CHAPTER 6 – Destiny (Part 1)

Roni

I look at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting my hair absentmindedly. My thoughts wander back and back to my last conversation with Geralt. I think we made some progress. Well, at least we talked honestly and openly for the first time. It is a good thing, right?

I sigh, letting out a nervous breath. I just really hope I didn't ruin anything...

"You look astonishing" I hear Jaskier's compliment from behind. He is standing in the doorway of my room, leaning against the frame.

"Thanks" I send him a small smile, checking my figure one last time. I do look good with this green dress emphasizing my eyes and giving a nice contrast to my red hair. Then I huff silently; beauty is so overrated. Sure it can get you more opportunities sometimes, which might be fun for a while, but in things that really matters, it counts very little. "Hey, about earlier..." I start a bit embarrassed. I have no idea how to explain right that I just used him to make Gearlt angry and jealous, yet I don't want any ill feelings or misunderstanding between us.

"Don't worry, I figured" He says with a knowing smirk, walking closer. "And I do hope you guys work it out." He adds, placing his hands on my shoulders reassuringly. "You're matching too much just to waste it."

I release the breath I didn't even notice holding in, feeling a bit relieved. Both that he isn't mad about my play and also because his statement.

I nod a bit more confidently with a carefree smile.

"What are you two gossiping about? Then I hear the other familiar, raspy voice and my heart almost jumps out of its place with rocket-speed.

"Birds" Barks Jaskier right away, letting me go just like I burnt his skin horribly while his face goes pale in a second. I frown trying to restrain myself from laughing and I see that Geralt finds it very entertaining too. "I'm gonna get that stuff, you know, from my room, what I'm gonna need later and which I left there... in my room obviously. Meet me on the corridor in a few?" He mumbles reaching the exit as Geralt keeps a serious face and I swear he even growls a bit as Jaskier passes him.

I burst out laughing as he leaves us alone, not being able to hold it together anymore.

"You know you just scared a living shit out of him?" I ask still chuckling as I walk to the door too, ready to leave.

"Good" Geralt answers, his expression softening. "He knows his place now"

"Twelve feet away from me?" I raise my brow suspiciously as I stop in front of him. He is taller than me. Way taller, that I have to look up at him in an almost uncomfortable angle.

"At the very least" He confirms practically being proud of himself.

I just roll my eyes, letting him go with it this time as we leave the room. I'm too relieved and happy that we are back to normal.

"Hey, Jaski, did you find you stuff?" I tease him as we reunite at the corridor as he suggested.

"My stuff? Oh, yes, yes, thank you for asking" He glares at me for a second, making me grin. "Anyway, you're not going tonight as a witch or a witcher." He starts to instruct us. "Right, so stick close to me, look mean and pretend you're a mute. Can't have anyone finding out who you guys are." He finishes, then he enters the ball room with a wide smile plastered on his face, and with his lute in his hand, being ready to play all night long.

"Okay, bodyguard, let's go then" I attempt to follow Jaskier, but Geralt grabs my hand suddenly, making me stop.

"You shouldn't go alone" He says and for a moment I stand there puzzled. Alone? What does he mean, alone? He and Jaskier is there too... Then he offers his arm for me and I understand. He wants to be my companion tonight. My pulse quicken even though I try to look as natural as possible.

"With pleasure" I curtsy lightly accepting his offer. Our arms link naturally together as he holds the weight of mine easily. He seems at very ease, comfortable. Almost peaceful. I don't know if it was my speech getting into his head already, or something else, but finally I don't feel that invisible wall between us.

I know that my cheeks are now probably matching my hair in its colour and I must look like a foolish lassie not being able to stop smiling as we waltz in after Jaskier, but I couldn't care less. It is a beginning and that's only what matters.

Quite a few eyes are on us as we enter and follow our favorite bard, all of them trying to find out who is this odd pair.

"Geralt of Rivia, the mighty Witcher!" Then a man calls out with a beer in his hand, loud enough for everyone to hear. Oh, well, here goes our cover...

"Oh, shit." Jaskier curse too as the stranger approaches us.

"I haven't seen you since the plague." He adds clearly being happy to finally meet Geralt again.

"Good times, Mousesack." Geralt beckons him reluctantly.

"I've missed your sour complexion." Mousesack adds, shaking hands with Geralt. "And you, the mysterious child he saved" He then turns to me with recognition.

"News sure travel around fast" I murmur half-amused. "Roni. Roni Rappen" I introduce myself as he gently place a feather light kiss on my hand in greeting.

"Mousesack. It's a pleasure to meet you" He says than he turns back to Geralt, nudging him in the ribs. "Geralt, you sly bastard, you always had great eyes for certain things" He laughs at his own joke, the alcohol already working in his system. "And she's also an incredible sorceress. I haven't felt such power in decades" Mousesack compliments me making me truly self-conscious.

So he is also using magic in some way...

Geralt, just like sensing my nervousness, places his other hand on my elbow, caressing it gently to reassure everything is fine. Right. Mousesack seems an old friend of him. I loosen up immediately, sending a grateful smile to him in return.

"I feared this would be a dull affair, but now the White Wolf is here, perhaps all is not lost." The man adds joyfully then starts to examine Geralt's clothes. "Why are you dressed like a sad silk trader?" He asks empathetic, breaking the ice, making me giggle. He did seem different tonight. I'm not saying in a bad way, though. "Walk with me." He asks us as we start to amble through the hall.

All around people recognizing Mousesack and cheers to him. He is really beloved here. It's nice to see.

"I've been advising the Skelligen crown for years." He starts explaining. "A tad rough around the edges, but they're of the earth. Like me." He continues. "Castellan Haxo. Old and crusty."

"How long before this horse trading is done?" Geralt questions already having enough. "I find royalty best taken in small doses."

"I wouldn't count on leaving before dawn." Mousesack disappoints him quickly. "These suitors will vie all night for Princess Pavetta's hand." He shows us the royal table.

A girl sit almost in the middle. She is a year or two younger than me and she seemed very lost and frightened. Like a deer caught in the spotlight. Her blonde hair is long and embraced her neck carefully. She is definitely not here on her own will... I suddenly feel sorry for her.

"She doesn't seem too happy" I comment involuntary as Mousesack looks at me like one would look at a naive little child.

"Marriage is very rarely about happiness. At least in the court." He says a bit bitterly, but then continues. "Marrying into this monarchy is a mighty prize. Who wouldn't want to be king of the most powerful force in the land?"

"Hm. So, which one of these little shits is your coin on?" Geralt asks blatantly, looking around the room.

"It's not a fair bet." The man starts, leading the way behind a pillar, so we can stay out of the field of view. "That red-headed scanderlout over there, Crach an Craite, will marry Pavetta." He shows the boy. "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." He shows an older man. He seems more charming, more cunning as he's showing off to some young women, parading with his dagger.

"Handy with a blade." Geralt nods.

"Handy with women, too." I add with a half-smirk.

"All an act. Queen Calanthe refused his proposal three times after King Roegner died." He says waving his hand in dismissal. "Despite of course the two of them gliding around each other like courting swans." He explains as I notice in the corner of my eyes, a man approaching Jaskier pretty furiously. "She was not for living in her husband's shadow again." I hear Mousesack's voice but I barely pay attention. Jaskier is in definite trouble now.

I see Geralt checking on him too being ready to move, but I stop him, gently pressing my hand on his chest.

"I handle it, excuse me" I say leaving them behind quickly.

"Something about you reminds me of a scoundrel I once saw fleeing my wife's chambers!" I hear the accusation as I approach. Oh, here we go... Jaski and his inability to control himself... "Drop your trousers."

"What?"

"I didn't get a proper look at the little shit's face, but that pimply arse I'd remember anywhere."

"Well... uh... "Ah, Roni!" Jaskier cries out relieved.

"Forgive me, my lord." I join the conversation with an irresistible smile, embracing Jaskier by the waist. "This happens all the time. It's true, he has the face of a cad and a coward, but, truth be known, it is impossible. He is mine, and I keep him very-very busy, he couldn't have the time nor the energy to do that, if you know what I mean. And trust me, if he would try to go sideways, I'd be the first to chop his balls off. I'm not the woman of sharing" I explain shamelessly. "I give him everything, why would anyone want something less? Jaskier yelps in surprise as I slap his ass playfully.

"Well, that's true" Jaskier confirms a bit hesitantly, looking out for Geralt. I'm sure at this point he is more afraid of him, than anyone else.

I confidently straightening my back to offer a better view on the shape of my breasts and considering the man's hungry eyes, that finally seems to do enough.

"Apologies." He nods eventually still not looking in my eyes.

"No harm done." I shrug it of, leading Jaskier away, before that noble changes his mind.

"Wait, aren't you with that witcher?" He asks as some blood returns to his brain again. I sigh, cursing under my breath before turning back, taking a few steps towards the man again.

"I have insatiable appetite, my lord" I whisper barely audible into his ear, making him speechless, then I join Jaskier again. I'm pretty sure he won't have a problem from now on...

"Thank you Roni, really" Jaskier says nodding. "Although did you really have to ruin all my chance with every lady here?" He hissed truly upset. "Now none of them would dare to even talk to me!"

"You'll live, Jaski" I pat him on the back a bit harder to signal he should be more grateful than this, then I walk back to Geralt.

Mousesack left already. Instead Geralt welcomes me with a beer as Jaskier starts to play a slow, pleasant melody.

"Thank you" I accept the brew and drink a big sip of it immediately. Then I feel Geralt's penetrating gaze on me. Oh, seriously? I wish I could read his mind in times like this! "What?" I ask curiously, but he just sends me a light half-smile, shaking his head slightly.

"Dance with me" He says then, gently taking my drink away and pulling me closer. For a moment I feel dizzy. His closeness electrifies every cell of mine, just like fire races from his body to mine. I have no idea what's happening and right now probably I'm as a good dancer as a piece of wood would be... "Relax, I got you" He ensures me sensing how tense I am. I nod, not having the courage to look at him as slowly I ease up enough for him to lead.

In contrast to me, he is perfectly calm and casual. His hands rest on the small of my back, simply, but remarkably. He isn't trying to pull back or push me away. He is just being there, in this moment, exactly what I should do too.

After a few minutes I eventually get comfortable enough to look at him, still amused about his recent behaviour.

"I'm not a witcher tonight, remember?" He teases me, answering my unspoken question as we lock eyes and I starts to understand. Something did change. He is more patient and less frustrated. Even serene.

We are not together, no, we are far from it and we have a pretty long road to take to get there, but at least he is not battling himself anymore.

Well, baby steps. Yes. Though it means a world to home finally.