Smoke in the Sun (Flame in the Mist #2)(15)

And Tsuneoki. His dearest friend. A boy racked with the guilt of his father’s betrayal. One that had resulted in the death of Takeda Shingen, by his own hand. ōkami had wished Tsuneoki away, too, when they were younger. Asano Naganori’s son had been a constant reminder of what ōkami had lost. But Tsuneoki had never once faltered in his loyalty. Even when ōkami had agreed to grant a dangerous demon a foothold in the mortal world in order to gain his power, his oldest friend had followed suit soon after, without hesitation. He’d taken a blade of black rock and made his own blood oath with a nightbeast. Just as he had when ōkami had opted for a rootless existence, living nowhere and everywhere.

Where you lead, I follow, Tsuneoki had said. I am not afraid of the unknown. If you can do it, so can I.

And Mariko.

Hattori Mariko was the worst offender. She’d given ōkami a reason to wish for things he’d never dreamed of having. To put everything at risk, just for a moment together beneath a blanket of mist, watching the way the water slid down her skin. He’d cursed her for it, time and again. That first long night he’d lain awake in captivity, he’d turned his eyes toward the stars, knowing he could escape if he tried, and knowing what might become of Mariko—and his men—should he even attempt to do so.

He’d cursed her then, too. Even though his every waking dream had been about her. Even when the scent of passing orange blossoms had made him smile.

ōkami knew this treacherous would-be emperor wished to use his supposed weaknesses against him. He’d expected Roku to do as much. To tarnish everything ōkami loved with this poison, then use his fear in an attempt to control him.

He’d been prepared for this.

Nevertheless, it did not dull the sharpness of the sniveling emperor’s words, nor the barbed statements of his watchdog brother, to have it put to practice.

The light was still too far.

ōkami’s chains were too short. Too heavy.

And that girl. That ridiculous girl, who pursed her lips in thought and wore her intellect like a mark of honor. Who—despite a world that conspired against her—was far more ingenious than any of the men ōkami had ever known.

He would not risk Mariko.

Not for every night sky in the world. Not even for a single star.

“It should not take much to sway the heart of a simple girl.” Roku’s venom bled into ōkami’s mind the moment he surfaced for air. “Women are fickle creatures, willing to smile at any listening ear. The only woman a man can trust is the woman who gave birth to him, and even then, I would advise caution at all times.” His brow furrowed for a moment, then smoothed with the dawning of another smile.

It was the smile that gave Roku away. In it, ōkami caught a glimpse of annoyance. Save for his mother, it was likely that women had been dismissive of Roku for most of his short life. ōkami could well see how the young ladies of the imperial court had looked upon the crown prince. Smaller and less fearsome than his handsome elder brother. Second choice in all things, save the one he did not earn—his birthright.

This was Roku’s twisted truth.

“It is possible Lady Mariko harbored fond feelings for you,” Roku continued.

“Only after you surrendered did she step forward. Or perhaps it wasn’t you that drove her from the safety of the shadows. Was her heart moved by the son of Asano Naganori? My father mentioned that Naganori had a way with women.”

Ridiculous. In all respects. Yet it burned to hear this boy say it.

ōkami began laughing. He started softly, then let his laughter rise into a low rumble. When he glanced at the emperor, his laughter died on his swollen lips, a new realization rendering his truth in starker colors. It startled him. Sobered him.

For it was like looking in a mirror.

“Is this the best you can do, Minamoto Roku?” ōkami stood suddenly, his pulse hurtling through his veins. “You must be very afraid. Your weakness is courage, is it not?” He moved the single step forward his bindings would allow him. “Is that what you’re afraid of? To be betrayed, as your father was before you?” ōkami’s voice reverberated against the iron bars. “Do you fear you might die as he did?” He paused, letting his words fade to a whisper. “Or maybe you’re afraid I might break free of these chains and finish what my father started.” For emphasis, he yanked on the metal links binding his wrists and feet, the sounds clanging through the dark.

As expected, the boorish watchdog at the emperor’s side brandished his katana once more, his features contorted with anger.

“There it is,” Roku said softly. “It was worth letting you into my mind if it meant giving me a chance to peer into yours.”

ōkami lifted his chin, his eyes wide as he cursed the far-off light.

“Loyalty,” Roku said.

The blood drained slowly from ōkami’s face, collecting behind his heart, his pulse drumming in his ears. He stilled further.

It appeared Roku had glimpsed the same truth ōkami had.

For fear was the greatest of equalizers, save for death itself.

The emperor spoke once more. “So fitting. I should have seen it from the start. Your father died for his lack of loyalty. Of course it would be your burden now.” Satisfaction passed over his vulpine features.

ōkami cursed himself in the same breath he cursed his tormentors.

“Now that we are at last on equal footing, shall we begin?” Roku gestured behind him, beckoning to the figure in the shadows.