Reunion at Sea

Awakening

Of course, that sent Cassandra and Lance into fits of laughter and Varian huffed and walked over to the chair Hector pulled out for him. "Thanks, Uncle Hector."

Adira looked him up and down and then looked back at her food, clearly holding herself back from saying something about it.

"Did you sleep well?" King Edmund asked pleasantly.

"Yeah, thanks." Varian nodded. "So, what'd I miss?"

Rapunzel sat back down with Eugene sitting next to her. "Well, uhm..." she cleared her throat, "I made a very big decision while you were asleep."

"What, did you finally agree to his proposal?" Varian asked jokingly.

"Well, uh, no, not yet." Rapunzel laughed awkwardly. "I'm going to start a revolution in Corona."

Varian paused and looked up at her. "...Princess, that is way more treason than stealing the withered Sundrop Flower."

"I know, I know." She nodded. "But, we all talked about it and we decided that my father cannot remain on the throne after all that he has done since...since my birth. But, if I just try to confront him, he'll lock me away and go after you! So, we're going to work with the people and turn them against him, throw him off the throne by the will of the people."

"And put Rapunzel on the throne, Long Live Queen Rapunzel!" Lance cheered, raising his glass.

"Long Live Queen Rapunzel!" Cassandra and Eugene raised their glasses.

Shorty mumbled something into his drink that sounded like a vague slurred attempt to copy them.

"We've already started working with the Saporians and Lady Caine's group. I considered talking to Trevor, but...I don't want him to actually bring his troops in. It might be a good place for you and your father to live, though, so you're safe!"

"I'm not running." Varian said firmly. "If you're going to be in Corona, so will I. I'm not afraid of him anymore and I'm joining this revolution." He grinned. "Besides, you might need the services of a skilled alchemist and, while the Saporians are great, Andrew said that I'm the greatest he's seen since Demanitus. Even Demanitus was impressed!

Rapunzel nodded. "Okay, then. Speaking of Andrew, he's going to be sending an airship as soon as we're ready to head back. We'll pick up the caravan, bearcats and Callan on the way. I mean, that is, if you want to come back with us, Hector?"

"Is that even a question, Princess?" He raised an eyebrow. "I'm going to be with my family."

"And I have had enough of this castle for some time. I will be going with you as well." King Edmund nodded.

"Oh...great." Eugene muttered.

Varian poked at his food. "Can I ask a weird question?"

"Go ahead." Rapunzel smiled.

"What color is this circlet-tiara-whatever it is on my head? I can't see it." Varian tapped it.

"Oh! It's white, like your cape." Rapunzel assured him.

"Figures." He went back to his food.

"Speaking of the cape, maybe we could go visit the Queen of Arendelle sometime!" Rapunzel giggled.

"Sure, sometime. Maybe after the revolution." Varian nodded.

"Right!" Rapunzel nodded. "So, uhm, whenever you feel ready, we can contact Andrew and they'll send over the airship."