Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 52

The night came back to me as her fingers caressed my face and I caught her hand and kissed it before meeting her gaze.  She...  "Why didn't you tell me?"

She frowned slightly as she pulled away.  "Tell you what?"

I sat up in disbelief and she clutched the blanket to her.  Her eyes fell and I twitched in response.  "You never had another?"

I didn't mean for it to sound like an accusation, but I had to know.  She glared at me, clearly not appreciating my tone.  "Never.  What difference would have telling you made?"

I sighed, she didn't seem to understand this did matter, especially to me. "I wouldn't have rushed you, I would have been more careful, gentle."

Her head shook, still not understanding.  "So do you regret having sex? Cause I don't."

I wanted to explain, but a sound in the bushes made us both look.  "Shit..."  I heard running and sprang up to catch whoever was watching.  How long were they watching... did they...  I saw red thinking of what they may have witnessed, but couldn't find them.

I stalked back and got Sayomi's clothes.  She looked disappointed when I returned and handed them to her.  "We have to go quickly."  She nodded, seemingly unbothered by what they may have seen, but was on edge as we headed out.

She broke out into a run and my heart clenched with fear when she didn't redirect.  They'll be waiting... she can't...  I couldn't stop her as she broke through the trees and picked up speed.  How is she so fast...  She wasn't even out of breath or looked afraid as guards came into view.

I tried to step in front of her and she embraced me.  I would do anything to keep them away, but she was eerily calm.  "Let them take me and follow. Send someone for the girls."  I couldn't believe my ears as she clutched me tighter and the guards moved forward.   "Don't fight, you have to trust us."

I felt when she was being snatched from me and grabbed her hands.  Another two guards tried to hold me back as I hung on for dear life.  No, they can't...  Despair was all I felt when her hands slipped from mine and they roughly restrained her.  I felt my tears, not understanding as she did little to resist.  No... She glanced at me, face set in determination rather than the panic I felt as she was thrown into a cart.  They'll pay for this... but first... I have to trust her.

I glared at the guards remaining and went into the house, Chiyo was mortified as she stood by the door.  "They... they can't..."

I gently grabbed her shoulders.  "I need you to go to Ayama's and tell them to go to the palace."

She clutched my wrist enraged.  "You just let the-"

To say I understood her fury was an understatement, but I squeezed her gently.  "She said to trust them... it's all I have... please..."

She nodded and met my gaze.  "If anything happens to her..."

I sighed.  "I know... me too."

After she left, I pushed my mare hard to get back to the palace.  Where would they...  Youta was pissed at entrance.  "What the fuck, Ryoma?"  I didn't have time to respond as he punched my jaw and I was blinking back stars.  Not a good as his cousin, but damn...

I held my hands up in defense as he lounged again.  "I don't have ti-"

"You couldn't keep in your pants long enough t-"

My heart stilled.  "What were you told?"

He glared at me, tears spilling down his face.  "Finally got the girl, right?  Was it worth it?"

I kept my hands visible.  "It wasn't li-"

"I don't give a shit!  She was there to warn you not..."  His gaze was hateful as he looked at me.  "If anything happens to her, I'll kill you myself."

He turned on his heel and stormed off.  You can't understand... I never...  My world was falling apart, but I had to find Sayomi.  I went to the only place I could think of and the last place I wanted her to be.  "... killed for this!"

My lungs failed me as I tried to think of a way to get her out.  "My life means nothing, but you committed treason against the crown. It is your life that you should be concerned about."

I heard bodies hit the floor and ran to find guards.  Fuck, I can't go in there, but...  I froze as there were a few waiting behind the corner.  "Help her please, she's trying to kill Keiko..."

They sprinted down the hall and flung open the door.  They didn't hesitate to rush in.  "Unhand me!"

I held my breath waiting as a guard came to me, knife in hand.  "She was trying to stab her with this."

I clenched my fists, trying to hold my rage.  She tried to kill her...  "Take it to the emperor and tell him everything."

He nodded as I hid behind the corner to watch the door, breathing a breath of relief as she was being escorted by one of ours to the court.  She glanced around curiously a small frown forming on her lips.  I'm right here... but...