Rapunzel was on bed rest, which was something that the usually very excited and free-spirited princess was not taking to. It allowed her to catch up on some reading that needed to be done for her duties as crown princess. Her father and mother would be the ones to make any final decisions on the trade agreements she was proofreading and finalizing, but it would do her some good to read over them and get some practice drafting the kinds of proclamations that would be a daily occurrence when she was queen.
She sighed and put aside the trade agreement from the Enchancian royal family. It was set to be a trade of bimberries for their textiles, which she knew was surely needed since a disease had spread through the flocks of cheep in Corona. Enchancia was not one of their usual trading partners, but maybe this was a blessing in disguise. Cultivating a new relationship with a kingdom, especially a positive one, might be useful in the long run.
Rapunzel rubbed at her eyes, tired of the official documents in front of her. Normally she would be excited to take on all the duties involved with her royal life, but she was fairy exhausted. It was tiring, carrying and growing another person inside her body. She felt tired to the very bone, the only time she ever felt more exhausted was in Cassandra's Tower when she used the Fourth Incantation, when her body had become a vessel for the Sundrop. And even then, it was a close call.
Rapunzel reached for her bedside table, where a stack of personal letters sat. Maybe it would refresh her to read letters from some of her friends from across the world. The Hook brothers had recently sent a package of a multi-colored xylophone for the baby, and the letter they included was a brief but celebratory note offering to write a song in the young royal's honor. Stalayn and Brock had both sent letters as well, and Rapunzel was delighted to see that Stalayn had moved on enough from Eugene to send him well-wishes on his expectant baby. Even one Hector de la Bosque had sent a note, which had arrived on the back of a bearcat a few days ago.
(The bearcat was currently sleeping in the stables, preparing to return to his human.)
Her eyes traveled to the one from Varian, and she smiled. Varian had been sending correspondence since he had arrived in Terran for university, and she knew that he was preparing to return home to Corona for the winter holidays that were approaching in just a few weeks.
She slowly opened the seal and scanned through it, grinning to herself like a fool as she read the letter from her gone friend. He was fairing well in Terran, having found lodging with an old friend of Quirin's, Miss Benson and her niece Juliet. He was pursuing a degree in alchemy and chemistry, and he had disclosed to her that this Juliet was quickly becoming a study partner for her and that this Miss Benson was a kindly old woman that was always baking this and that.
She was glad her young friend had found something of a home in Terran. She would have hated if he had been stuck all the way out there without someone to rely on or at least a friend.
"Hey princess."
Rapunzel smiled and looked up at her husband, who was leaned against the doorpost, the silvery gold door wide open.
"Hi Gee-Bug," Rapunzel teased. Eugene rolled his eyes and walked over to her, pulling a chair up to sit by her bedside.
"I really think we should retire that nickname," Eugene returned, and Rapunzel laughed with a shake of her head.
"No, I think I've grown rather fond of it," Rapunzel said. Eugene let out a low grumble, but Rapunzel knew that he didn't really mean any kind of real protest against it.
She hummed and drummed her fingers across her protruding stomach.
"Have you finished your piece of the quilt yet?" Rapunzel asked slowly. Eugene smiled and leaned back in his chair; his arms crossed across his chest.
"I told you it's a surprise for both you and the baby," Eugene said in a sing-song voice. Rapunzel grinned teasingly and leaned her head towards him.
"Can't blame a girl for trying, can you?" Rapunzel asked.
Eugene had decided to make his design on the quilt he received to be a secret until the baby was born. All Eugene had said that it was a representation of what he wanted this child to have, and that made Rapunzel even more excited to see it. Eugene was truly creative when he wanted to be, but he so rarely got a chance to use it an art form, usually using it for strategy in his job as the Capitan of the Guard. Rapunzel couldn't wait to wrap this child in this blanket that represented half of their heritage, and also had a personal addition from their father.
Rapunzel looked over at the crib in the corner, each bar painted a different color of the rainbow to match the moon and sun mobile from Cassandra that hung over it. The rainbow had been Rapunzel's final project before the royal medic had put Rapunzel on this strictly imposed bedrest. He had a handmaiden or other staff member checking on her every other hour, just to make sure, as everyone knew that Rapunzel was free-spirited and known to break rules.
But Rapunzel also loved this child, and she would do nothing that could ever hurt them.
"Just two and a half weeks," Rapunzel whispered. Of course, they had no way of knowing for sure the day they baby would come, but they were estimating that's how long it would be before their baby made their grand premiere. "I can hardly wait, can you?"
Eugene's smile widened. "No, sunshine, I'm just excited as you are."
Eugene's face fell for just a fraction of a second. It was gone so quick that most people wouldn't have noticed it, but Rapunzel wasn't most people. She was Eugene's wife and best friend; she knew when he was worried and trying to hide it for her sake.
Rapunzel reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"You can tell me if you're worried, you know?" Rapunzel told him. "I won't be angry or upset with you."
Eugene looked at her skeptically for a moment, and Rapunzel knew why. Eugene had grown up on his own, and asides from Lance, Rapunzel was one of the first people to allow him to use his voice and have it be listened to. Before that, it was mostly cast aside. And though he had gotten much better at communicating with her, they sometimes ran into little road bumps that were to be expected.
Eugene then sighed and squeezed her hand in turn.
"It's just…..I'm not sure how I'm going to be a good father," Eugene admitted quietly. "I-I have a wonderful father now, but back when I was a kid, I didn't have that – I didn't have someone to look up to. I know why Dad had to give me up and I've forgiven him, but – but how am I going to do this? How am I going to parent this child? I have no clue what I'm doing."
Rapunzel could understand this fear. If she was being honest, she had had similar thoughts. She didn't have the best childhood nor a good family until she was nearly fully grown. All she knew was what not to do – not be like Gothel – and not much else.
"Can I tell you secret Eugene?" Rapunzel asked. Eugene looked up from under his eyelids and he nodded. "I'm scared of not being good at this either. I mean, hello, adopted daughter of a madwoman who locked me in a tower anyone? But I know we'll figure this out, my love."
She reached out with her other hand and caressed his cheek, running her thumb along his cheekbone.
"How? How can you be so sure?" Eugene quietly wondered.
"Because I have you," Rapunzel answered easily. "And you have me. We'll figure this out together, come hell or high water. I mean, we've faced literal demons. I'm sure we can get the hang of parenting."
Eugene laughed under his breath and leaned into her touch.
"How did I ever get lucky enough to get you to fall in love with me?" Eugene pondered.
Rapunzel grinned and opened her mouth to answer, but she felt a wave of pain overtake her. A strong pain hit her in the lower abdomen, and a dull ache began in her back. She let out a hiss of pain and tried to move to relieve herself of some of pain, but it did nothing to make her feel better. Instead, another wave seemed to take over her.
"Cupcake?" Eugene asked, worried. He rose to stand and didn't let go of her hand. "Are you alright?"
"I think –" Another wave of pain, and the ache in her lower abdomen continued to grow tenfold. "The medic, I need the medic."
Eugene held his daughter in his arms, staring down at their sleeping face with wonder and love. This was his daughter. His and Rapunzel's daughter. He could already make out that the baby had the beginnings of Rapunzel's button nose and had small tufts of brunette hair that was in thin strands. The baby let out the quietest of snores and Eugene smiled, placing a soft kiss to their temple.
"I love you so much…." he whispered, more adoration than he ever thought he could have in his voice. Rapunzel laughed weakly from her spot on the bed, their son in her arms.
"Already trying to make them a Daddy's Girl, huh, love?" Rapunzel teased. Eugene returned her laugh from his spot next to her and leaned down to place a kiss to the crown of his wife's hair. He had taken residence in the bed next to her after much prodding from Rapunzel, having not wanted to disturb her so soon after birth. But Rapunzel had assured him that she didn't mind and wanted him close as they spent some along time with their children.
It had been a surprise during delivery when the Medic had calmly said after their baby girl that there was another baby coming, as they had been fully expecting just one baby. It helped explain why they were a couple weeks early; the Medic had explained as he cleaned both and given them to the royal couple.
"Twins are normally born a little premature," the Medic had said, handing their son to Rapunzel.
But twins. Twins were a couple surprise, one that filled Eugene's heart with more love than he ever thought possible. All those fears he had before were still in him, wondering how on earth he was going to be a father to just one but two babies. But as he looked down at their faces, all he could feel was love and joy. These children were his, his to love and take care of.
Never had he truly understood the heartbreaking decision his father had to make. Before now, he had assumed it was a hard decision, one that his father had labored over. Now, however, now he knew it had been an impossible decision. He had only had his children for a few short hours, and he couldn't imagine sending them away, no matter the reason. He wanted to keep them here with him, where he could keep them safe personally. He had forgiven his father years ago, but now he finally understood it.
Eugene rested his head on top of Rapunzel's, and he looked down at the two faces of his and Rapunzel's twins. Both had dark, brown hair and sleepy faces as they snored gently, safe in their arms.
"I didn't know I could feel this much," Rapunzel whispered. Eugene grinned and placed another kiss to her crown.
"Me either."
The door to their room knocked gently, and both looked up to see one Lance peeking through a small opening.
"Are you up for visitors?" he asked, for once quiet. Eugene wanted to say no, wanted to keep this quiet moment between the four of them forever. But he would let Rapunzel decide, she was the one who had just given birth after all.
"Yes, Lance, you all can come in now," Rapunzel said kindly. Lance, Kiera, and Catalina all stepped into the room, the two girls rushing to the bedside and peeking over the side to look at the two babies.
"Awww…." Catalina said, knitting her hands together. "They're so cute!" Kiera, for once, was the silent one, staring at them with awe and barely concealed confusion.
Frederic, Arianna, and Edmund were quick to come next, standing a bit away, but starting at them with non-concealed pride.
"How wonderful!" Edmund boomed. The babies made a small fussing sound but then returned to sleep, and Edmund quieted his voice. "Two grandchildren. Oh, Horace, your mother would be so proud."
Arianna stepped closer to them, putting a hand to rest on the footboard of the bed and the other resting over her heart.
"Oh, me and your father are so happy for you, sweetheart," Arianna said. Frederic nodded in agreement and put a hand on his wife's shoulder.
"We can't wait to get to know our grandchildren," Frederic continued for her. Eugene smiled in thanks and nodded his head, and he looked up to see a figure lingering by the door. Dressed in their green armor, Cassandra stood hesitantly by the door, playing with her fingers. Rapunzel seemed to notice her too, as she called out to her.
"Cass, come, I want all of you to meet them," Rapunzel insisted. Cassandra reluctantly walked towards them after a moment, coming to stand beside Arianna and Frederic but daring not to come closer.
Kiera crossed her arms and pursed her lips. "Come on, come on! What's their names?"
Rapunzel laughed. "Alright, alright Miss Ants in Her Pants, we'll tell you." She looked to Eugene, and Eugene smiled down at their baby girl.
"Everyone this is Isabella Armella Fitzherbert Mond," Eugene introduced. Rapunzel help up their son lightly so that they others could see their face.
"And this is Castiel Ryan Fitzherbert Mond," Rapunzel said. Cassandra's eyes widened at the mention of Castiel's name, but she didn't say anything, though Eugene could tell she was honored they had named him, essentially, Cass as well.
"Castiel, Isabella?" Rapunzel whispered, smiling at their friends and family. "This is your family."
I really only have one section of this story that's going to be pretty long, and that's a section dedicated to Varian, which will be section after next I believe. Next is a section dedicated to Lance! I've never written him before as a major character, so I'm excited. We have one more chapter for this little arc, and then we'll be on to part 2!
Name explanations:
Isabella Armella - I just really like the name Isabella, I think it's really pretty and simply. I took Armella from codynaomiwire's tumblr post on possible names for gender-swapped characters for TTS, and I thought it was a nice little nod to Lance's birth name, and a way to harken back to chapter 2 when he brought up 'Lancina'.
Castiel Ryan - Castiel is a name meant to be similar to Cassandra, as I feel like Rapunzel would want to honor her friends the same way Eugene honored Lance with Isabella. And Ryan is a reference to my own twin, Brian. He'll never read this, but I felt it was a nice little personal twin nod.
Questions, comments, or concerns? Let me know! Have a blessed day!
-PrincessChess
