Chapter 13: Betrayal
I'm alive, but more importantly, I'm finally back! I'm so sorry for the long wait but these few months have been quite crazy. Anyway, I hope you guys are safe and are taking care of yourselves in these hard times. I wish I could give you a happy update cause let's be honest, we need it, but alas... It is how it is.
I'd like to take a moment to thank you all as always for your amazing reviews, each and every one makes me smile! And yes, as many of you already predicted, this one won't be a happy chapter so I would like to apologize in advance. I'm deeply sorry for what you're about to read. But don't you fret, this story will be angst with a happy ending, I promise
In the meantime, let's get ready for the angst.
In another life I wouldn't need to
Console myself as I resign to release you
Cause I would die to make you mine
Bleed me dry each and every time
But I don't mind, no I don't mind it
I would come back a thousand times
~1000 Times
Eugene would have liked to say everything after that fateful night had been alright, that he'd had the time to fully bask in the afterglow and lose himself in the rush of feelings threatening to spill from his chest. And for a moment he had. For a moment he had allowed himself to forget about everything else that wasn't the feel of Rapunzel's petite frame safely wrapped in his arms. There was only him and Rapunzel and a mix of emotions he had never let himself feel before but he knew if he concentrated enough to try to decipher those overwhelming feelings he would surely freak himself out. So he focused on the one and only thing that he was well and truly certain of, and it was that he never wanted to let go.
The horrible, unavoidable root of the matter was that he cared. He cared for the bubbly, overly-chatty, infuriatingly compassionate princess way more than he ought to. He cared in a way he hadn't cared for anything or anyone ever in his life. In fact he cared so much he was half certain that if she were to ask he would give up everything just to be by her side. Forever.
For Rapunzel he would give the sun and moon and all the stars. And fate laughed in his face he was sure, because Flynn had sworn to himself he would never give anything for anyone else, but Eugene couldn't care any less for that oath now. It was well past time he recognized that Flynn's goals and Eugene's desires were two separate and completely different things.
It was hard to come to terms with it, he had spent so long hidden behind the arrogant charade of his more suave persona that it was hard to tell were Flynn ended and Eugene began. He'd lost the way so long ago, spent so long living in a selfish blur. Once upon a time no one had given a damn about him so why would he give anything back? He selfishly took and took and took and squeezed every single valuable thing he could from everyone he met without ever giving anything in return.
But Rapunzel was different, and now he was different. She had crumbled down his walls and carved a place for herself in his otherwise empty life and now he couldn't help but care. She had brought Eugene back up from within the deepest corner of his soul and made him feel for the first time in ages, and oh what a sad idiot Eugene truly was. But then again he'd always had a knack for wanting what was forbidden.
And perhaps if he were a better man he would've resisted the temptation, despite Rapunzel's insistence. She had been raised so sheltered and somewhat isolated from the real dangers of the world, what could she know about what she really wanted? How much experience did she have to know for certain this was what her heart desired? Not to mention what they were doing would affect her much more than it would affect him, she was a crown princess, a royal heiress, she was meant to be promised to a far better man than him, of much higher caliber and a pristine lineage. Yet here she was, tangled between the sheets with a wanted criminal.
Somewhere in the back of his mind Eugene knew he should feel guilty about this, but the more selfish part of him couldn't help but feel some kind of territorial pride. Rapunzel may not be meant to be with him after tomorrow, but this night no one could ever take away from them both. Ultimately Rapunzel was a free adult woman, and she had every right to choose for herself. If this was what she truly wanted well then he was more than happy to obligue.
As his heart rate slowed down and his breath returned to normal and Rapunzel curled herself around his body, snuggling closer to him and resting her cheek upon his chest he took a moment to truly bask in her adorable beauty; her mussed up hair, the light splatter of freckles on her nose, her puffy lips, her rosy cheeks, the soft glisten of sweat across her skin... and he was sure his heart swelled in his chest, if it could even do such a thing.
Eugene thought the usual post-coital drowsiness would take hold of him, he'd never had any interest in pillow talk before so he'd never engaged in it. But of course Rapunzel, being Rapunzel, didn't want to let their last moments alone together go in blissful sleepy silence. He imagined maybe she would be shy afterwards, perhaps a little embarrassed with their nudity, instead she cuddled close to him, not shying away from his touch, her fingers trailing faint patterns over the skin of his chest, sending goosebumps down his body. And she talked and talked and talked in dulcet soft tones about everything and anything she hadn't said to him during the day because he'd been too busy being an ass. She talked about Sunburst Bay and how she'd liked it better than MistHaven, about the warmer weather in Corona and how she'd missed the soft breeze compared to the more biting chill of Cygnus, how she wouldn't miss the rocking of the ship at sea although she would miss the sound of the waves lulling her to sleep.
For a moment everything was perfect.
And as her drowsiness became more evident her topic of conversation drifted to less coherent territory, as was her wont when she was feeling particularly tired. Eugene had long since stopped wondering what went on in that confusing hyperactive mind of hers, so when she asked him what type of fruit he thought he would be if he were a fruit he didn't even find it strange, and answered with a soft laugh. Apparently Rapunzel thought she would be a bimberry, because they were popular during Goodwill Day and she loved Goodwill Day, plus the gophers liked them and wouldn't it be great to be such an important part of such a special holiday? Eugene thought there wasn't a festivity more annoying in Corona, but of course it would be Rapunzel's favorite. His quirky, strange but adorable Rapunzel. He wondered when exactly he had gone from finding her eccentric and annoying to completely captivating. He only knew that he wouldn't trade these precious moments for the world, not even for the most expensive of crowns.
Perhaps that was what he was going to miss the most when she left. Her never ending passion for life, her quirky way of experiencing absolutely everything with her heart on her sleeve, her relentless will to follow her dreams, the way she made him feel like everything they did together was worth something, like he was worth something. His heart squeezed in his chest at the thought of not having her in his life anymore.
And Eugene suddenly remembered why he had avoided caring so intensely for anyone in his life. It made him completely vulnerable in a way that made him feel thoroughly uncomfortable. Rapunzel now had the ability to hurt him if she so wished, crush his soul and make him fall apart at the seams. And the worst part was that he knew she would, not on purpose of course, but there was the inevitable fact that she would leave, and Eugene knew she would break him when she returned home.
And then their once perfect moment ended, as soon as his logical brain caught up with his previously enamored musings and his thoughts took on a despondent note. His hand brushed down the curve of her spine, arms tightening around her delicate body, as though he could do something, anything to keep her close to him for as long as possible.
Rapunzel seemed to sense his change of mood. She shifted in his arms, chin resting on his shoulder as she shot him a questioning look. "Eugene?"
He stayed silent for a moment, chewing on his lip pensively.
"Penny for your thoughts?" A delicate hand burrowed in the hair at the nape of his neck, and Eugene's throat tightened.
"Rapunzel... I, um..." He took a deep breath, not sure how to continue. He felt Rapunzel's whole body tense up in his arms.
"If you're going to say this was a mistake, like you did with that kiss last night... I'd rather you stop now." Her voice was a soft whisper and she averted her gaze, her hands curling into nervous fists upon his chest.
"It should feel like a mistake." He murmured, and despite his words he took one of her balled fists in his hand, thumb caressing the skin of her wrist soothingly.
"Well, does it?"
Eugene shook his head, oscillating between conflicted and fulfilled. "No, not at all."
"Then I choose to believe it isn't one." Rapunzel shrugged, but the nervous edge in her voice didn't dissipate. She looked at him with something akin to apprehension. "Do you... do you regret it?"
"Never." He wasn't sure of many things at the moment, but he was certain he wouldn't change a thing about their time together. Perhaps that made him selfish, perhaps he should regret tarnishing her reputation like this but there was not an ounce of contrition in him.
"I was actually going to ask if you were alright." He'd been an idiot for not asking right after. It had been her first time after all, and although she'd given no indication of anything being amiss, perhaps she wasn't as okay as she seemed.
He felt more than heard her sigh in obvious relief. "I'm fine." She dropped a soft kiss upon his shoulder and he felt her lips curling into a smile. "I'm more than fine, actually. That was... quite good."
"Oh?" Eugene's eyebrow quirked, the hint of a smirk on his lips. "Only quite good?"
"Okay, it was pretty amazing. I didn't want to seem too eager, your ego is big enough as it is." Her cheeks reddened at her admission and he couldn't help laughing.
"Fair, fair. Pity though, I was about to offer to correct the only quite good experience." Eugene lowered his voice into that sultry, flirty tone he knew always worked like a charm. He realized he'd never flirted with Rapunzel on purpose, or at least not with the intention to seduce her. He'd always done it to tease her, to get a flustered reaction out of her.
It worked just the same though, a pretty blush spread from her cheeks down to her neck and she bit her lower lip to stifle an embarrassed giggle. She couldn't be more adorable if she tried. He couldn't resist the urge to nuzzle his cheek against the crown of her head as a soft chuckle escaped him.
"Eugene?" There was a distinctive trace of nervousness in her voice, one which made him instantly sober.
"Hmm?"
Rapunzel hesitated for a moment. "You... you've done this before, right?"
A nervous chill ran down his spine, and Eugene couldn't tell why he suddenly felt guilty and somewhat disgusted by his past encounters. He didn't know why she was asking, if she would be displeased by the answer, but he answered honestly nonetheless. "Um... yes... I have. Why do you ask?"
"Is it..." she paused, biting her lip, and suddenly lowered her head as if thinking better of it. "Never mind, it's probably kind of a silly question."
"Hey now, it probably isn't." Eugene gently lifted her chin up to face him again, fingers brushing against her jaw. "You can ask, Sunshine, I don't mind."
"Really?"
"Of course." He shrugged, trying to stifle his apprehension at what she could possibly be about to ask. "Shoot."
She pursed her lips trying to force the words out, an adorable dimple forming on her right cheek. "Is it always like this?"
At his questioning look she reformulated her doubt. "I mean is it always... this good?"
She looked so flustered and embarrassed, it was really quite cute.
"Well, that really depends on who you are with." Eugene brushed a soft kiss over be brow. "I can tell you for a fact it has never been like this for me before."
Rapunzel raised an eyebrow. "Is that a good or a bad thing?"
"It's a good thing." He answered with a laugh, she seemed utterly relieved by this.
And he wasn't lying. Despite his many meaningless flings, he had never shared something so intimate, so passionate with anyone else before. It had never transcended the physical aspect of sex, but with Rapunzel everything was different. It was true it hadn't been his first time having sex but it was his first time making love, which were two completely different things in his book. He wished she could understand that, even if he wouldn't say it. The word love still sent a nervous shiver down his spine, but she had to know she had been more special than any other woman in his life, the only meaningful experience he'd had in that area.
Rapunzel seemed content enough with his admission, and so Eugene didn't elaborate any further, settling for watching as her lips curled into a mischievous smirk that, if he didn't know any better, he'd say was an attempt at a seductive smile.
"So... Eugene Fitzherbert..." she ran an errant finger down his chest and past his abs and he stifled a pleasured shiver. He'd never imagined his real name would sound so good in anyone's mouth, but here they were.
"Hmm, Blondie?"
Her face was so close now he could feel her breath fanning his cheeks, and he wanted to pull her into a kiss so bad. She seemed to sense this and her smile only widened, the little minx. But there was still a hint of bashful nervousness hiding beneath her intense stare, and so he waited for her to take the lead.
"Is it awfully indecent of me if I want to do it again?"
"Perhaps." His nose brushed hers and it was his turn to smirk. "But then again, few have been able to resist the allure of Flynn Rider, so I guess it is only natural."
She shook her head with a snort. "I don't want Flynn Rider, though."
Eugene's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "No, I guess you never have."
And that is exactly what made her so different. She'd always been immune to his Flynn Rider persona and all his rehearsed charm, she'd only ever wanted the real him, poor orphan Eugene Fitzherbert but that was enough for her. And no one had ever preferred Eugene.
"I told you before, I like Eugene Fitzherbert much better than Flynn Rider." She said as if reading his mind. Rapunzel smiled, and actually booped his nose, and he'd never felt like it before but he swore he could've melted at the tender gesture.
"Well you're in luck, Blondie, cause I'm feeling quite obliging tonight." Eugene gathered her in his arms and deftly rolled on top of her, his face burying in the crook of her neck as he whispered huskily against her skin. "And as I told you before, I can do much better than just quite good"
He claimed her mouth with a searing kiss, silencing her giggles and turning them into the most irresistible of whimpers. He didn't know how she had the ability to render him completely helpless, but when Rapunzel kissed him he could forget the whole world beside them, and nothing else really mattered. There was only her, and the intoxicating scent of her skin, and the taste of her lips brushing against his, and the almost sinful noises that escaped her lips when he touched her, and all of it drove him insane.
Which was just as well, because he wanted so bad to forget about the consequences, about what tomorrow would bring them, and what a lifetime without her would feel like. Being with Rapunzel like this was like getting a taste of heaven knowing he was doomed for hell, like catching just a glimpse of sunlight knowing he was bound to spend the rest of his days in darkness.
But if tomorrow she wouldn't be his, then he would make it count tonight. He wanted to write it all over her skin with every kiss he seared over her body, engrave it in her soul with every caress of his hands; that he was hers and hers alone, even if destiny broke them apart, even if he was forced to spend a lifetime away from her.
Even if he never saw her again.
And while their first time had been soft and tender and oh so bittersweet, this time it was like an avalanche of passion threatening to drown him in his own overwhelming feelings. Eugene held nothing back this time, his body and heart taking the lead and leaving all his rational thoughts behind, he was running on pure instinct. He'd never known love, didn't have anything to measure this up with since he'd never experienced it before, but if this raw passion and desire and tenderness and affection he felt for her was indeed love, then he'd love her thoroughly and intensely until he couldn't do it anymore. He'd love her one last time before he lost her forever.
Rapunzel's soft sighs slowly turned into moans that drove him wild, sending a tingle down to his very core as he pressed heated kisses against her pulse point, muffling his own groans on her throat. Her legs tightened around his hips, her back arching as his mouth made its torturous decent from her collarbone to her chest, nipping her flushed skin here and there and eliciting high-pitched whimpers from her parted lips that made his own hips buck against hers.
Eugene swore there was no more torturous beauty than Rapunzel's body writhing beneath him, cheeks rosy with exertion and eyes so bright as they looked into his very soul, he was sure she could see his every thought plastered on his face, and heavenshow would he do without her, without this, without them? Did she know that it was killing him on the inside?
He could see pure adoration in her intense stare, and the thought scared him. He couldn't put in words all that he felt for her, but no one had ever looked at him the way Rapunzel did, with such intense devotion, with so much care. He didn't feel like he deserved that from her, he knew that this would break them both when the time came, but he didn't want to think, he didn't want to mourn just yet. He just wanted to let himself feel, and lose himself in her, kiss her senseless as she cried out his name and make her come undone in his arms one last time.
And so that's what he did.
He kept holding on to the moment, ingrained it in his mind, silently wishing morning wouldn't come if he just willed it away.
The moon casted a soft, silvery glow into the otherwise darkened room, granting just enough light for Rapunzel to see once the only candle illuminating the room finally snuffed out.
She supposed she should feel exhausted after walking miles on end through the woods, especially considering she hadn't slept much the night before. However it was like she was running on pure adrenaline now. She felt like if she closed her eyes and drifted away she would miss these last precious moments. Perhaps if she stayed awake, if she willed the drowsiness away, dawn would take longer to come and end it all.
She wanted to relish every little moment, to save it in her mind to recall in a darker future. Surprisingly enough, despite how long they'd spent together and how many nights they'd shared sleeping under the same roof, Rapunzel had had little opportunity to study Eugene's features with as much scrutiny as she was doing now. And what a better time to memorize every detail than now, while he slept so soundly. With his face so impassive, features devoid of any tension, he looked almost boyish. He was always so expressive, it was almost rare to catch a moment of him like this.
His peaceful profile was only barely illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the window, and her fingers softly traced the contours of his face with a featherlight touch, brushing past the smooth skin of his high cheekbones, the perfect slant of his nose, his thin lips, his sharp jawline. Her hands itched for her sketchbook, to be able to capture his likeness permanently on paper. For how much Eugene could boast about his appearance Rapunzel had to admit he had a right to do so, he was truly beautiful. Not that she would admit it out loud, he was cocky enough as it was.
As her hands wandered, she slowly mapped the sinuous lines of his body, memorizing every scar, every corner. She trailed the toned planes of his chest, coming to rest right above where his heart beat in slow rhythm. Rapunzel imagined in another life perhaps this wouldn't be a rare and unique occurrence, and she would be able to drift off with his breathing lulling her into a peaceful slumber, her cheek resting over his heart, his arms wrapped tightly around her body, and it would be a nightly routine. What a dream it would be, to wake up every morning by his side. A wild and impossible dream.
She'd been able to forget about everything that wasn't him for a moment, so captured by his kisses and heated touch. But now that the only sound interrupting the stillness of the night was Eugene's deep breathing, the shadows threatened to drown her along with her own gloomy musings.
Rapunzel shifted, turning on her side and facing away from Eugene's slumbering form. He seemed to sense this, and his arms subconsciously tightened around her waist, his body curling around hers in a protective embrace, as though he was afraid she would disappear in his sleep.
Perhaps that would be for the best. If she disappeared, Eugene would be instantly rid of all the troubles that came with her. His mere presence in Corona was a threat to his life, if the guards caught word that he was back in the kingdom he could be facing certain death, and the longer he stayed the more dangerous it became for him.
Rapunzel's gaze lazily followed the patterns of the tattered curtains, trying to distract herself as her eyes blurred with tears. Either way she looked at it she would lose him, but she'd rather let go of him now than risk him getting caught by the guards. To lose him to death would be a pain she wouldn't be able to bear.
Rapunzel bit her quivering lip in an attempt to muffle the sobs clogging her throat. It was too much, everything was too much and she suddenly felt like the walls were closing in on her, her breath caught in her throat. Her mind instantly took her back to that terrible moment of the shipwreck after the pirate attack, those terrifying moments where the darkness had enveloped her and her lungs had filled with seawater and Eugene had accidentally let go of her hand and she'd felt so lost, and he was gone, and the surface seemed so far away she'd thought she'd sink.
Air. She needed fresh air.
She needed to think outside of that stuffy bedchamber and clear her mind.
With slow and stealthy movements, Rapunzel disentangled herself from Eugene's arms, careful not to disturb his peaceful sleep as she dressed herself as swiftly as possible. She was glad he'd been even more exhausted than her, otherwise he might have heard her escaping through the door before she'd even had time to set foot outside.
The chilly, salty breeze of midnight hit her as soon as she stepped out of Mrs. Maldine's shop, filling her lungs with much needed oxygen. Rapunzel nearly jumped out of her skin as she just about stumbled upon Maximus' large body planted dutifully outside the shop.
"Max! You scared me to death!"
The large stallion narrowed his eyes suspiciously and Rapunzel had the disturbing feeling that he knew what had transpired within that bedchamber in Mrs. Maldine's shop. She was thankfully distracted from her perturbing thoughts when her eyes caught sight of Pascal's tiny body perched upon Maximus' head
"Pascal! I wondered where you'd ran off to." She scratched her friend's scaly head, and Pascal shot her a look between conspiratorial and accusing. Rapunzel decided she'd rather not dwell on that one for the time being.
She needed time alone with nothing but the wind brushing through her hair to clear her dark thoughts away and get her back on track. Before she could think twice about it, Rapunzel swiftly mounted Maximus, startling both the horse and Pascal in the process.
"Cmon Max, let's go for a ride."
Pascal looked at her inquisitively, but Maximus didn't need to be told twice, and soon they were rushing past the outskirts of town at full gallop, leaving nothing on their trail but a small cloud of dust. As they wandered into the thick forest a fleeting but nagging thought crossed her mind; this was completely reckless. Gallivanting through the dark woods in the middle of the night alone and with nothing to fend for herself had to be the most stupid idea she'd had in a long time, and that was counting convincing a wanted criminal to be her guide outside Corona. If Eugene knew what she was doing he would surely freak out.
But as the night breeze rushed in her ears and tousled her hair, she couldn't bring herself to care. It felt so liberating to be able to travel without a precise destination in mind and just let herself be carried away, and the speed of Maximus' gallop was exhilarating in a way she'd never felt before. She felt like she could fly, and leave all the troubling doubts behind.
Rapunzel was so distracted she barely noticed the faint silvery moonlight gradually being obscured by the shadows enveloping the forest the deeper they ventured into it. Max just kept pushing on, farther and farther away and despite Pascal's ever more increasing inquiries Rapunzel let herself be led to wherever Max may want to take her. The wind carried away her fears, and somewhere in the back of her mind she faintly realized she'd never been more free.
She lost track of time as the rush of adrenaline coursed through her body, but when the darkness slowly gave way to that faint grayish blue light that enveloped the sky right before dawn her impromptu spree of carelessness was suddenly broken, replaced by a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Where was she? How long had she mindlessly ridden across the woods? How far away was she from MistHaven?
With shaking hands, Rapunzel pulled on Maximus' reins, urging the horse to stop. "Whoa, Max, wait. Stop!"
Maximus slowed to a stop just as they finally emerged from the thick woods, and the sight that met Rapunzel made her stomach drop.
Corona's capital city could be clearly seen from across the enormous lake, the little island rising imposing and regal over the water's surface, crowned with the large palace at the top of the highest hill; her home.
Rapunzel supposed returning home after an extended period away should make one feel relieved and content. Instead all she could feel was dread tightening her throat. How in the world had she gotten here?
"Max... h-how... why...?" She couldn't seem to form the words in her mouth. Why had he brought her here when she hadn't asked for it?
Maximus seemed restless and fidgety, trotting in place and itchy to keep moving, he urged her forward with an insistent nod of his head, but Rapunzel stubbornly steadied him, pulling his reins in an effort to stop him. "I didn't ask you to take me here, why would you?"
The great stallion huffed indignantly, he seemed determined to take her home right that instant and confused by her hesitation. Pascal, on the other hand, seemed to understand what was going through her mind, and patted her hand with sympathetic eyes.
With her heart in her mouth, Rapunzel contemplated the kingdom — her kingdom — and felt the air leave her lungs, as if she'd been punched in the gut. She felt like she was slowly waking up from a dream, the reality still hazy and blurry as her mind readjusted to her surroundings.
She had been so not ready to come back, to face the consequences of her actions and return to a life trapped inside a luxurious prison. She wasn't ready to give up her freedom just yet, and the thought made her feel nauseous and dizzy.
And heavens, what about Eugene?! She had left him behind in MistHaven, sleeping peacefully in Mrs. Maldine's shop completely unaware that she'd left during the night. What would he say when he woke up without her? What would he think? She hadn't even had time to say goodbye. Heck, she hadn't even had time to get used to the idea of saying goodbye, despite how much she'd agonized over it. She had been so sure she would have more time!
She swallowed a lump in her throat as her fists clenched around Maximus' reins. She felt sick.
No, Rapunzel couldn't just leave him like that. She had to go back, she had to go back and tell him... tell him what, exactly? That she couldn't bear to part with him? That she would live a miserable life from now on in her fancy prison now that she knew what freedom tasted like?
Would she be able to say goodbye if she went back to him?
As the last remnants of the night slowly faded away Rapunzel's tumultuous thoughts gradually cleared. Perhaps this was for the best, maybe this was how fate intended it to be; quick and sudden like abruptly ripping off a bandaid. This way she wouldn't have a chance to cling to him, she wouldn't have the temptation to never let him go. Besides, it was safer for him. The closer he got to the capital the riskier it was for him to get caught, and Rapunzel knew he would have insisted on taking her as close to the palace as he possibly could. This was just a danger less for him, now he was free to leave Corona and never look back. Knowing that he was alive and safe would have to be enough for her.
But despite this, even though she knew it was the right thing to do — the only option, really — she couldn't help but feel lost. Rapunzel tried to push herself forward, tried to will her heart to move on, dig her heels into Maximus' side and urge him forward. But she couldn't.
And really, what was she thinking? There was no other way! She was crown princess, the only heir to the throne, she was meant to be queen, and rule Corona like her parents before her. Her kingdom depended upon it, her people trusted her, she had a duty to the crown, to her parents...
But would fulfilling her duty be the same as fulfilling her destiny?
Rapunzel had once thought she only needed just a tiny taste of freedom to be happy. She had thought if she could follow her dream and explore the world outside Corona just once, it would be enough. But now she knew she needed so much more.
"Pascal..." her longtime friend looked at her, understanding softening his big eyes as she sniffled. "I-I can't do it."
Eugene's soft words drifted into her mind, recalling that beautiful night of the summer festival in Cygnus; you get to go find a new dream.
All at once everything was different, it was like a thick cloud of fog had finally lifted and she could at last see the light. It was clear as day, Rapunzel knew what her new dream was. And it wasn't this.
It was insane and preposterous and even traitorous to leave her old life behind, but as the sun rose over Corona and the first rays of sunlight illuminated the palace her heart set upon the idea.
She would chase her new dream, whatever the cost. That was where her destiny lay.
But first, she had a promise to keep.
"Max?" Rapunzel's shoulders set in a determined stance as Maximus looked at her expectantly. "Do you remember where you lost track of us, the day I was kidnapped?"
Maximus shot her a positively skeptical look, as if he was slowly realizing there was no way he would be taking her back to the palace no matter how much he tried.
"I need you to take me back there, as fast as you can."
Maximus was thoroughly reluctant. He snorted and grunted his disapproval and kept urging her to go back to the palace, always the dutiful horse. But Rapunzel's mind was made, and after a few minutes of coaxing, Maximus finally relented, not without making his displeasure with her decision known.
Rapunzel took one last look at her kingdom, her home, and her heart finally felt at ease. She would miss it, of course, but her destiny led her elsewhere and she was determined to follow it.
Plus, she still needed to keep her side of the bargain.
"C'mon guys, we have a crown to retrieve."
Eugene was vaguely aware of the warm light filtering through the window directly into his face, or maybe it was more like he really didn't want it to disturb his quite peaceful slumber. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had a truly restful sleep, and his body was so blissfully unaware of his surroundings he was very reluctant to completely let go of his state of semiconsciousness.
However, as life would have it, all good things must come to an end at some point, and his hazy state of sleep slowly dissipated as the events of the previous night materialized in his mind. His blurry thoughts dangled between relief that last night hadn't been a delirious dream and dread that the sunlight coming from the window threatened to burst his previously pleasant bubble.
Eugene silently cursed the fading of the darkness of night, the only witness to his passionate moment shared with Rapunzel. He adamantly refused to open his eyes as he languidly stretched his body across the mattress. It felt too much like he was trying to hold onto the last remnants of a good dream, a very good dream. Maybe if he never woke up nobody would be able to take it away from him.
His idle thoughts were abruptly interrupted when he lazily reached to the other side of the bed expecting to find Rapunzel's warm body peacefully curled up beside him... only to find her spot empty and disturbingly cold.
His eyes shot open as a chill ran through his body, like someone had dumped icy water down his back. Eugene rubbed the sleep out of his blurry gaze, his eyes frantically searching the tiny room looking for any signs of Rapunzel or her whereabouts. Her clothes weren't there, there was no sign of Pascal, and the coldness of the sheets clearly indicated she'd been long gone.
He tried to swallow the mounting trepidation tightening his throat.
Perhaps she'd woken up earlier and left to get breakfast and he had been so tired he hadn't heard her leaving. Had he overslept? Rapunzel was a morning person with an energy bordering on hyperactive, maybe she had gotten tired of waiting for him to wake up and left the room on her own.
With the drowsiness now completely shaken off of him, Eugene quickly jumped out of the bed and dressed himself in record time, stepping out of the tiny room with his heart beating a mile per hour. He was on his way to find Mrs. Maldine when he almost bumped into her as she came downstairs to open her shop at its usual hour.
"Oh, there you are! For a moment I thought you'd left." Mrs. Maldine's gaze turned suspicious as her eyes traveled from him to the room where Rapunzel was supposed to have slept alone. "I didn't find you upstairs where I left you last night."
"Oh, I just came downstairs to check on Rapunzel." Eugene rubbed the back of his neck, trying to act as if his heart wasn't about to crawl out of his chest. "She isn't in her room, though. Have you seen her?"
Mrs. Maldine frowned, suspicion quickly turning into concern. "I haven't seen the Princess today."
There had been very few times in which Eugene had felt like the floor had literally disappeared from under his feet, and this was quickly turning into one of those moments. Sensing his probably obvious distress, the dressmaker tried to soothe his worry.
"Maybe she went for a morning walk, or needed some air..." chewing her lip, Mrs. Maldine revealed her own anxiety. "Though she did say she would only be staying for the night... perhaps she just... left."
Eugene swallowed the almost panicked exclamation that threatened to follow that last statement. "No, that's ridiculous. Why would she just up and leave?
"I don't know! You were the one who kidnapped the poor girl, you can't exactly blame her for escaping as soon as she had the chance!" Mrs. Maldine threw her hands up in frustration, starting to pace the room as panic slowly took a hold of her. "You don't think she would tell the guards where she stayed last night, do you?"
Eugene was too busy trying to quell his own fear to try to appease the dressmaker. He watched, almost as if in a trance, as Mrs. Maldine's hands started to shake while her worry quickly gave into hysterics.
"Oh this is so, so terrible. Do you realize what you've cost me?" She clutched the collar of her apron as if the garment was suddenly too restricting. "If the guards find out I was a part of this in any way I'm as good as dead! They'll send me straight to the gallows and-"
"Mrs. Maldine, please calm down. That won't happen." Eugene interrupted before the woman spiraled into a panic attack. "You don't know Rapunzel like I do, she couldn't have just left... she wouldn't."
Eugene refused to believe she would. However he couldn't tell what he found less appealing, the thought that she had left on her own without a word or that somehow she had wandered outside the safety of the dressmaker's shop and something had happened to her.
Nope, the latter option was definitely much more horrifying, and what was worse was that that scenario was much more plausible in his mind.
With his heart in his mouth and his stomach in knots, Eugene stormed out of Mrs. Maldine's shop with barely another word to the panicked woman, intent on finding Rapunzel as soon as possible.
His brain - usually sharp and observant- was a jumbled mess of worry and confusion, but he did notice the first sign of Rapunzel's probably voluntary impromptu trip; Maximus was decidedly not where they had left him last night, and the absence of the infernal beast was duly noted by the lack of murderous glares and displeased snorts. But despite the obvious signs, he still couldn't bring himself to believe she had left on her own free will, there had to be a more logical explanation, one that didn't involve her leaving him behind without a single word.
But even if she hadn't, even if Rapunzel had just decided to take a stroll through town, why would she do something so stupidly reckless? Eugene cracked his brain for an explanation, and every answer he came up with was more worrisome than the last, so he settled for just focusing on finding her.
Looking for Rapunzel while trying to remain hidden and not arouse suspicion was a thoroughly complicated task, nevertheless he looked for her in every corner of Port MistHaven; every dark alleyway, every shop, every colorful stall, even every pub and tavern no matter how seedy. Eugene looked for her until he was certain he had swept every nook and cranny of the port town, and still there was no sign of her. By the time mid afternoon rolled in, he was almost in hysterics.
There where a million questions clouding his mind. What had become of her? Where had she disappeared? But most importantly; why?
Why had she left in the first place?
The uncertainty was killing him, a slow and painful death that tightened his throat and swallowed his heart. The only conclusion that he could come up with was that Rapunzel was no longer in MistHaven, and the thought made his skin crawl.
Maybe the guards had found her, but if that were the case there would already be word in town that the Princess had been found.
Eugene stopped as he reached the outskirts of town, pausing on the upper side of a steep street overlooking the whole port village. The afternoon sunlight slanted across rooftops and bathed the bustling streets in warm light, but the golden rays weren't enough to cast away the shadows burdening his soul. There was only one sunshine his heart was intent on finding, and it wasn't to be found in the village apparently.
Eugene's jaw tightened as his thoughts overtook him. Mistrust was a very well known feeling for him, it was ingrained into his very being and wrapped around him almost like a comforting blanket, staining his every interaction with every other person he had ever met. His sharp instincts had always warned him to be suspicious of everyone, for he never knew who could stab him in the back. He had never let himself trust anyone enough to let the wariness dissipate.
No one but Rapunzel.
But as the hours ticked by without a single sign of her, that distrust he thought he'd left behind slowly seeped back in, a dark and insidious thing that made his fists clench and his throat close up. Mrs. Maldine's words circled in his mind like agonizing cries that wouldn't let him think straight.
What if Rapunzel had indeed left on her own volition?
Eugene couldn't reconcile himself to the thought of Rapunzel disappearing without an explanation, without a single word, without a goodbye. There were no hints left behind, not even a note, not a single trace of her. Her memory was now just like a hazy dream he couldn't quite reach, it was as though she'd never been there.
As his eyes swept every corner of every street and his feet slowly carried him past the outskirts of town and near the woods, a dark, horrifying thought reared it's ugly head and settled in his mind. What if this had been her plan all along? Had she just used him to get what she wanted and then left as soon as he'd met his purpose?
Had the infamous Flynn Rider been tricked by a cunning, innocent-looking princess?
No, that was ridiculous. Had it been any other person he would've been convinced that was the case, but this was Rapunzel. These were just his trust issues messing with his head. Rapunzel wouldn't do such a thing.
But if he had thought his escalating dread couldn't get worse he was about to learn just how bad his luck could get. As Eugene circled the town's edge bordering with the forest beyond, his eyes suddenly caught on a disturbingly familiar shade of red. If he didn't know any better he would say he literally felt his soul leave his body.
The Stabbington brothers were casually lurking through the edge of town, coming alarmingly close to where Eugene was currently standing.
What the hell were they doing here?!
He didn't have much time to weigh his options and instead sprinted towards the woods beyond, thankful for the easy route of escape the dense forest provided.
How in the world had they found out where he was? And with Rapunzel still missing, he hated to think what would happen if they were to stumble upon her while she was alone.
Or maybe that was the reason why she had gone missing. What if they had already found her and they were now looking for him to finish him off? What if-
His raising fears were interrupted by the sudden disturbance in the shrubbery, and before he could react and hide himself, a large horse emerged from the thick trees, almost trampling him in the process.
"Gah!"
"Eugene!"
He felt like he could breathe easily for the first time since he woke up that morning at the sight of Rapunzel swiftly dismounting the white stallion currently glaring dangerously at him.
"Rapunzel!" Eugene rushed to her side, inspecting every inch of her face as if he was expecting to find some gruesome injury.
"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" His relief slowly morphed into barely hidden irritation. "Where one earth have you been?! I've been looking everywhere for you!"
"I'm fine." Rapunzel bit the corner of her lip, guilt evident in her face as she clutched a strand of golden hair between her fingers. "I'm sorry, I... needed some time to think things through."
"Well a word would've been nice..." Eugene muttered under his breath.
"I know. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to worry you." Rapunzel reached out to pat Maximus on the back. "Honestly I didn't expect to take so long, but this big guy kinda kidnapped me for a moment."
He raised a confused eyebrow, meanwhile Maximus seemed utterly displeased by the outcome of this situation. Eugene couldn't understand a thing of what was happening, or Rapunzel's motives or whatever the hell the crazy horse had tried to do, but as he looked at Rapunzel's guilt-ridden eyes he was torn between the need to hold her close and the urge to escape the port town with her as fast as his feet would carry him before the Stabbingtons had time to find them.
The latter seemed like the more pressing matter in that very moment.
"Listen, I actually have something for you and..." Rapunzel trailed off as she seemed to notice his wandering eyes and possibly strained expression. "Are you okay?"
Nope, definitely not. Everything was spiraling out of his control actually, but they didn't have time to discuss it right that instant.
"Uhm... yeah." Eugene shrugged not even half-convincingly, looking over his shoulder and fearing he would find the Stabbingtons staring right at him. "You know, I think it's best if we leave."
"Wait! I have something important to tell you." Rapunzel reached out for his arm to stop him, but Eugene swiftly sidestepped her approach and instead urged her to follow him.
"Rapunzel, it's not safe out here. We should go back to Mrs. Maldine's." Eugene started for the path that led back to the village.
"But-"
"We'll have enough time to talk when we get back, Blondie."
He didn't leave much room for discussion, and with that they quickly treaded back to town. If he was being honest with himself, Eugene didn't quite know why they would have the need to go back to the dressmaker's shop. Sure, they had left the very few possessions they had to their name back there, but it wasn't like those things were essential. Perhaps it was more the need to stall the impending trip back to Corona's capital, or the sense of limited safety Mrs. Maldine's shop provided. Either way, they sneaked down deserted alleys and hid within the shadows until they approached their destination, with one thought stubbornly circling the back of his mind.
His time with Rapunzel was finally up, and honestly, Eugene still didn't quite know how he would force himself to let her go.
Rapunzel could tell Eugene was anxious. She could see it in his tense features, the strain in his voice, the lack of usual lightness in his step. She worried she might have caused it with her sudden disappearance.
She really hoped he wasn't angry with her, that would make the speech she had prepared while she traveled at top speed back to MistHaven really take a sour turn.
However, Eugene barely let her speak as they quickly made their way back to Mrs. Maldine's dress shop. It was almost as if he was worried someone would be trailing closely behind them. Perhaps it was the apprehension that the guards would catch them that was making him feel so uncharacteristically on edge.
As they sneaked back into the dressmaker's shop, and after being promptly received by the anxious and grudging dressmaker, Eugene wasted no time in leading her towards the room Mrs. Maldine had set for her the night before, closing the door behind him with a definitive thud that made Rapunzel wonder if he was actually worried someone might burst through the door in that instant.
Eugene had been so sloppy in his rush to get back to their provisional refuge, that he apparently hadn't noticed the very recognizable satchel that Rapunzel had hastily slung over her shoulder before they'd left Maximus at the entrance of the shop.
She felt like the hidden crown was burning a hole through the leather bag.
When Eugene finally turned to face her, she could see the apprehension carefully hidden behind a mask of composure betrayed by the urgency that laced his voice. "Blondie, I think it's time-"
"I went back to Corona." Rapunzel blurted out before he had the time to finish that thought.
Eugene blinked a few times. "...What?"
"To the capital, I mean. I went back home." She bit the inside of her cheek, waiting for the information to sink in. She could almost see the wheels turning in his head.
"I... so, wait... you were going to leave without telling me?"
"No!" Shoot, this was backfiring tremendously. Rapunzel could detect the hint of betrayal in Eugene's expression, however hard he was trying to mask it. "No, I didn't plan it. I needed some time alone so I went for a ride and Max took me there."
Eugene said nothing for a moment, and Rapunzel took the opportunity to speak before the unexpected boldness that had taken over her since she made her final decision left her as unprompted as it had come.
"And... while I was there looking at the village and the palace, I realized that... it just wasn't home anymore." She shrugged, and took a step closer to him, taking confort in Pascal's encouraging pat at her shoulder.
"I've spent my whole life trying to please others, my parents, the council, my people, and... all this time I haven't really been living for myself." Rapunzel took a deep breath, trying to formulate the right words. "And I don't want to go back to that life, I am tired of living for others. I want to find my own happiness, and I know now that happiness isn't waiting for me back there."
Perhaps the carefully blank expression on Eugene's face should've made her nervous, but instead she continued on. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm not going back to the palace, not anymore."
This last statement seemed to finally shake him out of his silent trance, and Eugene's brow furrowed in bewilderment. "What?"
"I know! I know that was part of our deal, and I know that I made a promise, and I told you I never ever break a promise, which is why I went back to that tower and brought this." Rapunzel extended her hands, the satchel now in full display, and for the first time Eugene's eyes finally focused on the old, battered leather bag that had once been his main priority. He seemed almost afraid to reach for it, so Rapunzel unceremoniously shoved it in his hands. "The crown is inside, just like I promised."
For some unfathomable reason Eugene didn't even seem to care enough to open the satchel and confirm her words. He stood there, frozen on the spot, and just looked at her somewhere between dumbfounded and confused. Rapunzel feared for a moment that he wasn't getting the full extent of what she was trying to say.
"I know should've said something before I left. I should've told you I was feeling... overwhelmed, I guess, but I was afraid. I was so scared of wanting to live my life in freedom." Rapunzel looked directly into his eyes, baring her soul to him once more. "The thing is... I'm not afraid anymore. You know what I mean?"
"I'm starting to." But instead of looking relieved and content like she had expected him to, Eugene looked at her with something akin to unease.
Rapunzel continued before she lost her nerve, she wouldn't trap him into making a decision for her sake, he was free to choose whatever he wanted.
She just hoped their paths were heading the same way.
"Look, I won't ask you for anything. You kept your end of the deal and I kept my word. So... you can take the crown and do with it whatever you please, or..." Rapunzel took another step closer standing just a breath away from him, her heart hammering in her chest. "Come with me. We can leave Corona together, explore the world beyond, visit new places. We can start over, just you and I, if that is what you want."
For a moment she could have sworn she detected a hint of hope hiding within his eyes, but it snuffed out as soon as she glimpsed it, replaced by an almost pained look.
"Rapunzel, do you realize what you would be giving up?" Eugene searched her eyes, probably looking for any hint that she had finally lost her mind. "You're a crown princess, your people need you, Corona needs you. They need a queen like you to rule, someone just and compassionate, someone who cares like you care."
"Exactly! They need a ruler who cares, who puts the kingdom above all else, and right now that isn't me." For the first time she looked down, a corner of her heart tainting with shame. "Corona deserves better than me, they deserve a queen who is happy to be the queen, and not daydreaming of happiness elsewhere."
Eugene gently lifted her chin up to face him again, his eyes so soft she could've melted on the spot. "You will be an amazing queen, Blondie."
"You think so?"
"I know so." The corner of his mouth lifted into a bittersweet smile. "Which is why... I don't think I can let you do this. Don't give up that chance, not for me."
"No, Eugene." Rapunzel lips curled into a slightly amused smile, endeared and frustrated all at once. "You misunderstand me, I'm not doing this just for you. I want to be free to chase my own destiny, and right now I know my path isn't pointing back to Corona."
"I've made up my mind. I'll send a letter to my parents so they can rest assured that I'm safe and that I'm so sorry for making them go through this, but I won't go back, at least not for a while." She took his free hand in her own, taking confort in his touch. "But... I would be so much happier if you decide to come with me too."
Eugene took a moment to respond, still searching her gaze and looking for any hint of hesitation. "Are you absolutely sure you've thought this through, Blondie?"
"I'm certain." Rapunzel nodded, squeezing his hand as she desperately sought an answer in his eyes, thinking she had found it when he drew closer to her, angling his face as if to kiss her. She thought it couldn't be more appropriate. Once they had sealed the deal with a firm although reluctant handshake. Now they could seal it with a kiss, and she would be happy to get lost in him.
However, instead of kissing her like she had anticipated, his eyes seemed to cloud as if a sudden very different thought had taken precedence in his mind, his gaze drifting from her face. "I... uhm..."
"You...?" Rapunzel prompted, trying in vain to regain his attention. "Will you come with me, then?"
"No-yes! I mean... I...I just..." Eugene's eyes wandered, looking conflicted and torn before they finally focused on her once more. "I'm sorry, there's just something I have to take care of first."
There was something hidden in his expression, and a small, nagging voice in the back of her head told her she should be careful, she should pry more, should probably ask for an explanation, but when he squeezed her hand in reassurance all doubt dissipated in her mind.
Rapunzel gave him a tiny smile. "Okay."
She trusted him, and if he needed to leave for a little while to deal with whatever he needed to deal with just like she had done that morning, she would wait.
Eugene looked at her one last time before he let go of her hand, stepping back towards the door. "I'll be right back."
If Rapunzel had been more perceptive in that moment, she would have detected he didn't sound quite so certain. If she had been more observant, she would've noticed he had never discarded the satchel she gave him. If she hadn't been so thoroughly trusting she would've realized he was taking the crown with him. However Rapunzel only nodded, her faith completely certain that he would indeed be right back. And she would be there, waiting.
Eugene left not a moment later, and Rapunzel wasn't sure why the thud of the door closing behind him left a disquieting hole inside her.
His steps were quick and agile as he snuck through the cobbled, less transited streets of MistHaven, taking advantage of the long shadows that the almost setting sun provided, his heart and mind at war.
Logically Eugene knew this was the right decision, it was the only way really. Convincing Mrs. Maldine to keep an eye on Rapunzel for a while longer hadn't really been difficult, persuading that stubborn, devil horse to do his biding had been the actual issue. But Maximus was dutiful to a fault, and if it meant betraying the Princess' wishes in order to keep her safe, then he would do it. And maybe there wouldn't even be need to do that, maybe this wouldn't take him that long and then Max wouldn't have the need to look for the guards if Eugene didn't return by nightfall.
A part of him knew that was probably wishful thinking, which is why his heart screamed for him to return, to go back to Rapunzel, take her hand and run away with her to whatever corner of the world she desired.
His mind wouldn't let him do that, however. Perfect time to finally follow his conscience, Eugene thought bitterly.
Walking away from Rapunzel in that moment, when she was so full of hope for the future, was the hardest thing he'd ever had to do in his life. But he would rather break her heart than endanger her safety, even if it killed him. Which, in hindsight was a very real possibility.
He couldn't start a life with Rapunzel knowing for a fact the Stabbingtons were still trailing behind him. Eugene couldn't risk those two finding him while Rapunzel was by his side. The temptation of ransoming a princess far exceeded the prize of a jeweled crown, and if they took Rapunzel, Eugene wouldn't be able to live with himself. No, if he wanted to start over he needed to right his wrongs.
As his feet took him to the outskirts of town near the spot where he had glimpsed the Stabbington brothers earlier, his breath caught in his throat. He hoped the crown hidden in his satchel would be enough to appease their wrath. And if not... well, at least he would know Rapunzel was safe. His only regret would be that she wouldn't know what became of him, but Eugene was quite certain if worse came to worst that would be for the best. If he had told Rapunzel where he was going she would have insisted on coming, and in the rare case he could've convinced her to stay, she would have still gone looking for him if he didn't return.
It was safer for her this way. Everything had been planned with her safety at the forefront of his mind.
Predictably, Eugene finally found the Stabbingtons lurking within the woods surrounding the village. The rising fog slowly started to shroud the port town as the temperature dropped with the approaching night, and Eugene treaded carefully within the darkening shadows beneath the trees. The scenario was the perfect picture of an ominous atmosphere. How very fitting.
He swallowed the uncomfortable lump in his throat as he approached the Stabbingtons, channeling all the suave charm of his past self.
"Ah! There you are!" Eugene sauntered out of the shadows with a confidence he didn't feel. "I've been searching everywhere for you guys since we got separated. Hey, the sideburns are coming in nice, uh? Gotta be excited about that."
The addressed Stabbington merely shot him a murderous stare as he continued to carve a branch into a pointy stake, not even the slightest bit surprised to see Eugene emerging from the trees. The confident grin that had graced Eugene's lips instantly vanished as he cleared his throat in discomfort.
"Anyhow, just wanted to say, I shouldn't have split, the crown is all yours," He threw the satchel at the larger man's feet, the aforementioned crown falling out of the bag as it hit the ground. "I'll miss ya, but I think it's for the..." Eugene was suddenly interrupted as he unexpectedly bumped into the other murderous twin, "...best."
The sight of the menacing redhead towering over him made Eugene's heart instantly jump to his throat.
"Holding out on us again, eh Rider?" Sideburns stood from where he had been sitting, his gravely voice sending an uncomfortable chill down Eugene's body.
"What?"
"You think that crown is going to be enough, when you have something much more valuable than a simple crown?" The burly twin stepped over the discarded crown, kicking it over as if it were nothing.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Eugene replied snidely, stepping back as he sensed he was being cornered.
"Don't play dumb, pretty boy. The Princess, we want her instead." The Stabbington's tone was calm and calculating, like a viper waiting to strike, and the mention of Rapunzel on his lips made Eugene's skin crawl.
"You know, funny story is, she isn't with me anymore." He shrugged, noticing the unamused scowl on the redhead twin before him. "Turns out she's actually quite cunning, would you believe? She escaped and now I have no idea where she is."
"Lies." The Stabbingtons approached with threatening steps, both reaching for the large swords they carried behind their backs. "But not to worry, we will find her. In the meantime, we'd like to repay you for what you did to us."
One of the twins whistled as if calling for someone, and before Eugene could do anything a pair of cloaked figures emerged from the shadows creeping upon the forest, like phantoms appearing out of thin air. The Stabbingtons shared identical gruesome grins.
"There he is, gentlemen. Flynn Rider in the flesh, as promised."
To be fair, Eugene had anticipated this meeting to take a sour turn, but in all his best laid plans he'd always counted with the murderous twins to be the ones to do him in, so the added presence of those two ominous strangers fairly stunned him for a moment.
Which was probably why the sudden blow to his head took him by surprise before he could even react, Rapunzel's always vibrant eyes the last thought his blurry mind could focus on.
And then everything went black.
The first thing she noticed was the minutes ticking by, turning into hours as the day dragged on. The second thing she noticed was the darkness slowly enveloping the kingdom as the afternoon turned to dusk. The third and final thing Rapunzel noticed was the pointed absence of a certain satchel, and subsequently its content. Unfortunately she only noticed this a little too late.
The dawning realization hit Rapunzel like a bolt of lightning. Eugene was gone and conveniently so was the crown.
Pascal squeaked, shifting from foot to foot in an anxious pace. "Don't worry Pascal. I'm sure Eugene didn't just... run off with the crown and left us."
He wouldn't, of course he wouldn't. She was just being paranoid. He said he needed to deal with something first and that he would be right back, the fact that it was apparently taking hours was... just an unfortunate situation.
Nevertheless, Rapunzel was tired of waiting cooped up in the tiny bedroom at the back of the dress shop, and her thoughts were slowly spiraling out of her control. Why would Eugene even have need for the crown?
Unless...
No, she wouldn't think it, she couldn't bear to think it. She lifted Pascal into her shoulder and without waiting any longer, Rapunzel bolted out of the bedroom, finding Mrs. Maldine at the back of her workshop. The woman was evidently working on a new dress, however Rapunzel noticed her eyes constantly drifting towards the window as if expecting someone despite the fact that the shop had closed over an hour ago.
Mrs. Maldine suddenly jumped at the sight of Rapunzel waiting in the room. "Oh, goodness! Your Highness, are you in need of something?"
The dressmaker bobbed into an awkward curtsy, which Rapunzel promptly brushed off. "Please, that is not necessary. I was wondering if you had any idea where Eu- I mean Flynn left?"
Mrs. Maldine's brow furrowed in confusion. "Didn't he tell you?"
Rapunzel shook her head, dread making her stomach churn uncomfortably.
"I... I'm not quite sure, Your Highness. He left rather hastily and didn't tell me where he was going. Only to keep an eye on you." The dressmaker replied with an apologetic shrug.
Rapunzel wrung her hands, walking towards the window and taking a peek outside to the almost empty street, much to Mrs. Maldine's dismay. "I'm afraid something could have happened, he left hours ago."
"Well..." The dressmaker trailed off, biting her bottom lip in a nervous gesture. "He did say something before he left that I didn't understand at the time, but now I think..."
Rapunzel felt her heart sink. "You think...?"
She didn't like the apologetic look in the dressmaker's eyes. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I don't think he's coming back."
"What did he say to you?" Rapunzel's voice was quiet, composed, not betraying the raging storm threatening to burst in her chest.
"He kind of implied I shouldn't fret if the guards came by the shop, and that all would be sorted out soon." Mrs. Maldine appeared increasingly more panicked. "I believed at the time he was just trying to calm me down, but now I'm starting to think he might have tipped the guards as to your whereabouts, Your Highness."
Rapunzel recoiled. "What? No... no, he wouldn't."
Eugene would never betray her like that, he wouldn't run off with the crown and leave her behind, he wouldn't actually call the guards and tell them where she was. What for? For a ransom? She couldn't believe that, she wouldn't believe it. There must be another explanation, a misunderstanding of some sort and she needed to find him. She would go looking for him in that very instant.
Before Mrs. Maldine could do anything, Rapunzel sprinted towards the entrance of the shop and burst through the door, stepping into the street and frantically looking for any signs of Eugene nearby.
She felt short of breath, as if an immense weight was pressing on her chest, squeezing her heart and crushing her lungs, and the turmoil threatened to drown her in a sea of despair. In that moment Rapunzel didn't care about hiding herself, she couldn't see anything beyond what her eyes wanted to find, and the distant sound of clanking metal only reached her ears as if she was listening underwater.
All her pent up distress bubbled up in a pathetic call. "Eugene? Eugene!"
Rapunzel called for him in a pitiful attempt, as if he could hear her despair, as if he would come back if only he just heard her voice breaking. As if he cared enough to return. He never answered.
"We found her!"
Everything afterwards happened in a blur, a whirlwind of activity that Rapunzel had difficulty keeping up with. The approaching guards, Maximus leading the group, the shouts, the people slowly gathering around, the gasps. Rapunzel never focused on any of it, her eyes frantically searched the street looking for him, even as they welled with unshed tears.
"Stand back, everyone! Do not take a step closer to The Princess!"
"Her Royal Highness needs some air, everyone step back!"
"She clearly is in shock!"
The shouts of the guards sounded distant to her ears, and even when the Captain of the Guards approached her cautiously Rapunzel couldn't focus enough to look at him.
And just like that the fantasy in which she had been living crumbled at her feet. She could almost feel her freedom escaping within her fingers like running water. Her hopes, her dreams, all of it vanished in the blink of an eye, like a hazy memory that was more an illusion.
If heartbreak could be seen, there would a bleeding gaping hole in her chest where her heart had once been.
Don't hate me, you knew this was coming and yes, it needed to happen. I am sorry though. Also, I think a recurrent theme in this story is that every single one of Eugene and Rapunzel's actions have their consequences... any thoughts? Predictions? Suggestions for what comes next? Let me know in a review!
Ah also! Before I forget, now that TTS is over (*sheds a tear*) I feel more comfortable adding some characters from the series now that I know their full storylines and I have been thinking for a while about including some characters into this story. I have a specific one in mind but I'd like to know what you think first. Should I introduce them to the story? Who would you like to see? Again, let me know in a review. Until next time!