Sorry for the wait! I've just had a lot going on. Enjoy!
Katara's high- heel sandals echoed in the hall every time she took a step. Other then the twos footsteps, the long corridor was dead silent. As the couple approached the large doors that led to the party, music from the inside filled the once silent hall.
When they stopped at the door, the two guards opened them. The sights and sounds were all new to Katara. The humongous white hall was lit up with many torches placed every open spot they could find. The loud hum of music sounded quiet compared to the chatter of all the guests. On big tables along the east edge of the room were many platters of food that filled the room with a sweet aroma.
The Prince slowly walked his companion down the giant flight of stairs. Once at the bottom they both scanned the great hall for the Fire Lord. Zuko spotted him and gave a light tug on Katara's arm to signal he had spotted his father. As they walked towards the powerful lord Katara started to become nervous. What if he does not like me and I go back to cleaning the corridors for the rest of my life? Katara fretted in her head. But Zuko on the other hand was quite confident as he led the way to the Fire Lord.
"Hello Father," Zuko stated in a very dignified voice once he had reached his destination. The Lord turned to face his son. A smile played across his lips.
"Well, if it isn't the man of the night, my son Zuko. And who is it that you have with you now?" Ozai questioned. His smile faded when he saw her water tribe clothes. Katara froze but quickly regained herself and bowed for the great ruler.
"This is Katara. I wanted you two to meet." Zuko replied. " She is a very special girl," Zuko added as he grasped Katara's hand that he had dropped when they entered the presence of Ozai. Ozai knew a hint when he saw one and nodded his head. He then pulled his son over by his shoulder and whispered, "Is this who you really want be the future fire lady?" Zuko nodded and walked off with his love before his father could make anymore judgments.
Every so often someone would figure out it was Zuko walking with the fragile water tribe girl and would stop and chat. While they talked they would always glare at the water girl, but Zuko never noticed. Everywhere Katara and Zuko went she could feel the eyes of all the fire nation nobles burning holes through her back.
She knew she would never be able to fit in with all of these people. Katara just wasn't one of them. Though she knew Zuko loved her with all his heart, she also knew somewhere deep down in her heart that she could never go through with being a real part in the fire nation. That she would never be able to produce the heirs to the thrown. That for the first time, she actually believed, that love wouldn't be able to make it through.
Every remark about " That Water Tribe girl" or " The Water Peasant" reached Katara's ears. With every stereotype that the nobles whispered made Katara more angry and feel more like a misfit.
Zuko, of course, never heard any of these comments because he was always to busy chatting with other people. He didn't suspect anything because while the folk were around him, they acted as if Katara was one of them.
Soon Katara couldn't take it. She turned to Zuko and asked for a moment of his time, alone. As Katara dragged the prince out onto the balcony on the north wall, they received many disgusted glances.
"Zuko, I can't do this."
Sorry, I just kinda have this thing with cliffhangers if you haven't already noticed :) Anyway, I'm having a little writers block right now so I have no idea what's gonna come next. But I promise I'll find out ASAP. Maybe, while waiting I'll add another chapter to "Cold and Alone". Til' then, bye bye.