The Little Siren

5 - Deals Struck

The setting sun painted the Corona River in a breathtaking array of colors – fiery orange melting into a soft lavender sky. Rapunzel, perched on a flat rock overlooking the water, couldn't help but let out a contented sigh. It was perfect.

Across from her, Eugene (or Flynn Rider, as some people still insisted on calling him) leaned back against a willow tree, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Enjoying the view, Blondie?" he asked, his voice laced with a playful drawl.

Rapunzel turned to him, a wide smile gracing her lips. "It's beautiful," she admitted, her gaze drifting back towards the shimmering water. "But honestly, the best part is being here with you."

Eugene chuckled, a warm sound that sent a pleasant flutter through her stomach. He reached into the satchel slung over his shoulder and pulled out a small, intricately carved box.

Rapunzel's eyes widened with curiosity. "What's that?" she asked, leaning forward.

Eugene opened the box with a flourish, revealing a single, delicate flower with petals the color of twilight. "For you," he declared, extending the box towards her.

Rapunzel gasped. It was a moonflower, a rare bloom that only grew in a hidden grove on the outskirts of the kingdom. It was rumored to grant wishes under the light of the full moon.

"Eugene, it's beautiful! Where did you...?"

"Don't worry, Princess," he interrupted with a wink. "No daring escapes this time. Just a little walk in the moonlight and a few friendly barters with a rather elusive gnome."

Rapunzel's heart melted. He'd gone through all this trouble just for her? Emotion welled up in her throat, making it difficult to speak. Finally, she managed a choked whisper, "Thank you, Eugene. It's... it's perfect."

Eugene smiled, his gaze lingering on her face with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "You're perfect, Rapunzel," he said softly.

Suddenly, a loud splash broke the tranquil silence. Both of them turned towards the sound to see Pascal, Rapunzel's seahorse friend, perched precariously on a rock, a thoroughly disgruntled expression on his tiny face.

"Pascal?" Rapunzel exclaimed, her voice laced with concern. "What's wrong?"

Pascal squeaked rapidly, his entire body rippling with agitation. He pointed a sticky green appendage towards the bushes, his frustration clear.

Eugene frowned. "What is it, little buddy?" He knew Pascal well enough to understand the urgency in his frantic chirps.

Pascal squeaked again, hopping from one foot to the other. Finally, he launched himself into the air, landing squarely on Rapunzel's shoulder and gripping her hair tightly.

Rapunzel laughed, a warm sound that filled the air. "Alright, alright, I get it. You want to tell me something." She turned to Eugene, her eyes twinkling. "It seems we have a little interruption."

Eugene chuckled. "Duty calls, Princess?"

Rapunzel bit her lip, torn between the romantic moment and the urgency in Pascal's frantic behavior. "It seems so," she sighed reluctantly. "But don't worry, we'll finish this later. Under the moonlight, with that beautiful moonflower, of course."

Eugene grinned, his eyes radiating mischief. "I wouldn't want it any other way, Princess."

With one last lingering look at Eugene and a promise to return soon, Rapunzel followed Pascal, her heart brimming with a mix of romantic excitement and the unknown adventure that awaited.

A pang of disappointment flickered across Eugene's face, quickly replaced by a knowing smile. He understood the unspoken bond between Rapunzel and her peculiar seahorse friend. "Go, go," he waved her off playfully. "Pascal wouldn't be making such a fuss if it wasn't important."