#rootboundspoilers

Chapter 4: Eugene POV

Events: Eugene and Rapunzel are on the deck of the ship the next afternoon in what Eugene thinks is unfitting clothing, formal wear that her parents gave to them to wear to be properly outfitted. But clothes fit for summer yet he notes the area carries a chill. Eugene asks Rapunzel how they want to play it (the quote the author released recently) and Rapunzel tells him to just be himself as she wants to go into it with an open mind. When Eugene asks if there's any other requests she tells him she has a crucial request, to be on the look out for white shells. When he asks if it's for souvenirs, she tells him they're for paint and explains how they make an iridescent white. Cressien overhears them and walks up saying the white shells could work as a code phrase to use to signal each other if they need to converse privately. He tells her bringing up her interest in the shells would work for that goal.

Eugene agrees that it works for him and Rapunzel agrees so long as they do find the shells eventually and reiterates for the paint. Cressien tells them Teophine will be boarding soon and she needs to put on shoes which makes Eugene laugh. Rapunzel stomps away and returns in slippers muttering how she doesn't know why everyone's so obsessed with shoes.

The mist thins and Teophine soon boards. She questions if they find the weather cold and compares it to the weather in 'Kourenne,' which confuses Rapunzel. Teophine explains Kourenne is what Astera calls her Kingdom. (So Rapunzel's Kingdom finally has a name but only in the Asteran tongue).

Teophine then notes Cressien and finally Eugene who she points out they haven't met before. Eugene introduces himself with his real name and says he's the princess's companion. Eugene notes that a hint of shadow darts across Teophine's face but it vanishes at almost the same speed leaving him unsure of how to take it as it wasn't disapproval at the lack of title in front of his name but more like recognition. As Eugene wonders over that, Rapunzel questions Teophine If she's the councilor of the north or south showing she tried to read up on Astera. Teophine and Cressien booth seem surprised she knows of the Cardinal Council and Teophine says she's the Councilor of the South and Master of Voices, the Manager of Diplomacy and Cultural Matters and that she'll meet the other councilors at the palace.

The ships go through the sunlight and finally they see Astera in the distance, Eugene noting what must be Merchant's Crescent to the side, but then further ahead the mainland. Rapunzel points to giant structures in the kingdom and Teophine tells her they're 'sunmills,' and will be part of her tour the next day. Eugene mentally notes Flynnigan Rider mentions sunmills but not in a descriptive way, just like a everyone knows them kind of way. He asks Teophine what they do, that windmills don't. She tells them they'll find books on their construction in the library and he can visit it while Rapunzel is engaged in affairs of state. Rapunzel questions isn't Eugene allowed to participate, while Cressien winces, and Teophine says it will depend.

They dock to Astera and the Asteran Princess waits for them. Eugene notes that every single person around them has gray hair. Some with silver hair like Teophine, and others dark slate braids, with every single value in between the two. (so white, silver, and every shade of gray and between). He notices there's no other colors like red, brunette, or blond.

Princess Verette, differs from the rest as her hair is compared to mother-of-pearl, lavender from one angle, periwinkle another, or whtie in direct sunlight with a circlet of crystals and brown eyes. Eugene guesses she's 18 like Rapunzel.

Rapunzel forgets formality and blurts out hi, as Verette bows and does a gesture to greet her. Eugene noticing the gesture is similar to Flynnigan Rider catches Rapunzel's eyes and signals her to follow his lead and does a gesture back. The gesture however causes Verette to stiffen and look at Teophine who dismisses it. Rapunzel says she thought that's how they're supposed to reply and Verette tells her it was, a very very long time ago. Then she leads them to the carriages.

During the carriage ride, Cressien gives off a chill, Rapunzel is delighted and in wonder watching everything and Eugene is constantly comparing what he sees to what he imagined when he read Flynnigan Rider, noting it all as feeling oddly familiar.

When they arrive to the palace, the King of Astera, King Enver is waiting for them. Eugene notes that despite his snow white hair the King doesn't look a day over 40. While Eugene examines the King, he again sees a shadow go through the King's eyes as fast as Teophine's. Rapunzel introduces herself and King Enver welcomes her. But when Rapunzel introduces Eugene and he finishes it by saying his full name, the King goes silent, gets nervous, and stutters while quickly excusing himself and running off leaving everyone in question. Eugene tells Cressien he has no idea what's going on, and Cressien can only nod and agree.

Teophine regains her composure and excuses the King as not feeling well and apologizes, though Eugene doesn't believe the excuse. An hour later after Princess Verette has shown them around and they've met the other Cardinal Council members, Eugene feels like the Councilor of the West and Master of Seas, Erwan Persevault seems familiar to him though he doesn't know why.He begins to feel,that, that, as well as having the Flynnigan Rider book, seems all too coincidental.

Teophine goes through the itinerary for Rapunzel, while Rapunzel asks if Eugene can join her for anything. Cressien tells her off for being rude and Rapunzel turns pink. Rapunzel then notes the empty place at the table and asks if they should wait for the Queen which causes the room to go silent again as Teophine explains the Queen passed away a long time ago. Cressien changes the subject back to the itinerary though the rest of the dinner stays awkward.

The King's chamberlain tells them the King took ill after the dinner and wishes to rest before joining them the next day. He then escorts them to the guest wing while explaining the architecture which Eugene finds boring while Rapunzel's completely immersed in it. As they walk, Eugene sees three figures out a window that looks into the garden, two guards and one which he recognizes to be the supposedly ill King Enver. Noting that the King lied, he concludes the King had a reason, just like he invited Rapunzel for a reason, and reasons that he's hiding something.

The Chapter ends with Eugene deciding to figure out what it is.

Chapter 3: Rapunzel POV

Events: Rapunzel is in the library with Pascal at sunset trying to find information on Astera in order to prove she's ready to go. As she combs book after book, she doesn't find much of use, only the facts she already knew like it was Isolationist, or that it was an archipelago. Despite finding nothing at first, Rapunzel declines the librarians help for reasons she doesn't know, just that asking for help feels wrong to her. Finally after still finding nothing of use, Rapunzel lets herself ask the librarian who gives her the book "Systems of Government of the Modern Age," which has differences from what Eugene told her.

The book explains that merchants are allowed on the mainland, but must leave to Merchant's Crescent upon sunset or become a permanent resident of Astera. But like Eugene had told her, it also explains residents are forbidden to leave Astera, and few attempt to do so which makes confirming information on their society difficult. It then explains what they do know is that Astera is led by a monarch and their consort with a council of five advisors that take over temporarily should the ruling monarch be unable to and their heir not of age. It explains the council as following the cardinal directions, Councilor of the West and Master of Seas and Councilor of the East and Master of Prosperities, though the books author notes it does not know South and North.

Unable to find anymore, Rapunzel decides to instead study up on diplomacy throughout the night. The Queen joins her after a few hours, and notices the books Rapunzel's studying. She points out that Rapunzel really wants to go. When Rapunzel tells her she's taking it serious, the Queen recognizes Rapunzel's insecurity and points out again that they aren't blaming her for what happened and that they'll manage it. (Rapunzel again compares this internally to something Gothel said). She argues she knows she can help and tells her it's part of being a princess and an opportunity for an alliance. She then nearly says it doesn't feel right for her to stay in the --- only to correct it to palace. Finally the Queen relents but tells her to promise she'll come back.

The next morning, Rapunzel and Eugene overhear Cressien trying to tell the Queen it's a bad idea to send the brand new princess and her suitor to an isolationist Kingdom and that the King won't allow it. The Queen tells him the King is on painkillers so hard he thought he judged a pastry contest in his bathtub, she agrees that it's a risk though. Cressien points out Rapunzel's inexperience with Rapunzel mouthing to Eugene she said they could use that. The Queen agrees and says that's why it calls for one who's shrewd and then tells Cressien that's why he's going with.

Timeskip to the first night on the ship to Astera, and Rapunzel is having a nightmare. It starts out with Gothel calling for her to let her hair down, only when Gothel gets up to the tower, she tells her look what I got you, only for the hair to turn into a golden noose that swings from her fingers and asking where's the man that took her away. She tells Rapunzel the criminal is to be hanged, and Rapunzel yells no and wakes up. She has to catch her bearings, and realize it was a nightmare and Eugene was fine and didn't hang.

She thinks how Eugene sometimes shows off his stomach scar to the guards boasting he has eight lives left, and that they just don't talk about the gallows. Unable to go back to sleep, she grabs her sketchbook and goes up to the deck to sketch the ships, the one they're on and the one they're following belonging to Teophine. She's eventually joined by Eugene a few minutes later, and she apologizes for waking him but he says if she'd been loud he'd have slept through it, then asks if everything's okay.

Rapunzel mentions she had a bad dream.. then makes up her mind and asks if she can ask him something. She then asks if it ever bothers him that if he hadn't been rescued in time that he would have been…. Eugene tells her yes, but also no, because you don't do things like rob the palace without knowing the risks. And that a month ago, his life was all he had to gamble and that now the gallows just reminds him of how much he has to lose.

Rapunzel tells him it doesn't feel right, that he didn't even get a trial and was almost killed for stealing an expensive hat. She says everyone loves her parents, but it scares her that she's going to have that kind of power to hurt people and fears making a mistake especially since she can't fix it anymore.

Eugene stops her from grabbing her hair and reminds her they're going to fix something right now and points out that the King and Queen aren't perfect but people like them, because they care, and funded schools, libraries, clinics, and even his orphanage (So he is from Corona in this) and that she's only been a Princess for a month and can figure out what kind of princess she wants to be.

Rapunzel asks him if this is still his new dream, and notes for a moment he looks like he's holding something back, but then second guesses her own intuition and mocks herself in her head with Gothel's voice. Eugene says all of it and more and they kiss to end the chapter.

Character Introspections:

Both Rapunzel and Eugene: continue to show their insecurities. Rapunzel in being afraid to ask for help, forcing herself to read up and learn things so she can go, and insisting she's ready, while berating herself in Gothel's voice in her head. She also dreams of the gallows, and is bothered by the fact her parents nearly killed Eugene without a trial, and doesn't want that kind of power, doubting herself as a princess. Then, while Eugene doesn't say it, we know from his insecurities from last chapter, that he feels a lack of self worth in being there, which Rapunzel picks up on but pushes away.

Cressien: We only get the glimpse of him trying to talk the Queen in to not letting Rapunzel go, but it seems to be both out of concern for her and what Astera might want, fearing that they have ulterior motives. When he mentions letting Rapunzel's suitor go, he mentions it with saying 'with a pardon so recent the ink hasn't dried,' which Eugene takes as an insult in grimace.

Chapter 2: Eugene POV

Events: Eugene and Rapunzel are in Rapunzel's nursery turned painting studio, as she paints and he tries to make a game out of guessing what she's painting. During this they discuss the mysterious invitation and the reactions from the ball. Eugene tells Rapunzel that it's not just her, no one knows anything about Astera.

Rapunzel mentions she thought it was only a day and a half away as that's how long it took Gothel, while Eugene corrects her that it's 3 days by ship there, and 3 days back. He points out the reason that Astera is unknown is that they don't allow outsiders on the mainland.

Then he requests a piece of chalk and draws a map on the wall showing the mainland and other smaller islands around it while explaining it's an archipelago. He points out one of the smaller islands and calls it 'Merchant's Crescent,' and explains that Asteran traders do business with outsiders there but then sail back while guards observe the trading to ensure no one talks about Astera.

When Rapunzel questions how he knows all of this, Eugene brings up that one of his caretakers from the orphanage: Solena; wanted to see the world and joined the crew of a trade ship, but ended up hooking up with an Asteran and having to say goodbye, since once she moved there she couldn't leave.

He then tells her Flynnigan Rider was supposedly Asteran and started out a royal guard there. But he mentions he thinks the author made things up since no one leaves Astera.

Before he can say more the two hear voices in the hallway of both the Queen and Cressien discussing the invitation and how they don't think Rapunzel's ready or knows what's at stake. While Rapunzel mouths to Eugene she just didn't want to be rude.

While they wait for the pause in the hallway to end, Eugene fills the silence by pointing out he needs a new nickname for her since Blondie doesn't work. Then asks her how she feels about Blossom, to which Rapunzel says it sounds too much like flower. So he asks what about Punzie.

Before Rapunzel can answer or react, the Queen and Cressien ask to come in and step into the room. Rapunzel immediately tries to apologize for the previous night's invitation fiasco but the Queen cuts her off as she tells her they didn't expect her to be put in that position while Cressien says that they know very little about Astera.

Rapunzel points out Eugene just told her no one leaves to Cressien's surprise. Cressien explains that the last news they heard from Astera was the marriage of Queen Gaelle to Duke Enver fifty years ago, and assume King Enver must be their son and Princess Verette their granddaughter. He explains they send invitations to all kingdoms, Astera included but it's unprecedented for anyone from Astera to ever make an appearance and believes they singled Rapunzel out.

He goes on to tell Rapunzel that a skilled leader knows to receive an invitation without committing, express gratitude in public but decline later, but because Rapunzel accepted, if they give an excuse, Astera will know they're suspicious.

Eugene immediately notes it to be a setup which Cressien agrees to as an attempt to strong arm a visit.

When Rapunzel questions when they're leaving, both the Queen and Cressien shut her down politely, telling her she's not ready and they only wanted her to be aware of what's happening not actually go. Rapunzel points out that they should use their expecting of her to be naive to go, since they won't bother to hide things from her. Eugene volunteers to go with her.

Cressien doesn't think it's a good idea, but the Queen mentions Eugene's unorthodox skills could be useful (spy, steal state secrets and look for traps).

Rapunzel to Eugene's fears brings up The Tales of Flynnigan Rider, and tells them Eugene's book is about a man from Astera and that Eugene might know more than they do while Eugene says the author was probably making things up since it was a kids book.

The Queen flips through the book and notes that the invitation's logo and the logo in the inner cover of Flynnigan Rider are the same. The Queen questions where Eugene got the book and he says the orphanage and that it was 'just always there.' The Queen hands the book back.

She tells Rapunzel she appreciates the initiative, but it's not worth the risk and that they'll decline for being too soon while Cressien says he'll deal with the aftermath. Rapunzel tries to say she made the problem and should fix it, but the Queen comforts her and tells her they'll be other things for her to fix in the future and to tell her if Teophine contacts her again.

As the Queen and Cressien leave, Eugene thinks back on how Flynnigan Rider was never on the orphanage bookshelf, and when he left it in other rooms, it always wound up on the foot of his bed, or around it and that while it was always there. He never came across another copy and questions how he got that one.

The chapter ends with Rapunzel telling Pascal he can come out, and Eugene thinking it's far from over.

Character Introspection:

Rapunzel: While it's not her POV, you still get Rapunzel's insecurities throughout. She feels she made a mistake accepting the invitation and she wants to fix it. While the Queen and Cressien are being understanding, and blaming nothing on her, she still feels like she's needs to help.

Eugene: As this is Eugene's POV chapter we finally get a gaze into his mind and it's as insecure as Rapunzel's. Not only does he believe he won't get to marry Rapunzel because of being both a commoner and criminal, and therefore expects to get asked to leave the moment Rapunzel leaves for Astera which drives him to mention going with her. But we also get our first Gallows mention as he thinks about seeing it every time he passes the guards barracks.

He's also shown to think Cressien and the Queen are judging him in their conversations, like he describes Cressien looking at him like he's a dog when he sounds smart or points something out. And he thinks when the Queen points out his skills, that it's in a negative way and they'll only ever see him as thief even with a pardon, worried even more when she asks where he obtained the book.

Together though, both him and Rapunzel continue to be a team as he explains things she wants to know to his ability, watches her paint, and recognizes the looks she gives when she's being stubborn about the situation, or bothered and grabbing at her hair. He notices every insecure tell she makes, even if he keeps them to himself. And Rapunzel in turn jumps in to show that he knows things and would be helpful.

It's also pointed out that Eugene is the one who pointed out Rapunzel's paintings in the tower and encouraged the nursery to be used for her painting.

Queen: Supportive, and reassuring, but to Rapunzel, it feels like she's walking on eggshells as she doesn't know how to explain things without pressuring Rapunzel. Also respectful and kind to Eugene even if he thinks it's a mask.

Cressien: In this chapter, we find out he is divorced, and gay. It's done in a respectful way as the Queen mentions how Cressien's ex Thomas returned the wedding ring.

Like the Queen though, he is quick to tell Rapunzel they aren't blaming her or trying to put pressure on her, just explaining to her how things work, even if Rapunzel doesn't believe them.

Part One, Chapter One: Rapunzel POV

Events: Chapter One begins one month after the movie and immediately throws you into a royal ball held for Rapunzel's belated birthday. Rapunzel joins the ball on the Queen's arm, with her reassuring Rapunzel she's doing wonderfully, while Rapunzel tries not to let her racing thoughts and many worries get to her. During this time, Eugene waits in the crowd as Rapunzel meets his eyes frequently for reassurance.

Because it's her first ball, the King gets the first dance, and Rapunzel is all nervousness as she worries about dancing wrong or kicking her father. After a successful dance with only one foot crush, Rapunzel is given to other dignitaries to dance with; A Duke, a mayor, councilor, brigadier general, and at last a man known as Cressien the Minister of Diplomatic Affairs and one of the Kingdoms most trusted advisors.

During the dance with the Duke before Cressien, Pascal, to Rapunzel's horror had appeared on her dress and mistaken as a brooch by the Duke. When she switches to dancing with Cressien, Pascal moves from her own clothes to his as she desperately tries to get him to leave subtly.

Thankfully, Eugene swoops in, and takes Rapunzel for a dance, while swiping Pascal away from Cressien and saving Rapunzel from having him found, as well as offering to smuggle him out. This is when you find out Rapunzel hasn't told her parents about Pascal.

During her dance with Eugene, Rapunzel asks how he does it, and doesn't it all make him nervous. This is the first look into Eugene's own insecurities as he tries to play it off by saying she has the hard job since she has to work with them, while the nobles are never going to like him. He also refers to himself as a her rude suitor that's there to bail her out. Rapunzel knows it's supposed to be a joke, but something about it bothers her. (HINT HINT)

After several more Pascal related saves from Eugene, the Queen takes over the dance then and asks her if she's having fun, which causes Rapunzel's thoughts to go to how Gothel would follow such a question up with a backhanded comment. Rapunzel answers that everything is wonderful as she worries about letting everyone down.

Finally the ball goes to the gift giving, and after several humorous gifts (whole barrels of wine, a horse, a carriage, etc) comes the start of our plot.

A stranger who introduces herself as an emissary of Astera by the name of Counselor Teophine, presents Rapunzel an invitation to the coronation of the Crown Princess Verette who is coming of age. While Rapunzel only recognizes Astera as where the white shells she painted with came from, everyone in the crowd is shocked as whispers go throughout the room.

Rapunzel accepts, but before she can, both Cressien and the King interrupt and change her words to 'consider it,' while running over to intercept the invitation. The King slips on the dais and sprains his leg which causes Rapunzel to reach up for her hair thinking she can finally fix a problem, only to come up empty handed and remember that it's gone.

Rapunzel feeling unneeded, turns around to look for Teophine, but the emissary has vanished.

So ends Chapter One.

Character Introspections:

Rapunzel: As this chapter is in Rapunzel's point of view, you are given Rapunzel's thoughts, and they are a lot. It is very clear from the first chapter that Rapunzel carries trauma from the tower and trauma from Gothel.

She starts the ball already stuck in the full throes of imposter syndrome feeling like a feral princess and a joke amongst her parents and their royal court. She fears letting everyone down, most of all her parents who she struggles with calling Mother and Father in her mind while not calling Gothel mother. As well as the Minister Cressien who Rapunzel sees as prim, proper, and not at all impressed with her.

Rapunzel also suffers thoughts of Gothel whenever anyone speaks a compliment to her, and compares those around her to something Gothel said, or did frequently throughout the text. Such as noting how her fathers brows furrow when he's holding something back and comparing it to how Gothel would speed up her steps on the stairs when she was displeased. Little things like that add to the abundance of insecurities and traumas that lead to her doing things such as putting on a mask of smiling and pretending everything's fine to the public, or hiding Pascal from everyone but Eugene.

And then there's her hair. Already, the book shows Rapunzel struggles feeling lost without it, and the inability to fix the only things she knows how to help. Even going so far as to reach for it when her father falls.

Eugene: While you don't get his thoughts until Chapter 2, when it's his chapter. You can already tell something is not right with him. During Rapunzel's entrance when they meet eyes the first time, Rapunzel wonders how Eugene is so put together amongst the crowds and thinks to ask him.

When she finally gets the chance to ask during their dance, his joke that they'll never like him bothers Rapunzel, but the reader isn't told why yet. And when he questions Rapunzel on her having not told her parents about Pascal yet, Rapunzel just shakes her head while mentally pointing out he wouldn't pry.

This shows the both of them having insecurities while pretending to be fine to each other.

Despite this, Eugene is there in the crowd to reassure her every time she looks for him. He's there to rescue her when she feared Pascal being found out. And he's there to answer her inquiries on how to deal with the royal court. He's never pushed aside, or demeaned at the ball, but right there every step to support her.

King and Queen: Though they are not given names, both The King and Queen are shown to be completely supportive of Rapunzel in chapter one. The Queen reassures her she's doing wonderfully. The King tells her she's perfect, and tells her not to worry about the dancing, comparing her in jest to the Queen who took years to learn to dance, and telling her the night is for them to make up 18 years of missed birthdays, not her.

Cressien: The new guy. Minister of Diplomatic Affairs, a top advisor and according to Rapunzel he is prim, proper, and all etiquette and business. The text describes him as a cool brown complexion with grey hair. So I assume he's POC, but I'm not sure of his age, even with the gray hair.

While we don't know much about him yet, during the dance with Rapunzel he comments on her getting used to shoes and encouraging the progress and other speech about etiquette and formality that cause Rapunzel to feel smaller. And when Rapunzel calls Eugene 'm'lady,' he corrects him to Your Highness.

Other things to note: Eugene is apparently her suitor as he mentions 'suitor privileges,' when taking over the dance from Cressien.

Onto Chapter Two...