After the seven days of celebration, one of the guards, who was now changed tasks to guarding Rapunzel's room, along with a broad guard with a mustache, approached Eugene. Eugene was just getting used to all the attention and people crowding around him. However, when the guard came, he was pleased to have some space.

"Ah, Stan, my man!" Eugene cheered, gladly following the tall guard.

"It's Pete," he said.

"What's up?" Eugene asked, ignoring the correction.

"The king has called you to the throne room," Pete said.

"The king?" Eugene asked.

"That's right," Pete replied.

"Ah, the king," Eugene said, his voice lowering. "You think I can pass? You see, the king and I aren't on good terms and I really don't want to make things worse with him." Pete stared at him. "If I could skip, which you can't, I wouldn't," he replied. "You don't want to make the king upset, you know."

"Yeah, that's what I was worried about." Eugene admitted.

"Good luck, Ryder," Pete said.

"Eugene," Eugene corrected.

"You'll learn mine and I'll learn yours," Pete stated.

"Ah, the king," Eugene said to himself as he walked to the throne room. "What could the king want with me? Oh, maybe he's trying to tell me I did a great job bringing Rapunzel back. Yeah, that's it! He wants to thank me!"

Eugene stopped in front of the throne room doors. "Okay, Eugene," he said, brushing a hand through his hair. "Play it cool, but not too cool. Casual, but not too casual. You got this." He inhaled deeply and opened the door.

Inside, the king is sitting on his throne, next to the queen's empty one. Eugene put on a smile as he walked inside. "Ah, the king!" he called, throwing his hands into the air. "How nice to see you!"

"Ryder," the king said, gruffly. He narrowed his eyes at Eugene. "He's a tough one," Eugene whispered to himself.

"Do you know why I called you into an audience?" King Frederic asked.

"Uh," Eugene replied. He shouldn't say anything witty around the king, not if he wants to stay with Rapunzel.

"I want to talk to you," King Frederic continued.

"Yes, Your Highness!" Eugene replied quickly. King Frederic stared at him, raising an eyebrow. "Come with me."

"Right away, Your Highness!" Eugene replied, running to catch up with the king, who took a turn down the hallway closest to his throne.

"You see, Ryder," he said, a little venom when he said Eugene's alibi, "I have a reputation to hold with the citizens of Corona. And that reputation is very important, as you may know." He turned down another hallway, lined with vases on pedestals.

"The citizens of Corona expect me to keep this kingdom safe," King Frederic continued. "And I can't keep this kingdom safe when I have a convict on the lose." Eugene opened his mouth. "I am aware you returned my daughter home, safe and sound," Eugene closed his mouth, "but, due to all your crimes, you will have to be punished."

"But, sir-" Eugene said, stopping when King Frederic raised his hand. They walked in silence for a little before King Frederic turned down a hallway and stopped at a large painting of Corona's first king. "This is King Harold," King Frederic said, "the first King of Corona. He made a decree centuries ago, that says, 'All those who rule the kingdom of Corona, must, by all decree, rule over this kingdom with wisdom, courage, and selflessness. All leaders must protect the citizen of Corona, even if that means with their lives. If one person must fall to save millions, then the job must be finished.'"

King Frederic paused for a time that made Eugene uncomfortable. "Sir, uh, what does the royal decree have anything to do with me?" Eugene asked finally.

"The decree states that a criminal who has done more bad than good must be put to death," King Frederic replied. A knot formed in Eugene's throat. "But, Your Highness, I-" King Frederic raised his hand. "Your witty replies cannot save you from the royal decree, Ryder." There was another uncomfortable silence.

"However," King Frederic said, granting him a small smile from Eugene, "if you can prove to me that you are a changed man, and that you truly love my daughter, maybe then I will consider bending the rules."

"Really, Your Highness?" Eugene asked. "You're not just pulling my leg?"

"I don't kid," King Frederic said with such seriousness, Eugene felt the knot in his stomach.

"Y-yes, Your Highness," Eugene replied.

"I trust you will perform these tasks well, Ryder?" King Frederic said.

"Yes, Your Highness," Eugene said.

"Good," King Frederic said. "I expect to see you again after the last day of the festivities."

"Yes, sir," Eugene said, saluting.

"And, Ryder?" King Frederic said with a gravity of seriousness. "Don't try anything. I have my eye on you."

"Y-yes, sir!" Eugene said again.

"You are dismissed," King Frederic said, turning back to the painting of King Harold.

"What was that about?" Rapunzel asked Eugene once he made it back to the square.

"Your old man doesn't trust me," Eugene replied. "I knew that was going to happen."

"Oh, Eugene," Rapunzel said. "It can't be that bad! I haven't seen him do anything rash."

"Blondie, please, you've only known your old man for six days," Eugene replied.

"Hmm, fair enough," Rapunzel said. "But I don't think it'll be that bad. I mean, he's the king. How bad can it be?"