Authors Note: Team: Kolau Komodo Rhinos, Position: Earthbender, Prompts: Catastrophe, Disbelife, non bender. (1,530 words)
"Alright, all I have to do is sit there, look pretty and go with the flow. That's all that is required of me. Don't stand out, it is just a meet and greet. The last thing I need is the barbarian of an heir to notice me. OK, head up and chest out"! I say giving myself a little mental prep talk
As I walk down the long gold and red marble corridor, the only sound accompany me is the constant clicking of my high heels. I have had to meet many neighboring kingdoms royals. However, this particular kingdoms royals are completely different. Especially, there so called heir to the thrown. From what I know of the heir is small but, that's all I need to know. They are baleful! They would be better off in the army instead of the palace, at least that is what I am told.
Just as I reached the doors to the ball room I can faintly hear the laughter coming from my Father and another. Perhaps, the King of Raomas or maybe the prince?
"Ahh, my daughter how nice of you to join us. May I introduce you to King Tonraq, Queen Seena, and their heir to the thrown Princess Korra. And this is my daughter, Princess Asami. My father says.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Princess Asami. This is my wife and daughter. Came King Tonraq response.
To say that I was shocked would be an understatement. How could these people
be the so-called "abnormal" royals of Raomas that my father has spoken about? Especially the "barbaric" heir to the thrown prince which is actually a princess. They looked perfectly normal, with their matching sun-kissed skin, dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. However, the princess eyes were the most startling blues I have ever seen, they looked like an endless ocean.
Shaking my self from my stupor I curtsied to them as respect.
"It is an honor to welcome the rulers of Raomas into our Kingdom," I say.
"Asami please escort princess Korra around the palace while I discuss matters with the King and Queen". (And keep an eye on her, I don't want her infecting you with her ways.) He whispered in my ear.
Heeding my father's words, I escorted the Raomas Princess through the palace, though with great caution. As I lead her through the many hallways of the palace, I look backward to see how she is only to find an uninterested expression.
"Is there something bothering you Princess Korra?" I asked
"No". came her quick response.
"Then if you don't mind my prying, could you tell me what it is that is causing you to sport such a fowl expression"?
"Do you have a dueling court"? She says completely changing the subject.
" Yes, we do. In fact, it is just ahead. Would you like for me to take you there"?
" Yes please".
(Alright Asami, you can do this, most princess are stuck up and annoying. That is how they are, and she is no less. Just keep your smile and don't give her the satisfaction of seeing you annoyed).
As I lead her into the stables where there is a large black top, which most of the guards have decided to use it as a little matching area. I look towards her and, notice her eyes light up with what I guess is amusement? why would a princess find guards fooling around amusing? truly she is abnormal.
Upon our arrival, the guards automatically stop and get back to place, where they should have been in the start. Nervously the captain of the royal guards approach me and bows deeply.
"Your Highness, welcome, is there anything you would me to assist you with"? He asked
I turn towards Princess Korra, who has a slightly smug grin on her face.
"Here is the dueling court, would you like to tell me now as to why you wanted to go here so suddenly"?
Without so much as a verbal response, she just walks out into the center of the court and orders one of the guards standing near the horse stable to duel her! Is she out of her mind? Why would she do such a ridicules thing?
"Please your Highness, I am not sure this is appropriate". Is the captains response.
"And who might you be"? She questions
"I am Mako, Captain of the royal guards, your Highness".
"Then, I would like for you to duel me".
"Your Highness"! Mako said with disbelief written all over his face.
" Do it"! I interjected
" But"-
"If it is what the Princess wants then who are we to deny her"? I questioned
"As you command". Is all Mako can say.
He unsheathes his swords, nodding to one of his subordinates to give Korra a weapon also. As she takes it, she studies it intently before nodding in satisfaction.
"Pleas do not hold back. Give me your best". Korra said
She looks to me with a huge grin and wild eyes before giving Mako her attention.
The court was filled with silence, as the guards and I watch captain Mako and Princess Korra circle each other, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Korra strikes first, to which no surprise Mako easily deflects. It continues like this, a little sword dance between the two. Both meeting each blow with strength and precision. She moved like water, easily flowing, completely at ease. While Mako moved fast and hard, like fire. It stays like this for a few moments, then everything changes. Korra takes a deep breath and looks directly at Mako, and she just goes still. She made no move to attack just standing there with this grin on her face. And for the first time Mako strikes first, with his swords pointed at her neck. However Korra quickly ducks and managed to swipe Mako off his feet. Taking his swords in the processes, then points his own sword at his neck.
Suddenly the court erupted in applauds and shouts. Even I must admit, to witness a princess duel against the Captain Guard and win was quite the spectacle.
"You did an outstanding job Captain. I wish to duel you again sometime in the future". She says as she reaches out to help Mako up onto his feet.
"Agreed your Highness". He says with a light red tent coloring his cheeks.
After handing Mako back his swords she begins to walk towards me, with a huge grin plastered on her face. My heart suddenly picking up its pace.
"So what did you think Asami? Did you like the little show"?
"Yes, immensely, I thought it was beautiful". (she's beautiful) My face turning red with the sudden thought.
"Where did you learn to move so fluidly"? I asked
"Oh um I guess from my mentor, her name is Katara. She was the first female warrior in Raomas army. I begged my parents to let Katara train me. Of course, they thought it was ridicules for a princess to know sword play but after a year of begging, they finally relented. I'd be happy to teach you a few moves if you are interested"?
But before I could respond a servant rushes up to us and tells me that my father requires our presence.
We walk in a comfortable silence, heading back to the ballroom. My mind filled with thoughts of the strange princess next to me. As we enter into the ballroom I see Korra's father shaking hands with my father.
"Asami, it would seem that the Raomas family will be staying here for a while. Until the King and I can find a solid solution to our trading expenses they shall stay here. I would like for you to show Princess Korra to her chambers". My father says with hint of regret though he tried to hide it, I can easily tell.
Internally groaning, I can just tell this is going to be a catastrophe. Now I'm going to have to keep my feelings in check and be sure no one finds out. But how do I do that when the object of my affections just so happen to live under the same roof as myself. Not to mention the absolute hatred my father has for them.
Turning to give my best smile, I escort her to her room.
"And this will be your room. If you need anything just ask a servant".
"Thank you, Asami". She says suddenly
"For what"?
"For having patience with me earlier. I know I was being a bit rude by not paying attention to what you had to say, then suddenly make you take me to the dueling court. So thank you".
"It's not a problem, I must admit that I enjoyed the little display.
"So are you going to take me up on my offer to teach you"?
"I will have to think on it a while longer if you don't mind"?
"Oh no, it's ok".
"I hope you enjoy your stay here". I say as I close her door.