Page 99 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“Because I likeyou.” Her smile turned smug. “And because someone already did the hard part for me.”
That threw him off. “What part?”
“Your pet. I can make your childhood dream come true.”
Quen realized she must be joking. “You have a briner tank tucked away somewhere?”
“No. But we keep the north wind in a bottle.”
A fanciful notion. Nuzzling her cheek, he murmured, “A fortuitous happenstance. I can only declare myself suitably impressed. Will you demand an impossible task in return?”
Kimiko hesitated, then shook her head.
“What?” He coaxed with a pudding please. “What is my lady’s wish?”
“I think,” she said slowly, still serious. “I think it would be wonderful if someone found a way to wake Kusunoki.”
THIRTY-NINE
Star Wine Serenades
Once Kimiko was safely away with Suuzu and Akira, Eloquence changed into his truest form and loped into the adjacent woodland on four paws. Dusk had settled into darkness, but he dodged confidently through the trees, lengthening his stride, picking up speed. Kimiko would formalize her claim tomorrow evening, but the connection they’d formed just now was a far sight more real.
Skidding to a halt and settling back on his haunches, he sang the note that still resonated through his core.
A chorus of Kith quickly joined him, their carrying howls echoing his joy.
Barking from closer quarters accompanied the bounding form of Rise. Quen turned to welcome him, setting off a grand game of tackle-and-chase through the snowy forest.
Are you happy, brother?
Quen returned to speaking form and leaned into the Kith’s side. “Happier than I know how to express.”
Because of Kimiko.
“Yes.”
Do you love her?
He tugged at Rise’s ear. “Yes.”
Do you trust her?
“Yes.”
Rise ducked his head, as if afraid Quen would lose patience with his questions.Will you tell her about me?
“Soon.” Eloquence wrapped his arms around Rise’s thick neck. “I’ll have you trade places with Edge and Flay and introduce you properly.”
I am Kith.
“She won’t mind.”
I cannot speak.Nervousness crept into his voice, making him sound younger than his years.
“Let me be your Eloquence.”
Rise butted his head against Quen’s chest.Mine.
