A/N:
I'm back guys! Hope you guys didn't miss me too much. I wrote as fast as I could with how little time I have to myself.
Chapter 22:
It was morning. Several mornings since Yugoda forced her to receive absolutely no guests. She had suffered through her isolation but now, now she had had enough. Today, she was going back to work and getting out of bed. Her stab wound was completely closed up and she was ready mentally to face the music of life. No more staying locked away in her room in bed. Her country needed her.
Slipping out of bed, Katara went to her bathroom and showered up. When done, she ordered some servants to help her ready for the day. Her makeup was applied, black liner and dark shadow to the eyelids. Her hair was tied up high and it's tail was wrapped into a ball on top of her head. Sticking a hairpin of the moon through it, Katara was then dressed. A long sleeve long gown was put on her. The dress was slenderizing and hugged every inch of her body, making her curves stand out. It had a split down the side that reached up to her thigh. Her mother's necklace tied to her neck and a sash of blue wrapped around her waist. Katara then received her crown that had finally been crafted for her.
A white gold crown shaped like the pointed ice caps of the mountain with the symbol of the moon shaped inside the blue jewel of the center peak of her crown was placed on her head. She saw herself and immediately felt like the Chieftainess of this place.
"You look beautiful, your majesty." The servants said as they bowed.
Katara thanked them before sending them off. As they ran along, Kanna enter to see her granddaughter had gotten dressed for the day.
"Look at you, your parents would be proud to see how much you've grown in so little time." Kanna smiled as she embraced the young Chieftainess.
Hugging her grandmother back, "Yes, well I have work to do today. I can't stay in bed when our people need me."
"Right you are, my sweet." Kanna said.
The two women began leaving the chambers. Hiki and Nyla waited for them outside and followed behind as the two were arm and arm.
"Are you feeling better this morning?" Kanna asked.
Nodding her head, "Of course."
"Then good because I just want to warn you about the unrest between your council and your guests." Kanna said.
"Guests? Which guests?"
"All of them." Kanna stated.
They shortly arrived to the throne room where nothing but discord was taking place. Katara heard swearing and overall unprofessionalism taking place. It was a catastrophe. She saw Ozai and her advisors going at it. Kokasho and his mother arguing with the council. Members of court arguing with the blood bearers that joined Kokasho. She couldn't believe the mess she was witnessing.
And so, to put a stop to this crap, Katara cupped her hands over her mouth like her father showed her before and made the howling wolf cry. As soon as everyone heard it, they stopped and turned to her.
Relaxing into her more poised posture, Katara and her grandmother treaded into the throne room with scowls on their faces. The Chieftainess took to her throne as her grandmother waited on the steps leading to the seat of a ruler.
The long pause remained as Katara looked over each and everyone. Her scowl grew more potent.
"I rest for several days to recover from my injuries just to return to this mess!" Katara clenched her teeth. "I am not my father! I don't plan to rule so leniently! There will be order and I will tolerate nothing less! Now, what the hell do you all think you're doing in my throne room bickering?!"
Some swallowed hard, some looked away in shame, and some glared back at the young one not like her tone or choice of words.
One of the council members rose to speak, "This false Chieftain and his mother believe they can just integrate into our society and yet remain a part from it at the same time. They want to be their own province!"
"It was the terms I agree to. Is there a problem?" She said calmly but with an edge to it. She dared them to say another word. "Next."
Her advisors all bowed humbly and spoke. "The Fire Nation has betrayed us. We cannot foolishly trust them and members of their royal family."
"One person betraying us does not speak for all. And if I remember clearly, we're at war! I'm not un-allying with a Nation we need in order to win! Same goes for the Blood Bearers, we need them and we are not making enemies out of perfect allies! Anything else?!" She was getting frustrated, how could no one see her vision? This was greater than them all. Winning a war so children didn't have to grow up knowing nothing but it was her goal and leading the South into an era of rebirth! She had plans and they were trying to have her step away from them with their stupidity!
The members of court decided to say nothing as the Chieftainess was in a bad mood. However; the council had something else to say.
"Your majesty, while you were away from your duties, our marine scouts spotted more enemy ships on the coast of the eastern province. They are triple the numbers we saw before."
Katara gripped the armrest of her throne and clenched her teeth.
"Safety measures need to be taken, your majesty. Another attack will be devastating to our people."
Of course it would. She knew that already but with that many ships and her armies and navy spread thin already between the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom, she wouldn't have enough to take on such a threat.
Seeing the worry in her eyes as she tried to remain unphased, Ozai spoke up. "Allow me to write my father. He'll lend you a fleet to command."
"Sorry, your highness, but your nephew stabbed her majesty. We don't yet know to trust your family."
"What other options do you have?" Ozai narrowed his eyes at the council.
Kokasho had an idea.
"We Blood Bearers do not like having our village wandered into by outsiders, so we make it unreachable even if it is right in front of you."
"Huh?" A council woman said.
"We bear storms, create obstacles to force the person to turn around or became lost until they collapse. Why not do that to your coastline?"
Why not? Katara liked this idea and so did her advisors and council. She told Kokasho that his idea will be further considered by her and her advisors. She then asked him if his idea were to be implemented, would he be willing to aid them in the construction of this notion. His answer was yes.
The throne room was dismissed aside from her grandmother, Ozai, Kokasho, and Hama. As she stepped down from her throne, Katara looked over to Ozai and narrowed her eyes.
Finger pointed in his direction, "You of all people should know better than to cause disorder in my court!" She was deeply disappointed with him.
"Your people tried calling me a traitor."
"Your people mocked me and called me a whore! I didn't go about creating chaos!"
At least not in front of everyone. Ozai begged to differ. The girl was a mess no matter how she tried spinning the wheel.
"And you, Kokasho, you needn't explain yourself to them. You and I made the agreement. Your people are welcomed and independent. You are Chieftain of the Blood Bearers and your people follow you, not me." Katara softened her eyes. She knew it wasn't his fault. Her council had clearly provoked him and his mother.
Hama scoffed, "Some Chieftainess you are."
"Excuse me?" Katara's eye twitched.
Kokasho turned to his mother to stop her. "Mother, please."
"No, don't please me! This girl has no right to be Chieftainess! She's nothing less of a child trying to mimic a woman! I'm disgusted!" Hama snarled.
Kanna didn't like the words of her former acquaintance and walked up to the woman to strike her.
"Watch your mouth, Hama, when speaking to my granddaughter!"
Katara yanked her grandmother back while Kokasho urgently looked his mother over.
"What is wrong with you?" Katara hissed at Kanna.
Kanna didn't say a word and just glared at Hama.
Kokasho tried holding his mother back to prevent her from escalating the situation, but she shoved him away from her, ready to give Kanna a piece of her mind. However; Ozai stepped in front of her and placed his hand on her shoulder as he stooped down to her.
"How about you go on about your day and leave these two alone. You're a guest in their home." Ozai told her as politely as someone like him could muster.
Knock his hand off of her, "Keep your hot hands off me, Fire bastard! You think I don't know about you preying on that whore over there! I bet you didn't even wait till she was of age, you piece of shit! Eat my old ass you child fucker!"
It went without saying that everyone present was taken aback with not only what Hama said but her language. Ozai stood back up about to burn the bitch with a flame he ignited when Kanna grabbed him and barked for him to stand down. Kokasho growled at him, daring him to burn his mother and see what happens next. Katara helped her grandmother hold Ozai back.
"To hell with the lot of you! You're not worth my time!" Hama pushed her son away and went on to leave the throne room.
In her wake, Katara glared at Kokasho. "You told her?!"
"She's my mother." He shrugged his shoulders.
"You shouldn't have told him in the first place." Ozai chimes in.
Taking her shoe off and whacking Ozai with it, "You did what with my Granddaughter?!"
…
"That bitch!" Lu Ten howled as his arm was being stitched up.
After Katara destroyed the ship and took off with his uncle, hundreds of men died from the wreckage. He and Rohan managed to get away but not without cost. Lu Ten had his arm torn into by a soldier trying to survive the wreck. He, of course, let the man die but it wasn't easy. To see all who died because of she wanted his uncle back in her bed. It made him sick to his stomach and as soon as he got his hands on her, it was over for her. He was going to make her suffer terribly for this.
Rohan was more calculated with anger. More callous as was his nature. He wanted to now seek out everyone dear to that girl Chieftain and make them suffer. If it would bring her out of her cruel waters then he'd see to it that her loved ones suffered immensely.
"I want her dead! Let's go get that bitch and drag her off her throne!" Lu Ten made it very clear how greatly he hated the water woman.
However; Rohan had other things in mind.
"We'll make her come to us again."
"Why wait?!"
Rohan sighed and shook his head. Of course, the boy's passionate hatred couldn't see the worthwhile in waiting and planning. This way, there could be no mistakes. This way, she could receive the ultimate punishment. Lu Ten wanted her her to atone, she would, but death alone was too good for some people. Incredibly so.
"Go back to the Fire Nation. Resume your life as it were and wait for me to arrive. We'll deal with that little monster of ours."
….
Not having had the opportunity to see if his father was alright, Zuko ventured to his guest chambers and let himself in. Inside, the firebender heard his father swear and shout in pain. He quickly went to open his bedroom door to.
Inside, Ozai was cauterizing his wounds that had reopened. It hurt like a bitch and he did his best not to sound like one. After sealing up a deep gash to his lower torso, the Fire Prince saw his son look with concern and worry.
"Dad, do you need help?" Zuko asked.
Flashing his teeth as he snarled, "Help? What do I look like asking for help? Men don't ask for help, Zuko. Especially not from an Agni damn woman!"
"Huh?"
Standing up from the edge of the bed where he had been sitting. "You got that damn girl involved! She nearly died because you're too pathetic to come get me if your own accord! What son have I raised?! A Agni damn punk with no spine! I can't believe you!"
Zuko stood there confused and in disbelief. He had saved his father. Pushed for his father to be saved in spite of all the opposition. Didn't he know that? That no one wanted to save him?! No one! And all because of his attitude and who he was as a person. This was why he could have just as easily remained with the enemy instead.
Walking up to his son, Ozai growled and stood towering over him. "If she died, what do you think would have happened?" He hissed lowly. "An entire people would be left unprotected! A nation waiting to be laid to waste! Your cousin almost saw to that!"
"But dad, I-"
"I would rather have a dead son than a dead chieftainess on my hands."
In an instance, Zuko suddenly felt his own heartbreak at his father's words. At first, it hurt like hell. Then, it made him incredibly angry for having defended him and now, he wasn't the least bit surprised. Who had he been kidding all his life. Ozai never loved him. He never loved anyone. Selfish, cruel, monster of a man he was and all Zuko had done was lie to himself. Trying to believe for as long as he could that his father was anything but...but the lie could no longer sustain.
If his dad felt that way, then so be it. But Zuko was done. Done putting up with the abusive dialogue between them. It was too much. And as a young man, Zuko couldn't allow it to shape him into just as cruel a man as him. So, when they returned home, Zuko had plans of his own. He was done.
….
It was a long day. A terribly long day. She was happy, however; finally getting back to work. For her first day back to work, she did do pretty good. She wanted to reward herself with a nice hot bubble bath, candles and scented oils. La, she wanted to pamper herself. With her guards dismissed, she finally felt free to be with herself and tread where she wanted.
However; as she reached her chambers, she saw Ozai standing on the bridge of the moat with his hands behind his back. Katara furrowed her brows and came stomping her way up to him until she was upon him. Her hand went clean across his face and was about to again before he caught her, pulling her up to his chest, inches from his face as he leaned towards her.
"Zuko is your son! You would gladly sacrifice him for me?! You bastard! I can't believe you!" She was utterly disgusted.
Holding her tighter, "I only said those things because he put your life at risk." Ozai let his hand roam the side of her face. "I watched you be stabbed twice now. It's not something I want to see again."
"But you said those things to Zuko. You broke his heart." Tears were in her eyes as she felt deeply for her friend. "You wounded him."
"And he almost got you killed. If he wanted to save me then he should have done it himself. Not involve you." Ozai stressed his point to her.
"I was involved the moment I found out you were taken. I told you I love you! Of course, I'd go look for you! Who do you think I am?!" She pushed herself away from him.
She was so irritated and annoyed by his excuse to treat his son so cruelly that she couldn't stand to be near him. However; as she stormed to her chamber doors that felt miles away, words she had never knew she had been dying to hear cane from his mouth.
"I was angry at the possibility of losing someone else….someone else that I- I love you."
Katara stopped with an abruptness that shook her to her core. Her lips parted and her heart echoed through her, each beat drowning out her surroundings. Who knew three little words could do this to her? Words she hadn't realize never left his mouth when speaking to her. Tui and La, she had to stand her ground. Stand her-
Walking up behind her, "I've watched you nearly die twice, I can't go through that a second time. Don't make me."
Oh to hell with it. Allowing him to get away with his cruelty, Katara grabbed his hand and pulled him with her into her chambers. Slamming the door behind them, she attacked him immediately. Her lips stole his and her hand rampaged through his silk hair. Ozai pulled her to him, leaning down to her as he pressed her up against the door.
"Make love to me, Ozai." She said in a panting and thrilled voice. Never had she wanted him so badly.
"I plan to." He told her and whisked her off her feet.
Tossing her on the fur sheets of her bed, Ozai began tearing her dress off as she pulled her crown off, tossing it and undoing her hair. Naked, Katara drew one leg to her as she walked her toes up the groin area of the man standing before her, wordlessly telling him to get undressed as she tilted her head and eyed him seductively. He could tell she was full of desire. Desperate with want. It hadn't dawned on him that them being apart would do this to her. Especially after only one night but her eyes told him the truth he wasn't expecting.
As he took off his clothes, tossing them aside, he climbed on top of her, lips trailing from her navel through the valley of her breasts to the tip of her chin. He tilted his head when he was near her lips, growling at her as a taunt. She cupped both sides of his face and brought her lips to his. Carefully and skillfully, her lips kissed, sucked, and bit his. Her breathing grew erratic the longer she drew him in, pulling to settle on top of her.
Ozai did his best not to crush her, using his elbows to stay above her. He let the girl probe his mouth open with her tongue and tangle with his. A part of him wanted to see how well she remember his touch from before. Did she know how to reciprocate his affection? If so, he wanted to see.
Katara drew her lips from his and looked at him with her honey dew gaze. She pushed him up off of her and then tackled him to be on top. Straddling his hips as she splayed her hands on his chiseled chest. She whipped her long waves over her shoulder and grinned at him with every bit of need and want in her eyes. He never had to wonder if she wanted him, it was painted vividly on her face.
"It's a bit too soon, don't you think?" Ozai caressed the side of her face.
Taking his hand and pulling it from her face, Katara pressed her lips to it. She then proceeded to trace her tongue the inside of her palm until she reached his fingers. Parting the fingers on both sides of his middle, the young Chieftainess drew the middle in her mouth. She let it slide between her plump lips, tickling the tip of it with her tongue, using her jaws to close in around it. Sucking his finger while staring suggestively at him.
"Oh, you little minx." Ozai sat up with her in his lap and pulled his hand from her.
The Chieftainess was grabbed by her hair and yanked forward. Her lips smashed into by the man she wanted. He held her tightly against him as she wiggled herself a top of him. His free hand slid down to grab her ass as he flipped her over, devouring her mouth in the process.
When he moved his mouth to attack her neck and collarbone, Katara arched her back, mewling into the atmosphere of the room. He bit into her collarbone, forcing her to remain still as he tortured her with the sensation of his touch. She tried thrashing beneath him as she cried out the harder he bit into her.
Letting up, Ozai maneuvered himself down her, trailing her with kisses. Reaching her thighs, he kissed to inside of them, sitting up on his knees as he held her leg in his hand. He eyed her the entire time, watching her squirm. Pulling her closer to him, the Fire Prince drug his tongue along her thigh to her calf where he moved himself to her feet.
"Don't." She waved her finger at him as she saw the wicked look of mischief on his face.
"You want me to worship you, do you not?" He reminded her. "So lay there and look pretty for me."
Katara rolled her eyes at him. Of course, he'd be the one to make more out of what she wanted. He had a terrible habit of it but she was up for whatever his definition of worshipping her had in store. And as soon as that thought played in her head, she shrieked, feeling him suck her toe.
With a water pop, Ozai laughed at the waterbender losing her mind. "Be careful what you ask for."
"No, I'll be more careful with you." She breathed through each word. You sadist.
Back to sucking her toe, the Fire Prince caressed the skin of her leg, sending shockwaves throughout her body. She trembled, moaning for him to stop teasing her. If anything, he was teasing himself.
"There's something else I want to taste." His eyes dropping from her to the small trimmed patch of hair between her legs.
Katara's face was red in seconds and her body burned with a rushing of her blood. By all means. She wanted to say. But he had already began pursuing what he wanted so badly to taste. Back up her leg, long kisses to her inner thigh, he made his way to the core of her sex and used his fingers to part the lips of her nether region. As he did, Katara lost it again and screamed her head off as he, without warning, tasted the nectar of her body in a feverish attempt to eat her and leave not a single drop.
"Ah!" She yelled as her hand reached down to grab his hair, clenching it into her fist. "Fuck!" She cried as his tongue traveled inside her.
It wasn't until she climaxed that he eased off her, cleaning her up with his tongue. When finished with devouring her, Ozai moved back up her, letting her taste herself off his lips. Katara pulled him in and rolled back on top of him.
"Tell me, girl." Ozai started as he caressed her hair from her face and gazed up at her. "Do you fear me?"
"Why would I?" Katara questioned his question.
"The other day you told me not to touch you."
"Oh, that, that wasn't you. Yugoda said I have flashbacks now. Says she thinks I was traumatized while in the Fire Nation."
Honestly, he agreed. The girl caused enough trouble to traumatize him. But it didn't quite answer his question or at least it wasn't the answer he was looking for. Why was it him that triggered her? Of course, he didn't pursue the question again. Not wanting to ruin the moment.
Moving his hand into her hair, cupping her ear, Ozai brought her to his lips. Slowly and without rush or overwhelming need, they resumed their conquest of each other. However; as they did, Ozai was suddenly distracted.
"Ozai, why aren't you eating?" A little girl across from him asked.
The Fire Prince felt disoriented and didn't quite know how he got where he was. Wasn't I somewhere else- he blinked several times to get a hold of himself.
"You're silly, Ozai!" The little girl laughed. "I'm glad you stayed! Now we can be friends!"
Confused, his settings changed again and he was in an icy dojo. A slightly older girl was being struck with wooden kendo sticks. She cried for it to stop but her father simply watched. Ozai was standing beside him and not taking to the girl being beaten. However; her father made it clear it was a part of her training to make her stronger and resilient.
"Okay, you may stop." Hakoda finally stepped in, walking towards them.
As the group stepped away from the ten year old, Hakoda saw his daughter withering on the ground. "Get up, Katara."
Using her kendo stock for support, Katara tried getting up but her father knocked the stick away. She fell back to the ground. Disappointed, Hakoda turned his back to her.
"Your mother said you were a soft girl and weren't cut out for this, I wanted to prove her wrong but I guess I was wrong." He told her. "Get up when you can and go see the healers."
Leaving her with the group of maidens that had been in charge of her training, Hakoda walked past a dazed Ozai.
"Don't pity her. This is what's for the best."
Having experience something similar to this, Ozai begged to differ.
When left to watch the girl struggle by herself, Ozai took a step forward towards her. However; the scene changed again and he was back in the Fire Nation.
This time to his bedroom. He looked down to see a blue eyed girl laying bare against him. She was asleep. Snoring softly. He remembered waking up in the middle of night. Questioning whether he should have gone through with accepting her advances. Seeing her lay on him, it answered his question. He reached out to touch her but he was pulled out of his trance like state by the voice of the waterbender.
Screaming her head off as she clenched the sheets, Katara clawed Ozai's back as she bit into his shoulder, feeling him thrust angrily into her. She didn't know what caused him to be so aggressive but she wasn't complaining. This was exactly what she needed.
"La!" She mewled as he thrusted into her hard, reaching deep inside her. She arched into him, clinging to him for dear life. La, she didn't want this to end.
Realizing what he was doing, Ozai remembered the girl didn't want to be treated like his whores. She wanted something more. And so, he slowed his pace, still thrust deep into her, but this was more intimate. One hand went to grabbing her by the thigh while the other went into her hair. He pressed his lips to her temple as she gnawed at his shoulder, nails still buried in his back.
"I love you." He whispered to her. "You've meant everything to me."
…..
"You're leaving, aren't you?" Katara asked as she laid her head on the Fire Prince's chest.
Playing in her hair, "I have to return." Ozai brought her hair to his lips. "Something has to be done about my nephew. What he did cannot go unpunished."
Rolling over on her stomach, still pressed against him, Katara looked him in his eyes. "But Azulon won't allow anything to happen to Lu Ten. He's Iroh's only son."
"And that's why I have other means to deal with my nephew." Ozai told her.
"Usurp the throne. Yeah, I know." Katara said in a hushed voice as she looked away.
Caressing her face as he forced her to look back at him. "If I am Fire Lord, you'd have your alliance. No arrangement required."
"Only that I keep my bed open to you." Katara said suggestively as she sat up.
Seeing the predatory look in her eyes, "And share it with no one else."
"But only if you promise to still be a good lover." She climbed on top of him.
"Always."
"Then we have ourselves a deal."
Katara leaned down to catch his lips and the two were off to indulge in more of their blissful embrace. However; it was forced to halt as the bedroom doors were flew open.
"Katara, dear, I have n-" her grandmother paused halfway as her eyes widened at the sight.
Caught, the two stopped and looked over at the door. Katara covered her breasts and saw her grandmother staring back in shock. Tui and La, this couldn't get worse. But it did. Seemed her guards had come looking for her as well only to find her indisposed with the Fire Prince.
"Can you all give us a minute?!" Katara was frustrated that her rooms seemed to just be bombarded into like she didn't have a right to privacy.
Everyone left quickly. And as they did, the young Chieftainess sighed and collapsed against the Fire Prince.
"Have I ever told you how much I hate my life?" She groaned.
"Not once but it's always been implied."
After getting herself dressed and prepared for the day, Katara walked out of her bedroom chambers to head down the steps to her sitting room. There, she found her grandmother sitting their with a deep scowl on her face. As soon as the old woman spotted her, she was on her feet, marching up to the young woman.
"I should have him hanged! Or beheaded for laying his hands on you!" Kanna snarled.
"Gram Gram, he didn't just lay his hands on me. I welcomed him to." Katara told her. "We're together." She confessed.
"Together?! He's married Katara! What are you thinking getting involved with him?!" Kanna couldn't believe her granddaughter. Was she serious? Messing around with a married man. She knew better than this.
As ashamed as she was supposed to feel, the young Chieftainess couldn't bring herself to feel so. Her love for the man she was just caught with made her shameless. So much so that his desire to be Fire Lord by usurping the throne became her desire. After Lu Ten, she was unapologetic. Even with her grandmother being obviously against it.
"Katara, that man, he was your moth-"
"They were married, yes, I know. He told me when I first arrived in the Fire Nation." Katara was starting to get annoyed.
Kanna shook her head, incredibly disappointed. Her granddaughter was involving herself not only with a married man but her late mother's ex-husband. This is not how she envisioned her granddaughter falling in love. The girl hadn't much a courting life or ever seemed interested in the notion. Yet here she was with no qualms of sleeping with the Fire Prince. While she had much to say to Katara about how wrong this was, she had much more to say to that evil bastard.
As she stood there becoming more and more sickened by what she saw, Kanna narrowed her eyes even more and placed her finger in her granddaughter's face.
"You must be smarter than your mother, Katara. That man is bad news! You haven't a clue what he's done!"
"Gran Gran, please leave. I don't want to talk about this anymore. I'm an adult and I make my own decisions. I want you to respect them."
With that, Kanna had nothing else to say and so, she left as her granddaughter asked.
Alone, Katara returned up stairs to find Ozai had fallen back asleep. If he ever had the opportunity, which only seemed to be when he was in the South, he would sleep in all day and tell the sun rising firebenders to go to hell. She chuckled at the sight of him and went to hop in bed with him. The Chieftainess snuggled into him and nuzzled her head to his chest. If she didn't have work to do, she'd stay in bed with him all day.
…
Arriving back in the Fire Nation, Lu Ten treaded down the halls to his grandfather's throne room. Reaching it, he entered and fell in his knee when he reached the dais of the throne.
"I've failed, grandfather. Uncle got away." Lu Ten stated.
Coming out from the shadow of her father in law. "What of the girl?"
Looking up to his aunt and narrowing his eyes, "She took him and fled back to her people. Uncle is there now with her."
"No doubt fucking that poor girl's brains out." Ursa hissed.
Azulon was however, unphased by this. He knew this would happen. His son was too determined and the girl was too resourceful. There was very little they could do to triumph over them with head on attacks.
Sighing as he leaned on his armrest, "Ursa, find me a woman to distract my son when he returns."
"Yes, your majesty."
Lu Ten was confused as to what bringing some whore in was supposed to do. However; his grandfather explained that like him, Katara wouldn't want to see the object of her affection with someone else. It would drive her insane. And best of all, she would be vulnerable, easy for the taking.
"The South was to be a promising ally but the Earth Kingdom is a powerful one. The Fire Nation aligns with power over promise. Always remember that, Lu Ten." Azulon told him.
Ursa curious with what was the happen, "Then what do we do with the girl."
"Ask your nephew. She was his fiancé."
"She's become uncle's whore. I'll make her mines when he's dead."
…
Never liking to say goodbye, Katara was reluctantly doing so. She stood in her crown and white gown that flowed behind her with a hiked up front skirt. She wore light makeup and pursed her red painted lips.
"So no writing you?" She asked the man standing in front of her.
Shaking his head, "They decoded the letters. Best you say what you need to now and save the rest for next we meet." Ozai told her.
Sighing, "Then I'll come see you."
"It dangerous in the Fire Nation for you. Lu Ten wasn't the only bastard plotting against you. There are others."
Furrowing her brows as she felt glum. What did she ever do to anyone? Other than Lu Ten, she's never crossed anyone. Besides, why would she back down to her opposers? It made her look weak and her Nation could not afford to look weak.
"I'm still coming to visit." She smirked suggestively. "I don't trust you with those women."
Rising his brow, "and I'm supposed to trust you with that giant that flirts with you each time he gets? I'm not stupid, Katara. I know you like the attention."
Rolling her eyes, "Whatever. I'm not interested. That's all that matters."
Ozai scoffed and turned to leave her standing there when she grabbed his hand to pull him back. Reluctantly, he let her.
"I don't have time for your clinginess."
"No but I'm going to miss you." She whined.
"Then visit soon." He said, breaking his hand away from her.
Katara watched him walk off as if he didn't care whether she'd see him again or not. She huffed and saw Zuko come up to her. She greeted him with how his father was an asshole and he agreed.
"I'm still not talking to him." Zuko scoffed.
Shrugging her shoulders, "I wouldn't either if I were you."
Zuko chuckled and saw that look of annoyance on Katara's face.
"So, I see you're back on the market."
Chuckling as she folded her arms, "You're telling me. Now I have to find someone soon to keep these badgers off me when the news gets around."
"Wish I could help."
"Ha! As if, you were elated that it wasn't you that was going to be marrying me."
"Well, things change."
"Oh, Zuko, are you flirting with me?" Katara raised a brow.
Shrugging his shoulders as he smirked, "Depends, am I getting anywhere?"
The Chieftainess shoved her friend and giggled behind her hand, "I'm flattered but no, it'll take a lot more than that to get even close."
"At least I tried." Zuko sighed.
Katara brought up Mai and how she might miss him. The firebender rolled his eyes and said she could just admit she didn't have a thing for him. But it wasn't that simple. She was attracted to him. Zuko was good looking. Just as Kokasho was good looking. Put she was seeing someone. In private.
After saying her farewells, Katara sighed and turned around. She saw Kokasho standing behind her, towering over her.
"Chieftain woman, I must ask you something." He said in his deep thick accent. "Would you be interested in learning my people's bending technique?"
Grinning as she looked up at him, "Are you going to teach me?"
"Of course." He grinned back.
"Then I'd love to."
…..
The voyage back home wasn't a long one. They arrived in the Fire Nation in a matter of three day verses a week. The seas were kind to their ship, waves pushing them vastly ahead. Ozai personally felt it had something to do with Katara. Knowing her she would probably store a few waterbenders on the ship. But not for speeding them along. She wanted her spies in the country. Not for him but for his family.
As he made it off the ship, Ozai watched his son push pass him and hurry on his way. Obviously not wanting to be around him after transpired between them. He hadn't actually intended to make the boy cry or whatever that weak boy did afterwards. He stressed the difference in importance he and his friend. She just happened to mean more. Zuko being his son didn't automatically make him of importance. Not in this world of station and power.
Upon arriving to his domain, Ozai spotted his wife talking to someone. A woman. A Water Tribe woman. He raised his brow in curiosity as he proceeded towards her. What is this?
Ursa caught a glance of her husband approaching them and formed a small smirk on her lips. She figured he'd see the woman and want to get a better look at her.
"Oh, Ozai, you're home." Ursa grinned.
Narrowing his eyes at her, "That's some way of greeting your husband after he's been kidnapped."
"Oh, I thought it was only rumors." Ursa chuckled. "I can't imagine anyone kidnapping you."
Ozai had something to say to that effect but he kept it to himself as he glanced at their guests. Ursa grinned wider and waved her hand to the woman.
"This is Shari. She's a noble from the Northern Water Tribe. She's here to help your father find a wife for Zuko." Ursa said.
Bowing respectfully to the Fire Prince, "It is an honor to meet you, your highness. I've been told much about you."
"Nothing good, I presume."
Shari was at a loss of words. "Ugh…"
"You don't have to pretend with me. I know I'm a mean bastard." Ozai stated before pushing past his wife and heading to his chambers.
In his wake, Ursa sighed and shook her head.
"I don't think he likes me." Shari grimaced.
"Oh but he will. Just charm him and he'll be all over you. Trust me. I've seen it happen with every tribeswoman he meets."
…..
1 week later…
"Breathe." Kokasho said as he knelt in the shallow water in the courtyard fountain.
Doing the same in her binding, Katara did as told and breathed after having held her breath for several seconds.
"Do you feel it?" He asked with his eyes shut.
Shaking her head, "No. Not yet."
Kokasho broke his concentration to look over at the Chieftainess. She posture was lacking and her hands weren't pressed together tight enough for a connection of her chi. He helped fix it for her. Forcing her hands to squish together. Straightening her back. Spreading her thighs apart more. Getting her to hold her head up.
"Now breathe." Keeping his hands on her to help her.
Breathing in deeply, Katara held it for a few seconds and then breathed out. She felt her chi begin to flow evenly throughout her body like Kokasho told her it would. It was like melting and yet, remaining solid. Burning but freezing too. She felt so weak and yet so powerful. It was balance. True balance.
"Now extend your arms."
Doing this caused a completely rush to overwhelm her body and Kokasho could see why. Without having to instruct her for the next part, Katara summoned the water from around her and pulled it to her own body. At first, she seemed to be handling it well. It was the process of making one with the element they wielded. He was sure her fire lover had done something similar for him to be so strong. But the process was a long one. A painful one too. But just as he thought she was doing well, her chi grew erratic.
"Katara, calm yourself."
Not hearing her as she was in her own space, Katara felt she had drifted into the deep realms of her mind. She could see and hear all that had happened in the recent months. Starting with leaving home for the first time to the Fire Nation till now. And as she saw it, she was how out of touch with herself and element she had been. Spiritual and physical. Her ability to adapt was there. Not having gone anywhere. But her calm swiftness had become erratic and ridget. Her flow of movement head now stiff like an Earthbenders. Her energy flared like a firebender. And her need for escape was like an airbender. She was completely out of touch with who she was and her element.
"What have I done to myself?" Katara asked herself as she seemed to floating in this void of space in her mind.
The question seemed to trigger thoughts she had pushed to the back of her mind. Like what she said to Sokka and regretted it. Or how she had found herself dying twice now. Or when she was nearly raped. Or when Lu Ten abused her. Or when Ozai convinced her to kill Princess Ju So. Or when she watched Koni, Ozai's mistress, die and found Ursa was behind it. All these thoughts seemed to get to her causing a disruption in her meditation and concentration.
"Woman!" She heard Kokasho call out her name.
Soon she was pulled from the depths of her mind, finding herself in her back staring up at the ceiling and then the white haired man that had been helping her through much over the week pulled her up in his arms.
Kneeling in the water, Kokasho cradled the young Chieftainess as she tried regaining herself. Brushing her wet hair aside, "Are you alright, woman Chieftain?"
Nodding her head as she held the side of it, "I think so."
"She has to get through her trauma before she can learn the technique you're teaching her." Yugoda spoke up from her place not far from them on a ice stone bench. Observing them for medical purposes.
2 weeks later…
"Your majesty, you must understand. A husband is needed for you to secure the future of throne." He advisors told her.
Sitting on her throne rubbing her temple, "I just ended an engagement. I'm not interested in entering another."
"We understand that."
No you don't.
"That's why we have a few in mind to pick from to make this easier for you."
Oh really?
"Ne Chang of Omashu. Great grand of King Bumi. 26 and has been married before he lost his wife in childbirth." One spoke.
Has a kid? Not a problem if I could have my own.
"Hahn of the Northern Water Tribe. Close relative of the royal family. 29 and an admiral like yourself. He would be a great match for you."
I already said no before to this.
"Zuko of the Fire Nation. Eldest son of Second Prince Ozai. 20 and your closest friend. Surely, that would be a wise choice."
Yeah, but we're just friends.
"Kokasho of the Blood Bearers. Chieftain of their small tribe. 32 and shows signs of being a great husband for you. We think he might propose of his own accord."
Oh my la!
Katara stood from her throne and told everyone to be gone if they were done trying to coerce her into a marriage she wasn't interested in. As everyone left, she was approached by her disappointed Grandmother.
"Why turn this down? You need a husband and that damn Second Prince isn't going to be it." Kanna bit out.
Rolling her eyes as she held her arms in her sleeves. "That's not the point. I'm just not ready to marry. I never was. I think I said that before you and father made be go to the Fire Nation for a husband."
"Your father would be turning in his grave had he known you and that bastard friend of his were together."
"He wouldn't know."
"Oh but he would." Kanna replied confidently. "Your father was very perceptive. He told me himself that he was not sure he wanted you in the Fire Nation for much longer. He was going to send for you to return but…anyways, your father wouldn't be happy with what is going on, my dear. It would break his heart. First his wife and now his daughter."
Katara refuses to entertain her grandmother any further on the topic and returned to listing why she didn't want to marry. She wasn't ready to belong to someone else. Or to be held to a certain standard. Or be expected to birth the future of her family's line. She didn't even know if she could with all the physical injuries she sustained in the last year. La, she was probably as barren as it got.
Anyways, Katara stated that it she did marry, she was keeping it in the tribes if Ozai truly wasn't an option. And there needed to be a plan in place for children because she was more than likely not going to be able to carry.
Kanna told her that she will see about options but in the meantime, her granddaughter needed to start thinking about marriage and who her husband was going to be.
3 weeks later…
Kokasho was sending his people and mother off to return to their village with supplies from the woman Chieftain when she showed up beside him.
"Are you planning on leaving too?" She asked him.
"Of course not. I couldn't leave a beautiful woman to her lonesome." He smirked.
Chuckling, "Whatever! But that's nice of you to stay. I would be lonely if you left." She said turning to look up at him. "You've become a friend to me. I appreciate your company."
Kokasho was a little bummed that she could only muster friend to describe him but it was better than nothing.
"Will you have dinner with me tonight?" She asked him.
"Only If you allow me to prepare it. I do hate your kitchen's way of preparation. Taste nothing like back home in the village."
Grinning, Katara agreed. She was delighted to try whatever he made. Never had anyone made her anything. Especially not prepare a meal for her.
"Okay. My chambers at ten."
…
A/N:
Kokasho and Katara getting close. Ursa trying to set Ozai up with another woman. Lu Ten is out for blood. And Kanna hates her granddaughter's affair. What next?