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In the stables, he stares down one of the stable boys who points him the way to Roach's box. He stops so suddenly in front of it, that Jaskier runs right in his back. A gentle voice soothes the horse which doesn't really like to be in a box. She does appreciate the food though.
"It will be alright, you need to rest as well," the voice says. That is when Roach recognizes her master and neighs friendlily.
"Good girl," he says quietly and strokes her nose while Jaskier leans against a pillar. The owner of the gentle voice steps forward with wide eyes.
"Geralt, you should be resting," Lorelay says accusingly.
"I did," he says, banning every emotion from his voice, taking the blanket and saddle to put them on Roach's back. Lorelay stares at him.
"You're leaving," she states matter-of-factly, her face blank for a moment. But something in her voice gets him to turn and face her. His eyes fall on the cloak and the nobs. His heart skips a slow beat. Yes, he really must leave now, or he can't watch this any longer. He drowns out his feelings as good as possible. They should not even exist in the first place.
"The job's done," he answers, regretting it instantly at the hurt expression crossing her face. It isn't even the truth, he didn't get paid so far, so the past days were no job but his free will. However, Lorelay doesn't need to know that; it would complicate things more.
"Did you expect me to stay and watch you getting in that cage again, the golden cage you fear?" His words are sharp and cold, but they are on point as well. She doesn't avert her eyes, though.
"And you didn't think that I'm possibly going to change the direction of my path?" she asks, banning every emotion from her voice at first but failing in the end. Tears threaten to prick at her eyes, but she isn't willing to let them fall yet. Her heart aches at his cold demeanour towards her but she won't show weakness.
Suddenly, his uninjured hand grips her shoulder tightly and her eyes flicker to his.
"Are you?" he asks,
"Because I see a woman who does as she's told, thinking that it doesn't matter what she wants." A sad smile tugs at her lips,
"Someone once told me that it does matter what I want." She breaks her eyes away from his, tears sitting on her lashes.
"It does," he says quietly,
"To me."
"I know," she replies just as quietly. Geralt's eyes widen at this revelation. But Lorelay doesn't explain further, she turns her attention to an approaching figure.
It is Prince Jalen with a bundle in his hands, a rose on top.
"Lorelay," he calls out softly. She smiles at him, taking the bundle and putting it on a table next to the box. Geralt and Jaskier eye the flower suspiciously.
"Thank you," she says, resting her hands on his cheeks as he does the same. He leans down, kissing her forehead. Geralt instinctively takes a step forward. What is going on?
"You'll always be welcome here," he promises,
"If you need anything or don't know where to go..." he trails off, looking at her lovingly, then his gaze flickers to Geralt. The Witcher's eyes burn. The prince lets his hands fall from her cheeks and takes a step back.
There, it dawns on the Witcher. He is letting her go. She did ask him to give her free. Shock must be written on his face as he stares at the scene unfolding in front of him. Jaskier wears the same expression for a moment, but he comprehends everything faster.
"You're a very good man, Jalen," Lorelay says,
"I wish you all the best." She lets go of him, stepping on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek. Then, she steps back and turns to Geralt. Her eyes reveal how vulnerable she is now, unsure of his reaction but somehow triumphant to prove him wrong. He doesn't think, he just takes a step to minimize the distance between them, engulfs her in a tight embrace and bows his head to meet her lips with his. Her arms snake around his neck, careful to not touch his wound.
Jalen averts his eyes, his head hanging. His heart just shattered but it is the right decision to let her go. Sure, she could be happy with him but not as happy as she seems to be with him, that butcher. The prince doesn't like the idea of his love strolling around the Continent with a Witcher, it is dangerous, but he is sure that he will do everything to keep her safe. That is why the prince gave her free, offering her to come here anytime, live here and fulfil a position at court. Probably even...well, destiny is what it is. He turns to Jaskier.
"A last thing, if they wish to be wed, our priest will be happy to lead the ceremony and..." he just nods at the bard, not bringing it over himself to say that there will be a feast. Of course, there will be if the couple wishes it, but he won't attend. The prince leaves, leaving Jaskier with a thoughtful expression.
Meanwhile, Geralt isn't willing to let go of her. He can't comprehend yet how lucky he just got. This angel of a woman is willing to give up her future as a queen at the side of a man who loves her, loves her so much that he is willing to let her go. All that, to stay at a Witcher's side. Sure, he worries about her safety even though he will do anything to protect her. He worries about Nilfgaard, too, because they may not get the lady but the bond between the north and south is starting to be forged. And he worries about other things but the woman in his arms doesn't let his thoughts stray further in that rather dark direction. Jaskier hums a melody to himself, plucking on his lute. Roach munches on some carrots and watches her master realize that there is a mistress now.
The couple marries that same day in a small ceremony with only Jaskier present. They leave the castle, Jaskier trailing along. There may not be a grand wedding for him to play at, but a whole life of song-material in front of him and his friends.
