Chapter Nine
So it was done.
Kagato allowed himself a slight smile as he made his way carefully through the corridors of the palace, heading up the stairs to the palace infirmary, where his aunt had been transferred upon her collapse. The Lady Misaki was, he knew, still alive and fighting to regain her strength. But the child had been lost, and inwardly Kagato marvelled at Tessei's ability to sneak in and out without being detected.
"They all think it's stress, or some other natural cause that generated this." He mused. "They have no idea that anything untoward happened to Lady Misaki, and that suits me just fine. Though I must keep tabs on Tessei myself. If he can be so effective as a weapon against others, I must be careful to make sure that he doesn't turn on me, too. Still, I know too much about his activities for him to risk upsetting me. And I'm stronger than an unnamed, unborn baby. He wouldn't be able to finish me so quickly - I'm sure of that."
"Prince Kagato?"
A nurse met him at the Infirmary door, bowing her head in deference to his status. "What brings you here?"
"I have come to ask after my Aunt's health, Chika-san." Kagato offered the woman a smile, injecting just the right amount of gravity into his amber eyes as he did so. "Is she much recovered?"
"Yes, sir...she seems to be much stronger this morning." The nurse smiled prettily back at him. "Your quick action in calling Niwase-sensei to her side seems to have helped - she will live."
"That's excellent news." Kagato said warmly. "You must have all worked very hard last night. My thanks. Lady Misaki is a dear friend of my honoured mother, and I would hate for anything to befall her."
"My Lord...you do know that...that she has lost the baby?" The nurse asked apprehensively. "That whatever seizure took her last night...there was nothing we could do. We tried, but it was already dead inside of her."
"I had heard." Kagato schooled his features once more into a look of solemnity. "My Mother is much grieved by the news - as am I."
"Lady Aiko has already visited with Lady Misaki this morning." The nurse nodded. "I'm sure that having so much family around her will be a comfort, even in this difficult time."
"Yes, indeed." Kagato agreed. "So it was a seizure?"
"So we think." The nurse shrugged helplessly. "It is not unknown for women to suffer such things, in the early stages of pregnancy. Misaki-dono is not old, but neither is she a young woman and this is her first pregnancy. It is possible that there was an internal complication. Either way, we are grieved that we were unable to save the child as well as the mother."
"At least Lady Misaki is all right, however." Kagato said pensively. "May I visit with her, or is she resting?"
"I think that will be all right, Lord Kagato." Chika smiled. "Go right ahead."
"Thank you." Kagato inclined his head to acknowledge the nurse. "I will do so."
He continued down the corridor, pausing at the end to make sure that the nurse had gone about her own business, then he smiled.
"Well, a seizure. Fancy that...what bad luck." He murmured softly. "It's surprising, how easily I got away with this. And how little it bothers me. I did think that I might be concerned for Misaki's well being, seeing that she is so close to Mother. But I feel nothing but relief that that wretched baby is out of the equation. And being solicitous to her health can only be seen as a good, positive sign from a future Emperor of Jurai...concern for his subjects and their well-being is very important. It would be strange if I didn't show an interest in Misaki's recovery."
He pursed his lips, considering.
"I wonder if Mikamo's intervention yesterday did save Misaki-sama's life." He mused. "Ironic, if it did. I only sent for him because it looked like I was doing something positive to help her. But even so, it makes no difference. Misaki can't inherit Jurai's throne, and nor can Uncle Haru. The baby was the threat and now it's gone...it's senseless to spill more blood than I need to, at this early stage. After all, nobody must suspect me of anything. Especially not Mikamo...right now, I need him more than I ever have before."
"How are you feeling, Misaki-chan?"
As he reached the chamber that housed the stricken Princess, words drifted out into the hallway and Kagato froze at the sound of his mother's voice, brows drawing together in consternation as he realised that Misaki was not alone. For a moment he hesitated, his emotions flickering between guilt and annoyance, but as he prepared to leave the Palace Infirmary, he heard Misaki mention his name. He bit his lip, pulling back into the shadows of the hallway as he strained every nerve to overhear what was being said.
"I feel I've let my family down." Misaki was saying, and Kagato was aware of the pain in her tones. "You have a fine, healthy son in Kagato, Aiko-chan - but no matter how much I try, I can't seem to match you. I must be doing something wrong. It must be Tsunami's will that I don't have children."
"I don't think Tsunami is that cruel or that judgemental." Aiko spoke gently. "Listen to me. You worry too much and there's been far too much of that around here recently. Everyone is in a stir because Yosho dares to have an opinion of his own. In all the tension, I'm not surprised that things have taken their toll on you. It's not your fault, Misaki. Haru knows it and so do I - how can anyone expect to function when that great ape of an Emperor rants and moans and makes everything uncertain just because he's too much of a snob to allow Yosho to marry for love?"
Despite himself, a wry smile touched Kagato's lips. He might have known it, he mused ruefully. His mother never had held with conventional Juraian values.
"Do you think, then, that Yosho will buckle to Shigure-dono's wishes?" Misaki's voice was faint. "Because Funaho-san is worried about him, Aiko. I think she believes he might do something rash...again. As if he hasn't already done enough to unsettle this family."
"I don't know, and not does it matter too much to me either way." Aiko sounded thoughtful. "Yosho is a determined, stubborn young man - just like his father and his grandfather. At the end of the day, he's the one who'll decide. Noone else."
"I suppose that suits you, my friend." Misaki sighed. "With me apparently unable to bear a healthy child, and Yosho out of the picture, wouldn't that put Kagato in line to inherit the crown?"
Kagato drew breath sharply into his lungs, afraid for a moment that the baldness of his actions had been discovered. But, much to his surprise, Aiko let out a peal of amused laughter.
"Azusa has spoken to me about Kagato, and asked me if he has the power." She admitted. "And he does, such as it is to have magic that's really of no earthly use. But you're wrong, Misaki. Kagato will never inherit the throne of Jurai."
"I don't see why not." Misaki sounded sad, as Kagato inched nearer to the doorway, consternation in his expression at his mother's casual dismissal of his claim. "He's strong and ambitious and even though Yosho has occasionally bested him, I know you're proud of how fine a swordsman and a prince he really is. The Emperor may not pay him much attention, but he has many friends at court and is very well thought of. He has fine manners and an open nature...I think he induces people to trust in him, and I'm sure that, even if you haven't considered it, others probably have. You might find yourself forced into the Emperor's line of sight, Aiko-chan. In absence of any other heir to the throne, surely Kagato is the only other candidate to succeed after Azusa?"
There was a moment of silence, during which Kagato thought he might explode with the tension that built up inside of him. Then he heard his mother sigh.
"I find it impossible to lie to Azusa." She said at length. "You know as well as I do why it is that Kagato will never inherit Jurai's crown, Misaki. In the circumstances, I'm sorry for it - it brought Azusa little pleasure and he's too proper and ordered to dismiss what I told him so completely. But it's dangerous too, my friend. Jurai's power is intoxicating and strong and I worry about it's effect on Kagato. If he were entirely as he seems, then I know he'd master it and probably as well or better than Yosho ever will. But there are other elements in play and I love my son. I don't want him to come to harm."
"So you sabotaged his chances of being King by telling Azusa the truth, because you don't want him hurt by Jurai's power?" Misaki sounded incredulous, and Kagato found himself scarcely less so. Aiko laughed once more.
"He's my son, but he's not perfect." She agreed flippantly. "I trust Azusa not to shame me in front of the court, and I doubt the old Emperor cares very much for my son's weak claim, anyhow. But these are things you shouldn't concern yourself with, Misaki-chan. You're still weak and the doctors say you were lucky - I'm glad not to have lost you, my sister. You will heal and things will be all right. And if Haru doesn't understand, then send him to me. Men do not know what they ask of a woman when they expect an heir - but I'll happily put him straight, if need be."
"I'm glad you're here, Aiko-chan." Misaki sounded grateful. "And you know that Haru and I won't shame you, either. But it might come to the moment where Kagato is the only prince who can possibly stand to inherit. Do you think that Azusa will let things go, if he is desperate?"
"No, not my brother." Aiko sounded certain. "He knows now the truth about Kagato's father, and that will be enough to send him elsewhere. It might be an honour for him to be Emperor one day, and as much one for his son to inherit after him. But I know about being imprisoned in social values and dull, forced engagements. Kagato is too free a spirit to be tied down to such a dour, controlled life."
"He'll wonder, you know, why it is he's so easily passed over."
"Well, Father dislikes me and is suspicious enough of him without proof...I doubt it will matter. Kagato-chan knows that Haru and I are nowhere near the Emperor's good graces." Aiko said carelessly. "If he asks, I'll tell him it's simply out of Imperial spite...it wouldn't be the first time. I'd die rather than make my boy doubt his heritage, Misaki-chan. But if it's the only weapon I have to protect him, I'll use it - as any mother would. The throne of Jurai is cursed and full of dangers and restrictions. Kagato doesn't deserve to be a prisoner of that life, and I'll go to whatever lengths necessary to ensure that he doesn't become one."
Kagato had heard enough. Stepping back from the door, he turned on his heel, hurrying away through the halls and passageways and back towards his own chambers in the heart of the Royal Tree. Once there he barred himself inside his room, anger and confusion welling up inside of him as he fought to understand what he had just heard. For a moment, fury ruled his senses and with a cry of rage he grabbed the books off his dresser, throwing them one by one at the far wall of his chamber. Then, as the stark truth of Aiko's words hit him, he sank down onto the end of his bed.
He drew a deep, heavy breath into his lungs, struggling to calm his jumpy emotions.
"Mother." He murmured, glancing at his hands and running his fingers across the golden rings that adorned them. One of them bore the crest of his father's family and he drew it off, glancing at it then tossing it with some bitterness across the length of his room.
"All lies." He muttered, clenching his fists. "All lies! Prince of Jurai? No. No wonder the Emperor is so disenchanted with my mother. This has been going on my whole life - behind my back, whispers and secrets about me and yet somehow I never came to know. Why was I not more perceptive? My mother has always been a jezebel, and she's had more admirers than I've been able to count. How have I always dismissed it as an amusement on her part? Why did I not stop to examine it more closely - to realise what it truly meant in terms of me?"
He got to his feet, pacing across to the mirror pool and eying his reflection in the mirror. A young face stared back, handsome and well defined, but for the first time he found himself doubting his features, putting a finger to his cheek as he tried to work out what he had inherited from Aiko, and what clues might give away the truth of his birth to a stranger. He met his own gaze, his heart lurching in his throat as he remembered the sober painting of Lord Hotaru that hung within the gallery walls.
He had been a brave soldier, and Shigure had heaped honour and praise on his dead body, Kagato knew that. But right at that moment the achievements of the fighting man eluded him. Instead he only saw what didn't match - the golden eyes that he had not inherited from his mother, nor the man he had known as father.
He drew another shaky breath into his lungs.
"I'm a bastard." He whispered. "Illegitimate. And Mother told Uncle Azusa that I was, so that he'd keep me from the throne. After I went to all the trouble of eradicating Misaki-san's baby, it turns out all my efforts could well be in vain. Mother is conspiring against me and she has been ever since the day I was born. Uncle Azusa, Uncle Haru, even Lady Misaki - they all know the shame of my origins. The Emperor suspects me, and that's why he shuns me at court. All these years and I thought he was just single-minded - that Yosho was his pride and I could not match up. But now I see it clearly. He shuns me because of what he believes I am - and damn him, he's right. In the eyes of the crown I'm no better than Lady Haruna...and just about as fit to sit on Jurai's throne as she is!"
He returned to his bed, burying his head in his hands as he sank down onto the covers once more. His mind raced, searching for a solution, but none originally came to mind. After all, he realised bitterly, you could not change the facts of your birth. All you could do was conceal them - but how many already knew? Did Tetta know? The sneering Tessei? Was it common knowledge at court, even though it had never been spoken of before him? Worst of all, did Yosho know? Had his casual remarks about Kagato's lack of position in the succession come from something more than just casual, tactless observation?
As he let his paranoia overwhelm him, one thought became crystal clear in his mind.
"Whatever happens now, I must act with caution." He murmured. "I must not change my approach, or give anyone any reason to doubt my conviction or my normal demeanour. I will go on as if this never happened, but now I know the truth, I can take steps. Even if I can't erase the truth of my birth, I can remove the evidence of it. Lord Hotaru is dead, and he has no living kin. His estates are mine, on mother's death, and that won't be changed. But noone can try and make a genetic match between us, because Jurai law debars the exhumation of corpses once they've been interred and blessed by Tsunami's grace. He won't be the one to reveal me."
He frowned.
"Mother is another matter. I must watch her like a hawk, and guard what she says as much as I can." He realised. "Telling someone something is one matter, but that's all it is - a telling. What could be perceived as a game on her part, in fact - she's well known for playing tricks and jests on the court. What I need to discover is whether she has proof of the fact. Evidence of who my real father might have been. Erase him, and I erase any doubts to my claim. So that's what I must do, now. Find out what I can and make sure none of it ever sees the light of a Juraian hearing."
He scowled, a grim look entering his expression.
"I've already come too far to just give up." He murmured. "I've encouraged Yosho to continue pursuing Haruna and I've got Mikamo working on gems that will make me more powerful than that obstinate prince will ever be. And, more immediately, I've removed the threat of Misaki's unborn child. Perhaps it would have been better if Misaki-san had died, too - but at least her living has allowed me to find this out, before it does my cause some real damage. It will be some time before she is fit enough to try for another baby, and all the time she grows older and less likely to successfully concieve. This is within my grasp...so focus, Kagato. This is a complication, but it's certainly not one you can't overcome. And once you're done, noone will question your claim as a true prince of the planet Jurai!"
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"So what exactly are you doing, out there on Jurai? Did you manage to get any samples for Manami, sensei?"
Washu sat back on her bed, eying the grainy image of her student with a wry smile. It was late in the evening and, after having been invited to dine once again with Princess Aiko and her son, she had retired to her room to change and reflect on her time on Jurai so far. They had both been invited to attend one of Jurai's court functions, and Najya had decided to go, but Washu had taken the opportunity to contact her friends back at the Academy.
"I haven't managed to do much but dig holes yet." She said vaguely. "As for what we're doing - Kichi, I can't tell you right at the moment. But it's a big deal project and I'm going to be here a while. Maybe longer than I initially expected. I didn't imagine the scope of what we were doing until Niwase-sensei explained it."
"Niwase-sensei?" Kichi's eyes became big. "Manami was right! This was to do with him! Washu-sensei, what are you doing?"
"Working." Washu said blithely. "It's all right, Kichi. This is a professional situation, and he just happens to be in charge of the department."
"Well, you should remember what happened before." Kichi warned. "I'm only saying this because you're a good friend, but Clay is already into everything he can find in your absence, and if he thought there was anything going on between you and Professor Niwase..."
"Kichi, we both know that I'm not going to have any future with Professor Niwase. Please, stop thinking scandal and start thinking science." Washu chided gently, an amused smile on her lips. "Besides, I have a room-mate, and his quarters are at the palace, because he's an honoured friend of the Prince. Don't worry about me. I'm fine, and the other people working on the project are very quick-witted. I'm enjoying myself so far."
"Okay." Kichi hesitated, then, "I'm glad you called in, actually. I wasn't sure if you'd be able to, but I need your advice on something."
"Go on." Washu rolled onto her stomach, resting her chin in her hands. "Something gone wrong with the testing application?"
"No, everything came through and we've followed your instructions. It's all working out well." Kichi shook her head. "But Menori is doing his best to push his ship through again, in your absence. He figures since you're not here to write another report, he can get away with slipping things under the radar. He claims to have fixed all of your concerns, but I'm not so sure. I think...money may have changed hands again. I'm almost sure I saw him speaking with one of the Elders in the hall."
"I see." Washu pursed her lips. "And he thinks that because I'm miles away, I can't do anything to stop him?"
"Yes, he does." Kichi pulled a face. "And Clay has gone so far as to support him in his venture. He's not fun to work with at the moment, Washu-sensei. Really. He's even more of a pompous jerk than usual."
"Well, he and Menori are like-minded." Washu's eyes narrowed. "All right. Here's what I want you to do. Since you and I both know that it's impossible that he's fixed all the problems with the Phoenix ship within the short time I've been busy, he must be fudging something, somewhere. And something deceptive must be going on. Right?"
"Yes. But..."
"You know the pass code for my laboratory." Washu said quietly. "Listen to me very carefully, Kichi-chan. Do you know where the samples are, of that substance Niwase-sensei gave me before he came here to work for Prince Kagato's research department?"
"Our refined samples? Yes, I do." Kichi looked intrigued. "Why?"
"I think it's time that Menori took a taste of Clay's medicine." Washu's eyes twinkled with humour. "I managed to refine it into the kind of solution we discussed, but unfortunately the only sample that I have is here with me, on Jurai. Still, it shouldn't take you too much time to mix some more. Can you remember ingredients and measurements if I give them to you now? I'd rather you didn't write them down, since I don't want you to get caught or into trouble. Desperate times call for desperate measures, but I've no mind to get you kicked out of the Academy for drugging your fellow alumni."
"Sounds exciting." Kichi grinned. "And yes, I can remember. Tell me, Washu-sensei. Getting him to drink it won't be a problem. He's been trying to grope me since I began studying with your department. If he thinks he's finally gotten lucky, he might well let his guard down."
"That's a low manoeuvre." Washu chuckled. "I like how you think."
"Well, I've learnt deviousness from the best." Kichi said frankly.
"Perhaps you have. Perhaps I've corrupted you." Washu reflected. "Oh well. This is what you'll need, anyway."
Carefully she outlined the list of ingredients, then, "Be careful to stick to my measurements. We don't want to create an adverse reaction, and I really don't think poisoning Menori would resolve anything. Just make sure he drinks enough to be honest about his ship, that's all. I'll let your imagination handle the rest...but the Phoenix ships need to be stopped. They're dangerous, and we both know that."
"I'll do it." Kichi assured her. "It's all right. I think it'll even be fun...to get one over on that dirty old man. And on Clay. I wish you were back here, Washu-sensei. I hate working under Clay's hot beady gaze."
"Well, I haven't quite worked out how best to handle Clay yet, but I will." Washu said thoughtfully. "In the meantime, first things first. And tell Manami not to worry. I'm doing my best to cultivate Lady Aiko's approval, so that in the future I might be able to recommend a student to Jurai. She's a very smart woman - I'm sure she'll see the value in the connection. She certainly doesn't seem opposed to her son's interest in science, so with any luck it might have a long term benefit."
She sighed, glancing up at the clock that hung over the door.
"I should sign off. I'm not sure if we're meant to be making outside communications and Najya will be back with me soon." She added. "Take care of yourself, Kichi, and be cautious when you're running my little errand. I have faith in you - don't let me down."
"I won't. You can count on me." Kichi dimpled. "Goodnight, Professor. And be careful yourself - don't let yourself get swept away by rich noblemen with nice eyes, even if you do have a scientific reason for being there."
"Kichi..." Washu began, but Kichi just winked at her, closing off the communication, and Washu sighed, shutting down the device and sliding it back into her bag.
"She'd think me mad if she knew I'd forgiven him so easily as I did...but I couldn't help it." She mused aloud. "Oh well. What she doesn't know won't hurt her. And I can stay focused on this project and on things at the Academy, no matter what Mikamo and I get involved in. Maybe we don't have any tangible future, but for now I can live with that. Live in the minute, isn't that what they say? I guess that's where we are...I'm not going to worry about what comes next. For now I'm just going to enjoy what time we do have...tomorrow can wait."