Free White Serpent Castle by Lensey Namioka

him!”
    Looking at Lady Kaede’s frail form, Zenta could hardly bring himself to burden her with the truth. But for Yoshiteru’s sake, it was essential that she should know the danger. “Yes, you are right,” he said. “That woman was on the point of pushing him into the moat. From now on, your son must never go out with anyone except those whom you trust absolutely.”
    Lady Kaede did not break down into hysteria. Her slender hands clenched convulsively as she fought for control. “Thank you for telling me,” she said huskily.
    Zenta realized that under Lady Kaede’s fragile exterior, she had strength and determination. Even before coming to the castle, he had already decided to champion Yoshiteru’s cause. Now that he had met Lady Kaede and the boy, he was emotionally committed as well. This indomitable woman and her courageous son were worth dying for.
    â€œAt this time of danger, wouldn’t it be wise for members of Lord Okudaira’s family to support each other?” he asked. “Your best plan may be to form an alliance with Lady Tama against the chamberlain.”
    â€œTama has shown me nothing but hostility,” said the young widow sadly. “When her father married me, Tama’s older brother, whom she idolized, had just been sent away. The double shock of losing her beloved brother and having a stranger become mistress here was too much for her. She became extremely jealous.”
    â€œThat’s merely a childish jealousy which she must have outgrown by now,” said Zenta.
    â€œHer jealousy has only deepened as she grew older. It is even extending to Yoshiteru as well. My son is menaced from all directions.”
    â€œSurely Lady Tama would not harm Yoshiteru!” said Zenta. “She must have some feeling for her own brother!”
    Lady Kaede sighed. “Yoshiteru is only a half brother. The brother that matters to Tama is Shigeteru. She will do anything to have him instated here.”
    â€œLady Kaede, you are forgetting something important: Shigeteru was disinherited by his father. Your son was regarded as the only rightful heir. I’m sure that the daimyo would respect the wishes of the late Lord Okudaira.”
    â€œThe daimyo!” cried Lady Kaede. “He is far away, and by the time he gives his decision on the succession, my son may be dead! Furthermore, there is talk that Yoshiteru is too young, and that the daimyo wants a tested warrior as commander.”
    Zenta had to admit that Lady Kaede was right. This talk of Yoshiteru being too young was not just in her imagination. “At least let me speak for you to Lady Tama,” he begged. “You do have one point of agreement, namely neither of you wants her marriage with the chamberlain to take place. I’m sure that you can form some plan to help each other against the enemy.”
    Lady Kaede’s smile was tinged with bitterness. “Tama is very beautiful and extremely persuasive. After speaking to her, you will soon find reason for setting Yoshiteru aside.” She lifted a sleeve and wiped some tears from her eyes. The perfume that came from her clothes was subtle but intoxicating.
    Zenta was enchanted. He wondered whether it was a trick of the light or whether Lady Kaede’s lovely eyes really had flecks of gold in them. With a great effort he pulled himself together. While Lady Kaede was accusing Lady Tama of using her beauty to win support, she herself was in the process of bewitching him. After all, the jealousy that she had spoken of could be on both sides. Lady Kaede might also be very jealous of her stepdaughter. He had to reserve his opinion until he had seen Lady Tama.
    â€œLady Kaede,” he said, “in spite of all the rumors, Shigeteru may not be coming to claim the succession at all. Until you have proof, it is too soon to accuse Lady Tama of plotting to supplant your son.”
    Lady Kaede’s lips twisted.