Page 109 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
He loved that she’d included Rise. Quen claimed her hand and bent close, his head tilted invitingly. She rose up on tiptoe to bestow one of the greetings he’d taught her yesterday. The friendliest in her repertoire.
Mostly for Ever’s benefit, he made a show of perusing her scent. To his surprise, he only found nuances of happiness and excitement. “You’re not nervous?”
Kimiko rubbed noses with Ever. “Today is too special not to savor. I’m planning to enjoy every part of it.” Her gaze was clear, and she seemed totally up to the challenge ahead. “Let’s make a good beginning.”
Kimiko found the Starmark compound both sumptuous and spare. Graceful lines. Serene views. Staggering scale. But there was very little in the way of accumulation or ornamentation. As if the buildings’ only purpose was to provide the Starmark clan with a comfortable place to gather. The underlying attitude couldn’t have been clearer. Dogs cherished Kith and Kindred above all else. Only when precious people filled these rooms did they become treasuries.
“Akira is waiting for us.” Eloquence’s hand rested lightly on her lower back, guiding her along an inner corridor. “We have similar roles at the moment.”
“Is he formalizing a betrothal?” she asked lightly.
Eloquence huffed. “He is—to use his term—babysitting.”
He guided her into an inner room with low ceilings and a sizable fireplace on each end. The space was noticeably warmer and furnished with low couches and tufted footstools. Embroidered curtains swathed the walls with color, and tasseled cushions mounded in corners. Books, papers, and crystals were strewn across a long worktable.
Akira sat sideways on one of the couches, facing a slim Amaranthine with pale green hair. They seemed to be deep in conversation. Kimiko gestured questioningly, not wanting to interrupt.
“I’ll introduce you.”
As Eloquence guided her closer, she could hear what was being said.
“Touch your nose.”
Akira did.
“Touch my nose.”
Akira obeyed. Was it some sort of children’s game?
“Are you even trying?” sighed the stranger.
Kimiko took in the Amaranthine’s showy coloring, sheer wardrobe, and excess of accessories and pegged him for a dragon. But not the one she’d been expecting, for Lord Mossberne was a blue.
He’d noticed them, but with a dramatic roll of his eyes, he continued his little game. “Touch Kyrie’s nose.”
This brought her attention to the child sitting on the dragon’s lap. When Akira tapped the boy’s nose, he giggled softly. The child’s coloring was astonishing. Light brought out the faint iridescence of lavender scales along his hairline and on the backs of his hands. Wide eyes turned her way, showing the deep red of rose petals. Most astonishing were the four pale horns showing through his dark hair. A dragon crosser?
Kyrie offered a shy wave, which Ever returned enthusiastically.
The dragon offered the sign for peace, which he reinforced with a promise of protection. But then he went right on with his game, saying to Akira, “Kiss my nose.”
This time, Akira hesitated. Then with great care, he reached up to grab the dragon’s nose instead.
“That’s the right idea!” he praised in nasal tones, thanks to Akira’s pinch. “But who have we here?”
Akira gave himself a shake, then bounded up. “Kimi, you made it!”
But he swayed in place, and the dragon stood to steady him. “Easy now. Your good phoenix isn’t here to prop you up.”
“I’m fine. It’s getting better, I think. But anyway … Kimi, I want you to meet Kyrie!” He claimed the dragon crosser and brought him over. “I’m his uncle.”
Eloquence said, “Our fathers decided early on that these two would need each other. Best friends, right Ever?”
“Best,” agreed the pup, who’d claimed Kyrie’s hand as soon as he was close enough.
“And Lilya,” mumbled the half-dragon.
Akira mussed the boy’s hair, which seemed to actually be purple. “Yep, you have Lilya at home.” To Kimiko he explained, “She’s Isla’s baby sister. But this guy belongs to Sis. Meet my nephew, Kyrie Hajime-Mettlebright.”
