Fallen Crown

Being woken up by a blowjob is a great way to start the day. Always a shame to waste an erection. Certainly puts a smile on your face. But opening my eyes to see it was Yennefer with her lips wrapped around my cock, eagerly sucking me off, her head bobbing up and down, purple eyes gazing up into mine, that still surprised me. But it was her eagerness which really caught me off guard.

After everything that happened the previous day, she let it be known in no uncertain terms where I was spending the night. It was enough to raise amusement in the rest of my lovers' present. Once we were inside her bedroom, she was on her knees so fast, fishing my cock out of my trousers, I almost had to slow her down, in case she did either of us damage. But once she had what she wanted, I could only groan as she swallowed most of my length, and during the evening, it was almost as she was trying to prove something, as she blew me as often as I fucked her.

Now she was doing it again this morning. Once I left another load in her mouth, hearing her happily swallow it down, she hummed to herself as she left soft kisses up my chest, feeling her sit on my cock, the warmth of her pussy keeping me excited, as she simply looked into my eyes. "You're thinking, Ragnar," she said softly.

"I'm usually aware of what my lover is thinking. This is still… To be honest, a little strange."

"Didn't hear you complaining last night when you were deep in my pussy, Ragnar."

"Your pussy is very distracting, Yen."

"That's nice to hear. But try not to overthink this, Ragnar. I want this. You want this. And that is the only thing that matters."

"And if we get feelings for each other? Ask the others, Yen. I fall in love very easily."

That made her smile, for some reason. "Well, it's always nice feeling loved, Ragnar. But I'm just doing what I should have done a long time ago now. Making up for lost time, so to speak. Hope I don't wear you out."

"Not likely."

She sat up and I felt my cock slide inside her, watching her face and smile that formed. "Now," she whispered, "I'm going to ride you until I orgasm. Then we'll go downstairs for breakfast."

"Just the one?"

She leaned down and kissed me. "Okay, orgasms."

After all that happened the previous couple of days, barely anyone gave Yennefer and I a second glance when we arrived downstairs for breakfast. Finding myself sat between her and Triss was amusing. Zoltan looked at me this time and smirked. We'd had a long discussion about everything, but having heard all that was said, he wasn't going to tear strips off me. He thought Geralt was being a fool, but also understood his reasons, his focus on a simple life. "Sorceresses make things bloody complicated," he stated, "As you know very well, Ragnar."

"Aye. I'm probably going to end up regretting something in the end. But it'll be a hell of a lot of fun beforehand."

Triss eventually cleared her throat next to me. "So, Ragnar, going to do something productive today, or are you just going to try and fuck all of us again?"

Dandelion almost choked on his food. Zoltan simply laughed away. Priscilla blushed. Ciri glanced across the table and I think hoped for the second thing. Philippa leaned forward and I swear showed off even more cleavage than ever, enough that even Triss joked about it. Rita was now capable of coming downstairs, but she was still very weak. I remembered the vibrant, talented sorceress before her time in the hands of the witch hunters. Another reason why I hated the very ground they now walked on. She wasn't capable of anything, but constantly approached me, just so I could hold her. She was strong, but relied on my own strength to help her through the worst of what she was experiencing.

I was planning on heading out that afternoon to speak with Djikstra, but a messenger arrived before lunchtime with a letter for me. Reading through the contents, it was signed by Djikstra, Roche and Thaler. There was nothing incriminating in the letter but it was obvious that they were preparing to strike. Conspiracies like this needed to be planned and acted upon fast. The longer it was delayed, the larger chance of discovery.

Preparing to leave after lunch, everyone was waiting for me downstairs as I grabbed my sword and pack. Triss couldn't help herself, getting up to hug me, whispering a warning for me to be safe. "I'll be fine," I told her, and everyone, "I'm not going to allow myself to be captured by Radovid. He is going to die, that much I can guarantee."

Philippa was the last to speak to me. The kiss she laid on my lips was… something else. When she pulled back and stroked my cheek, I was left thinking she could see me properly. "Kill him for me, Ragnar," she whispered, "Make him suffer."

"He won't die peacefully or quietly, I can promise that much."

"Good luck," Ciri stated, everyone else echoing her sentiment. No-one at that table had any love for Radovid. They might have had concerns about my involvement, but as none of them said anything, I wasn't going to stop my involvement. I wanted Radovid dead like many others did. Killing a king didn't bother me either.

The letter told me to meet them at a warehouse by the docks. Thankfully the entrance was down a narrow alley, though the pair of henchmen guarding the door was a slight giveaway that something was going on behind said door. They looked me up and down when approaching and didn't ask who I was, simply opening the door and gesturing for me to enter.

It seemed like your normal warehouse, full of shipping crates and boxes, dusty as hell, and quite dark. I found who I was looking for in a dimly lit back room, the three stood around a table. "Ragnar, 'bout fuckin' time you arrive," Djikstra stated.

"Only received your letter this morning."

"I'm still wondering why you've summoned us?" Roche asked, "As far as I'm aware, Radovid remains on his ship and is unlikely to be leaving it anytime soon. And though there is someone at this table that could get to him on said ship, that would make him one of the most hunted men in the north. And considering it would prove him to be a kingslayer, I doubt Emhyr would want him alive either."

"That's why I have a plan, Vernon," Djikstra retorted, "But I guess I should first confess a sin. To achieve what we want, I have had to request help from someone."

"Who?" Roche asked cautiously, no doubt fearing…

"Philippa Eilhart." He shrugged. "Mea culpa."

"You're trusting her?"

That made him laugh at me. "Fuck off I'm trusting her, Ragnar. But she is willing to be involved and wants him dead as much as we do."

"You're hoping both end up dead, aren't you?" I practically accused him.

"If Philippa Eilhart were to die in her attempt to kill Radovid… I would weep not tears at her demise. But I'd rather Radovid dead than her, so that would suggest that a part, a very small part of me, does want her to survive. And I guess if she dies, I'll have to deal with you."

"Smarter than you look, Djikstra."

He smirked. "Okay, gentlemen, now to the matter at hand."

"Finally," Roche muttered.

"Ragnar, I'm aware you've been busy of late, but if I remember correctly, Radovid tasked you with finding Philippa in the recent past, yes?"

"Aye, he did. What of it?"

"What did you tell him?"

"Found her hideout, off to the east. Rather close to his camp," I gestured towards Roche, "But as for Philippa, there was no sign of her."

"Good. We can use Philippa without involving her, provided you help. Radovid expects you to report to him, bring him information about her. All you need do is mention her name, intimate that you've a lead, you're on her trail..."

"Oh, he'll swallow that. Hook, line, sinker and a good bit of the rod as well!" Thaler exclaimed, amazed there were not half a dozen curses added in.

"Djikstra, you know I don't need convincing, I want the bastard dead. So he takes the bait. What then?"

"You'll tell him you've found Philippa's hideout. Somewhere where we can easily set a trap, and ambush... Suggestions?"

"Bridge to Temple Isle?" Thaler suggested, "Built up, both sides. Lots of nooks, gates. Easy to block off from the rest of the city."

Roche nodded approvingly. "Good idea. I'll divide my men, post half on one end, other half on the other, by the gate. And in the middle, Ves with a well-oiled crossbow."

Djikstra looked at me. "All we ask is you invite Radovid out for a stroll, bring him to the bridge. We'll take care of the rest. So what'll it be?"

"You already know the answer, but I'm concerned about what happens next. I stand out like a sore thumb. I'm found near a dead king, my goose is cooked. No chance I can return here."

"Thought of that already. Remember Madame Irina's theatre? Abandoned now, not a soul looks in there. Thaler and I will await you there."

I could have mentioned the fact neither man was willing to help, but they wouldn't have been much use. As for the theatre being abandoned, I hadn't even noticed, though considering what the Eternal Fire was up to, it wouldn't have surprised me if they had forced its closure, probably finding the plays performed went against the Eternal Fire teachings or other such bollocks.

"My people are battle hardened, Ragnar," Roche stated, "All you need do is bring the king. We'll do the rest."

"I'm sure he'll find me convincing. Is his ship still in Oxenfurt?"

Djikstra grinned, almost evilly. "No, he's sailed it up the Pontar and it now rests in Novigrad's port. The only thing we can hope is that he's in a good mood when you speak to him. Now, the three of us have other matters that need discussing. I'm sure you have a sorceress to fuck before the plan goes into action. Best we do this under cover of darkness. Speak to him this afternoon. We'll make sure everything is prepared by then."

Exiting the warehouse, I turned a couple of corners, trying to relax considering everything we'd just discussed, when I heard a cleared throat from an alleyway I was passing. Stopping and glancing, I saw a figure in the darkness, approaching carefully, ready to take out my dagger, when I heard a laugh I recognised. "Philippa? The fuck are you doing here?"

If she had eyes, I'm sure she would have given me a look that suggested I was being rather stupid. Her face told me that, anyway. "Eavesdropping on your conversation, naturally. With a good deal of interest... and a measure of wonder."

"Is this another one of your 'all men are stupid' diatribes?"

"No, I just think you're delightfully naïve at times. Do you honestly believe Radovid will fall for such a crude ruse?"

"Hmmm. He's a bit unhinged nowadays. And apart from one moment of levity I've been witness to, I know he's pretty much considered a lunatic by anyone close to him. But he's king so…" I trailed off and shrugged.

"Ragnar, he's so unhinged, he may believe you and still want to torture you afterwards."

"He's welcome to try." I stepped closer, making her look up at me, her eyes hidden by the blindfold. "Anyone would think you're worried about me, Philippa," I said softly.

"Anyone else, and I wouldn't give two shits, Ragnar. I just want the man dead. But I don't want you to suffer because you've decided to trust the three idiots who put this plan together. But Djikstra not wanting my help isn't a surprise."

"Take it you have a plan?"

"Of course, but there's no point sharing now. I shall merely assist where I can." She took my hand and placed a ring in it, before closing my fingers over it. "It belonged to Vizimir, Radovid's father. Hand him that, and he may believe you captured me. He might even choose to trust you."

"You reckon so?"

"Hmmm, maybe not trust, but he knows who had the ring. That will be enough to convince him." She stepped closer until our faces were barely apart. "If you do this for me, Ragnar… I know it's not just for me, but if you do this, I'm not sure how I could possibly thank you. Every sorceress will owe you their lives."

"A simple thank you would be enough. I do this as much for myself as anyone else." I gently pressed my lips against hers, pleased she responded immediately, her tongue quickly sliding in my mouth. She had always been a good kisser. Finding herself pressed against the wall, she rested her hands against my chest, gently pushing me back enough to breath. "I'm not getting felt up nor fucked in a dockside alleyway, Ragnar," she stated with humour.

"I'll see you back at the Chameleon. I'd better prepare myself for what is to come."

Left to my own devices, I ended up walking around Novigrad, intent on scoping out the ship from a distance, checking to see how many of his soldiers patrolled the nearby area. To be honest, part of me did think to just get on the ship, kill him, and somehow get away. But while I detested Radovid, and hated his witch hunters, the ordinary soldier was not guilty of most of the crimes. They were generally on the front, fighting Nilfgaard.

Returning to the Chameleon, there were a couple of questions but I had a feeling Philippa had likely explained what we were doing. Hopefully not in great detail, just enough to let them know plans were in place and I would not be present that evening. I ended up spending an hour or two just relaxing on the bed with Rita. She was recovering rather slowly, but when she went in a little detail about what they don't to her… She almost had to hold me in place to prevent me walking out to go hunting for them.

"Good luck," she whispered as I stood up. Leaning down to kiss her, she added, "I missed you, Ragnar. We all have."

"We?"

"Before they caught me, we managed to stay in touch, those of us who survived and were not imprisoned, one way or the other. All of us knew that the one thing we wanted was to see you again."

I crouched down, almost at eye level. "Despite the fact you could have all pursued someone who… I don't know, was faithful to you alone."

"Why would we want that when we all had you?"

"And you accept that because?"

"More than anything, Ragnar, it was a hell of a lot of fun and none of us had to worry about it being completely serious. We could admit our feelings but know our lives were still different and separate." She reached forward and stroked my cheek. "Thank you for making Sile's last moments…"

"She passed with dignity."

"She died in your arms, Ragnar. Trust me, if there was any way she wanted to die, that would have been top of the list. She adored you completely." I leaned forward and gently kissed her. "Now, you have someone you need to kill. When you return, I was to hear all the details." I met her eyes and they blazed with fury. "I want to hear how he suffered."

"It'll make quite the bedtime story."

Walking downstairs, ready for whatever happened next, Ciri, Triss and Yennefer waited by the door. I didn't even bother asking where Philippa was. I knew she'd involve herself somehow. "We didn't even bother trying to talk her out of it," Triss admitted, "Would have been like talking to a brick wall."

"It's fine. I don't blame her."

"Keep her alive," Yennefer added.

"I didn't think…"

"I respect the hell out of the woman after all she'd been put through. I don't know what her plans are for afterwards, but I don't wish her any ill will. Bring her back, Ragnar."

"I will, and by tomorrow morning, everyone will know Radovid is dead. Once that is done, we can focus on the Wild Hunt."

I received a kiss from each of them, whispered words of good luck and to be safe above all, before I headed out into what would be considered twilight. There was a good reason why. The fewer people around, the fewer potential witnesses to the murder of a king.

I strode confidently towards the docks, making it look like I knew exactly where I was going but, more importantly, that I belonged wherever I came from and wherever I was going. Approaching the sentries on duty, they watched me with cautious eyes as I stopped before them. "Who are you?"

"Ragnar Dragonborn."

They knew my name, at least. But the fact their weapons stayed sheathed was a good sign. "What do you want?"

"I would like an audience with King Radovid. I have information he would want to hear in regards to Philippa Eilhart."

The two sentries shared a glance and nodded immediately. "Er, no weapons allowed on board, sir." I handed him my sheathed sword, which was handed to his colleague, before I was escorted onto the ship. Radovid wandered out of his quarters as I was announced and presented. He peered down at, almost a sneer on his face. I figured our last meeting had left him with a rather low opinion of myself.

"I understand you have news for me, Dragonborn. I sure hope it is better than what you told me before. Which was nothing."

"I know where she is," I replied simply.

"Hmmm. Perhaps you have found her. You and that witcher friend of yours. Or perhaps you seek to trick me for your own cause or reason. Like all the others."

That didn't sound good. I figured he was paranoid, but now? Insanity must have well and truly taken hold. If one looked at what was happening in Novigrad… "What others?" I just had to ask.

"Ah, you see, a rumour went around that I would generously reward any who bring information about Eilhart. There's no shortage of the greedy and the stupid, so a queue quickly formed on the gangway to the ship. The first to board was a hunter. Brought me a dead owl with no eyes. He thought I'd believe it, shower him with gold. I had him blinded, then thrown overboard with a stone tied around his neck. The second was the postmaster from Oxenfurt. Claimed to have a letter she'd penned. It was forged, of course. I had his fingers cut off. He'll never write again. Oh, and I took his tongue as the

spoken lie is just as reprehensible. Needless to say the rest of the queue dispersed quickly."

"I think you'll find the evidence I provide will prove I speak the truth." Gesturing for a sentry to approach, I handed him the ring Philippa had given me. The sentry handed it to Radovid, and his eyes lit up. She was right, of course.

"My father's ring..." he whispered. "Philippa used it to stamp her decrees, then distribute them as the word of the king." He looked up and glared at me. "Where is she?" he demanded.

This was the tricky part. Convincing him to get off his boat, but I was left thinking he would do anything to have Philippa back in his clutches. "Under your nose, Sire. In Novigrad. In a house on the bridge leading to Temple Isle."

He bought it. Completely. Within minutes, he had all his men organising dockside. He did ask why I didn't bring her in. He obviously didn't know me that well so I claimed I didn't go hunting sorceresses to kill them. If I found one, I'd wait for a professional. I also flattered his ego a bit, which was the cherry on top, as far as I was concerned. He was leaving his ship and going exactly where I wanted.

Ordered to follow the king, which suited me just fine, we marched through the city towards St. Gregory's Bridge. By now, it was dark. Any civilians who might have been milling around had long since disappeared, likely told to clear off by his soldiers. I saw no sign of Roche and his guerrillas, but that didn't concern me. They could hide in plain sight.

I could not see the opposite end of the bridge, but I knew that would already be blocked off. And when Radovid ordered the end we'd just passed blocked, he had just sealed his fate. He wanted no innocent bystanders, but when he also suggested on witnesses, I knew exactly what he was going to do. When he ordered his men to kill me, I almost laughed at him, considering my sword had been handed back to me once I'd left his ship.

As he wandered off with the rest of his men, the three he ordered to have me killed gathered around. If they thought they were intimidating, they were not. "I'll give you a little advice. Fuck off now," I stated.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?"

"The Dragonborn. Heard of him?"

"Aye. He's meant to be ten-foot-tall, hurls fireballs out his arse. All bullshit, though. The usual myths and legends of idiot villagers."

Before I could retort with a show of my gift, a crossbow slammed into the forehead of the soldier in front of me. The other two unsheathed their weapon and attacked, but even when concentrating on these two idiots, I heard Roche issue a war cry, and there was no missing Ves filling the air with expletives as the heard the roar of Temerian partisans.

I joined them as we hacked our way through Radovid's men. I tried not to kill all of them, but the blood of the Temerians guerrillas was flowing, and given that they were fighting to free their homeland from yet another tyrant, the fact they butchered the enemy wasn't a surprise. Roche saw his own men fall as we slowly but surely took the bridge, and it was soon desperate enough that my gift was required.

Redanian soldiers burned on the bridge that evening.

Radovid soon found himself backed into a corner, watching his men fight and fall. When he came into view, our ferocity intensified. All of us wanted to be the one to give the killing blow. He soon had very few men around him, ordering them forward in a futile final stand. I cut down the two in my way as I advanced on him, my sword dripping with blood, eyes only for him.

I watched him bang his fist on a door, ordering but also begging to be let inside. When the door opened, even I came to a stop as Philippa came into view. I have no idea what she said to him, nor what she blew into his face, but the scream that escaped Radovid's mouth was… chilling. And I might have had an ounce of sympathy if it wasn't him.

He screamed and groaned as he staggered blindly. I found that I could exactly just stride forward and strike down a blind man. Even in moment's like this, there was still a sense of honour. When he removed his hands from his eyes, there was no doubt he'd been blinded as much as he'd done the same to Philippa.

She had no such worries striding forward and driving a dagger into his back, another cry escaping his mouth as he collapsed to his knees. As he fell forward onto his hands, I stepped forward and ended it with one swing of my sword, taking his head. I could have let him suffer for longer, but his cries were only going to attract attention.

"Forgive me, Ragnar," Philippa murmured.

"Get out of here, Philippa. Now. We'll sort this out." I met her… blindfold. "Go. Now."

She turned into an owl and promptly disappeared. I doubt Roche would have really given a shit, but he still wasn't particularly happy. Before Roche could start giving me twenty questions, as he knew exactly who I was fucking, Philippa included, Ves suggested it was best we beat feet and make our escape.

As soon as we were past the barricade, hearing plenty of shouts approaching, we agreed that splitting up and meeting at the rendezvous point would be best. I headed for the nearest alleyway and kept to the dark back streets the entire time. The streets were unusually quiet, as if all of Novigrad seemed to be aware of what just transpired. Soon, shouts were filling the street as soldiers, guards and witch hunters seemed to be combing the main streets for anyone suspicious. That no doubt delayed anyone returning the rendezvous point, and by the time I arrived back, Roche, Ves and a few of his men were waiting for me.

Thaler was waiting for us, having eagerly waiting for new. The last to arrive and confirm that Radovid was indeed dead, as I showed my sword and the dried blood from taking his head, Thaler could only nod, seeming to be relieved that the plan had worked almost as expected.

"It's done," Roche stated, sounding as delighted as I'd ever heard him, "Though all did not go according to plan. More on that later... First, a stiff drink!"

Thaler took the hint, disappearing for a minute and returning with a tray, a bottle and cups on it. After pouring us each a measure of vodka, Roche raised his cup. "A toast. The North! Temeria!"

"Temeria!" we all called out. Ves looked at me and smiled, leaning over to kiss my cheek.

"Bloody Temeria," Thaler nodded, noticing the old man almost sag with relief, needing to dry an eye with his finger, "Can't fuckin' believe it. We're nearly there. Peace at least."

"What?" I asked, "The fight continues, does it not?"

"No, Ragnar. There is something I couldn't tell you. With the death of Radovid, the war is over."

I looked between him and Thaler. Even Ves seemed taken aback by that confession. "Roche, what are you talking about?" she asked.

It was Thaler who explained. "Tomorrow at noon, the commander of Army Group Centre will sign a truce in Emhyr's name... A truce whose wordin' we agreed with Dijkstra. When you found me, Ragnar, you and Geralt, I was returnin' from the last round of talks. Emhyr will keep Aedirn and Lyria... But in exchange for Radovid's head and a stop to guerilla activities, he will withdraw from Temeria…"

"Which will become the empire's vassal state," Roche stated somewhat bitterly.

"Self-ruled, internally!" Thaler retorted, giving Roche a playful shove, "With its own courts, administrative structures and army! The Silver Lilies will bloom 'neath the rays of the Great Sun. So I'd say were I a poet. But I'm not, so all I'll say is there was no other fuckin' way."

I leaned against the stage. "So all this fighting was for what? The illusion of freedom? And two nations are sacrificed so Temeria is somewhat free? I mean… does that sound like a good deal?"

"Better than Emhyr marching all the fuckin' way north, Ragnar. This way, he stops where he is and fucks off home," Thaler stated.

"It gives us breathing space and time, Ragnar," Roche added, "For the moment, Temeria will be free. Who knows what the future will bring, right?" He gave me a look that suggested he knew exactly what might happen in the near future. "The third war is nearly over. Maybe there will be a fourth that will settle accounts, once and for all."

When everyone else fell silent, I glanced to see Djikstra had appeared on stage, as if he was in the middle of a stage play. "If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly. That but this blow might be the be-all and end-all here." We all shared a glance and I'm sure I wasn't the only one to hear Djikstra sigh, probably thinking us all uneducated morons. "Vakmeth, act one, scene seven. Always wanted to play that... never cast as anything but a halberdier. Ragnar, what Thaler told you. Put it out of your mind. There will be no truce with Nilfgaard. Redania, under my enlightened rule, will fight on until it wins. And when it does it will unite all the North. Including Temeria."

My Temerian friends certainly did not like what they head. What did I do? Roar with fucking laughter. Because I knew it was coming. I'd seen it coming the entire time. Djikstra was nothing but ambitious and I knew, as soon as Radovid hit the ground, he would have had his own ideas. He didn't give a fuck about Temeria or anywhere else. His loyalty was to Redania, but also to himself. He coveted power like the rest of them.

"This is not what we ploughin' agreed!" Thaler exclaimed.

"True. Instead, we insisted on one realm's questionable sovereignty. And to recover it, we gave Emhyr virtually all the north's other kingdoms. It was not a wise arrangement. So, no deal."

I'll be honest. In that moment, I saw his point. Allowing Emhyr over the Pontar opened the path to conquering the rest of the north. Roche let Djikstra know exactly what he thought of him and his plans. Water off a duck's back it was. Djikstra thought he held all the cards. He made one mistake though. He didn't estimate on my reaction. He thought I would just walk away.

"You have other matters to attend to, Ragnar. This does not concern you."

"And that is where you are wrong, Djikstra. Did you forget that I fought for Temeria? Bled for it? Nearly died for it? You really think I'm just going to let you get away with this."

He shrugged. "If you wish to die…"

Men appeared from all around us, no doubt lying in wait. We were outnumbered, but that didn't particularly concern me. I unsheathed my sword, sensing those around me doing the same. "Djikstra, I will warn you only the once. Call off your man, stay to the agreed plan, and I will even try and forget this. Don't, and I will kill you," I stated.

"Long live Redania, Dragonborn!" he cried, unsheathing his weapon.

The next few minutes were utter chaos as more died in the cause of freedom. But when I locked eyes with Djikstra, I went straight for the man. He was powerful, I'll give him that. But he was slow compared to me. Far too slow. If he struck me, I'd have felt it. Probably lost a limb. So, I'll admit, I cheated and used my Thu'um.

FUS – RO – DAH

He went flying backwards into a fence, hearing a crack before he slumped against it. I helped finish off the rest of his men before we all approached him, putting the tip of my sword under his chin, lifting his head so he met our eyes. "You're a fucking idiot," Roche muttered.

"Fuck me, what about the others?" Thaler asked.

"We'll sort that out in a minute. Dragonborn, what do we do with him?"

I answered that question by sliding the point of my sword slowly through his neck, hearing him choke for a few seconds before he died. Once assured he was no longer breathing, I withdrew my blade and sheathed it, turning to look at Roche. "The future of the north is now in your hands, Roche."

"Not just me. I have sent word to Natalis. He will return soon with the heir to the throne."

"Good. What Temeria needs is stability at first. From there, it will rise once again."

"Roche, we'd better make sure that envoy makes it to the Nilfgaardian's safely."

"Agreed. Ves, with me. Thaler, you'd best make yourself scarce for now. Dragonborn," he offered his hand, taking it immediately, "You just saved the fucking day. I wish you all the best regarding the Hunt."

"I won't be a stranger just yet, Roche. But good luck to you."

He looked at Ves. "I'll give you two a moment, but we really need to move."

"He usually needs longer than two minutes. I'll be out shortly."

Once we were alone, I walked with her so we were not surrounded by dead bodies. Then, to my surprise, she just hugged me. "Fuckin' hero," she whispered, "Saved my life again. Makin' that a real fuckin' habit, Ragnar."

"Well, can't live the rest of my life without you popping into it occasionally, Ves."

She looked up to meet my eyes, and the shimmer caught me by surprise. Caressing her cheek, I leaned down and laid a soft kiss on her lips, which deepened rather quickly as she moulded herself into my body. She jumped up, wrapping her legs around me, light enough that it wasn't a real problem at all. She broke the kiss, resting her forehead against mine. "You'll come visit?"

"I'll try but there's a lot of shit about to go down. Then… I'm probably moving further north."

"Ah, with Triss?"

"Aye."

"She still tolerates all your shit?"

"Aye."

"Well, you're fuckin' worth it so I don't blame her." She released her legs, making sure she was balanced before letting her go. "Make sure you come visit one last time. I'm sure you can figure out why."

"I'll visit just to see you, Ves."

"You see, that's just you makin' things really fuckin' difficult, Ragnar. Bein' all fuckin'… nice. I mean, you're a complete fuckin' bastard at times, but you have those moments when even I get all… whimsical…"

"Whimsical?" I asked with humour.

"Fuck off. You know what I mean. I just think 'bout things."

The door behind us opened. "Ves, we need to go."

"Right, Roche. Two seconds." One last kiss, before she whispered, "I love you." I couldn't help smile at her at hearing those words. "Farewell. Be safe."

"You too, Ves. Farewell."

I watched her walk through the door. By the time I followed them through, they'd already disappeared. The nearby square was near silent. Pulling up the hood of my coat, I put my hands in the pockets and made my way back to the Chameleon. Thankfully, my progress was ignored by any passing patrols and it didn't take long before I was walking through the door of the tavern.

It was late once again, but all the girls who were with me had waited up for my return. The looks I received from all of them… I think Philippa might have been waxing lyrical, because she stood up and strode towards me, and just that first kiss was breath-taking, dragging me towards the table, where she sat up on it, wrapping her legs around me as we made out.

"She's in a good mood, Ragnar. A very good mood," Triss stated, chuckling away.

"I think we all are. You really came through for us," Yennefer added.

"You've helped keep us safe," Rita whispered, feeling her cuddle into my side, despite the fact I was still making out with Philippa.

When she broke the kiss, I almost wish she had eyes, because the rest of her face and body language conveyed a depth of feeling… "Thank you," she said. It was only two words. Very simple. But the tone was one I'd rarely heard in her voice. It wasn't just because it was genuine. It was something else that happened rarely between us. She let every emotion she was feeling show. Caressing her face, a smile lit up her face, her head moving in my palm.

"Yep, we all feel the same way, Ragnar," Rita whispered. I gestured for her to sit next to Philippa, my other hand caressing her face at the same time, "If I felt well, I'd want…"

"I expect nothing, Rita. You should know that by now. I expect nothing in general. I did it for you all. I did it for everyone out there who was suffering because of him. But I also did it for me, because I knew, at heart, he deserved to die. And if it keeps you safe, then that makes it all worthwhile."

"We should contact Francesca and Ida, let them know what he's done," Yennefer suggested, "They'll arrive wherever we are so fast…"

"And the Hunt?" Triss asked.

"Oh, we'll sort that out ourselves. I think they'd leave where they are just to see him. Worth the risk in their eyes." Yennefer cleared her throat. "Rita, you should probably bunk with me tonight. Triss might want the company of Ciri. I think there's only one place Ragnar is sleeping tonight."

"He won't be sleeping for a long time yet," Philippa muttered. That made the others laugh as I leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Any doubts about my feelings are gone, Ragnar. The only thing I know I have to do is figure out is how it works going forward, considering there are quite a few of us now."

"We'll worry about that later, Philippa. Ciri, want to join me?"

"Are we sleeping or fucking?"

"The latter thing first."

I had my cheeks kissed by the other four, quickly left alone with Philippa. She didn't smile all that often, but she simply couldn't stop as she looked at me. Well, look at me in the sense she just knew where I was. When I picked her up in my arms, she laughed so loudly, she surprised even herself, before resting her head against me as I carried her upstairs to her room.

She wasn't lying about what she mentioned earlier. Once we were naked and on the bed together, we did not go to sleep for a very long time indeed. It was perhaps the best night we had ever enjoyed together, though some of the nights at Montecalvo were memorable for a variety of reasons. But that night, in that small room she had in the Chameleon, we simply made love for hours. She seemed intent on just giving herself to me entirely. And once we were done, we simply couldn't go any longer, she moulded herself against my body and whispered she loved me in such a tone, I couldn't help hold her tighter and tell her I felt the same way.

Waking up the next morning, she made the first promise I'd ever heard her give to anyone. She would remain by our side until the Hunt was defeated and Ciri was safe. After that, she had plans but they were not important.

"But I'd like you to remain part of my life," she said, "And I know I'm not the only one."

"We'll figure it out, Philippa. Figure it out together."

We made love one last time before heading downstairs. It was time to organise ourselves and finally take care of the Wild Hunt, once and for all.