Page 162 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
Isla remained skeptical. “You changed your clothes?”
“First chance I got!” he bragged.
She asked, “Why didn’t Argent change?”
Gingko whispered something in her ear, and her gaze skated Tsumiko’s way. Then with growls and nuzzles, the last of Isla’s indignation melted into giggles. “Missed you, Gingko,” she mumbled, cheeks pink.
“Yeah? Maybe I can come visit you at your fancy academy sometime.”
Her eyes widened considerably. “I’ll be your cultural liaison!”
“Is that anything like a tour guide?”
“Muchmore important!”
She launched into a lengthy explanation that involved groundbreaking strategies, integrated classrooms, diverse lecturers, and cultural exchange. Which sparked Michael’s interest, and the conversation veered into some pointed questions about recent rumors that reavers would be founding a high school in Keishi.
While they weighed the pros and cons, Isla drifted to Tsumiko’s side. Joining her on the sofa, the little girl studied her with new interest. “Are you Argent’s choice?”
“Yes.” Tsumiko guessed Gingko had tipped her off.
Isla considered her, then the fox on the other end of the room. “Then shouldn’t he have greeted you first?”
This girl was very observant. And she seemed concerned. Tsumiko asked, “Is that an Amaranthine custom? I’m still learning.”
“Customs vary by clan.” Isla’s lecturing tone slipped. “But Papkaalwaysgoes to Mum first. Because even though he loves all of us, she’s his favorite.”
“Maybe if Argent was human, he would do something like that. But from what I’ve seen so far, foxes aren’t usually that direct.”
Isla, who had grown up with Argent, conceded the point. “Maybe being a fox’s favorite means he’ll come to you last.”
“I’m sure he will,” said Tsumiko. “But I’ll let you in on a secret.”
She leaned closer. “You may count on my discretion.”
Tsumiko managed to keep a straight face. “From the moment Argent arrived, he’s been holding onto me.”
The girl’s expression grew thoughtful. “He can do that?”
“Yes.”
“Is it nice?”
“Very nice.” A pleasant thrum pressed against Tsumiko’s soul. Not because Argent was unable to hide from her, but because he was making himself known. Affection mingled with an impatience that sent her heart skipping.
Hisoka-sensei cleared his throat. “I think it’s time for me to speak. If everyone could gather around?” He shepherded the others into a loose circle before Tsumiko’s spot in Gingko’s winter garden.
Even though she knew what was coming—or perhaps because she did—Tsumiko’s hands began to shake. After everything she’d been through, all the reasons she’d needed to be brave, and she was still prone to jitters.
Sansa came to sit beside her, wrapping a strong arm around her shoulders. “This is a good ending, yes? Because it is a good beginning.”
Michael bent to offer her a small cluster of blue flowers. “A bouquet for the bride,” he whispered. “Or bondmate, as the case may be.”
“Aunt Eimi’s favorite,” Tsumiko murmured.
“While that’s true, it was Sansa who first brought forget-me-nots to Stately House.” Michael folded her hands around the poesy. “They are one of her family’s traditions, so they make an appearance at every important occasion.”
Sansa smiled indulgently. “A good custom. Very old. And a good charm for our Tsumiko, since they will draw Argent’s eyes.”
