Okay, it's been a couple days and I'm ready to write so here is yet another chapter. Once again thanks to everyone who reviews.  You guys truly are the best!! Anyway, enjoy!

            Miaka stepped into the large chamber and took a brief glance around the room. It seemed way too clean for someone so young. There were a few tasteful paintings here and there on the walls. "He must be so lonely…"Miaka thought as she looked around the mostly empty room.

            "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

            "Not at all," Hotohori replied from his seat on the large four poster-esque bed.

            Hotohori had changed out of his imperial robes and into a pale blue robe that drew the eyes to the pale line of skin visible where the robe tied together.

            "You said you wanted to talk to me."

            "Indeed. Please, have a seat."

            Miaka's eyes darted to the bed and the spot next to Hotohori. Something in her told her not to sit down, but in another part of her. The part that wanted to be a normal girl told her to just sit  there and listen to him. After all, he had been so kind to her, he wouldn't hurt her. Not on purpose anyway.

            She sat beside the beautiful emperor, gazing at her hands in her lap. She was unbelievably nervous, and she tried not to notice the way Hotohori gazed at her. She jumped when she felt him take her hand in his.

            "Miaka…there is much I wish to say to you…I fear I do not know where to begin…"

            "How about at the beginning?" she said, trying to break some of the tension.

            "You are right. It is best to start there…For as long as I can remember I have always had an image of the ideal woman that I wished to marry."

            Miaka suddenly did not like where this conversation was heading.

            "What do you mean?"

            "The woman who would one day come and ease my loneliness is you, Priestess of Suzaku. When you have completed your mission of gathering the Seven Stars of Suzaku, I want you as my Empress."

            "I-I don't understand. I mean I can't just-"

            Hotohori rolled over her then, drawing Miaka beneath him, staring down into her deep brown eyes.

            "I must ask you this. I know I have not known you long, I cannot deny my heart. Please, marry me Miaka."

            Hotohori lowered his lips to Miaka, kissing her deeply, pressing his body to hers. Miaka pressed her hands against his chest, trying in vain to keep him from pressing against her. Hotohori moved down her neck, laying a row of gentle kisses along her throat. Miaka tried to tell him to stop, but all that cam out was," Hotohori please…"

            Tears began to well up in her eyes. She wanted this but she didn't want this.

            "Hotohori I can't…I can't do this please…"

            But Hotohori was not listening to her.

            "Get off of me!!!"

            With all the strength in her body Miaka shoved Hotohori off of her before he was able to un-button her blouse any further.

            "I'm sorry. I'm sorry but I can't!"

            Miaka ran from Hotohori's chamber in tears, leaving the very bewildered emperor behind. She ran blindly down the empty hallway until she hit something solid.

            "Tamahome."

            She looked up and found herself staring into the depths of Tamahome's sea-green eyes. He stared down at her disheveled clothing and looked beyond her to where Hotohori stood looking out of the doorway to his chambers.

            "Miaka…is…are you alright?"

            "Tamahome!"

            Before she realized what she was doing Miaka threw herself into Tamahome's arms, sobbing against his chest.

            "Miaka what's wrong? Are you hurt?"

            "Please…please…just get me out of here…," she sobbed.

            "It's alright Miaka…it's alright now."

            Tamahome picked her up as you would carry a small child and took her back to his chambers where he could watch over her, protect. He layed her beneath the thick blankets and kissed her gently on the forehead.

            "Get some rest Miaka…we'll talk in the morning."

            Tamahome headed for the door and stopped when Miaka called after him.

            "We need to talk now."

To be continued…Please review!! Sorry it's so short!!! The next will be longer. Review!!!