To Thaw A Frozen Heart

*chapter 20*

The trio walked in to the grand hall and was greeted by lively folk music, singing, and colourful get ups.

Geralt's dark and brooding aura fitted his dark clothing well, and contrasted nicely with Antea's forest green and silver gown. Her hair was down, loose waves flowing through it, and she wore a bejewelled headband which shone in the light. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked, but she was still sour about earlier and wasn't speaking to him. Her arm was firmly wrapped around Jaskiers.

"Right, so stick close to me, look mean and pretend you're mute. Can't have anyone finding out who you are." Jaskier said, a hint of panic in his voice.

"Geralt of Rivia, the mighty witcher!" A voice boomed through the banquet hall, at which Dandelion flinched.

"Oh, shit," Dandelion muttered, making Antea chuckle slightly. The man approached the group and grabbed Geralt's arm.

"I haven't seen you since the plague!" The man exclaimed and Geralt smiled.

"Good times, Mousesack."

"I missed you. I was worried it would be a boring affair, but now that the White Wolf is here, maybe all is not lost." Mousesack finally drew eyes to Antea and Jaskier.

"Geralt, do introduce me to your friend and this ravishing creature." Mousesack spoke before offering his hand to Antea.

"My apologies, Mousesack, this is Jaskier the bard and his .." he paused for just a moment "cousin."

She curtsied briefly before taking his hand and he kissed is gently. Geralt involuntarily moved closer and it did not go unnoticed by Mousesack.

He stood up and took a step back, bowing slightly to Geralt. "My apologies, dear friend. I did not realise she was spoken for." A hint of mischief sparkled in his eyes when he saw Geralt's speechless expression. "But anyways - why are you dressed like a sad silk merchant?"

Geralt looked at Dandelion, who looked nervous.
"What ?"

"Mousesack, please meet my cousin, Dandelion." Antea pushed Jaskier forward slightly and a small smile donned his face as she came to his rescue. They greeted each other, then Mousesack turned to Geralt.

"Walk with me, Geralt."

The Witcher nodded briefly at the duo and followed Mousesack into the crowd.

"So, where's the food?" Antea grinned, and led Jaskier to the nearest table.

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"To Mousesack!" A large group of men clapped and yelled, raising their glasses to him.

Mousesack let out a laugh. "I've been recommending the Skelligen crown for years. A little rough around the edges, but they're dirt. Like me." He explained to Geralt as they walked.

"Old and crusty" He eyed his old friend with amusement. He looked around. "How long until this horse is finished? I find royalty best to take in... small doses."

"I wouldn't expect to leave before dawn." Mousesack sipped at his pint. "These suitors will be vying all night for the hand of Princess Pavetta. Marrying in this monarchy is a mighty prize. Who wouldn't want to be king of the mightiest force in the land?"

"Hmm." Geralt looked into the sea of ​​suitors. "So which of these little shits is your play on?" He grunted.

"Come with me, there's a lot for you to see. It's not a fair bet." The pair walked and talked about the suitors who and what Mousesack thought of them. Amelia watched Dandelion make sure he was out of trouble. "That red-headed scanderlout over there, Crach An Craite, will marry Pavetta. The Lioness has already arranged it with the boy's uncle, Eist Tuirseach."

"No one would dare to take a step towards such a powerful alliance." "Handy with a blade. And with women too." Geralt commented. His eyes wandered the hall searching for Antea. They found and rested on her - picture perfect, scoffing down a pastry with a giggly Jaskier. He smiled warmly. He was brought back to reality as Mousesack continued speaking.

"All is an act. Queen Calanthe refused his proposal three times after King Roegner's death, though the two glided around each other like courting swans. No, no, no. She was not more to live in her husband's shadow." Mousesack shook his head as Geralt saw Dandelion being grabbed by a lord out of the corner of his eye. He scoffed. Suddenly one of the men pushed Antea aside and she crashed into the table, nearly falling. Geralt started towards them immediately.

"Something about you reminds me of a villain I once saw fleeing my wife's rooms!" The lord quipped.

Antea felt an arm around her waist as she started stomping towards the men once more. She glanced up at Geralt and he looked back at her with softened eyes.

"I'll handle it, don't worry."

She suddenly relaxed...