Page 47 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
The words came cautiously, with a nuance of body language that threw Kimiko for a loop. He wanted her to answer in the affirmative. But she couldn’t fathomwhy. She asked, “You want it to stand?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” he asked.
Kimiko edged closer and half-whispered, “You’re not making any sense.”
“No?” Eloquence tucked the comb into a pouch at his waist. “It’s really very simple, Kimiko Miyabe. You may proceed with your courtship. I accept your suit.”
TWENTY-TWO
Suitor
“Come inside where it’s warm,” Quen offered. Although he suspected the cold wasn’t responsible for the sudden change in Kimiko’s pallor. Her scent, her posture, her searching gaze—their underlying confusion was unanimous. At least there was no sign of fear or annoyance. She would hear him out.
But she hadn’t lost the trail. “Why would you hold me to this?”
He hesitated. He hedged. “Am I unsuitable?”
Kimiko waved aside his attempt at distraction. “You’re aStarmark. You’re probably going to be one of the world’s most eligible bachelors after graduation. It’smysuitability at question.”
“Because you’re human?”
She seemed baffled. “Your Dad obviously doesn’t have a problem with humans in a general sense. Buthewas in love.”
“And you’re not.” Quen had a feeling this was going very poorly. Was Kimiko the kind of girl who needed to be charmed … or convinced … or cornered?
“Most reavers don’t have that luxury.” She retreated, but only from the draft coming through the partially open door. “Isn’t an emotional connection considered essential for Amaranthine bonding? Especially for canines. You mate for life.”
The truth was not a terrible one, but it made him feel ungrateful. How to explain? “My role within the pack is … unique. I will not take a bondmate. Sothisis the only den I will know.”
Kimiko’s brows furrowed. “I know dragons have celibate males, but … not you guys. Then again, I thought the clans didn’t go in for war. You’ll make a lot of people nervous if they ever see you like this.”
His armor. His sword. Quen winced. “Please, don’t mention any of this to anyone.”
“I won’t,” she said simply.
And perhaps because she didn’t ask for more, he gave it. “Dogs have never made war against humans, but we have always defended our dens and our allies. My uncle put me in this for a special occasion.”
She brightened. “Because of the Star Festival?”
“In a way.” This week did hold significance for the pack. Doubly so, now. “Today marks my attainment.”
“Congratulations!” Her hands fluttered through an eclectic series of compliments, some of which didn’t actually apply. Especially the one about antlers. But each conveyed an appropriately celebratory note in keeping with one’s rite of passage. “The Starmark pack is stronger for your place in it.”
Her enthusiasm brought a flush of pleasure, but Quen needed to tell the rest. “I waited a long time for Dad’s acknowledgement. I don’t have my brothers’ height or breadth. I’m … undergrown.”
She looked him up and down, and his insides curled miserably. But he wanted her to know these things, because they were part of the reason he needed her agreement.
Kimiko said, “I never gave it much thought. You’re still taller than the humans. Except Tenma.”
He sighed. There was little use pointing out that members of his clan had some of the largest statures—in both speaking and true forms—and that her people tended to be small. If breeding held true, Ever would certainly outstrip him, for Anna’s build and coloring showed she came from Scandinavian stock.
“And I’m older than you.”
Kimiko actually looked insulted. “Hardly news.”
Quen closed his eyes. “I have twice the years of any Amaranthine in our classroom.”
“Oh.Oh! That’s what Ever meant!” Kimiko’s fingers settled lightly on his arm. “He seemed to think you were unhappy. And he wanted you to have abig boygift.”
