Chapter Six: Torn

Xia can feel her heart beating painfully in her chest. How did she find out? What will Yüzhen do now that she knows? Will I have to leave? Many more thoughts run through Xia's mind and soon it becomes too much. Suddenly she feels light headed, her vision going dark. All the pressure crashes down on Xia. Combined with her body's lack of nutrition as of late causes her to pass out onto the floor.

Yüzhen's cocky smirk falters. Well, she certainly hadn't been suspecting that. At most, she thought the bender would begin to cry or something like that so she could have fun by watching. Now that Xia's passed out, how is she supposed to have any fun at her expense? Sighing, Yüzhen started towards the fallen girl when she is stopped by the sound of steps behind her. She's roughly pushed out of the way by her eldest brother, Zihao.

Zihao had been once again running late, but had inkling that Xia would let it go, especially after last night. The thought of the festival had brought a blissful smile upon the crowned prince's face. However, that smile was wiped off as he walked into the training arena and saw his sister Yüzhen in the room with Xia lying on the ground. Quickly running over to his fallen love, bumping into his sister in the process. He kneels next to her and hurriedly scoops her up in his arms. Swiftly walking back out into the hallway, Zihao heads towards Xia's room, planning to rest her on the bed and finding a healer.

Before leaving her room, he hears Xia grunt with consciousness. Turning on his heal, Zihao makes his way back to her side, immediately taking her hand in the process. Her other hand moves up to rub her eyes, clearing her vision. She looks over to Zihao and notices how worried he looks. Her face contorts in pain as the memories of what just happened with the princess enter her mind. Zihao helps her sit up.

"Are you okay, Xia? What happened?"

Bringing her knees into her chest, Xia looks away from him.

"I'm fine. I just got a little light headed."

"Are you sure? Are you eating alright?"

"Zihao, we've got a problem."

"What is it?"

He asks, stroking his fingers tenderly over her forearm.

"You're sister know. About us, I mean."

Zihao's arm stops in its movements, his eyes widening in shock.

"How'd she find out?"

"I don't know."

He can see the fear in her eyes, and takes her face in his hands and kisses her deeply. Trying to show her his love and devotion. This doesn't have the affect on Xia he had wanted it too. Instead, Xia shoves him away, curling up into a ball.

"This changes everything, Zihao."

"No, it doesn't. Listen Xia, I'll speak with my father. I want to be with you."

"It does change everything, Zihao! You think your father will allow you to be with a peasant? He won't allow it."

"You're not just a peasant! You're a great fire bender and you've been touched by the sun spirit!"

"All these factors will mean nothing! Zihao, please just go."

"What? No, Xia—"

"Leave, Zihao."

She picks her head up to look at him now, desperation in her eyes. Zihao steels his nerves and once again tries to show her that he won't be leaving. Their argument continues on for several hours. Both of their tempers rising with each passing moment the argument continues. Quickly bringing the tearful bender into his embrace. Xia squirms, feeling uncomfortable in her own skin, just wanting to be left alone. Pushing Zihao away, Xia falls to the ground, over come with tears.

"Please Zihao, just go away!"

Zihao feels his heart breaking as he watches his love bawl on the ground. Feeling as if he has perhaps pushed her too far, he slowly exits her room. Closing the door on his way out.

"I love you, Xia."

He whispers just before he loses the door completely.

Xia remains still for several more minutes. She can't help but feel terrible for kicking Zihao out, but she couldn't bear to be with him any longer due to the possibility of being taken away from him at any minute. Who knows if Yüzhen's already told someone about them? Fear taking over her mind completely, Xia packs her bag and fills it with the clothes she originally brought to the palace. Her head fogging up again, she shakes it off and rapidly leaves her room. The only thing going through her mind is her home with her mother and father. Chocking back a sob, she thinks,

"I'm sorry, Zihao, but this way's easier than me staying here and getting torn apart by your father."

A/N: Hey, so it's a little short. Thanks FLZ for your review/support. I appreciate it. I can only hope for more reviews but I'm really just hurrying to finish the story at this point since it doesn't seem all too popular at the moment. It'll probably get to 10 chapters or so, but yeah, this chapter my heart just wasn't in it too much so it's not too detailed or anything, bust still, hope you enjoy.