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On Friday night, Eugene made his way from the palace to the windmill. He scouted around for a good spot where he wouldn't be seen, but still had a good view of the two large bags of coins in the open doorway. He settled in his spot, trying not to rustle the leaves, and waited.
After several long hours, the Stabbingtons finally emerged. One of them carried a small sack. Eugene guessed his daughter must be inside, and stiffed as the Stabbington dumped it by the door. He grabbed one of the sacks, slung it over his shoulder, and headed back into the woods, followed by his brother with the other sack. Eugene waited a few moments more, then hurried over to the remaining sack, and opened it. Inside was only a small bag of flour. Angry, he kicked it hard, and flour flew everywhere. He tensed as he heard a noise in the bushes behind him.
Eugene slowly turned around to face the shrubbery.
"Who's there?" he called. A small boy came out, carrying a small cat, with four kittens in his pockets. Eugene relaxed a little.
"Who are you?" he asked, kneeling down to be level with the boy. The boy sniffed.
"Please, sir," he said sadly. "Please can you help my cat?" Eugene took the creature out of the boy's hands.
"I'll bring her up to the palace, and he can have the best veterinarian in the kingdom look after her," he said.
"You're the Prince?" the boy cried. He gave a low bow, being careful not to hurt the kittens.
"Who's to say I'm not the King?" Eugene joked, but the boy took him seriously.
"Well, the King's older, and…" Eugene gave him a dry stare.
"I can never joke with kids." He turned back to the boy. "What's your name, kid?"
"Matthew," the boy replied, wiping his eyes. Then he realised something. "Lilly's father!"
"You saw Lilly?" Eugene asked, suddenly interested in the boy. "Where?"
"I took her to my house, and then we ran from the Stabbingtons. But they ended up taking her, and…" he looked at Ping who was limp in Eugene's hands, "hurt my cat."
"I see," Eugene nodded thoughtfully, then placed a hand on Matthew's shoulder. "Do you know how to get to the palace, Matthew?" he asked. Matthew shook his head and gave a loud sniff. "All right," Eugene nodded. "Where are your parents?"
"Dead," Matthew said. Eugene hesitated.
"Sorry," he said softly. "All right, see that hill over there?" He pointed at a hill a few hundred feet away. "On the other side is the carriage that brought me here. Tell the driver the Prince sent you with the animals to go to the palace." He then put Ping down on the ground for a moment as he pulled out a pencil and a slip of paper. "Give him this note for proof, then when he takes you to the palace, ask to see the Princess, and give her the note. She'll send for the veterinarian, and take care of you."
"But, I could help you look for Lilly," Matthew protested. Eugene nodded.
"All right, then," he said. "Follow me." He gently picked up Ping, and ran off over the hill. Matthew followed. When they found the carriage, Eugene gave the note to the driver with instructions, then put the cats in the carriage.
"They'll be in safe hands soon," he assured Matthew. "Now, take me to your house. Maybe the Stabbingtons went back there." Matthew led the way through the forest.
Rapunzel watched for Eugene at the palace door. When she saw the carriage return, she let out a huge sigh of relief. Lilly would be safe!
"I'm sorry, your Highness," the driver said. "Just fives cats today." He handed the slip of paper to Rapunzel.
"Oh, dear," Rapunzel sighed when she read the note. "Bring them in." She carried Ping herself as she and the driver went into the kitchen.
"Put the kittens in that empty basket by the fire," Rapunzel said. "Make sure they're comfortable! And send for the best veterinarian in the kingdom." The King and Queen entered the kitchen.
"Did you find her?" the King asked anxiously. Rapunzel shook her head, and explained the situation.
"Eugene met up with a boy who met Lilly, and probably knows where she is. He sent these cats over to be carted for while they continued searching."
"The poor thing," the Queen sighed, as she gently stroked Ping's head. By now, she was conscious, but in bad shape. Rapunzel nodded.
"We've sent for the best veterinarian," she explained, gazing at the four kittens snuggling together for warmth. "These little ones seem all right, but I'll have the vet look at them, too."
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