Page 79 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“Loads.” Kimiko signaled her gratitude. “Isla and I will be in the archive until dinnertime.”
Practically running, she led their escape.
Out of sight of the kitchen windows, Kimiko slowed and whispered, “Sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for.” Isla reached for her hand. “She’ll come around eventually.”
“Come around? To what?”
“Nope,nein,nyet.” Isla’s eyes fairly sparkled. “That’s the only hint you’re getting. Now where’s this obscure reaver library you’ve been hiding from me?”
“I wasn’t hiding it. Let’s call it … saving the best for last.” Unlocking the door, she slid it to one side and bowed Isla through. “Welcome to Kikusawa Shrine’s least famous treasury. Not that any of them are particularly well known.”
Isla swept through the door, swayed in place, executed a slow turn, then flung herself into Kimiko’s arms.
“It’s beautiful!” Isla rubbed their cheeks together in a great show of feline affection, raving nonsense in Russian and Old Amaranthine. “You’re my new favorite person!”
“Because I hold the key to a roomful of books?”
Isla clung. “And because you’re normal and nice and not jealous at all.”
Kimiko swept up the slender girl and spun her around. “AndI hold the key to a roomful of books.”
“Okay, it’s the books.” Isla’s kiss landed in the vicinity of Kimiko’s chin. “I was nearly done with all the ones in New Saga’s library.”
“In a month?”
“Most of the books here are duplicates to Ingress Academy’s collection. So I had a head start.”
At the mention of Ingress, Kimiko’s smile faded. “Do you think the kidnapped girl is someone you know?”
“Probably.” Isla’s expression grew solemn. “Sensei will do something.”
It occurred to Kimiko that the cat might have multiple purposes in placing Isla at Kikusawa Shrine. For instance, if his apprentice was under guard and behind boundaries here, he would be freer. She whispered, “Is he out hunting?”
Isla lowered her voice, too. “Lately, he prowls more than he purrs. I don’t see him as often as I’d like, but I’m trying not to mind.”
Kimiko gallantly settled the girl into the most comfortable chair. “While the cat’s away, I’ll keep you busy. Because I have a courtship to formalize and my knowledge of Amaranthine bonding is skimpy at best.”
Isla hummed thoughtfully. “I know the most about fox customs. When I was little, I had the worst crush on one. Well, half of one.”
Half a fox? She could only mean a crosser, and the only one Kimiko knew about was famous. “Do you mean Spokesperson Mettlebright’s son?”
“Gingko.” Good memories softened Isla’s expression. “He’s always lived with Papka and Mum, so he was always there whenever I’d go home.”
Although Ever Starmark might be the firstofficialcrosser, unofficial ones had been stealing onto the scene. Just a few, here and there. Like Inti.
Isla went on. “I adored him, but he was never interested in me like that. When I was eight, Gingko did his best to let me down gently. I was heartbroken.”
“He faced your feelingsbecausehe loved you.”
“Yes, but that was harder to understand back then.”
The twelve-year-old sounded so worldly-wise. Comparatively, she was. Kimiko had never given boys much thought. She’d always been Grandpa’s girl.
“Papka explained to me that there are all kinds of love, and each is precious if you treasure it. And Mum reminded me that as a reaver, I have a responsibility to the next generation.”
Kimiko murmured, “I’ve been worrying about that part myself.”
