This is from Forbidden, my “Devout” submission for Storm Moon Press. It’s a press centered anthology that I’m really excited about.

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He was surrounded by friends, dare he call some family. Together they celebrated, feasted, and glorified in the aftermath that was their victory. His men’s energy pulsed in the air. Their merriment almost brought him some meaning of reality.

His two best friends, Shiro and Takeo, beside him laughed the loudest. Cheered with crashing sound. Boasted with profanity. And hailed with jarring consequence.

If at any point Izo Hidehisa felt anymore alone it was now. He was isolated in his own bleak misery. For despite appearances and his power within the Hidehisa clan he was totally alone. Isolated with his own secrets.

The party heightened when several geisha appeared. They flirted and poised behind their seductive fans. Stark white faces reminded Izo of bloodless bodies on the battle field. Their red lips hinted at spilled blood.

He took a long swig of his saki. His friend, Takeo, bumped him over the shoulder. A small slice of pain scurried down his arm but he said nothing of it. “The one is eyeing you, old friend.” He spoke in fluent Japanese as everyone at the party save one slave boy from the wilds.

Izo eyed the geisha in question. She was young and shy in her flirtations but sensual and seductive. She knew of her fine beauty, her sly come hither smile, and used it to her full advantage. He grunted but made no move to answer his friend. Both Shiro and Takeo knew it was beneath them to hire a geisha. Not by their own standards but by the standards of society. Samurai were held to a higher esteem. For once, Izo didn’t mind.