CHAPTER FOUR

I hear a flap of wings above me and look up. Dragon looks down at me, and instantly my cheeks flush. No doubt he heard that conversation.

"Did I hear that correctly short life?"

"Uhh...ummm...well that is to say, umm..."

(A/N Jane's point view now)

I wake up, not knowing where I am or how I got there, then all the events rush back to me like a tidal wave. I look around seeing no one. I'm in room but no one is there to tell me how long I've been here. I vaguely remember after I was unconscious Gunther rushing over and saying all those things. I never thought he would share the feelings I did. Although, it may have all been a dream. All of a sudden Pepper comes in.

"Jane you're awake!"

"She's awake!" I hear Jester call out from behind the door.

"Jester, have you been spying again?!" Pepper says.

"Maybe..." He replies. Before the conversation can go any further, Jester, Rake, Smithy and Gunther all rush in. Dragon hovers outside the window. Something seems strange abut the way Dragon looks at Gunther suspiciously. Before everyone starts talking, I need to ask something.

"How long have I been unconscious?" I ask Pepper.

"About 3 days." She replies.

"That long? I must get back to my training."

"I'm afraid you won't be able to. At least for a month or so." Pepper mumbles.

"WHAT?" I start to sit up but then get a shooting pain in my stomach. I'm forced to lie back down.

"I'm sorry Jane. The wound was too deep. There was nothing more I could do. You'll have to stay in bed."

"No! That's not fair! I need to train! The knighting is five months away!"

"Don't worry Jane, I'll tell you what we learned and teach you the languages." Gunther offers.

"Well, that would be great Gunther. Thank you."

"You're welcome." There's an awkward silence where Jester looks at Gunther then at me then back to Gunther. This goes on for a minute or so until Rake breaks the silence.

"Jane, I decided to use one of my prized tomatoes in the vegetable stew Pepper is making you to help you feel better."

"Thank you Rake"

"Rake," Pepper glares at him, "that was supposed to be be a surprise!"

"Oh, sorry about that!"

"That's okay." I say. "I half expected Pepper would make stew anyway." It was true. Anytime someone got sick or injured, Pepper would make the her famous vegetable stew.

"Jane, while you were sick, I helped Dragon with a get well present for you." Jester says. He shows me a picture of a cow eating grass.

"It was my idea!" Dragon says.

"I was going to write a ballad, but I had writers block." Says Jester.

"That's okay. It's a wonderful picture." I say.

"Cows. They're so funny. Moooo! Hahahaha!" Dragon laughs. I start to laugh along with him but then I get a sharp pain in my side. Jester and Gunther both move forward.

"Jane, are you okay?" Asks Gunther.

"Of course she's not! She's in pain you beef-brain!" Jester shouts at him.

"I'm fine, truly. Please don't argue." Just then Princess Lavina comes in humming the wedding march. "Who's getting married, your little majesty?" I ask.

"You are, Jane."

I suppress a laugh and ask "And to whom am I marrying?"

"It's a secret." She says with a giggle. "But he's in this room." Everyone looks at Jester and Gunther. Dragon especially looks at Gunther with an amused expression. Then my mother comes in telling the princess it's time for her bath, and ushers everyone out with her.

(A/N Longest chapter yet!)