Chapter XXVIII:

Korra avoids the Emperor whenever possible. When she sees him, her stomach boils with a deep, resentful, anger. He seems to pick up on this hostility, and he in turn has become more distant. Their exchanges are brief, curt, and to the point. There is no need to beat around the bush. His once trustful gaze has turned suspicious, his eyes following Korra as she leaves his side. The ex-gladiator tries not to think about what Bataar II did when she is serving him. She tries to center herself and tries to thinks about other things. Her mind wanders to Asami and their engagement. Sometimes she thinks about Kuvira and why she has not run away yet. The Empress has not yet fled the premise of the palace. This confuses Korra. Why had Kuvira not run yet, like she said she would?

Now Korra is kneeling in front of the Emperor, about to receive a scroll with direct orders to be sent to the furthest outposts of the Empire. She herself would not go to the edges of the Roman Empire, but she would ensure the orders would be sent out using a secure message relay network consisting of emancipated slaves that now serve as messengers on lighting fast horses.

"Korra," The Emperor says. The ex-gladiator almost did not hear him over the sound of her loud thoughts.

She looks up at the man whom she once served with her whole heart. "Yes?"

"Stand," He says in a clipped voice. "You have much explaining to do."

"Sir?" Korra asks, anxiety beginning to overwhelm her. What was Bataar going to do? Hurt her? Remove her from her post? Had he become suspicious of what Korra knew? Or was this about something entirely different?

Bataar II stands from the stone throne, his green cape following him. He grabs the side of it with his hand, clutching the green fabric like vice. It crumples underneath his fist. He always did this when he was nervous. But why was he nervous? Korra thinks. There is no reason...He must...I don't know. Oh Spirits. Get on with it!

"Do not pretend to be clueless," The Emperor says, eyes narrowing. His throat bobs up and down; another sign of nervousness.

"I am sure I do not know what you mean, sir," Korra says, her blue gaze lowering to the ground.

"Cut the act," Bataar barks. "I know everything."

A pit of icy dread forms in Korra's stomach. She feels like she wants to vomit all across the Emperor's throne. "I..."

Bataar raises his hand, effectively cutting the ex-gladiator off. "I just want you to explain. No excuses, you hear me?"

"Yes sir," Korra stutters.

"Tell me why you have been so distant lately," Bataar says, crossing his arms. "I want my closest adviser to be just that, close. Why have you distanced yourself from me?"

The pit in Korra's stomach unknots itself. He does not suspect anything, at least, not yet, anyway. She almost sighs with relief, but contains herself. Offering the brightest smile she can, she says, "I have just been thinking about my engagement. And...the current affairs of Rome."

One of Bataar's eyebrows raises up. "Engagement?" He asks. "This is the first I have heard of an engagement."

Korra smiles sheepishly. "Yeah..."

"Let me guess," Bataar says, his own nervousness leaving his face. He must have been expecting Korra to say something else, something...worse. "Asami?"

"How did you know?" Korra asks, eyes wide. She found it strange for Bataar to be so accepting. It almost seems unreal.

Bataar chuckles as he sits back down. "Oh you are not as sneaky as you think you are."

Korra's face burns a bright red.

"Besides," The Emperor continues. "My mother, bless her spirit, predicted it long before it actually happened."

The ex-gladiator blinks. "H-how but she was dating Mako how could Suyin have possibly known?"

The Emperor look wistfully up to the sky. "She always knew. She had a knack for predicting things no one else could."

Korra can feel the blush slowly fade from her cheeks. Her embarrassment recedes. "T-thanks. She was amazing."

Bataar nods in agreement, his eyes drifting to a world that was not Rome. He blinks a few times, regaining his sense of reality. The softness in his eyes goes back into the pit in which it came from. His orbs return to the hard shell they usually are. "And you are positive there is nothing else you need to tell me?" He asks, sitting back down on the throne.

"No sir," Korra affirms with more conviction than she feels.

"As you say," The Emperor says, bringing a hand up to cup his chin. "Dismissed."

The ex-gladiator bows deeply, brown hair spilling forward. "Sir," She repeats as her goodbye. Bataar salutes her with two fingers, a sign of respect. She turns on her heels and walks away, each footstep with a purpose. The sound of her feet echo across the marble floor. Kuvira passes Korra, and Kuvira lowers her gaze in respect. She snaps her fingers once, signifying she wishes to speak to the ex-gladiator. If she had not snapped at all, it would indicate that she had no desire to talk to Korra. The ex-gladiator's stomach twists. What could she possibly want now? Why has she not run away yet? Or...or...told me any plans? Goodness she hasn't changed a bit. Kuvira takes a right into a hallway where she usually does not go. Korra, in response, makes a loop around the palace, ensuring no one else will follow her.

Korra looks around before going down the same hallway Kuvira did. Her. She enters the room where they agreed previously to meet up, if the need should ever arise. She opens the door with as little noise as possible. She creeps into the small storage space, the same where Asami had confronted her about her bending abilities. Being in this small space with Kuvira feels strange. She feels as if she is thirteen once again, sneaking around the palace for stolen kisses. She feels like she is sixteen again, hiding in the corners of the palace like a shadow, ready to steal feverish touches and wolfish caressess.

But now they stand, with no chemistry between them at all. A silence as heavy as stone hangs between them. Korra adjusts her cape, and pushes her bangs back out of her face. Asami did not have the time to braid Korra's hair, much to the ex-gladiator's disappointment. Kuvira plays nervously with her own hair.

Korra is the first to break the silence, eager to leave this small space. She did not want to be near Kuvira in such a way. It is wrong, for the both of them. The tan woman clears her throat, and the Empress's eyes snap up.

"Why have you not taken your leave?" Korra asks, eyes flicking suspiciously over Kuvira's body.

The Empress tilts her chin up, her pride almost bursting from her chest. "Plans have changed, and you need to make a decision."

Korra crosses her arms, biceps bulging. "I do not like the sound of that."

Kuvira snorts a little, a little smile of amusement playing on her lips. "I knew you were going to say that."

The ex-gladiator bites her tongue. She waits for Kuvira to elaborate, not talking any more in fear of making a remark she would regret later on. The Empress places her hands on her hips. She shifts her weight, clearly not ready to continue speaking.

"Well?" The tan woman presses. "What's going on, Kuvira? Talk to me."

Kuvira's eyes narrow. "There might be some...complications with the plan."

"Well you didn't exactly tell me what the plan was in the first place," Korra retorts, with a raise of an eyebrow.

The Empress snorts in half-contempt. She scowls, her eyes narrowing in irritation. "I know how close you are to Bataar. I wanted to ensure that you weren't going to tell him anything."

Korra throws up her arms in indignation. "Of course I didn't tell him! Who do you think I am? Some sort of sell out? Spirits, Kuvira you know I will protect you no matter what. A little faith would be nice, you know!"

The Empress places a condescending hand down on Korra's shoulder, steadying her. "Quiet down. People will hear you!"

The ex-gladiator simply huffs. "I didn't tell him. So can you please let me into the loop?"

"Yes," Kuvira says, with a flick of the wrist. "My guards are going to be involved."

"How so?" Korra asks. She looks up to Kuvira, whose faded bruises still live on her neck. A pang of guilt hits Korra's stomach. She should not have snapped at Kuvira. She decides to not be so suspicious of Kuvira. She takes a deep breath inwards, trying to calm her never leaving anger.

The ex-gladiator pulls Kuvira into a hug. "Sorry. I shouldn't be so harsh. Not going to lie, though. I am still hurt over... what happened. I have moved on, trust me. But the way you just left and didn't care. It just. Kind of sucks, you know?"

Kuvira's body stiffens, as it always did when the ex-gladiator embraced her. "I know. I know..." The Empress sighs. "I just thought it would be better to end things abruptly."

"It pretty much left me with no closure," Korra says, letting go of Kuvira. "And you have moved on too. I just thought we could have been friends afterwards."

"We both know it would not have worked out the way we wanted to," Kuvira says. "It was far too likely that we would...slip into our old ways."

Korra pauses to think for a moment. Reluctantly, she affirms what Kuvira said. "Agreed. So...anyway. The plan?"

"Right," Kuvira says, straightening her back. "My guards will take care of everything. My escape, and dealing with the aftermath."

"What do you mean 'dealing with the aftermath'?" Korra says, putting her hands up in air quotations.

"Just any political fallout that might occur once I leave. And to ensure nobody follows me where I will go," Kuvira says.

"Hmm..." Korra says, trailing off. "What do you need me for?"

Kuvira rolls her eyes, arrogance coming off in waves. "You need to cover me."

"Cut the attitude, Kuvira. I'm risking my neck to keep you safe," Korra almost growls.

Kuvira's upper lip lifts in a snarl, and for a split second, Korra thinks the Empress is going to snap. Her own body stiffens, ready to react. After a moment, however,The Empress's expression softens. She lets out a sigh. "Sorry," Kuvira says. "You are right."

"I know," Korra responds. "Whenever you leave, I will be there to protect."

"Your loyalty is simply inspiring," Kuvira sighs. "I was not sure you would be on board...especially with our given history."

Korra shakes her head. "It's nothing, really. But once you leave, what do you want me to do about Bataar?"

A dangerous glint sparkles in Kuvira's eyes. "Well, that will be up to you."

Confused, Korra asks, "What do you mean?"

"It means whatever you mean it to. Interpret it as you will. Once I am gone, I couldn't care less what happens to this forsaken place," Kuvira almost spits towards the end.

"I think I understand what you are trying to say..." Korra murmurs. "But I will not kill the Emperor. Or harm him, or try to take power. Rome needs some stability for once. Even if he is scum...Rome needs a leader who can stay on the throne. Especially after the Equalists, and Unalaq's rebellion. And even...even if I could kill Bataar, I would not make a suitable leader."

Kuvira shakes her head, showing her disagreement. "I know you would make a better leader. You would be the greatness Rome needs."

The ex-gladiator laughs. "I am not the power hungry woman you make me out to be. I never have been, I never will be," Korra points out. "You on the other hand, are suited for such a position. You have what it takes, to kill a leader, to take over. But I suppose those are dreams of the past."

The Empress's eyes widen. "I suppose as well," She says, with an undertone Korra cannot quite interpret. Another silence hangs between them. Korra's eyes wander to the corners of the ceiling filled with cobwebs and dust. The light of the small torch does not reach those corners.

Kuvira shrugs. "Well, now you are up to date. Be ready. I will not give a warning when I leave. I just...will. Dismissed. And thank you."

Korra bows slightly, dipping her head forward. "You are welcome. Luck to you, Empress."

"And to you as well, Korra," Kuvira says. "I know you will take care of Rome behind the scenes, even if no one else will."

Korra blushes, thanks the Empress again, and leaves the closet. She shuts the door softly behind her. She feels uneasy as she walks down the hallway.

What has she gotten herself into?

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Korra has not told Asami about the plan with Kuvira. In fact, she tries not to bring up the topic of Kuvira while the pale woman is around. Asami grows irrational when Kuvira is being spoken about, and the engineer is never so.

The ex-gladiator enters the side door of the house her and Asami share. Asami is reading scrolls at the dining table, a scowl on her face. When Korra passes through the doorway, the pale woman looks up, a tired smile on her face.

"You're home early," Korra notes, slightly surprised.

Asami giggles, the sound music to Korra's ears. She stands from the chair and she walks to Korra. She plants a kiss on the ex-gladiator's lips. "I could say the same for you."

"Bataar let me out early," Korra says. "I'm pretty fortunate."

"Well, the bill the nobles and I have been drafting for the past month was finally passed onto the Emperor," Asami says.

A feeling of pride bursts through Korra's chest. "Asami! That's amazing! I am so proud of you!" The ex-gladiator picks up Asami, wrapping her arms around the pale woman's small waist and twirls her around.

Asami's giggling breaks out into full laughter. "Put me down!" She cries, breathless from laughing.

Korra sets her soon to be wife down on the floor. Asami staggers in her step, dizzy from the ex-gladiator's enthusiastic spinning.

"What was in the bill?" Korra asks, pulling out a seat for Asami to sit in. "You told me a little bit about it, but no details."

Asami sits down on the offered chair, tucking a strand of black hair behind her ear. Korra then takes her own seat, her eyes gazing at the blue and red necklace that adorns Asami's neck. The sparkling design on the white moonstone almost produces its own light. The pale woman looks down at the scroll at the table.

"The law, if Bataar decides to enact it, consists of a bunch of sections dedicated to preventing discrimination against minorities, of any kind, in Rome. The law does not prevent individual bias, of course. No law should be able to punish someone for having an opinion," Asami says. "However," She continues, with a flick of her wrist, "The law does prevent employers from discriminating against employers. It also prevents marriage equality."

"Wow," Korra says, blinking in awe. "That document must be monstrous."

The pale woman looks rather proud of herself. "It is, and I wrote the bulk of it."

"That is not surprising," Korra says. "I am so proud of you. Even if I could read or write, I do not think I could...do what you do. I wouldn't have the patience. What you're doing is amazing, Asami."

Asami blushes deeply. "Thank you, Korra," She says as she leans over to kiss the ex-gladiator's forehead. "One day you will have to let me teach you how to read and write."

The ex-gladiator smiles. "That sounds perfect. I think...that would be a benefit. And the sooner I learn, the better."

"Agreed," Asami says. "I have something for you," She adds.

"Really?" Korra beams. "What is it?"

"I felt kind of strange," The pale woman admits. "I wanted to give you something to show my dedication to you."

Korra can feel the heat on her cheeks. "Really, Asami, that's really not necessa-"

"No, I had this before," Asami responds. "If you hadn't asked me to marry you, I would have asked you. That was the plan, anyway. I still have this..." The black-haired woman says, pulling out a silver ring. It looks eerily similar to the necklace Korra had carved for Asami.

The ring has patterns engraved upon its surface, swirling waves, tiny crescent moons, miniature stars. The ex-gladiator takes the ring, and rolls it between her fingers. "I love it," She whispers. Her blue eyes lift up to meet Asami's green ones. "Thank you," She murmurs as she slides the ring onto her finger.

The lightness of the ring contrasts perfectly against the darkness of Korra's skin. "Thank you," She repeats, a little louder. "I can't believe we were going to propose at the same time."

Asami smiles, her white teeth sparkling. "Great minds think alike."

"So they do," Korra returns the smile.

"I didn't want to give it to you right away," Asami says. "I wanted to savor the engagement. But I wanted to let you know how much..." The pale woman chokes up. "How much you mean to me."

Korra bites her lip, trying to hold back her own tears. "Damn it, Asami! You make me tear up every time."

Asami wipes away her own tears with her thumb. "Sorry."

"No, no, it's fine," Korra says, tapping her lap, inviting Asami to sit on it. "I wouldn't have it any other way, okay?"

The black-haired woman accepts the invitation and sits on Korra's lap. She buries her face deep into her fiance's neck. Her legs straddle Korra's. The ex-gladiator wraps her sturdy arms around Asami. The couple share this moment together, relishing it.

"I love you," Korra says into Asami's ear.

She can feel the pale woman's smile against her neck. "And I love you."

Korra tightens her arms around Asami, keeping her close. She pushes her face into a thick black mane. She breathes in, the smell of jasmine and roses filling her nose.

"You know," Asami says, slyly. "We haven't had sex in the dining room yet."

The ex-gladiator turns red like a tomato. Even the tips of her ears turn bright scarlet. "W-Well I think that could change!"

The pale woman hums. "It's been too long since we've had some quality time together."

"Asami," Korra says, mirth filling her voice, "Two days ago we did!"

Asami giggles. "It's been too long, as I said."

And with that, Asami presses her lips against Korra's. Her elegant hands grasp onto Korra's sturdy shoulders. She slowly brings her hips forward, grinding against Korra. The ex-gladiator's breath becomes stuck in her throat, and she wheezes. Asami laughs and breaks the kiss, lowering her face to Korra's tan neck. The ex-gladiator's throat bobs up and down as Asami's lips plant tiny kisses on its surface. The pale woman never had done anything like this before. Still pushing her hips back and forth against Korra's thighs, Asami lets go of her fiance's shoulder. Her hands grab Korra's wrists, and leads them to her hips. Korra's thumb nestle on Asami's hipbone. She smiles up at the pale woman, her side grin almost stretching ear to ear. Asami's hands return to Korra's shoulders and this time, the ex-gladiator helps Asami back and forth across her lap.

Korra can feel her heat radiating from her body. She closes her eyes and swallows, leaning in to give Asami a kiss. Their lips meet almost in a serene way, but as soon as the contact lasts more than a mere second, the kiss becomes frenzied. Asami's grinding grows more frantic. Asami unhooks Korra's cape with a spin of elegant fingers. The cape collapses into the chair in a heap. Asami pulls it out from behind Korra's back and tosses it aside. She breaks the kiss, leaving Korra almost gasping for air, only to bring her red lips to the side of Korra's jaw. The ex-gladiator lets out a hoarse whine.

"...'Sami," She manages to let out.

Her fiance simply chortles in response. Korra's hands lower from Asami's hips, to her upper thighs. She gives them a squeeze, and this time it is Asami who whines. Asami drags her teeth across the ex-gladiator's neck. Goose bumps rise up everywhere on Korra's body. Korra groans.

"Okay," She grunts. "Time for that robe to come off."

Asami obliges, her lithe pale body escaping the confines of the clothes. Korra's hands rush to cup the black-haired woman's breasts. "It's not fair that you have your tunic on," Asami purrs into Korra's ears. "I'll get it off eventually, don't you worry."

Korra's mouth goes dry, her eyes widening. "O-of course!"

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Korra and Asami walk side by side to the palace. Their arms are linked, and both wear their cloaks. Naga takes her normal leaps and bounds ahead of the two. Bolin finally had some time off, and Opal was feeling better than she had been before. So, Korra decided that the four of them deserve a break. A much needed break with no drama. No Kuvira, no Emperor. Just the four of them, and Naga.

Asami is almost exploding with excitement. Her energy is contagious, and soon, Korra is shaking from the same excitement. The pale woman squeezes Korra's bicep. The ex-gladiator bumps into her fiance playfully. A feeling of light happiness fills the two of them.

"Where do you think we'll go?" Korra asks, stepping over a large stone in the middle of the road.

Asami shrugs. "I don't know. I just hope Bolin doesn't suggest the tavern again," Her green-eyed gaze flicks to Korra.

The mere suggestion of booze makes the ex-gladiator's stomach churn. "If he does," She breathes out, "We can go. I can handle it."

"Are you sure?" Asami asks. "Not that I don't trust you, because believe me, I do, but...it won't be easy for you either. And I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

Korra kicks a pebble in the way, eyes watching it bounce up and down across the street. "I guess. I can't expect to hold the three of you back just because I have a history with alcohol..."

The pale woman hums, looking straight ahead.

"And besides," Korra continues. "Bolin especially deserves a drink. I'll just have some water, or freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. Or just any juice, really. I shouldn't be the one to hold them back from a good time."

"We would have a good time even if we didn't go to a tavern," Asami points out.

"True," Korra agrees. "But we have seen just about every play the theater has to offer. And I am not to keen to go back to the Colosseum, and I am sure Bolin isn't that eager to, either. Has bad memories for the both of us. And I especially don't want to go back after that business with Katara and being publicly whipped."

"Understandable," Asami nods. "We should visit her grave some time too."

A pang of sadness hits Korra right in the heart. "Yeah, for sure." Especially since I couldn't make it to the funeral...Stupid fucking Unalaq, got what was coming to him.

Asami grows silent for a moment, her eyebrows knitting together in thought. "Hey!" She exclaims, causing Korra to jump in place.

"Easy there, tiger," Korra chuckles.

"We should go to the Circus Maximus," Asami suggests.

Korra facepalms. "Why did I not think of that before?" She groans in exasperation.

"Maybe they will want to go too," Asami says, hope tinting the tone of her voice.

"I can guarantee you that they will want to go to a tavern right after," Korra says.

"That may be true," The pale woman confesses.

"It's okay," Korra reassures Asami. "I can handle it."

The guards nod at the pair, who enter the palace. Right away, Korra sees Kuvira talking to some very tall, buff, some tan, some pale, men. Those must be the new guards they were talking about. Man, are they huge! Built like earthbenders. Funny, I would rather have some firebenders to protect me. Wonder why Kuvira picked earthbenders from Alexandria. Hmmm...

Kuvira pays the two no attention whatsoever. Asami seems annoyed at this, muttering something under her breath.

"Did you see the size of those guards?" Korra whistles. "Huge!"

Asami looks behind her back, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "I don't like them."

"Why not?"

"They are trouble, mark my words," Asami says darkly.

Another voice joins the pair. "Don't like the new guard, either, huh?"

"Bolin!" The ex-gladiator exclaims, unhooking her arm from Asami's. She almost tackles the guard down to the ground. He laughs in response.

"How's it going?" He asks.

"Awesome, now that we all can go out!" Korra exclaims.

"And Asami Sato, how are you?" Bolin says, brushing himself off from Korra's aggressive hug.

Asami points to her neck. "Soon not to be just a Sato."

Bolin's eyes widen. "Spirits! You two are getting married?" He nears Asami, observing the moonstone necklace. "Wow. Some quality craftsmanship there."

Korra beams, placing her hands on her hips, pride rolling off of her in waves. "Thanks, made it myself according to Northern Tribe tradition."

"Mighty impressive," Bolin says. He looks up to the pair. "I am so glad you are getting married. Opal and I weren't sure when to plan ours. Maybe we can have a double wedding."

"As long as it's a small affair," Asami says.

"I think that would be superb," Bolin grins. "Mako would be happy for you two."

Korra and Asami look at each other, sad smiles on their faces. "I'm glad you think so," The ex-gladiator says.

"I don't think," Bolin insists. "I know."

"Where is Opal?" Asami asks, looking around.

"She's just getting ready," Bolin responds. "She insisted on looking presentable."

"She always looks presentable, though!" Korra exclaims.

Bolin chuckles. "That's what I tried to tell her, but she did not listen."

Moments later, Opal comes out from the hallway, flowers wove into her hair. She looks like a princess from the forest. Asami rushes over to her, and embraces her. Opal returns the hug with equal vigor. Opal then starts to laugh, her eyes twinkling.

"Oh Asami, how have you been?" She asks, pulling away from the pale woman.

"We are working towards our happiness," Asami responds, looking over to Korra.

The white wolf jumps up to Opal, licking her with a feverish excitement. Opal's musical laugh leaves her lips as she bends over to pet Naga. She scratches in between the wolf's ears, cooing at her. Naga's tail thumps with happiness. Other than Korra and Asami, Opal is Naga's favorite person. After Naga settles down and returns to her owner's feet, Opal's eyes rest on the necklace that adorns Asami's neck. She raises a suspicious brow, the brow asks a question that demands to be answered. Her forest green eyes flick to Korra.

"So..." Opal clucks her tongue. "Is there something you two need to tell me?" She looks to Bolin, who is trying to hide his excitement. "Or...rather, the three of you?"

Asami tucks a strand of black hair behind her year. Korra smiles sheepishly. "We are gonna get married."

Opal squeals like a child receiving a gift and just about hugs Korra so tight her insides collapse. "Ahhhh! My two favorite ladies, marrying each other! This is wonderful news. Can't say I'm surprised though."

The ex-gladiator rubs the back of her neck. "Hah, apparently everyone thinks so, too."

"Now that we are all together, what are you guys wanting to do?" Asami asks.

"I'm up for anything," Bolin says. "As long as we leave this shit hole, no matter how temporary."

Opal nods in agreement, lacing her fingers with Bolin's. "I was thinking maybe a tavern."

"We were thinking that, too," Korra jumps in before Asami can open her mouth to speak. "After we go see a race at the Circus Maximus, anyway."

"That sounds like a good plan," Opal says. "What do you think, Bo?"

"Sounds good to me," He smiles.

Asami gives Korra a look. The ex-gladiator shrugs in response. She offers her arm to the pale woman, who takes it with a raised eyebrow. She leans into Korra. "Sneaky," She whispers in her ear.

Korra turns her head to do the same. "You know it."

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The four of them return to the palace after a wild night out. The race was spectacular with high intensity crashes with minimal injuries to the riders and the horses. A few people in the crowd recognized Asami and asked if they could shake their hands. The generous woman agreed, even embracing some of her fans. There were a few in the spectators who seemed to know who Korra was. Whether they recognized her as a gladiatrix or as the hero of Rome, it was never revealed. They kept their distance from her, for which Korra was grateful. There was no use in small talk with people who did not understand her story.

After the race, the four of them went to the tavern by the Circus Maximus. Korra brought the wolf into the establishment but not before convincing the owner of the tavern to do so. She watched over Naga while her friends cheered and drank. She asked for a cup of pomegranate juice. They had none, the new shipment was to arrive the next day. So, the ex-gladiator drank plain water. Three of the four are a little tipsy. The only sober one is Korra, who vigilantly watches over her slightly drunk friends. Maybe not the only sober one. Naga sure didn't drink anything!

When the four reach the palace gates, they find there are no guards at the entrance. They shrug the anomaly off.

"They must be switching shifts," Bolin explains.

This is not the case.

Guards loyal to Bataar surround him in a protective circle. Kuvira's men circle around them in a threatening manner. Both sides have their weapons drawn. Bataar's waterbenders and firebenders have their respective elements at their calling. His earthbender's stance has been buried deep into the ground. Kuvira is in the back, and takes a few strides ahead. Opal tenses up at the sight of her, and Bolin drops into a fighting stance as does Asami.

Kuvira notices the four of them and Naga. Her expression quickly changes from cold and calculating to wounded and hurt.

"Korra!" Kuvira exclaims. "You're here. Thank the Spirits. He tried to hurt me again!"

Anger boils in Korra's stomach as she looks up to Bataar II, who is trembling behind his guards. They look incredibly small compared to Kuvira's guard from Alexandria, who are near giants among humans.

"What is this about, Kuvira?" Bataar asks. "I don't know what she's talking about!"

"My men here saw him do it! If it weren't for them, I might be dead," Kuvira says.

Korra looks between Bataar II and Kuvira. "I didn't do it, I swear on my life Korra. I would never lay a hand on Kuvira, I love her."

"Lies!" Kuvira hisses. She turns to face Korra. "You saw the bruises yourself."

"Bruises?" Demands Bataar. "What bruises?"

"Silence!" Kuvira snarls. "You have to help me, Korra."

Asami leans into the ex-gladiator. "Something is wrong here. I can feel it in my stomach. Whatever this is about...I am not sure I believe her."

Korra whispers to Asami, "I saw the bruises myself, like she said."

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" The pale woman hisses.

"It was supposed to be on the down low," Korra responds. "I didn't know it would end up like this. She told me she was running."

Asami opens her mouth to respond but Kuvira clears her throat, drawing the room's attention to her.

"I beg all of you," Kuvira pleads. "I know I haven't been the kindest to all of you but please, Bataar beat me after he found out I am unable to conceive a child."

Opal gasps, hands flying to her mouth. The guards protecting Bataar look back to him, their loyalty wavering.

"Untrue!" Bataar II cries out. "You told me you missed your cycle and that you are pregnant!"

Korra's eyes widen, unsure whose story to believe.

"Korra," The Empress begs. "Help me."

"No!" Bataar shouts, drawing Kuvira's gaze. "Korra, please. Listen to me. I don't know why, but she is lying about this."

"Why would I lie about something like this?" Kuvira snarls, her eyes snapping back to Korra. "Pick. Only one of us is telling the truth, and I pray you know who it is. So make your decision Korra, who is it going to be?"

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Circus Maximus- A place in ancient Rome where events such as chariot races were held.

Gladiatrix- A female gladiator

A/N: ooops. Sorry?

I finished Tomb Raider! I really enjoyed the game, though I cannot say it is one of my all time favorites. I liked Lara and Sam and Reyes! Whitman made me want to pull my own hair out. He was mega frustrating. It was kind of romantic how Lara went to the ends of the earth to save Sam. That was so...ah... #relationshipgoals. I hope you all had a pleasant ten days! And as always, review, follow, favorite, and share! Thanks for reading you guys. Two more chapters till the conclusion of the story. I hope you all have enjoyed the ride thus far. ~ChemistryGod