Day Two, Morning, Jane's Room

Getting up extra early, I needed to make sure Jane couldn't escape "Jane wake up"

"Gunther isn't it a little early?"

"Nope now get up or you'll be late"

"Late for what?"

"We have preparations"

"I wasn't aware of any preparations"

"Just follow me"

The Turnkeys Quarters

"What are you thinking?"

"You can't run away Jane, you've got to choose a gown"

Knocking on the door, Milton asked "Who is it?"

"It's Gunther"

Opening the door, Jane's mother was standing in front of the mirror fixing her hair while Milton was ready to leave but he looked surprised to see me with Jane "What is going on here?" He asked

"Jane has to pick her gown, so I escorted her here"

The Chamberlain looked relieved "Yes, I see"

Taking advantage of the awkwardness, I whispered in his ear "I'll ask for Jane's hand later if she accepts me"

"What did Gunther just tell you?"

The Chamberlain was always good at keeping a straight face even under stress "I'm sorry my child but I must oversee the shipments today"

"Wait"

"Jane I'm delighted you've come willingly" said The lady in waiting calmly

"It's a surprise to me too"

Admitting defeat, she goes in and starts looking through gowns. I wanted to pick one but seeing it was a mother and daughter moment, I was chased out of the room "Now Gunther out, out, out"

"I'll just wait outside then"

From outside the door, I could hear Jane complaining.

I wonder if she'll dislike me for this?

After a few long minutes that felt like hours, the lady in waiting opened the door revealing Jane in a floor length bloody red gown.

"What do you think?" asked the lady in waiting

Glancing at Jane who stood looking ashamed and awkward, I felt a little guilt for making her so something she didn't want to. However for just one night it wouldn't hurt, I asked "Who choose the gown?"

"Out of all the other nice gowns, she choose the most gaudy. See Jane, I told you it stands out to much"

"Forgive me my lady, but I think it's perfect. Look at how it goes with her eyes"

Turning around, Jane faced the other direction "Perhaps I should change"

"You look beautiful Jane, but then you always do"

"I guess this gown is the one" said Jane unsure of herself

"Thank you for your insight Gunther" said the lady in waiting

Taking her hand, I kissed it "My lady thank you for giving birth to a goddess"

This caused the calm Lady in waiting to blush "Now now be careful what you say"

"Jane I'll see you soon for sparring practice"

Jesters Room

"So how'd things go?"

"Other than embarrassing myself and perhaps Jane I'm fine"

"Are you flooding her with compliments?"

"Yes"

"I guess things are going well for you then"

"You know, if you want to dance with her later you can. I give you permission"

"Gunther sharing? I thought I'd never see the day. But wouldn't it bother you?"

"You're her best friend after all. If you pointed out some good things about me then maybe that'll help"

"Let me ask, do you ever want to bury your face in her hair?"

"Actually I have thought about that. You know this is weird us getting along"

Looking at his shoulder, I noticed something "What's that mark?"

It's shaped like a heart

"Here? That's a birth mark. I'm not sure where it came from but it looks cool"

"How can you be so happy all the time?"

"Making others smile and laugh give my life meaning"

"Are you coming to the ball?"

"In the entertainer, of course I'll be there."

"I've got practice I'll see you later"

Going to my room to retrieve my wooden sword, I remove my tunic and looked at myself in the mirror "Why do we have the same birthmark?"

The courtyard

"Gunther you're going to pay!"

"And for what?"

"Because of you my mother got the wrong idea"

"Let her. Your mother will think what she wants to think. But if you're mad, feel free to attack me that is if you think you can"

"Don't let that big head of yours get in the way"

"I won't"

"Squires you may begin!"

Lunging at me, Jane aimed for my arm "This is for this morning"

I was momentarily distracted by that fire in her eyes, but snapped back as she was ready to end it "I won't go easy on you"

With a few light jabs, she fell to her knees. Ready to end it, I looked down at her. She looked frustrated, so I asked "Any last words?"

Hitting my ankles. I fell to the ground dropping my sword. Grabbing it, she looked at me pridefully "Never let your guard down. Even if I'm a woman, you shouldn't look down on me"

"Bat bladders! Jane if you weren't so darn beautiful than I would have won"

In the background, Sir Theodore chuckled "Can anyone explain to me what's going on?"

"It's romance sir. I've become a slave to Jane's love"

"Haha! Way to go lad"

"Sir Theodore I assure you, we're not on any sort of relationship"

"Yet" I added

"You two lovebirds are dismissed"

"Wait! This isn't what it looks like"

"He can't hear you Jane"

"You bog weevil! You're mocking me aren't you?"

"Now Jane there's no need to get mad. Why don't we spar?"

"You're enjoying this too much aren't you? You're sick. You just love to see me get mad"

"You look adorable when you're berating me"

"Ugh! Just leave me alone"

Grabbing her wrist, I turned her around. She looked ready to cry. Feeling sympathetic, I hugged her "I'm not making fun of you. It's just I love that face you make when you're angry. It makes me want to tease you."

"You're really stupid"

Rubbing her back, I wanted to comfort her "I'm sincerely sorry"

"I...I... No!"

Pushing me away, she yelled "Stop it! Stop mocking me. I won't fall for this pretense"

Getting down on my knees, I asked "Do you think if I humiliate myself, you'll forgive me?"

"What is this? Get up"

"Not until you forgive me"

"You're making a scene"

"If I didn't like you, do you think I'd go this far to make you notice me? You said so yourself that I'm lazy and stupid. It doesn't matter, because I know that as long as I try my best eventually you'll see it too"

"See what?"

"That you'll see my heart"

Softening her face, she offers her hand "Alright I forgive you"

Taking her hand, I stood up and we were close "You know I wonder, if you can hear my heart beat? How it races for you"

Flustered, her cheeks redden "I'll see you later"

"I'll pick you up"

"Sure"

"Where are you going Jane?"

"To my favorite place"

"Don't be late"

"I won't"

Nighttime, Outside of Jane's tower

I'm not sure how long I waited outside her tower, but it was for a while. I leaned against the stone wall listening to the howl of the wind and to the rapid beats of my heart.

Maggots! Why am I so nervous? We're finally going to dance together what could go wrong.

I could hear her yell in frustration "Maggots!"

Knocking on her door, I asked "Is everything alright in there?"

"I'm fine, no need to worry"

"I'm coming in"

Opening the door, she was sitting in front of her mirror in her flowing red gown with a brush stuck in her hair "I see you're completely fine"

"Be quiet! Just go I'll be ready soon"

Approaching her, I placed my hands on her shoulders "I don't want to be late, so I'll lend you a hand"

"I don't need your help"

"Too bad, but I'm helping"

Carefully, I removed the brush and slowly brushed her hair "You know Jane, you really have beautiful hair"

"But you always teased me about it"

Grabbing it in a bunch, I put my face in it. Flustered, she yelled "What are you doing?"

"I wanted to know what it would feel like to be enveloped in your hair"

"You're weird Gunther"

"I don't apologize for it. How come your cheeks are red?"

"It's because you surprised me"

Feeling a surge of confidence, I continue to touch her hair to my delight. Running my fingers through her hair, it was much softer than I thought. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, her face was an even deeper blush "What's wrong Jane? Does this feel good?"

"I feel weird, but I like the feeling of your fingertips on my scalp"

"And you called me the weird one"

Braiding her hair, I placed it over her shoulder "How do you like it?"

"I like it"

"I know you're not into those weird hairstyles that look like birds nests. So I thought this would do"

"Thank you"

"Wait there's something else"

Out of my pocket, I pulled out a hairpin with Ruby eyes, Jade scales inlaid on a gold Dragon "This is for you Jane"

"This is too much, plus it wouldn't look good on me."

Placing it in her hair, I reassured her "You wanted to be a knight despite being a girl, you tamed a Dragon, and you can send an army to its knees. You can do anything you set your mind to and yet you say such a thing? You look stunning Jane, so let's go"

"What if I fall?"

"If you mean fall for me than I'll welcome it"

Linking her arm with mine, my troubled heart calmed down a little "I'll catch you, I promise"

The Royal Ballroom

Upon entering the ballroom, all the chatter paused at the sight of Jane. She got a bit nervous "What are they all looking at?"

"They're enchanted by your appearance. Basically you won the battle so walk in proudly"

With newfound confidence she held her head up high, her back straight, and with a eyes that could make grown men cry. The men stood on the left while the women stood on the right. Getting into our positions, the king declared "Let the festivities commence!"

Jester came out with his jokes first. He performed his normal duty but his eyes were mostly glued to Jane. It made me a bit angry, but I had to give the guy a break, he did help a little. Once his show was done, he stood next to me and asked "Did you get her to dress up?"

"I encouraged her"

"Wow"

"Your eyes almost fell out at the sight of her"

"Yes... Well"

"Is that all you wanted to say?"

"It's been a long time since she's worn a dress. She looks enchanting."

"Do you want to dance with her?"

"But you..."

"I know you want to, I'll allow it"

"Thanks Gunther. Have you tried the pie?"

"No not yet"

"It's my favorite"

When the music started, everyone took their partners while I served myself a slice of pie. Taking a bite, it was apple pie with raisins and honey, my favorite.

Isn't this Jesters favorite too?

Jane looked back at me a bit confused, but reading Jesters lips it seemed that he explained it to her.

Why was I showing kindness to a lowly servant? Because somehow me and him are connected, I'm not sure how, but we're related. My father sold him to the castle, and he bears the same birthmark located on his left shoulder like me. We liked the same girl, the same pie, have similar thoughts, and are born around the same time. From where Jester came from is a mystery, but how he is related to me has to do with my father. That means him and Jane were all I have left in this world.

Soon it will be my turn with to dance with her

Eating the sweet pie, I tried to balance out my bitter feelings

Why did father do such a thing? Someone who's more talented than in every way, would have easily taken Jane from me. If Jester wasn't like that, if he wasn't a eunuch I'd never have a chance. I want Jane! I want her for myself. But what do I truly deserve? I carry the burden of my forefathers, their evil blood runs through my veins. I want to end it! I want to end the chain of greed.

I didn't realize I was crying, I didn't realize what was going on around me until I heard the sound of a plate crash. Opening my eyes, everyone's attention was on me. Overwhelmed, I was ready to walk away but a warm hand grasped mine. Looking up, it was Jane. Wiping away my tears, she said "Come dance with me"

Huh? Jane is actually being nice

My voice was shaky, but I said "Alright"

For now I feet comforted, for now I feel safe.

It was a slow dance, we were very close. With a warm smile, she asked "Why were you crying?"

Jane is showing sympathy for me?

"I'm sick Jane"

"Where?"

"My heart is sick"

In ashamed of my family line. All I want to be good enough for you Jane

"Is it about me?"

"Sort of"

Softening her face, she said "Jester told me something"

"Like what?"

"He told me to give you a chance because your feelings are real"

"Do you believe him?"

"I do but I'm still a little unsure"

"Can you hear it Jane?"

"Hear what?"

"My heart"

"Yes I can. Are you nervous?"

"When I'm with you, I get too excited for my own good."

"Gunther what is it about me that causes you to like me?"

"You don't judge others by social class, you don't care where someone came from, you don't care of they're a man or women, you're kind to everyone. Because when we met you must have heard of my bloodline, how my family is looked down upon yet like now, you grasped my hand and told me you love me, you'll protect me, and that you'll be my friend. You may not remember but I do. The reason I treated you so badly all those years, why I teased you, and why I wouldn't leave you alone is because I only wanted you to look at me. I was jealous of everyone that was able to be so close to you. I wanted you all to myself, but I know that's wrong. I have to let you be free or you'll run away from me. I love you Jane, I really do "

"Let's go to the Royal Garden"

Royal Gardens

"Gunther, why are you crying?"

"I'm sorry, it's just I'm so happy you're with me and looking at me. And you're being so kind that it breaks my heart"

Wiping my tears away, she asked "Those flowers last time, were they for me?"

"Yes"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"How could I when all we do is argue?"

"We're not arguing now."

I'm either doing something right or I'm dreaming

"I feel embarrassed Jane, perhaps I should go"

Grabbing my hand, she said "You really surprise me"

"Jane our hands"

"Maybe it's something in the air or its the music but I like this. Our hands feel nice like this"

"Can I surprise you some more?"

"Go on"

Holding her face, I asked "Do you give me permission?"

"You've never followed the rules before"

Like a butterfly landing on a flower, I lightly pressed my lips against hers then parted. It was so fast, so brief but they were warm and soft. My heart felt like it exploded, I felt a mix of anxiety, happiness, and delight. It made me dizzy, so I tried to walk it off but everything faded to darkness.