Page 13 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“No one should own another person.”
“Yet here we are.” He bared his fangs. “And neither can escape.”
“Hasn’t anyone ever tried?”
“A foolish question.” He pushed closer and spoke into her ear. “If I could go, I would be gone.”
Tsumiko didn’t bat an eye or blush, and Argent found her composure infuriating. She was by far the calmest woman he’d ever had the misfortune of serving. Heshouldhave been grateful.
Perversely, he wanted to fluster her, so he pressed his lips to hers—quick and light.
With a small pout of confusion, she asked, “What was that for?”
Argent felt it best to remind her where things stood. “I hate you.”
“Irrevocably?”
He nodded once.
“Too bad. Until I figure out how to set you free, it would have been nice to be friends.”
NINE
Stately House
Tsumiko spent the next two days acquainting herself with Stately House and getting lost in the process. Her new home had the slapdash feel of a building that had been added to throughout many decades. Some hallways led nowhere, and she discovered half-stories between the upper floors. Several rooms didn’t open onto the hallways, but were linked together in an architectural daisy chain. This mansion needed a map.
Lord Percival, the husband who’d addedSmytheto Aunt Eimi’s name, had come from England. In every room, Tsumiko found influences from both East and West—a mahogany grandfather clock, a footed shogi board, a billiard parlor, and an onsen-style bath. The extravagances were offset by absurdities that gave the place a homey feel despite its size.
“I guess this is what happens when people from two different worlds decide to share one life.” Her words echoed off stone walls in a circular tower with windows overlooking the ocean. Stately House was refined and inspired, but it existed in such isolation. Like the emptiness clawing inside Argent, the building longed for a soul, for the liveliness and laughter of a loving family.
Which made Tsumiko miss the crowded halls and dormitories that she’d once called home. But even more, she found herself missing Akira. Giving herself up for lost, she sat in a windowseat and brought out her phone. School should be out by now, so it was safe to send her younger brother a text.
I’m lost.
Where are you, Sis?
Inside my house.
Lost in your own house
It’s SO big. I want to show you.
Can you come during winter break?
Can’t.
Promised to teach Suuzu our New Year’s customs
He’s Rivven
You know one?
I told you about him in my last letter!
At the time, Tsumiko had thought Akira was referring to a game character or something. He’d met one of the Amaranthine as well? She misspelled several words in her excitement to find out more, which slowed down her response.
The boy who is a bird?
