𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐒 | 𝐤.𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐤𝐤𝐞𝐫

TWO

The rain pattering against the cobblestone and windows outside was a faint sound, barely audible over the shouts that echoed across the Crow Club. Valya didn't gamble often. Unlike Jesper she was keen to keep the little money she had. Besides, she didn't have the luxury to spend it on just anything. She had to fund her uncle's problems, had to pay to have somewhere to live, for food and drink, and she had to pay off her indenture. Too many debts to pay.

She moved through the club, heading towards the bar from where she'd been watching people. She felt a grip land on the back of her upper thigh, and she turned to look at the culprit, her eyes narrowed at him. "Get us a drink, would you, love?"

She narrowed her eyes, hitting his hand away from her. "It's not my job to get you a drink. Go get it yourself."

Moments later, she watched from by the bar as he was dragged from the club, shouting angrily. She frowned, eyes flitting over to where Kaz had been standing, watching. A scowl was on his face, and his eyes followed the man who still shouted as he was taken out.

She walked towards him, standing beside him and folding her arms. "What was that? Why did you throw him out?"

"He was cheating," he replied.

"I've been watching over everyone all night, he really didn't."

"Well, clearly you weren't watching properly."

"Are you insulting my observation skills?" She asked, frowning. "Because given your reliance upon me to gather information, I'd say your insult is far-fetched."

"I'm not insulting anything," he stated. "Now, get back to work."

"Of course." She moved away, going to stand by a pillar.

Jesper was gambling, so she stood next to his table, watching. "Val, come here, would you?"

"What do you need, Jesper?"

"Sit with me."

"What for? You know I'm meant to be watching over everyone," she told him.

"If you can't multi-task, I'm afraid I have to question your skills."

She rolled her eyes, taking a seat net to him as he threw an arm over her shoulder. She eyes another player and grinned, whispering something completely irrelevant to Jesper and watching the players squirm uncomfortably.

Another gambler cheered loudly as the barmaid handed Valya's favourite drink over to her. Jesper eyed it cautiously. He wasn't keen on it. It was a little strong for him, burned his throat. The first time he'd tasted it he chased it with ice cold water.

The drink reminded her of home, she supposed that was partly why she was so fond of it. She'd first tried it when she was still in Ravka. When her parents were still alive. She'd seen it on the table and asked what it was and if she could try it. She was allowed a small sip, which she took while her father laughed a little. He was rather shocked when she'd only winced a little at the burn. It was a small reminder of home.

"Thanks, love," she whispered with a wink to the barmaid, taking a sip.

The bearded gambler called to the barmaid for a round of drinks, and Valya turned her attention back to the game. He was using Zemeni coin. She made eye contact with Jesper.

"Let me see that," Jesper said, the arm around Valya's shoulders lifting to catch the pouch. "The Lucky Nine casino up the block has had trouble with counterfeit coin lately."

"Heavy, but brittle," Val added.

"Right you are, love," Jesper agreed.

"Oh, come on, now. I've been here for hours. My money is good, no?" And there it was. The little waver that gave himself away. Revealed the doubt behind the wall.