Page 108 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
Kimiko gasped, “How are youhere?”
“I have always been attached to the Starmark clan. Six months ago, when my debt to Glint was satisfied, Harmonious offered Rein and me a place. I wanted to settle down. Hisoka found out.”
“Reaver Denholme, are you joining our family?” Kimiko playfully added, “For the ceremony, I mean?”
“Added security.” He inclined his head. “You understand.”
FORTY-ONE
Reliquary
Eloquence lurked with Ever and Rise in the garden nearest the grand pavilion where Dad awaited their guests. Following some ancient protocol, Quen was being kept out of the way until he could make a grand entrance. So he’d been banned from the initial reception, leaving Dad to his fun—playing the host, with a side of paternal posturing.
“Yet?” whispered Ever.
“Soon,” he promised. Quen’s ears were tuned to the road beyond the heavy gates, which Valor and Prospect would swing wide at the Miyabe entourage’s arrival.
His only real duty until his big moment was keeping Ever neat. But Akira, who had arrived ahead of the main group, had suggested leaving the parents to their own devices. While they handled all the formal introductions and fanfare, Quen could show his friends around.
“Yet?” Ever asked again.
Quen gave one puppy ear a tug and said, “Yes. Can you hear the car motor?”
His brother nodded eagerly.
“We must stay very quiet—you and me and Rise.”
Ever pressed his face against Quen’s neck to stifle a giggle. The pup adored games of all kinds, but especially when they were on the same team.
A line of black sedans rolled into view. Hardly subtle, but Quen was willing to bet that no one had noticed the cars wending their way through Keishi. Not with Argent Mettlebright as escort.
The fox emerged to open the door for Kimiko’s kindred. The first to appear was undoubtedly her father. The man did a double-take when he saw who was holding the door for him. Had he not realized one of the Five was attending them?
Probably not. Foxes rarely brought attention to themselves except to distract.
Which was exactly the case. Quen nudged Ever and pointed.
While the shrinekeeper fumbled for words before Argent’s haughty stare, Suuzu opened the opposite car door and calmly ushered out Kimiko. A murmured word, a quick hug, a grateful smile, and then his suitor’s gaze was searching.
Quen deposited Ever on the snow-dusted path and commanded, “Quick and quiet, bring our lady here.”
The mission was perfect. Even if Dad spotted Ever, he’d never interrupt a pup so convinced of his stealthiness. Where Eloquence would have been collared, Ever would be indulged.
Kimiko picked him up and followed the guidance of one chubby finger.
Stepping into the open, Quen held out his hand to her. Nobody seemed to notice, with the exception of Argent, who’d glided to Suuzu’s side. It would seem Akira’s little scheme had serious backing. Assured of success, Quen turned his full attention to Kimiko.
This was the first time he’d seen her dressed in anything but the modest black and tan of her school uniform. Voluminous hakama swished softly with each step, the heavy red silk marked with a lavish chrysanthemum pattern. Far from the simple attire of a shrine maiden, but reminiscent in style. Here was a proud daughter of Kikusawa Shrine.
Wide pleats fell from a high waist, which was knotted over a wrapped shirt with full sleeves. He recognized Amaranthine craftsmanship, hand-painted flowers blooming across white silk. The vee of the neckline had been arranged to show additional layers beneath, colorful bands of silk creating a display of wealth and refinement.
More impressive than the quality of her clothing was the careless grace with which she wore it. No stiffness. No self-consciousness. In fact, he wondered if he should step in to keepherneat. Kimiko was doing nothing to discourage Ever’s enthusiastic “sniffening.”
“Mind your claws, Ever,” Quen murmured.
“I mind.” The boy settled his head on Kimiko’s shoulder, tail swaying contentedly.
She sketched a casual greeting with her free hand. “Aren’t you looking fine? Very coordinated. My sisters and I clash so much, nobody would guess we’re related, but you threebelongtogether.”
