Rapunzel sat with her two children, Judson and Taylor, in the library. They had just turned 4 years old the week before. Eugene was due back from a scouting mission any day now. Rapunzel anxiously waited for the sound of the bugle. The army had been out for 7 weeks protecting the kingdom. With Eugene leading them, he had to go on every mission. Sometimes he could hand over command so he could stay with his family, but very rarely.
The children listened intently to the story their mother was reading to them. Taylor sat on her mother's lap while Judson cuddled close to Rapunzel. She continued reading the story until she heard something. The children sat confused on why she stopped.
"Do you hear that?" Rapunzel asked. The two sat quietly and listened close. Suddenly, they jumped up and ran out of the door. Rapunzel smiled and followed after them. She knew what the sound was. It was the bugle she had been so anxiously waiting for.
Outside, the army came to a halt with Eugene in the front on Maximus. He turned to the soldiers and looked at them.
"You did well on this mission. Expect more in the future, but since we were gone so long, go see your families. Report back here at noon tomorrow. Dismissed." he told the soldiers. The army dispersed and went into town. Eugene got off of Max and turned back just in time to see his kids running towards him. The jumped into his arms.
"Daddy!" they both exclaimed. Eugene hugged them tight and picked them up.
"You guys have gotten big since I last saw you. It's getting harder for me to lift you." Eugene said to them. He then saw Rapunzel walking towards him.
"Alright, kids, it's my turn." Rapunzel told the children.
Eugene set them down and said "Why don't you two go pet Max? I know he missed you." They ran off to see their favorite horse and fed him some apples.
Rapunzel walked up to Eugene and hugged him tight. She missed him a lot and Eugene knew that. He hated to leave her but if it meant keeping her safe, he would do anything. The couple stopped hugging and Rapunzel pulled him into a kiss. They broke apart and stood there holding each other.
"I'm glad you're home." Rapunzel finally said.
"I am too. I can't stand being away from you for that long. Drives me crazy." Eugene said. He took her hand and called to the kids, "Let's go, you two. I need to get caught up on what's been happening here. Like has your mom's cooking improved at all." Rapunzel playfully punched his arm. The kids ran ahead of their parents into the castle. Eugene and Rapunzel knew they would have to go chase them down. It was a game the children liked to play. They both looked at each other.
"I got Judson." Rapunzel said starting to go after him.
"I'll get Taylor." Eugene stated running after his daughter.
The two chased after the rambunctious kids until they finally caught them. Both children were tired after all that running, so they were put to bed. Once they were asleep, Eugene and Rapunzel went back to their room and sat close together on the bed. It felt like forever since they had some time alone. Eugene held his wife close to him and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I love you." Rapunzel said, breaking the silence.
"I love you too." Eugene replied. He used his free hand to hold Rapunzel's hand. Eventually after a while, they fell asleep in each other's arms.