Opus Veda

The day Kasia found false security, she needed help. Her shift neared the end. Threatened with going downstairs, she cashed in on another client.

She entered the room, and two guardsmen attacked her.

At first Kasia was unsure how to react. She flopped, until they used enough force to make her cry out.

The first guardsman flew back, blowing on his snapped and gnarly little finger. The second foolishly prised free of Kasia's hold and took clawing nails in her eyes. She crawled under the bed, weeping and blinded.

Kasia fell into the hallway and screamed for help. The security guard called for backup, locked the assailants inside, and carried Kasia downstairs bloodied and shaking. Maître d' fussed over her and asked if she needed anything. She asked for Esmé.

"All fixed! You'll be blemish free in a week. I should have been a nurse shouldn't I?" Esmé checked Kasia over and reclined alongside her on the sofa. She guided Kasia's injured head to rest on her shoulder.

Kasia softened. Her spine tingled as Esmé packed the health kit away, until she glimpsed her battered face in its mirror. She groaned with despair.

"...how will I be able to work now?"

Esmé shrugged, "footage?"

The door knocked. Chef sauntered in with a wry smile.

Sergeant Major Pierce followed, armoured and gripping the sabre's hilt on his belt.

"How's she doing?"

"Scraped and scared," Esmé sat Kasia up, "but she'll make it."

"Quite a fight you gave those clients Kasia," Chef nodded at Pierce, "I'm starting to question why this old patriarch sent you across the yard."

Kasia watched the floor. She wanted to see these men even less than the clients.

"You do have shit luck with suitors don't you Kasia?" Pierce snorted, "you did a splendid job tidying those fuckers up, good effort. Thanks for not killing anyone. I've discharged them both from service and you will see no further trouble. We expect discipline from you, you can expect it from us."

"Thank you Sarnt..."

He folded his arms and considered her.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"Get better girl. Keep training, do your duty here. We can't have you back yet, the rich boys are on the warpath after their mate fell on your sword. Just behave yourself; I want you back in the ranks with the other fighters, clear?"

"Yes Sarnt," Kasia's shoulders lifted. A way out had appeared.

Pierce marched out. Chef raised his head.

"Take a week off paid Kasia. Will that help?"

She shifted nervously, "can I stay here while I recover? If my family sees me like this…"

He shook his head.

"Can't oblige. Need these rooms for people working. Make your excuses, book a hotel. Reds find a way."

He left her Esmé. Esmé spun around with a tantalised grin.

"I didn't realise you were that far in it. What the hell happened? You killed someone!?"

Kasia shook her head, an unconvincing denial.

"Jesus Kasia… there's another side to you isn't there? A dark horse no one expects, and all the players fuss over you. To tell you the truth, Eddy told me someone was coming from next door. When I saw you I literally thought 'she looks like she just killed someone'."

"Is that why you helped me?"

"Kinda… and since then I've learnt you rescued kids and beat up rapists!" Esmé's head lolled sideways, "what's Varma like? Everyone fancies him but he's a bit aloof - oh Kasia look at you light up!"

Kasia tutted, "I'm not his type. Fuck knows who is. Tell me if you see him here and I'll try matching him."

Esmé applauded. She helped Kasia outside with Maître d' flapping behind them. Kasia took her pay and dragged her sore body into the night. Esmé watched her limp away, and returned to work.

Eva was out. The flat was empty. It was for the best, given Kasia's appearance, but it still hurt. Her daughter could promise she was with school friends but intrusive worries of that man - any man - would never leave Kasia now.

Accusations of jealousy returned - gaslit reminders of how normal Eva's act was. Kasia just couldn't accept it. She lay her head on Eva's bunk and scrutinised herself. If Eva had met someone at school, would it have been an issue?

No. Kasia was relieved with herself. Perhaps she wasn't feeling envy. Just everything else.

She searched under the bunk and took her cash out. Her Pikachu rested beside it. Kasia picked it up and stroked its tattered face, tucking him in Eva's duvet. Then she made herself pack before she could cry.

Before she left she checked herself in the wash corner and realised the extent of her wounds. Nobody on the way back had said a word. All the city, stuck on their phones, as a beaten woman with a swollen face walked by. Always best to not get involved.

Kasia slipped away.

"Oh my god…"

"Oh! Hi…" Kasia found Imany in the dark, vaping on the doorstep.

"What happened?"

"Some guys tried to mug me. But I got them Imany... you'd have been proud to see it…" Kasia straightened up but it hurt. She hunched down again. Imany looked mortified.

"You're gonna hide away then?"

Kasia decided to be honest, with Imany and with herself.

"Yes, I am gonna withdraw. I'll be away for a couple of days. For once I need a break, from all of this. I have to get out Imany. I'm sorry for dumping it on you like always-"

"Don't worry lovey. Just go. We'll see you soon."

Kasia staggered off. Imany nodded slowly and paced upstairs through a cloud of steam.