"Lady Nishimori!" Hotaru called out to her. Though he was not one to shout, he did not want her to get away. He was fortunate his brother was stupid enough to fall for a fake message. She did not turn around, so he called out again, "Lady Nishimori."

Again she ignored him. Perhaps he had offended her? He jogged to catch up with her. A few servants saw him and gave him an indulgent smile. He grinned back. They turned their heads away, pretending not to see his uncouth manner. His father would be furious if he saw him chasing after a woman in broad daylight, shouting like a child at play. But because he had the hearts of the servants, he could do as he wished and his father would be none the wiser. His people loved him. He was more like them than his brother, who looked down upon them.

She turned suddenly and saw him jogging towards her. A slow smile spread over her features and he saw that glint in her eye that he had spotted before. Hikaru had all but dropped the perfect prize in his lap. He might not be able to take his brother's spot as future elder, but a good marriage could make all the difference. He caught up to Lady Nishimori and bowed. She tilted her head, looking him up and down, but did not bow in return. Does she think herself better than me?

The sudden flash of temper was quickly squashed. He replaced his frown with a charming grin. He needed her. The Nishimoris were wealthy, if not a bit eccentric, something he was willing to deal with if he could win her.

"My lady, I am sorry to chase after you in this way. I had to speak with you."

She raised an elegant brow, curiosity plain on her features.

"Do not think me forward, but I wanted to know if you would walk with me?"

She nodded her head and they fell into step together easily enough. Hotaru pointed out the different buildings and spoke of the founders of their clan, one of the first in the region to build a palace. He showed her his father's additions to the sprawling palace grounds, gardens and a temple to their patron Kami.

"This was built by my father some fifteen years ago." He pointed to the freestanding structure; it was surrounded by decorative plants and painted bright red. The roof was made of black tile, and strings of ofuda hung along a tori arch that separated the temple from the courtyard beyond. Inside they could see screens made of wooden squares. "The original shrine is sealed away and in disrepair. I used to play there when I was a boy until I heard about the ghost that haunts it."

He smirked at her, hoping to get a rise out of her. She blinked at him without fear.

"Do you not fear ghosts, my lady?"

She smirked in return.

He liked her fire. She was not a demure flower like the other women he met. She had a pretty smile and a comely expression; a pity she was mute, she would have been a perfect bride. But second sons never got perfect brides. He was sure if he presented the match to Lord Kaedemori, he would be sure to agree. At last you do something right, Hikaru. This girl will be a great asset to me.

"Perhaps my lady would like to see the haunted shrine?"

She nodded. He looked over his shoulder. One of the maids trailed after them, most likely charged with keeping Lady Nishimori's virtue intact. But for what he planned, that would never do. He grabbed her wrist and pulled.

"Run," he said and they ran down the hallways, the maid shouting after them. He tugged her down a corridor and then threw open a door to hide in the chamber beyond. They listened breathless as the maid ran past. Then laughing, they ran out the door and down the hall towards the hidden shrine. When they got close, he slowed his pace but did not let go of her hand. She looked around with interest, unaffected by the ominous aura that clung to this space. He had not been there in years, but something about the shrine gave him chills. They said Lord Kaedemori's first wife haunted this place—he thought it must be true. The servants swore they heard wailing here late at night.

"We're almost there."

Just as they were about to round the corner and reach the shrine, they were stopped by an unwelcome intruder.

"My lord, you should not go there. It is off-limits."

Hotaru straightened up. He winked at Rin, but she was staring at Captain Sadao. She scrutinized his face as if trying to solve a riddle. He held back a scowl; he did not want the captain to think he was a sore loser. He would be sore tomorrow, he was certain. That was the first time Captain Sadao had given him his all. He usually held back when they sparred, but there was something different about the captain since he returned from the forest. All the men had been altered by what they had seen. But did that mean he had to ruin his chance to woo Lady Nishimori?

"I was giving Lady Nishimori a tour. She wanted to see the haunted shrine."

The captain's gaze flickered over Hotaru and then to Rin. "I think you should leave this place, it's not safe." He looked at them both when he spoke, but his words seemed like they were directed at Rin.

Hotaru opened his mouth to argue, but Rin rested a hand on his shoulder and he desisted.

"Very well, we will go and find amusement elsewhere."

Disappointed and angry at being shamed by the captain twice in one day, he turned and grabbed Rin, urging her to follow. The men might love him and the servants might worship him, but when it came down to it, he had no real power. And that fact chafed. He gripped her wrist tighter than he intended, and after a few moments she wrenched her hand away from him. He replaced his smile, smothering his anger beneath a friendly mask.

She looked at him warily, her eyes scrutinizing him. He had not meant to show his anger. He was usually good about hiding that behind a carefully crafted facade. "There are many places to see around the palace. The moon-viewing pool is beautiful at night. Perhaps you'd like to meet me there tonight?"

She looked him up and down as if assessing him. It did not sit well; his temper, already rubbed raw, could not stand her judgment as well. He did not need another person to find him wanting. He had to take control of the situation, just as he would make his own destiny. He rested his hand on her shoulder.

"Excuse me for being direct, but perhaps your coming here was not an accident?"

Her eyes grew wide and panic fluttered across her expression. That was not what he was expecting. It was not unheard of for a nobleman to send an eligible daughter to entice a lord into marriage. But Lady Nishimori was like no noble lady he had ever met. She should know this game. They all danced this dance: flirt, negotiate, and marry. But she looked frightened of him as if he had uncovered a deeper secret. Perhaps she did not come here looking for a husband. Could it be she is not a lady at all?

He had to be sure. "Let me speak plainly. I know why you are here."

She met his gaze unblinking, chin lifted and defiant. She did not demure like other noble ladies. She is very strange.

"I am looking for supporters, and I think your father could be one of those. Perhaps a marriage could even be arranged between our houses."

She took a step back, relief on her face. She is hiding something.

"Forgive me, that is not something I should address to you. I should write to your father."

She shook her head and then rested her hand on his arm and squeezed as she drew closer to him, and her breast brushed against his chest. She does not act like a lady, and she's wanton. She is no noble lady. I would bet my life on it.

He tore his hand away. "Who are you? Are you a spy?"

She recoiled and shook her head. Before he could question her further, her breathless maid caught up with them at last. He dared not interrogate the lady in front of a servant. If he had misread her, it could cause a scandal, one he could not afford. He would wait and watch to find out more.

"My lady! This is highly inappropriate." Then seeing Hotaru, she bowed with a blush and led Lady Nishimori away with a quick apology. He watched them retreat, his mind whirling. What has my brother brought into this place?