Gunther arrived at the stables to find them empty. At least to the unknowing eye. He looked up to the rafters. I love you... that's all I have to say. Three little words. He took a deep breath and went up the ladders.
He saw Sofia laying in the hay, one arm covering her eyes, the other on her stomach. It wouldn't be too hard to just lean over and kiss her... He shook the thought out of his head. "Sofia?" He whispered to her, sitting beside her.
She hummed in response.
"Are you alright?"
Another hum.
He reached over and moved her arm from her face. He stared at his pretty lady knight.
There was tear stains down her cheeks and her eyes were red and glistening with moisture.
He couldn't help it. He scooped her up into a hug. "I'm so sorry... about my father... about not protecting you... everything. I'm sorry, my beautiful lady knight." He whispered.
She wrapped her arms around his waist. "You have nothing to apologise for, idiot."
He looked down to see her staring up at him.
"You do have pretty eyes..." She breathed.
Gunther blushed. Why does she always say that?! "How can you look so breath-taking, even when you're crying?" He whispered back.
She let out a small laugh. "I am far from pretty in this state." She looked down.
"Don't look away..." He cupped her face and tilted it towards him again. "I want to see your face..." He dipped his head. "The face of my pretty lady knight." He closed the gap between their lips. She tastes sweet...with a hint of smoke... but it's not at all off putting.
Sofia's eyes snapped open in surprise.
Gunther pulled away and watched her face for any signs.
Her eyes were wide and she looked slightly frightened.
Damn! "I'm sorry..." He breathed. He untangled himself from her. "I had no right." She hates me... she really hates me right now... idiot! He quickly stood and jumped down the ladder.
He got to the practice court yard, looking for Jane to yell at for telling him the load of nonsense before.
"Gunther!" Sofia's melodic voice called out.
He turned around to be embraced. He felt the soft sweetness of her lips crash into his. Sofia?! What the...? Maybe I shouldn't question it... He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back with as much hunger as he was being kissed with by the raven-head.
"Gunther's kissing Sofia!"
The two jumped apart and looked to the direction of the voice to see Lavinia jumping up and down next to the lady in waiting, who had a hand over her mouth to suppress a giggle.
Prince Cuthbert was also present, making retching impressions.
"My, my... aren't you two getting close." Lady Turnkey smiled.
"I heard Princess Lavinia shouting something about kissing...?" Jane came running.
Sofia unconsciously hid behind Gunther.
Gunther cleared his throat. "So, what? Is it forbidden?" He asked.
"No... just surprising." Jane folded her arms.
"You're the one who said I should man up and tell her."
"Did you even say anything?"
Gunther scratched the back of his head. "Does it look like I had talking on my mind?"
Sofia snorted.
"Sofia! Can I be your flower girl?! Can I?" Lavinia skipped towards them.
Sofia frowned. "Uh... Princess... it's a bit early to think about that, sweetie." She smiled at the little princess.
Gunther chuckled.
"Lady Sofia... what is that fire in the air?" Lady Turnkey pointed over Sofia's shoulder.
The girl turned around. "Oh good, you came back quickly." She held out her hand. The fire floated upon it.
"Sofia?" Gunther put his hand on her shoulder.
She met his eyes. "My fire has found him. The sorcerer."
"What?" Jane stepped forward. "The one who has cursed you?"
Sofia nodded. "I now know his location. All I require is my dagger and luck." Her voice was serious. "I'll inform Sir Theodore of my departure and I will leave by night fall. I can't rely on that coward to stay in one place for too long."
Gunther and Jane made eye contact.
Sofia went off to Sir Theodore's headquarters.
Jane grabbed Gunther by the arm and dragged him to the stables, out of earshot. "Gunther… we must go with her. Even for the likes of her it'll be dangerous."
Gunther snorted. "Of course, I was going to accompany her. She's my lady now and I won't let her be alone at a time like this."
Jane rolled her eyes. "I'm going to ready Dragon, you get yourself some armour and sharpen your sword." She added.
He nodded and they went their separate ways.
