#gm1

“Have you ever met him before Witcher?” “Who?” “Loki, of Asgard.” “No, I haven’t met him.” “Neither have I, and here I am, on my way to wed him,” you sighed, turning to look back out of the window. This wasn’t the first time in his life Geralt was responsible for the wellbeing of a princess, he did not enjoy the frequency of it. Your father had insisted Geralt stay in the carriage with you, meaning he was separated from roach; he didn’t like that. His current mission was to escort Princess Y/N to meet her future husband. If all went well, you were to wed and, Geralt would receive a healthy amount of coin for getting you to your destination in one piece. The marriage would unite two warring kingdoms. That put a target on your head. Some people just did not want peace; therefore, they would do anything to prevent the marriage from taking place. Your father had hired the White Wolf, hoping that his presence alone would scare anyone from trying anything. The convoy was small, trying not to draw any real attention. Most of your belongings would be delivered at the time of your wedding when the guests from your kingdom arrived. You wondered if your husband would measure up to the Witcher that was responsible for your safety. You had spent most of the journey staring at the man. He wasn’t a man of many words but Gods was he attractive. He had ignored your stares the majority of the trip.

“Were approaching the gates of the Kingdom,” he finally spoke. You nodded in response just as the convoy began to slow down. Geralt furrowed his brows before getting out the carriage, telling you to stay put on his way out. You heard raised voices but couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, whatever it was, it sounded aggressive. You were still trying to listen in before the door was violently yanked open. You raised your bro at the Asgardian knight that dared to do such a thing.

“I need you to present your papers miss,” he leered. “Very well then,” you moved to get out, yet the man was still standing in your way. “Will you get out of my way? Or do I have to kick you away?” The man glared at you; you raised your leg to make good on your promise before he moved aside. You took your time walking up to where the Witcher was standing, glaring daggers at the men squirming around him. “Is everything alright here gentlemen?” “We need your papers miss,” one of the gate guards explained. You didn’t like his tone. You mother had a suspicion that something like this would happen. You carried a copy of the papers just in case. “I should be referred to as ‘Your Highness’, not miss,” you said, handing the documents over. The guards face paled, visibly gulping as he took in the paperwork. “May my convoy pass? Or would you rather have this discussion with my Witcher?”

You didn’t know why you loved to call him your Witcher, but you liked the way it made Geralt squirm. “I apologise for the mix up your Highness, please, you are free to pass, and the rest of the checkpoints will be informed too,” the guard stammered out. You gave him a sarcastic smile before making your way back to the carriage. You did not appreciate the rudeness of the guards and you would inform the relevant person when you finally reached the palace. Geralt shoved the earlier guard out the way, opening the door to the carriage and leading you in. You let out a shaky breath as you settled in and started to move again. Geralt could smell your fear since you approached the border. You were a foreigner in an unfamiliar land, you knew hostility was to be expected, but still, you were scared. The only person you could trust was the white-haired man in front of you, even then, he was temporary. This was just a job for him. Once you were married, you’d be left to navigate a new marriage and the Asgardian culture and court. A place where they were just waiting for you to fuck up. Geralt reached his hand forward, gently gripping your jaw and applying a light pressure, “Unclench your jaw Princess, it’ll start hurting if you keep this up”. You hummed in acknowledgement; his hand lingered a little longer than it should have. “When is our next stop? I’m sure were all tired and hungry,” you asked. The journey to the capital would be another 2 days. “Soon.” You pulled your shawl closer to you, closing your eyes and listening to the sounds of the road.

////

You awoke with a sudden jolt as the convoy stopped. “Where are we?” you yawned. “Our lodgings for the night,” Geralt responded. He helped you out the carriage and you took in your surroundings. “It’s a little… Simple,” you pointed out. “Were keeping a low profile.” ‘Fair enough’ you thought, waiting for Geralt to lead the way in.

////

As you walked in, you were assaulted with the smell of ale and sweat. You had never been to such an establishment. You think Asgard may be mocking you with this. First the guards and now this. If they didn’t want the wedding, why on earth put you through the humiliation. You decided there that you would make Loki’s first few months with you hell. You stood in the corner as Geralt spoke to the innkeeper. You saw his jaw clench as he spoke to the man. You were sure there was yet another blunder you would have to deal with. You waited for him to come back to you, trying to ignore the leering of the drunk men around you. They should have their eyes gouged out for looking at any woman like that. Geralt finally made his way back to you. “There isn’t enough room for all of us.” You clenched your fists in anger, this was getting ridiculous now. “You may stay with my Witcher, I need you for guard anyway.” It was the only logical solution you could think of. “Low profile remember?” you interrupted Geralt before he could speak. “Very well, I’ll arrange for a bath and have your meal sent to the room.” “Thank you Geralt. Get yourself something too. Relax, it’s been a long journey for you too,” you smiled at him.

////

You reluctantly finished your meal. It was better than nothing. Did all of Asgard eat such bland food? A knock came on the door. “Who is it?” you called out. “Water for your bath miss.” You got up and opened the door. “Please let me get that for you,” you reached towards the steaming pail. “Nonsense miss, it’s what I’m paid to do,” the woman laughed. “What’s your name?” you asked. “Alva.” “That’s a beautiful name,” you smiled at her. She blushed, skittering out the room to get the next pail. She was pretty you thought.

She returned with the next bucket. “If you don’t mind me askin’ miss. What business does someone as pretty as you have with a Witcher.” Now it was your turn to blush. “He is a family friend ensuring I reach my destination in one piece.” It wasn’t a complete lie. “I have heard the Witchers can be fiercely loyal in the right circumstances.” “I hope so,” you laughed. “The water is warm miss, I’ve put some lavender in here to help you sleep,“ she said as she made her way out. “Thank you Alva, I really do appreciate it.” You shut the door when she left. You disrobed and finally sank into the warm water, letting out a sigh as you did so. You weren’t used to infrequent baths, hoping the Asgardian place had warm and comfortable baths like you were used to back home.

You didn’t realise you had drifted off until the creak of the door startled you. It was Geralt. You sank deeper into the water. “Could you pass me my towel?” Geralt looked at you like a startled cat. He wasn’t expecting you to still be in the bath. He said nothing as he handed you the towel. “Turn around,” you whispered shyly. Although you may have fantasised about the situation before. It was very different now that you were here. Geralt turned his back to you, waiting for you to get dressed before he moved again. “The water is still warm, I’m sure Alva can bring some more up for you.” “I’m fine, I’ll live.” “I insist actually, we’ve been on the road for a few days.” He ‘Hmphed’ in response. You smiled at him as you shuffled into the bed, bringing the covers up to your eyes.

Geralt began to disrobe. You quickly turned in order to give him some privacy, but not before you got a glimpse at his broad back. “I don’t think it’s very Princess-like to stare your Highness.” “Sorry!” you squeaked before burying your face into your pillow. Your face hot. Geralt just laughed.

////

The morning sun woke you. The bed was very warm, and you snuggled into whatever the source was. Source? You slowly turned to see Geralt grinning at you. “Are you aware that you have a death grip in your sleep?” “This never happened,” you grumbled out, trying to get out of the bed as fast as possible, almost falling over. “Of course, Princess, your wish is my command.”

Geralt got ready before you, making his way down to sort the rest of the journey out. ////

You heard a ruckus as you made your way down to the main room of the Inn. Geralts voice boomed over the rest. “Who gave them permission to leave?” You made your way over, placing your hand on his arm. “Is everything okay?” “The convoy seems to have left without us.” “What? How? Why?” “Look Witcher,” started the Innkeeper, “I don’t involve myself in the business of my guests. It’s not my problem you’ve been left behind. I’m sure you can get to Valaskjalf on that horse of yours. Now get out of here, you’ve overstayed your welcome!” The man dismissed you. “Let’s go Geralt, the quicker we get there the better,” you pulled the Witcher away from mauling the innkeeper. Geralt prepared Roach for the journey as you tried to figure out what on earth was going on. ////

“This must be some sort of plot. Either I disappear and my kingdom can justify a war with Asgard. Or I don’t arrive to my destination and Asgard can say I’m a runaway princess and justify a war that way.” You had been proposing theories to Geralt for the past few hours. Geralt didn’t say much, but you told yourself he was being a good listener. The sun was beginning to set. You would have to stop soon. Your only option was camping in the wilderness as there seemed to be no civilisation on this route. Geralt had chosen the road less travelled for safety.

“You must have some sort of th-“ “Shhh” “Don’t shush me.” “Be quiet!” You heard a rumble in the distance. Roach began to make a fuss.

Then came the loud roar that got closer and closer. “What is that Geralt?” “Bilgesnipe. Its native to Asgard.” Geralt pulled you off Roach. Calming the horse down. “Get behind me princess!” You saw the creature barrelling through the treeline. You truly felt fear that evening. It was huge. Its horns would tear through you. Its jaw would crush your bones with ease.

Geralt unsheathed his sword, preparing his attack. It all went so fast as you cowered behind him and screwed your eyes shut. You felt something splatter on your face. There was so much noise. Until there wasn’t. The forest around you had fallen silent. You slowly opened your eyes again. Geralt was covered in the innards of the creature. Barely panting as he twisted the blade into it for extra measure. He sheathed his sword and turned to you, gently wiping the blood from your face. “Are you alright?” You stared at him wide-eyed, too shocked to say anything. “Princess?” “Y-Yes I’m fine, I’ll be fine, I promise.” You felt queasy. Monster hunting just wasn’t your thing. “Let’s get go…” You held your hand up to stop Geralt. Gagging, before turning away from him to empty the contents of your stomach. He huffed and rolled his eyes and went to grab the water bladder, you reminded him of Jaskier at this moment in time. You snatched the water from him, rinsing your mouth out. You stood straight again. “I think we should start moving,” you didn’t look Geralt in the eye. “I think we should.” You elected to walk for now, hopefully able to walk the sickness off.