Threads of Destiny: A Royal Reunion

Chapter 8: A King's Deception

While Rapunzel struggled with Elsa's distancing behavior, Anna and Hans were more inseparable than ever. Their relationship had intensified to the point that rumors were swirling around the palace about an impending royal engagement. Hans had skillfully positioned himself as Anna's greatest support, constantly by her side, whispering sweet nothings into her ear.

But for all his charm and attentiveness, Hans was a man with a plan. And only Rapunzel and Eugene could see the cracks in his too-perfect exterior.

One evening, while Anna and Hans were out riding horses in the royal fields, Eugene decided to act on his suspicions. "I'm going to do some digging," he told Rapunzel as they sat in the castle library. "Hans came out of nowhere, and I don't trust someone who's too good to be true."

Rapunzel looked up from the book she was reading, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean? You think Hans is hiding something?"

Eugene nodded. "I've been around enough thieves and conmen to know when someone's putting on a show. Hans is hiding something. I don't know what it is yet, but I'm going to find out."

Rapunzel felt a chill run down her spine. She had always felt uneasy about Hans, but she hadn't been able to put her finger on why. Now, Eugene's suspicions only added to her growing concerns. "Be careful," she warned. "If he's as dangerous as you think, we don't know how far he's willing to go."

Eugene gave her a confident smile. "Don't worry about me. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

The next morning, while Hans and Anna were occupied with royal meetings, Eugene slipped into Hans' private quarters under the guise of delivering a message. The room was immaculate, too immaculate for a man who was supposedly in love with Anna. There were no personal effects, no signs that Hans had made any effort to settle in. It was as if he had no intention of staying.

Eugene's eyes narrowed as he searched the room. He rifled through the papers on Hans' desk, finding nothing of note. But then, tucked in the back of a drawer, he found a letter. The seal was broken, and the handwriting was unmistakable—Hans had been corresponding with someone outside of Arendelle.

The letter was short, but its contents were enough to make Eugene's blood run cold.

"The plan is proceeding as expected. Arendelle will be mine by the time winter ends. The princess is more gullible than I anticipated. Stay ready for my signal."

Eugene's heart pounded in his chest as he folded the letter and slipped it into his pocket. Hans wasn't just after Anna's heart—he was after the throne.