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Chapter Text

I didn't want to forgive them. After everything they put me through, after the many cold chilled nights or the numerous scars all over my body, some physical, some you can't see.

This is a story of how my life went from chaos to tragedy to unspeakable horrors that will haunt me for the rest of my life. My Dad has told me for many years now to write what occurred three years ago today! Today is the anniversary of when one choice ruined my life and would alter the course of it, for better or worse! Now, I finally feel ready to share a personal story, my story, a roller coaster of a life that has unfortunately become my reality.

Most of you should close this book right now. Forget this happens to kids and adults, and go on with your sheltered, bubbled life! Fair warning: This is not for the faint of heart. You might even shed some tears! You have been warned, my friends.

Now, back to the story that changed the course of my life. Let me take you back to the time 1780, to a young boy no more than fifteen, who lost the only person who loved him and did everything in his power to get him back!

You know the story if you are here. I poured amber on the rocks, Dad got imprisoned, sang a long song about making my Dad proud, just to get thrown out of the castle by the stupid guards, cried, ate, survived, went to the capital, and got rocks thrown at me. Kings goons came to get me, of course; I outsmarted them, tricked Rapunzel into stealing the flower, sang an evil song, kidnapped the queen, had a big battle, yada yada, went to jail, got more rocks thrown at me, cried some more, and eventually ended up at this dumb trial. We know I'm guilty, so what's the point of this trial? Freddy should just lock me up for eternity and be done with it.

I slumped in my chair as Nigel, the advisor, read my charges and how I'm a thief and a nuance to the peace blah blah blah. My mind zoned out as I glanced around the courtroom. Numerous capital citizens sprawled throughout the courtroom, yelling, Wow, nasty words! Wooo, if I ever let those words slip from my mouth, Dad would tan my hide!

I gazed upward at the king and queen dressed in their regular attire. The queen in her elegant purple dress and the king in his royal suit says, I think I'm superior, and I want everyone to know! Now, let me stroke my scruffy beard as I sentence a kid to death or life of imprisonment. The two are sitting in their two thrones side by side, hands intertwined as if they were the ones on trial. Their eyes are plastered on the arrogant royal advisor, standing rigidly, back completely straight, as if the guy is a stick bug at the front of the courtroom!

"Varian, are you even listening?" He snaps at me, and all eyes gaze into my soul. I shrug. I feel hundreds of piercing glares directed at me through the back of my head. I stare into Nigel's dark brown, ugly eyes.

"Oh yeah..erm, please continue." I let out a coy smirk as I moved my hands, urging him to continue

"Varian of Old Corona, you are hereby sentenced to life in prison!" exclaims the royal advisor as he scans the long scroll of all my past crimes and my final judgment.
I glance at his long, crooked nose and arrogant composure filtering the room. He slowly brushes an invisible fluff off his bright red coat that hangs down to the ends of his ankles. His mouth formed a crooked smile as he glared in my direction. That only one so full of themselves and evil could have had at such a time as this.

He glares at me with his dark, pitless brown eyes, brows furrowed as his long, pointy nose sniffs the air around him like a bloodhound as if he's looking for his next prey.

Unfortunately, I think it's me.

To be honest, I expected worse. I mean, come on, I did kidnap the Queen of Corona and committed treason by stealing the flower and drugging the entire castle; ha, genius. Sometimes, I don't give myself enough credit for the great plans I come up with!
Do I regret it? No, okay, maybe a little bit. I may have gone a bit far on the
"If I can't have a happy ending, then neither can you" thing, but come on, I couldn't think straight, and I felt like I lost my father a second time.

I remember that day so vividly! The day I lost everything after my last failed attempt at freeing my father, I fell to my knees. I sobbed bitterly as my failure and gut-wrenching grief came crashing down on my shoulders. Meanwhile, the royal family was engaged in a happy, lovely family reunion, embracing one another. I still remember the rage that consumed me as not one of them thought of the kid who recently lost his father, was overwhelmed with grief, and had no one. So, I wanted Rapunzel to pay for everything she did to me.

Rapunzel, even the thought of the smiley, golden-haired, perky girl makes my mind flood with rage. Her bright white fake smile and deceitful light green eyes. On first contact, filled with love and compassion, make you believe you are the most important person in the world. Then, realize that empty promises and betrayal are hidden behind those green orbs. A princess who doesn't give a damn about her subjects or kingdom. When it doesn't involve her self-interest.

She betrayed me when I needed her the most! She allowed the guards to throw me into the cold, blistering tundra. I barely survived due to the hypothermia I was experiencing. The only thing that kept me going was my alchemy supply and the adrenaline coursing through my body as I raced to my small house outside the capital. I remember my heart rapidly racing as I gazed over the hill to see the old building with a tower that was my home. Fueled with the determination to reach my Dad in time and pray to any God who is listening that it is not too late.

I was a fool to think that we could ever be friends. Who wants to be friends with the kid who murdered his father and caused explosions almost daily throughout my village? All I wanted was to free my father and make him proud just this once; I wanted to do something he would be proud of. Be the day's hero, and come back so I would see the pride in his eyes when he sees what I can do and who I am!

Unfortunately, it didn't go as well. I would have won. I could practically smell victory when I jumped into my automaton and attacked all who betrayed me. However, the sun drop just had to appear at that moment and hold this secret control of the rocks that was the only thing that could destroy my automaton army.

I mean, come on, man! If the princess was intelligent, she would have used those powers for good and gotten rid of the rocks before the king and his goons were sent after me. I had to attempt desperate measures to achieve my goal. I'll get out eventually, and when I do, I will make sure Rapunzel and the kingdom of Corona will pay for turning their backs on me.

My thoughts are interrupted as I am roughly escorted back to my home, or as the guards call it, where I have always belonged. I catch the intense glare of King Freddy. His dark brown muddy orbs filled with anger hurt, and fear. I never thought that I, Varian, the alchemist of Corona, could make the king shiver in his courtroom, but hey, I'm not complaining! I look down at my sickly white, pale hands wrapped in dark chains constantly rattling against each other as I am dragged out of the courtroom.

As far as chains go, these are good. It is much lighter than the grueling work on the farm my Dad and I would do or one of the many heavy inventions I have created in my lab. I used to hate doing farm work, but I never thought I would say this now. Thank you, Dad, for waking me at the crack of dawn and helping me shovel and embrace the sweet smell of horse manure in the morning.

I glance at all the prisoners huddled in the back or slumped in the few strands of hay the guards generously give us every month. It's not like we need a nice sanitary place to sleep or clean clothes.
We, prisoners, enjoy the lice and bugs crawling up our clothes into our hair. Last week, the guards had to take me out because one of my cellmates, Lance, had lice. So, I got to spend the next three days in the luxurious room of an empty supply closet filled with mops and cleaning supplies, a pillow, and an old brown blanket. Hey, anything is better than prison; at least there are no mice, and I'm not surrounded by people who look like they want to hurt me.

That day, I got fresh, clean clothes, an old, tattered light blue shirt, and bright brown pants similar to my old clothes. Unfortunately, that involved my lab apron, black gloves, and my mom's alchemy goggles getting taken away. I was surprised that they even took my boots. The floors are not the most sanitary, and I swear I've stepped in poop more times than I can count, not my own.

The creaky door of my black cell bars rips me from my thoughts as both guards throw me into my dark, bland, damp cell. My eyes scan the room surrounded by dull, gray stoned walls and green mold growing throughout the room. I gaze around my room, admiring all my numerous lovely possessions. There's the white cot in the two corners of the cell, a great view from the tiny barred window in the middle of the room that brings in a little sliver of sunshine in this dark, bland cell. Giving prisoners a fake sense of hope, just enough to not want to die but also understand that there is no chance of freedom.

Immediately, when I enter the cell, my nose scrunches up, and an odor fills the room. The smell of wet mold and dirty socks that have not been washed in decades wafts throughout the cell. It's not much, but it's home for now.

You might ask Varian why you have not tried to escape? I've tried everything, even tricking the idiotic guards when the captain left for a break. That left me with Pete and Stan, or as I like to call them, the brainiacs. I don't know how these guys got hired to guard the kingdom's most influential people. What kind of moron takes purple chocolate chip cookies from a bush and does not ask questions? Yup, like I said, the brainiacs!

I once tricked them that I needed to use the bathroom, and I didn't want to go in front of Rudiger because he is deathly allergic to sulfur. The plan was going so well until Mr. Captain and his famous bloodhound horse showed up, Maximus. Of course, I ended up with my arms chained above my head in a very uncomfortable position.

Never give up, I remember saying to Ruddiger in my lab the same day the amber encased my Dad. I'm a scientist, so if things don't work out, try again and figure out a new solution. The second time I tried to escape was through the food I ate. You see, I had a small amount of one of the chemicals of my designs that the guards forgot to confiscate hidden in one of my back pockets. This chemical causes the significant muscles between the neck and abdomen – the diaphragm, chest wall, and abdominal muscles –to contract simultaneously. This puts pressure on the stomach, forcing the contents up the throat and through your mouth.

Otherwise known as throwing up!

It was successful until they caught me trying to race through the tunnels of Sonne that Rapunzel and I traveled through while we were trying to take the sundrop flower. That, unfortunately, contained no sun drop. You can probably guess what happened next. I was taken back to my amazing, colorful cell, arms chained to the back of the room and legs chained. They were probably worried about my intense kicking episodes.

When I first arrived. I remember when the guards first brought me in; I fought tooth and nail, scratching, biting, clawing anything to get out of this dark, depressing cell. Suddenly, I had a great, mischievous plan that involved knowing man's greatest weakness. When one of the guards turned their back, I wound up my leg and slammed him right in the groin.

Guard went down in two seconds flat, holding his groin and screaming like a little girl at the top of his lungs.

Unfortunately, the scream was so loud more guards filed in and chained both my arms and legs toward the back of the room. Even though the cell floor was gross and cold, seeing his reaction was worth it!

Then I tried, again and again, using whatever materials I could create from the delicious four-course meal the guards would bring me. It involves stale bread and some kind of soup with black stuff. I even melted down one of my spoons using the reflective lenses of my glasses and the small window of light that seeped through my room; I could melt and form the spoon into a picklock.

Unfortunately, I miscalculated one of my plans. I got thrown into prison with not just myself but my new partner, Andrew. I need a babysitter now; I'm fourteen years old, almost fifteen, practically an adult! When I inquired why I had a new roommate, the guards told me to shut up, and unless I behaved, they would start beating my cellmate. I agreed as I didn't want anyone else hurt because of me.

I found out his name is Andrew, and he is from a land far away from here, and his friends are coming for him. Whatever the hell that means. This dude has been in the brig far too long! Until now, I found him crying on the cot as he gazed at a picture on his gold necklace. I groaned as I couldn't help the empathy that filled my heart. Who knows, maybe we are here for similar reasons? I walked over to him, sitting down on the edge of his cot.

"Hey, you okay?" I say as I stare into his dark brown eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine, kid; why don't you go back to sleep?" he replies as he rubs his nose and keeps his eyes closed, staring at the cold ground below.

"You want to talk about it? It sometimes helps," I whisper as I squeeze my pale hands together, hoping he might say something to keep me from my nightmares and stay out of my spiraling thoughts.

"Fine, can you keep a secret kid?" He questions me as my heart starts racing, wondering what he will tell me.

"Yeah, you can trust me," I mumble softly as a small smile forms across my face, trying to encourage him to say what he needs to. He doesn't reply. Instead, he showed me what was inside his locket. I catch a glance at a symbol of a bright red flower.

"Your Saporian?" I exclaim as my blue eyes widen in disbelief. What is a Saporian doing in a Coronian dungeon? he gently nods. "I'm the prince of Saporia."

"How did you get thrown in here?" I wonder out loud, he is a prince. Wouldn't there be some royal agreement, treaty, or something? I thought all royals don't have to pay the consequences of their actions; I was wrong.

"It's a long story. Before my father died, he wanted my sister and me to venture to Corona and destroy your happy tradition of a day of hearts. He said that day was born in blood, not love, as you Coronians say. Your kingdom took everything from my people. We were peaceful until your greedy king wanted our land and slaughtered most of my people or made them work in your corrupted society. We lost our home, many families, and good people that day. My father was one of the witnesses to see the carnage, and he told me that a king will do whatever he can to save his people. I promised to avenge him and this kingdom when he died and bring Corona to its knees. I'll get my chance; I just have to be patient; my friends will come."

"What if they don't? What if you are stuck here? Trust me, I know hope is dangerous. It only hurts you or those around you".

"They will because Saporians stick together, and we never leave a man behind."

"I wish that were the same for Corona...and I understand."

"What?"

"I understand; the kingdom of Corona and Fredric took everything from me: my home, my freedom, my Dad. I know what it's like to lose everything, to have the ones you considered friends betray you, to be used because of special gifts you have been given only to be tossed away when you no longer are useful. The princess betrayed me, and now I'm here in this stupid cell while my Dad is rotting away in the amber that I created, and I can't even fix my mistakes." My voice bounced off the walls as I buried my head into my arms, and a single tear slid down my freckled cheek.

"Sounds like you have been through the wringer. I don't know your whole story, but you seem like a good kid from what it sounds like to me. It was an accident, and I don't think you killed your Dad. Those Coronians are fools. They just take and never give back. No one should have their life ripped away like that, especially an orphan kid."

"Thanks, Andrew, that means a lot. I guess it won't be so bad having a new cellmate. After all, Ruddiger and I could use some company; it gets kinda boring when your only conversations are with mice and a few grumpy guards." I feel a slight smile curl on my face and Rudiger curling up to my side on the cot.

"Haha, I get what you mean; I would much rather have my toes bitten off by the mice than hear those stupid guards argue another day about who's the better friend." I giggle as I picture Andrew getting annoyed with the guard's constant arguments.

"By the way, I didn't catch your name."

"Varian! " I reply softly; I smile gently. A small smile creeps on his face; he then gives me a playful, gentle nudge on the shoulder as his dark eyes gaze into mine.

"You're alright, Varian! I promise we will get out of here. You just have to hold on a little longer." I nod and slowly walk back to my cot in the far left corner of the cell. I flop onto my cot, my head hitting my flat white pillow.

"Yeah, just a little bit longer I gently whisper as my eyes droop down to the cold floor underneath. I quiet my thoughts and hope that these are not a bunch of empty promises but real hope.

I almost feel a spark of hope ignite as I think of the possibilities of freedom as I rest my head on the pillow, close my eyes, and let darkness claim me at last.

Chapter Text

I'm not an impatient person because the game of science is trial and error. However, when you're stuck in a filthy prison cell, the only entertainment you'll find is your constant thumb war with yourself and watching your narcissistic roommate do push-ups all day. You could say things get very dull. I turn to the dusty, gray-stoned wall, creating another shrieking white mark next to the other six. You heard it, folks; I've been in this luxurious room for seven days.

As for my cellmate Andrew, he's growing huge. His muscles are almost as large as his ego. I do like him, he's pretty chill as far as roommates go, but if I hear one more comment about his dirty hair not receiving the necessary vitamin D to give it a lustrous shine and volume,

I will freaking lose my mind.

The man knows he's sexy, in my opinion, a little too much! There's not a day when I don't see him flexing his muscles at the ladies in the other cell right across from ours. Their faces flush as they pretend not to gawk at my arrogant cellmate.

Almost every day, he invites me to join him in his all day everyday workouts. I'm also a man of science, so I don't do things that will cause me pain or discomfort. Aside from the occasional explosion, cut, and bruise, let's move on.

"Hey, kid, want to arm wrestle?" He questions as he looks up from his plank position and glances my way.
I try to hold in my groan.

A throbbing pain emanates from my sore arm as I flex it, "Not today, Andrew. I'm still recovering from the last match.".

"Kid, that was yesterday."

I blush as my mind whisks back to yesterday's match that only lasted less than a minute. I pulled as much as possible, but I had to give in as the pressure increased, and I felt like my bones were slowly turning into dust. My wits are my strongest allies; my brute strength, not so much.

"If you did workouts with me, you might even make an impression on the ladies or get out of this hell hole faster."

"Why would I want to impress a bunch of dirty criminal women?" I sneer as my nose crinkles, up even just thinking about the possibility.

"You never know the connections people have. First rule, in a life of crime, make allies," he says as he plops down on his white, rough cot. He places his hands behind his head as if he doesn't have a care in the world, gazing up at the dusty gray ceiling.

"I'm not a criminal; I did what I had to do to get things done and free my father!" I grumble as guilt begins to course through my body, not only for some of the things I'd done but also because I couldn't help but think my father was currently in his amber prison because of me.
He snorts as if he just heard a funny joke. "Not from where I'm standing, kid; you are just as much a criminal as me." he smugly replies in his arrogant tone.

"But you know what, that makes us a messed up family." I glance towards the side and see him making eye contact with me across the cell. His eyes filled with concern and warmth.
Warmth fills my heart, and I feel a small smile form as I contemplate the word family. Andrew feels the most like family out of all these people in this dirty prison. We are all in the same boat. We went against King Freddy and his kingdom and got thrown into this hell hole. Weirdly, this could be a family. I'm snapped out of my thoughts by Andrew's interruption.

"You know, kid, I've heard rumors about the famous wizard of Corona; want to indulge?" he questions as he glances my way, anxious to hear the details of my crime.

I sigh, as this is not one of my favorite stories to recount.

"I'm not... forget it," I growl, trying to ignore my anger. If there's one thing I can't stand, it is being called a wizard. How often do I have to explain that I swear every person I meet thinks I do some magic or I'm this mysterious, dangerous wizard? That I don't do magic, it's science. If only some people had a brain in this kingdom, they would see that... Andrews's voice interrupts my thoughts.

"Oh, come on, a single person bringing the Corona to its knees. You are a legend. Even our greatest warriors couldn't do that. Then comes this little, 10-year-old kid." he says with a big grin as he looks directly at me as if he is proud of my treason against this kingdom.

"I'm fourteen," I mumble under my breath as I groan mentally at the wrong age as my shoulders sag. He ignores my comment as if he didn't hear it.

"Comes in and creates a whole army and almost makes Corona bow down to his feet. Now that's a good story I would like to hear. How did you even get into that situation?" he questions, pointing his big thick tan finger in my direction.

At first, I didn't feel comfortable disclosing this personal information to a stranger. There is no telling how long I will be here, and if I gain his trust, he will make life a lot better in this hellhole. Plus, there's nothing to do, and I'm bored. It's normal to share the most painful moments in your life with a complete stranger, right? I sighed as I clenched my fists in my lap and closed my eyes to escape the rapidly entering emotions.

With every passing second, I could feel my heart pounding faster against my chest as my blood boiled. Suddenly, my eyes shot open, filled with blazing wildfire as my eyebrows furrow as I make direct eye contact with Andrew. As I slowly began the tale that destroyed my life.

"I was desperate, the princess abandoned me, and the guards wouldn't leave me alone. They constantly hunted me and imprisoned me in my own home. I had to beg them to let me out for food and water." I say as my hands clench by my sides.

"Why would they hunt a kid?" he questions, concern warped in his eyes.

"I knew too much and was too intelligent and dangerous for my own good. That's what one of the guards told me before they imprisoned me in my own house, so I didn't have a chance to get to the princess." As I continued to disclose my story, I was whisked away into a recent memory.

For weeks I had been a prisoner of my own house. Guards watched me on the clock, ensuring I had no escape routes or ways to call for help. I did it! I finally escaped! I mentally praised myself while sprinting through the dark, dusty tunnels. For once, I was happy for my small stature, so I could fit through the little tunnels that spread throughout Old Corona into the heart of the capital.

Finally, I made it. I could see the sunshine peek through the other side of the tunnel. My heart thumped against my chest as I sprinted the rest of the way, desperate to escape my precarious situation. Suddenly, I felt the hard stone ground below my feet, and the colors of purple and yellow banners and old colorful buildings filled my vision. For some odd reason, the usually vibrant town seemed dull and colorless, as if a gray cloud swooped down and devoured anything pouring with happiness or beauty.

The half-timbered houses lined the streets as citizens wheeled their many carts of goods across the walkway. As guards in golden armor lined the streets patrolling for any suspicious activity. I
knew I would be caught and dragged back to prison if I showed my face. Luckily I had thought ahead and brought one of my Dad's light gray cloaks and draped it across my body, shielding my raven hair and bright blue eyes that would give away my identity in seconds.

Suddenly the sweet mouthwatering aroma of freshly steamed bread wafted through the village. My stomach grumbled as I felt knots forming from the lack of food I'd had for the past weeks. How long had it been since I had eaten? Since Dad's been trapped, I have dedicated all my time to finding a solution and waiting for the princess; unfortunately, this has interfered with my daily nutrition supplements.

I strolled around carefully, aware of my surroundings, and ensured not to bump into unwanted attention. Regardless I felt the piercing stares of the villagers around me and gazed in my direction, whispering to the others. My heart started to pick up the pace as the villagers kept looking in my direction, staring at me. They know it's me and will tell the guards where I am.

Calm down, Varian; you're overreacting. There's no way they saw you under that cloak. Regardless, my insecurities won out, and I started to form a plan to work my way to the entrance without drawing too much attention to myself. I sneaked towards the shadows and hid behind many of the capital homes. A small ounce of relief flooded my body as I discreetly crept to the castle's entrance.

I knew this was a bad idea, but I couldn't spend another day trapped in my village with those oh-so-friendly guards. What if the princess doesn't help me? What if she turns me away? I can't be abandoned again, not by someone I consider a friend. I already had too much of that in my life.
A loud shattering sound thrust me from my anxieties as I found myself sprawled on my stomach, surrounded by shards of dark brown pottery. The sound echoed throughout the walls; my body flooded with dread as I prayed that no one would notice my slight miscalculation. A sharp pain spiked up my hand as I glanced down to find a small piece of shard stuck to my palm. I winced as I tried to yank it out as hot liquid cascaded down my hand, dripping to the stone below.

Great! The world just loves to make my life a super fun crazy ride. Despite my obvious discomfort and situation, I couldn't help but wonder whose genius idea was to set up a bunch of fragile pots behind their house.

"Who's there"? A villager yelled in my direction.

My heart stopped as I pulled up my hood to conceal my identity again. I jogged as fast as I could to the entrance. My heart thumped against my chest. Who knows how long I will have before someone comes after me or reports me to the authorities?

I gazed up into the sky as dark gray clouds closed in on the village, thunderstruck and lit up the sky; the wind howled and pounded against me, racking my body with shivers. Luckily I was protected from most of mother nature's harsh storms as I continued to trudge my way through the boisterous winds.

The deafening roar of thunder cracked above me as the wind bit into my skin. Causing goosebumps to spread all across my body. I don't know if it was the brutal winds or my inner terror. The aroma of the sea was so strong that you could practically taste the bitter salt on your tongue, probably due to the rapid winds and rise of sea level.

Suddenly I heard footsteps rapidly approaching me, getting louder and faster. I quickly glanced over my shoulder to see the intruder. To my surprise, not a single person was behind me.

"Gosh, I'm going crazy," I silently mumbled as I jogged closer to the entrance, as my boots clicked against the stone below. I was finally out; the gate was just a few blocks away. I could do this. I gazed up at the sight before me.

The castle was painted a soft pink and yellow in the distance as it sat atop a lush green hill, surrounded by cottages, and looked down upon the whole kingdom.

I glanced to my left and noticed the marketplace was bustling; however, I only heard the ringing in my ears and my heart pounding as it rapidly thumped against my chest as I quickly made my way to the castle's entrance. I slowed my pace to avoid looking suspicious and pretended everything was fine.

As I walked, more and more people lined the streets despite the storm, and I couldn't help the dread that pooled down my whole body as they were walking towards me and staring in my direction. The wind whistled in my ears and pounded against my figure like the world was against me and didn't want me to finish my journey.

I glanced to the side with the little I could see from my hood as villagers bought and sold things. Vendors shouted prices and persuaded customers to purchase their goods.

My heart stopped as I thought I heard one of them say Varian and point in my direction. As the minutes counted down, I couldn't help but notice more and more people surrounding me as I briskly walked to my destination. No matter how far I went, two more people constantly took their place. Soon everyone watched me as my mind spiraled and pounded with the exploding thoughts that piled into my mind. I kept looking over my shoulder to ensure no one was following me.

I flinched as the hairs on my neck stood straight up. At the time, I couldn't help thinking someone was stalking me. The wind continued whipping against my body as I watched some villagers' hats and goods fly across the marketplace. While little children, despite the intense weather, ran around chasing each other as they giggled and screamed as if they had not had a care in the world.

I barely clung onto my cloak as I jogged faster and faster as the wind rustled in my ears. I'm almost there; I just have to pass the entrance. Then I can get the help of the princess, and she will save my Dad. She couldn't have forgotten about me. Just like she said that day in the castle, she promised everything would be okay. I couldn't help but feel that small ounce of doubt cloud my mind.

I was thrown out of my thoughts as I slammed into a big pudgy man about my height with a bushy brown beard and dark brown eyes. As my hood was viciously ripped from my head. A rush of horror overtook my body, and my blood went cold.

I glanced around, and everyone stared in shock. No sound could be heard, no one dared say anything, and I could not control my body. For the first time in my life, I felt imprisoned by my own fear.

My eyes widened, and a shrill ringing pounded throughout my head. All was silent besides the increased thumping of my heart and the wind bellowing between us. It was deathly quiet. I stood there frozen, not knowing what to do. Should I say something? Run?

Before I could decide, something wet spat across my cheek.

I grimaced in disgust as I quickly swiped the spit off my face. I scanned the area to see who did it. When my eyes landed on a white-bearded man with a disgustingly unkempt shaggy beard traveling down to his shoulders. He was bald and had big round goofy gold glasses that looked like they belonged to a child. His dark green eyes were ablaze like a wildfire spreading through the forest. His chin clenched tight as his mouth formed a thin line. His bushy white eyebrows furrowed, looking like two caterpillars sitting on top of his head.

Man, has this guy ever heard the word tweezers?"

"How dare you show your face here, boy, after what you did!" He shouted as his thick hairy finger pointed accusingly at me. I didn't understand what this guy was saying. Did he just get out of the tavern with way too many drinks?

"What are you talking about?" I prodded as one of my eyebrows cocked up in confusion

"How could you attack our innocent princess, she has been home only seven months, and you attack her. You should be exiled for what you did!"

"I never attacked the princess; I needed her help. My Dad was..." I was interrupted as the man shouted in my direction, drawing the eyes of many citizens in Corona.

"Murder he killed his father!" He shouted as he tried to stir up the crowd in anger against me

"I knew this boy was nothing but trouble when Quirin and Ulla first brought it into the world. His invention almost destroyed our village and set my house on fire!" a woman shouted from among the crowd.

Guilt flooded my body as I remembered my failures and mistakes throughout the village when I tried to prove to my Dad and help my town. Let's just say some experiments went better than others, and the ones that didn't, well...

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." I soberly apologized, hoping she knew how terrible I felt for causing her and possibly her family distress. My shoulders slumped as guilt slowly sucked me into its depths.

"Why Quirin even kept the brat, I'll never know. I would have abandoned him when he set foot in that lab." Tears stung my eyes as their accusations were like a hammer slamming against my heart. Especially the false allegations of killing my father. I gazed into the eyes of the gathering crowd and only saw hate, anger, and revenge.

They wanted revenge, and I was unfortunately in the middle of it.

"Please, I don't care if you hate me, but my father needs help. If one of you could just..." I pleaded as I tried to dry the tears in my eyes before they would slide down my cheeks. I felt like
I couldn't even form a sentence as everyone in the crowd shouted and spit lies and accusations at me.

"He lies; his father is dead; I saw Quirin with my eyes!"

"No, he's trapped!" I exclaimed as I tried to get them to see reason and that I was not a murderer.

"That's the boy that hurt the princess!" An older man shouted as he came to gather in the now huge crowd surrounding me on all sides.

"Assaulter!" one of them hollered in my direction as he raised his leg and kicked me very hard in the stomach. My legs buckled as I was taken down to my knees. I was surrounded on all sides as the citizens continued to roll in and block my only exits as some names I never thought would be directed at me were shouted in my direction; my heart thumped against my chest louder and faster.

Sweat drizzled down my face as I contemplated the many terrifying things these people could do to me.

"Nuisance!" a high shrill voice spat in my face as they launched a rock my way, hitting my leg. I gasped as the white-hot pain shot through my leg. One of the villagers tore a piece of my blue shirt as I scrambled away.

"Troublemaker!"

"Terrorist!"

"Please, I need some food. I haven't eaten...." My voice breaks as the white-hot pain courses through my body from the assault and abuse I suffered.

"Murder!" Someone in the crowd hollered

"Please, I didn't...." I shouted to get them to see reason, but the pain was so intense all that came out was a jumble of words

"Evil Wizard!" bellowed a deep baritone voice, but it was so angered and full of hatred it sent shivers down my spine.

Each name sent another rock hurtling towards me as the last word was spat at me. One soared through the air and smashed into my head with the velocity it was going anymore, and I would have passed out. My skull felt as if it was cracked, and I had a headache the size of the sun that pounded relentlessly.

I felt something warm drizzle down the left side of my face. Curious, I reached up to find out what it was. My heart stopped as I gazed down at my leather glove and found it coated in blood. My lip split as I spat the iron-tasting liquid on the stone ground towards the crowd's feet. My whole body ached with excruciating pain washed over me as it felt like sharp, hot needles poked every part of my body.

Tears stung my eyes, waiting to drop, but I wouldn't give these vile people the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

Just when my vision was filled with black spots and began to blur, I reached into my pocket and threw one of the smoke bombs where I kneeled and dashed away from the crowd as they continued to cough out the smoke that was infecting their lungs and obscuring their eyesight.

I took one last glance towards the mob as I kept low, gasping for breath as they came out in rapidly shaky amounts as my body began to tremble violently from my rapid heartbeat and the trauma that just occurred. I had to leave here as dread flooded my body, and my mind rapidly searched for how I came in.

I heard the villagers' voices drawing closer as they echoed off the walls of the small buildings searching for me. My heart thumped against my chest quickly and faster. Their footsteps pounded against the strenuous stone walk as they got closer, as I desperately searched for a way out.

Suddenly I found it and raced inside my dark, dusty sanctuary. Even though I was out of breath, I didn't stop. I limped as fast as I could through the tunnels. My legs burned as I continued onward through the sandy hills. I caught my breath as I tried to contemplate what just happened. How could they think I would attack the princess and kill my father?

Surely they could have seen the relationship my father and I had. Maybe that was the problem ever since Mom died, Dad has been distant, but I have never once doubted that he loves me. I'm not a murderer.

Sure, I make lots of mistakes but hasn't everyone? Many of my previous failed experiments flash before my eyes. Are they right? Did I murder my own father? I created this amber prison. Is it my fault? No, it can't be, right? My thoughts spiraled as thought after thought assaulted my brain and made me self-doubt.

Finally, I saw old Corona's unfortunately familiar black rocks bursting out from houses and fields that used to belong to my neighbors. I limped into my house until I couldn't take it anymore. To the point of exhaustion, I collapsed right at the bottom of my father's amber prison. Tears streamed down my face as I felt the intense pain of the assault I recently experienced.

As I gazed down to see the damage inflicted, my heart stopped. Whoever threw the rocks at my leg must have picked some pretty pointy stones. Blood drizzled down my leg as it dripped to the cold, rough ground below.

My vision became clouded with dark spots as I began to feel dizzy from the outpouring of blood on my leg. I wouldn't let myself rest, not yet. I knew that if I slept, I might not wake up again, and then who would free my father?

So I limped to my desk, ripped off some cloth soaked with cold water, and gently dabbed the wound as blood spat out of the cut. I pushed down as I tried to put as much pressure on it to hopefully stop the bleeding. Once that was done, there was only one thing left to do. The worst part was I grabbed one of my vials containing some alcohol and gently poured it over my wound.

Can I say it stung so bad? I don't know if you have ever accidentally cut your hand and touched a scorching, hot pan, but that's what it felt like. I bit my lip and tried to hide my cries even though I knew no one would hear. I gently wrapped the cut-up using a cloth and secured it tightly around my leg.

This is all Rapunzel's fault. Angry tears streamed down my face. She promised that everything would be okay. That we would figure this out together and that we weren't just dirt to her. She promised to help me.

I limped back to the amber as I finally let out all my emotions. I punched and kicked the stupid amber that imprisoned my Dad, ignoring the pain and exhaustion pumping through my body. Screaming at all the unfairness and absurd things that were shouted my way.

Are they right? Am I really a monster or a murderer? No, I couldn't be; it was an accident. I wouldn't purposely murder my father and never meant to be a troublesome son.

I just wanted to make my Dad proud and help my village. Anger coursed through my veins as their words relentlessly pounded throughout my brain. As angry tears streamed down my face. If that's how they feel, maybe I am that evil wizard everyone thinks I am. Perhaps I have a darkness that has been kept away too long.

Everyone thinks I am harmful and dangerous because I do alchemy and make mistakes.

"Alright, Corona, I'll show you what a villain I am! I will show them what they made me into! Corona, you made the biggest mistake of your lives, even though I'm a kid. I'm a kid that has nothing left to lose." I sneered as I began constructing my genius plan to free my father and bring Corona to its knees.

After a while, I was so tired, and my knees buckled under me as fresh tears streamed down my face as I sobbed into my arms.

I gazed towards my Dad and knelt next to his amber prison. "I miss you, Dad. I need you. Please come back to me, don't leave me here all alone," I sobbed loudly as I began to hyperventilate, the grief crushing my body as I trembled, shaking as if I was walking through the blizzard again. Bitterness bit at my heart.

"I promise Dad I will free you no matter what it takes," I said shakily as my grief overtook me, and I sank into my arms and wept bitterly.

For a moment, it was complete silence as I finished recounting one of the most traumatic days of my life. As I watch Andrew continue to stare into the distance outside our steel barred prison.

That stormy bitter day was the day an innocent, naive child who only wanted to help his village and everyone around him died. A new Varian was born, a darker, determined, vengeful kid who would do anything to get his father back and never trust anyone again.

The silence dragged on until Andrew cleared his throat and faced me.

"I'm so sorry, kid; no one should be treated like that. I wouldn't wish that fate on my worst enemy. It was their fault they drove you to desperation and vilified you."

Those words hit me hard, and I was very tempted to let out all my emotions at once.! Damn, the consequences. However, I didn't know how Andrew would react and if this would be an awkward conversation or if he would think I couldn't control my emotions and keep them hidden like a strong man would, so in the end, my pride won out. I had to look strong for Andrew; who wants to team up with a kid that cries over his daddy?

I nodded slightly as I tightly curled my legs to my chest, as my eyes gazed down at the floor. I remember that day and my failure to free my father and end up in this dirty, rotten prison for the rest of my life or worse.

"No, it was my fault. I shouldn't have done this if only Rapunzel helped me. I'd be at home with my Dad making ham sandwiches, Now I'm all alone, and it's all my fault. I said as my shoulders slumped and my head slumped toward the ground.

"All I wanted was to make my Dad proud and bring hot water to my village to help them. For years I saw my town not being able to. If I could help them, do something good."

"Ah, kid, don't look so blue. It's bringing the place down more than usual, you know?" His voice was filled with sincerity, concern, and a little wit. A gentle smile ghosted on my face before I remembered the topic of the conversation.

"Don't ever let them have you stoop to their level because if you think that way, Freddy has already won."

"Yeah, I sigh as I stare at the floor, trying to control the remaining tears stinging my eyes. As I try to keep my grief at bay, which right now feels as if my chest is being crushed by a rock.

"Hey, kid, look at me."

I slowly allow my eyes to look upward into Andrews's sincere orbs.

"We're gonna get out of here; this is not forever; my friends are coming and will be free in no time. Then you can save your father, don't give up hope just yet, kid."

"It doesn't matter, I mumble quietly.

"What was that? He said, staring at me, who probably looked like a mess.

“It doesn't matter. I'm not Saporian. If your friends come, they won't rescue me. Why would they save a Coronian?”

"Do you want to continue to be a Coronian?"

"No, but I don't think it's that easy," I say as I let out a deep sigh.

"Actually, it is, kid; you can choose who you want to serve and what nation you want to be a part of."

"I think King Freddy would disagree," I reply, the sound of the name leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

"To hell with Fredric; men like him don't deserve to be in power or gain respect from their citizens," he growls. "From what I've heard, this kingdom has abused you, abandoned you, and neglected a severe problem that caused several casualties."

I flinch as flashes of decimated houses, farms, and adults burying their kids in the meadows they used to laugh and play in. The heartbroken mother's wails echo and haunt me daily as their mourns reflect throughout the night. This could have all been avoided if I had had more time and resources. Maybe many heartbroken parents would not have to suffer from the grief of losing someone they loved.

"Don't ever think you owe any respect to that bastard. Where I'm from, respect is earned, not freely given. You can be part Saporian if you wish and be a part of our family." he snarled.

"Yeah, I'll need some time to think about it. I mean, it's not every day you are given a chance to become part of another nation" I gently smile up at him as I unwrap my arms and push aside my emotions.

"I understand, kid; take all the time you need. In the meantime, why don't you tell me about that alchemy you love so much" He prodds, trying to lighten the mood. I appreciate the effort, so I put my feelings aside for now and go with it.

I glance up into his eyes, "alchemy?" I swipe my nose and lightly scoff as he pronounces my favorite earthly subject wrong.

"Yeah, magic Alchemy stuff."

I blew my bangs out of my face in exasperation. "You mean science?" I cock one of my eyebrows playfully, ensuring we were on the same page.

"Yup!" he exclaims as the sound echoes off the dark prison walls.

I feel a small smile form as I realize Andrew is trying to cheer me up and help distract me from my traumatic memories. It also helps that I love alchemy and could talk about it all day, but most people zone out after the first ten minutes.

"Are you sure? Because once you get me started, it's hard to have it stop! I playfully tease as I swallow a lump.

"Hey, if I didn't want to, I wouldn't have asked; I don't do anything I don't want to. Hit me with what you got, kid."

"Okay, so alchemy is basically the science of how things are created and how they are formed. For example, if you heat ore at 100 degrees Celsius, it will change colors and could transform into different elements, such as a solid, liquid, or gas, the molecules found in each form. This can happen in two different ways through a melting point, where particles inside a specific form rapidly increase in speed as the temperature increases."

"For example, take a cup of water, if you put it over the flame, and let it sit there for a while. When the temperature goes up, the form changes and the particles increase their velocity resulting in gas which makes the gas spread throughout the room because it has no tangible physical form." I say as my heart races, and I am giddy with excitement as I use my hands to show how science works.

"I did something similar at the science expo a few months ago. I took ordinary sand pieces by increasing the sand particles' pressure and heat and transforming them into a solid crystalline jewel. So with enough pressure, speed, and heating, system elements can change into different forms." I say

So who invented all this alchemy stuff?" he questions

"That, my friend, is a very intensive history lesson that would take hours to explain, but I'll tell you my favorite alchemist and the most genius guy in earthly existence is Demanitus."

"Who's demanitus?" he asks.

My mouth was agape as I could not believe someone on this planet did not know the name Demanitus. The guy is a freaking legend, well, everywhere!

"Demanitus is one of the greatest alchemists, inventors, and engineers this universe has ever known, Oh I would have loved to meet him," I reply as my hand's ball together at my sides as I can't help a grin beginning to spread on my face and trying to hold in my inner excitement and the first time in two months someone asking about science.

Maybe someday I'll meet demanitus or even use one of his inventions. That would be great!

"Lights out!" One of the guards shouted as our eyes were suddenly shrouded by darkness. The only source of comfort and light was the white shining full moon peeking outside our barred window. Because of this, Andrew and I could still see each other, even in the dark.

"Demanitus, I've never heard of the guy, but I am intrigued, tell me a little about him." Andrew prods. Obviously, I want to learn more.

I grinned as I couldn't wait to tell about my favorite inventor.

"Demanitus lived 1,000 years ago and was the inventor of some of the greatest inventions of all time!" I continued to rave as Demantius was my hero.

I look up to the man for his genius ideas and brilliant inventions, especially in alchemy. As I continue ranting about my favorite scientist in the universe, I notice that Andrew suddenly stares at me with a distant and withdrawn look, as if his whole family had died while stuck in this cell.

"What's wrong?" I ask. Am I talking too much? I stutter as nerves build within me. He looks as if he is about to say something as if words will immediately spill out of his mouth, but all I get is,

"Nothing is wrong," he says as I watch him walk back to his cot, not even giving me a last glance as he plops down and faces the wall, arms tightly tucked and wrapped around his body.

Huh, I wonder if he is okay? Was it something I said? I hope I didn't offend him; he's the only friend I got in this rotten hell hole. Maybe I'll ask him tomorrow. Despite descending onto my cot and staring at the gray ceiling above as tears trickled down my face, I couldn't get my mind off that haunted look in his eye.

The way he stared at me, I felt like a corpse lying on a bed of red flowers.

Chapter Text

King Frederic’s POV

"Rapunzel, slow down!" I shout as I gasp; she's been running for three miles. I don't know how that child has so much energy.

"Come on, Dad; Varian's house is just over these hills," she says as she waves frantically at me. As we reach the top, I peer out at the landscape below. Three long, green, lush hills covered the valley as mist poured across it, obscuring my vision and direction. Even the twinkling stars couldn't illuminate our path.

"The fog is too thick, Rapunzel, and we must stick together!" I shouted as I watched her dance and sing into the still night.

"I'll save my home and family," her beautiful voice vibrating and bouncing off the valley. She twirls as if in a trance, and before I know what happened, I turn around, and she vanishes as if she were my imagination. The only evidence remains her soprano voice's echo, which gradually dimmer with each passing second.

"Rapunzel!" I yell as my vision becomes blurred with the continued white fog rolling across the valley. I searched everywhere, even daring to look to see if she had fallen down the hill below. However, to my astonishment, there was nothing. I kept shouting her name, but all that came back was the echo of my frantic voice.

My stomach clenched as dread flooded my body as I frantically searched the area for my daughter. To my dismay, the fog grew thick like a solid white wall that filled my vision with white that I could barely see my hands.

The wind whistles against my body, creating goosebumps that decorate my arms and legs despite the cloth protecting them. All was silent and still as if making a sound would trigger an attack. The trees bristled as the wind whipped against them.

Suddenly, a sound echoed in the distance. I peered out into the thick mist to see what it was. A dark figure emerged as chains clanging and dragging against the stone-hard ground infiltrated my ears.

My heart dropped as the footsteps drew closer.

The sound was so intense that it felt like a hundred men trudging up a steep hill as their chains rattled and dragged against the stone-hard ground. Sweat drips from my brow as I realize I am alone in a dark forest.

Every inch of my skin burst into goosebumps. It was getting closer. As the pounding drew nearer, my heart thumped rapidly against my chest. As sweat drizzled down my face

"Who are you? Show yourself," I yelled out to the dark figure concealed by the mist rolling around the valley below my feet as I tried to put on a facade of bravery and prayed the figure believed it. I pulled out my sword from the sheath, threatening the figure silently and ensuring the edge was pointed toward the dark figure.

My heart stops as dread pools from my body, and blood drains from my face when I gaze at the figure slowly entering my vision. It's a boy no older than 16, dressed in a ragged white shirt and dark brown ripped-up pants. His face no longer holds that innocent light as blood streaks across his cheeks and dark bags under his eyes as if he hasn't slept in years. His raven hair is all in disarray as it seeps above his eyes.

What is most haunting are his eyes, those once baby blue eyes of innocence and kindness now radiating raging hate and anger.

Those eyes were dulled of light as if someone snuffed hope from them long ago, and this kid had seen too much of how the world truly is a cruel place to live in. I gaze down at the dark black chains covering the boy's sickly stark white wrists and a long heavy chain wrapped around his torso, black sooted bare feet dragged by a dark black chain. All in all, the kid looked terrible, and this kid was unmistakably recognizable.

Varian.

"Varian, what happened to you?" I say gently, staring at the injured kid as I feel his piercing glare as if his eyes were drilling a hole in my skull. I had never seen the kid so mad as his eyes set ablaze.

Silence was my only reply.

"What happened?" I asked again as his eyes closed tightly shut, his freckled, long nose scrunched up as if he was trying to ward off the horrifying memories of the past. His brows furrowed as a small tear escapes his eye and trails down his cheeks. His eyes slowly opened as he peered into my very soul.

"Are you dead?" I asked, genuinely concerned for the child's welfare even if I hate him for the pain he caused my family and me.

His eyes are downcast at the ground as his fist clenched tightly at his side as tears stung his now blue-gray eyes. He bit his lip, raised his head, and looked into my eyes.

"There is a special place in hell for people like you," he growled as his razor-piercing eyes felt like a bullet through my head. The gaze was like a wildfire blazing up a forest. I was shocked that he would say something disrespectful to his highest ruler.

"How dare you," I stated as my blood began to boil from this child's insulant statement. I was interrupted as he continued.

"How dare you, Your Majesty, for neglecting the people of my village, your people, to sentence them to death. Not just men and women but children as well. They suffered because you did nothing; Their blood is on your hands; My blood is on your hands."
he grasps my hands as I feel something hot and wet coat them.

As he removes his pale white hands, my heart stops as I gaze at the horrifying red liquid pouring from them and flowing to the ground below. I screamed as I tried to shake the blood off, but it stayed no matter how much I tried.

"Do you hear them, your majesty? The sounds of the people's wails, cries of mercy falling on deaf ears, the cries of children for their mothers, widow wives, and children are all dead because of you." I rapidly covered my ears as the cries and screams of mothers who had lost their children and widows cried out in agony assaulted my brain.

My knees buckled as I squeezed my palms over my ears, trying desperately to filter it out.

I gazed at the ground below." No, that's not true; it was their choices that led them to their fate; it was justice," I reply as I rapidly gasp for breath, and my heart thumps against my chest, threatening to pop out any second.

"Really? Was it justice when you let a village be killed and destroyed by rocks your daughter made? Was it justice to leave my father in amber prison, the man loyal to you since the beginning? Was it justice when you vilified me and had your guards throw me into the freezing blizzard? So tell me, Your Majesty, does that sound like justice to you or negligence of your responsibilities that you vowed to uphold? He sneers as his pale finger points at me.

I gritted my teeth as his words filled me with rage. This mere insolent child is blaming me, calling me a murderer. Yet, as I try to justify my actions, I can't help thinking the boy is right. My negligence was part of this disaster of my kingdom.

"Many nights, I cried out for mercy, but my cries fell on deaf ears. Now, I will give you the same mercy given to me." Varian tone laced with anger.

"What are you doing here, Varian?" I say as he creeps closer and whispers in my ear as he ignores my question.

"I want you to suffer as I did. I want you to pay for all the crimes you have committed. I want you to experience so much agony that you will beg me for death but will inevitably fall on deaf ears," he whispered, unnervingly calm as shivers crawled up my spine.

My eyes widened, and my heart hammered in my chest, pounding so loudly that I could practically hear its vibrations.

"You will lose everything you ever loved, your majesty." He moves his hands into his pants pockets and thrusts the green dust in my face. I cough and choke as black dots assault my vision, and my body sways back and forth.

"Goodnight, Your Majesty," he smirked and whispered as darkness finally claimed me.

My eyes shot open as I scanned the room around me, trying to discern where on earth I was. I struggled to move; my wrists hit restraints, and a long brown rope looped tightly around each one of my wrists. I jolted and tugged, trying to escape and find a way out of here and locate Arianna and Rapunzel.

My mind swirled with the different scenarios that could have occurred. A bright light shines in my eyes as the boy who kidnapped me comes into form, a small crooked smile plastered on his face as a tube of yellow substance wrapped around his hand. He moves across the room, which I discovered is his lab due to the wooden walls, wooden floors, and metal contraptions sprawled throughout the room.

He uncovers a curtain in the corner of the room and immediately gazes at the woman whose ankle is locked and bolted to the floor. "Arianna, release the queen, Varian," I shout as I tug harder against the rope.

"Nope, you see, your majesty. Do you remember my promise to you before I brought you to my lab?" Varian cheerfully replies as if he's enjoying living in this moment. My eyes widen in horror as I know what he will do.

"Varian, I demand that you release us at once!" I snarl as my teeth grit so hard I'm afraid they might break.

"Your majesty, I don't have to do anything you say." he smugly replies as he walks behind the curtain towards my wife.

"Please, Varian, release her. She's not the one you need to take your revenge on." I plead, as I know this kid is sick in the head and a terrorist, but I must put my family first.

"Haha, your majesty. If there's one thing I know, it is that your family is the most important thing to you," he says as he grabs onto my wife's shoulders, emphasizing his point and glaring in my direction. "So if you take them out of the equation, you have nothing," he smirked as he picked up the yellow amber off the ground and moved toward my wife.

"Varian, you will pay!" I shout as I thrash and claw my bindings, trying to find a weakness.
He quickly turns around as if someone just slapped him in the face. "I already paid, Your Majesty. I paid in the most horrible ways while you were lounging around on your golden throne. Now it's your turn to feel that pain and realize what losing everything is like." He shouts as Varian's last words echo throughout my brain.

This can't actually be happening? How could I have let this happen? If he kills my wife, the gallows would be a mercy. I watch him slowly spread the yellow substance next to the love of my life.

"Nooo, Arianna; Varian, release her at once," I demanded as he rolled his eyes and ignored my desperate pleas. I tugged and pulled with as much strength as I could muster and thrashed in my binds. I can't let this happen.

"Please, I'll do anything, Varian. Whatever you want, I will give you. Just stop this at once." I pleaded one last time for the child to reconsider. My vision blurred with tears as they cascaded down my face. I watch the fear and desperation of my wife flash before my eyes as if she expects me to do something, but I can't move.

"I'm sorry, Arianna, I failed you," I said as my shoulders slumped and my eyes downcast towards the ground. These ropes felt as though they were made out of steel. I knew I couldn't escape, so I did the only thing I could do. If I couldn't fight, I would be there for Arianna in her last moments.

"It's alright, Arianna, you alright, my dear," I say as I try to reassure her. Her bright green eyes filled with unshed tears as she gazed into mine. I know she's scared even though she doesn't show it on the outside. I have lived with her long enough to know the signs.

"Just look at me. I'm here." I gently say as I try to calm her down and let her know she is not alone.

"Fredric, I'm so scared it's all over me," she says as a tear trickles down her cheek.

"I know, darling; I am so sorry, Arianna. I didn't mean for this to happen. I love you more than life itself, and I couldn't have asked for a better, kinder wife and ruler than you. I will miss you more than you can ever know." I say as a lump enters my throat as I try to stay strong for her, as my heart feels like it is shattering.

"I'll be waiting for you, Frederic, and Rapunzel. Take good care of her," Arianna replied as a gentle smile plastered her face. Even in the most horrible conditions, Arianna always found the good and could always encourage others to do so. She was so brave and courageous. Those were some of the many reasons I love her.

"I promise," I croaked out, never leaving her eyes, even when the yellow substance consumed most of her body. I was her rock, and she was mine. I promised to protect Rapunzel with my life, and this child would pay.

Unfortunately, the inevitable happened too soon. My wife was wholly consumed in the amber, her face forever ingrained in my memory as the amber finished her form, forever freezing her beautiful, gentle face. I couldn't help but think she was in a deep, peaceful sleep.

"No, Arianna, I can't lose you!" I whispered as snot ran down my nose as I glared up at the devil boy enjoying this tragic scene. He walks back towards me as he kneels down to my height.

"How does it feel, Freddy, to lose the one who means most, or maybe your wife isn't the one you fear losing the most? Maybe there is someone else," he says as he patted his chin with his finger in contemplation. He moves a wooden handle, and my heart stops as I gaze at my precious, cheerful, optimistic daughter, Rapunzel, strapped to a complex wooden table with metal contraptions.

"Varian, you can't; she's not a part of this. This fight is between you and me." I cried as Varian smirked at the young princess.

He chuckled humorlessly. "Haha, Freddy, this battle started when you sent your sick lap dogs to hunt me down and keep me silent. Remember, whatever happens here is because of you." he sneered as his voice lowered dangerously.

In my mind, I knew that I had to give in to whatever demands Varian made.

I sigh. "What do you want?" I said quietly. To me, this was torture. I had failed to save my daughter and wife again; I couldn't protect them and assure them that everything would be okay. Instead, I have to watch my wife and daughter tortured by this psycho kid who thinks the world revolves around him. I even promised Arianna that I would protect Rapunzel, but I have failed as a father and a husband. I could hardly comprehend a life without my dear wife and Rapunzel. There would always be a void that could not be filled.

"Hmmm, that's tempting. Anything I want, huh?" Varian smirked as amusement and malice coated the child's tone. He put his hand up to his chin, rubbing it gently as if this was a hard decision.

"Okay, Fred, I'll make you a deal. You confess your lies to me and the kingdom and..."

"And you will let Rapunzel go in peace," I finished with a scowl. I would not let this insolent, treacherous child outsmart me and somehow get Rapunzel.

"All right, Your Majesty, you have a deal. Should we get started?" the kid smirked as he released my hands from the rope restraints. Varian then moved to the other side of his lab, sorting through some documents on his wooden shelf. He grasped the paper and came back to where I was sitting.

"All right, Freddy, sign this decree that everything you ever said was a lie and your confession to the kingdom that you are not fit to rule and Corona is a corrupt kingdom. Confess that you and your royal family caused these casualties and destruction. I will let Rapunzel go in peace." he placed a long brown scroll on my leg and handed me a quill.

I lightly grasp it as the black ink drips down. Should I sign this? All my life, I've been prepared to be king and rule Corona with the sonne name. This legacy was mine, and my father's and his father's going back several generations. Could I give this up? This could tarnish the Sonne name forever. The whole kingdom would assassinate the royal family if this was discovered.

However, looking into Rapunzel's pleading green eyes, I knew the answer. I scribbled my name slowly onto the decree and passed it to Varian. His triumphant smile made my stomach churn with anger, and all I wanted to do was punch this kid until he learned respect.

"Good doing business with you, Your Majesty," he coyly replied as he snatched the scroll away from me. "Now, the whole kingdom will know of your treachery. How long do you think it will be until the people riot?" I try to ignore the rising anger and defeat building inside me as I put on my usual King facade of not showing my feelings.

He turned away, walking back to his lab table and putting away the scroll as he walked across the room, opening the big wooden door to his lab.

"Varian, what about our deal?" I question suspiciously as he slowly turns around, a nasty smirk on his face.

He snaps his fingers. "Oh, that," he chuckles without any joy.

"I did promise, didn't I? All right, you’re right, your majesty. You filled your end of the bargain. It's only right I do the same," he says as he gestures to himself and walks to the other side of the room, grabs an iron sword that looks like it had just been forged not too long ago, and slowly walks over to the wooden contraption on the right side of the lab.

My stomach plummets as I realize what is happening.

"No, stop. What are you doing?" I question as fear wraps around my voice.

"I'm keeping my promises, unlike some people I know," he sneers as he narrows his eyes at Rapunzel.
"However, the past is the past," Varian says as he shrugs his shoulders as if what happened to him wasn't such a big deal." So, as promised, Your Majesty, I will let Rapunzel go in peace permanently. I never said how. Word of advice: you should be more specific in the future; otherwise, people might take advantage. He smirks as he mercilessly plunges the black sword into my daughter's heart.

"Corona falls today," he shouts.

All I can remember is the ringing in my ears, someone's agonizing screams, and hearing the last breaths of my daughter as I turned my head away from the scene before me and shut my eyes. Hoping and praying this wasn't real.

I shivered as the brisk fall wind whipped across my face, and my palms met something itchy but soft. I slowly pushed myself onto my feet, wondering where I was. I squinted against the bright yellow flare of the sun as the scent of pine trees wafted throughout the area. I must be outside. Perhaps the royal guards found me and arrested that little terrorist, and Rapunzel and my wife are safe.

I walked over to the hillside expecting Rapunzel's bright, shining smile or Arianna's graceful and comforting presence. As I got closer, my stomach dropped as the scent of fire spread across the city.

My eyes widened as the red and orange blazing fires consumed my once great kingdom that had been ruled for several generations. It was absolute chaos. My body froze as I gazed upon my kingdom.

Roaring flames erupted from buildings and houses, ash sprinkling over the once-grand capital. Houses that lined the streets were turned to nothing but rubble as giant white robots smashed everything in their path as if they didn't have a care in the world or, more specifically, its master to spare innocent lives. I couldn't help but recognize them as if I had seen them in a memory or a dream.

Suddenly, it hit me, and I could never forget that day. For as long as I have lived, these monstrous robots terrorizing the town and breaking everything in their path are the same robots that my army had to battle in the battle of the Old Corona.

These were Varian's robots, and he wasn't doing a thing as they mercilessly took down everything in their path, including kids and adults, smashing them into the cobblestone ground. I gazed over the rest of the horizon and beheld the mastermind behind all this destruction.

"Varian," I snarled at the evil boy as the sharp black rocks illuminated a light blue glow around him as he touched every stone. It was as if they responded to his signature.

He gazed my way, his eyes filled with fire blazing in the wilderness as if he would cut down everything in his path to get to me. My body trembled as I began to look at my kingdom and devise a plan to stop this from occurring and get the boy to stop this destruction.

I tried to look where he was, but as I turned to my left, His stark pale face and dripping oozing cheeks stared into my soul. How did he get here so fast? I kept thinking as I would have noticed him if he was walking over here; maybe I was too much in my thoughts.

He reached behind his back and lifted the object high in the air. A shining black sword that sparkled in the sun's reflection was the same material as the pointy rocks that have caused all our problems. Only Varian would have this sword on hand to remind him of all the pain it has caused my family and me.

He raised it up as it glittered in the sun's reflection. He held it above his head, ready to strike. I gazed up at him, his eyebrows furrowed, and fists tightened in balls.

"This is for my father," he snarled as he plunged the dark sword into my heart.

I jolted awake, coated in a cold sweat, gasping for breath as my heart thumped against my chest as if it would pop out. I lay gasping for breath as my hands reach up, clenching my head as if the nightmare and the screams of my precious wife and daughter echo in my ears will vanish. I scan my surroundings, assessing where I am.

The soft, silky velvet sheets brushed against my hands as I turned to my right side, gazing upon my precious snuggled safe in sound underneath the sheets. Her slow, peaceful breaths filled my body with relief. She's here; she's real; nothing happened to her. She's free, protected, and safe in our bed. I sigh in relief as my nightmare was just that.

My thoughts return to the alchemist safely locked up in the pitch-black dungeons.I clenched the sheets in my hands until my knuckles turned a sickly white. I pondered on the person who has caused my family and this kingdom so much destruction and pain.

"Varian!" I spit. It left a bitter taste on my tongue as my stomach churned with anger at the very thought of that raven-haired traitor.

The boy is too much of a threat to this kingdom. I couldn't let these nightmares come to pass, and my whole kingdom depended on me to keep them safe from traitors and criminals. Varian was among the most dangerous in the last 14 years.

As much as I hate to admit it, the kid is probably the most dangerous prisoner we have ever had. No one has ever come close to killing the royal family.
The child has too much intelligence. He could destroy this very kingdom and my family if given a chance.

As I descended upon my soft, fluffy mattress and pulled sheets to my chin, my thoughts returned to the issue. A single tear slipped down my cheek as my eyes scrunched up, and my heart clenched for my family's safety and the welfare of my kingdom.

The child could be the very thing to usurp my power. No, this cannot continue. I will not let a mere 14-year-old boy take my kingdom and everything I love. As swiftly as my sadness came, it left as my eyebrows furrowed and my jaw clenched as I began to shake with fury. There was no other choice.

The child must die.

Chapter Text

Hey Friends!

First off, I want to apologize for being gone for so long! College life has been a whirlwind, plus some big summer plans and relationship stuff have kept me really busy.

But I’m back now, and I just want to say thank you to all of you who’ve stayed loyal to this fic! I’ve seen all your comments, and I truly appreciate your support—it means so much to me. I’m committed to finishing this story, and I’m so grateful for your patience!

Now, as I’m gearing up to write the next chapter, I want your vote on which direction you’d like Varian’s backstory to take. I’ve got a few ideas in mind, but I really want to know which one you’re most excited for!

Here are the options to vote on (Comment with a number, and if you choose four, tell me your idea.)

1) Varian has a girl who is his best friend (a cute romantic ship idea)

2) Varian’s mom didn’t go to the library and stayed with him, but sadly passed away from a disease.

3) Varian’s mom didn’t go to the library and, instead, passed away in the same way as in option two. He also had a cute, adorable little brother in his past.

4) Your Own Idea! – I’d love to hear if you have something else in mind!

I’ll be tallying up the votes by next Friday and deciding based on what you all want to see in the next chapter!

Once again, thank you all for your amazing support! I’m so grateful to have such loyal fans, and I can’t wait to bring you more of this story. You’re the best! ❤️

I love hearing from you! I'm anxious to hear your responses. Love you all, and have a great weekend!