Oh, Nigel. That is not something you should have done. If you think about it, Nigel is at the epicenter of the incident for creating the misunderstanding that made Varian a pariah to begin with. I don't hate the guy either, but he really does need to loosen up.
Poor Varian really needs a hug right now. Too bad he chased away the one person willing to do just that.

Oh the feels! This chapter was so angsty! But I'm really glad Varian got Cass at the end like that. Nice touch. And I totally agree, can't they just accept part of the blame? There's blame enough for everyone!

Exceptionally awfully? I think not.
I love that armor piercing line Rupunzel just gave Varion, that last line that really hit hard. I'm certainly quite curious about how Varion wound up sharing a cell with Andrew if Arianna was so concerned about him sharing a cell with a criminal. I also wonder how she thinks isolation is a better answer.

I like the length of this chapter much better. I love how Arianna is so vested in helping Varian, it shows great compassion on her part. I also appreciate Frederick's portrayal as a lot of people hate him. They unfairly assume Varian didn't even get a trial before sent to the dungeon, though technically he didn't have to have one as his case was open and shut and worth life in prison at the least. Circumstances not withstanding, of course.
I like how he is struggling with his emotions on this, how it's hard for him to separate husband/father from king. It's very realistic and true to his nature as a character. Thank you for that.
Now the question to bear in mind is whether or not the Queen swayed Frederick or if his verdict was of his own accord and how it affects Varian. Can't wait to find out! Luckily, I won't have to, lol.

Now that's what I call poignant. The switch between Cassandra and Varian at the end, from her point of view to his... It just worked! The contrast was very well handled.

This chapter, as a direct carry over from the previous, could have just as well been part of the first to begin with. The following chapter too, I am sure. I only say this because with as short as the chapters are, this would read a lot better as a whole as a pposed to three parts.
I can't honestly say how this compares to the original episode atorywise, because I basically skimmed the episode by fastforwarding through it. I had a lot of angst about watching Varian doing such horrible things and acting all evil and stuff. It was horrible. But what I can say is that your writing is impeccable. You have a lit of talent.

Wow. You write better English then most of the native English speakers on here. So glad you are taking this seriously. There are a few grammar mistakes but they are forgivable. A good example is when she looked in his 'rage filled eyes' you used the word 'that' instead of 'those'.
Another thing I am curious about is your native language. I take it the first quotation mark is supposed to be on the bottom like that where you are from. In english the first quotation goes on top like the second. Example: "Sentence." Like that. How do you get the quotation on the bottom like that? Is it a language configuration? It's pretty cool.
Anyway. The story so far is good. I love how you put into prose the actions of the episode and how you put real emotion into the scene. I also like how you put two perspectives into the chapter, shifting from Rupunzel to Varian and back again. I like the whole thing. It's really good.
I am working on a 'Varian's perspective of season 2' story as well. It won't be nearly as good as yours, though. I will definitely put this in my favorites.

TT my poor boy!

Damn, Varian’s last line hit hard

Not to be dramatic or anything but I would die for Ruddiger OMG...XD

This story is so amazing! Your insights into everyone’s thoughts and reactions are really intelligent and realistic. I truly love every part of it! Phenomenal job! So good!

This is amazing! Cant wait for more

I absolutely love how you portrayed Varian's mixed emotions here. This is just so powerful, and you did a great job showing just how lost and depending on his emotions he is. We're deep into his soul here.

Thanks a lot for this update !

This is getting really good, pls continue soon!

Oh no! What's wrong with Varian?! must you leave me in suspense?! LAUGH OUT LOUD