Chapter Text
“Arianna!”
Frederic threw his sword in the air and the queen caught it. Without hesitation, she shattered her chains and rushed to his side.
Once Arianna was free, the king turned his attention to the second most important person in his life. “Rapunzel!”
His daughter's eyes started to flutter open. Warily, she sat up.
“Rapunzel!” Arianna’s voice was filled with worry and fear. She tossed aside the blade, gently cupping her face to check for any harm. The queen’s shoulders relaxed when she found none. Her daughter seemed weakened but otherwise fine.
Relieved that both were safe, Frederic reached out and wrapped his arms around them as he pulled his family in a loving hug. The embrace lasted a couple of minutes as both parents were horrified that they had almost lost their daughter once and for all. He would do anything to protect them.
Reluctant to let go Frederic’s eyes drifted to the sobbing boy across the room. Varian of Old Corona. The Alchemist.
"Fred?"
Arianna interrupted his thoughts concerned. He smiled reassuringly and shook his head.
“Why don't you get Rapunzel out of here? I'll take care of... the rest."
"But dad -"
"No butts Rapunzel." Frederic’s tone was firm. "As your king and father, trust me to handle this situation."
"Come on sweetie." Arianna led her out of the laboratory. The look on her husband's face was not lost on her.
The king rose to his feet. He picked up the discarded sword and went to the child kneeling in the dirt.
“No! No!” Again and again, Varian’s fist smashed against the unforgiving amber as he wept on the floor next to his father’s eternal prison. He hadn’t even noticed the man standing behind him, too caught up in his own pain and grief.
Finally, Varian turned and looked up at him - eyes wide and overflowing with tears, his life entirely at Frederic’s mercy. A cold emptiness filled his chest. The outcome became a certainty. They both knew he didn’t have any. Mercy that was.
Frederic lifted his weapon and struck down.