When Gunther reached his room, he slammed the door closed.

"Gunther, please!" She banged the door with her fist.

He sat on the bed. "You knew I was listening, so why did you continue to say stuff?"

"I've been wanting to tell you, but I've been scared, so I thought it'd be easier if you just over heard. I will tell everyone eventually. Please don't hate me... don't fear me." She took a deep breath.

He opened the door. "You kept it from me, even though you said you were my friend. I knew there was something, maybe you were another rider like Jane and you lost your dragon. But this?" His voice was low.

She looked around and then pushed him gently inside his room and shut the door behind them. "Gunther, I have known you for a day. For all I knew, if I told anyone, they'd sell me out."

"But you told Smithy!" He snapped. Jealousy bubbling in his gut.

She nodded. "Because he was the only way I could get fire. The kitchen was too public." She added.

Gunther dropped onto his bed again. "So... is that all you wanted to say?"

"No." She said.

He looked up at her face, pain was etched into it.

She dropped to her knees in front of him. "I don't want to lose my friend..."

He felt guilt stab his heart. If it were Jane, I'd brush her off... but this... this girl... I can't keep away. He cleared his throat. "Please don't keep things from me, especially if they are hurting you." He stated.

She nodded, silent.

"Like I'd turn my back on the first one who accepted me without question." He smirked slightly.

She looked up, her eyes shining. "Gunther?"

He blushed and looked away. "I'm just surprised that someone values my friendship so much."

She got up from her knees and sat next to him. "I've never had friends before, I'm going to treasure each and every one I make here." She slid her hand into his and squeezed tightly.

He smiled. "So, does Sir Theodore or the King know your... um... condition?"

She nodded. "They both do. Sir Ivon doesn't, as far as I know, and neither do the royal children."

He looked at their intertwined hands. It felt nice to have her close. "About your story, the flame. I'll help you find it." He promised.

She shook her head. "I doubt it exists anymore."

"If that sorcerer ate it... could we get it back?"

She shrugged. "I'm unsure."

He sighed. "Either way, I've got your back."

They were silent for a bit.

Suddenly she shot up from the bed and ran out of the room.

Gunther frowned, but went after her.

"There she is!" Lavinia's voice rang out.

Both Gunther and Sofia looked up to see her standing on the edge of the wall of the battlements near Jane's tower.

Where was Jane?!

"Princess! Get down from there!" Gunther called.

"It's true, Gunther and Sofia are sweethearts!" She jumped up and down happily.

"Look Princess, whatever you think, we need you to come down from there! It's dangerous!" He called.

Sofia was already down the stairs and sprinting towards where Lavinia was.

"Gunther and Sofia are getting married!" She yelled.

"Princess! Please get down from there." Sofia called up to her.

"Come and make me." She stuck her tongue out.

Gunther came to Sofia's side. "Please Princess! We'll play with you today; Sofia will tell a story!" He added.

Lavinia thought for a moment. "I will come down... if you two kiss." She bartered.

Gunther went red. "Pr-princess! We are not Swee-"

"Fine! If it will make you get down, Gunther and I will kiss in front of you." Sofia called.

Gunther stared at the blue-eyed beauty. "Sofia!"

"If it's the only way to make her come down. You go up to the battlements to make sure she does come." Sofia muttered, eyes blazing and trained on the young girl.

"Yay!" Lavinia jumped up and down again. Only this time, her shoe slipped and she fell off the wall with a scream.

"Princess!" A woman's voice called out.

Sofia held her arms open and stood underneath the princess, catching her, and falling onto her back with the force. It knocked the air out of her.

"Princess! Sofia! Are you okay?" Gunther knelt next to them.

Lavinia got up off Sofia, unharmed. "Sofia?" She patted the girl's arm.

Sofia groaned then looked to the princess and the squire. "That was close, eh?"

"Can you get up?" Gunther asked.

Sofia nodded and sat up.

"Princess Lavinia!" The woman's voice belonged to a woman who wore a very nice dress.

Sofia gave Gunther a questioning look.

He cleared his throat. "That's Jane's mother. The lady in waiting." He explained.

Lady Turnkey looked down at Sofia. "That was pretty heroic. Thank you dear. Are you alright?"

Sofia nodded. "I am, ma'am."

Gunther offered his hand to her, which she took gratefully.

"Now that I'm down, Gunther and Sofia said that they'd kiss each other!" Lavinia cheered.

Gunther coughed. "Actually, Sofia agreed not me."

Lavinia put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot.

Lady Turnkey looked confused. "Kiss?"

"The young princess has gotten it into her head that we are courting, ma'am." Gunther explaining.

"But you said! At least Sofia has to kiss Gunther!" Lavinia whined.

Sofia sighed and turned to Gunther and placing a swift kiss onto his cheek. "Satisfied, majesty?" She asked.

Lavinia was ecstatic. "Yes!" And she skipped away, Lady Turnkey not far behind her.

Sofia exhaled. "Sorry." She muttered to a blushing Gunther.

"No need to be, you were only granting the princess' wish." He smiled.

Sofia nodded. Her stomach growled.

He laughed. "Let's get some breakfast, shall we?"

She smiled. "Lets."

They sat at the table with the others.

"Morning everyone." Sofia greeted.

"Morning!" Jester grinned at her. Maybe she's alright after all.

"Hello, Sofia. Gunther you're going to eat with us again?" Pepper asked.

Gunther nodded. "Do you mind?"

Pepper glanced to Sofia who had settled next to Jester again. "Not at all. Sit down, breakfast will be ready soon." She smiled.

Gunther dropped down next to Sofia. "See what I mean?" He muttered into her ear.

"Oh yes, Princess Lavinia is preparing for your wedding to Sofia, Gunther." Jester remarked. "Can I provide entertainment?" He smirked.

Gunther clutched his cup of water. "There's nothing between Sofia and I, we're merely new friends."

Jester chuckled, the bells on his hat jingled as his head shook.

Sofia stared at the candle light absent-mindedly.

Smithy watched as the light danced in the girl's ocean like eyes. He also glanced towards Gunther, who had his eyes on her too.I see that you have also fallen under her spell...

"Wake up, Sofia..." Gunther chuckled, waving a hand in her line of view.

She met his gaze. "What?"

"What were you thinking about?" He leaned on his fist, propped up on the table.

She put on a thoughtful expression. "Hmm... I was wondering how easy I should go on you and Jane when we train today." She smiled sweetly.

"You may have a pretty smile, but I know your mind is the work of the devil right now." He shot back.

"Gunther quit flirting with the poor girl." Jane walked in. She looked to Sofia. "Morning, when did you awake? I didn't hear you get up."

Sofia shrugged. "Early. I needed to do something. Where did you go? The young princess fell from your battlements just before."

Jane covered her mouth. "What?! I was out on patrol."

Gunther snorted. "She's perfectly fine thanks to Sofia catching her."

Jane stared at Sofia. "Thank goodness." She sat across from Jester, next to Rake.

"So, will you be attending the ball this year Jane?" Jester asked.

Sofia glanced at his face, she could see the admiration within the boy's eyes and the dusting of pink on his tanned cheeks. He loves her... unconditionally... and... She looked to Jane. There was admiration in her eyes, but oblivious to the Jester's feelings for her. It's sad...

"Unfortunately." Jane folded her arms.

Sofia gave her a confused look. "Unfortunately?"

"Jane doesn't want to be caught in a dress, it's very un-knightly apparently." Rake explained.

Sofia frowned. "I think you would look stunning in a dress, Jane." She remarked.

"Easy for you to say." She sighed. "I'm not allowed a sword or anything and have to dress and act like a proper lady."

Sofia propped her chin up with her fist. "Even wearing a dress, it doesn't stop a lady from being dangerous."

Jane looked at her. "Have you been in a situation like that?"

Sofia laughed. "Of course!"

Jane looked deeply interested. "Would you tell me the story?"

Sofia shrugged. "I don't want to bore people with tales of my past."

"I'm interested too!" Gunther exclaimed next to her.

"As am I, it might inspire me to write my ballad." Jester added.

Sofia sighed. "Alright, after we have eaten, I'm starving." She smiled.