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 is 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 grunted.  "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 is 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 is 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."