A.N. Hi everyone! Yay! Another chapter! I wanted to thank every so much for the overwhelming response so far. It means so much to me, you have no idea. So I knew I had to come out with a new chapter asap. It's a little shorter than the last, and it's more of a filler chapter than anything, but I hope you enjoy nonetheless.

Sorry too lazy to login, mommypenguinhd, Princess Shahrazad, The139Blossom, julieluvswriting, twilastarxwildstream, KayMoon24, Anonymous and An Unknown Foreign Beauty - thank you all so much. I promise that I'm not trying to make it too fluffy (and if it looks like it is, it's completely unintentional). I'm glad you're all enjoying it so far.

Disclaimer: I own nothing at all. That's right, nothing.

Chapter One: The Lost Princess

Long after their kiss ended, Rapunzel and Eugene remained in the tower, clinging to each other in silent companionship. Though neither said it, both were considering the past sixty hours and the transformations they had endured. Only a few days ago, Eugene Fitzherbert had been Flynn Rider, a wanted criminal, an experienced thief and now, well, now he was still wanted, still a thief, but he no longer wanted to be one. He was prepared to reform himself, to better himself for the girl wrapped in his arms. Together, they would escape Corona and start a new adventure, a new life, far away.

Rapunzel too had drastically changed. No longer was she afraid of the world that lay beyond the tower. She was free now to explore the world with Eugene by her side, to discover majesties she would only have ever dreamed of otherwise. But these were not the only changes she had endured. She delicately fingered her short, brown hair, amazed by how light it felt atop her head. It was weird, but a good weird. Sixty feet of hair had been a hindrance and it seemed apropos that her liberation from it coincided with her liberation from Gothel. And yet, she still felt a pang of sadness at its loss. She had been able to achieve so much with it, had grown attached to it like a faithful friend. Not unlike Gothel, it was something that had become an integral part of her life, something she was finding difficult to part with. But this still was not her most important transformation.

She peeked quickly up at Eugene now. She was curled up on his lap, her arms flung around his neck, her head resting on his broad shoulder. His own head was staring straight ahead, his expression similar to that of someone lost in though. He was so handsome, every inch of his features…perfection, chiselled like a marble statue. Even the little tuft of hair protruding from his chin seemed beautiful in her eyes.

As if he could feel her stare, Eugene suddenly broke from his reverie and inclined his head to stare at the precious gem in his possession, his eyes lit with a loving care they could never have mustered before her. He said nothing, but watched her watching him and, although there was something Rapunzel itched to be heard, she too remained silent.

How could she tell him? How would he react? To her, he was Eugene Fitzherbert, a man reborn, a man who had willingly given his life for her. But to the kingdom, he was Flynn Rider, thief extraordinaire, a criminal, condemned to death. Would they be able to reconcile their differences? But more importantly, would Eugene be able to accept that she was the lost princess?

Whether or not he would, Rapunzel could conceal it no longer. "Eugene…" she began, her voice trembling slightly as she realized she was nervous about the prospect of having to divulge the truth. Something small and cool pressed suddenly against her ankle. She smiled broadly as she recognized her faithful chameleon. Pascal's support was enough to lend her the courage she needed to come clean. "I'm the lost princess."

There was a long, excruciatingly, long pause as the news reverberated from her lips, resounding in Eugene's ear, a jumble of words, before finally sinking in with its full, weighted meaning.

In the awkward silence, Rapunzel waited with bated breath for Eugene to respond. She was anxious for him to say something…anything. As the silence dragged on, she desperately wished that she could be privy to his thoughts. But, alas, they remained his own, a fact Rapunzel should have been glad for.

When the words, I am the lost princes, finally sunk in, Eugene's brain began to churn at an unbelievable speed, his brain procuring a conversation with himself.

Did she just say lost princess?

Yes, she did.

But that's impossible.

Is it?

He paused to think about this. Looking at her carefully now, he could not ignore her close resemblance to the queen. They had the same chestnut locks, the same emerald eyes, and the same small build. And the princess at birth had been endowed with remarkably golden hair, not unlike Rapunzel. And there was the small detail of the healing powers, as well. What was the story again? The queen had been minutes from death when a healing flower had cured her. Those powers could have easily been passed down to her daughter. And Gothel…had Gothel been Rapunzel's real mother? Or had she kidnapped the girl, snatched her away from a young age, manipulating her into believing that she had been born there all for the gift of eternal youth.

It seems uncannily true, doesn't it?

But what does that mean for me?

It means you to have to face the people who want you dead.

"Oh my God!" the thought manifested itself in spoken words as well. "It can't be."

"But it is, Eugene, it has to be," Rapunzel argued, standing up suddenly, mistaking Eugene's surprise as certain disbelief, "Let me show you." She reached for his hand and pulled him after her, almost dragging him up the steps that led to her bedroom. Somewhere, in the back of his mind flashed a thought of how strong the little thing was. "Look!"

Something was forced into Eugene's hands. He glanced down at the violet piece of fabric and as he unfolded it, recognized the design on its front. "It's the sun."

"Yes; now look up."

Eugene took his time to glace upward, wanting to take in every detail of her room, to see what she was really like. But Rapunzel's urgings distracted him from his observations and so reluctantly focused on the ceiling. There were more paintings here too. He had notice the walls below with all their various depictions. She was talented, but he could not understand what her paintings had to do with anything.

"I don't…"

"Look," Rapunzel repeated persistently. Leaning in closer, she lifted her arm in the air, trying to guide his attention. He followed her slender finger, trying to comprehend for her sake. "Don't you see them? The suns?"

Squinting, Eugene was finally able to see what all the fuss was about. Strew across her ceiling were various illustrations of the sun, exact in likeness to the one stitched into the purple cloth. He was pretty sure – actually, he was definitely certain – that Rapunzel had not seen anything remarkably similar to it before their adventure, and yet, the colours were so faded, they must have been painted at least a couple of years ago. "You made these? When?"

And Rapunzel knew in that moment that he believed her. She was thankful for it. "It's been in the back of my mind all this time, a memory I repressed. But it all fits, Eugene. The lights on my birthday, the sun, the connection I felt to the lanterns, the longing…I can't deny it. And even my…even Gothel said as much. She used me, Eugene; lied to me…" Her voice cracked as she thought of Gothel again. It hurt her deeply to think of the betrayal, of the deception, knowing that the woman she had called mother had manipulated her for her own gains. She had lied to her about protecting her from outside dangers, from people who would use her hair for their own games, impervious the entire time to the true deception, to the dangers surrounding her every day.

"But you do believe me?" she added finally, trying to hide her true feelings, "That I'm the lost princess?"

Eugene hesitated. Yes…yes he did. It made too much sense in his mind for him to even conceive of doubting it. But just because he believed it, did not mean that he wanted to accept it. No matter how genuinely he cared for Rapunzel, and she for him, it would not eradicated his main problem: that to the kingdom he was Flynn Rider, an escaped convict meant to hang. That was one prejudice that would surely not die hard.

"You're not happy." Rapunzel stared at him, wide-eyed and innocent. She was disappointed, upset that he wasn't excited, her mood adapting to his like a child seeking approval.

Damn it. She looked like a sad doe, hoping that he would change his mind. What did she want him to say? That they forget that she is what she is and escape nonetheless? That she should go her way while he go his? There was only one right direction for them to take. Eighteen years, the king and queen had spent looking for her and for eighteen years she had been forced to live a fake life, stunted by Gothel's overpowering selfishness. No, he did not want her to forsake who she was, not because of him.

"Eugene?" Fright seemed to be gripping Rapunzel now as she recognized the doubt etched into his features, "I don't have to…"

"Don't be ridiculous," he interjected quickly, "You've spent eighteen years not knowing the truth. You can't deprive yourself of a family that's rightfully yours." Did I really just say that?

"Bu you…"

"I'll be fine," he reassured her gently, "I promise."

Rapunzel nodded, her uncertainty disappearing as Eugene's support filled her with a sense of resolve. "I'm the lost princess," she spoke the words again, enjoying the way in which they rolled off her tongue, "I'm the lost princess." She could not deny the joy billowing in the depths of her heart. Yes, the past eighteen years had been a lie, but there was redemption for her. She had a family to return to…and Eugene.

The happiness racing through her veins was making her woozy. She tried to ignore the feeling, but stumbled slightly as her vision went suddenly dark.

"Rapunzel!" Eugene watched fretfully as the girl wavered where she stood. He rushed forward as she closed her eyes, worried that she would faint. Steadying her, he helped her to sit down on the four-poster bed. Standing in front of her, he brushed a hand through her hair. "What's wrong?"

Her eyes fluttered open, but he could see that the usual glint in her eyes was dimmed. "Sorry," she whispered, "It's been a long day."

Eugene nodded. It had been a very, very, long day for both of them. They both needed to rest. "Maybe we should stay here tonight…"

"No!" Rapunzel cut him off, her voice almost a cry, "I can't stay here." She was terrified by the thought of having to stay there any longer. There were too many…memories. "Please, can't we go?"

"Sure." Eugene was taken aback by the fear in her eyes. Taking Rapunzel's hand in his, he squeezed it comfortingly. He did not want to tell her, but he was worried that saving him had been more tiring than she would admit. Part of him wanted to convince her to rest here for the night, but there was something about this place that she was terrified of, and at least she would be able to rest on Maximus… "Damn it!"

Shock echoed in Rapunzel's features. "Eugene!"

"Sorry. It's just…we really do need to get back to the palace." In his rush to save Rapunzel, he had forgotten about the Snuggly Duckling thugs. They had helped him escape, and he was willing to bet that the king would not commend their actions as honourable bravery. But he could not tell Rapunzel the truth. She had had to deal with too much today. "Come on."

"Why the rush?" Rapunzel enquired wonderingly, unable to prevent herself from questioning Eugene's eagerness.

"No reason," Eugene replied hurriedly, "I just…um, well, I know…well, you want to go, right?" Idiot, he cursed himself, Stop stammering. "It's getting late and we don't want to be caught in the dark."

"Okay." Rapunzel readily believed his lie, trusting him too easily, "Let's go." She stood up now, feeling a little better, not as weak.

Eugene watched her cautiously. He was fearful, he realized. As the prospect of setting on their way settled around him, the old 'Flynn' urge to run was beginning to take control. Who was he kidding? He couldn't do this. Returning to the kingdom was a suicide mission, even if he came bearing the greatest gift of all: their lost princess. And even if they did forgive him, would they accept the bond the two shared. Royalty and common thieves had not worked out well in the past. But staring at Rapunzel, he knew there was no choice. He cared too much about her to just leave, to just give up.

"Is there anything you need to bring?" He asked her, figuring that eighteen years was enough for her to have accumulated certain prized possessions.

But Rapunzel shook her head. She did not want anything from here, not a single thing that could remind her of this place…and Gothel.

Accepting that this was it, Eugene led Rapunzel out of the room, Pascal clinging tight to her shoulder. Together, the two walked down the hidden staircase, emerging into the open air where Max welcomed them with untamed joy.

He had been waiting a long time for them, feeling more and more helpless with every passing moment. When he had seen the old lady fall from the window and vanish into ash, he had thought it was all over. But when no one else had appeared to reassure him, he had begun to panic. Now, seeing them alive, he felt a mixture of happiness and frustration.

Whining, he ran his head up and down Rapunzel's side. He hardly noticed her short, brown hair, so glad he was to see her. She laughed when he licked her face, and patted him lovingly. "Hey Max. I missed you."

He whinnied even louder to let her know the feeling was mutual before turning to stare at Rider, or Eugene, whatever his name was. "Thanks, Max."

The horse nodded and butted him gently in the stomach. As he did, he noticed a red stain on Rider's shirt. Looking at it closely, he realized it was blood and began to cry out in a panic.

"Woah, Max!" Eugene reached for the horse, trying to calm him down. "I'm fine. Everything is fine. Don't worry."

It took a few minutes for the horse to finally accept Eugene's words as truth. Relaxing he cocked his head questioningly, wanting to know what had happened.

"Maybe later," Eugene said, "We need to get back to the castle, now. She's the lost princess."

"I'm the lost princess," Rapunzel echoed as Max turned to stare at her in amazement. He could see it, though, the similarities between her and the queen. Understanding their urgency, he lowered himself to the ground to allow the small girl to clamber atop him.

She stared at him in wonder, unsure of what she should do. "Umm, Eugene?"

"Never ridden a horse before, huh?"

Rapunzel shook her head, biting her lip anxiously. She felt incompetent and foolish. What must Eugene think of her?

But Eugene couldn't care less. True, it hurt him to realize just how much she had missed because of that witchy woman, but it was hardly Rapunzel's fault. There was no time to give her a proper lesson; she would have to make do with Flynn Rider's 60-second Horse Riding 101.

It wasn't difficult to get her to sit on Max, with him lying flat on the ground. She looked fearful though as he instructed her to hold onto the rein. As Max finally stood, he stayed close by, monitoring their progress with a careful eye, just in case.

Rapunzel released a shrill cry as she was lifted suddenly off the ground. She was certain that she was going to slip, but Eugene held onto her, keeping her safe. Clutching onto the reins as if they were the only thing keeping her from falling to her death, she looked to Eugene for further instructions.

"Hold on," he offered as he hoisted himself up behind her. His arms wrapped around her as he reached for the reins in turn, pressing their bodies closer together. Rapunzel relaxed in the feeling of having him so close to her and her fear slipped away. Eugene, meanwhile, was finding it hard to breathe as their closeness filled him with a deep longing. Control yourself, Rider, he warned his alter ego, Focus. Focus. "Ready?"

Rapunzel nodded. "Ready."

With a sudden burst of speed, Max took off. Taken aback, Rapunzel slid a little, but Eugene's protective arms kept her in place. Riding atop Max, she felt as though she was flying and her heart leapt as they raced towards the newest chapter in her life, leaving her old existence in the dust.

A.N. So not the best written chapter in the world. Sorry for that, but it's necessary to set the stage. I promise it will get better, And when I promise something, I never, ever break that promise. EVER. ;)

Please leave a review to let me know what you think. They really do inspire me :D

Love you all,

Faith Rivens