Chapter 15

Sayuri's POV.

I couldn't believe the amazing magic I'd witnessed Ukaran perform just for me! It was the sweetest thing anyone ever did for me! I longed to tell him how deeply I'd grown to care for him, but fearing that he may not feel the same, I stayed silent. I truly hope one day I can overcome that fear, and tell him how I really feel...

One week later...

Sayuri's POV.

" Sayuri?" Ukaran asked, " Don't you miss your family?"

" Yes... I do..." I admitted sadly, " But I'm not ready to go back yet..."

" I spoke with your mother last week..." Ukaran said sadly, " She really misses you... We can still see each other if you go back... I'd even come and visit you at your home..."

" You don't know my father..." I said sadly, " He'll be so angry, I'll never be allowed to leave the palace again!"

Ukaran growled worriedly put his arms around me to comfort me as I cried my tears of frustration and sorrow...

" Perhaps they won't, if you tell them you got lost?" Ukaran growled grinning.

I loved it when he growled, it reminded me of how powerful a creature he really was...

" Well..." I said hesitantly, " What if they don't believe me?"

" How about I take you home and tell them I found you lost in the woods?" Ukaran asked, "I'm sure they will believe me..."

" Ok... When do you think I should go home then?" I asked.

" I'll take you home tomorrow... We'll tell them that I found you a few days ago and took you back to my cave to rest and get something to eat." Ukaran said.

" Ok... And we can still see each other, right?" I asked hopefully.

" Of course..." Ukaran said smiling.

I nodded and decided to be quiet for a while, which seemed to make Ukaran happy. He didn't really like talking too much. We'd been in each other's company for a little over a week now, and despite him not complaining about my scent, I knew I probably didn't smell very good... I blushed at the thought of asking him where I could bathe, but I couldn't handle the way I smelled any longer...

" Hey... Ukaran?" I asked a bit nervously.

" Yes?" Ukaran answered.

" Um... Well... I uh..." I gulped, " It's been a while since I had a bath... Do you have somewhere I could take a hot bath?"

A grin, somewhat dark, appeared on his features as he silently took my hand and led me deeper into his cave... When we hit another tunnel a few minutes later, I began to feel a noticeable difference in the air... When we made it to our destination, I gasped at the incredible sight... Large pools of hot water were swirling in the rock bed underneath several weeping willow trees with little blue blooms on them... The wooden shelf along the far wall, held several different fragrant bath salts and oils and conditioning agents... There were also bottles of dried flowers to make the bath water fragrant as well...

" I hope you find my private hot springs suitable, Sayuri..." Ukaran growled, his jewel red eyes glazing slightly, " Take as long as you wish..."

But as he turned to leave, I couldn't help but grasp his hand gently...

" Um... I don't mind if you want to stay and talk while I bathe..." I said blushing brightly, " After so much time together, I'm not sure what I would do with so much quiet..."

" You truly wish me to stay?!" Ukaran growled seductively.

I nodded, blushing.

" Perhaps I could help you with your bath as well?!" Ukaran growled grinning.

I squeaked nervously and shook my head no...

" No no! I'll be ok! Just turn your back until I get in, ok?" I said nervously, " Now don't you peak!"

Ukaran just chuckled softly, and I couldn't help but get a cold chill...