The Sea Stone

by Nicolette Andrews

  Kaito's gaze was focused ahead of him toward the encampment. "I'm going to pay your lover a visit. We have a score to settle." He turned, grinning at Suzume.

  "That is not necessary." She threw up her hands to halt this plan in its tracks. She should have known when Kaito had insisted they all investigate, this was what he was thinking. She could see the plot spinning in his head already.

  "You said it yourself, Kazue wants us to go to the White Palace. Well it has come to us," he said, gesturing toward the army encampment beyond.

  "The palace is not the army," she said, trying to dismiss his train of thought. He was onto her for sure and he would continue turning the screws until she admitted she had lied. What other reason could he want to get mixed up with the army?

  "But isn't it strange that you came from the White Palace, and now another person with a piece of Kazue's soul shows up, also with a connection to the palace?" Kaito countered, trying and failing to make her rise to the bait.

  Of course it was strange. They didn't know how a piece of Kazue's soul had gotten inside her, and now another person like her shows up seemingly traveling with the emperor's army. She was dying to know more, but they were clearly outnumbered here and she knew when to pick her battles.

  "It is a strange coincidence," she said and pretended to examine her broken fingernails as if they were very interesting.

  "Then I'll go ask the general about it myself," Kaito said.

  Of course his version of asking was attacking the general's army. Suzume took a deep breath to stop herself from giving into an impulsive reaction. Think before you speak or this will only get worse. Kaito was trying to get a rise out of her, so surely he wouldn't take that big of a risk for the potential of answers. She doubted Daiki knew anything. He was a bumbling fool given a high position based on family connection. Nothing more.

  "For what purpose? This has nothing to do with our quest." She gestured toward the camp.

  "This has everything to do with our quest," Kaito said, arms over his chest. "Unless you're not telling me something." He narrowed his eyes as he leaned toward her.

  Suzume scoffed and turned away from him. "I just don't think Kazue would want us to waste time here."

  "I wasn't talking about that." He grinned.

  Suzume spun her head toward him, half caught in a lie. She realized what he had meant was the mystery man who had attacked her. But she'd told him everything she knew - the little she did.

  "Why would I lie?"

  "That is a good question." He held her gaze for a moment, the two of them locked into a staring match that neither of them would back down from.

  Suzume was the first to break the silence, afraid if she had to endure his stare any longer, she'd really cave and confess everything. "You don't know Daiki like I do. He's a pawn. Even if there is some palace connection to Kazue's soul fragments he wouldn't know anything." Suzume flapped her hand at him, dismissing the idea. That's why she had chosen him as a potential husband, because he would be easy to control.

  "Then it shouldn't be hard to get information from him," Akira said, interjecting in a smooth tone.

  Both Suzume and Kaito swiveled in her direction and shouted in a resounding unison, "Are you insane?"

  "If that man does have a piece of Kazue's soul inside him, perhaps we can learn more from him," she said reasonably.

  "He didn't seem to know much of anything," Suzume replied as she shot a look at Akira that said 'shut up.' She had her own reasons for wanting to speak with the masked man. But right now Suzume was more concerned about knocking Kaito off the scent of her lie.

  "What does Kazue think?" Akira asked with a single arched brow.

  Suzume glared at her.

  "It would be easier if Suzume went in and spoke to Daiki," Rin said, throwing her opinion into the discussion.

  "Easy for all of you." She jabbed a finger in Rin's direction.

  Akira added to Rin's idea. "If we go in fighting, we will surely fail. You are the only human among us, and familiar to their leader. If we send you in alone to spy, we have a much higher chance of success."

  "But—" Suzume started another protest.

  "If she goes in there she'll only get herself killed." Kaito growled at Akira.

  Suzume narrowed her eyes at him. As much as she didn't want to go in there, it bothered her even to know Kaito thought her incapable of such a simple task. Espionage was part of the life blood of the White Palace. Suzume had been raised on secrets and betrayal. It would be no trouble to sneak in there, coax Daiki to spill all his darkest secrets, and then escape once again.

  "You don't think I could do it?" Suzume challenged Kaito.

  He rolled his eyes at her. "You can't even defend yourself. What will you do if things get messy?"

  "This is my realm of expertise. I can handle Daiki."

  Kaito forced a laugh. "This isn't the palace, Princess. These are warriors, and they know only one thing: the blade."

  She shook her head. "You don't know anything about humans. They won't harm me. I'm a princess."

  The dragon growled low in his throat. She had inadvertently stumbled on a nerve. "Former princess."

  "We can guard her unseen," Noaki said.

  Suzume turned her head to look at the swordsman who, up until this point, had been leaning against a nearby tree as if he was not listening at all.

  "He's right," Rin said. "Yokai cannot be seen by normal mortals. If we followed her in, we can keep guard."

  "These are not just mortals," Kaito countered. "The last time I encountered the general's army he had warrior priests among them. It would be better if I went in alone."

  "You're not the only one with something at stake here," Akira said, glaring at Kaito.

  Kaito crossed his arms over his chest as he looked back at her.

  "Didn't they nearly kill you last time?" Suzume asked.

  Kaito narrowed his eyes at Suzume before he let out a huff.

  "Fine," Kaito conceded at last. "But the moment things get dangerous, we pull out."

  There was no backing out now. If she tried to weasel her way out of this, she'd only look weak in Kaito's eyes. Besides it couldn't be that bad if the others were there with her.

  "When do we go, in the morning?" Suzume asked, hoping she'd have more time to mentally prepare.

  "There's no time like the present." Kaito grinned at her.

  Her gut reaction was to balk at it, but instead she choked down on her fear and said, "Sounds great. "

  Kaito watched her, measuring her reaction. Likely waiting for the moment when she gave in and begged for mercy. But she was determined to prove to him she could be just as strong as he was. Besides once she committed to something, no matter how stupid, she was committed. Turning stiffly, she looked at the camp beyond. Pacing along the edge of the perimeter were guards in full armor, complete with masks styled to look like yokai. The masks looked almost childlike in comparison to the real thing. Suzume looked at the others who were waiting for her to make the first move. No time like the present. She took a deep breath and forced her unwilling feet to move forward, head held high. She might look like a bedraggled beggar but she would approach with as much dignity as she could muster. She resisted the urge to look back at the others. They would be around, unseen to most. From the corner of her eye she saw Kaito walking beside her. It was comforting to know he was going with her. One of the guards spotted her, and as she approached he swiveled in place before fumbling to grab a hold of a spear he had rested against his shoulder. The soldier pointed the pointed tip at her.

  "Stop!" He shouted.

  "I should kill him where he stands," Kaito growled under his breath.

  Suzume tensed, waiting for the guard's eyes to drift in his direction. But they never did, his gaze was trained on her. Seeing she was a woman he relaxed a bit, loosening his tight grip on his staff, but he did not drop his weapon entirely.

  "What do you want, girl?" the warrior asked, his voice echoing from behind
his mask.

  Suzume made a haughty sound of contempt. If they knew who she was they would regret it. Even if she was exiled, she was still the emperor's daughter. With head high, she declared in her most regal tone, "I am Princess Suzume, daughter of Izume, second wife of the emperor. I demand to speak with General Tsubaki."

  Somewhere behind her Tsuki snickered unseen. The man frowned and scanned the forest behind her. Had he heard Tsuki's laughter?

  Then his eyes snapped back to her. "You don't look like a princess. You look like a beggar to me." The warrior scoffed. "Away with you peasant."

  Suzume had to tamp down on her anger, lest it reveal itself in flames along her body. "If you don't believe me, bring Daiki out here."

  A second warrior joined the first and looked dubiously in Suzume's direction.

  "What's going on here?" he asked.

  "This woman is claiming to be princess Suzume. She's asking to speak with the general." The original warrior made a gesture in Suzume's direction.

  "Send her away," said the second.

  "Your plan is foiled by incompetent foot soldiers," Kaito grumbled.

  While Kaito complained, Akira snuck up unseen behind the man. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she bent her lips close to his ear and whispered something. The man's entire posture relaxed, his shoulders drooped, and his weapon fell to his side.

  The second man turned, alerted by his companion's strange behavior.

  "What's wrong with you?" he asked as he shook the man's other shoulder, and as he did, Akira went up behind him and whispered in his ear as well. He stopped in place, head cocked to the side listening, a goofy smile spreading across his face.

  Then like a puppet on a string, he turned toward Suzume.

  "Stay right there, don't move a muscle."

  Suzume crossed her arms over her chest, to show her displeasure. But seeing Akira's power over the men made her a little nervous. It occurred to her she really didn't know anything about what the siblings could do. The guard left behind his fellow soldier without a thought. He appeared to be sleeping standing up but his eyes were wide open. Akira sauntered back over toward Suzume.

  "What did you do?" Suzume hissed under her breath, eyes darting toward the remaining man.

  "Just a little bit of suggestion. It doesn't work on every human. But soldiers are already used to taking orders, so it doesn't take much to break down their defenses."

  Suzume wasn't sure if she should be impressed or terrified.

  It only took a few minutes for the guard to return with Daiki in tow. As he approached, Suzume assumed her role of demure princess. She lowered her lashes, looked at the ground, hid her hands in opposite sleeves, and pinched herself hard enough to make her eyes water.

  "Princess Suzume?" Daiki said.

  Kaito growled when the general approached her. Suzume ignored him and looked up at her one time betrothed through her lashes, large fake tears were rolling down her cheeks. "Daiki!" she shouted before running toward him and falling into his arms, as if she had been overcome by emotion at the sight of him.

  Suzume clung onto Daiki for a moment longer than was necessary, her breasts pressed against his chest, before she pretended to realize what she was doing, pulled back and lowered her gaze once more.

  "I apologize, I'm just so relieved to have found you."

  "What happened. We heard you were captured-"

  Suzume gave a fake sob and covered her face as to not reveal her lack of tears.

  "What am I saying? You should rest first." Then to the guard he said, "Take the princess to my personal tent."

  The guard who Akira had influenced moved sluggishly as if he was in a daze, but did as he was commanded. Ushering Suzume toward Daiki's tent. She shot a look to Kaito meant to say 'stay here.' But he shook his head slowly, his scowl pinned on the back of Daiki's head who was shouting commands, and looking at Suzume with a dopey expression. Suzume held her fake smile in place, but she had a terrible feeling this was not going to go to plan.

  11

  Daiki's tent was just as she remembered it. Shelves with stacks of scrolls, and maps and other papers spread out along a low table with a single cushion where Daiki likely sat and looked over the documents. The bed tucked into one corner overflowed with pillows and Suzume sighed wistfully, imagining how good a nap would feel. Suzume's body ached from numerous injuries both from scrimmages and from real fights. It seemed an eternity since she'd slept in a real bed. Even a camp bed like Daiki's seemed like a luxury compared the cold ground she had been sleeping on.

  Behind her Daiki cleared his throat and she whipped around to face him, having forgotten for a moment he was there. Kaito loomed behind him, unseen by the general. Yokai had the ability to make themselves invisible to all but those that had a special sight. It was hard to imagine not being able to see the scowl on Kaito's face but she was one of the unfortunate few who could see him. Because she was distracted by Kaito and his glower, Suzume forgot to lower her gaze as she normally would and her eyes met Daiki's. They stared at one another for a moment. She had not felt this the last time she was with him, but she felt very aware of her naked face, her tattered clothes, and tangled hair. At the palace, Daiki would not have seen her without a screen between them or at the very least a fan. Suddenly she felt very exposed.

  She lowered her lashes to stare at the ground, not needing to feign embarrassment now. What sort of stories would he tell about her when he returned to the White Palace? The thought made her stomach churn.

  "Are you hurt? Would you like something to eat or drink?" Daiki asked, disrupting the awkward silence that had fallen between them. He approached Suzume, twisting his hands together.

  Kaito scoffed. "He doesn't really believe this, does he?"

  Suzume shot Kaito a look which Daiki misinterpreted as being directed at him and he frowned. "I'm not hurt badly," Suzume said to cover up her oversight and made a show of hiding her injured hands in her sleeves. How did Kaito expect her to learn anything while he was hovering over her like this?

  Daiki noticed as she intended and grabbed a hold of her elbow to keep her from hiding it. "What did that monster do to you!"

  Suzume pretended to reluctantly let him look at her bandaged hand, while Daiki tutted over it making a show of concern.

  "I'll show him a monster," Kaito snarled. Suzume looked over Daiki's lowered head and nodded to the side indicating he should leave.

  But he only shook his head and smirked. "I'm staying right here."

  Daiki's head popped back up, blocking Suzume's view of the dragon. "I should call someone to check your wounds, and bring you something to eat." Daiki held onto her hand not letting go, however. Not moving to do as he said. He'd grown bolder since their last encounter. Daiki inched closer to her, shrinking the gap and raising the tension in the room. A sudden shiver ran down her spine, and she didn't need to see Kaito to know he was getting annoyed.

  A lady would be expected to deny any unflattering feelings like hunger or thirst, but she needed to get Daiki out of here before Kaito did something reckless.

  "If it's not too much trouble, I am rather hungry," she said, feigning embarrassment of her own hunger.

  "Of course. Right away. Whatever you want I will get for you." He let go of her hand and leaped away from her as if she'd burned him. Which fortunately she hadn't. Her powers never seemed to react to humans.

  Daiki practically stumbled over his own feet on his way out the door. "Please have a seat." He gestured toward the low table in the center of the room. Akira was right to send Suzume here, Daiki would do whatever she asked. If she questioned him about the priest, he would probably tell her everything she wanted to know. All that remained now was getting one bothersome dragon out of the way.

  Once Daiki's backside disappeared out of the door, she marched over to him.

  "What are you doing? You're ruining everything!" she hissed, her eyes darting toward the door, he wouldn't be gone long.

  "You two are awfully coz
y. Are you sure you're not reconsidering marrying him?"

  "Do you want me to find out who that priest is or not?" she snapped.

  Kaito ignored her and sauntered over to a nearby desk. Suzume followed after him prepared to argue further when Kaito picked up a diagram that had been lying on the table. It was a painting of a dragon, one that was eerily similar to Kaito. There were small notations written upon it, and Kaito's eyes narrowed.

  "It looks like your lover boy knows more than he lets on."

  Scattered across the table there were rolled up maps and beneath a pile of parchment a half-written letter. Perhaps Daiki had been in the middle of writing it when Suzume had arrived. Suzume's eyes darted toward the door, she should get away from his desk and get Kaito out before he returned. She didn't need to read through his documents to get what she wanted. Daiki was harmless, it was likely a letter he was writing to his ancient mother. Or a banal account of his day to day life.

  "I wonder who he's writing." Kaito nodded toward the letter.

  Curiosity getting the better of her, Suzume snatched it up off the table and scanned the beginning of it quickly. It was written in the formal scholar's script. Most women did not know the written word of men. Any court-raised girl knew the informal writing, for poetry and simple correspondence, but her mother had insisted she learn the forbidden characters, though Suzume protested learning it all the way. She was glad of those lessons now. The letter began with unimportant salutations, and blessings upon the emperor to whom she assumed the letter was being written though there was no address placed on it yet.

  There is still no further sign of Princess Suzume. It weighs heavy on me to report that we believe she has perished at the hands of yokai, along with my lieutenant who was escorting her, though we found no remains. It was my error to send her away. Had I realized how vital her return was to you, I would have taken more careful action. I will accept any punishment you deem necessary. I beg for your mercy, and that you might forgive your humble servant. Our quest continues, nonetheless. I will not fail you again.