*I don't own Jane and the Dragon or its characters.
When I was 8 years old, a young knight, who was about 16 years old, suddenly was stuck by my side, and followed me almost anywhere I went. I hated him so much, but I loved him so much. He is annoying, yet vigilant, he is a brute, but kind. He may not know how to treat women, but he is gentle and all that he does.
It started on Jane's and Gunther's knighting ceremony, they received their assigned positions
"Now that you two are knights you will now receive your assigned positions. Jane, you are assigned to guard Queen Gwendolyn and Gunther your assigned as personal guard to princess Lavinia" said Sir Theodore.
They didn't dare to argue, despite the look of displeasure on their faces. Only I put up a fight "Daddy I want Jane instead, why do I have to get mean Gunther?"
Winking at Sir Theodore , daddy said "I assure you pumpkin, this is the best option for your safety"
With a smile, Gunther banged his chest "You'll never find a better knight than myself"
That day on I always had someone to have tea parties with, someone to be my pony, fairy, to be my personal play thing. He would always say things like "I'm a knight, not a toy"
But he had to do whatever I pleased. I would have preferred Jane, but after a while it no longer mattered. I came to enjoy his soothing voice, and his devilish smile. As years went by, I started to realize that I was watching him, even when he wasn't watching me. I didn't understand why I started to become fascinated by a brute.
It wasn't till I was I was around thirteen, that I began to understand. Once, I took my horse for a ride without Gunther's permission. Everything was fine, until my horse saw a snake and my horse became frightened. The horse stood up on its hind legs, knocking me off its back. I fell off the horse but it didn't hurt, someone cushioned the blow, I was caught by my loyal knight Gunther. My head was on his chest, and i could hear his heart beating furiously, and i could smell his scent, he smelled of leather and sweat but I didn't dislike it. I was held in his strong arms, sitting up he cringed in pain from hitting the ground too hard. His gray eyes blazed with worry when he asked "Are you hurt?"
I couldn't answer, for the words were caught in my throat, it occurred to me for first time that Gunther was no longer a boy but a man. I could only shake my head in response to his question. Overcome with embarrassment, I let him go, pushed him away, and watched as he stood up and grumbled in anger. Looking at me sternly, he scolded "Don't you dare do such a dangerous thing again, or I'll tie you up put you in a cage."
Mounting the horse he ordered me "Now come over here and let's get back to the castle"
"You mean on the same horse?"
Looking down at me from the horse, he said irritatedly "Hurry up, we don't have all day"
Obeying, I mounted the horse, but we didn't move anywhere "Why aren't we moving?"
"You have to hold on to me tightly princess. Please bear with it"
Holding on tightly, I came to think that this is like the stories I used to read, that I was saved by a valiant knight and he were to become my prince. Except Gunther was a bit older and much more grumpy.
From then on I developed feelings for him. I would annoy him just to get him mad, since I loved the way he looked when he was irritated. I also began to love to be scolded, since it felt like he cared. At all the balls and dances, I would always choose him as my dancing we switched dancing partners, the enjoyment and smile I longed to see on his face, was always saved for Jane.
No matter how much I wished it to be so, I could never find the right time to express my feelings. He was in love with another, he loved the beautiful Jane, who was the most desired woman in the kingdom. When she married Jester I was relieved, but also saddened in his behalf.
He would sometimes fall asleep while on duty, and all I could do was kiss him in his sleep, cover him with a blanket when he got cold, and keep him busy with any nonsense I could think of, to keep his mind off of Jane. In time he got over it, but he sort of lost that glimmer he had in his eyes.
Tomorrow night is the annual ball, but what makes it especially special, it will also be the night of my engagement. I'm now 18 years old, my father is holding a ball and inviting all the most prestigious princes and nobles from all around. He plans on marrying me off to any prince I favor. I know Gunther will be there, so I must choose him. This is my only chance, I must get him to notice me, and I'm going to ask for help from all my friends on help to get him to understand my feelings.
Sneaking out of my room early in the morning, I quickly made my way to Jane's tower. Knocking on her door I asked "May I come in?"
"Princess?"
"Yes Jane, can I come in?"
"Of course"
Walking in I noticed Jester was out of sight "Where is your husband?"
"Jester left with Dragon to pick up strawberries for Pepper"
"I love strawberries, what are they for?"
"It's to make strawberry pies for the ball tomorrow. Now what are you doing here?"
"I need your help"
"What kind of help your highness?"
Looking down, I told her shyly "There is a man of the court that I have come to develop feelings for"
Smiling she patted my head and asked "Is it Gunther by any chance?"
"How did you know?"
"You light up like a firefly around him. Now what is it that your asking for?"
"Tomorrow, I must choose a prince or noble to marry. But I want to marry Gunther. He doesn't know about my feelings, so I want my feelings to be known to him."
"Why don't we have a masquerade ball? That way he won't know who you are? But you must figure which one is him or you might choose wrong. If you can't figure it out, ask your partner a question only Gunther would know the answer to"
"Isn't it too late to alert everyone of the sudden change in theme?"
"Not if I go on Dragon. Let's ask Pepper for help"
I turned around while Jane changed clothes, then we made our way to the kitchen
The Kitchen
After Jane explained the situation, Pepper looked troubled "Jane we could get in deep trouble"
Confidently, she placed her hands on he hips as she said "I'd rather be in deep trouble than see the princess marry a man she doesn't love"
Suddenly, Pepper's expression changed "This is so exciting, it's been a while since we've done anything so daring"
"Are you in?"
"Of course, now what is it that I need to do?"
"Can you distract my mother?"
"I'll try my best petal, but why?"
"She'll keep the princess too busy. And since we're limited on time, do whatever you can think of. Maybe use your pregnancy as am excuse, whatever it takes."
We were interrupted by the sound of bells as Jester came in "Pepper I have those strawberries"
Getting back to her pot of stew, Pepper said"Just leave them on the steps"
Running up and taking Jane into an embrace he said "Why if I didn't know any better, I would say this beautiful woman is my wife"
Eager to leave, Jane squirmed "Jester, I have to go, I'll see you later"
"Where are you going?"
"I have to alert our guests that there is a slight change in plans. I probably won't see you till late tonight or tomorrow morning. Now let me go, you know how I feel about public affection"
Smiling, he teased "Not until, you give me a kiss"
Embarrassingly, she said "Jester not in front of the princess"
"What?"
Letting her go, Jane kissed him on the cheek "I'll see you later. I love you"
"Be careful my love, you are carrying my unborn child"
Getting flustered she said "We'll take about that later"
As Jane left, he asked "What is our highness doing up so early?"
"I came seeking help. How does a woman, catch a man's attention?"
"If you're talking about Gunther, he wouldn't understand it unless it hit him right in the face. Princess, unless you show him how much you care, he won't understand. How may I be of help?"
"I'm going to take my horse into the forest, I need you to tell him I left without permission"
"Will you be alright?"
"I've had much practice"
"Then I'll play a part in your little deception. Let's hurry before Gunther wakes up"
The Stables
Rake was bringing in carrots for the horses, while Smithy was brushing them, when they saw me they stopped in their tracks, bowed, and greeted in unison "Good day your highness"
"Rake, your wife needs your help in the kitchen" said Jester
Dropping his wheelbarrow he runs off yelling "I'm coming Pepper"
Chucking, Smithy asked "What can I do for you today?"
"She needs you to prepare her horse" said Jester
"Are you up to trouble princess?"
"More like supervised trouble" said Jester laughingly.
"It's part of my plan to get Gunther to notice my feelings"
In a matter of fact way, Smithy said "That guy wouldn't get it unless it kicked him in the face"
Why is there unnecessary talk of violence this morning?
"For now, I'm going to do my best"
"I'll prepare the horse for you but, what are you going to do about Gunther?"
"Tell him I went into the forest, and tell my father that were having a masquerade ball. And Jane is informing our guests of the change in plans"
When Smithy finished prepping my horse, I left as soon as possible.
Castle Gates
"Princess, Gunther is on his way" alerted Jester
"Than I'll be on my way"
Riding through the forest and letting down my long hair feels liberating.
From a distance I could hear the faint sound of Gunther's voice "Princess"
"How'd you catch up so fast?"
I alerted the horse to go faster, but I could still hear his voice.
Maybe I should stop
Stopping the horse, I waited for him, to catch up. Nearby was a river, so I walked my horse over to get refreshed.A few minutes later, Gunther appeared. His eyes were cold as he looked down at me from his horse "Didn't I tell you years ago not to do something so dangerous?"
Laughingly, I agreed "Yes, you did. What are you going to do about it?"
Dismounting his horse, he took out from the saddle bag a rope "Now like I said back then, I'm going to tie you up"
Without putting up a fight, I allowed him to tie me up to a tree while sitting on the dirt. When he finished, I tried to move around, but I couldn't "What are you going to do?"
"I'm just going to stare at the sky until you apologize for what you've done"
"I'm sorry, I had a very good reason why I left without your permission"
"That doesn't sound like am apology"
"Please listen, I didn't mean to worry you. If you let me go. I'll show you why"
"Looking straight into my eyes he asked " Tell me why you left?"
"I wanted to get your attention"
He retorted "Princess, you've had my attention for ten years, what could be so urgent?"
"Let me go, I command you"
"Fine but you'll have to find the way back to the castle by yourself"
"Don't you care that you can lose your position as a knight?"
"Let it happen, at this point I'm my life I should have been married with children already but I'm stuck watching a kid"
"Someone stole something from me"
"What are you talking about?"
"A thief stole something of high importance"
"I saw no thief"
"You are the thief"
Confused he scratches the back of his head "I stole nothing from you. If anything you stole time from me"
"And you stole my heart from me"
In shock, his eyes widened, as he came to realize what I said "Princess, you do not mean you have romantic feelings for me?"
"That is exactly what I meant"
"Oh no, you must be mistaken, I have never shown any interest in you"
"You did nothing, it was me alone with these unrequited feelings. Please untie me now"
Untying the rope, he sat near the river throwing stones across the water.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"I should have met someone long ago then I wouldn't be in this problem. Have you mad? Why would you have feelings for me?"
Sitting down beside him I said "I like the way you look when you get mad. The way you smell like leather. Your very handsome, and when you smile, I feel as though my heart may break"
"Princess that is just infatuation"
"At least let me show you"
"That is highly inappropriate, I'm supposed to kiss you first"
Closing his eyes, I softly kissed his lips. When I was done, his cheeks were a bit red.
"Gunther why is your face red?"
"It must be the hot sun. Let's get going"
Grabbing his hand, I asked "Can't we just rest here for a while?"
"Fine, but let go of my hand"
'"No I like holding your rough hand."
"Princess you are to be engaged tomorrow. This behavior is improper"
"Why do you always scold me?"
"How else will you learn?"
"Show me how to obey"
"Stop this, it's unsuitable"
Hugging Gunther, I asked "Does this bother you?"
"Yes, because this is forbidden"
"Does that mean you care about me?"
"Of course I care about. You're the princess, I swore an oath to protect you with my life"
"Than do you love me?"
"It doesn't matter, I cannot marry you princess. I'm not of royal blood and don't look at me like that, I'm getting nervous"
"Why do you find me attractive? Many say that I am"
He started to breathe rapidly "Of course you're beautiful. Now go away, I feel sick"
"And if I don't?"
"I... Ha... Will... Ha..."
He lost consciousness, so I laid his head on my lap. His black hair long and shiny, was so beautiful, and his cheeks so red. His skin, tan from all the time under the sun, and his lips looked so enticing, so I kissed them again. I caressed his hair to my heart's content.
A few minutes later he opened his eyes, and looked up at me "Is this a dream?"
"And what if it is?"
"Then I don't want it to end'
"Sadly it is not, but I enjoy the way things are right here, right now."
He smiled "Princess you're looking as beautiful as ever."
Holding my hand to his cheek "These soft hands, feel so nice against my skin"
Sitting up, he cupped my cheek and asked "Tell me Lavinia, how you feel about me?"
With tears falling from my eyes, I sincerely confess "I love you Gunther, I always have"
Grabbing my face, he kissed me tenderly on the lips. Wiping away tears from my eyes, he kissed my cheeks and eyes, then he hugged me and said "Princess, your kindness warms my heart, and in my life no one has shown me such loving kindness. But even in my dreams, I cannot be your husband. Tomorrow I will not dance with you. I cannot do this to you. I'm sorry but I cannot love you Princess."
"Can we just for today, pretend that we can be together?"
"We cannot" grabbing me by the shoulder he apologizes as he kisses my lips one more time before pinching me and knocking me out.
The next thing I knew I was in my room with mother sitting on a chair holding my hand. When I woke up, she asked "Why were you in the forest asleep?"
Gunther knocked me out
"I was resting after riding my horse"
"I was worried when I saw Gunther holding you unconscious"
"Where is he?"
"He's standing watch like usual"
"What time is it?"
"It's a bit after dinnertime. Would you like to eat something?"
"No I think I'll rest"
"Alright, I'll come by later"
"Has Jane returned?"
"I believe she has"
"May I see her?"
"She's very tired, perhaps tomorrow"
As mother left, I decided, that I've done what I could for now. So I just fell asleep. I woke up much later.
Is he still there?
Opening my door, he wasn't standing there. So I snuck out to see Jane
Jane's Tower
As I approached the tower, I could hear the light strumming of a lute.
"Jane I need to speak with you"
"Come in princess"
As I came in, Jane was wearing her gown for the ball and Jester was sitting on the bed holding his lute "Princess I alerted our guests of the change in plans" said Jane
"Jane you look beautiful, Jester, I did what I could but in the end, Gunther told me we cannot be together"
"Of course he would say that, since you are the princess. For those of our position, you're untouchable, but don't give up yet. You still have a few hours tomorrow. You must use your feminine wiles to charm him" said Jester.
"He did faint when I got too close to him"
"Than the job is halfway done. You must use a small deception. Nothing bad. Since everyone will be wearing masks tomorrow, than I suggest you have multiple masks and dresses. You must dance especially radiantly and spirited to attract his attention. Then you must display vulnerability, then lastly, you go in for the kill by telling him something from the heart." Said Jester enthusiastically.
"Like what?"
"Did you genuinely express your feelings from the heart?"
"I told him how attractive he was"
"You only appealed to his vanity. You must be honest from the deepest part of your heart. Only when he can understand your sincerity, than you stand a fighting chance."
"Is this true Jane?"
"Of course, and we are behind you every step of the way"
"Than I'll be on my way now"
"Do you need me to escort you?"asked Jane
"No, I'll just enjoy the moonlight as I walk back to my room"
As I exited the tower, I could spot the lonely practice dummy. Walking down, I pretended that the dummy is Gunther as I danced under the moonlight. The only difference is the dummy won't complain. If I stepped on its toes, it wouldn't have mattered, it only acquiesced to my turns and spins.
Suddenly I heard a light chuckle, upon turning around, I spotted a pair of silver eyes "And what do you think you're doing?"
"I was enjoying the night air"
Sarcastically he asked "Really? Than why are you dancing with the dummy so lovingly?"
"Dummy is a great dancer, and is so light on his feet"
With a smirk on his face "I can do so much better"
"Prove it"
Taking my hands in his, we spin and turn under the moonlight.
"Your light on your feet"
With a smile, he said "Princess don't you know flattery gets you no where?"
The glimmer in his eyes is there, I need to continue this
"Than how do I gain your favor?"
Pulling me close to his chest he said smoothly "With obedience"
"What must I do?"
"You must stop doing things that cause others to worry"
Teasingly, I cupped his cheek "You mean things make you worry"
Placing a hand over mine "You must always ask for permission on whatever you choose to do"
Pulling his face close, I placed a kiss on his lips "I will do what I please"
Then, his expression changed, from enjoyment to sadness "And you must listen to only your husband"
Letting go of my hands, he commanded "Now go back to your room"
Listening to his command, I followed him back to my room. Before I entered, he said "I will be standing to guard your room"
Closing the door behind me, my bed suddenly looked so inviting. Feeling tired, I laid in my bed. As I stared at my ceiling, I hoped the answer would come to me.
Tomorrow I'll be engaged, what will become of me and Gunther? You cannot cry, the fight isn't over.
