AN: I'm back! I was finally able to update! Every moment I get, I go to my room to write. But, as always, my little sister comes in and instead, we watch Blue Blood. Now, that my college has started again, I spend at least four hours a day twice a week in the computer lab. Most of that time is spent writing the next chapter instead of doing homework like I should. But, sometimes I get distracted reading fanfiction instead, though I try not. I appreciate the few reviews I've been getting from you all! I appreciated them! It keeps me going forward! Can't wait to read more of your reviews! Thanks for the support. Hope you like this chapter.
Wolfgem103: Thank for the review and asking questions. I would love to answer fanfic will follow the shows mainly, through their will be filler chapters. He will become a villain again, though he will be considered more of a misunderstood and emotionally teenager. Though I promise you, he will recover. He will get the raccoon, Rudiger, soon. I'm not sure how or when the moon theory will come in to the fanfic, though it might eventually. It depends on how willing I will be to following the series.
Moanafan: I loved writing that part!
Guest: I can't wait to post the next update!
Troy: His first spanking will be within the next two chapters if it goes as planned. I thought it would be better to explain the rules in his room in the next chapter.
Chapter 8
The sun was high in the sky by the time the pair reached the capital. The radiant castle sparkled, enchanting all those saw it, including a young alchemist, as he saw the magnificent city for the first time in years. As they ventured deeper into the city, he wondered where he was going to stay. His visit had been planned on short notice, so his new mentor probably hadn't had a chance to arrange a place for him to stay. 'I mean, I wouldn't expect to have a free room available for just any random kid if I were him!' Varian thought. 'It'll be fine. I don't need much space and I can find a place to do my experiments later. Don't want to be too much of a burden. He'll realize soon enough that I'm just not a normal person to live with.'
At the same time, Eugene was deliberating about the same question. The only reason he was living in the castle was that Rapunzel told her parents that if Eugene wasn't welcome in her new home, then she wasn't either. So, of course, her parents, mainly the King, gave in and gave Eugene a room. Though it was quite a distance away from Rapunzel, it was still more than anyone had ever given him before and for that he was thankful.
'Nevertheless, he had to find a new place to stay. The King and Queen were nice enough to allow me to stay in their home, they weren't expecting a teenage alchemist to be invited in as well — and my room is exactly big enough for two,' the young man thought to himself. 'As much as Blondie will be upset about me moving out, she'll understand. I mean, it's not like we'll be moving out of Corona, just a few streets down at the most. Varian and I can stay in my room until I can find us a place to live. We can survive a few days in close quarters.'
Before the two knew it, they had reached the golden gates that lead to the palace. The guards opened the gates to give them access when they recognized the older rider and the majestic steed he was on. Varian gazed at everything, trying to take it all in without fainting in excitement. It was only the heavyweight by his side that kept him grounded. He knew now was the time to be alert. If his chemicals were discovered before he could stow them away, he would be in big trouble, especially if they react to something. Maximus stopped in front of the stables, allowing Eugene and Varian dismount. Before Eugene could unload his apprentice's luggage, the young boy started talking in a rush.
"I hope I'm not going to be in your way. If you don't have any room for me, I just need a place to sleep. No need to go out of your way to clear some room for me. By the way, what are doing here at the castle? I mean, not that I'm not impressed and excited at being here, which I am, why are we here? Oh, I know! We're here to see your girlfriend since she lives here because she is the princess. Of course! Hey, is her friend here as well. What was her name—? Oh yeah! Cassandra! Wow, that is a pretty name, especially because it is for a beautiful lady. Do you think she'll like me? I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't, after almost killing her when all she was doing was trying to save me. I wouldn't like me either if I were here," the young boy chattered on endlessly.
Eugene was barely able to keep up with the teen's questions. He was vaguely surprised and even a bit confused at why Varian would ask those questions. He was expecting to live in a closet or something from the way he was talking. Asking about why they were at the castle was anticipated, so he was pleased to find out the boy was eager to be here. Though the sudden infatuation with Cassandra was a newly discovered aspect. When the small alchemist started talking about not liking himself, he knew he had to put a stop to these questions and try to find out if there was an underlying issue here.
"Whoa, kid! Take a sec to breathe, alright?" the older man encouraged the boy whose nonstop talking had come to an end.
"I'll answer all your questions now, though you should take the time to listen to my answers before you start responding to them. Okay?" he asked the out of breath youth, who nodded in return.
"Okay, first, we're here at the castle because I live here. I know, I know, you're wondering how an ex-thief like me was able to find his way into the castle. Well, the answer to that is because I fell in love with the princess and she promised her parents that she would leave if I was not allowed to live here. We'll be moving somewhere nearby because my small room will not be enough for the both of us, though we might have to stay here for a few days. Yes, we'll be seeing Rapunzel and her maid in waiting, Cassandra. She'll like you for sure since you are nothing like me. Is there any reason why you would think no one would like you?" Eugene asked cautiously after answering all the questions that had been aimed at him, wondering if he was overthinking this.
"No, it's just that..." Varian started off nervously, "...I almost killed her, the princess, and you yesterday. I felt so alone before yesterday. Now, you guys are suddenly accepting me in your lives is just so much to get my head around."
"I understand exactly how you feel. When Rapunzel found her way into my heart, I was really surprised as well. I was expecting her to wake up one day and realize I'm not the one for her because of my past. Instead, she gave me a home and in a way, a family as well. She convinced her parents, some of the guards, and most of Corona that I am a changed man. It was so unbelievable, that I was just expecting to find myself waking up one morning and finding out the last few months were only a dream — so, in some ways, I know exactly how you feel. We've both made mistakes in life and felt alone at some point in life. The only way we can get over that is to let others help save you. We don't have to be alone because there are many people willing to be our friends, including myself. I want to be your friend, though I understand it can take some time to get to that point. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" he explained himself to the boy so similar to himself.
Varian wanted to believe in him, but after so many years of feeling alone, he couldn't trust anyone enough to believe in. 'Dad used to be someone I could believe in. Now that he's realized I'm not worth saving, he's much better off. Eugene will realize the truth one day, so it's better for me to not get too attached before he wants to get rid of me.'
"I understand," Varian responded, trying to look as if he actually meant those words.
Eugene was relieved to find out his worries were for naught. Banishing those doubts away, he led the teen towards the main entrance. The man nodded at the guards, who moved aside to let him pass through. Inside the palace, the ex-con started towards the princess's room, with the dazed alchemist dawdling after him.
Eugene had barely knocked on the door when it was suddenly slammed open by one excited looking princess. He practically knocked off his feet when she pounced on him with one of her trademark bear hugs, or in this case, princess hugs.
"It's nice to see you too, Blondie," he was able to squeeze out as he gasped for breath.
"Eugene, you back! Oh, I have so much to tell you!" the golden-haired girl exclaimed, "Oh my sunlight! You remembered to bring Varian!"
"What d'ya mean I 'remembered?!'"
Varian was the next recipient, or victim, of one her suffocating embraces. It was nice to get a hug every once in a while, but this was overdoing it. Once Eugene was able to pry Rapunzel off the lad, she led them to her balcony for some tea.
"So, where's Cassandra? It's not her like to leave you alone for a while, not that I mind," the young man questioned.
"Oh, she's just getting your guys' room ready. I don't trust any of the guards to be able to get it without supervision," she nonchalantly answered.
"Wait, what!?"
"I told my dad about the mentorship idea and how you graciously volunteered to be Varian's mentor. He thought it was a great idea and advised me that maybe I should have a bigger room ready for the two of you. I mean, he doesn't expect you two to share that tiny closet for the next few months," the green-eyed girl explained.
Eugene was practically speechless, so Varian voiced his appreciation first.
"I might not have known you for long, but thank for welcoming me into your home. Thank you, princess," he stated, trying to bow down when the older girl stopped him and hugged him instead.
"No need for any thanks. I wanted to do all this as your friend, which means you should call me by my first name. You don't have to bow to me either."
"Whatever you say, Princ—I mean Rapunzel," Varian corrected as he pulled away from her warm embrace.
"Rapunzel, I'm thankful for you doing all this for us. At least now I don't have to be worried about finding a new place to live," Eugene expressed as he held her hand lovingly. She smiled before frowning.
"Back up for a moment! You thought my dad wouldn't allow Varian to stay with you?!" the newly angered princess bellowed.
"Oh look at the time, come now Varian! Let's go check out our new room," her beau called out as he evacuated the room, making sure to grab his apprentice, to begin his hunt for their new residence in the vast building.
With a few directions from one of the maids, the duo was able to find their new dwelling. It was close to Rapunzel's room, so Eugene didn't mind the move as much, especially if it was large enough for both him and his student. The last few guards finished up rearranging the unfamiliar furniture before leaving. Stan handed over two keys to the elder while Pete introduced them both to the younger. Once those two departed as well, the taller man opened the door, letting them have their first glimpse into their new home.
The room was enormous compared to Eugene's earlier one. The front living room like area was decked out in interesting throws and rugs. The newly placed furniture was centered around a small wooden coffee table. Lacey curtains covered the large window behind the sitting area, surrounded by walls covered in amazing paintings of nature scenes. A small dining table was placed near an even smaller kitchen which only contained a small ice chest and a few food supplies. When further explored, the two found two well-designed chambers with their own murals depicted the owner of the lodging. Each space had a small, study like side room. The bedrooms themselves were stocked with cozy beds, wooden closets, small dressers, and one large window in each room.
Varian stared in awe as he looked at his new living space. The art that covered the walls were so beautiful that he could barely consider they were part of his room. He was shocked to find out the princess herself painted this art for a little guy like himself. He was already planning on turning his spare room into an alchemy lab, with his mentor's permission of course. As he started to unpack, he could scarcely believe this room was the beginning of a new part of his life.
Eugene couldn't remember ever living in a place this spacious before. When he first moved into the castle, he got the basic servant sized room. It has the necessities, like a bed and a closet. There was no need for a window or kitchen. He was thankful it had a fireplace for the cold nights. He couldn't expect the King to give him an extravagant suite close to his daughter's room, which is exactly why it was so stupefying to find out the King advised Rapunzel about arranging a new room for him and his student. Sometimes, it feels as if all the King wants to do is smite him for even being in his daughter's presence, let along be her suitor. And other times, he seems to be accepting of him being a former criminal and is thankful for the fact he saved his daughter from her kidnapper. 'Royalty is too confusing to understand,' he finally concludes.
After finding most of his stuff packed away in a trunk at the foot of his bed, Eugene started to unpack and rearrange his room. When he discovered the extra side room, the young man decided to turn it into a small study. He might not use it often, but after living on the streets, he's learned that it's easier to draw up plans for heists somewhere organized and clean rather than on the side of a dumpster. Even now, he might need a place to write letters to friends, if he had any legal friends. 'Besides, Varian would appreciate a place to write to his father,' he reassured himself as he hung some clothes.
By the time the two were finished settling in, it was late in the afternoon. Varian and Eugene were barely out of their rooms when a hard knock echoed across the suite. Eugene approached the door, while Varian pretended to be studying a unique looking vase when he was really paying attention to whoever was behind the door. Once the older man revealed who it was, the young alchemist was enthusiastic to know it was the lady guard who saved him.
"Cassandra! It's so great to see you! I know you most likely worked here because you were with the princess, but I didn't actually expect to see you so fast. Not that I didn't want to see you, but I assumed since you are a royal guard, you would too busy to talk to a small guy like myself. Though my dad always says I'm still growing, so I might yet be as tall and strong as him one day. Still, I know better than him that at fourteen years old, there's not much change of me growing any taller than this," Varian started rambling as he welcomed (more like dragged), the young lady to their new abode, with a wide-eyed Eugene trailing after them. The young boy started showing around the older women around the apartment while Eugene figured something out.
'Well, well, look what we got here! Varian seems to have a crush on Cassandra! It would be adorable if it were on anyone but her. Though, I can't wait to tease Cassandra over this,' he thought to himself. 'All the same, I have to tell her to let the kid down easy when it gets to that point. He's too young to be dating anyone older than him by more than two years! And I don't even think Cassandra will even be interested in dating him. It's better for her to deal with this early rather than late.'
By this time, Varian and Cassandra had come back to the living room after his spontaneous tour. Even though the lady in waiting was the one who helped prepare the room, she was polite enough to let the adolescent show her around anyway.
"Varian, I want to be a royal guard as much as you want me too, but at the moment, my dad wants me to continue to be Rapunzel's lady in waiting — well not because he doesn't believe in me, but because he trusts me to keep the princess safe by being her friend rather than being her guard. That is why I don't want you to start a protest to let more women into the royal guard. But, thank you for the support anyway," the women was explaining.
"What are you guys talking about? Wait—! I don't want to know." Eugene did not want to know about that scenario so he can at least deny he had any knowledge of such an idea.
"Well, boys, I have to go now. I have some work to do. But, I came to tell you guys that the King and Queen would like you two to join them for dinner tonight."
"Are you sure? I'm not the King's favorite person to invite to dinner. If Rapunzel is forcing them to invite me, then I'm okay with eating dinner in the small dining room like always."
"Actually, it was the King's idea. He would also like a chance to meet Varian anyway. Be in the fancy dining room by 6, okay? See you boys later!" she called over her shoulder as she departed the room.
Varian was wondering why the royal family would want a lowly peasant like him to join them for dinner. But, he decided to ignore that question so he can concentrate on something better. Exploring the castle before dinner.
"Hey, Eugene! Is it okay if I can take a walk around the castle? I promise to be back at least an hour before it's time to eat," he asked, with his secret weapon, the puppy dog eyes.
"Sure! I gotta go talk to Rapunzel about something anyway. If you get lost, just ask a guard to help you back," Eugene answered back as he went out the door.
As soon as the older man had left, Varian went into his room and took out the flasks of Flynnoelum from his satchel. Earlier, he had found some old books left in the wooden closet. He dropped one while he was removing them and discovered one dusty old book was not a book at all. It was really a hollow box of some sort, disguised to seem like a book. After making this discovery, he fixed the old latch on the side of the large volume. He was planning on hiding the unstable compound in it later, but now that he had a chance, he decide it would be better than trying to do it undetected in the middle of the night. After placing all the vials in the tome, he locked it and hid it under his bed for now.
With that matter out the way, the teen left the suite, hoping Eugene would be back in time to unlock the door for him because he forgot to ask for a key. He brought some writing supplies in his satchel, knowing he might get a good idea for an experiment at any moment. Eventually, he found his way outside the palace and into the garden.
The garden was in full bloom, with all kinds of flowers decorating the sides of the pathway. There was a large vegetable garden off to the side and a fruit orchard across from it. Large trees shadowed Varian from the hot rays of the sun. The young boy, feeling at home with the nature, sat under a small apple tree and closed his eyes in peace. He could remember a similar time in his life when nature was something his family bonded over. A time when his mother would sing while he and his father would help her plant her favorite flowers, roses — but, like a rose, the thorns of reality tugged on his collar, like something was really pulling on his clothes!
With that sudden realization, Varian woke up, wondering if someone was really here or was it just a dream. He looked up at the sky and realized he should try to find the suite before it's too late. He got up from his shady spot and dusted off his clothes. When he bent down to pick up his satchel, he noticed it was not there.
He started looking around, when he heard a noise behind him. He turned around and saw his satchel halfway under a blueberry bush. He wondered how it got there, when he realized the bush was moving! In the back of his head, his conscious was telling him to go get a guard instead of dealing this on his own. His heart was telling him that he needed his bag back before that creature destroys some of his alchemy supplies.
So, with that thought in mind, he slowly approached the shrub. The noises only got louder as he got closer. He heard even though he heard a screech at one point, but knew if that was the case, a guard would already be here by now. By the time he was a foot away from the bush, he stopped and questioned himself if he was making the right choice here. Before he could tell himself no, he decided to get this over with. Varian parted the top of the shrub and saw nothing. He was so relieved to discover it was only his mind playing tricks on him when something jumped out towards him!
It was...
