Zuko pulled out Katara's chair as she took her seat next to him. Everybody stood until they sat down. Once people started to eat the mood lightened a bit.
Katara felt the eyes of fire nation people sizing her up. She took her fork fiddling with the food not hungry.
"What's the matter? Is it not what you're use to?" Uncle had leaned in whispering to Katara.
"Oh! No. The foods fine." Katara forced a smile.
"I wasn't asking about that." Uncle chuckled.
Katara looked around at the fine dressed people talking about politics and riches.
She slowly shook her head. "It's just a tad different."
"You'll get use to it in no time." Uncle smiled at her. "Try the tea, it's very delicious."
Katara took a small sip noticing it was very hot. She continued to look around at the people. Sokka had instantly taken a liking to the place once they gave him food. What was he on? His fifth helping?
Katara slightly chuckled.
"So.. Princess Katara. What's it like at the South Pole?" Azula asked sending a smile towards Katara, making her shiver.
Some eyes shifted to Katara waiting for her answer. "Well, it's quite different from here. It's extremely cold."
Azula simply nodded at Katara as if waiting for her to go on.
"It's also, very um, peaceful." Katara stated looking down at her plate.
"How lovely." Azula replied.
Katara let out a sigh.
"Zuzu, so when do you plan to have children?" Azula asked Zuko.
Katara's head snapped instantly up, looking at Zuko for his answer. Children? That wasn't part of the arranged marriage was it? She felt her stomach churn with nerves.
Zuko had practically choked on his drink when he heard this. "Well, um, when the timing is right I suppose."
Katara noticed that Sokka was staring at Zuko with angry eyes. He didn't like that answer.
"I think the timing is perfect now."
Katara took a sudden intake of air.
"I think I'm to busy with just becoming the Fire Lord. I need to get this all sorted out, before I plan to bring children into this world."
"Your choice." Azula stated dryly.
Katara breathed. No. It's our choice. Not just his. She hoped he wouldn't be planning for children anytime soon because he wasn't going to get them.
Everybody stood to head towards the dance floor. Sokka instantly took Suki to show her his "moves." Katara's father lead her out there in the middle of the floor.
At a table Uncle leaned over towards Zuko. "Does she not look stunning out there?"
Zuko's gaze went towards Katara, "Whatever you say."
Uncle elbowed him, "Why don't you ask her to dance?"
"I don't dance." Zuko replied dryly.
"You're loss. I'm sure plenty of guys would love to be married to her."
Zuko studied Katara. She wasn't tall, but wasn't short either. Her hair was a dark brown that went well with her tan skin. Her crystal clear blue eyes stood out dramatically. She was curvy in all the good places. She was certainly different from the fire nation ladies.
Katara's eyes caught Zuko staring at her. Anger flushed into her. Zuko noticed that and looked away.
"Katara.." Her father said soothing, noticing what just happened., "You can't hate him forever."
Katara looked down, "Maybe not, but I could try."
Her father chuckled. "Stubborn aren't we?"
"No…" Katara mumbled.
"Are you afraid that it could actually turn out good?"
She thought about that for a moment. "No, I'm afraid that he will stab me in the back again."
"You know, people make mistakes."
Katara just nodded, looking at a corner.
"May I cut in?" A voice sounded.
Katara turned to see Zuko, her blood instantly boiled.
"Of course my Lord."
Zuko took Katara in his hands and lead her into swirling movements on the dance floor.
"You know it's rude to interrupt someone while dancing." Katara glared at him.
"You know it's rude to talk to somebody that harsh." Zuko smirked.
"Well, the person must be rude if people talk to him harshly." Katara raised an eyebrow.
"It takes one to know one." Zuko replied.
Katara laughed without humor. "Is that the best you can come up with? The Fire Lord coming up with that."
"What kind of guy would I be if I talked badly around a lady?" Zuko lowered his gaze to Katara.
"The one who goes and stabs her in the back." Katara's words cut deep into Zuko.
Sorrow poured into his eyes, "Katara.. Like I said before I'm sor-"
Katara ended his sentence, "Save your apology for somebody who cares."
"You have to understand."
"No, I don't. I'm only going through with this marriage for my nation. Nothing else."
Zuko just nodded his head.
"You look nice tonight."
Katara glared at Zuko, shocked that he even seemed to care.
"Thank you." She said looking away.
Later that night Katara was lead to her room for the night.
A servant opened the door, "It's only temporary, so I hope you don't mind the size."
Katara gasped as she entered the red and gold room. Candles were lit everywhere, making the room look heavenly.
"It's fine for me." Katara said in awe.
"Would you like me to draw your bath?" The young servant girl asked.
"Sure. That would be nice." Katara walked around touching the surface of everything.
The servant called Katara to the bathing room for her bath. The girl washed Katara's hair.
"Tomorrow will be the best day of your life. Marrying the Fire Lord is many girls dream And he is so handsome."
"I'll just be ready to get the day over with." Katara hugged her stomach.
"You will enjoy being with Lord Zuko." The girl smiled.
"I hope."
Katara had thought about when Zuko had complimented her. Why did it bother her? Was it so annoying that he in fact did notice she looked nice?
"What did you mean by that this room is temporary?" Katara asked getting her mind off of Zuko.
The girl giggled. "Well, you will be sharing a room with Lord Zuko of course."
The blood drained from Katara's face. Sharing a room? With Zuko? No, that wont work out. It can't.
"What's wrong?" The girl asked. "It's perfectly normal to be nervous."
Katara just nodded. Nervous wasn't the word. It was more like scared. Willing to do anything else than have to share a room with him.
"Married." Katara said aloud.
"Yep. By tomorrow afternoon you will be." The girl couldn't hide her excitement, while Katara tried to hide her anger for the whole thing.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!… That means the wedding is the next one!! Yyayy! I'll get it up here as soon as possible… please review what you think so far.. If you have any ideas feel free to share.. It helps a lot!
