lost then found
Somehow, Arianna is always able to see through Eugene. He doesn't need to tell her how he's feeling or even what he's thinking, because somehow, she just knows. He figures it's a 'mother thing.' Not that he would know anything about that. She's the closest thing he thinks he'll ever have to a mother.
Sometimes, it doesn't entirely work in his favour. For example, he knows she knows when Eugene sneaks into Rapunzel's room late at night. He doesn't know how she knows, but he figures he doesn't wanna know. He's beginning to think mothers have an instinct for those types of things, and so, he learns to accept that overtime.
Throughout the few months that Eugene has spent at the castle, he finds Arianna checking up on him more often than not, talking to him and giving him helpful pointers on how to act more 'princely' around the castle. She doesn't let anyone else hear it though, as if it is all just a part of their own secret.
She does everything she can and more to make him feel most at home here. Somehow the same Queen who had the power and every right to imprison him or worse, ended up becoming one of the only people in his life who cares about him the most.
And even though he isn't sure how to say it, Arianna knows how grateful he is, because she sees his confidence growing every day that he is here, thanks to her.
For instance, a royal dinner is just another night in the castle for Arianna, but she almost forgets how nerve-wracking it must be for a former thief who'd spent his life running from the very same people he's seated at the table with.
Earlier that day, Eugene spends nearly ten minutes in his room fiddling with the buttons of his collar while staring at himself in the mirror, a part of him wishing he didn't have to attend this thing at all.
He clasps them, then unclasps them, then clasps them again only part of the way. He groans at his own indecisiveness, dreading the idea of anyone seeing him fuss over this right now.
Usually, he wouldn't be paying so much attention to something as insignificant as the buttons of his shirt. Well, it isn't his shirt. He'd found it in his wardrobe – the wardrobe that Rapunzel's parents had been so kind to leave for him.
Ever since he started living in the castle two weeks ago, he's developed a greater attention for these things. Especially today.
He has to make himself look at least somewhat presentable for the dinner tonight. Apparently, the most important political figures of every neighboring kingdom is going to be there, and he can't show up looking like an ex-criminal, even though he is one – but they don't have to know that.
The point is, this is his one chance to make a good first impression and show them that he isn't just the scum thief everyone knows him as. And if he's lucky, he's probably going to end up being the future King of Corona one day.
Suddenly, there's a loud knock at his bedroom door and Eugene nearly jumps out of his skin at the sound.
He whips around and calls out in a panic, "Uh, c-come in!" He scrambles to prop his elbow atop of the mirror to attempt to hide it from view. He leans against it with his other fist planted on his hip.
The Queen halts in her tracks just as she opens the door, "Oh. Forgive me," she glances around the vast room for a moment, finding it empty, "I was hoping to find Rapunzel in here."
"I, uh… I think she's with her dad right now."
"Oh," she says in a forcefully pleasant tone, "All right." She takes a second glance at the suspicious man before slowing turning to leave, deciding not to question why he had just been standing there like that.
"Actually…" he stops her before she closes the door.
The woman peers over her shoulder at Eugene, her fingertips lingering on the handle. They meet eyes from across the room.
After a moment, he sighs heavily, his shoulders dropping. Defeated, he runs a hand through his hair as he looks down at himself hopelessly, "You don't think you could help me with this, do you?"
For a moment, she stares dumbfounded at him. Then she chuckles softly as she saunters into the room, shaking her head.
So that's what this is about. His obvious embarrassment is quite lovable to her, but there's suddenly an ease of tension in the room after the revelation. Eugene feels it too.
He turns to face the mirror again, frowning at himself.
Arianna's reflection arrives behind his shoulder, "Well, you certainly look like you fit in," she observes, speaking in a calm and level tone.
If Eugene is being honest, he'd half expected to drop Rapunzel off at the castle the day she'd returned to her parents, and then he would leave. Sure, it wouldn't have been what he'd wanted, but Eugene doesn't belong in a castle, and he most definitely doesn't belong with a princess.
At some point that day, he'd come to terms with the inevitability of the King and Queen throwing him in a cell. As long as Rapunzel was happy, that's all he cared about. But he definitely hadn't prepared himself for a lifetime of royalty.
Eugene shrugs, giving a sideways grin as he attempts to say this as politely as possible, "It's… not really my style, to say the least."
The woman chews on her lip for a moment, an idea coming to mind, "I think I might have just the thing," she smirks, then turns to leave, "Come with me."
Inside the King's dressing room, Arianna presents to Eugene a perfectly folded garment from one of the various shelves, "This belonged to my husband before we were married."
Eugene finds no other choice but to take it from her while she speaks, examining the subtle gold embroidery embedded in the white fabric.
"I still remember the day he'd first worn it." She stares down at the attire, resisting a laugh, "The boy had hardly spoken a word, he was so nervous." She smiles softly at the fond memory, "It's a miracle we kept it around, it seems."
For some reason, the idea of Eugene wearing the King's clothes makes him feel guilty – like he's not worthy of something that is so clearly valuable to them. Now he feels bad for even asking for her help in the first place.
Still, he doesn't want to seem rude by rejecting it, and if Arianna is half as stubborn as her daughter, he knows she won't let him get away with saying no.
When Eugene gathers the courage to actually put it on, he feels like the prince he'd once dreamt of being when he was a kid, as if all of this is merely a dream in itself.
The Queen steps in front of him to gently adjust his collar, admiring her handiwork. She then turns to face the mirror as she stands next to him, the height of her head only reaching his shoulder.
"You look just like him when he was your age," she comments, pleased that it seems to fit Eugene perfectly.
Well, he's gotta admit, he is impressed with how put together he looks right now. He truly does appear like an entirely different person. This'll definitely make an impression tonight… hopefully.
He sighs audibly, shrugging, "Any words of advice for a former criminal at a royal dinner?"
"Just be yourself," she smiles warmly, "Everyone loves you."
That night at dinner, the long vast table is filled with high-class leaders and influencers, most that the King and Queen have previously met in meetings but are all unrecognizable to Eugene and Rapunzel.
Eugene sits directly in the middle next to the Princess, with her parents seated across from them.
As the sound of ringing silverware and pleasant chatter fills the dining hall, Arianna finds herself glances across the table at Eugene as she periodically sips her wine.
She can tell he is doing his best to keep up with everything that is being said from all different ends of the table, only chiming into the conversation when a specific question is directed to him.
Rapunzel has no issue chatting amongst everyone, mostly because no one will give her the time not to, what with her being the only gossip in town lately. Still, she loves to talk.
Eugene, on the other hand, he loves to talk too, sometimes too much, but… not exactly with this specific crowd. He can't exactly crack a joke about how ridiculous everyone looks here then ramble on about the time he'd gotten black out drunk or something of the sort. That's what he would have done before he became, well… the Princess' boyfriend. You know, if he were in a tavern with a bunch of other thieves and ruffians right now.
Arianna watches him again as he laughs politely in response to someone across the table. Then he clears his throat, stares down at his plate, and hooks a finger inside the collar of his shirt in discomfort.
Somehow, Arianna sees Frederic in him - the same scared, awkward boy, trying too hard to fit into a world that was never meant for him. Frederic had gotten used to it after many years, but despite the kingdom's perception of their honorary King, he'd once been small too if they can believe it.
At some point in Rapunzel's life, her parents had worried she'd be married off to some pompous prince who only wanted her for her money. But they could only dream she'd find someone like Eugene – someone who couldn't be more opposite, in fact. Arianna only wishes he'd recognize the value of that in himself.
She can see it clearly in him. He's too insecure about what people think of him. She wishes he knew he were enough.
Eugene props his elbows up on the table as he absentmindedly fiddles with his fingers in front of his face, listening to someone speak.
The Queen catches his eye from across the table. She smiles at him, lifts her chin and gestures for him to adjust his posture. The motion is subtle enough for no one else to notice.
He does, instantly retracting his hands into his lap and sitting with the straightest posture that feels physically possible. He glances among everyone, hoping no one had noticed the fact he'd just broken the first rule of table etiquette.
While whatever important speech is being given, Arianna presses her lips together when the two make eye contact again, both holding in their laughter.
After nearly two months, Eugene finds living in the castle to finally be getting easier. All the formalities and responsibilities are something he's started getting used to and doesn't seem to be losing his mind over anymore.
He's also a lot more used to the fact that Rapunzel is like the sun of the kingdom's sky. She jokes about the fact he is second to her in terms of popularity, and he playfully treats it like a competition strictly to satisfy Eugene's ego.
What doesn't get easier though, is the fact that every man in the kingdom seems to be in love with her.
Eugene doesn't blame them, and he shouldn't even question it. Maybe it is his ego, and it's all just in his head, but it sure seems that people forget who Eugene is to Rapunzel. Ever since the day he met her, he's been asking himself how someone could have hidden away the most beautiful, perfect girl when she has so much to offer to the world?
Every day, he watches Rapunzel grow into the princess she was meant to be. She struggled at first, but at least from Eugene's eyes, it seems the entire role comes naturally to her.
She's always been good at talking to people and involving herself with everything related to the kingdom. She's polite and passionate, and she loves her parents and her people more than anything. She wants to be the best Princess she can be, and to make everyone proud.
That's why Eugene isn't surprised that everyone loves her.
He watches her dance through the crowd of people that flood the ballroom. Lively music fills the vast walls as people from all different kingdoms move in a choreographed ensemble. The chandelier glistens overhead as the sun sets through the tall windows of Corona's palace.
Eugene stands alone on the steps by the King and Queen's thrones, overlooking the dancefloor. His hands are clasped behind him, and he's dressed in the most formal attire he will probably ever wear aside from his inevitable wedding day.
Regardless of the crowd and the bustling party he'd love to join, all Eugene's eyes seem to focus on is his future-wife across the room.
She wears a light pink ballroom gown with sleeves that fall off her shoulders. Her corset is tied with ribbons and the flowing skirt of her dress glistens with glitter along with the golden crown she wears. Even if she weren't the princess, she'd still stand out the most.
The sound of her laughter is heard faintly underneath the music. Eugene's heart bursts at the sight of her beaming smile. She's the most beautiful girl in the entire room.
The only thing wrong with the picture is the fact that she is currently dancing with some bloke who's clearly having the time of his life.
The man had politely asked Eugene beforehand, and of course Eugene had said yes, because he couldn't find it in him to say no. He doesn't want to forever be known as the guy who is possessive over the princess. Besides, dancing with someone doesn't mean anything.
Eugene hadn't recognized him, but he assumes he's some sort of prince visiting from another kingdom to attend Corona's grandest ball of the year, just like everyone else here. Eugene convinces himself that this guy asking her to dance is just a respect thing. Or a royalty thing. Hopefully. Or maybe he'd travelled all the way here just for this reason specifically.
Arianna appears by Eugene's side, whose eyes are too preoccupied to notice her at first.
"I wouldn't worry myself over it," chimes the Queen after a moment.
A little startled, Eugene glances over at her. She's staring into the crowd too, the sound of laughter and chatter filling the ballroom.
Arianna smirks, sensing Eugene's uneasiness. "She's been looking at you too," she says.
Despite Arianna's motherly instincts toward Eugene, there are times when she doesn't have to explain herself to him either.
For two people who have come from very opposite walks of life, there somehow remains a mutual understanding between the two, for the years that have brought them both to this point really aren't that different at all.
So, when Eugene overhears the Queen weeping in the late hours of the night, he doesn't ask her why.
The hallways at night are like another dimension of the castle. It seems like everyone watches everyone around here, and even with how enormous it is, it's nearly impossible to find a moment of privacy.
That is why Eugene often finds himself wandering the halls late at night attempting to clear his head. It usually helps him when he can't sleep, to take a step back and ignore every responsibility that seems to get thrown at him the longer he lives here.
He finds comfort in the silence. What he doesn't expect to hear, however, is a faint sniffle coming from the library as he walks past.
Eugene stops and takes a second glance through the grand archway of the room. The fireplace crackles on the opposite wall, casting an orange glow within the darkness.
It takes him a second to recognize the Queen sitting on the bench, her back turned to him as she faces the fire.
She hasn't noticed him yet, and Eugene realizes he could just keep walking and pretend he never saw anything.
It's not that he isn't allowed to be out and about right now. He can technically do whatever he wants, but he knows he'll probably receive a scolding glare from the guards if they find him, and that's an explanation he'd rather avoid giving.
As Eugene contemplates whether he should say anything, Arianna peers over her shoulder at him.
"Eugene," she gasps. She quickly wipes her tears with her palm, clearly embarrassed.
He waves awkwardly in the doorway, "Hi."
"I'm sorry—" she moves to stand up.
"No—no, I'm sorry," interrupts Eugene, stepping further into the room with his hands out. He hadn't meant to startle her.
She sits back down fully, recognizing the silliness of the situation. She distracts herself by straightening out her skirt in her lap. "I shouldn't be awake right now."
"Well, that makes two of us," remarks Eugene, scratching the back of his neck.
The corners of her lips lift slightly as Arianna looks away again, unable to find an argument for that.
"I won't tell anyone if you don't," Eugene suggests, attempting to lighten the mood.
Arianna only gives him a broken smile, like she wants to laugh but can't. Eugene notices. He ignores it, but they both know he had just heard her crying a second ago. Neither of them chooses to mention it.
After a moment, she gestures for him to come into the room.
Four months ago, he would've overanalyzed everything about that and might not have even allowed himself to do it. Now, sitting next to her feels comforting and familiar. There's something about it that just feels right, like her presence had been missing in Eugene's life until now.
They sit in silence and watch the flames dance atop the hearth, feeling it's warmth envelope them within the dire room.
Arianna fiddles with something in her lap. It's a small, golden pendant attached to a thin chain. She opens the locket to reveal a tiny oval-shaped picture inside.
"I made this shortly after Rapunzel went missing," she says.
Eugene hadn't even realized she had been holding it. He recognizes the woman in the image to be a younger Arianna, cradling a tiny baby in her arms.
Regardless of how small the painting is, it still manages to hold so much detail and life. It's beautiful, to say the least. Now he realizes where Rapunzel got her artistic talents from.
"When I got pregnant, Frederic thought we were having a boy. But I knew from the very beginning she was a girl, " Arianna recalls in a soft voice, tracing her thumb across the picture. "Every night I would look at it, waiting for the day she would come home to us. And for the first eighteen years of her life, I just…" her voice breaks as the tears flood her eyes once more, "I never got to be the mother I always dreamed of being."
Just like that, the woman collapses into Eugene's shoulder as she sobs.
For a moment, he's taken aback by the suddenness of it. He's never seen her in such a state before. In fact, he wonders if anyone ever has. Though, he can only imagine the pressure she must feel as Queen - to always remain so composed and confident. It's a shock she hadn't revealed any of this sooner, considering all that she's been through.
Eugene would like to say he knows a thing or two about emotional women. But if he's being completely honest with himself, he doesn't have a clue about it. It's something he's not sure he'll ever be able to fully understand.
But the Queen is different. She has every reason in the world and more to cry. She cries over lost love. She cries over the family she never had - the same thing eight-year-old Eugene had found himself crying over for countless nights inside a lonely orphanage, at one point in his life.
Hesitantly, his hand moves to rest between her shoulder blades, "You know… it's not too late for that," he says once her tears begin to subside, "The way I see it, I think she needs you now more than ever."
Arianna sniffles, "You're right," she murmurs, slowly sitting up straight again. Then she chuckles weakly, despite the circumstances. "Look at me, I'm a mess."
She wipes her tears with her fingertips, taking a breath. Eugene wishes she wouldn't try so hard to brush them away. He can laugh off his feelings all he wants, but when she does it, it bothers him to say the least.
The last thing Arianna wants to do is sound ungrateful for her daughter's return. She couldn't be more ecstatic about it. Finding her on their doorstep so long ago had truly been a miracle. And even though Rapunzel has been home for months now, there is still a hole carved into the Queen's heart that she fears will never go away.
"Hey, it had to come out sooner or later, right?" comforts Eugene, then points out with a smirk, "Besides… you can't be more of a mess than me."
She brushes her nose with the back of her hand, "I just… I know this is a lot for her to adjust to and I'm trying to give her space, but I'm just so afraid of losing her again," reveals the Queen, shaking her head hopelessly.
She's never admitted it out loud, but she almost feels like a bad mom. Arianna thought she had prepared herself for this, but the truth is, she has no idea how to be one. Her daughter is all grown up now. It's like Rapunzel doesn't even need her mother anymore. Her childhood had flown by, and Arianna missed all of it.
Eugene's heart clenches at hearing that. He recalls the moment just a few days ago, when Rapunzel had told him she wished her parents weren't so suffocating and strict towards her. It hadn't been the first time Rapunzel had complained about it, either. He understands both perspectives, and now it seems he is the bridge between them.
Arianna sighs frustratingly, asking without thinking, "Was your mother ever like that?"
Eugene blinks in surprise. He hadn't expected the conversation to turn on him like that. "I… don't know, actually," he says.
No one's ever asked him about his parents before. No one except Rapunzel.
Arianna peers at him with a confused expression. Clearly, she hadn't expected that answer either.
"I don't know who my mother is," Eugene elaborates, shrugging. He grins unconvincingly, then softens his tone of voice, "But I'd like to think she loved me just as much as you love Rapunzel."
Regret washes over Arianna's broken expression, "I'm so sorry—"
"Eh, don't worry about it," Eugene makes a waving motion with his hand, figuring she would say that. "I got over that a long time ago. Besides, the kids and I at the orphanage got into so much trouble together, believe me," he laughs, sighing at the memories, "Yeah… it was a great time. We were our own little family."
She ponders that for a moment, finding comfort in his response. "Well, I'm glad you weren't alone, Eugene."
"Yeah… me too," he stares absently at the fireplace, thinking back on it. He rests his elbows on his knees, leaning forward. Then he nudges her arm gently, attempting to ease the tension somewhat, "So… I guess I kinda know what you're going through."
Arianna grins back at him, "I guess you do."