Chapter 24: Jealousy for Two

Ranma stood near the grand entrance of the party hall, absently adjusting the cuff of his black-and-amber suit. The lavish space was already filling with guests, the hum of laughter and conversation bouncing off the high ceilings and ornate decor. He wasn't paying much attention to any of it, though.

His mind was elsewhere.

Akane's words from earlier kept circling in his head.

"I hope you won't come to regret it."

Why the hell would she say something like that?

He frowned, crossing his arms. Did she really think he'd just toss her aside because her father demanded it? The thought bothered him.

Did she really believe her father was so powerful that he could make Ranma cast her away? That was ridiculous. Wallka had never bent to another kingdom's will before, and he sure as hell wouldn't start now.

So why did she sound so convinced?

He exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. Maybe he was overthinking it. Maybe—

"Looks like someone's got a lot on his mind."

Ranma jerked slightly at the unexpected voice, his body tensing out of habit before he turned to see who had snuck up on him.

Princess Ukyo.

She stood with one hand on her hip, watching him with amused blue eyes. The sapphire gown she wore clung to her form just enough to highlight the elegant curves of her body, her rich brown hair styled in loose, effortless waves. She was stunning, there was no denying that.

"Damn, Ucchan," Ranma muttered, willing his heart to stop pounding from the surprise. "Ya nearly gave me a heart attack."

Ukyo grinned, stepping closer. "You looked like you were in another world. Didn't mean to startle ya."

Ranma exhaled, shaking his head. "Nah, it's fine. Just got a lot on my mind, that's all."

She hummed knowingly, tilting her head. "Waiting for her, huh?"

Ranma hesitated, his expression tightening just slightly. She was sharp.

Ukyo didn't need an answer. The way Ranma reacted said enough.

Her lips curved, but the usual teasing glint in her eyes was different this time. Softer, more thoughtful. She trailed her fingers along the rim of a nearby goblet, the movement slow, almost absentminded.

"You know," she started, voice light, "for a long time, I thought it was supposed to be me standing beside you. I think I'd be a far better match."

Ranma stiffened, caught completely off guard.

"What?"

Ukyo let out a small, breathy laugh. "Oh, come on, Ranma. You had to have noticed how close our kingdoms were. The way our parents talked about the future. If things had played out differently, it could've been us married instead of you and Akane."

Ranma blinked. He had expected that too. He didn't necessarily want that outcome though. He wanted the freedom to choose for himself more than anything. He thought she felt that way too.

"Didn't think ya cared about stuff like that," he admitted, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly

Ukyo's smile shifted, something almost wistful passing over her face before she masked it with amusement. "Maybe I didn't at first," she murmured. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, she reached out, letting her gloved fingers graze his wrist. "But you're not exactly an unappealing option."

Ranma tensed at the unexpected touch.

Ukyo was beautiful. Really beautiful. He couldn't ignore that. There was a sultry, effortless confidence about her, the way she moved, the way her voice dipped into something smooth and inviting. If he were anyone else—if things were different—he might have been swayed.

But something in his chest twisted.

Because was this real?

Ukyo was from a strong kingdom herself. But it was still a great honor to be married off to another kingdom, especially Wallka. It had been a while since there had been marriages between their lands. More often than not, royals married nobles within their own kingdoms. But when opposite-gender royals around the same age were available, it was considered the best to be married to him. It was a highly sought-after position.

And that was something Ranma had always been aware of—whether he liked it or not.

And thus, he never could stop thinking, Was that what this was?

Did Ukyo really feel this way about him? Or was she just vying for a position next to him for the prestige that came with it?

His throat felt tight. He had spent his whole life surrounded by people who wanted something from him. Women who batted their lashes and spoke sweet words, not because of who he was, but because of what he was. A prince. A future king. The most powerful heir in the region.

But with Akane…

Akane never did any of that.

She didn't try to flatter him. She didn't fawn over his title. Hell, she barely tolerated him at first. She had challenged him, argued with him, snapped at him. She wore her emotions plainly, never bothering to hide how she felt—whether it was irritation, amusement, or…

Ranma swallowed.

That was why he liked her.

That was why he trusted her.

He took a subtle step back, just enough to let Ukyo's fingers slip away from his wrist. He forced a lopsided grin, trying to keep things light.

"Guess things worked out different, huh?"

Ukyo's expression flickered—just for a second—before she recovered, letting out a small, airy chuckle. "Guess so."

But Ranma didn't miss the way her fingers curled slightly at her sides before she smoothed out her gown.

And just as she did, another figure entered the room.

Akane had been preparing herself for this moment. She had gone through the ordeal of getting dressed, letting Tsubasa tease her relentlessly, and allowing the servants to perfect her appearance down to the smallest detail. She had been so nervous about seeing Ranma again—about how he would look at her after what had happened between them.

But the moment her eyes landed on him, all of those thoughts vanished.

Because standing far too close to him was her.

Princess Ukyo.

Akane felt her stomach twist unpleasantly.

Ukyo looked flawless. She was draped in an elegant sapphire gown that shimmered in the light, highlighting her tall, slender frame. Her hair cascaded in soft waves, her makeup was subtle but enhancing, and the way she stood—so poised, so effortlessly confident—made Akane's own insecurities come crashing down all at once.

She watched as Ukyo flipped her hair, smiling up at Ranma in a way that was both teasing and…something more. Something intimate. Something that sent a sharp pang through Akane's chest.

Then there was Ranma.

He was looking at Ukyo, his usual cocky grin on his face, though there was something different in his expression. And worst of all, Akane saw the way Ukyo had been touching him—a lingering brush of fingers, a closeness that felt far too familiar.

Something hot burned behind Akane's ribs.

Of course, Ranma would be attracted to Ukyo. Who wouldn't be? She was everything Akane wasn't—graceful, poised, undeniably stunning. She was the kind of princess that belonged at his side.

Unlike Akane, a commoner…a fraud…a fake princess.

Akane clenched her fists, the feeling of jealousy so foreign and so consuming that she barely knew how to process it.

Ukyo laughed lightly, brushing a hand over Ranma's arm before she turned to walk away, and just as she did, her gaze flicked up—locking directly with Akane's.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then, Ukyo's lips curved.

It wasn't a cruel smile. Not even an obviously smug one. But it was knowing.

And that was enough to send a spark of irritation through Akane's veins.

She swallowed hard, straightened her posture, and forced herself forward—even though everything felt wrong.

Akane stomped toward Ranma, her irritation bubbling hotter with every step. The image of Ukyo practically draping herself over him replayed in her head like an annoying song she couldn't turn off.

Ranma finally noticed her when she was only a few feet away, blinking as if he'd just realized she existed. "Oh, hey, Akane."

Akane twitched. Oh, hey, Akane? That was all he had to say?

She crossed her arms, her foot tapping dangerously. "That's it? That's all you have to say?"

Ranma blinked again, clearly confused. "Uh… yeah?"

Her twitching increased. Yeah? He was really going to act like she hadn't just witnessed Ukyo all over him?

"You looked real cozy with Ukyo just now," she said, her voice saccharine with fake sweetness.

Ranma sighed, already sensing the landmine field he'd just stepped into. "We were just talking."

Akane scoffed. "Just talking? Right. And next, you'll tell me she tripped and fell into your arms by accident?"

Ranma groaned, rubbing his temples. "It's not like that."

"Oh, of course it's not," she snapped. "And I suppose she was just testing the structural integrity of your biceps when she grabbed your arm, huh?"

Ranma scowled. "What was I supposed to do? Shove her into a wall?"

Akane threw her hands up. "You could've at least pretended you weren't enjoying it!"

Ranma gawked at her. "Enjoying—?! Akane, I was standing there! Since when does existing mean I'm flirting?!"

"Oh, so you're saying you weren't flattered?"

"Why are you twisting everything I say?!"

Akane huffed, her face burning. "I'm not twisting anything! You just admitted it! You think she's pretty, don't you?"

Ranma's eye twitched. "Oh, that's rich, coming from you."

Akane blinked. "Excuse me?"

Ranma crossed his arms, leveling a glare at her. "Don't act all innocent! You were sneaking around in the middle of the night with Prince Toma!"

Akane's jaw dropped. "That is not the same thing!"

Ranma scoffed. "Oh, of course it's not, because you did it."

Akane clenched her fists. "I wasn't flirting with Toma! And I definitely wasn't hanging all over him like some lovesick fool!"

Ranma threw his hands in the air. "Yeah? Well, neither was I! But somehow, I'm always the bad guy!

Akane bristled. "Fine! Do whatever you want, Ranma! I don't care!"

Ranma opened his mouth to argue, but she'd already spun on her heel, storming off with all the fury of a raging typhoon.

He exhaled sharply, raking a hand through his hair, "Guess I better go apologize before she decides to launch me into low orbit…"

Akane stepped onto the veranda, her heels clicking softly against the polished stone as she exhaled a sharp breath. The cool evening air wrapped around her, a stark contrast to the heat of her emotions. Her hands curled over the railing as she looked out over the vast, moonlit gardens, desperate to calm the storm raging inside her.

She was angry—angry at Ranma for standing there with Princess Ukyo, looking so at ease, so damn handsome, while Ukyo batted her lashes and leaned just a little too close. But more than that, she was furious with herself. She had no right to feel jealous. Not when everything between them was built on a lie.

Her chest ached with the weight of it all. The guilt had always been there, lurking beneath the surface, but lately, it felt unbearable. She had been falling for Ranma. That much was undeniable. And that made everything so much worse. How could she allow herself to love him when she wasn't even who he thought she was? How could she fall for the son of the Kingdom that abandoned her people? How could she fall in love when her family is trapped under the boot of King Gosunkugi. I do not deserve the luxury of love right now…of jealousy...

But, he deserved the truth. He deserved to be with someone who didn't have to lie to him every single day.

She didn't want him to feel deceived, even though if she were in his position she would feel betrayed too.

The thought made her stomach churn.

She squeezed her eyes shut. I don't know what to do. I don't know how to fix this.

She felt like she was teetering on the edge of a crumbling ledge, and no matter which way she stepped, she was going to fall.

"I was wondering when I'd get the chance to speak with you again."

Akane was startled, her head whipping around to see Prince Toma standing a few feet away, arms crossed as he leaned against one of the veranda's marble columns. His sharp golden eyes studied her with a knowing look.

"You seem troubled, Princess." He tilted his head slightly. "Perhaps I can help."

Akane startled slightly at the voice, then exhaled when she turned and saw Prince Toma stepping onto the veranda. The soft glow of the lanterns illuminated his golden eyes, making them gleam with something unreadable. He was dressed impeccably, as always, the fabric of his coat rich and finely embroidered, but the way he moved, loose and easy, made him seem almost too relaxed for a royal.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I'm just… getting some air."

Toma smirked, stepping closer. "Air, or space from your husband?" His voice was smooth, teasing. "I happened to witness that little spat between you and Prince Ranma."

Akane frowned. "It wasn't a spat."

He chuckled. "Looked like one to me."

She groaned, looking away. "You're not helping."

"Ah, but I can." Toma moved to lean against the railing beside her, his presence warm,. "In fact, I have something for you."

Akane blinked as he reached into his jacket. When he pulled out a small, delicate brooch, her breath caught in her throat.

The silver flower with a sapphire center.

Kasumi's brooch.

Her fingers hovered over it before he surprised her further—slipping his other hand into his coat and withdrawing a neatly folded piece of parchment.

A letter.

"For added reassurance," Toma murmured, placing both items gently into her palm. "It's from Nabiki."

Akane's heart pounded as she clutched them close. Her eyes darted to his, searching. "You… you got these from my sisters?"

He inclined his head. "I've had contact with King Gosunkugi."

Akane stiffened, but Toma's expression was easy, calm.

"He assured me your family is safe," he said, watching her reaction closely. "No harm has come to them."

Akane's grip on the brooch tightened. A mix of emotions swirled inside her—relief, guilt, longing. Her sisters… they were okay.

"Thank you," she whispered, meaning it.

Toma tilted his head, watching her intently. "You don't have to stay here, you know."

His voice was smooth, almost coaxing, as he reached out, his fingers skimming lightly over her arm in a slow, deliberate touch. His golden eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "I could whisk you away tonight. No one would ever know." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "I could even ensure Gosunkugi hands over your family. After all…" His lips curled into a knowing smirk. "I do have that elixir he needs to manage the pain from his illness. He frequently bends to my will because of it."

Akane stiffened, then abruptly jerked away from his touch, her eyes flashing. "I—I can't just leave like that!" Her breath hitched slightly as she searched his expression. "But if you have that kind of leverage over him, why not use it to make him cooperate with The Goddess and the rest of Alganon? Why not end this conflict?"

For the briefest of moments, Toma's expression darkened. His gaze sharpened, his charming mask slipping just enough for Akane to sense something lurking beneath. But just as quickly, he let out a light chuckle, tilting his head as if amused.

"Maybe because I like the idea of rescuing a beautiful woman from a gilded cage," he murmured, his lips curling into something resembling a smirk—but there was something different about it now. Something less playful.

Akane's breath caught in her throat.

For the first time, she felt something uncomfortable about Toma.

He had always been flirty, teasing, and self-assured, but this was the first time she sensed something almost predatory in the way he spoke to her.

"Princess Akane," Toma continued, stepping back just slightly, as if sensing her unease. "Getting you information to reassure you of your family's safety is one thing. But Gosunkugi?" He chuckled lowly. "He would endure unimaginable pain before bending to The Goddess. Resistance is deeply ingrained in the Shiryian Royal Family's very identity."

Akane frowned. "But… why?"

Toma's golden eyes glinted. "Because The Goddess is a human possessed by a dragon goddess. And the Shiryian royal family?" His smirk grew. "They worship a different dragon god—one who demands their resistance."

Akane swallowed hard, processing that information, but Toma was already moving on.

"You know…" His voice turned thoughtful, yet laced with something sharper. "I sure have done a lot for you. And I am an information broker." His smile remained pleasant, but there was an unmistakable edge to it now. "Do you have anything for me in trade?"

Akane faltered. She had promised to pay attention to the goings-on of the royals and nobles. She had agreed to report things back to him in exchange for his help. But she had been so caught up in everything—her marriage to Ranma, her own deception, her growing feelings—that she had barely given it a thought.

Toma's sharp gaze caught the hesitation in her expression.

And then—he heard it.

The faintest sound of approaching footsteps.

Prince Toma, an exceptionally skilled martial artist, knew who it was before he even turned his head. Ranma.

A slow thrill ran through him.

He resented the mainland royals with all of his soul. He had initially wanted to marry Akane as a means to humiliate the Wallkan Royal Family after Gosunkugi's deception was revealed, but after witnessing Ranma's reaction that night when he had caught them in the garden…

Oh, he had seen it.

Ranma liked the Fraudulent Princess.

And nothing would please Toma more than ruffling Ranma's feathers.

Just as Ranma was about to step onto the veranda, Toma moved swiftly.

He reached out, trailing a single finger along Akane's jaw before catching her wrist with his other hand and pulling her close. His grip was light but deliberate, his lips inches from hers.

"If you don't have any information to trade," he murmured, voice dripping with amusement, "perhaps you can pay me with your body."

Akane's eyes went wide.

And to Toma's genuine surprise, she did not freeze or stammer.

Instead, fury ignited in her expression, her body tensing with absolute defiance.

Toma barely had a second to react before—

CRACK!

Akane's palm struck across his face in a sharp, resounding slap.

He hadn't expected that.

For a moment, silence stretched between them, broken only by the rustling of the evening breeze. Toma slowly turned his head back to her, his golden eyes burning with something unreadable—part amusement, part intrigue, and something angry just beneath the surface. His cheek stung, but his smirk remained.

"Well now," he murmured, low and silky, "that was quite the reaction."

Akane ripped her wrist from his grasp, her heart pounding in her ears. "I am not some bargaining chip for you to trade and collect on," she hissed, her entire body trembling—not with fear, but with sheer, furious indignation. "You might have helped me, and I might have trusted you, but don't ever touch me like that again."

Toma exhaled through his nose, rubbing his cheek absently. "I was only teasing, Princess."

"Like hell you were," she snapped.

And then—

"Oi, what the hell is this?"

Akane's stomach dropped.

She turned sharply, finding Ranma standing at the entrance of the veranda, his blue-gray eyes narrowing dangerously at the sight before him. His entire posture radiated tension, his hands clenching at his sides. He had caught the tail end of the scene—Toma's hand too close, Akane's flushed expression, the undeniable crack of her palm meeting the prince's cheek.

Toma's smirk widened as he straightened, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve. "Ah, Prince Ranma." He tilted his head lazily. "You're just in time. Your wife and I were just—"

"Don't."

The sheer venom in Ranma's voice cut through the air like a blade.

Toma blinked, then chuckled. "So hostile."

Akane glanced between them, tension wrapping around her chest like a vice. She had seen Ranma angry before—but there was something different in the way he was looking at Toma now.

Protective.

Possessive.

It sent a confusing jolt through her.

Toma, ever the instigator, sighed dramatically. "And here I thought we were all getting along. Really, Ranma, must you be so territorial?"

Ranma bristled, his jaw tightening. "You touch her again, and I'll break your damn arm."

Toma's smirk didn't falter, but his eyes flickered—assessing. Measuring. "Is that so?"

Akane stepped forward quickly, heart hammering. "Ranma—"

But Ranma's glare didn't waver.

Toma finally exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Well, it seems I've overstayed my welcome." He turned back to Akane, his expression slipping back into something unreadable. "Think on what I said, Princess. My offer still stands. I'll rescue you."

Akane's lips parted, but before she could respond, Toma stepped past Ranma with an easy, unhurried gait. He didn't so much as glance back as he disappeared down the corridor, leaving the two of them alone.

Silence hung thick in the air.

Akane's fingers curled into fists at her sides.

She didn't know what to say.

Did she thank Ranma? Apologize? Explain?

But before she could sort through the tangle of emotions clawing at her chest, Ranma turned to her, his expression unreadable.

"What did he want from you?"

The possessive tone in his voice sent something warm and painful straight to Akane's core.

She shook her head. "He was giving me…something I asked him for. From Shirya. But then he tried to kiss me out of nowhere."

Ranma's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he exhaled sharply, raking a hand through his bangs. "Tch. That bastard."

Akane swallowed, still feeling the ghost of Toma's touch on her wrist. She hesitated before murmuring, "He… He gave me a letter from a loved one…"

She wanted so badly to be honest with him.

Ranma blinked, his frustration momentarily interrupted. "Wait—what?"

Akane nodded slowly, reaching into the folds of her dress to pull out the small letter and brooch, holding them up for him to see.

Ranma stared at them, his brows furrowing. "Who?"

Akane's throat tightened. "My sister…"

Something unreadable passed over Ranma's face, and for a moment, he just looked at her. Really looked at her. He appeared like he wanted to ask her something, but chose to swallow the question.

Then, after a beat, he sighed.

"Come on." His voice was gentler now, quieter. "Let's get out of here."

Akane blinked. "What?"

"I dunno about you, but I'm pretty sick of being around all these nobles," Ranma muttered, rubbing the back of his neck, "I need air. You need air. And—" He hesitated, his mouth pressing into a thin line. "And I guess we're even now."

Akane raised an eyebrow. "Even?"

Ranma sighed dramatically. "Yeah. Ukyo was all over me, Prince Toma was making eyes at you—apparently, we're irresistible." He rolled his eyes before crossing his arms. "But we're married, so they need to know their place."

Akane's chest squeezed and chuckled lightly, "Well, at least I slapped Prince Toma when he made his interest known."

Ranma grumbled, "Ahh, come on, Ukyo wasn't being anywhere near that aggressive. I was trying - well I, I..I'm not the best with being direct when I need to be."

Akane would have expected him to say something flippant, something casually dismissive. But there was an unspoken weight behind his words.

He cared.

And despite everything—her deception, her guilt, her fear—she found herself following him off the veranda without hesitation.