Disclaimer: I do not own POT, and the credit partially belongs to Crystal Aurora.

Chapter 5: Jealousy act

I heard the rumour and all I could say was that I saw red. I wasn't blind that my wife looked longingly at General Tezuka and I wasn't surprise that she would seek him out. I would occasionally see her with him and I made sure to mark her well each night just so that he could see who she belongs to. Just in case he had no idea who he was dealing with. But it seems every effort was useless, and I hated General Tezuka so much that I dreamt of killing him several times. I hated him for many reasons but the two main reasons was that he had the love and soul of Sakuno which I wanted so much, and the second reason was that ever since he came, the hatred she had for me was lessening. It was either because he was now beside her, or it was because she was seeing me lesser and lesser? I would never be a fool to assume it was because of me, and for her to be kinder to me came as a shock and I was suspicious well before I heard the rumour. The rumour just proved it all… all those actions of kindness was because she felt guilty for going behind my back and sleeping with General Tezuka.

I immediately ordered General Tezuka to be locked up and Sakuno came rushing into the throne room, minutes after she had heard of his sentence. Horror and shock on her face like the first time I proposed. I guess there was really no way to atone and get her to love me, but I wanted her to be beside me. I wanted her to deny everything and I would let her live. I would spare her life! If only she could lie to me just this once.

"Why did you sentence General Tezuka to prison? What has he done wrong?"

I signalled all the people in the throne room to get out and they did as they all shuffled one by one out the door and shutting it.

"…For one, he has already done something wrong from the moment he entered my court. He had your heart from start to end."

Sakuno chose not to respond as she looked at me, she was silently agreeing with me and it hurts for her to admit so honestly. I want her to lie, deny, accuse or do something ! Just don't make my heart hurt, as if it hasn't suffered enough ever since it fell in love with you?

"Now, he has done a second mistake that I am afraid he has to be condemned for it."

"What did he do?"

Sakuno demanded, and I hated that tone. Stop defending that man! I had enough of you choosing him over me! I am sick of playing the hated husband while he plays the secret lover! If that is what it takes to win you over, I would abdicate the throne and be a commoner! I would play secret lover and die for the crime of being the queen's secret lover than to live on knowing you will never look at me the same way.

"Answer me Sakuno, did you or did you not go into General Tezuka's room?"

Lie Sakuno. I am giving you this chance!

"I…"

"Before you answer me… I want you to know, whatever comes out of your mouth, I will believe it. Whatever you say… I will believe it."

I am begging you Sakuno, whatever you do… just lie to me. Tell me it was all a lie… tell me it was all just a stupid rumour with no basis! Tell me everything was a rumour and that you never went into that room! Tell me you never went in and you will be safe! I can't protect you if you tell me the truth! Just lie to me. Tell me a fantastic far-fetched lie. Whatever you do, don't tell me the truth that will break my heart and lose you at the same time! Please Sakuno.

"…I did."

A stray tear went down my cheek, I guess that this was it. I love you so much Sakuno, you had no idea but now that you have said such words… there is no chance that I would let you walk away just like that.

"Guards!"

Sakuno's eyes widened in shock as the guards came in and Sakuno looked at me with fear in her eyes as she said

"Ryoma! Listen to me!"

"Apprehend her!"

Sakuno was shocked and I hope she could see the hurt in my eyes. I didn't want to do this Sakuno, but you had to tell me the truth! You had to say that you did go into that man's room… if only you had lied to me… I'd have you in my arms for a while longer. A little while longer before you would run away from me.

"You don't understand! Ryoma!"

She seemed frantic but I refused to listen anymore. I can only take so much torture… I can only take so much pain in my life. I had enough. I have given you my last chance, but you didn't take it. You chose to do this and so, I hope you're happy… I will convict you both.

"These two have committed adultery. They will be punished by the death penalty."

My heart sank so fast, I didn't have time to catch it before it dropped. I felt like my body was made out of lead as I made my way back to my room, a room where she will never be in any more. A room that has her scent and yet, it would be without her being. I sank into my sheets, I felt so terrible… I dying inside from the betrayal and the hurt. I would kill myself, but there was no choice. She had never loved me and she never wanted me. She hurt me and now? She was out of my grasp.

To be continued…

Egads! Will he really kill her in cold blood?