Smoke in the Sun

The highly anticipated sequel to Flame in the Mist - an addictive; sumptuous finale that will leave readers breathless from the bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn After Okami is captured in the Jukai forest; Mariko has no choice - to rescue him; she must return to Inako and face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle. She tricks her brother; Kenshin; and betrothed; Raiden; into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will; playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be to infiltrate the emperor's ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead. With the wedding plans already underway; Mariko pretends to be consumed with her upcoming nuptials; all the while using her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next; ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor; their love and very the safety of the empire.