Mikoto and the Reaver Village (Amaranthine Saga #4) - Forthright . Page 0,117
hands. “May I know the particulars?”
He really didn’t want to go through the whole long story again, so he skimped. “I am going to woo the wind to my side. If it works—when it does—I am fairly certain I will be engaged. Or would it be considered a betrothal? I do not know the etiquette.”
Yulin gaped.
Mikoto settled for an apologetic posture.
“Precious noble,” Yulin said faintly. “How long has she been courting you?”
“The accident by the river. Since then. Maybe even before.”
Folding his hands over his heart, Yulin asked, “That long?”
“Sinder thinks I am wind-kissed.”
The moth stepped forward and touched Mikoto’s cheek. “And you wish to kiss her back?”
It was his turn to flounder for words.
Yulin inclined his head. “When you do, it will bind you irrevocably. You are right. There should be witnesses. Who did you have in mind?”
Mikoto had expected more resistance. “You do not disapprove?”
“Why would I?”
“I have a responsibility to Wardenclave. To serve as headman. To have a son.”
“Does she know this?” asked Yulin.
Mikoto supposed she must and nodded.
“Then all will be well.” He selected a notepad and stood with pen poised. “Dear me, there is so much to do! But the task is hardly insurmountable. Everyone will already be here for your induction.”
“Oh, I was thinking a smaller group. Something more … private.”
Yulin was already jotting. “For the Descent, surely. An intimate gathering for an intimate moment. I was referring to the solstice. What better time?”
Dignitaries were already arriving from all over the world, along with news crews, journalists, and Amaranthine enthusiasts. Every hotel, tavern, and bed and breakfast in Denholm was booked solid.
Mikoto watched Yulin scribble for a full minute before daring to ask, “Do you mean Dichotomy Day?”
“Noble heart,” Yulin said kindly. “I mean your wedding day.”
FIFTY-EIGHT
Intimate Gatherings
Part of Kyrie was jittery with anticipation for tomorrow, when Harmonious Starmark would arrive, Ever in tow. But today had an excitement all its own. Before leaving Waaseyaa’s door, he checked to see if Lilya also had her invitation.
“Ready?” She lifted the small envelope where her name was written with an extravagance of loops and flourishes.
He reached up to touch her hair, which Zisa had braided into a crown and flourished with his own flowers. Lilya adjusted the fold of Kyrie’s sash, which bore both the Mettlebright and Stately House crests. They’d dressed in their very best, since today was extra special.
With the help of Lapis and Sinder, Mikoto would woo the wind to his side.
The invitations, which were hand-lettered works of art, called this transformation a “descent.” Which matched every story Kyrie knew of the various sky clans. Moon maidens, stars, and storms were difficult to capture, for once they touched the ground, they could never return to their former home in the skies.
“Ready,” he agreed.
A few others were already gathering. This is where everything would happen, since Waaseyaa and Zisa couldn’t have attended otherwise. Ginkgo was already there, speaking in Japanese to a woman in a luxurious kimono. Timur and Salali were fussing with a lovely set of wardstones. Lapis had somehow ended up with Gregor, and each seemed entirely pleased in the other’s company.
Lilya made a happy noise and ran to speak to the Dimityblest at Mikoto’s side. “Did you write these?” she asked, proffering the invitation.
“I did.” He smiled gently and covered her hands. “Keep it as a memento of the day.”
“I’ll treasure it always.” And turning to Mikoto, Lilya said, “It’s like a fairy tale.”
Kyrie hung back. It was nice that she’d made friends. She might not even realize that, in her own way, she’d begun to feel at home here. Already their paths were beginning to diverge.
Turning aside, Kyrie slipped his hand into Sinder’s. “Is this a wedding?” he whispered.
“Hope so.” His smile was wry. “Do I look as awkward as I feel?”
Kyrie studied his attire, which was certainly more lavish than the stuff Sinder usually wore. “Lapis usually dresses in a similar style.”
“There’s a good reason for that.” Fiddling self-consciously with gauzy layers of sheer fabric, he muttered, “He loaned me this get-up. I managed to talk him out of most of the jewelry.”
“You look very pretty.” Touching the necklace Lapis had loaned him, Kyrie added, “I feel special.”
Sinder grudgingly admitted, “It’s not so bad. Once in a while. To pretty up a bit.”
Wardenclave’s founders arrived together, and Radiance swept to Lilya’s side. She and Glint were clearly taken with her. So much so, Kyrie couldn’t help wondering if Ever would be jealous. Which reminded him of something.