Geralt saves the lives of Calanthe, Queen of Cintra, and her daughter Pavetta. He is invited to their court. Suitors for Pavetta's hand arrive. One of them, the mysterious monster Hedgehog, greatly displeases the queen. The monarch asks Geralt to deal with him. The monster explains to the witcher that the princess belongs to him by right. Years ago, he saved her father's life. The grateful king promised his savior that he would give him whatever he found in his house upon his return. It was a newborn daughter. Geralt decides to spare Hedgehog, and when Calanthe orders him to be killed, he stands up for him.