“I should apologize for the times I treated you badly,” Kaede said awkwardly. “Tomorrow I'll teach you how to use the knife.”Īs they stood she added, “Don't treat me any differently. “It's too hot to do more today,” Shizuka said, taking the towel from Kaede and wiping her eyes. She wanted to ask, What about Lady Maruyama? What is her part in this game? And the man I am to marry? But she feared the answer. They are lovers, Kaede thought, and felt again a pang of jealousy that she had to share Shizuka with anyone else. He has sworn to protect you, and I obey him.” She smiled, her face suddenly vivid with passion. “You will sacrifice me as swiftly as the Tohan would.”

“I am just a pawn on the board,” she said bitterly. That world seemed so simple and open, with none of the dark secrets that lay beneath her own. From beyond the lattice windows Kaede could hear the flow of water in the canals, the cries of street sellers, the laughter of children. In the bare room, sunlight slanted through the dust raised by their feet. Once the Otori alliance is settled by your marriage, Iida will fight the Seishuu in the West.” Even more so now, when the Three Countries are on the brink of war. When he heard you were to be sent to Inuyama to be married, he made arrangements for me to accompany you.” He felt himself insulted by Noguchi's distrust as well as his treatment of you. When Lord Noguchi exiled him, his anger was extreme. He has the deepest regard for you, feeling himself to be in your debt.

“You know Arai too? All you said before was that you were from his town.”

“I wish I could tell you everything, but I cannot yet. “Why are you pretending to be what you are not? You told me you did not know Lady Maruyama!” “Lady,” Shizuka whispered, “lady, don't cry. She seized the towel and buried her face in it as sobs racked her. The physical activity, the shock of discovering Shizuka's skill, the warmth of the morning, the unfamiliar clothes, all combined to break down Kaede's self-control.

Download across the nightingale floor