Lady Azalea

Prologue.

Death is no one's worst nightmare. That might sound strange, but it's the truth. No one fears death anymore. Actually, people here beg for the death.

I used to be one of them, until one certain day.

The terrible conditions here, in our village Yukaia, ruined the lives of almost everyone. However, no one dares to tell the Emperor. After the old Emperor died and the new Emperor, his son, took over, this town has been dragged into many more wars. The cause of all the chaos, is the Amida, a group rebels. They've already tried to kill the Emperor several times because they want to take over Miyako and rule it with an iron fist.

The Emperor might not be the best ruler, but everyone knows the Amida is much worse. Everyone would rather have an ignorant idiot than a group of radical barbarians. Sure, people fear both of them, but they had accepted their fates. If you did not fear any of them, they'd make you fear them. Or die.

Even the most important people and the people closest to the Emperor fear him. He's known to be cold and heartless, not because of all the wars, but because of the constant need to avenge his father.

The old Emperor was killed right in front of his 17-year old son and his wife by the leader of the Amida. 3 years ago, on the sixth of February at midnight, New Year's Eve, he was murdered in cold blood. Even I remember it. My twin-brother, Yushimera Kae - Yushi - and me secretly happened to be there.

Our grandma had forbid us to go because she had the feeling something bad was going to happen, but we didn't listen to her. After our parents died when we were four years old, our grandparents took us in and since then, my brother and me lived in Yukaia.

We were walking around on the square when the leader of Amida sliced the Emperor's head of his body. I remember Yushi pulling me into his arms to prevent me from seeing it, but it was already too late.

I remember exactly how his head hit the ground and the screams that rose from the crowd, the frightened people running around us, the fireworks that suddenly exploded and--

I blinked.

"Azalea, are you coming?" The voice of my grandmother, Nami Kae, rang through my head and I nodded slowly. My eyes drifted to my reflection and there was a blue pair of eyes staring back at me.

My hair was tied up in a high bun accessorized with a pink flower called the Momo flower, representing a fascinating personality. I stood up from the light wooden crutch and inhaled deeply. I wiped the invisible dust of my light pink kimono and smiled at myself.

You are Azalea Kae, sister of Yushimera Kae, daughter of Hayato Kae, granddaughter of Ushioda Kae, Chief of the village Yukaia--

"Hurry up dear!" My grandmother yelled from outside and I hurried towards her. Tears were able to be seen in her eyes and I hugged her tightly.

"Don't worry grandma, I'll be fine. I'll make you, granddad and Yushi proud," I assured her.

"I know you will, darling, you always do."

I smiled sadly and let go of the older lady. Right after I let go of her, I got caught in a new hug. "You're going to do great," Yushi whispered, "you look so pretty, Aza."

"Thank you, Yushi," I blushed lightly.

"I still cannot believe that my granddaughter is one of the 11 chosen girls to live in the Emperors Palace for a whole year," grandfather said, proud covering his voice.

"I know granddad, it's so unrealistic, there goes my little sister," Yushi teased.

"And I will be back in no-time, to do my rightful duty," I smirked, "to annoy my dearest brother."

"Ha, ha," he laughed sarcastically, "guess who's not going to miss you?"

We all laughed, but the laughter soon died when the gates of Yukaia opened and showed four men, seated each on a black horse. One of them was holding a cord stuck to the halter of a fifth horse, white as snow. "Behold! Make space for the Emperors samurais!" one of the men called out. The people that were walking around on Yukaia's square hurried off the street. Everyone stopped moving, some were scared for bad news we usually got, others were curious.

"We're here for Lady Azalea Kae, granddaughter of Ushioda Kae, Chief of Yukaia."

As I took a step forward and the men's horses stepped onto the square, they saw me and immediately turned towards me. Yushi was next to me, giving me a reassuring smile, calming my nerves.

"Are you Lady Azalea?" The man with pitch black hair asked me as he slid off his saddle and walked up to me.

"Yes," I breathed out, "I'm her."

He smiled at me. "I'm Aduchi Naru, my men and I are here to accompany you to the Emperors Palace. If I'm right you are able to ride a horse, my Lady?"

I nodded, "I am indeed able to ride a horse, yes."

"Good," Aduchi said, "say your goodbyes to your family and we can go."

I turned around and my grandmother pulled me in a hug once again, supported by my grandfather. After I let go, I hugged Yushi for the last time before me and Aduchi climbed on our horses. The stranger went upfront and his men quickly followed him, making me the last one leaving to pass the gates of Yukaia. I looked over my shoulder to my beloved village, my beloved family and my beloved friends and smiled.

Then I focused my gaze infront of me again, to my future. To the rising sun we would pass to reach the Emperors Palace.

And for the first time ever, I wasn't scared, I didn't fear anything. On the other hand, I was fully relaxed, I was ready. Ready for everything.

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For reading, have a good day! :)

The other Chapters will be longer, promise.

Xx. Mare <3