Chapter 3

Katara loved the rain. For the first time since she'd been here she felt like she was home. Granted the rain at home would turn to snow before hitting the ground, but still it was better than this heat. Katara felt refreshed after her spar earlier that day with Zuko. It felt good to feel whole, being in her element and getting her frustrations out. It especially felt nice getting them out on him. After their fight she tried her best to find the kitchen and hopefully a snack but she got caught up with the servants trying to baby her. She was not one for being looked after. She could dress herself, feed herself, bath herself, but they kept insisting all day. It took awhile for her to shake them, but she found solitude in a library close by her room and stole a few scrolls to read in bed. It was a weird day to say the least. She wished she could go home and see her dad and brother one more time. Leaving them was the hardest thing she had to do. But all of this was for them.

Katara sat on the windowsill, looking out at the dark clouds, the lightning, and the rain hitting the balcony floor. She braided her hair loosely and swung her legs over and out the window, stepping onto the balcony. With her hand above her head she bent the water around herself, avoiding getting her nightgown soaked. She inhaled deeply to smell the rain and smiled. She could stay out here all night. When she heard the door close shut she turned around and covered her chest sheepishly, not knowing if it was Zuko or another servant.

"It's me." Zuko put his hands up in defense. "Sorry I didn't mean to startle you." Katara let her guard down and stepped back into the room. Zuko blushed and looked away from her. Last time he looked at her in that gown he had to-

"Here." He walked into the closet and pulled one of his night shirts out. "You can wear this over that gown until I ask the servants to get you something more comfortable." He looked away as he handed her his shirt. She smiled at him and took it, thankful he was being considerate. She tossed the button up shirt over her head. It was big enough that she didn't need to undo a single button.

"Thanks." She said. The shirt was very oversized, the long sleeves even went over her hands. He smiled back and nodded. He had to admit she looked rather cute in his clothing. Zuko scratched the back of his neck waiting for the awkward silence to be over. Katara too wished something would happen as she played with the ends of the shirt.

"So how was your day?" "So about earlier…"

They both said at the same time. Zuko chuckled and she gestured for him to continue.

"I just wanted to say, you're a really good bender. I didn't know." Katara smirked and moved over to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Yeah I know. You don't know anything about me. Besides my name." Zuko cupped his chin and walked closer to her, leaning against the bed post.

"Well that's not true. I know your name, that you're a water bender and a water tribe girl-"

"North or south?" She tested him.

"Southern of course. A woman bending that good would never have come from with the North, with their customs and all." Katara was taken back by his knowledge and gave him a small clap.

"Ok, so you know a little world history." She said smirking at him. Zuko smiled a sly smile and shrugged, picking at the bed post.

"It comes with being a prince, I gotta know my stuff." He joke.

"But that's it. That's all you know." Zuko's face changed. She was right. They were married, and they were strangers. Now this wasn't a new concept to him, it happened all he time in his culture, and especially in his position. But she was right, he didn't know her at all but he was rather intrigued. Not everyone gets so lucky to end up with a girl like her. He sat beside her on the bed at a respectful distance.

"Let's get to know each other then." He looked deep into her bright blue eyes, trying to let her know he was being serious. She exhaled and gave in.

"Fine. How about we tell each other one new thing about ourselves every night." Zuko smiled at her rather smart suggestion.

"Deal. I'll start. I hate the cold." Zuko smiled. They both knew he was just saying that to piss her off. She rolled her eyes at him.

"And I hate spicy food." She flashed a smile back at him and got up to get under the covers. He walked behind the bed post and met her on the other side of the bed sitting on his side with plenty of space in between.

"Ok for real, let's do a better one. Do you have any siblings?" Zuko asked suddenly very intrigued about her personal life. She leaned over with her hand supporting her head and she nodded.

"Mhm, a brother." She stated. "You?" Zuko's smile vanished and suddenly she wish she hadn't asked.

"A sister, even though she doesn't act like it." Katara felt bad about bringing something up that might've been touchy subject, so she changed it.

"Well there now you know me a little better. I'm gonna go to sleep." Much to his dismay she turned over to face the window with her back facing him. The fire prince sighed and got up to change and let out the candles in the room. Ever since their sparing session earlier that day he had nothing but her on his mind. She was so different, strong, beautiful. He couldn't stop thinking about her and he didn't want to stop talking to her. He wanted to know her inside and out. After pinching the last flame, Zuko got under the sheets himself and put his hands behind his head for support. He took in a deep breathe before closing his eyes and made sure to stay on his side.

"Oh, Katara?" He whispered. She mumbled in response.

"We have a portrait to take tomorrow." She mumbled again, it was clear she was close to sleep already. He just closed his eyes and let sleep take over him as well.

The next morning the couple were sleeping soundly as the birds chipped outside their window. Usually Zuko was up with the sun but something else made him stay in bed a little longer. The firebender was close enough to be spooning her, with his arm loosely draped over her sleeping form. Zuko was suddenly jolted awake by the sound of the servant bustling into their room. The blinds were suddenly drawn, making Katara flinch in her sleep. One of the servants gasped as she noticed they were still asleep.

"M-my prince! I'm so sorry you're usually awake by this-" He put his hand up to silence her.
"It's fine. We need to be up anyway." Zuko leaned over to wake Katara and he noticed how unbelievably close he'd gotten to her in the night. He jumped out of bed before she could turn over and see him betray her trust again.

"H-hey. Morning." He said groggily. She groaned and rubbed her eyes at the unwanted sunlight before swinging her legs out of bed. The two let the servants do their job and get them dressed in their fancy robs for their portrait that had to be taken. Zuko was really curious if she'd be able to sit though this. He never could as a kid, most times he'd get so restless they'd have to finish it without him and just paint the rest out from memory. He got in trouble with his father plenty of times over it.

Katara looked beautiful in a white robe with her hair done up in a traditional fire nation headdress. The servants cinched her waist as tight as they could with a large sash and bow as he heard her gasping for air. He laughed at her predicament but had to admit she looked amazing in every fire nation garb they threw her in. Zuko's robes were simple but just as elegant, white and gold trim with his hair also done up to hold his crown. The two followed the servants to the portrait room as the painter awaited heir arrival. The painter bowed in their presence and positioned them in their seats before starting his work. Katara blinked as the man rustled with his easel.

"We're not really gonna sit here and wait for him to paint us are we?" Katara sounded worried. There was no way she was going to sit here and smile in one spot all day. Zuko tried to hold back a laugh so he cleared his throat.

"Yes, dear," he said sarcastically. "We are." Katara looked at him in disbelief and opened her mouth to say something but the painter cleared his throat to get her attention and she faced forward again. Zuko bit his lip trying not to laugh at the impatient girl getting in trouble with the artist. Katara looked at him in the corner of her eye and pinched his arm, making him flinch and move.

"Please sire." The man pleaded. Now it was Katara's turn to hold back a laugh. Zuko looked forward and smiled. So this was all just a game for her was it? He'd show her. He put his hand on her thigh knowing shed have an outburst but to his surprise she didn't budge. Admittedly a little nervous, he dared to move his hand further up her thigh. He looked at her questionably and saw the dark frown on her face which only made him laugh out loud and get yelled at by the painter once again. He was noticeably frustrated with the two unprofessionals and his eye twitched as he tried to capture them as quickly as possibly. Zuko and Katara spent an hour silently making each other giggle and snort at their dumb antics. For someone who was supposed to have the utmost bit of poise, Zuko had to admit he was having fun for once. She made him smile and laugh and enjoy their time together, something no other girl had never done before.

"OK, your highness. Today's session is complete." The man was noticeably irritated and got up to leave before he had an outburst of his own. Zuko and Katara couldn't help but release the laughs they'd kept in their belly that whole time. The prince got up to see the painters progress and wiped a tear when he saw there was barely anything done.

"I kind of feel bad." He said between gasps. Katara chuckled.

"Yeah I bet you do." She got up from her seat and followed him to the door. Zuko smiled at her and opened it, bowing and gesturing her to exit first. She rolled her eyes and brushed her hand against his arm as she walked by. The prince couldn't help but bite his lip at the small gesture of positive contact she'd given him. It wasn't a slap or a pinch or a headbutt to the face, but a nice soft touch on his arm. Maybe he was winning her over.

His eyes trailed after her, watching the way she moved down the hall before he jogged up next to her. He looked down at her hand, thinking again about holding it again. She was his wife after all, right? And they seemed to be getting along so far. Before he could even think about taking her hand in his, she spoke.

"So what's next on your princely agenda?" Katara asked.

"Tea time." A new voice said down the hall. The couple looked up to see a jolly looking old man with a long white beard and a big belly. The big smile on his face signified that he was someone friendly and not to be afraid of. Katara looked up at Zuko's face to gage if he knew him or not, and his smile said it all. Zuko grinned and ran up to greet the man with a hug.

"Uncle Iroh! You're back!" The old man slapped his nephew on the back and laughed a hardy laugh.

"Yes my boy, and I've brought some very exquisite imported teas from the earth kingdom." The two men let go of each other and Zuko extended his hand, gesturing for Katara to come meet the old man.

"Uncle, this is Katara." She smiled and extended her hand to the old man but he pulled her into a tight hug instead. Katara wasn't expecting it but he was warm and had a very friendly aura. She didn't mind him.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't able to attend your wedding but I'm excited to get to know you! Come, lets have lunch I'm starving!" The old man grinned and walked towards the library. Katara swiftly followed the two men to the library she'd once visited before and took a seat at the small table that was set up for lunch. There was a beautiful jade teapot and matching cups that had a red dragon painted on the side. A basket of dumplings and smoked meats were placed by the servants coming in and out of the room. Katara silently thanked them and sat across from the old man and next to Zuko. Iroh reached for the kettle and poured their glasses as Zuko began to speak.

"So how was your trip?" Iroh's jaw clenched and he took a sip from his cup to think of an appropriate answer before he spoke.

"It was a successful trip my boy." Quickly he directed his attention towards Katara. "Please Katara, tell me how you're liking it here in the fire nation! I know things are quite different here." Zuko raised his eyebrow at the subject change, but took a sip of his tea and followed along anyway. Katara felt like she was on the spot. What was she supposed to say to two fire nation men in the fire nation about their country? She hated being here, she wanted to go home.

"It's hot." Was all she could muster up. She grabbed a dumpling and popped it into her mouth to avoiding having to talk again.

"I hope my nephew is treating you well and making your stay here comfortable. Has he taken you around the city yet?" Katara and Iroh looked at Zuko for his response and he almost choked on his tea.

"Yes, I could do that. If you'd like that is." Katara nodded just to be polite. She wasn't necessarily a fan of the fire nation, didn't care to see it or be harassed by the people, but if she was going to be their new princess maybe she should at least take a tour.

"Perhaps you could show the young water bender our little secret waterfall by the mountains." Katara's ears perked and Zuko noticed her mood shift. He gave her a smile before taking another sip of his tea.

"Perhaps I can."

Zuko and his Uncle chatted over lunch while Katara sat and ate in silence. She really expected to be a prisoner here in the palace, that they'd marry her off and chain her in the dungeon. Her image of the fire nation was pure evil since she was a little girl. But this prince she'd married wasn't like that. He was a little snooty and pompous, like she supposed any spoiled prince would be, but he was kind to her and soft. The way he interacted with his Uncle was rather sweet, like he'd been a father figure to him. She was curious to learn more about their relationship, she liked seeing him like this. Suddenly the sound of Zuko's voice calling her name snapped her out of her daze.

"You ok? You've been a little quiet." Zuko said with his hand on her shoulder. It was nice, she didn't mind it. Katara nodded her head and smiled.

"Maybe you two should get going, get out of the palace for a bit." Iroh said reaching for a dumpling.

"What do you think?" Zuko asked her. With a smile, Katara stood and bowed to Iroh.

"Thank you for lunch, sir. It as a pleasure to meet you." Iroh laughed and took her hand to squeeze it. "Please my dear, I'm your Uncle too now. You two enjoy yourselves!" Zuko bowed to his Uncle as well and left the library with Katara. He took this opportunity to grab her hand and lead them back to the bedroom. She was a little caught off guard by his action, but let it happen anyway. He opened the door and rushed inside, closing it swiftly behind them.

"Is everything ok?" She asked as he leaned back against the door.

"If my Uncle's back then that means so is my sister. I just don't feel like running in to her right now." Noted, he really doesn't like his sister. Zuko walked over to the closet to change out of his fancy robes and into something more comfortable for walking around the city. Katara started to take her hair down and couldn't help but sneak a peak at her husbands chiseled chest as he undressed. She couldn't stop herself from eyeing him like a piece of meat and we caught her staring. He didn't say a word, just started flexing and being overly dramatic about the way he undressed.

"So you wanna see the waterfall my Uncle talked about?" Katara snapped out of her gaze and looked away quickly.

"Y-yeah let's see it." She said.