Sitting on my throne on the dais, the flame wall blotting out my image to those below me, I sneer down at them and their little parade. They've determined I'm in need of a bride, someone the nation can call Fire Lady, and they are here with their daughters to show them off to me as if this were some kind of dog show. They can say what they want, but we all know why they're really here. They're here because they feel threatened by Katara's presence. They had been surprised when I announced her staying here as the Water Nation Ambassador, especially after rumors about us begun to circulate.
I want so badly to stand up, raise my hands in the air, and declare my love for Katara, tell them all to mind their own business. Instead, I sit here and pretend to at least listen to each man as they introduce their daughters. None of them are interesting in the least, none can even bend, and all of them look exactly the same. Without a set of blue eyes and tanned skin, how do they expect me to pay attention? I glance towards the windowed ceiling and notice how dark it's getting outside as my heart skips a beat for a moment; I'm going to be late!
"I'm sorry, gentlemen, but I do have another arrangement." I say in a non-apologetic way, standing as they all immediately bow.
"But, sir, there are still other young ladies to be introduced!" One of the council members say, one of the few that haven't been able to show off their prized progeny. I just raise a hand to stop him from complaining any further.
"We'll have to arrange another time. Perhaps a proper dinner." I state as I head to the door behind me, ignoring their clamoring. Quickly, I leave my study and head towards the Royal Quarters before anyone could follow me and demand my attention any further. As soon as I cross the threshold that signifies only members of the Royal family can continue, I breathe a sigh of relief and head for the garden, already shedding my heavy outer robe, which I toss over a railing as I descend the stairs into the tiny oasis. I see the corner of a blanket already spread on the floor on the other side of some bushes and I can't help but smile. I slow my steps, in hopes of sneaking up on the scene, but then a voice calls out.
"You're late." She says, mock agitation in her voice. "Do you have any idea how gross Turtle Duck pie tastes when it's cold?" I've stopped in my tracks, how did she know I was coming? I smile again and continue to the picnic spot, seeing her stretched out, resting her head on a propped up elbow, raising a brow at me as she looks me over with a scowl, one that quickly changes to a grin when I get on my knees and then crawl across the blanket towards her, making her lay on her back with amused giggles as I loom over her.
"Don't worry, I'll heat it up."