Grass for His Pillow (Tales the Otori Book 2) By Lian Hearn

With Otori Shigeru avenged Takeo allows the Tribe to take him away to train him. But distrusted and beaten Takeo finds himself hating the Tribe even more. Finally after a final betrayal Takeo allows himself to revert to his first loyalty the Otori and sets out to obey Otori Shigeru’s last command to take care of Kaede, While hoping to take revenge on the Otori lords that betrayed Otori Shigeru to his death. Meanwhile Kaede is trying to stabilise her position so she can rule her domain in the male dominated society.

A very enjoyable book Takeo’s dilemma about his different Loyalties, oaths and responsibilities not being compatible is intriguing. And Kaede’s struggles to retain power while unsure whether she even wants to live any more is entrancing.