Varian was a little nervous to be heading to the castle, along with Quirin and Ruddiger. He could tell King Frederic still didn't like him much, even though Varian had been one of the citizens to fight valiantly against Zhan Tiri. Rapunzel had assured him that her father was slowly warming up to the idea of Varian as a good guy, and that although he hadn't admitted it, Frederic had been impressed with Varian's celebratory fireworks display earlier.
Still, Varian suspected that Arianna and Rapunzel were the only royals who really wanted him to be there for dinner. He would try to make a good impression anyway, that was why he and Quirin were bringing food- apple pie fresh from the farm. It had cooled during the journey from Old Corona and would probably be at the perfect temperature when dinner was served.
“Varian! Quirin! And of course Ruddiger! I'm so glad you could make it!” Rapunzel ran up and hugged them. She still missed Cass, but she was able to genuinely smile now.
“Remember, Rapunzel. We wait for the guests to be announced. And they really should be bowing before us.” Frederic pointed out. Evidently, he was serious about Rapunzel behaving more like royalty and less like a friend.
“Frederic, it's fine. I'm sure they were just about to bow.” Arianna came to their rescue.
“Your Majesties.” Quirin bowed, and so did Varian. Ruddiger jumped off Varian's shoulder and rubbed up against Arianna's ankles. Frederic gasped, but Arianna just laughed and petted the raccoon.
“Really, Frederic. It's just a harmless animal. Certainly better than an umlaut at any rate, and far less annoying.” Arianna maintained.
“Did someone say umlaut?” a perky voice asked. The voice belonged to a thin brunette woman Varian didn't know.
'Speaking of annoying...' Arianna thought secretly.
“The name's Willow, Arianna's sister. I used to be the proud owner of an umlaut, but I traded it for this.” Willow held up a cube with smaller colored pieces in 6 different shades. “It's a puzzle I'm told is completely unsolvable.” she bragged.
Varian's interest was piqued. “Can I try?” he asked.
Willow laughed. “Go ahead, you'll see it's impossible.” she said.
Varian twisted the pieces over and over until all the colors were lined up on each side. “Got it.” Varian announced. Arianna stifled a laugh.
“Did I mention how glad I was that you invited friends, Rapunzel?” Arianna smirked.
“I can't believe you solved it. You must be one smart kid.” Willow judged. She turned to address Quirin. “And who are you, the little genius' father?” she assumed.
“Yes, Varian's my son. I'm Quirin.” said Quirin.
“Well, you're a cute one.” Willow replied.
“Willow!” Arianna snapped. “I'm sorry, she has terrible manners.”
“I only told the truth.” Willow grumbled.
Quirin looked embarrassed, but Willow was only briefly shamed. “You're from that farming family, right? I remember when we were kids, Darianna and I snuck on to a farm on the outskirts of Corona and stole a bunch of apples, which we threw at boys we like. Darianna got Frederic right in the face! I think he still has the scar.” Willow recalled. Varian had to laugh, but he covered it up with a cough, so that Frederic wouldn't dislike him even more than he already did.
“That is enough, Willow. You will stop telling these humiliating stories and behave. We're about to have dinner. Our other guests, Eugene, Lance, Kiera, and Catalina are already waiting.” Arianna hissed.
Varian was relieved. The more people around, the less likely Frederic would focus negatively on him. But as they walked to the dining room, he noticed Frederic would periodically look at him and scowl. Rapunzel was wrong, the fireworks had hardly impressed him if he could still look this angry around Varian.
“We don't have room for everyone at the dining table. Varian you'll have to sit at the kids' table with Kiera and Catalina. Sorry.” Rapunzel apologized.
“It's the better table. We don't have to bump elbows with the grown ups.” Catalina said.
“And we can turn our napkins into spitballs!” Kiera added excitedly.
“Oh, I wish I was at the kids' table.” Lance sighed.
“I'm sure Varian will be just fine over there. Where do you want me to place the pie we brought?” Quirin asked.
“In the center of our table, next to the turkey and stuffing.” Arianna answered.
“I bet I can eat more stuffing than anybody!” Kiera bragged.
“You're on!” Catalina took up the challenge.
“I'm in too.” Lance declared.
“I'll just eat what's put in front of me.” Varian said meekly.
“Tell me again why we thought Varian was a better fit than Lance for the kids' table?” Eugene whispered. Rapunzel just giggled, and Pascal flicked his tongue out.
Frederic took a seat at the head of the adults' table, with Arianna on his left and Rapunzel on his right. Next to Rapunzel was Eugene, then Lance. Willow was next to Arianna and on her other side was Quirin. Everyone bowed their head in prayer.
“We thank God for providing us with good food and good company. In the name of the Lord, let's eat. Amen.” Frederic prayed.
“Amen.” the group chorused.
Frederic then began serving the turkey. Varian noticed that his piece was quite small, and entirely made of dark meat. Frederic glowered at him, as if daring the boy to complain.
“L-looks good.” Varian stammered.
“Aw, you got a crummy piece.” Kiera opined, shoving turkey into her mouth.
At the adults' table, things were a little better. Everyone had a plate full of delicious food and King Frederic was explaining to Willow how the demon Zhan Tiri had been defeated by his daughter. Rapunzel was modest, and told Willow that all her friends had helped, listing each one by name and including Varian and Quirin.
Willow turned to Quirin. “So you're a man of action. That's very attractive.” she noted.
“Willow, please. Quirin is a widower.” Arianna snarled.
“Then it's obviously been awhile since he was last complimented by a pretty girl.” Willow argued. Arianna gave up trying to discourage her pushy sister, while Quirin blushed and pretended to be very interested in his napkin. Varian felt sorry for his Dad, and wished he could change places with him, even if it meant being near Frederic.
“The turkey is really good.” Rapunzel said, trying to find a neutral topic.
“It's delicious.” Lance agreed, mouth full.
“And the stuffing is simply incredible.” Eugene added, taking a cue from Rapunzel.
“Wait'll you try the pie. It's one of my best recipes.” Quirin bragged.
“I do love sweet things.” Willow mused.
“No. Just no.” Arianna hissed.
“Two bowls of stuffing! Beat that!” Kiera said to Catalina.
“I only managed 1 and ½.” Catalina acknowledged softly.
“Three bowls. Guess I win!” Lance said with a burp.
“Ahem. Now that everyone's enjoyed dinner, we'll move on to dessert. Which in this case is just pie and nothing else.” Arianna looked at Willow pointedly. Willow looked as if she had a smart reply, but Arianna was glaring daggers at her, so she wisely held her tongue. She did give Quirin a few longing looks, which Quirin desperately tried to ignore. He and Varian ate their pie silently, each feeling sorry for the other's predicament. It was a good pie, but that didn't make the meal less awkward. And when dessert was finished, they bowed and took their leave, both very glad the royal dinner was over.
Blame tumblr for the idea of Willow flirting with Quirin. I had more fun with this than I probably should have. :D
