Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 49

The state Sayomi left me in had me fighting the air again.  How could she just... she wouldn't even let me touch her...  What the empress showed me no longer mattered, it was clear she was very capable of seducing just about anyone if she wanted.  She has skill...

I was on edge, I wanted her in my arms and not the images of those she killed dancing in my vision.  "Lord Ryoma?"

I glared at the servant girl, she was the one who saw us that morning.  "Yes?"

She cowered a bit.  "The empress requ-"

I sheathed my sword to keep from using it on the poor messenger.  "No."

She shied back towards the door.  "Everyone's audience in the meeting hall..."  She ran out after that and my chest fill with dread.  What now?

I hurried to meet Youta and he tried to stay calm as I approached.  "They couldn't ha-"

His head shook.  "I don't know..."

The empress swept in smirking directly at me.  "Good, you came..."

I remained silent as the emperor stood.  "What is the meaning of this?"

She smiled at him.  "I just... I don't take rejection well."  She looked back at me.  "I would like to meet your betrothed... if she exists then the matter of a proposal truly is out of the question."

Youta gripped the back of my shirt as I was about to charge.  "Why would I do that?"

Her smile was evil as her eyes gleamed.  "Because I don't believe you."

Youta went from holding my shirt to grabbing my arms as I moved forward, speaking so she wouldn't hear.  "You can't..."  He glared at her.  "She'll be brought whe-"

"Tomorrow, no need to delay."  She's getting desperate... why?

Youta pulled me back.  "Fine then... tomorrow."

She nodded, confident she was going to get what she wanted.  "Why the hell would yo-"

He grabbed my shoulders.  "We can make something up o-"

I shoved him off.  "No!  I will not do that of all fucking things."

He sighed.  "Then what do you suggest?  Without proof sh-"

I stormed out.  "I'll kill her long before I pretend to be engaged to anyone else."

He caught me.  "Go home... you can't be here like this."

I glared at him.  "Like what?  Like I'll kill her the next time I lay eyes on her because tha-"

The emperor grabbed me up by my collar.  "Get it in check."  I was stunned, rarely was he ever mad, but never this mad.  "We will come up with something, but my son is right.  You can't think like this and it will only hurt her."

He released me and I clenched my fists.  "If she is not here... then I won't be either.  You know where to find me."

I only half listened to them as I went to my room first and gathered somethings.  As I left, a girl tried to stop me.  "What?"

She cowered.  "The em-"

"Can leave me the fuck alone.  Move."

I stalked past her, then paused and redirected.  She wants to see me so bad?  "Stop right there."  I froze.  "We told you go home."

I glared behind me.  "She req-"

Youta frowned.  "I don't give a shit.  This isn't just you, but all of Wu you are putting at risk.  Go home."

I threw up my hands and brushed past him.  "She'll pay for this..."

I felt his dismay and rage.  "We'll do everything we can."

The horses bayed when I entered.  "I'm beginning to question her judgement.  That is rare..."

I spun around.  "Sh-"

Kakashi held his hand up and gestured for me to follow.  He brought me to the back of the stables and into a room.  "Now, you may speak."

I clenched my jaw.  "What do they expect me to do?  Lie?"

His head tilted.  "Unfortunately, she has had to lie, but only to keep what she values safe."

"What does that even mean?"

He sighed sadly.  "Before... Katana did not lie, none of them did.  That had to change..."

I frowned.  "So, what?  Bring a fake fiance frowned?  You kn-"

He shrugged.  "You should be able to do anything if it means protecting that which you hold dear."

I gaped.  "It would crush her... don't you..."

He wistfully looked out of the window.  "The empress wants her to react... that certainly would warrant a reaction, however, not one she expects."

I sighed.  "So that's your brilliant answer, I can't do it."

He nodded.  "Then, don't, but you will not seek her out, not with so many eyes watching."

I frowned.  "And i-"

My heart dropped as the wind of a blade grazed my ear.  "It would be hard to explain, she may hate me, but don't think it beneath me to take your life to spare hers."

I was stunned.  She clearly learned that from him, I didn't even see...  "Then... can you get a message to her at least?"

He shrugged.  "I have no need, she knows and your display has caught a lot of attention.  Where you go she will follow, to put your mind at ease so nothing is at stake."

I took a shaky breath.  I can't exactly afford to die here... hell they could probably make it look like suicide...  "I can't do this... not to her."

He smiled softly.  "You truly are a good man, this is a good place for her.  It pains me that it was ripped away from her.  Go, she will find you wherever you choose to go."

I sighed, desperate.  "How?"

He smirked.  "Like me... she is a shadow."

I don't know if it was that I was just about to lose my life or talking to the old man, but the red haze that clouded my mind lifted as I mounted my mare.  I glanced and saw Raden, moving restlessly in his stall.  "She'll be back for you, count on that."

He seemed to understand as he stilled.  Strange... seems almost everything she touches becomes very attached or extremely hateful...

I dismounted and went back into the palace and straight for the dining hall.  The emperor and Youta looked up, shocked as the empress smiled.  "Finally come to yo-"

I met her gaze.  "I refuse to bring her forward."

She smirked.  "Then, without proof, yo-"

I turned to leave.  "No, I refuse your proposal and I refuse to subject my betrothed to looking at your face any more than she already has.  I won't do that to her."

She coughed as I left.  "We'll see about that."  I closed my eyes as I headed for home.  She wants a reaction?  It won't come from me...