Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 36

"I'll buy it, just tell me how mu-"

I shook my head, Asami was getting really annoying.  "It's a gift."

She frowned.  "That I want to be from me."

I shifted the box out of her reach.  She can't be serious... Youta was never this spoiled...  "Lord Ryoma... no offense to you, but Sayomi will not accept it if it is from you."

I glowered at Sunako.  She's right...  "And why not?"

She sighed.  "You know as much is true."

I bit my lip.  I liked it better when she would squeal in delight and hug me, dammit.  "Fine, you can present it to her.  However, you will not touch it until we are outside the room.  None of us want it broken."

Asami puffed her cheeks.  "I wo-"

Sunako pursed her lips.  "How many times did she take the old one from you for that very reason?"

She deflated.  "Okay..."

The girl shook her head as though she was pacifying children and looked out of the window.  Asami rushed to the room and was nearly jumping with excitement at the door.  Wow... okay...  I held it just out of her reach when she went to grab it.  "Careful..."

She scowled and gently took it from me and pushed open he door.  No thank you or...  "Sister! Look what we got you!"

I slowly looked at Sunako who went back to looking like Youta did most of the time.

Sayomi didn't look at me as she glanced at her, uncertainty clear on her face.  Yes, she is still picky, but...  "What is it Asami?"

She looked regretful as she took the box, I'm sure she felt she was about to hurt the princess's feelings.  My heart fluttered when she sharply inhaled when she saw the flute.  She carefully lifted it from the box, enamored.  I let out a slow breath.  She loves it... good...  "Asami, this is too expensive."

I pursed my lips because money was never a factor in either of our gifts, but Asami giggled. "I didn't buy it. Ryoma did."

She looked shocked as she looked at me.  Her eyes saddening as she walked over and bowed slightly to hand it to me.  "I'm sorry, but I cannot accept this gift."

I wanted to snatch her up and tell her to never bow for another, but settled for just waving my hand up because that was inappropriate. "Then pay for it."

She looked confused and sorrowful when her head shook, it broke my heart. "I couldn't possibly afford..."

I thought for a moment, I wasn't going to take it back.  There was something I would kill for though.  "Play for me. That is your payment."

She gaped unable to respond as the princess carelessly grabbed it from her hands to make me take it.  This bitch is going to make me strangle her.  Sayomi loves it, if she breaks it today may be the day... "She only plays for me, she can't pay you."

I crossed my arms and shrugged, meeting her gaze. "Well that's the only flute we bought so, she can't play for you either."

I nearly snapped her neck as her arm went above her head, but Sayomi was on her in an instant.  "Asami, don't break it please."

The princess frowned as she looked at her.  She just saved your life... "You like it?"

She looked away from us, barely speaking above a whisper. "You knew I would when you brought it to me."

When she gently lifted it from the brat's hands, she glared at me, crossing her arms. "He didn't say you would have to pay when he got it, it was a gift."