Page 130 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“Aptly specific,” murmured Hisoka.
Boonmar-fen eyed the blade with interest. “Funnel a beacon’s blaze through that much red crystal, and she’ll out-ply any dragon.”
“Only if they’re fool enough to stay within range,” said Harmonious. “Last time we used the Blaze, the dragons fled, and Keishi was spared any further destruction.”
Hisoka hummed. “You mentionedtwouses, Lady Starmark?”
“Yes.” She angled the sword with a practiced air, studying its edge. “A terrible one.”
“Oh, justsayit, already! That weapon was designed to slay dragons.” Sinder’s fluting trill had a hysterical edge. “She’s holding an executioner’s blade.”
Boonmar-fen grabbed the dragon’s arm and said, “How about younotbe in the room when she drops her wards.”
Sinder made a choking sound. “No offense, Anna.”
She inclined her head. “You have a quarter of an hour. Get as far as you can.”
His companion’s tail puffed. “Won’t a barrier suffice?”
With a grim shake of his head, Harmonious said, “Not against a beacon.”
“Ah. In that case ….” Hisoka held up a finger and backed toward the door. “I’ll just verify Lapis’ location. Argent, you should see to Kyrie.”
Argent looked vaguely insulted. “Gingko is already moving him.”
The Starmarks followed them out the door, leaving Kimiko to close up.
Alone again, she delayed long enough to trail her fingers along the smooth surface of one of four tall bottles on a recessed shelf, half-hidden behind the empty sword bracket. She touched the first with a twinge of regret. She’d smuggled it out to Kusunoki when she was much younger, breaking the seal to release its captive, sure that it held the Amaranthine equivalent of a genie.
Kimiko had been disappointed when no magical being appeared. Even the fleeting gust of wind that rustled Kusunoki’s leaves was probably a product of her fable-steeped imagination. But she’d never told anyone what she’d done.
Grandfather would have been disappointed in her. Grandma would consider it a betrayal of trust. Which it was. Which was probably why she was so protective of the remaining three bottles. She touched them each in turn—north, east, and west.
Maybe one day, she’d show them to Eloquence. One of their shrine’s little novelties. “It’s not as if anyone couldactuallyseal away the wind.”
Kimiko returned to the courtyard, thinking to catch up to Anna Starmark. The woman held out her wrists to Harmonious, who kissed her palms, then set about releasing the clasps on her bracelets. His expression made Kimiko hung back.
At her side, Argent Mettlebright casually remarked, “I have them inside a barrier, but you may pass through.”
She jumped, for she hadn’t noticed him there. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“A daughter is always welcome.”
“I’m not a daughter yet.”
“Tsk. I have seen that same look on young Eloquence’s face.” He indicated Harmonious. “Others will notice, and many will say it—like father, like son.”
“A fine compliment.” She smiled slyly at the aloof fox. “Even if it does betray a certain lack of imagination.”
A smile curled Argent’s lips. “You will do well.”
Kimiko dared to correct him. “I could not do better.”
Harmonious pocketed his bondmate’s bracelets, then knelt on the paving stones. Anna lifted the heavy fabric of her formal silks, revealing standard breeches underneath and low slippers that allowed for the heavy bracelets around her ankles.
More wards.
“How strongisshe?” Kimiko whispered.
