"Uh...Prince Zuko?"
He paid attention when hearing his uncle's voice. Zuko had been laying on his stomach, facing away from the door in his room. The bed was rather large and after his fight, like everyone, he had decided to rest afterwards. It wasn't because he was tired, just so he'd calm down. It always calmed him to put his head down ... and the rest of him.
He groaned. "Uncle," he stated. "Can't you see I'm trying to relax?"
"I know, but your father insisted that I tell you this immediately," he said, coming over and sitting next to him. "He, well, saw you and the princess's little duel."
His eyes widened and he sat up. "He what?" he asked, pushing his weight up with his arms. He wasn't wearing a shirt, so it wasn't hard for him to do so, but his relaxed muscles didn't cooperate. He wound up leaning on his side. "What did he say?"
"Well...he was impressed," Iroh stated. "With Katara anyway. He had really never seen her before a while ago. Let's just say, he approves of her giving him grandchildren."
At the word, he looked away. Iroh raised an eyebrow. "You did know about that, didn't you?" he asked.
"Of course I do," he replied, crossing his arms and resting his head on them. "Whether I like it or not, I'll have to produce an heir with her."
"No offense, but why is that a bad thing?"
He whipped around with a look. "Uncle!"
Iroh held up his hands in defense. "Nephew, she is a very spirited and beautiful young woman. And if you haven't noticed, she's been the center of all male's vision when she enters a room." He sighed and crossed his arms. "Why you can not see that is beyond me. I know you still have one good eye."
"Uncle..." Zuko warned.
"All I am saying is that the princess is a very nice woman that one could have as a wife. And the last time I checked, you were marrying her in two days time," he stated. This time, he was the one to give the look. "And, you two know nothing about each other. How are you supposed to have a relationship like that?"
He looked away and didn't say anything. "Since you don't have enough time to get to know her before the wedding, try afterwards," Iroh suggested. "She might actually be very interesting. I found her easy to talk to."
"Uncle, you aren't helping."
"Well, talking and being in a relationship are entirely different things. Since you don't have much experience, I suggest working on it. You've never really had a ...liking for family, your father and sister included. Maybe the princess can help you with that."
He stood and looked at him once more before turning and leaving the room.
"I had no idea you despised the prince so," Nira stated, sitting on the side of the tub.
Katara sat in the bath that night. She had gathered her knees to her chest and let the water come up to her shoulders. The scented water had many flower petals floating on the surface, making it have a lasting smell of roses. Nira had insisted on it after the fight.
She looked up with curiousness at what her friend said. Blinking, she asked her what she meant. "I despise him?"
"Well," she said, bitting her lip. "Why did you not let him win?"
Katara smiled and looked up. "I couldn't do that," she replied. "That would show I was weak. If these people are to have me as their queen, they should at least think I'm worthy of the position."
"So, you tying with him was proof that you're equal to him?" Nira asked. "I guess that makes sense."
She nodded. "How long have you worked in the palace, Nira?" she asked, changing the subject. "You seem to know everything about it."
"Oh, I've been a servant here since I can remember," she replied, coming to a stand. She went over to the cabinet and took out a few things. "My family has always served the royalty of the fire nation. My mother was the servant to the queen. My cousin is servant to Princess Zula and my brother is servant to your fiance," she explained. "It's just the way it is. That's how it's always been. My family has always lived here."
"Don't you want to do anything else?" she asked. "Aren't you tired of it?"
"Oh, no," she stated, taking out a towel. "It's truly and honor to me. I am a simple peasant. Being able to be this close to royalty and having them be gracious to me is all I've ever wanted. It's true I wish to marry some day, but I don't know if I can. Mother says no husband will want someone like me."
"Why not?" she asked. "You're very pretty and kind. Plus you're easy to talk to."
"That's the thing," she replied, sitting back down. "I talk too much. Men like quiet women as wives, not chatter boxes."
"I think someone might find you worthy," Katara said. "Some day, when you'll least expect it, you'll find him."
Nira gave her a small smile. "That sounds like a fairytale," she stated. "A young, misunderstood girl who finds someone that accepts her for who she is? I'm sorry, my princess, but I do not think it's possible."
"Well, if your attitude's like that, no wonder," she replied. That made her smile a bit more. "See? Just think positively and you'll go places."
"Your word is my command," Nira said, sounding official. "Now, I'm sorry my princess, but if you do not come out of the water now, you'll prune."
Katara stood and welcomed the towel, drying herself as she stepped out, onto the floor. "How late is it?" she asked suddenly.
"Not that late," her servant replied, going over and getting her dressing robe.
"Do you think I could go for a walk around the palace?" she asked. "I want to see the garden."
"The garden, your highness?"
"Yes. With all the flowers."
"Do you want me to come with?"
"No, I'll go by myself. You can go to supper early."
"Alright. If you say so."
At night, the palace was very peaceful. Katara could tell as she stepped out into the garden. It was right below her window, so she had seen it often, but never close up. The small path was of stone and wound around numerous plants. There were fountains everywhere, that surprised her. But, as she expected, there were torches to back them up in number.
It all looked and smelled beautifully. But when she approached the middle of the garden she stopped short. There, sitting on the bench amongst the flowers was Princess Zula. In the moon light, she looked rather calm. There was a peacefulness on her face that she hadn't seen before.
Really, she was a beautiful women. It was a shame that she hid behind that sneer and snarl all the time. Well, in the last few days, Katara hadn't seen that much of her, but still, first impressions leave a mark. That cold, hating glare couldn't be forgotten in her mind.
Even though she froze, Zula saw her. She looked up and when seeing it was her, she put on an annoyed face. "Oh," she said, fake surprise in her voice. "It's you."
Katara nodded. "Yes," she replied.
"Did you need something?" Zula asked, looking away.
"No," she replied. "I didn't even know you'd be here. The garden is very nice."
The older girl gave her a look, eyebrow raised. "I saw your duel with my brother," she stated. "You let him tie with you. Why?"
Her eyes widened at the statement. She noticed? No one else did, surely that meant she was good at noticing things. "I wanted to show everyone I'm worthy of marrying him. Should I have lost, I'd not have been good enough. If I won, people would think of me as too strong. Strong outsiders do not have very good reputations here."
Zula's face softened and she nodded to the bench. "Sit down," she said. It was a command, not a suggestion.
Katara did what she was told and sat down next to her. Zula faced her and looked her up and down. Then she took her chin and looked into her eyes. "There's something different about you," she said, not looking away. "You look like a princess, but on the inside you're something else."
"Oh, but I am the—."
"I wasn't questioning your position," she said, cutting her off. "You are the princess, I can tell. No water bender can form water in the palm of their hand without a strong family background. But, inside there is something that you are holding dear. Behind the mask there is just a girl with a purpose."
She didn't say anything as Zula let go, just listened. "You didn't know you were a princess up until a few days ago, did you?"
Katara took a deep breath and shook her head. "No."
"I figured as much," she said, getting to her feet, and looking the other way. "Well, for someone in your shoes, you're doing a good job."
She blinked. Did she just...complement her? "Thank you," she whispered.
"It was Katara, wasn't it?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe having you as a sister won't be as bad. My brother is not worthy of you."
Zula started to walk away, but Katara stopped her. "Wait." She halted where she was. "Why do you hate him so?" she asked, standing up. "He's your brother."
"A brother who isn't worthy of being one," she replied calmly. There was no hint of hate in her voice at all, just words. "My affairs are too complicated. Do not dwell on them. Good night, princess," she said, before leaving.
Katara bit her lip and sat back down, looking at the moon above.