A/N: Sorry if it took so long, I'm kind of running out of ideas. If anyone at all has an idea for me don't be shy to say anything.

Stephan couldn't care less about his sister's secret activities. All he cared about was restoring his Kingdom's economy with the hand of the other princess. It, obviously, wouldn't be an easy process with the ex-thief in his way. But he always had his ways of getting what he wants.

Everything seemed in perfect place all he needed to do now was wait. He needed the right moment to strike perfectly. Soon enough the princess would agree and Flynn Rider couldn't stop it no matter how much he wanted to. Rapunzel was the key to unlocking his place on the throne, she would be his queen whether she wanted it or not.

He watched all the peasants wasting their time on this pointless festival. Even though thousands of people from all over the world come to see this lovely event and pay quite a price for some of the merchandise, it still wouldn't do much for the Kingdom's problems. Everything Cassiopeia needed lied within Corona- their soon to be sister Kingdom. These senseless celebrations would only embellish the arrangement between the two.

"Who do you think was watching us?" Rapunzel asked; a bit tired from the brisk walk they had to endure.

Eugene scanned his surroundings, making sure that weren't followed. They definitively heard something though they weren't sure if it was a person, or just some small animal.

"I really don't know," he replied. They just decided to forget about it for the moment because they saw Alexandra and the others, by the fountain.

Alexandra had spotted the couple as well. They both looked a bit tired and a bit nervous. She knew the situation they were both in: her brother wanted nothing less than Rapunzel's Kingdom, and her boyfriend, Eugene, had problems with his tactics. Rapunzel cared too much about her Kingdom to let her own happiness to get in the way of it all.

"Is everything all right?" she asked, concerned. Rapunzel almost looked like she had cried and Eugene looked more than a little miserable. They both told her that everything was fine. But everyone could see that it was not the case.

Maximus finally gave up on Aphrodite and made his way to the ex-thief. Pascal got off, of Alexandra's shoulder and climbed back on to Rapunzel's. The little chameleon made an affectionate sound and he curled up against her head.

While Rapunzel and the lizard were talking, Alexandra decided to talk with her boyfriend, who was mopping at the nearby fountain. "Are you two just going to mope?" she asked both the horse and Eugene.

Eugene raised his head towards the princess, her arms crossed, and Maximus raised his head towards the beautiful golden horse standing next to her. Eugene didn't know what else to do. A prince had all the power in the world to try to take his girlfriend away from him. And he a commoner and common thief had nothing.

Alexandra rolled her eyes at his dismay and grabbed him by the arm, hard, and used her sternest voice. "You can't just let my brother walk all over you!"

"I feel like it's already too late."

She groaned at his self-pity. "If you keep this up, you'll lose her for sure," she hissed, dryly.

Tension and anxiety moved up in his mind. He knew she was right and he knew that Rapunzel had no feelings for Stephan. But she remembered her words, saying that she didn't want to let her kingdom down. She was perfect and she had enough trouble trusting herself. Of course, when you spend eighteen years with a woman who only pointed out flaws that became more than obvious.

Everyone had decided to head back to the castle. Because eventually people would start to notice their missing princesses.

Much to their surprise, no one even noticed they were missing. Stephan had gone out to take care of some affairs and everyone else was back in their place. Everything was as quiet as a mouse, no sound and no words. Rapunzel was in her assigned room, staring at the blank ceiling with Pascal at her side. Everything she learned from that letter made her feel as blank as the ceiling. A wedding was arranged years ago to benefit both kingdoms and the dear princess had a choice to make, either live the life she wants or agree to this wedding. The choice she had to make wasn't an easy one, considering she wasn't sure if it would truly be a benefit for her homeland.

Eugene brought both horses back to the stables. Maximus still kept his eyes on his beautiful golden neighbour, while Eugene closed the doors. He was still a bit dazed at what her girlfriend had said. Even after everything they've been through together, she still had some doubts about herself- which, of course, was understandable. But he still couldn't understand that someone so full of life just see things as something scary.

The thought numbed him, until he felt a hand set upon his shoulder. He turned around and surprised to see Stephan giving him a comforting glance.

Eugene knew the formalities and gave a slight bow, "Your Highness," he said a bit coldly.

"No reason to be so formal," he assured him, smiling.

This came to Eugene as a shock. At their first meeting, all he got from the prince were ice-cold stares. "Pardon?" he asked, still recovering from shock.

"No need to be so formal," he repeated. "It's obvious how the princess favours you. Even to a jester."

"Really? Because you're sister mentioned how you don't give up without a fight."

Stephan simply scoffed and shrugged at his remark, "Girls have no way of reading people."

"She seemed to do a good job with me and Rapunzel," Eugene said.

"You shouldn't believe what everyone says." Stephan looked at the stables and opened the doors. "Of course, I'm sure your dear princess will enjoy our ball."

Eugene's expression changed, confused, "What ball?"

Stephan gave a hidden satisfying smile. "Just a small masquerade," he answered as he stepped into the stables and closed the doors.

"Still nervous about my brother." Eugene turned around to notice Alexandra in her princess apparel and her silver crown.

He let out a nearly defeated sigh. "I guess he just can't get out of my skin."

"Rapunzel and I are heading for the gardens. Care to join us Mr. Fitzherbert?" she asked politely.

"Eugene," he corrected. "Just call me Eugene."

"Well are you going to answer Eugene?"

"Just as long as I can see my girlfriend."

Alexandra rolled her eyes and dragged him by the arm. "Of course," she smiled. "Oh! And don't worry about the ball leave my brother to me."

Eugene nodded, though he felt like everything would crash. Even with the dear princess' help, Stephan always had something up his sleeve. The ball was tomorrow, which gave Alexandra some time to sort through this big mess. But not enough time to figure everything she needed to know. And she needed all the help she could find.

A/N: I may take a short break from writing because I'm running out of ideas, but please review to your heart's content.

Thank you for your help.

And don't worry I'll update as soon as I can.