Chapter 4

The week went by quickly for Rapunzel and Eugene. She was busy with the guests list and the party and he was busy planning security. In the last few weeks, the King joined him. Every guest must be safely guarded for there would be thieves and poachers about. Eugene knew the ins and outs of every thief and this would safeguard not only the guests but the villagers as well. If everything went according to plan, this would be a milestone in the history of the kingdom and the King would sign it into law.

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Christmas Eve came quickly. Everyone was excited as last minute preparations were made. The Royal family got together for a briefing and to discuss exactly how things would play out, now that the Princess was going to have a baby.

After the meeting, Eugene and Rapunzel retired to their bed chamber.

Eugene had hidden his present in the wardrobe and Rapunzel's gift was in her dresser drawer.

When they closed the door, Eugene put his arms around Rapunzel's waist and kissed her, hard. When they came up for air, they stared at one another, smiling.

"Aren't we going to exchange gifts with my parents as usual?" she asked.

Eugene smiled and walked over to the wardrobe. "I told your father we would give them their presents in the morning. I wanted to do it alone, with you."

"Good idea," she whispered as she untangled his arms from her waist. She walked over to her dresser and opened it. She brought a long, skinny box. Eugene headed over to the wardrobe. He opened it up and brought out a tall, medium large box.

They exchanged gifts.

"Go ahead," Eugene said, "open it."

"Open yours; I want to see your reaction."

She tore into the paper wrapping and produced a glass dome with a wooden bottom.

He opened the box and took out a lovely silver chain.

She marveled at it, then looked up. "Um Eugene, what did you want me to put in this?"

"Pascal's glass figurine," Eugene said, smiling. "I had ordered it with its specifications. I haven't seen it around lately, so I figure you've hidden it away."

He held up his chain. "This is beautiful, Rapunzel, but I've got a confession to make. You see," he looked up at her when he heard her sobs.

"What's wrong, Blondie," he said with an attempt to cheer her up.

"Pascal's glass figurine broke, Eugene. I have nothing to put in this dome. " she dried her eyes and smiled. He was still holding the chain. "How do you like your gift? It cost dearly, but I couldn't resist. Now you'll have something to…"

Rapunzel smile also faded as she watched Eugene shake his head.

"I've lost it, Rapunzel, I've lost my good luck charm and can't find it anywhere. I've searched and searched but it's gone."

They stared into each others eyes, not knowing what to say next.

"Well," Rapunzel said, "we can always get you another charm. I know it won't mean as much and it won't be like the one Rowen gave you."

Eugene smiled, reached up and stroked her hair. "And we can get another glass figurine of Pascal. "

They smiled at one another. "You know Rapunzel, you manage to turn everything around. You're one remarkable woman and I'm lucky to have you." He bent to kiss her, but she stopped him.

"I don't see any mistletoe," Rapunzel looked up at him.

"We don't really need that, do we?"

"No, but we should do it right. It is Christmas…" but her words were silenced by his lips.

"And they said it wouldn't last," he whispered when they parted.

Rapunzel smiled back. "And who said that, Your Highness," she giggled playfully.

Eugene cringed, and then raised an eyebrow. "You know how much I hate those…"

But this time it was Rapunzel that would silence him with her kiss.

They fell onto the bed together, then Eugene pulled apart.

"What about the.."

"Just kiss me," she whispered pulling him toward her.