A/N: another filler chapter. i'm horribly sorry that it is starting off so slow. action shall be coming soon. so i threw in some extra fluff. i'm just dearly hoping things made sense in this chapter. i'm still juggling ideas. regardless, i hope you enjoy.

It took all of Eugene's power to stop his wife from destroying more then she did. After the discussion, Rapunzel wanted to go straight to her father, but Eugene didn't want to have any of that. Not until she calmed down, at least. With a lot of arguing and yelling, he finally got her to return to the room. Which might have been not the best of ideas. Once arriving into their room, Rapunzel proceeded to break down. Not with out a destroying a few things out of anger first. She had torn a pillow, spreading feathers everywhere. Rapunzel had thrown a vase, causing it to shatter against the wall. But it didn't stop there. She snapped many of her paintbrushes and thrown full pots of paint. The room was a mess after such activity had taken place.

After all the destruction, Rapunzel finally broke down on the floor, sobbing. Eugene was tempted to leave her alone, but knowing her, that probably wasn't the best option. Instead, he sat down next to her, gently taking her in his arms. That seemed to calm her down a bit. But she clutched his vest for dear life, not wanting to let her go. Everything was confusing and frustrating and she wanted it to stop.

The two stayed like that until Rapunzel had finally fallen asleep. Eugene looked down at her before gently picking her up and placing her down onto the bed. He went to go fetch her nightgown, coming back over to her. He sat on the edge of her bed, gently sitting her up. She stirred, slightly opening her eyes until closing them again. Rapunzel muttered something incoherently before grabbing at Eugene again. He quietly chuckled before getting her out of her dress, slipping on her nightgown. He tucked her in before gently kissing her forehead. Eugene desperately needed some fresh air right now.

He quietly slipped out of the room, heading down the hall way. Eugene stuck his hands in his pockets before heading outside to the gardens. He took a deep breath, keeping his eyes on the ground. The cool air felt nice, seeing as his room felt incredibly constricting. The moon had yet to appear in the sky, seeing as it was still the early night. Eugene had strolled over to one of the benches, sitting down on it. He buried his face in his hands, letting in a deep breath.

Eugene didn't hear anyone approach him and let out a slight yelp once feeling a hand on his shoulder. He looked up, seeing it was the King. Eugene looked at him, giving him a confused looked before raising an eyebrow, "Sir?" Eugene asked hesitantly.

"Mr. Fitzherbert." He said, before leaning against the trunk of the tree. Eugene looked at him, wondering why on earth he was out here "The wife kicked me out of the room for the time being, if you were curious." Eugene tried to hold back laughter. He never really imagined the Queen ever doing such an action. Eugene was about to say something before the King held up his hand, "If you're going to ask why, it's because of the recent decision that you were so kindly informed of today." He explained.

Eugene simply nodded before looking away. He was still unsure about the entire situation. His concerns more or less lied with Rapunzel. Eugene looked back up once hearing the King clear his throat, "How did Rapunzel take the news?" He asked, half afraid too. He knew how his daughter could get. Eugene let out a slight chuckle.

"The maids will be having fun cleaning tomorrow." Eugene replied. The King gave him a bemused expression. He looked at the King, having a bit of a smirk of his own, "She tore a pillow, broke a vase and some paintbrushes along with throwing paint. In case you were curious." Eugene added.

"That does sounds like a chore to clean. I'll be talking with her tomorrow about this, hopefully trying to get her to understand. I hope you do, Eugene." The King said, "You should probably get back to her before she wakes." He added.

Eugene nodded before standing up, "Thanks for the talk, Sir." He said. The King nodded as Eugene headed back off to their room.

Eugene quietly slipped back into the room. He was relieved to see Rapunzel still asleep. Eugene quickly changed into his night attire before climbing in next to her. She felt the the extra weight and slightly stirred from her slumber. Rapunzel looked up to see Eugene just now coming to bed. She was too tired to raise a fuss and clung to his arm instead.

xxxx

Eugene would have preferred sleeping till later morning but the sounds of his wife's groaning wasn't helping the issue. He threw back the covers before quickly running to the washroom. He knelt by her side, immediately taking her hand and rubbed her back. Rapunzel let out another groan, hating the morning sickness of the deal. She eyed him for a moment before turning her attention back to the bucket. After finally finishing, Rapunzel fell back against Eugene, frowning. She felt disgusting. Rapunzel stood up, a bit wobbly, before pushing Eugene out. He didn't say anything and obliged.

Eugene got dressed while he waited for Rapunzel. A few moments later, she emerged ready to start the day ahead of them.

xxxx

During the late afternoon, the King had found Rapunzel wandering in the halls. He figured now was as good as time as any to speak with her about the whole matter, "Rapunzel." He called out. Rapunzel stopped, turning around. Once seeing her father, she slightly stopped, "Can I speak with you, darling?" Rapunzel only nodded, following her father into his study. She took a seat while her father sat in front of her.

"What do you want, Father?" She asked, her tone slightly annoyed. Though Rapunzel had a pretty good idea what this was about. She didn't want to talk about it. She wanted to forget all about it.

"You have the right to know why I'm doing this, Rapunzel." The King started off, "I know that it's going to be hard, but it's necessary. I'm sure you were told that we were down in experienced officers and guard members in general. We need everyone we can get to fight this war and ensure the safety of Corona. Your mother is quite angry with the decision that I have made but it's for the better of this country. As for the starting of the war, we had a peace treaty sighed with the Kingdom of Falria. A few weeks ago, a brawl in their kingdom had taken place between there guards and a few of our guards stationed there. As a result of that, a few citizens' lives were taken and they had declared war. I did try to do everything in my power to stop them from it, but it didn't work." He explained.

Rapunzel looked at him with rapt attention. The whole reason for the war starting made sense, but she still didn't understand why Eugene had to go, "But Father. Why are you making Eugene go? I could understand sending him if we weren't expecting a child." She replied back.

"I know, Rapunzel. And I truly am sorry about the whole ordeal. But what's done is done and I cannot change a thing about it." He replied, sincerely meaning it. He really didn't want to put his daughter through this, much less Eugene either but it had to be done. Rapunzel didn't seem to pleased. She bit down on her lip before balling her hands into fists. She couldn't loose her temper. Not with her father at least.

Rapunzel simply stood from her seat, looking down at her father, "Fine. But don't forget I will be very upset with you until he comes back, and if he misses the birth." She said. Rapunzel moved to the door. She opened it and turned around, "And if he dies, Dad, I won't hesitate to place the blame on you." She added and walked out.

The King didn't expect to hear such harsh words from his daughter, but he very well deserved it. He was quite aware of it. She had every right to be angry at him and it was just something he was going to have to deal with until the time being.

xxxx

The rest of the week passed by too quickly for Rapunzel and Eugene. And before they knew it, it was their last night together. Rapunzel was standing, painting like she always did. Tonight, it was more as to release her emotions more then anything else. She didn't hear Eugene come in until she felt his arms wrap around her waist. Rapunzel let out a tiny giggle, turning ever so slightly to peck his cheek. She set down her paintbrush before turning to look at Eugene.

"Do you want to come take a walk with me?" He asked, slightly pulling away. Rapunzel only nodded before slipping from his embrace. She took his hand, lacing their fingers together as they headed outside.

Rapunzel wasn't too sure where they were headed, but followed Eugene anyways. Eugene stopped them once arriving at their usual spot. She should have guessed. Eugene sat down on the ground before inviting Rapunzel to sit next to her. She did so, feeling a bit awkward because of her stomach. They looked at each other for a moment before taking hands again. Eugene was the first to break the silence, "Rapunzel?" He asked, looking slightly nervous.

Rapunzel looked up at him, trying to hide any sadness that would creep upon her face. She had to be strong for him. And not just him, but for the others too. Rapunzel looked down at the floor as her hand trailed along the rise of her stomach, "What is it, Eugene?" She asked.

"If I happen to die in this war, will you promise me something?" Eugene asked. Rapunzel looked up at him, not wanting to hear him speak like that. She immediately pulled away, looking away. The tears already threatening to show, "Rapunzel." he said quietly. He put his arms around her before being shoved away.

"No!" Her voice cracked, "No, no, no!" She repeated. Death was always a touchy subject for the both of them, and Rapunzel certainly did not want to have this talk with him, "Don't you dare talk like that Eugene Fitzherbert. You are coming back whether I have to come and drag you!" She shouted, unsure of the emotion that was threatening to break loose, "I lost you once and I will be damned if I'm going to loose you again. You will be coming back safely. Do you hear me?" Rapunzel practically shouted.

"But Rapun-" Eugene started but was cut off by her lips against his. Her fingers clutched his shirt, fingering the fabric. Eugene found his hand moving to tangle in her hair, pulling her deeper into the kiss. She pulled away for much needed air before resting her forehead against his. The tears ran clearly down her cheeks as she desperately held onto him tighter.

"Promise me you'll come back. Promise me you'll be here for the birth of our child. Promise me you'll be here to watch them grow up." Rapunzel said, quietly, not taking her eyes off of him. Eugene wanted to promise her that. He really did.

"Those are promises I don't know if I can keep, Rapunzel." He said with sadness edging on his voice. Rapunzel looked up at him, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

"Please just promise me."

"I promise that I will."