Page 163 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
Isla’s candid gaze ranged from the flowers to Argent to Tsumiko, then finally to her mentor. “Sensei, is this a human wedding?”
“Ah. Not precisely, since we’ll be blending human, reaver, and clan customs. But Miss Tsumiko did ask me to officiate.” He bowed to Argent, smoothly adding, “I hold no actual authority over this den or its dealings. But I am—as we all are—interested in the lady’s happiness. May I proceed?”
Argent said, “I have no objections.”
Michael claimed Kyrie and made room for Argent to pull Tsumiko to her feet. She clung to her small bouquet as she looked from face to face. Their very presence steadied her. Sansa’s strength and Michael’s tenderness. Gingko’s obvious pride and Isla’s frank curiosity. Deece’s respectful silence and even Jacques’ wry smirk.
Hisoka moved to stand with them. “While the courting strategies of foxes can be dizzyingly complex, their culmination is not. The vulpine mating bond is profound for its simplicity. And for its attendant fidelity. As the saying goes—a fox chooses once and well.”
Hands closed around Tsumiko’s, and she looked into Argent’s face. The hint of a smile touched his lips before his tails billowed outward. Appreciative murmurs came from all sides as they settled pointedly around Tsumiko.
Barely containing a smile, Hisoka asked, “Miss Tsumiko Hajime, will you entrust Argent Mettlebright with your heart, your soul, your loyalty, and your years?”
“I will.”
All attention switched to Argent, who offered a far simpler vow. “You are my choice.”
Hisoka’s hum was all approval, but he let Argent’s declaration stand.
It was finished.
Taking two steps back, the cat withdrew a small wrapped item from his sleeve, offering it on the palms of both hands. “Forgive my presumption if this token is too personal, coming as it does from someone outside your clan.”
Tsumiko guessed there was some Amaranthine tradition in play, for Argent seemed to know what the folded cloth held. He quickly tucked it away, mumbling thanks. Tsumiko had no idea how to interpret Hisoka’s benign smile, but she definitely felt the shiver that passed through all of Argent’s tails.
SIXTY SIX
Ephemera
“We’re not staying?” Tsumiko asked. Sansa was in the midst of setting out the noon meal.
“I have made other arrangements.” Argent raised his voice a trifle. “Gingko understands what is needed.”
She saw the forward snap of his ears, but he mostly covered his surprise. “Yeah, yeah.” Gingko made a lazy shooing motion. “You can count on me.”
And with a light touch at her back, Argent ushered her out.
Tsumiko asked, “Where are we going?”
“Not far.”
“Are we leaving?”
“We are staying.” Argent slowed to a stop. “Traditionally, the final stage of a fox’s courtship leads to a den, which he has furnished for his lady’s comfort, filling it with all manner of delights and delicacies. But I am both poor and ill-prepared.”
“That doesn’t matter,” Tsumiko murmured. At least, it didn’t matter to her.
Argent drew her a little farther along the hall. “I cannot offer a lavish den, but my garden should suffice. In all of Stately House, it is the one place that is truly mine.”
“Your conservatory?” she asked.
He touched a smooth section of wall, and a pair of glass doors appeared, each fitted from top to bottom with leaded glass. Sunlight slanted through bevels, dappling the floorboards with tiny rainbows. Tsumiko was truly startled; she’d been walking past the conservatory entrance every day, completely blind to its existence.
Argent’s fingertips rested on one of two matching brass door handles, which had been shaped like leaping foxes. He searched her face. “I intend to complete my vow here.”
Oh. Tsumiko hadn’t put much thought into the particulars of their upcoming … union. But on some level, there had been certain expectations. Like walls. And a bed. She tried for a smile. “A garden is a good place for beginnings.”
Argent remained very still. “Are you nervous?”
