A.N. If patience is a virtue, then you are all the most virtuous people I've ever met. I'm so sorry it's taking me so long to update. It's not fair to you. I'm trying to get better, and I'm really hoping to have another two chapters done by next week. No promises. I hate making promises I can't keep.

I'll keep this brief, so you can get on with the story. This chapter was a doozy to write and I don't think I like it so much. I don't think many of you will like it either for reasons that will soon become evident. It's mostly a Rapunzel-centric episode, and it's also mainly filler, though some points brought up here will soon become important as the story progresses. Anyway, I'm trying to develop some character here, so let's see how it goes.

And warning: PG-13 chapter rating for language near the end.

And, thanks again to all my reviewers.

Okay, read ahead.

Chapter Nine:

Eugene was not there when she awoke.

It would not have worried her so much if not for the dream that had pervaded her slumber. It had not been a nightmare, not one that had left her shaking with fear, but its very nature had been disturbing in content and in imaging. Even now, she did not want to remember it, but she could not stop the lingering emotions of it, or the memory of Eugene standing before her, drenched in blood.

Shivering, she pulled the covers tighter around her slim frame, hoping that external warmth would somehow manage to melt the cool force growing in her chest. She was not so successful.

She slid gently out of bed, moving her feet delicately into the tiny slippers. It was not likely that her dream had any meaning, except that her own desperate thoughts about Eugene had prompted it to be. But still, she wanted to make sure.

The hallways were empty and chilly. Wrapping her robe a little tighter around her, she proceeded unhindered. Her footsteps were slow and delicate, quiet falling upon the marble floor, at the point of being undetectable. Reaching his room, her hand fell tentatively on the handle,

She should knock first.

Her hand rapped gently on the door.

There was no response. Maybe he was asleep. Maybe he wasn't there. Her stomach churned anxiously.

She knocked again.

Still, there was no response. She was more concerned than she had been before.

"Eugene?" she questioned quietly, hoping her voice would prove more poignant. But there was nothing to ease her worrying mind.

Unable to wait there in anticipation, her hand flew back to the handle, turning it with anxious vigour.

The room beyond was dark, and she crept forward in trepidation, for some reason aware that the floor was creaking beneath her feet. It should not have been a concern, but it was one.

The bed, she soon came to realize, was empty. In fact, it did not look as if it had been slept in at all. Seeing her worse fear realized, her heart sank, the freezing in her chest growing with rapid depth.

"Eugene?" she called again, knowing that he would not answer, but her heart insisting that she try if only for the sake of it.

Overwhelmed by loneliness, she collapsed onto his bed, wishing it would bring her comfort as her ever-wearied body suffered through this latest disappearance. How many times now had he left her alone, without a word of his leaving? She was too afraid to count. Her heart wanted to reassure her that every time it had been out of his control; her mind was not so forgiving.

For an hour or more she sat in the empty silence of the room, her mind ignorant to the passage of time. Vincent found her lost within the realms of her own little world. When first she noticed his form, she was certain it was Eugene come to find her. Seeing Vincent instead, her heart crumbled in despair.

"Princess." His voice held signs of anxiety and relief flooding in to dispel it as he came towards her. "I went to your room and you weren't there."

She nodded, regarding him with suspicion. He seemed troubled to find her in Eugene's room; she had some doubt that the majority of his worry was focused on her short disappearance. "I was looking for Eugene? You haven't seen him have you?"

Vincent hesitated to reply. Rapunzel might have been ignorant to the true reason for his reluctance, but the truth was this. There was nothing Vincent wanted more than to make Rapunzel as happy as she possibly could be. His loyalty was to the king and the queen and their princess and he would lay down his life to ensure their safety and joy. As far as he was concerned, Flynn Rider would never amount to anything great; would never be able to atone for his sins. He would do anything to see the boy gone. Unfortunately, his opinion was not well respected by the family, and telling Rapunzel that her 'one true love' was nothing but a cowardice wretch would do nothing but upset her even more.

Biting his tongue, he kept back the irate truth, and tried instead to ease her worry. "I was with him before. He's off doing something. I'm sure he'll be back."

Rapunzel nodded, looking thoroughly unconvinced. There was something amiss in the tone of his voice, something she did not care for. Of all the people she'd met before, she was most wary of Vincent. There was something about him that made her sure that his anger against Eugene was deeper than most. She could tell that he'd suffered something terrible. What it was she could not tell. She pitied him, but her pity could only take her so far. His sorrow seemed to be pushing him towards something darker, and that steered her wrong.

"If you see him, tell him I'm looking for him. Please." Curtseying like her mother showed her, Rapunzel scurried across the floor, hurrying past the Captain of the Guard, not at all expectant that he would pass the message onto a man he obviously disliked.

Vincent watched Rapunzel leave, choosing not to follow her. His lip curled up into a sneer. She didn't trust him—he could see the truth of it in her eyes. It would take more than a few words to break her love for the thief. Should Rider return, he would gladly welcome that challenge. Flynn Rider had taken too much from him. All he had to do was bide his time, and when the moment presented itself, he would extract his revenge.

D E S T I N I E S E N T W I N E D

Rapunzel dashed into the throne room without reprise, pushing open the doors with all the force she possessed. As the clamour echoed in her entrance, she came to a jarring halt. She had not anticipated her parents being occupied. In her mind, she had imagined them embracing her and whispering words of reassurance. She'd also imagined Eugene showing up half-way through and being included in their family hug. In the end, three of these things would come to pass in some capacity—but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

A young man—he looked more a boy than man—with yellow locks that looked like her own once upon a time was standing before the king and queen. His head tilted in her direction and she was taken aback by the stark greyness of his eyes. She'd never seen such a colour, and in her mind she could already see herself standing before a blank canvas to capture them in more than just her memory. She pushed aside such thoughts, though, to face the reason behind her quest.

"I didn't mean to interrupt," she said quietly, curtseying for a second time as her parents stood, drawn to the concern on her face

"What's wrong?" Even as her father posed the question, Rapunzel realized that he already knew the answer. This brought her so comfort.

She paused, glancing at the blonde boy. "I'll come back later, sorry."

"Please, don't leave on my account." The thick brogue that fell from his lips did not seem well-matched to the appearance. "Let me depart, not you."

Rapunzel was taken aback—not in a bad way, but in a way that left her breath short. He was eloquent in speech, handsome in appearance, and gentle in demeanour. It impressed her in a way that was novel. He was unlike Eugene, unlike her father; a different kind of person she'd yet to meet.

"That won't be necessary. I shouldn't have bothered you to begin with," she stammered, beginning to retreat as her stomach churned with a feeling she couldn't quite determine.

The king and queen exchanged a quick look. "Why don't you stay, Rapunzel?" her father insisted. "I think Lord Devon would be most pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Lord Devon?" She looked back to the man child. Caught somewhere between adulthood and the edge of his youth, he did not fit the title of lord. In her mind, lords were stout men of a short nature with thinning hair and puffed up cheeks. This boy was tall and sturdy in his stance, not unlike Eugene in that regard. Then again…

She took a closer look at his regalia, taking note of the finery of his dress. He certainly looked like one in that regard.

"My lord," she murmured softly, curtseying for a third time. "It's an honour."

Lord Devon grinned as she spoke, his eyes revealing amusement at her gesture. "It is I who should bow for you, princess," he returned as he stepped towards her. With a gloved hand he took her own, pressing it to his lips ever so slightly as his back leaned forward into a sweeping bow.

She did not like the nature of his gesture, though she remembered reading about such niceties in books and could just draw to mind fleeting images of the same time of greeting from the ball a few nights ago. Still, it made her feel discomforted in the moment, and she backed subtly away from him, her thoughts forced to focus on Eugene. If he saw her now, with this boy…Imagining his reaction in her mind made her giggle aloud.

"What's so funny?" Lord Devon enquired curiously, his grey eyes dancing with delight.

"Nothing," she assured him.

Behind her, though she could not see, the king and queen were exchanging glances of a different sort of nature. While her father looked pleased with the connection he saw to be obvious between the two, her mother's were rather disapproving in nature. She stared warningly at her husband, her expression making it clear that she did not care for the direction the boy was taking. He nodded his head, understanding her silent displeasure, and a brief smile all that was needed to reassure her that they were not here to force Rapunzel into a marriage of opportunity.

Of course, he could not hide the little voice in his head, tempting him with the thought of uniting two noble houses and assuring Rapunzel's well-being for the entirety of her life.

D E S T I N I E S E N T W I N E D

Eugene walked with a dismal cloud above his head. Sluggishly, he made his way from the poorer area of Corona, his destination set for the palace. In his head, Kaylee's words rang like incessant bells, drumming into his skull until he could hear nothing but the sound of her voice.

His balance overthrown by his absent-mindedness, he collided with a passer-by, sending both of them sprawling to their feet.

Awoken from the spell of her voice, he leapt up in a hurry, offering his hand to the poor woman lying on the ground. She did not look injured in any capacity and no scrapes or bruises seemed evident on her pristine skin. She offered only thanks to Eugene as he helped her up, accepting his torrent of apologies with a kind smile. Years older than himself, she was possessed by a most kindred spirit, and although they would most likely never meet again, she had enlightened him with happiness and he allowed it to carry him onwards without fault.

In the back of his mind, he still held a panic for Rapunzel, but it was dulled by hope, hope that she would live, hope that they still had a chance to be together. Convincing the king or queen could prove difficult, but he would deal with that matter when it came to be.

Reaching the palace a few minutes later, he paused, a frown taking control of his features. At the top of the steps, arms folded, stood Vincent. His eyes burned with a cool rage, his expression one of disgust and pure hatred.

This doesn't bode well. He wanted to run. But what good would running do? He'd have to face the man at some point.

"Hey, Vince! How's it going? You look good," Eugene sweet talked himself forward, taking the steps with careful lethargy, not wanting to face the confrontation that was as inescapable as the journey he would soon embark on.

Vincent said nothing, his sneer growing, till the corner of his eyes were creased with nearly a dozen wrinkles.

"I don't suppose you can forgive me?"

As a response, Vincent's fist flew forward, connecting with Eugene's mouth.

Caught unawares, he stumbled back, falling backwards down the stairs.

Landing at the bottom, he laid still for a couple of seconds, hoping that nothing was broken. Nothing was. At worst, he would have a few bruises in a couple of unhealthy places.

Glancing up, he could see Vincent still as a statue, looking nonplussed by the whole ordeal. Standing up shakily, Eugene dusted himself off vigorously, grimacing as he brushed against the tender spots.

"I deserved that." In truth, he didn't believe it to be true, but taking a second to consider, he knew that verbal confrontation would not be a helpful move.

"Damn right you did," Vincent spoke up finally. A crowd of people were flocking, their heads turning to see the argument. "But you deserve so much more for the mess you've made!" He seemed on the verge of cursing, though he was using all his self-control to restrain himself.

Eugene did not move, worried that any such action would lead Vincent to a burst of outrage that would do more damage than his split lip and thin line of blood running down his chin. "I didn't mean to do anything…"

"Keep quiet," Vincent said warningly, glaring at him with unchecked eyes. "I'll have none of your fake apologies. If you don't sharpen up, I'll ensure that you get what you've had coming to you. The king will only put up with your insolence for so long. And Rapunzel…how many times can we tell her that you've just disappeared? Sooner or later she'll come realize the truth, that you've got no more interest in her than you have in repenting for the years of sorrow you've caused for the rest of us!"

His rant done, Eugene fought the urge to let out a few biting retorts of his own. He managed his anger, though, keeping his words to himself. Rapunzel needs me. Leave this ass alone. Just think about Rapunzel.

Vincent was no more interested in continuing to stare at the reformed thief, and was gone from his post at the door, retreating into the palace at a stomping pace.

Counting a few seconds to ensure that they would not be following one another, Eugene soon moved forward too. The palace was quiet when he entered. Which way Vincent had gone, he could not quite know. Where Rapunzel was, was an even harder question to answer? The throne room seemed like a decent enough place to start. So long as Vincent wasn't there too.

The throne room was empty when he came into it. Surprising.

Then, he heard the voices. There were two of them. One he knew for sure to be Rapunzel. The other held a certain ring of familiarity, though it was not significant enough to spark a face or name in his memory.

A string of decisions followed this, choices he would later come to regret.

His first choice was to hide around the corner. Reason did not guide him any more as he ducked around the corridor, peering out with curious eyes.

In that instant, the two figures came into sight. There was Rapunzel, her short hair bouncing as she walked along, a large smile painted across her face. She was excited, joyful, her feet skipping as she went along. What was making her so happy was connected to the end of her arm.

He was blonde boy exuding a sickeningly overwhelming charisma that seeped out of his voice, his laugh and his eyes. Tall, lean, handsome and his hand was attached to Rapunzel's. He was saying something and she was laughing, smiling, her eyes twinkling with unadulterated joy.

Jealousy rose in him, though he knew not the nature of their relationship. Here, he made his second mistake.

Instead of revealing himself, he rushed off, choosing to let his jealous rage lead him out of the palace and into the open air. He should not have been so deeply affected by it all, but he could not help himself. She had seemed so happy with him, in a way he wondered he could ever match. There was something youthful about the two of them, as if innocence still lived within them. There was hardly anything left of his childhood within him. Even if he had accepted his roots, had reclaimed the name Eugene Fitzherbert, it could not change the bad he done, the dark he had seen.

Irrational as his thinking might be, Eugene was in no state to admit it or consider the implications of what he was about to do. Led by exhaustion and despair, he sunk into a shadow of his old self, and slunk off to a part of town he had once frequented with alarming regularity.

D E S T I N I E S E N T W I N E D

"I've had the most wonderful day, princess," Lord Devon said as they stood within the confines of the throne room. "I thank you for your company. It's been most appreciated."

"I should be the one expressing my gratitude," Rapunzel argued gently. In truth, she could not remember feeling so light in a long time. Not that Eugene did not make her feel bliss every time she saw him, but this was a different feeling, one of pure joy that did not come attached to another feeling, that was not a basis for love. Friendship. She considered that word. Perhaps. Pascal had always been a friend, but to have a human friend, one she could converse with without the use of grunts and squeals was an interesting concept. She and Eugene seemed to have leapt over that in the development of their own relationship. Whatever it should be defined as, she could not deny the glow of happiness hanging over her.

"We should do this again soon," Lord Devon suggested.

Rapunzel nodded eagerly. "Yes."

He bowed then, pulling her hand towards his lips.

She smiled again, curtseying as he released her hand. "Thank you again."

He left then, his steps assured, his stance straight and tall. How regal he looked. She took note of it with great interest, though her attention shifted as her parents entered the room then from another door.

"Time seems to have run off with us."

"It does," Rapunzel agreed.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" Her father pressed curiously.

"I did," she conceded. "He's a very kind person."

"Among other such traits," her father reminded her.

She nodded slowly, her eyes watching them eagerly, trying to read their faces. "Have you seen Eugene yet, then?"

Her mother shook her head. "No, my dear. I'm afraid we haven't."

"Oh." It was a soft sound, and the bubble of bliss she'd built for herself deflated. Where was he, then? Should she be worried that he was hurt? Should she wonder if he would come back? Should she fear that he didn't want to?

"But I'm sure everything is fine," her mother insisted, taking Rapunzel's hand and pulling her into a loving embrace. "Don't worry. The boy lived on these streets most of his life."

"He'll be back soon, I'm sure," her father agreed, joining their hug willingly, holding the two women who meant most to him in his arms. "There's nothing to worry about."

Rapunzel wanted to believe them.

So why didn't she?

D E S T I N I E S E N T W I N E D

The bartended recognized him the minute he walked into the Golden Apple.

"Son of a bitch. Is it really you?"

"Nice to see you too, Krent," Eugene muttered as he took a stool away from prying eyes. Secrecy was not to be found here.

"Oi, look you lot. It's Ryder, come back to haunt us! The bastard returns."

Eugene sighed deeply as eyes turned to stare at him, their voices murmuring in conversations concerning his presence. "Thanks."

"Heard you were back," Krent continued as he poured ale into a mug, letting the liquid pool over the edges. "Got yourself a girl now, eh? The lost princess. She's a beauty. Eyes like emeralds. Hair like hazelnuts. How'd you snatch something of that caliber?"

"I have no idea," Eugene muttered under his breath.

This place had once been his escape from the real world. The people here would never turn their backs on him, would never oust him to the guards. They'd been his employers, many of them, eliciting his help, his skills, for a pretty penny. They were not friends—he was not so ignorant. They weren't enemies either.

Krent slid him the mug. "On the house. It's good to have you back, Ryder. I hope you won't go soft on us."

"Can't make any promises," Eugene remarked as he took a swig, loving how sweet the liquid tasted. He hadn't realized how thirsty he really was until now.

He took another swig and then another. Within five minutes, the drink was done. Like sweet nectar, it claimed his senses, relaxing his senses, relaxing his body.

Krent was ready with another and before he realized it, this was done too. A third one was poured out, and soon Eugene was talking.

"What should I care if she wants noble blood? It's not like this thing is going to last. I mean, I was ready to die for her. I was going to die for her. But she screwed that up. And now everything is a mess. And guess who has to fix it. Me. But maybe I don't want to fix it…" He took another deep sip and hiccupped. "No, that's not true. I love her. I shouldn't; but I do. She's perfect, though, and beautiful and so much more than I am. She deserves better. She deserves royalty, not messed up me. God!"

His third mug done, Krent passed him a fourth one. "Does she love you?"

Eugene shrugged. "I guess. But if her parents want a prince, she'll marry a prince. It won't matter. I'm nothing. And maybe I don't care. I should let her have a prince. He'll be better for her. He'll do things I can't. I should just save her, and then leave. That's what I should do."

The fourth one was gone now, but there was no fifth.

"Another," Eugene blurted blearily.

Krent's eyebrows raised questioningly. "I think you've had enough, Ryder."

Eugene reached for his collar, the alcohol clouding his judgment. "I said another," he whispered threateningly.

Three more mugs he downed and then he collapsed on the floor in a drunken mess, falling into the blackness of his disturbed mind.

AN: Yes. Okay. Um.

Reviews would be most appreciated at this point. I'd love some feedback on this chapter especially, just because I'm not sure about the angle I'm taking, and I want to know if you guys are on board or not. Drunk!Eugene was interesting to write, and I thought it might allow us to see a little more of his thoughts in terms of Rapunzel and a long-term relationship. Also, Lord Devon might be sticking around for a bit longer than many of you are comfortable with. He hasn't been developed yet, but I promise he'll become a more interesting character as we progress.

So again, let me know what you think, and I'll see you all soon.

Hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season.

Much love always,

Faith