Carrying a few seditious lines on leaves of rice paper was enough evidence by itself to convict me of treason. I had lately shown myself indifferent enough to death, but of torture—I was more afraid than I had ever been. And so, I supposed the risk I then bore in carrying a Princess’ anonymous communication entitled me to break the seal and peruse its contents.


    This was what I had wanted, after all. This was the access to information I had risked my life to gain. I must for once discover where of the subtle currents of power were carrying me—where the same currents had lead Ansei. I did love the Princess, but I couldn’t live only to serve her. Putting questions of loyalty aside, I needed information to preserve my life and the lives of those who meant more to me than my own.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    * * *


    I wandered far from the palace, through a market, and far along a string of narrow streets before I dared think of breaking the seal and reading the letter’s contents. Once broken, I thought I could melt the simple seal again with the help of a little flame, but I had to find a lamp first. I cast my gaze around me. In such a dim quarter of the city, lamps ought to abound.


    A tiny teahouse to my left would have a kitchen. If unattended, I might sneak inside and light a twig on the fire. I ducked into the alley behind the house, held my breath and slowly broke the seal, then stared at the salutation.


    It began: Dearest Ansei.