Chapter 3

"Discovery"

"Jane? Jane?"

I sat in Sir Theodor's chambers. I had a book on my lap, which was beginning to slide off. Sir Theodor himself sat in front of me, a stern look on his face. This was the third time I had tuned him out unintentionally. He sighed.

"I am so sorry, Sir Theodor," I said, bowing my head. "I do not know what has come over me."

That was the truth. Gunther had not come to the castle in over a week. To my eternal dismay, I was worried about him. It was driving me insane and I could not figure out for the life of me why.

"You are distracted." He said.

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Do you know why?"

I shook my head. "No, Sir. That is why I was trying to figure out."

Sir Theodor pulled a chair he found leaning against the wall, and put it front of me. He sat down and asked, "Would you like to talk about it?"

I squirmed, uncomfortable. It was not that I did not trust my mentor, it was just that I did not think he would understand. From what I could comprehend of my situation, which was very little, it would be awkward to explain it to him.

"I," I started to say, but could not get the words out. I smiled apolitically.

He nodded, seeming to understand. He stood up and put away the chair. "For your lesson, then, I would like you to find someone to consult with about your 'distraction.' I do not want your training to be hindered by this."

I nodded, smiling. "Thank you, Sir."

***

However, that small command proved to be difficult. Just who exactly was I to consult with?

I went through the list in my head.

Dragon was the first who came to my mind. I knew I could trust him with everything and that he was my best friend, but he had the tendency to have very loose lips. I promised myself that once I figured out the exact reason as to why was I feeling so sickly, then I would tell him.

Jester? I knew I could trust him. He would not go off and tell anyone. But, I knew he did not like Gunther in the slightest. I hated to say it, but he might have been a little biased if I told him.

I could tell Pepper. After all, she was girl, and my age. She would understand my situation best. She could keep a secret, thought it often proved to be a challenge for her.

I easily decided against the Prince, the King, and Sir Ivon. My father would not understand. The Princess was, well, too young to understand. Smithy and Rake were good friends, but I also did not think they would understand. I could always tell my mother, but I was again afraid it would get around the castle.

'Perhaps,' I thought, 'I am making this more than it really is.'

So I was beginning to notice Gunther more. It was probably only because I was beginning to realize that the two of us should become better friends. After all, he would certain to become my knightly partner in nearly everything.

With that in mind, I decided on Pepper. Sir Theodor instructed on me to speak with something, even if it was nothing.

***

"Petal? Jane? Jane!"

I did it again. How could I be so vain as to keep on ignoring people? I sighed and turned to Pepper.

"I am sorry. I was distracted by my thoughts. What were you saying?"

She sighed. "I said, 'Thanks for helping me in the kitchen, Jane.'"

"Oh," I said, feeling ashamed. "It is nothing."

"I have been just so busy!" She said, multitasking. She was talking to me while tidying up the kitchen, stirring the soup, and chopping carrots along with me.

"I am glad I can help," I said, continuing the chop up the carrots. Now did not seem like the time to speak to Pepper. I would just have to wait, and not lose my nerve!

"You are doing it again."

"Huh, what?" I looked up. She shook her head, smirking.

"I am sorry, Pepper!" I said sincerely. "I do not mean to ignore you."

She giggled. "It is all right. What is on your mind?"

"I," I stuttered, "I will tell you later. We have to finish the super."

She looked at me for a good few moments. She then turned to the pot, tasted it, and sighed contently. "The super is done."

"Now," Pepper said, sitting down on a barrel. "What is on your mind, Jane?"

I sighed. There was no getting out of this now; Sir Theodor had command me to do this. Now, how to put these things into words?

"Pepper," I said slowly. "I do not how to say this exactly. But, I have been feeling strangely."

"How so, Jane?" She asked, taking interest in my story.

"As in, I have been thinking about him—"

"So," She said slyly. "A boy, is it?"

"Yes," I said, keeping my head down.

"Go on."

"Well," I took a deep breath, "I have been thinking about him more than I used to. I also have been rather worried about his well being. And I just cannot seem to get him out of my mind." I groaned, "and I do not know why!

"Do you know why, Pepper?" I was so sure of the answer. I was so sure that she was simply going to shake her head and say "No, I do not," or "Jane, it seems like nothing at all!" I was sure that she would just turn me away. As much as Pepper enjoyed to gossip now and then, she would not know what to make of this peculiar situation.

Pepper giggled. "Jane, I know exactly what is wrong—and it nothing is really wrong with it."

My jaw dropped and stared. "Y-you do? What is it?"

"Oh, Jane!" She rushed over to me and grabbed my hands, jumping up and down. "You have your first crush!"

Disclaimer: I do not own Jane and the Dragon. She and the rest of the characters belong to Sir Bayton and Weta. I only own the plot. ):

Author's Notes: Since you were so kind, replying so quickly to the last chapter, and since I made you wait forever on the last chapter, here is chapter three! I hope you like it. (:

Sorry for any grammar mistakes. Please point them out if you see any! (I hate grammar mistakes! XD)