Chapter 23
As dawn broke the following day, ships began to land at the city docks and citizens began to unload. They were shocked by the devastation of the city but they slowly made their way to their homes and took stock of the damage that needed to be repaired.
"Eugene!" Rapunzel shouted to him from across the throng of people and he turned. Everyone moved off to the side as she raced into his arms.
"Blondie! I'm so glad to see you're alright. Aren't you glad you stayed with your folks?" He asked before kissing her soundly on the lips.
"I am," she gave him a wink while Pascal gagged from his spot on her shoulder.
"Where's Max?" She asked, suddenly realizing that the horse was not there.
"We have doctors helping him out. He'll be fine," he gave a slight smile.
"Sorry to interrupt but the boat is ready," General DeWitt said to Eugene.
"Yes of course. I'll be right along," the Prince Consort smiled before turning to Rapunzel.
"I'm about to head over and offer our former enemies to join Corona. Want to come with?" He asked.
"Absolutely but don't you think that is a job for my father?" She wondered as the King walked up to the very confused Eugene.
"It is good to see you sir," the former thief bowed.
"Nonsense boy! Come here!" The King pulled him into a hug.
"Good to see you too," Eugene smiled.
"I am back to rule the kingdom but I believe it only right that the people across the way see the man who spared them and who helped them be free. Go and take Rapunzel. I'll get General Boles to fill me in," the King winked and left them. Quickly the Princess and the Prince Consort went to the ship and General DeWitt welcomed them.
"So how would you like to play this? Overbearing overlord or Kind-hearted twit?" He teased.
"Hmmm… that's a good question. How should I play this? After all they already had an overbearing overlord and I can't exactly look like an idiot like the one I am so…." Eugene smirked.
"I think you earned the respect of the people and the men you commanded yesterday. You show them that Eugene and we shouldn't have a problem," DeWitt smiled. The former thief nodded as the short trip ended by the ship beaching upon the shore.
"Ready?" Eugene asked Rapunzel.
"Born ready," she smiled as they started to disembark. The people who had attempted to destroy the city began to draw closer to the boat intrigued at who it could be. They had managed to setup up tents and fend for themselves during the night and that was a good thing to see.
"Who is in charge here?" General DeWitt asked.
"I am," a big burly man, who had met Merlin earlier, stepped forward from the crowd.
"Good. My name is Prince Eugene Fitzherbert and this is Princess Rapunzel. We've come to welcome you to the kingdom of Corona if you wish to join us. Our gates are always open and our kingdom is one of peace," Eugene stepped forward.
"That is a kind offer but what do you wish in return?" The man, who had still not introduced himself, wanted to know.
"Simply that you live as you wish inside the law and that you pay taxes like every other citizen, no more, no less," he nodded.
"And you will treat us like that despite what has happened?" The man raised an eyebrow.
"You had no choice. We understand that," Eugene smiled.
"Very well. We accept your offer," he extended his hand and Eugene shook it.
"Excellent," the Prince Consort smiled.
To Be Continued…