Summary: AU, my version of Beauty and the Beast. "Tell me dear, who is really the beast?"

Korra watched helplessly as her mother trimmed the ends of her hair. It was tradition for a young woman to have her hair ridden of the dead ends for her future husband. Hair fell like feathers on the ground, cascading down slowly and effortlessly, as if time was dead. "I don't want to get married," Korra swallowed hard, shaking. Tears ran from her eyes weakly. She was only seventeen years old. She had so much waiting for her and everything that she dreamed was over.

Her mother sighed. "Don't cry, dear," her mother wiped her daughter's tears and displayed a smile to her. "He is a good man; a sturdy, reliable man that will take care of you."

"What if I don't want to be taken care of?" Korra snapped. She was frustrated by the rules of the village and how they saw women. A woman's place should be in the kitchen. A woman should be an obedient wife to her husband. A woman should be graceful and poise. A woman should be everything but independent. Why was this? How were women any different than men? Korra didn't need anyone to protect her. She was strong and she was capable of so much more than being an obedient possession of her future husband for the rest of her life. Korra wanted to see the world and open more doors for women.

"Of course, I know you are capable of taking care of yourself," Senna chuckled. "I know you can take down a whole army of soldiers but there's nothing wrong with someone to be there protecting you." Senna placed the scissors down and began to brush her daughter's knotted hair. She applied a substance to make her daughter's hair shine and along with that, white flowers. "There's nothing wrong with security and your father and I want to be assured that you'll be in good hands when we're not around."

Korra laughed. "You talk as if you and father were as old as Widow Katara." Widow Katara was a frail widow that lost her husband many years ago and also secretly taught Korra how to fight. "And besides, he is nearly father's age." Korra couldn't help but to shudder. The idea of being married to a man that was nearly as old as her father disturbed her.

"Nearly," her mother added. "He is eight years younger than your father."

She saw her mother's face wince in the mirror. She knew that her mother wasn't so happy about the age of Korra's future husband either.

Her mother's fingers touched her cheek. "Now close your eyes," her mother instructed.

"Do I have to?" Korra muttered.

"Don't you want to look nice for your husband? After all it is your wedding tonight."

"No."

Senna glared at her reluctant daughter. "Close your eyes," she said calmly, masking her annoyance. Korra listened and allowed her mother to put makeup on her face. Korra suppressed a giggle when her mother applied shimmer on her eyelids and blush. "I'm almost done," Senna said as she finished off applying make up. "And...there," she said with satisfaction.

Korra stared at the girl in the mirror. The girl was wearing a white dress made made delicate and sheer fabric with pearls stitched at the bodice. The girl's hair was fine and silky to set her flawless, sculpted face. She could not recognize herself. This girl...this -girl in the mirror was feminine and beautiful...two things Korra was not. She did could not see herself and she knew that she wouldn't be herself anymore.

You can no longer wear your hair like that. That hairstyle is for a wild maiden, you are going to be a wife. You must look like a presentable, respectful wife. You must quit your job and studies. The only studies you should be interested is in arts and literature. You can't venture off to the forests. Having a dog is inappropriate when there will be children in the house.

Korra heard all the voices of her teachers and aunts. She shook her head. She didn't want to change herself. She didn't want to be spineless.

Her mother grasped her daughter's shoulders. "You look beautiful," she breathed.

"I don't want to get married," Korra turned and collapsed into her mother's arms. She did not want to spend her youth bearing many children to man she barley knew. He had visited their village for a meeting with the town leader. She had only spoken to him twice at social gatherings out of kindness since he was appeared lonely. She wished she hadn't spoken to him. If she didn't, he wouldn't ask for permission of her hand.

"You're just nervous. Korra he loves you and you shouldn't worry about anything."

Korra shuddered at the love. Love. That was not love. He barely knew her and yet he wanted to marry her. That was not love. Love is delicate. It does not occur so easily, it took time. Why did men have the choice of picking their partners? Why not women? She rather be married to a wolf than him but she knew she couldn't escape the marriage. The only reason why she agreed his proposal was because her father was sick and the money from the marriage would give her father the best healers and doctors. Her future husband was wealthy and it was normal for men to give large sums of money to the family for approval. "I know," Korra sighed, forcing a smile.

"Shh," her mother soothed her. She rubbed Korra's back and held her tighter. "You'll understand someday and you'll thank me later."

The words of comfort only made Korra cried.

His hand was on her shoulder, leading her to his home. She was breathing heavily, knowing what was to come but she had no choice but to go in his home.

She was his wife now.

"I'm sorry that the ride had to be long," he bit his lip.

They had immediately went to his home after the wedding ceremony. He lived far away from her village and Korra had lost count of time after four hours. Over four hours. Away from her family. It made her heart ache even more. "It's alright," she answered, keeping her thoughts to herself.

He smiled and kissed her.

Korra did her best not to cringe. He was actually attractive, the most handsome man she had ever seen, but she did not care of how he looked. He was a stranger to her and Korra wasn't the kind of girl to love appearances over character. "You have a lovely home," she commented, her eyes widening. A home wasn't a word for it. Castle. Mansion maybe. Everything was so beautiful and elaborate and Korra had never seen so many servants before. She had none but her good friends had at least two.

He chuckled. "Thank you but it's your home as well too."

Korra laughed uneasily. "Yeah," she swallowed.

She watched as he gestured the servants to stop everything they were doing. The servants gathered in a straight, single filed line. "This is my wife," he told them. "Please treat her respectfully and teach her along the way."

"Teach me?" she raised her eyebrow. "What do you mean, Tarrlok?"

Tarrlok turned to her with a charming smile. "I'm aware that you didn't grow up in the same environment as me and surely would it make you more comfortable if you knew more of this lifestyle?"

Korra forced herself to nod.

The servants bowed to her and greeted her with great courtesy.

All Korra could do was to nervously smile. "It's nice to meet you - all of you- actually," she stuttered, grinning uneasily.

The servants painted a false pleased smile and left once they were released.

"Let me show you to our room," Tarrlok pulled her by the arm. He led her upstairs. Korra couldn't help but to awe at the grand staircase. So beautifully carved...she thought to herself. It would be nice to slide down...Her eyes widened seeing more flights of stairs and the painted ceiling of the sky blue sky and cotton candy clouds. Korra grinned to herself. It's going to be a great adventure exploring this huge place. "This way," he chuckled, stopping her at the second floor.

Korra's fear returned to her. She could do this. Her mother and grandmother told her that she had to be submissive and do everything the man wanted to do in bed. They told her she cannot refuse or back down on him, especially on a wedding night. Personally, Korra thought this was ridiculous but she was fearful of him. She did not know anything about him or what he was capable of. And a part of her did wanted to please him. He was from a fine life and while she was a simple village girl. He could have anyone with his good looks and yet he chose her; a wild, scatter brain, rebellious girl that knew nothing of luxury.

He opened the door and she found the chandelier was lit and bright, red roses scattered everywhere, and wine and expensive chocolate on the nightstand. She eyed the wardrobe and say a peak of shimmering gowns. He had already bought her clothes. She turned pale, realizing that the servants were already planning for this night.

Tarrlok released her and leaned down to kiss her on the lips gently. She quickly responded to the kiss. She wanted to please him. She felt like she owed him her life for giving wealth to her family. Her hands went to his groomed hair and she let him scoop her. Adrenaline was pumping in her veins but she ignored it and kissed him more passionately.

There was no meaning in her kisses and she felt nothing from his passionate kisses. His kisses to her were plain and lifeless for she did not love him...but she knew she would learn to in time.

She shuddered, feeling him place her down on the mattress with silk sheets. He left from her mouth, and stared at her, breathing heavily. He smiled at her with loving eyes. She blankly stared at him. "Do you want to...?" he turned red. He stroked her lips.

No. She did not want to lose her virginity to man she did not love. She nodded.

She watched indifferently as he slowly kissed his way down, stripping her bit by bit. He pulled on each of her ribbons and bindings until she was bare. He stared at her and quickly kissed her. "I'll be good to you."

She wanted to cry. She didn't want to lose her virginity. She wanted to give it someone she loved. She felt like she was hurting him by giving him false feelings. Korra nodded again and helplessly watched him undress himself. She closed her eyes.

It'll be over.

It'll be over soon.

Early morning came slowly. Korra swallowed hard, her eyes shot open from their night. She did not sleep at all. She was naked still, and he was sleeping. His arms were snaked around her tightly, holding her as if she was a teddy bear. Korra was scarred from her first time. She did not show her pain to him and let him take her. Each time she cried, she simply told him she was happy and he believed her.

Korra carefully escaped his arms and snuck in a pillow as a replacement. She stumbled. She was sore but at least the bleeding had stopped. At least. She went inside the bathroom that was in the room.

Korra rinsed her face and mouth and brushed her hair. She went back to the room and dug into her wardrobe. There was nothing but beautiful dresses. The only beautiful dresses she owned were for rare occasions. She picked none of the lovely dresses but instead chose one of the dresses she had brought. It was a plain, sky blue dress, perfect for getting dirty. She gathered her bindings and undergarments and a knitted shawl her grandmother knitted as well and got dressed.

She dressed herself and quietly went downstairs. There was no one. So...people don't get up at five- thirty in the morning? She felt her heart drop. At this time in her old home, she would be going outside to fetch water and vegetables and fruit for breakfast.

"Breakfast," she said to herself. "I can make Tarrlok a nice breakfast...and probably for the servants too. They should have a nice breakfast for the beginning of a long day." She wanted to treat the servants nicely. She respected servants greatly since she used to work as one. Her old bosses treated her as if she wasn't human and she wouldn't want to do the same to the servants.

She found a way out of the huge mansion. She bit her lip. She knew nothing of her new surroundings..."Perhaps I should check what he has in his garden" she muttered. She rather make do than to get lost. She went back into the room and grabbed her basket and went to the garden.

Her eyes widened. His backyard was enormous. Korra felt as if she was in the deepest parts of a forest. She walked around, learning of her new surroundings. She picked vegetables and placed them in her basket securely. She had never seen such nice, perfect vegetables before. Each vegetable was plump and full of healthy color.

"I hope he likes a nice vegetable omelet and a stew," she smiled, feeling proud of herself for doing things on her own.

She stood in place, gazing in awe of the sight. There was nothing but flowers - roses - beautiful roses. Roses were not native in her village. The only roses saw were of in books. She smiled. Roses. Red. Yellow. Pink. Orange.

Her eyes widened, seeing a man cut off several roses.

She ran to him. "Stop," she raised her voice. The man looked up at her. His face was full of confusion. "Why are you killing the roses?" she asked. How can anyone cut such beautiful flowers?

The man laughed so hard that he dropped his clippers. "I'm not killing the roses."

Korra's eyes furrowed. "You were cutting them!"

"That's how you take care of roses. It's like cutting your nails."

Blood pumped to her cheeks. "I didn't know," she whispered meekly. She hated when her ignorance got to her. "Where I'm from, roses don't grow there. I only see them in books."

"That would make sense. I never seen anyone from here cry out for someone cutting roses." he flashed a smile at her and her anger for him ceased. The man was handsome, in an intimidating way. He was tall and muscular and the color of soft chestnuts, a shade lighter than her; and wild, dark brown hair that was at his neck. He had blue eyes that were so solid that they looked like a precious stone to her. He took off his gloves and wiped the sweat and dirt from his face. "You must be the new wife," he shook her hand. "I'm Noatak."

"Hello, my name is Korra," she quickly snatched her hand away. His eyes widened slightly, as if he looked hurt. Quickly, she opened her mouth. "So what do you do besides chop off heads of innocent flowers?" she wondered, unable to escape from her sense of humor.

Noatak laughed and all was forgotten. "I'm a gardener and carpenter. Why do you have a basket of raw vegetables?" He stared at the basket.

"Oh, I'm going to use them to make breakfast for everyone."

"You do realize you are Mr. Tarrlok's wife?"

Korra laughed. "Of course. I'm not that stupid."

"Well, he has servants for a reason. They are responsible for taking care of you and your husband."

Her face fell. She couldn't cook? She spent years cooking alongside with her mother...not cooking was like she wasn't going to breathe anymore. What next? She wasn't allowed to clean? Those were things her mother had taught her! "Well, if I beat them to it, they don't have to cook," she grinned. She felt that if she couldn't cook, it was like she had no other purpose.

"I know Mr. Tarrlok won't like the idea."

"I barely know him but I'll find out soon."

"Well I'm not allowed to upset you so I'll let you do that then," he shrugged, hiding a smirk. Korra rolled her eyes. "He's not an early bird like you," he put back on his gloves and began to cut the roses. "I'll warn you, he's not a morning person and you have to be careful with his temper."

"Sounds fun," she added dryly. "I like a challenge." She leaned and smelled a rose. "The rose smells so sweet," she couldn't help but to giggle.

Noatak

He looked at her as she bent down to to pick a rose. He couldn't help but to like her. She was beautiful. She was clever. She wasn't like anyone else. His eyes focused on her as she twisted the stem to break it off. She dropped the rose and sneered.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"A thorn," she mumbled.

"Can I see?" She gave him her hand. Her hand was so soft...so smooth. He held her hand close to his face and saw trickles of deep blood spill from her hand. Out of natural reaction, he sucked the blood from her finger.

Korra quickly pulled away.

"I'm sorry," he stuttered. "It's a bad habit every time I see a cut." He gathered his things and went further away from her before she could say anything.

She followed him, watching him with interest as he tended to the plants, "There's so many plants. How do you tend all of them?"

"There are many other gardeners but I like to work extra early before them."

Korra screamed.

Noatak dropped his watering can and rushed to her. He pulled her up from the ground. "Are you okay? What happened?"

"I stepped on something," she blushed. He lifted her skirt slightly. Her feet were covered in mud and blood. He had her sit down on the ground. He expected her feet. She had a deep wound from many thorns and sharp spikes in her feet.

"Why aren't you wearing shoes?" he shook his head.

"I forgot," she blushed harder. She watched him intently with interest as he picked each thorn and spikes. He was careful and she couldn't help but to admire his concentration. Korra couldn't help but blush. His hair looked so soft...He tore a long piece of his shirt and tore them a second time to bind both of her feet.

He shook his head at her. "I can't see why you forgot to wear shoes." She stuck her tongue at him out of spite. "Let me take you inside to treat your feet before they get infected." Before Korra could protest, he scooped her in his arms. She was in his arms, quietly. She didn't know what to say. She was too lost for words.

Korra winced. The cloth was not filled with water. It was something different but she knew it was something that people used when they could afford better care.

"I'm sorry that it stings," he frowned. He dabbed her foot more softly. She blushed harder. "Well I hope it'll teach you to wear your shoes next time," he laughed to himself.

Korra couldn't help but to smile.