A.N. The next chapter already? I really couldn't help myself. The inspiration is there.

Only three reviews on the last chapter make me slightly worried that I did something wrong. I hope I haven't lost your interest and I hope this somehow reclaims it. I know it's short, but I like where it ends. It leaves a sort of ominous feeling, I think.

Thanks to sSparkleWolf7000 (the cookie was rather delicious), Liliththestormgoddess (More will be revealed on that later), and Wheels4TheOneTrueGod (Here is more Eugene x Rapunzel just for you. God instead of good…errr…I shall try even harder this time).

Read along my lovelies.

Chapter Fourteen:

Eugene awoke drenched in a cold sweat. The images that had flooded his mind remained fixed there, invading his waking moments of life with some undaunted ferocity. He bent over where he sat, his head falling into his hands as tears streamed suddenly down his face.

That memory.

It tore at his heart, and beat wildly against his spirit, breaking him down. For so long, he had forced it away, and in one minute those walls had been torn asunder. He could not stop it now, could not stop the dull aching beginning to flood through him. There was nothing he could do.

She would have been ten. The thought crept through him, leaving behind a cold dread. Felled so young, she could have become a vibrant young woman. Those sapphire eyes had held such innocence and joy of life. He had ended that for a treasure that had proved less than worthwhile.

The pain of remembering this last feature made it all seem far worse.

Hours after the incident, Hunter had returned looking rather gleeful. Eugene had been sullen, still aching from it all in mind and body. Hunter had seemed unperturbed, tossing aside the death of the little girl as nothing more than a sorry accident. That moment was the first time Eugene began to doubt the honour of the man known as Hunter. He could not hate him for what had happened; the blame he knew rested on him alone. But the nonchalant attitude of the expert thief had stirred him wrong and proved to be just the beginning of Hunter's darker side.

The second point of contention had arisen when Hunter had busied himself with dealing with the treasures Eugene had found.

Glancing over his shoulder with tear-stained eyes, Eugene could still remember with absolute clarity the sight that had met him.

Two rolled parchments and a large glinting diamond were the only things to have been taken from the house. It seemed like nothing, but the glint in Hunter's eyes had said it all. That was what he had planned for. That was what he had wanted. Two parchments and a diamond. A treasure of no true value.

"Is that all?" he had enquired.

Hunter had been slow to respond. His words when finally he spoke still hung over Eugene like a cloud. "There is nothing quite so powerful as knowledge, Flynn."

He still did not know what the parchment had said and the diamond had never been sold, remaining in Hunter's possession. They had argued many times because of it, but Eugene had not left. He had stayed almost a whole year more, hoping for Hunter to redeem himself, hoping for more. Hunter had failed to provide any such goodness and so Eugene had finally left.

This was another memory he cared not to dwell on now.

"Eugene?"

A hand fell gently on his arm.

Looking up with red-rimmed eyes, he met Rapunzel's concern-filled emerald ones.

"What's wrong?"

He stared at her carefully. He could not tell her. She looked tired, and yet she still chose to place all her attention on him, as if nothing was wrong. But everything was.

"Nothing," he said slowly. "You should rest some more."

She hesitated as she watched him. "I can't. Not until you tell me. Are you worried that you…" she paused uncertainly, unable to finish the sentence. "Is it because of me?"

He shook his head fiercely. "No," he told her certainly. "I'm not worried. I know you'll be fine. We're going to make it through." He could feel the slight ache of a possible lie, but he pushed it aside. "How are you holding up?"

"Okay," she whispered, though she did not look pleased by his sudden attempt to change subjects. "I don't feel like I'm dying." Her knees rose up suddenly as she forced them closer to her body. "I don't think I really believe that it's true."

But Eugene could not deny the truth of it as he stared at her hair. There were more strands of white than there had been before. It filled him with dread. "It is true," he said gently. "I wish it weren't."

She nodded, not speaking to this latest statement. "Why were you crying, then?" she prodded after a brief pause.

He held back from responding. There was no chance that he would provide her with any truth. To tell her that he had destroyed a life would break her, would lead her to hatred for him. He knew that with absolute certainty. He would tell her after all this, though. The thought of lying to her forever seemed impossible under Vincent's new threat as well as unjustifiable. She deserved the truth to decide for herself but, for the moment, a lie seemed the better choice. At least until she's safe.

"Eugene?"

"I don't know," he replied, having forgotten to answer her question, and the suspicion grew in her eyes. Think of something Eugene. "It was just a bad dream."

"A nightmare?" Rapunzel prodded. "What was it?"

"I'd rather not talk about it," he said, his voice slightly stern. He resented his tone as Rapunzel's face fell. "Sorry, I would just rather not…"

"It's okay. " She smiled ruefully as she released her knees and allowed herself to sink once more into bed. "I think I will try to sleep some more."

"That's a good idea. I think I will too." He ran a hand through her hair as she closed her eyes. Silently he wished her good dreams as he leaned back in his chair.

He would be getting no more sleep tonight.

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

Everything was packed.

Eugene had helped her this morning to place what few necessities he could into her bag, wanting to be prepared for anything that might present itself on the course of their journey.

In truth, the idea of such an adventure thrilled her. It would have been a moment of joy if not for the weariness in her bones; if not for the fact that she was dying.

She had not fully believed it till this morning when, alone in her chamber, she'd chanced a glance into the mirror. Seeing the white strands in her hair had left her feeling winded with shock. Falling upon her bed, she'd fought to hold back the tears. She would not say it, but the truth was, she was very much afraid of what was to come. Despite Eugene's reassurances, fear was brewing in her heart; fear that this week could be her last.

Her parents appeared in her doorway a few moments later. They both looked tired, their eyes lined with evidence of lack of sleep. She had only just returned to them. Why did she have to be taken away from them again so quickly?

They were not going to come with her. Eugene had told her that. It was not that they did not want to accompany her. Her father had wanted to lead them, but both Eugene and Vincent had fought him down, arguing that they were already too many and that the kingdom needed him more. Her mother had tried to insist too that one of them should go, but in the end any attempt of her parents had been refused and they had ultimately given in to the reasoning of the others. Still, she could tell that it was not sitting well with them.

Her mother embraced her as she came to sit beside her, holding her with such strength that Rapunzel felt as though she would never let go. Part of her wished that she wouldn't.

Her father watched the two with shining eyes. He cleared his throat as he attempted to hold back tears. "You will be fine," he told her.

She nodded as her mother finally released her. "I know, Daddy. Eugene promised." She did not tell them of the stirring doubt.

"Say the word and I will come with you." Her mother's tone was fierce as she gripped her hands. "I don't think I can just let you slip away again."

Rapunzel shook her head. "Eugene said it will be dangerous. I think it's better if you stay."

"It's wrong," her father argued. "You are our daughter. We let you go once; we can't let you go again."

It was obvious to Rapunzel in this instant that they were both struggling with guilt.

"I'll be back soon," she said. As much as she hated the thought of being pulled away again, she was more fearful that they would decide to come along, fearful that they could be harmed trying to help her. "You won't even be able to realize I'm gone. I think it's better this way."

Her parents seemed unconvinced but let the matter drop as they came to realize the discomfort it was causing her.

"Do you have everything you need?" her mother enquired gently, trying to hide the tears in her eyes now.

Rapunzel nodded, her heart knotting with sadness. What if this was the last she ever saw of them? She choked back a sob at the thought. "I do," she replied in a cracking tone.

Her father came to hold her now, understanding her distress. "We will be together again soon," he promised in a gruff voice as he too fought back the emotions holding him captive. "This isn't goodbye, not forever."

He pulled his wife in to the embrace, the three of them silent as they clung to one another. A few minutes passed as they held fast, afraid to let go in case this should be it, as if letting go meant being torn apart.

A knock at the door ripped them from each other's grasp.

Vincent stood in the frame of the door, looking sheepish as he realized the moment he'd broken. "I am sorry your majesties, but we should be off…" He allowed the sentence to drag, and in his eyes Rapunzel saw reflected a deep mourning she could not fully place, as if he could understand the pain of loss.

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

Eugene was sitting on the steps, waiting for Rapunzel to come when he saw the fleeting figure in the shadows. What was she doing here?

Standing, he hurried after the retreating form, following her into a deserted alley where the light of day could not penetrate the fortified walls.

"What do you want, now?"

Kaylee's expression was one of impassiveness as he spoke in a biting tone. "I have come with one last warning."

"Because that's just what I need," Eugene murmured sarcastically. He was being short with her, more than he should have been. But he was anxious to leave and his lack of sleep was only prompting the growth of his impatience.

Hearing the exasperated tone in his voice, her expression fell to one of displeasure. "Do not forget the grace I have paid you, Eugene Fitzherbert. I am willing to help you. Do not force me to abstain."

"Sorry," he mumbled, forcing the sincerity into his voice. "What do you have for me?"

With wary eyes she spoke quickly, passing on the information she had come to him with. "I have come to remind you that the road before you is a dangerous one, and that you should pursue this venture with a sharp mind and a strong body. There are many coming with you. Most will not make it all the way. Be careful that their help does not become a hindrance as they might."

Such had been Eugene's fear, but he could not change it now. "They wouldn't dare fail her. They're too afraid of the king's wrath and of Vincent…" His voice dragged off. He could not go there again.

Kaylee recognized his hesitation but said nothing of it as she continued. "When you reach the resting place of the Fountain of Youth you will be met by a number of obstacles. You will be tested and only when you have successfully passed them shall you finally be able to proceed to the fount."

"What type of tests are they?"

Kaylee was not very helpful in providing a response. "Tests of true intent. They will be difficult. That is all I can say."

"Well, thanks for the warning anyway," Eugene grumbled, trying to be pleasant, but finding it rather difficult to pursue.

Kaylee did not look impressed with his attitude. "You should be more grateful."

"I am grateful for what you've done. That's the truth," Eugene argued, glancing back as his name was suddenly called. "I'm just a little anxious."

Kaylee nodded understandingly. "I know you are. And I am sorry for the situation you find yourself in. So let me leave you with one more thought. In the next few days, Rapunzel will continue to grow weaker and weaker until her life fades from her body. Each day will prove more difficult for her and for you. You must have the strength for the both of you and you must not lose hope. You have to be braver than you've ever been. Can you do that?"

Eugene gave a curt nod. "Yes, I can." His name was called again. "I should go."

"Take this as a wishing of good luck." She leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. "May the gods protect you and your love keep you."

"Thank you."

Their conversation ended, Eugene hurried back into the square. The group was gathered around the horses, Rapunzel standing at the top of the steps flanked by her parents. She looked small standing between them, but her eyes seemed to shine with great courage. He took a deep breath. This was it.

It was only as he approached the six gathered soldiers that he realized that another stood among them. This new figure was vaguely familiar in a way that made his stomach churn.

"What is he doing here?" he asked roughly, gesturing towards the blonde boy he'd seen with Rapunzel only a few days prior.

"He is coming with you," the boy in question replied in a firm tone. "I am Lord Devon of the Frankian County. It is my honour to offer my assistance."

"Your assistance isn't needed," Eugene argued unceremoniously. He looked the king with pleading eyes. "We have enough as it is. We don't need any dead weight."

King Phillip regarded him with uncertainty. "Lord Devon is rather handy with the longbow. He might prove to be of good use, Eugene."

"I promise not to slow you down. I only wish to offer my services where it might be needed. I would only do what's best for the princess. She has already agreed whole-heartedly to my offer of accompaniment." His flourished statements made Eugene cringe, but it was the last statement that came as a jab, stabbing through Eugene as he turned to stare questioningly at Rapunzel.

She shifted, discomforted. "I didn't think it would be a problem."

Eugene sighed heavily. They did not have the time or energy to put into this argument. If the man-boy wanted to come, then let it be. "Fine, he can come. But if he proves a hindrance, he will be let go."

Devon merely smiled. "I will not be a hindrance."

Eugene tossed off this last comment as Rapunzel now turned to bid her parents one last farewell. His gaze turned to Max who was standing beside Vincent, watching him with guarded eyes. He did not seem too pleased either by this extra person as he gestured his head towards the lord with rolling eyes. This sign of solidarity made Eugene grin.

He was not stupid. He knew what was going on, knew the signs. This man, this Lord Devon, was not promising his assistance because he was a Good Samaritan. No, all this was just an attempt to get into the king and queen's good graces. He was the first of the men Eugene had expected to come—the first of Rapunzel's potential suitors. The thought of men vying for Rapunzel's affections was not nearly as disconcerting as the thought that this man was taking advantage of Rapunzel's weakened state.

A hand fell lightly on his arm.

Rapunzel stood beside him. "Are you upset?"

"No," he lied, bestowing her with a smile as he helped her to climb aboard the white steed brought out for her. It was a regal horse of sorts with a long white main braided.

She glanced at him uneasily, sitting rather tipsily upon the beat. "Are you going to ride with me?"

He hesitated to provide a response. In his planning, he had forgotten that Rapunzel still had not learned to ride a horse. If it was Max guiding her, he would not have felt so uncertain about this, but atop a horse he did not know, he wondered if she would be alright on her own.

Glancing warily at the king and queen, Eugene made the decision to climb up behind her.

She smiled at him, unaware of the disapproving glances being throw their way.

Vincent came up to them, looking rather disgruntled. "I don't think that's such a good idea, Rider."

The man's eyes were unkind as they looked upon him, his expression one that said more than his words. Eugene would not let Vincent deter him, though.

"She hasn't ridden before. She needs me here. It's for the best," he argued, and looked to the king and queen, hoping that they were not adamantly against this arrangement.

There was a shadow of doubt in their eyes, but they made no move to stop him and as Vincent realized his opposition he backed away, grumbling incomprehensibly.

His arms came around Rapunzel then, holding to the reins, ensuring that she was well tethered and would not fall. "Are you okay?"

She nodded, her hair brushing along his chin. "Yes."

With the others mounted, Eugene turned to look once more at the king and queen standing forlorn upon the stairs. "We'll be back soon!" he called to them, a promise implicit in his words, a promise that she would be with them when they did.

They nodded, the words stuck in their throat as they waved them off.

Allowing Vincent to take the lead for now, the group of eight took off at a slow gallop, the sound of the pounding hoof beats echoing in the silence of the breaking dawn.

A.N. Okay, so not that interesting. Sorry about that. I promise that will all change now that our group is off to the Fountain of Youth. Please leave a review to let me know if you're still liking the story or if you have any questions or if you have suggestions, or some constructive criticism.

Next chapter: Eugene fights with jealousy as Lord Devon proves to be a thorn in his side.