Page 45 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
Kimiko wondered at his tone. “Is your brother unhappy?”
Ever frowned. He shook his head, then nodded, then shook again. “Bruvver’s a big boy. Dis a big boy gift.” He pressed it into Kimiko’s chest, so that she had to take it or else it would fall.
With extreme care, she folded back the wrappings, revealing a lovely old comb. The fading light gleamed softly on its surface, which was indeed etched with delicate stars. “Ever, this looks valuable. You can’t trade this for sweets.” She refolded the cloth and extended it. “I can’t take this.”
“Not for you. For Bruvver.”
Kimiko was willing to concede the point. Was there really any harm in indulging the little guy? He could have his sweets, and when Eloquence arrived, she’d return what had to be a family heirloom. So she said, “Thank you very much, Ever. I’ll make sure to give this to your brother.”
TWENTY-ONE
Heirloom
Ever munched happily on festival fare, kicking his feet over the edge of the porch. He’d brought a blanket out for Kimiko, who nibbled the point off a chocolate star while searching the overcast sky. The clouds sometimes whirled and spun in a wind that didn’t reach the ground, and she could feel a kind of thundering. Not a noise, really. More like a rumble she could feel in her chest. “Whatisthat?”
Her companion mumbled unconcernedly around a mouthful. “Uncle.”
She wasn’t necessarily surprised. There must be every kind of Kith and Kindred in and around—and above—the Starmark compound. Flight was a typical Amaranthine capability, so the clan must be romping around somewhere above the clouds. Maybe they had their own way of celebrating the Star Festival. Feats of strength or speed.
“He must be really strong,” she said.
“Yeth.”
“Is Eloquence up there?” she asked.
Ever didn’t answer, but his ears were sinking fast. Had something happened? Only then did she register the cessation of airborne clamoring. And then something streaked across her field of vision … and Ever vanished from her side.
The chocolate slipped from her fingers, and she scrambled to her knees. Standing a short distance away, Harmonious Starmark stood watching her, his young son in his arms.
By the time she’d extricated herself from the blanket, a second male stood by his side—massive, white-haired, and clad in copper armor. The unknown warrior gripped a bared sword, and he was riled enough that his presence pressed uncomfortably against Kimiko’s quailing soul.
Harmonious wasn’t much better. Stiff and stern. This was not the friendly face one usually saw on the news.
“Sorry,” she whispered.
“Do you have reason to apologize?” inquired Spokesperson Starmark.
She shook her head, and her free hand offered a feeble plea for understanding. Where was Prospect to vouch for her? She glanced pleadingly at Rise, who was licking icing off his nose. The sneak had downed the last of the cake. “Mooch!” she whispered.
“My son is a little young to be entertaining a lady.” Ever’s father had mellowed, and it showed in his tone. “How did you happen to meet?”
She bowed. “I’m Kimiko Miyabe, a student at New Saga High School. I’m in Eloquence’s class.”
“Well met, Miyabe-chan.” Harmonious’ gaze shifted to a point past her shoulder. “Can you verify her claim?”
Kimiko turned to find Eloquence standing a little ways apart, looking very different than usual. He was breathing hard, and his hair was loose and wild. More shocking, he was also arrayed like a warrior—armed and armored, in a glory of copper and traditional silks.
“Reaver representative for Class 3-C,” he confirmed in a rough voice.
He looked as if he needed a seat. And sounded as if he needed a pot of tea. And here she was, keeping him from creature comforts. “I’m sorry to have interrupted. I didn’t want you to be totally left out of the fun of the Star Festival, so I brought a few things.”
Nearly all of which had already been eaten.
Kimiko rubbed the back of her neck and sheepishly added, “Ever liked all the stars.”
Eloquence seemed amused by something, but with a glance in his father’s direction, he drew himself up and executed a gracious bow. “Thank you for your consideration. I will accept your generosity, and you’ll be free to go.”
Acceptance with a dismissive undercurrent. But Kimiko could almost feel the weariness rolling off him. So she didn’t drag out her presentation with the explanation she probably owed. Extending the comb in its wrappings, she offered the traditional festival blessing. “May the stars grant the dearest wish of your heart.”
