Page 92 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
Michael Ward set aside a large chunk of amber crystal in order to offer Kimiko his hands. “Good morning, Miss Miyabe. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
For someone whose ranking was so high, it was practically off the charts, the celebrated First of Wards was surprisingly unassuming. The father-daughter resemblance was very strong—blond curls, green eyes, and a genial brand of self-assurance.
“Thank you for welcoming Isla into your home.” Abandoning the formal greeting, he gathered her hands between his, giving them a paternal pat. “She speaks highly of you.”
He was easy to like, easy to trust. And maybe that was more important than titles and ranking. Leaning forward, she corrected him in conspiratorial tones. “She speaks highly of my archive.”
Michael laughed. “Both. And having met the one, I hope to beg an introduction to the other.”
“Does she get her love of books from you?”
“A fair accusation.” He flung out an arm to pull his daughter to his side. “But she’s more brilliant by far.”
“Papka,” Isla murmured in pleased protest.
“Then you shall both enjoy the riches of Kikusawa’s archive,” Kimiko promised. “It’s a treasury beyond compare. At least, that’s what my grandfather always claimed.”
“He would be correct.”
She turned at the new voice and fumbled for a greeting. In the end, all she managed was a respectful posture and a whispered acknowledgement. “Lord Mettlebright.”
Spokesperson for the fox clans, Argent Mettlebright was numbered among the Five. The Mettlebrights were winter foxes, so he was pale, with silver hair and light blue eyes. He wasn’t any taller than she, but his power and dignity were overwhelming. Argent Mettlebright towered.
“Oh, this is fortuitous! Argent’s been eager to meet you.” Michael’s cheerfulness had a determined quality, as if trying to balance out the aloof fox. “I’m quite sure he tagged along for no other reason than to snoop.”
“Tsk. Are you questioning my sigilcraft?”
Michael’s smile didn’t waver. “No, old friend. But I’ll question your manners if you do not show Eloquence’s suitor the courtesy she deserves.”
This guy’s diplomacy skills were rough-hewn, but effective.
Argent hummed, and Kimiko had never known a hum to communicate more skepticism.
However, he faced her and drawled, “So you are the suitor.”
Which is exactly how he came across during newscasts and interviews. Prickly, but flawlessly polite. Haughty, but not particularly hostile. Especially with Michael smiling over the exchange like a beneficent angel.
So she signaled a crisp affirmative. “Yes. I’ll be courting Eloquence Starmark.”
“Why?” he asked.
“Because that’s what he wants.”
Argent pressed, “And you?”
Kimiko hoped she sounded more confident than she felt. “I am looking forward to tomorrow night’s betrothal.”
Michael said, “I’ve been invited to attend the festivities surrounding your formal declaration.”
“We both have.” Argent reached for her hands, sliding his own into a supportive position, gently cradling hers. “While I am certain Harmonious would speak freely and at great length, I do not think Eloquence wants another dog sniffing too close to his den. If either of you wish to come to me with awkward questions, I promise to embarrass you with detailed advice of an intimate nature.”
She blinked. “You’re too kind.”
“On the contrary.” Argent gently pressed a crumpled slip of paper into her palm. “But she is.”
Kimiko clutched his gift to her heart. Lord Mettlebright had passed along his bondmate’s contact information. Any reaver would be glad to make such a rare and valuable connection. There were only a dozen beacons born in any generation. But she was interested in Lady Tsumiko for a very different reason. “Akira’s sister!”
This time, Argent’s hum managed to convey amusement … and approval.
