CHAPTER II
The benevolent King and Queen sat eagerly before the lavish dinner table, barely able to suppress their joy. It had been eighteen years too long for such a loving and kind-hearted couple to endure such sorrow and suffering. Rapunzel's parents could not help but express their surprise when their princess entered hand-in-hand with the recently pardoned thief.
Eugene hastily placed his arms behind his back and bowed before the two monarchs. They kindly acknowledged him with a nod and indicated that he sit. Rapunzel skipped to her chair between her mother and father and gave the King and Queen a sweet peck on each cheek. The King's grin widened from ear to ear and the Queen was filled with tearful happiness.
As the dinner progressed, Eugene could not help but fidget as he felt more and more out of place. He stole occasional glances at Rapunzel's winsome smiles and was unknowingly observed by the Queen.
When dessert was finished, the diners adjoined in the royal family room. As Rapunzel and Eugene perused the bookshelves, the Queen led the King aside and conversed with him in hushed tones.
"I believe our daughter is in love" she stated matter-of-factly.
"What, with who?" the King asked in honest confusion.
The Queen amusedly shook her head in disbelief.
"Look at the pair of them darling," she suggested.
His daughter was smiling and laughing as the dashing hooligan gazed with the unmistakable affliction of love.
"But, but…but—," the King unintelligibly responded.
"I think it's time we considered Mr. Rider as a permanent resident rather than a mere guest," the Queen advised knowingly.
While the King was reluctant to give away his daughter when she was just returned to him, he had to begrudgingly admit that if it were not for the young ruffian; Rapunzel's return would have been hopeless.
When the clock chimed eleven o' clock, the Queen suggested that the party turn in. From the corner of his eye, the King could see his Rapunzel giving Flynn a curt peck on the cheek. The King pushed aside the rising, amiable jealousy and cleared his throat.
"Mr. Rider, please remain."