In Time

Chapter 20

Katara

"Z-Zuko did someone brand you!? Isn't that the brand used for slaves, for the prisoners of war?! Who-What-"
Unable to formally my questions correctly my lips babbled out words trying to make sense of what I was seeing.

Zuko's shoulder blade had a deep red swelling around the large maze-like mark. His fair skin had started the process of blistering, his amber eyes weighing heavily. Looking at Zuko's new developing scar my eyes glanced over to his face. Sweat. His face was covered in it. The whole upper body had been cold sweating since he came back, and I didn't even notice.

"Water!" I scream out concluding. With the idea landing into my mind, my body reacted standing up without hesitation. "I'm going to get water and try to heal you-"

"No!" Sitting up immediately Zuko reaches out grabbing my wrist quicker than even I would have expected. Turning my attention to him, his grip loosens as the sudden burst of energy rushed away from his limbs. Slouching back into his bed, I could tell just how weak Zuko's body was.

"Why not!? Zuko! I've never seen you like this! Your cold sweating! Why don't you want me to help you?"

"Katara..." His voice merely whispered out, but enough to capture my attention, silencing me.

"I promised Sokka I wouldn't allow you to heal me. My body will have to do that on its own… just like the others"

"What others? Why y-you let my brother brand you?!" Full of rage my blue eyes revealed the untamable ocean storm I felt within. I couldn't believe this is how my brother wanted him to prove himself.

"wait! …..what else happened?!"

Shaking his head slowly Zuko didn't want to answer as his eyes closed. His weakened body beginning to drift off into a needed rest.
"It's not important."

A few days later ….

A few days had pass sailing across the calm sea. The main vessel and smaller ship sailed near each other, heading back to the mainland of the Fire Nation.

Zuko's body had been weak the first three days at sea, unable to remain awake for more than half an hour. I kept my promise to not heal him although I still brought him water. Constantly soaking and ringing out the cloth I used to rest on his forehead.

I didn't sleep much, my days and nights all ran together at his bedside. Sitting in a chair near him for hours on end, I often forgot to eat. Whenever he turned around I would just stare at the deep marking on his shoulder blade. Soon I noticed something else, darkening against his fair skin. Welt marks.. across his back in every direction.

Did Sokka do this too? Did Zuko allowed my brother to go through with this? Just for me?

In the back of my mind, I couldn't help but wonder if this had been the đê tiện markings?
I remember the đê tiện marking so faintly from all those years ago…..
After the men in my village left for war the đê tiện punishment was hardly used. The only composed memory I have of it was once during my childhood. One of my father's friends Hadur, had been accuse of being the Fire Nation spy right after the last raid.

Kira a gorgeous southern woman who was betrothed to marry him, confess she had spotted him a few nights ago sending off a hawk near the shore.

Flashback Age 8….

"She's lying! Your suppose to be my woman! Why betray me?!" I saw Hadur yelling out, forced to kneel on the side of his house entrance as it was being searched. I remember one of the two men standing on each side of Hadur kicked him in the back. Causing his body to fall face-first into the snow.

"I do love you," Kira said turning her back to him. "But I love my home more.." were her last words to him.

The village elder Henri, emerged from Hadur house holding up an item. In the elder hand, he found a login book, along with hawk seeds sealed tightly. The remaining tribe members stood surrounding Hadur house, listening as my father read…..

"one child of the ocean spirit remain... right side of the village, a hut with a grey hanging fur tarp covering a red wooden door would lead you to her."

Sokka only two years older than me wrapped his arms around my shoulder clinging to his new boomerang as we hid behind a house surrounded by soot snow. Listening to the grown-up talk, even though we were told to stay inside.

It was then I understood my mother had just been murdered for me, protecting me. Sadly many others died for me too and didn't even know it.

Angry the men rushed Hadur despite my father's best efforts and plead to not jump to conclusions. Preferring to search for more evidence first, unwilling to accept someone he knew for years would betray his family like this.

But with emotions running high for their dead loved ones the remaining men didn't care to see it that way, blind by rage they dragged him to the center of our village. Stripped away the protective heavy layer fur coat made for the harsh temperature, till he had on just his inner long sleeve tunics.

Pushing over Hadur the men forced him onto his hands and knees as they passed around thick bamboo sticks armed with pricks. Like a well-organized team, they simultaneously struck him across his back until his arms gave out. His body fell into the white snow, his face lifeless.

End of flashback….

Coming out of my memory I looked at Zuko's sleeping face. Is this what you endured? Touching his wrist I lifted his palm to cup my cheek. Closing my eyes as I enjoyed the warmth his skin provided. I suddenly felt his thumb lightly swiped side to side against my face. Opening my eyes I saw a peaceful Zuko smirking at me, his eyes still not fully open.

"Your still here," his raspy unused voice said.

"Where else would I be."

Smiling again Zuko sat up wrapping his arms around me suddenly pulling my body onto the bed with him as he laid to his side this time.

"Every time I opened my eyes you were here, sitting on that chair. You don't know how badly I wanted to be able to pull you close to me but couldn't." Zuko muttered, still with his arms wrapped around me.

"But you still should have chosen a room to sleep properly."

With my face against his chest, I shook my head side to side. "no".

"No?"

Pulling away enough to look up to him, my eyes met Zuko's.
"Are you ok"? I asked as an unsettling feeling radiated off of me. Sensing my emotion Zuko lightly kisses my forehead comforting me.

"Of course I am" he simply replied.

"D-Did they... did you...was the đê tiện punishment performed..."

No response Zuko gave me, however, I could hear his thumping heartbeat from his chest as he continued to hold me.

"Then.. tell me this.. was it only Sokka and you."

"...yes"

Breathing a sign of some relief I closed my eyes once again embracing Zuko as much as I could. Happy to know Sokka didn't allow the others to partake in this event.

Azula

Zuko would arrive tomorrow midday, my only chance to do this is slipping away.

With a large hoodie over my head, I pulled up my blacked mask jumping off the pillared roof landing perfectly on a lower building roof.

Focused, I quickly and quietly ran across. Careful not to make a sound, keeping the guards patrolling below unaware. Holding onto the gut drain lip, my core quickly bent over swinging my body up and over the building side, into the open stone window below.

*thump*

Landing on the balls of my feet inside the drafty stone building, I stood up quickly, glad to see everything was as it should be. Hearing a rustling noise my eyes made contact with the person I was here to see. Standing on the opposite side of the long row of prison bars that were barely three-inch-wide, dividing half of the room.

"Azula-"
Hearing her name, Azula instantly reached through the prison bars as the two came closer to one another. Wrapping her hands around their neck, Azula pressed her mouth against the prisoner feeling a sense of peace.

"Ming…" cupping her face close to mines, my thumb glided across her cheek, wiping the single tear of joy she felt seeing me after so long.

"Azula what are you doing here? What if they see you." Ming scold trying to sound upset. Yet Azula saw right through her knowing how happy Ming was because she felt the same thing.

Kissing Ming's lips once more I looked deep into her eyes. The environment of prison had taken its toll on her. Her once medium skin tone that took advantage of the sun rays had now diminished in the shadows. As the months turned into years she no longer cared for her appearance, letting her hair become unmanageably tangled and long. But her eyes remain the same with a burst of fire waiting.

"Don't worry about me." I gushed before noticing the full prisons food tray to the right. My eyes narrowed into concern.
"Why haven't you been eating?"

"Azula... it's been over 4 years now… the Fire Lord isn't going to let me go. He thinks I killed general Iroh.."

"I know... I know…" I said trying to comfort her. While Zuko couldn't prove I did anything he could prove Ming was the one who handled Iroh food.. of course, unknowing to him that Mai had been the actual culprit.

"Azula I didn't!" Ming swore shaking her head side to side.
"Even before ..us… I just couldn't treat him how everyone else did. This isn't fair! Just because I was the person who handled his food! I swear I was blackmail!"

"Ming I know. I know who did it." I spoke without thinking.

"You finally found out! Azula! That's great! Baby, I can get out! Who did it!?" Ming asked leaping up with excitement understanding what this discovery would mean for her. Mean for us.

"I… I can't tell you…" I regretfully said looking down. Suddenly I felt my hand grow colder as her warm skin backed away.

"What do you mean you can't?" Ming's body was deeply breathing as one foot moved backward following the last.
"Azula! You know who did it! Then I can leave….right?"

"It's not that simple. I'm going to get you out! I promise!.., it's just some stuff I need to handle first." I answered tucking one of my long black face bangs behind my ear.

"What stuff?! Azula do you know what you're saying? You want me to continue live in here-…..wait, how long have you known." Ming inquires from less than three feet away. Her critical thinking as a former guard allowed her to pick up on Azula's subtle wording. All her life Azula was able to lie to anyone she wanted, without hesitation… but Ming had been the exception.

"Ming…." I said looking down. "Please.. don't make me answer that.." I pleaded biting my bottom lip as my head turned slightly to the side closing my eyes regretfully.

"wait.. You knew for the whole 4years! Didn't you! Azula are you serious?! How could you!" Ming spat out hurt, as her back touch the cold stone wall where Azula was unable to reach.

"No not the whole time! Baby stop! Please come back. I'm going to get you out but I have the opportunity to get so much more if I play this right! Zuko would have no choice but to-"

"Do you hear yourself?! You're risking my life for your damn ambition! This is how you want to be with me!? I didn't protest the Fire Lord irrational ruling because I thought you loved me enough to try and get me out! Knowing I would never kill a soul! You knew I was framed and this is what you been doing for so long!-"

Becoming hurt from overthinking everything that happened Ming cut herself off from speaking.
"LEAVE!" Ming screamed out feeling nothing but betrayal.

"Ming don't say that-" Azula tried to interject still attempting to reach through the prison bar.

"OUT!" Ming voiced echoed once more.

Zuko

"Mmmm" Hearing a tireless moan my head looked to the side of my desk as I closed a leather book. It was mid-day out, but inside this cabin only allowed a small amount of light in. The ocean waters rocking the ship gently side to side.

"Zuko ..your up?" she yawned out looking at me. Her dark brown hair laying wildly around her body, the shorter hairs framing her soft features. The elegant yellow Ao Dai dress she had worn cling to each curve as she laid down. This dress side split didn't come all the way up but stopped mid-thigh.

"Yes, I had some documents to look over…. Plus I needed to take a bath." I said smirking to myself as I stood up. Walking over to my bed where Katara laid comfortably, her polished lake blue eyes looked to me, studying my movements.
"I just felt you weren't thorough enough with my sponge baths."

Looking away from me Katara's cheeks blushed deep pink with embarrassment. Biting her bottom lip, she dares to not look me in the eyes as I heard her swallow deep.

"You were.. awake…" She mumbled out deathly afraid, but clearly already knew.

Bending over, my lips reached just inches from her ear. Her eyes trying their hardest to focus on anything in front of her.
"Anytime you come near me, my whole body awakens," I whispered to her, I could feel the tingles chiming in her skin.

Her eyes open wide shocked and flustered realizing every dirty thought, every hesitated move followed by finishing up as quickly as possible was all apparent to Zuko the last few days. Understanding his mind was well alert and knew what she was doing but his body was just too tired, to react.

"I love it when you blush." I gloated evilly.

"Zuko… stop.." Katara whispered softly feeling slightly ashamed.

Smirking I pulled her up closer to me, now forcing her body to sit up. Moving towards her neck I could sense her breath quicken as she bit the bottom part of her lip once more.

"Zuko …your injury" Katara whispered out pulling away. I could practically hear the saliva being swallowed in her throat as her hesitating eyes looked down then up. Her golden-brown skin illuminated with a sin, fully blushing in her cheeks.

Pulling away from me Katara stood up quickly straightening her clothes as she walked around the bed, her eyes set on making it to the door.

"I'm going to see where we are.. we should be arriving-" *SLAM*

Rapidly embracing her from behind my lips rested in the curve of her neck, as my right hand held her firmly against her stomach. Slamming the door closed with my left hand before she ever had a chance to fully open it. My larger body towering over her, framing her in. Alongside, my eyes intensified with an amber color as I felt myself holding back my full strength. I could hear Katara moaned low as she felt my lips lightly blush her delicate skin.

"Z..Zuko we s-should…be close…" Katara stuttered feeling my brutish touch kissing her neck. My tongue flicked up and my right-hand grasps the fabric over her stomach tighter causing her body to wobble, leaning slightly over.

"Mmm" I moaned acknowledging her statement.

"I thought you were worried about my injury?" I question softly, whispering the words into her ear as my tongue ran around her outer cartilage. Her hair smells divine, blissful even.

"…I ..was. er, am! ..I am." She finished trying to convince someone.
"It looks… pretty bad. you should.. you know. take it easy."

Still facing the door, my right hand tilted her body up towards me. Till her back pressed against my chest. Locking my lips against hers, my left hand ran down the tone curve of her stomach. Pulling up her long Ao Dai dress I found the side split, slipping my hand underneath the yellow fabric.

Gripping onto her neck with my free hand, my fingers moved lower. Feeling a thin layer of fabric covering her warmth. Bringing my index and middle finger together, I slowly opened her soft labium as our tongues added to the heat in our cheeks. Inserting one finger into her depth, I rotated in the tight space. Her upper chest puffed out with an intense tingle radiating down her belly. Rolling her eyes back with ecstasy Katara pressed her body deeper into his.

Zuko's free hand moved from her neck, kneading and stroked her breast making her nipples puckered under it. His other finger found her clit and flicked it forcing Katara to arched her back.

"Spirits Zuko!"

Pulling Katara's body backward, my arms turned her around pushing her onto my desk letting all my paperwork fall off. Hiking her long dress up and back I saw her delicious slit stare at me through wet panties.

Yanking her panties off I could hear the gasped in Katara's voice when I raised her lean supple left leg up, pulling her puffy lips closer to my face. Resting her leg on my broad muscled shoulder her pussy drip wet as I admire.

It was drenched with an unquenchable lust for him, forever on his side of desire. Zuko's lips were nibbling on her puffed skin separating her lips with his tongue.

"Ahhhh" Katara moaned when Zuko nibbled on the lips of her pussy arching her back and pushing her groin further into his warm lips. Juices trickled from between her legs and he sucked her throbbing lips fervently, lapping the opening of her slit making Katara dizzy with lust. His fingers searched the enfolds of her and found what he wanted. He pinched her clitoris lightly and Katara quivered leaking more warm juices from her opening.

Licking with a tender bite Zuko sucked the sensitive bud, she again buckled, moaned, and quivered on Zuko's desk. Her leg on his shoulder squeezed and clasped on him, urging him to intensify his movement.

*knock knock*
"Fire Lord. We will be pulling into the dock shortly."

Flustered with desire, Katara turned her head to the closed door from where we both heard a guard speak. As if not believing what she heard, Katara's attention turns to me as I stood up, her large sinful eyes silently pleading for this not to end. Reaching out I guided Katara to her feet, fixing her clothes which left her plump golden pussy wet and quivering for more attention.

"Looks like you were right to worry." I teased.

"….yea" She disappointingly agreed.

Katara

"Hurry my lady!" A palace worker said as she sat me down to comb my hair.

A party had been plan in Zuko's absent, set for today and of course, we arrived mere hours before.

The moment Zuko and I docked, he was ripped away from me. A few guards hastily guiding him in the opposite direction of the palace. It seems to stay an extra day in the southern water tribe truly delayed their plans more than I could have guessed.

Looking at my reflection I watched as she comb my long dark brown hair, twisting and tying it up into an elaborate hairstyle. She had dressed me in a beautiful silk hanfu dress. The upper lightweight collar garment was dye in a beautiful ox blood red but the long flowing skirt was dyed white. Matching the design on my sleeves. A thick waistband that held the long skirt.

"There. Perfect." The woman said.

Looking at myself once more, I saw how regal I seemed with the final product. My angler neck hinting at an upper status, yet I had none. I dont even recognize myself.

"Dear." The servant said once more pulling me from my thoughts.
"The Fire Lord wanted me to give this back to you."
Her head bowed as she held out a velvet black box. Narrowing my eyes I cautiously opened it.

"My... My mother's necklace." Choking with tears I could barely figure out how to put it back on. My unpolished nails trembling as I tried to open it.

"Oh dear stop it! You'll ruin my masterpiece!" the woman scolded as she dabs the corner of my eyes with a soft tissue.

The evening

In the great hall where many people wrapped around Zuko. Our eyes quickly locked as I could see a smirk of desire hinting from his lips. Just as my cheeks blushed in pink, the Nobles and Governors surrounded him once more.

The grand room had been cleaned from ceiling to floor. The North Wall full of flowers, tassel gardal hanging above. Vas amounts of food set out along with a large variety of drinks. Many of the women wearing Jinguo, a soft silk scarf.

As I watched Zuko talk with so many from afar I couldn't help but toy with the idea of rushing up to him, dragging him away.

I could make him dance with me as everyone stares, especially all the nobleness daughters that eagerly stood by their fathers hoping for a moment of Zuko's attention. Or better yet, I could have us pick up where we left off from the ship, right here in front of everyone. Lifting my dress high enough so everyone could see how-
"Ah!" Turning around quickly I hope no one saw my deep red blushing cheek from the crowd.

Katara what is wrong with you!? Thinking of such naughty things!

Rushing to the table where champagne had been set out I quickly grabbed one throwing my head back as I gulp the whole glass.

"Katara your back"

"Uh?" Looking to my side I saw LuTen standing next to me. He had on a long black formal tunic with a red and golden design on his right shoulder. His fair skin radiated with the evening light.

"Oh LuTen, I thought you went home," I asked surprised to see him as I rested the glass down.

"I did. But I got some disturbing news." LuTen answered tilting his chin to the side.

"What news?" I asked as my eyebrows open with concern.

"Mm, Let's take a walk, it's a bit crowded here." Holding out his right hand to the entrance of the north/west garden LuTen waited for my cue.

"Sure" grabbing another glass of champagne. I allowed LuTen to lead the way as we exit the great hall into the side of the palace.

Outside the weather was perfect, never unbearable cold. A few stars twinkled against the black night sky. The stone gate to the lower lake had been open allowing for high official guests to explore the beauty of the Fire nation upper side. Walking alongside each other we passed a few couples. Even though LuTen was polite, returning a nod to those we walked by, he had remain uncomfortably silent.

Sitting alone by the lake edge on a large rock I watched as LuTen stood skipping a flat rock against the water.
"LuTen? …uh are you ok? You were pretty silent the whole walk here."

Thinking for a moment LuTen threw another rock before turning around to me. "Katara... I worry about you more than I should."

"What's wrong?" My voice asked with a bit of uncertainty.

"I came back because I heard what Zuko did to you."
Kneeling in front of me. My body naturally jumped back slightly, surprised. Reaching out LuTen took my hand into his as he looked up to me.
"If you want to leave here, just say so. I will make sure to get you out."

"LuTen…" my voice said dragging his name out. "I'm fine really."

"You're telling me all I've heard was a lie? Your body isn't marked because of him. The rumors I've been told aren't true?"

Each syllable hurt more than the last because it was true. All of it. Sighing out I stood up, causing LuTen to stand as well. Walking closer to the water my arms wrapped around myself as I closed my eyes.
"Yes, he did have me whipped" I admitted. "And I honestly thought I could never forgive him."

"You've forgiven him? Honestly Katara he's gone too far."

"Yes he had… but I can't leave him."

"You just need to getaway. Katara I'll help you escape. I may no longer be crown prince but my connections run deep in this nation-"

"I don't want to leave" I spoke out. "This may sound well.. insane. But I just can't.
Zuko had a meeting in Zui Nanduan and suggested I could visit the South Pole on the agreement I'd come back. Of course, I agreed to whatever I needed just to get there.. never thinking I would come back. I had no idea I was walking in on my father's funeral."

"Katara...I'm sorry-"

"I was devastated LuTen! after so long I missed his final words by hours!" Throwing her arms back LuTen could see the lake water reacting to her movement, rippling with the current.

" LuTen,….I don't know how but Zuko showed up not too long after. Seeing him rush to me in the cold snow gave me a feeling of warmth and safety despite the hurt he had done to me.
But then my brother banished him, that night as I sat in a place that was supposed to be my home... I just couldn't stand the thought of never seeing him again. I chose him over my whole tribe."

Standing next to me LuTen eyes gazed upon the still water, digesting my words. "Do you regret it?"

My eyebrows hunched closer as the word regret flowed throughout my mind.. from the beginning Zuko's cruel nature had clashed with the kindness his eyes hid towards me. "..no" I mumbled.

Chuckling low LuTen shook his head side to side in quick spurts.
"Oh, Katara… I wish I had your spirit."
Reaching over to the short water bender, LuTen stretches out his hand as he caressing her golden cheek highlighted under the crest moonlight.
"Do you even know the life that awaits you here?" LuTen softly asked.
"Katara your life in these walls would be so difficult. Your not…" closing his eyes LuTen open them as they marinated with sorrow.
"One of us." He finally said. Repeating his final sentence once more.
"Your not one of us and you'll never be."

Stepping backward Katara shook her head side to side befuddle by his words. For so many years in the Fire Nation, she was treated less than by Sei. Always being told she was nothing more than Earth colony trash. That she was only being raised as pleasure flesh for Commander Shane. "What… what are you saying? I'm not good enough to be here?"

"No!" No." Reaching out LuTen held Katara by her wrist pulling her in closer. "What I am saying is there are people here who would never see you more than… an outsider."

Outsider... That word ringing in my ear from my time locked with Sei. "What are you saying? I should give up Zuko for these people?"

"Of course not… but maybe for your sanity.."

"My sanity!?" Katara bellowed out. As if the words she heard were made of poison.

"If you birth a child.. the more he looks like you the more he would be heavily criticized. From the way, he walks to every decision he makes. Many will be harsh on him just because of who his mother is. They would never accept you as Fire lady."

"You don't know that." Katara snapped.

Bending down LuTen pluck a small pure white four-petal flower that grew near the heel of his shoe. "But I do." He answered truthfully handing the flower to Katara. "I just want you to be safe."

Reaching out Katara held onto the flower stem, the sap coating her fingers. "I can understand your concern LuTen. Truly. You have been the most honest and respectful man I've met here… but the world isn't as black and white anymore. You have to give it a chance!"

"Your optimism is really something else."

"What else do I have?" Katara asked laughing as a delighted smile appeared on LuTen face.

Looking directly towards her LuTen grabbed her hands gently holding them together between them.
"Then promise me this. If anything happens you'll reach out to me for help. No matter how long it's been. Deal?"

"Deal" Smiling, Katara nodded her head. Leaning closer LuTen pressed a soft kiss onto Katara's forehead, able to live with the conclusion they agreed upon.

"Come on let's go back" LuTen offered as his grip let go of Katara's hand. "Before his majesty lose his mind." LuTen said laughing as a chuckle uncontrollable passed my own lips.

Walking back up the path to the palace LuTen stopped as he saw the lights not too far ahead and heard the vast amount of people.
"Hey? What's wrong? Aren't you going in?" Katara asked.

"Nah, I really never liked this rich people stuff" LuTen answered joking. "Unless of course you wanted me to escort you to the door."

"LuTen there are like three dozen guards around I think I'm safe" Katara teased laughing.

Pulling Katara close once more LuTen embraced her in a deep hug kissing her forehead once more.
"Good night"

"Night" waving her hand Katara watched as LuTen walked away before continuing up the short path.

"AHHH!"

Mai

*CRASH!*

Standing in the middle of the room my eyes were locked on Zuko as I dropped a glass onto the floor smirking as it broke into a million pieces.

"Mai?" Zuko said in shock. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Fire Lord. It has come to my attention a certain someone has come back from a lover's stroll."
Dramatically Mai snapped her fingers, revealing the two hired security men she had, who dropped Katara on the floor.

"Don't reach for her!" I screamed out ordering as I saw Zuko's reaction, instinctively helping the water demon up.

"You better explain yourself," Zuko said looking right towards me as he held that water witch in his arms.

With everyone at the party looking at me I held my neck high with all the elegance and posture I had been taught. "Your little toy was at strolling with LuTen moments ago coming back from the secluded garden."

"You did all this because you seen her walking outside?" Zuko repeated disgustedly disapprovingly. Looking towards me his lip curled as the water held on to his side.

I could feel the stares intensifying from the crowd looking on, but I didn't care. All the rumors circling around, everyone in my social class knowing about this another woman. It's too much. I don't care if other Fire Lady's found peace with their husband's infidelity. I won't! This all ends tonight.
"She kissed him."

*GASP*

"What?" Confused with devastation in his eyes, Zuko looked down to Katara who was still in his arms.

Checkmate.

"I didn't! He kissed me! but not as you think! I promise you it wasn't." Looking up with pleading eyes Katara stared back at Zuko hoping he would believe her for once.

"She's a lair! How many crimes does she need to commit for you to see that! This has gone far-"

"Enough! …enough Mai. I believe her.." Zuko concluded his tone softening up. Gently caressing Katara's golden highlighted cheek.

Mai could feel her body deeply breathing, her chest rising and falling, competing for her sanity. Zuko stood with Katara's body wrapped in his arm. The softening of his movement made Mai's stomach turn. "Are you kidding me?! She a whore-"

"Watch it!" Snapping his head towards Mai, Zuko's tone was low and dangerous. His amber eyes reflecting the capability of lengths he was ready to go.

"You will not separate us!" My speech shouted out, as my body language grounded me.

"Us? What the hell are you talking about?!… Mai, You know what" Zuko spat out frustratedly, his thumb and index finger holding the bridge of his nose.
"Since you so gladly caused a scene for everyone… This has been a long time coming, we are finished."

"What-"

"You have three days to make your arrangement and leave." Turning around with Katara in his arm, making his way to the exit. Zuko looked down at Katara in his arms whispering in her ear. "come on, let's go"

"Zuko you can't-" Mai screamed out attempting to reach out for him.

Merely looking over his shoulder in Mai's direction was enough for her to be startled standing still. "The party is over."

"My lady" Chloe and Zoey said latching onto my arm, trying to pull me away. Allowing them to lead me backward my mind raced as I tried with all my might to make sense of it all.
"No!" I scream out loud turning around causing Zuko to stop in his tracks.

"Mai don't you dare!" Azula ordered appearing from the right side of the room.

My eyes glance at her but only for a moment before they looked back at Zuko. "I demand you get rid of her now, banning her from the palace once and for all."

*GASP*

Amused Zuko chuckled out narrowing his eyebrows. He had no thought of even entering this. "You must have lost your mind"

"No, I have this!"

"I'm warning you, Mai! I'll do it." Azula warned once more.

"I don't care any longer." I spat towards Azula. Pulling out the sapphire token I held it high above my head for all to see. "Deny my request now! And you'll be the first Fire Lord in a millennium to do so! Breaking tradition!"