Pollux of Temeria

"I promise I won't let you stumble."

Before he could dwell on it any further, Calanthe entered the great hall loudly. The crowd cheered ferociously for their warrior queen. There the lioness stood, in all her bloody glory. She was dripping with it from head to toe with the blood of her enemies. Her hair was braided into one long pleat that whipped as she picked up a mug and turned to the crowd toasting to them. "Apologies, noble sirs, a few upstart townships in the south needed reminding who was queen!" The crowd once again screamed in praise. "I find it's good for one's blood and humor. Ready your suitor's tails of

Glory, my good lords. My daughter is eager to get this over with, as am I" She turned to Jaskier to sing who immediately began to sing a ballad. Calanthe hastily went to stop him, demanding a jig. The crowd began to grow all the more wild, leaving Pollux in an almost extreme state of discomfort. Geralt watched her, staying by her in case she needed anything, however, he couldn't help but notice Pavetta staring at them. He made a quick quip about how he hated the stares they were receiving. He preferred that Pollux be the only one who ever had attention on him. Geralt was starting to understand Pollux's unrest with social situations. Pollux noticed Geralt's unrest and she looked over to him, seeing his gaze resting elsewhere she followed it. She turned to see Pavetta staring as well. "Maybe she thinks you're a suitor." Pollux quipped sarcastically.

"Do you really believe either of us are suited for love? Neither of us were made for marriage."

"I think everyone has someone." Pollux offered.

"I doubt there is anyone out there for me." Geralt said casually. "Though you seem to have Eist's interest piqued."

Pollux laughed watching the people dance. She had always admired the way the court dances were done. They flowed very easily, similar to her fighting style. Though she didn't like social situations, she had always appreciated the musical aspect of the gatherings. It would be a surprise to most, but Pollux had picked up singing and instruments in her time away from Khaer Moren. Pollux dragged her eyes away from the people dancing as the song ended. She then saw Eist walking towards her. Panicking a little, she turned to Geralt. "Know how to dance?"

He looked at her, completely floored at the question. "Do I look like the type?"

"Yes, now come dance with me. I don't want to dance with Eist, but women are not allowed to refuse dances in court."

Though Geralt was adamant about not dancing, he was more adamant about keeping Eist's attention off of Pollux. He knew male attention, let alone attention in general made the woman uncomfortable. But he did it for a more selfish reason, if Pollux were to dance, he wouldn't want it to be with anyone other than him. To be honest the thought of dancing with Pollux became more appealing, the more he thought about it. He sighed before handing out a hand to Pollux, eyeballing Eist who was now in ear shot. "Dance with me?"

Pollux grinned at him, thankfully. Had she not just had the conversation with him, she would have assumed the request was genuine, which helped her keep Eist out of her way. She took his calloused hand and led her toward the rest of the dance floor. As they walked to the floor, couples began to flock there as well. Though the two had no idea what dance they were going to do, they stood their confidently. As Geralt looked around, he saw them began to stand for a waltz. Pollux looked at him asking silently for permission to touch his shoulder. He looked at her, granting it, placing his hand on her waist, standing at a semi awkward distance. A shock ran through Geralt as he felt her light fingers brush against his neck. Pollux's stomach fluttered warmly when she felt Geralt's firm grip on her waist.

She listened to the music as the moved to waltz, she had known the song, and knew the dance style would eventually change to somewhat of a jig. Pollux laughed lightly and the slightly fearful expression that rested on Geralt's face. He definitely did not know how to lead Pollux. He grew frustrated every time he stumbled, he was so focused he didn't even catch Pollux looking up at him. She brushed her finger into his hair, pulling it subtly to get his attention. Geralt looked up, and stared into her eyes. She smiled at him before gently whispering to let her take the reins. He relinquished control, and they fluttered around the ballroom together. Every once in a while he would look down at their feet and would stumble. She squeezed his shoulder as he did it once more, "Just look at me, Geralt. I promise I won't let you stumble." She said tenderly, his name rolling off her tongue in a way that almost made him want to whisk her off the dance floor. His eyes continued to flit between her lips and eyes. 

After the Striga had all but ruined Pollux's right eye, she had done her best to cover it, even now she had left a strand of her platinum white hair in front of her face. Geralt quickly reached up to tuck it behind her ears. When she had given him a minute look of fear, he shook his head. "Don't hide it, Pollux. You look beautiful."

 The two smiled at one another, forgetting the several arguments and dirty looks they had thrown at each other since their argument. The dancers began to shift from their partner. When they had turned back to their original partner they would grin, or even share a short laugh with one another. There was another genuine smile on Geralt's face tonight. She couldn't help but melt at the way he held her. He held her as if she was delicate, made of glass, like he couldn't afford to watch her break. His eyes bore into her, even if she had switched and danced with another man. When the last few bars of the song played, Pollux twirled swiftly, all but crashing into Geralt. He held her tightly, pulling her close to him. If the two had been any closer they would have had a scandal on their hands. Geralt could not keep his eyes off of his partner. The thought of another man being with her enraged him. The thought of her leaving, made his gut wrench. When she would twirl away from him he would hold his breath, only wanting to smell the eucalyptus that radiated from her. He yearned for Pollux to be back in his arm. He needed her, and he needed her now.

The song ended and the two glided gracefully off the dance floor. And though Pollux was having an amazing time, she couldn't help but think about the argument, and how he denied how much he needed her. Geralt could sense this and leaned in her ear, whispering, "I am sorry for my words, Pollux. I didn't realize my words would hurt you." He wrapped his hand around her waist, pulling her back into his chest. He tucked his face into her hair, before growling slowly. "But know this, I will dance with you to the end of time, to prove how much I need you."

A/N: I did it.