18th of June

Fire Lord Taishi 25

Year of the Sun

Two hours before noon

Unfortunately I have had no time to go to the library in the past few days.

Mielia...

She broke down into tears last night.

Things don't normally surprise me. It takes a lot to really shock me but tears from Mielia really did. I cannot recall a singal memory of her crying. Not even on her wedding day...she just stood there staring at herself in the mirror clenching her fists, shaking with rage but never tears.

I guess I should have seen it coming. It was obvious looking back but when she started crying last night I had no notion of what to do.

It all started after dinner. We had to dine with the Bei Fongs and Shu kept making remarks calling Mielia pet names like dear, darling and even love. His mother was sitting simpering at the two supposed "happy couples," Mileia didn't say much she just sat there clenching her fists.

Then later we were in my bedroom talking and she was laughing about the way Shu couldn't eat without opening his mouth...then the laughter turned into tears. Her whole body was shaking as the tears poured out.

I hugged her. I tried to comfort her but she...she kept crying.

"I...I...can't...I...need...out."

After a few hours she was fine. Quieter than usual but fine and I insisted she talked to me. When she did she told me. Just how afraid she was. Just how pointless she saw her future in a loveless marriage in a nation so faraway from home.

I feel...guilt and even pity.

I want to help her so badly but there are only three options. Kill Shu which I could probably do effectively and without people knowing but I do not wish to have pig blood on my hands.

Mielia runs away which would never work because the whole Earth Kingdom would look for her. She could of course hide here but it would cause an international scandal.

The third is that we wait and bide our time. But for how long?

I hate feeling this powerless and weak! I want something done about it but what can I do? Without resorting to murder what can I do? I could blackmail...I could manipulate...but how would that work without leaving Mielia in a bad light.

I will wait. And next time I won't fail.

Noon

I did talk with Lady Lien two days ago.

I simply asked her why everyone thought I was so like my mother. It's truthful and it gets to the point.

"Well...for instance you have her spirit. Her determination to succeed. Her cunning and her dry sense of humour. Mari had trouble expressing herself...I read the first few pages of her diary...I suspect you are disappointed? Well I never read any more but If I know Mari, I know she will tell the truth sooner or later..."

Surprisingly I got a straight answer for once.

I haven't read any more of the diary. Today I have more things troubling my mind. I've had to avoid Mayleen all day by staying in the training arena. Mielia and I duelled a few times and I must say she's improving.

She's lethal...especially when frustrated and today was no exception. I've still got the bruises but I'm willing to bet she's still got the burns since I won. Apparently I cheated because using whips of flames shouldn't count.

It does. She's just stubborn.

Sozin arrives back tonight with the Water Tribe Princess. I shall try to keep out of the way and hope I get overlooked. I mean as a future husband he's a good choice but I have no intention of getting married for six more years. If he's still available then, then maybe I'll look into it...but not right now.

Ten hours after noon

"Maeko, may I introduce you to Princess Mei Xing of the Northern Water Tribe. Princess Mei Xing this is Lady Maeko the daughter of our royal advisor and a personal friend." Smiled Fire Lady Lien

The dark haired Princess looked up at the girl in front of her.

Her skin was eerily pale and her long wavy raven hair was swept into a topknot. Everything about the girl suggested warmth. Her scarlett kimono and golden earrings but there was a certain coldness in those deep amber eyes that made even the Ice Princess shiver.

"It is an honour to meet you Princess Mei Xing," Said Maeko bowing politely. Mei Xing nodded and bowed in return.

Remember. Bow then say thank you...

"Thank you Lady Maeko," Said the Princess shyly.

"Good. Well since it's such a late hour I'm sure you will be retiring to bed Princess Mei Xing...however Maeko I'm sure will help you if you have any problems. I'll have to introduce you to her siblings tomorrow...where are they?" Asked the Fire Lady.

Maeko smiled.

"Shinji is in bed your Highness and Kairi is with Mielia in my chambers."

"Oh, very well. I bid you good night Princess...I must go greet my son. Maeko...why don't you show Princess Mei to her room?"

"As you wish Fire Lady."

Princess Mei walked in silence following the younger girl through the torch lit corridors. She eyed her quietly waiting for her to speak. They always spoke to her at home...but here things were so different. Servants didn't talk to her...people were cold and stiff...and this was meant to be the nation of fire!

Papa...I wish you were here...

Mei swallowed a sore lump in her throat. She musn't cry...not here.

"How was your voyage?" Asked Maeko trying to fill the looming silence.

"Very well thank you. We spent four weeks at sea," Answered Mei with equal politeness.

"I see...so tell me Princess...what is the Water Tribe like?" Asked Maeko. Mei's eyes widened as she saw a spark of curiosity dance in those deep cold eyes. Mei smiled thinking of her home.

"It's...It's family I guess...it's different from here. We have very little in the way of ranking...and it's cold but at night you see shades of green and pink glide across the sky like spirit ribbons. The stars gleam and they look so clear...and sometimes it hard to tell where the water ends and the sky begins..." Spoke Mei softly allowing the warmth of the memories to fill her inside. For a moment she could almost fell the coldness...

"It sounds...good...I think I shall go sometime," Said Maeko in a soft voice. Her eyes warmed for a minute as she gazed at her feet. Mei felt reassured for a moment. Perhaps she'd finally found someone who she could understand.

Then Maeko halted and gestured to the door at her left. Her voice went back to it's unemotional stance as she spoke.

"These are your chambers. If you need any help with anything my rooms are right up the corridor and then turn right. Goodnight Princess," Said Maeko inclinging her head before walking off. Mei watched until the small figure was lost in the darkness up ahead.

"Goodnight Lady Maeko," She whispered silently as she turned the handle on the door.

Eleven hours after Noon...

Maeko sighed tiredly watching as the feeble light of the candle in front of her flickered.

The Royal Library was an intimidating place to be at such a late hour. The masked guards patrolled the doors and glared menacingly at you from behind their skull like masks. The torches only offered a slight orange light but they did not illuminate the shadows in the dark corners behind the bookshelves.

Slowly she shook herself and pointed a finger at the candle. It flared into life and glimmered blue at the tip for a few moments before fading back into orange. Maeko fought the impending notion to just close her eyes and sleep. The words on the scroll were fading slowly...

Just go to bed. Theres no point being here if your going to fall asleep is there?

Maeko nodded in agreement with her conscience. The scroll she'd been reading gave a small history of firebending in general. However the writing was tiny and she was sure it had been written by ants. For a mere three foot scroll the writing was minute and she'd barely finished reading about the Dragons when she'd felt her consiousness slip away.

Sighing she folded the scroll and lit a small blue fire in her palm. She wandered from her retreat at the back of the library through the tall bookcases.

And froze when she heard footsteps.

Her heart slipped a few beats and she jumped in alarm but she willed herself to turn around. Behind her there was only shadows but she could hear someone breathing. Gritting her teeth and using the adrenaline pumping through her she called out.

"Who's there! Answer me!" She demanded coldly her voice never rising above normal level but there was a certain steely edge to it. Without awaiting an answer she moved forward and released a swirl of blue flame. It crackled through the air dangerously but a fist reacted and punched through it.

"You know I could get you executed for what you just did!" Came the voice in a light teasing tone. Maeko's eyes widened and her heart started beating furiously as the person stepped out from the shadows.

"Hello, Prince Sozin."