Lady Samurai

Chapter 70

Anna's sudden and unprecedented elevation did not go unnoticed and couldn't but stir a lot of gossip and speculation. A Gai-Jin was granted unrestricted access to the Emperor and his heir, she was allowed to move freely inside the palace and the Emperor seemed to be spending much of his time with her. The gossip ranged from claiming that Anna became the newest Imperial concubine to her becoming the Emperor's political advisor.

Her notoriety grew and nobles literally were falling over each other just to see her. Many, following the Emperor's example, tried to befriend her, but she became extremely elusive and difficult to find. She spent her days sharing time between meetings with Emperor Kōmei, playing with Prince Sachi and training with Kazuki. In the meantime Lady Mariko took it upon herself to represent them both at Lady Nakayama's court; but, if she was to be honest with herself, she didn't mind. Actually, she greatly enjoyed it...

*

The subject of the assassination attempt on Prince Sachi was still on Anna's mind. She just couldn't see who would benefit from it. "At the moment Sachi is the only possible heir. Who would want to dispose of him?" Kazuki, who was a much shrewder politician, just looked at her with pity. "Oh, come on! Tell me what you know."

"There is no heir now." He mused.

"So you're saying that someone is hoping to push a new girl as a concubine, hoping that she would have a son, who could become the Crown Prince? A bit far-fetched."

"We, Japanese like to plan ahead." He shrugged indifferently. "The Emperor is still very young and can have many more children. The other explanation is less obvious to others, but I might be tempted to speculate that someone tried to destroy you."

"Me?"

"If the Prince died while in your care..." He didn't have to finish.

"Saitō!" She growled.

"Or anybody who doesn't like foreigners."

"The Emperor doesn't like foreigners!" She smiled. "I think he wants to learn about them just to be in a better position to get rid of them when the time comes."

Kazuki did not comment on her choice of pronoun - them instead of us. "Is it possible?" He asked, lowering his voice.

"I don't think so. Once established, the western powers will not retreat. I think there is no turning back."

As her standing at the court grew, Anna decided that it had become imperative for her to learn reading and writing in Japanese. She couldn't allow herself to be treated as an illiterate and rely on others to read her correspondence. It added to her already busy schedule, but at the same time kept her occupied. It also took her mind, at least temporarily, off her longing for Hikaru.

She was thinking about him day and night and she couldn't wait for his return from Edo. Of course, she heard gossip about him supposedly looking for a new wife and visiting all the eligible ladies in Edo. Of course, she knew it to be just a ruse. But what if... She couldn't get rid of this one niggling 'if'. Perhaps it was true? But even if he wasn't really looking for a wife, what if he met someone and... just fell in love? She knew him to be a passionate man. Perhaps now his feelings for her would cool and he would get a young wife? One who could bear him a child?

She searched her feelings and knew that if that was the case, she would still remain at his side. As a concubine, an advisor or just as his most faithful samurai; whatever he wanted. She knew she wouldn't be able to leave him now. The chance for that had passed a long time ago. Her feelings for him were those of absolute loyalty and devotion. As long as he wanted her to serve him, she would.

These grim thoughts were fuelled by the occasional gossip she managed to overhear, using her Ninja-like skills. One day she overheard two court officials discussing Lord Takeda.

"For years he avoided being involved on either side, but now suddenly he is in the thick of it." One was saying.

"Do you think he has any high ambitions?"

"No, nothing like that. I think he is positioning himself to be on the foreigners' side when they come."

"But how?"

"With Gai-Jin in his household and the high position at the Imperial court. And now with his growing ties to the Shōgun. He is even looking for a wife among the Shōgun's supporters."

"Do you suppose he seduced the foreigner just to gain a favourable position? But they say she is a witch and it's her who seduced him."

"You've seen her." There was a dismissal in his voice. "Does she strike you as a witch? She is not even pretty. But he trained her to fight and I've heard she is absolutely loyal to him. She has not even taken a lover in his absence!"

This last statement seemed to be the most shocking and both men fell silent for a long time.

Anna decided that she had heard enough and withdrew.

*

Kazuki immediately sensed that her spirits were down when she couldn't concentrate during their daily practice. "You must learn to empty your mind." He lectured. "During a battle your opponent will not make any allowances for your moods. What's going on?" She remained silent, embarrassed by her thoughts. "Ana-San," He stepped closer. "Is something really bothering you? Please, tell me."

"No, it's nothing." She tried to dismiss it.

"It's clearly impeding your fighting, so I think it's important. You know you can trust me." He looked deep into her eyes.

"Stop trying to use your Ninja tricks on me." She smiled, but sobered instantly. "I've heard something. It's just gossip, but... do you think that Lord Takeda... treats me only as... a tool in his plans to..."

"No!" Kazuki didn't even let her finish the sentence. "No!" He repeated to give it gravity. "He loves you!"

"But..."

"No! There are no 'buts' here! I know that he loves you. Whatever people are saying, it's not true. He might have thought to spread the rumours himself, to confuse his enemies, but there is no doubt in my mind that he would give his life for you."

"But what if he... takes a new wife?"

"What for?" Kazuki laughed. "He already has a son. He has you by his side and he is happy. Why would he take another woman to spoil his bliss?"

"He might fall in love again." She said in a small voice.

"Would you?"

The question surprised her. "What?"

"Would you fall in love now?"

"No!" There was no hesitation in her voice.

"So why do you even think he could?" Kazuki was silent for a moment. "I am convinced that you two were destined to meet and to be together. To give each other happiness, but also to be a sign that Japan can open and embrace what the foreigners are bringing."

She looked at him with a new consideration. "I've never thought you to be a philosopher." She mocked.

"And I've never though you to be such a crybaby!" He retorted, grinning mischievously.