30 The Reasons (1/2)
- In the airplane, 2 hours away from Ribekia -
Cain didn't even know where to start. He was against her being pulled into his mess but he knew full well that he had to give her an answer.
Nevertheless, he still didn't want her to know too much as it could potentially be risky for her life. So, after some thinking he finally spoke up.
”Well, let's see... Everyone knows about the existence of the underworld. But what people don't know much about is the way it is operated. Nowadays, many big-scale businesses rely on the protection of the underworld. Moreover, there is a lot of illegal businesses that bring tons of profits. Thus, the more power you have the more fame you get and henceforth more monetary gains.
Before, the organizations, or the families as we call them, would fight each other for territories and resources to obtain more power. There used to be such a bloodshed among the big families that the heads decided to change the rules. According to the new regulations, every 15 years, a ruling family is chosen that has the rights to govern over others. This doesn't prevent the internal fights but it does reduce the amount of bloodshed significantly.
We call the ruling family the royals: with the head being the emperor. Being an emperor is similar to being a CEO: there are shareholders but the ultimate decision still belongs to you.”
He stoped to look at Sia who was now listening to him with outmost attention. Giving her a slight smile he continued,
”Three years before the 15-year-deadline, the ruling emperor names his successors who then fight for the throne. It is the fifteen-year-deadline this year. Most of the candidates for the throne have been eliminated with only two remaining: me known as The Dragon, and Luke Vallauris aka. The Lion.”
He stopped to take a deep breath. He gently reached with his hands and held Sia's small hands. Bringing them to his face he started leaving small kisses on each of them.
”Siana, in this bloody fight, having anyone close to you will be used against you, having someone precious will be seen as a weakness. I didn't want you to be in danger in any way which is why, despite dreaming of our encounter, I couldn't bring myself to get close to you. I couldn't bring myself to risk hurting or, even worse, losing you.”
By the end his voice became slightly emotional. Even if he wanted to conceal it, but just the thought of harming her or, the worst, losing her made him scared. He would rather die than let any harm come to her.
Sia looked thoughtfully at Cain. She had heard about the ruling families but she had no idea about the royals. She could understand his reasoning, but she still had some unanswered questions.
Raising her head she asked directly looking into his eyes,
”It makes sense, but with all that said, how come you are here with me now?”
”It's because of the way you affect me: you turn me into a reckless and an irrational fool in love.
The bodyguards I appointed to you reported about your day with Will, and I couldn't help but feel... jealous... and also anxious that I might lose you. I wanted to meet you, I wanted to make sure that I can still make you mine. I didn't know how, I just wanted to be with you.
As if the gods were on my side, the timing actually allowed me to see you personally. There is only three months left till the 'coronation'. I made sure to distract The Lion by creating an illusion of meeting with a supporter from the underworld, which in reality, I still plan to do. He will never guess that I am being this careful because of a woman. Before he can even suspect about your existence, it will be due the deadline, so he won't pose a danger anymore.”