Sebastian stood beside Triss, surprise written all over his face, Triss turned to him, her voice warm. "Don't be surprised. Yes, you'll be meeting the King. King Foltest himself. Naturally, you are in his palace, and you are my guest, which means you are his guest as well."
Sebastian's brow furrowed slightly. "I suppose you were with him when the captain found you."
Triss nodded, "I was. We were discussing matters of state, the usual politics and diplomacy, the endless negotiations that keep the realm from tearing itself apart, when the captain of the gate guards interrupted. He burst into the chamber with like a charging bull, announcing that a witcher who called himself Sebastian of Kaer Morhen was at the gates, claiming that Triss Merigold was expecting him."
She paused, a smile playing at her lips. "The look on Foltest's face was something to behold. He is not a man accustomed to being interrupted, and the idea of a witcher claiming to be my guest intrigued him greatly. His eyes lit up with curiosity."
Sebastian's voice was flat. "I imagine it did. Witchers don't often knock on the doors of kings. We tend to stay far away from places where politics and intrigue hold sway... except for Geralt."
Triss laughed. "No, they don't. Which is precisely why he wants to meet you. He's curious. And curiosity, in a king, is both a virtue and a danger. He wants to know what would bring a witcher to his doorstep, what you might want, and what you might be willing to offer in return, of course you don't have to tell him anything, make up something, say that you just wanted to visit me, we'll talk in the tavern later about what you really want."
Sebastian was silent for a moment, his yellow eyes fixed on the palace walls. Then he nodded slowly. "Very well. Let us go see this king, I will hear what he has to say."
Triss reached out and took his hand, her grip warm and reassuring. "Please, Seb. Be respectful. I mentioned to him that I taught you and you were my student... alongside Yennefer of course, so he expects a young man with decent manners. A man who can navigate the treacherous waters of courtly intrigue."
Sebastian laughed. "I won't embarrass you, if that's what you fear. Besides, Yennefer was my teacher. You only showed up once or twice." His tone was teasing.
Triss smiled, a playful glint in her eyes. "That also counts. I taught you things that Yennefer would never have thought to mention. Like how to use your flame powers without burning everything around you, I know your powers are not magic, but they hold the same concept."
Sebastian shook his head, but his smile remained. "Whatever you say, Triss. Whatever you say."
Triss turned to Dandelion and Zoltan, who had been wandering through the courtyard, their attention caught by a display of ancient armor. Dandelion was particularly fascinated, his fingers reaching out to touch the polished steel.
Triss's voice cut through his reverie. "Dandelion, careful with that. It's worth more than you earn in a year signing ballads."
Dandelion straightened, his face flushing with embarrassment. "Sorry, Triss. It's just... look at this craftsmanship! It's exquisite! The inlays, the etchings, the sheer artistry... I didn't notice this before."
Zoltan cut him off, his voice gruff. "Aye, we've all seen it. Now stop drooling and pay attention."
Triss's voice softened. "Can you wait for us here? We'll return and head out shortly. I need to take Sebastian to see the king."
Dandelion nodded. "Sure. Take your time. We'll be here, enjoying the hospitality of the Royal Palace."
Zoltan crossed his arms. "Aye, we'll be here."
Dandelion paused, concern creeping into his voice. "Wait. What if a guard shows up and you're not with us? I don't want to end up in a dungeon because of a misunderstanding."
Triss smiled, her expression reassuring. "Relax. No one will bother you here. You are guests of the court, and guests are treated with respect."
She turned back to Sebastian, her hand still resting on his arm. "Come. Let's go meet the king."
They walked through the corridors of the Royal Palace, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors. Sebastian's yellow eyes swept the corridors, noticing every detail, every possible exit, it was all part of what he learned in Kaer Morhen, something he could not break, a survival instinct that had been honed by years of training.
Triss noticed his vigilance. "You're safe here, Seb. No one will harm you while you're under my protection."
Sebastian's voice was low, carrying a note of quiet determination. "I'm not worried about myself. I'm worried about you... I have this feeling that I'll bring you trouble and you're the one who has to live here, surrounded by vipers.."
Triss's smile was thin, "I've survived worse than a few courtiers with sharp tongues. Trust me.. And you are no trouble, I understand some might be suspicious of you but just act normal, they'll like you, I'm sure the king himself will."
They reached a set of heavy doors, their surfaces carved with the Temerian lilies. Two guards flanked the entrance, their halberds at the ready, their faces expressionless. Triss nodded to them, and they stepped aside, pushing open the doors.
The throne room of King Foltest was a vast, soaring space, its ceiling high, its walls lined with the banners of Temeria's noble houses. A dais rose at the far end, and upon it sat King Foltest himself.
He was a man of perhaps fifty, his face weathered by years of war and leadership. His eyes were sharp, intelligent, missing nothing. He wore a royal doublet of blue and gold, and a heavy gold ring adorned his finger.
He rose as they entered, a smile spreading across his face. "Lady Merigold. And this must be the Witcher you were expecting."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Triss said, her voice clear and steady. "This is Sebastian. A witcher from the School of the Wolf. An old student of mine and a very dear friend, he has traveled far to be here, and I can vouch for his character and his skill."
Sebastian bowed his head awkwardly, the movement stiff and unpracticed. He had never been around the formalities of court, had never learned the subtle art of bowing and scraping before those who held power, even though he was highborn as well. "Your Majesty," he said.
Foltest laughed deeply, it echoed through the throne room. "That needs a bit of work," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But no matter. Sebastian, I welcome you to Vizima, and here in my palace, you are an honored guest. As a friend of my court mage Merigold, you have my trust."
Sebastian's brow furrowed. "I don't know what I did to earn that trust, but... thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored by your words."
Foltest leaned forward, his sharp eyes fixed on Sebastian's face. "You have your swords on your back, and I am still alive. That says something. I'm sure you are aware of what happened recently... it is common knowledge now."
Triss sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "I'm afraid it is, Your Majesty. The whispers have spread far and wide. There is no keeping such things secret in a kingdom like this."
Sebastian was silent for a moment, his yellow eyes meeting Foltest's. Then he spoke, "Yes, I've heard. There were attempts on your head, alongside some other Northern kings. Though I wasn't sure how accurate the rumors were. We witchers tend to stay out of politics, we hear things, but we rarely care about them, we are neu..."
Foltest nodded slowly cutting him off. "Neutral. I know. You witchers do not like to involve yourselves with politics and such, but you still take contracts from royalty and nobles, no?"
Sebastian glanced at Triss, who nodded almost imperceptibly. He turned back to Foltest. "Yes, we do. When the pay is right and the task is within our skills."
Foltest's smile was thin, but his eyes gleamed with purpose. "Then I have a contract for you, Sebastian. I want you to be my personal royal guard, for two months. Until a plan of mine is fulfilled. You are to protect my life, and the lives of my family when necessary." He paused, "The reward will be very generous, of course. This is not for me, but for Temeria and the North. I fear that our enemies are strong and have hired equally talented individuals to harm us and weaken us."
Sebastian's eyes narrowed. "Is this why no guard disarmed me all the way to the throne room? To test if I'm not some sort of hired assassin?"
Foltest's smile widened, a hint of approval in his gaze. "You can say that. But you are Merigold's friend, and it was worth the risk." He paused, studying Sebastian's face. "You are a witcher of the School of the Wolf, a guild of skill and reputation, just like the white wolf, I trust Merigold's judgment of character so that's why I trust you."
Sebastian was silent for a long moment. Then he spoke, "You basically want me to be your Kingsguard. Can I refuse?"
Triss was silent, her eyes fixed on Sebastian's face. She did not intervene, did not offer guidance. She knew that this was a choice he had to make on his own.
Foltest leaned back in his throne, his expression one of calm patience. "You can, in fact. You are free to do whatever you want in the city as long as you respect the rules and don't get into trouble. You have a whole week to decide. I'll wait. You don't have to answer now." He paused, "Think about it, Sebastian. In a week, we will be going somewhere else. If you agree, you will be accompanying me in my royal carriage, a journey of some importance. The details will be shared if you accept."
Sebastian nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "Very well... am I allowed to leave now?"
Foltest's laugh was warm. "You are no prisoner, of course. You may come and go as you please. The city is yours to explore, as long as you remember that you are a guest in my kingdom."
Sebastian bowed his head once more, the gesture more natural this time. "Your Majesty." He turned and walked toward the doors, his steps unhurried, his yellow eyes fixed on the path ahead.
Triss bowed her head to the king. "Your Majesty, I'll try and.."
Foltest raised a hand, cutting her off gently. "No. Don't. Let him think on his own. A man like that cannot be pressured into a decision. He must come to it himself."
Triss nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty."
She turned and followed Sebastian out of the throne room, her robes swishing against the marble floor, the doors closed behind them.
/-\
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