The entire night my head was filled with dreams of running through meadows filled with daisies and dandelions. It's hot and I am wearing a sundress while Eugene chases me. I trip and fall into the soft bed of flowers and disappear from his sight. Then, he trips on my feet and lands right on top of me. We laugh and smile up at each other and mention how clumsy we both are. He kisses my nose and tells me he has always been a fan of my clumsiness. That that is one of my characteristics he likes most. I smile shyly up at him. I feel happy.

My eyes flutter open with a smile on my face. It was a lovely dream, and it put me in a pleasant mood. My body is wrapped in Eugene's strong arms. There's no place I'd rather be than right here.

"I know you're awake", I hear from behind me.

"How did you know that?"

"You're breathing changed"

He starts to run one of his hands up and down my back. He is too good to me.

I turn on my left side and face him. His features always take my breath away, but this morning, something about him is exceptionally handsome. Maybe the way the front pieces of his hair slightly hang in his face, or the way his eyes look right now in this light, or the fact that he just woke up and that sleepy smile is present on his face. I'm not quite sure, but he makes my heart skip a beat.

"Good morning princess.", there also seems to be some tiredness in his voice. It sends chills down my arms.

"Good morning handsome prince. How did you sleep?"

"Quite well. How did you sleep?"

"Just lovely."

"Good", it amazes me how relaxed he looks with all the stress I know he contains.

It has been about six years since I have returned to the castle. In that time, Eugene and I have married and had a child. Her name is Avia. She is two years old and looks just like Eugene, except for her eyes. Pascal has become her best friend. They are inseparable.

My mother and father are becoming older and older every day. It has become harder for them to sit through long council meetings about the kingdom and too stressful to be making big decisions that will effect the entire kingdom. They knew the day would come when they came to Eugene and I and spoke to us about resigning from the throne, leaving the two of us to take over. That day was last week, and
we could not be more frightened.

Not only is it a large burden to run a kingdom, Eugene and I lack a great amount of knowledge that is required to do such a thing. Him being an ex-thief and I just starting to get used to palace life, we are very unprepared for what my mother and father soon expect of us. Yes they offered to give Eugene and I advice and to help us as much as they can when we need it, but that doesn't take away the fear of thousands of peoples lives in mine and Eugene's hands. The thought quite scares me.

We have a meeting scheduled later tonight with my parents about a date for their resignation and mine and Eugene's coronation. In the mean time, Eugene and I get dressed and walk down the hall to wake our daughter for breakfast.

I open the door quietly to reveal a little girl sound asleep in her bed. Recently, we put in a big princess bed with short rails on the side. She adores it and loves when it is bed time so she will get the opportunity to sleep in it.

"She's so beautiful Rapunzel. I feel bad waking her."

"So do I, but she needs to eat Eugene. Otherwise the nurse will have a fit."

I walk in with silent footsteps and sit on the side of Avia's bed. Pascal is curled in a little ball on her pillow right above her head. The scene in front of me brings a smile to my face.
"Avia, dear? It's time for breakfast darling.", I say as I shake her shoulder.

Her eyes open slowly. She yawns and stretches her hands above her head without realizing she is about to hit pascal. His eyes shoot open and he changes colors to match the pillow.

"Oh! It's alright pascal. Good morning.", I smile down at my old friend.

"Mommy!" Avia's arms are around me in seconds. She squeezes my neck as tight as her two year old arms allow her.

"Where daddy?", she says with big eyes.

Eugene comes up behind her and picks her up in the air, swinging her around and making her giggle.

"How did you sleep sweetheart?", Eugene settles her on is hip and her arms find their spot around his neck.

"Good!"

"Are you ready for breakfast?", I ask her.

Pascal climbs onto my shoulder. It reminds me of when we were both in the tower together.

"Yes!"

Usually we change Avia out of her night gown before breakfast but she always seems to dirty her dress while eating, so we don't. She slides her slippers on her feet and Eugene carries her as we walk down to the dining hall.

Mother and Father sit on either sides of the short rectangular table. They laugh as they cut into their Eggs Benedict. Avia waves at my mother and she waves back.

"Good morning! How did everyone sleep?", says my mother.

"Everyone slept wonderful mother. Thank you for asking.", I say, trying to get Avia into her high chair.

We all eat and talk about upcoming events like the meeting tonight and the festival of the sun next week. We also talk about the coronation. Mother says Eugene and I will be receiving new crowns that are appropriate for a king and queen. I don't feel the word 'queen' suits me very well.

After breakfast, it is time to take Avia up to her bedroom for a bath and a change of clothes. Then, Eugene and I will take her into town like we do every week. It is something she really enjoys, and so do the town people.

Eugene takes her into the bathroom to draw a bath and remove her dirty night gown. I can hear him playing with her. I go to her wardrobe to pick out a dress for her to wear today.

When Eugene and I found out I was pregnant, no one was more excited than the seamstresses. They were overjoyed at the idea of making baby clothes again. They do a lovely job. Avia's wardrobe is filled with all sorts of different colors. Pinks, purples, blues, greens, red, and orange. Every design is unique and different.

When I have decided on a dark green dress for her, I walk into the bathroom and see her playing with the bubbles Eugene added to her bath. She giggles as he blows some in her face.

"Tickles daddy!"

"Does it?", he picks up another handful and does it again. They laugh at each other. It makes me smile.

"Let's wash your hair honey.", he's says, grabbing the soap and putting some in his hand. Avia moves closer and Eugene carefully scrubs her dark brown locks. She plays with her toys, making up a story in her head and talking to herself.

After being in the bath for a half hour, we finally drained the bath and pulled our wrinkled daughter out of the tub.
"Cold mommy, cold!", she says while I dry off her tiny body and attempt to dry her hair.

"I'm sorry baby. Daddy will get you dressed ok? Then we will go into down. How does that sound?"

Avia claps her hands and a huge smile comes across her face.

Eugene puts her in her dress while I do her hair. Pascal is soon curled up on her shoulder and we are going down to the carriage.

"We should try to stay away from the stuffed animals this time, don't you think Rapunzel?", Eugene says as we settle in the carriage.

"We will see what happens dear. I don't want her to cry in front of everyone like last time. And once she gets older we can always donate the toys to the orphanage."

"She has so many though."

"We will see."

For some reason Eugene has never been a fan of giving Avia stuffed animals. Maybe it's because they take up a lot of space in her room, but once she outgrows them they will be nice donations to the orphanage, so I don't see what the problem is. There are only about two she is super attached to.

We ride halfway into town, then Eugene asks the driver to stop so we can walk the rest of the way. He does this occasionally, so Avia can see the big fountain and throw a Corona coin in.

"Thank you.", I say before we walk away from the carriage.

Eugene holds Avia as we walk. I see the coin already in his hand. A small smile appears on my lips.

"What?", he asks

I shake my head and continue walking to the fountain.

"Water daddy! Water!"

"Yes baby, water.", Eugene kisses her cheek and sets her down.

She runs as fast as her little legs will carry her to the marble edge of the fountain. Eugene crouches down next to her and hands her the coin. She kisses it and throws it. It doesn't go very far but it lands in the water with a small splash.

She smiles and claps, satisfied with her toss. Then, she raises her arms to Eugene for him to resume carrying her. He smiles and picks her up.

"Good job Avia.", I say.
We walk through the streets, saying good morning to people who pass by. The town is such a busy place but it is so nice to visit. Everyone is friendly, waving hello and wishing others well. That is why we come here so often. It is a good environment for our daughter.

When we pass the cupcake shop, Avia fusses. Eugene tells her we will get some before we leave so she can have one for dessert and she settles down. Eugene has always been better at calming her down than I ever have. It's because she is so attached to him. I know he loves it.

We walk to the bridge to watch the boats. Avia likes to look at the castle from here because of how tall it is. She points to all the windows thinking she sees grandmother or grandfather in a room or one of the maids doing their chores.

After walking along the bridge, we go to the beach and let Avia play in the sand. She leaves foot prints then looks back at them to see how far she has walked and how big they are. It's fun to watch what she does all on her own.

"It's crazy how big she's getting, isn't it?", I ask Eugene.

"Yes, I know. It's scary."

"It's only been two years. It's going by too fast."
"We could have another one Rapunzel. She's already two, almost three, and I think she would be a good big sister."

"I know, but we have the coronation to worry about."

"What does that have to do with having another baby?"

"You are going to be busier than ever, Eugene. So will I. If we have another baby, how are we going to be able to take care of it? It won't be like now where we get to bathe and dress Avia."

"Rapunzel, you and I will have your mother and father to help us, just like we did when we had Avia. It will be a little different, but it will work. I promise."

"I don't know Eugene. I'll think about it ok?"

"I'm not trying to rush you, but I want you to know that I'm ready for another baby."

I could tell he was ready. He's been ready for a while. I don't want to keep this from him, but I don't know if I'm ready. Maybe after the coronation I will feel a bit better about this idea.

We soon decided it was time to go home for the day. We made sure to stop by at the cupcake shop for Avia. She stayed tucked under Eugene's arm the entire ride home.

When we got back we gave one of the maids the cupcakes to take to the fridge while we took Avia upstairs for her nap. She hates this part of the day, and it is definitely hard.

Pascal crawls to his spot at the top of Avia's pillow and curls into a ball. Avia squirms while I carry her to her bed. It's so frustrating that she can't cooperate with me for once. She does this with Eugene too.

"I don't want to mommy!", tears start rolling down her cheeks. That was what I was hoping to avoid.

I cradle her in my lap and running my hand over her smooth hair. Eugene does this sometimes and it calms her down pretty fast.

"It's just for a little bit baby. When you wake up you can have your cupcake."

"No mommy.", she looks up at me with wet cheeks.

"Mommy is going to take a nap too sweet heart. Daddy and I are very tired from walking around."

"With me?"

"No baby. Pascal will be with you ok?"

She turns to see pascal looking at her with big eyes. He's trying to help me.

"Daddy."

"I'll go get him ok baby? Stay there."

I rush down the hall to mine and Eugene's room. He is sitting in a chair by the fireplace reading the newspaper.

"Eugene, Avia wants you to give her a kiss."

He nods his head, sets down his paper and follows me back to Avia's room. She is already laying down with her eyes closed, but I know she's not asleep yet.

"Come here honey.", Eugene says with his arms open wide.

She sits up and opens her arms for Eugene to pick her up and fold her against his chest.

"I love you daddy."

"I love you too baby. Go to sleep ok?"

She nods her head and lays back on her pillow. I kiss her forehead, then Eugene and I walk out of the room together.

"Thank you.", I say as we walk back to our room.

"She is always a pain to put down.", he says. "I think she gets all that energy from you."

I laugh. I've always had a lot of energy. He is probably right.

"What time is our meeting tonight? Eight-thirty right?", I ask.

"I believe so my dear."

"I hope my parents aren't too upset. They have been running this kingdom almost forth years. That's a long time."

"They seem ok Rapunzel. I think they are happy that they won't be stressed anymore. They can just live in the castle and be with their grandchildren."

He opens the door to our room for me to walk in. I sit on my side of the bed and look out the window. Things are going to become very different, really fast. I don't know if I'm ready to be queen.

"Rapunzel?", Eugene asks.

"Yes?"

"Are you alright?"

"I'm just scared. I'm not cut out to run a kingdom."

"Neither am I. I'm an ex-thief. How is that for a resumé? Your parents will help us sweet heart. The people love you. You know what's best for them and you care about them. That's all you need to be a good queen."

I do care about the people. Maybe Eugene is right. Maybe I could do this with the help of my parents.

He kneels down in front of me and takes my hands.

"We can do this together ok? I'm right by your side through it all. What are you worried about?"

"My mother and father have set up this beautiful kingdom and I wouldn't want to do anything to ruin it."

He reaches up and cups my cheek with his hand. "You will do nothing but make improvements honey."

I smile down at him and lean in for a kiss.

"Are you feeling better?", he asks.

I nod my head and hug his neck. He always knows exactly what to say when I need help in a situation.

Avia slept for an hour and a half. It wasn't the longest nap she has ever taken. On the bright side, she actually took a nap.

Avia plays with her toys by the fire while Eugene and I read. Mother told me earlier that supper was going to be special tonight.

When it is time to go down to the dining hall, we gather Avia and head out the door.

"Are you hungry Avia?", I ask her.

She smiles and nods. "Daddy hungry?"

"Yes baby, I'm very hungry."

We sit down at the table and look at the giant pig sitting in the middle of the table.

"Mother, father, isn't this a little too special for a regular supper?", I ask.

"We are having the priest for dinner dear. He will be in the meeting with us.", my father says.

"We'll I knew that, but I didn't think he'd be eating with us."

"Is that a problem?", my mother says.

"Well, no, but he's sort of strange.", I turn to Eugene, "don't you think?"

He looks between my parents and I, "He was kind of odd at our wedding."

"Ok I admit he might be the most, approachable man in the world, but he is very kind. And he is going to perform our resignation and your coronation.", says my father.

"When is he coming dear?", my mother asks my father.

"I believe he should.."

There is a knock on the door and a maid walks in.

"The priest is here your highnesses."

"Send him in Doreen!", says my father with a smile on his face.

Doreen nods and leaves. Soon, a short, pudgy man walks in, pushing up his spectacles and looking down at his robe to make sure he looks ok.

"Hello priest Simons! Come! Sit and eat!", my father calls

He sits across from Eugene and I. I can tell her remembers us from four years ago.

"Welcome priest Simons." My mother says, "I'm sure you remember Rapunzel and Eugene."

"Oh, yes, of course I do. How are you?" He asks in a shaky voice.

"We are great, thank you.", Eugene says.

"And who is this?", the priest asks, gesturing towards Avia.

"Oh this is Avia, our daughter.", I say.

His eyes widen a bit, "Oh! She looks just like you Eugene. And she has your eyes Rapunzel."

"Thank you.", Eugene says. He reaches for my hand under the table.

Supper is quite interesting. Mother and father mostly talk to the priest about the ceremonies. We all agree they should be combined. To honor the four of us at the same time.

Once everyone is done eating, I look over at Avia and see that she is yawning.

"Maybe we should take her to bed Eugene.", I say.

"Oh yes. We will be right back.", Eugene says to my mother and father.

"Take your time dear. We know how it can be." My mother says.

I pull Avia out of her high chair and lay her against my shoulder. Eugene and I walk down the hall towards her bedroom quietly so we don't wake her. He opens the door to her room and I walk in.

"Will you get me a night gown and a diaper please?", I ask.

He nods and tosses a diaper onto the bed. I lay Avia down and remove her green dress carefully. Once her diaper is replaced with a clean one, I slip her into a clean night gown. Eugene pulls back the covers and I place her on the mattress gently. He tucks her in and kisses her on the cheek. I kiss her forehead and whisper 'goodnight' in her ear before walking into the hall with Eugene.

"It's easier when she is asleep.", says Eugene.

He pulls me into a hug. I wrap my arms around his waist and close my eyes. This meeting is going to drain me of all the energy I have left for the day.

"Let's go.", I say before smiling and planting a kiss on his lips, "Let's get this over with."

We meet in one of the conference rooms to discuss our plan. First, mother and father ask about the ceremony. Where it will be, who will be invited, the date. Then they ask Eugene and I the most preposterous question.

"The one thing I am curious about dear is, where will we stay once we have resigned?", my mother asks.

"Catherine! You don't expect us to kick you and Daniel out!", Eugene blurts out.

"Well, why would you want us here? We wouldn't be doing anything.."

"Mother you are family. There is no way Eugene and I would ever consider kicking you out. We need your help.", I say.

"We were planning on the two of you staying here."

The rest of the night we talk about what will happen during the ceremonies and what will need to be done before. We have to make an announcement to the kingdom. Mother and father have agreed to announce their resignation and to announce that Eugene and I will be taking the throne.

The meeting comes to an end around nine-thirty. We say goodbye to the priest, who promises to be back in two weeks, then good night to my mother and father.

"Thank god that's over!", I says as Eugene and I walk hand and hand to our bedroom.

"It wasn't that bad."

"Are you serious Eugene? It was so boring."

"Yeah it was pretty boring."

We walk past Avia's room, but I stop for some reason.

"Can we check on her?", I ask.

Eugene nods, so I open the door and peak my head inside. She is sound asleep, with pascal laying next to her. I smile at how peaceful she looks.

"Come on, let's go to bed." Eugene says, putting his hands on either side of my waist and pulling out the doorway. He closes the door and we walk to our room.

He opens the door for me. I walk into the room and change into my night gown, then go into the bathroom to brush my hair. Once I'm done, I crawl into bed next to Eugene. He wraps an arm around me so I'm close to his chest. I can hear his heart beating.

"Rapunzel?"

"Yes Eugene?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"You are going to be an amazing queen. I know it."

What would I do without this man?

"You are going to be an amazing king."

"Thank you honey. Good night."

"Wait, Euegene?"

"Yes Rapunzel?"

"I've made up my mind."

"About what honey?", he puts a hand across the right side of my body.

"I want another baby."