PART 2 of Her Prince Charming! Enjoy!
Crystal POV
My body felt so heavy, and my mind was in a foggy haze. As my senses came back, I could vaguely hear the sound of two voices bickering back and forth. One was female, and the other was male. The voices grew louder by the second as I regained more connection with my body. Once the voices were audible, I caught immediately that they belonged to Katara and Jaka.
"... gonna lose! What are they thinking? We have to stop this madness! You know this is wrong! You know it is, Jaka!"
"Katara… I can't allow you to interfere. I promised Uncle I'd keep you and Crystal both out of it. This is between the men. It's best you stay here and worry about Crys. If you want, I can even escort you to the Avatar so you can check on him."
"We're not the North Pole! Don't treat me like they treat their women! I have a voice, and I will speak my mind! This fight is foolish! Someone will get hurt!"
"I told you the rules. No killing is allowed. The first person to yield is the loser. The fight won't last long so no one will be hurt too terribly."
"And then what? My sister is going to be forced to marry a guy she doesn't love! This is madness! You all are treating her like a voiceless doll! She has a right to choose who she spends the rest of her life with!"
"Your father-"
"My father is blind by prejudice! He's being a fool!"
"Katara. Enough!"
"No Jaka! I'm not going to stand by and let Crystal lose her free will! I promised her I'd do something about this!"
Opening my eyes, I saw through a blurry mess two figures standing across from where I lay. The taller one blocked the smaller figure's path. As my tune to reality grew stronger, my back felt hot and I cringed in pain. The fever had broken though. I knew this because the heat that once coursed through my body and boiled my skin was gone. Although I was soaked with sweat, I was relieved the worst of the infection was over. Katara's healing had restored my health, and I knew I had to get my strength.
"Ka… Katara…" I found my voice, although my throat was parched from thirst. I had gathered enough from their conversation to understand something was happening that needed to be stopped. "What's going on… Where's Zuko?"
At my cracked voice, Jaka and Katara turned their gaze toward me in surprise. Katara was relieved to find I'd come back to the world. "Crys! You're awake! Thank the spirits! The infection in your back caused you an awful fever." Katara came to my side and dropped to her knees. "You had us all worried."
As she spoke, I began to get control of my body once again. I'd been on my side to stay off of my back, and I carefully moved so I didn't fall onto the damaged skin. Slowly finding my stability, I sat up fully, letting the blanket drop from my body. My chest was covered by my shift, and I had bandages wrapped around my midriff to cover the damaged skin that started to pulse once again from my movement.
Katara's hand had grabbed my shoulder to assist me as I sat up. While she supported me, she brought towards me a flask of water saying, "You need to drink."
Pushing the flask back, I met her gaze seeing my vision had cleared. My voice was still weak, but I managed to get it out. "What's going on? Where's Zuko?"
She frowned and brought the flask back toward me. "Drink first. Then I'll tell you everything." Knowing she meant it, I willingly took the drink this time not realizing I was actually dying of thirst until the water slid down my throat. After drinking a good amount, I pulled it away and my eyes looked over at Jaka. He was watching me from where he stood at the tent entrance, and I could see he too was glad I'd finally woken.
Looking back at Katara, I asked eager to know, "What's going on?"
She frowned, dropping her gaze to her knees. "It's not good Crys… Sokka and I tried to talk sense into dad when he arrived this morning, but he's completely lost it. The moment he saw Zuko, he was a totally different person."
My blood went cold, and I felt worried. "What's happening? Where's Zuko? Has father hurt him?!"
Katara shook her head. "No… But I fear he may get hurt if we don't do something. Him and Areto are having a sword fight now as we speak. Sokka tried to stop the madness, but Kona and a few other warriors are keeping him from getting in the middle of it. Toph came to tell me all of this. She said she couldn't take the idiocy any longer and now she's hanging out in Aang's tent."
Jaka spoke up, keeping his posture in front of the tent entrance we were in as if that would stop me. "This isn't madness Katara! This is your family looking out for Crys. I'm not going to let my cousin's blind fancy for this prince tear her away from her people."
The words Jaka spoke had no effect on me. The only thing rushing through my mind was an image of Zuko and Areto clashing swords to decide my fate. A sudden burst of strength fell over me, and I shoved my blanket off fully. Managing to move to my feet, Katara grabbed my elbow to assist me from the furs I'd been on. Then she left me briefly and grabbed a shirt from a bag on the floor. She knew what I intended, and she nodded to let me know she had my back as I took the shirt from her. Once I had the thin shirt on with Katara's assistance, I walked over to the boots that were sitting against the wall of the tent and yanked them on each foot.
"You're not leaving this tent! Lay back down!" Jaka stepped over to stop me from preparing myself further. As he went to grab me, Katara and I were two steps ahead. Katara intercepted by grabbing his hand with a stream of water from her pouch. He shouted at the restraint, while I took my chance and darted around him. Rushing out of the tent, I cringed immediately at the cold air and bright sunlight. However, the shouts and cheers in the distance kept me moving across the sand to the one I loved.
Darting around the scattered tents of the Southern Water Tribe encampment, I arrived at an opening where the warriors were crowded in a circle shouting cheers for Areto. Not paying attention to who I shoved aside or darted around, I made it to the front of the crowd and looked at the sight before me with horror.
Areto and Zuko were both in the center of the human circle that surrounded them, and the water tribe swords they each held were shaking as the blades struggled against one another. My father stood across the circle from me, his eyes on nothing but the fight before him. Bato and his son Kona were restraining Sokka's arms as my brother watched the scene with terror. The other warriors kept shouting their cheers for Areto as he fought to take away my freedom.
The opponents broke apart with grit teeth, and then Areto lunged at Zuko again who spun to the right to dodge. As Areto gathered his stance, Zuko swung the blade towards him. Areto turned in the nick of time, blocking his brunt force again with his sword and causing sparks to fly. As they fought, I could see Zuko was still exhausted from the day before and looked as if his whole body were shaking. Areto grinned as he shoved harder against Zuko's blade knowing he had the advantage.
"You're powerless without your fire, boy. Give up!" He tried to kick at Zuko's foot, but Zuko caught his action and stumbled back to avoid the trip. Both Zuko and Areto breathed heavily, but it was clear the fight was only just beginning. Areto recovered and lunged forward. "Crystal belongs to me!"
No one had noticed me still, and as the fight continued I shoved back through the crowd who were too busy shouting like idiots. Rushing over to the bay water that licked the shore a few yards away, I yanked up the salty liquid ignoring the pain that immediately shot through my back. As I pulled a giant wave from the sea over my head, the vast amount of water rushed over me blocking the sun above. The shadow of my massive wave raced along the sandy shore straight towards the crowd of men. As the water hovered over the group, the fighting came to a stop as gasps filled the air. Dropping the water on every man in the circle, the liquid drenched the warriors and caused Zuko and Areto to drop their weapons in shock. Once the rest of my wave was absorbed into the sand, and the crowd stood dripping wet in disbelief, I stepped back over with silent irritation. Shoving through the soaked men, my feet sloshed through the wet sand until I reached the center of the circle once more. All eyes turned to me at last, realizing I was the cause of everyone's dripping bodies.
"Enough!"
My father, who's hair dripped at the tips of each strand, looked over at me with bewilderment having never seen me waterbend before. He was only slightly different from when I last saw him three years ago. His hair was longer, and he looked stronger. He still was as stubborn as ever though. As his blue eyes met my own, I felt confidence burn within me. Stepping into the center of the circle, I tightened my fists prepared to defend my honor and the guy I loved.
"I pass out for only twelve hours, and when I wake up I find out my freedom is on the line. Definitely not the best start to my day," I commented. My voice was strong despite how tired my body felt. "And not only that, but my own father wants to give me away like some mindless object… I'm not thrilled. In fact, I'm a bit hurt by the selfish act!"
Father was stunned by my words, and by my bravery. The last time he saw me, I was a scared and scarred child who listened to the elders of my tribe. The only times I spoke to the tribe as a whole on my own was in song for their entertainment. I'd changed, and I would show them all that I was in charge of my destiny.
"I know what's going on, and I'm putting a stop to it. To all of it." Stepping up to my father, I crossed my arms and kept eye contact with him. "Dad… I am not marrying Areto. At the moment, I'm not marrying anyone. There is too much to be done right now for me to become someone's wife. There is an Avatar that needs to be healed and a war that needs to be won. I'm content with how things are, so leave me and my life alone."
A small pause fell over the air. Then my father finally spoke with narrowed eyes. "Content? You're content with how things are?" He crossed his arms to try and return his authority. "You fall in love with a firebender! And not just any firebender at that, but the very one that kidnapped you. You have completely forgotten who the enemy is, and the thought makes me sick!" He darted his eyes to Zuko with malice. "This foolish romance where the Chief's daughter falls for the prince of the enemy will not become a reality! I forbid it!"
Anger boiled within me, and I let loose my true thoughts. "You forbid it? You have no say in what I do with my life! You left me three years ago to go play soldier! I've been doing just fine deciding my own future. I don't need the men of my tribe to decide anything for me!"
"How dare you speak to me that way?! I am your father and-"
Hot tears escaped me and I cut him off. "No! You stopped being my father the day you stopped looking at me!" I pointed at my face and he cringed. "The day I got this, I became nothing but a painful memory to you! Every time you saw me, all you could think about was mom and how much you hated the Fire Nation. The only reason you're giving me the slightest glance right now is because I've finally found the courage to stand up to you and your absurdity!" I looked at Areto then. "And as for you! As much as I appreciate everything you did for me after mom's death, I've never felt anything more for you than a brother. You are better off being with a woman that loves you back rather than one that has no desire to be with you."
Areto was astonished.
"And as for the rest of you men…" I looked around at the warriors who stared at me with surprise and disbelief. "Aren't there better things you could be doing with your day? If we were back at the South Pole Gran-Gran would be boxing all of your ears!"
As if my words had some effect on the crowd, a large majority inched away from the circle and headed towards the shroud of tents in embarrassment. Others who were too curious for their own good stayed to see what would transpire.
"Crystal!" My father's commanding voice made my gaze shoot back to him. "That is enough!" He stepped closer to break the distance between us. "The only reason I've let you ramble on is because I know you're not yourself at the moment. It's clear to me that everything you've been through has greatly impacted your rationality. You have been without fatherly guidance, and that ends now. Yo-"
"You're wrong," I interrupted softly. He stopped speaking in surprise. "I've had enough fatherly guidance to last me a lifetime these last few months. Being with Zuko and his uncle, I've learned how to be strong and wise. Iroh taught me so many wonderful things about the world… Things I never knew being stuck in the South Pole… I have a whole new perspective on life. Plus, I've learned to read… Something you told me I had no need for... Books are magical worlds full of knowledge and adventure."
I frowned and hung my head. Taking a deep breath, I spoke on.
"I've also learned that my past doesn't define who I am. Before Zuko took me from the South Pole, I always looked in the mirror and saw myself as a memory that caused everyone pain. My scar was all I ever noticed in my reflection, and I beat myself up for causing such unbearable memories to others around me." I smiled weakly. "But then I met Zuko, and all of that changed…" I looked back at Zuko who smiled back at me with love and relief. Looking back at my father, I continued, "Zuko saw past my scar and loved me for my strength rather than my weakness."
Areto spoke up then, snapping, "And you think I can't do that? Give me some credit!"
Shooting my gaze over to Areto, I crossed my arms. "Be honest… Why are you so desperate all of the sudden to make me your wife? I don't want to hear that it's what the tribe wants. I've heard that enough. From what I recall long ago, you told me that you didn't agree with the plan our fathers had for us. Why the change of heart?"
He was embarrassed as I targeted him. Then he tried his best to make up an excuse. "Because when I saw you last night on the verge of death, I realized I want to be the one to protect you!"
I scoffed and crossed my arms. "Protect me… If you truly wanted to protect me, you would've never left a couple of kids to defend the tribe three years ago! What did you all think would happen once you men rushed off to war? If Zuko hadn't come to our village, what makes you think another Fire Nation ship wouldn't have arrived off our shores in his place? Your excuse is invalid!"
A rough hand suddenly grabbed my arm. "I said that is enough!" My father forced me to turn to him, and his eyes looked into my own as if he were meeting a stranger. "What is with you? What have you done with my little girl? You are not the daughter I raised!" He tightened his grip as if he were trying to squeeze the past me back.
"Dad!" Sokka had finally broken from Kona and Bato's holds and rushed forward. He grabbed my father's hand and ripped it off of me. "That's enough! I promised Crystal I'd defend her, so here I am fulfilling my promise." He stepped between father and I taking authority. "The daughter you remember at the South Pole disappeared the moment she broke out of her shell and showed her strength. When I found out Crystal could waterbend, and when I saw her attack Zuko to save Aang, I saw my sister's true self for the first time. She isn't a scared little girl who needs constant protection! I've seen her overcome more battles over these last few weeks than you can imagine. Crystal has fought with more strength and bravery than any water tribe warrior I know. No matter how much you try to control her life from this point on, my sister will never stop until she earns her freedom."
Sokka let out a deep breath and looked back at Zuko. He shared a long moment of eye-contact with him, and then a smirk formed on his face. He winked as if to give Zuko a signal, earning a puzzled expression from the both of us.
He then stepped over to me and put an arm around my shoulders. "And if you must know dad, Areto is too late. Crystal and Zuko are already engaged. So technically her being promised to Areto is no longer valid."
A roar of protest rang from the circle of men, while my father was horrified by this news. Zuko and I were both flustered and stunned.
Sokka pointed suddenly at the area of my collarbone where the crystal gem rested, stating, "The betrothal necklace you see here is proof in itself."
My eyes stared at my brother with bewilderment, while Zuko's jaw dropped.
"And as her elder brother, and her temporary guardian for the past three years, I, Sokka of the Water Tribe, give Zuko and her my blessing."
A silence fell over the crowd as they took in Sokka's words. My father stumbled over his composure, searching for the words to say.
Areto was skeptical. "What?! That's absurd!"
Sokka stepped up to me suddenly and forced me to turn. He then moved my hair and took the necklace Zuko had given me so long ago off of my neck. He then walked over to Zuko handing the necklace to him and saying something low enough for only him to hear. Zuko was astounded, but then he smiled weakly with a nod. My brother returned to me then, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward Zuko.
"Show them," Sokka said. "This time you can do it in front of all these witnesses."
Zuko looked down at the necklace in his palm and then smiled. He turned to me with confidence.
My heart began to pound rapidly, and my face flushed at the sudden moment I was about to witness. As Zuko looked into my eyes with deep sincerity and love, my breathing hitched at the coming question.
"Well… This wasn't what I pictured in my head, but I guess it will work." His cheeks turned red in embarrassment. "At least the bay is pretty, so the setting isn't awful…" He held up the necklace then with both hands. "Crystal…" He smiled weakly, although he dropped his gaze suddenly nervous. "Sokka's given me his blessing, so there is no turning back now…" Sokka stepped over and shoved Zuko a step closer making us both turn red from blushing. He swallowed and met my eyes. "You're the one thing on this earth I want to love and cherish for the rest of my life." His words made the weariness and pain in my body fade as warmth spread through me. "Once we defeat my father and end this war, I can't imagine living out my remaining days without you. Will you do me the honor of accepting my proposal and this necklace? Will you be my wife once this craziness ends?"
Tears filled my eyes, and I choked back as my heart and head soared with elation. Time seemed to stand still as I stared into Zuko's golden orbs remembering the first time I laid eyes on him. He'd once been the man I feared, but after months of knowing him his outer shell melted away into the man I loved. His kindness, bravery, strong will, and determination were the things I truly loved about him.
"I wouldn't want to be with anyone but you, Zuko," I promised, smiling up at him with great sincerity. Turning, I moved my hair again and he returned the necklace to its rightful place. As he did, I felt his lips brush on my cheek and my heart fluttered at the gesture.
He whispered as he finished placing the necklace back on me. "There… Back to where it belongs…"
"And there you have it, gentlemen!"Sokka chimed. "My sister is an engaged woman! Zuko has scored her love and affection! This duel is officially over!"
"ENOUGH!"
My father stepped over suddenly and grabbed my arm jerking me from Zuko.
"Come with me!" He dragged me from the circle of men who were speechless with astonishment at the events that just transpired. Zuko went to stop him, but I looked back shaking my head. I knew the only way I was going to get to my father and cool him down was if I got him alone. Zuko stopped with shock, but when he saw the determination in my eyes he nodded in understanding. As we left the crowd, and father pulled me away from the campsite along the sandy shore, I had to quicken my pace to keep up. After a moment of racing after him, he stopped by the water of the bay and released me.
A silence fell over us as my father calmed the irritation he must've felt inside him. After a long pause, he took in a deep breath and turned to me once again.
"Who are you?" His question didn't surprise me at all. "What have you done with my little girl?" He grabbed my shoulders and shook me as hot tears filled his eyes. "How can someone who has been hurt so much by the Fire Nation turn her back on her own people… on her own family?! Have you completely forgotten who you are? Have you forgotten that you are my daughter? How can you turn against me in this way?! Getting engaged to some monster's spawn is worse than you stabbing me in the heart!"
I frowned and grabbed his wrists. "Dad… Calm down… Please…"
"Calm down?! How do you expect me to calm down when you and this beast are head over hills for one another?! Has the trauma you've faced affected you so terribly that you've forgotten your place in this world! You are the chief's daughter! You are a symbol to our tribe that we will not be defeated! How can you be in love with the very thing that tried to kill you and turn our tribe to dust?!"
I felt myself become defensive over the young man he threw insults at. "Stop it! For goodness sake father! Get a grip!"
He was stunned by my words, but he released me and stepped back.
I let out a deep breath to calm my anger and try to be civil with my father. "Look Dad… I'm sorry our reunion had to be this way, but the moment you try to take away my freedom is the moment I make my stand… I have been kidnapped, beaten, burned, kicked off a giant sandsurfer, and shoved into a cold cell by the Dai Li…" Father cringed at each disaster I listed. "I've struggled tirelessly these last few months to earn back my free will and my life… So when I wake up to Katara telling me that Areto is trying to fight the man I love to make me marry someone I do not, I can't stand by and do nothing… I'm not someone who can be won like a prize… My heart is not yours or any other man of this tribe's to give. I am not the silent obedient child you remember. I will continue to fight for my freedom."
My father took in every word I spoke as if he were finally hearing me for the first time.
"And as for a symbol to the tribe… You're wrong about what I stand for. The scar on my face may reflect the dark roots of our past, but I don't live in the dark anymore. I'm not some damaged child who reflects the loss of our people. I am a woman who desires to be a strong waterbender and show the world I'm no longer afraid. I symbolize hope for a future where I'm not defined by my past. When I see Zuko, I find he is similar to me in that way. He may be the Fire Lord's son, and he may have been conflicted a few months ago trying to capture Aang, but he too has found his own hope for the future. He is not defined by his father or anyone else in the Fire Nation. He wants to help us heal this world and find peace… He is a brave man with a pure heart… He is not the beast you refer to him as. That is why I love him!"
As father gathered the truth behind my words, his tense shoulders and the frustration seemed to fade. He then turned toward the bay staring out at the horizon as his thoughts ran wild.
"Love him…" Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, and his voice was much softer and calmer. "Crystal… Do you know why I chose Areto to be your husband?"
I waited a moment to answer, startled by his sudden question. "You wanted to tighten the bond of the tribe… After so many lost to us, you thought a powerful bond between Areto and I would be the healing our people needed. And you felt he could take care of me because he helped to restore my health after I almost died..."
My words hung in the air. After a moment, my father let out a deep sigh and responded, "No… I chose Areto because I owed a debt to his father. And that debt is yours as well." He looked over at me with composure. "Do you remember the day you fell through the ice?"
His question threw me off.
"What…? I… I don't remember much… I remember falling through the ice… It was cold and I was sinking away from the light above… After that everything went dark. When I woke up I was back at our hut under piles of blankets with an awful cold..."
Father met my eyes. "Do you remember who pulled you out of the water that day?"
I was stunned. "I… I thought you saved me… I… I never really asked…"
He shook his head. "No… Bato saved you that day. He saw you fall through before I did, and he jumped in. You lived that day because of him. I asked him how I could repay him, and his answer was that I give his sons important positions in the tribe. That's why I made that deal with him. I promised him that I would pay him back for saving you. I promised him that Areto and you would be wed when you came of age, and our families would be one. Your marriage was to be my way of saying thank you. You owe him for saving your life that day as well. For the good of the tribe and your family, you have to choose the correct path. You must marry Areto."
Although I was stunned by this information, it didn't change anything. I stayed firm in my decision. "You may be right that I do owe Bato for saving my life that day, but… marrying his son isn't the way… you told me long ago that if I find someone who sweeps me off my feet you'll reconsider the deal…" My hand clutched the necklace Zuko had returned moments before. "Well Zuko's swept me off my feet more times than I can count. He loved me enough to give up his one chance of going home yesterday… He's a good man…"
Father shook his head. "As the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe I cannot-"
I scowled. "Stop it!" His voice cut off. Tears fell down my cheeks. "Can't you stop being the Chief for one second, worrying about foolish debts that need to be paid and an image that needs to be upheld, and just be my father again! Can't you accept what I want for once and actually support me!"
He looked greatly frustrated. "What are you saying?! I've supported you since you were born! I've done all I can to sustain you and your brother and sister! I've spent many of nights staring at the sea and fearing the worst fell over you all. When I found out you were captured by the Fire Lord's son I became sick with worry! I am your father!"
My voice shouted back, "A father doesn't sell his daughter to repay debts!"
My father did not move as my words hovered in the air. A long pause fell between us, and I could see my words had finally gotten through his tough exterior into his heart. My face was moist with tears and the sea mist, and I tried to wipe the water as my vision blurred.
"Zuko makes me happy… He protects me and takes care of me… He's the one I want to love and cherish, not Areto… Why can't you see that?" I hugged myself as I shut my eyes to try and stop the pain in my heart. "Are you truly that blind by prejudice to tear me away from the man I love? Are you really that cruel to give me away like some soulless object? I don't see you for three years, and the moment we're finally reunited you're trying to do away with me like some burden. Am I really just payment to you? Do you even see me as your daughter? Why do you want me married off so terribly? Do you hate me?!"
My father stayed silent as he took in everything I spoke. I figured he was trying to come up with another argument or insult to throw at Zuko. However, after a few minutes of staring at me with silent shock, he stepped forward abruptly and threw his arms around my shoulders. Pulling me into his chest, I was stunned as my tears soaked into his fur coat. In anger and hurt, I tried to break from his hold, but he held me firm. His unyielding embrace was so familiar, that I broke down as the emotions flooded out of me. Sobs escaped me, and I stopped fighting him. Instead, I dropped my hands to his shirt and grabbed the fabric tightly. My forehead rested below his neck as I cried into his chest. He pressed his face into the top of my hair, and then his hand brushed through my knots. His shoulders I could sense were heavy with guilt.
"No… I could never hate you, daughter. I'm sorry…" He whispered the words but I could hear him clearly. "I should've never treated you like something to give away so carelessly all those years ago. You are right to feel the way you do... I wish I could take back everything, Crystal…" He paused to take in a heavy breath. His words were sincere and full of regret. "Giving your heart away like a prize was selfish of me… I'm sorry…"
The comforting grasp of my father felt like home, and it was at that moment I realized how much I'd truly missed his presence. During my time in captivity, and my time roaming through the Earth Kingdom, I'd been distracted by everything happening that being homesick wasn't that much on my mind. Now as I felt my father's strong and protecting embrace, I realized the feeling of homesickness had always been there within me.
"You've become such a beautiful and strong woman… I can't believe how much you've grown…" Pulling from me ever so slightly, I met his gaze to see his eyes glistening with tears. "Your brother and sister were right… You're not the same as you were back at the South Pole. The little girl I remember has become so strong-willed and head-strong. As your father, I am proud of you for standing up for what you want. You have the blood of a chief in you, and now I see that."
He then sighed heavily.
"Crystal… I will not make you marry Areto… You're right… That deal was foolish and I should've never forced you into it… I'm a horrible father for acting in such a way. Your mother and grandmother tried to knock sense into me, but I ignored them earning their disapproval and your anger. I hope you can forgive me for the pain I've put you through…"
I had trouble believing him. "You promise?"
He sighed heavily. "Yes… If there's one thing I can do to earn back some of your trust then it's annulling your engagement to Areto. I will find another way to repay my debt to Bato." He brushed his thumb across my scar, and I knew doing so was a difficult thing for him. He did not cringe though, and instead dropped his hand with defeat. "As for Prince Zuko… You have to understand that it's going to be a little hard for me…" He grabbed my hands and squeezed them both. "I'm going to need some time to open my heart to this. Having my daughter fall in love with someone from the very nation that has killed so many of our own… It feels so surreal…"
I wiped my eyes on my sleeve to try and regain my composure. After a moment, I nodded but smiled weakly. "If you get to know him though, you'll see he isn't that different from any of the other warriors here." I met his gaze. "All I ask father, is that you give him a chance. It would mean so much to me."
He brushed a thumb over my scar again, and then his hand pressed against my cheek to caress it. "I can only promise that I'll try. As a chief and a father, I will hear him out and give him a chance." He looked down at the necklace then with uncertainty. "If he's going to be my future son-in-law I have the right to interrogate him."
I grimaced. "You don't need to interrogate him… He deserves to be treated as an ally rather than an outsider."
He stepped back and looked over at the bay again. "I will remain civil and open-minded… However, I will not allow you and him alone with one another from this point on. You may see each other, but I do not like the idea of you two being on your own. This is not the Chief side of me speaking… This is the concerned father."
I rolled my eyes. "We've been on our own before and I promise nothing has happened between us. You can trust me."
Father met my gaze with all sincerity. "I trust you, daughter. However, I will never be able to trust that boy as long as the Fire Nation still has an edge in this war. He will be watched."
Shaking my head, I knew there was no way to argue with him. Instead, I crossed my arms and looked down at the sand below me. "Whatever… Do what you must… But this won't change anything between Zuko and I… Hopefully you'll see he isn't the monster you still believe him to be..." Turning, I headed back in the direction we came but stopped. Looking back, I spoke one last thing. "Thank you for listening… And I did miss you, dad… You weren't the only one who stared out at the sea with worry. The months I was a prisoner on Zuko's ship, traveling to unknown realms and facing terrifying foes, I thought about you often. No matter how much I disagree with your feelings towards Zuko, I do love you and am glad to see you healthy and well. I want you to know that."
My father was both surprised and relieved by my words. He then hung his head in response and turned towards the bay to hide the tears I knew were falling. Leaving him to his thoughts, I sighed heavily and made my way back to the campsite. As I left thoughts of my father behind, my mind flooded with images of the day before. My back flared in pain once again, but I ignored it to my best ability.
Aang was my number one concern at the moment. The Avatar had yet to show himself, and I knew that meant he was greatly injured. I only had one desire as I returned to Zuko, who was waiting anxiously at the edge of the campsite with Sokka. When I got back, I let them know all was well and father was calmed down. Then I told them the worry I felt for Aang. As Sokka and Zuko followed me through the campsite towards Aang, Zuko took my hand in his giving it a tight squeeze. I knew from the squeeze he was utterly relieved that the worst had passed.
Areto tried to stop us as we went to check on our friend, but I took charge. "It's over Areto… The deal is off. I'm thankful for all your family has done for me, but I will not marry you for it. We both deserve happiness, and you won't find yours married to me."
He was stunned, but after a moment of standing his ground, my words got through to him. With defeat, he stepped aside to let us pass. I was relieved that he hadn't lashed out again.
I was also relieved about many other things: First, I would not marry Areto. Second, I was free to be with Zuko. And finally, although my father was still greatly against my feelings towards the Fire Lord's son, I knew he didn't want to fight me anymore. As my burdens lifted, the necklace on my burning chest felt nice, and I grasped it with my free hand. Although it was all an act that Sokka came up with a while ago when he claimed I was already engaged to Zuko, I knew that Zuko's proposal was sincere. I had a feeling Sokka and my father knew it too.
I was officially engaged to Zuko, the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation and the love of my life. The betrothal necklace I grasped in my hand was the proof I needed to know that I was in no way dreaming. Once we defeated Zuko's father I would become more than the girl Zuko kidnapped from the South Pole and fell in love with. I would become his wife, and he my husband. The thought made my heart flutter with elation and anticipation at the future ahead.
Fate was strange, but it had brought me a prince charming worth fighting for.
Hope you liked it! I'll try and get the next chapter done soon! Thanks for reading and your support! Best!
