A 48 Hour Slanted Hill

Katara

* rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb*

"Come one! Come all! Flash sale!"

"There's another one!"

"What's all the commotion?" I asked as the royal carriage began to head back to the Palace.

My head began to spin in confusion from all the street noise surrounding the atmosphere. Slowly pulling the multiple ivory sheer curtains back that had shield my skin from the sun. I saw several small crowds all gathered in various spots along a brick road.

"This street is where owners sell their slaves quickly Lady Katara" one of the guards guiding the carriage noted.

Still with the curtains pushed to the side my eyes wander on the street we passed. Many girls stood in hardly any clothing as men eyes took visual advantage of them.
"It's better if you look away." The guard spoke again noticing my curiosity.

As I began to let the sheer curtains fall I saw something. I saw a woman with fair skin and dark black hair. Her face left an expression on me.

I know her... "She looks almost like… -STOP" Katara yelped out putting the carriage door.
Instantly the men halted the carriage looking behind him to the side door. Stepping out of the carriage my skin touch the full force of the sun and cool wind, jumping down to the ground I unconsciously skip the one step.
Pushing through the crowd I searched for the front of that crowd which captured everyone's attention.

"HOLD STILL!" I heard a raspy voice yell out.
Squeezing between two people I saw the top part of a women's head. The men near her held onto the rope that bonded her wrist.

"Do I hear 20 silver pieces? She can cook! She can clean!"

"Ha 20? How about 5!" A man with fire color hair yelped. "Look at all the branding!"

Through the yelling voices our eyes connected looking upon one another and I could tell she recognize me too. It was the girl from the madam's house.
Her ivory skin had been covered in dirt, no doubt from conditions where she was held. Her hair was pulled back in a bun except for her fringe bangs covering her forehead. Her wrist were red as an apple, colored by the pressure of the rope.

"I'll pay 100 silver pieces!" I screamed raising my right hand to the sun.

"$100?! Girl, she isn't worth that!" The sell laughed dismissing my offer.

"You want my money or not?" My eyes screamed as my mouth twisted. Narrowing my eyes I watched the man carefully who reconsider my offer the moment his eyes looked over my head noticing the two palace guards.

"Sold!" The seller screamed. Slowly the crowd began dispensation as I rushed closer to her, quickly untying her bounded sore wrist.

"It's you!" She bellowed her eyes watering seeing someone she knew.

"I was just heading back to the palace and noticed you!"
My eyes scan her clothing seeing the various holes. Mindful of the lingering men around us I quickly pulled off my own cloak immediately wrapping it around her weakened body.

"guards we need to get back."

"G-Guards?" The women tremble wary of the few guards surrounding us.

"Oh, it's a long story."

Zuko

"Fire Lord" General Jun spoke out. Standing to speak in my war. Nodding in his direction I gave him permission to continue.

"There is one more rather important matter the others and I must bring to your attention."

Looking down to the long wooden table my eyes glanced over the Fire Nation territory that had been engraved. As my memory replayed, nothing surfaced that I may have missed during the meeting.
"What is it."

"Fire Lord Zuko, you are nearly 22 in age with no heir to the throne. We had hoped it will issue would fixed itself seeing you were engaged-"

"By this time your Fire Lady should be pregnant with the spare! As your mother was pregnant with princess Azula." Governor Lin voiced out from the table.

"You've kept me here to insult me, General?" I question, carefully looking around the narrow room to each man that remained behind.

"Of course not! Although we can no longer ignore the fact. You are now the Fire Lord with no potential wife no potential successor. This has never been! Even throughout childhood all passed prince's had a betrothal in place!" Governor Lin continues on his rant.

Breathing deeply, I tried to control my pressing anger. I wanted to wait longer before telling the Nation about my intention to marry Katara.
"I have-"

"Yes Yes." Governor Lin kept going as he began to wave his hand dismissively.
"The blue eye prison girl. A pretty girl? sure! But is she fit for the throne?
If you ask me she should named your mistress." Finishing his statement Governor Lin pretended to wash his hands in the air dismissing the thought of Katara.

A deep quietness fell in the room, their common sense feeling the added heat of the flames. All the attendant's eyes avoided mines, some may not have agreed with the Governor but no one said otherwise. My heart began to beat faster, the flames to my sides growing in width with my breath.

"What Governor Lin means is, she is an outsider, we can't expect her to be able to rule this nation." General Jun cautioned.

"That is for me to decide. Wouldn't you agree" Zuko barked with a sharp tongue.

"The royal family would have!" Admiral Haoran bellowed from the table. "Princess Azula has left the capital, your mother has re-married and your father, late Fire Lord Ozai is dead. You are the last possible Fire Lord of your household. But frankly not the last of Fire Lord Azulon lineage."

"Haoran!" Another scolded across the table from him.

"No" I hissed. "Let him finish, this is how you all feel? Am I correct?"

"If LuTen were to secure a proper match before you he would be better eligible to rule this Nation. If he has an offspring.. well I think you understand." Lieutenant Haoran's brows knitted in a frown disapproving.

"Fire Lord Zuko" General Jun hesitantly spoke up quickly.
"We are not against you but here to rather advise you as we do on the nation. The blue eyes girl is good! We can all agree to that!…
But you must take into account you have publicly punished her in this very palace because of what Lady Mai said. The punishment was one for a slave!
Rumors have already spread about her. Do you really want to subject her to the option of the court now?!"

"…" I was speechless. My hands clenched into a fist as they rested on my knees sitting down. He wasn't wrong. I had done that to her, allowed high officials to watch it take place. The minimal pieces of clothing she wore in that very court she would be required to attend, images raced in my mind, the feeling on how I felt the first time seeing her landing in my gut.

"Subjecting her to face this nation after that would be cruel. The Nation still sees Lady Mai as the future Fire Lady."

"If you don't want Lady Mai we can find other great potential Fire Lady for you." another said.
Closing my eyes my head naturally shook no. I can't be with Mai, that thought had left my soul long ago and I never looked back.

"Fire Lord, if I may" Governor Lin, said out loud. "When was the last time you visited your harem?"

"I fail to see how this information would benefit you."

Dismissing the Fire Lord's comments to his young age the Governor continued. "As you know all Fire Lords from the beginning of time had a harem filled with women. From the most common face to the most exotic eyes. This way the Fire Lord could never be bewitchment by one woman, keep his ruling fair."

"Are you saying my ruling isn't fair?"

"Of course not. But we want to make sure your priority is this nation, not yourself, or the prison girl.
We've all heard how you've been neglecting the courts! Meeting! Matters of the Nation! Instead of ruling this country, you decided to barricade yourself with her in various room. This is not graded school anymore!"

"Sire.." General Jun quickly spoke up interrupting the Governor from saying another word that may get him killed. "Perhaps if we began to do negotiations in the harems again it would ease the mind of the men here. Seeing our leader returning to traditions of a strong Fire Lord.
As a matter of fact, we have to renegotiate the tax for the southern region this afternoon."

Katara

Sitting outside in the gazo near the training grounds the sky had began to fill with multiple deep colors. My eyes glance at a quick passing figure under the walkway.

"Zuko!" I squeaked with excitement. Leaving the women I was speaking to, and rushed by his side. My body started to hesitate the closer I got seeing the darkness in his heavy eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." He brushed off as Ikah took a couple of steps back allowing us to speak alone. Zuko's hand rested on my cheek as his thumb brushed against my jawline.

"What are you up to?" Zuko asked noticing a woman near the gazebo standing to his present.

"Oh, I almost forgot! Zuko this is Lotus." I gleamed using my hand to point in her direction.
"I would like her to be my lady in waiting."

With judgment eyes, Zuko looked over the fair skin woman with dark black hair that stopped at her shoulder accompanied by fringe bangs.
The woman was in her early 20s, however, the longer Zuko stared at her the more nervous Lotus became as her eyes shifted around the training grounds.

"Are you sure? She seems… off". Studying her face there was nowhere he could place her face from within the palace.

"Yes, I am. I met her again today. I actually knew her-"

"Excuse me Lady Katara, Fire Lord" Ikah interrupted stepping closer. "you do have that next meeting you must attend."

"I'm sorry Katara we'll have to speak later," Zuko said as his aura suddenly shift.

"It's ok. I still have to get Lotus settled in."

Zuko's lips slyly smile looking at Katara's open blue eyes. Leaning slightly down he laid a tender kiss upon her forehead.
"I'll see you tonight."

Zuko

"Ikah" my voice spoke low as we left the training grounds.
"There will be no word of this that will meet Katara's ears," warned deeply, my lips spoke the words but his heart made the promise.

"Of course Fire Lord." Ikah nodded keeping up with his pace.

Reaching the wing to my harem, my heartfelt heavy as I stood in the entrance. A blank expression on my face.
Katara would never trust me again…. I told myself.

"Fire Lord?" Ikah mumbled from behind me. "Are you going in?-"

"Of course I'm going in!" I snapped hissing behind me. It wasn't Ikah's fault for my being here, it was mine. I should have put my foot down, firm in the war room. I should have told them no. But it would all fall back on Katara. They would say it was her fault I no longer invite them to the harem any longer. That it was her fault I've changed too much as a ruler. In their eyes, it was already her fault I've neglected my duty's to this nation.

"My apologies" Stunned Ikah apologized slightly bowing. "I will be taking my leave now."
Reluctantly Ikah walked away, the sound of his footsteps fleeting the area.

Spirits how I wish I could leave right now…. But appearing weak in front of these men was not an option. I tried so hard to take control of the Nation after Ozai's death, if I began to push back here I would lose the control I've worked so to achieve.

Looking deep within himself, Zuko tried to find the man he once was. Opening his eyes coldly his lips harden as his feet began to move. The steps he made mimicked one of a ruthless ruler. One who's only loyalty was to himself.

Inside his harem, Zuko looked around at all the happy fat old men throughout the large room placed in various locations. The women within his harem knew the drill, their clothing where minimal bright and seductive.
Divider curtains border off the back wall creating many smaller square private rooms that could be accessed easily. My better ear could pick up on the moans coming behind a few of the curtains.

The light in the room was bright with an orange hue reflecting the flames. A talented woman played the Guzheng on a floating glass that was anchored in the center of the indoor pool, accompanied by water lilies that floated around her. One of the only women the men knew not to bother at all cost.

"Fire Lord," one woman said acknowledging my presents. Kneeling down she balanced a golden tray on top of her head where a wine pitcher and small glass rested. Taking the glass the woman stood up bowing as she left from in front of me.

Let's get this over with…..

Katara

*tap* *click* *tap* *click*

"know that I didn't pay that man for you to be my slave." Katara reminded Lotus as they walked in the hall arm in arm. Their shoes each making a sound reflecting off the clean marble floor.

Stopping herself from moving Lotus's head hung low. "If you need me to leave Katara I would... I just have nowhere to turn to" Lotus answered truthfully.

How could I kick her out? I do know the feeling of loneliness.
"You can stay with me as long as you need. I just wanted you to know" Smiling towards her, there was something about Lotus that reminded me of Suki. A certain spirit I couldn't help but gravitate to.

"Are you should? The Fire Lord seems not to like me.." Lotus confessed still looking down remembering the cold look from his eyes today.
"I don't want to cause you any hardship".

"Zuko-excuse me the Fire Lord is just cautious. A lot has happened between us. I'm sure he'll come around." Nodding to me Lotus allowed a small smile to appear as we began walking once more.

"Tomorrow I wanted to get something's from the capital. I have some news I need to share with the Fire Lord!

"What is it?" Lotus curiously asked looking at me as our arms still lock with one another like school children.

Unable to hold my excitement my lips spread wide thinking about what I learned today.
"I really should tell him first… Him first and you second!" holding out my free pinky finger Lotus looked at my clear buzz of excitement.

"Deal" Crossing our pinky together we suddenly hear a loud crash behind us.

*CRSSSSSSSH!*
High above us a tile fell from the ceiling nearly hitting me on the head.
"OH, MY SPIRITS" placing my hand over my heart my breath jumped out of my body. The crumbs of debris scatter from the center of pressure it landed.

"Katara!" Lotus yelled pulling me back to her side.
"Are you ok?!"

"..yes I'm fine-I think. What a crazy accident!"

Zuko

Midnight came and I found myself sneaking into the chamber Katara and I began sharing.
All evening I wrestled with the thought of how to even explain myself to her. But luckily for me, she had already fallen asleep.

Her luscious deep brown hair laid wild against the silk red pillow. Her angelic face reflected the moonlight, she looked peaceful. Reaching out I wanted to touch her, to hold her. Then my mind remember where I was all evening.

How dare I push myself to even feel her skin after what I've done?!
It's just till the re-negotiations of the tax plan…. That's it… I told myself.

Backing away from the bed I made my way into the bathroom eager to cleanse myself of this night.

Katara

The morning touched my cheek and I felt strange inside. Although I've spent a few mornings waking without Zuko presents. This morning felt different. The side of his bed seemed untouched. My hand rested where his body should have been and I felt nothing. It was cold and dull.

*Rustling*
Looking towards the large closet I heard a rustling sound come from within.

"Oh Zuko" My toes touched the soft rug under our bed. Moving forward the rustling sound became clearer to me.
"I thought you left-"

"Lady Katara!" the laundry servant spoke as she froze in fear. The clothing item she held tumbled out of her hand falling to the floor.
"I'm sorry to have wake you. I was just resetting your closet."

"Oh hmm.. no I'm sorry I thought you were the Fire Lord." Picking up the clothing item she drop, I offered a gracious smile.

"Oh No Lady Katara I haven't seen the Fire Lord since last night."
My heart drop a little and my eyes narrowed as she took the item from me.

"Oh uhm… thanks"

Zuko

"Yes?" I asked as Ikah whom walked in looking towards me. Sitting at my desk I kept my mind busy all night, distracted even.

"Fire Lord it is now daybreak-"

"And?" Zuko spat out with blood-red eyes crossing his arms over his chest.

"It's only that Lady Katara has been looking for you." Ikah mentioned, his tone diminishing with each word looking down to the ground.

Shit Katara is up already…..
"Just. Just tell her… nothing. Tell her nothing and don't let her in here." Defeated I couldn't fathom what to say to her. She knows nothing but I fear she would know everything with one look.

"Wait" Walking towards the exit Ikah stop just before opening the door.

"Yes Fire Lord" Ikah answered reluctantly turning back around to fully face Fire Lord Zuko.

"The new lady in waiting name is Lotus? Correct"

"I believe so Fire Lord"

"I want you to pull her file. I don't recall seeing her in the palace before."

Zuko

Evening

Later that evening Zuko returned to study from cleansing his body once more. His jet black hair laid behind him damp, tapping again his clothed shoulders. His chest peeks through the simple red tunic evening wear.

*knock knock*
"Fire Lord" Ikah bowed through the open door before walking in. "I'm sorry to disturb you this late".

"It's fine. Do you have what I asked?"

Handing over the file of paperwork to the Fire Lord, Zuko's eyes quickly looked over the folder becoming more irritated.

"Are you sure this is her Ikah?" Zuko clarify.
"Where is Katara?!" Jumping out from his study room Zuko was ready to burst from his findings.

"She had left the royal palace this morning" Ikah informed the Fire Lord. "I assumed you knew."

"To go where?!" Inflamed with anger the two men hurtled down the empty hallway. The first quarter moon peeking in from the large windows.

"I believe the new lady in waiting wanted to get some personal items from her home."

"Who let Katara leave?! Why wasn't I informed!" Opening the door to the chamber Zuko now shared with Katara his eyes were met with nothing but darkness. The room was truly cold and empty.

"Call in all the guards Ikah!" Zuko ordered to Ikah who had began to lit the room candles.
"I want her found! Now!"

"Who found?" A soft voice asked as the figure followed into the room. Katara appeared holding a thick book in her arms that was meant for new workers of the palace.
"Zuko I've been looking for you all day!" Katara raised her chin with glimmering eyes.

"Lady Katara! Your here!" Ikah said delighted almost reaching out to touch her.

"Of course I am... why wouldn't I be?" Confused Katara looked to Ikah then back to me. "Spirits what's that smell?" Katara's question picked up on a faint scent.

"Did you leave the palace?!" I bluntly asked ignoring what she asked.

"..why is everything ok?" Katara cautioned picking up on Zuko's dark demeanor, her voice broke seeing the dark expression on his face. Her eyes trailed Zuko's chest as it rise and fell with each breath.

"Lady Katara are you aware of Lotus status? Who she is?" Ikah asked uncomfortably.

"What do you mean?" Katara asked innocently.

"He means she's a whore, a bed warmer, someone only fit to suck dick!, " I yelled out irritated, looking back to me lost Katara eyes open wide disgusted by my words. "She's not fit to live or work in the palace. MY PALACE "

"Are you kidding me Zuko? You had a whole wing of women to just fuck you fir years! How dare you look down on her!" Katara screamed out. Her voice echoed in the hallway from the open door.

Stunned I stood quiet. did she know? How could she? I made sure to have no information leak her?

"Lady Katara what the Fire Lord is trying to say is there is a difference. None of those women walked the entire palace freely or interacted with the Royal Family which you'll soon be a part of. It's forbidden. There are many Governors, Nobleman and higher Military personnel who visit the palace often. Frankly, they may have come across her, the situation wouldn't look good for her to be at your side."

"Ikah." Zuko's voice echoed once more. His golden Fire eyes stare at Katara's distrusting face. "I would like to speak alone. Please leave."

Bowing deeply Ikah turned around leaving the Royal chambers as the door shut behind him.
Closing her eyes for a moment Katara soon raised her chin reawakening her inner-self.
"I did originally meet her at the madam house when the Jing Family tried to sell me…. I'll admit it was only a brief interaction" Katara mumbled on playing with her fingers.
"But I feel comfortable with her.. is that not what counts?"

Narrowing his furrowed brow, Zuko's shoulders shrug. "Where did you meet her this time?"

"I went to the capital-"

"YOU WHAT?! Without me? Without guards? You didn't even tell me Katara!" Zuko screamed in front of her his arm stretched out almost able to touch her.

"Zuko I didn't know where you where! I tried to ask Ikah he said he didn't know. Besides, it was important! I had to-"

"KATARA I DON'T CARE FOR YOUR REASON! You shouldn't have left! This person is a whore and one that has done many petty crimes this past year alone! Who knows what she's capable of." Holding out the file he had Zuko violently threw it in front of Katara feet.

"A whore? Zuko, I wonder if you had a wrap sheet to reflect your life, what would you be considered?
Did you ever think she been placed in a position in life that forced her into petty crimes?"

"Like what?!" Zuko argued back his thumb and index finger rubbing the high bridge of his nose.

"Oh, I don't know" Katara sarcastically screamed. "How about survival! Forced to steal food! Forced to steal items to sell for money! That's why she was being sold!"

"What would everyone think when they see her walking by your side Katara! Think about it. You could have picked anyone else but her!" Zuko howl, his throbbing veins showing in his neck.

Folding her arms Katara felt her face swell with tears as she looked away from Zuko. Her body visibly rejected the petty argument as her gutt felt ill. "How quickly you forget that could have been me. You're so worried what your fucked up Society would think of her…. Did you ever wonder what they would think of me?"

"That's what I'm trying to change! Do you think I don't know what's said about you! Now you want to add this disease girl to your image!"

"Someone I could trust! Someone that can understand- "

"Trust?!" He yelled out sarcastically. "You actually think you could trust her?! Katara she's a whore! She'll do anything for a bronze coin! She'll probably jump at the chance to be in my harem! Use some sense!"

"I see…" Katara spoke looking down, her throat dry instantly. "That's the real reason? because you want her in your harem-"

"WHAT?! NO!"

"Then what else is it?!"

Rushing to Katara side Zuko reached out the strength he possessed held Katara's forearms tightly.
"I'm trying to make people see you belong here! Don't you get it!? From your eyes to your skin and everything in between you are not apart of us! We captured women like you just to use for our sick desire so we can call ourselves holy in our real marriage.
Did you not see the abundant of Fire bending children in the South Pole?! This is the reason!"

All that LuTen had told Katara a few weeks ago ran through her busy burdensome mind.
He was right, Zuko was right. I don't belong here with him…she thought. I thought I could fight against it all. I thought we could fight it all.

Yanking her drained body away from Zuko Katara felt an emptiness inside her. Numb even. Turning around Katara walked to the door closing it behind her. Wanting to stop her Zuko couldn't, his mind replied what he said and he cursed himself.

After going down a distance in the hallway, Katara suddenly heard a shattering sound behind her back. The loud noise that hit her eardrums made her shudder in fear. Her hand instantly covering her stomach.

Katara

2 days later...

"Katara you still haven't eaten. Isn't it bad? You know."

Looking at the plate infront of her Katara arm pushed it back. Her reflects wanting to throw up instantly. "Lotus I have no appetite." Katara reminded her as her fingers rubbed the temples of her forehead.

Sitting outside Katara looked up to the bright blue sky. Feeling the warmth rays blessings her with energy.

*crassssh*

"Spirits!" Katara stretched. "What was that?"
Standing up lotus looked above everything, she could spot a few maids had clumsily backing into a vase shattering it instantly.

"It seems some maids broke a vase."

"Oh no.." Katara dragged. Not feeling it in herself to get up and investigate the matter.
"Come. Even though I'm pissed off with him we should still check, it could be a priceless piece from the vault."

Walking closer Lotus stepped behind Katara the close they came the more nervous the young maid was.

"Lady Katara." The young maid bowed as her head hung low.

"What is it you who broke it?"

"I'm sorry" stepping to the side, Katara looked directly at the shattered pieces realizing it was just ordinary decor vase.

"Don't worry about it. This is an ordinary decor item. It holds no value."

"Oh thank you! I'll clean it up right away!" The young maid gleam bowing several times.

"Just have it clean before the Fire Lord walls by." Katara told her remembering Zuko walked by here 2 days ago.

"Oh, I don't have to worry about that he's in the harem-!" Instantly bringing her hands to her mouth. The young maid's eyes stretched with fright.

"What did you say."

Zuko.

Taking another shot of dark liquor my mind eased with guilt once more. The last 2 days since Katara and I augured my time has been split between my duties. I felt a great sense of disgrace sitting in here but this was part of ruling a Nation… right?

"Congratulations on the most groundbreaking tax plan to date!" One Governor congratulated toasting me.

Nodding behind my sense of guilt my arm went up to my lips again as the taste of liquor coated my tongue once more.

"To show my faith in you and apologize for my mouth Fire Lord. I have arranged for some great entertainment.
*clap clap*

Clapping his hands together a group of women came in from the entrance. Each woman had a large pink delicate fan in their hand.

Standing in front of me one woman caught my attention. Bending one of her knees she kept only the toes of that foot on the ground. Bring her hip up and down to the beat of the music. Her eyes capture my attention with the seductive glare she offered me.

Shaking her breast to the beat my eyes were mesmerized. Slowly rotate her hips and pelvis in a circular motion, turning around, showing me the curve in her back.

Suddenly she bent forward touching her outstretched leg with the pink feather fan. Quickly she swings her upper body back up her waist running her hand up her leg towards her thigh, drawing her head back so that her long black hair flips off her face and into the air showing me a playful smirk.

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