Air Touched - A Dragon Tribe Origin

Chapter Two - Ijn

"We're greatly honored by your acceptance to participate in the interview," the man, who might very well be her future father-in-law, said. He bowed. From first appearances, Hyun seemed like a respectable, kind man, as well as handsome, which meant his son might end up being quite the catch. Why did he look so familiar?

Her father sat down across from the man. Ijn next to him. He placed an arm around his daughter's shoulders. "Your—"

"Please, you don't need to be so formal. You may call me Hyun if you like," Hyun said.

Her father shook his head. "I don't think I could be quite so informal. It's so disrespectful of a man of your status"

"I'd appreciate keeping a low profile."

"Of course, Sir."

Hyun sighed. "It will do."

Her father cleared his throat. "Sir, it is us who are honored that you are interested in conducting an interview. It's a shame your wife could not join us today."

"Yes," Hyun said stiffly. "Perhaps it's best I share this bit of information first in case it changes your feelings on the matter. My wife is incredibly ill. She hasn't gotten out of bed much over the last few years."

"I'm sorry to hear that," her father said, his voice quiet. "Though, it doesn't change our interest. Unfortunate circumstances happen. We can't avoid them. We can only hope to move forward with grace and dignity."

Hyun nodded. "Good words of wisdom. I am only concerned because I know it is important for a young woman to have a strong female role model in her life." He gazed over at Ijn's mother who was just entering with refreshments. "Your wife seems to be a wonderful woman as well. Should this arrangement work out, though, your daughter will not be able to visit home as often as she might like. One of the downfalls to living in the castle, being a member of my family, is that leaving is hard to do."

"I'm not surprised," her father said. "I suppose that is up for Ijn to decide."

Both of the men gazed at her. Her chest tightened, and she sucked in a deep breath, trying to maintain control over her anxiety. What was the correct answer? If she gave the wrong one, she might lose yet another suitor. She couldn't disappoint her parents again. "I love my family, Sir. I will always want to be with them." She noticed Hyun exhale and his shoulders slouched. Try again. Be quick before he changes his mind about you. "That being said, I know that when a man and woman marry, they're supposed to create their own family. As much as I love my parents and my sister, it would be difficult to have children of my own—to run a household—under their constant watch."

Ijn gazed at her mother, hoping that was a good response. Her mother gave a reassuring smile as she set her tray down on the coffee table, so she must have redeemed herself.

"Your sister is your twin, yes?" Hyun asked.

"Yes, Sir."

"Does she have any prospects for marriage?"

This question again? Why does she always get mentioned during my interview? Ijn took in a few, slow, breaths. Her father, sensing her distress, gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Somehow, she was able to manage a smile, determined to answer for herself instead of deferring to her father for help. "Min has decided to pursue school first, and then find a husband on her own." Because she doesn't need help arranging for a young man to find her and love her. She has a handle on life. And most importantly, she was forbidden to date until Ijn had secured herself a spouse.

Hyun sat a bit straighter. "What about you? Do you have a desire for an education?"

Another trap question. "I am more suited for vocational school," she said carefully. "My gifts are in art and music. My sister's are in science, math, and literature." Because she's a genius. "What about your son? What is he interested in?"