Page 63 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
When Hisoka had asked if she could trust him, she’d said she wasn’t sure she could. Just like when Eloquence had offered a lifetime of loyalty, even though she hadn’t been able to say she cared. All her friendliness seemed flimsy compared with the commitments the Amaranthine were so ready to make. Why were they so quick to trust? Did they see something in her she couldn’t see for herself?
She hoped she’d be able to figure it out.
Kimiko pressed her hand firmly to Hisoka Twineshaft’s heart and told the truth. “I like Isla, too. I think we could be good friends—the best—and your trust is giving us that chance.”
A purr vibrated through Hisoka’s chest, and he tugged her into a gentle embrace. “May I make plain something you may have already realized?”
She nodded, lost for words.
“Harmonious is a dog.”
Kimiko giggled. “Give me a little credit.”
“As such, Harmonious has a strong desire to protect, but he cannot overstep traditional boundaries.” Hisoka said, “A suitor might stand guard over their intended, but not the other way around.”
Suuzu said, “And so Isla.”
“I am indulging my apprentice, but I fear I am also using her.” Hisoka’s cheek rested against Kimiko’s hair. “Because nothing will prevent those who love Isla from making Kikusawa Shrine safe.”
With a little cry, she threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. Because even if there were machinations and ulterior motives in play, the end result was everything she’d needed to know. No matter what, her sisters would be safe.
TWENTY-EIGHT
Inestimable Value
Usually, Eloquence relished these rare times when he had Dad to himself. But all he could do was stare into his father’s face with ill-concealed dismay. “You didwhat?”
“Arranged everything.” Dad cuffed his shoulder. “I’m taking care of you.”
“I can take care of myself.”
His father’s indulgent smile wasn’t very reassuring.
Quen tried reason. “Kimiko and I already came to an agreement. Surely you don’t expect me to go back on my word.”
“I expect no such thing. Don’t worry so much. I sent a go-between.”
“You … wait. What?”
“I know my responsibilities!” His father beamed. “I did as much for every one of your sisters.”
“Dad!” Could this be any worse? “I’m not afemale.”
His father snorted. “Gender isn’t the issue. You have a suitor. No child of mine will go into the intricacies of a formal courtship without the support of a go-between.”
The injustice stung. “Did you appoint a go-between when Merit or Prospect or Valor were pursuing their mates?”
“Of course not. They were quite capable of making their intentions clear.”
“And I’m not?”
“You’re not.” His father was totally missing the point. “Kimiko is the suitor. The intent will be hers.”
Eloquence conceded the point, but argued, “She probably isn’t aware of our traditions, let alone your expectations.”
“All the more reason to appoint a skilled go-between!” Dad countered heartily.
He was far too pleased with himself. Who would he have chosen? Any of his older brothers would be awful, since they’d tease. And Uncle Laud wouldn’t be a good fit, since he rarely spoke. A horrifying idea crept into Quen’s soul. “Please, please,pleasetell me it’s not Grandad.”
