The balconies of Kyuden Otomo were designed so they would overlook the gardens below at the most favorable angles. Such a thing was common among Imperial estates, of course, and even more so among the Crane. As an Imperial palace constructed within the Crane lands, it made perfect sense for Kyuden Otomo to epitomize the emphasis both groups placed upon appearance and beauty.

Kitsuki Taiko had to admit to herself the result was nothing short of stirring. Even with a light snowfall covering the gardens, they seemed somehow majestic from this vantage point, as if they had been perfectly preserved in crystal. The effect was breath-taking, although she would-never use such flowery language with anyone but herself.

“Taiko-san.”

Taiko turned toward the soft, musical voice and offered a polite smile and an incline of her head. “Ayano-san.”

Doji Ayano smiled warmly despite the crisp air as she stepped onto the balcony. “I had hoped we might have a chance to speak, but I have been so busy since your arrival that I have scarcely had the chance.”

“You do seem to be quite busy this season,” Taiko agreed. “I must congratulate you on your tremendous success in the court. With the network of allies you appear to have gathered, I imagine a position in the Imperial bureaucracy will be yours for the taking, if you wish it.”

“I do not desire such things.” Ayano bent and smelled one of the rare white winter blossoms that the Otomo used for decoration on their larger balconies. “If I have accomplished anything during this season, it is for the good of the Crane and the Empire.”

“Your efforts to garner support for Otomo Hoketuhime to take the throne appear to have gone well.”

Ayano nodded. “It is only fitting. She is the highest ranking among the Imperial families. Who better to assume the throne? She has the bloodlines of three Emperors if her ancestry is traced back far enough.”

“And of course, the Crane’s close alliance with the Otomo is not a factor in your work,” Taiko observed.

The petite Crane met her eyes. “For me, it is not. I do only what is just and right.”

Taiko stared evenly at her for a moment, then shook her head. “I believe that you believe what you are saying, but you must see how it furthers the Crane’s political agenda to do so.”

“And what if it does?” Ayano asked. “Is that not my duty as well? Would you not do the same for your clan? Hideo-san speaks very highly of you and of the devotion you hold for the Dragon Clan’s ideals. How does that make us different?”

“Because I approach my duties with open eyes, not naivety,” she answered. “Forgive me, but it is difficult for me not to believe you are being used.”

“Never,” Ayano insisted. “If my lords wish something of me, they need but speak and I would do it without hesitation. This manipulation you suggest is ill-suited to the Crane. Perhaps you have spent too much time among your allies, the Scorpion?”

Taiko frowned slightly. “Perhaps,” she admitted.

“Is it your contention that Hoketuhime is not fit to rule, then?” Ayano pressed.

“That is not what I am saying,” Taiko explained. “I believe that no mortal man or woman can truly rule the Empire as it must be governed. We have seen too much upheaval and chaos to believe that. No, the divinity of that position must be restored if stability is to be achieved.”

“Of course, the only suitable candidate who meets such criteria would be your lord Togashi Satsu,” Ayano said with a raised eyebrow.

“He is the most suited,” Taiko agreed.

“Now who hides their motives?” Ayano asked softly, and turned back into the palace. Taiko hesitated for a moment, then frowned and walked after her.

Bayushi Nomen did not look up from where he carefully inscribed intricate characters onto the scroll before him. “You are certain you were not seen?”

The Scorpion before him bowed his head, the weight of his thick, bone-white mask seeming not to affect him at all. “I am certain, my lord!”

“I only ask because Taiko has Kitsuki training. They are quite adept at such things.”

“I am certain, my lord,” Bayushi Eisaku repeated.

“Very well then.” Nomen finished one character and began another. “If two such idealistic young samurai can find themselves at such an impasse, perhaps we can arrange for their elders to find similar confrontations.” He looked up at Eisaku for a moment. “The Dragon and Crane both have a strong claim. We must ensure that their claims are weakened by whatever means necessary. Do you understand?”

“Of course, my lord.”

“Then carry word to Kyuden Bayushi,” Nomen said. “Paneki-sama will doubtless have a strategy ready for us to implement.”