Page 35 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
He slithered out of Quen’s grasp, and an instant later, Tenma was holding up a bleary Rivven who smelled strongly of flowers, spice, and liquor.
“Hello, sealed boy.”
SEVENTEEN
Sealed Boy
To Eloquence’s relief, Tenma seemed more awed then scared by the clinging dragon. Unless Quen missed his guess, Lapis was playacting. Too much star wine certainly left him maudlin, but any actual inebriation never lingered for long. No. He was after whatanydragon was after on a winter’s night.
“He shouldn’t be outside.” Shifting into an apologetic posture, Quen added, “Help me bring him in.”
Tenma’s eyes were wide behind his glasses, but he radiated concern. “Lean on me, sir.”
“Such generosity. Such hospitality.” Lapis wilted against the high school boy. “I cannot care for this city of yours. There may be stars in your wine, but they are missing from your sky.”
“We’re a long way from the heights.” Eloquence nudged Rise out of the way and opened his door. Inside was hushed and dim, meaning Ever was still with Mum. “Keishi’s lights do muddle our view of the sky, but they cannot touch the stars in their intensity. Only distract from it.”
“If you miss the stars so much, go and see them,” suggested Tenma.
“Obligations confine me. It will be weeks before Twineshaft permits me to return to my home in the heights. Months, even. Wholeseasonswithout jeweled nights and unfettered winds.”
“But they’re just above the clouds.” Tenma staggered up the steps and fumbled out of his shoes. “I thought Rivven could fly.”
Quen grimaced as Lapis shed his drunken pretense and turned Tenma’s face. For a long moment, the dragon peered into his eyes. Voice deepening with shades of accusation, the dragon asked a question that wasn’t one. “You are not a reaver?”
“No, sir.”
Eloquence tried to intervene. “Tenma doesn’t know anything about …”
Lapis lifted a hand to silence him. “I am a dragon.”
“Yes, sir. I figured that out, sir. Lord Lapis Mossberne. You’re one of the Five.” He ducked his head and mumbled, “It’s an honor.”
The Spokesperson stroked Tenma cheek. “You know little of dragons?”
“Next to nothing. Sorry.” As if wanting to be helpful, he added, “I do like all the colors.”
Dragons were indeed showy. And they tended toholdthe attention they received for all their gaudy coloration. Some felt they deserved the captivation, for the Maker had made them beautiful. Others were wary. Really, there were as many warnings about dragons as there were for trees. But Lapis was as good as pack, and Tenma could find no kinder teacher when it came to the dangers of dragons.
He was probably already being drawn in.
“Bring him into the inner room,” Quen directed. “I’ll get the fires going.”
“Sure,” said Tenma. “Do you need help with your shoes, sir?”
Eloquence, who had been speaking to Lapis, wondered if he looked half as surprised as the dragon. Tenma wasn’t affected?
Lapis stepped out of bejeweled slippers with upturned tips, revealing azure painted claws and delicate rings on his toes. “Due to a tragic confluence of circumstances and consequences, I am unable to reach the sky. But my heart stirs at the promise of fire. January is such an inhospitable month.”
“Close the screens behind you.” Eloquence crossed to the first of two fireplaces. Uncle Laud must be back in town, for the firewood was already arranged on the hearth. All Quen had to do was strike a match and touch it to the kindling. Then he turned to a discreet wall panel and fiddled with temperature settings.
Tenma guided Lapis to a cushioned bench and peered around the room. The dragon pulled him down to sit at his side and continued his sly scrutiny, but Tenma hardly seemed to notice the predator at his side. Instead, he pointed to the control panel. “I thought Rivven were against technology and things.”
“Usually, but an exception was made for this building.” Quen knelt in front of their seat and touched the matting. “Radiant heating under the floor. For Ever. He’s sensitive to cold in the same way humans are, so Dad had it installed.”
Lapis stretched his feet toward the fire, wiggled his toes, and hummed appreciatively.
Eloquence huffed. “Certain clans—including the dragon clans—are picky about temperatures. They’re good at finding hot spots, so Lord Mossberne has been sneaking into our den every chance he gets. He usually attaches himself to Uncle Laud.”
