Page 94 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
“Why aren’t you married?”
“Mmm … lots of little reasons. Most of them are justexcuses, though.” He nodded to himself, then shrugged. “I guess nowadays, I’m alittle like how Darya was. Too smart to believe anyone might want me for morethan my connections.”
“Do you get contracts?”
“Yep. All kinds of offers from all over the place. Strangerswho like the idea of me, even though they’ve never met me and haven’t a clueabout what’s important to me.”
“If you chose somebody, the offers would stop.”
Ginkgo grinned. “Interesting strategy. Maybe I’ll propose toDamsel.”
“Do you think he gets offers, too?”
“Doubt it. I don’t think many people know he exists. Hard tobuild a fanbase when you’re intentionally obscure.”
Another voice interjected, “That’s worked for me for years.”
THIRTY-FIVE
Wonders Never Cease
Ginkgo had been fighting hard to ignore the littledragon casting shy looks at him from his clinch around Lilya’s neck. Eventhough all things draconic would be considered notable. Didn’t matter. His girlneeded him to be focused onherright now. To the exclusion of all else.
A decent excuse, but it was still mortifying that he’dmissed the presence of a potential threat. Not that Wardenclave’s trickiestprotector had any designs on Lilya. But if word got back to Stately House, Dadwouldn’t see it that way.
Rubbing wearily at his face, Ginkgo asked, “How much troubleare we in?”
“None, my young reynard. I simply wanted to alert you to mypresence before your discussion grew any more personal.”
Ginkgo knew his ears were pinned, but the wily squirreldidn’t rub it in any further. To Lilya, he said, “It’s okay. Salali’s head ofsecurity around here.”
“Actinghead.”
“He’s also the whiz who disappeared an entire mountain range.”
With a faint smirk, Salali murmured, “You’re too kind.”
Lilya scooted off her chair and went to offer her hands.“I’m Lilya. He’s Ginkgo. And this is Rifflet.”
He stood and bowed with a sweep of his floppy hat. “SalaliFullstash.”
“One of the founders?”
Tossing aside his hat, he rested his hands atop hers and quirkeda brow. “That’s what the history books say.”
“Arewe in trouble?” asked Lilya.
Salali waved toward the front door and explained, “Iarranged to meet a friend here. We have similar designs on the contents of thefreezer, so I can hardly fault your choices.”
Ginkgo was proud of his girl’s manners. And the unflappablestreak that was part nature, part nurture. Rather than being off-put bySalali’s sudden appearance, she embraced the opportunity. Edging closer to thesquirrel clansman, she asked, “Could you please tell me if you’ve seen someonelike Rifflet before?”
“Asomeone, are they?” Bending close, Salali murmured,“Wonders never cease.”
Rifflet tootle-peeped.
“Yes,” Lilya said firmly. “He’s someone.”
Even though she sounded a little like a child defending herfavorite stuffed animal, Salali didn’t brush that aside. Ginkgo nearly slappedhis forehead. He was way too slow on the uptake tonight.
