Page 110 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
A soft growl rose between them. “Not … as such.”
She slipped her arm through his. Although she was curious, it seemed best to curb the questions queuing up in her mind. In this, at least, Argent wouldn’t have to answer to her.
With a huff of steam that mingled with the first snowflakes, he grimly said, “She was already dead when I cut my son from her body.”
Tsumiko searched his face, but it was utterly blank. She asked, “Does Gingko know you saved his life?”
Argent merely hummed.
“I hope we won’t need to take such drastic measures to see Kyoko’s baby safe.”
“Her nurse was optimistic.” Argent avoided the main entrance, leading her around the side of the house. “Your presence may ensure a better outcome for her. I wish I could say the same for the child.”
Tsumiko stopped in her tracks. “Can you tell something about the baby?”
“I can tell the child is unwanted.”
“Oh, but ….” Except she agreed with him. Kyoko wasn’t behaving like a woman who wanted her baby. “What about Stewart?”
“Tsk.” Argent’s gaze fixed on an upstairs window. “Her wishes will be his first concern.”
The kitchen door opened, and Brynn Fallowfield waved them inside. “Labor started during the small hours,” she announced with satisfaction. “All is in readiness.”
Tsumiko shed her winter wear, and Argent pulled out a chair at the table, where breakfast waited. She sat, but asked, “Don’t we need to go to Kyoko?”
“Her doting doctor is a capable man.” Brynn poured steaming tea into three cups. “Take strength before the ordeal.”
Argent set a pair of gloves beside his plate and took a seat. Quirking a brow at Tsumiko, he said, “Follow orders.”
Brynn asked, “Have either of you attended a birth before?”
Tsumiko quickly said, “I haven’t. I’d be grateful for instruction.”
Over breakfast, Nurse Fallowfield told them what to expect, ending on a cautionary note. “The day will be long. In seeing to Kyoko’s needs, do not neglect your own.”
Argent murmured, “I will see to my lady’s needs.”
“Doubtless. Come up in half an hour.” She stood to go, but paused on the threshold. With a flutter of fingers, she added, “Drop your ward and unleash your brightness. Give the child something to reach for.”
After she’d gone, Tsumiko toyed with her bracelet’s clasp. “Will this be a problem?”
“On the contrary.” He smirked faintly. “I welcome the distraction.”
“Sansa mentioned that you don’t like childbirth.”
“My preferences have been overlooked with shocking regularity. Do not trouble yourself on my account, mistress.” Crossing to her side, he hooked the catch with the tip of a claw and slid the heavy beads from her wrist. “This once, I will not complain.”
. . .
“Have you considered training to become a healer?” Brynn Fallowfield’s tone was light, but her gaze weighed heavily on Tsumiko. “You have the patience, the wits. Any of the herds would consider your apprenticeship a privilege.”
“No doubt,” Argent said sharply. “As the apprenticeship would bring a beacon into their midst.”
The nurse’s low laugh was almost a nicker. “No doubt. But my assessment stands. Tsumiko is the calm to her cousin’s storm. She could do much good with the knowledge we would impart.”
Tsumiko had no answer for Brynn, but the question prodded at her conscience. Shebelievedin purpose. Ignorant of the potential stored in her soul, she’d thought she found hers at Saint Midori’s. But now she knew she was a reaver. And a beacon, no less. Shouldn’t she be looking for something to do with her life, with her gifts, with her suddenly abundant resources?
Surely there was an underlying purpose to the sudden turn her life had taken. Yes, she could free Argent and help Gingko. And Michael and Sansa were also part of the family she’d always longed for. But she couldn’t be content with a pursuit in which the end was her own happiness. That went against everything she’d always valued.
