AN:

Sorry guys for late update but I was busy with my classes.

So this chapter is about how katara reacted to " the arrangement" aka arranged marriage. Hope you like it .

Chapter 3

Her Anger

It was mid-afternoon when

Emperor Hakoda felt the palace quake. He was meeting with governors from the outer provinces about education system in southern province, and the governor who had been speaking quieted.

"We don't have any Earthbender dignitaries visiting, do we?" Hakoda asked a scribe.

"No, my lord."

He sent one of his guards to find out what had caused the sudden shift of the palace's foundation, and the ground rumbled again.

The guard returned a few moments later, looking wary. Hakoda motioned for him to step forward so they could speak in relative privacy. "It…it's her royal Highness, Princess Katara ,my lord."

"What do you mean?"

"Her head Maiden, Kris, reports that Princess Katara has…shut herself in the training arena and is not to be disturbed. It is her…waterbending that makes the palace shake."

Hakoda sighed and stood , suddenly feeling very tired "I should have known" said more to himself than anyone and started in direction of the arena

Katara tired and frustrated with herself after her bending sat down at the edge of the pier in the arena and heard the door opened and someone's footsteps drawing close to where she sat. Though she didn't acknowledge the visitors presence and closed her eyes knowing full well who it was.

Hakoda watched his daughter was sitting on the edge of pier and staring out in space. It'd been less than twenty-four hours since she was informed of the arrangement. It wasn't totally pointless, she figured. The union could benefit both of their nation and it's not like she is going through this alone. Since the treaty was drawn to solidify the world integration , every unmarried royal and few important nobles are betrothed into other nations to ensure peace. Even Sokka has accepted the arrangement , even though he hate doing so but he coped with the idea of marriage to ensure better trade routes into their nation.

He never been the same since Yue died. He smiles less, laughes less and even jokes less. He truly loved Yue. They were always have been in love since they laid their eyes on each other. They were childhood sweethearts. Although their marriage was arranged but everyone knew they would have ended together. She remembered how much jealous, she got when her best friend and brother were so busy in steeling sideway shy glances which ultimately made her feel like a third wheel.

She loved her brother with all she have but it broke her heart seeing him so miserable after Yue's death. After that day, she promised herself she would never put herself through something like that.

She flailed her legs over the edge, kicking softly back and forth as she watched the water move in waves. She felt her father's presence behind her, decided to ignore it, and continued with her pointless track of mind.

"Hey," said her father.

There was silence.

"Katara, I need to talk to you," he pleaded, taking a seat by her side.

"What?" was Katara's spiteful response. she was still mad at him

"First, I wanted you know that I'm so proud of you, my little waterbender "

Her face was unchanging. A permanent scowl present at her mouth. Her legs, however, ceased their swaying.

"If you were so proud of me , you wouldn't have tried to get rid of me." She said angrily and regretted immediately saying the words after seeing hurt and pain in her father's eyes.

"I am not trying get rid of you, dearest. I know it seems like it to you but believe me when say I love you, my little penguin"

She could feel the tears rush to her eyes. She held them back as much as she could, but one escaped and fell to her lap.

Hakoda watched this and felt saddened inside. He brought his hand to her chin and forced her to look at him.

"You're crying?"

"Dad," she whispered, all the spite removed from her voice, "I... I..." She sniffled.

Hakoda stared at her, saddened and pained. He used his finger to wipe her tears, but they wouldn't stop flowing. She leaned herself onto him and grasped him in a tight embrace.

"What is it?" he asked.

She paused, choked back a sob, and spoke. "Dad... I don't want to leave you or Sokka or our tribe ..I just don't..."she started sobbing in her father's shoulder.

He felt weak. He couldn't comfort her. he felt useless. he could never forgive himself for putting his daughter through this

"You can always come visit us , you know that , right sweetheart? " He spoke in a soft, calm voice, hoping to ease her pain.

"But what if they don't let me dad...I don't want to be someone's trophy wife...I don't want to live in anyone's shadow , dad"

The thin line of confusion and understanding snapped in Hakoda's brain. It made sense.

"It's okay, Katara. It'll be okay. Don't worry-"

"That's just it, dad," she said, pulling away from him, "It'llneverbe okay , dad. Never. How can you understand dad? when you never had to leave your home and be someone whom you barely know"

Hakoda shook his head and gave her a hard stare.

"Of course it will be okay. It'll all be okay. I know this for a fact that you are stronger than this , kat-!"

"What if I don't want be strong for everyone, what if I want to have a normal life , what if I wanted my mom whan I grew up dad , what if I wanted to cry in her embrace because she would know how I feels , because she go through this too " she screamed and started sobbing again.

Hakoda sighed.

"Katara, sweetie , I loved your mom when I met her and I am sure your future husband will love you , who can't when you're so sweet and caring at the same time fiesty and stubborn hot headed beautiful young woman.hmmn? I know it's difficult for you but I will do every thing in my power to retrieve you back if he ever hurt you sweetheart. Hell l will kill him if he ever hurt you physically or mentally. But you know that we royals have duty for our kingdom , right?we have to fulfill our duties for our people because they look upto us to give them peace and prosperity. Always remember katara we are nothing without our people , they make us not the other way around."

" I will do it dad " she took a deep breath and said " for the kingdom"

"I'm so proud of you daughter and I know if kya was alive she would have been so proud of you" hakoda said

The tears were back.

" I am going inside now daughter , I have a meeting with the council . You can come with me if you want "

Katara pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them.

"I just need to be alone," she whispered into her arms.

Hakoda stood up. He bent over and kissed the top of her head.

"I love you, Katara. If you need me, you know where to find me."

She picked her head up when he was out of earshot and whispered one last sentence.

" I love you too dad "

Please please please review .