Summary: The story is far from over, but has only just begun.

Disclaimer: I don't own Into The Woods.

Author's Note: This is a non-canon story full of twists and turns to where the Baker's Wife lives and her moment with the Crown Prince is far from over. It is based squarely on the movie, which was a delightful treat to see.

Rating: T

AFTER EVER

At the appearance of the Royal physician, the Steward hopped to his feet. He was anxious. For over an hour, the man was in the guest room—located in the east wing of the Hunting Lodge—attending to the peasant woman. Maidservants had rushed in and out of the room at his beckoning. Bowls of steaming water, white linen, and a fresh garment was carried into the chamber; and soon the scent of herbs filtered out into the hallway.

All this for a nobody, the Steward thought grimly. He dismissed his biter thought. A nobody perhaps, but curiously of great concern to the Crown Prince. For this reason, he swore to see to her recovery. Even so, there was an air of familiarity about her. He had seen her before. But where? As of late, his memory had been eluding him. He dared not speak this to anyone for fear of losing his post.

"Well?" he asked the doctor.

Somberly, the physician walked to the Steward, wiping his hands on a white handkerchief. He was a short, stout man with a pumpkin shape head. Heavily bushy eyebrows that made it impossible to see his twinkling grey eyes. "I've done all I could for her. How she is still alive is nothing short of a miracle. You said you found her where?"

"By the cliffs near the river."

Astonishment widened the doctor's eyes. "She has a dislocated collar bone, fractured arm, and a few cracked ribs. I managed to sew up the nasty cut at the base of her skull."

He pocketed the handkerchief. "No doubt the fever will befall her. That is worst of it. If she survives it she may live, but I'm not offering any hope."

The Steward grimaced at the news. The Crown Prince was a man of many things, sadly he did not fair bad news well especially when it came to a maiden she fancied.

"Thank you doctor," he said and to more pressing matters. "How is the King?"

"His health is failing," the physician exhaled. "His heart has grown weaker. This disaster with the giant has ravaged his strength." He looked straight into the Steward's eyes. "Best to think of the inevitable and make preparations for the Crown Prince's coronation."

"I fear there is very little money to spend on such a grand spectacle," answered the Steward. "Much was spent on three night's festivities and two royal weddings."

"Nevertheless," said the doctor. "It will be soon time for the Crown Prince to take his rightful place.

"Aye."

Venturing away from the guest quarters, their conversation shifted to other matters. Being long time acquaintances—old boyhood friends—they talked of the trouble that had plagued their country, and best methods to bring things around. They had neared the main entrance when they heard a commotion outside. A great sound of a horse galloping into the courtyard.

Bursting into the foyer, the stable boy came panting. He heaved himself forward to catch his breath.

"You stupid boy," raged the Steward. "Why the commotion?"

"The Prince has returned."

Eyebrows lifted, the Steward shifted. "The Crown Prince?"

"No," answered the stable boy shaking his head. "His Royal highness. The Crown Prince's younger brother with his wife."

This news pleased the Steward immensely. No one had seen or heard any word of the younger Prince in the two days carnage had ripped the countryside. "Thank the heavens."

"Hmm," replied the doctor. "His majesty has been inquiring on his highness whereabouts. It will soothe his heart to know his son is well." He turned to retire upstairs once more. "I will inform him of his son's arrival."

"I shall wait her for the Prince," he said the departing physician before rounding sharply and glaring at the stable boy. "And you! Be gone and go have a wash before I have you sent away!"

"Yes, mi lord," the boy quivered and scampered off.

"It's all right my love. We're safe now."

Uncertainty flickering in her swirling grey eyes Rapunzel timidly took the hand of her beloved Prince and slid off his horse. The great beast snort and stamped while a groomsman led it away. She clung to her Prince as she looked about the hunting lodge. It was larger than the cottage they had taken refuge in and far more impressive. A kindly miller and his daughter had given them shelter and for two days, they dwelled there.

Nevertheless, in the small confines and at her Prince's side, she felt no security and relief. For two nights, she neither ate nor slept well, but simply paced about the cottage. In spite of his attempts to put her ease, she could not rest in peace. When word had reached them of the giantess's death, she was still afraid.

"Must we go," she pleaded.

"We have inconvenienced the miller and his daughter long enough my love," the Prince said gently.

"But…"

"Rapunzel, the giant is dead. There is no further danger." The prince reached out and smoothed a lock of hair from her face. It was still strange to see her with the short tresses. He had told her he'd fancy the style but couldn't keep himself from seeing the long, glorious waves that had pulled him up the tower. She looked different then. Even acted different.

The doe shaped eyes, which once looked at him with such openness and devotion, now held a hint of distrust and fear. He stroked her cheek. "I must see if all is well with my brother. Trust me."

Rapunzel lowered her had nodded. Smiling, the Prince went to miller. The old man and his daughter dropped to their knees in deep reverence. "I have no words to express my gratitude."

"The gratitude is ours," the miller said with a toothless.

"Unfortunately, I have no money to give you for your kindness," said the Prince.

"Your presence in our home is more than enough."

The Prince gave the old man the slightest of nods, yet feeling inclined to offer a reward he took off one of his rings. "Here, take this." He took the miller's hand and placed the ring in the center. "If you are even in want of anything. Come to the castle with this ring and I will receive you."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Gathering up Rapunzel on his horse, the pair bid the miller and his daughter farewell, and rode away. Hearing word the King, his father, had been moved to the Royal Hunting lodge they headed into that direction.

"Ah, Steward," cried the Prince as he and his wife entered the grand house.

"Your highness…and your highness," the servant bowed. "Thank heavens you both escaped the giant."

"Yes, we were fortunate. Now, tell me, where is my brother?"

"He is not here," answered the Steward, "but we are not without company?"