Okay, here is another short chapter. Thanks to everyone who have given reviews, I will try to make chapters longer from now on . Anyway, enjoy!!!

            Miaka raced through the palace grounds until she reached a rather large pond. At least here she wouldn't be bothered by anyone. Although, as angry as she was at Tamahome and Hotohori, she couldn't help but feel a little guilty. They were being so kind to her and all she had done was throw it back in their faces.

            "I really should apologize to them. They both were so kind."

            But even as she thought this she automatically thought of the horrible scene with Tamahome. She had been so cruel to him, and all he had done was kiss her.

            "Excuse me, but you really shouldn't be out here."

            "Who are you?"

            Miaka turned to find herself facing a beautiful woman with long, violet, wavy hair, styled tastefully in a bun.

            "She must be the empress." Miaka thought.

            "Most people call me Korin, although my given name is Nuriko."          

            "I'm Miaka. Miaka Yuki. Um…Nuriko..are Hotohori…I mean, the Emperor's wife?"

            Nuriko burst into laughter, completely baffling Miaka. The young woman seemed to find Miaka's comment hilarious.

            "What's so funny?"

            "Oh, I'm sorry Miaka." Nuriko replied, stopping her laughter," I am one of the women in the emperor's harem."

            "Oh."

            Miaka felt a blush creep into her cheeks. She hadn't even thought about that! It had never occurred to her that Hotohori might have a harem.

            "So Miaka. What are you doing out here all by yourself?"

            "Oh, nothing. Just thinking."

            "What about? I heard you had a horrible fight with his Highness and Tamahome."

            "Yeah…I'm such a horrible person…."

            "What do you mean?"

            "Everyone here has been so good to me, and all I have done is throw it back at them. I can't even be grateful!"

            "Miaka…can I ask you something?"

            "Sure."

            "Why do you hate men so much?"

            "What?!"

            Miaka stared at the young woman shock. How had she known? Technically, she didn't hate men, she just didn't like them. Ever since that night she had never trusted another man. Not even her own brother. Now that she looked back on it, she had been cruel to everyone, even Yui.

            "Well?"

            "Well what?"

            "You haven't answered my question. Why do you hate men?"

            "I don't hate men. Who said I hated men?"

            "No one. It just seemed odd to me that you would be so quick to fight with the emperor and Tamahome. I mean, don't you find them the least bit attractive?"

" I guess."

"I don't know if you've noticed, but Tamahome hasn't stopped gawking at you since you arrived."

"R-really?"

It was true, Tamahome had been watching Miaka, even now he was standing nearby watching her and Nuriko. The truth be told Nuriko was only trying to keep Miaka from getting too close to Hotohori. Nuriko had her own designs on him.

            Just then there was a loud cracking noise from behind them. Nuriko and Miaka turned around a moment too late…

To be continued. Please Review!!!