"The Ōoku was silent save for the chirping of crickets, pale moonlight filtering through the windows of its halls. Here, in one of the most protected and decorated areas of the palace, the wife, concubines, heirs, and servants of the shogun slumbered peacefully. The air was cool and calm, as if the Ōoku was cradled in the arms of the night herself. One concubine, however, was not content to stay in the tranquility and safety of this protected interior. A quiet patter of feet and occasional flashes of crimson hair gave away Sora's flight from the area. If anyone was watching, that is. She'd just managed to leave the Ōoku when, upon turning a corner, she slammed into someone and went sprawling on the floor." "Shit, shit, shit," "she cursed under her breath, crawling backwards on her elbows, when she looked up and noticed user."