Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 27

She chose a black stallion that I insisted she didn't because I didn't know its temperament.  She glowered at me.  "Find your own horse or get left."

I rushed in front of her and the horse moved restlessly, snorted and stomping its hoof.  "See, this one isn't broken yet."

I heard a man's chuckle.  "Leave Lady Sayomi be."

I turned wide eyed.  "You..."

The man arched a brow.  "Me..."

Sayomi moved past me and vaulted over the stable door and the man shook his head.  "He's right, My Lady.  Saw that one giving them hell today."

"My horse now then, Genkai.  Aren't you handsome..."

I slowly pivoted to see her feeding him sugar cubes then he nudged her with his head gently so she would rub it.  How does she do that?  "Stealing horses? Not so unlike you."

She smirked.  "They clearly don't know how to handle him.  He likes me, my horse.  You will see to him for me?"

Genkai gave a single nod.  "Soon as you come back and tell him not to kill me."

She pursed her lips.  "They will be sent ahead."  She mounted bare back and he opened the door for them to exit.  "Hmmm you shall be... Raden.  Your hoof falls sound like thunder."

The horse shook his mane and the stablehand went to its front.  "Raden is a fine name.  You will come home with us, yes?"

Raden looked at the man, but did nothing more until he reached to pet it.  It snapped its teeth and he frowned, making Sayomi giggled.  "Be nice, he will care for you when I'm not around."

He let the man touch his muzzle.  "Strong and stubborn.  I swear you try to kill me, girl."

She smirked.  "We must be off, see you soon."

He nodded and stepped out of the way.  "Come back alive, My Lady."

She scowled.  "I will kill you all, then I won't hear that as much."

I snapped from my daze and got my horse as she trotted out.  "You shouldn't follow."

I frowned at him.  "Why?"

He shrugged and went to the back of the stables.  "You're about to find out, I'm sure."

I didn't have time to argue as I went after her.  I glanced at her.  "No saddle or reigns?"

She lovingly rubbed the beast.  "Why? I like feeling as their muscle move."

I arched a brow.  That is not supposed to be arousing, but...  "How did he get here?"

She looked at me.  "Who?"

I glanced back.  "Genkai."

She sighed.  "He came when he heard where we were.  He is the only one I trust to transport Asami."  She urged the horse forward.  "Run wild, Raden..."

He shot forward and she didn't even get jolted.  Damn, she can ride... this was a horrible idea.  I raced after her, but the stallion was too fast and didn't seem to be tiring.  She slowed and directed him into some random trees as the sun was rising.  We came open a stream and she dismounted, patting him affectionately.  "You are amazing..."

I stiffly got down and led my horse to the water where it drank deeply.  "You shouldn't push them so hard."

She met my gaze.  "You shouldn't push your mare so hard.  Raden chose to run that fast for that long, I was the one who made him rest."