High up on a mountain called Olympus, where the clouds were as soft as fluffy pillows, lived the Roman gods and goddesses. One of the most important goddesses was Juno. She was beautiful, with a kind smile, and always carried herself like a true queen.

Now, the king of all the gods was Jupiter. He was mighty, could throw lightning bolts, and had a booming laugh. Jupiter thought Juno was the most wonderful goddess of all, and he wanted, more than anything, to marry her.

But Juno was a thoughtful goddess. She liked Jupiter, but she wasn't quite ready to say "yes" just like that. She wanted to be sure.

Jupiter knew he had to show Juno how much he truly cared. So, he came up with a very clever, and a little bit sneaky, plan. One day, he transformed himself into a small, rather sad-looking cuckoo bird. Then, using his powers, he made a big, blustery storm appear right where Juno was walking. The wind howled, rain poured down, and thunder rumbled!

The little cuckoo bird (who was really Jupiter, remember!) fluttered weakly and landed near Juno, shivering and looking very cold and scared.

Juno, who had a big, warm heart, saw the poor bird. "Oh, you little thing!" she exclaimed. "You must be freezing!" She gently scooped up the cuckoo and held it close to her chest, trying to warm it with her own kindness.

Just as the bird began to feel safe and warm, poof! It transformed back into the mighty Jupiter, standing right there in her arms! Juno was very surprised, her eyes wide.

Jupiter looked at her with a gentle smile. "Juno," he said, "I became this little bird to show you that even the king of gods needs kindness and warmth. I wanted to be close to your good heart. Will you marry me?"

Juno looked at Jupiter. She saw not just the powerful king, but someone who had shown a softer side, someone who valued her compassion. And because she had felt such care for the little bird, she understood something important about looking after someone. She smiled and said, "Yes, Jupiter, I will."

They had the most magnificent wedding on Mount Olympus! And from that day on, Juno became the special goddess of marriage. She watched over all the couples who promised to love and care for each other. She reminded everyone that marriage was about kindness, understanding, and keeping promises, just like she had shown to that little (not-so-little) cuckoo bird. And that's how the queen of the gods also became the protector of happy homes.

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