Kazunomiya: Prisoner of Heaven is the eighteenth book in Scholastic'sThe Royal Diaries. It was written by Kathryn Lasky and was her fifth book for the series. The book was published in September 2004 and was followed by Anacaona: Golden Flower by Edwidge Danticat.
"Yayoi March 7, 1858 As the maids spread out the kimonos, we welcomed back the colors…of spring, like old friends. For only now may we begin to wear them. But during the tea party I am feeling all the while that this talk of silks and colors and painted blossom covers up something. It is what is not being said that is perhaps the most disturbing. I feel that these women know something I do not…There is a shrillness to Lady Tomaki’s laughter that seems not quite natural…And there is absolutely no talk of the prince, my future husband. It is so obvious to me that I dare not ask about him."
