I watched as Yue approach Hakota and me. He seemed to have noticed her, too, because his voice ceased as he looked over at his daughter. A part of me was happy that she was back; I was free of her duties for a little while. But another part died, because I knew Zuko would be right there…

He pat me on the back in a fatherly fashion and turned from me.

I rolled my eyes as I turned to walk away.

But as I left, from the corner of my eye I saw Zuko standing there, his eyes transfixed on Yue, not once did he glance in my direction.

My heart broke.

I ran home.

I sighed relieved and happy to be home finally. Sometimes, I felt like I was losing myself to the royalty life and it was times like that, that I couldn't wait to get home. Couldn't wait to come home to my mom and my brother, I missed them dearly. I even missed the oaf of a brother.

I zigzagged through the huts, looking for the one that belonged to me, my mother and brother. As I wound my way through the maze of homes, I waved and chatted with just about everyone. One hard thing about coming home after being gone for so long was explaining to everybody where I had gone and why so long.

I, of course, had to lie and usually told them that I was off on a spiritual walk, practicing my bending and healing abilities. They all bought it, they always did, and never did they think I would ever lie to them. And why would they? I was the most trusted person in this village and I knew that.

And, yet, sadly I lied to them every day I left.

The people of this village would be proud to know I was in the palace working.

But I couldn't divulge that information because if anyone found out, the Chief, the princess and the kingdom would be shameful and that was the last thing I wanted…

I swallowed hard as I realized that that wasn't the last thing I wanted…

The worst thing that could happen would be that Yue and Zuko actually got married. My heart would literally break if they did and I'm not sure I could handle that very well. Though, it was stupid and I knew it. I had only known the Prince for some odd hours, but I couldn't help what my heart decided.

I was totally drawn to him…

I was foolish.

Blinking back hot tears, I waved goodbye to a friend and continued on my way to my little home. I couldn't get wrapped up in thoughts of him or Yue… I was sure it would kill me in one way or another. Breathing in deeply, I gathered my thoughts together and walked up to my mom's house.

Quietly, I pushed up the cloth door and stepped inside. The first thing I saw was my mother sitting on the floor, probably praying to our gods, Tui and La. Her back was to me and I snuck up on her silently. Kneeling behind her, I wrapped my arms around her small shoulders and buried my face against her hair, breathing in deeply, "Momma," I breathed the childish greeting, embracing her warmth, needing to feel safe.

She pressed her hands over mine tightly, "My baby Katara." turning, she faced me and I fell against her, laying my head in her lap, she curled her fingers through my hair, smoothing away the fly-away hairs that would never obey my command to be neat. Her voice was quiet and gently when she spoke, "Tell me, sweetie, how is palace life treating you?" it was hard to say, but it almost sounded like there was a bit of anger in her voice when she spoke of the palace…

"It's alright, I guess, Mom." I took a deep breath, "Well, we had a couple of surprised visitors come in yesterday. I'm sure you heard all about the Fire Nation Prince and his Uncle's ship needing repair." At my mother's nod, I continued, "He seemed to have taken a fancy to me- Yue, and was-is courting…h-her…" I turned my face into her lap, hoping to hide my tears.

"Child, why is that so bad? Maybe a husband will be good for the princess and our little village-" she must have heard my quiet sobs because she stopped suddenly, "Oh, baby… you…you like him don't you? You've developed your own feelings for this prince, this boy."

I swallowed hard over the lump in my throat before nodding slowly, "Yes, Momma… I know it's s-stupid." My voice broke several times due to my burning tears and tightly throat. "I know he's a p-prince and I'm nothing more than a stupid peasant girl…" I took a deep breath trying to slow my words down just a little so they seemed comprehensible, "But I just couldn't help it. I still can't help it." I sat up suddenly and looked at her, "I hope I don't have to go back until Yue and him are married and gone…" I trailed off…my voice broken and shattered.

Like my heart.

My mother grabbed my hand tightly and squeezed hard, "Katara, don't ever say that you are a stupid peasant girl, you are so much more than that!" tears shone her ocean blue eyes, "I know it hurts, little one. Tui and La, I know it hurts. But you can't let it break you. Not now. Not ever."

The way she talked it seemed like I should have asked what she meant when she said she 'knew' it hurt. But… I couldn't right now. I guess I was too damned focused on my own pain to care about my mother's. Wow… I was a bitch. Starting to act more and more like Yue every day. Great.

"Katara, if it bothers you so much, why don't you just quite working for Hakota?" my mother actually sounded like I had a choice in all this.

"Momma, you know I can't. Not only is Hakota counting on me, but, and even though they don't even know it, so is our village, not to mention you and Sokka." I licked my dry lips, needing her to understand, "Because I work for him, our village is, don't wanna toot my own horn here, but, toot, toot. Our village is in better hands because of this. I send money home for everyone here and Hakota takes better care of them." It was my turn to squeeze her hand, "We need this."

She nodded her head, "We don't need anything from that man, Katara. Your blind and naïve stupidity has always thought that though. For some unnamed reason. Do you just not want to be home anymore? Is that what this is all about? Are we, here, not good for you anymore?" her facial features twisted and turned to that of disgust and I felt tears burn again.

Only this time they for another, just as painful, different reason.

"That. That is how you think of me? Oh, Momma…" I stared at her, my gaze unwavering. "Way to kick me while I was down…"

I bit my lip, and looked away, sighing.

I had upset her.

Nothing new there, though.

I stood up.

I needed to get away before she or I said anything else, anymore hurtful that would ruin everything between us. And, I just couldn't handle that…

"I love you, Momma. I'm going to go find Sokka. Maybe he can distract me until I have to go back. Cleary, I'm not wanted here very much." My words were icy and I knew they smoldered when they hit her and sank into her being. I almost felt bad, but she hadn't held in her opinion of me and the work I did for her.

But it didn't matter because to her, I was just another royal wanna be. Working for the chief, pretending to be the princess, falling for the prince; in her eyes I was no better than the people who had ruled over us, oppressing us with every step of their gold lined shoes.

I sniffed and walked out of the hut.

I couldn't believe she was treating me like this…

Dashing away the tears, I stomped through my village, searching for my brother. Though he was an idiot, clumsy and oafish, he was the best damn brother a girl could ask for. He was hilarious, a warrior till the end and a great person. He would make me feel better. He always did.

Prince Zuko knocked at the massive doors of the princess's chambers rapidly. Within a matter of moments, a chambermaid answered. Her eyes widened in shock to see who was standing out in the hall. Zuko smiled his most disarming and charming smile, "Excuse me, Miss. Might I speak to your mistress?"

The girl smiled and blushed, fumbling over her own feet, she disappeared into the depths of the room. He only had to wait but a second before Yue came to him. She offered him her hand and he took it graciously, thinking it odd, since last time he had for it specifically.

"Prince Zuko…" she greeted him, her voice sounded higher than usual, he thought.

"Ahh, my lovely Yue." He pressed his lips to her hand softly.

Without warning she pulled it away quickly, "No titles? How inappropriate, Prince. You will address me as my people do. Princess Yue." Her face twisted into abhorrence. "I am of royal blood and you should treat me as such."

His eyes narrowed in thought.

How strange… just last night, the princess had insisted that they drop the titles and use their own names as though they were just normal people…

As his thoughts flowed, he took the time to look over his princess yet again. He loved her dark locks, the way he darkened as her hair went- No… not that didn't seem to be right. He must have gotten that wrong somehow. For his princess's dark hair was whitening around the edges of her tresses. His eyes roamed over her face, her eyes.

He loved her oceanic eyes, light, blue, and free…

He peered into them and, again, was shocked when he saw that he was yet again wrong. Her eyes seemed to be darker than he remembered, burning almost a deep violet.

As he noticed those soft, subtle differences, his mind registered more. This Yue before him seemed to be smaller, more…frightened, rather than frightful. He shook his head. No, he was delusional. He was seeing things. The Yue from last night was the same as the one standing in front of him.

It had to be.

There was only one way to find out…

"Princess Yue. Tell me…how did you enjoy the events last night? Were they to your liking?" he smiled pleasantly.

She fumbled slightly, almost unnoticeable, but he saw it. Only because last night, Yue didn't care if she fumbled around. Today, she seemed to be trying to hide her mistakes, "Oh, the events were quite lovely. The dancing and singing always makes me so incredibly happy." She smiled widely.

His gut tightened. She was lying, there were no events last night, save their kiss... "Oh? Then why, Princess, did you run out?"

Her eyes widened a minuscule "R-ran?" she cleared her throat; "I suppose I was just tired."

He looked over her again. "Where did you go to early this morning or was it late last night?"

"Twas last night around the hour of midnight actually. Princess duties call, you know how that is, being royal and all." she waved her hand around regally.

He nodded his head as his heart sank, this was not his Yue. For he and she were together till long after midnight, "Huh…strange, I seem to remember you at last night's events until past midnight, Princess." He was careful to cover up the fact that he and Yue were out on his ship.

She held a hand to her head, and rolled her eyes softly, "Oh, silly me. I seemed to have confused the time. Well, anyway, I can't remember. But I'm back now, darling."

He gave a short nod and bowed lowly to her, "I'll see you later at breakfast, Princess."

Her smile was sharp as she closed to door.

He had to tell the chief what he had discovered.

Today, he would find out what really happened.

Today, things would be settled.

Today, he would ask his real princess to marry him.

His mind was made up; that woman in the room behind him was an imposter.