"I am a mind reader," proclaimed the old woman.

"Really?" drawled Shoryu, "you can read minds?"

"Yes," she said, "I can. For instance, I can tell you that you are the Ever-King, and that is your taiho, Rokuta. I know that you lost your village and I know that Rokuta was abandoned in the mountains by his parents". She paused. "Haha! How interesting," she paused, lost in thought.

"Yes?"

"Your young companion there has a crush!"

I felt my face burning. Shit.

"Really," Shoryu said, amused, "now I'm sure you're a fake. Who would the young lady be?" Oh shit ohshitohshitohshit. I thought, here it comes.

The woman raised an eyebrow. "It is not a woman, nor is he young." Shit.

"Oh, I see," Shoryu cast a glance at me, "so who is this old man then?"

"Don't tell him," I blurted, "please!"

"Hehe! He does not wish for you to find out! Not that I'm surprised of course. Have you ever played Twenty Questions? Twenty yes or no questions. I answer them with a yes, of a no. though I may embellish a bit," she admitted." Shit.

"Hmm, is it someone I know?" Shit.

She cackled again, "Yes! You know him very well. Good question! Next."

"Umm, is it one of my ministers?"

"Ha! No it is not. Next!"

"Is it someone who lives in the palace?"

"Going faster now, I see. Yes it is."

"Is he essential to the government of En?"

"Yes! Quite essential! Without him, the kingdom would fall into ruin and we would all despair. I'm sure your taiho would despair as well!"

"Is he tall?"

"Physical characteristics now, hmm? What do you define as tall?"

"Never mind. Is he… um, does he have short hair?"

"No, it is quite long. Brown too. Well, more like brownish-black," she said, examining Shoryu's head. Stop it! You're going to give me away! I stood there, praying that he hadn't noticed.

He noticed all right. Shit. With an amused glance in my direction, he asks the worst question of all: "Is it me?"

"Well, now, your young friend wouldn't like it if he was exposed, so, I won't answer that." Stupid bitch had just given me away!

I ran outside the tent, crying. This was supposed to be fun! Now it had been ruined! All because of that stupid fortune lady! It's all her fault!

I was so upset, I couldn't even shift! It's all her fault! I collapsed on the ground, crying.

"Hey," came a voice, "what's up?" Shoryu.

"What do you want? Come to make fun of me?"

"Well, it is a little strange for a kirin to fall in love with his king, but-"

"But what? You've come to make fun of me, haven't you?"

"No! I just want to say: well, Iloveyoutoo"

"What?"

"Listen closely, Rokuta, this is the last time I'm going to say it. I. Love. You. Too."

Incredulous joy flushed my face. Then the doubt surfaced in my mind.

"Sure, sure. That's what you say, and then Iget happy, and then you make fun of me."

He rolled his eyes. Not even bothering with words this time, he walked over and kissed me. My eyes flew open. This had not been what I was expecting! I decided to enjoy it even though it was probably just him teasing me.

"Now do you believe me?"

"Um, this is where you're supposed to be making fun of me, isn't it?"

He groaned. "Jeez, you're so slow, Rokuta."

`I decided I liked it when he said my name.

"Say it again," I demanded.

"Say what again?"

"My name. Say it again."

"Rokuta."

I relished the sound of his voice, rolling my name across his tongue.

"Again."

"Rokuta. Gods, you're so demanding!"

I grinned, "I know."

"Can I-," he hesitated.

"What?"

"Can I kiss you again?"

I was thrilled. Of course he could!

"Of course you can!"

He raised an eyebrow, getting up and coming over to me, "Excited, much?"

Maybe a little.

He kissed me again. It wasn't as good as the first time, it was better