Lucifer's Bride

CHAPTER 5

　　Warlord Emera stared at his daughter for a minute, when he had prayed to the Creator for a son and the Creator answered his prayers and made his wife pregnant, he had hoped it would be a boy who will take over his position one day but instead, his wife gave birth to a girl. He had loved Juno when he set his eyes on her and made a promise to teach every martial art he knew, but now he is regretting it. How would he convince his ten year old daughter why he had supported his friend; his friend's wife of 20 years had run away with her younger lover leaving behind her children. "Sometimes you don't act like your age Juno and I know even if I tell you no, you will find a way inside the palace before I arrive, fine, you are coming with me, but you must promise not to cause any trouble." The first time he had brought Juno to the palace, she had sneaked into the Empress room, wore her clothes and as if that wasn't enough, she had commanded the Empress to dust her tiny feet. If not for the friendship he had with the Emperor, the Empress would have succeeded in having Juno head.

　　At the age of 10, almost everyone in Ashland has had a taste of his troublesome daughter.

　　"I promise father," Juno said and they both used their eyes to threaten each other

　　Warlord Emera (I won't take you with me, stop me if you can.)

　　Juno ( I know where you hide those expensive wines) Smirking (I will break all of them before you return.)

　　"It's a deal," they both said at the same time and both shook their hands.

　　They soon arrived at the palace and were welcomed with open arms by the palace guards who recognized them.

　　"Where is the Emperor?" Warlord demanded immediately he get down from his horse.

　　"He is in his inner chamber my Lord waiting for you, he personally asked me to bring you to him once you arrive." A guard replied to him, bowing his head slighting in respect.

　　"Lead the way," Warlord said to the guard and then turn to face his daughter, "Juno, you will stay here and do not cause any trouble for anyone, please," Juno nodded her head and he turn his gaze at Rumi, "Watch out for your friend, make sure you both don't get into trouble, but in case Juno doesn't listen to you, you know what to do?" Rumi nodded her head and smiled at him. Warlord Emera went with the guard.

　　"You greeted my father but not me, am I now too small for you guards to see? Don't forget you all passed my father school who then spoke with the Emperor and you were given this very post, I can take it all from you after my father steps down," Juno said to the guards.

　　They started greeting her one after the other.

　　"Next time, don't make me remind you," She said and entered the palace with Rumi.

　　"You shouldn't be talking to them in that way Juno, they are way older than you, if all of them decide to join hands and beat you, you will stand no chance against them." Rumi told her friend.

　　"That was why I started learning self defense at the age of two, I know how to take care of myself, and besides, I was there when they came to learn martial arts from my father, I was their senior."

　　"Even though, just be careful," Rumi said and at that moment, Princess Rica and her two personal female servants were seen, heading towards them in the long corridor. Rumi greeted the Princess, by stopping and going down to her knees and bowing her head, making sure it touches the ground. The servants with the Princess, recognizing Juno, did the same. Rica and Juno both stared into the eyes of each other.

　　"You again, don't you know the rules yet, you bow down to the Princess, daughter to Emperor Ariadne," Rica said after several minutes had passed and Juno made no movement in bowing down to her.

　　"And now in that senseless brain of yours, you have spoken like a Princess which doesn't even suit you, don't forget that we risk our lives to protect you and your father, giving us sleepless nights while you and father both sleep peacefully, you should respect us. Anyway, Rica, respect yourself if you don't want to cry and run to your mother," Juno said without fear and dragged Rumi up to her feet, "Let's go." she added and started walking away.

　　They continued walking down the corridor until they got to the end of the corridor, which led to the back of the palace, where they heard some voices mocking and laughing at someone who crying. Juno started heading towards the voices.