I want to say thank you to SilvanBeauty12 for requesting a sequel to my Tangled Emotions. I started to write it as a seperate story, so it has a differnt feel to it, I think anways. Hope you like it still. And I hope others enojy it, also. Now, this story is completed and there are eight chapters, and I'll probably update every week.

He wasn't sure exactly how long the four of them knelt there, but Eugene's heart was hammering in his chest the whole time. He was gently pushed against Rapunzel's back, which was very welcoming he had to say. But the strong presence of the arm across his own shoulders was terrifying him. The king was right next to him, and the queen just on the other side of Rapunzel.

Before he could really enjoy being close to Rapunzel again- the last, and first, time being when they shared a kiss in the tower- the king pulled back and cleared his throat. Cautiously, Eugene looked up at him and saw the tears swimming in the older man's eyes, which where focused on Rapunzel.

"Oh, my daughter, at long last... But it is really you." The king smiled, chuckling in joyous disbelief.

"My dear," the queen said, taking her daughters face into her hands. With happy tears in her eyes she searched Rapuznel's face. She started to say something, multiple times, but each time closing and trying to start again. "Oh! There is just too much to say, too much to ask!"

Rapunzel laughed shortly. Eugene could tell even from not seeing her expression that she was overwhelmed. He wasn't worried about her, though, for he could also tell she was happy. He still had an arm draped over her and when she leaned back he absently rubbed his hand over her shoulder.

"Oh! I want you to meet someone, uh…" Rapunzel laughed nervously, "M…Mother, Father." She looked up at the queen and king nervously but they smiled at her in encouragement. Rapunzel smiled back before turning to Eugene. "This is Eugene Fitzherbert. He saved me, and he brought be back here." Rapunzel wrapped an arm around his.

Eugene, for once in his adult life, felt himself flush; the king and queen turned their attention onto him, studying him. Inwardly he was cringing, knowing that they would recognize him as Flynn Rider. He waited with bated breath for them to demand his arrest and eventual death- if not his death right away…

"I see," the king said in a stony voice causing Eugene to tense. "Well, Mr. Fitzherbert, my wife and I owe you our humble gratitude. You have returned our most precious treasure. I am certain a handsome reward will reimburse your kindness and troubles."

Eugene stared, probably with his mouth hanging open. He cleared his throat. "Your Majesty…" He fumbled with his words. "I do not wish for compensation." Eugene felt his breathing hitch, but when he looked over at Rapunzel, her trusting eyes on him, he felt himself relax. For a moment he was solely focused on Rapunzel until a throat clearing brought him back, and he turned once again to face the king.

"Tell me, Mr. Fitzherbert, how a thief came across our daughter when no other could for eighteen long years. And how it is that same, notorious thief willingly walks towards almost certain death to bring her back- all without asking for a reward."

Eugene wasn't sure how to take the king's tone; it wasn't angry, just… curious. But it made Eugene feel like a bug under examination as one decides whether to step over or simply squash. "Uh…" Yeah, smooth Eugene… He winced.

"Richard… You're scaring the poor boy." A gentle admonishment prevented Eugene from fully freaking out. He turned to look at the queen, and was surprised at just how similar those eyes were to Rapunzel's. Just as with Rapunzel, the queen's eyes appeared to pierce straight through Eugene.

"Just testing him, Eleanor," The king stated.

Unable to hold those piercing eyes, Eugene looked down. He felt Rapunzel squeeze his arm and when he looked up she was smiling confidently at him. He really wished he could have her naïve view on life sometimes…

"Mothe-" Rapunzel winced lightly- still a touchy word for her at the moment- "Mother, Father, I am aware that Eugene is a thief, that he's Flynn Rider, but you have to believe me; I promise that he has changed. And I really would not be here if it weren't for him. He showed me the world! Mo- That woman, she kept me in a tower for eighteen years, never letting me out. Eugene came across my tower, and he showed me a way out… He took me to see the lanterns." Rapunzel finished with a smile.

Eugene watched the king and queen exchange a look before the king sighed. "Daughter, I do believe that," He said, and the queen nodded.

Eugene and Rapunzel both looked on in surprise as the king and queen smiled.

"You do?" Rapunzel exclaimed.

At their nod she laughed and threw her arms around Eugene's neck. He instinctively placed his hands on her hips, but the king and queen were still there and he almost fell over himself trying to get convey to Rapunzel that this was highly inappropriate without being obvious. He risked a glance at the royals and found them watching with amusement.

Finally Rapunzel pulled herself away from Eugene and in a moment of terror he thought she was going to kiss him. Don't get him wrong, he would not shy away from any of her kisses; however, kissing the king and queen's daughter right in front of them is not something he'd care to try for fear of losing his head- literally. Thankfully Rapunzel reigned herself in and settled for clutching his hand which he happily obliged.

The queen let out a small chuckle as she looked over her daughter. "Well I don't know about you two young ones, but my knees are complaining about all this kneeling. I believe we'll be more comfortable inside."

The king helped his wife up as Eugene helped Rapunzel up, and together the four walked through the balcony doors and into the interior of the castle. As Rapunzel leaned forward in her awe and excitement, Eugene didn't let go of her hand. He wasn't clinging, no, he was just… Worried she would run off and get lost. Yeah… His eyes darted every which way, his finely tuned instincts on overdrive. What sounded like marching approached from an adjacent hall and soon a blur of medal filled the spacious hallway. Eugene would have groaned at the sight of the Captain of the Guards if he were not already on edge.

"RIDER! Your Majesties, that man is Flynn Rider, the wanted thief!" The captain pointed at Eugene, looking like the cat who finally ate the canary. Imagine the captain's smug face when he thought he had Eugene outside of the tunnel from the Snuggly Duckling and amplify that by a hundred and there you have the captain's current expression. Eugene winced, and he definitely did not just sidestep to hide behind Rapunzel.

"Captain, I am well aware of the persons on the wanted list in my own kingdom. Now perhaps you could instead inform me how such a wanted thief could wonder about the kingdom on one of the most prominent anniversaries to show my daughter the lanterns," the king demanded, his tone vaguely admonishing.

The captain was speechless. He looked from the king, to the queen, to Eugene, and finally to Rapunzel. His eyes widened slightly and darted to the queen before landing on Rapunzel again. Eugene knew he was connecting the dots, because Rapunzel's resemblance to the queen was uncanny.

"Daughter…? Er! Your Highness!" The captain all but squeaked out. And if the situation weren't bordering on dangerous Eugene would have laughed. "Your Majesty?" He looked at the king for help.

With raised brows clearly showing amusement the king supplied, "Our daughter has been returned by the very thief you wish to arrest." The king paused before turning to study Eugene. "I do believe that, considering the circumstances, a pardon may be in order…"

While Eugene's eyebrows rose in shock, the captain's shock made itself evident in a very indignant noise. "But, Your Majesty! You just sentenced him to hang this very morning!" The captain's eyes glared at Eugene. "Which he escaped with the help of local criminals, I might add."

Eugene cringed back. Well, he couldn't argue that- what did happen to the pub thugs, anyway? Guilt washed over him. Well that was new; worrying about others. Before he could contemplate that, Rapunzel spoke.

"That was to rescue me!" The intensity in her voice made everyone pause and look at her- very reminiscent of the time in the pub when she stopped Hookhand from busting Eugene's nose. When Rapunzel realized all the attention was on her she blushed, but didn't back down. "He came to my aid, and as I told the- my mother and father I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Eugene. I owe him my freedom and my life."

Eugene glanced around; all the guards were confused as to what to do and the king and queen were watching their daughter. Well this was a very awkward situation… Finally the queen spoke.

"As I believe the law states, a pardon may be awarded if the criminal has performed a civic duty for his kingdom. Returning their lost princess fits that description, I should say."

The captain looked like he wanted to argue, but kept his tongue as he glared at Eugene again. Eugene tried to smirk at him, but he couldn't really pull it off. He honestly couldn't believe it. When Rapunzel first told him she was the lost princess a million thoughts rushed through his head, one of which being that he was doomed. He had been sorely tempted to let her enter the kingdom with Max and meet her parents on her own, but one look into those uncertain green eyes broke his will.

Actually, he's amazed things went as smoothly as they did. If it weren't for Maximus' presence and, Eugene was sore to admit, defense, the guards probably would have arrested Eugene on the spot. That and Rapunzel had a way with convincing people.

"Quit right, my love. Captain, if you would please inform the council of the recent events, my wife and I desire to get reacquainted with our daughter and get to know her… escort." The king said the word 'escort' with clear humor as he eyed Eugene.

While Eugene now realized he wasn't going to be hanged or arrested, he couldn't put a finger on what exactly it was the king looked at him with. But he knew it made him uncomfortable. As the guards, led by a rather desponded captain, marched off, the queen took Rapunzel by the arm and immediately began talking a mile a minute about just about everything so fast that Eugene couldn't keep up with the multiple topic changes. Rapunzel, he saw, had no problem and was currently introducing Pascal to her parents.

Eugene started, not even sure when the chameleon turned up. He could have sworn they told him to stay with Maximus. With suspicious eyes, Eugene glanced around for the horse, but luckily didn't spot him.

"Oh my, he's…" The queen was saying, "So adorable! Just look at him! And he's so sweet, too!"

Eugene glared at the chameleon. Did no one else see the toad for the devil he was? As if reading Eugene's thoughts Pascal glanced in his direction and smirked at him. How exactly a reptile was able to smirk, he didn't know, but Pascal did. And very smugly, he might add.

The king chuckled. "I am glad to hear you had such a good friend all those years."

"Oh, he is! We do everything together! He was the only one besides Mothe-" Rapunzel stopped short and sighed. "Besides her. …I don't know what to call her. I never knew her name even."

"We'll investigate into it, darling. Where is she now, anyways?" The queen asked gently.

"Uh.." When Rapunzel hesitated Eugene came to her rescue.

"She's… gone. Not split gone, but gone as in… dead." He said softly, hating the pain in Rapunzel's eyes. While he himself didn't hold much regard towards the woman who kidnapped and locked away Rapunzel- not to mention killed him-, he knew Rapunzel still held love for the woman who acted as her mother her whole childhood.

"Dead?" The king asked in shock. "How did this happen?" He looked between Rapunzel and Eugene. "I believe you two need to fill us in on what has happened."

When Rapunzel's eyes widened and grew misty Eugene knew that wasn't the best option so he stepped in. "Your Majesty, the whole thing is still …" He looked for the best way to phrase it, "A touchy subject."

The king looked at his daughter and nodded. "Of course. But, Daughter, please know that we are here for you. Whenever you are ready to tell us, we'll listen."

Rapunzel's misty eyes flowed over as she smiled. She embraced them both in a hug as she thanked them. When she pulled back she looked up at them. "My name is Rapunzel."

The queen made a small noise. "That's a beautiful name, darling." She looked her daughter up and down. "You've became such a beautiful young woman, too."

Rapunzel smiled at her shyly as her father looked on with agreement. Eugene of course agreed, but didn't comment when he noticed the king eyeing at him. There was that feeling again.

"Oh, Rapunzel," the queen smiled, using her daughter's name, "What happened to your hair? It was blonde when you were a baby."

"Oh… Well see…" Rapunzel chuckled nervously as she went to grip her hair, fumbling with it as she wasn't used to the shortness. She cleared her throat. "That's… part of the touchy subject." Eugene cast a glance at the king and queen, noticing they looked a little crestfallen. Rapunzel noticed, too, and quickly went on to say, "I will tell you both, I promise. I just… it's too fresh…" Rapunzel finished with tears in her eyes.

Her parents look confused and at a loss, but Eugene knew why Rapunzel was getting upset. He really wanted to pull her into a hug, but frankly the king was terrifying. Instead he caught her eyes and smiled reassuringly at her. She sighed and smiled back, her tears drying before falling. He continued to smile at her until a throat clearing startled him. He turned to see both the king and queen glancing between him and Rapunzel. Trying his best to hold back another flush, Eugene shifted and darted his eyes away.

"Well, you two look exhausted, honestly," the queen noted. "I know it is still somewhat early, but I think it would be welcoming to you both if you were shown to your rooms. Nothing is prepared, of course, but I hope you don't mind a couple of the guest rooms in the meantime."

Rapunzel smiled. "Thank you. I…" She bit her lip. "I'm glad to have finally found you both…"

Eugene watched as tears welled in all three of the royals' eyes as they embraced again. He couldn't help but smile warmly. He was happy, beyond happy, that Rapunzel had finally found her parents and that they accepted her with love.

The queen stepped back with a teary sigh, laughing lightly. "Alright, enough of the tears I think." She gently dabbed her eyes with the back of her hand. She looked at Rapunzel a moment before running a hand across Rapunzel's cheek with a smile.

"We are glad to have you back as well, Rapunzel," the king said. "Now, as for those rooms…" He glanced about and spotted a small group of people hovering at the end of the hall. Eugene hadn't noticed them before, but figured they were probably spying on them, no doubt hoping to get a glimpse of their lost princess. His thoughts were confirmed when the king called them forward and Eugene heard them whispering about him and Rapunzel when they neared.

"I see the gossip mill has proved effective once more," the king quipped happily. "Yes, the lost princess has returned, thanks to her escort Mr. Fitzherbert."

Eugene and Rapunzel both blushed when each of the servants' eyes fell on them in excitement.

"However," the king continued, "They have had a long journey and require a couple of rooms in the guests' wing. We'll be waiting in the library. And, Nathaniel, fetch Tristan and Annette, please."

The dismissal was clear and the group nodded before wondering off down the hall, casting excited glances over their shoulders.

"More permanent suites will be prepared, of course," The queen voiced. She turned her gaze upon Eugene for a moment, a contemplative look in her eyes. They softened as she added, "For both of you."

Eugene felt his eyes widen. He really didn't know what to say, except, "Thank you, Your Majesties." He bowed his head to her in respect. He turned to the king and did the same.

The king nodded in approval. "You may be a thief, rather ex-thief now, but you did bring our daughter back to us. And..." He glanced between Eugene and Rapunzel. "The mutual affection is quite clear."

Eugene couldn't help but smile as he looked at Rapunzel, who was glowing as she watched at him with her own smile. He and Rapunzel were led down the hall to a set of double doors. Eugene sized up the hallways and, if he had to guess, figured the library was centered in the middle of the castle. He had to chuckle as they entered and Rapunzel gasped in awe at the size of the interior.

Eugene was impressed, too; it was huge. Not only were there a dozen aisles of bookcases towering over them, the walls were lined with shelves very near to the ceiling featuring various trinkets and art, as well as more books. More impressively was the enormous bay window at one end, complete with cozy cushions and a narrow shelf running along the sill.

"There are so many! This is even bigger than the bookstore we stopped in, Eugene!" Rapunzel danced on her tip toes trying to see every nook and cranny.

"It is," Eugene agreed.

The king and queen chuckled and led them to a small sitting area. From the new angle, Eugene spotted a corner dedicated to study with a long desk and a few chairs as well as ink jars, pens, and parchment. He sat in silence, listening to Rapunzel and her parents talk. Occasionally the king and queen would ask Eugene something and he would answer, but this was Rapunzel's moment, and he allowed her to bask in her parents' presence.

Too soon for the royals' liking it seemed, two servants and the older man, Nathaniel, returned and informed them the rooms were ready. They were led down another hallway (there were far too many, Eugene thought) where they stopped at a door Nathaniel declared Rapunzel's. Eugene made note of the location for future reference.

"Wow!" Rapunzel pranced about her room with a grin. It was spacious, almost twice the size of her tower.

"And this is Annette, she will be your lady-in-waiting," the queen informed her. Rapunzel turned with confusion clear on her face. "She will act as your companion and aide. Anything you need, go to her and she'll see to it."

"Oh!" Rapunzel appeared intrigued and embarrassed by that. She held out her hand to the girl, who Eugene guessed was about Rapunzel's age, and said, "Nice to meet you, Annette."

Annette, a petite, freckled, red-head, stared at the offered hand in astonishment. She looked to the king and queen, unsure, but they were smiling. Timidly she shook Rapunzel's hand. "Ni- nice to meet you, too, Your Highness…"

Rapunzel furrowed her brows but then smiled. Next they were ushered to Eugene's room, which was almost at the end of the hall, separating him from Rapunzel by multiple rooms. He entered, almost unsure, and found it to be basically the same size of Rapunzel's. Definitely better than any place he's ever stayed.

He turned to the king and queen, intending to thank them, but pulled back when he found a young man standing just behind him.

"This is Tristan; he will be your gentleman-in-waiting," the queen informed him.

That threw Eugene, as he wasn't expecting such accommodations. "Uh… hi," he greeted lamely. Tristan merely raised a brow at him. Well then… Eugene wasn't sure how to take that.

"Now we'll leave you two to rest and freshen up. We'll be expecting you for dinner. Your aides will inform you of the time and escort you to the Dinning Hall," the king declared, gesturing Rapunzel to follow them out. She looked at Eugene with slight disappointment, but took her father's offered arm and was marched back down the hall to her own room between her parents, Annette and Nathaniel following behind. It was just him and Tristan now.

"So," Eugene started. "How are you?

Tristan gave him an odd look before replying. "I am well. Anyways, I would suggest you change your attire, after bathing of course, for supper; however, you have no wardrobe. I will inquire about that. The wash room is right through those doors; the bath is prepared."

Eugene stared at Tristan a moment before looking at the door the man was pointing to. "O…K…" Turning to Tristan, Eugene figured the man had to be a few years younger than him but the stiff posture and bland demeanor made him seem far older. Eugene shrugged it off and headed to the wash room.

"If there wasn't anything else you required, I'll be back to take you to the Dining Hall in three hours."

Eugene poked his head into the other room before turning to Tristan with a "Nope." He stared, dumbfounded, as Tristan bowed his head and exited. "Ook… That's just weird," Eugene said to the air. Eugene approached the bath and tested the water and found it to be warm- a pleasant surprise. Suddenly Eugene realized how sweaty and grimy he felt and began to pull off his clothing. When he removed his vest and shirt he examined the area he was stabbed and was astonished to see no mark of any kind marring his skin.

Though, he supposed he shouldn't have been, because there was no scar on his hand. He looked from his side to his hand that had been healed; a cut and a fatal stab wound were two very different things, though. He was lost in his musings a short moment before removing the rest of his clothes. Slipping into the water, Eugene sighed appreciatively. He knew he should have been at least sore from escaping from jail but he felt fine- exhausted, but fine. He figured that was due to the magic when it healed him.

Deciding not to linger on it all, Eugene enjoyed the warm water a long moment before cleansing himself. Afterwards he dried with a very plush towel and pulled on a soft robe. He held up his shirt and grimaced at the dirt. He was once again amazed that not only did Rapunzel's magic heal him, it made the blood stain and rip in his shirt and vest disappear, as if the stabbing never even happened. Smiling, thinking of Rapunzel, Eugene wished he could see her. He so badly wanted to hold her and kiss her; it had been really nice, he had to admit.

Finding a rag, Eugene scrubbed out the dirt from his shirt best he could. Scrutinizing it, he deemed it good enough and laid it out to dry. He pulled on his underpants and trousers and re-entered his bedroom. Viewing his new room, he was suddenly struck with how incredibly lucky he was. He found a girl he loved and wanted to share his life with, was to be pardoned of his crimes, and, oddly, got his castle…

He laughed at that. He had only been half joking when he declared to the Stabbington brothers that he wanted a castle. Although, he thought, looking out his window, the view he could definitely get used to. He chuckled and stepped over to his bed. It was huge with multiple pillows and a thick comforter. Rubbing his tired eyes, Eugene plopped down on the edge of the bed.

Relishing in how soft it was, Eugene stretched out with a sigh. He enjoyed that sore, yet good feeling of his back muscles relaxing. He rolled over and rested his head on his arms. Closing his eyes his thoughts returned to Rapunzel, wondering what she was doing right now…

A light tickle on his forehead woke him up. He blinked heavily before focusing enough to see that the light in the room had diminished some and frowned when he realized he fell asleep. A gentle touch to his hair startled him. He looked around before his gaze fell on Rapunzel.

"Wha…?" Was all he managed; normally he was a pretty light sleeper and would notice people entering his room, much less crawling onto his bed. Rapunzel was perched just beside him and had her hand hovering near his head. "How long have you been there?" He finally asked.

Grinning, Rapunzel replied, "About ten minutes?" She shrugged. "You looked so peaceful that I didn't want to wake you." She blushed now, her eyes darting quickly to his chest. He suddenly remembered he was shirtless and grinned.

"Normally I'm not a heavy sleeper."

Rapunzel frowned and put a hand to his forehead. "Are you not feeling well? You're not sick are you?"

Eugene pulled her hand from his forehead and squeezed it in reassurance. "No, I'm fine. Just more tired than I thought. What about you?"

She smiled. "I couldn't sleep if I tried- too wound up." She scooted and lay down, facing him. "I still can't believe it… It's all like a dream. One moment I'm in the tower, the next you're climbing it, then I finally leave and see the outside world." Her smile slipped. "And then the nightmare begins…" Her eyes teared up and he brought the hand he was still holding to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on it. Rapunzel smiled. "I can't even describe how relieved and happy I am that you're here with me, Eugene… It was horrible. I never want to feel that again."

"I'm sorry," Eugene blurted out. Rapunzel looked at him with wide, questioning eyes. "I never had any intentions of hurting you. But I don't regret doing what I did, and I would do it a million times over if it meant keeping you safe." Before, Eugene would scoff at such mushiness, yet the words flowed freely and easily from him and he didn't mind at all.

Rapunzel blushed and teared up. "But, Eugene, just remember that I want you alive and healthy right next to me." She suddenly frowned and looked angry. "And if you do something like that again, or do something stupid to put yourself in danger, I am going to be very angry with you!"

Eugene leaned back in surprise. "Alright, alright. Dully noted…"

Rapunzel dropped the angry look and giggled, throwing her arms around Eugene's neck and pulling him into a fierce hug. Eugene smiled contently, returning the embrace. The lay there a moment and just when Eugene felt he was beginning to fall asleep a short squeal escaped Rapunzel and she rolled away. When he looked at her in question she cleared her throat and sat up, gesturing to his chest.

Laughing, Eugene sat up, too. "What's the matter, never seen a man without a shirt on before?"

Rapunzel laughed with him. "I've never seen a man before you, remember?"

Eugene paused, staring at her. "Oh… Right." He slapped on a cocky smile, "Like what you see?" He wriggled his eye brows for good measure.

Sure enough, Rapunzel blushed deeply and laughed. "Just put on a shirt, please!"

Chuckling Eugene stood from the bed and made his way over to the wash room to retrieve his shirt. He slid it on and buttoned it up as he walked back to Rapunzel. He sat on the bed and leaned back against the headboard. "Is this better, Your Highness?"

Rapunzel crawled up next to him and sat beside him, leaning back onto his chest. He brought his arms up to wrap around her and she intertwined their fingers and sighed happily. There was a moments silence before she spoke up.

"I'm not sure I like being called 'Your Highness'…" Rapunzel whispered, unsure.

Eugene gently laughed. "Well, you are a princess now, so you'll have to get used to it. Your Highness." Rapunzel turned to glare at him and he laughed, holding his hands up. "Just kidding, Blondie!" She smiled at him. "Though," Eugene frowned, "That's not very fitting anymore, is it?"

Rapunzel lifted her brows as she went to grab her hair instinctively but clamped her fist onto nothing. She sighed. "Guess not…"

Eugene hated seeing the disappointment on her face and immediately felt guilty. "I'm sorry…" He said again.

Rapunzel's eyes shot up to him in a frown.

"Your hair, it's so different from what you're used to," he explained.

"Eugene. I don't… hate you for cutting it or any other ridiculous reason you're thinking of." At his confused look she continued softly, "I was just… I kinda like…the nickname…" She trailed off in a mumble.

Eugene blinked. "Wait, what?" He snickered. "I thought I was annoying you when I called you that instead of using your name! Actually… That was my intention," He informed her guiltily.

She laughed. "Oh, I know. And it did- at first. But, I don't know… It's sorta… our thing."

They shared a chuckle. Eugene said, "Alright then, Blondie it is."

Rapunzel nodded. "I still don't like being called 'Your Highness'. Why can't they just use my name?"

"It's a sign of respect to use titles."

"Oh… Still." She scrunched her nose up. Eugene laughed and pulled her back to him and held her close, resting his chin on her head. They reclined like that in compatible silence for a while before Eugene noticed that Rapunzel had fallen asleep. He smiled and kissed the top of her head. She let out a cute little sound that reminded him of a cat. Smiling he leaned his head back against the headboard and watched the sunset through the window.

Eugene couldn't believe how content he was at that moment with Rapunzel snoozing in his arms. Glancing down at her, he again acknowledged just how lucky of a bastard he was. And it was all thanks to her. He resisted kissing her head again in case it woke her up, hating to break her peaceful slumber.

Then he realized that he was in the castle with the king and queen nearby and a servant who would come calling for him at any moment. He worried about that, but looking back down at Rapunzel he decided he would deal with any repercussion if it meant he could enjoy the moment now. And too soon a knock came to his door, waking Rapunzel up. He watched in amusement as she sat up and blearily rubbed her eyes. She looked around and at him before blushing and biting her lip. She giggled and began to lean in.

Eugene gladly leaned forward to meet her, but before their lips could touch there was another knocking at the door. He and Rapunzel pulled back with a sigh.

"Think he'll bugger off if I tell him to?" Eugene whispered. Rapunzel giggled and swatted his arm before crawling over his legs to slide off the bed. She looked at the door worriedly and then at him unsure. "You're the princess. What are they going to do- ground you?"

She grinned before stepping closer to the armchair; clever, Eugene thought- she was acting as if she were in here merely sitting. He opened the door to reveal an annoyed looking Tristan.

"Sir," was the short greeting. When Eugene stepped back to let Tristan in the other man almost jumped when he spotted Rapunzel. "Oh, Your Highness." Tristan bowed to her."

Over his bowed head, Rapunzel's eyes met Eugene's and she gave him a see-what-I-mean look. Eugene grinned and mocked a stiff bow, exaggerating Tristan's movements. Rapunzel almost burst out laughing, but bit her lip and addressed Tristan.

"Tristan." She nodded her head at him. "Are you here to call us for dinner?"

Tristan straightened. "Yes, Your Highness."

Rapunzel nodded. "Annette is probably looking for me, if not soon. If you gentlemen will excuse me…"

Tristan bowed again, and Eugene and Rapunzel shared a grin. Once she left, Eugene turned to Tristan. "So, I may not have a better wardrobe, but how is this?" He spread his arms.

Tristan looked him up and down. "It'll have to do. I asked His Majesty and he requested I call in one of the tailors for a fitting after dinner."

Eugene nodded and headed to the wash room to retrieve his boots to slip on before following Tristan out. They met Rapunzel and Annette coming out of her room.

"Mr. Fitzherbert." Annette smiled and curtsied to him.

"Annette." Eugene bowed his head slightly to her. When they started walking, Eugene held out his arm to Rapunzel with a suave smirk. She laughed quietly, catching the attention of the two aides. Eugene gave them an innocent look, causing Rapunzel to bite her lip. After a flight of stairs and multiple corners and hallways, the two aides opened a set of double doors for them.

Eugene and Rapunzel entered to find the king and queen already seated. Eugene had always envisioned the royal family sitting yards apart, separated by a long table. However, the king and queen chose to sit at the same end; the king on the end with the queen to his right. A place had been set up next to the queen and across from her. Eugene pulled back from Rapunzel and allowed her to choose her own seat, which she took across from her mother.

Eugene stiffened when he realized that mean he would be sitting next to the queen. Swallowing hard, he sat. Everyone sat in an awkward silence for a moment, unsure of what to say. Eugene would normally make smart ass comments in situations like these, yet he was far too intimidated. This was going to be a long dinner, he thought with despair.