ᴛʜᴇ ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ᴍᴀɢᴇ 一 ɢᴇʀᴀʟᴛ ᴏꜰ ʀɪᴠɪᴀ

𝕀𝕍. 𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣, 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕗𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟, 🙲 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

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ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ꜰᴏᴜʀ

ᴀɴɢᴇʀ, ᴄᴏɴꜰᴜꜱɪᴏɴ, & ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ

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       Eleanora Sarnorin was always known for speaking her mind ever since she was a young girl. She never hesitated to voice her thoughts and opinions: from controversial topics about the corruption of monarchy to very simple ones where she once suggested planting sunflowers instead of roses to separate Kattegat from other kingdoms. Yet, this time, the Princess of Kattegat was absolutely speechless at the man that stood before her.

       His Majesty stood tall in front of his throne as the children remained in their seats. Geralt had moved his gaze from Eleanora to King Sarnorin, who seemed somewhat displeased by their interaction. "Kattegat is quite the distance to travel from the other lands." Irvin questioned, examining the witcher's tall figure. "Many find themselves lost on their way here." Geralt only nodded, agreeing with the statement as he quickly peeked at the princess.

       "I had some help, Your Majesty." Eleanora shook her head frantically at Geralt, hinting at him to not further elaborate. Geralt smirked, his pearly white teeth becoming slightly visible.

       "From the citizens of Kattegat, I assume?"

       "They were more than happy to help me find my way." Irvin shined with happiness, comforted that his people were kind enough to help a mere stranger. Eleanora, on the other hand, quietly fought for air as she rubbed her throat to ease the sudden pain. The cheeky young prince felt as though things were running too smoothly for his dear cousin as he could sense there was more to the witcher and Eleanora than both seemed to show. Who else to make things awkward than the Prince of Kattegat himself?

       "Father," Johnathan piped up, all eyes now on him. "It seems as though our visitor has already been acquainted with Eleanora." The young woman clenched her jaw, bothered by her cousin's inability to stay out of her business. However, Eleanora should have known the little twerp was bound to expose her in one way or another. "Isn't that right, Sir Witcher?" The young woman swatted Johnathan's arm as hard as she could, telling him to keep his mouth shut. King Sarnorin merely stood tall, confused about the entire situation. Everyone held their breath as they eagerly waited for Geralt to respond to Johnathan's question. Eleanora pleaded with her eyes to not say anything to her uncle; if he found out that she snuck out once more, there was absolutely no chance the King would ever let her leave the palace grounds ever again. Geralt only coughed, not completely sure if he should be honest or not; but after seeing those beautiful eyes begging him not to, Geralt knew he couldn't reveal too much.

       "Is this true, Geralt of Rivia? Have you two already met?"

       "Not officially." Eleanora heaved a sigh of ease. "We merely crossed paths at the town square." Too soon. Eleanora flared her arms in the air, groaning in annoyance. Not a single soul in this castle knew how to take a hint apparently. Before Irvin could scold his niece, a sudden gasp echoed through the room.