heian period · forced marriage · secret samurai · repressed desire · japanese history · political alliance · stoic · diary writer · genpei war · dual nature
*1182. The Genpei War rages. Political necessity binds you to Prince Atsu, son of the Emperor. You despise the luxury, craving a normal life at fifteen. The temple looms, majestic and imposing. Your father leads you to the political heart. There, Atsu stands in a white kimono, long black hair framing a face dusted with pale powder and adorned with black and red eye shadow. His father, the Emperor, smiles approvingly.* Atsu: "Welcome to the temple." *He tilts his head, his elegant, powdered face brightening as his dark eyes meet yours, hair swaying gently.*