Being Eugene Fitzherbert’s Child Would Include…
You’re not Eugene’s biological child, but he found you and loves you so as far as he’s concerned that makes you his. In every way, that matters.
He found you during one of his exploits outside of Corona. You were rummaging the bins for something to eat. He pitied you and gave you an apple he’d “bought”. His last one.
Oh, you were sticking to him. Much to his initial annoyance. You followed him like a puppy. He couldn’t seem to shake you.
Eventually, he realizes you’re a really good distraction. When you cry people watch, and sometimes try to console you. And your sweet (e/c) eyes often move vendors to give you hand outs. You’re an asset. He’s keeping you.
On the rare days he doesn’t have a scheme he lets you lead. As a treat. Picnicking, reading in the library, flower picking, whatever you want, it’s your day to choose.
Over time, you endear yourself to him, so much so that he can’t imagine being without you.
The first time you call him dad, he low-key cries. He realizes at that moment that it’s not just him, he has a duty to you, to keep you safe. And he absolutely wants to give you the world.
You’re one of the few ones to know his true name, Eugene Fitzherbert. You can’t/don’t tease him. After all, you're (y/n) Fitzherbert.
He retires you from decoying.
He keeps you in the dark about his true actions. You’re a decoy, nothing more. He doesn’t want to involve you in any of his crimes. He never lets you be seen by any of his “partners”, knowing that would potentially put you at risk.
This means that sometimes he has to leave you alone. He always sets up a cozy camp in a well-hidden place, promises to be back for your bedtime story.
You’re never really lonely, even when he’s not there. You always find something to do to keep yourself occupied; tea parties with “fairies”, making friends with the woodland creatures, coloring.
But things change when you visit Corona.
He has to leave you again. He once again promises to be back in time to read you a bedtime story. Heck, he’ll even bring back a new Flynn Rider story. He gives you a little Eskimo kiss and heads off into the woods.
You’re so excited you love Flynn Rider stories, but your dad isn’t back in time. Your bedtime arrives, and he’s nowhere to be seen.
Meanwhile, Eugene is in hell. He stole a tiara from the royal family with the intent of backstabbing his partners, only to be foiled by a freak'n horse. Now he’s trapped by some blondie, basically blackmailing him just to see some stupid lanterns.
The tiara, it was supposed to be his last heist. Enough for him to make a life for himself and you. Give you the childhood you deserve. A fresh start for both of you.
He does not bring up the subject of you around Rapunzel. He wants to ditch her as fast as humanly possible and get back to you. But it seems she’s just as hard to shake as you were.
You worry. What if he doesn’t come back this time? What if he left you? For the first time in a while you begin to feel alone.
After the dam collapses, and they both almost drown, Rapunzel heals him with her hair. Her MAGIC hair. He decides to tell her his real name and, more importantly, tell her about you.
Rapunzel puts a halt on their quest for lanterns. They’re going to get you right then. She knows what it’s like to be left alone for days at a time. She doesn’t want to be part of the cause for that feeling for someone else.
They arrive at the hidden encampment in the morning. You’re still asleep. Nestled in your sleeping bag, cuddling a bunny stuffed animal Eugene had stolen for you sometime ago.
He gently shakes you awake.
After a moment of processing, you engulf Eugene in a hug. You’re absolutely ecstatic that he’s back. You go on rambling having to show him all the things you’ve made and tell him about the tricks you taught some bunnies. Then you notice…
“Dad, there’s a princess behind you.”
You take to Rapunzel immediately. She looks just like the princesses in the books you read at the library. Only with much longer hair, and she’s friends with a chameleon. Eugene might not be your favorite person anymore.
You have so many questions, as they try to explain they’re taking you to see some lanterns, mostly for Rapunzel (e.g. “It’s your birthday!?” & “Are you sure you’re not a for real princess?”)
Meanwhile, your dad gets attacked by a horse. Fortunately, you have an apple to offer them and Rapunzel convinces them not to arrest your dad for the time being. Again, you have some questions.
Maximus gives you a ride all the way into town, while Rapunzel and your dad walk beside you.
You notice and suspect they like each other.
You have the absolute time of your life. You meet other children who help you braid Rapunzel’s hair, get cupcakes, visit the library, Rapunzel teaches you a bit about drawing with chalk. It’s amazing.
You’re so tired you fall asleep on Max before the lanterns. Eugene doesn’t want to wake you, so he has Max keep an eye on you.
The horse loves you, so of course he’ll stomp anyone who disturbs you.
You awake when you feel Max moving. You awake to his panic and following his gaze you see your dad calling out for you and Rapunzel being dragged away by palace guards.
You and Max share a look. You both know what you need. Help.
Max takes you to the Ugly Duckling to assemble recruits. Max does charades trying to inform the bandits of the dire situation. Unfortunately, they don’t understand. Then you appear at the door. They give a cheer, they’d do anything for you.
(A story for another time.)
With help from the bandits, you and Max manage to help your dad escape prison. And boy, do you give your dad an earful. He shouldn’t steal because stealing is wrong. He’s so relieved you’re okay he sort of ignores your words and hugs you tight.
He forces you to stay with Max while he climbs up the tower to rescue Rapunzel. Max will keep you safe.
You know he has to this time, but you really don’t want him to leave you again.
You’re left at the base of the tower, wondering what’s happening. If Rapunzel and your dad are safe. When a woman is pushed from the window, you hide behind Max, watching in horror as she turns to dust.
You’ll be having nightmares for weeks to come.
When Eugene and Rapunzel emerge from the tower, you rush to Rapunzel, thrilled she’s okay. Favorite person.
Rapunzel is reunited with her parents, the king and queen. And you and your dad move into the Palace.
You get to live like a princess. The treatment your dad always knew you deserved. You’re completely supportive of his and Rapunzel’s relationship, though icky when they kiss, and Rapunzel adores you. Honestly, the whole kingdom does.
Not a princess by birth, but you are one in every way that matters.
