-I am going to change the point of view up guys. Let me know if you like it. Thanks !-

CHAPTER 21

"BRRRRRRRRONGGGG BRRRRRRRRONGGGG BRRRRRRRRONGGGG"

"Ugh... what the fu-"

BRRRRRRRRONGGGG

I jump as my bedroom door swings open.

"Zuko, I apologize for the abrupt intrusion but you are needed right away." Shy rushes the words, his face pale. Sweat beads rolling down from his temple to his chin. A small layer forming above his lip.

His eyes are red and swollen, as I take his presence in, I can see his knuckles are raw and blistered.

My heart starts to race.

"What is going on? What has happened and what is that awful sound?" I can't help but shudder every time the alarm goes off. It sounds similar to the sacred gong used only in funeral ceremonies.

I watch Shyu's mouth open and close quickly, much like a poor helpless fish torn from the water.

"WELL?" I can't help but raise my voice.

Shyu sighs, "I'm sorry, Sir. Your father needs you right away.." He turns quickly, shutting the giant door behind him.

"Auuuuuugh. Mai wake up."

I shake her roughly with one hand.

"hmm?" Her eyes flutter and close again. She snuggles deeper into the sheets.

Shyu only mentioned he needed me. I'll just let her sleep.

I throw the satin sheets off my bare body, and swing my legs over the side of the bed. I let my head fall into my hands.

I perform the same ritual every morning:

I squeeze my eyes shut

Take three deep breaths

Tell myself I love Mai

And take four more breaths before soaking in scalding hot water before beginning my day.

Walking to the tub feels routine, placing my hand on the knob and turning on the water feels old, and placing my palms upon the surface to heat it up is tiresome.

The bags under my eyes are a darker shade than they were the day before and the day before that. And I haven't seen her in over six months.

I can't help but think back to our last horrible encounter.

*Flash back*

"KATARA"

I throw open the large doors leading to the room I oh so very nicely let her stay in.

"Katara."

She sitting on the bed reading another scroll, obviously ignoring me.

" DAMN IT SLAVE. GET OVER HERE NOW"

Katara glances over at me, unbothered, and lets out a small sigh before rolling up the scrolls and placing them on the table next to her bed. She slowly let's her legs fall off the bed and stands. Her robes barely covering her smooth body.

"Yes, master?"

I can't help but get goosebumps when she calls me master.

"Where the hell have you been? I've been sending gaurds for you. YOU MADE ME LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT IN FRONT OF MY FATHER. You're lucky I didn't let him come punish you."

Katara batted her long lashes at me and gave a small pout.

"I apologize, sir. I'm not feeling.. too well." She smiled softly.

"May I be dismissed now?" She gave a small bow, waiting for his response.

My sighs sound like a broken record at this point.

"Yes."

Katara gave him a raised brow and turned to walk back to her bed.

Zuko laughed and grabbed her arm roughly.

"You know what Katara. I'm tired of your attitude, tantrums, and blatant disrespect for my authority. You are my slave. And you will do as I fucking please. "

Katara opened her mouth to speak but he had interlaced his fingers with her hair.

Katara winced as he gripped the hair and pushed her onto the bed. He leaned down onto her.

"Take your fucking robes off."

Katara looked back into his eyes and whimpered. She slowly took of her robes and placed them on the floor.

Zuko took the satin that was used to tie the robe closed and pushed Katara back into the bed, facell first. He pulled both her arms behind her back and tied them roughly.

He caressed her smooth ass, his member growing harder with every whimper she let out.

He grabbed her hair again.

"Oh, does this scare you darling?"

He ran a finger down her spine and then spanked her bottom, leaving a red handprint.

Katara let out a small yell, her head burrowed in the sheets.

"I'll teach you to respect your master."

'BRRRRRRRRONGGGG, BRRRRRRRRONGGGG, BRRRRRRRRONGGGG"

The alarm brings me back and I tear away from the mirror, feeling disgusted with myself, stepping into the water.

The heat used to shock my nerves, but now, I feel nothing.

"SERVANT"

I hear the Lord yell for me, his voice strong. A glass shatters against the floor and I know he is, again, intoxicated.

I take a deep breath before I enter.

I make sure to keep my shoulders square, my chest out. This man can smell fear. He lives for it.

"Yes, Firelord. How may I serve you?" My eyes quickly dart to shattered glass next to his seat. I only look for a second before make piercing eye contact with his.

Ozai's were of the darkest black. An endless depth of ink. Pools of darkness that held many souls and secrets. And pain.

Aside from their apathy, they were glazed. As they had been ever since his dreams resurfaced.

"Shyuuu, Shyuuu, Shyuuu, ha-how are you my friend?" He had found himself another glass and poured it to the rim with whiskey.

"She's back you know? In my dreams. Shes back." He took another sip.

"She's back and refuses to leave, Shyu. She's haunting me for what I have done. Help me. Help me. Help me." He hands trembled around the glass as he chanted his plea, spilling some on his robes.

He fell silent, looking down at the spots where the whiskey has seeped into his robes. He stares for a few minutes, seeming to getting lost. His body still, only his faint breathing raising his chest.

He suddenly shakes his head and looks past me.

"Oh my clumsy me." He laughed sharply.

"SLAVE ! COME IN HERE RIGHT NOW!"

A small woman dressed in dull brown cloth rushed in, her head instinctively fixed on the ground. The small portion of her arms that showed were bruised. Her round face seemed to fall, darkness caressing her sharp cheekbones.

"Yes, Firelord Ozai?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"What do you mean yes, fireloard Ozai? -He mimicked her mousy voice- are you blind woman? My robes are SOILED. Bring me new ones immediately. "

She winced every time his voice elevated.

He waved her away, she nodded and practically ran from him. He was always harsher when drinking.

"These servants huh Shyu?" He laughed again, a cynical laugh that made me cringe inside.

"How's my boy? The heir to my throne." He laughed sarcastically as he easily swallowed half the glass of whiskey.

"How's that slave of his?" His eyes seemed to show a hint of actual interest.

"What was her name? Ka-ta-ra?" His spoke her name softly, a grin crawling along his face. He licked his lips slowly.

I suddenly felt disgusted. Bile rose to the back of my throat, it stung as I forced it back down and my head felt as if someone had lit it on fire.

Not Katara.

"Zuko is doing well, lord. He is very devoted to Mai. Words of marriage are flowing heavily through our kingdom. His slave has since been moved to the slave quarters. He uses her every so often."

I know very well that Zuko hadn't been seeing Katara.

Ozai's shoulders dropped. He raised a brow.

"Marriage, yes I remember. And his woman is accepting of his whore?" He emphasized the last word with a smile.

I couldn't help but cringe, the bile creeping its way back up my throat.

"Not entirely but she respects the Prince's wishes."

Ozai's face contorted into a strange expression. One I can't understand.

"Bring that girl in here. It's time for her evaluation."

Ozai filled the glass once more and downed its contents in record time.

I stare at him shocked and scared, not Katara..

"Now Shyu."