"You didn't leave him to die? What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing's wrong with me, it's Aang that wanted to go back and save him. He didn't want him to freeze." - I didn't want him to freeze, but that hardly needed to be said, given the current situation. She kept her eyes on the ceiling, and shook her head as Zula spun her around. "What was that for?"
"They need to pin up the rest of the flowers on your back. Honestly."
Katara smiled disarmingly and thanked the princess.
"Aren't you having anyone else when they say the words over you?"
"Having what?"
"You are a peasant, girl. In a civilized wedding, you have attendants around you. Girls you know who can answer the ritual." Zula uncrossed her arms at Katara's blank stare. She began, sing-song:
"The bride's the maid
The bride's been made
The ladies left left behind
Their husbands own will find-
(and then something I don't remember,)
The lady that's been found today
Will no longer have her say-
...and then they sing a couple songs sometimes, if it's done right - and I can assure you, my father will be doing this wedding justice. Anyway."
"Right," said Katara, voice nervous. "Do- I have to memorize any of this?"
"No. You just stand there like a good girl and take what they dish out. And then that's all for the rest of your life." Zula showed her teeth. "Make nice little Fire Nation babies. Sign nice little Fire Nation papers saying they'll destroy your home tribe but you're alright with that. Hear the nice little Fire Nation people tell each other what a slut you are for being with that Aang boy before my brother had y-"
"Stop it!"
The eyebrow raised in perfect time with the smirk. "Little sister-in-law, I'm only trying to harden your skin. You'll hear it more from others than ever from me. Oh, don't lie to yourself. You're out of your depth here. They can promise not to kill your Avatar. They can give your brother warrior status for fighting near to death. They can call you queen, because my brother commands it, and it's my brother they'll be having to bow to. But don't expect them ever to like you. Expect hate, and you won't be disappointed."
Zula watched the water girl's straight back, her sculpted hair. She watched, from the back, as the girl's jaw clenched. "Good then," the Fire Nation princess added. "I don't want another weakling in my family." Katara looked over her shoulder, and Zula invited her to share the smile. "So," she added. "Anyone to say the words, or will you be going that alone, as well?"