Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 26

"My prince... the handmaiden called Sayomi has been summoned."

Our heads whipped up and I was already moving.  "You can't be there."

I got there right as the shouting started.  "YOU WILL DO AS YOU'RE TOLD!!!"

I burst into the room, guards already on standby and my heart stopped as I took in the scene.  A blank faced Kaida was being dragged by her hair and it looked as if her head was about to be slammed against the table.  The empress turned as she released her, trying to block her from view.  Sayomi... why would you let...

"How may I help you?"

I watched, fighting my rage and tense as she fixed her hair.  "We heard shouts and rushed in."

She knelt before the empress again.  I... don't understand...  "Your Majesty, if you'll excuse me, I'll go and complete the task alone."

I saw her face contort, angry as she looked at Sayomi.  "Fine, but you better make sure the job is well done."

Gracefully and seemingly unaffected, she rose and brushed past everyone standing in shock.  What job?  I rushed after her.  What is going on?   "I always do."

When the coast was clear I grabbed her and pulled her into the nearest room, slamming the door.  I was in the edge of my control as she gave me a cool look.  "What is your problem, sir?"

I gaped.  "You're going to act like that didn't just happen?"

Her eyebrows raised before sighed dramatically touching her forehead with the back of her hand.  "Oh no, my empress has been caught abusing her subordinates, what ever shall I do?"  She stopped and glared at me.  "This is the world I live in right now.  It's nothing new."

I placed my hands on her shoulders, pleading.  "This is not okay, it's not normal."

Her expression was unreadable.  "You don't think I know that?  She can't touch Asami, that's treason, so she attacks the next best thing."

I couldn't fathom why she would allow this.  Yes, she looked like the princess, but she could at least defend herself except... "Treason..."

She nodded.  "Homura is only in power until Asami comes of age.  The only way she became empress is because Asami's parents died 2 years ago."

I knew this already, but couldn't say anything about it.  Still for Sayomi to strike out... it is also treason with the way Homura changed to laws surrounding her.  "So you expect me to do nothing."

She gently removed my hands.  "Nothing is exactly what you will do, it will only put Asami in more danger than she already is."

She turned away from me.  "So, what are you about to do?"

She smirked at me.  "I'm about to go hunt some dogs."

I stood frozen for a moment.  Dogs?  I stared at the door.  Wei? That's nations away...

I debated for a moment longer.  If I went she wouldn't be alone and I could possibly have some answers.  I nodded and exited only to freeze.  "I knew something was different about you."  I frowned at the blonde.  "So, she has added you to her collection... how adorable."

I searched her face.  "Collection?"

Homura sneered.  "Of men she fucks... I co-"

I backed away as she reached for me, disgusted.  "I don't know wh-"

She smirked.  "She didn't tell you... what she is?"

I shrugged and turned, she would only bring trouble.  "Have a good evening."

"Wait..."

I paused but didn't turn.  "You know... I never took you as one to have to buy sex, but..."

I whirled.  "Excuse me?"

Her grin became sinister.  "That girl... she sells her body, you didn't know?"  I clenched my fists.  "You... care about her.  I wonder if she feels the same."

I weaved my hand dismissively as my heart stopped.  "You are just jealous, I'm sure.  Goodbye."

A dread settled in my stomach.  Why would she say that? I glanced back unsure as to whether approach her room or not.  I didn't see the empress, so I went and stood outside the door, waiting.  Why is she the only person who can seem to hate my little tiger?

The door opened and I blinked.  How many outfits does this girl have?  She glanced back and shut the door.  "What are you doing?"

She pushed past me, eyes searching the halls and I trailed after her.  "You can't go alone."

She glared at me.  "I can and I will."

I scowled as I put my hands behind my head.  "I won't let you."

She scanned the area outside before going for the stables.  Why haven't we seen anyone?  "You can't."

I frowned.  "Why not?"

I froze as her steel kissed my throat, her eyes serious.  Don't kill me...  "Listen, if you go with me be ready to throw all of of your honor to the wind.  My job is not for the clean hands of nobility."

I blinked and gently took away the threat to my person.  "Thought you were just a handmaiden."

She stowed it, now amused.  "I never said that either."