Free The Fox's God by Anna Frost Page B

noticed in such a way would ruin his cover and Advisor Yoshida would be displeased.
    “The cold wearies me,” he said, improvising. “I’ll feel better when summer warmth returns.”
    Usagi didn’t press the issue, but the way she kept watching him eat was proof she didn’t believe the excuse. Did she think he was hiding a terrible illness? He finished every plate to prove his appetite was healthy.
    “I should go,” Usagi said, rising. “I have men to entertain and encourage to drunkenness.”
    “Be careful.”
    “I will. Rest well.”
    Leaving the dishes for a servant to recover, Mamoru padded over to Advisor Yoshida’s workroom. An attendant ushered him in. There were few servants here because Advisor Yoshida was somewhat paranoid about spies.
    Advisor Yoshida looked up sharply. “News, Mamoru?”
    “Some,” he said, kneeling. “I overheard the clan leader and his closest advisor discussing the possibility of allying with the goddess Inari, if she were willing. They believe the girl Sanae would be especially inclined to seek such an alliance.”
    “I see.” Yoshida dipped his brush in ink, writing in quick, precise strokes.
    Mamoru fidgeted. “Shouldn’t we take steps to stop them?”
    “Why? We have also considered the possibility Inari might already be among us. If our men are too late to prevent her resurrection, they have instructions to attempt peaceful communication.”
    “But she might prefer to work with the foxes. They could ally against us.”
    Advisor Yoshida’s eyes lifted from his work to bore into him. “I understand the grievance you have with the Fox clan, but you cannot let feelings get in the way of your work. They are, at this time, allies. Your job is to look for proof of the contrary to ensure we are not caught unaware should something happen. If you hear of specific plans to turn against us, report so at once. But do not attempt to paint threat where there is none.
    “At this time, there is no need to upset a delicate situation. If it comes down to battle, the foxes will be needed. We have three god-slaying swords and not as many worthy hands to wield them as we would wish. You understand we could not ask for help from clans with any sort of influence, lest they chose to divert the swords to their own use?”
    “I understand the situation,” Mamoru said stiffly. “I will do my best.”
    “No less is expected. Was there something else?”
    Mamoru hesitated a moment. “Is there a way to keep Usagi busy elsewhere, or to move me to a different room? She thinks I must be ill, because I spend so much time inside.”
    “Hm, yes, the girl. Her suspicions could be a problem. Do you consider her trustworthy?”
    “Of course!”
    “Tell her the truth and observe her. If her reaction is not the one desired, terminate her.” The man delivered the death sentence without so much as a note of regret in his tone.
    Mamoru gaped. Kill Usagi? How could those two words even make sense? “I’m not qualified to make that call.”
    “Would you prefer I do it?” Warning words, those. This was a test of him and Usagi both. One with lethal consequences.
    He swallowed, bowed his head. “I’ll do it.”
    “Very well. Go.”
    Mamoru went, feeling like he might expel his meal all over the gorgeous wooden floor. He’d misjudged the advisor, badly. The man was just as dangerous and terrifying as Yoshio, not less. How would Usagi react? How could he make her understand she was in danger?
    Delaying needlessly might be considered failing the test. Seeking Usagi out at her work would be too hasty, so he settled to await her return in plain sight. He nearly fell asleep on the table, mentally arguing his case over and over again. In his head, Usagi always understood, always reacted correctly, and everything was well.
    She crept in so late it was almost early morning, a lamp in hand to light her way. Mamru lifted his head off the table with a jaw-unhinging yawn. “Those old men keep you up far too