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"Eugene, where is momma?"
The feel of her in his arms again is so heavenly, so perfect, so normal that Eugene is ashamed to admit that he would have gladly allowed time to stop right now, crisis or no. Unfortunately, there won’t be any stopping time and there is a crisis which has only gotten bigger.
He swallows thickly. There is no question in his mind that if her father had been taken, then the queen has also met a similar fate. And thanks to that blasted ass, the queen’s abductors have at least a two hour head start. But even if they could have chased down the carriage, there’d still be the armed guards from Trist to deal with.
Smoothing Rapunzel’s ragged and windblown hair down with his sweaty, donkey-smelling hands, Eugene tells her with a heavy heart, "She’s gone, babe. Left. A couple of hours ago, a lord Rein from the country of Trist came to the castle. Told her you were engaged to the prince there and wanted her to come see you. I tried to talk her out of going without an escort. She… she said they were allies and…" His expression twists with guilt as Rapunzel’s eyes swim with new tears. "I’m so sorry. I couldn’t stop her."
Eugene can only imagine how exhausted she is. Her green dress is smudged with dirt and moss, snagged with bits of tree bark; clearly, her escape and return home had been rough. He holds her close as she weeps into his vest, her hands fisted between them.
"It’s gonna be okay," he promises inanely. "We’re gonna get them back. Both of them."
"How?" she challenges. "Maximus…?"
Eugene glances over her shoulder. The horse appears to have collapsed on the stones. Pascal is waving a pair of oak fallen oak leaves in the stallion’s face, ostensibly in an attempt to relieve some measure of his of his overheated exhaustion.
Eugene knows this is so not the time, but he can’t stop himself from pressing, "So, I’ve gotta ask…"
He waits until Rapunzel looks up. He wipes at her tears with his shirt cuffs. "Um, you didn’t… I mean the engagement thing with the prince… You didn’t, did you?"
Her eyes narrow. She is as angry as he has ever seen her. "I would never marry that… that… that… that…!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up there, babe," Eugene shushes her, pulling her into his arms again and clutching her to him as his heart races and his head pounds and he cringes away from the very thought of her choosing someone else. "That’s all I need to hear."
But she isn’t finished. "I would never marry that Prince Banale. Ever."
"Well said, Rapunzel. Well said."
Eugene feels a wave of relief crash over him. The emotion is inappropriate really, what with Rapunzel’s parents being taken by some prince and Rapunzel herself possibly scraped and bruised in places he shouldn’t be thinking about, but at least he hadn’t missed his chance to ask for her hand in marriage.
And then she smacks him. Where she finds the leverage, he doesn’t know, but suddenly his left arm is smarting fiercely. "Ow!" he yelps.
"That’s for doubting me! As if I’d ever choose someone else!"
"That’s really good to hear." The words spill out of his mouth before he can stop them. Quickly, he realizes his error. He holds up a hand. "Not the part about your parents."
Rapunzel seems to not hear him. She suddenly declares, "I need to talk to the royal guards."
She needs to go to the royal physician, Eugene thinks as he leads her into the castle. Her lip is swollen and bloodied. Her arms have several bruises, already purple in color.
"What happened?"
She shakes her head. "After the guards have been assembled. I can’t—" She breaks down and begins sobbing in Eugene’s chest.
He reaches up and caresses her head, letting her have the emotional release.
Eugene forces himself to push away the impulse to go after whoever had done this to her. She is completely shaken which unnerves Eugene. This woman with the torn dress and the spilt lip has bested ruffians and Corona’s most handsome thief, but now she clings to him, trembling.
"It was awful, Eugene," she whispers.
He closes his eyes. He should have never stayed at the castle. If he had only been there when she’d needed him…! He pulls himself up short. There will be time for second-guessing later. Right now, he needs to focus on getting his girl, the princess of Corona, through what comes next.
Despite the urgency of the situation and Rapunzel’s declaration that she must meet with the few remaining guards, they stay right where they are. Of course, in a place as public and as echoing as the courtyard of a castle, it’s not long before someone comes to investigate all the commotion Maximus had made upon his dramatic arrival. Even when one of the guards – a new recruit by the loo of his whiskerless, baby-skin-smooth cheeks – finally notices them, Eugene doesn’t let go of her. The guard ignores him completely and commences with a flurry of blubbery: "Your Royal Highness! What are—!? You’re here and—! I—! You—! I should get the guards!"
"Definitely his first day on the job," Eugene mutters as Rapunzel slowly pulls away from his chest.
Although she doesn’t raise her voice, the guard pauses in his frantic dash for the castle entrance and heeds her. "Mister Jeromes, please call an assembly of the royal guard and have them gather in the throne room immediately." Eugene loves her all the more for managing to sound so calm and firm despite the tears still clumping her eyelashes together in spikey protrusions.
He doesn’t ask her if she’s really ready to deal with this now. Being ready is not an option. He says instead, "You actually know that newbie’s name?"
She hiccups once on a bubble of laughter. "He’s been a castle guard for over a year, Eugene."
He doesn’t mind the gentle reprimand so much. "When are they going to start letting Maximus take the reins? It’s about time they realized he’d be perfect for whipping these soldiers into shape."
The instant the words leave his mouth, Eugene realizes his error. This is the sort of thing he would have mentioned to the king… if the king were here. But he isn’t and…
"I guess I could make the decision now, couldn’t I?" Rapunzel surprises him by musing thoughtfully. He’d braced himself for another round of tears but could it be possible that she is actually considering his frustration-induced suggestion?
"Come on," she says, stepping away and wiping at her face with her grubby sleeve. "I need you with me now, Eugene." And with a declaration like that, how can he refuse? He stays by her side as she strides up the steps and makes her way to the throne room (following a quick detour to the kitchens for a replacement cast iron frying pan; presumably, Rapunzel’s preferred cooking instrument is still in on the ground beside the road somewhere, knocked aside during a struggle that Eugene does not want to think about at the moment, thank you very much). Jeromes manages to deliver her message well, at least, and within minutes, every last member of the guard (some still strapping on their boots) have gathered in the room. Eugene gives Rapunzel’s dirty and scraped hand a very gentle squeeze before he takes up a position in the corner of the extravagant hall. Technically, he shouldn’t even be here, but Rapunzel had been adamant that he remain in the room with her.
"You’re the only one I trust to protect me, Eugene."
He hopes he doesn’t let her down.
She looks around the room and draws a deep breath. "Three days ago, as we set out on the annual tour of the kingdoms, father and I were travelling along the main highway when suddenly, our company was attacked. We remained in the coach while the royal guard tried to disarm the assailants, but…"
"They couldn’t," supplies Eugene quietly and with a resentful scowl. He knew it!
She nods, acknowledging his comment as if he’d had a right to make it in the first place. "But before they could reach the coach someone else came to our rescue: Prince Banale." Eugene doesn’t miss the absolute loathing in her voice. "He made it seem as though he stopped those wrenched men from harming us."
"What do you mean ‘seem’?" asks one of the senior members of the guard, so senior in fact, that Eugene would be seriously concerned if the man’s gnarled, trembling hand were ever to lift a sharp sword.
She licks her lip carefully, clearly gathering her thoughts. "After he ‘saved’ us, my father extended an invitation to him to accompany us and the prince agreed. It was clear that the guard would not be sufficient in keeping us out of harm’s way if the brigands returned." She pauses, waits for more questions and when none are forthcoming, continues. "We traveled together for two days, all the while the prince was attempting to ingratiate himself further into the king’s – and my – good graces. But then—"
She closes her eyes briefly and Eugene senses a whopper of an omission. "This morning, on the road to Morningster, there was another commotion in the forest. Maximus had been following our progress unobserved from within the wood ever since Banale showed up. And, finally, I understood why. Maximus approached our coach with a captive, a man dressed like the other highwaymen that Prince Banale’s soldiers had defeated. My father and I thought he was another attacker at first, sent to scout our party in preparation for another attack, but when we stopped the coach to reward Maximus and question the man, we learned the truth."
Eugene can barely get himself from leaning forward in anticipation. And the truth is…?
"Our ‘attacker’ was really one of the prince’s guards in disguise. He was wearing the uniform of the army of Trist under his tunic! The prince and his men staged the attack on us so that the prince might win my father’s favor and be invited to join us. It seems as though it was the prince’s intention to come aboard the coach and attempt to woo me."
Eugene frowns. What a thick-head. Any idiot can see, after spending two minutes in Rapunzel’s company, that the woman has a No Wooing policy. It takes real elbow grease and sincerity to win her over.
Rapunzel continues, "When his deception was brought to light, the prince began to act quite… differently."
Eugene can imagine. Vividly. The king would have stared down at the exposed uniform, at the colors of Corona’s ally, in shock. But, ever cautious and level-headed, the man would have turned to Banale. "What is the meaning of this?" the king would have rumbled in a grave tone.
Perhaps the phony would have blanched. Or scowled. Or turned puce. Eugene doesn’t know enough about the waste of humanity to hazard a guess. Rapunzel, however… His blondie is no dummy. She would have figured it out in an instant. Her green eyes would have widened with realization and then her cheeks would have burned with righteous anger. Eugene has witnessed her fury before (although thankfully not directed at him) and she is a force to be reckoned with. Why if she’d had her frying pan in her hand or had thought to go for her dagger…!
A slight movement draws Eugene’s attention. His heart aches as he watches Rapunzel swallow with difficulty as she addresses the assembly. "Prince Banale and his men turned on us. When my father refused his demands he…" She stops again, her small hands fisting with mute frustration. "I managed to surprise him. He wasn’t expecting a princess to fight back so, um—" At this moment, she glances toward Eugene and the corners of her mouth lift into a smile that’s almost happy. "—effectively."
Eugene’s ego swells.
The shared moment doesn’t last – it can’t last – not with more urgent news to be delivered. "My father saved me. He threw me onto Maximus’ back…"
That horse has just earned himself a whole bushel of apples, every day, for the rest of his four-legged life, Eugene decides. He doesn’t care if he has to go back to thieving to deliver them, either. There’s no reward that could possibly equal Rapunzel’s worth to him, safe and sound. Clearly, although Eugene and the king may have a difference of opinion on some things, they agree wholeheartedly in this case. Eugene can only respect the man for his sacrifice. A sacrifice that Rapunzel still can’t accept.
Again her expression twists with fury. Eugene can only image how badly she’d wanted to turn around and fight for her father, save him as he had saved her.
"In short," she summarizes, "Trist is not our ally any longer. Prince Banale has taken the king and I’ve been told that the queen was summoned, just this morning, to their caste under false pretenses. Now, good sirs, this is what we’re going to do: Eugene Fitzherbert will accompany me to Trist to assist me in negotiating for the safe return of the king and queen while you will all stay here and—"
Eugene resists covering his ears in anticipation of the very vocal objections. Of which there are many, it turns out.
"You cannot go, your Highness!"
"A lady in your position must not do such reckless things!"
"You have a responsibility to your people!"
"Let the guards do their job!"
Rapunzel crosses her arms. Eugene recognizes that look. These men will not be able to change her mind. "I have made my decision. It is your duty to look after the people of Corona until my parents and I return."
The stalemate would have been worthy of a chuckle under less dire circumstances. Rapunzel stares down the guard. The soldiers scowl back at her, clearly unhappy but unable to defy their training to argue further. Their liege has spoken. There’s nothing to do now except follow orders. Grumbling, they do so, filing out of the throne room to see to improved castle security.
Well, that could have gone better.
The disgruntled royal guard make their way out of the throne room, but one brave man, Anwalt, remains. After the great doors have closed behind the last retreating soldier, this lone guard approaches the royal dais and stands before Rapunzel.
She meets his gaze steadily, but Euegne can tell she’s bracing herself. After a moment, the man quietly observes, "There is more to this situation than you spoke of just now, isn’t there, your Majesty?"
She clearly doesn’t want to answer, but Eugene knows she will. Over the years, this member of the guard has been an unofficial uncle to her, warning Eugene from even thinking of trying anything "funny" with Corona’s princess. At first, the warnings had been amusing, and then irritating, but now things have mellowed to the point where all it takes is a look from the guard and nod from Eugene to get the necessary chitchat out of the way. It’s their regular manner of greeting now, actually.
"Why would Prince Banale of Trist do this?" Anwalt persists.
She lets out a gusty sigh. Her shoulders droop. She glances over her shoulder at Eugene and mumbles, "We were betrothed as children, he and I. When I was—when I disappeared, it was nullified but Banale… doesn’t give up easily, it seems."
Eugene can give the man five very good reasons to run back home with his tail tucked between his legs.
Anwalt regards her for a moment and then does the unthinkable. He glances to Eugene for support. Eugene blinks back at him for a moment before accepting the invitation and coming forward to stand at the princess’ side.
"Then you know that you cannot venture beyond the borders of Corona," Anwalt counsels. "In fact, I would advise you not to leave the castle at all. If you are his true goal, then—"
"I am not going to just stay here and sit around with my knitting, waiting for the guards to rescue my parents," she proclaims to him. Pascal gives a reinforcing nod just in case the man doubts the princess's assertion. And Eugene has to allow that if they have to wait for the guard to do any particularly stupendous, they’ll probably die of old age before they get any good news.
"Your Grace," Anwalt begins once more. Eugene is impressed with the man’s tenacity. "If you would only hear me out..." Eugene almost feels bad for the kind, elderly man who had taken it upon himself to remain in the throne room and try to talk sense into someone who clearly can’t speak the language anymore.
Rapunzel's face softens at his gentle request. "Anwalt, I can’t," she answers simply.
"You can. There will be much for you to do here, your Majesty. Maximus can round up the troops and, together, they can pursue Banale on his own land. Once the people of Corona hear what has happened, they will be frightened, your Grace. With the king and queen being held captive abroad, if word got out that their beloved princess was no longer in the country..." He shakes his head. "The impact could be quite severe."
Eugene watches at Rapunzel considers his words. If there is one thing that might stop Rapunzel on her quest to save her parents, it would be the welfare of her people.
Her eyes flicker to Eugene. He wishes he could do something more profound than shrug unhelpfully. What does a former thief know about running a kingdom?
"Maximus has my vote," he offers inanely.
Pascal, shoulder-warmer of excellent timing that he is, chirps something in Rapunzel's ear. What he squeaks is a mystery to Eugene. Despite being around the frog for three years, he still can't understand the nonsensical chameleon language. The create gestures emphatically, his scaly brows pulled into a mighty frown. He pounds his tiny green fist into his palm. That, Eugene understands. And it does not bode particularly well.
Even before he is finished with his rant, Rapunzel’s spine straightens. "You’re Pascal. I need to be out there, doing something. They are my parents."
Anwalt remains unconvinced. "Going to Trist is exactly what the prince wants you to do," he argues sensibly.
Her chin juts upward. If there’s a more stubborn angle in the universe, Eugene hasn’t seen it. "That is a risk I am willing to take."
As the two of them, stare at each other, Eugene realizes it is going to be up to him to get everyone beyond this impasse. He softly clears his throat. "If I could have a moment with the princess...?"
Anwalt stiffens. Apparently, it’s one thing to exchange daily reminders in the corridors, but willfully leaving Eugene alone with Rapunzel is a whole other story. Eugene arches a brow at the man, his lips curving into a sardonic smile. Yeah, who knows what a former thief might do, eh? Maybe convince the princess that marrying him – and taking herself "off the market" so to speak – is the only way to save her parents. The very idea that Eugene would take advantage of her like that is ludicrous! After three years, the people of this castle should have a little more faith!
The former thief leans irreverently against the throne. I'm not going anywhere, buddy.
It’s a no-brainer which side Rapunzel will choose.
"Anwalt, let’s continue this later," the princess decides.
Anwalt isn’t happy. That much is clear. The guy had probably been hoping to pin Rapunzel down with a promise – everyone knows the weight of her promises here – but she’s having none of it. "As you wish, you Grace," he concedes on a gusty and disappointed sigh. With a stiff nod and a mute glare of warning in Eugene’s direction, he pivots on his heel and ambles out of the room.
Eugene waits until he is sure that the door has closed securely behind Anwalt before turning and facing Rapunzel. Her eyes are bloodshot, mud is still smeared on the underside of her chin and her dress is torn, but there is no mistaking the power she is emanating as she stands here, upon the dais before the thrones of Corona.
No, there will be no talking her out of saving the king and queen herself.
Before he can open his mouth, Rapunzel blurts raspily, "It's my fault they were taken."
Tears pool in her eyes and for the millionth time since she’d tumbled off of Maximus’ back and into his arms, Eugene wishes he had been there with her on that tour, promise to the queen or no. But, beating himself up is pointless. Max did his job in bringing Rapunzel safety back to the palace. Now, it will be up to them to do what the royal guard can't: rescue her parents.
"Hey," he says, scooping up a renegade tear that slides down her face. "Don’t blame yourself for this guy’s bruised ego. Some men can’t handle rejection."
Or so he’s heard. Eugene has no real personal experience in that department. Unless… He recalls the moment he’d been startled awake and had found himself trussed up Gestapo-style in her tower. Nah, doesn’t count. Clearly, some things had been lacking from her basic education for her to not respond to his suave grin and husky tone.
She shakes her head. "It wasn’t about his ego, Eugene." She draws in a deep breath. He hates the way it shudders and shivers in her throat. "He wants my crown."
Eugene’s gaze flies up to that very accessory. He hadn’t even thought to pick the twigs and bits of dried leaves from it earlier. In fact, he’d only had eyes for Rapunzel, her bloodied knuckles and scraped cheeks. "Your crown," he repeats woodenly, a drumbeat of dead taking up a slow, stomach-churning rhythm in his gut.
She nods. "Banale knows about the Protection of the Sun." When Eugene doesn’t say anything in response, she sighs. "So you had heard about it." But before Eugene can brace himself for an inquisition, she shakes her head and continues her first line of thought. "When he hit Daddy, he started yelling about it, saying that it was time for the people of Trist to have its power."
Eugene has heard of it before, of course. But he had lumped that childhood myth into the same category as dragons and faeries long ago. He should have known better, of course. Especially after the whole magic flower, magic hair thing. "You're saying it's real?" He asks, just in case it isn’t. You can never get too much clarification on this mystical stuff.
She nods. "Of course it is. The Protection of the Sun has been passed down in my family for many generations." Her hand moves to touch the circlet now tangled in her debris-matted hair. "The crowns of Corona are the key to its power."
Eugene accepts this new bit of information with relative ease. Somehow this seems almost mundane when compared with magical hair that has the ability to heal a man from a mortal wound. "Well… that would explain why the guards were after me when I took the crown."
She nods her head. "Having that much power is a dangerous thing."
"Wait. Hold up a second, Blondie. Doesn’t your father have the same connection with the sun’s protection?"
She nods. "But, I don’t think Banale knows that. He has heard the stories about my hair." She subconsciously reaches for the long-lost locks but only comes away with a cobweby stick pinched between her fingertips. "Because of them, he thinks I’m the only one who can wield the sun’s power. That’s why Banale wants me to marry him." Pascal leans into her shoulder. "But I won't do it, Eugene."
No, he certainly hopes not! That would put quite a crimp into the proposal he has been practicing. Behind securely closed doors.
She looks up at him, her big, green eyes shining. "Eugene, we need to save them."
He gathers her in his arms. She leans into him and grasps the edges of his doublet tightly. "We will," he promises. He brushes a kiss against her temple.
She pulls back slightly. "OK. So, we're going to need a ship. It's the quickest way to Trist."
Eugene's stomach lurches.
Ugh, sea travel.
No, scratch that. UGH!! SEA TRAVEL!!! There’s a reason Flynn Rider was the best thief in the country rather than on the seas!
Laughing nervously, Eugene lifts a hand and rubs the back of his neck, which already feels clammy and rife with goosebumps at the very thought of relentless, restless ocean waves. "Er, are you sure you want a ship—?"
Just as she cocks her head to the side, eyes narrowing in speculation, the throne room door bursts open.
Given the stress of the day, Eugene isn’t surprised to find himself standing in front of a frypan-wielding princess and her ferociously purple battle lizard in the next instant.
Where were the devil are those guards!?
Thankfully, they aren’t needed. But what if they had been? Eugene shares a droll look with Pascal. Clearly, this rescuing business should be left to the professionals. What’s scary is that a former thief, a wily chameleon, and a princess with a frying pan are the professionals.
"Princess!"
Eugene relaxes at the sight of a familiar ruffian. Hookhand charges into the room, gasping for air.
The bulky man stumbles to a halt in front of the throne, braces his remaining hand on his knee, bends over and pants. Eugene moves out of Rapunzel's way before she has to step around him to greet their friend.
Eyes watering, the man wheezes, "I just heard about what happened to the king and queen, your Highness."
Eugene raises an eyebrow. "News travels fast," he remarks. Especially bad news.
Hookhand gives them a slightly-pained, sheepish grin. "And, I think I can help."
Yes, Hookhand is an intimidating man in his own right, but unless he plans to swim all three of them – Rapunzel, Pascal and himself – across the sea one-handed, Eugene doesn't see how he is going to be able to do anything to help save the king and queen.
Rapunzel's eyes light up at the man's offer. Her knuckles turn white as she grips the frying pan tighter. "Really? How?"
Eugene doesn't miss the quick glance Hookhand casts in his direction. Whatever the ruffian is thinking, it is not going to be a Good Idea. He can tell already. "My cousin, Bigbeard, has recently finished his, er… trade run."
Trade run, huh? That’s a good one. Eligible for Best Euphemism of the Year.
Eugene suppresses a sarcastic snort. All things considered, the bubble of amusement probably would have turned into hysterical laughter: a marriage proposal he just can’t seem to get out, a king and queen in need of rescue, sea travel, Bigbeard-who-takes-no-prisoners-and-certainly-doesn’t-do-trade-runs-infamous-and-feared-pirate-captain-of-the-high-seas—!
He’s on the verge of hyperventilating just thinking about it. But no. No. Calm is the order of the day. Maybe just this once, Flynn can come out of retirement.
Eugene-slash-Flynn raises an eyebrow. "A trade run. Is that what they are calling piracy these days?"
The big man has the good nature to laugh. "He takes a certain pride in his work. Doesn’t like to be lumped in with that scurvy scum of the sea."
Eugene can tell Rapunzel is already excited by the idea. Ironically, it had probably been his own comment about piracy that clinched it for her. Yup, he knows that eye-sparkle. She’s already planning her trip with the filthiest, vilest seadogs of the known world and looking forward to it. If he didn’t love her, he’d… well, he’d never have to so much as think about setting foot on that rat-infested boat. That’s for sure.
He sighs.
"Do you think he would really help us?" asks Rapunzel, breathless with renewed hope.
"The reputation of Flynn Rider is still held in high esteem amongst the, er, more creative and enterprising entrepreneurs. He’d be willing to help him out," Hookhand answers.
The implication is clear. Sighing yet again, Eugene raises a hand to his face and pinches the bridge of his nose. The migraine isn’t here yet, but he knows it’s running him down.
"Eugene?" Rapunzel checks, the enthusiasm in her voice now dimming with sudden uncertainty. She lays a hand on his arm and addresses their guest. "Why can’t I just ask Bigbeard to take us there? I’m sure we can agree on a price…"
"Oh, um, well…"
"Bigbeard has rules," Eugene interjects, saving Hookhand from his stuttering. He drops his hand, opens his eyes and explains, "Lots of rules. Crazy rules. First and foremost, no doing fair trading with any royal families. That means you’re out of the running before you even make it to the wharf, babe."
"But…"
Eugene doesn’t interrupt her as she works through, in, out of, and between the lines. Then she bites her lip, gazes up at him with wide compelling eyes, and whispers, "Are you going to make me ask?"
"No." No, he’d never make her ask him for anything. Not when he already knows what she needs and what he has to do to give it to her. Whether he likes it or not. "No, I’ll do it."
Rapunzel grabs his biceps in excitement. "We can save them, Eugene! We can save them!"
He pastes on a phony smile as she vibrates with excitement. The ridiculous frog makes like he’s Captain Nimo, bracing himself on her shoulder and pantomiming too many sea voyage situations for Eugene’s peace of mind. Sea travel, a princess and pirates. Oh, yay.
Still, Eugene knows getting Rapunzel on the boat is going to be a problem. These pirates, who are unafraid of sword fights and prison time, gallows and the dregs at the bottom of a half rotten wine barrel, are terrified of the presence of a woman aboard their ship.
But Eugene isn't foolish enough to think he is going to be able to talk Rapunzel out of accepting Hookhand's offer. She is going on that ship, which means it’s up to him to convince Bigbeard to let her aboard. A plan starts to formulate in his mind.
It is so crazy, he is sure it will work.
Now he only has to convince Rapunzel that it’s a good idea.
Chapter 6
The feel of her in his arms again is so heavenly, so perfect, so normal that Eugene is ashamed to admit that he would have gladly allowed time to stop right now, crisis or no. Unfortunately, there won’t be any stopping time and there is a crisis which has only gotten bigger.
He swallows thickly. There is no question in his mind that if her father had been taken, then the queen has also met a similar fate. And thanks to that blasted ass, the queen’s abductors have at least a two hour head start. But even if they could have chased down the carriage, there’d still be the armed guards from Trist to deal with.
Smoothing Rapunzel’s ragged and windblown hair down with his sweaty, donkey-smelling hands, Eugene tells her with a heavy heart, "She’s gone, babe. Left. A couple of hours ago, a lord Rein from the country of Trist came to the castle. Told her you were engaged to the prince there and wanted her to come see you. I tried to talk her out of going without an escort. She… she said they were allies and…" His expression twists with guilt as Rapunzel’s eyes swim with new tears. "I’m so sorry. I couldn’t stop her."
Eugene can only imagine how exhausted she is. Her green dress is smudged with dirt and moss, snagged with bits of tree bark; clearly, her escape and return home had been rough. He holds her close as she weeps into his vest, her hands fisted between them.
"It’s gonna be okay," he promises inanely. "We’re gonna get them back. Both of them."
"How?" she challenges. "Maximus…?"
Eugene glances over her shoulder. The horse appears to have collapsed on the stones. Pascal is waving a pair of oak fallen oak leaves in the stallion’s face, ostensibly in an attempt to relieve some measure of his of his overheated exhaustion.
Eugene knows this is so not the time, but he can’t stop himself from pressing, "So, I’ve gotta ask…"
He waits until Rapunzel looks up. He wipes at her tears with his shirt cuffs. "Um, you didn’t… I mean the engagement thing with the prince… You didn’t, did you?"
Her eyes narrow. She is as angry as he has ever seen her. "I would never marry that… that… that… that…!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up there, babe," Eugene shushes her, pulling her into his arms again and clutching her to him as his heart races and his head pounds and he cringes away from the very thought of her choosing someone else. "That’s all I need to hear."
But she isn’t finished. "I would never marry that Prince Banale. Ever."
"Well said, Rapunzel. Well said."
Eugene feels a wave of relief crash over him. The emotion is inappropriate really, what with Rapunzel’s parents being taken by some prince and Rapunzel herself possibly scraped and bruised in places he shouldn’t be thinking about, but at least he hadn’t missed his chance to ask for her hand in marriage.
And then she smacks him. Where she finds the leverage, he doesn’t know, but suddenly his left arm is smarting fiercely. "Ow!" he yelps.
"That’s for doubting me! As if I’d ever choose someone else!"
"That’s really good to hear." The words spill out of his mouth before he can stop them. Quickly, he realizes his error. He holds up a hand. "Not the part about your parents."
Rapunzel seems to not hear him. She suddenly declares, "I need to talk to the royal guards."
She needs to go to the royal physician, Eugene thinks as he leads her into the castle. Her lip is swollen and bloodied. Her arms have several bruises, already purple in color.
"What happened?"
She shakes her head. "After the guards have been assembled. I can’t—" She breaks down and begins sobbing in Eugene’s chest.
He reaches up and caresses her head, letting her have the emotional release.
Eugene forces himself to push away the impulse to go after whoever had done this to her. She is completely shaken which unnerves Eugene. This woman with the torn dress and the spilt lip has bested ruffians and Corona’s most handsome thief, but now she clings to him, trembling.
"It was awful, Eugene," she whispers.
He closes his eyes. He should have never stayed at the castle. If he had only been there when she’d needed him…! He pulls himself up short. There will be time for second-guessing later. Right now, he needs to focus on getting his girl, the princess of Corona, through what comes next.
Despite the urgency of the situation and Rapunzel’s declaration that she must meet with the few remaining guards, they stay right where they are. Of course, in a place as public and as echoing as the courtyard of a castle, it’s not long before someone comes to investigate all the commotion Maximus had made upon his dramatic arrival. Even when one of the guards – a new recruit by the loo of his whiskerless, baby-skin-smooth cheeks – finally notices them, Eugene doesn’t let go of her. The guard ignores him completely and commences with a flurry of blubbery: "Your Royal Highness! What are—!? You’re here and—! I—! You—! I should get the guards!"
"Definitely his first day on the job," Eugene mutters as Rapunzel slowly pulls away from his chest.
Although she doesn’t raise her voice, the guard pauses in his frantic dash for the castle entrance and heeds her. "Mister Jeromes, please call an assembly of the royal guard and have them gather in the throne room immediately." Eugene loves her all the more for managing to sound so calm and firm despite the tears still clumping her eyelashes together in spikey protrusions.
He doesn’t ask her if she’s really ready to deal with this now. Being ready is not an option. He says instead, "You actually know that newbie’s name?"
She hiccups once on a bubble of laughter. "He’s been a castle guard for over a year, Eugene."
He doesn’t mind the gentle reprimand so much. "When are they going to start letting Maximus take the reins? It’s about time they realized he’d be perfect for whipping these soldiers into shape."
The instant the words leave his mouth, Eugene realizes his error. This is the sort of thing he would have mentioned to the king… if the king were here. But he isn’t and…
"I guess I could make the decision now, couldn’t I?" Rapunzel surprises him by musing thoughtfully. He’d braced himself for another round of tears but could it be possible that she is actually considering his frustration-induced suggestion?
"Come on," she says, stepping away and wiping at her face with her grubby sleeve. "I need you with me now, Eugene." And with a declaration like that, how can he refuse? He stays by her side as she strides up the steps and makes her way to the throne room (following a quick detour to the kitchens for a replacement cast iron frying pan; presumably, Rapunzel’s preferred cooking instrument is still in on the ground beside the road somewhere, knocked aside during a struggle that Eugene does not want to think about at the moment, thank you very much). Jeromes manages to deliver her message well, at least, and within minutes, every last member of the guard (some still strapping on their boots) have gathered in the room. Eugene gives Rapunzel’s dirty and scraped hand a very gentle squeeze before he takes up a position in the corner of the extravagant hall. Technically, he shouldn’t even be here, but Rapunzel had been adamant that he remain in the room with her.
"You’re the only one I trust to protect me, Eugene."
He hopes he doesn’t let her down.
She looks around the room and draws a deep breath. "Three days ago, as we set out on the annual tour of the kingdoms, father and I were travelling along the main highway when suddenly, our company was attacked. We remained in the coach while the royal guard tried to disarm the assailants, but…"
"They couldn’t," supplies Eugene quietly and with a resentful scowl. He knew it!
She nods, acknowledging his comment as if he’d had a right to make it in the first place. "But before they could reach the coach someone else came to our rescue: Prince Banale." Eugene doesn’t miss the absolute loathing in her voice. "He made it seem as though he stopped those wrenched men from harming us."
"What do you mean ‘seem’?" asks one of the senior members of the guard, so senior in fact, that Eugene would be seriously concerned if the man’s gnarled, trembling hand were ever to lift a sharp sword.
She licks her lip carefully, clearly gathering her thoughts. "After he ‘saved’ us, my father extended an invitation to him to accompany us and the prince agreed. It was clear that the guard would not be sufficient in keeping us out of harm’s way if the brigands returned." She pauses, waits for more questions and when none are forthcoming, continues. "We traveled together for two days, all the while the prince was attempting to ingratiate himself further into the king’s – and my – good graces. But then—"
She closes her eyes briefly and Eugene senses a whopper of an omission. "This morning, on the road to Morningster, there was another commotion in the forest. Maximus had been following our progress unobserved from within the wood ever since Banale showed up. And, finally, I understood why. Maximus approached our coach with a captive, a man dressed like the other highwaymen that Prince Banale’s soldiers had defeated. My father and I thought he was another attacker at first, sent to scout our party in preparation for another attack, but when we stopped the coach to reward Maximus and question the man, we learned the truth."
Eugene can barely get himself from leaning forward in anticipation. And the truth is…?
"Our ‘attacker’ was really one of the prince’s guards in disguise. He was wearing the uniform of the army of Trist under his tunic! The prince and his men staged the attack on us so that the prince might win my father’s favor and be invited to join us. It seems as though it was the prince’s intention to come aboard the coach and attempt to woo me."
Eugene frowns. What a thick-head. Any idiot can see, after spending two minutes in Rapunzel’s company, that the woman has a No Wooing policy. It takes real elbow grease and sincerity to win her over.
Rapunzel continues, "When his deception was brought to light, the prince began to act quite… differently."
Eugene can imagine. Vividly. The king would have stared down at the exposed uniform, at the colors of Corona’s ally, in shock. But, ever cautious and level-headed, the man would have turned to Banale. "What is the meaning of this?" the king would have rumbled in a grave tone.
Perhaps the phony would have blanched. Or scowled. Or turned puce. Eugene doesn’t know enough about the waste of humanity to hazard a guess. Rapunzel, however… His blondie is no dummy. She would have figured it out in an instant. Her green eyes would have widened with realization and then her cheeks would have burned with righteous anger. Eugene has witnessed her fury before (although thankfully not directed at him) and she is a force to be reckoned with. Why if she’d had her frying pan in her hand or had thought to go for her dagger…!
A slight movement draws Eugene’s attention. His heart aches as he watches Rapunzel swallow with difficulty as she addresses the assembly. "Prince Banale and his men turned on us. When my father refused his demands he…" She stops again, her small hands fisting with mute frustration. "I managed to surprise him. He wasn’t expecting a princess to fight back so, um—" At this moment, she glances toward Eugene and the corners of her mouth lift into a smile that’s almost happy. "—effectively."
Eugene’s ego swells.
The shared moment doesn’t last – it can’t last – not with more urgent news to be delivered. "My father saved me. He threw me onto Maximus’ back…"
That horse has just earned himself a whole bushel of apples, every day, for the rest of his four-legged life, Eugene decides. He doesn’t care if he has to go back to thieving to deliver them, either. There’s no reward that could possibly equal Rapunzel’s worth to him, safe and sound. Clearly, although Eugene and the king may have a difference of opinion on some things, they agree wholeheartedly in this case. Eugene can only respect the man for his sacrifice. A sacrifice that Rapunzel still can’t accept.
Again her expression twists with fury. Eugene can only image how badly she’d wanted to turn around and fight for her father, save him as he had saved her.
"In short," she summarizes, "Trist is not our ally any longer. Prince Banale has taken the king and I’ve been told that the queen was summoned, just this morning, to their caste under false pretenses. Now, good sirs, this is what we’re going to do: Eugene Fitzherbert will accompany me to Trist to assist me in negotiating for the safe return of the king and queen while you will all stay here and—"
Eugene resists covering his ears in anticipation of the very vocal objections. Of which there are many, it turns out.
"You cannot go, your Highness!"
"A lady in your position must not do such reckless things!"
"You have a responsibility to your people!"
"Let the guards do their job!"
Rapunzel crosses her arms. Eugene recognizes that look. These men will not be able to change her mind. "I have made my decision. It is your duty to look after the people of Corona until my parents and I return."
The stalemate would have been worthy of a chuckle under less dire circumstances. Rapunzel stares down the guard. The soldiers scowl back at her, clearly unhappy but unable to defy their training to argue further. Their liege has spoken. There’s nothing to do now except follow orders. Grumbling, they do so, filing out of the throne room to see to improved castle security.
Well, that could have gone better.
The disgruntled royal guard make their way out of the throne room, but one brave man, Anwalt, remains. After the great doors have closed behind the last retreating soldier, this lone guard approaches the royal dais and stands before Rapunzel.
She meets his gaze steadily, but Euegne can tell she’s bracing herself. After a moment, the man quietly observes, "There is more to this situation than you spoke of just now, isn’t there, your Majesty?"
She clearly doesn’t want to answer, but Eugene knows she will. Over the years, this member of the guard has been an unofficial uncle to her, warning Eugene from even thinking of trying anything "funny" with Corona’s princess. At first, the warnings had been amusing, and then irritating, but now things have mellowed to the point where all it takes is a look from the guard and nod from Eugene to get the necessary chitchat out of the way. It’s their regular manner of greeting now, actually.
"Why would Prince Banale of Trist do this?" Anwalt persists.
She lets out a gusty sigh. Her shoulders droop. She glances over her shoulder at Eugene and mumbles, "We were betrothed as children, he and I. When I was—when I disappeared, it was nullified but Banale… doesn’t give up easily, it seems."
Eugene can give the man five very good reasons to run back home with his tail tucked between his legs.
Anwalt regards her for a moment and then does the unthinkable. He glances to Eugene for support. Eugene blinks back at him for a moment before accepting the invitation and coming forward to stand at the princess’ side.
"Then you know that you cannot venture beyond the borders of Corona," Anwalt counsels. "In fact, I would advise you not to leave the castle at all. If you are his true goal, then—"
"I am not going to just stay here and sit around with my knitting, waiting for the guards to rescue my parents," she proclaims to him. Pascal gives a reinforcing nod just in case the man doubts the princess's assertion. And Eugene has to allow that if they have to wait for the guard to do any particularly stupendous, they’ll probably die of old age before they get any good news.
"Your Grace," Anwalt begins once more. Eugene is impressed with the man’s tenacity. "If you would only hear me out..." Eugene almost feels bad for the kind, elderly man who had taken it upon himself to remain in the throne room and try to talk sense into someone who clearly can’t speak the language anymore.
Rapunzel's face softens at his gentle request. "Anwalt, I can’t," she answers simply.
"You can. There will be much for you to do here, your Majesty. Maximus can round up the troops and, together, they can pursue Banale on his own land. Once the people of Corona hear what has happened, they will be frightened, your Grace. With the king and queen being held captive abroad, if word got out that their beloved princess was no longer in the country..." He shakes his head. "The impact could be quite severe."
Eugene watches at Rapunzel considers his words. If there is one thing that might stop Rapunzel on her quest to save her parents, it would be the welfare of her people.
Her eyes flicker to Eugene. He wishes he could do something more profound than shrug unhelpfully. What does a former thief know about running a kingdom?
"Maximus has my vote," he offers inanely.
Pascal, shoulder-warmer of excellent timing that he is, chirps something in Rapunzel's ear. What he squeaks is a mystery to Eugene. Despite being around the frog for three years, he still can't understand the nonsensical chameleon language. The create gestures emphatically, his scaly brows pulled into a mighty frown. He pounds his tiny green fist into his palm. That, Eugene understands. And it does not bode particularly well.
Even before he is finished with his rant, Rapunzel’s spine straightens. "You’re Pascal. I need to be out there, doing something. They are my parents."
Anwalt remains unconvinced. "Going to Trist is exactly what the prince wants you to do," he argues sensibly.
Her chin juts upward. If there’s a more stubborn angle in the universe, Eugene hasn’t seen it. "That is a risk I am willing to take."
As the two of them, stare at each other, Eugene realizes it is going to be up to him to get everyone beyond this impasse. He softly clears his throat. "If I could have a moment with the princess...?"
Anwalt stiffens. Apparently, it’s one thing to exchange daily reminders in the corridors, but willfully leaving Eugene alone with Rapunzel is a whole other story. Eugene arches a brow at the man, his lips curving into a sardonic smile. Yeah, who knows what a former thief might do, eh? Maybe convince the princess that marrying him – and taking herself "off the market" so to speak – is the only way to save her parents. The very idea that Eugene would take advantage of her like that is ludicrous! After three years, the people of this castle should have a little more faith!
The former thief leans irreverently against the throne. I'm not going anywhere, buddy.
It’s a no-brainer which side Rapunzel will choose.
"Anwalt, let’s continue this later," the princess decides.
Anwalt isn’t happy. That much is clear. The guy had probably been hoping to pin Rapunzel down with a promise – everyone knows the weight of her promises here – but she’s having none of it. "As you wish, you Grace," he concedes on a gusty and disappointed sigh. With a stiff nod and a mute glare of warning in Eugene’s direction, he pivots on his heel and ambles out of the room.
Eugene waits until he is sure that the door has closed securely behind Anwalt before turning and facing Rapunzel. Her eyes are bloodshot, mud is still smeared on the underside of her chin and her dress is torn, but there is no mistaking the power she is emanating as she stands here, upon the dais before the thrones of Corona.
No, there will be no talking her out of saving the king and queen herself.
Before he can open his mouth, Rapunzel blurts raspily, "It's my fault they were taken."
Tears pool in her eyes and for the millionth time since she’d tumbled off of Maximus’ back and into his arms, Eugene wishes he had been there with her on that tour, promise to the queen or no. But, beating himself up is pointless. Max did his job in bringing Rapunzel safety back to the palace. Now, it will be up to them to do what the royal guard can't: rescue her parents.
"Hey," he says, scooping up a renegade tear that slides down her face. "Don’t blame yourself for this guy’s bruised ego. Some men can’t handle rejection."
Or so he’s heard. Eugene has no real personal experience in that department. Unless… He recalls the moment he’d been startled awake and had found himself trussed up Gestapo-style in her tower. Nah, doesn’t count. Clearly, some things had been lacking from her basic education for her to not respond to his suave grin and husky tone.
She shakes her head. "It wasn’t about his ego, Eugene." She draws in a deep breath. He hates the way it shudders and shivers in her throat. "He wants my crown."
Eugene’s gaze flies up to that very accessory. He hadn’t even thought to pick the twigs and bits of dried leaves from it earlier. In fact, he’d only had eyes for Rapunzel, her bloodied knuckles and scraped cheeks. "Your crown," he repeats woodenly, a drumbeat of dead taking up a slow, stomach-churning rhythm in his gut.
She nods. "Banale knows about the Protection of the Sun." When Eugene doesn’t say anything in response, she sighs. "So you had heard about it." But before Eugene can brace himself for an inquisition, she shakes her head and continues her first line of thought. "When he hit Daddy, he started yelling about it, saying that it was time for the people of Trist to have its power."
Eugene has heard of it before, of course. But he had lumped that childhood myth into the same category as dragons and faeries long ago. He should have known better, of course. Especially after the whole magic flower, magic hair thing. "You're saying it's real?" He asks, just in case it isn’t. You can never get too much clarification on this mystical stuff.
She nods. "Of course it is. The Protection of the Sun has been passed down in my family for many generations." Her hand moves to touch the circlet now tangled in her debris-matted hair. "The crowns of Corona are the key to its power."
Eugene accepts this new bit of information with relative ease. Somehow this seems almost mundane when compared with magical hair that has the ability to heal a man from a mortal wound. "Well… that would explain why the guards were after me when I took the crown."
She nods her head. "Having that much power is a dangerous thing."
"Wait. Hold up a second, Blondie. Doesn’t your father have the same connection with the sun’s protection?"
She nods. "But, I don’t think Banale knows that. He has heard the stories about my hair." She subconsciously reaches for the long-lost locks but only comes away with a cobweby stick pinched between her fingertips. "Because of them, he thinks I’m the only one who can wield the sun’s power. That’s why Banale wants me to marry him." Pascal leans into her shoulder. "But I won't do it, Eugene."
No, he certainly hopes not! That would put quite a crimp into the proposal he has been practicing. Behind securely closed doors.
She looks up at him, her big, green eyes shining. "Eugene, we need to save them."
He gathers her in his arms. She leans into him and grasps the edges of his doublet tightly. "We will," he promises. He brushes a kiss against her temple.
She pulls back slightly. "OK. So, we're going to need a ship. It's the quickest way to Trist."
Eugene's stomach lurches.
Ugh, sea travel.
No, scratch that. UGH!! SEA TRAVEL!!! There’s a reason Flynn Rider was the best thief in the country rather than on the seas!
Laughing nervously, Eugene lifts a hand and rubs the back of his neck, which already feels clammy and rife with goosebumps at the very thought of relentless, restless ocean waves. "Er, are you sure you want a ship—?"
Just as she cocks her head to the side, eyes narrowing in speculation, the throne room door bursts open.
Given the stress of the day, Eugene isn’t surprised to find himself standing in front of a frypan-wielding princess and her ferociously purple battle lizard in the next instant.
Where were the devil are those guards!?
Thankfully, they aren’t needed. But what if they had been? Eugene shares a droll look with Pascal. Clearly, this rescuing business should be left to the professionals. What’s scary is that a former thief, a wily chameleon, and a princess with a frying pan are the professionals.
"Princess!"
Eugene relaxes at the sight of a familiar ruffian. Hookhand charges into the room, gasping for air.
The bulky man stumbles to a halt in front of the throne, braces his remaining hand on his knee, bends over and pants. Eugene moves out of Rapunzel's way before she has to step around him to greet their friend.
Eyes watering, the man wheezes, "I just heard about what happened to the king and queen, your Highness."
Eugene raises an eyebrow. "News travels fast," he remarks. Especially bad news.
Hookhand gives them a slightly-pained, sheepish grin. "And, I think I can help."
Yes, Hookhand is an intimidating man in his own right, but unless he plans to swim all three of them – Rapunzel, Pascal and himself – across the sea one-handed, Eugene doesn't see how he is going to be able to do anything to help save the king and queen.
Rapunzel's eyes light up at the man's offer. Her knuckles turn white as she grips the frying pan tighter. "Really? How?"
Eugene doesn't miss the quick glance Hookhand casts in his direction. Whatever the ruffian is thinking, it is not going to be a Good Idea. He can tell already. "My cousin, Bigbeard, has recently finished his, er… trade run."
Trade run, huh? That’s a good one. Eligible for Best Euphemism of the Year.
Eugene suppresses a sarcastic snort. All things considered, the bubble of amusement probably would have turned into hysterical laughter: a marriage proposal he just can’t seem to get out, a king and queen in need of rescue, sea travel, Bigbeard-who-takes-no-prisoners-and-certainly-doesn’t-do-trade-runs-infamous-and-feared-pirate-captain-of-the-high-seas—!
He’s on the verge of hyperventilating just thinking about it. But no. No. Calm is the order of the day. Maybe just this once, Flynn can come out of retirement.
Eugene-slash-Flynn raises an eyebrow. "A trade run. Is that what they are calling piracy these days?"
The big man has the good nature to laugh. "He takes a certain pride in his work. Doesn’t like to be lumped in with that scurvy scum of the sea."
Eugene can tell Rapunzel is already excited by the idea. Ironically, it had probably been his own comment about piracy that clinched it for her. Yup, he knows that eye-sparkle. She’s already planning her trip with the filthiest, vilest seadogs of the known world and looking forward to it. If he didn’t love her, he’d… well, he’d never have to so much as think about setting foot on that rat-infested boat. That’s for sure.
He sighs.
"Do you think he would really help us?" asks Rapunzel, breathless with renewed hope.
"The reputation of Flynn Rider is still held in high esteem amongst the, er, more creative and enterprising entrepreneurs. He’d be willing to help him out," Hookhand answers.
The implication is clear. Sighing yet again, Eugene raises a hand to his face and pinches the bridge of his nose. The migraine isn’t here yet, but he knows it’s running him down.
"Eugene?" Rapunzel checks, the enthusiasm in her voice now dimming with sudden uncertainty. She lays a hand on his arm and addresses their guest. "Why can’t I just ask Bigbeard to take us there? I’m sure we can agree on a price…"
"Oh, um, well…"
"Bigbeard has rules," Eugene interjects, saving Hookhand from his stuttering. He drops his hand, opens his eyes and explains, "Lots of rules. Crazy rules. First and foremost, no doing fair trading with any royal families. That means you’re out of the running before you even make it to the wharf, babe."
"But…"
Eugene doesn’t interrupt her as she works through, in, out of, and between the lines. Then she bites her lip, gazes up at him with wide compelling eyes, and whispers, "Are you going to make me ask?"
"No." No, he’d never make her ask him for anything. Not when he already knows what she needs and what he has to do to give it to her. Whether he likes it or not. "No, I’ll do it."
Rapunzel grabs his biceps in excitement. "We can save them, Eugene! We can save them!"
He pastes on a phony smile as she vibrates with excitement. The ridiculous frog makes like he’s Captain Nimo, bracing himself on her shoulder and pantomiming too many sea voyage situations for Eugene’s peace of mind. Sea travel, a princess and pirates. Oh, yay.
Still, Eugene knows getting Rapunzel on the boat is going to be a problem. These pirates, who are unafraid of sword fights and prison time, gallows and the dregs at the bottom of a half rotten wine barrel, are terrified of the presence of a woman aboard their ship.
But Eugene isn't foolish enough to think he is going to be able to talk Rapunzel out of accepting Hookhand's offer. She is going on that ship, which means it’s up to him to convince Bigbeard to let her aboard. A plan starts to formulate in his mind.
It is so crazy, he is sure it will work.
Now he only has to convince Rapunzel that it’s a good idea.
Chapter 6
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