Page 164 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Wardenclave’s founders arrived together, and Radiance sweptto Lilya’s side. She and Glint were clearly taken with her. So much so, Kyriecouldn’t help wondering if Ever would be jealous. Which reminded him of something.
“Will it cause a problem that Mikoto’s children will becrossers?”
“They won’t be.”
Kyrie hesitated. “They are not compatible?”
“No, no. If the stories are to be believed, they’ll have notrouble. Untouched by the Waning, and so forth. However, I have it on goodauthority that an imp’s contribution to a mixed mating is … unmixed.”
“Could you clarify?” asked Kyrie. “If it is not a secret.”
“Nah, not this. It’s lore.” Still, Sinder kept his voicelow. “If a moon maiden accepts a wolf as her bondmate, she’ll give him strongcubs. If a wind joins with a dragon, all their young will be exceptionallybeautiful dragons. If a tree gives its fruit to a phoenix, the resulting childwill be a phoenix.”
“So Mikoto’s children will be human, even though theirmother is a wind imp.”
“Not just human. They’ll bereavers, and they’llprobably rival Waaseyaa’s lot for power once they’re ranked.” Sinder’s gazesettled on Wardenclave’s headman. “Couldn’t have happened to a nicer kid.”
Just then, Ginkgo signaled for Kyrie, so he excused himself.
His big brother was still with the Japanese woman, and Glinthad joined them. They’d switched to English, probably for the dog clansman’sbenefit.
“I was going to tell you, and then I didn’t.” Ginkgo’s earswent all cockeyed with embarrassment. “This is Mikoto’s mother. She’s fromJapan, and her maiden name is Hajime. Sora-san, this is KyrieHajime-Mettlebright. Like I was saying, I also have Hajime ancestry, so in away, we’re kin.”
Kyrie looked up into the woman’s face, searching for anyresemblance to Mom. There were commonalities, things typical to the Japanesepeople, but that was all. He offered his hands in greeting.
“My pedigree is a matter of record.” Sora lookedthoughtfully at Glint. “If anyone can trace our connection, it would be you,Lord Starmark.”
“Odd thing, that.” Ever’s grandsire casually offered a handto Kyrie. “Your father personally searched our records. Quite thoroughly. Hewas researching Tsumiko’s heritage. Even unregistered reavers can usually beplaced on a chart if we cross-reference family registries.”
Ginkgo’s ears pricked. “He never mentioned that to me. Whatdid he find?”
With a low chuckle, Glint said, “He never mentioned that,either. Although I got the distinct impression he was … annoyed.”
Kyrie had been so focused on the dragon half of hisheritage, it had never occurred to him that being a Hajime might be special inits own way.
Yulin encouraged Mikoto to limit his guest list to thebare minimum. His mother and his best friend. His five mentors. He’d wantedWaaseyaa and Zisa in attendance, so they were hosting. They needed Lapis andSinder, who’d outlined a plan that required Timur’s support.
He’d promised a place to Kyrie, and it was only natural toinclude Lilya. And Ginkgo for that matter. Lupe had also been invited, butshe’d politely declined. Maybe that was for the best. Mikoto could only assumethat she was being considerate of Tzefira’s feelings.
“Cold feet?”
Mikoto hadn’t specifically invited Radiance, but neither wouldhe dream of excluding her. Lady Starmark found a warm welcome wherever she went.He considered her teasing question and answered seriously. “I have no doubts.”
“Good boy.” She bumped shoulders with him. “Did you knowthat your parents didn’t meet until the day they exchanged vows?”
He shook his head.
“It was the same for Glint. He was adorably flustered when Iambushed him. But like you, he squared his shoulders and faced me.” Radiancedimpled. “I’m happy for both of you.”
Mikoto slipped into a grateful posture, but he wasn’t surewhat to say. Wasn’t it too early to celebrate? They weren’t even sure thiswould work. Then again, if it didn’t, they’d keep trying until something did.
“She has only been here for summers.” He liked knowing Radiancewould support their choice. “She will finally see our village in autumn and winterand spring.”
“May all the seasons ahead be joyous.”
He wanted that, too.
“Mikoto,” called Timur. “We’re ready for you.”
