royal_musings | Autumn Open Post

[ A smile tugs on her mouth because that was purely Kaz. ]

That sounds like him.

When you say it was used as part of the con, was it at least eaten by someone? Or did he use it as a weapon again?

If he’d thrown it I would be messaging you to let you know he was already dead.

No, it was a way into the catering of an event. The host’s favorite meal, of course. The little rat.

[Kaz could have just told her what was going on, but of course not.]

I hope your evening went better than mine.

Of course it was. That's Kaz for you.

It went better than expected.

[ While she'd found her purpose out here, she missed them. Missed Kaz, and Nina, Jesper, Wylan and the others. ]

I'm sending a package at our next stop. I picked up a few things for you and the others.

[ By 'picked up' she means she likely pocketed them or maybe actually purchased one or two items legitimately. ]

At least he’s moved on to scheme with someone else now. Or plot by himself. I know better than to ask.

Did it? I’m glad to hear that.

You’re lovely. You don’t have to get us anything, but I promise to thoroughly enjoy whatever it is. Do I get a hint?

He always has a dozen or more schemes in his mind at all times. You're doing yourself a favor by not asking.

We dropped a knocked-out slaver and an accomplice in front of a prison last night.

Only that you will thoroughly enjoy them when they arrive.

Tell me, how "fine" is everything?

I’m saving myself time and breath, at the very least.

That’s my girl. Giving ‘em hell on the high seas. I hope you know how brilliant you are. We’re all proud of you.

This won’t stop me from making guesses, you know. Is it hot sauce? It would be very fortuitous if it was hot sauce.

Everything, hm? Everything is fine, Inej. It’s crazy and dangerous and ridiculous and a pain in the ass more often than not, but when has it ever been anything but that?

Thank you, Nina.

On the bad days, I feel like there's always more coming out of their holes in the ground.

[ But she wasn't going to stop. She wouldn't stop. And she got the feeling that without even having to type it/say it Nina would know. ]

I will neither confirm nor deny that hot sauce is in the package.

True. I miss you all.

[ She didn't truly miss Ketterdam most of the time but she missed them. Her family. ]

That’s unfortunately not just a problem on the high seas. You’ve lived in Ketterdam long enough to know that. It’s easy to feel like nobody is making a dent. But remember - “taking the easy way out often only looks simple because you’ve overlooked a trap at the other end.”

I hope you read that in Brekker’s voice. I have to mock him if I’m ever agreeing with him, and I do on that one.

I’m going to make you some wonderfully spicy things then when you visit.

We miss you, too. Very much.

I know. One less slaver on the seas is better than doing nothing.

You know I did.

I can't wait, Nina. You always make the best spicy recipes.

Has anything new happened while I've been away?

It damned well is, yeah. Everyone they might have captured they now won't thanks to you.

I like to think the spice has to start within someone. Nobody bland ever made a good dish.

Turf warfare, Council political manipulations, international bloodshed, and I'm pretty sure Kaz made a demon jack-in-the-box? I don't know, nobody listens when he and Lantsov are off doing things together.

I can always count on you, Nina.

Hm, I can see it. Cooking is outside of my wheelhouse which makes me grateful that I know someone who is fantastic at it for when I visit.

A demon jack-in-the-box? Do I even want to know?

[ Because yes, that is what Inej is focusing on. ]

I'm surprised no one has tried listening in on their playdates yet.

You're my girl. Not even an ocean shall change that.

The sisters at the orphanage were always so busy, I took to helping in the kitchens. I suppose the knack for it stuck afterwards.

I don't even know. You'll have to ask him about it.

Inej, love, they're trashfires and anyone sane just wants plausible deniability when they're together.

Good. I would hope it never would because you're still mine too.

Tell me you've always had a knack for spices even then. Or did you have to stick to recipes?

I will have to ask him sometime.

[ She can't help but burst out laughing at Nina's comment. She wasn't wrong. ]

Good point!

[Nina sends an image of her blowing a kiss.]

Oh, I absolutely went off script with the recipes sometimes. Especially for the boys who needed a lesson.

You should, I'm sure he misses scheming with you around.

[ Inej grins when she sees the photo and sends an image of her doing the same back to her. Only Nina. ]

Of course you did. I'd be surprised if you didn't!

Doubtful...

[ Though maybe she would ask about this demon jack-in-the-box. ]

Good, because I'd hate to have a timid reputation.

I don't doubt it.

Timid is the last thing I'd ever associate with you.

... He doesn't give me a ton of information, Nina. But, I'll have to ask about this demon jack-in-the-box though.

[ But it was Kaz and she knew that's just how he was. He always spoke louder with actions than he did with words. ]

Then I'm doing everything right, love.

Good, I think you should be as nosy as you can. It's only fitting for a former secret keeper. Unless you intend to carry on the title.

It's different now. Now that I've left and I'm not there all the time.

It is different. Different isn't always bad, though. What routine you had here, it wasn't what you really wanted. Now you can figure out exactly what balance works to keep you in the air.

And we'll all help you figure that out. Because we want you happy. Kaz included. He's a dumb man who has a terrible haircut but the one thing I can say for him is that he wants you in his business. Steal his secrets, Inej.

And then tell them to me over ice cream.

[Okay, the last part is a little joking.]

Good point.

Now it's figuring out what that balance is and with someone who knows how communications can be taken and used against someone.

[ She rereads Nina's messages and smiles. ]

I will. I told him we were heading back soon for a short shore leave.

He's too paranoid for his own good. Maybe suggest you both come up with a code. If you keep sending him messages with little emojis on it, he'll probably come around to talking like a normal person. Eventually. Actually, you might have to just stick with emojis. At the very least it'll annoy him.

Kidding aside, I'm sure he was thrilled to hear you're making use of the berth he got you.

For a good reason, I suppose.

[ Inej thinks about the code idea though and hums to herself. ]

A code is a good idea though. I'd rather him not be entirely annoyed with me, Nina. Even if it would be amusing initially.

He reminded me that I have a space to dock anytime I need it so I assume so.

Autumn Open Post

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