Destined Couple

Arrangement

Dinner was a pretty calm event. Eugene had his spot next to Rapunzel, as usual, and the conversations were light-hearted enough. He couldn't help but glance at the unexpected threat to his happiness, the homewrecking disaster-child that had been charming his way into Rapunzel's heart. And now her parents and his dad were going to be having some big, private talk with them after dinner?

Looking at him, you'd never expect Varian to be the threat he is, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Looking at him, he looked like a normal teenage kid that for some reason wore googles, an apron and gloves all the time over his ragged clothes that looked like they didn't quite fit right, like they were made for someone bigger but at the same time smaller in certain places.

Looking at him, you would never expect him to be anyone that could catch the eye of a Princess. Hell, he didn't even look like he belonged in her company, much less a potential suitor. And how could he be considered a romantic option; he was a kid! This was just plain unbelievable! Eugene should be living a happily ever after with his beautiful girlfriend and instead he's at war with a kid that didn't even reach his shoulders!

"Eugene, you're making some odd faces." Rapunzel commented. "Is it the food?"

"Huh? Oh, uh, no. The food's great. I'm just thinking of something upsetting." He admitted. "Don't worry about me, Sunshine." He smiled fondly. "I'm okay."

She smiled and then went back to her conversation.

"So, that's why I'm thinking that it might be useful to arm the Royal Guard with my goo bombs, to assist in capturing criminals." Varian said, continuing a conversation Eugene hadn't been listening to.

"That sounds like a great idea!" Rapunzel said encouragingly. "I've been caught in those traps; it is not an easy getaway. He had to free me himself with some other chemical!"

"It's certainly an idea, but we don't have an alchemist in the castle." Queen Arianna said thoughtfully.

"I can mass-produce them and bring them to the castle." Varian offered. "I'm happy to assist in ensuring the safety of the Kingdom in any way."

"Well...I suppose it is a good idea." King Frederic looked at Quirin. "Would you be alright with bringing the shipments?"

"If I can't do it, Adira can." Quirin assured him, smiling at his sister next to him.

"Then, we will be happy to accept your help, Varian." King Frederic smiled warmly at him.

Great, now he'd just earned more points. Eugene was going to have to earn points with the King somehow, and soon. This was so unfair!

--

After dinner, Cassandra and Eugene were dismissed and the rest of them went up to the King's study.

"Oh, so Adira gets to go?" Eugene asked as they left.

"Come on in, get comfortable." King Frederic said, gesturing to the seats in his study. They all took seats and then Adira stood at the door, locking it and standing in front of the keyhole to ensure absolute privacy.

"What is this about?" Rapunzel asked as she sat down next to Varian, the other seats already taken by the time they got to the loveseat.

"Rapunzel, there's something we need to talk to you about." King Frederic started. "I don't know if you have been told this or not but, while you are the Sundrop, Varian is your counterpart, the Moonstone."

"I know." Rapunzel nodded. "He told me, and about the legends."

"Well, that makes this easier. Quirin and I have been talking, and we thought that it might be in your best interest if you were...intended for someone else. Someone who, in my opinion, seems to care for you and your interests more than your current object of affection." King Frederic looked at Varian. "Seeing as the two of you are destined to be together and you get along so well, I thought you might not be opposed to this."