur, he collided right into her, and they both toppled over, through the small decorative bush lining the patio, and continued on down the hill to the next level. Rolling one over the other on their sides, they both screamed but held on tight to whatever they had grabbed of each other, as their screams turned into laughter. At the bottom of the hill, they finally came to a stop in the grass, on flat ground again, nearby a large tree. This other area was surrounded by its own hedging, before the elevation dropped back down yet again. Being the heavier side, they had stopped with Eugene on his back, but he pushed them one more half rotation so he knelt over her.

Both still laughing, Eugene immediately sat up and scooted off of Rapunzel, pulling her hands with him so she sat up as well.

With their vision still spinny from the dizzying tumble and all their laughing, Eugene, absolutely giddy, suddenly yelled at the top of his lungs again, now only an arm's length away. "YES!"

"Wh- what?!" Rapunzel leaned away from the loudness but laughed all the harder. Whatever frustration and confusion from before got pushed behind his beautiful face as soon as she had gotten to lay eyes on him again. "Eugene! What are you doing here?"

"Rapunzel! YES!" he merely repeated, gasping out of breath. He had run all the way up to her room, before remembering she was to be with her mother today, and then tried every place inside he could think of to look for them. Only lastly did he try outside here.

"Yes what?!" sheyelled back, still laughing at his ridiculousness.

"I'll marry you!" He tugged on her hands excitedly. "You've been asking!"

"Wha…" Finally her laughter died. Blood ran cold and her paling face hung open as she gaped at him, trying to find his eyes, which she quickly did, not that it helped. He was smiling too wide and his eyes were frantic and the whole energy about him was too much. She bounced his hands back to focus his attention. "Eugene! What are you saying?" Don't get my hope back up- don't!

"Your dad!" he cried out, feeling the rest of his emotions catch up to him. Oh God! You! Us! I can't believe it!

"My dad?" she gasped, still not putting it all together. What about him now?

"Your dad, he seh-" We can stay like this-! That emotion choked him unexpectedly and his eyes watered, while he was still trying to catch his breath.

"What did he say?!" she yanked on his hands, urgently worried, given his state.

"He said we could! There's more than that, really," he rolled his hands around in the air. "But! Rapunzel!" He grabbed at her face, crazy ecstatic joy buzzing about his own. "We can STAY!"

The theoretical pathway she thought he was so thrilled about, was no longer the same one she was looking to head down. "Eugene?" Don't… Don't get my hopes up - Don't make this any harder!

Overwhelmed by the news, the run, and now her, he finally realized how spent he was. He leaned on her arms as he wavered where he sat. "Ho on... Lemme catch my…"

My dad said I could not accept- then I could marry him- Is Eugene just assuming I'm gonna not accept and marry him now? I thought he didn't want that?! She let go of one of his arms and grabbed at his cheek; he wobbled on the side she left, but nonetheless dropped his face into her palm instead. That smooth cheek, so full of life right now. Her brow still furrowed. I don't know- if I could ever let you leave my heart… "He told me before, too, but..."

He nodded roughly, still heaving with each great breath.

Rapunzel stared at him incredulously: a happy mess in her arms. You thought you could force me to stay, now you think I'll still go? "But you said you wanted to leave tomorrow! And my mom and I were just talking-"

"Rapunzel," he gasped again, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry about this morning, and every other time, and just, I'm sorry for being a pessimist in general. But I never expected this! I've never had anything work out like this before!"

Rapunzel was shaking her head. "Work out like what!" she cried out, getting more upset instead. "My dad said I didn't have to accept being Princess, yeah- but I- you don't know- maybe I do want to!" If the whole kingdom is relying on me, and I have help, and if he was so quick to wanna quit and leave-! Then I probably AM better off staying!

Oh, now suddenly you do? Make up your mind! He laughed at her, a little more than intended as he was just getting his breath back. "That's fine, but, I know. Your dad told me you wanted to abdicate for me. He said he'd be fine with you doing that-"

"Yeah!" she snapped angrily. "I DID say that, but YOU don't want that, and my mom was just explaining more to me, and I'm the only one who could make a difference here so- so now I do wanna stay! I- I actually DON'T wanna leave!"

"Blondie," he grinned wildly still, roughly shaking his head, and cupped her cheek, "I'm not gonna fight you." 'Cause whatever you choose, I win!

"Well I-..." ...do wanna fight… But she bit her lip with better judgement, though her heart still hurt. She shook her head, confusion and anger finally shooting out. "I DO want to be princess now!"

Eugene happily smirked at her. "Wel-"

"We're going over the plans for my Homecoming Celebration and there's gonna be princes there for me to meet and it's gonna be wonderful and you- you can be off who knows where!" It was a terrible brew that just ended up tasting hurt.

As he watched and listened to her whining tirade, Eugene's face flipped and his grip on her arm tightened. "Wait- wait, no… PrincES? But- I do! I DO wanna be there! I HAVE WANTED to be there, I just thought I shouldn't! But now-!" He gulped. No… No, this wasn't part of the plan!?

"'Now?'" she threw back at him in disbelief. "Now I know what's at stake!"

"S-so, do you…" His head spun. He could physically breathe again, but now he was not so sure he remembered how his lungs worked. She wants… one of them? Calling himself a prince yet felt too presumptuous, too awkward and odd. And he could not deny that the prospect of the title was daunting, how it frightened him. But if he had her, he had thought he could handle it. Without her, it did not even matter what he thought of it. He would get nothing.

"I don't even know if I still want tonight…" She looked away, not even allowing him the courtesy of her having to witness the rejection take hold in him. Best to just tell him everything now. I don't want anymore 'wonderful' things that I'm just going to miss come tomorrow and for the rest of my life!

His eyes widened at her, finally fully at attention, and alarm, mouth going slack. "Buh…" He licked his lips and shook his head. That's not what matters here! "Blondie, don't you still- Or I guess, would you still- want me? Or do you want… one of them…" No- No No NO! He could practically feel the sand slipping right through his fingers. Beautiful, smooth, sunny Coronan sand, who sounded like she was about to mix with the rough black gravel of those godforsaken islands. And there would be no way he could ever sift it back apart. He clenched his jaw to keep it from trembling.

She refused to look at him. She pouted to the grass, shaky herself, trying to remain firm in her decision. But the hurt tinged her voice with vengeance. "I told my mom I wanted to meet them."

"But Blondie," he whined back, not caring how petulant he sounded. Truly, he felt like a pathetic child again, about to lose the only person in the world who cared about him. He tugged on her arm, leaning far over to try to find her eyes. I'm fighting for my life here! "I could- I could be that for you! I could do it, I swear!" He tried to take a shuddering breath, tried to shake his head clear. "I just wanna stay with you. If you still wanna meet them, fine, but, at least- at least give me a chance, too! I'm sorry about this morning, really, I am! I'll do anything! Just gimme one chance- pleeease!"

She whipped her arm away; his retreated to his lap. "No," she whimpered, finally giving him her gaze back, but it was accusatory. "I am going to be Princess and take care of my family's kingdom here, like I was born to, like I was always supposed to! Maybe you were destined to find me and bring me back here, but now I'm finally accepting my role here in something greater than myself."

He blanched at her, her ever-spunky brunette chop, flushed freckles still too cute, pouty pink lips so soft, delicate brow with a strong disdain, over green eyes full of determination. He felt a swell of pride at the power he saw growing in her, but also terror at it immediately being wielded against him. You don't want… me? Just say it then. Actually SAY it. Don't just break my heart and leave me with it split in two - you're the one who brought it back in the first place. If you don't want me anymore, I need you to completely obliterate it til I can't feel anything anymore... again. He felt nauseous, glancing away as he tried to compose himself, to no avail. Light headed and filled with fear, he managed to kick the words out. "Tell me you don't want me…" He gulped. "...don't want me to…"

Suddenly her anger cracked, letting the sadness and disappointment take over. "Eugene, please, don't…" Her voice trembled with all those mixed emotions. I could never hate you, but don't make me hurt even more for this decision. You've already made yours! She barely had the air to deny him, let alone the heart.

He licked his lips, mind racing for possible angles to try. "Blondie," he gasped, "I'm desperate here. Tell me, what exactly were you and your mom talking about? What did she tell you?" His voice cracked, "Why would you..."

Anger she could do, though her voice shook, holding back tears. "We were talking about how YOU told me you wanted to give up and quit so easily. We were talking about that if you wanna leave so bad, that you should just leave! Maybe go find another 'conquest' for you to-"

"What?! No- And I don't wanna leave! You kn- I told you that! I thought I should but I don't wanna leave at all now! I wanna stay with you! I just thought it was impossible to get both! Rapunzel…" After the King had struck that wellspring in him, he feared crying again, but he kept it in his chest and sinuses at least. But that one word, that scary, all-important word now, he managed to dislodge from his throat, however wretched he sounded begging for it. "If you wanna stay, and be Princess, then, PLEEEASE-! I wanna stay. Forever. And be your-... Prince."

Rapunzel had been rolling her eyes in pain, but blinked at that last word. "Wait-" She suddenly turned confused. "You- YOU?!" She gasped, trying to hold back that hope that was trying to leap out. "What?" Please!

He deflated and began nodding, hoping this meant relief was coming. "Yes, ME!" he squeaked.

"Is that what my dad said to you? That YOU? Could be a Prince? But how! You said you weren't! And-?!" Her hands flew to her temples. "And my mom just explained everything- at least I thought-" Oh PLEASE!

He nodded throughout her exclamations. "She didn't mention me?" His hope was looking for reasons to be suspicious.

"No, she did! I said- we were talking about you a lot, but I told her you were leaving and so that it didn't matter but..."

Eugene sighed, incredibly, but not yet completely, relieved. "Princess," he stressed, risking thumbing her cheek even as she pouted at him. "Listen to me." His dry throat still burned as he felt his pulse still throbbing from the run, and now this heart attack she was giving him. "Everything's changed. Again. Basically, if you still want, to both marry me, and succeed your father, he'll appoint me Prince. He's the King, he can do that- he'll just sign a paper that makes me Crown Prince of Corona. So that we could be married, and you can remain Princess. And you can have everything you want." He gulped. "At least, everything I thought you wanted…"

Her eyes slowly widened as he spoke, stealing the wind from her own voice, tightening her throat til her voice was a weak but incredulous high pitch. "You're serious?!"

"Yes," he blurted, "That's what I've been trying to tell you! YES!"

She kept sucking in a deep breath til she could not stand it anymore and finally, a truly jubilant laughing grin overtook her. "Appoint you Prince- REALLY?!" She raised a hand delicately to her face in shock as it hit her, all too much at once. Every thought of trying to bear with this Princess decision, resolved to make it on her own - Everything was immediately washed back away with this new surge of their Dream of their future, drowning every other worry. Stronger than the feeble stubbornness of her spite, this Dream was always proving more tenacious and relentless than either of them realized. They knew their own courage and fortitude, but never expected the world to make way for them, no matter how steadfast they were to each other. A mere matter of minutes after trying to clear him out of her life, and he was welled up everywhere again. "Oh my gosh, Eugeeene?! Oh my gosh..." Tears bubbled up, ever undeniably desperate to indeed simply not lose him. "You'll do this with me?!"

Oh thank God… Brow furrowed as deep as it would go, he fought to keep himself under control as he nodded along, counter to her disbeliefs. "I accepted. Now it's just up to you." He ventured to take her hand again, which she eagerly accepted, sparking him to twitch a smile. "B-but even if you don't wanna be Princess, I will stay with you. If you want. I just want you. I love you-"

She sighed with complete relief. Oh forget anything else! "YES!" she suddenly exclaimed as she cut him off, unable to contain her absolutely ecstatic self. Giggly but soggy "yes" after "yes" fluttered out of her with pure rapture, as she bounced up and down where she sat, shaking his arms.

His own joy burst out with a laugh that still sounded like he wanted to cry. Finally set free again with her acceptance, he lunged forward to grab the sides of her head and pull her into a kiss.

This time her own eyes popped with surprise, yet her lips puckered to meet his- but she fell backwards, laughing against his smiling mouth even as he followed. Propped up on his elbows above her, but the rest of his body still only laying beside her otherwise, he finally latched them together correctly. The sweet cut grass poked at and tickled them both; his bangs fell over her temples, shielding her eyes from the bright blue sky directly above. Her hands grabbed his shoulders, then swarmed across his back and into his hair from behind. Deep breaths brought in each other, the fresh dirt, quiet moans, and the intoxicating slow warmth of the day. Like they had never tasted such freedom.

He departed the kiss only to speak, as he rubbed their noses together. "You really still wanna marry me?" he strained.

"Yes," she resumed laughing from giddiness. "I love you, Eugene."

"I love you too," he exclaimed in a giggle. "And, so then, there's a couple more things," his nose circled around hers, "Like I have to defer to you. Do whatever you say." He smirked and stole another kiss.

She giggled and brushed her fingers through his bangs, back into the rest of his hair, though they fell straight back down. "Hmm, I believe you've been doing that all along. Mostly."

"I think with the exception of your hair," he chuckled back as he nodded, "Yes I have. I'm not afraid to say I love a strong woman, and you are simply the most amazing person I've ever met."

More giggles and another kiss later, she replied. "Well, I guess the reason you went ahead and cut my hair was because you knew you couldn't win that argument with this strong woman."

"Exactly," he laughed. "And now I'll never win another argument ever again."

"Oh, you!" She guffawed at him but shoved him off playfully, while she sat up.

He fell over onto his back, laughing too. Can't win if I don't fight you!

She sighed as she smoothed her dress out over her knees before her. Strong…? "Eugene," she asked with a bit of worry again, "Do I depend on you too much?"

"Me?" he repeated, comfortably relaxing in the grass, but nonetheless flabbergasted. "Blondie, you," he laughed, "You're the only reason I'm alive! Who do you think's depending on who?"

She chuckled at his version of the analysis, and relaxed as well. "Alright, well… And I'm sorry I was still so angry. I didn't know you meant you could be Prince, now. I just thought… I thought you must not care about trying to stay together, then I thought you were expecting me to just leave with you, when I'd just changed my mind about being Princess."

He sobered quickly, and rolled over up onto his side, leaning on one elbow, gazing up at her. "Well that was the last thing you told me- that you wanted to leave with me. But, Rapunzel, I've wanted to find a way to just stay with you, in any kind of way, since we were out under the lights and I realized…" He glanced down, picking at fingernails. I can tell her this now. I can tell her anything. He found her gorgeous green eyes again. "I'd been worried all day, but I finally realized I really didn't wanna uphold my end of that deal. Because I was terrified of bringing you back- to the tower- and never seeing you again."

"Really?" she squeaked, adoring him all the more. She bashfully pulled on her knees and rocked around where she sat.

"Of course!" he laughed.

"I," she cringed, "Didn't really wanna go back either, but…" She scoffed at her past self. "Well obviously I was still conflicted, worried about- her. But I did- I wanted to… stay with you..."

"I…" don't wanna talk about her. "I dunno if I'll ever feel like a real Prince. And I've screwed my life up so bad. I've had nothing to offer you - nothing but love, and care, and loyalty. But now I can help you really save your kingdom. And all I need is you."

"And I'll take you, Eugene. Just as you are. But you're right, we can! You- Oh you'd be the best! I didn't really feel like a Princess at all til my mom was going over so many things with me before. But of course I still wish you could be with me in this! Ya know? We make a great team! I just, was hurt that I thought you were gonna leave so easily."

He pouted up at her with pride and joy. "Oh, Honey, it was never gonna be easy. But I'm so sorry, I just never expected your dad to, to pull out all the stops for me. Like, this IS insane. I stole your crown- that's actually treason. Theft may not seem like a big deal, but treason is almost the worst thing you could do." He shook his head out.

She looked at him with confusion and curiosity alight in her face again.

He scoffed. "Alright, well, the thing with the second-worst penalty." Noose is scary enough… He shook his shoulders off, thankful they were never in danger of being detached.

"Guess that's all things I'll be learning about soon," she smiled sheepishly.

"Yeah…" He watched her, unconsciously biting his lip. He had remained impressed by her since they met, yet he found himself unexpectedly saddened by that glimpse of independence she had just shown. "You were really gonna stay, though? And… marry one of them?"

Her frown returned. "Well I thought you were leaving! And you didn't want me to come with you. And I just realized that being princess is something only I could do, to help people, and…" She hesitantly ran her fingers through her short bit of hair, then far out into the air. "If I can't help people with that special gift anymore, I wanna do something."

He could not help but beam at her. "God I'm proud of you," he happily gasped, but then mumbled. "It just hurt hearing that you were suddenly okay with me leaving. I know I'm the one who said I was going to, but," he blushed, "Before, it was nice to know you'd at least miss me."

"I was always gonna miss you!" She giggled shyly, then bent her knees up farther and dropped her head to them but turned towards him, her freckled face blushing. Her heart was back to overflowing, washing away any negative feelings or ideas left at all. "We're, uh," she bit her lip, "We're really gonna get our Dream?" There's been nothing but obstacles in our way…

His face gave way to complete tenderness, an unbelievable reverence of shock. "Yes we are." I know I said it on almost a whim, assuming I didn't stand a chance to live to see it… But God do I want it so bad!

She grinned, but then to stop even the happy tears she felt coming on, she switched to sitting on her knees before him, in no time holding his face in a kiss. "Um, my mom can still see us down here, so, uhhh," she laughed, "We should probably go back and explain."

"She probably does already know. The Captain knew all along, so I'm sure it's something your parents talked about together."

"Yeah, I think she did. She was worried about, some things about you, but I think she likes you."

He shrugged, throwing a hand out toward the sea. "Or at least they like me better than some southerner, just looking for another kingdom to conquer."

Rapunzel picked her head up. "My mom was just telling me about them, but she didn't sound too happy about them really…"

Speaking of which, she mentioned- That means they were talking about… physical things like that… He eyed her up and down. And she thought I-? Later. He sat up in the grass beside her. "'Cause they know you would rather stay with me, so they're betting on me making you happy, so that you can still rule, and keep Corona completely independent, keep your other alliances."

She nodded. "I think I'm starting to get some of this stuff. But I wanna see it all laid out in front of me," she motioned with her hands.

He grinned at her, "We'll go over it all. Soon."

"It all seemed kind of like a puzzle."

"It kinda is, I guess. Like a puzzle with moving parts."

"And I- well, I have been pretty good at puzzles…"

"Well you're really smart."

She blushed, but cringed awkwardly, still uncomfortable with such direct compliments.

"And, Blondie?" He nudged her shoulder with his forehead, then looked up til she met his eyes. "I will make you happy. I promise, I will do whatever… And I'll be the best I can, for all of you."

Staring into his strong brown eyes, looking so bright and hopeful in the sunlight, with a smile of pure admiration, she lost her breath. I was still expecting that to turn into a backhand, a joke… But… Her lips trembled at the genuineness all around her lately. "Yeah…"

"What?" he asked, concerned.

"I- I know you will."

He nodded curtly. "I'll prove they're not wrong for trusting me with this."

She pet his cheek, full of her own admiration. "I know they're not wrong for that…"

He closed his eyes, relishing her delicate touch. "And, I'm sorry I was so harsh this morning. And for yelling back at all. I was just hurt that you were saying I still wanted your crown- and only your crown, but I understand you were just mad and hurt 'cause I said I was gonna leave."

She chuckled nervously. "Yeaaah, Iii… I'm sorry I was yelling about all that stuff, too… I just, yeah, I didn't want you to leave, and I was so upset about everything." She pulled down the sides of her hair, which soon sprang back up as she ran out of length, leaving her hands empty on her shoulders. "Everything's changed so much - but I've wanted you to be at least some kind of constant for me."

"And I will now." He endearingly flicked under her chin. "But, come on," he hopped to his feet and held his hands out to her..

Smiling once more, she took his hands and let him pull her to her feet.

"Let's go save your kingdom."

"By getting married," she giggled, contagiously, and he caught it.

"Yes. As Prince and Princess."

Overwhelmed by the notion all over again, Rapunzel squealed so loud, and leapt up onto him so high and hard; he caught her, and himself, with his back bent all the way back. Still laughing himself, he merely turned it into spinning her around, extending that squeal til she pressed her face to his neck to kiss.

"Ohhh, nuh-uh, no you don't," Eugene humorously chastised as he returned her feet to the ground and pulled her away from his neck. He waggled a finger at her lips. "Sommmebody left me a hickey for her father to see!"

She giggled. "Hickey?"

He pulled his collar aside to show the mark.

She gasped, covering her mouth. "Oh my gosh," she reached out, instantly concerned, "Are you okay?!"

He snickered at her. "Yes, I'm fine. It felt incredible, and your dad and the Captain only laughed at me, so it's no big deal. And," he blushed, "We're… allowed to kiss now… But no more hickeys where everyone can see!"

She resumed her happy giggling and good-humored shaking of her head at him.

"I'd imagine it's quite unbecoming of royalty," he smirked, as he leaned down to kiss her temple.

"Perhaps." She blushed, and took his hand to tangle with hers, then placed her other hand over them, smirking back up at him. "Although I'd imagine evidence of a kiss is quite suitable for a hero."

His admiring gaze journeyed through being touched at such intimate hand holding, all the way to being so flushed he had to tear his eyes away from her just to breathe correctly. Damn how you get to me! Okay, I'll finally admit it… "I guess so." He managed to shyly look at her again, his own cheeks aflame. "But you, too."

As one rejoicing mess, hand in hand, they headed back up the hill.


During their talk, the King had arrived, taking Rapunzel's seat across from the Queen. A servant had added two chairs side by side between them. Rapunzel took the one closest her mom, and Eugene the other, closest the King. Both parental monarchs were expectantly waiting for the explanation they already knew.

"Sorry Mom," she laughed. "And Dad," she blushed at him, for how he had just made all her new dreams come true.

"And, ah," Eugene nervously cringed to the Queen. "Sorry about that oh-so-graceful entrance, Your Majesty." He took Rapunzel's hand again, and rested them on the table together. She beamed at him, and he smiled with the thickest emotions at the King, who calmly and proudly nodded back.

Rapunzel covered their hands with her other, trying to control how ecstatic she was. Eugene smirked at her. They both turned to the King and Queen, and both began to speak at once. "So that was-" "Well we just-" They both laughed at each other.

"May I?" he graciously asked Rapunzel.

She nodded shyly, content to let him start off.

He smiled at her, but it quickly faded. "Your Majesty," he nervously wet his lips as he looked toward the Queen's place setting. He did not dare even raise his eyes to her face, as he feared the worst. Yet, his voice still came out honest, airy, and hurt. "Why didn't you explain to Rapunzel that I could be Prince?" I thought you liked me?

"Oh, Eugene," she sighed sweetly, leaning forward with an apologetic smile, "I just didn't want to get her hopes up, in case you, for some reason, refused. And then," she turned to Rapunzel, "Darling, you were telling me how adamant he seemed this morning about leaving." She took a deep breath and returned to easy cheerfulness, this time successfully locking Eugene's worried eyes in. "Besides, no damage was done over one cup of tea. If you did accept, which we assumed you would, I fully expected you back just as quickly as you did in fact appear." They all chuckled. "On the other hand, if you did not accept, I didn't want her to possibly be all the more upset."

Well, I can take that at face value. "Alright," he meekly accepted, bowing his head and leaning away slightly without further argument. But, do you like me though? He settled into a forced-content smile while he tried to cheer himself up. Hey, so long as Rapunzel-mother-stabbing-me doesn't turn into a trend, I guess I'm fine enough!

"But you said," Rapunzel protested to her mother, "That there were only four princes, all from the Southern Isles, right?"

The Queen smirked. "I said at the current moment there are only four."

The King interjected, with his own smirk. "Eugene's not a prince just yet."

The man in question looked over to her with his lost, but hopeful, puppy dog eyes once more.

Rapunzel could not help but grin at him.

"And Eugene," the Queen interrupted their eye exchange, with the greatest love ringing in her voice and beaming through her smile. "I am so happy to hear you did accept. Seeing how you two are together," she sighed while gaining excitement, "Getting to have both of you here, together, is more than we ever could have dreamed!"

Eugene genuinely warmed back up on her. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he nodded, his voice choked back up with emotion.

"So," the King leaned back in his seat, with a playfully stern smirk, looking back and forth between both of them, "It was obviously Rapunzel who told me you'd already proposed once before."

Eugene's flush quickly returned, lips pursed as he held back giggling like a schoolboy, his crush suddenly revealed.

Rapunzel likewise snickered at him, just as embarrassed to be revealed as spilling the beans. However, she offered to throw him a life line. "After he'd already saved me, but before I told him I was the Lost Princess."

"Yes, ah," Eugene attempted to take it, "And in my defense, she…" He turned to her, chuckling. "Well actually you didn't say 'yes' right away, but you-"

"I wanted to," she chuckled with him.

"And you've been asking me ever since!" He tossed his bangs aside and gave her his most charming smirk. "So now I finally get to say 'Yes.'"

"Yes," she agreed, laughing at his interpretation, and helplessly responding with her own impish smirk.

"Well," the Queen mused, "I suppose sacrificing your life as a start to a romance certainly would produce some strong emotions, and make you realize a lot of things."

"Ahh, heh heh," Eugene nervously laughed, bringing a confused alarm to both parents' faces. "I don't know if I'd exactly call that the start." He smirked over down at Rapunzel.

Rapunzel giggled at her parents, bumping against his shoulder and forehead, stoking his blush further. "Alright, can I tell everyone our story now, for real?"

"'For real?'" the King raised a foreboding brow.

"Sooo, I didn't exactly lie," Eugene rolled his eyes. "But, um," he fiddled with a napkin edge, then resumed staring at Rapunzel, "Clearly I left that entire proposal out. And we just, fell, way before that."

"And that was the absolute BEST birthday ever." She grabbed his arm to hug in remembered excitement.

He smiled crookedly, thrilled to at last allow her there. "And birthday-eve. The day before had its moments, too. But you're welcome, Your Royal Highness." He brought her hands up to kiss, but even after, kept their fingers entangled. "I'm just so glad you had a good time." His dreamy gaze took him over again easily.

She chuckled and nodded at him. "Yeaaah, I should probably start at the beginning."

Eugene rubbed the back of his head and chuckled. "Ehhh… Greeeat..."

Rapunzel laughed at him.

"Yeah, so," Eugene started humbly, "Your Majesties, when I told you our story when we first arrived, I… may have also left out how hard Iiii… was falling in love, from the very beginning."

"And me," Rapunzel added, giddy to pin down and poke at his own vulnerabilities showing. "I saw the way you started looking at me around the campfire." She playfully glared at him with a smirk.

Eugene turned beat red but guffawed at his past self. "Well you just-! What?! You were so cute!" He imitated how she had crossed her legs and propped her chin on her hands, all while he kept giggling, grinning, and exaggeratingly batting his eyes at her.

Rapunzel responded in kind as he had, this time understanding his reaction even better. She leaned away and pffted at him in pleasant surprise.

A deep throat cleared itself across the table, bringing the young couple back to focus.

Eugene shifted to sit up straight with his head tilted down slightly, until he felt a hand on his chin.

Rapunzel was reaching for him just as she leaned over.

When he turned his head, he turned right into meeting her lips. He froze, stunned from the contact, with their company watching them, so close now.

Rapunzel kissed his parted lips chastely herself.

He watched, barely puckering his trembling lips, dumbstruck. We can…

"Rapunzel," the King gently called, startling them both back to Earth. "So what was different?" he asked with an intrigued smirk.

The couple exchanged another in-sync look, giggling at each other.

"Well," Rapunzel began, this time detailing out every little thing she was thinking along the entire story.

Eugene remained engrossed just listening to her entire side of their tale. He gladly sat back and watched, paying close attention, completely gaga and starstruck reliving the same emotions in step with her. Although this time, they of course knew where they ended up sitting this very moment.

Rapunzel took her time, excitedly telling them absolutely everything that came to mind. Her parents graciously listened, rather enjoying her rambling, after seeing how quiet and timid she often tended to be. They ordered lunch to be served in the meantime, so they could all relax and take in the happy day together.

Eugene's only interruptions this time came to voice his own thoughts: how beautiful she was from the moment he laid eyes on her; how impressed he was at her swinging across the canyon; how close he was to kissing her by the campfire, and the rest of his deepening feelings from that moment on…

Each time he did, Rapunzel made sure to pull on his arm and smooch his cheek. His personal revelations spurred her on more and more, as he confirmed and vindicated all that she thought was going on with him. However, she still withheld the part about how she got the satchel back.


After the story, the King and Queen seemed even more pleased with them both.

"Well," the King chuckled, "I certainly see why Eugene said you had a greater hand in saving yourself than even he did."

They both returned the chuckle with honored smiles; both their prides lying in her.

"Now, children?" the Queen smirked, unsure if that was even the appropriate thing to call them together, "We have some gifts for you, since, like we said, we were expecting you would both accept."

"Gifts?" Rapunzel perked up but tensed. "More?" she managed to laugh off.

Eugene noticed and squeezed her hand with a warm glance, then looked back to the Queen and King in turn. "Thank you, Your Majesties. Really, the news is so much already, and just, being here- are you sure?"

The Queen grinned at him. "Well, any ordinary gifts you'd be welcome to refuse, but these I'm afraid we must insist on. Even if you don't wear them, they're yours by rights."

They both quirked looks at her.

"What are 'they?'" Rapunzel asked. Can't refuse?

The Queen waved a servant over, who brought over a silver platter, and removed the cover. Nestled in a gathered Coronan-purple cloth, were revealed three ring boxes, and two thin necklace boxes.

Their eyes widened and they gulped.

The Queen smiled wistfully as she picked up the ring boxes on either side. "These were my Grandparents'."

Eugene licked and bit his lips together. Family heirlooms? FAMILY... HEIRLOOMS. Wow…

"Your… Grandparents'?" Rapunzel repeated.

"My parents' parents, your Great-Grandparents."

Whoa… She nodded, mouth hung open breathlessly.

They each opened the boxes they had been handed, both gasping with dazzling eyes, butterfly-laden stomachs, and pounding hearts.

"It's beautiful," Rapunzel said, although her eyes betrayed a bit of confusion. It looks too big… It was a thick gold band with engravings of suns and a single round yellow diamond like a sun itself.

Eugene looked over at her, lost in his love yet again. "Rapunzel." She looked to him and he took her free hand, then he turned his box around to show her. This time he did not need to think about it or get all worked up. His voice was gentle and delicate, smooth and sure. "Will you marry me?"

A higher-pitched gasp escaped as she looked at the one he held out. It was smaller, thinner, with bright diamonds just like the crystals in her crown that sparkled like several little suns themselves. She looked up to his face; bright brown eyes, a soft smirk, and so full of love. "Yes," she breathed out, squeezing his hand. They both erupted into giggles, but then she turned the box she held toward him. "And will you marry me?"

"Yes," he said in a deep rich gasp of his own, as he was already leaning in for a hug. He did not even glance at the ring; that would require looking away from her.

She tipped her chair onto two legs jumping back at him.

They collided with a good squeeze. Already beat red but not caring about their company, he moved back and surprised her with a simple but sensual kiss on the lips as he smoothed a hand over the back of her hair. They giggled as they parted, resting forehead against forehead. His fingers reflexively brushed over her ear, even though the barrette was already holding back her hair. "I love you," he whispered.

She still leaned into the touch. "I love you, too," she whimpered.

The Queen hummed a little giggle herself, and the King had a small happy chuckle, both in disbelief at their family coming together.

The young couple finally parted, but Eugene took both her hands now. "And now I can finally keep that first promise, that I'll never leave you. So then," he briefly glanced back at the King, "There's just the issue of, what you want our future to look like."

Rapunzel's smile faded as he broached the topic. Everything my mom was saying… I feel like I can face anything with him! But- She took a deep breath, "I will accept- as long as this is something you really want, too?"

His brows cocked and he smirked. "Of course, it's something I would want, but only if you're up for it."

"Together," she finally grinned widely, "I think we can do it. Oh I just feel like I can do anything when I'm with you! And I think we'll be great."

He smiled, a humble pride growing in him. "I know we will be." He shook their hands where he held them. "So, ah… that…" his voice tripped over tears bubbling in his throat, which he tried to clear, as he glanced to the King again to ask his question, "That makes it the right hand?"

He nodded, his own tearful but happy smile beaming.

Their hands left each other only to fetch their rings from their boxes. Eugene took her hand first, quietly explaining as he slid it on her ring finger. "Engagement rings, to show you're promised to marry someone… Right-handed, for a proper marriage…"

She then took his hand and finger he held out for her, but asked as she slid his on. "Left-handed would be?"

"Between unequal status. I'm… not anything, so you would have lost your claim. But now…" He bit his lip hard. Now I'm marrying a Princess?! I never thought…

"Now," she looked to her father, "You'll appoint him Prince?"

He nodded again.

He really gets to be the same as me now! She looked back to Eugene, to find him on the verge of tears.

He kept replaying every moment of the past few days, every look they shared, that brought them up to this moment now. "You saved my life," was all he could cry out with such serenity. Blondie, you're about to change EVERYTHING for me… the rest of my life… you've saved that, too, now!

"You saved mine first," she countered, and hurled herself back against his chest, arms wrapped around his neck.

He caught her there, tightly, holding her up. "I'd do it again. I'd do anything for you."

"I just want you to stay," she exclaimed back.

"Well," he chuckled as he helped her back into her seat, "That was the other part of the deal, too, wasn't it? I have to do whatever you say."

"Oh, yeah," she chuckled back, while they both tried to compose themselves.

Finally the King cleared his throat. "Indeed. Now, if you're quite ready for the rest?"

The couple glanced at each other, then nodded.

"Well then," the King picked up the last ring box, and checked it discreetly himself, then held it out. "Eugene."

A little shaky, Eugene reached out and took the other side of the box; but the King did not let go just yet. He looked back to his eyes.

"The papers will be drawn up today. You'll still need to sign, but this is for you."

Only a little faint from the gravity of it all, Eugene nodded, and took it to open. Inside this one was a bright and shiny gold signet ring, bearing a deep-cut Coronan sun sigil. It looked just like the King's he had seen him press into the wax of his pardon. "Oh-hh…" his voice squeaked. He took it out and just stared at it. "H'okay, this one I… I don't even know where-"

"Left hand, ring or pinkie finger," the King answered.

He dipped his head, blushing from both the acceptance and embarrassment of not knowing that, as he put it on his other ring finger.

Rapunzel peered over to see. "What's that one for?"

"It's ahhh…" Shoot even I- what's the word-

"It's a signet ring," the King explained, "It's worn to show your family heritage."

Eugene nodded but could not breathe right.

Rapunzel beamed, hanging freely on his shoulder, while he rested his temple against hers, as they both stared at his hand. It was shaking.

"Thank you, Sir," he strained, then clasped it with Rapunzel's. It steadied.

"What about those two?" Rapunzel asked excitedly.

"These two," the Queen picked up one of the necklace boxes and opened it, "Are crosses, that I made sure to get for each of you as well."

"Crosses? For what?"

Eugene closed his eyes and sighed, then explained to the Queen politely. "She doesn't know anything about religion, at all."

"Oh, like with the church you showed me?" Rapunzel asked.

"Yeah," he nodded.

"Oh, um," the Queen was taken aback. "Well, then I guess we'll just… Take the necklace for now, certainly, but I guess you'll learn about all that at some point. I'll see to adding that to your tutors." She handed them over.

Rapunzel opened hers to study, but otherwise set it aside.

Eugene opened it, eyes still dazzling like he had been at everything so far. "Thank you so much," he said to both parents. "Isn't it usually a Confirmation present, right?"

They nodded.

"I've been Confirmed but obviously never… We never got anything like this."

"Well," the Queen replied, "Consider it your long-belated Confirmation present from us then."

"Thank you," he choked again, as he took it out of the box and found the clasp. "This really is all too much, but thank you, for everything." He got it on and situated easily, then leaned over to Rapunzel, touching her arm. "Do you need help?" he quietly asked.

"Oh," her eyes darted around between him, his new necklace, and her box. "Um…" I shouldn't need help! Her cheeks burned, but this bout of embarrassment she was not happy about. But I don't know how to get it on… "Y-yes," she whispered, feeling so tiny.

His brow pinched in concern, but he took her necklace out anyway. Only then did she see the clasp that had been hidden underneath. Before she knew it, he had opened it and reached to loop it around her. He found the cross to slide it to the front, but, as his fingers brushed her clavicle here with their company, he chickened out and they flittered away, nervously touching his own face instead. "Ah- the- there ya go."

She centered it herself, though the heat from where his electric touch lingered. "Thank you…" she mumbled, but more affectionately than before.

"You're welcome," he said blithely, but kept an eye on her.


Eventually, they began heading back to the castle, taking a long way to stroll through some of the gardens on the way. Tall stone walls, but greened with ivy and blossoming vine flowers all over, created open air corridors, some with views of the sparkling blue ocean beyond.

"Hey," he nudged her elbow with his as they walked with arms linked, trailing her parents. "You okay?" He spoke quietly, an attempt at privacy from the servants that trailed them.

"Huh?" Thought I'd saved face pretty quickly from feeling helpless over the necklace? "Yeah," she said cheerfully, "I was about to ask you the same thing."

"I was just worried about you," he chuckled. "That, and…" He kicked one leg out casually scuffing at the gravel, likewise unable to control the blushing grin that had seemed stuck to his face for the past couple hours. "I'm just so lucky."

"You're lucky?" she laughed. "I…" She shook her head and scoffed. "Eugene, I'm finally out in the world!" She lifted her arms to the sky and spun as they walked. "And I'm a princess, which apparently means I really can do pretty much anything I want! I have- you were right," she looked fondly at her parents up ahead, "I have two, completely wonderful, very loving and understanding parents. And…" She clutched his arm close, wrapping her hands around his wrist and forearm. "Now I have you. For real. My New Dream." She looked up at him, so adoringly; he looked back just the same. "The path ahead's finally clear. And it really does feel like my life is beginning."

"With you," he completed. "For me too. Like we said the other night."

She chuckled. "You insisting you had to leave felt like it was stalling a little, but now, yes, definitely."

He chuckled back sweetly with her, as they playfully bumped together as they walked.

"Oh, Rapunzel!" the Queen turned and called back. "Come here, look!"

Rapunzel dropped his arm and bounded ahead to see what exactly on this particular vine she was pointing at excitedly. "What is it?"

"This is the flower we named you for," she beamed, delicately cradling a purple blossom.

"Oh, yeah!" she lit right up. "Eugene showed me them when we were here on my birthday! I had a bunch of these in my braid!" She let a hand flow out behind her to demonstrate where it had been.

Eugene automatically followed her, hands behind his back, feet carrying him on the air of infatuation. Somehow, this sight of her laughing with her true mother, outside, in the sunlight; her short brunette hair bouncing about, except where the butterfly barrette's colorful gems glittered - it all eclipsed even the vision of her glowing in the night under thousands of lanterns.

The Queen smiled back at him appreciatively.

He nodded, like it was the simplest thing. That I showed her the flower of the same name? It's not like it's hard to love her.

"Oh, and Eugene," the King called him over, away from the girls.

He glanced back and forth before going to hang back with him. "Yes, Sir?" he asked, still all bright-eyed.

The King glared at him with a mischievous smirk, but then looked away. They were far enough away that a low voice should not be heard under the ladies' rambling about flowers and the garden. "Don't make us have to push the wedding up, hm?" He sideyed him.

Eugene jolted in place, wind knocked from him, he could barely gulp. "Gah…" he wheezed. After some more stammering around he finally made a couple sounds that passed for words. "Got it." The King chuckled at him, but Eugene continued, his nervous voice supposedly to his rescue. "Nope, nooooo way, nooooo Sir, not happenin'! Don't. you. worry. about. THAT. heh!" I'm sweating harder than I did getting here!

The King laid his eyes directly back on him, almost menacingly now. "But you DO understand that someday-"

Eugene's nerves flipped to a laugh that cut him off, before settling back down himself, hands twisting at his open coat panels. "Yes, yes, I- I understand. Of course. I- I do want kids. Someday. And she does too. Already talked about." He shrugged to the side. "Well, a bit." He sighed dreamily as he managed to look over at her without internally imploding again. "Enough that I know we're on the same page."

The King eased off back to friendly chuckling. "Alright then." He pat his shoulder and gripped it, prompting him to start walking with him to catch up to where Rapunzel and her mother had pulled each other.

Eugene chuckled to him, "Yeah, I'm not an idiot, either."

"Didn't take you for one, but just making sure," he laughed back, but sighed. "We're suddenly new to being parents again, too, so, ah…"

Eugene laughed harder. "Sir, the most powerful man in the kingdom, who signs execution orders, doesn't need to make threats."

"True, I suppose not!"

Eugene sobered though, as he watched her, how free she was, how comfortable and happy she was. "She's in the best hands, I promise. That's the other reason I was so reluctant to leave her. She's already had a lifetime of manipulation and abuse." He shook his head. "I was so worried about her. I wouldn't trust anyone else."

"Neither would I."

Eugene glanced up to catch the King beaming at her as well, before those eyes turned to smile upon him.


It was still early in the evening. The Queen had sent Eugene back to his rooms to change, but he found yet another surprise. Once the tailor had gotten his measurements the day before, and she had observed the exact styles he had favored, she had them make even more for him. She had done the same with Rapunzel, but it had been considered no surprise she would be staying.

Eugene, however, now discovered one of these many rooms was entirely for dressing, and it was full of outfits that looked like he could walk right into. Not that he could see many details, past his watering eyes and light head. He stood rigidly in the doorway, one arm pinned across his chest, and the other held his hand clamped around his contorting, dumbfounded, mouth. Feeling the ring pressing into his chin and between his fingers did not help. He forced himself to get it together, because although he had entered alone, there was one of the tailor's assistants here managing the new wardrobe, and saying something he was barely paying attention to.

He sniffled it all back and cleared his throat, quickly trying to be friendly and polite. "Uhhhm, I'm sorry, what?"

The older, tired man sighed, then pulled him over by the elbow, as he gestured over to one most prominent outfit. "For tonight, the Queen has requested."

"Oh-h-h…" Eugene's stomach flipped. God how did I… He thought of all the places Rapunzel had pulled him to, then that the King had situationally put him in, now the Queen had special requests, and this man was physically closing the distance. The jewelry had been heavy enough. The outfit in front of him was definitely for royalty.

"Corona's national colors, over an elegant black," he rattled off.

Still basely intrigued by the fineness, he automatically reached to feel the sleeve. Merino? At the cuff, he squinted close. "Is that-?"

"Gold foil," he nodded, disinterested.

He dropped it. "Whowah…" he breathed. The rest of the purple satin doublet, with its own goldwork hems and gold shoulder snaps, mirrored him awkwardly. It stood pinned up straight on its stand, whereas he currently slouched in the baggy brown peasant shirt and oversized hunting coat. True, much less meticulous than his usual appearance, but all the more stark juxtaposition against how that shiny new outfit dazzled. With a deep breath, he began changing.


The confident gait he had built up striding down the halls, suddenly paused just before the set of large double doors, startled completely frozen by his own thoughts. Right on the other side was- My… family. Really? Rapunzel, her parents, then her and I… The tailor's assistant who just helped him get dressed, he had never met before. A stranger, helping him prepare for such an intimate evening. The guards outside the door here, he could never tell apart from any of the hundreds others. All strangers. In between he had walked alone.

Inside those doors, was a fully intact family all on its own. And yet, he knew they were all waiting for him. All he had to do was walk through the doors. It was not that any part of the task seemed difficult, or that he was even hesitating about his desire to be there, but his unique cosmic sentimentality. He glanced at the gold on his fingers as he checked that the cross under his shirt was straight. Then back to the doors. This is it. Before and after… All my life has led me to this moment, and now, for the rest of my life- it'll be our lives…

"Sir?" one of the guards asked, questioningly reaching for the door handle, for if he expected him to open it for him.

"Huh?" Eugene came back to reality. "Oh, no, I just…" He gulped, took a deep breath, and walked through the door.

The posh sitting room was warmly lit from the fireplace, and the lamps set low. There was a sofa, a chaise, and a couple armchairs beyond, set up quaintly on a huge Persian rug, adorned with pillows, a throw blanket draped across the back of the sofa, all of it so fine, plush, and embroidered everywhere possible. Brightly polished dark wood end tables were set about and a coffee table in the center, all filled with decorative trinkets and statues. Beyond, only sparsely covered by the drawn long drapes, floor to ceiling windows looked out to the night sky, a touch of the town, and the ocean in between. On the table of a long hutch-style china closet against the back wall, a parchment scroll, with a quill and inkwell set beside it. In the glass-doored cupboards were more assorted glasses and decanters with variously tinged contents. At the other end, he spied a fresh bucket of ice with a champagne bottle, surrounded by four wide-mouthed champagne glasses set upside-down, waiting. Beside that still, a silver food cart with desserts. The expected trio he found there stood around in a circle in an open area between this door and the rest of the furniture. Eager heads picked up at his arrival.

"Eugene!" Rapunzel instantly darted from her parents to him, to grab his hands, holding them out to get a look at his new outfit. On her shoulder, Pascal welcomingly admired him.

"Hey, Blondie," he chuckled, letting her move him like a mannequin, and relishing the way that comforting familiarity now felt eternal. "Frog," he nodded, then burst out laughing at how fondly the tiny reptile was looking at him.

"Oh, that looks so nice!" Her hands flew to her face, flushed. "Oh my gosh! You're positively shimmering!"

He spun around once tightly in place, ending with his elbows pinned at his sides but hands spread out, one foot crossed behind him, and the cockiest smile. "Eh? Courtesy of your mom, so I'm told."

She laughed at him and went on. "And purple! You'll match so many of my dresses, too!"

"Well," he chuckled, "Yeah, Corona's colors…" That I'm now drenched in. ME. Sportin' purple and gold, on purpose- with purpose...

She ran her hand over his chest, royal purple with glimmering gold trim. "Just like the flag," she mused, then looked up to his eyes, just as soft and hopeful as the moment she was remembering. He's really part of this place, now, too, just like me...

"Yeah," he breathed with no voice, seeing the same, but realizing that this time, she was returning the gaze to his face, instead of a mere token. This time he was the gift. I'd hoped she noticed how sincere I was, but then she was just so excited about that little thing, it was even cuter!

The Queen was slowly creeping up on them, less and less able to hold her grin back. "Oh, let me look at you!" she burst.

They laughed as Rapunzel stepped aside for her mother. "Oh, Mom!"

"Oh!" the Queen sighed at the sight of him. "Do you like it?" she asked, greatly concerned.

"I love it," he chuckled past his tightening throat. "All of them, it's- they're just like I…" He shook his head, unable to describe it.

"Like you'd pointed out the other day," she smirked.

"Yeah," he dipped his head, "Thank you so much, M-"om. He caught himself, more startled at himself than anything, though the reason was obvious. "Your Majesty," he tried to recover with poise.

But she gave him a look. She had seen.

Rapunzel smirked questioningly, yet mischievously, looking between the two of them. Wait, does he know? Or does he at least know to expect that?

He pretended he did not see. Fuck- Wait. Wow- Can I? In-laws, but- oh my God- but… the King and Queen? Rapunzel can say it of course, but, what about me? He looked over to focus on Rapunzel, as he realized how much he wanted that, too. Can I have that again?

"Eugene," the King called over, beckoning him to the back table, as he turned a lamp up. His fingertips pinned the parchment down as he slid and turned it straight.

Eugene gulped, but followed, nodding solemnly. He tentatively and timidly approached the table. The foreboding document was larger and more ornately illuminated than his pardon had been. He skimmed over the heading and beginning words before zoning out in a daze. His name stood out in that header, in beautifully seriffed calligraphy. Not filled in on an open line here; this was specifically drawn up for him personally. By Royal Decree from His Majesty King Walter of Corona… hereby assign appoint order and direct… Eugene Fitzherbert Jr.… Royal Crown Prince… The magistrate's purple sun seal was already stamped at the bottom.

He had never felt such a glorious joy as seeing his name so prestigiously scrawled there, exalted on this newly historical document. The wonder, comfort, revelry, peace, pride… He used to dream of his life and family status changing from such a simple piece of paper, but this was so much grander than he ever knew was possible. The pardon was amazing enough; this was a miracle.

The King pointed to the bottom, where there were two lines, side by side. "Needs your signature of acceptance."

Eugene's hand drifted to the quill pen, but hesitated to lift it. Realizing the eyes on him, however, he merely chuckled out the side of his mouth and shook his head. I can't believe this! Only then could he focus on not thinking, and not letting his hand shake, as he swiftly signed his full name. This time flowed more naturally than when he had awkwardly signed the pardon; it had been a decade since he last had to write it.

While he stared at it, dumbfoundedly, the King plucked the pen from him, and signed his own name.

Rapunzel sneaked behind them, kneeling up on the sofa and leaning over the back, where she could see in between them. She watched curiously as her father poured gold wax in the empty space below their signatures beside the magistrate seal, and pressed his own ring into it, leaving a deep impression.

Eugene's eyes fell out as he stared at the mark, identical to the one on his own finger now.

Rapunzel tilted her head at him wistfully, and quietly sighed. Is that how I looked, watching my dreams come true… I suppose the first thing I really got to do with this Princess Power was, save him from the gallows, give him his freedom like he did for me, and now, even most of his old dreams, plus me!

"Theeere we go!" The King lifted the paper to wave the ink and wax dry for good measure, then folded it up within the thick sturdy casing it was mounted on, and set it aside, even farther from the drinks. "That's our official record. So tomorrow the notices can start going out."

"Uh… huh…" Eugene swayed where he stood, lightheaded. Did I just get a castle? And an island? And riches? And a princess?!

The King took in his state and laughed. "Well! Congratulations. You've just upped the penalty for any attempt on your life, and increased our number of heirs yet again."

Eugene snapped back to reality, his eye catching on Rapunzel's beaming grin first. No, I got the love of my life- His own grin lit up just as big, but he looked to the King. I got a FAMILY! "Thank you so much, Your Majesty," he whimpered as he stepped into a hug with him.

"Oh, no," the old man chuckled. "You're family now!"

What… He released him, looking a little confused but hopeful. Behind him, the Queen pulled his arm for him to turn around.

"Congratulations, Eugene," she cooed softly, reaching to hug him too.

"Oh," he hugged her back, "Thank you! Your Majesty."

Rapunzel snickered at him, and he left his embrace with the Queen to look at her.

"And you," he teased in a low voice but growing smirk, as he lunged to throw his arms around her waist, pulling her up and over the back of the sofa, against him in a hug that still kept her off her feet as he spun around with her.

She squealed in laughter, clutching him tightly, holding onto around his shoulders. At his neck she could smell that fresh musky scent that was becoming so familiar, even despite his new clothes now. Although, given how comfortably well they suited him, she suspected it would not be long before they were one in the same. When her feet finally touched ground again, he squeezed her more tenderly, but her hand on his cheek parted them. "Hmm, 'made you my prince' after all."

He guffawed but kissed her. Then he retreated his face back to her neck. "This is all only because of you." More privately, he whispered, "I'm all yours."

"Aaand," Rapunzel moved his face away again, "There's uh, something else, that my Mom and Dad were just explaining to me."

"Oh?" he asked, at a loss. Not about babies again please-

The Queen replied behind him. "Well it's related to..." She paused and held her hands out together towards them, pantomiming pouring her heart out. "Congratulations to the both of you, for your engagement!"

The King chuckled with relief. "We couldn't be luckier, than to have you back, Rapunzel, and both of you, safe now, and so happy."

Rapunzel bounced up and down beside Eugene. "Thank you!" she burst.

"Thank you," Eugene nodded, squeezing her hand. "But what's the-?"

"Well," the Queen turned shy and awkward. "We were talking and, we feel it would be appropriate, if you would, ah…"

The King took over, braving the raw emotion. "If you'd call us Mom and Dad as well."

His jaw dropped, but stars played in his eyes.

Rapunzel was still vibrating next to him, gripping his hand excitedly. "Well?! Whadaya think?!"

He answered by dragging her by the hand as he stepped up between his future in-laws, his already currently parental figures. Widespread arms reached for both together, ushering everyone into another group hug. It took him a minute to say anything, but finally his voice strained to speak. "I think we're home, Blondie."

"A toast!" the King exclaimed, raising his arms above everyone.

Eugene had never been one to resent his height, or bothered by short girls, but it was now painfully obvious every time he wanted to whisper in her ear. "A speech. Like, wishing us well." Both parents smiled at him, just as every time he did. Right now especially did not help the color of his cheeks, rosy even in the muted lighting.

Rapunzel nodded but wandered over to watch her father. He opened the bottle with a small tool, and a satisfying POP that made her jump back. Soon, each with a coupe glass of bubbly, she copied in raising her own into the air. So much formality and like, little rituals! It's… nice. And clearly all good things, so it just feels so sweet! And he's so touched by everything, awww...

Her father spoke up loud and clear, though it was just the four of them standing close. "Rapunzel and Eugene, we love you both very much." He smirked at but otherwise ignored Eugene's popped eyebrows.

Love?

"While we've always prayed for this miraculous return of our daughter, we certainly never expected to gain a son at the same time. We are certain now, however, that together, you two will carry on ruling Corona justly well after we are gone. But right now, we already are so very impressed and proud of you both. May you have a long and happy life together. Keep each other safe, strong, and happy. It's been a long journey; amazing that you've made it through, to here, to us. Now, with the misfortunes and discontents of the past wiped away, do not lose your paths. Through whatever dangers, may you never lose your nerve, to act, swiftly, but wisely, with courage. You deserve all the happiness and laughter in the world. May all your dreams and wishes come true, as we toast to Joy today and bliss tomorrow, And forever after!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Eugene uttered with barely any voice left, then clinked his glass with his. "And I will. I promise," he smiled over to Rapunzel. He transferred his glass to hold her hand, with his eyes welling up a bit, facing her as he spoke. "I'm going to see that she is so happy."

"Me too," she promised. "Now that we have each other, and all our wishes have come true," she smirked up at him teasingly, "This is our New Dream." What's with hitting the glasses? What if they break?! She just stared, holding her own glass very carefully still.

"To happily ever after," the Queen added gleefully.

"It certainly will be," Rapunzel agreed.

"Here, Sweetheart," the Queen offered her glass to clink with hers.

She snapped to it, giggling as she copied clinking the glass with her mother. They both splashed a little, but before she could even panic, she heard her mother giggling. Her father followed, also too merry himself to be bothered over a dripped drop or even two, though she was better the second time.

The Queen continued. "We couldn't be more overjoyed to have you home, safe and sound, and seeing you two together. Oh, Congratulations!" With tears nearly overtaking her, she wrapped her free arm around her and squeezed her close, cheek to cheek, topped with more kisses. She cupped her cheek so proudly as she let her go.

Eugene chuckled as he stepped up close again, reaching to clink with the Queen, then looked down at his new fiance. "Blondie," he cooed warmly, with a sly hand barely touching as it wrapped around to her other side, and he stole a kiss on her cheek. "Cheers!" he met her halfway for another clink, that she controlled just fine this time. "And thank you," they locked eyes, both so full of tenderness. "For believing in me."

She blinked slowly, taking in all the love and devotion he exuded, her own smile ever blithe. "Sounds like I was the first?"

Another shock hit him, another realization that he was being known. "Uh, yeah," he quietly agreed, brow furrowed. "Yeah, you were, in years. And luckily-!" He cheered back up as he lifted his glass to the King and Queen. "Your parents were the second and third," he chuckled.

They both reciprocated to simultaneously clink his, before Rapunzel giddily jumped in and all four met in the middle, then was the last to repeat out of sync, "Cheers!"

Eugene finally took a quick swig himself, but openly watched Rapunzel as she swished it around under her nose. Fiance… He nearly lost his breath again at the mere thought again.

All eyes and smiles were each sparkling, rivaling the champagne.

Rapunzel finally tasted it. Ooh! So she set to drink it as any other normal drink.

Eugene twitched toward her but could not lower finish his own sip in time-

But the Queen laughed first. "Oh dear, go slow!"

"Hm?" Rapunzel asked as she lowered the glass, right before a shrill hiccup wracked her sinuses. "Ah!" She groaned, then laughed at herself.

Eugene joined in guffawing, but then snatched the opportunity to lean over and whisper on her temple. "Easy on the alcohol. Tonight. I promised." Another excuse for a quick kiss.

When he pulled away, she watched the most charming, knowing, adorable smirk come over him, with rosy cheeks and hooded eyes. Tonight…! She blushed, partly flustered by the reminder, and the entire prospect, but so excited as well.

"Hm-mm," the Queen hummed, then teased, "You lovebirds have more secrets?"

Eugene brushed it off with a chuckle and another sip.

Rapunzel, however, could not take her eyes off him. But she had another idea. With a soft grin, she answered, "It's not a secret."

WHAT. Eugene paused, and lowered his drink, confused and alarmed beneath the surface.

Gotcha! She giggled at him, then turned back to her mother. "He just likes to tell me how much he loves me at the most unexpected times." She wriggled in place with sass, and threw an impish smirk back at him.

His crooked smile returned with a brow twitch. His eyes lit up and burned into her with a fiery roar matching the embers in the fireplace. He futilely tried to hide in his glass. Oh God, she's lying for me, just like that? That's… that's actually pretty hot… He kept his snicker silent.

Rapunzel looked him up and down again, eyes landing on his cheek; her target. I've really… got him? To stay here? With merely a hand on his elbow, as she leaned up, he startled but leaned down for her. She laid a tender kiss on the round of his cheekbone, turning them both into a giggling blushing mess that tangled his bangs with her swoop.


The newly restored and expanded family spent the evening drinking, picking on treats, and chatting, lounging around the fireplace. The King took an armchair while Eugene sat close by at one end of the long sofa, his arm around Rapunzel cuddled up to his side, and the Queen at the other end.

"Well," the King cleared his throat, "Rapunzel, Sweetie, you certainly have a lot to explore about the many other kingdoms of the world, but Eugene, have you heard of that boy across the sea to the north? Some are saying he's got... dragons. Do you believe that?"

"Dragons?!" Rapunzel exclaimed immediately, pressing into Eugene closer.

He worriedly glanced to her, but shook his head coolly. "Dragons aren't real."

The Queen nodded but countered, "There's a sea trader who claims otherwise."

Rapunzel glanced up at Eugene, not the least bit assured by his flat denial. "You didn't believe my magic was real either."

Eugene cocked his head and smirked, still completely disbelieving, but curious about the story. "To the north? Where?"

"A tiny rocky island surrounded by ocean for miles," the King explained but turned to Rapunzel pointedly, "Far, faaar north of here."

"Eh," Eugene shrugged. "Not my type ah island. Lil more into sunny beaches rather than freezing to death."

Rapunzel at least giggled at that, eased by both that and the apparently large distance.

Eugene smiled lightly and shook his head, assuming the passing anecdote was over. "Sailors have their stories."

"Yes, but this one had scales."

Eugene rolled his eyes.

Rapunzel nervously brought her fist up to her lips.

The King's beady eyes set on the pair all the harder, while he grinned with cherried cheeks. "What do you think we should do about it?"

Eugene scoffed. "Question the trader harder. Either he's an idiot," he counted off on his fingers, "Lying, or he has something to gain-... But, they can't be…" ...can they? He shook his head more at himself now. "He's most likely just an idiot."

"This boy, though," Rapunzel mused, "Just one boy 'has' dragons? What does that even really, mean?"

"He's apparently, trained it to let him ride it."

"Ride it?!" Rapunzel repeated in terror. "So he can control it?"

The King nodded. "And that one boy is the son of the chief of the tribe on that island."

Eugene blinked, "Wait-"

"Berk, in the Barbaric Archipelago."

Eugene was suddenly alert. "But, aren't they our enemies? They broke off years ago-"

"Old enemies," the King corrected. "Much more like friendly competition these days, plus they've been doing extremely well for themselves." He sighed and tilted his head around, "Better than most other kingdoms, but now that we're back in the game, things will be looking up for us at least-"

Eugene interrupted. "But if they really have dragons, that they control, couldn't they-...?" His eyes widened in horror.

"And we are one of the most northern kingdoms," the Queen noted.

Rapunzel gasped as she put it together. "They could, attack here? Would they? Is that a…"

Everyone else nodded.

She continued, "Or threaten us to do anything else they wanted…" Even if the Southern Isles are no longer a threat - which I'm still not sure about - then… Oh man, never mind ruling this kingdom, there's so much else out there in the world to worry about!

Eugene bit his lip. Not that it would've changed my mind, but I wasn't expecting fighting dragons to still be a requirement to get the Princess… And dragonS, plural? Not fair. Can we at least get backup? The others who've claimed to fight them only ever claimed ONE at a time!

The King leaned forward to smile unfortunately at her assumptions. "Precisely."

The Queen nodded along. "You two have a lot of history to read up on."


A/N: Welcome, Rise of the Brave Tangled Dragons!

Not a new or random development. I know it feels like forever, but though this has been in the works for 6 years at this point, this is only Chapter 8 out of 18. This has been the plan all along. However, yes, this is 95% a Tangled story, just set within a much, much larger world.

And about reading up on history, may I suggest:

- Storming the Magic Kingdom

- The Keys to the Kingdom

- The Mouse Betrayed

- Disney War

- The Men Who Would Be King

Follow me as MiraNova23 on tumblr, at miranova23 dot tumblr dot com for Tangled Fandom Resurrection, messaging, keeping up with what's going on in my life, how the writing's going, my other fanworks, lots of Chuck vs Tangled, and all-around general Disnerdiness!