Chapter 13 banquets queens and princesses

The castle of Cintra was large, but beautiful ; it had many halls and small corridors. Now, there were guards everywhere, so that the visitors of the ball weren't able to go somewhere they weren't allowed.

Her heels ticked on the stone floor, her dress ruffled and Geralt made sure he didn't walk too fast so Eira could keep up. Her arm encircled around his, and Eira let her eyes roam over the large ceilings and the paintings of former royalty.

"It's...so large," she muttered and Geralt nodded.

"Kings and Queen are all the same," he said while he guided her into the next long corridor. "They want to show of how much gold they have."

When they reached the middle of the corridor, the music became much louder. The gentle piano tunes made her smile and Eira got excited to finally reach the main hall.

It was already quite crowded, people talking to each other and Eira let her gaze roam over the decorated hall. Candles were lit, their shadows playfully flickered on the stone walls. The sigils were hanging out in large tapestries under the windows and the tables were decorated in the golden colour that matched the armour of the Lioness of Cintra.

Eira was caught back by the beauty, almost as if she walked into a fairytale and came back to her senses when Geralt gently let go of her arm.

"Geralt," a whispered voice came from in front of them.

Both Eira and the wither turned slightly to look at Jaskier who came towards them. His eyes big of surprise when he noticed Eira and he scratched his hair.

"You brought her," he murmured and didn't directly look at her, which made the Elemental frown. "Can I talk to you for a moment, Geralt?"

"Speak," the witcher grumbled, "Why am I here?"

"Well, maybe we can talk about this more private…," the bard started and Eira looked at him.

He was well-dressed ; golden rims decorated his simple gray outfit, the lute he held was polished and shiny. No doubt in her mind that Jaskier was here to perform.

"Cut the bullshit, bard," Geralt grumbled impatiently.

"Eh, fine," he said awkwardly and came a bit closer. "You see, Geralt, I have to sing a few songs here. Entertain."

His eyes flickered nervously from Geralt to Eira and back again. The bard coughed to clear his throat. "But I need some protection. I … might have slept with a few wives of some men that are present here."

Geralt rolled his eyes while Eira stared at Jaskier and the red of shame that coloured his cheeks.

"You want Geralt to protect you because …" Eira started, but didn't finish.

She simply shook her head, waved her hands and took the opportunity to grab the first glass of sparkling wine that came her way.

"Fine," Geralt spoke and got side tracked by the druid of the court who recognised the Witcher.

Eira downed the glass of sparkling alcohol in one go and coughed when she put the beautiful glass down again.

"You look beautiful," Jaskier spoke and she was suddenly aware of his closeness.

"Thank you," her curt reply came and the bard scratched the back of his head again.

"Eira," he started and she held up a hand towards him.

Anger flared through her.

"You didn't write. Well, you did, just towards Geralt. You didn't want me to come because you fucked married women? What did you do all those months? Did I even cross your mind?"

Jaskier's gaze went down towards the floor and he suddenly found his shoes interesting.

"You were all I thought about," he suddenly spoke. "I just didn't want you to come because I didn't want you to hear how I was."

She could hear the truth in his voice and was about to speak up when a beautiful female bard showed up behind Jaskier.

"Are you ready, little fox?"

Her sweet voice made Jaskier' head snap up and glance over his shoulder to the woman.

"Little fox?" Eira asked and turned her glance to Jaskier again, eyes wide with surprise.

"This is…"

"Doesn't matter," Eira swiveled around on her heels and made her way towards the Witcher who was talking to the Druid.

"Ah, so this is our little lady," the druid spoke and looked at Eira with a faint smile. It took effort to curl his lips up, Eira could see it.

"I'm not that little. I'm fairly normal sized," she countered back.

"I know what you are, little one," the druid said, no humour in his voice but not hostile either.

Eira arched a brow, much how the Witcher would do when he heard something interesting, or ridiculous, it really depended on the situation.

"I'm not here to cause a commotion, druid," she said and bowed her head slightly out of respect. "I promise you I am only here to…"

"Keep your breath, girl," he spoke, "I can feel your power radiating off of you. Yet, I trust Geralt of Rivia. When he spoke of you, it is with admiration and respect."

Eira couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips and felt the slight tinge of pride rush over her.

"Thank you, druid," another bow of her head and Eira was about to open her lips to speak up again, but was suddenly pushed aside.

"The Lioness of Cintra!"

Geralt gently took her by the elbow and lead her to the side of the hall. They stood in the shadows, watching how Calanthe made her way into the feast. Her golden coloured armour shone in the candle light and her dark eyes fierce. Hair a mess of a recent fight she'd been into and Eira glanced up at Geralt.

He didn't look back at her, yet bowed his head a bit towards her.

"Queen Calanthe goes to battle herself. Defeated quite the number of enemies and is as strong as a lion. Or so they say."

Eira nodded, felt Geralt's arm brush hers before he snapped his head to the left.

"Be right back," he grumbled and left Eira's side.

Her gaze followed the witcher for a while, until he reached Jaskier and a big man who seemed to threaten the bard. Eira stood up a bit straighter, wanted to make her way towards the bard too but a young man suddenly blocked her way.

"My Lady, may I be so bold to tell you how beautiful you are? I cannot remember seeing you at court before. Please, tell me your name."

Eira looked at the strong build man before her and blinked her eyes a few times.

"Eh," she stuttered and felt his dark, brown eyes on her. Waiting for an answer. "Thank you," Eira smiled awkwardly, bowed her head because she thought it was the correct thing to do. "My name is Eira."

"Eira from where," he asked with a bright smile and Eira swiftly grabbed a glass from the waiter who happened to pass by.

"Just Eira," she smiled and searched for a way out.

"She's not to be courted," the Witcher spoke from behind the man.

The young bloke turned to face Geralt, smiled nervously and locked eyes with Eira again.

"You're betrothed," he bowed his head in shame. "Apologies, Lady Eira. I did not know."

Eira took a breath of relief when the man had left to court another lady and Geralt grinned at her.

"The eyes of men dart from the princess to you. She's the one who will chose a man today, but I think the men around here wouldn't mind to be turned down by her so they could make their way towards you."

Eira frowned.

"What?"

Geralt sighed and then laughed dryly.

"I'm trying to say that you look beautiful. Now, be silent and enjoy. Queen Calanthe has taken her seat on the throne. The show will start."