A few weeks later, everyone in the castle began insisting in earnest that Rapunzel take it easy and delegate many of her duties. Any and all resistance from her side seemed to be futile.
"Even queens get maternity leave," Eugene insisted.
"Yes, but this isn't exactly the best time," Rapunzel argued. "There's so much to do, I-"
"Which is what we're here for," Frederic reminded, entering the room with Arianna. "Between your mother, Nigel, and myself, we can cover what you might need."
"Believe me when I tell you that running around taking care of royal business will soon be the last thing you want to do," Arianna added. "You need this time to rest and prepare."
"Pascal, a little help here?" Rapunzel asked, turning to look at her reptilien companion. In response, he merely shook his head. "You, too, huh?"
"You're well out-voted, Sunshine," Eugene teased.
"Alright, then. Actually, good. Great even. Might be nice to take it easy for a while."
"That's the spirit."
"Not to mention it'll give me time to work on your anniversary gift."
"Now, wait a sec-"
"Don't worry," Rapunzel assured. "Nothing crazy. Promise."
"Alright, then." Eugene quickly kissed Rapunzel on the cheek, then turned towards the door. "You know where to find me if you need anything."
"'Course. Have a good day."
"You, too. Love you."
"Love you, too."
With that, the family parted for their respective tasks. Rapunzel went straight to her art room. Closing the door behind her, she began to look around at her supplies, as well as outside the window for potential inspiration.
"Alright, Pascal." She clapped her hands together, rubbing her palms against each other. "Third anniversary. Three weeks to make the perfect gift."
Pascal gave a small squeak and a quizzical glance.
"Don't worry; I promised Eugene I wouldn't go crazy, and I won't. I'll keep it simple, but I still need to put forth my best effort, right? Now, let's see… Painting? Classic, but maybe a little too overdone or predictable.
"Sculpture?" Rapunzel mused. "Hmm, not enough time. Maybe a song? Hmm… no… I know! Isn't there usually a traditional gift for each anniversary? I know Eugene isn't exactly the traditional type, but it might at least give me an idea."
With a wide smile, Pascal nodded his agreement. After some clandestine asking around, Rapunzel discovered that the traditional gift for a third anniversary was leather.
"This is perfect, Pascal!" Rapunzel cheered. "Eugene was just talking about how he needed a new saddlebag! I could even make a matching vest!"
Pascal raised one eyebrow.
"True, I've never worked with leather before, and three weeks probably isn't enough time to learn to do it all by myself. But, if I could find someone to teach and guide me along the way, once they're done, it'll be simple to stitch something special onto it. Sound reasonable?"
The only response Pascal could offer was a quick shrug.
"I'm not sure, either, but let's at least try! Let's go talk with Feldspar. He works with leather all the time in his cobblery work!"
On the way to Feldspar's shop, Rapunzel passed by the blacksmith's shop. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of red. Turning to focus on it, she saw not only Xavier, but Eugene and Varian as well. It wasn't uncommon for the blacksmith and the engineer to be seen together - Varian went through a lot of metals in his work, after all- but, Eugene was supposed to be supervising the patrol at the docks.
Suspicious… Rapunzel thought with a grin. Quietly, she approached the trio.
"So, what are you all up to?" She asked. All three men jumped and turned to face her.
"Sunshine, hello!" Eugene greeted with a nervous chuckle. At the same time, Varian quickly put something behind his back. "You know, Team Awesome is always coming up with new gadgets, and we like to pass them by Xavier for feedback."
"I see. Well, I can't wait to see them in action."
"Ah, well," Varian cut in. "Thing is, th-these plans are v-very rudimentary at the moment, so it might be some time before we have an actual working prototype, so, uh…"
"More importantly," Eugene continued. "Wh-what are you doing out and about? I thought you were taking it easy."
"I hardly call a stroll through town straining myself," Rapunzel joked. "Besides, the exercise and fresh air are good for the baby."
"Right, of course. Well, I actually need to get back on patrol now, so…"
"And, uh, Dad said he'd need my help later, so…" Varian added.
"See you boys later, then." Rapunzel smiled as they quickly walked away. Xavier said nothing and turned back to his work. With that, Rapunzel returned to her task.
"No harm in teasing him a bit, now, is there?" She asked in response to Pascal's snickering.
"You think she's onto us?" Varian asked once he and Eugene were far enough away.
"Oh, I know she's onto us," Eugene replied.
"And you're… okay with that?"
"Here's the thing: Rapunzel would never willingly spoil a surprise for herself. However, she does like to mess with me. I like to let her have her fun, and then find a way to tease her back later."
"Huh," Varian shrugged. "So, the plan's still on?"
"Of course," Eugene assured. "Come on, let's get cracking."
Over the next few days, Rapunzel enjoyed the challenge of learning something new, and Feldspar appreciated the royal business and the chance to share his craft. The two worked together steadily, reminiscent of the time they had been a team for a scavenger hunt a few years prior. All the while, Rapunzel pretended not to notice Eugene's regular visits to the blacksmith's.
Finally, the day came. Max was able to take over many of Eugene's duties so he could spend it celebrating with Rapunzel. The two didn't do anything too extravagant, instead choosing to simply enjoy each other's company over chess, a nice afternoon walk, and reading together. That evening, they exchanged gifts over dinner.
"You should open yours first," Rapunzel suggested.
"No, no," Eugene refuted. "You first."
"Come on, open yours! I insist."
"Alright, alright," with a chuckle, he undid the delicate wrapping around the package, giving a soft gasp as he looked at the contents and lifted them out. "Sunshine, these are amazing!"
"Feldspar helped me with them," Rapunzel explained. "Look closely at the left breast pocket of the vest and the flap of the bag."
"Corona's seal! Amazing stitching, as always. But, what are the three shapes above it?"
"As I was working on these, I was reminded of the satchel you had when we first met. So, I decided to add the shape of some jewels from my crown to the emblem."
"It's perfect," Eugene smiled. "Thank you, Sunshine."
"You're welcome."
"Now, it's your turn." He handed Rapunzel a small box. She opened it to reveal a small golden pendant in the shape of Corona's seal.
"Eugene, it's beautiful," Rapunzel said in awe. "It's just like my father's."
"I figured it was time our queen had something like this to represent her kingdom. There are a couple of critical differences, though. See the small indentation on the bottom? Press it."
She did so, and the pendant opened to reveal a small portrait of herself and Eugene. At the same time, a melody began to play.
"It's," Rapunzel stammered. "The song we sung the first time we watched the lanterns together. But, I don't see the music box. How-?"
"Ah-ah-ah," Eugene interrupted. "Between Xavier and Varian, I was sworn to secrecy on the intricacies of the mechanism. Not that I really understand enough to explain, anyway."
"And the portrait?"
"After spending so much time with the best artist in Corona, you start to pick up a few things."
"Oh, Eugene…"
"May I?" He asked, holding out his hand. Rapunzel handed him the pendant, then turned for Eugene to put it around her neck. "You always say that we're in this together, and that you'll always be with me. I thought that, with everything about to go a little crazy with the baby, it might be nice to have a reminder of my side of that promise."
Rapunzel turned to face Eugene once more, a tear forming in her eye.
"You have been and always will be my light. No matter what happens, I'll be with you."
"As if I'd need a reminder," Rapunzel chuckled, kissing her husband. "It's perfect. Thank you."
"Happy anniversary, Rapunzel."
"Happy anniversary, Eugene."