Chapter seven
One evening, Flynn and Rapunzel walked hand in hand through the village, disguised once again. While Maximus and Pascal were watching their children, they decided to go on a date to eat ice cream and now they were enjoying every minute of their time together.
"Chocolate was definitely the best choice!" Rapunzel grinned, licking her cone.
Flynn, holding his own cone, smiled down at her. "You're right. But I still think vanilla is a close second."
Rapunzel giggled and leaned up to kiss him, tasting the ice cream on his lips. They were both sneaking kisses between bites, laughing and teasing each other.
"I could stay like this forever." Flynn murmured, resting his forehead against hers. "Just you, me, and our ice cream."
"Same!" Rapunzel whispered back. "I love these moments with you, Eugene. So simple and perfect!"
They kissed again, longer this time, their passion growing with each touch. But suddenly, they heard a throat clearing behind them.
Startled, they quickly pulled apart and turned around. There, in the shadow of the village lanterns, stood a figure that made Rapunzel's blood run cold.
Her father.
His eyes, though filled with warmth, were fixed on them, and there was no doubt that he recognized them.
For a moment, Rapunzel was frozen in place, her heart pounding in her chest while she stared at him in horror. Flynn's grip on her hand tightened protectively. Rapunzel immediately blurted out: "I'm sorry, sir. I think you are mistaking us for someone else." She stuttered, still in shock.
The King didn't move. "Rapunzel." He said quietly. "I know it's you. You and Flynn. I would recognize you in any disguise."
Rapunzel's heart pounded with fear. She instinctively moved in front of Flynn, shielding him. "If you're here to punish Eugene, then you have to punish me too!" She said angrily. "I won't let you take him from me!" Flynn tried to pull her back gently, but Rapunzel stood firm, full of anger and fear.
But to their surprise, the King raised his hands peacefully. "I'm not here to hurt anyone, Rapunzel. I'm here to apologize. I was wrong to try to separate you and force you into an arranged marriage. I see that now. I... should have changed that law..."
"Oh, now you see it? Why couldn't you see it back then? Why couldn't you change that law when I asked you to? Why couldn't you grant me the one thing I wanted?" Rapunzel yelled furiously.
The king sighed. "Rapunzel, I am so sorry."
"Do you really think that's enough?"
He sighed again. "Look, I know what I did may seem unforgivable, but try to look at it from a king's perspective."
"Why couldn't you look at it from a father's perspective?"
"I am sorry. I truly am..."
"How did you even find us?"
"Well, we sent search parties and scouts everywhere and one of them spotted you in that village last year and a few months ago he found out that you live here..."
"So, that trader really was a scout?" Rapunzel asked.
"I knew it." Flynn sighed.
"Look you two, I'm not here to argue or to punish you. I just wanted to apologize and... ask you if you would like to come home...both of you." The king looked at them, his eyes filled with regret.
Rapunzel's eyes narrowed, her heart still racing with anger. "You tried to force us apart! Why should I believe you now? You tried to ruin our happiness! And then you sent guards after us all the time! One of them even shot my Eugene!" She hugged Flynn who wrapped his arms around her protectively.
"I'm sorry. They didn't listen to me. I specifically told them to bring you both back alive."
"Oh, how generous!" She said sarcastically. "Why couldn't you at least respect my decision to run away and let us live in peace away from the kingdom instead of making us live in constant fear of being discovered?"
The King dropped his eyes for a moment. "I..."
"And to top it all of, you told everyone that lie that he had kidnapped me!"
"I never told anyone that. The captain must have spread that lie."
"It really suits him." Flynn sighed again.
The king sighed again. "Look, I know I've made mistakes. But I wanted you to know that the people… they've come to accept your love. They miss their princess, and they understand now that Flynn isn't the villain they thought he was. You don't have to come back if you don't want to, but… I just wanted you to know that you're welcome. Both of you. We all are ready to accept you."
Rapunzel's anger didn't disappear that easily. "Even if the people have changed their minds and accept us now, I don't want to live in a kingdom where my husband was once hated. Where people would look down on him because of his past. I don't need the kingdom. I have all I need right here!"
The King nodded. "I know. And I'm not asking you to give that up. I just… I don't want you or my grandchildren to live in poverty. How many children do you have now by the way?"
"Three. And what do you care? After all, they aren't pure blood royalty!" She said angrily.
"I still love them."
"I don't believe that!"
"But it's the truth. And I know you're happy here, but please, take this." He reached into his coat and pulled out a small pouch filled with gold coins. "You don't have to come back, but I insist that you take this, for your family's sake. I don't want you to struggle."
Rapunzel hesitated. She looked at Flynn, who remained silent. His expression was unreadable. She wanted to refuse. She wanted to tell her father that they didn't need his help, but the thought of their children, their growing family, made her pause. Reluctantly, she stepped forward and took the bag from his hand. "Thank you." She said stiffly and quietly.
The King smiled sadly. "I love you, Rapunzel. And I'm proud of the woman you've become. Whatever you decide, know that your mother and I will always be here for you." With that, he turned and began to walk away, leaving them standing in silence.
Flynn gently put a hand on Rapunzel's shoulder. "Are you okay?" He asked softly.
Rapunzel shook her head. "I don't know..." She whispered, clutching the pouch of gold in her hand.
Flynn wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "We don't have to decide anything right now." He murmured. "But whatever happens, Rapunzel, I'll be by your side. No matter where we are, I'm yours, and you're mine."
Tears ran down her cheeks, and she buried her face in Flynn's chest. "I don't want to lose you again!" She whispered.
"You won't! We'll figure this out together. We always do."
Rapunzel nodded, clinging to him as they stood there in the quiet village. She knew they had a decision to make. But for now, they had each other and that was all that mattered.
That evening, after the twins and their youngest daughter had finally fallen asleep, Rapunzel and Flynn sat by the fire, holding each other close. Flynn gently kissed her temple
"Are you alright?"
"I'm still scared."
"You don't have to be. Everything's fine." He hugged her tighter.
"It's just… after seeing my father again, the idea of going back to the kingdom… it still frightens me! I can't lose you again, Eugene! If they tried to punish you… I don't know what I'd do! I'd rather stay away forever if it meant keeping you safe!"
He caressed her cheek. "Rapunzel, you're not going to lose me. We don't have to go back if you don't want to. No one's forcing us." He pressed his forehead against hers. "I'm not going anywhere without you, okay? And if we stay here, we'll make a life right here and I'll make sure you're happy wherever we are."
She smiled through her tears. "You already make me happy. Every single day."
They kissed deeply, wrapping their arms around each other. When their lips finally parted, Flynn rested his forehead against hers. "If this is where you want to be, then this is where we'll stay. But no matter what… you'll never lose me, Rapunzel."
She kissed him softly. "I don't need a kingdom; I just need you."
Flynn smiled. "And you've got me. Forever."
As the night wore on, they held each other close, snuggling, kissing, making love and just enjoying that they were together.
A few days later, Rapunzel sat by the window. She rested her hand on her belly, her heart filled with excitement and nervousness. She hadn't told Flynn yet, but she knew that she was pregnant again.
Flynn entered the room and walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders from behind, pressing a soft kiss to her neck. "What's got you looking so dreamy?"
Rapunzel turned to face him. She reached up and gently placed his hand over her stomach. "Eugene…" she whispered. "We're going to have another baby."
Flynn's eyes widened in surprise before he began to smile widely. "Another one? Wow, Rapunzel… that's amazing!" He looked at her, his grin growing wider. "I love you."
She laughed, running her fingers through his hair. "I love you too." But his smile slowly faded as he looked around their small home. The reality of their situation hit him hard. He pulled her closer, holding her tightly, as if trying to protect her from his sudden worry. "What is it?" Rapunzel asked worriedly.
Flynn sighed, brushing her hair away from her face. "Rapunzel, I… I'm just worried. We barely make enough to get by as it is. We're about to have four children, and I don't know if I can give you everything you deserve… everything they deserve."
"Eugene, we're happy here. We have each other, and that's what matters."
"I know, but… what if we go back to the kingdom? Your father said we don't have to live like this. We wouldn't have to worry about money or whether we'll have enough for our children. You could have everything you ever wanted."
Rapunzel pulled away slightly. "But I don't want a life where I have to worry about you all the time. What if they still blame you for taking me away? I couldn't bear it if something happened to you because we went back."
Flynn sighed heavily, resting his forehead against hers. "I just don't want to let you down or fail you, Rapunzel."
"You could never let me down!" She whispered. "You've already given me everything I've ever wanted: love, a family, freedom and this beautiful life."
Flynn held her close. "But I want you to have more than this. You deserve more than to struggle in this village."
Rapunzel looked up at him. "But what if I don't want more? What if all I want is you? Eugene, I'm afraid to go back. I'm scared of what could happen to you."
Flynn sighed deeply, caressing her cheek. "I know, I know. But… we have to think about the kids too. About giving them the best life we can."
Tears formed in her eyes again. "I just don't want to lose you...again!"
Flynn kissed her softly. "You won't lose me, I promise. We can work this out together. We don't have to make any decisions right now. But… just think about it. For our family."
Rapunzel nodded, though she was still scared of returning. "I'll think about it. But no matter what… I can't live without you. We stay together, always."
Flynn smiled gently, resting his hand over her belly. "Always." He kissed her again, slow and tender, both of them holding onto each other.
One evening a few days later, Rapunzel and Flynn sat by the fire again. The twins were asleep, and their youngest daughter was nestled in her cradle. Flynn gently brushed a strand of hair from Rapunzel's face before kissing her tenderly.
"I'm so lucky to have you." He whispered.
She smiled. "And I'm lucky to have you."
Just as they were about to kiss again, there was a knock at the door. Rapunzel froze, her eyes wide with worry. Flynn immediately got up. His hand rested on a small knife they kept nearby, just in case. Rapunzel had been against keeping the knife because she was still traumatized but Flynn had insisted and promised it was only for emergencies.
He opened the door carefully, revealing the Queen, Rapunzel's mother.
"Mum?" Rapunzel gasped.
The Queen entered, looking happy. "Yes, my dear. It's me." She hugged Rapunzel tightly, and then turned to Flynn, smiling warmly and reassuringly. "Eugene."
Flynn nodded, a little unsure but respectful. "Your majesty."
"It's so good to see you."
Rapunzel pulled back. "Mum... what are you doing here?"
"I came to see you both. I know you've been struggling with the idea of returning to the kingdom... I wanted to reassure you, my dear."
Rapunzel bit her lip, glancing at Flynn. "I... I just don't know if it's safe, for my Eugene."
The Queen took Rapunzel's hands. "I know you're scared, and I understand why. But I promise you, nothing will happen to your Eugene. Your father and I have made sure of that. He won't be punished, and the people of the kingdom have changed their hearts. They would accept you both, your love, your children..." She glanced to the side and noticed the cradle of their youngest daughter. "Oh, she is so sweet! How many children do you have now?"
"Three. Our twins are asleep in their room." Rapunzel put her hand over her stomach. "And another one on the way."
"Really? Oh, how wonderful!"
"Mum, I don't know if I can return to the kingdom. You all rejected our love and my husband, and I don't think they could all change their minds that quickly. A year ago, they were still spreading horrible, mean rumours about us!"
"We have made sure that everyone sees that he is not the villain. We made sure they changed their minds. And I'm really sorry. I know we should have done that in the first place." Rapunzel's eyes filled with tears as her mother continued. "I've always liked Eugene. I knew from the start that he had a good heart. I'm sorry that we tried to keep you apart, but that was never my intention. I should have changed your father's mind back then. I am very sorry."
Rapunzel sighed, leaning into Flynn's side while he wrapped his arms around her protectively. "I just... I don't know. The thought of going back... I'm still scared. And you know, apart from the fact that I don't want to return to a kingdom where my husband was once hated and where our love was considered a scandal, I... I don't think I'm cut out to be a queen! You know, I was never raised to be one and I don't think I could rule a country! I... I just couldn't!"
"I understand, dear. And you don't have to if you don't think you could. We could give the throne to someone else. A cousin of yours for example."
"You could do that?"
"Of course. In the years when you were kidnapped, we did think about finding someone to take the throne after us. We considered several of our nieces and nephews. And we could still give the throne to one of them. But you two would still be welcome to the live in the castle."
"But I... I'm still scared something could happen to him!"
"I understand, my dear. And I'm not here to force you. You don't have to go back if you're not ready. But your father and I want to help you, no matter what you decide." The Queen pulled out a small pouch, filled with gold coins. "Take this. It's enough to support you and the children. If you ever want to come back, the doors are open. But if you choose to stay here, we will support you."
Rapunzel looked at the bag and hesitated before taking it. "Thank you, Mum."
The Queen kissed her forehead. "I love you, Rapunzel. And I love your family. I only want you to be happy."
Rapunzel nodded, tears in her eyes as her mother turned to leave. As the door closed, Rapunzel wrapped her arms tightly around Flynn.
Flynn kissed the top of her head. "Are you alright?"
She shook her head. "I... I don't know. I'm still so scared, Eugene! I couldn't live without you! I just couldn't! If anything happened to you..."
"Shh!" Flynn whispered, hugging her tightly. "Nothing will happen to me, I promise! We don't have to go back if you don't want to. But your parents both seem to accept us now. So maybe, it's safe..."
"But the last time I went back somewhere after running away...you know what happened!" She covered her face as tears streamed down her cheeks. Flynn hugged her tighter and stroked her back gently.
"Oh, sweetheart. So that's it? But this is a completely different situation! You will not lose me, Rapunzel. I promise."
"I am just so terrified something might happen to you again!"
"It won't. You heard your parents; they both changed their minds and accept us now. They wouldn't punish me."
"But what about the rest of the kingdom? What if they still don't accept us? What if they still hold a grudge?"
"Then how about we return for a trip to test the waters? You know, in disguise to hear what the people there think of us. And if we don't like what we hear, we stay away. And if they accept us now, we can decide if we want to return."
"Hm? Yes, I think that's a possibility."
He caressed her back. "Then let's do it that way. But don't think about it now. Just remember, no matter where we are, as long as we're together, I'm happy. We'll figure it out together, alright?"
Rapunzel sighed, pressing her forehead against his. "I just... I don't want to lose you again."
"You won't." Flynn promised. "You'll never lose me. I love you."
"I love you more."
"Then I love you the most."
"And I you too."
They kissed softly and found comfort in each other's arms.
On a cool, autumn morning, Flynn and Rapunzel decided to take a trip to the kingdom. They packed up their things, along with Maximus, Pascal, and their three children and prepared to return to the kingdom in secret. Flynn had new disguises for them to make sure no one would recognize them.
As he helped Rapunzel with her cloak, he paused and admired her. "You look beautiful." He said.
She turned to him. "Thank you, Eugene. I'm still a bit scared, to be honest."
Flynn gave her a reassuring smile, taking her hand. "We're just testing the waters, sunshine. If we don't like what we hear, we can go back to our peaceful life in this village. No pressure, no rush."
Rapunzel looked at him, her heart full of love for the man who had always put her happiness above everything. "As long as I have you and our children, I know I'll be fine."
Flynn kissed her hand. "And you'll always have me."
With that, they mounted Maximus and set off for the kingdom, still uncertain. It took them a few days to reach the kingdom, where they went to a busy village just beyond the castle walls.
There were market traders shouting, children playing in the streets, and townsfolk gathering to gossip. Flynn and Rapunzel, with their children, walked carefully through the crowds, listening to conversations here and there.
"Did you hear about the princess and that criminal she ran off with?" An older woman asked her friend. "They say they've never been found."
Another man, sitting by a fountain, added: "I heard the king and queen have been sending out search parties for years. But I doubt they'll ever return."
They listened to the conversations around them. Rapunzel held Flynn's hand tightly as they moved from place to place, stopping at a small bakery where the couple overheard two women talking at the window.
"I don't think anyone's mad at the princess for falling in love with him." One of the women said, surprising Rapunzel. "She deserved her happiness. He saved her life, didn't he?"
Flynn raised his eyebrows slightly and exchanged a look with Rapunzel. Hearing people defend their love was something he'd never dared to imagine.
The second woman sighed. "I heard that too. The real problem was with the nobles, I think. But they've all softened over the years. People change. It wouldn't surprise me if the kingdom accepted them back now."
Rapunzel pressed Flynn's hand as she leaned into his side. "Did you hear that?" She whispered.
Flynn nodded, looking closely at the street as they moved along, feeling a bit more confident. But they didn't stop there. For the rest of the afternoon, they listened to conversations about the missing princess and her husband, always keeping their distance and never revealing their true selves. They heard a mix of opinions: Some people were still unsure about Flynn's past as a thief, while others defended their love story as one of bravery and redemption.
That evening, Flynn and Rapunzel found a quiet bench in a small park away from the market. Their children played nearby while Pascal kept a watchful eye on them.
"Do you think the people have really forgiven us?" Rapunzel asked, resting her head on Flynn's shoulder.
Flynn put his arm around her, pulling her close. "I think… it sounds like they're ready to accept us. I wasn't sure at first, but it feels different now. People talk about us like we're a love story, not a scandal anymore."
Rapunzel smiled softly, her hand resting on her growing belly. "Maybe it really is time to go back."
Flynn kissed the top of her head, while his hand gently caressed her back. "If you're ready, I am too. But I don't want to push you, sunshine. We can stay here in this village a little longer, keep listening and see how it feels."
Rapunzel looked up at him, her eyes full of love and determination. "No, I think you're right. If the kingdom is ready to accept us, then I want to raise our children in a place where they can have everything they deserve. And as long as I have you, I know I can face anything."
Flynn smiled. "Then we'll go back together." He whispered, leaning down to kiss her tenderly. "And I'll make sure you have the life you deserve, just like I promised."
Their kiss deepened and as the stars twinkled above them, they held each other close, knowing that no matter where they were, they would always find happiness in each other.
Later that night, as they settled into their accommodation in the village, Flynn pulled Rapunzel close, their bodies fitting together perfectly. "Whatever happens tomorrow, remember that I love you." He whispered.
"And I love you." She replied, snuggling closer to him.
They kissed gently, but soon passion ignited, and they found themselves lost in the heat of the moment. Their kisses deepened, and Rapunzel tangled her fingers in his hair, savoring every touch.
As they melted into one another, their worries faded away. They knew that whatever challenges awaited them, they would face them together.
Afterwards, they lay in each other's arms. Flynn gently caressed her back.
"I promise you," Flynn murmured, pulling her closer, "I'll make sure you have the best life possible. You deserve everything your heart desires."
Rapunzel smiled. "And I want nothing more than to be with you. Wherever you are is my home."
"And mine is wherever you are."
Then they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms. In that moment, they knew they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.