In My Head

Chapter 4 - Finally // Beautiful Stranger

Geralt's POV

Geralt furrowed his brow as he tried to stretch out the bluish grey wool dress jacket. It was super uncomfortable. Furrowing his brow, he follows Jaskier into the great hall. He was instantly regretting being here.

"Right, so stick close to me, look mean and pretend you're a mute." Jaskier says looking around the room cautiously. "Can't have anyone finding out who you actually are?"

"Geralt of Rivia, the mighty Witcher!" A familiar voice calls out drawing the attention towards him.

"Oh Shit." Jaskier says as Geralt grits his teeth.

"I haven't seen you since the plague." Mousesack continues as he makes his way over to Geralt.

"Fun times, Mousesack." Geralt replies causing Mousesack to laugh.

"I've missed your sour complexion. I feared this would be a dull affair, but now the White Wolf is here, perhaps all is not lost." Mousesack reaches out to touch Geralt's jacket as he adds, "Why are you dressed like a sad silk trader?"

Geralt groans as he slowly turns to glare at Jaskier.

"What?" Jaskier inquires.

"Walk with me." Mousesack offers as he reaches up to grab Geralt's shoulders and lead him away.

"To Mousesack!" People cheer as Geralt and him walk along the hall. Mousesack laughs hardily as he lifts his mug to the sky in cheers. "I've been advising the Skelligen crown for years. A tad rough around the edges, but they're of the earth. Like me."

"Old and crusty." Geralt jokes a smirk filling his lips. "How long before this horse trading is done? I find royalty best taken in... small doses."

"I wouldn't count on leaving before dawn. These suitors will vie all night for Princess Pavetta's hand. Marrying into this monarchy is a mighty prize. Who wouldn't want to be king of the most powerful force in the land?" Mousesack asks tapping Geralt on the shoulder.

"Hm." Geralt replies giving a curt nod. "So, which one of theses little shits is your coin on?" Geralt asks as he looks around at the possible prospects.

"Come with me, there's much for you to see." Mousesack says as he motions for Geralt to follow him to a corner of the room. "It's not a fair bet. 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 make a move on an alliance that powerful."

"Handy with a blade." Geralt observes as he watches the royalty. "Handy with women, too." He adds noticing all the women around the man.

"All an act. Queen Calanthe refused his proposal three times after king Roegner died, despite the two of them gliding around each other like courting swans. No, no, no. She was not for living in her husband's shadow again."

Geralt looks across the room to see someone approaching Jaskier and clenching his jaw he scoffs and walks across the hall to where the man was pushing Jaskier against a wall wanting to verify his suspicions that Jaskier slept with the lord's wife.

"Well... uh, uh... Ah. Geralt." Jaskier chuckles nervously as he greet the Witcher.

"Forgive me, my lord. This... happens all the time." Geralt starts offering a brief sigh. "It's true, he has the face of a cad and a coward."

Jaskier's eyes shoot to Geralt offering him a look of offense.

"But, truth be known, he was kicked in the balls by an ox as a child."

"Well, that's..." Jaskier starts to disagree but noticing the lords face continues, "T-true."

"Apologies." The lord offers as a look of sympathy fills his eyes. He turns back to Jaskier and handing him some coin continues, "Here, drown your sorrows on me, eunuch."