Chapter 11: The Palace

Kyoto Palace - The Next Morning

Kiku arrived at the palace’s servants’ entrance just after dawn, dressed in the modest clothes of a woman seeking employment. She’d hidden her swords in her room at the inn—bringing them to the palace would raise too many questions.

She felt naked without them. Vulnerable.

But the weapon had to adapt. Had to become whatever was necessary to reach the target.

The guard at the servants’ entrance looked her over with barely concealed boredom. “State your business.”

“I’m here to see Yuki. Princess Hatsu’s head handmaiden. The princess requested that I be evaluated for a position.”

The guard’s expression shifted slightly—still bored, but with a hint of interest now. Anyone personally requested by the princess was worth a second look.

“Name?”

“Kumiko. Formerly of Yoshida Province.”

He consulted a ledger, running his finger down a list of expected visitors. Found her name—Hatsu must have sent word ahead.

“Wait here.”

He disappeared inside, leaving Kiku standing in the small courtyard outside the servants’ entrance. She used the time to observe, to memorize.

The palace was even larger from inside its walls than it had appeared from the hillside. Multiple buildings, courtyards, gardens. Servants moved through the grounds with practiced efficiency, carrying supplies, tending gardens, going about the endless work required to maintain a structure this massive.

Somewhere in this complex was Sato. Somewhere was the Shogun himself—the man whose orders had set everything in motion.

And Kiku was inside the walls now. Close. So close.

The guard returned with a small woman—early twenties, sharp eyes, quick movements. She wore the simple but quality clothes of a senior servant.

“I’m Yuki,” the woman said, studying Kiku carefully. “Princess Hatsu told me to expect you. Follow me.”

She led Kiku through a maze of corridors and courtyards, moving with the confidence of someone who knew every inch of the palace. As they walked, she asked questions.

“You’re from Yoshida Province?”

“Yes.”

“What brings you to Kyoto?”

“My parents passed away recently. I have no family left. I’m seeking employment to support myself.”

“What skills do you have?”

“I can read and write. Keep accounts. I’m educated in poetry, music, household management.”

“Can you sew? Arrange flowers? Perform tea ceremony?”

All things Kiku had never learned because her father had trained her to kill instead.

“Basic skills in all of those,” Kiku lied smoothly. “Though I’m not a master of any.”

Yuki nodded, still evaluating. “Why does Princess Hatsu want you specifically?”

“We met yesterday in the market. We spoke briefly. She said she was looking for a companion, someone educated who could be more than just a servant.”

“Mm.” Yuki’s expression revealed nothing. “The princess is ... lonely. She doesn’t have many people she can talk to honestly. The other ladies-in-waiting are all daughters of nobles, more interested in court politics than friendship. If she thinks you could fill that role, she’ll want you close.”

They reached a small sitting room. Yuki gestured for Kiku to sit.

“Wait here. I’ll inform the princess you’ve arrived.”

She left, and Kiku sat alone in the elegant room, surrounded by expensive furniture and delicate artwork. Everything here screamed wealth and power—the kind of wealth and power that could order a family assassinated and not lose a moment’s sleep.

After several minutes, the door opened.

Hatsu entered, dressed more simply than yesterday but still obviously noble. Her hair was arranged in a less elaborate style, as if she’d been at her morning toilette when word came that Kumiko had arrived.