New Herbs, Part I


The ceremony of the initiation of the Third Princess took place at the end of the year. A large array of splendid gifts came from the Suzaku emperor and others. From Akikonomu came some combs, which had been sent by the Suzaku emperor when she married. With them a poem:
"I fear these little combs are scarred and worn, I have used them to summon back an ancient day".
The Suzaku emperor chanced to be beside the princess when the gifts were delivered. He traced back his memories.