*I don't own Jane and the Dragon or is characters
To those who know me, it's been a while since I've written a jatd Fanfic. Honestly, I'm not sure where this came from other then thinking of the old days when jane and the dragon was my obsession. Hopefully I'll have more works for this lovely Fandom in the future. This is a Gunther-centric fic. One sided Jane x Gunther
It was simple to pretend. It was as though he had been pretending for the entirety of his life. Whether it had been a well placed compliment here or there, his luck as he swung a sword, or appearing at the best convenience to tease and prod; he could say he was lucky, but his heart knew better. To fool a fool, to charm a king, and gain acknowledgments from his fellow knights were but tricks of the trade, but not with her. No, with Jane it was a war at best.
True, she was no reader of hearts or of minds, but of souls; of the life's blood which ran through one's being. The walls which guarded the castle were not fit enough to blockade her or the sharp end of her tongue let alone her sword, but a breath, a glance, a care or concern could reach even the marrow of Gunthers bones. Yet, he was not allowed; forbidden by right, by birth, and by name; for traitorous blood could not be washed thin except by lifetimes which had not yet been lived. Still, one could pretend when the sun crowned her daily, and fire was born by her thunderous heart which burned with honor and pride that he could become worthy even by doves to pass over her in passing; to know of her beyond a name and circumstance that even fate praises her and for a whisper blesses him.
Oh, but he was good at pretending and to pretend was how he had to be. Though, despite duty, longing snared him and trapped him by the feet; to linger and stand where he ought not to be; for with her, it killed him to be contrary. Yet, parting was not an option, so war it would be.