Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Prolouge

I was restless as I watched the three raven haired girls across the aisle.  One sat in the front, attentive to the proceedings as my prince should have been, however, as usual he was disinterested and carelessly glancing about, but I knew he was watching them too.  Her hair was perfectly pinned, not a strand gone astray, blue eyes bright and intelligent.

Behind her were her two handmaidens, both equally as pristine.  To her left was an average height, brown eyed girl.  She looked just as disinterested as the prince, but would take turns with the other girl to adjust something if needed. 

Finally, the one who truly held both of our interest could have easily been the princess's twin.  Petite in all manner of the word, graceful, amber eyes just as bright as her blue ones.  The handmaidens worked seamlessly together and the trio were the epitome of perfection throughout all of the nations.

If there was ever a conversation among men behind closed doors they never failed to be mentioned.  It made my skin crawl everytime, especially, when the near golden eyed handmaiden came up.  They couldn't understand... she was mine and had been since childhood.  However, there were rumors of one man or another that had been graced with her company.

It made my blood boil as I knew of one that possibly held some truth.  I had planned to end the man's life so he couldn't spread the vile rumors, however, it seemed he was dead before the night even ended.  I clenched my fist as I remembered.

***

I walked into the teahouse with Youta, my prince and best friend.  We had just finished another long day in court and needed to let off some steam.  The thing about this teahouse is, it was a brothel as well.  Neither of us ever partook of the women, but looking never hurt.

I came to a hard stop as my gaze landed on a girl, hair hanging loose about her in a minister's lap.  I frowned.  It can't be her...  She carelessly tossed her hair as she began to seductively dance to the music.  As though she sensed someone watching, she gracefully pivoted herself, never missing a beat as she scanned the room.  Her amber eyes met mine and she arched a perfect brow before returning her attention to the man she was entertaining.

Youta roughly grabbed my arm and pulled me to a table.  "It's not her."

I could feel his fury, but it was nothing compared to my own.  "It is..."

He shook his head hurriedly.  "No. She is an adopted princess, Father has confirmed as much and we saw for ourselves when she was 7.  It is not her."

I clenched my fists.  "It's her Youta, we have heard nothing since they died and that wretched woman is in power now."

He took a slow breath, defeated and close to tears.  "It's not her... it can't be."

I looked at where the girl shamelessly held a dumpling between her teeth and kissed the man deeply when he tried to take it.  "One way to find out."

I knew it was reckless, but I approached the couple.  The man smirked.  "No go.  The handmaiden is mine for tonight."

She didn't turn to face me, but her head tilted slightly as my heart stilled.  It's her... "And what, may I ask, is her name?"

She turned her head only enough so I could see the side of her face through her hair.  "Cho... that is this handmaiden's name."  The man frowned at me as I reached for her, but she gracefully twirled from his lap to his back and tugged his head back to plant a kiss on his lips.  "And she tires of the company of many."

A lecherous grin graced his lips.  "Is that so?"

Cho... that is not her name...  I could see nothing of her features as her hair cascaded in front of her face and she smirked down at him.  "Care for a private dance?  I assure you it will be to die for."