I know, I know...I'm the worst. It's been like a year and a half? So much has happened that made me put most of my hobbies and projects on hold. I moved, got engaged, got married, and started a new job.

In addition to many huge life events converging, this chapter has given me a lot of trouble. It's been *almost* complete for a while now, but I kept reworking it because I was not satisfied with where it was going. I had to give myself a very stern talking to so I could finally sit down and finish it. Thank you to everyone who has faithfully waited for updates and commented. I read every single comment and cherish them. They do honestly help guilt trip me into writing when I'm procrastinating or having writer's block!

Queen Avelina of Belgania was the most beautiful woman Jane ever had the fortune to look upon. Her silvery hair glowed like a halo around her with the sunlight pouring in from the window behind her. Jane bet her hair would shine in the dimmest of light. Her eyes sparkled a startling shade of violet Jane had never before seen on another person. When those gems turned their gaze on her, Jane felt transfixed by the mystery behind them. Eyes of a sorceress the men at home would say. Her pale blue traveling gown, while plain and designed for comfort, might as well have been a ballgown at court with how it suited the queen and moved with her. Her porcelain skin held no folds or imperfections. Even her straight, thin nose and sharp cheekbones bespoke grace, beauty, and finery. While her features and coloring were similar to that of Queen Gwendolyn, there was an ethereal quality to her beauty that set her apart from Kippernium's queen, and every other woman for that matter.

Queen Avelina overshadowed her husband in both looks and presence. She commanded the room without a word. If Jane did not know any better, she would have guessed the queen no more than thirty by her stunning features. But that was not so.

King Sigurd, in comparison, sported his age naturally. He wore his grey hair short and trim, with an expertly tailored beard. The folds at the corners of his eyes and mouth betrayed the king's age as well as his general countenance.

Jane and Gunther, ignoring their spat for the time being, approached the couple standing in the middle of the inn. When they reached the king and queen, they bowed low by way of proper greeting.

"Your majesties," Jane began just as she'd rehearsed in the stable. "It is an honor to come before you on King Caradoc's behalf."

"Thank you, you may rise," the queen commanded in a cool voice.

Jane and Gunther did as instructed. "I am Lady Jane, and this is Sir Gunther Breech. We extend our king's most sincere welcome to Kippernium. I trust your journey was safe and pleasant?" Jane inquired. Although it was custom to offer such niceties out of politeness before jumping into the problem at hand, it seemed tedious to Jane to go through the formalities when more pressing issues needed to be discussed. But it would reflect poorly on King Caradoc if she, or Gunther, were to stray from custom.

Queen Avelina opened her mouth to speak, but it was King Sigurd who answered in a great, booming voice. "It was most invigorating I must say! Wouldn't you agree, my dear?"

She most certainly did not look like she agreed but did not contradict him publicly. Instead, she forced a smile and nodded. "Yes, my king. Apart from that horrible storm we got caught up in."

"Oh, come now, darling! There's nothing quite like an angry storm at sea to make you feel alive!" His throaty accent made his words sound like one, long-running sound – at least to Jane's ears. His accent was one she had no prior exposure to.

"We are glad to see you both in such good health and spirits," Gunther commented. "However, there is much to discuss, and time is of the essence. We can explain all that has transpired but if you would prefer retiring to your room first, we can wait until you are ready."

Before the king could speak again, Queen Avelina spoke, "Yes, that would be most welcome. Besides, we would prefer to discuss our plans in private."

Jane forced herself not to raise her brow in reaction. The inn was completely empty, save for them. The second the king and queen arrived, Walter had shooed his last remaining patrons out the backdoor to make way for the royal entourage. Not to mention, they had guards stationed at each exit to ensure they were not disturbed.

"Of course, your majesty," Gunther promised. "We are at your service."

The queen turned to him, a smirk threatening to reveal itself in the corner of her mouth. Her eyes dragged up and down his form, looking quite pleased at what she found. Jane bit her tongue, resisting the urge to chastise her inappropriate behavior so blatantly in front of an audience, including her husband no less.

"Your service will be most welcome." There, now the smirk was fully visible.

Gunther remained stoic, giving away nothing of her obvious appraisal.

The king, oblivious to his wife's sudden interest, offered his arm to his wife and ascended the stairs up to their suite with their guards in tow.

Jane waited until she heard the door to their room shut above their heads before speaking. "I cannot believe that woman."

"What?'"

"That is no way for any woman, no less a queen, to behave. Especially in front of her husband!" Jane flung her hand in the direction of the queen's retreat.

"Oh, that?" He waved her off. "That is nothing. It is a favorite pastime of lonely married women."

"To shamelessly flirt with other men?"

"Well, yes." He responded like it was the most obvious thing in the world, and Jane was dense for not knowing. "But, specifically, with me." He flashed her a grin.

Jane rolled her eyes heavenward. "Then they have extremely poor taste."

"You may not find me irresistible, but that certainly does not mean other women think as you do."

"I don't really care what other women think, so long as they are unmarried and acting in a respectable manner."

"Are you sure about that?" Gunther challenged.

"Yes!" Jane all but shouted. Glancing above for any indication their voices had carried, she forced herself to lower her voice. "Women may act however they like towards you and you them. I only take issue if they are married." She shoved a chair out of the way and made for the stairs with the intention of leaving this absurd conversation with the git behind her.

"I believe you are jealous. Again." His smug smile could be heard even with her back turned.

"Jealous? Don't be thick, Gunther. I am - wait, what do you mean 'again'?" Her face scrunching up as if she smelled an unclean stable.

"You are acting as you did when I was with Hazel." He accused.

"Nonsense," she argued, but for some inexplicable reason, her voice did not hold the conviction she wished.

Gunther, ever one to seize an opportunity, strode over to her and spun her around, not letting go of her arms. Locking eyes, Jane felt uncomfortable under his intense gaze.

Blame it on the fact she was caught by surprise or perhaps because she was too polite to simply punch him in the nose, but Jane did nothing as he searched her face. Those two silver orbs threatened to pull out every secret hidden deep within her. Possibly even ones of which she was not aware.

"Let go of me, you egotistical bastard." It was the first time Jane uttered such an unchivalrous word, and it surprised herself.

Gunther released her, equally surprised. Jane stumbled back to put distance between them.

"Let me know when the king and queen are ready for us," he instructed. He turned to go but paused just before he disappeared up the stairs.

"Oh, and Jane? Never again mention my father in my presence." Jane looked away but gave a jerky nod. She was unable to look at him, and instead, pretended to focus on the floorboards beneath her.

When she knew she was alone, she let her knees buckle as they had threatened to do throughout her entire exchange with Gunther. She collapsed onto the stairs, head swimming.

Hopefully, the king and queen would be ready to receive them shortly. Once they debriefed the party on Chalonreaux's plot, they could once again be on their way, this time home. She abandoned any possibility of speaking with Gunther on the return journey in the wake of their building friction. Jane was a fool to delude herself into thinking they could ever be friends. A few pleasant days traveling on the road did not a friendship make.

A crashing sound from the kitchen, followed by arguing, reached Jane's ears. On high alert since the king and queen arrived, Jane jumped to her feet. Hand resting on her hilt, she approached the kitchen with soft steps. Stretching out her arm, she slowly pushed the kitchen door open a crack to peer in. Walter was gesturing wildly at a pot hanging over the fire while his wife stood before him with her hands on her hips going on about pastries.

Jane released her sword and relaxed. Just a couple's quarrel. Jane knew how seriously they took their duty to serve their royal guests and could only imagine the tremendous pressure they must feel. At least Jane was used to not only being around royalty but serving in proximity to them almost all her life. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the couple.

She backed away and made to return to her room, but almost bumped into a suit of armor. One of the Belganian guards by the look of the crest etched on the breastplate.

"Can I help you with something?" Jane offered.

He shook his head, eyes flickering toward the kitchen briefly and returning to her. "Just doing my job, same as you."

She nodded, understanding. He was probably one of the guards stationed upstairs in the hallway and heard the commotion as well.

They each acknowledged the other's quick response and turned back to their posts. Jane planned to stay downstairs in the tavern until the king and queen summoned them, but the guard's voice interrupted her plan.

"So, you're the lady knight? The one with the dragon?"

"Apparently my reputation precedes me."

At that, he smiled, showing off a set of clean and straight teeth.

"You must understand, a dragon is an extraordinary thing to behold in today's age and a point of gossip far and wide," he began, another smile threatening to reveal itself. "But a lady knight is unprecedented. Taking both rarities into account may make you the most renowned person in all the world at this present time."

Jane fought a smile of her own. It wasn't every day she was on the receiving end of such a compliment, from a stranger no less. "I appreciate the sentiment, sir, but I would be content with respect over renown."

"Well, you have both from me." With that, he winked and returned upstairs to his post.

"Oh, he's a handsome one." Jane jumped, only allowing her heart to calm down when she realized it was the serving girl. Jane had no idea where she came from or how long she had been standing there.

"I suppose so," she answered warily.

"He seemed to fancy you." She yanked Jane's left elbow and wheeled her back toward the tavern. Jane's shoulder protested; her arrow wound still tender even though it was on the mend. "You should ask him to exchange correspondence. I'm sure he will be rather accommodating." She giggled.

"I have no desire or need to do such a thing."

"Whyever not?"

"I have no time or reason to start up a correspondence with him, or any man."

The girl seemed genuinely appalled. "Reason? He's quite dashing and has taken an interest in you. Those aren't reason enough?"

Jane stopped herself from rolling her eyes. The girl just didn't understand how hard Jane had worked to get where she was, nor the amount of sacrifices she made. She was not about to throw all of that away just because a pretty face smiled at her.

One particular face flitted through her mind unwillingly. A face with strong cheekbones, an unnerving gaze, and stubborn jaw.

"There are more important things than a handsome man," she muttered almost to herself.

The serving girl, assuming she spoke to her since she was the only other person in the room, answered with gravity previously absent. "Not to me. A handsome man, who shows interest no less, means a future. A home. Protection."

Jane's face reddened. How could she forget her almost fate? Girls generally had one option when they grew up: get married, become a wife, and have children. She was the exception. She had fought for her future and won. Others weren't so lucky. It was a much-needed reminder that other women weren't vapid or shallow simply for showing interest in men. It was their way of surviving, adapting, when options were few.

"Why don't you try and talk to him? Maybe he would start a correspondence with you," Jane suggested as a peace offering.

She waved her off, "I've already got my eye on my own knight…speaking of, you can help me!"

"I can?" Jane was never the one to go to for help when it came to men and relationships.

"Your companion – he's quite fine. And charming."

"Gunther?"

"Is that his name? Oh, I've been wondering since you two arrived! Yes, him. I don't know how you can be around him for more than a few minutes and not fall half in love!"

"I manage."

"Can you tell me anything else about him? What's he like? Does he already have a woman back home?"

The girl peppered Jane with questions, all the while she sat there with an odd sensation she didn't understand. Her stomach felt hollow and heavy at the same time. As if she were empty inside but also filled with unagreeable food. Which was odd because she had not eaten for several hours. Not since the fruit and cheese this morning.

"Well?"

"Huh?"

"What can you tell me? I want to know everything!"

"Oh, uh-"

Hearing footsteps descending the staircase saved Jane from the girl's interrogation. Both women jumped to their feet – Jane at attention in the event it was the king or queen, and the girl to scurry off so as not to be caught sitting around.

It was the guard from before.

Jane reached for her plait, a bad habit when she felt nervous. Remembering her hair was pinned up, she dropped her hand and waited expectantly.

"Lady Jane, King Sigurd and Queen Avelina are ready to receive you and your companion."

Jane thanked him and followed him up to the royal couple's rooms.

Gunther stood in the hallway outside the royal rooms when she arrived. At least this time he had waited for her…

The friendly guard escorted them inside the inn's largest room where the king and queen resided. The room had one large bed against the far wall with a fireplace at the opposite wall that Jane and Gunther passed as they walked further into the room. A table and chairs had been dragged to the center of the room to create an informal audience chamber. The king and queen currently sat behind the table, rolled parchments and maps spread out before them. They anticipated discussing logistics of the journey to the castle. Jane and Gunther did not look forward to breaking the unpleasant news to them.

Queen Avelina had changed from her comfortable travel clothes to a more traditional gown for receiving guests. It was a pale lavender garment with sleeves that extended to the elbow and ended with silver embroidery. She also wore a matching silver entwined girdle and crown.

King Sigurd, on the other hand, still wore his travel clothes, unbothered to change midday.

Jane and Gunther reached the table where two empty chairs resided. They waited for the invitation before seating.

"Thank you for coming promptly," the queen broke the silence. "Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss and would like to begin our journey tomorrow morning, if possible."

"Yes, we have much to share with you," Gunther offered after taking his seat.

"Your majesties, we regret to inform you of a duplicitous plot currently unfolding." Jane saw that she had their rapt attention and continued. "On our journey to Nedershire, we had the misfortune of being ambushed."

"Ambushed? By whom?" The king demanded.

Jane and Gunther turned to each other, bracing themselves for what was about to unfold.

"Chalonreaux," Gunther answered.

Queen Avelina gasped softly.

"Chalonreaux? Are you sure?" King Sigurd asked. "Such accusations are serious indeed."

"We are certain." Gunther continued. "On our second night on the road, we were attacked at our camp. They wore cloaks to cover their clothing, but we saw their uniforms underneath when we searched their bodies."

"How do you know that Chalonreaux is not being set up, or these men stole it off a group of deserters?"

"We captured one alive. He confirmed that Chalonreaux was behind it. They do not wish for our alliance to take place and hoped that if we never showed up to greet you, it would cause you to break the alliance. He also admitted they have other contingencies in place if they were unsuccessful."

"And so they did," Jane added. "The following day we were ambushed again in the coastal hills on the main road to Nedershire."

"While Jane is correct that they had a planned second attack, which was almost successful-" the king and queen mirrored looks of concern- "I still worry that Chalonreaux has other plans in place in the event the alliance continues. I fear more sinister plans await both our kingdoms, should we continue our current course of action."

"What do you mean by 'almost successful?'" Queen Avelina inquired. Her eyes narrowed. "There are only two of you here. We were led to believe a small party would meet us. Did you have companions? Were they lost in the struggle?"

Gunther turned to her. "There were three others in our original party. Unfortunately, one of them became seriously wounded in the first ambush and we made the decision that he should return to seek medical attention, along with our two other companions as escorts for safety, while we continued with the plan to meet with you and inform you of the events that transpired.

"As for the second attack," he paused, glancing at Jane before continuing, "they wounded Jane and cornered us."

Both the king and queen's eyes shot to her, searching for signs of injury. Jane reached up and patted her shoulder and gave them a gentle smile.

"…We hid in a cave until nightfall and snuck out. We stayed off the main road and traveled through the night until we reached Nedershire early yesterday morning."

"What an ordeal," the queen murmured. Although Jane was the injured one, her eyes raked over Gunther in a display of exaggerated concern.

"Let us call you a physician," Sigurd offered.

"I appreciate your majesty's concern, but I am already on the mend. I feel much better after resting here these past two days."

Gunther frowned. "Are you sure you do not wish to see a physician, to be safe?"

"See, listen to your friend! It is the least we can do after all you suffered to bring us this news."

King Sigurd could see Jane was about to decline again. "If you must refuse a physician," he began, "at least allow my man, Burchard, to treat you. He learned a thing or two about healing on the battlefield. He treats my men and even myself when we are on the road. Please, I insist."

Jane could not refuse such a passionate offer, from a king no less. "Alright, I concede. Your majesty is very persuasive when he wants his way," she joked.

Sigurd responded with a boisterous laugh.

"I must consult with my wife before making a decision on this troubling news. In the meantime, Burchard, please see to Lady Jane."

Gunther stood, and Jane followed, at the king's dismissal. They both bowed, thanked the king and queen for their time, and left. The handsome knight from earlier followed them down the hallway to the staircase.

"Would you prefer me to look at your wound downstairs or in the privacy of your chamber?" He quirked his brow.

"Of course, you're Burchard." Her voice did not hold dismay, but humor. They seemed destined to be in each other's company today. Pepper would call it a sign. Jane called it a coincidence.

Gunther cleared his throat, glaring at the fully armored man standing before him. "I understand you are used to tending to your men, but Jane is a lady."

"Is she? I didn't notice," Burchard replied dryly.

"She will not allow strangers into her room. Even under the most innocent of pretenses." His jaw set, as hard as granite. "We represent King Caradoc and Kippernium and must not make any choices to jeopardize the integrity of the crown."

"Gunther calm down," Jane chided. "I was going to take him downstairs anyway." Turning to Burchard, "I will meet you downstairs in a moment. I need to finish my conversation with my companion."

Burchard glanced at Gunther, grinned, and left.

"How could you be so naïve," Gunther accused immediately after Burchard disappeared down the stairs.

"Naïve? I don't recall inviting him into my room."

"Oh please, Jane. His behavior was extremely inappropriate, and you did nothing to discourage it!"

"If you gave me more than a moment to speak, I might have!"

"Just think, Jane! Is that such a difficult request? What would people say if they heard Lady Jane, the first female knight of Kippernium, invited a stranger into her personal chamber while on assignment? Not only would it reflect poorly on Kippernium and King Caradoc, but it would undo all of your hard work. I thought you wanted to be taken seriously. This certainly won't aid you in that endeavor. They'll use it as an excuse not to allow any other woman to serve in the future."

"I know! I know all of that! I would not have allowed it. You do not have the right to lecture me on how I should conduct myself. You will never know the highest of standards I must keep just to prove to others that I am worthy of my title. You do not have the faintest idea how tiresome it is to maintain perfection at all times so that I do not sully my name or that of future women who may wish to follow in my footsteps. How dare you condescend to me about my responsibilities and virtues as a lady knight."

Jane paused, breathing heavily from her anger.

"I had to impress upon you the gravity of the situation."

"Thank you, Gunther. I don't know how I've gotten on these past two years without you here to hold my hand every step of the way." With that, she stomped down the stairs, leaving him behind her.