Page 17 of The Tribes of Magic
“Pretty is not the same as practical,” he pouted.
Yes,pouted. The famous White Knight was pouting.
“No, pretty and practical tend to sit on opposite ends of the spectrum,” I laughed. “But I’m sure your cape impressed the delegates.”
He allowed a small snort to escape. “The General was obviously thinking it would when he decided to make me wear the stupid thing.”
I reached over and gave his hand a squeeze. “You are far more impressive than any cape, Kato.”
“Yes, I’m the General’s favorite. Lucky me,” he said drily. “You know, I’m starting to think Conner had the right idea when he ran off to start a rebellion. It saved him from being stuck here, serving as the General’s magic accessory.”
“You aren’t an accessory. You’re the General’s star Knight.”
“And helovesto show me off to the leaders of the Many Realms. He thinks it makes Gaia look strong. He thinks it makeshimlook strong. And because of that, he hasn’t let me leave his side since we arrived here this morning.”
“So how did you get away?”
“I put a diuretic into his drink, then slipped away when he rushed to the restroom to relieve his bladder.”
Kato spoke the words with such gravity that I had to laugh. He sounded like he was outlining a battle strategy.
“I’m glad you came to find me,” I told him.
“Me too. I need someone to talk to as long as I’m hiding from the General. Someonesane. These delegates—” He gave me a pained look. “—Seven, they make me want to set things on fire.”
“I can imagine.”
Kato sighed.
“What’s wrong?” I asked him.
He showed me his blinking phone. “The General is summoning me. He must have finally finished peeing.”
I laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Kato’s shoulders tensed.
“Nothing.” I smiled at him. “It’s just nice to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor. I was worried.”
“I can assure you, Seven, that my sense of humor is very much dead.”
Kato’s words made me laugh, but he looked far less jovial than I as he turned toward the stairs.
“Wait.”
He glanced back at me.
“I’ll come with you.”
He hesitated. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”
“It’s a splendid idea. If we put our heads together, I’m sure we can find a way to send the General back to the bathroom for at least another—” My gaze darted to the clock. “—fifteen minutes.”
“This is treason, you know.”
I batted away his concerns. “Na, only a little. And only if we get caught.”
Kato watched me for a very long time before a smile cracked that granite facade. “You’re a bad influence.”
