Page 69 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“Ever is five?”
“Ever’s three.” Quen decided to let it go. It wasn’t as if he was trying to trade on his father’s fame to impress his classmate. “And next time Tenma stays over with us, you’ll come, too.”
“Show me.”
Quen pointed to the spot where rooftops peeked above the forest. “My pavilion is near the Kith shelter. If your sense of smell is good, you can probably find it on your own.”
“Good, good, good doggie.”
Akira ambled over, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Hey, Quen. Say, Inti, can I ask you a potentially awkward question?”
The crosser flowed from Quen’s shoulder and stood facing Akira. “Say it.”
“How come you’re here instead of Stately House?”
After a lengthy pause, Inti replied, “Reasons.”
Interesting. The boy who claimed not to know about the Five had heard of Stately House?
But Akira accepted Inti’s answer with a nod. “Good ones?”
Inti shrugged.
“Wanna visit sometime?” Akira described his sister’s home with sweeping hand gestures, backing slowly toward the rest of the group and beckoning for Inti to follow. He did, taking Tenma with him, for his tail was still coiled firmly around his wrist.
Tenma offered a parting wave. “I’ll make sure he gets safely to the dorms.”
Quen signaled his gratitude, and then Suuzu was there, almost as if Akira had created the opening. Which he must have. With a wry smile, Quen offered a silent greeting.
Suuzu met his palms. “I will guide Kimiko to the Kith shelter at the appointed hour and remain close, but not too close. Your privacy is assured.”
“Thank you.”
“Afterward, Akira and I will escort Kimiko and Isla home.”
“Isla?” She hadn’t mentioned anything of the sort. Then again, Inti had rather monopolized their day.
“Isla is moving in with the Miyabe family,” supplied Suuzu. “Hisoka Twineshaft arranged things so that his apprentice will be safe. He is your go-between.”
“So I’m told.” Quen stared at his feet for several moments. “I see the sense.”
Suuzu touched his sleeve. “Those who are set apart see clearly.”
His gaze jumped to Suuzu’s. “You’re a tribute?”
“The second of my clan. Peace, kindred.” He slipped his hand under Quen’s, then cautiously tangled their fingers together. “Those who do not choose for themselves understand the joy of being chosen.”
“Yes. Perhaps that’s what plagues me now. I haven’t given Kimiko much of a choice.”
Suuzu shook his head. “Stranger alliances have formed and flourish.”
“Well, kindred?” He gave Suuzu’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Whose part are you taking in this uncommon courtship?”
The hint of a smile appeared. “When it comes to nestmates, the happiness of one is the satisfaction of the other. I cannot show favor without pleasing both.”
“Thank you,” he whispered.
Suuzu took a step closer, so they were toe to toe. “In the custom of my clan, it would be understood that I will carry twigs to the tree of your choosing, giving you time to sing.”
