Kon nodded. “The evidence points to her; though whether she ordered it herself or merely provided the means . . .” He shrugged. “I believe she intended to be discovered. Why use poison from a plant found only in her lands if she wished to remain hidden?”
“Right,” was all I could think to say. “Has the palace responded?”
“TheDaijokanmet within hours of your father’s death. They have declared war on the Asami and all who ally with them.”
War.
Dear gods.
The word rang like a funeral bell.
“Whichhan? Who is with them?”
Kon’s fingers tapped against his cup. “At present, Asami and Maria, though we expect Kohana may declare for the rebellion soon.”
“Kohana? Surely not. That would open a southern front. Mountains protect Bara from the north, but the southern route lies open.” I ran a hand over my head. “It doesn’t make sense. The Kohana have been loyal to my father since before the peace was signed.”
“Now they seek more, though more of what, I cannot say,” Kon said. “Perhaps they will remain loyal. One can hope.”
I took a sip, more to give myself time to think than out of thirst.
“And my brother? What of him? Has he returned to the capital? When is his coronation?”
Here, Kon’s expression turned truly grim. “Three weeks ago, your father sent Prince Kioshi-samato the Asami capital to sue for peace. It was a desperate attempt to avoid war through negotiation, or perhaps through Kioshi’s marriage to Asami Katsumi.”
“Katsumi?” I blinked. “Eiko’s daughter? She’d sooner marry a leopard than a man—”
“I know, I know.” Kon raised a palm in surrender. “But the court hoped a marriage alliance might still prevent bloodshed. Kioshi arrived in Asami territory the day before your father was murdered. He stayed one night then left at dawn the following morning.”
“So he’s—”
“He has yet to return home.” Kon’s voice was gentle, but the words cut deeper than any knife. “Prince Kioshi has not been seen since he left Asami lands. We know his party made it back across the border. Guards reported as much; but there has been no word since. He simply . . . vanished.”
My head swam. I had to grip the edge of the table to keep from falling.
“He could still be alive,” Kon said.
My vision blurred.
This couldn’t be happening.
Amaterasu, please, if you ever loved me, do not allow this to be. Bring my brother home.
“He could be alive,” Kon repeated. “Your uncles are investigating every possibility, but Haru . . .” Kon leaned forward. “It has been nearly two weeks. If Kioshi were alive and free, he would have sent word. If he were captured, we would have received demands. The silence is . . . concerning.”
“Concerning?” The word was so absurdly inadequate to be comical. “My brother is missing, probably dead, and you call itconcerning?”
“I call it what I must until I have proof otherwise.” Kon’s voice hardened. “Because right now, Haru-sama, you are the only confirmed living heir to the Jade Throne. That makes you the most important person in this empire, whether it is the path of your choosing or not.”
I sank onto a cushion on the floor, no longer able to keep myself standing.
“There is more,” Kon continued relentlessly. “Asami forces in the thousands are camped across the Toshi border near Yubi.”
“Oh, gods,” I breathed. “That’s the largest city . . . the Toshi capital.”
“We believe they will attack within days, if they have not already. In the absence of an emperor . . . theDai Shogunhas called the banners from every loyalhan. The army you saw gathering outside my walls will march north within the week.”
“Then I need to get to Bara immediately. I need to—”
