19th of July

Fire Lord Taishi 25

Year of the Sun

Noon

I duelled Prince Sozin.

It was maddness of me, pure and utter stupidity. I don't know what I was thinking...I lost control of my temper and it shall never happen again. What was I thinking challenging a Master...a Prodigy!

His skills are reknown! Everyone knows how amazing he is! Yet I opened my big mouth...

I was training in the arena practicing my basic stances when I became aware of him watching me. I bowed formally and made to leave when he stopped me.

"I do not remember giving you leave Lady Maeko."

I turned around. Of course I had to ask for his leave...it was only polite, I must have forgotten but still it was rude of him to remind me. Could he not just let me leave?

"I am sorry your Highness," I said bowing and walking on as I clenched my teeth. I was near the door...just stretching my hand out to touch the handle when...

"I don't remember saying you could leave," said an amused voice.

I whirled around to face him. His golden eyes seemed to reflect the flames dancing on the torch brackets. His hair was down and slightly messy due to training. His tunice was as black as shadows and he moved with a cat-like grace as he walked towards me.

"Once again I apologise your Highness...may I take my leave as I must go and have luncheon with Lady Mielia," I said with a false smile. In reality I wasn't going for luncheon...I was banking on the fact that he wouldn't want to keep an Earth Kingdom noble waiting. Why does he take an interest in me? It's like something from a romantic novel...the ones Kari used to read that made me want to vomit.

"Lady Bei Fong? She left the dinning hall with Lord Bei Fong a few hours ago..I believe they were retiring early," he said smirking slightly as the expression on my face changed to surprise.

Retiring early? I wasn't born in a barn...usually nobles "Retired early" for personal and physical reasons...that took place in their bedroom.

"Oh...I am sure Lady Mielia will be waiting for me," I said putting emphasis on Mielia's name, "I must still beg leave of you Lord Prince."

I looked him in the eye as I said it. Looking into his eyes are like looking into liquid fire...they dance and change colour. Right now they were turning a vibrant gold. The corners of his lips were tugging into a smile. I could see his pattern of thought...a rebellious little girl...too hot-headed for her own good...no sense...no control...

"I understand you are an accomplished fire-bender Lady Maeko? I have even heard your flames are blue?," Asked Prince Sozin...his voice sounded curious. I knew blue-flames were rare...something on cold fire-benders could produce.

"Your Highness is correct although I might add that I never recieved my full training...my Father's opinion and mine some what differed on that subject...regretably my former Master agreed with him," I said trying to keep the bitterness from my voice.

A slight orange tinge glowed in his eyes. His voice became sharp and lost it's usual melodic tones.

"I see...your father did not wish for you to learn beyond the basics because of your gender? That is a waste...if someone is given a talent they should use it to it's full potential...do you not agree Lady?"

My heart was pounding...I did agree...I couldn't have put it better myself...yet...why was he agreeing with me?

"I agree," I said calmly.

"Obviously" said the Prince smiling, "you've been teaching yourself. Some of the forms you showed where beyond basic level. You've got power but you cannot control it very well. Your stances are perfect but some of your moves are slopply."

I blinked for a few moments. He could tell all that from just looking at my stances?

"Your master said much the same," I said.

The Prince moved walked towards me. He seemed to talk to me like I was an old friend...like he was doing me a favour.

"If you'd like I could show you how to do it properly...but of course I'd have to spar you first to see what you can do...I doubt you'd be willing to do that."

Arrogant! How dare he think that I was afraid? I was nervous...but not afraid. My common sense warned me not too...but I was curious...I wanted to see his talent...I wanted to learn properly.

"And If I was willing?"

He chuckled lightly.

"If you wish Lady...although I warn I shall not hold back."

I smirked.

"Then neither shall I!"

What followed was easily the hardest duel I've ever fought. The Prince reacted with little warning and his strikes had much power in them. He used moves I've never even seen and his was fast.

I was scared...scared at the power he possessed...but I was proud...I didn't want to loose.

So thats when I tried to use my lightening technique. It was foolish and dangerous but I was despairate...I forgot it required peace of mind.

What I conjured wasn't pure lightening. It seemed like mere sparks of it but I could tell the Prince was impressed...it was enough to knock him clear off his feet but not enough to allow me to win...never had I ever lost a duel...never had I felt so useless.

"You are good. Only three people have gotten that close to defeating me. I am curious though...what was that technique you used before?" He asked helping me to my feet.

I was sweating and panting. I didn't want to tell him it was lightening so I lied.

It was nothing...just something I read I lied easily.

He stared at me for a few seconds before replying.

"You are a good liar Maeko...but I know you tried to conjure lightening...the technique is old and no one had mastered it in a hundred years...not even the Avatar! Tell me where did you read such a thing!"

His voice burned with authority...his eyes turned deep amber.

I was scared but I knew he wouldn't hurt me...he couldn't...I was the Grand Viziers daughter...he couldn't...

"Like I said Prince Sozin...it was in a book and it was not ligthening...now if you will excuse me I must meet Mielia as I am already very late."

I walked off fast...so fast he didn't have enough time to question me further...

It was only when I was lying on my cabin bed did I remember...

Mielia...Lord Bei Fong!