Page 56 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“Good. You’re in charge.”
He took a wary tone. “Already weary of your responsibility?”
Tsumiko’s nod became burrowing, though she was still awake enough to know that proper butlers probably didn’t appreciate being treated like pillows. Except this one was Amaranthine. And Gingko swore that foxesneededto nestle.
Argent turned, curling around her as much as their situation allowed. “You are wiser than Michael realizes.”
What a nice thing to say.
“Tend to me, mistress,” he ordered.
Gratitude warmed her heart as she flung wide its doors, and Argent rewarded her obedience with a shuddering oath that may have been an even higher compliment.
THIRTY THREE
The Uppington Smythes
Sheshouldhave felt pretty, dressed as she was in a fortune in silk. But Argent hadn’t allowed Tsumiko even half of the kimono she’d chosen for the trip. All the elegant and understated patterns had gone straight back into storage, to be replaced by a series of cloyingly sweet ensembles. Which is why she wore silk strewn with snow bunnies. And pink enamel barrettes.
The overall impression was Tsumiko’s first line of defense.
She looked like a child.
Argent exited the car first and turned back. Instead of offering his hand, he used both, practically lifting her out.
And she felt like a child. A rebellious one. “I can do it myself,” she protested in undertones.
“Yes, mistress.” But instead of offering his arm, he took her hand.
Tsumiko barely noticed the grand house he led her toward; it was the surrounding landscape that commanded her attention. She’d always lived in sheltered places, surrounded by Saint Midori’s walled gardens and soaring architecture. Even Stately House was bound on three sides by forest, and her beach had a wall at its back.
This country estate lay bare to the sky. So vast. So empty.
Sunrise wasn’t far off, and dull greens emerged from gray shadows. Gazing into the pearl blue expanse, Tsumiko pictured great paws finding purchase in thin air. For Argent, this wide sky might not be daunting, but rather tempting, like a courtyard glistening under a blanket of new snow. Did he know the childish eagerness to be the first to trek across it?
“Have you ever flown here?” she whispered.
“No.”
“It’s an empty place. No one would see.” She craned her neck and spied a row of trees leading off toward a dinky patch of woods. “You could let loose.”
Argent dropped back, a hand at her elbow as he steered her up the walk. “It would be possible, butthiswould not be the best time to … indulge.”
“How about after dark, when no one’s awake to see?” She searched his face. “Don’t you want to?”
“Yes,” he said curtly. “But my wishes should not be your first concern.”
Tsumiko nodded. “Your recovery is my first concern. Michael and Sansa made it absolutely clear that you need to regain your strength in case you have to fight Lady Nona again.”
“I will rest if your schedule permits it.”
“Then make sure it does.” Tsumiko drew up short before the doors to the house. “They’re going to think I’m a child. Why not a delicate child?”
He hummed. “Late mornings. Afternoon naps. Early bedtimes.”
“Can youpolitelyprotect our time and our privacy? Your bandages will need …”
She cut herself short as the front doors swung open.
