Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 38

Sayomi sat and I saw a brief moment of fear as she looked the people below.  I was proud, she flawlessly performed both with her flute and dancing through the entire hall.  My distaste for the princess only grew as she ignored her, but Sunako very coolly spoke and she smiled a bit.

"If you didn't stare so obviously she would probably let you talk to her."

I frowned at Youta.  "Shut up, how can I not after that?"

He chuckled as he glanced at his cousin.  "I miss her... the joy she beings to us all."

The emperor grunted.  "Yes, maybe we can convince her.  She didn't deny being from here."

I glowered at him.  "That was subtle and not scary at all."

He shrugged.  "Keiko has always been strong and intelligent.  She is not blind to the way she is treated her or the looks thrown her way."

I sighed.  "But she will go back, even if it is better for her, she..."

We glanced at her again.  "She loves her princess and has grown accustom to her life."

Youta thought a moment.  "But... if the empress..."

I looked at the table.  "You said it yourself, Shu will only follow Asami with Sayomi at her side to guide her."

He pursed his lips and looked at Ayama, gossiping with her friends.  "Maybe... a push in the right direction could fix that."

I narrowed my eyes.  "If you haven't noticed your future wife happens to be very against mine."

He sighed.  "So, let me be the first to burst your bubble.  She has to agree again."  He held his hand up as I went to respond.  "She is less likely to do so if she feels she has to stay in Shu."

I closed my eyes, pained.  "True..."

He nodded.  "Ayama is feeling left out, she always liked to be involved no matter the cause.  She was happier helping us find Sayomi than when we left her behind.  So, if I'm right, getting her on the princess's good side to help will ease some of her frustration."

I pursed my lips.  "Well, I would not be the best person to present that to her."

He chuckled.  "No, you want to kill everyone who gives Keiko a hard time.  I'll speak with her tonight."

I watched as people began to leave and Sayomi happily followed suit.  I couldn't blame her between her performance and her doppelganger's attitude, I'm sure she was tired.  "Don't follow just yet."

I looked at the emperor.  "Why?"

He rolled his eyes.  "Homura has been trying to get you alone since she saw your interest.  If you do it will only fuel her to pursue it further."

I frowned.  "Troublesome woman."

He sighed.  "Who I wish was never involved in our girl's life, but we can't fix the past.  Let's at least try to make it easier if only a little bit."

Really, I wanted to ignore him and congratulate Sayomi, but he was right.  "So... when are you going to talk to Ayama?"

Youta smirked.  "Unlike you, I can follow my future bride and no one will even care, but I'll let her finish with her friends first."

I pursed my lips.  "Not the best of friends..."

He shrugged.  "She can make her own decisions and has her own mind."

I looked at the door, Sayomi long gone.  "Maybe we should consider them having different girls to hang around.  The other handmaiden, I like, but Asami..."

He met my gaze.  "Has been with her since she opened her eyes at the age of five.  I'm sure whatever is going on, she will address it when it is time.  You may be the reason she is acting that way anyway."

I frowned.  "What did I do?"

He glowered at me.  "Let's start with not letting the girl breathe.  But you see how she clings to her, even the other handmaiden keeps her distance.  Let them have time to talk and no interfering."

I sighed.  "Fine..."

"Lord Ryoma?"

We all broke away from our conversation to see the empress smiling at me.  "Could you possibly escort me to my chambers?"

I withheld my frown.  "I'm afraid not, I'm sure one of ou-"

Her expression faltered.  "That was a lovely display, wasn't it?"

I nodded and sat back.  "The girl is talented."

She smirked.  "Very fluid and flexible, that one.  Wonder how ma-"

Emperor Wu frowned.  "Quite frankly that is inappropriate if you were about to say what I think.  Also... what do you have against the girl?  The princess seems quite fond of her."

She paused.  "Nothing..."

Youta tilted his head.  "And yet... you seem enraged anytime she is in your line of sight.  Interesting... what is it she had to leave to attend to when you got here?"

She paled.  "Uh... just sending messages to Shu.  They trust her with the princess's safety."

The emperor arched a brow.  "A handmaiden?"

She abruptly stood.  "She is no handmaiden, you can trust me on that.  Have a good evening."

Youta watched her go.  "From trying to seduce to defensive.  I'm sure Sayomi has gotten her in more ways than one."

I chuckled.  "Now, those would be some good stories."

He sighed.  "Hopefully... one day we will hear them.  If you go seeking her, please be careful of her servants, they run back and tell everything."

I nodded.  "I'll definitely avoid them."