Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 39

I had to think a moment for where my little tiger would wander to if she wandered at all.  The bathhouse... because that's not creepy at all.  Regardless, I went and noticed a few curious eyes before ducking into my own private bath.  I sunk into the water, my mind was spinning with indecent thoughts.

Sayomi... Keiko was gorgeous, rebellious, and strong.  I could only imagine removing the clothes she chose to wear.  Between her song and dance... I couldn't focus on much else except what I wanted to do after.  "To think the Heavenly Trio are here and that handmaiden..."

A man chuckled as I was ripped from my own fantasies.  "Yeah, if she can move like that..."

I clenched my jaw.  "Shut up you two, you really don't recognize her?"  They fell silent.  "It was a long time ago, but there was a little girl who would go around pranking people, played with swords and the flute..."

They gasped.  "Lady Keiko?!"

The only smart man groaned.  "Really?  How the fuck could you forget.  She was so much better than Amaya at it."

They went silent for a moment.  "Things weren't quite the same for a long time after..."

"Wasn't that the emperor's niece... Lord Ryoma was really attached to her."

"Yeah, so keep your distance."

They all grumbled, but I couldn't blame them.  Though I never paid much mind to the other two, they earned their name for a reason.  When seen, they all were picture perfect and goddesslike.  Their every move graceful, every word soft, but powerful.  If they entered a room every eye was pinned on them, if not in lust, in envy.

"My lords?"  They all fell silent as a girl's voice floated in.  "Lady Sayomi... she requests you join her in the bath."

"Excuse me?"  My quickly got out of mine and dried off.

"La-"

"We heard what you said girl, who are you?"

I threw on my clothes, fuming.  I know that voice... one of the empress's...  "I am a servant if Wu..."

"Is that so?  I doubt my lady made such a request."  I paused.  "So, why are you here?"

"Uh... she said..."

"Then bring her to us, we are the only ones here."  I could here the rage in the man's voice.  "If she comes the it is true, right?"

"I... uh... yes, I'll..."

I heard her quickly leave and stepped out.  "Smart men..."

They all looked surprised then frowned.  "Lady Keiko would have never..."

I nodded and went for the door.  "You're right, but I should warn her... somehow."

The middle one thought a moment.  "Knocking never hurt, just don't open the door."

I gave him a curt nod and went to the women's bath.  "They wanted her t-"

"I don't care about what they wanted, find others and convince them."

I clenched my fists, but stayed hidden.  "Yes, Your Highness."

I waited until I heard them leave and slipped in, knowing she would be in a private one.  Plus, if they wanted their scheme to work, then it had to be empty otherwise.  I knocked on the only closed door.  "If you've come to tell me Homura plans to have me defiled.  You can go."

I frowned at the door.  "You know?"

I heard a sigh and the door slid open.  "Yes, I really was hoping for a fight, but alas...  it's just you."

I glowered at her. "The girl approached three me-"

She brushed past me.  "Who would have been dead, if they tried.  However, the people of Wu are not so easily tempted or fooled.  Not so sure which yet..."

She checked the halls before exiting and went towards her room.  I caught her arm and pulled her through a door.  "Why does she hate you?"

She shrugged.  "She has since she took power.  It would seem... she sees me as competition."

I searched her face.  "So, you've done nothing to her?"

She smirked.  "I don't start things, however... I do like to retaliate."

I shook my head.  "Of course you do."

She glanced around.  "You have a habit of taking me into dark, secluded rooms.  Why?"

I paused.  "Because... you're not exactly easy to get alone."

She nodded and tried to get past me.  "Yes?"

I sighed and stepped back to see her face.  "You were wonderful earlier.... breathtaking in the garden, heart stopping in the hall."

She pouted as her cheeks tinted.  "Uh... thanks..."

I gently touched one.  "Are you happy here... in Wu?"

Her eyes widened as she stepped away.  "I'm happy so long as Asami is safe."

I bit my lip.  "Sayomi... I..."

She lowered her gaze.  "I should go..."

I caught her arm as she passed.  "If you choose to stay with your princess... that's your choice, but... you can choose to stay here too."

She turned her face away from mine.  "Somehow... that doesn't sound like a choice to me."

I watched her go, chest aching.  I didn't miss that she sounded depressed when she said it or she wouldn't look at me after.  In a perfect world, she wouldn't have to choose, she would have grown up protecting her princess and be brought here to meet me 3 years ago.

I would have went to Shu, if that's what she wanted.  She could have aided her princess and still been safe with me.  Somehow, it all went so wrong.  I heaved a breath, stewing over the past wouldn't fix anything.  I went for my room and came up short when I saw the girl crying in front of the bath house.

She glanced up at me and quickly gathered herself before running off.  I blinked as I saw the flash of a red print on her face and blood on her lip.  She... is she really so cruel?

I shook the thought, clearly this empress was just horrible all the way around.  My true problem was while she hit others, she literally wanted Sayomi dead.