There was no news of change the following day, although Gunther found himself glancing up from his chores whenever he heard footsteps passing close by. It wasn't concern for Jane that had him hoping for news that never came, he told himself firmly. He just wanted to be proved right about the leeches.

He did learn at lunch that Jester's services had not been required that day, and the disheartened fool had retreated to the castle library after a few mouthfuls of Pepper's baked vegetables.

"You shall have to visit Dragon with more food if people's appetites do not improve soon," sighed Pepper, examining his abandoned plate.

Gunther glanced around the table, sliding Jester's plate over and scraping the contents onto his own when it seemed no one else was going to claim it.

"If I am doing the work of two people it stands to reason that I must eat the food of two people," he said defensively when he saw Rake stare.

"Quite right," said Pepper, nodding her head in approval. "Which reminds me, Sir Ivon requested some scones to eat during his patrol this afternoon!" She hurried back into the kitchen to begin baking.

"And I should harvest some peas for tonight's supper," declared Rake as if there could be no more important task in the entire Kingdom.

Gunther shovelled in another mouthful of roast pumpkin bathed in gravy as the lanky gardener set off.

Smithy scraped his plate clean before pushing it aside.

"I was thinking of re-shoeing Sir Gallant today, if you do not require him?" he asked.

Unable to speak past the food in his mouth, Gunther merely nodded.

"I shall set to it, then. I have the shoes made so it will not take too long." The Smith rose, casting a broad shadow across the table.

He would have made a formidable knight had he been given the chance, Gunther thought, not for the first time. But alas not everyone enjoyed the ranks of nobility, or the deep pockets of a parent that enabled them to become one.

Of the two of them, Smithy might have made a worthier knight all the same, thought Gunther absently before shaking his head and emptying his plate.

Deserved or not he had a knighthood and all the responsibilities that went along with it waiting for him. Starting with an inventory of the armoury.

There was news the following day, although Gunther wondered if it could truly be classified as such.

"She ate half a bowl of porridge this morning!" declared Pepper in a half-frenzied state of excitement.

There was no need to ask who 'she' was, of course.

"I am sure it was the extra honey you added," said Rake proudly.

"I wonder if she will be in the mood for a song or two today?" mused Jester, hope entering his voice.

Gunther struggled not to smirk as he recalled Jane's assessment of Jester's talents, but held his tongue.

"I do not think she forgot how to eat," he said instead.

"No, but she has barely had any appetite! This is a big improvement." Pepper was determined to see this as a victory, so Gunther simply shrugged and let her.

Personally, he would require rather more evidence. Her memory restored, perhaps?

She ate most of her lunch, and all of her supper.

The following morning Sir Ivon requested Gunther's help in the formal garden, where they were to set up chairs and a table near the fountain.

"The Princess wants to read to Jane outdoors today, lad. It seems she is regaining some strength." Sir Ivon grunted as they lowered the heavy table into place. "The King has ordered us to make it so."

They returned to the castle and then back to the garden, each carrying a chair. Gunther walked slowly, keeping place with Sir Ivon and his troublesome leg.

"What else did ye have planned for the day, lad?" asked Ivon when they were done, with a gleam of mischief in his eyes.

"I have to finish inventorying the armoury and deliver the damaged weapons to Smithy for repair." Gunther eyed the smirking Scotsman warily. "Why?"

"Well, I shall have to do that myself. You have been specially requested by the Princess herself to stand guard for her today." Ivon's grin threatened to split his face in two.

Gunther rolled his eyes. "I am sure-"

"Now, now, do not try to spare my feelings! I can only imagine why a young lady would prefer the company of a strapping lad, eh?" Sir Ivon continued over his shoulder as he walked towards the armoury. "No, no, I must thank my good fortune that you were not set to clean the chicken yard today!"

Sighing, Gunther followed behind him. Evidently he would need a sword for royal guard duty.

Gunther stood beside the fountain in a fresh shirt, with his hair brushed and his sword hastily polished in time for the arrival of the Princess.

"Your Highness," he said, bowing. "Lord Chamberlain, Lady Jane."

Princess Lavinia swept ahead of Milton Turnkey and his daughter, fluffing cushions and arranging blankets on one of the chairs.

Jane leant heavily on her father as he eased her into the seat, and then the Princess set to work wrapping the blankets around her, fussing like a mother hen.

"Thank you, Father," said Jane, smiling tiredly.

"Are you quite certain this is not too taxing for you?" he asked in concern.

"We shall be quite all right, thank you," answered Princess Lavinia firmly, before Jane could speak. "I am sure Jane will enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and we have Sir Gunther here to keep us both safe. Now I believe my father has need of you…?"

"Yes, Your Highness," said the Chamberlain, defeated. He exchanged a quick glance with Gunther, who gave what he hoped was a reassuring nod of his head, before the older man shuffled back to the castle.

"There, now," said Lavinia, settling into her own chair. "Pepper shall bring us tea and cakes soon and we shall have a lovely time."

She collected a book off the table and spread it open over her lap. It was a familiar looking tome, and as she began reading aloud to Jane Gunther recognised the tale quickly.

It was the story of the Great Siege, which he had read many times while studying the castle's history.

Jane's grandfather held a starring role as, unfortunately, did Gunther's. But unlike the elder Breech, Jane's ancestor had acted with honour, and she had proudly changed her surname to his. It had been a defining time for Jane, learning that she was not the first knight in her family.

Gunther looked at the pale figure wrapped in blankets, listening to the Princess read.

Did she know that she was no longer Jane Turnkey, and that she now styled herself Jane d'Arc?

He supposed not.

Lavinia glanced up from the book and Gunther averted his gaze out over the gardens, lest he be caught staring at his colleague.

He could have changed his own surname, Gunther reflected as the story continued. At least then no newcomers would associate him with his family's disgrace. Even now Jane was hearing about his dishonourable past for what was, to her, the first time. Whatever good opinion she had formed of him must now be destroyed.

Still, perhaps it was for the best. If she was no longer interested in talking to him he would not have to play pretend at good manners.

What would he change his name to, anyway? There were no hidden heroes in his family tree, no forefather whose name he could carry with pride. No, better to shoulder the burden of a soiled family name than to hide behind a veil of pretence. Besides, his fellow knights all knew exactly who he was. A change of name would not make him any less of a disappointment to them.

All the same, he was glad that Jane did not lift her head so that he could see her face as he stood behind her chair, the point of his sword resting on the stone pavers.

The story was interrupted briefly by Pepper, who brought tea and sweet cakes as promised.

Princess Lavinia served Jane herself, pouring her tea and setting it aside to cool a little before serving a cake onto a delicate plate and placing it on Jane's lap.

"These smell wonderful," she said encouragingly. "You always did enjoy Pepper's lavender cakes."

"You are being very kind to me, Your Highness," said Jane softly.

Gunther had to agree; the Princess was being most attentive.

"Nonsense," said Lavinia. "I have always enjoyed your company, Jane. You are my dearest friend, and taking tea together is a beloved pastime for us both."

Gunther could not help but raise an eyebrow, although he knew better than to argue with the Princess. It was true that Jane had a fondness for Lavinia, but her duties as a knight meant she had little time to socialise with the young royal. Still, while Jane knew no better he supposed there was no harm in allowing the Princess to indulge in a little rewriting of the truth.

It was, in essence, what the whole castle was doing anyway.

He shifted uncomfortably, moving his weight from one foot to the other, as Lavinia gathered up her book again.

"Now, where were we? Oh, yes, we are getting to the best part."

Her assessment surprised Gunther, as he had always found the Wilderness Years to be a rather dull section. It soon became clear, however, that Lavinia was not bound by the same dry recounting that Gunther had studied, as a tale of forbidden romance weaved its way through the tale.

He worked to keep his expression unreadable as the predictably tragic love story unfolded between a stern young knight and a beautiful lady of the court. Apparently their love was forbidden by the young lady's parents, but they could not deny their feelings for one another, meeting secretly in hidden caverns to declare their pure love.

The romantic tale blended terribly with the stolid historical narrative, but neither the Princess nor her captivated listener seemed to notice as they sighed their way through the sorrowful and passionate tale.

Gunther never would have guessed that the recounting of his family's shameful past could become more painful to listen to, and yet here he was, struggling harder not to cringe at the sappy made-up words of love spoken by a non-existent knight than he had at the accurate recounting of his grandfather's greed.

Perhaps it was because he had no affinity for romance. If his grandfather's behaviour hadn't ensured that no self-respecting woman would look twice at him then his father's surely had. He had resolved many years ago to consider it as being for the best. Women were a distraction, according to Sir Ivon, and Gunther had yet to meet one who had changed his opinion. Not that he didn't appreciate beautiful looking women, of course. Simply put, the only ones who would consider appreciating him back would want to be paid for their troubles.

The saga continued and Gunther was beginning to wonder how much more of the wretched sap he could bear listening to when Princess Lavinia closed the book with one last, wistful sigh.

"It pains me to leave our poor lovers in such peril, but you must rest before lunch, dearest Jane." She stood and stretched before tucking Jane in under her blankets. "Are you comfortable?"

"Yes, thank you," said Jane, and Gunther had to admit she sounded quite weary.

"Then sleep."

"I could not," protested Jane. "I am to keep you company, Your Highness."

"And you are doing a fine job, Jane, but you must not tire yourself out. I shall take a walk around the garden to stretch my legs and Sir Gunther will accompany me. Now rest," admonished Lavinia, and Jane bowed her head in defeat.

"Come along, Sir Gunther, I believe the roses are a sight to behold today."

Gunther fell into step a pace behind the Princess as she strode across the flagstones, grateful for the chance to shake the stiffness from his knees.

"Poor Jane," said Lavinia as soon as they were out of earshot. "I always thought she was too strong to be affected in such a way. You must be missing her terribly, Sir Gunther."

"Uhm," said Gunther, off-guard. "Well, her absence from duty is a challenge for us all, Princess."

"Indeed," she replied with a small smirk Gunther did not understand, before she bent to admire a rose.

He watched as she inhaled the scent, a curtain of straight dark hair falling forward to conceal her face. She was no longer a child, it was true, although her slightly upturned nose and sparkling eyes revealed the propensity for mischief that lurked beneath her regal countenance. Adulthood had not fully claimed her yet either, and she could conduct herself with propriety at a royal banquet while dropping a frog onto her brother's plate in a single elegant movement.

Gunther bit down a smile as he considered the unfortunate suitors who were lining up to woo her. She was soon to embark on a royal tour to meet the eligible heirs of several allied kingdoms, and those young men had no idea what they were in for.

After a thorough inspection of the roses, Lavinia slowly made her way back towards the fountain, with Gunther in tow. They arrived to find Jane sleeping soundly, causing the Princess to nod her head in satisfaction.

"She has not been sleeping well," whispered Lavinia. "She cannot be expected to recover if she is exhausted all the time, Sir Gunther, do you agree?"

"I would not disagree with you, Your Highness," said Gunther quietly.

"Very well, Sir. Then you shall stay here and watch over her and . . . ah!" She raised her hand and flagged down Jester as he made his way towards the Great Hall. "I shall go prepare for lunch. Do not worry, Sir Gunther," she said, halting his attempt to protest. "I am sure her mother will be along shortly."

He watched helplessly as Lavinia skipped away toward Jester and walked with him into the Hall, leaving Gunther to stand guard over the sleeping Jane.

It was absurd, of course. She was not royalty and he was not duty bound to watch over her. But it was also true that, as frail as she was and bundled up sound asleep in her blankets, she was completely defenceless, too.

Whatever else she may be she is also a Lady of the Court, he reminded himself. And it is your duty as a knight to keep her safe.

Besides, it was clearly what the Princess wanted him to do.

But it was also nearly lunchtime, and he had been standing guard all morning.

Jane shifted in her seat, a frown passing across her face before she settled back into a deeper sleep.

Gunther leaned on his sword and studied her. Her colour seemed a little better than it had when he had seen her in her parents' chambers, and although her cheeks were still hollow perhaps they had improved some, too.

She moved again, her breathing becoming faster.

Was she dreaming, or perhaps she was too hot under all those blankets? Gunther wasn't sure if it would be considered acceptable for him to try to make her comfortable. He had thrown an extra blanket over her sleeping form a time or two in the past, when they had been camping out and she had looked cold during his watch, but that was different.

That had been Sir Jane, and this was Lady Jane.

If she woke up and caught him she would think instantly of everything she had just learned about his family reputation, and believe it to be true of him as well.

But her discomfort continued to grow as she began turning her head from side to side, gasping and battling against her blankets, and Gunther found he could not do nothing. He glanced around hopefully, but no one was coming to join them.

"Jane," he said softly, taking a tentative step towards her. "Wake up. Ja- Lady Jane, wake up."

Loose curls of hair fell across her face, but she did not wake. Gunther placed a hand on her shoulder and shook it gently.

"Jane, wake up!"

Her eyes snapped open and she sat upright, gasping as her hands fought their way free. When she raised one to her face Gunther noticed it was shaking.

"I apologise, my Lady," he said, stepping back. "You seemed… uncomfortable."

"Sir Gunther," she said, somewhat breathlessly. "I- I was… too warm." She pulled her other arm out before holding the blanket against her chest. "I am sorry to have troubled you. Where is Princess Lavinia?" she asked, glancing around.

"The Princess wanted to get ready for lunch and asked me to keep you company until your parents arrived." Gunther rubbed the back of his neck. The entire situation was becoming unbearable. Jane would definitely think he was some sort of depraved scoundrel now.

Jane sighed tiredly. "I see."

"May I… escort you inside?" he suggested tentatively.

Before she could accept- or more likely decline- his offer, the sound of footsteps across the pavement heralded the arrival of Lord and Lady Turnkey, who moved to stand at either side of their daughter and help her to her feet.

"It is time for lunch, Jane dear," said the Lady, fussing with the blanket draped around Jane's shoulders. "And then I think you should have a sleep this afternoon."

"Mother, please," replied Jane quietly, trying to still Adeline's fussing hands. She glanced at Gunther, her cheeks still flushed warm, and inclined her head. "Thank you for your companionship, Sir."

"Yes, thank you for your service, Sir Gunther," said the Chamberlain, before guiding the two women back towards the castle.

Gunther watched them walk away before releasing a relieved sigh and hurrying away to find his own lunch.