Disclaimer: Neither Avatar: the Last Airbender nor its characters belong to me, nor will they ever
Katara hadn't been able to sleep at all. Despite the comfort of her grand room, it was too dark and unfamiliar and quiet. In the South Pole, there had always been sounds of the village to keep her company; in the palace, she would have been able to hear a pin fall to the marble floor. She hadn't succumbed to her tears, but she could feel their sting behind her eyes.
Finally, she crawled from the large bed and pushed through the shutters to the terrace. Although there was only a sliver of moon, the view was breathtaking. The city beneath the palace was lit up; even at night, she could tell she was in the Fire Nation. Lanterns, like hundreds of golden stars, lined the streets and illuminated courtyards. It was a view she could never have had in the South Pole, and yet, despite it all, part of her—a large part—still desperately yearned for the desolate oblivion that was her home…that used to be her home.
Spirits, when did I become so weak? Since when am I one to follow orders like a servant? To marry simply because I am told to do so? That…that's not me! I've become…so…weak.
She braced her elbows on the marble paling, burying her face in her hands. She could only imagine this sleeplessness worsening as her wedding day approached. Her and Zuko's wedding day.
She groaned.
She felt as though she had just found sleep when she was startled awake again. Her eyes grew wide as she took in the scene in her bedroom: there were women everywhere. Women opening the drapes, women going in and out of her bathroom, women rummaging through her trunks and wardrobe. They all appeared immersed in her work, and it wasn't until one woman noticed she had awakened and sat up did the rest of them notice, too.
"Lady Katara," an older woman with nearly white hair greeted, bowing low.
The rest of them followed suit.
"Good morning. We're sorry to disturb you, but there is a busy day scheduled to celebrate the upcoming royal marriage. Would you like us to prepare the bath?"
Too much at once. "No…that's alright. I'll do it myself, thank you."
"Oh, but Lady Katara—"
Before the woman could protest any further, Katara leapt from the bed and dashed into the bathroom, making sure it was completely empty before shutting the door. That had been scarier than anything she'd faced during the war. They had all been watching her expectantly, as if she was about to do something spectacular…or cringe-worthy.
She took her time bathing, hoping that, when she emerged, her room would be empty again.
No such luck.
Instead, all the women were lined up, and they bowed obediently when she finally emerged from the bathroom.
The same woman who addressed her earlier stepped forward. "Lady Katara, please allow me to introduce myself: I'm Ma Lin, and I am the Head of Housekeeping here in the palace. It is a pleasure to serve you." She finished with a bow.
"Oh, um, well, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"We have a long day ahead of us, but please permit me to introduce your ladies-in-waiting, as well."
"Oh, that won't be neces—"
She bowed her head meekly. "Please, Lady Katara. It is at Master Iroh's insistence.
Of course it is. "All right."
She went down the line of five women, and they all bowed as they were introduced individually. "This is Jien, and, if it pleases you, she has been appointed to the position as your Head Lady. She is trustworthy and will guide you through this…transition. This is Kai and her sister Sun, and Qi Na, and last is Aeza. They have all been hand-selected from my staff, and they are the best at what they do. If, however, their service does not please you—"
"I'll take you at your word," Katara interrupted.
All the women kept their heads bowed subserviently, and none of them looked much older than she.
"I hate to rush you, but we do need to get you ready for the ceremony today. The dresses were sent over; you just need to approve a selection."
Katara had no idea what she was talking about, but followed the woman—Ma Lin—over to a dressing screen where six dresses were hanging on display. Each had a different but equally beautiful design, the styles ranging greatly—she noticed Water Tribe stitching and Fire Nation embroidery and Earth Kingdom silks—but their shared commonality was blue. They were all done in different shades and tints of blue.
Her mouth went dry.
Yes, they were beautiful, but she wasn't accustomed to such made-to-order finery.
Katara could frighten a man to silence with one look; she could wrestle her brother to the ground; she could do spirits knew what else with just water and her hands. But when it came to decisions regarding fashion…especially a decision like this. She was to pick a dress to be presented to her future people in. What if she chose wrong?
Ma Lin must have sensed her sudden panic. "Might I make some suggestions? This one here is done in perfect Fire Nation style, but I believe it is not a good choice. It shows no loyalty to your own culture. This is done nicely, but the high collar and long sleeves and veil…they convey an air of submissiveness and…weakness. Not good either." She removed the two dresses and a third one as well.
"What was wrong with that one?" Katara asked.
"It is made of a wool-blend material. You would be miserable right until you fainted from heat exhaustion, I am sure."
The three that remained were quite different. They all had different sleeve lengths and different necklines. They were all different hues of blue. One was very Earth Kingdom-looking, with silk-knot buttons down the front. The second one had a full skirt. And the third….
"Which would you pick?" she asked.
"Would you like to try them on?"
"All of them?"
"Of course."
"No, I—no. I just—"
"This one," she said, lifting the third dress.
It was the one that had caught Katara's eye.
"Would you like to try it on? We must do your hair and make-up before you put it on, so—"
"No, I trust your judgment," she said.
Ma Lin eyed her a moment, as if sizing her up, before nodding approvingly and turning her eyes on the other women. Without a word, they all scrambled to their positions, as if this battle plan had been rehearsed. Katara was at their mercy and the mercy of their beauty regiment.
She saw more jars of beauty potions and lotions and perfumes than she'd ever seen in the biggest Ba Sing Se market. The women dragged them in and out on carts, applying them to her hair and body and face. They all had different functions, she supposed, but they all looked and smelled the same to Katara.
The women pulled her hair and massaged her skin. They plucked and lotioned and prepped and scrubbed. With a sweet smile, Ma Lin assured her that they were only doing a fraction of the work they had to do in the days to come before the wedding. Katara could only wonder what was left to prep.
When it came time to dress, she looked around for her bindings. She asked one of the girls about them, and she looked at her like she didn't know what she was referring to.
Ma Lin stepped forward. "Oh. I was informed of this. In the Fire Nation, women wear a different type of undergarment. For your breasts, we have a wide, singular wrap with an adjustable lace-up closure in the back. The bottoms are much simpler than traditional wraps."
Katara eyed the garments as they were presented. "They are like legless leggings."
"They are. You only need a simple pair for under your dress. But in the market, you find they come in every style and color."
"But…they don't cover anything," Katara stated. She wouldn't be caught dead bending in just these.
"Sometimes they're not supposed to, dear," she said with a small smile.
Katara could feel her face growing red.
She let the women help her dress, slightly embarrassed by the way their breast binding pushed up her breasts. She was relieved to find this dress did not require one of those awful corsets, and the only layer was a thin silk slip. But they did not put her straight into her announcement dress; instead, they gave her one of the many crimson dresses tucked in her wardrobe, simpler than the one she had chosen for the afternoon occasion but still more elaborate and elegant than anything she had owned in the South Pole.
"We wouldn't want you to stain your dress at breakfast, m' lady," Ma Lin explained. "Besides, we want keep it a surprise."
She let them lead her into the sitting area, where she kneeled. Ma Lin gave her quick instruction on some of the more basic etiquette traditions of the Fire Nation, but most of it Katara had picked up on previous services as a Southern Water Tribe diplomat.
"Now, after breakfast, we will start your real training and start measuring you for your wedding wardrobe. Then, when the sun is at its peak, the Fire Lord will be announcing your marriage before the city. He told you this, did he not?"
"Yes, he did."
"Alright, good."
Ma Lin and Jien escorted Katara to the dining room for breakfast. Ma Lin announced Katara's arrival and retreated gracefully.
Iroh was already seated at the breakfast table and looked surprised to see her. "Katara! I didn't think you were joining us this morning."
Katara waved off the server who stepped forward to pull her chair for her. "Why would you think that?"
"Oh…never mind. Did you sleep well?"
Katara forced a smile. "Yes, very well, thank you."
She was served breakfast: two eggs, slices of fresh fruit, watered wine and a citrusy juice. A basket of fresh rolls sat in the middle of the table, as well, with small pots of different marmalades.
The doors to the dining room opened, and Zuko walked in. He had forgone his robes for his royal armor, and the Fire Lord headpiece was in place upon his top-knot. His expression was serious, of course, and didn't soften any even as he seated himself at the table.
"There you are, Nephew."
"Good morning, Uncle. Katara."
"Good morning, Zuko," Katara greeted amiably.
He was served a dish piled with eggs and some sort of meat, and he reached for two rolls. He looked up at her. "How did you sleep?"
"Fine, thank you."
He looked at her a minute longer before nodding, but he frowned. "I'll see if I can have your things moved to rooms facing the west."
"What? Why?"
"Your eyes…you look tired. The sun rises in the east. You'd get to sleep longer in a west-facing room."
Katara blushed. He had read her so easily, and so easily seen past her lie. "That…that's not necessary. It…it was just my first night in a new place. The rooms are fine, really."
"Alright. And you, Uncle? How did you sleep? Well, I assume, since you turned in so early."
Something passed between Zuko and Uncle that Katara did not quite catch, but it was gone before she could really pick up on it. "Splendidly, Nephew. Now, are you two ready for your big day?"
For a moment, Katara thought he was referring to the big day and nearly choked on a slice of mango, but she soon realized he was only referring to the announcement they were making today.
"I—I suppose so." Her appetite vanished suddenly.
"The wedding planners would like to meet with you after breakfast, Katara, to go over some details."
"Alright."
He nodded. "Alright, good. I'll send for you when it's time for the announcement."
Katara didn't really like the idea of being "sent for," like some object he owned, but she supposed that's exactly what she was. From now on, she did belong to Zuko.
Iroh asked Zuko something about a council meeting, but Katara let her attention wander. Is this what life in the palace would be like? Full schedules and quiet events. Servants at beck and call. Uneventful "family meals."
No, no, things would have to change. She wouldn't be able to live like that.
Zuko stood suddenly. "I have a few meeting this morning, but I'll see you in a few hours."
Katara just nodded in acknowledgement.
As soon as the door had closed behind the Fire Lord, Iroh turned to Katara. "I promise things will settle soon enough. The palace is currently in a bit of a frenzy, preparing for the wedding and the arrival of your family and various dignitaries and such."
Katara smiled at Iroh. "There's no need for you to make excuses. I'm sure I'll get used to the palace's…pace soon enough."
Iroh laughed as he stood and circled the table to pull Katara's chair out for her. "Oh, I think you will fit in just fine here, Katara. I look forward to the changes you'll bring."
Ma Lin met Katara just outside the dining hall. They went back to her rooms where she received more instruction on Fire Nation etiquette, this time on finer, specific points, such as the tea ceremony. It was beyond dull, and she was relieved when the wedding planners arrived, only to discover they didn't have anything exciting for her, either. They just showed her designs for the ceremony and reception that had already been chosen. There were no choices for her to make.
The palace seamstress came in, as well, and took her measurements.
Finally, Ma Lin said it was time to get ready for the announcement, and everyone but her ladies-in-waiting was made to leave her rooms. Ma Lin pulled out the dress and helped her into it, while Jien and a few of the others began to fix her hair.
When she was dressed, Ma Lin led her down a corridor of the palace she was not familiar with. She could see Zuko at the end of it, along with an assembly of other official-looking people.
As they drew closer, Zuko looked up and froze. His eyes ran over her unabashedly, and Katara could feel her face start to grow warm. He stepped away from whatever councilman he had been speaking to and stepped toward her.
"Katara."
She stopped in front of him and gave a little bow, lowering her gaze. "Fire Lord Zuko."
He scowled automatically at her use of his formal title, but when she looked up and behind him, he followed her gaze to the watchful councilmen behind him and understood. He took her hand in his and pressed his lips to her knuckles "Forget them," he said, his voice low so the others couldn't hear. "Are you ready?"
She licked her lips. "I think so…yes, yes I am."
He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It'll be fine, I promise."
She nodded, taking a deep breath.
"Katara…."
She looked up at him and gave him a half smile. "Please don't say 'thank you' again."
A corner of his mouth turned up. "Am I that easy to read?"
"Rarely."
His eyes searched her face and a few quiet moments passed before he spoke again. "Can I at least tell you…you look really beautiful."
She felt her face grow warm again and averted her eyes.
"We're ready for you, my lord."
"Very well," he replied automatically.
She took his proffered hand and let him lead her to the end of the corridor. The officials parted and bowed as they passed. Then they stepped behind a large red curtain and she heard their names with titles announced, and Katara was swept up as they stepped through the curtains and onto a grand balcony overlooking the city. A roar of voices and cheers pounded through her head as the huge crowd in the city below celebrated their arrival. They were so high, and the crowd below them rolled and moved like a tumultuous sea of red. She could barely hear her own thoughts, the crowd was so loud, and she struggled to hear Zuko's hurried advice of "bow," but she did, and they bowed in greeting to the crowd, Zuko's citizens. Her citizens. They cheered louder.
She didn't know if she was supposed to smile or wave but before she could ask, Zuko led her back inside.
"That was it?" she asked, incredulous.
"I told you it wouldn't take but a few minutes. We spent more time preparing for the announcement than making the announcement itself. Of course, some of the city officials will have more to say, but our part is done."
"Really?"
He nodded. "Really. Now, I have a final meeting, but I thought in an hour you could meet me at my office and I could give you that tour we talked about last night."
"Oh, right. Sure, that sounds good."
"Good." And without another word, he left her.
Katara was escorted back to her rooms and the first thing she did was remove the dress. It was beautiful, but so impractical, and it was a little hard to breathe in. Jien was there to help her out of it, and the others helped her to pull pins fro her hair and hug up the discarded dress. Kai, Sun, Qi Na, and Aeza—she was determined to learn their names. In the wardrobe, she found most of the dresses were inexcusably impractical, but a few were simple enough to her liking. She picked one that was made of a lighter, breathable, maroon-colored material that hung just right on her frame: not too tight, but still showed she had some curves. The gold slippers she found matched the gold trim at the hemline and short sleeves of the dress.
With more than half an hour to go before her meeting with Zuko, she decided to give herself a quick tour of the palace and wandered through the halls aimlessly, hoping all the while she wouldn't become lost. There were so many halls and so many rooms and doors, too many for one structure, she decided. No one person needed this much space. She hated wasting time this way, but she didn't know any other way to do it. These awful "royal robes" really restricted what she was able to do; Ma Lin would probably faint if she found her bending in them. She discovered the expensive silks were not tailored to training. But this timeframe left her no time to change, train, bathe, and then redress. And she definitely wasn't one to sit around with needlework like the women in Zuko's court seemed satisfied with. She would ask Toph to crush her with a large boulder if she ever succumbed to that lifestyle.
Despite the vastness of her journey, she discovered nothing of particular interest. Wasting time proved to be more difficult than she'd anticipated. Is this what palace life would be like? She could only pray not.
She decided to make her way towards Zuko's study. Hopefully being early wasn't too faux pas in Fire Nation etiquette.
She arrived at his doors and ignored the statue-like guards posted at the sides. She knocked but entered without waiting for a response.
Zuko was sitting behind his desk; another man sat across from him. They both stood as she entered, and she started slightly. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't know you were with someone—I'm early. I'll go—"
"No. We were just finishing. Besides, I'd like to introduce you." He circled his desk and extended his hand to her.
Slightly confused, she stepped forward and placed her hand in his.
"Katara, this is Reike, a trusted advisor and a good friend. Reike, this is Lady Katara, my…intended."
"Ah, and my future Fire Lady," the man said. He bowed low with a flourish. "It is my pleasure, Lady Katara."
"Likewise. And you can just call me Katara."
He straightened, allowing her to study his features. He was young, probably Zuko's age, and handsome, but understatedly so. He wouldn't be too noticed in a large crowd. He had telltale gold eyes of the Fire Nation, and long black hair, the top half pulled into a top-knot. He was shorter than Zuko, but not by much, and his dress spoke of his status as Fire Nation nobility.
He looked at Zuko, his expression serious. "May I be honest with her?"
Zuko's brow furrowed, as if he was unsure of what Reike was referring to, but he nodded anyway.
Reike leaned forward slightly, as if he wanted to tell her a secret, and his face split suddenly with a huge grin. "It is true: I am Fire Lord Zuko's good friend, but realistically I am probably one of his only. In the Fire Nation, anyway."
Zuko sighed and rolled his eyes as if he'd heard that before.
Katara allowed herself a small smile. "Well, that's quite a shame."
Reike looked stricken. "You wound me. Is my companionship worth so little? I am the only friend one would need."
"She wouldn't know. Not even five minutes and you've already made a terrible impression."
"I don't think so. She seems fine. Not like all those other women who scoff or whack me with their fans or faint every time I, Agni forbid, open my mouth. You would think they had never heard intelligent speech."
Katara looked at Zuko, a brow lifted. "'All those other women'?"
"Not mine. His. All his."
"Oh, yes. Definitely all mine—or at least I wish they would be. He had no desire for such…oh, what did you call it? Frivolities?"
"Something like that."
"You're right, it was probably a much harsher word."
"You know, he reminds me somewhat of Sokka."
"Please don't say that."
"Is that a compliment?"
"No, definitely not."
"Yes, in a way."
The couple spoke in unison, and Reike grinned. "Hardly completing each other's sentences, but it's a start, I suppose."
"Are you one of his councilmen as well?"
"No. I am a nobleman, but there can only be one member from each noble family on his council, and my father currently holds that seat. But I sit in from time to time in an unofficial capacity…when I find I can tolerate some of the less tedious proceedings. I get bored easily, and I find discussions of what color a certain celebratory banner should be or how many palanquins are needed for this or that governor's procession quite boring. Now, if the topics revolved around things such as education reform and new healthcare systems, perhaps I'd be more involved. Alas, that is not the case."
"It would probably do your council some good to spend some time with the people whose interests they're supposed to represent, I suppose."
"It'd be easier to tame a grown Sabertooth-mooselion."
She smiled.
Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
"And that's my cue," Reike said. He snatched Katara's hand and planted a kiss on her knuckles. "A pleasure to meet you, Katara. I am sure I will be seeing more of you in the coming days. We have plenty of time to get to know each other better."
"Um, sure. I'd like that."
Reike left and for some reason Katara felt winded.
"Is he always like that?"
"Yes."
"Oh."
"He's…a character. But I trust him, and when it comes to important matters, I trust his judgment. Except, of course, when it comes to women. He has sort of…a bad reputation."
"Hm."
Zuko looked slightly uncomfortable as he held out one of the chairs in front of his desk for her.
"What happened to my tour?"
"I thought we'd go over a few wedding details. They wanted my approval but I haven't the slightest idea regarding reception decorations and seating charts, but thought perhaps you would like to look over the suggestions."
She had already worked on that this morning, but she consented. "All right."
He seemed to hesitate. "And…there was one more thing." He circled his desk and pulled a scroll out of a drawer. "I was reading over the contract last night, and it appears a new clause was added."
"They're still making changes? I thought an agreement was reached."
"I thought so to. I asked my council about the amendment and it appears both the council and tribe agreed that it was for the best." He cleared his throat. "It…really only concerns you. I argued that I did not think it was a good idea, and would only cause tension and strife—"
"What is it?" she asked, suddenly worried.
He handed her the scroll. "They've stipulated that…you cannot leave the Fire Nation until an heir is born."
"What?" Suddenly, she found it difficult to breath. "You…you mean I can't visit my family? I can't visit my friends? I can't leave the Fire Nation at all?"
"I'm really sorry, Katara. I fought them—"
She flopped down on one of the chairs. "What more can they ask of me? Should I just sign my soul over as well? They already have my free will and my future. Zuko, can't you do something? You're the Fire Lord. They're just—they're ruining everything."
He knelt down in front of her. "You're right; I am the Fire Lord. And although I agreed to sign the contract however they draw it up, no one will be able to stop either you or me from breaching certain aspects of it. I would never keep you from your family, Katara."
She looked at him. The sincerity in his eyes spoke of his honesty; he wouldn't lie to her about something like this. But still…the Fire Nation had taken so much for her already. Would there be anything left to her after this wedding?