Jerren and Ami on Jurai Part 4

Part 4: Parting ways for now

Early the next day, Jurian guards rousted the Mercurians from their tents forcing them into queues where some kind of medical personnel gave them a once over before they were dragged away to the slave auction. Two guards pushed into Jerren and Ami’s tent.
"Get up!” a guard commanded, punctuating his order with a swift blow to Jerrens’ stomach with his pike. “You are coming with us!" Jerren and Ami woke up alarmed and frightened as they looked at the two guards.
"What!? Where’s the fire at?” Jerren reacted in surprise and pain, “Did something happen?"
“Who’s in trouble?” Ami asked in alarm.
"Emperor Azuza and Empress Misaki have ordered your presence immediately!” said the second guard.
"Them again?” said Jerren yawning. “Did we break another one of their rules we didn't know about?"
"You will know whatever the royalty wants you to know!" The guard snarled.

The guards cuffed the pair and marched them to a transport which travelled uneventfully back to the castle of Emperor Azuza.
Half an hour after arriving at the castle the duo were shown into the throne room.
"You may leave us now!” Azuza said snapping his fingers at the guards. They bowed their heads in respect and left the room leaving Jerren and Ami at the mercy of Emperor Azuza and Empress Misaki.
"Today you will know who you will be serving!”Azuza intoned his eye moving from Jerren before turning to Ami.
"For you, human girl, you will work with the other females in the upper chamber sewing clothes for the royal members of both the Misaki and Kamiki family!” Empress Misaki spoke imperiously.
"Oh, um, thank you,” said Ami, “I thought I was going to work in the mines or something.”
“That option was on the table,” said Misaki, “But we decided we would rather put your talents to work for us. Understand, the work will be hard and you will not be coddled child...” Misaki smiled cruelly making Ami wince and turn away. Azuza turned his attention to Jerren.
"Now then, for you, human boy….” said Azuza, “You have already been sold, but….not to just anyone. You have been sold to my daughter, Princess Ayeka.”
"Wait….Your daughter?” Jerren exclaimed in surprise, “If you expect me to serve a chick, then my friend, we’re definitely going to have a problem!”
"I am not your friend, and it is not debatable, slave!” Azuza responded sternly, “You WILL serve my daughter!”
"Oh, do not look so dejected,” Misaki chipped in. “She is a far better fate than the cruel master you were going to serve under. She is just, merciful and lenient...” Misaki placed her hand over her mouth to hide her chuckle.
“...not to mention vain, spoiled and a handful...” She whispered to herself.
"Alright,” said Jerren lowering his head. “I'll serve her...like I have a choice!"
"Oh and one last thing,” said Azuza wrinkling his nose, “Those rags you are wearing must go!"
"You mean our clothes?” said Jerren and Ami in unison, surprised at the royal decree.
"Yes!” replied Azuza, “Those pitiful rags are not fit for any working member of the Misaki household. From now on, you will wear what we give you to wear!”
"Oh, for a minute there I thought you meant...wait, we like our clothes!” Ami protested, “We..."
"I said you will wear what we give you and that is final!" Azuza stated. “Report to the Castle steward for your new uniforms, after that you will report to your designated masters, do I make myself clear?”
"Yes sir….!” they said in unison, lowering their heads.
"It is ‘your highness's!” said Misaki, “Call us ‘your highness's’!"
"Yes your highness's!” they sighed, then walked out the door down the hall.
Escorted to the Castle stores, Jerren and Ami were separated by the steward to change their clothes. The pair reunited shortly thereafter, looking at each other in their new servant attire. Jerren had traded his black shirt and pants for a green shirt and pants with brown boots, while Ami had swapped her white shirt, blue vest and blue skirt for a pink and blue dress with sandals.
"You...You look nice!” Jerren said as he blushed at Ami.
"You look nice yourself….” Ami replied shyly back, “For a slave I guess. So I guess this is goodbye….”
"I guess so….” said Jerren, “But don’t be sad, we'll see each other again when the time is right.”
"Yes we will, and who knows, maybe we'll have some interesting adventures along the way.”
They parted ways in opposite directions. Jerren was led by a Jurain guard to a room where two girls turned to look at him....

to be continued.......