A/n: So far, I have revised chapters 1 through 15 of this fic for clarity, to fix spelling and grammar, as well as other errors. I would like to thank Fluffymarshmallows and awes0mesaucer for comments that encourage me to post faster and for all who are still following this story. After posting this chapter, I'll go back and revise the rest as well as work on the next chapter that I'm so excited about. I thought I'd touch on Gunther and Jane in this chapter, as well as a cameo of our favorite green newt. Next chapter is the ball :3 And although I'm referencing the Shall We Dance episode in this chapter and the next, I'm basically running on headcanons. Please enjoy!

Chapter 21: A Roses Thorn

Gunther was not looking forward to the night watch. In the morning he had to help unload cargo at the wharf and doubted he would receive enough rest in between. It was a bother to run part of his father's business while attending to his responsibilities about the castle, though soon he hoped there would be time to rest during winter; while there was no end to his knight's duties, general activity in the castle was sedate. It was during his ruminations that he spotted the gardener and quickened his pace; reluctant as ever to associate with the staff; he was not in the state to listen to upbeat words or for mindless chatter. Yet, when the gardener caught up with him, he was surprised at the sudden invitation. "Gunther, Pepper wanted me to tell you that you are invited to the ball we are having in the garden."

Had this not happened before? Was history continuing to repeat itself and prolonging his torment? It was not all fools day, and he was pretty sure there were not any royal celebrations to be had. So what was this about, and whose idea was this?

Glaring at the gardener, he wondered. "What are you talking about?"

"A party."

"I know what a party is. I meant, why are you inviting me?"

Rake did not think it would be wise to confess that it was all Pepper's idea, but he did tell him a different truth; one that he thought the raven-haired knight needed to hear. "Well, the others are invited and you are our friend too."

Gunther took a step back; unsure what to do with this piece of information. Over the years he had not always been the nicest, nor had he treated them with the dignity that they deserved, but time and time again his sins were forgiven and forgotten although he did not deserve it. "Well, um I suppose if I must."

"Great, I will be sure to tell Pepper."

"Wait a moment."

"Yes?"

A pang of regret passed over him; remembering the flowers he had tossed into the sea all those years ago because he had not been brave enough to admit that he had wanted to give them to her; to Jane. With as much strength as he could muster, he inquired. "Does Jane know?"

"I believe she might. I have to go tend to the turnips now, but see you later."

With a weak wave, Gunther turned around and made his way towards the battlements. Up the stone staircase, and staring up at the great vastness of the night sky, he was transported back to that fateful evening; the evening of the ball eight years ago. Jane had caught him; saw that he had stolen the flowers from the royal garden and with no excuses, he had the idea of challenging her to a match; staves. He had been cocky and thought she would not beat him, but she had; leaving him no choice but to confess a half-truth. Confusion colored her voice, and she did not know what he was about, but neither did he.

In his moment of weakness, he flashed her the briefest of smiles and congratulated her before walking away with the bruised bouquet of roses; drowning in his embarrassment and shame. Gunther could not bear seeing her again so soon or to listen to the raucous laughter of her friends. And for a long time he had stared over the cliff; wondering what he ought to do; thorns pricking his palms, but disregarding its sting. The music from the dancing hall seemed to mock him as well as the beauty of the full moon. Ocean waves crashed against the cliff, and dark thoughts had crossed his mind, but then he thought of her and knew that if he could swallow it down; the anguish and heartache of facing another evening alone, without a soul who cared for him, that he could start over tomorrow and see her again in the morning; pretending to dislike her as much as his father wanted him to; lady friend indeed.

When he had thought to let go of those roses, he groaned; pained that he had to dress his lies with more lies. Why could he not admit that he wanted to be friends? Oh, he had wanted to dance with her; to have fun and see her smile at him and only him; confused by these strange feelings. And slowly he had uncurled his fist and watched as the flowers disappeared into the depths of the sea. Then, when he was ready, he dragged his feet home; ready for the day to be over.

Despite how unfair life could be, he worked hard to get to where he was; to be able to face his reflection in the mirror and not despise what he saw. And the night sky held as much promise as the daylight, and Gunther hoped he could do better than his younger self had. This made him happy, and he accomplished his current duty with pride; he did not plan to give up.

Once excused, Jane wasted no time escaping to her tower, kicking off the pretty, but deadly shoes; sighing in relief as she stripped down to the comfort of her shift. Being a proper lady had always been an effort, which was one of the many reasons being a knight was better. It was with the removal of her head cover that she was mostly Jane again. Tresses of hair fell all about her shoulders; drowning her in its defiance and although the tiresome day had ended, she was pleased. The queen was going to allow her more freedom when it came to her uniform; no more painful shoes or head covers, but allowances for simpler gowns that could accommodate her Knights armor; that in itself was progress.

"So short life," came the nearby chuckle which interrupted her thoughts. "another day with the noisy hens?"

Words could not express her relief at seeing Dragon again. It took only two quick strides to be by his side, and wrapping her arms around his head, she corrected. "No Dragon, I believe you mean to say, ladies."

"Of course, those ladies with names and such, what did they do this time?"

What had they not done? It had been a noisy evening meal with all their chatter, but the latest group of ladies that sought to gain the Queen's favor were not as bad as the last ones. In slow, soothing motions, Jane caressed his snout; comforted by the familiarity. "Oh, the usual, but they were mostly tolerable."

"Just say the word Jane, and they will become charcoal."

"Thank you, but no."

She pulled away then; drinking in the sight of him. It was strange how time continued to pass, and he remained the same. And while she had grown older, time had not weakened their friendship but allowed it to grow. When her duties had increased, Jane had feared Dragon would grow tired of waiting around, but he had found joy in exploring his obsession with cows; going as far as to court a few. She did not understand how that could work, but it made him happy, and no harm had been done yet. Also, Jane had heard there had been a decrease in cattle theft; that was an improvement.

"Say, Jane, I know I have been busy, but is something going on that I do not know about? You know, like a secret?"

"No, why would you think that?"

"I saw you," he started, scratching his scaly chin as he tried to remember. "I saw you with… oh yeah, saw you with leather legs."

"What could you have seen? We were only talking."

"I saw how you were looking at him; as though he were the prettiest cow in the yard."

"No Dragon," she explained; hoping history would not repeat itself. "he is just a friend. Do you not remember that I had been worried about him?"

"Yeah," he nodded; already losing interest. "what about it?"

"Well, all is resolved. You would not believe it, but it had all been a misunderstanding."

"Right, and why is that?"

"I thought he had been cross with me, but it is all over now. And tomorrow we are going to have a ball in the garden to celebrate his return."

Dragon brightened at this. "Will there be food?"

"Yes, but we can talk more about it in the morning. Do you want to go on patrol tomorrow or do you have a previous engagement with Cow?"

"Nah, I rather spend some time with my favorite short life. Night Jane."

"Goodnight Dragon."

A morning with Dragon might help sort out her thoughts about the ball; it was a relief that Jane would not be expected to wear a gown tomorrow evening. She wondered if something should be done with her hair; usually, it was washed, brushed, but not styled in any sort of fashion. If she was going to dance and have a good time, then perhaps having it pulled back into a braid would be best; Jane could ask Pepper for help, but then again that might encourage her fanciful notions of romance. Yet, speaking of romance, what had given the cook the idea it existed between her and the blacksmith? Dragon seemed to have similar thoughts on the matter as well.

In truth, Jane did not understand it. What existed between the cook and gardener was lovely, but she could not picture that for herself; not the way they expressed it. Yet, as she allowed herself to dwell on the day, her thoughts drifted towards her friend. Seeing him again at the morning meal, their shared laughter, and conversation, the ease and comfort of a friend; the return of his quiet intelligence; it had been wonderful.

Everything about him was natural and comfortable; his straightforward eyes, his soft, but short gold locks which crowned his head. True, his mood was always indecipherable and his choice of words made him all but understandable, but she felt warmth in her cheeks the more she thought of him. She was attracted to him, but then again, was it not natural? He was ideal, as far as persons, well….. as far as men went. However, it was not like she had those kinds of feelings for him, right?

Slapping her cheeks, Jane decided that she did not want to think of the confusing topic of romance anymore. Tomorrow, she would wear her knight's tunic and knew the ball would go well. Yet, who would she dance with? Only time would tell.