My Lady Inej (six of crows fanfic)

Nina

Nina was playing cards with one of her guards when Matthias walked in, followed by a woman Nina had never seen before. Ever since his last visit the guards had become more laid back. They still didn't let her leave the house, but they kept her entertained.

    "You," Matthias said to the guard, "out."

The guard stood and walked outside, closing the door behind him. Matthias sat in the seat that had just been vacated, motioning for the woman to sit as well. She sat between Nina and Matthias, smiling at Nina.

"I'm Genya," she said. "You must be Nina."

Nina looked between the two of them before answering, "Yes, I am. What's going on? Has Inej been arrested?"

Matthias shook his head. "Things have changed."

"What do you mean?"

"Dunyasha was supposed to arrive to try and stop the coronation, but she never showed up. Nor did her army. Part of me is worried she's still gaining soldiers before coming to the castle," Genya said, clasping her hands together on top of the table. "We might need more soldiers on our side too rather than just the Pack."

"Okay, how do we do that?" Nina asked.

"I might have a connection we can use, but if Dunyasha arrives before they do with a bigger army I fear it may be almost impossible to take back the castle even with the added support. I was hoping I could wait to bring Jesper home until it was completely safe for him, but it seems we might need to use that angle, too. Can you have someone deliver messages for me, Matthias?"

Matthias nodded. "I have some birds who could be anywhere in England by the end of the night."

"Perfect," Genya said, standing up. "I will have them delivered to you within the hour along with directions for where they need to go and instructions for what to do next. Be on guard—if Dunyasha arrives before we're prepared for her, do not engage with her. Understood?"

Matthias nodded again and stood to walk Genya to the door. Genya turned and looked between Matthias and Nina before telling them to be careful and walking out into the night. Matthias closed the door and walked back over to the table, motioning for Nina to redeal the cards.

Nina raised an eyebrow, but she picked up the cards and started to shuffle them. "Taking orders and offering to play cards with me? I'm impressed, Matthias Helvar."

Matthias scowled. "I only take orders from those who are worthy of being listened to. As for the cards," he said with a shrug, "maybe I would just prefer it if you didn't die of boredom. Clearly you're on your way there if you were subjecting yourself to playing with my lackeys."

Nina shrugged as she started to deal. "Maybe I just enjoy his company."

He gave her a pointed look as he picked up his cards. "I think we both know you enjoy my company more."

She ignored him and they played a few rounds in silence. After she won the fourth game in a row she asked, "You're not going easy on me are you?"

"Luck of the draw," Matthias said, holding up his hands. She eyed him suspiciously and started to shuffle the cards again as a knock came at the door. A lackey entered, carrying a compass and two envelopes.

"These were dropped off for you, sire," he told Matthias. Matthias stood and took the items from him, opening the envelope on top. He read it over before nodding at the man who took that as his cue to leave.

Matthias turned to Nina, an apologetic expression on his face. "I need to go make sure these end up in the right hands. You should get some rest, Nina. I'll be back when I can."

Nina nodded solemnly and Matthias gave her a small smile before leaving the house.