The Unwanted Wife (DISCONTINUED)

2. Why?

"A hundred years ago, the founder of Chi kingdom named himself The Rising Dragon and founded the new rules of the kingdom. In order to maintain the peace and alliances between the influential families, he decided to organize a competition in which young men and women can show off their skills and abilities. Families can choose whomever as their sons' brides. In other words, the competitors themselves have no say in the matter.
The new system was easily accepted among the people and the previous emperors found it helpful...."

"No one knows exactly why the Founder named himself The Rising Dragon. It is rumored that he had a dream about a huge dragon flying above Chi and landing in the same place the Palace is built on later. The Founder saw it as a good sign and started his plans after naming himself The Emperor...."

Kohana stopped reading then raised her eyes from the open book and stared at the relaxed figure across from her seat. She could not understand why he made her read this book over and over without explaining his purpose.

"Young Miss, you should focus on reading", he said without looking at her.
She ignored him and focused on the book in his hands titled "Legends of The South".
Interesting....

"You should read, time cannot be wasted", he insisted firmly.
She sighed heavily then looked at her tutor, studying him. He was her father's childhood friend and his most trusted man. Last month, he volunteered to supervise her studies since her sister is busy preparing for the Competition.
He has hazel eyes, sharp nose and thin mouth that usually stretches into a playful grin. He can be considered handsome if it wasn't for the long scar that runs from his left eye brow to his jaw, courtesy from the rebellious groups who dared to attack five years ago in hopes of breaking Chi Kingdom's defenses.

"Why am I reading this, teacher?" I asked him, knowing he won't answer if I was rude.

"Young Miss. Do you know the reason behind the creation of the competition?"
I shook my head, confused about the sudden question.

"I wonder if the Emperor enjoys this system. Families control their children's future while ensuring powerful alliances. Did you not think it is strange for the Emperor to be happy about it?"

Again, I shake my head not knowing the real answer.
He sighs heavily like I was hard to deal with then looked straight at me and said:
"No one knew why this system was founded. However, every emperor that came in contact with this secret has lived peacefully without any worries or sudden revolutions from the very powerful families."

A thought invaded the young girl's mind and her eyes narrowed at him.
"If they were very powerful as you say then don't they have the power and sources to overthrow the emperor?" I blurted out, not realizing the consequences of such statement.

In a blur, he was in Kohana's face, his right hand covering her mouth.
"Careful, Young Miss. One should never discuss these things so openly. But no one said it was forbidden to think about them." He winked mysteriously and left without a backward glance.

He is right, she thought. What makes the families unwilling to change the system? What makes the Emperor so willing to help them?
He has their loyalties, yes, but some people can't remain loyal and crave power. It is inevitable.

Kohana looked intensely at the harmless book that she was holding few minutes ago.
"There must be something that is holding them back", she mumbled while heading for the door, ready to meet her father The General.

* * * * * * * * * *

Author's Notes:

So.... this is a second update!

To be honest, I tend to lose hope in most of my stories once I reach a dead end.
In other words, I get good ideas for new stories but can't finish them off!

I need to stop being lazy! (A dream that will never come true 😉)

Anyways, enjoy!

P.S: when I upload a chapter or a new story, it's to prove that "I can do it!".
If the story goes wrong or I fail in portraying what I imagine, then I will delete it.

In other words, it is a kind of motivation to force myself to write.

Either ways, I hope the new story is to your liking 😊.

Word count: 734 word (including the Notes!)