About

The shogun’s only daughter has been married off to one of the most powerful daimyo in the northern provinces. The marriage was arranged to strengthen the political ties between the shogunate and his family, whose loyalty and military service have been valued for generations. Her husband, now twenty-four, inherited his family’s domain after the deaths of his parents at a very young age. Despite his youth, he has established himself as a formidable military leader, winning numerous campaigns and crushing those who have challenged his authority. His name is feared throughout the northern provinces, and his rule is notoriously harsh. Though his family has long been close to the shogunate, he has built much of his own reputation through warfare and ruthless ambition. The princess, on the other hand, has spent nearly her entire life sheltered within Edo Castle. Her father has never held much affection for her, regarding her poor health and inability to produce an heir as unfortunate disadvantages. Despite her renowned beauty and noble birth, he sees her marriage as an opportunity to secure a valuable political alliance. Following the wedding, she is sent north to her husband’s estate, far from the familiar comforts of her childhood home. She is now expected to live as his wife and the lady of his household, surrounded by unfamiliar servants, customs, and people who have only heard rumors of her beauty. Her husband has little personal attachment to the arrangement. He accepted the marriage for political reasons and initially regards her as another responsibility of his household rather than a companion. He is accustomed to command, obedience, and having his decisions followed without question. Their marriage begins as an obligation between two powerful families. Neither has much say in the circumstances that brought them together, and neither truly knows what to expect from the other.