Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 20

I held my breath. "Okay, I'm listening."

She nodded, seeming to trust me. "Tonight, you and yours will be graced with a couple of guests. One of which, will be Princess Asami."

I blinked. So soon? "How will yo-"

She sighed. "I can only tell you so much, just know she will be here and I trust her escort. Now, Homura will be arriving soon after, I need her to be cornered in the imperial palace, sources say... you're quite close to the emperor and prince."

I frowned because she sounded certain. "What sources?"

"Mine."

I searched her face which gave nothing away. Two can play that game... "Assuming I am?"

She pursed her lips. "Okay, I know you are, but if so, it makes my job easier. If not or you choose not to aid, well, I'll find other means to get her... anyway." She took a breath. "Plan A since this can go either way. Asami and I will paint the picture, I would prefer if we could do so in a public setting, such as the court. You don't need to worry about the details, I just need the whole princess missing in action squashed."

I nodded. "And after?"

She looked at me curiously as I sounded hopeful. I wanted her to stay, if I refused that was a no go, maybe if I agreed... "I... I will leave that up to Princess Asami and the emperor. Having good relations is important so if they agree we stay for a while, then okay..." She paused as the corners of her lips dropped. "If we must go... then I have no choice."

My heart fluttered. She wants to stay, even if it is for a short time, maybe... "Will you tell me what happened in Wei, at least? I need to know something to present this to the emperor."

She nodded. Finally... "The crown prince ordered for Homura's presence and wanted Asami captured when she refused. I got her out, but dog handlers caught our scent, she escaped while I was captured since we switched identities. I escaped because well, who really needs to guard a princess."

She narrowed her eyes, displeased. "Didn't kill that fucking dog... still need to settle that score." She recovered. "Anyway, took a not so fun trip down the river and stumbled to your lake as a result. You found me, which is not necessarily a bad thing, before my people did and well, that's how you guys got tied up in this."

I tilted my head. "Two things... your people and how do you know the princess is safe?"

She bit her lip. "I can't tell you and you will have proof tonight."

I let it go, this was more than what I had before. If I could help pull this off, maybe she would be more open. "Okay, so... get the emperor on board for an audience. That's all?"

She searched my face, debating. "If... if they decide we stay, I will vanish for a short time, but will return. I can not promise that Homura will be the most delightful guest since... she hates Asami, but she hates me more."

I frowned. "Why do you need to leave?"

She lowered her gaze. "I can't tell you."

I placed a finger under her chin, and made her look at me. "What can you tell me?"

She stayed silent for a moment. "That... my world and your world are very different. And... while I can function freely in yours, you would die in mine."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Then, I don't want you there. Who made you enter it?"

She spoke quietly. "Ultimately... Homura, but I'm in too deep. To walk away is certain death and I have too much unfinished for that to happen." I leaned closer and she searched my eyes. "Please don't..."

I lowered my head and released her with a sigh. I feel like my hands are tied, but... if I can get her to stay longer maybe I can convince her. "I'll speak with Emperor Wu."

She blinked rapidly and looked out of the window. "Thank you." We stayed in a sullen silence for a moment and she heaved a breath, mood brightening. "Well then, let's ready the troops."