ZOWA

          jesper isn’t used to the kind of regimented structure that surrounds everything at the little palace.     learning to use his power proper helps curb some of his tendencies  -  but he is still who he is.  even so, he doesn’t exactly love being raked over the coals for something he doesn’t feel he’s   responsible   for.   ❛   you've only heard his point of view. you never asked   mine.   ❜

          at any point, it’s rare that jesper isn’t on the bad end of one deal or another.     sometimes, he’s not exactly sure what, exactly, someone’s tracked him down for  -  but the tactics are more or less the same either way ;  a grin, a quip, usually infused with his usual   charm.   ❛   am I under arrest, or not?   ❜

          so maybe it isn’t the best or safest idea he’s ever had!     but honestly, since when has jesper ever stopped himself from doing something just because it’s a bad idea?  he can tell by barry’s frown that he doesn’t exactly   approve,   but he responds only with his trademark winning smile, one he’s always sure   (  for some reason  )   will melt any onlooking heart.   ❛   would you come to my funeral?   ❜

          in many ways, the two of them are eerily similar:     two grisha deprived too long of an opportunity to hone their powers, two grisha too old to begin their training, two grisha feeling like they don’t quite   belong.   he supposes he shouldn’t project too much on her, but it’s difficult, considering how out of place he feels.   (  he can’t imagine how much more difficult the extra pressure on her shoulders must make things.  )   ❛   I'm ready to   try again,   if you are?   ❜

          okay, so maybe it isn’t the first time they’ve gotten in trouble together.     or the second.  or the third.  okay, so maybe he’s lost count of how many times, but that doesn’t matter ;  they always get   out   of trouble together, too.   ❛   if we both stick to the story, they can't prove anything.   ❜

          jesper’s history hasn’t exactly warmed him to the idea of authority.     of course the opportunity to live at the little palace comes with its share of perks, particularly everything he’s learning about his   powers,   but kaz is the closest thing to a king he’s ever worked under  -  and the barrel is a different kind of kingdom.  he tries to keep his voice steady, but there’s still something brittle about it, something   hurt.   ❛   you stand there and accuse me, but where were you at the time?   ❜

          ❛   you mean, has wylan kicked me out yet?   ❜   jesper flashes her a cheeky grin, accompanied by a   wink.   of course he knows that isn’t exactly what she meant  -  but it all honesty, it would be a fair enough concern.   ❛   he’s put up with me so far.  must be my incredible charm.  I’m certainly not planning on leaving   voluntarily.   who ever had it this good?   ❜   he hooks an arm around her shoulders.   ❛   that’s no small thing, inej.  making a difference isn’t easy, especially for people like us.  are you hungry?   ❜