Page 5 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“Which part, miss?”
Tsumiko would have thought it obvious. “How can Iinherita person?”
FOUR
Tend to Our Amaranthine
Argent sat stiffly in his chair, waiting for the call he couldn’t avoid, let alone resist. Not long after sunset, a soft knock interrupted his brooding.
“It’s only me.”
“Enter.”
Michael eased through the door and put it at his back. “Your new mistress is here.”
“Was that today? It had entirely slipped my mind.”
“Are you all right?”
“That remains to be seen.” Argent gripped the arms of his chair more tightly, trying to hide his hands’ faint tremors. “Well?”
“I’m optimistic.”
“Yes, you are. Disgustingly so.”
The reaver crossed to the room’s narrow bed and sat at its foot. “We had a nice long talk on the drive up. From what I’ve gathered, she was squirreled away in some religious school. Miss Tsumiko seemed half-convinced that she’d become caught up in an elaborate hoax.”
“A stupid woman is almost as bad as a shrewd one.” Argent’s curled lip exposed one gleaming fang. “Worse if she simpers.”
Michael chuckled. “I don’t think she’s the simpering type. But her ignorance may work in our favor. Sansa and I can—I don’t know—train her in, I suppose. We won’t let her misuse you.”
“Entirelytoo optimistic.”
“Lady Eimi did try to find a suitable match. Maybe you’ll like her.”
Argent knew better. With a sigh, he asked, “When?”
“Sansa is helping her settle in, so I’ll wait until morning to confirm her inheritance.”
“A pretty euphemism.”
“It is. I’m sorry.” Michael stepped closer. “Lady Eimi has been gone for nearly a month. You must be ebbing low, and that’s not a good place to be in for a binding.”
Argent glowered at the floor.
“Let me help you.”
“If you must.”
Michael fiddled with the catch of a beaded bracelet as he knelt before Argent. Unwinding it from his wrist, Michael’s power washed outward, filling the room with an essence few humans possessed … and few Amaranthine could resist.
“I’m the one who should be groveling at your feet,” Argent muttered, claws biting wood.
“I won’t tell if you don’t.” Michael leaned forward, signaling his willingness. “This would be easier if you grabbed hold.”
He growled.
“Don’t be shy,” the man coaxed. “We both know you need this.”
