Chapter 2

The next day, Lavinia's room

I didn't sleep well, my worries we're bigger than my urge to sleep. I sat up in my bed waiting for lady Adeline to attend to me. Knocking, on my door, I heard Adeline call "Princess may I come in?"

"Yes, you may enter"

But it wasn't the lady in waiting, but Jester.

"What are you doing here?"

"Fooled you didn't I? Now let's hurry"

"Where?"

"To see Jane before Gunther wakes up"

Running as fast as we could, we reached Jane's tower before she left for morning patrol. Opening the tower door, she is climbing on dragon's head "My lady knight, we need to speak with you"

"Princess, Jester, what is so urgent?"

"What if he doesn't show up to the ball?"

"I promise you, that he will be there no matter what. Even if you have to be kidnapped by Dragon, we'll make sure you're engaged to him tonight."

Letting Jane leave for morning patrol, Me and Jester make our way toward the Royal Gardens.

How is it that Jane and Jester get along so well?

"Jester, how was it that you were able to make your love known to Jane, who is one of the most sought after woman in the kingdom?"

"I never left her side, no matter what, I made sure she saw me everyday. I expressed my love in small affectionate gestures, and actions. I was always honest with her, even if the truth hurt. I encouraged her while at the same time, help her keep her path straight. We balance out each other, and I believe that is why our bond is strong."

"I think I understand. With honesty, loving kindness, respect and trust, you two form an unbreakable bond. But don't you worry that she may not come back if a way were to start?"

"There will always be things that we have to go through and deal with, but it's how you deal with them. Of course I worry everyday, I worry that my the love of my life won't be by my side when I wake in the morning, that she may get injured, or that she could die. But I like to live each day like it is our last. So I tell her I love her everyday, I hug and kiss her and show her my undying affection, we find time, even if it's only a few minutes, to enjoy each others company. I am able to endure all the worry I have, because I love her so much. She is my life, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her if I can."

Tears fell out of my eyes without permission, I couldn't hold back my sadness and happiness "Thank you for letting me understand what true love is. You and Jane are a perfect example of it. I now know what I must do"

"I'm sorry your highness, I didn't mean to make you cry"

"I'm alright, you are excused"

"Then if you'll excuse me, I'll go and have breakfast. See you later"

I sat on a bench in the royal garden, enjoying the morning sun and the wonderful flowers. I was surprised by Rake who greeted me "Good morning your highness"

"Oh hello, I was just enjoying the flowers. You have really done a good job"

"Thank you, they are my pride and my children"

"Can I ask, how do you and Pepper get along?"

"Do you mean how we treat each other so well?"

"Yes"

"When we first met, I was an apprentice gardener, and she was an apprentice cook. Our work always caused us to see each other, so I always had to bring vegetables to the kitchen, and she had to peel them. Sometimes I would help her out in my spare time, and in time I found that I liked being around her, and I liked the sound of her voice too. She may be small, but she is hardworking and determined, and I began to admire her. My admiration, turned into like, and my like turned into love. We hardly argue, because she makes it easy to get along, and I as well try my best not to cause trouble."

Because they love each other, they put up with one another, so that they don't cause trouble.

"So with patience, sharing responsibilities, and loving kindness, you're able to form a strong bond?"

"Yes, I guess so"

"Thank you for the insight, I'm now even more sure of what I must do"

Waving goodbye, I walk over to the throne room to eat breakfast.

Throne Room

"Pumpkin, nice to see your up early" said father

"Today is am important day, so I thought I would be prepared"

"Come sit, and have some of these delicious eggs"

Sitting next to father, we eat as he asked "Are you nervous about your engagement?"

Poking my eggs, I answered "A little, this morning I seeked advice on marriage"

"From who my darling?"

"From, Jester and Rake"

"Ah yes the court Jester and the gardener. They treat their wives very well and are very admirable. So what did you learn?"

"I learned that love and marriage can be complicated, only if you allow it to be. Patience, loving kindness, responsibility, respect, truth and honesty are all required. Without all these, love and marriage cannot exist. You must get along well with one another but it doesn't mean you'll never argue. You must learn to deal with each others faults since no one is perfect. You must find time for one another, no matter how small it may be, you must protect and care for over another, you must always show how much you love the other person. And you must cherish everyday you are together, till death do you part"

Tears fell out of father's eyes, he hugged me and apologized "You certainly have grown up, I'm proud that you were born. It saddens me that I have to give you to another man. But if I waited any longer, you would be past marrying age, and would have never be able to marry. When Cuthbert married and moved to Spain, it hurt my heart but not as much as losing you will. I promise that you'll marry a good man who will love you."

"Father, thank you for treating me well, I'm also happy I was born."

Letting go of father, we quietly finished our breakfast. Excusing myself, I walked back to my room, to find Gunther waiting for duty. With a smile he bowed and greeted "Good day princess. What are your plans for today?"

"I'm going to rest in my room, so there is no worry"

"You don't want to walk about?"

"No, since I didn't sleep well, I'd rather rest. And everything you said is true, Not being a cause for worry, listening to my husband, respect and so forth. I trust you so, I'll do what must be done."

"I'm glad you understand. You have certainly matured"

"Thank you, now if you'll excuse me"

"I'll be out here if you need me"

Going inside my room, I laid on my bed and went to sleep. As I slept, I dreamed of the past.

There was Gunther standing around as I played in my room with my Dragon toy. It was right around after he became my guard. As I pretended that the toy Dragon could fly, soon I was in the air floating along with it. I looked down and saw Gunther holding me up "Look now you too can fly with Dragon"

"Let's go that way"

And running around, carrying me in his arms, I felt like I could fly. Soon he got very tired, and laid on the ground, but fell asleep. I was fascinated by how the normally grumpy Gunther could be so kind, so I sat down and watched him as he slept. He frowned even while he slept, but then soon he began to cry.

I asked "Do you hurt anywhere?"

But he just remained asleep. There wasn't much I could do, but pat his head, and kiss his face. Then soon he calmed down and slept peacefully. Covering him with a blanket, I left him there, and went to sleep on my bed.

Waking up from my dream, I sat up and looked at my Dragon toy.

How did I forget such a memory? That was only the first of many times, that he fell asleep on duty. I think I loved him longer than I thought I did.

Knocking on the door "Princess may I come in?" Asked the lady in waiting.

"Come in"

This time it really was the lady in waiting. She held up several gowns and asked "Which one will you be wearing tonight?"

"Something red"

"Are you sure you wouldn't prefer something in blue or white?"

"No, I want to wear red"

Helping me put on my dress she asked "Are you ready for tonight?"

"What time is it?"

"The ball will begin soon, now sit so that I can fix your hair"

Letting her fix my hair, she braided my long hair and placed it in a bun on my head.

"That should do, now wait here for Jane to escort you"

"What about Gunther?"

"He's in the throne room, with the other knights. I'll see you at the ball"

Leaving me alone, I stare at myself in the mirror.

Today you'll be engaged. You must somehow grab Gunther's attention.

Slowly my room door creaked open as Jane let herself in. She wore a green gown with a Dragon design all around the dress, her mask looked like a female Dragon.

Bowing, she said calmly "Good evening Princess"

"You look really pretty Jane, I thought you hated wearing dresses?"

"Not as much anymore. Since it it's my duty to protect the queen, sometimes I have to dress well in her presence. Do you really like it?"

"It's extraordinary, who did the Dragon design?"

"I did, all those lessons from mother came in useful after all. Just don't tell her I said that."

"I promise. I'm ready to go"

"Then put on your mask and come with me"

Picking up my simple white mask, a placed it on my face and followed Jane to the throne room.

The throne room

From outside, I could here the loud sounds of chatter. My palms began to sweat, and my stomach began to ache "Jane I think I'm getting ill, what is wrong with me?"

"You're just nervous Princess. Do not worry, we are with you to help. If something goes wrong just yell"

Taking a deep breath, I opened the large wooden doors and all I could see are funny faces. I could not tell who was who. Everyone cheered as I entered the room, so I bowed in return. Sitting alongside my parents, my father announced "The ball may now begin. Princess Lavinia will choose a dance partner to start us off."

Looking at the men lined up, I choose the one with a sword on his hilt. He bowed and said "It would be an honor"

Taking his hand, the music started, it was a waltz. He didn't speak much, but his dancing spoke for him, his hands were rough and his hair black.

It must be Gunther

"You're very light on your feet"

"So are you Princess, and your hair is not a mess today"

My hair is never a mess, Gunther wouldn't daddy that right?

"I see that your as sarcastic as ever"

"It's only one of my many qualities"

"Didn't you say that you wouldn't dance with me?"

"You choose me did you not? It seems I cannot be away from you."

"Didn't you say we could not marry?"

Several times you did

Whispering in my ear "I'll kidnap you if I have to"

"I'm sorry, but I promised someone, that I would be obedient"

"Interesting, it so happens that you are just my type"

"What?"

"Quiet down Princess, or you'll worry your parents. Do you know your adorable when you are when you're mad?"

"Tell me what is your name?"

"Don't you already know?"

"Then let me ask, if I take my horse for a ride without permission, what will you do?"

Pulling me close he smirked and said "I'll tie you up"

"Tell me one more thing, what did I do to you when you would fall asleep on duty?"

This is something you'll definitely not know

"Uh... You would... You would make fun of me when I'm asleep"

Pulling off his mask, my assumptions were correct. It was a man who looked kinda of like Gunther, is you closed one eye and squint. Letting go of his hands, I yelled "You imposter, Help!"

Jane, the senior knights, and Gunther appeared, and surrounded us "Halt, I'm the name of the king" Said Jane

Pulling out a knife, the imposter held it right to my neck "Now what's the hurry, can't we all just get along? I really don't understand how she was able to set through my disguise, I've been following her and her knight for days. I was sure I had her knights pompous attitude down."

"Let her go" yelled Gunther

"And why would I do that? She is looking rather delicious, I think I'd like a taste"

Biting his hand, he let go long enough for me to escape he grasp.

"Stand behind me Princess" yelled Jane

I could only watch as the horror unfolded. Jane and the senior knights stood guard around me and my family, leaving Gunther and the imposter to battle it out.

"Jane, I'm worried"

"He's strong, and stubborn. He'll be alright"

The two men circled each other, waiting for the other to make a move. Gunther lunged at him, but the imposter evaded, than the imposter lunged at Gunther, and managed to cut him in the arm.

I cried out "Gunther, be careful"

With a smile he said confidently "You'll never find a better knight than myself."

With a few swings of his sword, he cut the imposters clothes off, leaving him ashamed and embarrassed in his under leggings "Now what do you have to say for yourself?"

Shaking his head no, Sir Ivon and Sir Theodore dragged the imposter away. Gunther fell to the ground holding on to his arm. I ran to his side and asked "Are you alright?"

"Only if my Princess wishes it"

"I do, I wish you to be well."

"I'm just a bit light-headed, but other than that, I'm alright"

Smithy along with Jester, helped him up. Jester said "He'll be good as new in no time. Well clean him up and you can visit him later."

Father declared "The ball is over, come back a week from now for the congratulatory party"

As from everyone was leaving, father hugged me "My precious daughter, I almost lost you permanently."

"If it wasn't for the knights, I would have been dead"

"No, If it wasn't for Gunther, you would have died."

"He truly is a special man father. If only I could marry him"

"He really is a good man. Now you may go and see the lad and thank him. Tell him to see me tomorrow"

"Yes father"

Running, I ran as fast as I could to reach his room.

Gunther's room

Upon entering, he was in the middle of changing clothes, luckily he still had pants on. He was embarrassed "What are you doing, can't you see I'm getting dressed?"

"It's not a big deal"

"It's highly inappropriate for you to be here"

"Anyway, are you feeling alright now?"

Sarcastically, he said "As you can see, I'm all wrapped up in bandages and I'm half naked and embarrassed, other that I'm alright"

Taking him into in embrace "Your just as sarcastic as ever, and I love that about. Thank you for everything"

"Princess you shouldn't be here, you should go to your room"

"Daddy told me to thank you"

"If that's the case, close your eyes"

Closing my eyes, I expected a kiss but instead got flicked on the head "Ouch that hurt, why did you do that for?"

Bursting out in laughter, he patted my head and said "Princess you should see your face, it's funnier than dung"

Flicking him on the head, I scolded "You don't treat a Princess like this"

He laughed heartily, grabbing my cheeks "Oh Princess, when you get mad, it's just too adorable"

"Hey stop that, don't laugh. I'm not a child"

Cupping my cheek, he smirked "Princess you really talk to much"

Before I could answer, he kissed me tenderly "Please forgive my teasing, and if you don't, I'll kiss you until you do"

Flustered I said "Father said to see him tomorrow, I'll go now. By myself... All... Alone"

"Don't start trouble now, I'll walk you back to your room, just let me put on a my tunic."

Turning around, I waited for him to put on his tunic. However, I took a peak, I spotted his strong back as he pulled over his tunic.

"Princess I know you're looking, that's highly inappropriate"

Leading me by the hand, we quickly made it to my room.

Outside my room

I didn't want to let go of his hand, but he let go first "Good night Gunther"

"Sleep well Princess. I'll guard your room, just sleep peacefully"

Giving him a peck on the cheek "I love you"

Looking all around to make sure, no one was coming, he gave me a strong hug and whispered in my ear "I love you too Lavinia"

Letting me go, I quickly entered my room, full of bliss. I yelled out I'm my heart how happy I was. Changing into my nightshirt, I went to bed while hugging my toy Dragon.

The next day

The lady in waiting came early, opening my windows, letting the sunshine in. The light bothered my eyes making me turn to the side to avoid it.

In her loud cheerful voice, Adeline called "Wake up Princess"

"Can't I sleep longer?"

"Not today Princess, your father has an important announcement"

"What kind of announcement?"

"I'm not sure, but it must be of the utmost importance"

With her help, I got dressed and we headed to the throne room

Throne room

Sitting alongside mother and father, I spot all the castle staff standing around as they waited for the announcement. The senior knights. Jane and Gunther stand before us kneeling as daddy begins "You may rise. You all stand here before me today, because of a special announcement. Sir Theodore, after many years of service will be retiring. Sir Ivon is now the commander of the knights guard. Jane and Gunther to will be rewarded for saving the life of my precious daughter. You may ask for whatever you wish, and may it be given to you."

Gunther stepped forward, and kneeled before father "There are many things in this world a person could want like riches, fame or power, but I'm not asking for any of that. What I truly want is...if I may to be given Princess Lavinia as my bride"

Standing up, Father stepped forward, looking ready to smack him in the head but instead took Gunther in a large bear hug and laughed heartily "It's about time, I've been waiting for this moment for quite some time"

What?

Everyone gasped in father's sudden revelation.

Confused Gunther asked "I don't understand?"

"Sir Theodore made you guard over the Princess, so that you could prove your worth. I never really planned on handing my daughter to a man who would take her far away from me. My boy your worth more than your weight in gold and my daughter is worth more than all the gold in the world. You may be given her hand only if she approves"

Running up and hugging them both "I'm happy to be able to be with the ones I love the most. I would be delighted to marry Gunther Breech"

With the sudden clapping we almost forgot to ask Jane what she wanted

"and Jane what is it you want?"

"And all I want is for the all of us to live happily ever after"

"So it shall be"

Taking me by the hand, we walked over to the royal gardens. Sitting on a bench, we held hands while enjoying the morning warmth.

"Isn't it beautiful?"

"Yes you are"

"Didn't you say flattery gets no where?"

"With me, it will get you this"

Placing a kiss on my lips, he smiled and said "All those times you kissed me on the lips, I remember them all"

Pushing him away I looked at the him, his eyes showed excitement, and wearing a devilish grin.

"What? Than why didn't you tell me?"

"And miss out on the adorable kisses? Never. You're lips are very soft, are your sure your not made of butter?"

"If I was, I would melt"

"You would melt because I'm so hot right?"

"With all these compliments, aren't you going to miss scolding me?"

"Don't worry, I'll still scold you. It's funny, I enjoyed scolding you"

"And I enjoyed it. And when your embarrassed, your face turns red like a strawberry"

"I can embarrass you too. When you would fall asleep, I would always kiss you back"

"That's not fair! I don't remember any of it"

"Oh well, now your face is red"

Poking Gunther on the chest "I told you that I get what I want"

Putting his arm around my shoulders, he happily "I wouldn't have it any other way"

Epilogue

Our wedding ceremony was a few days after the announcement. Gunther moved from his dusty room to mine. Not only is he my guard, but now my husband. Married life is great, I love how affectionate and mischievous he is. He loves teasing me and getting me flustered, but i do the same. I'm trying my best to be an obedient wife, but it's still hard to listen to someone else. Jane and Pepper who were both pregnant, both gave birth to a healthy baby boys. Who knows, maybe my future daughter will fall for Jane's or Pepper's son, but I can already imagine Jester, Rake, Gunther battling it out on who is child is better.

Sir Theodore decided to leave the castle and to travel wherever the wind takes him. Sir Ivon is enjoying his new position, since his rise in pay means more weapons he can buy. Mother and father are delighted that we are close by, especially since mother loves to tell me of her days as a young queen and father tells me of his days of fatherhood.

I may a be a constant cause for worry for Gunther, my parents, and everyone in the castle, but I'll do my best to let our days be light, happy, and sweet.