Page 43 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
That put a bounce in his step. “Ever!” He made a very proper bow, then plucked at his sleeve, showing off his family crest. “Ever Starmark, cause I’m Da’s boy!”
“You are a tribute to your den.”
The boy’s face scrunched adorably. “Nuh-uh. Bruvver’s a triboot. I’m juss me.”
Kimiko wasn’t sure what he meant, but it hardly mattered. Ever was precious. And rather articulate for three years, though he lisped softly over his syllables.
“I should sniffen you,” he announced.
“If you think that would be wise,” she said with equal gravity.
And then she had her arms full of boyish curiosity.
“Short.” He petted her hair. “Dun grow?”
“When my hair gets long, I cut it short.” She whispered, “Sometimes people think I’m a boy.”
He snuffled at her neck, then gave a small huff of disdain. “Smells like girl.”
“What do girls smell like?” she asked.
Ever returned to sniffing as if investigating the matter and surprised her by adding a bit of a nibble.
She quietly asked, “What are you doing?”
He licked the spot in what was surely meant as an apology and leaned back. “You mind me of Mum.”
“Is that good?”
“Like … dis.” Ever held out a tight fist, then slowly opened it, as if releasing a butterfly. “Stars inside. I like dem, but she hides dem. Special for Da. Who are yours for?”
She skirted that question. “Your mother’s a reaver?”
“She’s Mum, but Da calls her Anna.” Pointing to her bag, he asked, “What dose?”
Before she could answer, a male voice came from directly behind. “Ever.”
“Spect.” The boy’s ears drooped guiltily, but he clung more tightly to Kimiko.
She turned to look up—quite a ways up—into the face of a powerfully-built Amaranthine male dressed in Starmark colors.NotEloquence. Carefully rising to her feet, she propped Ever on her hip and offered her free hand. “My name’s Kimiko Miyabe of Kikusawa Shrine.”
“Prospect Starmark,” he replied curtly. “May I ask your purpose in coming here, reaver?”
It was awkward, relying on one-handed gestures, but she rather enjoyed the challenge. And the more she conveyed, the more Ever’s older brother relaxed. She explained, “I came looking for Eloquence. He’s my classmate.” Bending to catch the handles of her bag, she asked, “Would you give this to him?”
“What do you think, Ever?” asked Prospect.
She felt something batting against her arm. His tail!
“Since you’ve come this far, Kimiko, I think you should see it through.” Prospect beckoned for her to follow. “My runt of a brother won’t be much longer. I’ll show you where you can wait.”
He guided her through a series of courtyards, sometimes on raised porches, sometimes along shoveled paths. Given how many buildings they passed, the Starmark clan was almost a city unto itself. Well, a neighborhood, anyhow. But she didn’t see a single soul. Everything was quiet, as if the place had been evacuated.
“Where is everyone?” she asked. Maybe she shouldn’t have. But her Starmark guide didn’t seem to mind.
“Festival preparations, one way or another.” He grinned at her. “Here’s the den you need. Ever, be a good host until Quen returns. Kimiko, if you need anything, tell Rise.”
The Kith leapt onto the pavilion’s wide front porch and gave a welcomingwuff.
