A/N: More about Eugene's mother :)

Most of this is written to answer my own personal question-where did Eugene get the money for all the stuff he bought for Rapunzel?

Oh and the quote is more about the end of the chapter, just so you know

Disclaimer: I do not own Tangled.

Chapter 13-The Capital and the Old Letter

"There are so many unpleasant things in the world already that there is no use in imagining any more."

-L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

Now that Eugene and I were about to walk to the city, I had to figure out what I was going to do with both Hesty and Eugene's satchel. I couldn't very well leave it in the forest, now could I? I quickly decided that I would hide it in one of Maximus' saddlebags (and Hesty would fit in there too), but Eugene had to be distracted so he wouldn't see. For that, I enlisted Pascal and told him in no uncertain terms that I needed him to occupy Eugene for five minutes. Pascal looked completely smug, and I could tell that this was a task he would enjoy. A lot. Maybe even more that a lot, because I heard nothing but Eugene's screeching and screaming and shouting for much more than five minutes. Once I had completed my task, I quickly turned toward to them, realizing that I would have to break up this little party too.

But I was unprepared for what I saw. Eugene, hopping and scratching, yelled "Get-off-me" over and over again. And once he saw me, his shouting turned into "Get-him-off-me!" instead. Dear listener, I would be a complete liar if I said that I didn't enjoy watching Eugene like that. I mean, it was pretty funny. And I would be lying further if I said I didn't watch him for at least a full minute before I ordered Pascal to stop whatever torture he was inflicting upon Eugene.

"All right (laugh), all right (chuckle), that's (snort) enough, Pascal" I managed to say through my laughter. Pascal immediately stopped, looking almost apologetic. Eugene, on the other hand, looked completely infuriated.

"How can you stand that…that creature?" he snarled at me, his hands on his hips.

I put on my best confused look. "What are you talking about?" I asked innocently. "Pascal never acts that way around me." He continued to look very angry. "Look, I know you're…not pleased with either of our…uh…animal companions, but can we please walk to the city now?"

He still looked mad, but he starting walking. "Fine," he said tersely. "Capital's this way."

I followed him, after I put Pascal on my shoulder and told Maximus to come with us. As I drew closer to Eugene, I could hear him grumble something about worthless animals who didn't know their place. I forced down a laugh and I exchanged a smile with both Maximus and Pascal.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The walk to the capital passed pleasantly. Well, for me, Maximus, and Pascal that is. Eugene continued to be irked until we reached the city, but then he put on his Flynn Rider persona, and told me of his many successful thefts in the city. I listened patiently, and then informed him that it would be prudent to not talk too much about that, unless he would like to be captured by the guards (who were already on the lookout for anybody who looked remotely like him). "The stories make you….quite conspicuous," I told him. "Why don't you be Eugene today?" He scoffed, until I batted my eyelashes at him and said "For me? It's my birthday after all" and he actually agreed (who knew eyelashes could be so useful?).

Anyway, we finally entered the capital of Corona. I quickly walked through the gates, completely in awe of everything that I saw: Bustling groups of people strolled around the city, and on each side of the road towered houses and shops with thatch roofs. I sighed in delight. It was a lovely sight, and I likely would have continued to stare at all the commotion. However, just then I felt a tug on my hair, and it felt like my hair was being pulled out of my scalp. Instantly, I remembered that I had seventy feet of hair, and I, with Eugene's help, began to scoop it up. We stared at each other for a minute, and I knew that we were both thinking the same thing- Well, this isn't going to work. I have to say, dear listener, that I likely….kept gazing at Eugene….more than necessary. I searched his eyes for any evidence of an idea (because I didn't have any).

Suddenly, his eyes brightened and he whistled. I followed his gaze. Four little girls sat on a fountain, braiding each others' hair. "Hey!" Eugene called to them. "How would you like to braid seventy feet of hair?" They looked completely delighted and walked over to us. "Oh, we would love to!" the oldest one said.

And so it was that I sat in the city for around an hour (Eugene waited patiently) letting those wonderful girls braid my hair. Sometimes I still think of those girls and what they did for me. They were so gentle with my hair, and they told me repeatedly how beautiful it was and I was and how much they loved my dress. In addition, they also informed me that Eugene was very handsome and I was very lucky to have him. Of course, I protested and said we were only friends, if that. They, on the other hand, didn't believe me and even began to weave flowers into my hair, all the while telling me that with the flowers in my hair, he would never think of any other girl ever again (and isn't it interesting? They turned out to be so right. I love those girls).

All in all, the braiding turned out to be lovely experience. And once they were finished, I twirled around and thanked them profusely. They in turn said that they had enjoyed it very much and don't forget what they said about Eugene. I assured them that I wouldn't and walked shyly over to Eugene. And I was very surprised by how he looked.

He gazed….almost appreciatively at me, and his eyes were soft with pleasure. Does he think I look beautiful, I wondered. Maybe those darling girls were right after all. I might have continued to think about what the girls had said, but my stomach grumbled and I remembered that we hadn't eaten anything all day. I decided I would tell Eugene that I needed to eat something, but first I had to ask him about my hair.

"So," I asked shyly. "Do you…..like my hair?"

He blinked. "Your hair….uh…" Was he stammering? "Yes…it's…uh…very nice."

I beamed. He did like my hair! He thought I looked pretty! "Well, thank you," I said. "I don't know about you but I'm a little…hungry? Could we maybe eat….something?"

He blinked once. Then twice. No, scratch that, I thought gleefully. He thinks I look beautiful! Finally, he looked composed once more. "Yes, we could," he informed me. "But I'm a little short on money right now. And I told you I wouldn't use my five-finger discount today."

Perplexed, I gave him a look. What is a five finger discount?

He laughed, and leaned closer to me and whispered "stealing" into my ear. Oh!

Now it was my turn to blink. "Oh, right," I said. Stealing! No, that wasn't going to happen today. Not around me. And I wouldn't let him steal just so I could eat. "Well, don't you have any money somewhere else?" I asked.

He smirked. "Of course I do!" he assured me. "I'm Flynn Rid-"

I shoved a hand over his mouth. "Shh!" I told him. "Do you want everybody to hear that? The guards could be on you in a minute!"

His eyes appeared repentant. I didn't believe it for a minute, but I cautiously removed my hand from his mouth. "So, what were you going to say?" I asked patiently.

Another smirk (Honestly!). "Well," he said. "I was about to say, before I was so rudely interrupted, that I have some money back at my place."

His place? He actually had a place? Somehow I expected somebody like him to…sleep at a tavern at night. Or something odd like that. "Well, that's stupendous," I said, pleased.

"But," he said, holding up a hand. "The guards know where I live, and if I go there, they would be…how did you say it? On me in a minute."

My shoulders slumped. Well, that wouldn't work. Hmm. Suddenly an idea flashed into my head. "Well…" I began hesitantly. "If you tell me where to go, I could get it for you. I mean…they obviously aren't after me…right?"

A glint appeared in his eyes. "Well, that's true enough," he said. Then he laughed. "You know something? You're all right, Blondie. Sure, I'll show you."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

I followed him through the bustling streets, and as I did, he told me exactly what to do. He informed me that once I was there, I had to ask for Mrs. Jean McIntyre, and only Mrs. Jean McIntyre. Furthermore, she was the only one there who knew his other name, and I was not to say anything about Flynn Rider. I asked him why, and he told me that she was the only lady he trusted there, and she would take good care of me. And for heaven's sake, didn't I know by now why he didn't want me to say anything about Flynn Rider? I in turn said of course, and then asked where I would find the money and how much I should take. He said there was a loose floorboard at the foot of the bed, and I would find it there and I could take ten silver coins. Silence descended after that, and I wondered if I should be….nervous about this.

Finally, Eugene stopped. "Okay, Blondie," he said. "This is as far as I can take you. Just walk three houses down until you reach The Eagle and Crown, okay? I'll wait for you right here, in this alley."

I said yes, very bravely. And then I set out.

XXXXXXXXXX

You know, dear listener, I expected the The Eagle and Crown to be…fairly worn down. But it wasn't. I mean, it wasn't a palace but it wasn't like The Snuggly Duckling either. It was old, but clean. It was actually a…quaint two-story boardinghouse. Odd, isn't it? Who would have expected him to live in a place like this?

Anyway, I entered through the door and immediately saw a plump Screlandian woman knitting. I walked over to her hesitantly. "Excuse me," I asked politely. "Are you…Mrs. Jean McIntyre?"

She looked up at me, and kindness shined in her brown eyes. "Aye. How can I help ye today?"

She seems perfectly nice, I thought. Maybe this won't be…too scary. "Um…well, Eugene Fitzherbert sent me to get some money from his room," I said.

She pondered that for a minute and looked at me as if to take my measure. Finally, she seemed to come to some decision. "All right, lass," she said. "I don't ken you from a hole in the ground but if you say Eugene Fitzherbert sent you, then I suppose you must be telling the truth." She stood up and told me to follow her.

I did, wondering what have I gotten myself into all the while. I walked behind her as she took me to the second floor, and a small room nestled under the rafters of the roof.

"All right, lassie," she said. "Here we are." She pushed open the door, to reveal a somewhat dusty room with a small bed in one corner, an old chair in the other. "Don't dawdle now." She told me that she would wait outside.

I thanked her, and then walked cautiously into the room. I searched carefully for the loose floorboard by the bed. I easily found it, and I easily lifted it up. And I was quite surprised by what I found there.

Underneath the floorboard were a small cloth bag, an old book, and a tiny cameo. I knew that the cloth bag was what I was looking for, but tI couldn't help but look at the cameo. I gingerly picked it up. My breath caught in my throat-a beautiful brunette young woman with flashing green eyes stared up at me. Instantly I knew that it was Eugene's mother. I turned the cameo over, wondering if there was anything on the back. There was- Vivian Lewis and the date. I gently put the cameo back, all the while thinking how much I wished I could have known her.

Now dear listener, I knew that Mrs. McIntyre had told me to not dawdle but that is preciously what I did, much to my shame. I was too completely overwhelmed by curiosity to do anything else. I took out the old book, wondering what it was. I gently opened it to the cover page, and I smiled. The Tales of Flynnigan Rider. I cautiously flipped through the pages, and was surprised when I saw a worn and folded piece of paper.

Completely forgetting about Mrs. McIntyre, I unfolded it and began to read. It was a letter dated ten years prior.

My dearest Eugene,

If you are reading this, then I know that I must be gone. To say that I know how you must be feeling is-most likely- not helpful to you, but I do remember when my own dear mother left me many years ago. I remember my soul felt like it was torn in two, and I'm sure that you feel much the same way. I wish I could tell you that it becomes easier to bear with time, but it doesn't. I never was able to say good-bye to my mother, which is why I'm determined to write this, my last goodbye to you.

My precious boy, how I hope you know that I love you dearly. You brightened every moment of every single day, and I cherish all memories of you close to my heart. I know that you are angry with what Lord Herbert Seymour, your father, did to me, but I have to assure you that your existence was never anything but a blessing to me. All right? There was never a day that I wasn't thankful to God for bringing you to me.

And never forget who you are. I named you Eugene Fitzherbert, because that is what you are- well born and noble. The son of Lord Herbert. And beloved son of Vivian.

Even though I must leave you now, my love for my precious boy will not.

I love you, now and forever,

Mother

Tears pricked my eyes. Poor, poor Eugene! And his poor mother! I heard a throat clear behind me. "You finished, child?" Mrs. McIntyre.

I hastily shoved the letter back into the book, and extracted ten silver coins from the bag. Quietly, I put the piece of wood back in place.

"Yes, ma'am" I called and quickly walked out of the room. She narrowed her eyes at me, and I could tell that she wondered what took me so long. But she didn't say anything and led me back downstairs.

Completely blown away by what I had read, I honestly don't remember much after that. But I do remember the walk back to Eugene, wondering all the while if I was going to tell him what I had learned.

A/N: So that is Eugene's history, as I imagined it! And the cool thing is- I didn't have to make it up. Well, obviously I did. But Fitz does really mean son of, and Eugene really does mean well born or noble. And I'm sure that lords did do what they did to Vivian. And I love Great Britain so much that I imagine Corona to be like Wales, hence the English influence. And Screlandria is a mixture of Ireland and Scotland. :)