After she cajoles Tamahome into helping her find Yui, they are captured by the emperor's men when Miaka boldly and stupidly approaches his imperial entourage asking for some of the emperor's money. In doing so, Miaka trips and falls over the guards while chasing the emperor's coach. But, rather than suffer some ignominious fate, Miaka is eventually recognized by the emperor, Hotohori, as Suzaku no Miko, the legendary savior and protectress of the country. O F T HE E ARTH A ND S KY . If the ceremony is successful and Suzaku appears, Suzaku no Miko will be granted the power to fulfill three wishes.
Romantic complications help propel the story.
A triangle soon arises between Miaka, Tamahome, and Hotohori. These relationships are further complicated by the introduction of a third seishi, Nuriko. Nuriko is a recently arrived court princess, who has her own inclinations toward Hotohori, as well as some more private surprises. That she finds herself competing for the handsome emperor's attention with this strange newcomer does not make for a good start to their relationship. At the outset, Nuriko mercilessly persecutes Miaka and tries to seduce Tamahome to make Miaka jealous.