[Hello Fans! THIS is Chapter 23. If you are coming from Chapter 19 and have not read Chapter, 20, 21, or 22 please go to the following link here or in my bio to read those chapters. Thank you for your support!]
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Chapter 23: Caught
Akane awoke to the sound of insistent tapping on the door. A dull, pounding headache greeted her as she groggily opened her eyes, blinking against the morning light. She shifted slightly, realizing there was a heavy -human-arm shaped- pillow draped across her stomach. With a small frown, she moved it aside, rubbing her tired eyes.
"Come in," she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep.
The door swung open.
"Surprise!"
Tsubasa's voice rang out cheerfully—before suddenly cutting off.
The stunned silence that followed made Akane's stomach drop.
Ranma bolted upright at the unexpected yelling, his reaction delayed by the throbbing ache in his head. He groaned, pressing his palm against his temple, his vision still unfocused from sleep and the lingering effects of last night's wine.
"Ugh, what—?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
Then he saw her.
Tsubasa stood frozen in the doorway, her eyes wide, mouth slightly parted as she took in the scene before her.
And then—
"Oh my GOD!"
A wicked smirk spread across her lips. "I didn't mean to interrupt your... morning," she drawled, amusement dripping from her voice. "I'll just be outside!"
Ranma felt the blood drain from his face before it came rushing back full force, burning hot beneath his skin. He turned his head stiffly—only to lock eyes with Akane, who looked just as pale and then just as red.
A flood of memories from the night before came crashing over them.
The wine. The heat. The way they had touched, kissed, moved together—
Akane slapped both hands over her face with a small, strangled noise, as if she wished she could disappear into the sheets.
Tsubasa let out a giggle, clearly relishing their mortification. "Akane, tell me when you're dressed—I have lots of plans for you today," she teased, before slipping out the door, closing it behind her with a deliberate click.
A thick, suffocating silence settled between them.
Ranma could feel the awkwardness in the air like a crushing weight. His hands clenched against the blanket still draped over his lap as he tried—and utterly failed—to process the situation.
Akane looked like she wanted to die.
Her hands slowly slid down from her face, only to clutch the blanket up to her chest like a shield. Her entire body was rigid, her eyes darting anywhere but at him.
Ranma swallowed hard, his throat dry. His pulse was hammering too fast, his brain screaming at him to say something, but his mouth refused to cooperate.
What was the right thing to say in this situation?!
Damn it, Saotome, think!
He suddenly felt movement beside him. Akane was trying to slip out of the bed, her movements stiff and desperate, like she just needed to get away before she combusted from sheer humiliation.
A flare of panic shot through him.
Without thinking, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.
Akane stilled, eyes wide, her breath catching.
Ranma kept his grip gentle but firm, his own hand trembling slightly as he stared down at the sheets, unable to meet her gaze. His voice came out quiet—uncertain.
"It wasn't a mistake. Okay?" He swallowed hard, forcing himself to keep going despite the heat creeping up his neck. "I don't regret it."
His words hung between them, fragile, vulnerable.
Akane's lips parted slightly, her expression shifting.
Something inside her softened.
Ranma didn't look at her, but his grip on her wrist was warm—almost reassuring in its hesitation.
She knew he was just as mortified as she was. But more than that, she could feel the sincerity in his words.
Her chest ached.
"You're... kind, Ranma," she whispered shyly, voice almost too soft to hear. "Thanks for the reassurance."
She hesitated for only a second before gently pulling her wrist free. Ranma let her go without resistance, his hand falling limply onto the bed.
Akane turned quickly, gathering the blanket around herself as she practically bolted toward the bathroom.
Ranma let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, raking a hand through his already messy hair. His heart was still racing.
But then—
"I hope you won't come to regret it."
It was faint, barely above a whisper, but he heard it.
His head snapped up, his eyes locking onto Akane's retreating figure.
Something twisted inside his chest.
And for the first time that morning, his embarrassment took a backseat to something else entirely.
Why did she say that?
Ranma let out a long breath, running both hands over his face before flopping back against the pillows. His heart was racing, his body still hot despite the cool morning air filtering in from the window.
What a way to wake up.
With another groan, he forced himself upright and swung his legs over the side of the bed. The room was in complete disarray—clothes scattered, the blankets twisted in a way that made the evidence of the night before far too obvious. His cheeks flamed again at the thought.
He ran a hand through his already wild hair, trying to collect himself.
Akane was still in the bathroom. He could hear the faint sound of water sloshing from washing.
She must still be embarrassed.
Not that he could blame her.
He sighed, shaking his head, before standing up and looking for something to wear. His pants were—there. He tugged them on quickly, not bothering to fully lace them just yet. He reached for his shirt when—
BANG!
The door flew open.
Ranma flinched as a blur of pink and energy burst into the room.
"OH MY GOOOOODDDD!"
Tsubasa's voice rang out, filled with far too much enthusiasm.
Ranma nearly tripped over himself as he turned to face her, still holding his shirt half-on. His face immediately turned crimson.
"You two did the deed!" she practically sang, clasping her hands together with a dramatic flourish.
"G-GET OUT!" Ranma barked, voice cracking slightly as he scrambled to pull his shirt on properly.
Tsubasa only cackled, undeterred, bouncing on the balls of her feet as she took in every bit of his obvious discomfort.
"Oh-ho! Oh-ho-ho!" she grinned wickedly, wagging her finger at him. "You're blushing! You are so blushing! I couldn't wait out there any longer to tease you two!"
Ranma gritted his teeth, fumbling with the ties of his shirt as if that would somehow get him out of this nightmare faster. "Shut up!"
"Wow, wow, wow, Ranma, I knew you had it in you, but I didn't think you'd actually do it so soon! Who knew my lessons were this successful!" Tsubasa continued, completely ignoring his distress. "And Akane! Oh, she must be dying of embarrassment in there—"
Click.
The bathroom door cracked open.
Ranma barely had time to brace himself before Akane stepped out, her face still a bit pink but considerably more composed than before. She was dressed in a simple robe, her wet hair cascading over her ears.
Her eyes landed on Tsubasa—and immediately narrowed.
"Oh no," Akane muttered, dread settling in.
Tsubasa pounced.
"AKANE, DARLING!" she squealed, rushing forward and grabbing her by the hands. "Tell me everything!"
Akane let out a startled yelp, trying to step back, but Tsubasa held firm.
"Oh, don't you dare try to keep secrets from me! How was it?! Was he good? Did you make him beg?"
"TSUBASA!" Akane practically exploded, face going bright red as she wrenched herself away. "W-WHY WOULD YOU ASK THAT?!"
Tsubasa only giggled gleefully. "Oh, you're so cute when you're flustered!"
Ranma scowled, covering his face with one hand. "I would never beg!"
Tsubasa beamed at him. "Aww, look at you, all grumpy now! That's adorable!" She leaned in conspiratorially. "So, Prince Ranma—did you take her like a warrior? Or were you all soft and romantic—"
"THAT'S IT!" Ranma snapped.
Before he could physically push her out of the room, the door suddenly swung open again.
This time, a group of palace servants filed in, bowing respectfully.
"Apologies for the intrusion, Your Highness," one of the older attendants said smoothly. "We have come to prepare you and Lady Akane for today's ceremony."
Ranma and Akane immediately stiffened, their previous mortification forgotten as the reality of the day's events settled in.
Shampoo and Mousse's wedding.
Akane straightened, trying to regain her composure. "Right, um—of course."
The servants bustled forward, already moving with purpose.
For Ranma, that meant being ushered toward a separate platform that the attendants brought in where his formal attire would be fitted—a sleek black suit lined with amber embroidery, the colors both regal and striking. Several attendants immediately set to work adjusting his clothing, combing through his hair, and making sure he looked nothing short of princely.
Akane, on the other hand, was quickly surrounded by a different group of attendants as she stood on her small circular platform, her dress being exchanged for a stunning black gown adorned with golden-amber accents. The fabric hugged her curves in a way that made her feel both elegant and slightly self-conscious, but she had to admit—it was beautiful.
Tsubasa, of course, was still standing off to the side, watching it all with an impish grin.
"Well, well," she mused, folding her arms. "You two clean up nice."
Ranma shot her a glare. "Don't you have somewhere else to be?"
Tsubasa tapped her chin as if seriously considering it.
"Nah."
Ranma groaned again, but the attendants were already too focused on their work to allow him to do anything about it.
As the final touches were made, Akane stole a quick glance at Ranma.
Dressed in his ceremonial suit, with his hair combed into his usual nice braid. He looked…
Handsome.
Ridiculously handsome.
She quickly looked away, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up her neck.
Tsubasa, ever the menace, caught it.
"Ohohoho! Akane, are you checking out your husband?"
Akane whirled around. "Tsubasa, I swear—!"
Tsubasa wriggled her eyebrows in her usual teasing manner.
A servant fastened the last button on Ranma's jacket, he exhaled slowly as he took one last glance at himself in the mirror. The black suit fit him snugly, the amber detailing subtle. He still felt a smidge weird wearing something that was culturally Shiryian in design.
A knock at the door broke his thoughts.
"You look dapper, Ranma!"
Ranma perked up. He recognized that voice.
The door creaked open, and Daisuke stepped inside, dressed in his standard military uniform—though, unlike the more rigid guards, his was slightly undone at the collar, looking just a bit too casual for an official event. His arms were crossed, and there was a lazy smirk on his face.
A smirk that immediately widened when he spotted Ranma's thoroughly flustered expression.
"Well, damn," Daisuke muttered, letting out a low whistle. "Didn't think it'd actually happen this fast."
Ranma frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Daisuke rolled his eyes. "Oh, please." He leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "I was standing right there when Tsubasa busted in this morning. Heard everything. Saw plenty." His smirk deepened. "Didn't think you'd actually go through with it so quick."
Behind him, Tsubasa snickered, still perched comfortably on the edge of Akane's vanity, where she had been preparing the supplies for Akane's makeup. She turned toward Akane with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Right? I thought our dear Ranma would at least put up a little more of a fight before falling into your arms, Princess," Tsubasa teased, tapping a finger against her chin in mock thought.
Akane, who had already been thoroughly embarrassed by Tsubasa's relentless teasing stuttered, "W-We didn't—!" She cut herself off, groaning into her hands.
"Oh, don't even try it," Daisuke laughed. "Tsubasa and I are going to hear all the juicy details."
"You think you're going to hear details," Ranma grumbled, face burning. "You won't know anything."
Tsubasa hummed. "Mmm, so you're saying there are details? Interesting."
Akane shot her a look of pure betrayal, while Ranma groaned.
Daisuke chuckled, shaking his head. "I just gotta say, I never would've thought you'd be so into the plain Shiryian princess."
Akane stiffened, blinking in surprise before her expression soured. "Excuse me?"
Tsubasa let out a dramatic gasp, placing a hand over her chest. "Daisuke! How dare you? Have you seen Akane's eyes? That hair? That skin?" She leaned toward Akane with a sly grin. "She's a delicate beauty."
Akane groaned. "Please stop talking."
But the damage of Daisuke's comment had already been done.
The guard's words hit her harder than she wanted to admit, the sting of her own insecurities spreading through her like tiny pinpricks. Plain. That's what he had called her. That's what so many people must have thought of her. And why wouldn't they?
She wasn't like Kodachi, with her dark, exotic beauty. She wasn't like the descriptions of Shampoo, with her striking, effortless allure. She wasn't like Ukyo, with her regal confidence and undeniable charm.
She was just… Akane. The fake princess.
Her hands curled into fists in her lap, nails pressing into her palms. No matter how many times she pushed it down, the gnawing feeling never really went away. The weight of her deception was suffocating.
She had slept with him.
That thought alone made her stomach twist into a hundred knots. Last night hadn't just been a mistake—it had been a betrayal. Not just to Ranma, but to all the people of Alganon.
And yet, despite the guilt clawing at her insides, a selfish part of her couldn't forget how it had felt. How he had felt.
Ranma's touch had been so tender, his voice so careful. She wanted to believe that he had truly come to care for her—even if one day he discovered she wasn't a princess at all. But the way he had held her, cherished her, only made the weight of her deception feel that much worse.
Because he didn't know the truth.
And if he ever did—if he ever realized what she had done—would he be able to forgive her?
Ranma turned his head slightly, and his stomach twisted at the expression on Akane's face. She looked… small. Uncharacteristically quiet. Her eyes were distant, and her shoulders were tense, as if she were trying to make herself smaller, trying to disappear.
Something about it didn't sit right with him.
His jaw tightened, and he turned to Daisuke, his voice sharp. "Watch your mouth."
Daisuke blinked in confusion. "What?"
"You don't get to insult the future queen like that," Ranma said firmly, his arms crossing over his chest. "I don't care if you were just messing around—you should know your place."
Akane's eyes widened slightly, snapping up to him.
Daisuke's teasing smirk faltered for a second before he put his hands up in mock surrender. "Whoa, whoa. Didn't mean anything by it." He turned to Akane and gave her an awkward half-bow. "Apologies, Your Highness. Just giving the big guy a hard time."
Akane swallowed, the weight of Ranma's unexpected defense settling over her. "It's… fine," she murmured, though her voice didn't carry much strength.
Daisuke seemed to accept it and backed toward the door. "Welp, time to get the—"
"Guest," Ranma stated. Not giving Daisuke a chance to further come up with some way to tease him.
"—guest to the party hall."
Ranma shot Akane one last glance before following Daisuke out of the room. The moment the door shut behind them, Daisuke snorted.
"Damn," he said with a chuckle. "That was good. Real kingly of you, chewing me out like that in front of her." He gave Ranma a playful nudge. "Even though we both know it was just for show."
Ranma's eyebrow twitched. "It wasn't—"
"Oh, don't worry, I get it." Daisuke waved a dismissive hand. "Gotta make the wife feel special, right? Can't have her thinking she's just some duty."
Ranma's irritation grew. "That's not—"
Daisuke let out a dramatic sigh. "Man, never thought I'd see the day you would be playing the doting husband. What happened to the guy who avoided high-ranking women like the plague? You barely touched Kodachi, never even looked at the courtesans, and now you're suddenly playing protective over her?"
Ranma clenched his jaw, at a complete loss.
Daisuke, of course, didn't stop.
"I mean, don't get me wrong, you're pulling it off real well. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you actually liked her."
Ranma let out a slow breath, his eyebrow twitching so hard it was starting to hurt.
Daisuke grinned. "But nah. Can't be that."
Ranma sighed, "You really just love to hear yourself talk! Don't ya."
Daisuke chuckled, completely unfazed. "Hey, someone's gotta keep you entertained."
Ranma rolled his eyes. "Yeah? Well, you're about five seconds away from being real entertaining when I throw you out a damn window."
Daisuke smirked, giving him a playful slap on the back. "Now that's the Ranma I know."
Ranma let out another exasperated sigh as they reached the entrance of the party hall. He could already hear the lively chatter from inside. Straightening his jacket, he shot Daisuke a final glare.
"Just try not to embarrass me in front of everyone else, will ya?"
"No promises," Daisuke said with a wink before pushing the doors open, stepping inside with a swagger that made Ranma seriously consider following through with his window threat.
Meanwhile, back in Akane's chambers, the atmosphere was significantly different.
Tsubasa had fully taken over.
Akane sat in front of a grand vanity as a team of attendants worked on arranging her hair and preparing her ceremonial accessories. But the makeup brush currently dusting her cheeks was in the hands of the ever-entertaining Tsubasa.
And she was having a blast.
"So, tell me everything," Tsubasa purred, dabbing at Akane's lips with a rosy tint.
Akane stiffened. "W-what?"
Tsubasa's grin was practically devilish. "Oh, don't act innocent with me, Akane! I heard things. I saw things. I felt the vibes in the room."
Akane's entire body went rigid, her face rapidly heating. "W-we drank too much, that's all!"
Tsubasa waggled her brows. "Ohhh, so you did do something!"
Akane immediately regretted her choice of words.
"I—I—"
Tsubasa leaned in. "Come on, just a little hint. Did he make you moan?"
Akane choked.
Tsubasa gasped. "He did, didn't he?!"
Akane covered her face. "Tsubasa, I swear to the gods of Alganon—"
The brown-haired menace cackled.
"Oh, this is too good," she mused. "Our little Akane finally got to experience the legendary Prince Ranma in bed. And? Did he live up to the rumors?"
Akane groaned. "You're the worst."
Tsubasa nudged her playfully. "Oh, come on! Just a tiny tidbit? Was he gentle? Or rough?"
Akane's entire body burned.
Tsubasa beamed.
"Ooohhh, I knew it!"
Akane grumbled, crossing her arms. "You're never going to let this go, are you?"
"Absolutely not."
Despite herself, Akane found the corners of her lips twitching.
Tsubasa was insufferable.
But…in a weird way, she was grateful.
Because even though she was teasing her relentlessly, she also made this whole thing feel normal. Like it wasn't some huge, terrifying, life-altering event—but just another thing two people went through.
And that…helped.
A little.
Tsubasa grinned at her knowingly before patting her cheeks.
"There," she said. "Now you're ready."
Akane took a breath and turned to the mirror.
Her reflection stared back at her—dressed in a stunning black gown, golden-amber details catching the light, her hair cascading in elegant waves, her makeup natural yet striking.
She looked…beautiful.
Tsubasa stepped back with a satisfied hum. "You are so going to make Ranma drool."
Akane sighed. "I hate you."
"You love me."
Akane rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself.
A knock came at the door.
"Lady Akane," an attendant called, "it's time to go."
Akane exhaled slowly, her heart picking up speed.
Tsubasa gave her one last mischievous wink. "Ready to go knock your husband dead? I'll be at the party as one of the nobles is escorting me. I will keep you company when I have the chance. I gotta protect you from all the stuffy royals and nobles!"
Akane felt her stomach flip.
She swallowed her nerves, lifted her chin, and nodded.
"Yeah. Let's do this."
The grand hall was already buzzing with activity by the time Ranma arrived. Lavish decorations lined the walls, golden chandeliers illuminating the vast space. The rich scent of fine food and expensive incense filled the air, mingling with the murmurs of nobles and high-ranking officials.
Despite the opulence, Ranma barely noticed any of it.
He stood near the entrance, arms crossed, eyes fixed on nothing in particular. His thoughts were elsewhere—on Akane. On what she had said before slipping away that morning.
"I hope you won't come to regret it."
The words sat heavy in his chest, like a weight he couldn't quite shake off.
Did she really think he would? Did she really believe that sleeping with her was something he'd come to regret?
Ranma frowned, his fingers curling tighter around his biceps. It wasn't like he had been forced into it. Sure, the aphrodisiac had a hell of an effect on him, but if he didn't want her, it wouldn't have happened. That was what was bothering him—why did she think he'd regret it?
Was it because she thought she wasn't good enough?
That idea annoyed him more than he cared to admit.
But there was another possibility—one that made him shift uncomfortably in place.
Maybe it wasn't about him at all. Maybe it was about her father. That seemed more likely. But, if King Gosunkugi were to try to undo the marriage, Akane would no longer have her chastity. Why would that make Ranma regret it? Ranma wouldn't allow Akane's father to undo the marriage no matter what though - so it didn't even matter thinking about.
He'd talk to Akane about all of this. He wasn't going to let that comment slide.
Ranma exhaled sharply, glancing toward the grand doors leading into the hall. Akane still hadn't arrived.
Was she really that scared of her old man? Did she truly believe King Gosunkugi was powerful enough to make him give her up?
The thought made his jaw clench.
No one could make him do anything he didn't want to do. Not her father. Not his father. Not even the damn laws of their kingdoms. If Ranma wanted to keep her as his wife, then that was his choice.
And yet…
He could still hear the uncertainty in her voice. See the hesitance in her eyes. She must not trust that he'd fight for her.
Maybe, given the way things had started between them, she had every reason to feel that way.
Ranma sighed, rubbing a hand down his face.
"Damn it," he muttered.
He didn't like thinking about all this. About what came next. About what their marriage actually meant to Akane.
He just wanted her to trust him.