A.N. Another chapter. I feel like I'm on a roll and I hope it continues because in the coming chapters this story is going to become a rollercoaster of adventure and peril and some twists along the way. It's the Rivens guarantee.

This chapter isn't quite as exciting as the one that came before, but it's necessary to shove the story into the real action at its heart, so please bear with.

Thanks to all the reviews. 120 so far. That's insane. I've never had so many and I need to thank everyone for supporting this story because your support is what keeps me inspired.

Thanks especially to Wheels4theOneTrueGod, Knighting Gale, and Liliththestormgoddess for reviewing the last chapter. I'm glad to hear there are some newcomers and hope you decide to stick around.

And now, on with the story.

Chapter Twelve:

"You stupid, stupid boy!"

Eugene flinched as the king roared at him. He had been expecting such a reprimand, but as it came in such a harsh tone, it filled him with even greater regret and guilt.

Rapunzel was upstairs now, being looked over by the Physician. Upon his arrival, she'd been removed from him, pulled away from his arms, while Vincent had dragged him roughly to the Throne Room to wait for the king and queen to deal with him.

"You'll get hell now, Rider," Vincent had sneered, sounding all too pleased. "You'll be gone soon."

Eugene had said nothing. Too much of the past was weighing heavily on his heart. He had messed up, not unlike how he had messed up those five years prior. To have talked to Vincent would have meant rehashing that memory, a memory he was not keen on exploring.

"Two days!" King Phillip continued his voice rising in force. "Two whole days she waited for you to come, worried that some ill had befallen you. Two days we thought you'd abandoned her and feared how she would react to the news. You cruel, cruel boy! It would be better if you had been hurt!"

"Phillip." Adelaide laid a restraining hand on her husband's arm. She wanted him calmer, but she could not be counted an ally for Eugene in this mess. Her eyes were blame-ridden as they stared him down. "We're very disappointed in you, Eugene. You made promises so easily." She sighed. "You broke them easily too."

They were not going to let him escape without great reprimand. Already, their words were biting at him with viciousness. What would they say when he told them the truth? He was not excited to find out. "I really am sorry," he told them as they lapsed into silence, hopeful he was not being disrespectful in speaking up. "I haven't meant to be gone this long. Circumstances…"

"I don't care for your excuses, boy," King Phillip interjected. His wrath was proving to be fierce as his paternal instincts spurred him into conflict with the person who had led to their daughter's condition. "I have half a mind to throw you out and order you gone forever. You have broken my trust, and you will find it difficult to mend."

Eugene cringed. He recognized that he would be rather fortunate to have the king's forgiveness. But he did not need their forgiveness now, he needed them to believe his words, to believe the danger their daughter was in. "I know that your majesty," Eugene would use any means to assure some of their grace. "I don't expect it, I don't expect it, but the truth is I've been gone for two days because I've been looking for a way to save your daughter." It was a slight stretch of the truth, but to tell them of how he drunk himself to despair and then nearly succumbed to the whims of an old flame would not help his position.

"And what, pray tell, do you need to save her from?" the king demanded, sounding ever doubtful, and indeed taunting in his speech.

Eugene looked quickly to the queen, hoping that she would see his sincerity, and bring reason to the king. "From death, your majesty."

The king's eyes narrowed. "And what makes you think you need to protect her from death?" It was evident in the king's sudden severity, that there was some glean of belief in his eyes, or at least some willingness to listen, as if fearful that there was some truth in Eugene's words. Adelaide's face was now as mask as she watched Eugene with intent.

"Because she's dying," Eugene replied, the weight of the words leaving his lips bringing him little relief. "She's wearing away, fading to nothing."

The king shook his head, his disbelief blooming now. "She's tired, that's all," he argued. "She's been through so much, and it exhausted her. That's all."

But in Adelaide's eyes, Eugene could see the doubt in her husband's words. "What makes you say that, Eugene?"

Eugene took a breath, considering how best to tell them. "I noticed it two days ago. There were strands of white in her hair. It worried me." He took another, deeper breath. "The day of the ball, when I was taken, I was brought to this woman who told me the truth of it. I didn't believe her then, but when I saw those hairs…" He paused again. "I went back to find her and she told me that Rapunzel won't last the week."

Queen Adelaide's mask was slipping as concern pervaded her expression. She gripped tighter on her husband's arm. "Phillip…"

"She was probably trying to trick you. Did she want pay?"

Eugene shook his head. It was another lie, but again he felt that telling them he had sold her his soul in a sense, would do nothing to grab their belief. "She simply wanted to be of help." He gazed at the two royals imploringly. "Please, you have to believe me."

"I don't want to believe you," the king sighed heavily. "You've done us wrong, Eugene Fitzherbert. And yet, I don't know why you would lie to me."

Eugene nodded, his insides gladdened to hear the king's words. "I wouldn't lie to you about this. Not about her safety. I know I've done wrong. Please let me do right. I know how to save her. I know I can do it."

But the king still seemed hesitant, wanting more information from him. "Did she say why Rapunzel might be dying?"

This would be difficult for Eugene to explain, difficult because of the significance it held. "It's my fault," he replied. "I had tried to stop her, had cut off her only chance of saving me, but she saved me anyway. And in saving my life…it seems she may have sacrificed her own."

The king and queen looked ever more skeptical as he spoke, as if incapable of understanding this explanation. "Eugene, perhaps you have been led on," Adelaide suggested. "This tale seems far too far-fetched. This woman, whoever she is, might only be trying to draw you into a trap."

"No," Eugene shook his head firmly. "No, she's not. She knows things. I trust her to be speaking the truth. Please, believe me."

King Phillip too had lost any sense of belief, his doubt ruling his actions. "I cannot. And so it seems, once again, we find ourselves with one lingering question. What are we to do with you?"

Eugene was not listening though as Kaylee's words rang in his head. It was not that he could go on his own. If you wish to save her, you must bring Rapunzel with you. If they could not bring themselves to see the truth, he would be left with only one choice. He could only imagine what they would say if they found him gone, and Rapunzel with him. But if they did not believe…

They were interrupted then by a sudden rapping on the door.

Glancing behind him, Eugene watched as Vincent swept into the room, flanked by the good physician. They breezed past him, coming to stand before the king and queen.

"What news, Thomas?" King Phillip asked anxiously as the physician bowed quickly.

"I am sorry to disturb you, my lord, but this cannot wait," Thomas Grofford offered first an apology before launching into an explanation. "I have examined Rapunzel, and while no harm has been caused to her, I fear that we have something much more pressing on our hands."

Queen Adelaide's eyes flitted briefly to Eugene, her eyes wide as she recognized what Grofford's next words would be. "Is she ill?"

Grofford nodded, pausing to take another breath. "She is far weaker than she was when last I saw her. I cannot be absolutely certain, but at this moment I fear she may be dying."

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

She knew something was wrong. She could not say what, but she had seen the look in Doctor Grofford's eye as he had left her side, a look of concern, though his voice had insisted that everything was fine. He had seen something while examining her, had noticed something that had caused him worry. There had been an instant when his expression had faltered to one of alarm. He had been quick to conceal it, but not quick enough for her to be ignorant to its meaning.

Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts fell back to Eugene. She knew he had found her, though she had been fleeting between reality and the darkness of her mind. He had come to save her as he had so many times before and she wanted greatly for him to come to her now. His absence now worried her too, worried her that her parents were the reason behind his delay, that they were extracting their anger on him when this had all been her fault. She wished sorely to leap from bed and hurry to his side, and still the falling blame, but her exhaustion was greater now than before, and she could not find the strength to do so.

Hours seemed to pass, though perhaps it was not quite so long, as she waited for someone to come to her, to tell her what was wrong and to tell her it would be alright. Pascal was at least a comfort as he laid atop her chest, watching her with his caring eyes, his presence enough to at least lend her some peace of mind.

When finally the door creaked open, Rapunzel's heart soared with hope. Seeing her mother, she frowned—not because she was disappointed to see her. Rather, it was the sorrow gleaming in her eyes as she came to stand beside Rapunzel's bed that concerned Rapunzel, and the saddened weariness of her face.

"How are you feeling, my darling?" she asked soothingly as she swept aside a strand of hair from her forehead, her eyes than betraying some true alarm.

"I'm fine," Rapunzel replied, feeling it to be some form of honesty. "What's going on, Mommy?" Worry poisoned her voice as she posed this question. "Is Eugene…"

"He's here," her mother informed her gently, without attempting to form a response for the first question. "He's safe. He wants to see you."

Joy erupted in her small heart, a smile creasing the lines of her lips, wearing away her worry for the moment. "Oh, please. I need to see him."

With a sad smile, the queen bent over, laying a gentle kiss on her daughter's forehead, one that seemed plagued by longing as if afraid something would be lost. "I love you, my darling."

Rapunzel repeated the sentiment, sensing some darkness in her mother's words, some hopelessness. It filled her with an ominous chill as her mother swept from the room, leaving the door ajar in her wake so that Eugene might follow suite.

His tall form filled the frame where he lingered for a second, just staring at her with eyes of determination and overflowing love. Shutting the door, he came to her side. One hand, she realized was hidden behind his back. It came forward now, revealing a cupcake decked in a chocolate frosting.

"Strawberry chocolate," he told her, his voice gruff. He coughed to clear it. "The cook's trying it out."

She smiled as he passed it to her. Setting is aside for the moment, her eyes bore into his. "Eugene," she whispered, "I thought you were gone."

Eugene knelt beside her as she sat up a little. "I wasn't trying to worry you," he explained, taking her hand suddenly in his own and pressing it to his lips. "I've been…on a mission of sorts." He seemed hesitant as he spoke the words, as if calculating what each meant and the weight of that meaning. "I didn't expect it to take so long."

"You should have told me." Her tone was accusing. "I've been so very worried. I thought you were hurt, maybe even dead. I even…" She took a breath as tears began to crystallize in her eyes. "I even thought you had decided to leave me."

"I would never," he swore with ferocity, tightening his hold on her hand, his other falling against her cheek in a passionate embrace. "I would…I will never leave you, Rapunzel. Do you hear me? I will never abandon you."

Struck by the intensity of his promise, Rapunzel felt her head spin with a flurry of emotions. Her heart was hammering against her chest. There were no words she could say to match his, so she remained silent, letting the power of her emotions convey the depth of her belief and trust.

In silence they remained for the moment, until a deep breath wracked Eugene's body. "Rapunzel," he said slowly. "There's something else we need to talk about."

"Something's wrong," she said before Eugene could continue. "I knew it. Doctor Grofford seemed worried and my mother…she looked as if she'd lost something. And you look so afraid. What's happened? Are they mad at you? Are you in trouble?"

Eugene shook his head, a sad sort of laugh flying from his lips. "If only it was that," he murmured ruefully. "But it's not me, Rapunzel." He paused contemplatively, and then determination led him to say the reset in one quick breath. "Rapunzel, you're dying."

At first, the words did not make sense within her mind. The word dying evoked an image of Gothel falling out the tower window and Eugene lying on the floor, his head cradled on her lap while she watched him slip from her grasp. It was not something she could simply understand, as the fogginess of her mind clouded her ability to grasp the truth of his words. "I don't…I'm not…dying?"

"Oh, Rapunzel." Eugene seemed to be at a loss, his eyes shining. "It's my fault. When you saved me, you…you used up your energy. Using your powers to heal an injury was one thing, but to restore life when it's been lost is another entirely. You're dying, Rapunzel, because I'm alive."

There was some logic in Eugene's words, logic she embraced and used to render her own horrifying conclusion. "I don't want to live if it means you have to die."

Remarkably, she felt no panic rising in her chest, no sense of impending doom as she clung to Eugene's hand. Perhaps the truth was that she did not quite believe him and felt more as though she was trapped in some dream. There was an aura of surrealism surrounding their conversation and she could not yet come to believe that her existence was nearing its end.

"It won't come to that," he told her. "I can save you; I'm going to save you," he corrected himself, his entire being radiating an undaunted confidence. "But, we have a journey to make, you and I."

She nodded, listening to him, feeling her whole self growing ever more weary as he spoke, overwhelmed by it all. "Okay," she whispered. "I trust you."

"We're leaving tomorrow," he continued, impervious to the burden of his words. "I'm so sorry, Rapunzel. I'm so very sorry."

"Don't be," she scolded him softly, and leaned forward to place a kiss on his lips. She needed to sleep, to consider the meaning of his words, and to come to terms with the future ahead. She was dying because she had saved him, but he could save her, could restore her life without having to die in exchange. She was dying, but she would be fine. She was dying, but she would not die.

She released him, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. "I need to sleep. Stay with me."

He nodded. "You don't have to be afraid," he said soothingly. "I'm going to take care of you."

"I'm not afraid," she mumbled as her head fell upon the pillow, her mind dragging her into a dreamless sleep.

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

"I don't know if she fully understood. She seemed groggy and tired."

Eugene was standing before the king and queen again, joined now by Grofford and Vincent. He was relaying the nature of his conversation with Rapunzel as he had promised to. It had taken a lot of coaxing to convince them to let him be the one to tell Rapunzel about her predicament, and they were now relying upon him to give a full report on the matter.

They were on the brink of the midnight hour, but Eugene felt no urge to sleep. He had slept the day away, so it made some sense in that regard. His chest, however, was still plagued by a dull ache, one that was causing him great discomfort. He would not say anything on it though.

"I'll have to talk to her again in the morning to make sure she understands, or you can, I suppose." He directed this comment specifically to the king and queen. "I think she's strong enough, though. She's brave, braver than anyone I know, braver than me."

The king nodded. "Indeed, she is brave." There was some weariness in his voice, but Eugene knew it to be a result of his concern, and not actual tiredness. "Now, we should discuss the nature of this journey. The map?"

Eugene pulled the piece of parchment from his pant pocket and laid it out across the table where they sat. "The Fountain of Youth." He directed their gaze with a point of his finger. "It lies here, almost a three day journey from Corona. According to the woman, it's well hidden from the world and the path is a dangerous one. She also said that Rapunzel has less than a week." He refrained from using Kaylee's name for fear of what meaning it might hold for those gathered. He gazed. "She'll have to come with me." He paused to gaze at the king. "I promise I'll protect her, and I will get her back home safe."

"I know," King Phillip remarked. "But you must understand, Mr. Fitzherbert, I do not intend to send you alone on this journey. You will be joined by Vincent and the very best of his men."

Eugene fought the urge to abruptly argue this request. "Your majesty, it will be far quicker if Rapunzel and I travel alone."

"And far more dangerous," the king countered, a ring of finality in his voice. "Who knows what horrors you might encounter! She is my daughter, and I will have her well protected."

Seeing no hope of arguing the point, Eugene glanced warily at Vincent. The man's eyes said enough as a grin of supremacy crossed his face.

"We will leave tomorrow, then, just after dawn." Eugene made no pretence of making it a request. This was an order. "And I will be in charge."

"You?" Vincent jeered. "You are no leader and you will find my men resistant to such an outlandish attempt."

Eugene glared. "I'm the one with the map," he said shortly, rolling up said item and shoving it into his vest.

King Phillip banged his fist suddenly against the table. "You will work together, and I will hear no more of this nonsense. My daughter is dying." His voice cracked under the pressure of the statement. "Put aside your pride and feud for now so you might save her."

"My apologies, your majesty."

"Yeah, sorry," Eugene mumbled.

"Thank you." The king's gaze lingered on Eugene. "Thomas; Vincent, you are dismissed. I wish to have a word with Mr. Fitzherbert. Adelaide?"

The queen nodded knowingly. She had expected this. With a gentle hand, she guided the two men from the room, leaving Eugene alone with the king.

Seeing himself vulnerable with Queen Adelaide to check her husband's wrath, Eugene squirmed uneasily in his seat.

"Mr. Fitzherbert." The king's voice was dangerously low as he spoke. "Eugene." This use of his first name was surprising and brought some ease to Eugene's worried mind. "I fear, I must apologize."

Unexpected!

Eugene stared curiously at the king. "I don't think you do. I am the only one who should apologize for this…for her."

"No, hear me out." Within the king's stern voice, there was some echo of generosity. "Please." He paused for a breath. "I fear I have judged you too harshly in the past. You must understand, I have been accustomed to hearing the name Flynn Rider in rather disturbing circumstances. Considered a rogue by most and even a murderer by some…"

Eugene felt a rush of blind panic race through him. He had not believed the king to be aware of that."

"…and so I created within the contours of my mind a rather demeaning portrait of your character, and I have been regarding you as such since your return." Here the king stopped to take another breath, taking the pause to ponder his next words. "The truth of who you really are has revealed to me a side I had not encountered before."

"Whatever your past might have been, whatever truth may be found within such tales, I have learned to see you as you are now: a man willing to die for my daughter, a man whose heart is far more kind than those of others I have met. And so I pardon you, Eugene, for past decisions and ask you in turn to pardon me for being a prejudiced old sod."

Eugene took a moment to think on the king's words before returning with a reply. "Your majesty, I cannot pardon you, because you do not require pardoning. You have done nothing to injure me, and have already granted me amnesty. I only want to see Rapunzel safe."

"I know," the king sighed, smiling gently at him. "As do I."

A moment of silence lapsed between them before the king spoke up with talk of rest. "You should sleep. Tomorrow will be a day difficult to face without proper rest."

Eugene nodded, gladdened to know the king's trust in him was secured. Standing, he hesitated as a question pricked at his mind. "Your majesty, the term murderer…"

"…was applied by a distraught mother who lost her son over a matter of gambling. She blamed you, but I do not believe you to be the true killer.

Eugene shook his head. "No, that wasn't me."

So he did not know, had not been told. It surprised him, and worried him to think on it. To not say meant personal vengeance was intended. It was a wonder he was still alive then. He thought on this as he made his way down the corridor to Rapunzel's room.

Turning a corner, he was grabbed suddenly and shoved against a wall, his already hurting body protesting loudly as it slammed against the concrete, pain shooting through him.

Vincent glared at him, his eyes burning with some rage. "Listen to me, Rider and say nothing." He paused while Eugene struggled to grasp the scenario he now found himself in. "You have been too lucky this far, but that will change. We will save the princess, but the minute she's back in Corona, unharmed, you will be gone. You will leave here forever or I swear I will make your life a living hell. Do you understand me?"

Eugene nodded silently, hardly daring to say a word. There was a cold fury in Vincent's eyes and he did not wish to test the extent of his wrath at this moment.

Vincent's grip slackened. "Good man," he commented mockingly, slapping Eugene on the cheek before releasing him. "Run off then and don't you dare speak a word of this to anyone."

He nodded again and took a few steps away from the guard, watching the man with cautious eyes. "I am sorry," Eugene whispered, "for what happened."

"Don't you dare," Vincent hissed. "Don't you damn well dare apologize to me you spineless bastard." Hatred reverberated in Vincent's voice as he spoke. Like daggers, his words fell upon Eugene, inflicting him with regret. "Now get out of my sight."

Eugene did not hesitate to follow such orders. Turning on his heel, he hurried up to Rapunzel's room, his mind and heart suddenly weighed down by a memory he had long fought to suppress.

She was sound asleep when he reached her side, and did not stir as he dragged a chair to her side and fell into it.

He did not descend easily into sleep, his mind plagued now, and when finally he did, he dreamt only of the past.

A.N. I hope this chapter was okay. Reading through it again worried me. I don't know if Rapunzel's reaction was spot on. What did you think? Should she have been more emotional? And what about Phillip? And Vincent? What's up with that guy? And what memory is plaguing Eugene now? Want to know. I imagine reading the next chapter might help.

Leave a review to let me know thoughts, feelings, expectations, questions, suggestions, constructive criticism.

Love you all,

Faith Rivens