Eugene - no, Horace, Varian needed his prince right now, - took a deep breath as he brushed out his hair. It had been so long since he had taken the time to look like the prince that he was. He was probably taking more time than was completely necessary to perfect the look, but it wasn't just about style. How Horace looked did a lot to influence how he felt and behaved.
Eugene was a vagabond, a charmer. His clothes were practical, and his hair was fashionably messy. Horace on the other hand was a prince and heir. He needed to look the part if he wanted to act the part. So Horace carefully washed out his hair the way that he did back home, the way that Varian used to help him to do.
His hair wasn't quite long enough to pull it into a ponytail like he used to, so he just slicked it all back, trying to make it look regal. He then made two small braids on either side of his forehead. He pulled the braids back and used a tie to pull them together, making something that somewhat resembled a crown. It wasn't a traditional Dark Kingdom style, but it also wasn't Coronan, so hopefully it would be enough to accomplish what he was doing.
Satisfied with his hair, Horace nodded and adjusted his outfit. He had cleaned up his nice boots, making them shine. He put on a plain, light purple tunic. It was plain, but the cooler color reminded him of home. He somehow felt more like a prince now than when he wore the fancy and expensive clothes made by Corona's best tailors.
Horace added a blue sash that he found lying around. It was a bit bright to be from the Dark Kingdom, but much like the braids it made him look more noble. Because he couldn't just feel like Prince Horace right now, he had to convince others that he was truly royalty, and a lot of that came from how he presented himself.
As a finishing touch Horace went to the closet and, in an incredibly bitter-sweet moment, pulled out his fur satchel and cape. He'd hidden them away, both so he wouldn't have to see the reminder of who he was and what he had abandoned, and so that nobody could see what he had hidden away. The last one he wanted was for his things to get stolen again because they looked so exotic.
Horace stared at the fur sadly for a long moment before he sighed and put it on. It had been nearly a year since he had worn his cape, but the leather still fit like a glove. As it rested across his shoulders and upper chest. He took a moment to adjust the fur cape so that it hung just right, and to make sure that the symbol of the brotherhood in the middle of the leather shone, before putting on his satchel.
"Alright, your highness." Horace muttered to himself as he looked in the mirror. He straightened his back and squared his shoulders, tilting his head up just slightly to make himself look as imposing as possible. "No more running. No more hiding. You are Prince Horace of the Dark Kingdom, and it's about time you act like it."
He had heard his father give him lectures along those similar lines what felt like hundreds of times. It felt odd to be using those words to build himself up now. His father would be proud, and probably incredibly amused.
Horace adjusted his cloak one last time before he made his way out of the room. He walked down the halls with purpose. He did his best to exude confidence that he didn't exactly feel. His father had told him over and over again that the key to being taken seriously as royalty was confidence. If he acted like he deserved respect, many people would give it to him, though he had to be careful to not cross the line between confidence and arrogance.
The halls were oddly empty for Corona. The maids and servants had already retired for the night, and there were no guards patrolling like they normally would. Most of them had probably been reassigned to guarding the royal family., as King Frederic would want some additional protection after everything that had happened that day.
Between the empty halls and the moonlight shining through the windows, Horace could almost pretend that he was back home.
Horace had a very important task he needed to do, but he had one more thing he had to do before he could do it. He left the castle and made his way to the stables. Most of the horses were resting, but Max was still completely alert. The only animal that was more alert was Nelovko.
The saiga had been on edge all evening. Horace had known that he had desperately wanted to dash into the dungeons and tear through any guards that might be keeping Varian in there. Horace sympathized, but he'd convinced Nelovko to hold back by giving him another task.
In the antelope's cell, curled up in the corner and hissing irritably at any sudden sound, was Ruddiger. The raccoon wanted to go to Varian, but he was still hurt. Horace had given Nelovko the job of keeping an eye on Ruddiger, making sure he didn't cause trouble and hurt himself more.
Horace gave Nelovko's snout a stroke before kneeling on the ground in front of Ruddiger. "How're you doing, buddy?" Ruddiger growled at him, which was probably what he deserved. "I know you don't like me very much right now, but I need you to work with me for just a little longer. I'm going to do my best to get Varian back. That means that I can't worry about keeping you under control too."
Ruddiger still looked unhappy, but he let Horace reach out and pick him up. He gave the raccoon a small pet before setting him on his shoulders. As soon as Ruddiger was settled Horace turned back to Nelovko. He pulled out an envelope that contained a letter that he had written as soon as he had gotten back to the castle.
Horace put the note in Nelovko's saddle bag. "I need you to take this to my dad." It would take a long time, but there was nothing to be done about it. Horace hoped that he could do this on his own, but if his plan failed then he needed to know that backup was eventually coming.
"Go as fast as you can." Horace said. If everything went well, and the backup wasn't necessary, then Horace would send another message back. He might be asking the Brotherhood to take up arms when it wasn't completely necessary, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Nelovko nuzzled against Horace and nodded. The saiga gave Ruddiger a warning look before dashing out of the stable. Horace sighed. With that job taken care of there was nothing else to keep him busy. No more stalling. It was now or never.
"Moon, give me strength." Horace said to himself. He pet Ruddiger to ground himself, brushed some dirt off his clothes, and left the stable. He made his way back into the castle. He needed to speak to the king, and thanks to Rapunzel he knew exactly where to find him. King Frederic, still concerned for the safety of his wife and daughter, was with them in the study so he could keep a close eye on them.
Horace only knew this because Rapunzel had wanted him to join them. She was upset and desperate to hold her family close, and according to Rapunzel he was as much a part of her family as her parents were. It was a little odd for him to think of, but Horace supposed it made sense. Technically, Rapunzel had known him longer than she'd known her own parents. He'd always been right there with her, every step of the way. She saw him as part of her support system.
Horace felt bad that he might have to take that away from her, depending on how this discussion went, but it had to be done. Right now Varian and the Dark Kingdom needed him more than Rapunzel and Corona did. Maybe someday Horace could find a balance between his brother and his girlfriend, but that day wasn't today.
As Horace got closer to the study he started to see more guards patrolling the halls. None of them stopped him, not even the ones right in front of the study doors. As far as they knew, he was just there to offer moral support to his girlfriend and her family. Horace knew that if the guards knew what he was up to they would drag him down to the dungeons, right alongside Varian.
The guards nodded at Horace and opened the doors to the study for him. Cassandra, who was pacing irritably just outside the door, glared at him, but didn't say a word as he entered the study and closed the door behind him.
"Eugene." Rapunzel sounded so relieved to see him. She looked exhausted and vulnerable. It almost made Horace waver. If she wasn't sitting right next to her mother, who was holding her close, with her father standing watchfully over them, Horace thought he might waver. Rapunzel had support. She didn't really need him, at least, not as much as Varian did.
Your highness," Horace nodded at Rapunzel and Arianna. They looked like they were doing okay. He turned his attention to King Frederic. "Your majesty, there is something of the utmost importance that I speak to you about."
He tried to keep his gaze on the king, but he couldn't help but notice Rapunzel's stunned expression out of the corner of his eye. She had been expecting comfort. She wasn't used to the cold, serious tone that he was using.
King Frederic frowned slightly. "Can it wait until the morning? It's late, and we've had a trying day."
"I am aware of that, but I'm sorry, this cannot wait." Horace said. He'd stalled this conversation for long enough. Yes, he had to mentally prepare himself, and he had to wait until Corona's royal family had time to relax a little so they might be more open to hearing him out. Still, Horace didn't want Varian to be locked up for a second longer than was needed.
King Frederic sighed. "Yes, alright, Eugene, what is the problem?"
This was late. Too late to turn back now. "To start, that isn't my true name." He squared his shoulders. "I am Prince Horace Noch'ov, son of King Edmund Noch'ov, and heir to the throne of the Dark Kingdom."
King Frederic gave him an unimpressed look. He thought that Horace was just messing around. Even Rapunzel didn't look entirely convinced, though she looked more concerned than anything.
Eugene, what are you talking about?" Rapunzel asked quietly.
Horace kept himself from grimacing. He had to stay professional and in control right now. He would talk to Rapunzel in more detail about this later, once this Varian situation was taken care of.
"Do you still have that note?" Horace asked. "The one from Varian."
Rapunzel bit her lip slightly and grabbed her journal. She opened it and pulled the note from between the pages. She handed it to Horace, who showed it to the king.
"A royal for a royal." Horace said. "That's what Varian wrote, and yet he did all of this to get to me, to get me to come home. The note was for me. A royal for a royal. Me for the queen."
"Do you honestly expect me to believe that you're a prince?" King Frederic's tone was stiff. He was losing his patience, but Horace was not about to back off. If the king wouldn't listen to him, maybe he'd listen to his daughter.
Rapunzel, you heard Varian talking to me." Horace said. "Do you remember what he called me?"
"H-Horace," Rapunzel said quietly. She sounded almost scared. "And he called you your highness." She frowned thoughtfully. "I think I've heard Lance do the same thing, but I never really thought about it."
King Frederic's expression darkened. "I'm not going to take the word of delusional criminals."
"Varian is not delusional." Horace snapped, losing his composure. He took a deep breath to calm himself. "He's a knight of the realm, and he was tasked with keeping me safe and in the Dark Kingdom. He was just doing his job, and I'm not going to let him be punished for that." Horace knew that Varian's actions had also been emotionally motivated, but he didn't think the king was in the mood to hear about a teenager's trauma.
"A knight?" Queen Arianna frowned in confusion and concern. "He's a child."
"He's a criminal and a menace." King Frederic said harshly. "And I intend to personally see to it that he faces justice."
Horace stiffened, but kept his face even. This was a sensitive part of this discussion. If Horace didn't tread carefully, he may just end up infuriating King Frederic even more, and if things didn't go well then he may treat Varian even more harshly than he would if nothing had been said at all. Horace couldn't afford to slip up now.
"I understand where you're coming from." Horace said slowly. "Really, I do. However, I can't just sit idly by while you lock him in the dungeons and throw away the key. What I propose is that Varian remains arrested, but you allow me to take him back to the Dark Kingdom. He will still face justice for his crimes against Corona, but if he's home and with his family again then he can be rehabilitated as well."
"What kind of fool do you take me for?" King Frederic glared at him. He was trying to leer down over him, but Horace didn't let himself be intimidated. "I cannot just let a criminal go free without facing consequences for his actions."
Horace scowled ever so slightly and met King Frederic's glare with one of his own. "I just told you that there would be consequences. You can even send some of your most trusted guards to escort us back, to ensure that Varian faces justice that you would be satisfied with. But I will be taking Varian home."
"And if I forbid it?" King Frederic raised an eyebrow at him. Horace didn't hesitate before answering.
"Then lock me up right along with him." Horace said. "Varian is my responsibility. Everything he's done has been in my name. I can promise you that none of this would have happened if it weren't for my actions."
"Eugene?" Rapunzel said breathlessly. "You...you can't be serious."
"I'm completely serious." Horace said. "Whatever you decide, I want to be with Varian. I've been separated from him for far too long, and I won't stand for it anymore. So either let him come with me, or put me with him, but I'm not going to be away from him any more.
Corona's royal family was stunned into silence, and Horace took that chance to drive the point home. "Just so you know, I've already sent a message back to the Dark Kingdom, explaining everything. If we are stuck in Corona, then my father will surely send his best knights to retrieve us. You saw what Varian was capable of, and he's just a child. The rest of the Brotherhood is even stronger, and they won't hold back."
King Frederic looked like he didn't know whether to be furious or confused. "Our kingdom would send its strongest knights here for the sake of one boy?" He sounded doubtful, but Horace knew for a fact that the Brotherhood wouldn't hesitate to come here for Varian. The Dark Kingdom only had the six of them living there. In a kingdom as desolate and barren as the Dark Kingdom, they needed to rely on each other. Their bond was strong, and each of them would do anything for any of the others.
Horace didn't know if he'd be able to convince King Frederic of this fact, but that was fine. He had another plan.
"Even if they don't, I would do this, and more, for Varian's sake." Horace said. "And you know first hand just how far a kingdom will go to bring home a lost heir. The Brotherhood will come for me, and if I'm not going anywhere without Varian, then neither will they."
King Frederic studied him carefully, searching for some uncertainty or deceit in his eyes. He wanted the chance to call his bluff, but there was nothing but dedication and determination in Horace's eyes.
"I still don't see any reason to believe you're truly a prince of a kingdom I've never heard of." King Frederic said.
"It took me months to travel from the Dark Kingdom to Corona. I'm really not surprised that you haven't heard of it." Horace said. "And regardless of if you believe me or not, it's the truth, and if you decide to keep Varian locked up, then in several months, when the Brotherhood arrives, you will see for yourself that it's the truth. However, I don't think either of us want it to come to that. It would be better for all of us if you let me take Varian home."
"Are you threatening me?" King Frederic scowled.
"I'm trying to negotiate with you." Horace said. "Because Varian was here on my behalf, and on behalf of the Dark Kingdom, I want him granted diplomatic immunity."
"I'm not granting anything." King Frederic said darkly. Horace had expected this. What he didn't expect was for Queen Arianna to leave Rapunzel's side and go to her husband. She put a hand on his arm.
"Frederic," Queen Arianna said quietly, pleading. "I think we should give leniency to the boy."
The king turned to the queen, shock and anger in his eyes. "You can't honestly believe Eugene's story."
"It doesn't matter if I believe him or not." Queen Arianna said. "This isn't about his claim, it's just about the boy. Varian is a child, and our kingdom has long held the tradition to show mercy to children."
"He's not the usual starving child resorting to thievery in desperation." King Frederic said calmly. "He kidnapped and threatened you."
"He's ill." Queen Arianna said defensively. Horace stiffened and felt a pit in his stomach. Varian was sick? He'd looked fine when he'd seen him. Had Horace just been so focused on getting the queen back that he hadn't even noticed? He felt terrible. Even when Horace was trying to focus on Varian, he still focused too much on Arianna that he might have been blind to Varian's state. He couldn't do this any more.
"Varian didn't look sick." Rapunzel said quietly. Arianna looked at her.
"Not physically." Queen Arianna said slowly. "But mentally. I didn't see him for very long, but it was long enough for it to be clear that he's not in his right mind. He seemed to be hearing voices that weren't there."
"If that boy is unstable, then he should be locked away for his own safety as well as everybody else's." King Frederic tried to say reasonably. Queen Arianna gave him a harsh look.
"Frederic," Queen Arianna said sternly. "If someone is ill, what they need is help and care, not to be locked away and forgotten about because that's what's easier for you."
"Eugene said the boy is not Coronan." King Frederic said. "He's not one of our people. It's not our responsibility to care for him."
"Either believe his story, or don't." Queen Arianna snapped. "But you cannot just pick and choose which parts you like best."
"Should it matter if he's Coronan or not?" Rapunzel asked. "If someone needs help, we should help them, not focus on what's in it for us."
Queen Arianna gave her daughter a proud look. "Yes, exactly. Thank you, Rapunzel."
King Frederic sighed tiredly. "What do you want me to do?"
Queen Arianna turned to Horace. "You know him. What does Varian need to get better?"
Horace thought that what Varian needed was to go home, but they already knew how he felt about that, and King Frederic had made his stance very clear. Maybe Horace should suggest a compromise, just in case Varian wasn't allowed to return to the Dark Kingdom. That way things would still be able to improve for the boy, even if it wasn't nearly as much as Horace wanted.
"I think more than anything he needs his dad." Horace said. "He hasn't seen him for more than a year."
Queen Arianna shot King Frederic a stern look. "After everything we've been through, are you really going to be responsible for keeping a child separated from their parent?"
King Frederic looked conflicted, and Horace allowed himself to hope. If this worked, it would be thanks to Queen Arianna. Horace hadn't even considered that was a possibility. Queen Arianna was the last person he would ask to show mercy to Varian, and she was giving it of her own volition.
King Frederic frowned. "I can promise nothing, but we shall consider it." Horace breathed a sigh of relief. That was probably as good as he could hope for right now.
"Thank you, your majesty." Horace gave a small bow. "If you'll allow it, can I go see Varian? I want to make sure he's okay."
King Frederic looked unhappy, but Queen Arianna nodded. "Of course." She said.
"The guards will have to accompany you." King Frederic said.
"Of course." Horace nodded. "Thank you." He turned and opened the door to leave the room, but Rapunzel grabbed his arm before he could walk out.
"Eugene...Horace," Rapunzel said quietly.
"You can call me Eugene, if you want." Horace said. "I'm so sorry about all of this. When I left home I never thought it would come this far."
"So you're actually...you're really…" Rapunzel took a deep breath. "This doesn't feel real."
"I really am a prince." Horace said. "A prince that was terrified of being trapped in his responsibilities, but a prince nonetheless." He sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I wasn't trying to hide it from you, I was just trying to ignore that part of myself completely, so I didn't talk about it to anybody, not even Varian, who knew the truth."
Rapunzel fiddled with her hair, bringing some of it in front of her ears. Horace immediately brushed her hair back again. He hated to see her try to hide behind her hair like a shield. "...Can I ask you something?" Rapunzel asked.
"Of course." Horace said. He held Rapunzel close, embracing her.
Rapunzel took a deep breath. "Your home, your family, was it...was it like my relationship with Gothel?"
"No!" Horace said loudly. He calmed himself. "When we first met I thought I situations were similar, but I promise you they weren't. I used to feel like a prisoner in my own home because I felt trapped by my responsibilities. It wasn't ideal, but I never doubted that my family cared for me, and I wasn't lying when I said that they never hurt me. If anything, I'm the one who hurt them, and I need to make it right."
Rapunzel sighed and leaned against him before she pulled away. "Okay. I don't like it, but you have to do what you think is right, and I'm going to do my best to support you, like how you've been supporting me for all this time."
Horace gave her a small smile and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Sunshine. We'll talk more about this later, but right now I really need to check on Varian." Things between Horace and Rapunzel were a little complicated. He was trying to save his brother, who had hurt her family, and she had hurt his brother. If they wanted to move past it they would have to talk about it, and they would discuss it later, but they weren't just going to stop caring about each other until it happened.
"Be careful." Rapunzel pleaded.
"I will be." Horace said. He didn't think that Varian could do anything to hurt him, but he made the promise anyway, just to ease Rapunzel's concern. "I'll come talk to you later." He gave Rapunzel one more kiss before he left the room. The guards that had been standing in the back of the study, quietly observing, followed him to provide the escort that the king had commanded. Horace took a deep breath and pet Ruddiger's fur.
"You did so good in there, buddy." Horace said. He had half expected Ruddiger to try to attack Rapunzel, to get back at her for hurting Varian. If Ruddiger had acted out, King Frederic might have gotten more defensive, and that was the last thing that he had needed during this discussion.
"Are you ready to see Varian?" Horace asked, though it wasn't necessary. He knew that Ruddiger was desperate to see his boy. The raccoon chattered and nuzzled against Horace, giving him a small lick on the cheek. Horace hoped that this was a sign that the raccoon was on his way to forgiving him. Ruddiger's forgiveness wasn't nearly as good as Varian's, but it was a step in the right direction.
"I just hope he's ready to talk to me this time." Horace said. He sighed and rolled his shoulders. Talking to King Frederic had been hard, but talking to Varian felt like it was even harder. Horace didn't know exactly how this conversation was going to go, but he had to at least try. Even if Varian refused to see him, the least he deserved was effort on Horace's part.