Chapter 17: Thieves in the Night
So, I'm but a little piñata and life is having a party beating me up, hence the long wait. I do apologize. Don't worry, this story isn't dead, I'm just a breath away from collapse but what's new. Anyway, you guys and your lovely comments seriously, I cannot thank you enough! This chapter serves mostly as a transition but I hope it's worth it for the end of it. Enjoy!
Did I close my fist around something delicate?
Did I shatter you? (...)
And do you miss the rogue
That coaxed you into paradise and left you there?
Will you forgive my soul
When you're too wise to trust me and too old to care?
~Conney Island
Eugene had always prided himself on his cunning intellect. As Flynn Rider, he couldn't really afford stupid mistakes when planning a heist, and as the best thief in several kingdoms he would say his astuteness spoke for itself considering his reputation preceded him. But this time he had to admit he had been a fool. A huge stupid fool, the most idiotic of idiots out there really.
Why on earth had he convinced himself that giving the crown to the Stabbingtons would be a good idea? As if life had ever done him the courtesy to be slightly kind to him. He had foolishly let himself hope, however lightly, that giving them the stolen crown would be enough to appease their rage and leave him alone, to keep the threat away from Rapunzel.
If he had just stayed with Rapunzel that day, if he had just escaped Corona with her like she had asked of him, none of this would've happened. Even if the maniac king that he now had the misfortune to call an uncle had eventually found out about the Sundrop — however unlikely — Eugene would at least have been by Rapunzel's side, he would've been able to protect her should they come looking for her.
Instead he had gone and fucked everything up in the worst possible way. But wasn't that what he always did anyway? All Eugene was really good at was being Flynn Rider, and all Flynn could ever do was selfishly take and leave nothing in return. And the one time he had tried to do the right thing he'd only managed to inadvertently hurt Rapunzel by throwing her in the exact situation she had explicitly told him she feared. And as if that wasn't enough, he'd most likely risked her biggest secret by entrusting Adira with finding out what had happened to her. Really, could he possibly be more of an idiot?
He should've waited to figure out what had become of her on his own. Heck, he probably should've accepted King Harold's messed up deal and then escaped The Kingdom of Hell. No, scratch that, he should've just never left Rapunzel in the first place, should've at least told her how he felt about her before everything went to hell; how he was quite certain he would rather die than live without her, how her absence felt like a bleeding hole in his chest, how he felt the air thinning around him just at the thought that she could be in danger. How he hadn't felt like he was worthy of her love. That he would give up a thousand crowns if it meant keeping her safe and away from the Stabbingtons' greedy, dangerous hands. He had wanted to do better, be better, for her. A whole lot of good that made him.
Perhaps what pained him the most was the thought of Rapunzel not knowing the truth behind his actions. Eugene had spent the past several days since he woke up agonizing over what Rapunzel might think after he essentially abandoned her. He knew what it must have looked like to her. Betrayal. The cruelest deceit. The biggest con ever pulled on the Crown Princess of Corona. She'd given him the crown, trusted him with it, believed in him enough to not only give him the priced jewelry and her biggest secret, but also give herself away to him. Only for him to leave her behind and never return.
Did she hate him now, believing that he had betrayed her for the crown? He couldn't bare the thought of her thinking he had used her in the worst possible way only for him to take the crown and leave her as if she had never mattered to him. Could she ever forgive him for not keeping his promise to return, for leaving her to go back to a life she didn't want and be forced into a marriage she'd explicitly said she dreaded?
Eugene supposed it didn't matter much what she might think of him now, did it? She was engaged now to another man, a high prince with a perfect lineage and a castle of his own and enormous piles of money and no list of crimes to taint his good name. Whatever notions Eugene might have had of ever being with Rapunzel were now snuffed like a fragile candle that had not yet even begun to light up. She might already be married by the time he managed to get back to Corona. Who's to say she wasn't married by now? As slow as news traveled across kingdoms, Adira could've brought back outdated information. The mere thought made his heart squeeze painfully in his chest. So much for hope and foolish dreams.
As he looked at the setting sun over the horizon, deep purple shadows draping the kingdom once more in a thick layer of darkness, Eugene could only hope Rapunzel would be willing to let him explain himself once he managed to find her, that she would have it in herself to forgive him in time, even if he only saw her to protect her before he parted ways with her for the last time. He couldn't live with the idea that she might despise him forever.
Noticing his despondent sigh, Adira paused before him as they trudged through the dense territory on the outskirts of the Dark Kingdom. Surprisingly enough escaping the lugubrious castle hadn't been quite as hard as Eugene had been expecting. Being one of the few trusted warriors of the King, Adira had managed to sneak him out with little to no obstructions. The very few guards that had crossed their way didn't dare question her authority; Adira had free reign to prance around the castle however she may please, and with Eugene's acute stealth, he was easily able to hide from prying eyes whenever they encountered anyone on their way out. All Adira had to do was dismiss the two guards always stationed outside Eugene's door, and as deserted as the Dark Castle usually was, it wasn't a particularly hard feat to sneak out undetected.
With Adira being the only one to ever really venture inside Eugene's assigned guest room while he had stayed prisoner, both Eugene and Adira were certain it would take some time before anyone noticed he had escaped. However it wouldn't do to linger for longer than absolutely necessary while still being in the Dark King's territory.
They stealthily made their way across empty streets and dark crooked alleyways as fast as their feet would carry them, and Eugene barely had time to register or care about the abnormally large jagged black rocks protruding from the ground, or the fact that every street seemed eerily deserted, as though he were crossing a ghost town, dark shadows seeping in at every corner making the gloomy atmosphere that reigned in the Dark Castle extend over the entire kingdom.
He supposed his thoughts where very obviously elsewhere, otherwise he might have asked. He might have noticed the signs like a blaring red light announcing danger. There was only so much he could focus on at once, however, and although his mind was usually clear and sharp, he was having an uncharacteristically hard time separating his heart from his brain and his usual mask of smooth indifference had been lost somewhere along the way, for his inner turmoil was displayed clearly enough upon his face for Adira to notice.
Eugene couldn't really fault Adira for the exasperated look she shot him every now and then, when his sullen mood caused him to space out, slowing their pace as his mind raced. But considering what he had gone through in the past month and the news he had recently received, Eugene was in no mood to be judged. He noticed her scrutinizing stare, and raised a petulant eyebrow in return.
"Look alive, Fitzherbert. We won't be getting any further if you keep moving like a sloth." Adira rolled her eyes with a huff. "We're almost out of the Dark Kingdom, isn't that what you wanted?"
Eugene tried to ignore the bristle that came with hearing his real name in Adira's sharp voice. He still wasn't used to it at all.
"Well I don't usually get what I want, considering I'm here and not in Corona like I was supposed to be." He grumbled under his breath.
Adira continued their path unfazed, looking over at him with the patience of someone who was dealing with a particularly quarrelsome child. It irked Eugene for some reason, the way she managed to get under his skin while his barbed wit didn't seem to affect her in the slightest.
"I thought you'd be more eager to get out of here, considering how insistent you've been on finding out about your princess' whereabouts."
"She's not my princess."
"Oh?" Adira raised a curious eyebrow. "Might I ask, what exactly is your relationship with the Princess of Corona then?
Her mostly casual tone didn't fool him for a second. Adira might have helped him escape the Dark Castle, but that didn't mean he trusted her at all.
"You may," Eugene replied smoothly, kicking a black pebble out of his way. "But I'm not obligated to answer."
"You said you cared about her." Adira commented almost nonchalantly. "Earlier when I asked."
"Actually, I don't remember answering that question."
"And yet you're risking your life returning to a kingdom that has a death sentence hanging over your head, just so you might be able to warn her about the possible danger she may be facing." She pressed, her scrutinizing stare always unnerving. "I'd say that's evidence enough that you do care about her."
"Where are you getting at?" Eugene fought the urge to avoid her eyes, instead shooting her an exasperated glare.
Adira stayed silent for a few seconds, as if she were chewing her words carefully before spitting her question. "How come a wanted criminal came to care about the princess he kidnapped?"
Eugene had the sneaking suspicion that wasn't exactly the information she was trying to pry off him, but he deflected the question anyway. "How come a loyal warrior of the Dark Kingdom came to trust a wanted criminal with such important information as the Sundrop?"
"Oh, far be it from me to trust you." Adira's lips curled into a trademark enigmatic grin. "Which is precisely why I'm asking about your relationship with the Princess of Corona."
Eugene quickened his pace, now eager to get out of the Dark Kingdom before night draped them in complete darkness. The eerie land seemed to have the unnatural ability to plunge the entire kingdom in inky shadows that not even the faint light of the moon could penetrate.
"I thought you had already established that I cared about her." Eugene shrugged, momentarily glad that he'd outpaced Adira. She didn't take long to catch up to him.
"There are a lot of reasons why you would care about something," Adira replied, "Greed being one of them, one I'd wager a thief like yourself is quite familiar with."
"What's that supposed to mean?" He cast her a sideway glance, not faltering his pace.
Adira sighed, and if Eugene didn't know any better he would say he was finally getting on her nerves with every question he avoided answering. "I want to make sure your intentions are honorable, Fitzherbert. If my suspicions are correct, I'm not about to endanger the Sundrop by leading a dangerous criminal to her location, when you might only be interested in her invaluable power."
Eugene stayed silent for a moment, not sure whether to be offended or impressed with Adira's caution. He'd thought he had already convinced her of his good intentions, that it was a given that she would lead him out of the Dark Kingdom safely, but it would indeed be foolish of her not to make sure he was being completely honest about his concern for Rapunzel. Still, admitting any kind of feelings for Rapunzel meant revealing his greatest vulnerability, one that could be easily used against him should Adira decide to betray his trust. And his trust was certainly not easily given.
His silence didn't seem to please Adira, and her voice lost all of its previous easy nonchalance, taking on a hardened edge. "This is the part where you convince me that you actually care about the Princess' well-being, Fitzherbert."
He hesitated still, carefully considering every possible choice. Eugene could decide not to tell her anything. He was free now, he could escape the Dark Kingdom on his own, leave Adira behind, and make his way back to Corona by himself without her help. But Adira would never let him leave her sight without a fight, and she seemed like a skilled warrior. For all of his litheness and sharp wit, Eugene was no match for a seasoned soldier like her. Besides, he needed her to get to the fastest route back to Corona. He was completely unfamiliar with the territory they were currently trekking and making his way on his own would take precious time he wasn't willing to waste.
Much as he loathed to admit it, he needed Adira probably more than she needed him.
Eugene released a defeated sigh. "I guess you could say we had an… understanding. We spent a lot of time together, and in that time we came to know each other. She saved my life, more than once. I did the same for her."
Revealing even the tiniest hint of his story with Rapunzel made him shiver like his skin was breaking out with hives, making him feel vulnerable, exposed, raw like a fresh wound. That tidbit of information was about as much as he was willing to reveal. Still, he was keenly aware of his reluctance to mention the nature of their relationship. Unfortunately for him, so was Adira. The tall woman regarded him carefully for a few seconds, lifting a thin, questioning eyebrow.
"I take it she trusts you?"
Eugene shrugged. "She did, at least before I left."
Adira hummed noncommittally, and Eugene thought that would be that. She proved him wrong just a second later. "So, this understanding you say you had… did it by chance involve any romance?"
Eugene trudged on. "Does it matter?"
"Just a wild guess." Adira shrugged. She didn't seem to have much difficulty walking through the harsh, rocky land characteristic of the Dark Kingdom. "You talk fondly of her, I'd even venture to say yearning. Was it, perhaps a case of unrequited love?"
Eugene didn't dignify that with an answer, instead he scoffed as his eyebrows quirked in an incredulous expression. He meant for it to be arrogant, cynical, as if to say; Really? Have you met Flynn Rider? No woman had ever been able to resist his charm when he'd willed it so. He doubted the man he had been before could have ever found himself being spurned. Flynn Rider would have sooner broken his own nose than let himself fall for anyone, would never let himself care enough to make himself vulnerable like that. Flynn Rider certainly didn't yearn.
He didn't feel like Flynn Rider anymore, though he desperately felt the need to cloak himself in that familiar facade once again, especially under Adira's calculating gaze. He needed that cool exterior, that sharp wit and arrogant charm that made him feel at ease, superior, unbreakable. Eugene Fitzherbert was entirely too soft for this dangerous territory.
He felt naked under Adira's scrutiny. She tilted her head at his lack of answer and ventured on. "A forbidden love then? Could it be history repeating itself?"
Eugene shook his head, confused. "What history?"
"Your father too fell in love with a woman he couldn't have." Adira replied easily.
Eugene felt a faint spike of resentment at Adira's comment. "I'm not sure love would be the ideal word in his case."
"What makes you say that?"
"Well, when you truly love someone you don't just give up on them that easily." He was faintly aware of the firm conviction lacing his words, the slight bitterness in his voice, and Adira's assessing stare as he continued. "You fight for them, you trust them enough to know better than to let yourself be fooled by someone who so clearly wants to get in the way."
"Of course, and you would know all about love." Adira's lips lifted into a triumphant, knowing smirk, as if he had just given her exactly the information she wanted.
A tense silence fell over them, only broken by the sound of their feet brushing over the rocky ground. Eugene still felt ill at ease thinking about that word, love, and associating it with anything that had to do with him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd thought of it as anything other than a weakness, something not meant for someone like him.
Eugene had a hard time admitting it to himself, the fact that maybe he had been enough of an idiot to let himself fall in love with a princess of all people. What good could love bring him in this situation? He should've stumped on that budding feeling in his heart way before it bloomed and took root. He should've been able to convince himself that it wasn't love, nothing nearly so strong and damaging and unbearably intimate. Attraction he could deal with, a slight infatuation could be easily forgotten. But love? Love was a dangerous territory he had never let himself venture on, and Eugene wasn't entirely sure he was ready to contemplate it.
It was too late for that now, he supposed. What could it ever bring him but loss and suffering? See? A huge stupid fool he'd been.
For a long moment, Adira and Eugene continued on their path in a charged kind of silence only broken by the sound of their footsteps and the occasional hoot of an owl. The tension around them was so thick Eugene felt like it could be sliced with a knife. Eugene was hoping the tall woman beside him would leave the interrogation at that. But Adira seemed to have other ideas.
"You know," she continued with a casual air of near indifference. "There's no reason for the story to repeat itself. If the Princess feels the same way about you, you have a chance to fight for it."
Eugene scoffed. "I'm a wanted criminal, Adira. I doubt I'd make a fine suitor for a princess."
"You are a prince of the Dark Kingdom."
"More like the bastard son of a prince." He drawled. The fact that he was the son of a royal didn't make him anything more than what he was born; an illegitimate child born out of wedlock, a burden, an unwanted blight on society. No one would ever take him for anything but that.
Adira, however, seemed to disagree. "You were only born an illegitimate child because your parents were cruelly separated. You can easily be legitimised, with the appropriate title there's not a very worthy reason why you should be denied the chance to court her."
"I really doubt the offer of your very gracious King still stands now that I've escaped his luxurious prison." Eugene argued, certain King Harold would rather have his head on a platter than grant him any kind of pardon or legitimisation now that Eugene had defied his wishes. "Besides, in the off chance I managed to get such a title, Rapunzel is already engaged according to you. She might already be married for all I know."
Adira waved a dismissive hand. "Royal engagements are a lengthy affair. Too many things to plan, meetings to arrange, treaties to discuss. I doubt the thing would be any shorter than a few months at the very least. And even then, it can be called off if the right reasons arise." She took her large, dark sword in hand and waved it in front of her with a deliberate stroke, the sharp blade successfully cutting a path through the spiky shrubbery blocking their path. "As for your legitimisation, as far as Edmund would be concerned, you'd be his son through and through without question. If he only knew-"
"But he doesn't know." Eugene cut her off, not too keen on entertaining false hopes. "And last I heard, there weren't many chances of him finding out on time."
As far as Eugene knew, the Dark Prince had been on the brink of death. Eugene tried to ignore the very faint, almost nonexistent pang of guilt as he recalled Adira trying to convince him to meet his so called father before it was too late. He supposed it was too late for regrets now.
"Fortunately for all of us, Prince Edmund seemed to be having a very fortuitous recovery the last time I visited." Adira replied, unperturbed by his rather harsh tone. "Ágatha said she believed he would be able to make a full recovery with the right treatment. So you still have a chance to make amends, make up for lost time…"
She let her sentence hang, as if expecting Eugene would interrupt once more. He didn't. In fact, he gave no reply at all. His entire existence had been turned upside down in a matter of weeks, he was no longer sure of who he was, or what he wanted now out of his life. For so long he'd been so sure that the only thing he needed was the enormous piles of money he'd make out of a huge heist, buy an island of his own and live the rest of his existence in peaceful, extravagant solitude. Flynn Rider was all he ever needed, and the rush of excitement that came with putting his life on the line as his criminal stunts became more and more dangerous, chasing a high that could only come out of adrenaline. Now, he wasn't sure anymore what to do with the uncertain future extending before him.
All he knew was that he had come to crave Rapunzel in his life, he longed for her smiles, her bright laugh that brought a spark of life into his otherwise lacklustre existence. Without meaning to, he'd become used to her warm presence, her bubbly spirit, the way she could see good even in the darkest of times. She was like a drug, coursing through his veins until she invaded every cell in his body, unrelenting, addictive. Even if he tried to, needed to, he could no longer conceive a life without her.
Eugene continued walking behind Adira, he felt like silence had never felt so loud before, unsure of what he'd do about his father, King Harold's threats, Rapunzel's situation, or even how to explain everything to her after he found her. There were so many unanswered questions and not nearly enough time to think about a possible answer. Eugene felt oddly grateful that Adira seemed to be suitably satisfied with her interrogation for the time being. She didn't speak again.
A spike of doubt lingered in the back of his head, the one that always warned him of foreboding danger. He wasn't sure why Adira's questions still rubbed him the wrong way. Granted, she hadn't given him any reason to distrust her, but Eugene couldn't figure out a good reason why she would insist upon the fact that there could be hope for his relationship with Rapunzel, whatever it was. And as far as he'd learned over his many years of criminal life, everyone always had their reasons, whatever ulterior motive to benefit themselves first and foremost. Eugene didn't trust Adira and it was clear she didn't trust him either, but they would continue their uncertain trajectory back to Corona in an unspoken truce. Both with the very clear objective of protecting their interests from harm's way.
The path before him was dark and dangerous, he knew, full of uncertainty and regret and much to atone for his past sins, but if Rapunzel was the light at the end of the tunnel, he would gladly follow through the dark just to get to her.
Rapunzel slumped in her seat with a defeated sigh. The blank piece of parchment resting before her seemed to mock her from its place on her writing desk. It was certainly an unusual occasion, a piece of parchment rarely ever stayed unmarked when resting beneath her usually paint-stained hands. She supposed the fact that she was trying to render words instead of pictures in the blank surface was enough of a rarity on its own to account for the lack of ink blending in the pages. She had never been much for writing.
Rapunzel let her hand hover over the still unwritten letter, words had never seemed quite so hard to form. How was one to explain to her doting parents that she was, quite possibly, the most ungrateful daughter to ever exist? That she was utterly unfit to remain a crown princess, never even been a good model to begin with. That she had made a terrible, incorrigible mistake that still didn't quite feel like a mistake so much as an unexpected outcome to a very bizarre situation. She knew she should be ashamed, horrified, regretful. Instead Rapunzel couldn't quite bring herself to resent her current situation. Not entirely anyway.
She pursed her lips, tongue sticking out in concentration. Pascal gave an encouraging chirp from his spot on the corner of the desk and Rapunzel wondered if leaving a letter to explain herself was absolutely necessary. The outcome would be the same anyway; her parents' complete and utter disappointment. At least she wouldn't be there to face their disapproval.
"I have half a mind to let you write this, Pascal." Rapunzel sighed, discarding the pen and paper and walking towards the the floor-length looking glass next to her vanity table.
It had been a long while since Rapunzel stopped recognising the young woman looking back at her through the mirror. The reflection now was yet another new version of herself she hadn't quite grown accustomed to. She didn't have the sallow complexion of a heartsick soul anymore, nor the sunken cheeks and hollow stare of someone who had recently lost all the colors in her life. This Rapunzel held herself differently, she noticed. She had purpose in her eyes once more and conviction in her stance. And she hid just as much fear and trepidation behind her stare as she did secrets behind her slightly loose-fitting bodice.
The difference wasn't quite that noticeable just yet. Rapunzel turned sideways to examine the length of her profile like she had done every morning since that fateful visit of the Royal Physician. She didn't know what she was expecting after a week or so, if there should be any significant changes in such a relatively short amount of time. They were subtle, none that she could easily discern. The only thing that betrayed her current state was the now usual spell of nausea at odd times during the day and the fact that Cassandra had taken to arranging the stays of her corset a bit looser.
Rapunzel wondered if her mother noticed at all, if she suspected anything amiss she certainly hadn't shown it. An aching pang fluttered in her heart. Rapunzel wished she could ask her mother for advise, that she could share the news and have her mother's unwavering support. But she had missed the chance to make this a happy occasion as it should've been. She mourned for the experience she would never get to have, her mother's warm embrace, sharing happy tears, her father's kind words of support, a celebration to share such happy news. Instead she could hardly write a simple letter to apologize for letting them down.
A sharp knock at her door startled her out of her musings. She didn't have to ask to know who it was.
"Come in."
Cassandra rushed inside with all the intensity of a summer storm, a bunch of fabrics and papers barely managing to balance in her overstuffed arms. The brunette took one long look at the blank piece of parchment still resting on her desk and promptly raised a judgmental eyebrow.
"You're running out of time to finish that." Cassandra nodded toward the unwritten letter. Rapunzel would much rather change the subject.
"Did you get them?"
Cassandra scoffed as she let the pile of clothes she had been carrying drop over Rapunzel's large mattress. "Of course I got them."
The young handmaiden retrieved a small bunch of papers from within the pile of clothes she'd dropped over the bed and handed them towards Rapunzel with an almost triumphant smirk. "Two tickets for the Endeavor and the letters of transit you asked for."
Rapunzel forced her hands to steady as she reached for the procured documents. It would be a much more conspicuous journey this time around. She hadn't purchased forged papers now, every one of them was under her real name, addressed to the still Crown Princess of Corona. It would be easy to track her movements, she knew. But she couldn't imagine her parents would be much thrilled to find her once they knew why she had escaped in the first place.
She inspected the one-way tickets first. The Endeavor was the largest, fastest traveling vessel that could possibly take them as far away as they needed in a single voyage. It was quite fortuitous then, that it would be docking in Corona's harbours a day from now. Really, that was the only reason Rapunzel had agreed to wait this long to leave. Cassandra had insisted on planning as far ahead as they possibly could. She had to admit her handmaiden was nothing if not thorough.
The rustle of fabric made her eyes drift back to the large canopy bed, where Cassandra was carefully arranging the bunch of clothes she had brought with her. Curiosity piqued Rapunzel's interest.
"What are those?"
"Your new wardrobe, of course." Cassandra replied, her nimble fingers extending a simple dress that seemed entirely too big for Rapunzel's petite frame.
Cassandra must've noticed her inquisitive stare and answered before Rapunzel could even ask. "We don't know how long it will be before we get the chance to go shopping for new clothes, and we also don't know how much you will grow until then."
Rapunzel fought the urge to wrap her arms around her middle as Cassandra's olive green eyes settled pointedly over her stomach. "Besides, you can't possibly travel in those fancy princess clothes of yours."
"Good thing then. I don't think I will stand wearing such tight corsets for much longer." Rapunzel sighed as she inspected the simple dresses Cassandra had brought. Commoner's clothes by the looks of it, the rough fabric catching in the smooth skin of her fingertips. She found she didn't mind. She would much rather wear coarse garments than the body-fitting silk gowns she was forced to wear now.
"Well, everything's ready now." Cassandra said, inspecting the relatively light luggage they had prepared. "We should leave soon if we want to catch that boat on time."
Rapunzel nodded mutely, a sudden wave of nostalgia hitting her unexpectedly. The first time she had left Corona she had done so with the firm expectation to return in a few days. Now, she didn't even know if she would ever come back. The still blank letter mocked her from a distance.
Her uncharacteristically quiet demeanor seemed to catch Cassandra's attention, and the young handmaiden turned her calculating stare toward her, a frown creasing her brow.
"I know I've asked like a thousand times, but are you really sure about this, Raps?" Cassandra asked, concern lacing her every word.
To her horror, Rapunzel's lip quivered quite involuntarily. Gosh, she would not cry over this. She was certain of what she wanted, had made up her mind the minute she spoke with the Stabbingtons. Why was the decision so hard to finalize now?
She stilled herself, taking a shuddering breath that seemed to fill her lungs with water, and gave a final resolute nod. "We'll leave tonight. After midnight."
They would sneak within the shadows like two thieves in the night. Luckily for her, Rapunzel seemed to have picked up how to blend through the darkness while she had consorted with a wanted criminal. She thought, not without a bit of irony, that she'd had enough of thieves for a lifetime. Yet here she was, about to escape like one.
Cassandra regarded her carefully just a moment longer, then shrugged with an air of defeat Rapunzel hadn't quite seen in her before. She supposed her handmaiden had still harbored the hope that Rapunzel would change her mind at some point. Her frazzled nerves were screaming at her to do just that, if she was being honest with herself. It would be so much easier to just accept her fate as it had been laid before her. Silly her and her soft heart to fall in love with a man she couldn't have. A man who had all but given her every indication he didn't want her the same way. Yet here she was, about to risk everything just to be certain, to know for sure and hear from his own lips that he didn't care at all. It would hurt less than to live with the eternal doubt, that perhaps there had been a chance between them, however slim. That perhaps he was in danger and had not abandoned her out of his own free will.
Rapunzel knew Cassandra was certain it wasn't so. Still, she appreciated her handmaiden's discretion. The young brunette limited herself to a dutiful nod, her mouth set in a firm line. She made no comment as she exited the room as promptly as she had entered it, not a single curtsey, no polite words, no regard for Rapunzel's title. Rapunzel didn't need them and she would rather not have them. All she really needed was Cassandra's ever silent and often times judgmental loyalty. Her only ally was a woman who couldn't be more different than her, but Rapunzel appreciated it nonetheless. The journey ahead was perilous and uncertain, and Cassandra's harsh demeanor would be much more needed than a softer, sycophantic company. Rapunzel no longer had the patience nor the tolerance for insincere friendships.
The letter at her desk remained unwritten for the rest of the day.
Night had fallen over Corona like a welcome blanket after a tiring day. Rapunzel had spent her last evening with her parents trying to enjoy supper, the quiet conversation and the warmth of one last fancy meal. It had proven harder than she had expected. Her stomach lurched involuntarily as the strong smell of clam soup wafted through her nose. The baby definitely did not enjoy seafood.
Rapunzel had tried to concentrate instead on the light conversation around her. Her father seemed to enjoy Prince William's presence, both men spent the evening talking about successful hunting trips, politics, and other frivolities that were usually common in polite company. Rapunzel wondered briefly if King Frederic would be as welcoming in his conversation with another suitor of Rapunzel's choosing. She couldn't imagine Eugene enjoying or caring for foreign treaties and the personal life of important dignitaries. Prince William was everything Eugene was not, and so, he was quite unsurprisingly her father's new favorite dinner companion.
Her mother occasionally joined the conversation, but Rapunzel noticed Queen Ariana's attention was primarily set upon her daughter. She had spent supper eying Rapunzel with a faint crease on her brow. Unbeknownst to Rapunzel, Arianna was quite concerned with the greenish hue her daughter's skin seemed to be acquiring the longer she prodded at her dinner with little to no enthusiasm.
All in all, it had been a 100% unsuccessful ordeal, and Rapunzel had returned to her rooms feeling oddly defeated and relieved in equal measure.
Now, she sat once again at her writing desk, wishing she could find the words to phrase her last goodbyes. Cassandra had promised to return to her bedroom two and a half hours past midnight. The dead of night would provide good enough cover. Her suitcase waited patiently, hidden beneath her large bed.
Rapunzel traced the blank parchment with the tip of her pen, the ink carefully bleeding into the white surface like a particularly nasty bruise upon skin. Her delicate strokes rendered an immaculate penmanship on the paper, but the words still felt clumsy, like a toddler's attempt to speak, babbling and incoherent.
Dear Mom and Dad…
What now?
Dear Mom and Dad, congratulations, you're about to be grandparents! Sorry for leaving at such short notice but I'm off to find the baby's father, who, by the way, is the most wanted thief in Corona?
Rapunzel pursed her lips. A very unsuccessful ordeal indeed.
A delicate knock at her door had her crumpling the parchment between her balled fists. Cassandra's knock was distinctively sharp and short. This one was hesitant, soft, too polite. Rapunzel didn't have to wait too long to find out who awaited at the other side of the door.
"Rapunzel, dear," her mother's delicate voice was muffled behind the thick wood. "Can I come in?"
"Oh. Sure mom!" Rapunzel willed her voice not to come out as a squeak as she threw open a sketchbook and busied herself pretending to draw.
The heavy door opened to reveal the graceful frame of her mother, draped still in her fancy dinner outfit. Rapunzel wished she had learned to muster the silent elegance of her mother, the firm set of her shoulders, head held high, eyes soft yet still commanding. The true posture of a queen. They were so alike and so different in so many ways, yet until now Rapunzel had never felt like such a stranger in front of her mother.
"Rapunzel, I wanted to talk to you." Queen Arianna said, her voice soft as she settled gracefully over the edge of her bed.
Rapunzel raised a delicate eyebrow. Her stomach churned unpleasantly. "Oh? About what?"
"How are you feeling?" The Queen asked, concern evident in her green eyes. "I noticed at dinner you were looking quite pale."
Rapunzel attempted a smile. "I'm fine, mom. Just feeling a bit tired, that's all."
It wasn't a complete lie…
The Queen's eyes searched her face, as if looking for the truth hidden beneath Rapunzel's easy demeanor. After a bit of silence, Queen Arianna rose from the bed.
"I had an… interesting conversation with Cassandra earlier today." The Queen commented casually.
Rapunzel felt her pulse rise. Could it be possible, that Cassandra had betrayed her secret in one last desperate attempt to stop Rapunzel from leaving? She shuddered to even think it.
"Anything I should know about?" Rapunzel tried to kill the slight tremor in her voice, attempting an airy and unconcerned tone.
Queen Arianna paced the room towards the vanity table. "You know, when Cassandra was first assigned as your personal handmaiden I asked her to keep an eye on you. Help you in anything you needed. I was quite concerned about your emotional state."
The Queen's voice was soft, soothing, quite the contrast to the apprehension crawling at Rapunzel's throat.
"What did she tell you?"
"She said I ought to speak with you." The Queen answered simply, eyes trained on the empty velvet cushion where her crown used to rest. "She never specified about what. I think she's quite loyal to you and your privacy, and for that I am immensely grateful."
Rapunzel wasn't quite certain she could release the breath she had been holding until now. She didn't speak, just watched her mother carefully as the Queen traced her fingertips across the surface of the vanity. "I think she's right. I have been meaning to speak with you for quite some time. To be honest, Rapunzel, I'm worried about you."
Rapunzel waited, silent, heart in her throat. She wasn't sure where this conversation was going but she could feel a knot in her stomach growing with each passing second. The Queen's eyes finally found hers, a pair of identical eyes to hers watching her like she was seeing right through her.
"I wanted to give you space, to give you time to maybe heal on your own terms." Her mother continued. "But you haven't quite been yourself lately. Is there something you'd like to talk about, dear?"
Rapunzel felt like a large pebble had suddenly lodged itself into her throat, preventing her from speaking. She doubted that even if she could she would actually voice her worries to her mother, but the concern evident in her mother's kind eyes made her want to crumple in a heap on the floor and ask for help.
"You know you can tell me anything, right?" The Queen took a step closer, and Rapunzel felt the urge to run to her mother's warm embrace like a child seeking comfort after a nightmare.
But she couldn't. She couldn't tell her this.
Rapunzel felt her eyes watering, couldn't quite swallow the lump in her throat, and her lips trembled as she forced the words past her tightening throat.
"I can't-" She took a shaky breath. "I don't think I can do this, Mom."
Whether her mother knew what Rapunzel meant with that she didn't know. Rapunzel didn't think she could do a lot of things; she couldn't marry the prince, she couldn't stay in Corona, she wasn't ready to be a mother herself, she didn't think she could face Eugene again, or even find him on her own. But her mother didn't seem to need an explanation. The Queen's eyes softened, gaze impossibly loving, and merely gave a silent nod, lips curved into a sad smile. She understood without words.
A single tear slipped past Rapunzel's eyelashes quite against her will, and at the sight Queen Arianna extended her arms in a silent invitation. Rapunzel didn't hesitate to rush towards the Queen's outstretched arms, feeling like a little girl again as her mother wrapped her in a delicate hug. Rapunzel felt her shoulders sag as a silent sob escaped her. She'd thought she had no more tears left to cry, but her mother's embrace was soft and warm and everything she needed at the moment, a cocoon of love and support. She definitely would miss her.
"It's alright, dear, you don't need to speak if you're not ready to do so." The Queen shushed her as she ran her hand against Rapunzel's cheek in a soothing caress. "All you need to know is that we are here for you, no matter what. You are the greatest blessing your father and I could ever ask for, and we love you so very much."
Rapunzel felt like sinking into the ground. If her mother only knew… how disappointed would she be that her only daughter would very much defy centuries of tradition? Rapunzel was quite certain they would no longer consider her their greatest blessing.
But she couldn't bring herself to crumble her mother's loving stare into one of utter betrayal and dismay. Rapunzel didn't tell her anything, not what she'd gone through while she was kidnapped, not the fact that she had left Corona more or less of her own volition, not that she had fallen in love with a wanted criminal, or the secret that burdened her heart. She never said goodbye. Just clung to her mother tightly as though she was the last tether keeping her from floating away into an abyss.
"I love you too, Mom." Rapunzel whispered between silent tears.
"Now, honey, don't you weep no more." Queen Arianna lifted Rapunzel's chin in a tender gesture. "I will always be here when you are ready to talk."
Rapunzel nodded, and although she knew she herself wouldn't be in Corona anymore, she appreciated her mother's welcome support, tucked away her kind words and loving gaze in a corner of her mind where it would be safe to reminisce in darker times.
Queen Arianna smiled, placed a tender kiss on the crown of Rapunzel's head, and finally let go. She wished Rapunzel good night, and with one final parting glance, closed the heavy door behind her, leaving the room as empty and cold as before she'd come in.
That night, Rapunzel finally found the words to write her final letter. It wouldn't be an apology, it wouldn't be a goodbye. Just a momentary farewell, a promise to return to Corona some time in the near future. She would come back, even if it was as a disgraced former princess. She just hoped Corona would still receive her with semi-open arms. She knew in her heart of hearts, her mother would certainly do so.
The uncertainty of the vastness abroad still beckoned her, and Rapunzel was ready to answer the call
Rapunzel had to admit the trip had been quite uneventful this time around. At least compared to the last time she had traveled abroad Corona. They escaped the capital as planned, two shadows creeping in the night. They took Maximus of course, as the white horse had a soft spot for the princess and would much rather be there to accompany her than fight a losing battle trying to stop her.
By the time the first rays of sunlight illuminated the lush landscape ahead, they were already miles away from Corona's capital. Her parents would soon know about her absence, but news wouldn't be able to travel fast enough to stop her from boarding the ship at port. The Endeavor was waiting in all its magnificent glory at the docks in the small hours of morning, just in time for them to make their escape. The large vessel was the usual means of transportation for privileged travelers, its passengers consisted of high members of the bourgeoisie, rich merchant families and important nobles and dignitaries from all over the world. No one would bat and eye at the Princess of Corona boarding the Endeavor with handmaiden in tow. Her lack of bodyguards would certainly raise eyebrows, but she had always been unconventional.
And so it had been. Rapunzel and Cassandra boarded without much preamble, much unlike the first time Rapunzel had found herself in a similar situation, and before she knew it they were ready to set sail. Rapunzel had watched the lush hills of Corona disappear in the horizon with a strange mix of nostalgia and trepidation. There had been no excitement this time around as she watched her home fade away in the distance, without the certainty of when she would ever return.
If her queasiness had been intense the first time she'd boarded a ship, this time it was like trying to fight against an avalanche. Rapunzel could hardly leave her tiny bed on her small quarters without wanting to hurl her last meal into the sea bellow. She recalled the way the Captain of the first ship she'd boarded as a stowaway had mistakenly assumed her nausea was caused by some undiscovered pregnancy, and she suppressed a wry smile. Her past self would surely be appalled by her current predicament.
Cassandra had done her best to keep her composure, but by the seventh day of being cooped up inside their cabin she had almost lost the very thin thread of patience she had left in her. Rapunzel could tell by her handmaiden's court answers and occasional withering glares that she was beginning to regret her decision to come with her on this impromptu trip. Cassandra, however, never once complained, and merely dedicated the better part of her days planning the best route to make their way to the Dark Kingdom on land once they docked, marking each and every possible solution in a map she had taken form the palace's library.
Pascal was really the only bright spot of ever cheerful optimism keeping Rapunzel from a pit of never ending boredom. They entertained themselves much like they used to before, when Rapunzel had been secluded away within the palace's walls. Entertainment, however, was short lived when Rapunzel alternated between seasickness too strong to battle and a constant state of drowsiness. Sleep was much more welcome when the only other alternative was to try to keep herself from throwing up.
The only thing letting her know time was actually passing and it wasn't an everlasting loop of monotonous routines, were the gradual changes within her body. Rapunzel noticed as her usual gowns needed to be adjusted looser and looser until she looked like she was wearing one size too small. She was grateful for Cassandra's foresight in bringing larger clothes for her. She couldn't yet use the commoner's garment while still aboard the Endeavor, but she would certainly need them once they docked at port. There wasn't a very noticeable bump in her belly just yet, but she was indeed beginning to look like she had gained a few pounds.
All in all, the entire trip aboard the large vessel could be best described as tedious, and Rapunzel had felt like kissing the ground beneath her feet once they finally made port after almost four long weeks. Stepping on firm ground was really the only thing Rapunzel could be glad of.
The small port town they'd docked at was not like any place Rapunzel had ever been in before. It was, to put it simply, quite dull. It felt like the farther away they had traveled from Corona, the more it seemed like they had left the sun and all its warmth behind in her home country. The weather here was cold and windy, the overcast sky so grey not a single ray of sunshine passed through the dark clouds above, making the entire town look washed out and grey. Fitting, Rapunzel thought, for a town only a few days away from the infamous Dark Kingdom.
Part of Rapunzel had wanted to keep going until they actually reached their desired destination, but both Rapunzel and Cassandra agreed to rest and give themselves a day or two to recover from the arduous trip. They settled at an inn a few streets up from the docks, small but decent, and more importantly, affordable. The inn consisted of a three story, narrow building, the small rooms for the guests were upstairs and the ground floor was occupied by a tavern. The innkeeper, a tall, jovial, dark skinned man, had welcomed both of them with open arms, offered a spot at the stables for Max to rest and be taken care of and a nice, cozy room for both Cassandra and Rapunzel to share.
Rapunzel was grateful for the fact that she would get to sleep in a bed that didn't rock with the unrelenting waves of the sea, and Cassandra, ever dutiful, had immediately busied herself with gathering intel with the locals on whether Flynn Rider's infamous reputation actually spanned up to these foreign lands, almost a world away from Corona. Much to their chagrin, it didn't. Nobody seemed to know anything about Flynn Rider or his quite famous criminal stunts. Rapunzel tried not to let that knowledge discourage her.
While Cassandra ventured to the streets looking for clues that could help them in their search, Rapunzel opted, at Cassandra's very adamant insistence, to spend her time at the tavern below their room. She didn't have to worry about being recognized, so far away from Corona, no one would even know about her existence. The only thing she received were the occasional odd glances from the patrons as they noticed her impossibly long locks.
The innkeeper, who worked the bar at times too, proved to be quite the delightful company. Rapunzel was sitting on a stool at the bar observing her surroundings with curious eyes when the man approached her. The tavern was packed with patrons during the day, being one of the only places near port that offered descent meals, but Rapunzel supposed a young woman sitting alone at the bar was still an odd sight.
The tall man, with broad shoulders and an easy smile, made small talk with her, apparently taking pity in her solitude and possibly too curious gaze. He entertained her with crazy stories about the locals, the folklore surrounding the small village, and other such details that made the afternoon pass in companionable chatter. Rapunzel inquired about the Dark Kingdom, of course, but the innkeeper had no knowledge of the place beyond the fact that it seemed a terrible place to find oneself in.
Rapunzel retired back to her room as the afternoon gave way to dusk, and waited for Cassandra to come back with any success in her search. To her dismay, Cassandra came back as clueless as she had left that morning. It was like the Dark Kingdom was only a place made up of legends and nothing more.
The next day went by much the same way, with Cassandra leaving in the early hours of the morning, intent on gathering enough information for them to be able to move, while Rapunzel remained once again at the inn, spending her day in friendly chatter with the innkeeper once more and retiring back to her room before sunset. This time, however, Rapunzel woke after a short nap to feel her stomach grumbling. She noticed with an excited smile, that it was the first time in weeks she had craved anything other than water, and she was determined to enjoy the return of her appetite however long it lasted.
"C'mon Pascal, I think I can smell dinner being served at the tavern." Rapunzel fought back a delighted squeal as she scooped Pascal in her hands and perched him on her shoulder. "How do you feel about some warm soup and soft bread?"
Pascal squeaked his approval, and before her stomach could change its mind, she walked out of her room and down the stairs toward the tavern below with a spring in her step. She had not ventured outside her room past sunset and the crowd that mingled in the pub was much different than the one present during lunch hours. She didn't mind, she had been used to far more intimidating company while being abroad on her first trip outside Corona.
Rapunzel noticed her new friend, the tall innkeeper, having an apparently lighthearted conversation with one of the patrons. Her green eyes met his warm dark gaze and the tall man lifted a hand in a friendly wave, beckoning her forward. Rapunzel raised her own hand in greeting, her lips curling into a happy smile. Then, as her eyes adjusted to the dim light of the tavern, she stopped quite abruptly before she could take a step forward, breath hitching in her throat, smile instantly vanishing from her face.
It felt like like the air had suddenly been punched right out of her lungs, making her gasp. She felt her stomach lurch and Rapunzel thought, with a vague hint of disappointment, that her appetite had definitely been well and truly lost. It wasn't the first thought that crossed her mind though, not as she felt her heart threatening to burst out of her chest and shatter into a million pieces she had not even begun to put back together yet.
Her friend, the innkeeper, sure kept some dubious company.
Night was his friend and his alley, and Eugene had been getting used to disappearing within the cover of its darkness for the better part of the last week and a half. He couldn't say he liked it in the least; the uncertainty, the lack of something concrete to do. His entire body itched to escape, to run until his legs caved in and he couldn't take another step forward. He wanted to get back to Corona more than he had ever wanted that stupid crown that got him into this mess in the first place. But Adira had been clear in her instructions. He needed to wait.
They had made their way as far from the Dark Kingdom as they could possibly get traveling on foot, which was to say, not that far, only a couple towns over, a few day's worth of travel. But the village they had finally stopped at was a relatively important port town around these parts, where a prominent ship would be docking soon, a ship that could take them all the way to Corona's own port in a single trip.
Adira had instructed him to wait at one of the inns near the docks, where Eugene was to remain unseen and unheard.
Meanwhile, she had returned to the Dark Kingdom with the intention to gather information on what the Dark King's plans would be now that his traitorous nephew had escaped his clutches. She wanted to make sure he wouldn't soon find out the secret behind the Sundrop. She also wanted to talk to Edmund, tell him about Eugene, about the son he didn't know existed. Knowing King Harold, he would sooner swallow his own foot than tell his brother about the existence of Eugene.
Eugene had been reluctant to let her go, but as it was, Adira wasn't someone he could easily manipulate into doing his own bidding. And so she'd left without much more than a parting glance and a promise to return in time to board their ship. She knew her way around these lands better than anyone, and she assured him she didn't need more than a few days at most to return.
Meanwhile, Eugene had been on the verge of insanity trying to keep from bolting right out of the small village and into the first fishing boat that docked at the bay. He had never been known for his patience, and waiting most of his days cooped up in his small room at the inn was really doing wonders to his ever mounting anxiety. His only entertainment came once the sun disappeared behind the horizon. He had been getting well acquainted with the shadows creeping at nightfall.
Eugene ventured outside his room only once the very last traces of dusk faded into an inky black sky, and only as far as the tavern in the ground floor of the inn. The food wasn't all that great, but it was decent and warm, and the company was mediocre at best, but try as he might, he couldn't shake off the constant presence of one overly-chatty bartender.
It seemed that one Lance Strongbow had taken a liking to him. Or, Eugene thought with a private grin, it was more like he had taken a keen interest in Adira. The first time they had crossed the door to the inn, Eugene could've sworn the tall man had displayed hearts in his dark eyes. Lance had looked quite literally like a love struck fool as Adira booked and payed for Eugene's room for however long she was planning to leave, and the smitten innkeeper could do nothing but stare lovingly at the equally tall woman, while Adira remained either clueless or completely uninterested.
Lance had asked after his 'friend' ever since, and no matter how many times Eugene insisted Adira was most definitely not his friend, and no, he had no idea when she was planning to return, Lance kept on asking. The constant inquiry served as the start to long conversations held at night, with the ever jovial innkeeper cracking jokes here and there and trying to get to know better the man that had accompanied the magnificent woman who was now the object of his affections.
Tonight wasn't much different. Eugene crept down the stairs toward the tavern once he noticed the sky had gone dark outside. He wasn't worried about people recognizing Flynn Rider. He had never ventured this far away before so there was no reason for his wanted posters to be posted anywhere near. Still, caution was required while he was still uncomfortably close to the Dark Kingdom, any lackeys of the Dark King could find him here.
Eugene strolled towards the bar with a confidence he no longer felt like he possessed, and sat unceremoniously right before the now familiar dark-skinned man. Lance immediately greeted him with a toothy grin.
"Ah, Eugene, I was wondering when you would deign us with your presence!"
Eugene fought the usual grimace that surfaced every time he heard his real name coming from the lips of anyone who wasn't Rapunzel. He couldn't quite tell why he had decided to give his real name to Lance, and not the usual Flynn Rider. He told himself it was out of caution, it wouldn't do to be recognized as his infamous persona. But that didn't sound convincing even to his own ears.
Redemption is way too far away from your reach now, after everything you've done. A dark, twisted part of himself whispered in his ear. Eugene ignored it, and instead curled his lips into an easy smirk as he greeted Lance. "I'm a busy man, Lance."
Lance snorted loudly as he reached for a tankard and filled it to the brim with ale; Eugene's usual order. "I didn't know wasting the day away in your rooms counted as 'being busy'."
Eugene's eyes narrowed, but he didn't dignify that with an answer as he reached for his drink, taking a deep swig. Lance glanced back at him while he wiped some glasses.
"So, any news of your friend?"
"How many times, Lance?" Eugene rolled his eyes. "Adira is not my friend, and if she had come back, trust me, you would know."
"I'd be a fool not to ask after the most magnificent woman I've ever seen." Lance sighed with a smitten grin Eugene thought looked quite ridiculous on the burly man. "Tell me, Eugene, isn't she the most intriguing creature you've met?"
Eugene snorted into his drink. "She's certainly the most cryptic."
"Exactly! It's like you never know if she might shake your hand or punch you in the face!" Lance exclaimed with an entirely too happy smile for the subject at hand.
Eugene raised a dubious eyebrow."Honestly buddy, I hate to rain on your parade, but I don't think Adira is quite the type to be interested in romance."
Lance shrugged. "I might as well shoot my shot. I'd be a fool to let such a beautiful, magnificent, completely unique woman go."
"You barely know her!" Eugene exclaimed. He'd never believed in love at first sight but Lance seemed like he had taken one look at Adira and fallen head over heals in an instant. Foolish, ridiculous man. He couldn't help but grin.
Lance, seemed completely unconcerned with the fact he'd barely exchanged a few words with Adira. "I don't need to know her most intimate secrets to know that she has the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen."
A chuckle escaped Eugene's lips as he shook his head in disbelief. Lance, continued unfazed.
"And her skin! It's as radiant as the full moon on a summer night. And her hair!" Lance might as well have swooned. "Eugene, you cannot tell me you've ever seen hair quite as unique as hers."
Eugene could feel the small smile on his face freeze and slowly falter. The memory of the most unique hair he'd ever seen brought a painful twitch in his chest. Sure, Adira's completely silver hair styled in an extravagant hairdo was quite remarkable, but nothing could ever compare to Rapunzel's seventy feet of blonde magical locks. And he wasn't saying that just because he'd loved to run his fingers through the soft strands.
As if reading his mind, Lance's smile turned into a contemplative frown. "Wait, no, that's not quite right. I've recently met someone who could rival the lovely Adira for that title."
"Oh?" Eugene quirked an eyebrow, interest piqued. "Must be someone truly special."
"Must be." Lance agreed, easy grin returning to his face. "She's quite quirky that one. A slight girl, so petite you might even miss her if it weren't for her peculiar hair. Would you believe? I think she must carry more than fifty feet of it on her blonde head!"
Eugene reeled at the comment. He felt like someone had knocked the stool on where he sat right from beneath him. "Wait, wait, what did you just say?"
"You heard right, mister. More than fifty feet, I kid you not! I wonder how she stands upright, she's so tiny it's a miracle she keeps her balance." Lance continued as if he wasn't stealing the air right off Eugene's lungs. "Very peculiar, she has this little lizard always perched upon her shoulder and she actually talks to it, as in she carries actual conversations with the reptile! I'd be completely creeped out if she wasn't so delightful."
It would be certainly too undignified to faint in that very instant, but Eugene thought he was close to swaying. Lance was describing Rapunzel, his Rapunzel, the very same princess he had reluctantly kidnapped. He had to be. Who else could fit that description?
As if the universe itself had conspired in that very instant, Lance looked over his shoulder and gave an over enthusiastic wave to whoever was standing behind Eugene.
"Oh, look! There she is! The girl I was talking about!" Lance exclaimed. "You will now believe it when you see it."
Eugene was almost afraid to turn around. It couldn't be her, it wasn't possible. She was supposed to be back in Corona, miles away from this wasteland and all the threats it posed to her. But as he slowly turned around he thought it was quite fitting that the universe would mock him once more.
There, standing by the staircase with the dim light illuminating her golden locks, was none other than Rapunzel in all her glory. And she looked like she had seen a ghost.
Eugene was quite sure he would faint in second now.
So there you go, an unexpected reunion, as a treat. Let me know what you think of this turn of events! At this point I swear your lovely reviews are the only thing keeping this story alive, so don't hesitate to leave a comment on your way out! Until next time.