Part 2: The Castle
You gods, look down
And from your sacred vials pour your graces
Upon my daughter's head! Tell me, mine own.
Where hast thou been preserved? where lived? how found
Thy father's court? for thou shalt hear that I,
Knowing by Paulina that the oracle
Gave hope thou wast in being, have preserved
Myself to see the issue.
~ William Shakespeare, Winter's Tale, Act V, Scene iii
The island, the main hub of the kingdom of Corona, was less crowded than it had been during the festival. But the Royal Guards were just as numerous, and on high-alert since the prison breakout earlier that day.
They were understandably taken aback by the sight of a palace horse carrying the infamous Flynn Rider and a strangely familiar young woman.
Some of the guards began to follow Maximus, who marched with pride and purpose, like a soldier returning from a successful mission. He was escorting the princess home, an honor that every guard in the kingdom had hoped to attain.
Someone alerted the Captain of the Guards, who intercepted the travelers and their growing entourage about halfway between the bridge and the castle on the hill. He looked equal parts shocked and furious to see them. "Maximus! What have you done? Why would you help our most wanted criminal? And Rider! What are you doing back here, after you just escaped?"
Eugene dismounted, calm and collected, and put his hand on his heart. "Captain," he said grandly, "your noble steed orchestrated my escape so that we could save the kingdom's greatest and most sought-after treasure." He reached up toward Rapunzel, who put her hands on his shoulders and let him take her weight.
Eugene set her down on the ground in front of the bewildered captain. "Hi," she said, a little nervous facing the man they had fled from the Snuggly Duckling and fought in the gorge. "My name is Rapunzel." Several of the guards gasped at the sound of that name; even the captain's mouth dropped open. She hesitated, then went ahead: "I'm the lost—"
"—princess?" The captain looked closely at her then, and instead of seeing of her simply as Flynn Rider's accomplice, he sought—and found—a resemblance to the king and queen, and the baby whose image had been reproduced in so much artwork.
He looked to Eugene, unable to let go of his deep-rooted mistrust. "This isn't a trick? Even you wouldn't go that low."
"It's not a trick," Eugene said simply. Maximus stomped his hoof in affirmation.
One of the younger guards fainted, and his mustached partner caught him, trying to hold him up. The others glanced at each other, and at the young woman, wondering what to do—bow? Salute? Shout the news for all to hear?
Rapunzel took Eugene's hand and addressed the captain. "Will you let us go to the castle?" It was a humble request, illustrating how unused she was to having her own way with authority figures.
The guards turned to their captain for guidance. When he realized they were waiting for him, he barked out, "What are you looking at me for? You've all been waiting for this day! Make way for the princess!"
"Yes, sir!" Some of the guards lined the street, while others ran ahead to make sure the path forward was clear. The captain himself led Rapunzel, Eugene, and Maximus up the hill.
Inevitably, some passersby overheard and began to spread the news: "The princess has returned! The lost princess is here!" As the cry passed from street to street, more people came out to catch a glimpse of the princess. Many cheered and waved their hands; some were weeping with joy.
When they passed through the castle gates and entered the courtyard, the captain directed Maximus to the stables. The horse cast an uncertain glance at Rapunzel, rightfully deferring to the princess.
"It's okay, Max," she assured him, giving him a hug. "Thank you for bringing us here."
To the captain's astonishment, the thief that he and Maximus had pursued also gave the horse a smile and a pat on the back. "Get some rest, buddy. You deserve it."
The captain escorted Rapunzel and Eugene up the ramp, stopping at the terrace in front of the main entrance to the palace. "Wait here," he told them. "We'll send for their Majesties." Then he left them, hurrying into the castle.
Rapunzel and Eugene were alone now, except for the guards in the courtyard below and just inside the castle. They turned to look out over the terrace. From this high vantage point, they could see most of the island below them, and beyond it the bridge, the sea, and the mainland.
Eugene's gaze turned from the view to Rapunzel, whose expression was pensive. "You okay?" he asked.
She would not meet his eyes. "I almost feel the same way I did before the lanterns."
"Why? Because you're about to meet your parents?"
"I haven't been looking forward to this for long, but they have. They've spent so long waiting for me. What if I'm not the way they remember me, or the way they hoped I would be?"
Eugene was incredulous. "You think you'll disappoint them?" He took her hand in his. "Rapunzel, if they have half a brain between them, they'll be thrilled to see who you've grown up to be."
She smiled gratefully at him, but she remained apprehensive. "What am I going to say?" she wondered aloud. "I barely even know what to say to a stranger I just met."
"You might not need to say anything at first. And once you figure out what you want to say, you'll have all the time in the world to tell them."
She squeezed his hand. "I'm glad you're with me, Eugene."
He squeezed her hand in return. "Me too."
They continued gazing at the view, until they heard the doors opening behind them.
They turned, and there, at the stop of the stairs, were Queen Arianna and King Frederic, both staring at the younger couple.
Rapunzel felt all of Gothel's comments on her appearance come rushing back at her. Sloppy. Underdressed. Grubby. She knew now that they had been lies, but that did not change so many years of internalized criticism.
She could not help feeling self-conscious, standing before her parents, the king and queen of this country, with her short, spiky hair, and her dress with a hemline high enough to reveal her ankles and bare feet.
The queen descended the steps first. She was beautiful, with long brown hair hanging down her back. Her dress was simple but regal, a deep purple in color, long enough to touch the ground.
Rapunzel took a few steps forward, holding her breath. As the queen approached, they both searched each other's faces, wanting to recognize and be recognized. They were not disappointed: their faces were of a similar shape, and they had the same green eyes.
Queen Arianna reached out tentatively to touch Rapunzel's face. Neither of them spoke, but many wordless meanings passed between them in that moment.
This was no stranger. This was someone they had held and loved and missed.
They both let out a sob that sounded like laughter, and were immediately in each other's arms.
Rapunzel had thought she knew what a mother's embrace was like, but this could not have been more different from hugging Gothel. Arianna felt warm, and soft, and safe. She had a familiar smell, too—like flowers, paper and ink, and freshly washed clothing. Maybe a subconscious part of Rapunzel's mind remembered being in her mother's arms as an infant. Hugging her truly felt like coming home.
Rapunzel lifted her eyes to look over her mother's shoulder, and saw the king—her father—smiling and chuckling, his eyes filled with happy tears.
She knew what a father was in theory, but she did had no idea what a father felt like. None of the men she had befriended since leaving the tower had struck her as fatherly.
But when King Frederic came behind Rapunzel and hugged her and her mother, she instantly knew: this was what a father was. It did not matter how big, majestic, or intimidating he might be. His presence was strong, protective, and as full of love as that of her mother. The three of them sank to their knees as they held each other.
Eugene smiled softly as he watched them. This was the kind of reunion he and his childhood friends had dreamed of having. Rapunzel may not have grown up feeling like an orphan, but after everything she had been through, it was satisfying to see her get that kind of happy ending.
Then, a surprise for him: Queen Arianna opened her eyes to look at him, and extended her hand toward him. He assumed it was a gesture of gratitude, and he took her hand gently in his own.
But then she yanked, pulling him to his knees, and the next thing he knew, he was in the middle of the royal family's group hug.
For Eugene, it felt natural to put his arms around Rapunzel once again, but the embrace of parents was completely foreign. And the fact that it was the king and queen hugging him was inconceivable. Yet, somehow, he fit right in between them.
He had been right: no words were needed. Or rather, no words were adequate. A million ineffable thoughts and feelings passed between the four of them as they held each other.
At some point, after several minutes, they loosened their hold enough to look at each other's faces, tear-stained and smiling uncontrollably.
"I don't know where to start," Arianna said laughingly.
"Me neither," Rapunzel admitted.
Frederic touched her face and ruffled her hair, his gaze full of wonder. "How did you find us?"
"I saw the lanterns … and Eugene brought me home." Rapunzel nodded at him. "He saved me."
He smiled. "Well, she also saved me, so I think we're even."
Rapunzel smiled fondly at him, then looked to her parents again. "I have so much to tell you—and so many questions."
"As do we," Frederic said.
"Come inside," Arianna urged them.
They disentangled themselves and stood up, but Rapunzel stopped them before they could go in. "Wait—there's someone else you should meet." She turned back to the terrace. "Pascal? You can show yourself."
The chameleon, who had been camouflaged on the railing, now appeared in his usual bright green color. He had hung back to observe the reunion, happy for Rapunzel but unsure if these humans would like him.
Rapunzel scooped him into her hands and showed him to her parents. "This is Pascal, my oldest friend." He let out a cheerful squeak, waving his front claw in greeting.
King Frederic blinked, then let out a chuckle. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by anything anymore."
They passed by kingdom guards and palace servants, who could easily recognize both the wanted thief and the princess who so resembled the queen. They bowed and curtsied as the royal family passed by, and cast wary looks at the criminal.
The king stopped a few servants to give orders. "Please prepare some food, and changes of clothes. And someone get her some shoes!"
"Oh, that's okay; I don't really wear shoes," Rapunzel said quickly.
They were ushered into a dining room, already set with a bowl of fruit and a pitcher of water. Servants in fancy uniforms brought in tea and baked goods. Rapunzel and Eugene drank thirstily, but no one really had an appetite for food.
King Frederic asked the unavoidable question: "Where have you been all this time?"
"I was living in a tower in the forest."
He was taken aback. "You mean you've been here, in the kingdom, all this time?"
"Well … yes."
"It's in a hidden ravine," Eugene supplied. "The entrance was disguised. I only found it by accident the other day."
"He was being chased by the guards," Rapunzel cut in, "and broke into the tower to hide there. So I knocked him out with a frying pan."
"Yes, she did," Eugene confirmed, somehow both sheepish and proud. King Frederic was bemused, and Queen Arianna fought back a laugh.
Rapunzel tried to start at the beginning, explaining about her hair's powers of healing and rejuvenation. This was the part of the story that Eugene feared would be most incredible. But the monarchs were quite ready to believe it, and it turned out that they knew the reason why Rapunzel's hair had possessed such power. It was because of a magical flower that had healed the queen of an illness when she was pregnant with Rapunzel. Eugene vaguely remembered hearing parts of this story as a child.
"We launched the first lantern when we presented you to the kingdom," Arianna said, still holding Rapunzel's hand.
"But that night, someone broke into our room and took you from your crib," Frederic said, his long-carried grief audible in his voice.
Rapunzel bowed her head. "Gothel. She used my power to stay young. I thought she was my mother." She looked up at her parents with tears in her eyes. "I forgot about you. I'm so sorry."
"Don't be." Arianna put her arm around Rapunzel and leaned her head against hers. "You were only a baby. Nothing that happened to you was your fault."
They had a hundred questions about how she had lived, and how she had come back to them. She told them about the tower, and how she had seen the lights every year and wanted to know what they were.
"So your only interaction was with Gothel?"
"Well, I also had Pascal. He found his way into the tower when he was a baby, and we grew up together. He was my only friend, until I met Eugene."
For the most part, Eugene sat back and let Rapunzel narrate their adventure. This was her life story, after all. And he did not need to brag much about his own heroics, because Rapunzel gave him plenty of praise.
He only became uncomfortable when she spoke of the crown. The king and queen immediately looked at him, their countenances darkening. Rapunzel noticed, and guessed the reason—something she had suspected when she realized she was the princess. "Was that crown …"
"Yours?" King Frederic finished. "Yes, it was—and is."
Queen Arianna explained, "We had it made for you when you were born. We kept it all these years, to give back to you someday. But it was put on display each year around your birthday, so people could see it and honor your memory."
King Frederic did not hide his anger from Eugene, who found himself wanting to sink into the floor—a new feeling for him. He usually did everything boldly, without feeling embarrassed or ashamed or regretful. Now, though, he squirmed under the king's gaze, feeling the true weight of what he had done.
"Rapunzel's birthday was always a difficult day for us," Frederic said, his voice hard. "This year even more so, since she was coming of age. It meant accepting that we had missed her entire childhood. When we heard her crown was stolen—on the eve of her birthday, when our people honor her—that was a hard blow. It felt like a personal affront—to her, to us, and to the kingdom."
Eugene had kept his gaze downcast, but now he dared to lift his eyes slightly. "Would you believe me if I said I'm sorry? I mean, in one sense, I'm not, because that crown led me to Rapunzel, which was the best thing that could have happened—for either of us. But I am sorry for the pain I caused. I thought taking the crown was a victimless crime, because its owner wasn't using it. I wasn't thinking about what it meant to anyone else."
Frederic nodded in acknowledgement. "When we heard the crown had been recovered, and that you had been arrested … instead of feeling satisfied, I only felt more grief. I would have given a thousand crowns to have her back instead."
Rapunzel spoke up, wincing slightly. "Was that why Eugene was going to be executed?"
The king looked somewhat shamefaced. "Well, the captain advocated for that, due to the number of past crimes attributed to him … but yes, that last one was what convinced me to sign the order, without a trial." He looked at Eugene and said, "I should have given you the chance to defend yourself first. For that, I apologize."
Eugene was stunned, but Rapunzel smiled in thanks.
The narrative became heavy when Rapunzel got to the part about her bargain with Gothel, and how Eugene sacrificed his own life to free her.
The king and queen stared at both of them, trying to wrap their minds around the devotion between the two young people. The princess and the thief were now clasping each other's hands across the table, silently pleading the older couple to understand and accept the nature of their relationship.
King Frederic rose and stood in front of Eugene, regarding him with something he had never seen anyone give him before: a deep, sincere respect. Then—something so wondrous that Eugene's mouth dropped open—the king put his hand over his heart and bowed from the waist. "We are beyond indebted to you, Eugene Fitzherbert."
A few days earlier, those words would have flooded Flynn's heart with pride and set his mind whirling with ideas for compensation. But now, all Eugene said was, "I, uh … I'm just glad that Rapunzel is safe, and found her family."
Queen Arianna also stood, and walked around Rapunzel to Eugene's seat. She took him by the shoulders, bent down, and kissed his cheek. Her eyes, so much like Rapunzel's, were moist and full of gratitude. "Thank you for bringing her home." Straightening up, her hand still on his shoulder, she continued, "There's no way to truly repay you, but if there is anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask."
Eugene paused, remembering something. "Actually, there is one favor I'd like to ask—that is, besides my life and my freedom. Which I'm guessing you're not going to take away at this point?" Surely they would have arrested him by now if they still intended to imprison or execute him.
The queen laughed a little, but she spoke with earnestness. "After everything you've done for us, Eugene, a pardon is the least we can do in return."
The king was more wary. "What is this favor you have in mind?"
"It's not really for me. It's for our friends who broke me out of prison so I could help Rapunzel. Would you pardon them too? Maybe help them make a fresh start? I know they don't have the cleanest records, but I think if they had the chance, they could turn their lives around."
"Hm." King Frederic frowned, drumming his fingers on the table as he thought it over. "It would be unprecedented. Since Rapunzel's disappearance, we have maintained a strict policy against all crime. But … if the fates were willing to have mercy on us by returning Rapunzel, then I must have mercy on others—at least those who enabled her return."
Eugene and Rapunzel grinned, already happy for their friends. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said. "And thanks for, you know, not having me executed." He hesitated, wondering how to tactfully bring up the matter of his staying or going. "I realize you probably want to catch up with Rapunzel after all these years apart. If you want me to—"
Rapunzel interrupted, getting to the point: "He can stay here, with us, can't he?"
It was the first request their daughter had ever made of them, and they granted it immediately.
"Of course," Queen Arianna said. "We'll have a room prepared for him. And you—" She took Rapunzel's hands in hers. "—have had a room waiting for you all this time."
King Frederic called over his advisor. "Nigel, spread the word that there will be a royal announcement tomorrow morning."
"And tell Mrs. Crowley to commence Operation Homecoming," Queen Arianna instructed. Then she turned to Rapunzel. "Darling, why don't you come with me to talk over some things? I'm sure your father would like to speak with Eugene too."
Rapunzel agreed, and stood up to follow her mother. But she did not leave the table without coming over to hug and kiss her father, and then Eugene. "I'll see you soon."
The mother and daughter left the room arm-in-arm. The two men—a middle-aged king, and a young, newly reformed thief—were left alone, without the women they loved serving as a buffer between them.
Now it was Eugene's turn to feel nervous and apprehensive. Was this when the interrogation or threats or warnings would happen? Would the king ask him outright to leave, despite Rapunzel's wish that he stay?
King Frederic regarded him with a neutral expression, his folded hands resting on the table. "You've been through a great deal these last few days," he said.
It was a statement of the obvious, but Eugene nodded in a agreement. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"And what are your plans now?"
Eugene knew the answer, but had to think through what words to use. Honesty and vulnerability were new for him, and while he felt comfortable enough showing them around Rapunzel, her royal father was another matter.
"Well, to tell the truth, I don't have any solid plans … but I do have a dream. And that's to be with Rapunzel. I know, I'm not exactly the kind of person you would have hoped for her to be with; but if you'll give me a chance, I'll follow whatever rules, procedures, or traditions you have in place."
Frederic was silent for a few moments. His expression was not exactly disapproving, but it also was not altogether pleased.
At last, the king sighed. "Nothing about Rapunzel's life has been normal," he said resignedly. "I suppose I shouldn't expect her choice of partner … or manner of courtship … to be any more so."
Eugene's heart swelled with hope. "So, does that mean …"
The king nodded. "You may continue your relationship with Rapunzel and see where it leads." Before Eugene could thank him, he held up a hand, cautioning him. "But, Eugene—son—there is something you must understand."
Son. That seemed like a good sign, and what preceded it had certainly sounded like a blessing. What more did the king want to say? "What is it?"
King Frederic was solemn. His eyes were not empty of emotion, but he seemed to tamp them down, containing them deep within. "The kingdom has been waiting for Rapunzel far longer than you've known her. Her duties as a princess will—and must—take precedence over her personal life." He glanced at the wall, where a portrait of himself hung. "I myself have difficulty separating the man I am from the king I need to be. Rapunzel will have to navigate the same tension between who she is and who she must become." He looked back to Eugene. "And one day, she will no longer be a princess, but a queen. You will both have to learn what that means."
The king's words were clearly a warning, but not the kind a father might typically give to a daughter's suitor. It was more a warning for Eugene himself. He nodded, hoping that was the right response. "I just want to be there for her, in whatever way she needs."
King Frederic nodded in acknowledgement. "I believe you. You have … more than proven your love and loyalty." His face softened, almost smiling. "I am glad she found someone with such a great capacity for both."
Eugene smiled back, a little tentatively, but with more of his usual confidence.
Queen Arianna came back then, accompanied by two male servants, and offered to show Eugene his room.
"It's a bit on the smaller side," she said apologetically as they entered, but Eugene hardly noticed that. It was a room of his own, clean and comfortably furnished, without any roommates or bunkmates—and he was free to come in and go out as he pleased.
"This is perfect," he said sincerely. "Thank you for letting me stay."
Queen Arianna smiled and took his hand. "You may have to win over some people, in this castle and in the kingdom. That may take some time. But for now, you have the king's trust, and mine."
Eugene smiled—humbly, he hoped—and inclined his head. "I'll try to be worthy of it."
Arianna left, promising to send for him at dinner, while the servants stayed behind to "attend him." He had nothing to unpack, but they brought him a clean change of clothes, and offered to draw a bath or show him to the royal spa. Naturally, Eugene chose the latter option, and so discovered all the amenities available: massages, hairstyling, skin care, tailoring services.
So this was what it was like to live like royalty, Eugene thought as he admired his new outfit in the mirror. He could get used to that.
Eventually, a servant summoned him to join the royal family for dinner. He found Rapunzel waiting for him outside the dining room, wearing an elegant green dress that matched her eyes. She looked radiant with joy, and was thrilled to see him.
As they embraced, he asked her, "Is it too soon to make jokes about my death? Because I feel like I've gone to heaven."
Rapunzel laughed but admitted, "So do I."
He held her at arm's length to admire her. "Did they make that dress for you today?"
"Actually, it's one of my mother's. They just had to tailor it a little. And I'm thinking about getting my ears pierced—apparently there's a lot of jewelry that was supposed to go to me."
He offered her his arm with an overly formal air. "May I escort Your Highness to dinner?" She took his arm with a giggle.
Rapunzel's parents were already seated. When she and Eugene entered, King Frederic stood up from the head of the table, staring openly. Arianna came forward, gasping in delight. "Oh, Rapunzel, you look beautiful."
"Really?" Rapunzel was used to Gothel's compliments being followed by jokes. Now that she thought about it, she was not sure she had ever received a genuine compliment.
"Really." Arianna took her by the shoulders. "You were such a beautiful baby, and you've grown up into a strong young woman."
Frederic's smile was bittersweet as he came up to them. "Just like your mother." He smoothed Rapunzel's hair back, which did little to tame it at this length. He kissed her forehead and gestured for her to sit on his right. Eugene took the seat on her other side.
There was no shortage of things to talk about over the meal. Rapunzel had plenty of questions about life in the castle and the kingdom. And now that they had caught up, more or less, about the past, their thoughts turned to the future.
"Tomorrow, we'll introduce you both to the kingdom," Frederic explained. "We'll announce Rapunzel's return, acknowledge those who helped her, and declare a celebration."
Rapunzel blinked in surprise. "Didn't you just have one for me, on my birthday?"
Frederic smiled at her. "Darling, our kingdom has been waiting for you for eighteen years. When they learn their prayers have been answered, they'll all want to meet you and give thanks for your return. And in a few months, we'll hold a coronation, so the other kingdoms will have the chance to meet you and recognize you as heir to the throne." He reached into his robe and pulled out a sheet of paper. "In the meantime, you have much to learn—things you would have learned had you grown up in court."
Rapunzel brightened at that. "Great! I love learning." She began to scan the list, but her excitement dimmed when she saw the kinds of items on it: diplomacy, royal etiquette, the geopolitical dynamics of the Seven Kingdoms—all social things that meant little to her.
But she also spotted one activity that genuinely interested her. "Horseback riding? Could I do that with Eugene and Maximus?"
"I don't see why not," Frederic conceded.
"I would be happy to join you too," Arianna offered.
Rapunzel was practically shining with anticipation. "I'd love that."
After dinner, Rapunzel insisted on showing Eugene her room, partly so he would know where to find her, and partly because she was so excited about it herself. It was, ironically, situated in the castle's highest tower.
"Look at this!" She spun around, indicating the room with outspread arms. It was far bigger than Eugene's room, and contained a giant bed, an enormous bookcase, a cushioned window seat, and a massive fireplace. "All this space to myself! The maids said I can decorate it however I want. And the window has a balcony, so I can step outside any time! Come and see!"
Eugene followed her through the window and onto the balcony, which offered a stunning view of the island and the surrounding sea. He remembered something then, and laughed. "You know, when I broke in here to steal the crown—"
"You mean my crown?" Rapunzel corrected.
He grinned back. "—your crown—I saw the view from the roof, and decided I wanted to live in a castle. But I didn't think it would happen this way!"
Rapunzel laughed. "What a day, huh?" She held up her fingers as she counted. "You broke out of prison; I stood up to my mother; you died, and came back to life; I met my parents; you turned yourself over to the law … and now we're finally home." She spread her arms out wide, feeling the summer breeze. "I guess now is when our lives begin."
They stayed on the balcony for a while, watching as the sun sank lower, the sky and sea changed color, and the first stars became visible. It was strange to see the kingdom from this vantage point, since they had viewed the castle from the water during the lantern launch the night before.
They were reluctant to part ways, but they could feel their fatigue catching up to them, and Eugene wanted to be out of the way before Rapunzel's parents came to bid her goodnight.
"Can I ask an ignorant question?" Rapunzel ventured, sitting on the edge of her bed.
"Sure."
"Don't laugh."
He raised his brow. "I'll try, but I make no promises."
"… How do people in love usually say goodbye?"
Eugene suppressed his amusement and began to hem and haw, stroking his goatee. "Eh … depends on the couple. There could be a lot of factors, like how long they've been together, or how long they'll be apart …" He paused, pretending to come to a realization. "Oh wait, you were thinking about us?"
Rapunzel responded by throwing a pillow at him.
"I'm just teasing," he said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "But really, a goodnight can go however you want." He returned the pillow to her bed and sat next to her, taking her hand. "And I'll see you bright and early tomorrow—we've got that royal announcement, remember?"
She sobered at the reminder. "Right. That."
He recognized that look, that tone. "You'll do fine," he insisted. "You already met a lot of them in person on your birthday. They already love you. Heck, I knew you were special from the first moment I saw you. This just means the rest of the world will know it too."
She smiled, encouraged and encouraging. "And now they'll know who you really are: a hero, and the love of my life."
He laughed nervously. "Yeah … they might not be as thrilled about that."
"Well, they'll have to get used to it. Because I want you by my side, always."
"Me too."
They moved in at the same time for a kiss. When they parted, Eugene framed her face in his hands for a moment, taking in her new appearance, marveling at just how lucky he was—almost unfairly so. "I'll see you tomorrow." He ran his hand through her hair one more time. "Goodnight, Rapunzel."
"Goodnight, Eugene."
Author's Notes
For this chapter, I drew inspiration from various biblical stories and verses, including the parable of the lost/prodigal son, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and the idea of showing mercy when you have been shown mercy.
I also drew a little inspiration from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, when Mr. Rochester asks Jane to teach him how friends say goodbye.
There will be one more chapter to wrap up this story! Feedback is deeply appreciated!
