Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Epilouge

Nervous couldn't begin to explain how I felt as I watched my fiancé standing confident before the 4 rulers of our land. "You stand accused of high treason, killing your empress, and avoiding arrest and capture."

She glanced at the Wei emperor and my hands began to sweat. Why did I let her talk me into this? "It's true."

Unaware onlookers gasped in disbelief and began to whisper among themselves about how she should pay for her crimes. My heart raced as the many ways she could be executed reached my ears. We shouldn't have come here...

Ayama's brother, the new emperor of Yao Lin frowned as he shifted, uncomfortable. "You... you admit to these crimes?"

She met his gaze, unafraid. She told me of his father's transgressions with Homura, making me thankful that Ayame asked them not to interfere if it came to war. "I do."

His jaw went slack and eyes widened as Emperor took the reigns. Please help her... "What do you have to say for yourself?"

She looked at each of the men before her gaze stopped on Asami, now the Empress of Shu. I had little doubt that she was lying when she said it was safe to return, but now in the face of what could truly be Sayomi's end.. I was not as confident. "Horuma, our former empress, was a hateful, vengeful woman who corrupted our kingdom and committed many foul acts. Among them falsely taxing the people of Shu, colluding with bandits for multiple affairs including, but not limited to kidnapping, defiling, and murdering the crown princess. She laid with many men to advance her power and strength her claim to the throne."

She directed the last comment at the Yao Lin emperor, who paled. "All to deny Empress Asami her birthright when she became of age. However, of all of those atrocious acts, her worst yet was the murder of her brother and his wife, leaving our now empress an orphan to endure her tyranny until her death."

I looked at the entrance. Where is Sunako? Asami looked down at her sister, face and eyes not betraying her cool facade. "You make great claims, where is your proof?"

Even her voice didn't betray her, painting the perfect image of a ruler unaware even as Sayomi glanced behind her. Where the fuck is she? She was just... fuck it. I'll take Katashi or Akio at this point, just please... She frowned slightly when the emperors of Wei and Yao Lin began to fidget, losing their patience.

Though to everyone else she would've looked sure about her claims, I could tell by the slight tension in her shoulders... she was about to do something even stupider than this. I will kill her if sh- "Her proof is here."

Sayomi's frown deepened as Sunako went past her and they exchanged a glance. She's playing with her fucking life... if Sayomi doesn't kill her, I will, dammit. She handed Youta's father a huge bundle of evidence. "In this you will find all the proof you need on Horuma and more."

The rulers began to speak among themselves as she went to Sayomi's side. I could tell that she was as entertained as I was as Sunako nonchalantly brushed her off. She's dead... she can't really think this is funny...

Whatever they were talking about end as a concensus was reached. Asami laced her fingers unto her knee as she spoke. "Your crimes are grave, however, we understand the intentions behind them. You killed a tyrant and prevented a war. You will be pardoned for your crimes, however..."

My fists clenched as Sayomi's brow arched. What the fuck does she mean however? "You will enter into my service for 2 years' time to repay what you have taken from the kingdom."

I gaped. She will do what for 2 years... she's already in your service... Sayomi knelt, a position I had become very familiar with in my time alone with her. "I will do as you command, Your Majesty."