Three years of asking. Three years of waiting. Three years of studying. Three years eventually paid off.
Three years of asking, "Rapunzel, let's ditch the studying- c'mon, let's get married!"
And each time she would giggle. "Eugene, you know we're not aloud until our studying for becoming king and queen has paid off. You know I would love to, but I'm not one to break the rules, you know that."
Eugene put his arm around her and smiled, pulling her close. "But I am."
Giving a sarcastic laugh, Rapunzel grabbed his shirt collar and pressed her lips to his. Pulling away, she stared into his eyes, smiling nonchalantly. "Not anymore you aren't if you're going to be future king!"
That was how it usually went.
But one night, on Rapunzel's twenty-first birthday, Eugene had mentioned it again as they sat in the same boat watching the lanterns dance across the sky as they did three years ago. "Just not to get out of practice...." he began, "will you marry me?"
Rapunzel couldn't resist. She smiled from ear to ear and closed her eyes, letting a small giggle of joy escape her lips. "Yes!" She squealed, throwing her arms around him.
Eugene, totally unsuspecting her reaction, was more surprised than happy. But the excitement and cheer soon took over the shock, and he hugged her tightly. "Finally," He breathed, chuckling. "I thought you'd never say yes."
Rapunzel looked up to him, her eyes glowing with warm affection. A small smile inched it's way across her face until it was as big as before. "Don't say forever. Forever is a very long time. I would have come through eventually."
"And you did," Said a pleased Eugene, "And man, is this the best day of my life!"
Rapunzel rested her head in his neck and closed her eyes. "I love you so much," She whispered, snuggling against him.
He grasped her hand firmly but gently with his. "I love you, too, Rapunzel," He kissed her forehead. "And I always will."


♥