Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 18

My mind was whirling as we walked back, she was keeping a distance between us.  I know was out of line, last night... that's why she slept outside.  I should apologize, but... she may just get mad for me bringing it up.  "What's wrong?"

Pain crossed her features as I looked at her.  "Are you afraid of me?"

I was surprised as a small giggle escaped her, but she couldn't control it.  "What?" She stopped as she broke into all out laughter.  It was a lovely sound that made my heart soar for several reasons.  "What do I have to be afraid of?"

That made me blink I'm disbelief.  She acts like I'm not a man more than twice her size.  "Last night..."

She tried to stop, now in tears.  "Oh that?" She said between laughs.  "You think you're the only man horny after a good fight?"  She wiped at her tears.  "Not impressed."

I turned away from her, it was amusing until she brought others into the picture.  "So you experience advances often?"

She came to an abrupt stop, at my tone.  "Why are you so concerned?"

I frowned and started to walk again.  That's a yes...  "It's nothing."

She rushed in front of me and put a hand on my chest to stop me.  "No.  You asked a similar question last night."  I couldn't answer, keep my secret, and hold my temper; so I just stared at her.  She caught me off guard as she closed the distance between us, gazing into my eyes.  Damn her...  "Why are you so concerned of what other men do to me?"

She mindlessly trialed her hand down my chest as her head tilted.  It aroused as much as it angered me and I almost gave myself away, but was saved.  "RYOMA!"

Annoyance flickered in her eyes as she backed away and was engulfed in arms.  Clearly, she was not pleased as she turned to leave.  "Kaida, wait..."

Ayama frowned and held on tighter as I tried to get free.  "Oh Ryoma, don't leave me for her."  I shook her off too concerned about Kaida's reaction to care that she was playing this game again.

I grabbed her arm and waited until amber eyes met mine.  "We were still talking..."

She casually looked at the sky as the rain she said was coming started to hit us.  Ayama passed us, rushing along Shika trying to avoid the down pour.  "Come on, Ryoma! We have to get inside."

As the rain got worse I tried to hurry Kaida, but she pulled away, amused.  "Why are you in a hurry? It's just rain."

I opened my mouth to retort.  "What's this on the grass?"  Shit... 

I ran to Ayama, Youta would kill me if she knew.  "Don't get near it Ayama." Luckily, the rain would wash away the blood and thankfully I had the bodies and that of the minister were cleared already.

She smirked when I caught her.  "Ooo must not want me to know."

I ignored her and pulled her away.  "You really don't want to princess."

She glanced back.  "Uh... she seems very relaxed with this rain.  Her hair and clothes will be ruined."

I did the same.  "She was never that kind of girl..."  She scowled and stayed silent until we were swarmed when we made it in.

I looked back and saw Kaida turning her face up to let the rain hit her face.  Beautiful...  "She really is something."

I looked at where Chiyo was chuckling, watching her as well.  I smiled.  "I can't help, but agree."

Finally, she made it inside and looked uncomfortable as she was greeted in much the same way.  "Please, My Lady, we need to dry you off."

She caught the young servant girl's hands.  "Please... thank you for your concern, but I can take care if it." She gently took the towel from her, opting for a gentle smile to ward off the people around her.

I could feel Ayama frowning as she dried off then took another towel.  She glanced at us and turned in the other direction, releasing her hair which fell into a dripping waterfall of waves around her.  I couldn't stop staring as it fell to the top of her bottom, well-defined in wet clothing.  "Miss, can you prepare things for a bath?  I would hate to catch cold."

She slowly dried her hair as the girl looked at me and I nodded.  I should have thought of that...  She turned to Chiyo, pouting.  "Have I finished taking all the medicine?"

Her whine was cute as the older woman smiled.  "Yes, My Lady, the regime is complete."

She beamed.  "That's wonderful, but... could I bother you for a tonic to prevent colds for us all?  We were in the rain for quite a while."

She brightened, impressed.  She's not that cute... she likes her more and has known me longer.  "Yes, of course, I should have thought of it sooner.  It will be waiting in your room when you've returned."

I glowered at Chiyo and she smirked back as she left.  What about us?  Kaida seemed to finish as she turned and looked at the floor, to ensure she wouldn't drip when she moved.  With that, she headed toward the bath house, not sparing me or the fuming Ayama a glance.

"I hate her.  Look even your staff hangs on to her every word and movement.  It's frustrating, they know me better."

I sighed.  Yeah, I pay them and they treat me the same, but...  "It's not a competition, Ayama."

She frowned at me and stomped after Kaida.  "Whatever."  Please don't... shit.  I have to follow before she gets herself killed.