World of Violets

A chilling silence
A world of violets
My breath materialized again
Immaculate
Inanimate
A comfort cutting time I see...
A string of white lights
Forever walking through December.
Forever longing for a sign of life,
A bringer of light
Forever wandering together through a world of violets

         - lyrics, "A Winter's Tale"



Introducing our protagonist, General Kei: handsome, arrogant and cruel, a brilliant officer and strategist in the magnificent army of the Empire of the Sun, and a particular favourite of the Emperor. However, she is also rumoured to harbour a scandalous predilection for young girls...

En route home from her successful conclusion of the campaign against the rebels in the north, General Kei is sent to collect the latest batch of prisoners from Kurayamino, a grim prison camp. It is here that she encounters Sumire, quiet and unassuming, the recently immured daughter of popular rebel leaders.

Instantly enamoured, and perceiving Sumire as perhaps her greatest discovery yet, the wily General Kei offers the girl a whispered promise she can't refuse, and makes Sumire her newest protegee, prompting yet more gossip and spiteful fabrication at Court about her "irregular" lifestyle.

A novel inspired by the all-female song and dance troupe of Takarazuka, Japan, the tale recounts the predominantly tender, but at times brutal, developments in a relationship that occurs between the most unlikely of lovers.

A tale of obsession, prejudice, and betrayal...