Blood on the Chrysanthemum
Copyright© 2026 by Megumi Kashuahara
Chapter 14: The Conspiracy
Historical Sex Story: Chapter 14: The Conspiracy - A fictional tale of the legendary female samurai Tomoe Gosen A tale of brutal revenge, forbidden love, and the true meaning of bushido. Three women will claim their freedom with sword, gold, and courage.
Caution: This Historical Sex Story contains strong sexual content, including Fa/Fa Romantic Polygamy/Polyamory Oriental Female First Oral Sex Petting Revenge Violence
Kyoto - Late Spring to Early Summer, 1601
The morning after their confrontation, Hatsu sent Yuki to the market with a carefully worded message.
Kiku was waiting at the silk merchant’s stall, as instructed, when a young woman approached—small, quick-moving, with intelligent eyes that took in everything.
“Are you looking for green silk?” the girl asked, her voice carrying just far enough for Kiku to hear. “My mistress sent me to inquire about availability.”
The code phrase Hatsu had included in her message.
“I have several shades of green,” Kiku replied, playing along. “Perhaps we should discuss the options somewhere quieter?”
They moved to a nearby teahouse, taking a corner table away from other patrons. The girl’s guards—two of them—positioned themselves outside, close enough to protect but far enough to not overhear.
Once they were alone, Yuki’s expression shifted from subservient handmaiden to sharp conspirator.
“I am Yuki,” she said quietly. “Hatsu-hime’s companion since we were eight years old. She has told me everything. About you, about the plan, about...” She paused. “About what you intend to do to Lord Minamoto.”
Kiku studied her carefully. “And you’re willing to help?”
“I would die for Hatsu-hime. She is more sister than mistress to me. If this plan gives her freedom—gives us all freedom—then yes, I will help.” Yuki’s eyes were steady. “And I understand I cannot stay behind when you leave. I know too much. If they torture me, I would eventually break.”
“You’re smarter than most trained samurai I’ve known,” Kiku said with respect.
“I’ve survived eighteen years in that palace by being observant and careful. I know how to see without being seen, hear without being heard.” Yuki pulled a small scroll from her sleeve. “Hatsu-hime asked me to give you this. It’s the beginning of what you’ll need.”
Kiku unrolled the scroll. It was written in Hatsu’s elegant hand:
My love,
Yuki will be our intermediary. She comes to the market three times per week on legitimate errands. You can pass messages through her safely.
I’ve begun mapping what you’ll need—schedules, guard rotations, the layout of my father’s private wing. I’ll send information as I gather it.
My father holds private council meetings every week. Always the same day—Thursday evening. Always in his study in the east wing. Only his most trusted advisors attend: Lord Takeda, General Yamada, and Sato.
Sato. The one you want. The Architect.
I can get you into the palace during one of these meetings. I can ensure you have access to the east wing. But the timing must be perfect.
I love you. Stay safe.
H.
Kiku read it twice, then held the paper over the teahouse brazier, watching it burn to ash.
“Tell her I received this,” Kiku said to Yuki. “And tell her I need more details. Everything she can remember about the layout of the east wing, the study specifically. Where windows are, how many doors, where guards stand.”
“I’ll tell her.” Yuki hesitated. “May I ask you something?”
“Yes.”
“Do you truly love her? Or is she still just a means to your revenge?”
Kiku met the handmaiden’s fierce gaze. “I love her more than revenge. More than my dead family. More than my own life. And I swear to you on these swords—” she touched Tsuki no Kage and Hoshi no Hikari “—that I will protect her with everything I am.”
Yuki studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “Good. Because if you hurt her, if you abandon her, if you betray her trust—I will find a way to kill you myself.”
Kiku smiled slightly. “I would expect nothing less from someone who loves her.”
“Then we understand each other.” Yuki stood. “I’ll return in three days with more information.”
Two Weeks of Planning
Over the next two weeks, Yuki made six trips to the market, each time bringing new intelligence from Hatsu.
Week One, First Message:
The east wing layout, drawn in careful detail. Minamoto’s study was on the second floor, accessible by a main staircase (always guarded) and a servants’ staircase (lightly guarded, used for bringing food and cleaning supplies). The study had two doors—main entrance and a side door that connected to a small antechamber. Three windows, all facing the inner courtyard.
Guard rotation schedule. During Thursday council meetings, four guards stood outside the main study door. Two patrolled the hallway. One was stationed at the top of the main staircase. The servants’ staircase had one guard at the bottom.
Week One, Second Message:
The Thursday meetings typically lasted two hours, from sunset until full dark. Minamoto, Takeda, Yamada, and Sato would all be present. Sake would be served. The guards outside could hear raised voices if the discussion became heated, but normal conversation was muffled by the thick doors.
After the meetings, Takeda and Yamada typically left immediately. Sato often stayed behind to discuss additional matters privately with Minamoto. This was when they were most vulnerable—just the two of them, fewer guards, everyone relaxing after business was concluded.
Week Two, First Message:
Hatsu had personally walked the servants’ staircase. It was narrow, dimly lit, used primarily during the day. At night, it was nearly empty. The guard at the bottom was often drowsy, unalert. The staircase led directly to a supply room adjacent to the study’s antechamber.
She’d checked the door from the supply room to the antechamber. It was unlocked during the day (servants needed access) and typically not locked at night because no one thought to secure it—who would infiltrate through a servants’ passage?
Week Two, Second Message:
Hatsu had convinced her father she needed new sleeping quarters—her current rooms were too close to the noisy guard barracks. He’d agreed, somewhat absently, to let her move to the west wing. This would explain her presence in different parts of the palace at odd hours if anyone questioned it. It also gave her legitimate reasons to walk near the east wing “inspecting potential new rooms.”
She’d identified an escape route. After the deed was done, Kiku would need to descend the servants’ staircase (same way she came up), exit through the service courtyard (which had a small gate used by merchants), and move through the gardens to the outer wall. Hatsu had found a section of wall obscured by trees where the stone was climbable. Kiku could go over there and disappear into the city before the alarm was raised.
Week Two, Third Message:
Hatsu had arranged for three horses to be ready. She’d told the stable master she wanted to go riding early one morning soon—to clear her head before the upcoming marriage negotiations. He’d agreed to have three horses prepared (one for her, one for Yuki, one for a guard she claimed would accompany them). The horses would be in a stable near the northern edge of the palace grounds, already saddled and supplied.
The timing had to be perfect: Kill Minamoto and Sato. Escape the palace. Meet Hatsu and Yuki at the northern stable. Ride out of Kyoto before dawn. Head east initially (misdirection), then circle south toward the route to Shikoku.
Week Three - Final Planning
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