Page 73 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Mine.
Clearly unaware of this development, Glint said, “We aresupposed to have a dragon somewhere hereabouts. I think we should try askinghim.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
Window Dressing
Shortly after sunrise, Yulin sent Mikoto a message,letting him know that Glint was finally up and about. He could return home. ButMikoto couldn’t bring himself to leave his post, seated on the floor at thefoot of the bed where Timur had tucked Sinder in with Kyrie.
Maybe it was stubborn. Maybe he was selfish. But Mikotowasn’t leaving without something he could hang onto. “If you want to woo thewind to your side, all you really need is a dragon,” he murmured. That’s whatIsla Ward had said. And that meant Sinder. They’d never hosted a single dragonin Wardenclave before this season, and it felt as if they were about to lose him.Mikoto had overheard enough to know that powerful people were upset.
There might be repercussions.
His to deal with as headman.
But right now, Mikoto couldn’t have cared less about thewider world. He wasn’t here in any official capacity. This was personal.
He picked a bit of meat from his handroll and fed it toNoble.
Tending to the pup’s needs. Teaching Noble to look to him.
Looking to. Looking after. Mikoto could see how they werelinked.
Had Glint meant to comfort him or to teach him how to lead?
With a muffled bump, Timur bustled through the door, barelyable to see past the ungainly bundle in his arms. Ginkgo jumped up to help, soMikoto stayed put. In such a small room, he’d only be in the way. Worse, Noblewould get underfoot.
“What’s allthisfor?” asked Ginkgo, who pulled freea couple of embroidered cushions.
“Just some things,” Timur said shortly.
More textiles came to light—blankets, bed linens, towels,and a loomed rug. Even a few bolts of cloth that had the distinctive shimmer ofDimityblest workmanship. Expensive stuff. And all of it in shades of yellow.
“I’m sensing a theme here,” remarked Ginkgo.
Timur’s jaw worked. “I know what I’m doing.”
“Well, I don’t.” Frowning slightly, the half-fox added, “Butthat doesn’t mean I can’t be useful. Boss me around, cuddle bud. I care aboutDamsel, too.”
Right then, Fend sauntered through the open door, tail highenough for the tip to biff Timur across the face. The man’s whole posturechanged—chastened, apologetic. After a husky affirmative and a few lines inwhat sounded like Russian, Timur switched to Japanese and began to issueorders.
When Timur finally registered his presence, Mikoto silentlyoffered his hands. Well, his hand. Noble was occupying the other.
Timur’s expression softened, and he sighed. “Right. Sorry.” Headjusted his posture to include them, and in a slower, deeper voice, he startedover. “Ginkgo, help me with the windows. Mikoto, do you know how to tune yoursoul to another’s? The way you would for tending?”
Mikoto’s lips quirked. Then again, how would he know? “Mymother is a cosset.”
With visible relief, Timur urged, “Be inviting. He needsmore than he’s taken.” He glanced at the door. “Also, I asked Colt Alpenglow toreplenish my supplies. He’ll be here soon. If I’m not back, will you explainthings?”
“Where are you going?” Ginkgo asked.
“Lady Starmark is getting more of the things I need. I haveto meet her. And make a call.” In a weary voice, Timur added, “Sinder’s partnerwants regular updates.”
“And by regular, he means hourly?”
Timur messed up his hair. “Can you blame him?”
“Sure, I can. I can alsocallhim. Let me handle theupdates.” Ginkgo nodded at Mikoto. “We’ve got this. Fetch what you need fromRadiance, then get your butt back here before he wakes up.”
