Page 62 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“Two battlers and a trickster in training,” Hisoka said easily. “Can you tell which of them is Amaranthine?”
Kimiko slowly shook her head. “Which of the trickster clans?”
“See if you can figure that out,” he suggested. “I would be interested to know if they have any small habits that might betray their true nature. Because if they acquit themselves well here, one of our urban enclaves will benefit greatly.”
She liked the riddle he’d posed, but she knew it was of secondary importance. “They’re staying?”
“Indefinitely.” Hisoka smoothly added, “Unless your family is opposed, of course.”
And then Kimiko realized that she was putting a crease in Hisoka Twineshaft’s sleeve, and she snatched back her hand, fluttering through apologies she was too tongue-tied to utter.
He caught her sleeve. “Relax, Miss Miyabe. Or I shall have an angry phoenix to contend with.”
She followed his gaze to where Suuzu perched on the ridgepole of her house. She would have loved seeing her classmate blaze into his truest form, but she signaled reassurances.All’s well.
“Firstly, I’d be pleased if you’d call me Sensei. It’s friendlier without formalities.”
Kimiko stared at the clawed fingers still holding her sleeve. “Why are you here, Sensei?”
“My purposes are twofold.” But instead of listing them, he asked, “Is Suuzu Farroost acting as your go-between?”
“You know about Eloquence.”
“I am one of very few who do. I have his father’s trust.” He repeated, “Suuzu?”
“Yes. He offered last night.” She tried for a smile. “He thought I might need him.”
“Very good. That makes this easier to explain.” Hisoka released her sleeve to take her hand. “Harmonious made mehisgo-between. I will be acting on his son’s behalf.”
The weight of that statement took several moments to sink in. “Are you saying he sent you to see if I’m good enough?”
“Do not think it,” chided Hisoka. “My old friend ispleasedby your offer. He sent me to smooth the way … and to secure your happiness. Can you trust me?”
Kimiko’s words came slowly at first. “I want to, but I’m not really sure. I mean, I trust you on a grand scale, but that’s not the same as letting someone make decisions for me. And my parents don’t even know yet.”
Hisoka gave her hand a small squeeze, then beckoned to Suuzu. The phoenix leapt from the rooftop, arriving at her side with a speed the Amaranthine never displayed in public.
Palms touched, and Hisoka continued, “With your permission, I will speak with your parents, relaying Harmonious’ approval of the match and inviting them to the Starmark compound in a week’s time to formalize the matter by making a declaration of your intentions.”
“You’ll tell my parents for me?”
He inclined his head. “While you’re at school. Which brings me to my second purpose. I’ll be asking your family to take in my apprentice for the remainder of the year.”
“Isla?” Kimiko was startled, but far from opposed. “That’s actually really perfect. She wanted to learn more about the nuances of non-verbal communication used by various clans, and that will be so much easier if we’re roommates.”
Hisoka’s whole expression warmed. “I’m sure she’ll benefit from your guidance.”
“But are you sure this won’t be awkward? You’ve met my family. They’re a little bit desperate to make the right kinds of connections.” Kimiko grimaced. “Especially since I’ll be disappointing them.”
Flared eyebrows lifted. “Nearly everyone Isla meets is trying to use her.”
Kimiko wanted to protest, but Suuzu interrupted with a light trill. Was he laughing?
Hisoka lifted the hand he still held, placing it against his chest and holding it there. His heart beat under her palm—sure and steady. “Isla is my precious apprentice, and you are not ‘nearly everyone.’ Isla likes you. Ever chose you. Harmonious wants you. Eloquence needs you. And I will trust you.”
She understood that this was a vow.
And once again, she felt bad.
