"I wonder why Varian never mentioned you?"
"Oh no. No, no, no." The minister's eyes went wide. "I actually never met Corona's prodigy. Well, of course, I have seen him, but we never talked," he replied shifting from one foot to the other. "I mean that would be too much. I don't wanna bother him. How could I? I am sure he is terribly busy."
"Oh my God," Eugene slapped a hand over his mouth to cover his laughter. "He's shy."
The man frowned in annoyance. "So what was that about you stealing my-"
"Let's forget about that for a moment." The heir of the dark kingdom leaned closer and slung his arm over the ambassador's shoulder.
Rapunzel grinned she knew where this was going. Leave it to her fiance to take advantage of every opportunity he saw.
"How about we get you a little sneak peek of your own." He inched forward. "A private meeting with the genius behind the work." Eugene could feel the other's resolve falter and smirked. Everyone had his price. "We could pull some strings. You could have a look in his lab."
"That -"
"She is the princess of Corona after all." Eugene wasn't finished. "She knows the alchemist personally. They are very good friends."
"Is that true?" He turned in surprise to look at her.
"Sure." Rapunzel gave him a way too casual half-shrug. "Very nice kid."
The aristocrat caught one more time, trying to get his act together. Accepting such an obvious bribe is highly improper, he rang with himself. Finally, he lifted his chin.
"Maybe you can get his autograph."
The minister's mouth dropped. "That…" He swallowed. "Seemed only fair."
Eugene gave Rapunzel the thumbs up as the man took the bait. "There you go." He petted him encouragingly on the back. "Time to make your dreams come true."
