Page 23 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
FIFTEEN
Permission Granted
Tsumiko had been sitting in a chair by the window for the last hour, too keyed up for sleep, when someone tapped on her bedroom door. The knock was a token courtesy, for Argent let himself in without waiting for an answer.
“Did you need something?” she asked, drawing her blanket higher over her nightgown.
“I would not be here otherwise.”
Why did every conversation with him feel like a skirmish? Holding her peace, she waited for him to explain. To her embarrassment, Argent came to kneel before her. Moonlight gave his silvery hair an eerie glow, but his face was in shadow. She wished she could see his expression.
“I need things from you,” he said.
“Like what?”
Argent kept his face averted, like a child who is afraid to be toldno. “New orders.”
“I don’t want to give you orders.”
“My previous mistresses bound me with promises that hold me back,” he said stiffly. “Undo them.”
Tsumiko asked, “How?”
“Answer my questions. Sayyes.”
She nodded.
Finally lifting his face, he spoke with brittle urgency. “Mistress, may I use my full strength?”
From what Tsumiko had seen earlier, Argent had both speed and strength on his side. “How much are you holding back?”
He sighed. “One of my early mistress’s husband decided I needed hobbling. I am allowed access to a quarter of my power.”
“So much? Won’t that cause a problem?”
“You have no reason to fear, mistress. Even at my full strength, I cannot overwhelm your hold over me.” With a bitter smile, Argent added, “I tried once. It ended badly.”
Tsumiko said, “I only meant … if you have that much power, won’t you draw attention like I do?”
“I can be subtle. And you must say the words.” He repeated, “Mistress, may I use my full strength?”
Leaning forward, she answered, “Yes, Argent. Please don’t hold back. We need you to be strong for us.”
He inclined his head, then asked, “Mistress, may I cross the boundaries of your lands?”
“You can’t leave?”
“This surprises you?” he asked blandly.
“No,” she sighed.
He said, “If we come under attack and the enemy discovers that I am on a tether, they will exploit my limitations.”
“Could I make it so you can come and go as you please? Wouldn’t that be like freedom?”
“No, mistress. I am bound to you and cannot escape. At least, not for long, and not without significant discomfort.” In a slightly patronizing tone, Argent repeated the question. “May I cross the boundaries of your lands?”
“Yes, Argent. I’ll let you go.”
