Raven of the Inner Palace

Within the imperial court, few figures inspire as much awe and unease as Ryuu Jusetsu, the Raven Consort. Secluded in a palace of deep black and kept apart from the emperor, she has become the center of whispered tales—some say she wields supernatural power, able to recover what’s been lost or lay curses at a single request. Unmoved by the rumors, Jusetsu keeps to a quiet, solitary life until the young emperor Ka Koushun arrives in person, seeking her help with a puzzling matter.

His visit forces Jusetsu to leave her sanctuary for the first time, and though his repeated appearances test her patience, she finds herself unable to refuse him. Bound by teachings that insist the Raven Consort must remain alone and want for nothing, she nonetheless takes an early step toward connection by choosing the curious court girl Jiujiu as her sole attendant. As requests from within the palace begin to draw them into hidden truths, the attention surrounding the Raven Consort threatens to awaken dangers beyond the court—and stir a past better left untouched.