Betrayal and Trust Part II (different writer) - AU fanfic

Departure.

[Okay, so here's a quick summary of what happened before.

Varian was in prison while Rapunzel and the others set out on a quest to find out where the black rocks led. After Cassandra betrayed the group and took the moonstone for herself, Rapunzel sent a letter to her parents, begging for aid. The king and queen decided to send Varian, along with all the guards. Varian, who regretted his actions and wanted to make up for them, agreed. What he didn't know, is that the king was actually planning on using him as a sacrifice to make Cassandra surrender. After a trip to his old home to get some supplies, Pete the guard suddenly fell sick. The medics are unable to find the cause of his illness, and therefore blame Varian for poisoning him somehow. Varian is hurt by their distrust and storms out of the infirmary.]

***

The whole room fell silent. Then queen Arianna blurted out: "Why can't you just give him a chance!" and she stomped out of the room. Leaving an even heavier silence.

Maybe I make things a mess
And maybe you're right to have doubts in me

It didn't take her very long to find out where Varian went. She found him sitting on Eugene's bed, staring at his hands. He didn't make any sound, but she could see the tears streaming down his cheeks.
He didn't look up, so Arianna kneeled down in front of him. For a while, Varian remained quiet. 

Maybe, but nevertheless

Just when Arianna decided to break the silence, he said softly: 
"I lost my mind. One time. But no one is ever going to forgive me."

If you for once could just trust me!

He sounded defeated. "It's no use. I don't know why I even bothered to try and help Rapunzel."

Arianna was at a loss for words. After a minute, she found her voice again and tried to comfort him. 
"Varian, I want to trust you... can you look me in the eyes and tell me you didn't poison Pete?"

Just this once, let me come through for you
The way that you want me to

He looked up for the first time, surprised. "Would you believe me?"

Let me make you proud
Let me show you the best in me

Her soft but determined "yes" threw him off guard. He was now staring directly at her with his bright blue eyes.

Let me give you a reason to believe that I can stand tall

"I didn't."
He looked down again. He nervously fidgeted with his sleeves, unsure what to expect.

"I believe you"

Okay, to be honest, he didn't expect that.
"You do? Why?"

"Because I know you're not insane. I know you're a sweet, caring boy who wouldn't do anything to harm people. And Rapunzel will believe that too."

Varian laughed bitterly. "I don't know about that. I hurt her so much. She probably doesn't want to see me ever again."

"I'm sure she does want to. If I know my daughter, she is probably thinking about you right now."

Varian stared at her in disbelief. "What are you trying to say?" 

"You have to go help her."

Varian saw her pleading eyes and considered her words. Sure, he was dreading to face Rapunzel after everything that had happened, but this might be his very last chance to prove that he had changed.