Page 143 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
The ceremony hadn’t truly begun yet, and the gathered crowd kept up a steady buzz. He’d made this circuit twice already. Not until the fourth would Kimiko appear to “catch” him and lead him to the low dais prepared for the pledge.
At the point nearest the main gate, broadcast booths lined the central walkway, where festival booths were normally arranged. Quen could hear interviews underway in several languages.
“ … switching over to Reaver Lin Waller, who can explain for us the distinctions between the wolf and dog …”
“ … delighted to be speaking with Merit Starmark, another of Harmonious’ sons …”
“ … that the bridal circuit is a wolvish tradition, meant to emulate the moon’s path …”
“ … understandable comparisons to a royal wedding. But the Amaranthine don’t have …”
“ … to be cast in the role of suitor, which has endeared Kimiko to …”
“ … not a wedding, per se. Her spokesperson Suuzu Farroost confirms a three-year courtship, culminating …”
Three years. Eloquence lifted his face into the gentle drift of petals. Kusunoki had indeed bloomed, shocking them all with a profusion of tiny red flowers.
Shutters clicked on every side, and Eloquence realized he’d been smiling. Fodder for the surprising number of fans Kimiko’s courtship had already gained. Her popularity was on the rise, and Hisoka couldn’t have been more pleased.
The howl of trackers had been recast as the celebration of dogs.
The rogue had fled before the saint’s fury, an unsolved mystery.
The shrine now served as an international stage, with Kimiko in the lead role.
Quen knew she could handle herself, but he would feel better once he could see her again. Kimiko was off with Laud and Ever, who’d wanted to see the dragons at the front gate. Surely they’d return soon. He hadn’t seen her since changing into today’s costume, and he was … self-conscious.
Kimiko’s intentions for her next pledge—and the placement of its attendant kiss—had come by messenger, setting off an excited din in the Starmark compound. At Hisoka Twineshaft’s suggestion, Harmonious had opened up an entire wing of one pavilion to a team of designers, seamstresses, and tailors so that his maiden son could carry the pride of his clan in fine style.
The cut of today’s ensemble was unusual for a dog. Clothing was one of the small ways in which they’d set themselves apart from their wolvish relations. Where the wolf packs ran barefoot, the dog clans wore boots. And while wolves thought nothing of showing skin, dogs held to a tradition of modesty.
Over gathered pants, patterned scarves bound Quen from hip to midriff, and an open vest left his chest bare. To give Kimiko access.
He completed his circuit and hid in the warded tent. His future bondmate might flourish in the limelight, but he liked nothing better than to steal away with her and coax for time and talk and casual touches.
Rise greeted him with a soft whine.You are anxious.
“I want to make a good impression.”
She will be pleased.
Eloquence leaned into Rise and mumbled, “That would make me happy.”
Be happy.
The Kith’s head swiveled, ears lifting. Moments later, Kimiko burst into the tent, all smiles. “This worked perfectly!” she exclaimed, showing off one of the clay seals Goh-sensei had fired for them. “No one even noticed us. We probably could have tickled Sinder’s whiskers and gotten away with it!”
Whether it was meant as a show of strength, a sign of good fortune, or a plain old publicity stunt, Lapis and Sinder had taken up positions on either side of Kikusawa’s stairs. In true form.
“Bruvver, hims agreendragon. Not like Laps.”
Quen went to pick up his little representative, but Uncle Laud intervened, settling the boy on his broad shoulders. They were all under orders not to besmirch their finery. Laud quietly said, “You two should practice.”
Kimiko’s lips twitched. “That’s usually Rise’s line.”
Risewuffed.
Laud wrapped his hands around Ever’s ankles. “What do you think, pup?”
