Page 151 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“Hence my willingness to endure the presence of our four uninvited guests. But no matter the outcome, I shall have my way.” Argent’s tails settled around her. “Even if my enslavement persists, I fully intend to seduce you.”
An oddly comforting sentiment.
Argent voice took on a coaxing lilt. “You have been too listless for my liking. Let me tend you.”
Which might have been true. Or it might have been a ploy, for Argent did not relent until her lips parted under his. Slow kisses and sly asides. Nestled warmth and needful questions. Mingled souls and whispered prayers.
Dawn found Tsumiko feeling more herself in heart, soul, mind, and strength. Surely there was a larger purpose to everything that had happened, a vast and complicated confluence. Somehow, everything would work together for good, and not simplyhergood. More than one person’s happiness was at stake. So she would keep her promises and trust the rest to those with the benefit of omniscience—heaven and Hisoka.
SIXTY FOUR
Risk and Dare
The following morning, Sansa announced that breakfast would be served outdoors, at the express invitation of Harmonious Starmark, who had apparently found sufficient prey in their woods to found a feast. Calm enough to be curious, Tsumiko dressed for bitter weather and worked her way to the garden’s edge, where Argent stood upon the low stone wall, arms folded over his chest as he peered at the beach below.
She could smell the smoke now, warm on the wind. “This is hardly picnic weather.”
“Having a human bondmate, Starmark knows better.” Argent shook his head. “Even so, dogs will dance. And cats will play.”
Tsumiko leaned over the wall for a better look. They’d dragged a section of Gingko’s driftwood barrier away from the rest and built a bonfire on the sand. Hisoka Twineshaft stood with his nephew, leaning on his staff as he watched the dog and wolf, whose race across the cove turned the sea into spray. “It’s hard to image Hisoka-senseiplaying. Unless it was an instrument.”
“Oh, he plays, and with great skill.” Argent’s eyes narrowed. “I cannot decide if I should be annoyed or impressed by our virtuoso’s latest consideration.”
“What’s he done?”
Harmonious and Adoona-soh’s wild romp veered close to shore, and Michael raised some sort of barrier to keep the fountain of icy water from dousing the fire. That was when Tsumiko realized that there was an extra figure on the beach.
Argent bent to offer his hand. “Come, my lady. I do not want you to slip on the stairs in your haste to greet our guest.”
Moments later, he set her upon snow-dusted sand, staying close enough to keep contact as a newcomer turned from where Gingko and Lapis were busy skewering strips of meat—possibly boar—and spitting the carcasses of smaller game.
“You’re here?” she asked.
Naroo-soh Elderbough dropped to one knee and offered his palms. “Do you doubt your eyes? Here, then. Touch my hands. Come to my side.” To Argent, he cheerfully added, “I said we would meet again.”
“You spoke true.” Argent gave Tsumiko a gentle push in Naroo-soh’s direction. “A trait I can appreciate.”
And with some oblique permission granted, the wolf claimed Tsumiko’s hands and drew her close, as if to shelter her from the brisk wind coming off the water. “May I greet you in the manner of my people?”
“Will it make Argent growl?”
Naroo-soh gave a deep, rasp-edged laugh. “I cannot imagine why, since I intend to greet him in much the same manner.”
Tsumiko glanced back, and Argent rolled his eyes. And so the Elderbough heir kissed her forehead. Argent went through the formalities of welcome, but his gaze never left her face, as if her response was more important than the wolf’s.
Oddly enough, Argent didn’t seem bothered when Naroo-soh gathered her up, then settled her on his lap. He simply brought over one of the blankets that had been warming by the fire and tucked it around her, then bent to accept the wolf’s promised kiss.
“When did he send for you?” asked Argent.
“He?” countered the wolf. “Everyone knows I am at Mother’s beck and call.”
“Tsk.”
“Last night.” Naroo-soh nodded in Hisoka’s direction. “He hinted that your lady might welcome the support of friends. And I was not opposed to a reunion.”
Tsumiko asked, “Are Risk and Dare with you?”
“Your Kith cat is toying with my traveling companions near the front gate—Risk, Dare, and my daughter.”
