Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 50

I needed air as soon as I entered the estate and went to the lake.  I could still hear everyone's pleas for me to see reason, but this was the only way I saw.  Bringing a fake girl forward would crush Sayomi and I couldn't live with that.  So far as becoming a consort, the empress would feel the kiss of my blade before she ever got close.

I drew it and slowly fell into my trance, my opponent, the woman who wanted to cause Sayomi as much pain as possible.  She was nowhere near as formidable, using plots, ploys, and others to do her bidding.  Still, she was hard to take down.  She was heavily guard an army and a kingdom standing in the way.  Where you go she will follow...

Her mentor sounded so sure, but it still worried me.  I had no clue where she would search and the estate was surrounded.  There was nothing I could do to get the empress's people out of line of sight without being suspicious.  He said she is like him... a shadow... she is everywhere and nowhere, but always where she is needed...

In this moment when my enemy seemed endless... I needed her.  I needed to know she was safe and I wouldn't betray her in such a way.  As though she was answering my plea, I felt eyes on me hiding among the trees.  "Are you just gonna stand watching all day?"

I didn't need to look as I pointed my blade in her direction.  "Is that a challenge?"

Her voice was barely a whisper that carried on the wind causing me to look to make sure she was real.  I would never grow accustomed to how she could just materialize out of shadows.  It was mesmerizing, her hand ready to draw her sword, eyes shining in the darkness.

The corner of my lip twitched as I went for her and her blade came from nowhere as she parried.  I attacked, trying to keep her on the defensive, but watching her was distracting in itself.  She was flawless as our blades met and we fell into a deadly dance, one she had perfected long ago.

She found an opening and I was disarmed.  She's perfect...  I caught her wrist and threw my shoulder into her, causing her sword to fall as we did.  I watched her process, wanting to kiss her, but afraid of her reaction.  She knows what I was asked...

She let out and exaggerated huff.  "Ryoma, I can't breathe."

I smirked.  I'm not that heavy... I think.  "Death by suffocation, not as glorious as you had hoped?"

Her cheeks turned pink as she looked towards the lake.  "No, not glorious at all."

I could feel her heart race as she tried to get free and it made my reason leave me.  "Don't try to escape just yet." I licked the sweat from her throat.  "So soft..."

"What?!" She rolled and cold water surrounding me caused me to rethink my action.

My head whipped in her direction as she started to cough up water.  She didn't plan that?  "What'd you do that for?"

She looked at me as though I was crazy.  "Why do you think?"  I tried to take her hand as we got out, but she evaded me.  So she is upset... "We can't be caught out in the open like this."

A thought occurred to me, but it was a huge risk since I didn't know where her mind was.  "I know a place."

I sheathed my blade and headed for the trees, noting she hesitated before she trailed behind me.  She kept her distance and it stung.  How can I explain...  We approached the cave where I met the princess for the first time and she paused at the door.  Poke the tiger it is...  I crossed my arms as I turned to her.  "Do you need an invitation?"

She glanced around, uncertain.  "I don't trust you, could be a trap." I shrugged and started to strip off the wet clothing. "What are you doing?!"

Her blush was adorable when I glanced back at her.  How can she really be this shy?  "I'm wet and you are too, better strip before you catch a cold."

I kept going as she stood there in shock.  That was until she ran off and my heart ached.  Okay... maybe that was too far...  I contemplated going after her, but knew it would do no good if she really fled.  She had no wound to slow her and her flight would have been untraceable.  Instead, I built a fire, grateful for her lessons and her even gifting me flint when we were away.

After a time, I looked up to the most heartstopping sight I had ever seen.  She was wrapped in nothing, but a towel and I hardened instantly.  Down boy...  "Took you long enough fire's ready."  She looked wary as she watched me, noting I was covered.  "I had blankets little tiger."

She frowned slightly and just sat as she was, gooseflesh adorning her skin.  I noticed she was trembling, from nervousness or cold, I couldn't tell.  So, I took a risk and wrapped us both in the spare.  "Hey! What are you doing?"

She went rigid and I hoped she wouldn't kill me.  "It won't do for us to get sick, how will we protect the princess?"  I could tell she was a nervous wreck as she glared at the fire and her heart raced against my chest.  Why?  She should be... "Hey..."  Her eyes fell as she looked at me, face red.  "Shy?"

The redness in her cheeks faded as she met my gaze, trying to keep a brave face.  "Fuck you."

I could tell she was mad as I grabbed her chin.  Poke a tiger and expect not to get scratched?  "That's not very lady-like."

She scoffed, eyes not showing a sign of fear. "I'm no lady."

She gasped when I kissed her and I tasted her mouth.  I was barely in control as her hands went through my hair and rolled to balance on top of her.  I shouldn't, but... "Are you afraid?"

I watched enthralled as she glared up at me. "Are you?"  Terrified...