"Little girls, this seems to say / Never stop upon your way / Never trust a stranger friend / No-one knows how it will end / As you're pretty, so be wise / Wolves may lurk in every guise / Now as then, 'tis simple truth / Sweetest tongue has sharpest tooth." - The Company of Wolves


The night is thick with stars when he first sees her. She stands in the gardens with discontent written on her face, the soft light of the party reflecting onto her pale face. They distant sounds of the court music and the light chatter of nobles can be heard, but he tunes everything out. She is out here for the same reason he is, surely. Ozai can't stand parties. Not only because he prefers his solitude but because it is unbearable to stand witness to his father lay countless compliments upon his brother and receive none himself.

He approaches, slowly, quietly, like approaching a timid animal. He is scared he will scare her off if he simply announces his presence. Upon closer inspection he notices that she wears the traditional robes of Hira'a, the island state from the south. He wonders if she is related to Avatar Roku, but does not ask.

In an uncommon moment of apprehension, he fingers the sleeves of his robes, unsure of what to say to her. She is beautiful and the moon is high and he does not trust himself. He does not often court women, like his brother. His wonderings are cut short when she turns around, first seeing his long royal robes in the dewy grass and quickly looking up to see his face. Ozai watches her physically stiffen and blink rapidly.

"Your majesty," she breathes, "forgive me, I-" Ozai cuts her off with a simple wave of his hand.

"There is no need for that." He takes a steps towards her and peers over the party for a moment, then he looks back to her. Her gaze is locked onto his, and he notices her eyes. They are darker than his, like dark rich amber.

"You are the granddaughter of Avatar Roku, aren't you?" He asks calmly, not breaking eye contact. She immediately looks down and inhales shakily. This is a delicate subject. Of course it must be, he mentally scolds himself, after the shame on her family.

"Yes, Prince Ozai. I am Ursa Miyagi." She looks ashamed. Without thinking about it, he reaches out to gently grasp her chin and make her look him in the eyes. He is a full head higher than her, but it still feels very intimate for mere acquaintances. She wonders what her parents would think.

"Do not worry about that. I would not judge you for crimes you did not commit." He takes his hand away from her. The contact was inappropriate. Suddenly, her gaze changes a bit. She takes him in for the first time. Not many people talk about the second prince. Young ladies, mostly, because he is young and handsome. Ozai is his name. She thinks of the things people have said about him. Brilliant, talented, but overshadowed by his brother. Cold as ice, they say about the second born, ruthless. Ursa does not know him and wishes if she should. She is not afraid, she does not know fear, but she is still apprehensive to make a personal connection with a prince. Especially one so intimidating.

"Thank you," she says gently, "Not everyone here in Caldera thinks that way."

"Mm," he replies, "Yes. This city can be very intransigent." He is looking back at the party and Ursa studies his face. He speaks like a noble, but he is still so young. He couldn't be that much older than her. His jaw and his nose are sharp, but his skin and his hair are smooth, and he reeks of wealth. Something about him is a bit unsettling, though. There is something not quite right with him. Something tells him he is no Prince Charming. There is something dark in his gaze, however kind he seems to be.

"Is that why you left the party?" She asks, and immediately regrets it. She does not know how to talk to royalty. She is surprised when Ozai chuckles in response.

"Not exactly. It's only that I do not care for large crowds." She huffed lightly in agreement. She looked upon his now smirking face. She thinks she likes his smile better. IT makes him seem lighter.

"Neither do I," she paused, "I needed some air." Ozai smiled gently, observing her silken kimono. He liked her. She wasn't like most girls in court that he never gave the time of day. He turned to fully face her.

"This must be a bit of a shock, coming to the capital from Hira'a." She almost takes insult, but realises that he had not meant it in a demeaning way. She is from a humble coastal town, after all.

"Yes. We do not have parties like this." She nods and then tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear, still looking at the party. She wants to return now. She is weary of this conversation, even though he has said nothing of alarm. Ursa notices that he is staring at her, but she does not look back at him. She is afraid it will be inappropriate. Instead, she looks down at the red roses. Ozai reaches down and picks one, and hands it to her.

"To compliment your beauty." His voice is quiet and like silk. She immediately shifts, meeting his gaze with wide eyes as she looks to the flower. He was the Prince. She was just a minor noble's daughter. She realizes that he must not care. Somehow her heart soars. She wants to return the compliment, but she just stares up in him.

"Walk with me. I promise I won't talk too much." He smiles again and holds out his arm. She accepts it and walks with him. His arm is strong and she blushes. The rose has pricked her and she drops it, the blood on her fingers forgotten when she melts under his gaze.

A/N: I hope you like this. Please review if you want more! I will probably continue this soon. It will be fragmented scenes and chapters.