The Widow and The Witcher (Complete)

Chapter 16 (Edited)

The next few days flew like a blur with people coming and going. The banquet hall was now closed off as the servants and Renee had taken control of the decorating not allowing Julia even a peek. Tomorrow was the special day, still, Yennefer was missing and even Ciri was beginning to worry. Geralt was getting frustrated, he just wanted the fuss and noise and extra people to be gone. All he wanted was to be married and get back to their simple lives. It was in this state as the seamstress was giving him the final fitting that he lost his temper. Julia could hear his growls floating down the corridor from his room and ran to see what the matter was.

Pushing through the doors she stopped cold. The seamstress was not quite cowering but looked more nervous than she usually did. Holding in laughter it was not the sight of the seamstress that had her stopping cold. It was the sight of Geralt in a cream white silk puff-sleeved frilly creation standing in the middle of the room. Focusing on the poor seamstress she walked over to her. The poor woman was trembling so hard that Julia had to put her hand on her arm to gain her attention. Turning her towards the door whispering as they went, knowing that Geralt could hear every word "It's beautiful and we will pay you for your time and materials, but I think my soon to be husband likes a simpler look." As she shut the door, she turned back to Geralt. Her eyes held mirth and her bottom lip trembled as laughter spilt from her lips.

Geralt groaned he wanted to rip the horrible creation off, and Julia's laughter was not making it any better. He didn't want to look at her, didn't want her to see his humiliation, but he could sense her getting closer as the laughter ceased. The tension radiated off him as he felt her hand take his. She turned him to face her. Concern laced her features all traces of laughter gone, "Geralt?" she said tentatively.

Julia knew almost immediately that laughing had been the worst thing she could have done. He looked at her for a brief second before looking away. If his red face and bulging veins were not a telling sign that he was nearing a breaking point, it was a definite sign that he could not look at her. Even when he was sick, even after their night of stolen passion he could always look her in the eye. Wanting to remove some of his humiliation she started to take the ridiculous garment of him. Julia unsure of what madness had overtaken the seamstress said with a gentle voice "I'm Sorry Geralt, let's get this off you. I don't know what she was thinking but this is hideous"

Grateful that Julia felt the same way together they extradited the garment from his body leaving him in just his shorts. Having had time to breathe and gain some control he turned to Julia and took her in his arms. This is what he needed, a reminder of why he was here, why he was ok with all the primping, noise, and people. Feeling her soft in his arms he relaxed. Not all but most of the tension seeping away with the feel of her soft body against his, and the familiar smell of honeysuckle in her hair.

As Julia heard him sigh and relax, she pulled back to gaze up into his face. "Geralt, why don't we sit." She stepped away and lead him over to Ciri's bed. They both sat, bodies turned towards each other, Julia's hands caressing his. Without looking up she spoke in a hushed tone "I'm really sorry Geralt. This is my second wedding and this house has had another wedding not long ago. If we had a normal time frame all of this would have been done at a slower pace, and we would have had time to discuss what you want as well, and what I want. Instead, it seems you and I are being carried on a wave of quick decisions and minimal choice." Geralt took his hand and pulled her into a side hug causing her to lay her head on his chest. She could hear his heartbeat which was normally 4 times slower than a normal person slightly elevated but slowing the more he held her.

A rumble radiated from his chest as he hummed, an indication that he was thinking and contemplating their situation. Then he sighed and speaking in a slightly lower gravel tone huffed: "I guess its too late to just elope." Chuckling Julia snuggled in closer and bemoaned "I think, Renee, Tobias and the whole Village would tan our hides if we did that, but maybe we can make a few small changes" resting his chin on her head he sighed again. "And what would those changes be? Can I request one specific change?" pulling back so she could see his face again she saw his features relaxed, and the colour returned back to his normal ash tone. Smiling she asked, "And what would that request be?" leaning in to place his forehead on hers trying to resist kissing her soundly as her smile accentuated her pink lips. Whispering he petitioned with a sigh, "Can I just wear my Black formal outfit instead of the bridal puff piece." Chuckling Julia who was also struggling to resist his lips being so close said "I think the Mistress of the house could accommodate that request" feeling his shoulders completely relax she gave in to the temptation and kissed him soundly on the lips.

The doors to Geralt room burst open and Lambert, Coen, and Eskel barrelled in startling Julia and Geralt from their kiss. Lambert the louder of the trio, on seeing the couple said "Right enough of that you too. Geralt we're here to take you away from this place and it seems we have arrived just in time" laughing the men rounded Geralt up from the bed. Dragging him from the room with whoops and hollers. The room suddenly silent Julia laughed, it was only for one more day and it looked like Geralt would have his hands full just trying to survive those 24hours. 

A/N Thank you for reading so far :) I know this is slightly shorter next one will be longer :)