Page 111 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“We have three.” She sheepishly admitted, “I used to play with them when I was little.”
“Three seeds?”
Kimiko shook her head. “One of ours was empty, too. But the other two are intact.”
The dragon spoke slowly. “And when you say ‘similarities to the old stories,’ to which tales are you referring?”
She took a confiding posture, adding a signal for secrecy. “The Songs of Trees, of course. It’s impossible not to think of Auriel when you’re entrusted with two golden seeds.”
Sinder snatched at Eloquence’s sleeve and whispered, “Bring Hisoka.”
FORTY-TWO
Evers Mum
Hisoka listened carefully.
Kimiko had expected more of a reaction, especially after Sinder’s dramatics. She asked, “You don’t think this is important?”
“It is. Undoubtedly. But there is a time and a place for everything, and this is neither.” He took her elbow and guided her to the door. “Kimiko, you have people to meet and a betrothal to formalize. Eloquence, rejoin your father and brothers and await your suitor’s pledge. Suuzu … ah.”
Suuzu stood just inside the door. More accurately, he leaned against the wall, looking dazed. He must have arrived close on Hisoka’s heels, making him privy to the entire explanation. Here was the shock she’d anticipated, but why should Suuzu be so rattled? Automatically, she checked on Akira, who was already moving toward his best friend.
“Hey, Suuzu.” Akira sounded worried. “You doing okay?”
The phoenix silently pulled his friend close, pinning Kyrie between them. The little crosser warbled a questioning note. Suuzu’s low trill seemed to reassure him, but Kimiko was concerned by his posture. Suuzu radiated an inexplicable distress.
Hisoka said, “Sinder, I apologize for the inconvenience, but will you carry a message to Boonmar-fen Elderbough at Kikusawa Shrine, letting him know what’s transpired. The two of you will protect the treasury. No access. Fromanyquarter.”
“Understood.” Sinder left so quickly, he seemed to vanish into thin air.
Kimiko frowned at her companion. Suuzu held himself even more upright than usual as he escorted her toward her evening’s obligations. “Are you worried about something?”
He seemed to haul himself into the present and managed a wan smile. “My role is minor. Better to ask if you are worried.”
“Not really.” She gestured broadly with her free hand—gratitude, anticipation, happiness. “I never once expected to have the full set.”
“Of …?”
“The Five.” Kimiko added a skip to her step. “Do you know the two I haven’t met?”
“Yes.”
“And you’ll introduce me?”
“Gladly, should the need arise. But the spokespersons are quite forward when it comes to seeking human interaction.” He gestured to the fore. “As you shall see.”
Kimiko followed his gaze. The wolf watching their approach was quite tall, quite tanned, and quite beautiful. Hurrying her steps, Kimiko was already rattling off greetings and compliments. Adoona-soh Elderbough’s surprise modulated into pleasure, and her posture shifted to a stance that was universally understood.
Shocked by her own boldness, Kimiko ran straight into her arms. She was pulled close, her cheek pressing a vest of thick golden fur. Warm and wild and a welcome surprise. Closing her eyes, Kimiko came to rest. This person was a stronghold, and she felt safe.
The she-wolf laughed, low and husky. “Not the least bit shy, this one.”
Suuzu said, “At times like this, Kimi reminds me of Akira.”
“That one,” she scoffed in brusque affection. “Where is your nestmate?”
“With Gingko. Just there.”
