Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 57

Talking to Asami last night was a little enlightening, but it seemed my little tiger had her secrets that she kept even from her.  I was nervous as Youta and I went to the courtyard, she said that she was certain she would be leaving today.  She even went as far as to speak with the emperor about her departure and he insisted we at least escort her back to Shu, even though she assured him she would be well protected.

My heart still when I saw Genkai sitting atop the carriage and Sunako waiting in handmaiden attire.  I glanced around.  Sayomi went to get the princess... hopefully.  As we approached, I looked over both, but they didn't look upset or even as though they may have killed an empress the night before.

I went to her friend.  "Is she here?"

She arched a brow.  "Who?"

I blinked, confused.  "Sayomi..."

Her face remained passive.  "I'm sorry, but I don't know a Sayomi."

My eyes widened.  "Don't do this, I ne-"

"Shizu... I knew you would be here."

She bowed slightly.  "Are you ready to return home, Princess Asami?"

I turned to see the princess smiling softly as she got closer.  "Definitely.  I wonder what kind of welcome we will receive."

Youta looked at me alarmed, they were acting as though nothing happened, as if... we didn't know.  "Shu is always happy to receive their crown princess, please..."  Shizu looked up to Genkai.  "Please ensure us safe travels, Genkai."

He smiled easily.  "Of course, Lady Shizu."

She help the princess into the carriage.  "What the hell?"

Youta frowned.  "I don't know, but we know nothing staying here."

We boarded and closed it.  I looked at Asami.  "Where is your sister?"

Her head tilted, as though confused.  "Sister?  I have no sister, Lord Ryoma.  You are mistaken."

Youta clenched his jaw.  "Yo-"

Sunako furrowed her brow.  "It seems they are confused, with so many eyes and ears... who knows what rumors have been spread."

I put my hand on his sleeve.  "Let it go... for now."

He stiffly nodded.  "Got it."

After a time, I heard a screech and Sunako didn't even react.  What is going on here?  That's her fucking hawk.  "How was everything last night, Shizu?"

She sighed.  "Successful."  Asami only nodded and they both looked out of the window. 

Understanding seemed to be something we were not capable of as we slowed.  "This is a good place, Lady Shizu."

She smiled at us.  "I hope you are hungry."

Asami nodded.  "Famished."  We followed their lead and I glanced around at the restaurant they chose.  Will she be here?  Genkai went with us in and they sat at either of the princess's sides as she looked at us.  "I hope you like it in Shu, they are usually very kind."

I just stared at the table as they ordered for us and Asami continued to engage in small talk.  Youta was equally as uncomfortable, but Sunako, who was apparently Shizu now sat quietly, watching everyone around us.  "... slaughtered..."

I forced myself to stay calm as I heard the people around us.  "To think someone was so brash as to murder the empress."

"Good riddance, hopefully the princess will stop with those ridiculous taxes."

"Empress Homura was an evil cunt... she deserved everything she got."

"I need to pay whoever got her.  They deserve a hefty reward."

I looked at Sunako, who was watching us and she shook her head.  "But is Princess Asami really the best to replace her?"

Someone chuckled.  "Yes, she may not look like much, but... she'll have help."

"Definitely, we have little to worry about when she takes her rightful place."

I blinked.  "We're in Shu already?"

Asami smiled.  "The outskirts."

Youta glanced around.  "They don't recognize you?"

She gave him a curious look.  "Don't they?"

This was becoming irritating as Shizu poured us tea, then she and Genkai tested the food.   "Not such a good place."

Shizu swiped her mouth with a napkin.  "Not at all, let's go."

They all stood and we followed confused.  "This is unfortunate..."

"Wait!  Is there a problem with the food?"

Genkai turned.  "Just not quite what we expected..."

Shizu gently took Asami's elbow and led her out.  "Come, there will be food at the palace."

She nodded.  "No, we made this special for the crown princess..."

Genkai nodded.  "It was very special indeed."  He placed some money on the table as the cook emerged from the back.  "Have a good day."

When we got back to the carriage he and Shizu pulled some vials out and drank the contents.  Poison?  But... "Seems we have a little work to do."

She glanced back at the restaurant.  "Starting with this place, not everyone is happy it would seem."

He chuckled as we got back on.  "Of course not, they were one of the ones to benefit."

Again, we were moving and everything seemed to be happening too fast especially when Shizu began to remove clothing.  "What are yo-"

"Getting comfortable.  Keep it steady, Genkai."

She was wearing clan attire underneath and slipped out of the window.  "Really?  Who's driving this thing?"

Youta looked at Asami alarmed.  "What is going on?"

She shrugged.  "I have no clue, but we are safe.  I can assure you of that much."  I saw an arrow fly past the window and she grabbed me as I went to aid.  "We are fine, sit."

My heart was hammering.  Sayomi wasn't here and they were adamant that she would not be acknowledged, someone just tried to poison us, and now it seemed we were being attacked and she wanted us to do nothing.  "We need answers."

She curtly nodded.  "And you will have them.  In the palace, among those we can trust.  For now, you sit and stay quiet."

I sat back as Shizu came back through the window, looking no worse for wear.  She silently redresses and Asami fiddled with her hair.  Youta was flexing his hands.  "Can you tell us anything, right now?"

Shizu thought for a moment.  "The swordancer would not be pleased."

My heart stopped.  "Swordancer?  Sayo-"

She glared at me.  "We've told you... we know no Sayomi.  Stop with the children's dreams."

I took a breath.  "You can't pos-"

The girls exchanged a glance, shook their heads, and stared out of the window.  They won't tell is anything... she said would, past tense.  They would tell me if she was....  Controlling my anger and breathing was proving difficult.  No, they would be devastated if she was dead... at least... I hope so...