Page 24 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
He searched her face at length. “Thank you.”
“Is there more?”
Argent nodded. “Mistress, may I take up weapons?”
“Are you a battler like Sansa?”
“Hardly. But I wish to be armed with more than these.” He held up a hand, displaying his claws. Leaning forward, he whispered, “These can be far too messy for my tastes.”
“I want you to be able to help Sansa. She’s expecting a baby, you know.”
“I am well aware.” Argent nudged a little closer. “If you give me leave to carry weapons, I will lend her my strength.”
“Good. And yes, you may use weapons.”
Argent asked, “Mistress, may I kill those who attack this estate?”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
“Even if your life is at stake? Or Michael’s and Sansa’s? Their baby’s?”
She paled. “You’re a fox. Aren’t you clever enough to trap them or capture them or something?”
“Sometimes cleverness is not enough, but I will obey. I must.”
Tsumiko hesitated. “Do you think I should sayyes?”
“Are you asking my advice?”
“Yes.”
Argent’s arms slid around her waist, and he tugged her to the very edge of the chair. She had to part her legs as he fit his body against hers. He asked, “Are humans evil?”
“Some are good, some fall short, and some do terrible things.”
“In this, our races are similar.”
She dared to ask, “Which are you?”
With a dark chuckle, Argent said, “I am one who fell, and Ihavedone terrible things.”
“Were you forced?”
“Over and over.”
“I’m sorry.”
Argent whispered, “Sayyes, mistress.”
“Yes, Argent. If it’s absolutely necessary.”
Pressing his cheek to hers, he hid his face from her and delivered his next question in a roughened voice. “Mistress, may I revert to my truest form?”
“What does that mean?”
“Must I explain every little thing?” he grumbled.
“How else will I understand?” Tsumiko asked.
