"So, what do you think?" I heard Jingam's voice as I glanced over my shoulder, finding him standing behind me. He regarded me a soft smile that I returned innocently. "What did I think of what, lord Jingam?" "The garden, of course." He said, lifting his eyes as he surveyed the scenery with me. I brought my gaze back to the view before me. "It's wonderful. Lotus is my favorite flower and it's my family's crest." "I know." Said Jingam softly, he lowered himself, taking the space beside me. "That's why I had them planted. This used to be a koi pond, but I thought it'd be a nice surprise for whenever you come to visit again. I just didn't think it'll take you five long years to come back." "Lord Jingam." I feign my overwhelmed enthusiasm. "Don't tell me you had the pond converted into lotus garden especially for me?" "Why of course. There's nothing more I want than to see my little bird happy." My little bird? The delight wiped away from my eyes and my smile faded. I couldn't hide the surprise that came over me when he used the word my. The smile on Jingam's cheeks wiped away when he noticed my surprise. "Didn't you know?" I shook my head, "didn't know what?" "Has your brother not told you?" That very phrase turned my ears numb. Yuanji is filled with tricks and surprises. Of course, my brother would not tell me anything. "Eldest brother likes keeping me in the dark. I'm afraid, I don't know what's going on." "I promised your brother I'll marry you as soon as you're at marrying age. Your brother can be quite persistent. He brought you here to be my wife."

Highest rank #1 in Adventure # 1 in FantasyAdventure Ling-ling was struggling financially when a proposition too good to pass fell on her lap. It is a proposal to marry someone. The dowry is big and the family is one of the richest in town. The contract guaranteed her financial security, not only for her, but for her entire family. But, there's a catch and it's a catch that would make her think otherwise. Her groom to be died six months ago from a car accident, so, this means she'll enter a marriage without a husband...or...will she? ***This story is influenced by, "The Ghost Bride", by Yangsze Choo***

To the country she was born to, she is Princess Le-anne, bastard child of the king. To the empire she is sold to, she is Lady Wei Li Lian... the traitorous spy. But who is she really? A beauty within her own right, all she ever wanted was a peaceful, ordinary life, maybe exploring and traveling the different lands while she was at it. But when she accidentally caught the eagle eye of her estranged royal father, he saw the potential in her and quickly made plans of his own for her. She was given a single mission: seduce the emperor of the enemy nation of Nevoria and become his empress for the betterment of her own country. Simple, right? She only had to train and excel at everything since an early age. Then once reaching the proper age, make her way through Nevorian court, all the while dodging the vipers of the harem, sending secret missives to her nation, scheming her way to the throne, etc. It was as easy as that. But why didn't anyone warn her how difficult it would be to deal with the enigmatic emperor? They can't go a single day without one triumphing over the other in every sense. All that she had prepared and trained for flew out of the window whenever she stared into those pair of flirtatious, amused eyes that masked the cold, sinister intention behind them. Was it too late to back out now? _____________________________ Cover By Ei_Daisuki

Highest rank #1 in Historical He glared at me with irritation. "Come inside!" ...And I did. He pointed to the stack of books on the floor. "Pick them up and arrange them the way they're supposed to." With trembling hands, I did what he asked quickly. Fret in the way I moved, picking up the books into my arms and lap one by one only for them to fall back on the floor over and over. I was a mess, upset, and it was obvious. This wasn't the kind of first meeting I dreamed of. The second prince was mean, and he was irritable. He had no clue who I am which made me resent it even more. He scowled as he watched me made mistakes after mistakes and after a while, he grew frustrated and bent over, picking the books himself. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to snarl at you the way I did. I'm not used to being distracted. No one ever walks in my office unless they have my permission. I don't even know how the guardsmen let you in." I wanted to say because unlike you, they recognized who I am. But I kept my mouth shut in fear of aggravating his anger. His voice took a lot gentler tone, I imagined he must've realized how upset I was and felt bad about it. I said nothing. When we're done, I rose up to my feet, couldn't wait to get out of this room. This man was so impolite to me that I couldn't wait to get away from him. "I apologize, your highness. I didn't mean to distract you in your private office." I stepped back getting ready to leave when a sliver of sunlight struck highlighting my face. "Wait!" He murmured and I turned back to look at him. "You're beautiful." He said breathlessly. I would have blushed, but he was so mean and rude to me that his compliment lost its impact long ago. "I need to go," I told him. "Wait." A wave of panic rose in the tide of his voice. The prince was afraid to lose me. "What's your name, girl?" He asked quickly. "Jasmine, my name is Jasmine, your highness." "My Jasmine?" He murmured hopeful.

Being a second wife is rather like learning to perfect a set of aerial maneuvers. There are seriously complicated stunts involved: trapezing around the first wife, learning when to appear and disappear at exactly the right moments, tolerating your mother in law, enduring the concubines, and getting the husband in your bed. No one expects to be a second wife. No one does.