I can't stop laughing in my mind. I really don't understand it. After all, I'm the Red King - the merciless killer and ruthless tyrant. But I feel different today. I can see the skeptical looks in my generals' eyes. They wonder what on earth happened to me. And who would have thought it would be so simple?

I met a girl.

She punched me. Not just once, either. Damn, she's got a good right hook. Normally women melt at my feet when I touch them (with the exception of the possible rebel who tries to stab me). But this girl, this Sarasa, is different. I can sense a strong spirit in her, but she doesn't let it isolate her. She seems so... friendly. So real. So unlike anyone else I've ever met.

I wonder how she'd react to knowing who I am. Would she be impressed? Scared? Just from the few minutes that I talked to her, I can tell she wouldn't be either. She'd make some comment about how full of myself I am. Just thinking about that makes me want to laugh. And it makes me want to see her again. Hmph, who would have thought that the great Shuri, the Red King, could fall in love?

Well, maybe I'm being a sap. But I definitely wouldn't mind smiling into those furious eyes again. And then kissing that defiance away...

I still have a job to do. Tatara stands in the way of the country I want to build, a country I want to share with Sarasa. So I have to be the Red King before I can be with her again. But in the meantime...

"One more thing," I state from my throne. "Be sure to get some cucumbers."

"Cucumbers? You mean the vegetable kind?" Khazan asks.

"That's the only kind there is."

Completely straight-faced, he replies, "So the lady likes cucumbers?"

I smile. I certainly hope so.

- by Rebecca