A/N: Yaay extra long chapter today. There was a lot I wanted to get into this one. I know I'm uploading more frequently than most story makers, but I'm trying to get my ideas out and into the site as they come so i dont lose it. Il go back in if they need touching up. Also ive had a lot of free time. So i dont think il have like a scheduled time when il post, its more when i get inspiration. Any who, heres the chapter!
"Who the heck needs a bed this big?" I spoke aloud to myself.
I had just been showed where I'd be staying and couldn't comprehend why one person needed so much room. I'd grown up sharing a room with two other girls and a bed with one, so I was never one to care about space. My heart twinged at the thought of my sisters.
I wonder what everyone's doing back home. I shook my head. No weakness.
The bed alone could have taken up more than half my room back home. I walked around the space slowly, allowing my finger tips to run along everything within reach, from the silk sheets on the bed to the wood of the dresser. I wasn't entirely sure why we were brought here, but I used the time to let my mind wander.
Why did I react the way I did when I saw the prince? I pondered. I mean I know he's intimidating and important, but why didn't I just get scared and avert my eyes like what was expected of me to do? No, I had to have a fucking staring contest with the man who could end the world.
I groaned and scratched my head, desperately wishing to be able to get out of this dress and go to bed. I was still deep in thought when there was a knock at the door, causing me to jump.
"Come in." I called.
A butler came in and motioned for me to follow him.
"Each young lady is now requested to come to the ball room, so his majesty may dance with each."
My heart leapt to my throat.
Oh god. I thought. I'm going to have to dance with him? Actually physically interact with him?
I stood on jello like legs and followed the man out into the hallway where a crowd of other women had already began to gather. There was excited nervous chatter filling the air as we made our way down corridor after corridor, which only caused my breathing to become more panicked.
Why do I recognize this place? I thought, a chill slowly creeping its way up my spine.
I shook off the feeling as recognizing it from when I was showed my room, but didn't feel too convinced. We entered the grand ball room, which was even more spectacular than the grand hall. There was a beautiful glass chandler in the center of the dome shaped ceiling, which reflected the light, causing small rainbows to dance on the walls. The floor was still marble, but with what looked like gold intertwined into it. There were pillars on the side walls, with each capital having a unique carving in it. Music had started to play and women began to giggle uncontrollably. I scanned the crowd and eventually found him in the middle of a huddle of women, all begging for his attention. I wasn't sure what to do, I'd never been to a ball before. I knew we were all supposed to dance with him, but what are we supposed to do when we're not? That's when I noticed other young men in the crowd begin to waltz in and start asking women to dance. I stood there awkwardly, eyes downcast, hoping no body would pay me any attention.
"Excuse me, miss?"
Of course.
"May I have this dance?"
I looked up to see a good looking man, maybe a few years older than me, in a black tuxedo offering his hand to me.
"Uhm... sure." I answered hesitantly.
I placed my hand in his and he pulled me closer, resting his other hand on my hip, brushing my bare skin causing me to blush. Our bodies were inches apart as we began to sway to the classical music behind us.
"My name is Lieutenant Pang, but you can call me Lee." He flashed me a toothy grin and I couldn't help but feel more at ease with him near.
I gave a small smile back.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Hazel Shaow." I curtsied slightly to him.
He smiled again and I noticed how he had a slightly crooked smile.
"The pleasure is all mine. I couldn't help but notice you seemed lost so I decided to come and save you." Another smile.
"Thank you for that." I said, and I meant it. "This whole place is new to me, and I'm really not sure what I'm supposed to be doing." I said honestly.
He nodded, pulling me against his body and leaning towards my ear. I tensed up slightly and blushed more, not sure what he was doing. To an onlooker, it would seem he was trying to be romantic. Then he began to speak, his voice quiet and low.
"If I were you, I'd leave this place. Now. It isn't safe. Nothing good will come to you being here." He said.
My blood ran cold and I just stood there in shock.
Isn't safe? What does that mean?
I opened my mouth to ask him, but a masculine hand was placed on his shoulder, pulling him back.
"I hope I'm not interrupting, but would you mind if I cut in?" Said the prince, smiling.
Smiling?
Lee let go of me and bowed low to the prince, his eyes flashing to me once more before standing up straight.
"Of course not, your highness." Lee said stepping back. "Excuse me, but I believe the buffet is calling my name." He smiled, then was off.
Oh no no, please don't leave me alone with-
"Hello, I don't think we've been properly introduced" the prince said as he bowed to me.
He's bowing?
"I'm Prince Zuko, and who might you be?"
I just stared at him dumbfounded, but finally found my voice.
"I-I'm Hazel. Hazel Shaow, your highness." I said as I curtsied to him, making sure to not look him in the eye this time.
"Hmm, Shaow." He repeated, like he was seeing how it felt on his tongue, and I shivered. "I don't believe that's a Fire Nation name."
I shook my head, eyes cast anywhere but his face. "My father's from the Water Tribe, so no." I said with more pride than I probably should have.
"Very interesting." He said as he took my hand the same way as Lee, but with more authority.
He placed his hand on my hip directly where my dress cut open so his palm was fully on my exposed waist. I bit back a snide remark as he pulled me directly against him and forced me to look him in the face. For a while, neither of us said anything. We just stared at each other, moving in time with the music.
Why's he just staring at me? Hell, why am I staring back?
I searched his eyes for any indication of what he was thinking. Confusion flashed in his eyes for a moment, but was gone as quickly as it came. He quietly chuckled and shook his head.
"What?" I asked, feeling my cheeks burning
"Nothing, I was just wondering how a Water Tribe peasent was able to make it to the Fire Nation." He said, still looking me in the eyes.
My eyes narrowed as I grew angry. Although he meant it as a jab at me, it almost seemed hallow, like he really didn't find it very amussing. Either way, I was starting to get pissed.
"Because the all mighty Fire Nation forcefully took him from his home." I spat.
Zuko narrowed his eyes and grabbed me by the chin pulling my face inches from his.
"Now you listen here" he growled, his voice low "what the nation does has nothing to do with me."
"You seriously believe that?" I said, my temperature rising. "You're the prince! Soon to be Fire Lord! And you have the nerve to say you played no hand in what the Fire Nation has done?!" I was practically yelling now.
He just starred at me again, still holding my chin, and whispered almost inaudibly.
"There are things in this world that aren't as black and white as you make them out to be."
And with that he dropped my chin and stepped away, our eyes never leaving each others. I didn't know why, but I wanted to comfort him. I didn't feel as scared, even though I probably should have felt more scared.
"Eat and mingle. Enjoy your stay." Zuko said almost lifelessly, turning his back to me to chatter with other women.
I was so confused, ever since I arrived here I've felt out of place. I walked over to the large buffet where Lee was, promptly stuffing his face with fire flakes. I grabbed his shoulder and spun him around, gaining a look of shook from him.
"Hey, I think you owe me an explination." I said, crossing my arms over my chest.
Lee's look of shock was quickly replaced with amusement as he set down the bowl he was devouring and wiped his hands on his coat.
"I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression" He smiled "but I'm not looking for anyone."
I narrowed my eyes, leaning on one leg arms still crossed.
His smile slowly faded to one of seriousness and he sighed.
"Look. I know what you are. Word hasn't gotten around to the palace, but if it does, you'll be in danger." He said loud enough for only me to hear.
What I am?
I droppedmy arms to my sides, my eye brows furrowed.
"What do you mean you 'know who I am'?" I asked. "I don't know what you're talking about."
He reached his hand out and grabbed my mothers hair pin from my hair.
"Hey, give that back!" I reached out for it, but he only moved it out of reach.
"This is what I'm talking about." He said, pointing to my fathers carving. "The symbol of the rebellion."
Rebellion?
"I don't know if you're trying to be brave wearing this right under the Fire Lords' nose, but it's stupid." He shoved it back into my hands. "You're risking not only your life, but also the safety of everyone involved."
I didn't think it was possible to be even more confused than I already was.
"What are you talking about a 'rebellion'?" I said, talking with my hands. "My mother gave me this hair pin. My father carved it cause he's Water Tribe and my mother's Fire Nation."
His eyes widdened slightly before he started talking again.
"You really don't know? Wait your father made this? That means..." He looked up at me then grabbed my shoulders tightly. "Forget everything I've said. Obviously there's a plan in motion I didn't know about."
Obviously?
"Well, take care Hazel Shaow." Lee kissed both my cheeks then my forehead. "May Agni be with you."
I was greatful when we were finally allowed to return to our rooms for the night. There was so much going on I didn't understand, and it was driving me crazy.
Why couldn't everything just be easy for once?
I quickly tore off my dress and changed into the silk night gown I had found on my bed after the ball. I climbed into the bed big enough for five and curled up, graciously letting sleep take me.
No matter how far I ran, I never could seem to go any furthur.
I have to save him. I have to.
I could hear the pain in his voice as he called my name, over and over.
"I'm coming!" I yelled. "I promise I'm coming!"
My body felt so hot I couldn't stand it. The walls around me began to melt as if they were on fire, and slowly I too started to melt. Screaming and wraithing in pain, everything went black.
My eyes flew open as I was jerked from my dream. I touched my hand to my forehead, feeling sweat.
That must have been why I felt like I was melting, it's so hot in here!
Slowly the rest of my dream came back to me, and my heart started to ache. Without any reason, I quietly got out of bed and tiptoed to the door, opening it softly.
No guards. Good. I thought.
I began walking down the dark halls, dimly lit by tourches mounted to the walls. I had no destination in mind, I just walked, letting my feet take me where they wanted.
Wait. Where am I? These don't look like normal visitors corridors.
I walked by a pair of large double doors. I wasn't going to give it much mind, but then I began to hear loud arguing coming from within. I stepped a little closer to notice the door was slightly opened. After a moments hesitation, I poked my head inside. It appeared to be a large meeting room, with a large long table in the center, and a map of all four nations. My eyes landed on the only two figures in the room. A man dressed lavishly in gold jewelry and Fire Nation red robes, who I assumed was the Fire Lord, and another man standing about ten feet from him. I gulped as I realized it was Prince Zuko, and he was staring right at me his golden eyes ablaze in the torch light.
"Come now Prince Zuko, this plan is perfect!" Ozi exclaimed "The biggest threat to our plans are the Northern and Southern Water Tribes. The frozen tundra has made it impossible to gather a fleet large enough to defeat them. So who knows what army and plans they have! We can't take that risk!"
I was still frozen in fear as Ozi turned toward the map of the nations, and was about to make a run for it, when Zuko looked back at me and gave a small shake of his head. All I could do was nod back and stay put.
"I understand father" Zuko said " but there has to be a smarter way to go about this. The Water benders are powerful and strong. Also they've done nothing to deserve to be destroyed. Plus we can't just risk the lives of thousands of our best soldiers who love and defend this country! How could we betray them like that?" Zuko retorted, looking angry.
Ozi turned toward his son, eyes angry.
"You dare contradict my plans Prince Zuko? I thought you had more sense than that." Ozi said as he raised his hand, illuminated in fire.
Zuko bent down on one knee, looking down.
"I meant no disrespect Father." Zuko said, suddenly looking like a small child.
"Stand and fight Prince Zuko." Ozi said, walking closer to Zuko.
Zuko refused over and over. He raised his head towards his father as Ozi sent a ball of fire towards his son's face. I covered my mouth with my hand to keep my scream at bay. But even if I had screamed, it would have been lost in the wails and hallows of pain coming from the prince's throat. Zuko covered his face with his hands, collapsing in on himself onto the floor.
"Foolish boy. You brought this on yourself." Ozi spat as he turned his back on the writhing prince and left the room.
I waited a few moments to make sure no one else was coming before running over to Zuko, who was now quietly suffering.
"Zuko? Oh my gosh." I said, gently touching his hands but he didn't move.
I stood and searched the room, grabbing a towel and a bucket from the back, filling it with cool water before making my way back quickly to him. I slowly pealed back his hands to reveal a hideous burn on the left side of his face over his eye.
"Oh no. Zuko? Zuko I need you to trust me. This- this is gonna hurt, I-I'm so sorry." I stammered as I gently placed the soaked rag on his face. I hadn't realized till then that I was crying.
Zuko hallowed in pain as I did, and I whispered apologies over and over as I kept placing the wet rag over his face. He slowly calmed down and looked up at me for the first time and spoke in a strained voice.
"Thank you." He whispered as he closed his eyes, passing out.
I carefully pulled his head into my lap, still gently applying the rag, pulling his hair out of his top not and whispered back.
"Thank you, for trying to save my heritage."