A/N:
So heads up, chapter is focused only on the separation of Ozai and Katara. So characters that aren't a part of palace life won't be in this chapter. Also, writing this, I'm getting ready for my finale and preparing for part two. Which I'm letting you guys know from my brainstorming, is going to be killer. I can feel it. Like no spoilers but Katara gets her groove back and we'll see more of our other characters since they play a huge role in the second part of this tale.
Love you guys and hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 35:
Waking to the sun peering through her dark curtains, Katara sat up in bed and took no time collecting herself from the lavender sheets. Her feet fell into her slippers and her hand grazed across the silk sheets as she walked to the foot of the bed, picking up her robe she had dropped last night. A soft sigh fell from her lips as she closed her eyes and nodded her head to a sudden thought. Today, she would not allow herself to feel anything less of the woman she had grown into being. She was strong, powerful, determined, loving, and forgiving. That's what she told herself she had become. And she believed it. Despite her days under her husband's wings where she was torn between her faults and her upcomings, Katara could now focus on the positives. No longer needing to do what she felt he needed from her. She could now be her own again. She was free... and yet still caged.
Opening her eyes, she turned quickly to her window and went to them, pulling the curtains back. The sun burned her eyes at its brightness but she didn't turn her head from the satisfaction of its light. The sea in full view as she took a deep breath and let herself claim the day as hers. Ozai, she thought his name. I refuse to be your weakness but I won't be your strength either. Whatever he and Hama discussed of her, calling her weak and a distraction, she would not let those words remain true. However; she wouldn't seek to change their minds. The waterbender had done more than either had given her credit for and it angered her how easily they disregarded her. She had given the Fire Lord two children, one being a firebender and the other a daughter that looked even more like him than his eldest daughter. Both children were healthy despite how early they came into the world. Pregnant with these children she did all that was expected of her and more. And before she had become pregnant or fallen into her husband's bed, she sacrificed for him and continued to do that over the course of a year. An entire year.
Today was supposed to mark their year anniversary. A year, she was mesmerized by how a year had flown by her. A year of being that man's wife. She pulled away from the window and ran her hand into her now shoulder length hair. How have I survived this place? She couldn't seem to find the answers. But what she did know is that until there was some sort of breakthrough with this war and a side won, she needed to become even more stronger and not for her husband, not even just for herself, but for her children.
~A little while later~
Having to prepare herself on her own without her ladies, the Fire Lady gathered her thoughts and mentally prepared to leave her chambers. No doubt that word of her being removed from her husband's chambers had spread all over the court. And as much as she didn't want to hear what rumors were flying around, Katara knew she'd hear it all eventually.
Opening her chamber doors, the waterbender stepped into the hallways and immediately was bombarded with her guards that surrounded her. She looked very confused at all of them. What were they doing rushing to her like that? But then she saw a crowd of nobles standing on the other side of them. They started shouting questions. Questions that had to do with the sudden room change.
Katara noticed Jee had stood right beside her and held his hand on her shoulder as he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I spoke with your husband this morning, he has strict orders for you not to answer any questions regarding your situation."
Why? Because he's embarrassed to admit I make him weak? The waterbender wanted to roll her eyes. Ozai, I swear if it weren't for all you've done, I'd hate you right now. Her fists balled at her side. I wish I could hate you now.
"He also asked that I escort you to the prison tower." Jee told her. "Supposedly, he's left the Northern Chieftain and your friends for you to deal with."
Clenching her fists tighter, and just what would he have me do? Torture them. On that Katara did roll her eyes and shook her head as she stepped away from Jee.
Tapping the shoulder of the guard in front of her, Katara wedged herself between him and another guard, needing to get through. Coming out in front of her guards, the waterbender straightened out her simple soft purple summer gown that she decided to wear.
The nobles noticed that she wasn't wearing her traditional robes nor her crown as her hair was worn freely down her head.
"Excuse me but you all are in my way." Katara didn't care that she sounded rude, they were being rude with their nosiness. Her eyes narrowed on them as she had her guards part them and let Jee walking front of her to guide her to the prison tower.
~Prison Tower~
Arriving, the prison guards all bowed to the Fire Lady as she made her way past them. Her eyes were just barely shut as she walked with her personal guards into the prison. Jee walked fairly close to her as they reached the units were lesser criminals were held. She could practically feel his body heat on her. It was somewhat comforting. Reminded her of how warm Ozai used to be before his skin went cold and numb from becoming a Phoenix creature. She quickly dismissed the thought of her husband. Her selfish greedy power hungry husband.
As they proceeded, the prisoners that watched what they could tell was the Fire Lady from the rumors. Brown skin. Blue eyes. An exotic beauty that had the Fire Lord by the balls. Yes, they could see clearly that this was the woman. She was definitely the temptress the prison guards gossiped about.
A few of the prisoners made cat calls at her. Calling out lewd things. Katara cringed at some of the things that were said. Fortunately for her, Jee was there to take her hand discreetly and provide her with some feeling of security. She kindly thanked him in a whisper for only him to hear.
Finally, leaving the main unit and entering the part where worse criminals were held. A secluded and heavily guarded part of the prison. The metal doors and sets of guards posted at each door somehow didn't give Katara a safe vibe either. To her it seemed that they were guarding very dangerous criminals. But of course they were. This side was very different from the one she just walked through.
And what do you have to fear, Katara? Are we not dangerous ourselves? Of course they were but Katara was in no condition to fight. She still wasn't all that well recovered from giving birth a month ago and letting Ozai have her when she knew she wasn't yet ready was a terrible mistake. Luckily, her bending did come in handy with subsiding her pains. Anyway, the waterbender knew she was in no fighting condition. She wouldn't even be able to take a fighting stance with how stiff she was.
"Here we are, Your majesty. Cell 6-C, Northern Chieftain Arnook." Jee said as his men stopped just in front of the door.
Katara looked at the heavy metal door and looked back to Jee, "You'll accompany me, won't you?"
Bowing his head, "If that is what your majesty wishes me to do."
"Yes." She said quickly as she felt her anxiety build.
With the Fire Lady's given consent for him to stay with her, Jee went to the door and opened it. Motioning his hand for the waterbender to enter and as she did, he followed behind her, giving his men orders to return to their posts in the palace before shutting the door.
Inside, Jee turned to face the Fire Lady and immediately saw she was on knees bowing her head to the Chieftain inside behind the metal bars.
"Your majesty!" He called for her as he took her arm. What was she thinking?!
The waterbender jerked her arm from her guard and looked to him, "I'm paying my respects!" Her voice was not meant to yell at him but to express some sort of feeling that lay hidden with her ocean eyes.
Trying to be somewhat understanding as he reached for her again. "Your majesty, you are not to bow to anyone but his majesty."
"Jee, I-"
"Listen to the man, Katara." The voice of Chieftain Arnook called her attention and she nearly snapped her neck to look at him.
"Chieftain." She tried to bow again but he stopped her.
Shaking his head at her, "You are wife of a leader. You can bow to no man but your husband." He told her.
"But-"
"Katara, please. It is hard seeing you like this as it is. You should behave yourself more accordingly to the laws of the nation you now serve." His voice was softer than she had imagined.
The waterbender rose her head back up and let Jee help her to her feet. Her guard quickly ran to get the stool from the corner of the room to allow her to sit. She then sat on the stool, dusting off her elegant Fire Nation attire.
Behind the bars, Arnook gazed at the waterbender and tilted his head to the side.
"You've grown a lot since last I saw you, Katara." Arnook observed the young woman.
Offering a small smile, Katara nodded her head. "It's been four years now, Chieftain Arnook. A lot has changed."
The Northern nodded his head and returned her small smile. "Yes, I can see that." Noticing the young woman become slightly fidgety on her stool as if she felt self conscious of herself. But Arnook wasn't going to add insult to injury. He knew the girl wasn't as rumor said or even what the Fire Lord said of her. Clearly, Katara still had a love for her people and the people of the world. He wasn't fooled like some were that this girl was a traitor. The look in her eyes, remorse and apology, repentance. She had done no wrong if one were to ask him. The way she bowed to him against her station. She was queen now. She bowed to no one. The Northern Chieftain could see from just looking at her and feeling her presence, that the young woman was not his enemy.
"You needn't worry yourself, child." Arnook said gently. "I see you no differently than when you and your brother arrived in my country with the Avatar. Just because you've married the Fire Lord and assimilated into Fire Nation culture, doesn't mean you're not still a child of Tui and La. Our people never turn their backs. Never."
It couldn't be helped that a tear fell from her face. Those words. Words she didn't think she'd ever hear. It pained her to hear them. Not because they were bad or offended her. But because she felt they'd never be uttered to the likes of her. After all she's done. Did he know her sins and had forgiven them? Or did he simply say such out of ignorance of how truly terrible she's become? La, did it matter? She should just allow herself the comfort the words bring.
Wiping the tear that shed from her eye, "Thank you, Chieftain Arnook. It is too kind of you. I thought for sure that the North saw me as a traitor."
Shaking his head, "No, our people see you as a martyr just like my daughter Yue. You both sacrificed yourselves for the greater good of our people. Yue gave her life for the moon spirit, so that our benders would not lose their abilities. And you, you married a tyrant and bore his children for the resurrection of the Southern Water Tribe. What the Princesses of the North and South Pole have given for their people is not to go unrecognized. I apologize to you if it seems that way from your end. Our people do not consider you a traitor."
"Thank you." Again another tear fell and she tried to keep others from following.
Behind her, Jee stood with his hands held behind his back as the Northern Chieftain spoke. He realized from the Fire Lady's reaction that all this time she had felt she had been disloyal to her people by servicing the Fire Lord. That she had turned her back. It must be what's eaten her up whenever he was with her and saw how far away her eyes looked. It made sense now why the Fire Lord's wishes had always angered her. The man didn't know what he was asking of her and if he did, he didn't understand that self-betrayal that his wife was enduring all by herself.
Getting past the water works and turning her attentions to why she was here, Katara cleared her throat and crossed her ankles. "My husband has left me in charge of supervising you and my two other friends that are being held here. He wants me to do routine check ins on all three of you."
Understanding exactly why the Fire Lord was doing this.
"I see. Then you get stuck doing his dirty work. Good enough for his bed but not so much to stand at his side. What a good husband he makes." Arnook scoffed sarcastically.
Katara laced her fingers together, "He's not the easiest man to understand or deal with for that matter but I will say he's been kind to me."
"And what of your children? I heard he's a bastard of a father." The Northerner spat.
Lowering her gaze from the Chieftain, "He is good to my two children. Our daughter Kya looks just like him and he adores her. As for our son Zhiar, I see pride in his eyes when looking at him. Ozai is good to our children."
Arnook noticed the waterbender speak highly of her husband in defense. The smile that unconsciously came from her face as she spoke of him and their children made the Northerner realize that the girl had indeed been led to fall in love with the tyrant Fire Lord. Even so, Arnook couldn't blame Katara. If he was correct, she had just come of age when the Fire Lord forced her to marry him and seeing the man for himself, the Chieftain could see how a girl like Katara would be attracted to him. No doubt women from the north would find the Fire Lord attractive too.
"Then you love him?" Arnook ask in a soft tone.
And Katara responded just as softly, "That I do. I do love him."
…
Sitting at his desk as he held his glass in hand, chair turned and facing the window. His head tilted to the side as he took another deep breath. Seemed like all he had been doing all day was sigh. As if he had nothing better to do. It had been a tedious day.
Ozai sat there watching the sunset over the ocean, dreading having to return to his chambers. His empty chambers. Day one and he was a complete and utter mess. Sure, he was able to focus better. Get through the meetings without needing to think of how he couldn't wait to get back to his wife. His wife that served as a source of pleasure for him. Not just sexually but every other aspect of their marriage.
"It's only been a day and you can't even bare the thought of returning and her not being there." Hama hissed. "You're pathetic."
As soon as she uttered her last words, the water siren was rendered to the floor as a lethal amount of lightning had struck her in the center of her chest and Ozai hadn't even moved an inch as he held two fingers up from where he sat, hitting his target without needing to look. Hama laid on the floor. Motionless. The Fire Lord took a sip of his wine and rose from his chair, turning to look down at the floor. A scorched siren lying there. Lifeless. He reluctantly went around his desk towards her. Squatting down and laying his index finger on the middle of her chest, sending another bolt to bring her back. When he did, she sat up instantly and began coughing.
Wheezing as her hand went to her chest, eyes wide as they looked to the man that nearly sent her to death's door, Hama felt a sense of betrayal.
Stepping over her like she wasn't anything but dirt, "Speak to me like that again and I'll kill you."
The Fire Lord said nothing else as he exited the room and left Hama on the floor in disbelief.
~Royal Chambers~
Suki was hesitant when the Fire Lord informed her that she would be serving him now and not Katara. She was Kimiko's replacement. Kimiko served the royal suite and its occupants. The Fire Lord was now its only occupant. The Kyoshi figured it had more to do with him not trusting her with Katara at this time of their separation. She couldn't blame him but still. She'd rather be fired than to work for him.
"Your majesty." She and her ladies bowed as he entered. Unlike when she was serving Katara, Suki now had to follow more stricter rules.
The Fire Lord only gave a grunt in response as he dragged on to his bedroom, not even waiting till he reached it before removing his clothes. Suki ordered her ladies to hurry and pick after him as she sighed with a hand over her round stomach.
"Kyoshi woman, come here." She heard the Fire Lord's groggy voice call for her and she reluctantly made her way down the chamber hall to him. What does he want? Can't he just dismiss me for the night?
Entering the bedroom, Suki noticed the Fire Lord was only in his pants. Her eyes averted from him. Where's his modesty?! She mentally groaned in annoyance.
"Closed the door." He ordered.
Murmuring under her breath as she did.
"I can hear you, Kyoshi."
Whipping herself around, "My name is Suki! SUKI! S.U.K.I! Kyoshi is the name of my village and the Earth Kingdom Avatar before Roku!" She blew up after he fucked up her name again. Spirits, how the hell did Katara put up with this asshole.
"I know your name, you idiot girl! I simply call you what I like. Now, shut up and get over here." The Fire Lord voice was different than usual. Less personality behind it. Not that he had much of a personality to begin with.
Suki groaned again but this time out loud as she marched over to where the Fire Lord was, on the balcony with a whole bottle of wine in his hand. Spirits, he's drinking. So she would be dealing with the only thing worse than the Fire Lord, a drunk Fire Lord.
Hearing the Kyoshi step out onto his balcony, Ozai turned to look at her and held out the wine to her. "Do you drink?"
Suki's eyes were about to pop out of her head, "Drink? Do I drink?! Sir, I'm six months pregnant, I don't know, do I drink?" His lip turned up into a snarl as he turned back around and started chugging the damn thing.
"You should watch how you talk to me. Your friend isn't here to save you." Ozai threatened her.
Rolling her eyes, "As if you'd want to hurt her more or was killing her brother not enough for you?" She said accusingly at him.
Leaning over the rails of the balcony, Ozai tiredly sighed and through the half drunken bottle out into what was the courtyard lawn down below. Not caring as he heard a woman's scream. Dumb bitch. He thought. How the hell was a bottle of wine frightening? Uhh, whatever. He didn't care. Besides, that terrified scream only reawakened his sadistic nature.
"Is there a reason you asked for me, Ozai?" Suki said.
"Don't call me by name, Kyoshi." He hissed venomously.
Biting her tongue as she wanted so badly to call him something else that he wouldn't take a liking to. "Okay, well what do I call you? Your majesty doesn't work. And calling you by name doesn't work either. What do you want?"
"You're getting on my nerves." He growled frustratedly. Seriously, he should have just had her fired. Agni, he couldn't deal with her today. "I called you here because I need you to do something for me."
Narrowing her eyes at him.
"Go into the city and buy dragon fruit along with any other exotic fruit you find. Have it prepared neatly in a basket and taken to Katara." He said in a low and distant voice.
Tilting her head to the side, Suki couldn't think of why the Fire Lord would tell her to do something like that. Sure, she knew the man loved his wife even after separating from her but why would he be buying her fruit. What was the point?
Sensing the Kyoshi was clueless and didn't understand the order he was giving her, Ozai growled and yelled for her to get on with it and do as told. His voice caused her to hurry on out the room. Hissing as he turned his attention back to the setting sun and ocean, the Fire Lord watched as the moon appeared.
Sighing as he felt a headache coming on. Look what you do to me. He lamented. Whether you're here or not, you make my life more complicated. Why? A voice told him exactly why. A voice that sounded like his father's. Agni, he cringed at the thought of that man but his voice was in his head and he felt sick to his stomach.
I always told you that you were a weak bastard, didn't I boy? He heard that wicked voice of a man long dead in the back of his head. How Ozai could tell if the man were right in front of him he'd be smirking.
Fisting some of his hair as he slid himself down on the floor of the balcony, Ozai nearly pulled his hair out from the voice in his head. His father's voice. Why?! Why in Agni's name?! He hadn't heard the man's voice like this since the year after he killed that bastard. Damn it! He swore as he pulled his own hair harder. Leave! But the voice was taunting as always. It only left when they wanted to.
….
Returning to her chambers after her day ended with a meeting that took place between her and her crew that were about of the children's hospital project, Katara felt she had a surprisingly good day. She felt great somehow. Probably due to her visit with Arnook. He had reassured her and made her feel accepted. Though, she hadn't worked up the courage to visit Toph and Zuko yet, she had managed to leave the prison ready to face her day and the days ahead of her that would be spent in distance from her husband.
Stretching her arms as Jee came in behind her, closing the door and going over to her sitting area. She had invited him to keep her company for a little bit. Needing to express how much better she felt.
"I'll get the teapot." The lieutenant said as Katara sat by the small fire pit of her sitting area on a cushion, a smile beaming off her face.
Coming back with pot, Jee set up the fire with his bending while the Fire Lady bended some water into the pot. The two gathered the tea leaves in which they wanted to drink.
Preparing it, the waterbender smiled at the small crackle of ambers and looked up at Jee. "Thank you for accepting my invitation."
"How could I refuse the Fire Lady?" Jee chuckled. "Besides, Suki would kill me if I didn't keep you company. She's always worried about you."
Smiling at the sound of that, "Ha, I'm glad to hear that. She and I weren't doing too well when this all started but I think she's accepted things for what they are."
Jee nodded to that. He knew Suki had originally hated the idea of her friend being married to the Fire Lord and hated it even more when they got closer. However; he noticed the Kyoshi had gotten much better about her friend's relationship to the Fire Lord.
Speaking of relationship and the Fire Lord. The lieutenant had just realized something and looked down at the kettle in deep thought. Isn't today their anniversary? A year? Jee peeked his gold eyes over to the Fire Lady. Did she also realized that?
Taking the metal rod and poking the coal around underneath the pot, Katara pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them. "I had a really good day after speaking with Chieftain Arnook."
"I saw." Jee chuckled. "Must have said everything you needed to hear."
Nodding her head, "Yup." She said as her eyes suddenly became distant. Today was really nice. Moving to have her cheek against her knees. Even if I couldn't spend it with you.
Seeing that faraway look in her eyes again, Jee knew she was probably thinking about her husband.
"I never got to congratulate you on the engagement." The waterbender snapped out of it and smiled back at Jee. "So have you figured out a date?"
Clearing his throat as he tried not to be too embarrassed, "Ugh, we figured after the war would be nice. No matter what sides wins, we plan to stay together. No matter what." He said confidently.
Katara laid her hand on the lieutenant's shoulder and patted it, "Then you know you can't going dying on her, right? If things get crazy, you run with her. Don't try to be brave."
"But your majesty-"
Stopping him with her hand, "You are going to be a father. Don't abandon your duties. Not when you don't have to." Still beaming up at him.
As much as Jee wanted to tell her it was his duty to stand guard over her especially if things were to get crazy, he knew what she was telling him. Clearly, in the end, she would no longer require his services. She must know something's going to happen. Did Suki tell her or was it just a gut feeling of hers?
When their tea was ready, Katara poured Jee and then herself a cup. The two drank it and changed the topic to a much lighter one. Discussing the schedule for the next few days and how she wanted to see her children, possibly take a day off to see them. There was also some training she wanted to do. The war was coming to a close and she knew it would be a nasty ending. She needed to condition her body back into how she originally had it. Being cooped up in the palace has made her feel like jelly.
A knock pulled both their attention and Jee climbed to his feet as he went to the door to answer it. Opening it, he saw his fiancé and a large basket of fruit in her arms.
"Suki!" He quickly grabbed the basket from her and scolded her. "I told you about lifting." The guard shouted at her as she came in and slammed the door behind them.
Rolling her eyes, "Please, Jee. Not now. The Fire Lord already got under my skin earlier, please don't make me take my anger out on you."
Katara rose to her feet as she saw Jee come around the corner with a large basket of fruits, her eyes darted to the dragon fruit. Licking her lips, "What is that?"
"Your very drunk and annoying husband made me go get them. Said to give them to you." Suki crossed her arms in irritation as Jee laid the basket in front of the Fire Lady.
Did he remember? Katara tilted her head to the side as she looked at the basket in curiosity. Her hand reached to them and she plucked one from the basket. Looking at the fruit that had caught her attention that day in the market with Ozai during the winter solstice, the waterbender ran her hand down it.
Jee and Suki eyed Katara strangely as she held the fruit.
"Do you want to be left alone, your majesty?" Jee asked.
The waterbender only responded with a head nod.
The lieutenant wrapped his arm around Suki's waist and led her out of the Fire Lady's chambers. As he closed the door behind them, Jee sighed and pulled the Kyoshi closer to him, kissing her temple as they walked. Suki placed her hand against his chest to put on hold their movement.
"What is up with them?" Suki placed her hand in her hips. "The Fire Lord ordered me to buy those damn fruit and now Katara's acting like their crimson diamonds or something."
Chuckling as he kissed her forehead and took her hand in his, "Its their anniversary, Suki. That's what's up with them."
Suki made and an o-shape with her mouth as they continued on their walk, heading home for the evening. It had been a long day but thank spirits it's over.
…..
~Three days Later~
"Dragon fruit?" Arnook held the fruit in his hand as he eyed it strangely.
Smiling brighter than he had ever seen her, Katara nodded her head and cracked open hers as she began eating it. Jee had to keep from chuckling at the Fire Lady's lack of basic manners. She never seemed to eat with the same grace as the other women in the palace and she never seemed to care either. However; she didn't need to carry the same grace as the other women. Her kind hearted nature made up for it. Sharing her favorite fruit with her prisoners. The blind earthbender and ex-Fire prince were given some as well, though the Fire Lady had the guards give them theirs as she wasn't yet ready to face either of them.
Talking with food in her mouth and fruit juice all over her face, "Yes, they're delicious! Try it!" Her voice was gleeful.
Arnook looked over the fruit some more and then to the waterbender's guard, who just shrugged his shoulders with a goofy look on his face. Following Katara's lead, the Chieftain cracked it open and then sniffed the inside of the weird fruit. It didn't smell bad but then again he could barely smell anything. He then decided to taste it. A small lick that ended with an even smaller nibble.
"Good, right?" The waterbender said as she was already finished with hers.
Surprisingly, Arnook did like it. It was very different from what he had imagined.
"I figured both poles might like them since fruit are so scarce." Katara said as she looked at the Chieftain. "Once Ozai gets what he wants, I want to share all I can with my tribe and sister tribe." And suddenly, her gaze was distant. Traveling far into her thoughts.
The Northerner continued eating his fruit and looking away from her, trapped in his own thoughts. So Katara did want the Fire Nation to win? However; it seemed she wanted to give light to a dark idea. Wanting her people to benefit from such an outcome. He couldn't much say he was angry for her siding with the Fire Lord, the man was her husband and he figured out the other day that Katara loved him. But Arnook could see that she was definitely fooling herself if she thought that would make everything alright. She was still young. Only having become a recognized woman last year. It couldn't be helped that she still had childlike ideas.
"So how's Pakku? Have you figured out what you two been working close together since entering the war?" Katara snapped out of her thoughts.
Grinning at the girl, "Trying to get information out of me, are you? How clever a woman you've become." He chuckled as her face reddened.
"No! Arnook, I'm sorry. That's not what I meant. Forgive me." Her head bowed again.
Both Jee and Arnook scolded her for bowing her head.
"Your majesty!"
"Katara, raise your head now!"
Mentally berating herself for slipping up again, the waterbender's cheeks reddened even more and she apologized to the two men in her company. Pulling her hair behind her ear as she tried not to cringe at her own mistake.
Sighing, "I'm sorry, I've just not been myself and forget."
"Is something the matter, Katara?" There was sincere concern in his voice.
Shaking her head, "No, everything's fine."
"You're lying." He could see through her.
"I said I'm fine."
"It's him isn't it?"
"Chieftain Arnook." Jee stepped in. "I believe her majesty's visit has ended. She has other business to attend to."
Quickly, the guard came upon the Fire Lady and helped her to her feet. Exchanging not so good looks between one another. When he had gotten Katara out of the cell and out of the prison tower on their way back to the palace, Jee felt the Fire Lady lean close to his arm and hug him slightly. Hoping no one saw.
"Thank you, Jee." She said in a worn voice. Smiling down at her, the palace guard continued on with her to their destination.
~Fire Lord's Office~
Hama stood at Ozai side as he spoke with his Sages that were suggesting he start arranging marriages for both his daughters. Azula and Kya. Of course, they wanted Azula married so it would be her husband to take the throne and Kya to marry a firebender to flush out her waterbending genes. The water siren listened to this nonsense knowing Ozai would not agree to this.
No way would he allow someone other than Azula to have his throne and as for Kya, he held an even greater love for her than his eldest daughter. She could tell from how he was when he held the girl. His heart raced in his chest and his thoughts were always centered around fear. Fear of dropping her. Fear for crushing her in his callous hands. Fear of failing her. Those fears only grew the more he saw his daughter. Kya would cling to his finger and stare up at him with those wide gold eyes of hers. The baby siren was clearly using her siren call on her father. Stealing his heart.
"Take that up with my wife. That is her jurisdiction." Ozai replied with a stoic expression as he had his fingers laced together.
The Sages acknowledged this and bowed before leaving. As they were on their way, Hama went around his desk and bowed her head as was now required of her. Ozai's attitude having become harsher in the last week.
"Your majesty, permission to leave." She asked.
Barely looking at her as he busied himself with work. "Permission granted."
Not another word was spoken as she too left his office and went on about her business. Once on the other side of the door, Hama pressed her back into it and sighed in relief. Thank La. She was happy to finally be free of him. Ozai was cracking down on things and gaining control over his court much like how he had before. It was good. Great actually. His strength was returning and his focus was trained. Distractions and secondary matters pushed aside, he was finally back to the Fire Lord he should be. But la was he ruthless. Hama had underestimated him and that rage of his. Two servants had been 'fired' so to speak but anyone with any sense knew it was made to look that way because in fact the servants had been killed. Two ladies belonging to the former madam Kimiko who were now under the Kyoshi's overseeing. Both killed for simply gossiping. The Fire Lady's name brought up as well as the mention of his 'half-blood' mutts. Hama could blame him for his anger. They disrespected his children. However; killing them? Was it necessary? The water siren didn't know but what she did know, was that not even she was safe right now. Her hand pressing to her chest as she still felt some pain from being struck by his lightning.
"Consort Hama." A Sage seemed to have stayed behind.
Not bothering to look at the man as she lifted the long skirt of her gown and walked off to where she would rather be. "What do you want, Lotus member?"
The Sage came up beside her and looped his arm in herself suddenly, yanking her to him. "Lotus member? I haven't the clue what you're talking about."
Rolling her eyes as she hissed. "Funny how you think the Fire Lady is the only Siren in this palace." Looking to him, she flashed her siren eyes at him.
"Ah, I see." Smirking at him. "It's pointless to lie, isn't it?"
Nodding her head silently as she tried yanking her arm from him but he didn't budge. Pulling her into a room halfway down the hall and slamming up against a wall as soon as the door shut.
"Killed an entire clan and now you show up in the palace as if it were nothing, the Fire Lord's consort. One he doesn't use. What are you up to siren?!" The Sage hissed.
Smiling wickedly as her eyes glowed, "The same as you, Sage. Didn't my son tell you that himself?"
"Shin is even less trustworthy than you, do you really think he could convince us?!" Lao nearly spat.
Tearing his hand off of her and twisting his wrist as her smile reached her unholy eyes. "And that is why you never send a man to do a woman's job." Her leg then lifted to kick the man in his crotch. As he bended forward in pain, she grabbed him by the neck and forced him to stand up straight, marveling at the pain written over his features. "Don't you have better things to do than try and seek me out? Like, I don't know, save the world or something."
"Then you wish to destroy it." Lap said as he gasped for air. "I can tell by the look in your eyes. You want the world to be destroyed! You're worse than the Fire Lord!"
Throwing the man across the room, "I'm worse? No, my dear, I only mean to put an end to human suffering."
…
~A day later~
Walking with her head held low behind the Fire Lord with her ladies following, Suki had literally bitten her tongue and squeezed her wrist to keep from getting out of line. She was punished to kneeling in the courtyard for several hours yesterday for speaking the Fire Lord's name by accident. He didn't seem to care that she was pregnant. Jee had told her to stay home or say nothing unless spoken to. Afraid for their unborn but Suki had sworn to not leave Katara alone even if they barely got to see one another.
Beside her was Hama, who now wore her hair down and a collar tight around her neck that was connected to a leash that the Fire Lord held. It was revolting to the Kyoshi. Seeing the woman look more like a pet than a person. Spirits, she hated the woman but that was hard to consider when she was seeing how shaken the woman's eyes were as they stared at the floor. Suki's guess was Hama must have crossed the Fire Lord for the last time and now he was refusing to let her or anyone get away with anything.
Yesterday, two more servants had been ordered to execution for gossiping about his situation with his wife. They mentioned something about how he had a fleeting taste in women and never committed for too long. It must have set him off because he turned out to be their executioner as well. Burning them completely alive. The news had struck everyone in the palace but from how the nobles seemed to speak of the Fire Lord's behavior, this must be how he was like before Katara had arrived here.
On his way to meet with his generals and daughter who be attending today's meeting, Ozai with his entourage paced by the outdoor training arena. His silver eyes glanced over to see whatever he had been hearing as he passed through. It sounded as if a few residents were training or practicing their form. However; when he took a quick look, he paused.
Suki almost bumped into him but managed to catch herself, glaring at the back of his head. Spirits, what was he doing stopping all of a sudden?! But then she noticed something caught his attention and she followed his gaze.
Hair pulled into a high ponytail as she wore loose pants and a sleeveless vest, her armbands on both arms, Katara practiced her form. Moving fluidly as she bended a stream of water. It moved around as if it were alive. Like a snake making gentle gestures. The waterbender's eyes were closed, feeling but not seeing her element move as she did. It was rare to see his wife so focused and determined and yet relaxed. Her face was calm, her steps were precise, and her body flexible as she moved with the water. It could easily have been taken as an erotic sight. The dance of a temptress. It never crossed his mind that Katara could sway her hips back and forth in a hypnotic motion.
Holding his gaze on his wife that danced with her element, Ozai's fist clenched at his side and he tried not to become angry. She was supposed to talk him out of letting her go. She was supposed to beg him. Tell him she refused. Fight him to remain at his side. Instead, she agreed with him the entire way. Wanting to be apart from him as much as he needed to be from her. Agni, it made him a bitter man this past week. How could she allow him to leave her?
I see. Water can tame Fire. That little whore has you wrapped around her thumb. Azulon's ghostly voice burrowed in his ears.
Growling out loud as he tried to rid himself of his father's voice that kept washing over him when he was around Katara or thought of her.
His father's voice chuckled, How pitiful. Everything your grandfather and I worked hard for, you're going to ruin it all for that filthy bitch! It makes me sick that she wears your mother's crown, my mother's crown. Our nation is doomed because of you, boy! Ozai winced as his head began to ache the louder his father's voice grew.
Suki eyed the Fire Lord strangely as he nearly lost his balance, she saw Hama rush to his side and look him over. Words that she couldn't hear were exchanged and they seemed to make the Fire Lord annoyed and the consort carry a regretful stare. When the Fire Lord proceeded, yanking Hama along by her leash, the Kyoshi sighed under her breath and shook her head. She had been rooting for the Fire Nation to win for Katara's sake but now, she just wanted Aang and Zuko to kick this man's ass. He was being a total jerk. Like in the beginning.
….
Wiping the sweat from her brows with a towel that Jee handed her, Katara panted as she had gotten her workout in for the day, feeling good about herself.
"So what do you want to do?" Katara looked up at her guard. "I'm up for anything."
Jee raised an eyebrow, "Don't you have work to do?"
Shaking her head, "Wang is sick and Ozai doesn't trust anyone else to deliver reports and assignments back and forth between us. Besides," the waterbender folded her arms and furrowed her brows in frustration. "He refuses to do them himself. As if he can't stand the sight of me. I know he was just on that bridge a minute ago thinking how little I am to his plans." She couldn't help the hurt she felt. "He hates me now."
The lieutenant gaze the Fire Lady a reassuring shoulder rub and told her that she was reading too much into it and that her husband didn't hate her. It was in Jee's mind that the Fire Lord needed to focus his attention on winning the war because Katara was too great a distraction and weakness. Not in a bad way but in a way that makes the Fire Lord choose her over his duties. The Fire Lord must know he would eventually forsake his work for his wife's sake were things to take a downturn. He must have been wanting to preserve their relationship by separating at such a crucial point in this war.
Wanting to explain this to the Fire Lady, the lieutenant figured it wasn't his place to say anything about the topic. He wasn't familiar with how marriages worked, really. He and Suki would be figuring it out on their own. But at the moment, he couldn't offer the Fire Lady any council. Especially because her marriage was so different from typical ones to begin with.
Heading back into the palace, Jee and his men stood guard in both the Fire Lady's chambers and outside of it. He stood guard just outside her bedroom as instructed.
"Lieutenant Jee." One of his men that was posted outside entered the chambers and addressed him. "There is a message for Fire Lady Katara, her husband has summoned her along with his eldest daughter, Princess Azula. He wants them in the throne room immediately."
Jee nodded in acknowledgment and sent his subordinate back to his post. Knocking lightly on the bedroom door of the Fire Lady. "Your majesty, may I enter?"
The sound of wet footsteps and an almost fall accompanied by a swear, the lieutenant stood waiting for the door to open and once it did, he quickly turned his gaze.
Dripping wet from getting out of her shower, Katara looked up at her guard and swept her dangling wet hair back. "What is it? Is something wrong?" She asked.
Looking at the ceiling, "You and her highness, Princess Azula, have been summoned by your husband."
~Few Minutes Later~
Katara and her guards made their way to the throne room where they were being called to. La, she hoped it wasn't anything too bad. It would be hard enough if Ozai was there. She didn't really want to be in the same room as him right now. The tension in the halls when they walked by one another was already enough to make her want to run away but to be with him in the same room. She was frightened. Almost terrified. Especially after hearing how bad his temper was, seeing Hama on a leash, and Suki being forced to kneel for not biting her tongue. La, Ozai was becoming less and less the man she thought she knew. Even with the memories he shared with her and their time together, Ozai was a stranger to her still. She never knew what was going on in his head. Whether she read his thoughts or not.
"Mother dearest, what is the meaning of this." The Fire Lady heard her step-daughter's voice come from down a separate hall that intersected with the one she was currently walking down.
Having stopped her men, Katara looked to see the princess with her hair down her back, worn exactly like her father's.
"Azula, I figured you had already reached the throne room." Katara said as she noticed the servants running after her were out of breath. Maybe she had taken as long as I was getting ready.
Smirking her grand smirk as if it were her resting bitch face, "And I figured you'd take your sweet time. I heard you and father aren't getting along all that well."
Face flushing, Katara looked away from the princess and proceeded forward. La, the topic of her situation between her and her husband was not an easy one. Jee and Suki were the only people she felt comfortable discussing this with.
Noticing the Fire Lady's discomfort, Jee walked closer than he probably should to her.
"Thanks." She whispered to him.
A simple head nod was all he gave as they carried on to the throne room.
~Throne Room~
Arriving their, Katara and Azula noticed that there had been a meeting and everyone was leaving out. Were they late? Or did Ozai want to speak with them privately.
Once the room cleared out, the wall of Fire that obscured the throne disbursed and Fire Lord Ozai rose from his throne, making his way down the dais. Azula bowed her head to him as Katara averted her eyes. Whether she was to bow or not to him didn't matter. If her husband wanted to avoid conflict he'd just get to his point and overlook her unwillingness to follow a simple rule.
Ozai looked from his daughter showing respect to his wife that flinched the closer he got and kept her eyes off of him. He had expected her to kneel but the last thing he wanted was to have to argue with her. She could do whatever for all he cared. She wasn't his concern. Not anymore.
"I've summoned you both to discuss a matter I believe is important we all see eye to eye on." He tore eyes from Katara to look at the table in front of them and waved his hand to gesture both women's attention to the map. "My grandfather's comet is coming and I mean to use the power it holds to destroy all of Bei Seng Sei." Ozai paused for a moment to get a glimpse of his wife that didn't even turn to look at the map, clearly showing her disinterest.
Azula tried not to laugh at how her father and stepmother seemed to be at odds with one another. Her father sort of sucked in the area of women. She knew that from how he and her mother never got along. Then the women in between that he courted in pursuit of another wife. They all couldn't stand him but then again, he wasn't all that interested with them unless they were underneath him. Now, the waterbender that she figured he'd have the most difficulties with, turns out he loves her but they never got along for too long. One minute they were all over each other. The next, they were trying not to kill one another. It was amusing but Azula had to pin this one on her father. He was terrible with women.
Arms hugged to her chest as she listened to Ozai's plans for winning the war, Katara tried thinking of something else instead of the mass murder of innocent people she had turned her back on. Her thoughts traveled to her children that she hadn't been able to see as much as she wanted to due to that scheduling of things. La, she wish she could be with them now. Maybe after she leaves here she could sneak in the nursery and see her babies. They were hers after all. Sure, Ozai was the father but he didn't carry them like how she did. Besides, she probably needed to talk to him about the schedule. Why was it he had more time with them than her? She was their mother. Was he trying to keep her away from her children as some sort of punishment? But why? What did she do wrong?
The whole time he spoke over the details of the plan, Ozai knew only his daughter had paid him any attention. Katara was off in her own little world thinking of their children. Agni, was she doing this on purpose?! Knowing he could hear her thoughts if he wanted to. He immediately stopped listening in on her thoughts and continued explaining to his daughter what he wanted her to do since it was obvious Katara would rather be doing something else than listen.
You can't make much out of an ignorant tribal whore, my boy. His father's voice was back. It has been attempted before and they all fail. Something in them simply refuses to cooperate after a certain period of time and then they stop looking to do what is asked of them. They are tools. Tools that should never leave the bedroom.
As much as Ozai had never cared for prejudices simply because he liked to have a mind of his own, it was hard denying some of what his father said. Katara should have been put in her place to begin with. Maybe it wasn't too late. Giving her a role in his court outside of serving him as his wife has planted some false idea in her head. The idea that she could disobey or disrespect him.
Put the harlot in her place, Ozai. His father commanded.
"Katara." He said abruptly and Katara snapped her attention to him, her blue eyes wide as if she realized that she had been caught not listening.
Saying nothing she only looked at him.
"I asked you both here to discuss my plans for the war and you blatantly disrespect me by not listening to a single word I say, tell me why that is?" He turned a scowling look on her and Azula stepped back as she felt the tension rise in the room. Agni, how she hated being in the middle of this. Can't she be dismissed? This was going to be annoying.
Looking away, Katara shook her head unable to answer.
His fists balled, "Azula, you're dismissed." The princess didn't waste time leaving her parents to fuss one another's heads off. She had other things to do.
"Just because we are separated doesn't mean you can disrespect me, Katara." The waterbender kept her eyes away from him.
And just because you're the Fire Lord doesn't mean you can demand my respect. It would be a lot easier to face him and reel in her feelings, giving him undivided attention if not for all the shit she heard he was doing. Hama on a leash. Suki kneeling for hours while pregnant. Servants killed. The nobles afraid to approach him. Did he think she would not know or that she would know and accept that sort of behavior? No. She wouldn't. And she wouldn't have him talk to her any kind of way either. He wanted respect like he wanted everything else, he had to earn it.
Furrowing brows as she looked off to the side, arms crossed over her breast. "And it doesn't mean you can go back to being a monster either, Ozai."
"A monster? Who the hell are you calling a monster?!" His fist slammed down on the table beside him. "Everything I'm doing is for us! Our family! Our people!"
"You're doing this for yourself!" Katara yelled at him. Her eyes now set furiously on him. How dare he use her and their family as an excuse for something he has been doing before they were a part of his life. This wasn't about her or their family. This was about his selfish ambitions. Ambitions that had already taken enough from him to get and would only cost him more. How much was he willing to sacrifice?! How much was he planning on trading for world domination? And why? Why in La's name was it so important for him to do so?! "Don't make me your scapegoat for something you've always wanted! You're just selfish!"
Narrowing his eyes at her as he stepped closer to her, "I'm selfish? After everything I've done for you, I'm the selfish one. What about you, waterbender?! Did you not thrive off of my selfishness?! Were you not a beneficiary of my greed?! Tell me, dear, have you not profited from me?!"
It would be a lie to tell him 'no' but it would also be a lie to say she didn't suffer at the hand of his greedy selfish ways. Because he wanted her so badly and placed such a high value on her head, he's made her a target on both sides. The whole world would have her dead if they could be allowed the opportunity. Ozai didn't know that. He didn't understand that. But how could she expect him to understand? He didn't truly care about her. Rather separate from her to keep his head leveled than keep her at his side. She was so infuriated with him. This last week and few days, Katara had fought hard to see things his way as usual but was rather tired of it. Why did she have to always conform to him and his ways?! Had he ever done the same for her?! Had he?! No! Ozai didn't care how she felt. It was always about him and his desires and his feelings and his goals and his people. To hell with hers. But Katara had grown tired of it. She was done. Calling quits.
"If you want to be Phoenix King, fine, I'm not stopping you. But I won't be your queen." Katara stated before turning to leave.
But she found her arm caught and her body being slammed on the floor, heat burning into her body as a pained scream tore from her throat. Above her, Ozai had lost a sense of himself as he had become overwhelmed with rage. He swore her comment was another threat to leave him. But he wouldn't have it. She would stay here. Stay with him. And once the war was won she'd be his again. She would be his queen whether she liked it or not! She called him selfish, well he wasn't denying it. He'd rather keep all that belonged to him than let it be taken from him or walk out on him. Kimiko was the last person to do that to him. Katara would not be let go of so easily. However; in the midst of his raging fit, Ozai hadn't noticed he was burning his waterbender. Discoloration already covering the area where his hands gripped to. Her eyes were wide and her voice shouted in screams as she begged him to let go.
Not hearing what she was saying or knowing what he was doing. "No! I won't!"
"Please!" Her voice grew louder but he started shaking her to stop her pathetic screaming. Why was she screaming?! He didn't understand. Did she want to leave that badly?! As if he would ever tolerate that.
The throne room doors opened as the guards and people outside had heard shouting feared something terrible had taken place. Guards entering first saw immediately that the Fire Lord was straddled over his screaming wife that he was clearly burning from the smoke simmering from her skin.
"HELP ME!" She screamed and the guards looked at her with wide eyes as they didn't know what to do. This was a tricky situation. Saving the Fire Lady from the Fire Lord. How exactly were they to go about it?
However; some of them had a clear discernment of whose side to take as loyalties had been switched. Lieutenant Jee and his men didn't hesitate to try to get the Fire Lord and Fire Lady apart. The Fire Lord's men even stepped in and tried getting him off her but it didn't seem his focus was on anything else and he squeezed the small woman tighter. His wife's screaming only became worse before she finally retaliate in an attempt to free herself from him, kneeing him in the groin.
Hissing, Ozai grabbed Katara by her robe's collar trying to yank her him but instead burned through it with a single touch. Her eyes widened at suddenly being exposed. Crossing her chest as the guards gasped and tried looking away, Katara kicked her leg up high to hit Ozai in the chin, sending him on his back. Scrambling to get up, the waterbender reached for Jee and he hurried to grab her as the Fire Lord's men tried keeping him down and away from possibly killing his wife.
"You bitch!" Ozai growled and tried to get up to grab his wife whom he saw in one of her guard's arms. His eyes narrowed. Clearly, he wasn't in his right mind and started making believable assumptions in his head. His father's voice encouraging them. "Oh you little whore! I see now! You're going behind my back!"
Everyone present stopped and looked at the Fire Lord that looked like he had lost his mind. Katara furrowed her brows at him.
Fighting his men off to get his cheating wife, "You harlot! You're sleeping around behind my back?! How dare you!"
As much as everyone else was confused, so was she. What was he talking about?
"Ozai, what is wrong with you?!" Katara had ignored her injuries as her husband was literally having what looked to be a mental break. She had never seen him this way. He looked like he was going to kill her. The way his eyes bulged and he was fighting his own guards just to get to her. Not to mention the outrageous accusations he was making. Calling her a whore and saying she had been unfaithful. With who? Who the hell was she unfaithful with because she would love to know.
Thrashing as the guard had ban together to keep him down, Ozai started using his bending to scorch some of them and get the upper hand. How dare she humiliate him like this? Causing him to make a scene while her lover came to her rescue. He knew it. He just knew it. His father's voice was right. Having seen throughout the palace how close Katara had seemed with her personal guard. The lieutenant that was supposedly engaged to the Kyoshi. Perhaps, all three of them were lovers. It sickened him.
Throwing his men off of him, Ozai finally got to his feet again and pointed his finger Katara. "How long have you been with him?!"
"Been with who, Ozai?! Who could I possibly be cheating on you with?!" Her injured arms flailing around as she couldn't understand where this was coming from.
Snarling, "Him!" And Katara turned to look at the person her husband's finger was directed to.
"Jee? How could you even think we w-"
"Shut the hell up, Katara!" Ozai had approached her and backhanded her to the floor, watching as her 'lover' quickly went to her aid. The Fire Lord grabbed Jee before he could reach Katara and punched him in his face.
Outside the throne room, hearing the Fire Lady screaming as the guards tried pulling the Fire Lord off who ever he seemed to be beating to death, bystanders all watched as yet another Fire Lord lost his mind to the madness. It was something that had been distributed through the bloodline for generations. Blood being paired with too closely related blood. The royal line hadn't been tainted in two perhaps three hundred years. The Fire Lord and his wife from generations had always been close in relations. Azulon's wife had been his half sister. Both sharing the same mother. As for Ozai and his first wife, they were first cousins. It was only a matter of time before the madness caught up to the current Fire Lord. He was at that age where many lost their minds to rage and hate. Logic and reason would leave him soon enough and he'd walk in his father's footsteps. Curse the poisonous royal blood.
Having got back to her feet, Katara tried to get Ozai to stop but her own guards pulled her back.
"Your majesty, please stay back!" One of the guards told her. "We'll handle this."
Then a few of her guards along with her husband's tried breaking up the two men. Jee hadn't dare try to fight the Fire Lord back, he merely tried blocking the hits but found his efforts were futile. Even for as strong as he looked, the Fire Lord was even stronger. How he hadn't manage to crush his wife in that death grip of his was unbelievable. All the lieutenant could do was hope he wasn't beaten to death by the time his fellow guards pulled him off.
"Get off of me!" Ozai roar at them all and unconsciously strike lethal blows of black fire at three of his own men just wanting to help.
Everyone backed up at this display of a total lost of control. Katara was paralyzed in fear as she gaped at her husband. What was wrong with him? This wasn't him. She just knew it wasn't. Ozai was never this hostile. He never let himself lose control like this. This wasn't him. She knew it wasn't.
Breaking away from her guards, the Fire Lady pushed through the ones trying to hold her back but she wasn't going to stand there when it was clear something wasn't right. Something was terribly wrong with Ozai. She didn't know what but she knew it wasn't normal. Getting past them, Katara felt her heart race in fear as her eyes locked with her husband's silver irises.
"Don't you dare look at me, witch!" Ozai glared murderously at his wife.
Doing as he said she cast her eyes from him and let herself slowly fall on her knees, bowing her head to him. "I've been nothing but faithful to you, Ozai. I swear it on my life."
"I don't believe you!"
"Then kill me!" Katara looked back up at him. A fearless look in her eyes as she stared at him. She scooted closer to him and took his hand which she placed on her forehead. Holdin it there, "If my word is nothing to you and you believe I've forsaken you, kill me."
Shoving her away as he snatched his hand back, Ozai kicked her feet as he stepped over her. "Killing you would only give you your way. I don't intend on doing that. You'll live and you will suffer. As for your word, it is no good to me. Not until I have proof."
Having been knocked down so forcefully, Katara couldn't gather the strength to get up and simply laid there on the floor. Eyes wide as she couldn't believe what he just did to her. Laying on the throne room table with a bloody face, nearly about to pass out, Jee managed to pull himself up as the Fire Lord left, his guards following closely behind him. The crowd that had watched from the opened doors quickly got out of the Fire Lord's way as he stormed away, leaving them all utterly mortified at his display.
"Do you think she had been unfaithful?" A noblewoman whispered into the ear of her husband.
Looking at his wife, "I don't think anyone is foolish enough for that. Besides, what proof is there that she did?"
"Well I've seen how close her and that guard have been in this last week. I'd be suspicious too if I were his majesty." Another noble stated.
Siding with the Fire Lady, "Lieutenant Jee has served the Fire Lord since he were a prince and is engaged to the Kyoshi girl, why would he have an affair with the Fire Lady?"
"Doesn't matter whether she did or didn't, as long as the Fire Lord thinks it, she is what he says she is."
Outside, Katara could hear the gossip already stirring as her men helped both her and Jee up. She was in too much shock to even care. The waterbender winced in pain as she finally started feeling her injuries. Her eyes looked to Jee and guilt weighed on her so heavily her legs were about to give out. This was her fault.
….
Azula leaned against the wall with her arms crossed as her guards had been ordered to hold her step-mother back while her father's men were ordered to remove her infant half-sister from the nursery. The waterbender was hysterical and in truth, Azula didn't like it. None of it. None of what her father was doing.
Fire Princess Kya was being removed from the palace and sent away to a small village to be raised by a noble household with close ties to the royal line. It was the Fire Lady's punishment. Not that she did anything wrong. Everyone knew she was innocent. However; the Fire Lord still had his suspicions. Three days of rest had done nothing to change his mind from believing his wife had forsaken him. Lieutenant Jee was in the prison tower, awaiting execution. Katara had been on house arrest. And every male that had any connections with the Fire Lady was questioned and investigated. It seemed Ozai really believed his wife had cheated.
"No! Let me go! Let me go!" Katara struggled in the tight grips on her body as she tried to get to the small child sized carriage that her daughter was being taken away in. "No! Give me my baby! Please! Let me have my baby!"
The Fire Princess Azula cast her eyes away and tried blocking out the sound of the screaming mother begging to have her daughter back. She wished her mother had been like the waterbender was towards her daughter. Dying to have her back. Refusing separation. Sucking her teeth, it's pathetic. Unable to block the screaming out as she wanted to. Acting like a idiot isn't going to get you anywhere, you stupid waterbender.
Standing behind a pillar, watching from afar as the nosy nobles watched up close, Hama was stirred with guilt as Katara knelt begging for her child back. It crushed her. Seeing the same things happen to the young waterbender that happened to her.
I don't want this. It doesn't matter what you want, Hama. It hasn't matter for years. Besides, I let you save your precious Ozai. You can't save them both. It is all I ask. And I decline. But- But nothing. This is what you get when you surrender to greater power. You get to yield and obey.
"Why?! Why are you sending our daughter away?! Ozai!" Hama saw her son standing in front of his wife with an indifferent look on his face as the young woman was on her knees pulling at the lower end of his robes, tears rolling down her cheeks. "What did I do?! Tell me what I did that was so wrong that you'd do this! TELL ME!"
Look at the bitch, my boy. She finally learns to kneel. Azulon chuckled darkly as Ozai stared down at his pitiful wife grovel at his feet.
"I'll do anything! Anything! Just give her back!" Katara begged.
Of course, she'd do anything. There's nothing she hasn't done. I wonder what sort of things she's done with that guard of hers. Azulon fueled his son's rage as he once again convinced him that the harlot had gone behind his back.
"Beg as you like but my daughter will go where I say she will go and you will respect my decision as a father and as your Fire Lord, do you hear me?!" Having had enough of her tears.
The waterbender let go of his robes and her will to keep from becoming angry fled her as she spat at his feet. Gaining gasps from the bystanders as she rose and yanked the crown from her topknot, throwing that too at his feet.
That disrespectful barbaric bitch! If you don't put her in her place, you'll be the disgrace I always knew you were.
"I'm her mother. I carried her in my womb. I will not let you take her from me, Ozai. I will not!"
Ozai said nothing as he continued to stare at her with a numb gaze.
"You've taken enough from me! I will not allow you to take anymore!" Katara's eyes were set dangerously on her husband. "I challenge you to Agni Kai!"
Having leaned against the wall, trying to block out all the commotion, Azula's eyes widened as did everyone else. What are you thinking, you idiot?!
Katara, no! Suki wanted to scream but she couldn't.
Hama had to tear herself away from the scene. Things were just getting out of hand and becoming chaotic. All a part of the plan, my obedient host. Blow me, the water siren hissed as she walked off.
Unfazed by his wife whom he truly believed had forsaken him. Agni Kai, does your hound know the rules? Ozai figured Katara must have read about it or maybe Zuko told her about it. Either way. He wasn't going to fight her. Unfaithful or not. She was his wife. What sort of man fought his wife?
Just as he thought that, a hand slammed against his face and he was caught off guard, stumbling to the side. His silver eyes went to the one that assaulted him. Blue eyes shouting their desire for blood.
Kill her! Like hell he'd kill her but for her to slap him in public, she was in worse trouble than she had been. You idiot! Now he couldn't refuse her gesture. If she wanted an Agni Kai, he'd give her one.
"One week from now. Sunset. I'll make you regret putting your hands on me." He said in a surprisingly low growl as he visibly was fighting the urge to fight her now.
Not backing down as she glared at him, "And I'll make you wish that your father had beaten you to death." Hissing as she stormed away taking all the warmth with her as each step left a trail of ice and frost in the air.
Speechless was the entire court. Even his father's voice said nothing. It was quiet. No one knew how to take in what the Fire Lady had just said. It was practically treason to speak to the Fire Lord that way. Did she have a death wish? Possibly. But then again, the Fire Lady was a force of her own, it might be entertaining to watch her and the Fire Lord face off. Even Azula was interested in seeing the match. She already knew her step-mother would put up more a fight than her older brother.
Speaking of Zuko...maybe I should go let him hear the exciting news.
….
A/N:
Oh SHIT! Agni Kai! Now I've been planning for an Agni Kai to happen since the beginning of this story and I originally was going to have it between Azula and Katara but I wanted them to reach common ground so no. So since half way through, I've been planning for Katara and Ozai to reach a point where they recognize fault in one another and despite loving one another, they refuse to yield.
Katara isn't submissive and I haven't written her to be or at least I tried not to. She fueled by her love for her husband and torn with the differences between him and everyone else she loves. Also, Ozai's personality in my opinion could easily engulf someone like Katara. However; I do believe Katara would have her moments where she cannot take it anymore. And with Ozai hallucinating and showing signs of the madness his father once had (is it madness or something else), I do believe they'd be driven to fight. And what better way to let them than an Agni Kai? Come on. Great stuff great stuff.
Anyways! Love you guys! You're all amazing! See you next week for the big show down. Ass whooping time!