Page 92 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
Four other Amaranthine flanked Harmonious, all with the same fair skin and thick hair that hung in loose waves or heavy braids. Their matching sashes shimmered slightly in the sunlight, their clan hue. As the reporters volleyed questions at the Spokesperson, he handed off the baby to the youngest of his clansmen. The boy seemed only a few years older than Akira. He turned his body slightly, shielding the baby from the lights and noise.
“Are they close family?”
“The closest.” Argent said, “Those four are his other sons.”
The resemblance was evident. As was their heritage. “They’re Amaranthine.”
“As was their mother,” said Argent. “I do not know what became of her. Michael is looking into it, but he will not have to look far. They are already promoting a special that will delve into Starmark’s love life. ‘Heart of a Dog’ will air on Christmas Eve.”
In a softer voice, Tsumiko asked, “This is good for Gingko, isn’t it? People will accept children of mixed heritage.”
“I am sure that has been their plan all along.”
Stewart spoke up again. “If you’d be so kind, Grandfather and I need a private word with the two of you. Might you come to the library after breakfast?”
Feigning ignorance, Tsumiko asked, “What for?”
“I need your advice on a personal matter.” The doctor glanced uneasily in her butler’s direction. “And Grandfather wants Argent.”
. . .
“Give him to me!” demanded Lord Cedric.
Maybe his commanding tone would have intimidated a child, but she arched her brows and repeated, “No.”
“Not permanently, of course. A loan. Or do it yourself! Order him to hunt for me. Track down the one who did this. Get me my revenge!” His voice broke. “Give this old man some peace.”
Had Cedric forgotten she couldn’t understand a word he was saying? Stewart undoubtedly gave his grandfather’s pleas a more diplomatic spin. But she didn’t need him to explain the emotions twisting his lined face—frustration, guilt, and regret.
Stewart quietly explained, “The car is ready. Arrangements have already been made. We can be there and back in one day.”
Tsumiko turned to Argent. “Do you want to?”
He smirked.
She wasn’t particularly surprised. “We’ll do what we can, but under four conditions.”
Stewart translated, and Cedric harrumphed. But he waved for her to continue.
Tsumiko said, “You havenoauthority over Argent.”
They agreed.
“Wherever Argent goes, I go.”
The gentlemen were much less happy with that, but they acquiesced.
“We will not walk blindly into danger,” she said. “Tell us everything.”
“It’s a long story,” said Stewart. “I can explain on the way.”
She searched his strained face and gentled her tone. “And lastly, when we return, I wish to meet your wife.”
“I’vewantedto introduce the two of you.” Stewart covered trembling lips with a shaky hand. “I promise I will.”
. . .
The car left Uppington half an hour later.
