In this sequel to ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR, Takeo repudiates the crown he is heir to and, instead, studies with the Tribe, a clan of assassins--though he hates the idea of killing. The princess Kaede, who loves him, has troubles of her own as she tries to mend the rents in her family that have arisen from the defeat of her father. A New York Times Notable Book for 2003.