Proper Introductions

“Is that where she left?” Eugene shouted as he stumbled on to the scene. Ana and her Boyfriend? Husband? Boytoy? Eugene decided to ignore that complicated bit of family drama. What was important was the frozen lake leading to a mountain, a crying princess on the shore in front of it, and a stormy fog wafting out in the distance.

“Who are you?” Ana asked, more like hiccuped as she tried to control her voice. It had been a rough day for her, Eugene decided she needed more goofy fun right now, rather than a serious king.

“Flynn Rider, gentleman thief and now reformed through the power of love to be a prince and hero.” Eugene couldn’t help but introduce himself sarcastically. He really should be more professional, but it has been an off day. Or at least that was the excuse he was going to use later when he recounted the story to his wife.

“Never heard of you.” Ana said bluntly, causing Eugene to exaggeratedly clutch at his heart as if the words were arrows that pierced him. How low had he sunk if fair maidens couldn’t remember him? Hans didn’t look amused by his little show, but he got a laugh out of Ana so he called it a success. Eugene wasn’t good at comforting, that was Rapunzel's role, but he was good at being irritating, distracting, or funny depending on who you asked or what time of day.

“I’m your cousin in law. I’m sorry about your mom, Queen Arianna sends her condolences and would be here but she’s dealing with some personal issues.” Eugene introduced himself more naturally, a kind smile on his face as he held out a hand and helped Ana to her feet. He should’ve said the truth, that the king was having health issues, but that was something he had trouble admitting to himself let alone complete strangers. He wasn’t ready for it. Neither was Rapunzel, to be given her father back only to have a year or two if they were lucky to be with him.

“Who?” Ana immediately blurted out a confused look in her doe eyes that was rather cute in Eugene’s opinion. She seemed to be handling everything well, or as well as you could. Her eyes were streaked with tears, but she was quickly rubbing them away and was willing to talk. Hopefully once everything’s settled down she would appreciate a hug.

“Queen Arianna,” Eugene repeated, the chuckle he added doing little to calm his nerves. "She's your aunt.”

“I have an aunt.” Ana said with a look of astonishment and wonder that made him mentally curse just a little bit. The last time he saw a smile like that he fought a witch, almost got killed, and then got married trying to protect it.

“She’s been sending letters this whole time, did you never get them?” Eugene asked, the easy going smile he wore doing little to cover up the tension in his voice at this revelation. It was just one of many things about this whole situation that was giving him some very uncomfortable flashbacks. Uncontrollable magic, two little girls alone and isolated, locked away in a castle with no contact outside. Some very uncomfortable flashbacks.

“Ignoring the impromptu family reunion,” The now named Prince Hans interjected loudly, Eugene didn’t forget his introduction at the party, his eyes wide and nervous as he stepped up in between them. “What are we going to do?”

“We’re going to go find her,” Eugene answered nonchalantly, staring out over the now frozen lake before turning around and starting to tug on the reins to his trusty horse, checking to make sure all the straps and ropes holding supplies and tools were secure. It wasn’t as much as he liked, what few guards they brought along to the event certainly hadn’t planned on a full on battle, but what they could scrounge together for him will have to do. “No food, no supplies, in the woods, and in the middle of a snow storm…”

“The cold doesn’t seem to be bothering her that much.” Han sniped underneath his breath with chattering teeth. Fragile flakes of snow starting to fall around them that would look a lot prettier if it wasn’t tainted with the knowledge that it was the middle of summer and definitely not natural.

“She could get hurt.” Eugene said with a tone of finality, raising an eyebrow in challenge as he stared him down. Regardless of the girl's power he wasn’t going to stand back and let her get killed.

“I don’t think she’s the one we should be worried about.” Han wilted under his scathing look, turning towards his supposed fiance for support but finding none. Ana dug her heels in as she tried not to slip on the ice while she matched forward towards Eugene’s trusty steed.

“She’s my sister and we’re going to save her.” Ana said firmly, not needing anyone's approval to go forward. Eugene would’ve been impressed, but ten seconds after her moment in the spotlight she tried to hop on to the hose and slipped. Saved thankfully from landing unceremoniously on her ass by yours truly who picked her up in a proper princess carry. Eugene sent the stupid horse a glare as it gave a look that was far too smug to be normal; almost missing Han’s flash of resentment as Eugene slid on the saddle carrying Ana’s in his arms and helping her get settled in the front.