Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 58

"Princess Asami, you've finally returned home."

We exited the carriage and she smiled. "It was long over due, how are the state of things."

I glanced at Youta as the minister frowned. "It would seem the empress has been murdered on her way back from Wu."

Her eyes widened as she paled and placed a hand over her mouth. Okay, that... still not as good as Sayomi, but impressive. "Wha-... she went ahead of us, there was no conflict that I was aware of."

He grimly nodded. "It was one of the clans, Your Highness. Apparently, none to pleased with her rule."

Shizu looked concerned as she took Asami's arms. "This is heartbreaking news... let's rest..."

Asami nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Yes..."

Youta looked at me, dumbfounded as Genkai dismounted and they went towards the entrance. "Too bad she was in such a hurry to return... would you happen to know why?"

The minister shrugged. "Nothing of interest was happening here, it's a tragedy."

He nodded. "At least the crown princess made it back safely."

He looked at him curiously. "No troubles in your travels?"

He shook his head. "Thankfully."

He smiled. "That's wonderful, see to the horses and I'm sure something will be prepared soon."

Genkai grunt. "I'll see to the prince and lord first. Have another take the horses to the stables and I'll tend to them after."

I slowly looked at Youta as the minister agreed. What minister listens to a stablehand? He looked equally as perplexed as we followed him in. He led us through a few corridors and lightly knocked in the door. "Enter."

Glancing around the room, I saw the princess, Sunako, Katashi, and a few others I didn't know. They better not be planning to kill us. Genkai gestured for us to sit and one of the boys went out as he joined Katashi. "Good... everyone's here now."

I stiffly sat a distance away as Asami looked at him. "Sayomi..."

His face turned sour. "We have no news on her as of yet."

I glared at him as Youta tensed. "Is she alive or not?"

He gave me a long look. "We do not know, we await a message concerning the matter."

I clenched my fists. "How can yo-"

"You being here is a privilege... keep that in mind."

I couldn't breathe and looked at Sunako. "You were supposed to be with her..."

She gave a single nod. "I was."

Despair clutched at my chest. "Please... tell me something."

She looked to Katashi who nodded. "She was gravely injured... that's all we know."

Asami bit her lip. "She'll be fine... she has to be... report?"

Akio eyed each person in the room. "The infiltration and assassination was successful."

A man nodded. "We only suffered one causality."

Sunako frowned slightly. "They were taken down by a traitor, Botan. His throat was slashed in the struggle."

Everyone moved restlessly. "The others who followed him are dead, several encampments have been taken care of as well."

I looked at the woman who spoke as Katashi nodded and Asami sighed. "Shu will be under careful watch until further notice. If anyone seems out of line or has the intention to harm the nation, they are to be dealt with as you see fit." Everyone nodded and she turned her gaze to Katashi. "You will take Sayomi's place until she recovers."

He bowed his head. "As you wish, Princess. I will be in touch."

I tracked him as he swept from the room and Asami stood to face everyone, meeting each if their gazes. "We move forward as planned." She looked at us. "These are Prince Youta and Lord Ryoma of Wu they are here to... help guide me as I take the throne." The others in the room simply nodded. "Keep them safe, it would be terribly hard to explain if something happened to them."

They exchanged knowing glances as a few smirked. "You may go, stay safe." She looked at Shizu as they filed out and the boy that stepped out, came back in. "Are you ready to face our faithful lords and ministers?"

She shrugged. "Do I have a choice?"

Genkai chuckled as he left. "So happy I wasn't stuck that close."

He pat the boy on the shoulder. "Was all clear."

He led him out. "Good, let's get to work."

I was in awe. "What just..."

Asami smiled at me. "They are Sayomi's council."

"And the boy?"

"One of theirs."

Youta frowned. "You mean one of yours too."

She sighed. "You're father really needs to educate you on some matters. Yes and no, let's go. The act of devastated princess needs to come to an end."

We followed them out and into their court. Everyone stood as we entered and she seemed confident as she strode to the throne and Sunako caught us. "You'll sit here." She led us to some seats toward the front. "Just follow everyone's lead."

She sounded a bit wary, but left us to return to the princess's side as she looked over everyone. "We have received... tragic news. Empress Reagent Homura is dead."

Slowly, everyone began to smile and Youta looked at me alarmed as she sat and the rest of the room followed. "Princess, if I may?"

She nodded. "You may, Lord Wen."

He stepped forward. "It is confirmed then?"

She smiled. "Yes." There was a sudden chorus of shouts and cheers that went silent as soon as she raised her hand. "Princess Sayomi... unfortunately, I have no news on her condition or her whereabouts. However, as we have all come to know with things concerning her."

He nodded. Princess Sayomi? "No news is good news. We look forward to her return."

She took a slow breath. She said... the entire kingdom knew. This may make sense then. "It's the only choice we have. I will update you as I can. So far as matters moving forward..."

I tuned her out as my mind spun. Everyone seemed to be relieved that Homura was no longer alive, but neither were they overly upset that they knew nothing of my little tiger. No news... is good news... I looked at Youta who was actually paying attention for once. "She was right... she is ready to take the throne. More so than I, it would seem."

I watched as she went over kingdom affairs expertly, never missing a beat when questioned, solving problems as they arose. "They've been working on this for some time..."

She glanced over at us. "Please, welcome Prince Youta and Lord Ryoma of Wu, they are here to help make my transition go smoothly after all."

There was a chorus of chuckles that indicated that we were really not needed. Asami, Sayomi, and everyone they worked with to make this moment happen were well prepared. "So, how long before the mourning ends?"

She pursed her lips. "Maybe... on our next day off?"

Everyone smiled. "That sounds like a fine idea."

Sunako stood silently, watching as everything happened until it was coming to a close. When I looked to find her she was no where in sight. Finally, it came to an end and when I approached Asami again, she was somehow there. "Where did you go?"

Sunako's head tilted. "I've been here the whole time." I let it go and thought of what Asami had told us the night before about her sister along with what I knew now. If no news is good news, then she is not dead, but they won't just say that. Why?

The experience at the teahouse passed through my mind. There are still enemies. Maybe... they are keeping quiet to keep her safe? I looked between the girls as they led us to our rooms. The only way for me to know anything is to remain here until they have more news, but... how long before that happens?