I reached 500 reviews, a benchmark I never thought I would reach. I thank each and every one of you for getting me to this point and I hope you will also help me achieve this for Just the Girl. It's a story with as many twists and turns, but more tied to canon! Now we have Zuko's engagement feast, where many secrets come out. Warning for cursing and a sexual situation. We are a few chapters away from the end, but there is going to be a BIG finish, plus a few short oneshots. Special thanks to Loveroftheflame, Lord Baldy and HUGE congratulations to Irish Goddess for being my 500th reviewer! All right, there might be a bit of a delay in the next chapter, since my parents are remarrying, I started college and volenteering, and the holidays are coming up. The next chapter is nearly done though, so with a little luck, I can update before the High Holies. I hope you all give me some encouragement, since I really need it. Cheers! Find the Yul Brenner quotes and win cookies! (None of this is really mine, besides the bad parts)
Dirty Little Secrets
When we live such fragile lives,
It's the best way we survive
---All American Rejects
Zuko leaned back on his throne and watched the festivities, his family by his side. It had been two weeks since he had asked Hyun to become his wife. He had decided to combine the signing of the Peace Treaty between his nation and the Earth kingdom with the royal betrothal ceremony.
Zuko was trying to hide his yawns. It was like an enormous version of Music Night, everyone enjoying it but the two children of Sakura. Hotaru too sat sullenly off to the side, looking quite stormy. Everyone gave her a wide berth and Zuko had wisely decided not to ask what the matter was. Females were a lot like rhinos, they charged when angry.
The entire Fire Nation court dazzled the audience chamber, bedecked in their finest robes, anexotic arraydazzle of scarlet and gold milling about the food provided. The room was decorated with flowers and elegant tapestries, softening the harsh metal lines of the walls. Zuko had been unwilling to pay for such extravagance, but Uncle had insisted that the cost was worth the excellent rapport it would build with the nobility.
Zuko watched Uncle help himself to the delicacies while flirting with some of the ladies. A smile danced over his lips as he took comfort in the sight of his teacher, mentor, and father. He still wished he could yell it out loud. "The man who marked me is not my father; the hero over there is the one who sired me." It would have to remain his secret forever.
A sound of the trumpet indicated the arrival of the Yhi family. General Mongkut, his wife Ellil and his five sons as well as his lovely daughter all marched into the room, with servants holding their crests before them. Hyun looked radiant in one of the new gowns she had received, also bedecked in the new jewelry that she had been awarded.
On Hotaru's advice, Zuko had sent his new bride gifts each morning. Twenty-five new gowns, a hundred expensive jeweled ornaments, a mongoose lizard, a new komodo rhino, expensive wraps of fur and silk, a library of books and a vast grant of land in her name had only been a few of the prizes presented to the future queen. Hyun had radiantly glowed with happiness and thanked him humbly for everything he bestowed on her. Now, with her family, she looked even more beautiful. Zuko was almost envious of how happy they seemed, enjoying serenity that Zuko had taken years to create. He noticed the empty spot between two of the brothers and realized how much the war had scarred them too. As all seven members genuflected, Zuko rose to acknowledge them. "Honorable General Mongkut, you are welcome to me," he said formally.
"Your majesty, my family and I are your most humble and obedient slaves," Mongkut said in a deep baritone, his eyes facing the floor.
"Your family finds favor in my eyes. I therefore wish to join it in union. If it pleases you, I will take your daughter as a bride. I shall care for her and give her a life of joy and honor. We shall become one family," Zuko said formally.
"Nothing would give me greater pleasure. Take her with our blessing," the general said softly.
"Each of us will defend and serve you with our every breath. Your enemies are our enemies," said the eldest of the brothers.
"So let it be written, so let it be done." Zuko said, ending the ceremony before he got more professions of loyalty. He really hated all this formal procedure. He therefore motioned for them to rise and take seats of honor along the side of the throne. Hyun herself was motioned to sit under the royal canopy with her betrothed.
A plate was provided to them by a smiling servant. Zuko and Hyun each took an end and dropped it to the floor, shattering it, signifying the beginning of the new family. "A thousand years of good fortune," came the shout from all assembled.
"Your majesty…are you happy?" Hyun whispered as she knelt again and took her seat.
Zuko nodded. He had to admit, he was very happy with his choice for a bride. "Are you?" he whispered, wondering if he should ask or not. Women were so confusing.
Hyun nodded. "With all my heart." Her eyes sparkled as she gave him another radiant smile.
"I am glad. Aiiro…I mean, Ary looks really wonderful. He looks healthy and happy. I…appreciate all you did for him," Zuko mumbled as he took a piece of roast duck from a servant's tray and shoved it into his mouth.
"His progress is wonderful. He and Orli have a special surprise for you during the entertainment. I think you'll like it," Hyun said as she delicately nibbled on a dumpling.
Zuko's attention was disturbed by the Earth party entering the room, dressed in their most formal clothing. Zuko noticed Hotaru's eyes flash angrily and look away when the two princes entered, but didn't comment on it. Hotaru had no reason to like the princes. In fact, Zuko was more concerned with the way the younger Prince was looking at his sister.
"Great Fire Lord, we will sail with the tide in the morning. We thank you for your hospitality," the elder prince began, bowing deeply.
"Have you agreed to sign the peace treaty?" Zuko asked, eager for them to leave. He definitely did not trust them very much.
"Yes. My compatriots and I have decided that the war must end. We agree to all your terms, despite how harsh they are," the elder prince continued.
"Excellent. Then everything is settled," Zuko said, bowing his head slightly as he resisted the urge to smile. Take that, Ozai. I've just ended your precious little war!
Prince Kalyan smirked greasily. "In the morning, before we set sail, we shall sign a new order into existence. A pity the match between your charming sister and myself fell through. A lady of such beauty is a rare find." If he were anymore slimy and loathsome, Zuko would have been tempted to sic mongoose lizards on him.
"I am glad to hear it," Zuko finally said, giving him his harshest glare. "Enjoy the party. You are dismissed with all full honors… etcetera etcetera," The less he saw of those brutes, the better.
The elder prince still smiled. "Before we go, we wish to extend our congratulations to the happy couple. My brother Devdan is famed for his ability in song. Might he honor the royal couple with a ballad?" he enquired as he bowed again.
Zuko was nauseated by the idea of being serenaded by some poofy foppish prince but it was tradition to allow the betrothed coupled to be entertained. He would have been have been far more entertained by the sight of all those mangy Earth-creatures being chased by wild hog-monkeys. "So be it."
Prince Devdan bowed before the throne. "A wedding song from the Earth kingdom," he said, bowing deeply as he motioned for the band to take up a quicker tempo on the drums.
"Come to me, my beloved one
Like the dawning of the sun
Your lover shall receive you
Oh raise your head, come forth, my jewel," he began in a surprisingly elegant tenor voice. Out of the corner of his eye, Zuko could see many of the young court ladies begin to swoon. Women were such pathetic creatures. Happily, Hyun was keeping her eyes on her future husband and not some Earth clod.
"You are my heart's wish, do not be cruel
Oh blessing of the gods, I swear I'll be true
Do not make me beg, don't make me plead
For you I'd gladly burn and I'd bleed," the Prince continued, forcing Zuko to ponder what kind of sap writes such twaddle for women. If Hyun had presented this to him, he would have been disgusted. However, the thought of making him burn, bleed, and beg for mercy was…amusing him.
Hyun must have noticed the expression on his face because she smiled. "My lord, taste is something hard to acquire. I can only hope someday the royal guest will find some," she whispered.
Zuko's lips twitched in a slight smile. What a perfect helpmate, he was glad someone agreed this was sentimental tripe. "Indeed."
"I apologize for all my wrong
Don't refuse, let me open your door
How can I resist the one I adore?
Don't refuse this humble song!" Prince Devdan finished, to the applause of the entire room. Zuko noticed Hotaru had walked off her chair of estate and had gone to speak to Uncle, looking very upset. He would invite his sister to breakfast tomorrow and see what the problem was.
"How…memorable," Hyun said, bestowing a dignified smile. "Your music is certainly unique and we thank you for honoring us with it."
"My pleasure, majesty. May you both receive the future you deserve," Devdan said, bowing again before backing into the crowd, a curious expression on his face.
Zuko was then treated to a martial arts demonstration by a team of Fire benders, a musical concert by the Rough Rhinos and thirty-seven long and boring speeches by various court officials detailing their congratulations. If it wasn't for the delicious food that Zuko occupied himself with, he would have thrown a tantrum and stalked out in disgust.
He was therefore overjoyed to hear that Aiiro wished to perform next. A space was cleared in the center as the flares were lessened. A small boy in full Fire Nation walked out, helmet down. "I am Fire Lord Zuko, the greatest Fire Lord the nation has ever known. I shall defend our nation from evil savages who threaten our way of life," the boy said, bowing deeply to the applause of the audience. As soon as the boy spoke, Zuko knew it was the Zhao-spawn. Where was Aiiro?
A small figure crept up behind him. Aiiro had truly outdone himself dressing as a water tribe savage. His hair had been spiked up and bloody war paint had been streaked on his face, giving him a demonic appearance. He wore dirty furs over badly dyed sackcloth clothing. "Not so fast. For I am the evil Water Tribe, and I shall destroy your country," the small boy chortled in an evil tone, reaching into the audience and taking Hotaru's hand. "I have your beautiful princess as my prisoner!" The audience booed accordingly.
Hotaru looked bemused at the tiny creature holding her hand. She rolled his eyes, but a small smile cracked at her lips. "Oh help. Brother, please save me from the Water tribe," she said in an exaggeratedly scared tone to the laughter of the court. Well, she seemed in a better mood.
Orli fell to his knees. "Oh great spirit of Fire, grant me the power to save my people and my beautiful sister! I seek not my own glory, but the glory of Agni's chosen nation!" he proclaimed reverently. Zuko suppressed a snort. The rotten apple didn't fall far from the long-winded tree.
Aiiro laughed evilly. "Pray all you want, Great Fire Lord. It will not be enough to save her."
Orli rose to his feet as two staffs were tossed to the two boys. "Then we shall fight for her," he said. The two boys began a spirited demonstration of their fighting skills, going from staffs to swords in an elegantly choreographed display of martial arts prowess.
Zuko enjoyed watching his ward show off his new skills. He was immensely proud of him; they had been through a lot together. He nudged Hyun, feeling himself very happy for the moment. "Isn't he wonderful?" Everything was so perfect.
The battle continued spiritedly, with neither side showing a clear victory. Finally, Orli used a small ball of fire to knock the swords out of Aiiro's hands. "Surrender!"
Aiiro fall to his knees. "Oh great one, I am humbled by your greatness. Your superior culture has won over mine. I beg you to let me be your humble servant so I may learn from you," he pleaded, bowing deeply.
Orli nodded regally. "In my kingdom, mercy and justice flow like rays from the sun. I accept your servitude and shall teach you well. Darling sister, I have saved you," he said to the wild cheers of the audience. He bowed and kissed her hand.
Hotaru grinned mischievously. "My hero," she said sardonically as she bowed slightly to him. "How lucky I am to be saved from the midget marauder."
The two boys bowed in acknowledgement of the cheers. Zuko beckoned them to approach the throne, smiling in spite of himself. "Nice. Very nice," he said softly as the boys knelt before him.
Hyun bent down and kissed each boy on the forehead. "Thank you so much, my darlings. I am so impressed with how hard you work. This gift made me very happy," she said, blushing with pleasure. "My Lord, if you will?"
Zuko nodded. "Aiiro, we have a special surprise for you," he said softly, patting his head. "Let the court bare witness from this minute till the sun forgets to rise that this boy who kneels before us is now Prince Ary, adopted vassal and beloved offspring of the Fire Lord. In all manners but blood right, he is our son. For courage in defending his country and for his hand in the battle of the North, we give him the title, Beloved Friend of the Fire Nation," he proclaimed as he pulled the boy to his feet.
"And for his new vassal, the court acknowledges his loyalty to his sovereign's ward and publicly praise him. Take this sword and our thanks," Hyun said magnanimously.
Zuko handed the boy the jewel-encrusted blade. "Wear it with honor, Orli. May you always please your lord so," he said softly. He had praised Zhao-spawn for pure merit but the look of anger on Zhao's face had made the moment quite delicious.
"Thank you, your majesties," the child responded, bowing deeply. He finally was speechless, a wide-eyed grateful look on his face. Zuko took paternal pride at gloating at the failed father, who stewed angrily as Orli bowed to him. Agni did not punish with a stick.
Zuko had never dreamed he would be Fire Lord, happily engaged with a happy Uncle and Hotaru standing by. Mother would be returning for the wedding in a few weeks, once the treaty was signed. Zuko had to say, life was wonderful now. "And it's past your bedtime, so off with you and your friend," he whispered in his ear.
Aiiro pouted. "I want to stay with you, Master," he whispered back, looking very disappointed. "This party looks fun."
A firm look from Zuko had the two boys bowing their exit. Zuko knew the parties tended to get rowdy and he needed to hide his precious ward from obscene displays of flesh. "Here comes the belly-dancers!" called one drunken general. Displays like that.
-------
From the shadows, Princess Yue, one of the concubines to the Fire Lord watched the little Southern tribe boy pretend to be a terrible savage with horror. Her heart broke at the sight of a member of her people disgracing the name of the kingdom she loved so well.She had heard from her maid Katara that this boy had turned traitor and had nearly been executed. She and Katara had both agreed the punishment had been too harsh and that they were glad Zuko had saved the small boy's life.
Of course, the cruel skit disturbed her. She was the princess of the North and hence she would not tolerate insult from one of her subjects. Obviously, the boy craved some discipline.
She came into an ornate room, crammed with expensive toys and elegant furniture. For a prisoner, he had the most lavish quarters Yue had ever seen. The two boys were sitting in their red sleeping clothing, playing a game of Go with expensive ebony and ivory pieces on a stylishly carved marble board. "Hello Aiiro. I'm your stepmother, Yue. I was hoping the two of us could talk," she said sweetly to get his attention.
Aiiro turned a pair of frightened blue eyes on her before facing the floor and shaking his head. "Please leave me alone. I'm tired," he whispered.
Yue sighed. She knew this would not be easy, but she had to break the ice with the boy. "I'm sure you are, dear. But don't worry, this won't take long," she said in a firmer voice.
"The Fire Lord's ward just dismissed you. Are you deaf as well as ugly, you gray haired hag?" said the other boy, with blazing copper eyes as he defiantly pushed another piece into position.
"You are behaving quite rudely, young man. I am the Fire Lord's consort and I would like to speak to Aiiro privately. Now you could have left the room on your own but now I shall have you dragged out like the naughty boy you are," Yue said in a sweet tone as she motioned for the guards to remove the offending child.
Aiiro glared at her as he was left alone. Katara had assured Yue that Aiiro was a sweet child, but he seemed coldly defiant to her. "Why did you send Orli away? He's my friend," he demanded, his eyes coldly furious.
"You may have your friend back after we talk. Now that you are my step-son, I thought we should be friends," Yue said, sitting down next to him. "Come on, Water-cousin."
"I am no longer a member of your tribe. You threw me out. Master and Mama Hyun gave me a home and take care of me. I'm Fire Nation now," Aiiro said, his tone broken with newly scarred pain. "You threw me away like I was seal droppings. Do you want to call me more names?"
"What happened to you was wrong. I apologize on behalf of my people for the wrongs committed against you. You have suffered a lot in your life and you need love and understanding, not anger. I wish I could have stopped them and helped you more," Yue said, giving him a sad smile.
Aiiro's eyes widened for a moment. "Really?" he whispered, leaning closer towards her. He looked so innocent and young at that moment that Yue could see how he had won so much favor. "You aren't here to yell at me? You don't hate me?"
"Of course I don't hate you. I could never hate someone as cute as you. You are not a traitor to the Water tribe at all," Yue assured him as she moved closer to him. He was like a frightened seal cub, eager to bite but even more eager to accept comfort. "You know what I see when I look at you?" she continued, smoothing back Aiiro's hair gently. All he needed was a woman's kindness.
"What do you see?" Aiiro asked, giving her a shy smile, as he inched closer to her.
"Well, I don't see a Fire Nation boy. I see a blue-eyed Waterbender who is being held captive by Firebenders and does not know what to do. I know you are afraid of him, Aiiro but you don't owe Fire Lord Zuko any loyalty," she whispered so the guards could not hear.
"I'm not being held captive. I love Master. Master is kind to me," Aiiro answered in a horrified tone. "Of course I owe him loyalty."
"He may be kind to you, but he also captured you. You aren't a slave, Aiiro. You should call no one master," Yue continued, keeping her tone smooth and logical.
Aiiro shrank back, his eyes returned to their icy stare. "Master protects me. It's more than anyone else did for me. When an evil man tried to beat me, he took the beating for me. When I was scared, he stayed right next to me," he said sullenly.
"Calm down, little one. I know the Fire Lord is kind to you, but your first allegiance is to your tribe. It's a very dangerous time for our people and you have to do your share to help out. Now, don't worry about anything right. I'll help you make amends, I promise. I'll ask the Fire Lord if he'll let you live with me. I'll help you get back to your tribe," Yue said happily. She could not wait until she had brought Water tribe pride back into Aiiro's eyes.
"You are a liar! You want to take me away from Master. He's the only one I have in the world who hasn't left me! My parents died, my people don't want me, Master is all I have!" he shouted, his fists clenched in rage.
"You have your tribe. They will forgive you, if you show you are sorry," Yue said, trying to calm him down.
"I have no tribe. I am Prince Ary of the Fire Nation. Master told everyone he thinks of me as a son. You want to hurt me, like everyone else does! You want to take me away from him!" Aiiro shrieked frightfully. "You are just like the pirates!"
"Prince Ary, are you all right?" a guard said, looking very worried. "Shall I escort her out?"
"Aiiro, please. You misunderstand what I am saying. Please listen to me," Yue begged. She had bitten off more than she could chew and lost the ground she had won!
"You hate me too! You are just like Sokka and everyone else. Well, Princess Hotaru says that you are a Water Tribe whore who should keep her legs and mouth tightly shut," Aiiro said defiantly, obviously having no idea how obscene his words were.
"What did you just say?" Yue demanded, horrified at how much filth the child had learned in this environment.
"Lady Yue, this might be a good time for you to leave. The Prince requires rest and you are scaring him," the guard continued.
Yue's eyes narrowed. "First he will apologize immediately," she commanded, a blush rising to her cheeks. Her heart broke at the sight of the angry child, but she knew this would not be easy. She had to remain firm. "That was intolerably disrespectful."
"Just leave me alone," Aiiro whimpered, getting up to leave her presence. "This is my home now!"
Yue gritted her teeth. "I'm quite sure you are the sweet little boy Katara assured me you are, but obviously you require a lesson in manners. You are not leaving this room without my permission," she said, putting her hand out to pat his shoulder. "AHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Aiiro had sunk his teeth into her hand. "Help, she's trying to kidnap me!" he shouted. "Jahan, help!"
"Lady Yue, I really think you should leave. The Prince's health is delicate and the Fire Lord has forbidden him to get overexcited. You are upsetting him!" the guard said softly, his eyes narrowed in anger.
"He's just having a temper tantrum and you are only encouraging him. I am sorry, but I think this is necessary," she said, grabbing the spoiled child by the shirt and pulling him across her lap. Aiiro squirmed, but was easily wrestled down. "You will receive five swats. Struggle and I'll double it."
"Ma'am, I advise you to put the prince down. The Fire Lord will not be pleased to see him upset," another guards said nervously, looking very upset.
Yue shrugged. "He is crying out for some discipline. I am merely supplying it," she said, giving the boy's seat a firm swat with her hand. "I'll stop if he apologizes." Aiiro whimpered but gritted his teeth and said nothing.
Yue sighed and gave him another swat. She made sure not to strike too hard but Aiiro needed to be reminded of his place. "Are you ready to speak respectfully?" she asked, administering the third swat.
"I hate you!" Aiiro snapped, his eyes filling with tears. "You aren't my mama and you never will be!"
Yue sighed as she gave him another swat. "No, but I am your new stepmother and your tribal sister. I want to be your friend. I don't want to have to punish you but you behaved very badly. Now, take the last one like a big boy and then we'll try to talk again. You need to learn to listen."
"Get off him!" a horrified voice interrupted. Yue looked up and saw the Fire Lord's new wife glaring furiously at her. Aiiro's beastly little friend was at her side, looking very smug.
Yue was pulled to her feet and Aiiro pulled off her lap. Yue blanched as her hands forced behind her back. She trembled, wondering if this would go badly. In the North Pole, multiple wives were sisters and friends, but she had a feeling things were different in the Fire Nation.
"How dare you strike my poor Ary?" Lady Hyun hissed, scooping up Aiiro into her arms. "Are you all right, my darling one?" she asked tenderly.
Yue glared at her. "He bit me and called me a whore. He needs to answer for it," she retorted angrily.
Hyun's eyes widened. "Is that true, Ary?" she asked softly. Aiiro looked away and buried his head into her shoulder. "I should hope it isn't true, because princes don't do such uncouth things. It is beneath their dignity. Now, I never want to hear you behave in such a manner to anyone," she continued in a sharper tone.
"I'm sorry! But she was trying to kidnap me! She told me that I didn't have to obey Master and that she would take me away. I just got scared," Aiiro whimpered.
"I did not try to kidnap him, Lady Hyun. I would never hurt a child. I just wanted to teach him a lesson. Surely you would have done the same," Yue protested.
Hyun raised her chin. "You are one of the savages who tried to kill him. You know exactly what happened on that Island, you watched as he was nearly roasted alive. I don't excuse his behavior, but really, you should have known you have to keep your distance. He must have been terrified at the mere sight of you," she said angrily. "What kind of monster scares a helpless child?"
"How dare you? I am your sister wife," Yue said. If she lost any say in this household, she would be powerless to help her people.
"You are a concubine, and not my sister wife. I'm the Fire Lord's chief consort, I am the mistress of the household and it's my job to keep the peace. I will not have Ary hurt again. He's been traumatized enough by horrible people, he needs love and affection. If we are to be a household, I need you to understand that. Just apologize and keep away from him. I'll clean up this mess you made. Let's just forget this every happened."
"You are teaching him to loathe his own people. You are feeding him self-hatred and you are spoiling him behind belief. There is a great deal of good in Aiiro but you and the Fire Lord are smothering it out of him. He is not yours! He belongs with his people," Yue said, regretting how she had bungled this situation.
"The same people who tried to burn him alive? Who thrashed him like a dog? Were you there to comfort his nightmares when he screamed in pain, who changed his bandages from the bruises they gave him?" Hyun demanded. "I have to watch him cry in pain and I am trying to help him get better."
"I don't condone what happened to him. I just think he deserves to have a chance to make amends to his tribe," Yue explained, trying to keep calm.
"Ary wants to stay with us. Do you see any chains holding him here? He stays because we give him love, protection, and happiness. In my lord's eyes and in my own, he is our son in all but blood," Hyun snapped. "I don't beat him into submission like you tried to do."
"I wasn't trying to beat him into submission; I was trying to counteract the filthiness and the hatred you are forcing into him. Yes, my tribe made a mistake, but Aiiro is still one of us!" Yue retorted.
Hyun's pretty face sparkled with anger. "You filthy wench, shut your mouth. I don't care if we are from different nations, I care about Ary! He is my family now, regardless of blood. How much more do you want to hurt this poor child? You surely do not treat him like one of you! Why would you scare him like this? Do you want him to get sick again?" she said, tears coming to her eyes. "I've worked so hard to make sure he gets better and you ruined it! Did you know that in the last few months, he was marched through a bloodthirsty crowd, that he was kidnapped and that he was tortured numerous times? He deserves better!"
Yue bit her lip. "I just wanted…" she began, afraid of saying anything more and bungling things up more.
"Shut up, the damage is done. Are you happy now that you've hurt him again?" Hyun demanded. "Are you all right, Ary?"
Aiiro snuggled deeper in Hyun's embrace. "Just make her leave me alone. I don't ever want to see her again," he said softly.
"I'll be discussing this with the Fire Lord, Lady Yue, mark my words. If you ever hurt Ary again, I definitely pity you," Hyun hissed. "Get her out of my sight and lock her up, I'll deal with her later. Come on, Ary, Orli. I'll tuck you into bed and read you a story."
As Yue was dragged out of her room, she had tears in her eyes from the failure to bond with the helpless child force-fed hate. She had tried so hard and all for nothing! She did not notice the dark shapes in the shadows, waiting like wraiths for the moment to strike.
------
"I hate him, Kari. I think he's boorish and arrogant and far too pretty," Hotaru fumed as her maid helped her out of her elaborate costume.
"Yes, your highness," the maid said as she untied Hotaru's hair ribbons and allowed her hair to stream down her back.
"And that stupid song. Do you think he could ever win me back with something so trite and cliché?" Hotaru sneered; as she sat down to have her hair combed.
"What was he thinking, my lady, declaring his love for you in front of the entire court?" Kari smiled, as she brushed her hair gently.
"Kari, you aren't helping very much. He's a stupid boy who is going back to Ba Xing Xe in a few hours and I will never see him again. Why am I even thinking about him?" Hotaru ranted angrily.
"For the last half hour, your highness. That's all you've been talking about," Kari said as she helped Hotaru into a nightgown.
"Well, that must have been why my ears have been burning," said a familiar jaunty tone. Hotaru whipped around and saw Devdan smirking at the window, clearly admiring the view. "Oh don't stop, I'm rather enjoying the show."
"One scream from me and I could have your head nailed to a pike, you rhino-fucking bastard," Hotaru hissed angrily. "How dare you spy on me?"
"Give me a few moments and I'll make you scream for more, Princess. Come on, after all the trouble I went through to say goodbye, you could at least spare me a kiss," Devdan purred, as he walked over to her.
"After that stupid song and dance routine, the only thing I can spare is a few good laughs," Hotaru retorted, backing away.
"Really, Princess. You aren't any fun. Here I am, expecting a nice welcome and all I get is your bitching," Devdan said coldly, his green eyes as icy as winter.
"You'll get a lot more if you come one step closer. Get out of my room, get out of my life before I have you filleted," Hotaru spat. Devdan never called her Princess anymore. His eyes held no gentle spark of mischief that practically glowed with love for her.
"Fine. However, I'm taking the maid with me. Consider her a goodbye present. I like Fire Nation girls, I'll definitely make this night special," Devdan sneered, putting out his hand.
Kari blushed and stared at the ground. 'Sir…I am honored," she whispered, her voice shimmering with laughter. "I just don't think it will be appropriate."
"Missy, if you think this is inappropriate; just you wait till I get you alone. I'll teach you the meaning of it, piece by piece," Devdan said, his eyes narrowing.
Hotaru glared at her maid. "Kari, I'll spare you his vulgarity. You are dismissed for the night," she said between gritted teeth. Devdan may have been acting like a drunken lout but she would be damned if she let him walk off with another girl.
"Princess, I though you didn't care anymore. I thought our little flirtation was water under the bridge. Why are your pretty gold eyes turning green with jealousy?" Devdan enquired, a cold gleam of triumph in his eyes. Something was different about him, but she had no idea what. "It's fine. A hundred girls would die for a chance to warm my bed. I can take my pleasures elsewhere," he purred.
Hotaru grabbed a perfume bottle and threw it at his head. "You low class piece of dirt, I ought to slit you open and strangle you with your intestines," she shrieked. "I am going to kill you slowly, you jackal!"
"What are you so angry about, Sugar? You wanted me to leave; I am only granting your wish. Surely you won't deny a man his needs," Devdan asked, ducking another barrage of perfume bottles. Hotaru wished her mother were here. She would hug her, kiss her, and feed this nasty boy to the sea serpents, as a good mother should! He reached over and pressed her against him, ignoring how she was clawing and scratching at him. "And I need you."
Hotaru tried to rip off his skin, but Devdan had used his greater weight to pin her to the bed. "Don't fight it, my little kitten. I've got you and I am not letting you go," he whispered, close to her ear. "We belong together. We deserve each other. I'm yours and you are mine."
Hotaru growled. "I'm no kitten. I'm a tiger. I'm a predator and I won't lie down and take this," she said.
Devdan smirked. "I should hope you fight back. Keeps it interesting," he said, as he began to undo her nightgown. He smirked as Hotaru glared at him. "Oh, don't think I'd be so crude as to force you. Just say the word and I'll leave. I can find my pleasures elsewhere, Princess. Remember, you are asking for this," he reminded.
Hotaru had seized the moment. With the momentum of him leaning over, she flipped him over and pinned him down. "No, Dev. First, we need to talk. What the hell has gotten into you," she demanded fiercely.
As if lightning a candle, the spark returned. "Because the world is coming to an end and the only thing that makes sense is being with you. Because I can't change who I am, because we have to be together. Because no matter how much I try, I can't defy my destiny. Because….I don't know why, Hotaru. I just need you here beside me," he confessed, looking younger and scared. "I'm sorry, Hotaru. I'm so sorry."
Hotaru melted into his arms, feeling mollified. She did not understand either, but that was all right. She did not need to understand anymore. She was never going to see him again in the morning. She would figure out it later in her loneliness. "I'm right here."
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Devdan watched the dawn rise over the mountains in the distance. The sun's rays illuminated Hotaru's perfect naked body. From the rise of her bosom to her long legs, from her flawless skin to her lustrous hair, she was a vision. He traced his hands along her body, feeling the warmth of her flesh against her fingertips. He studied every freckle on her body, trying to preserve it in his mind. She was the perfect mixture between delicate maiden and formidable woman. A generous bosom with a rock hard stomach, curvy hips, and a treasure trove between those creamy white legs.
He sighed and held Hotaru's frame in his arms. He loved the way she smelled, the way she fit perfectly in his arms. He loved the way her hair felt like silk between his fingers. He loved her smile and he loved her eyes.
He had never expected to fall in love. He had never expected to want to die because the one person who he treasured above all was going to be ripped out of his life. He had seduced hundreds of girls over the years and none of them had given him an ounce of the pleasure Hotaru gave him with one mere look of her smoldering eyes.
She was asleep now, exhausted by last night's activities. Devdan did not mind, he envied her ability to sleep soundly. He would allow her to rest, free from the pain the future held.
"Hotaru…I love you…" he whispered. " I love you, I love you, I love you," he confessed. He wanted to scream it from the rooftops, he wanted to defy two royal families and tell them their hundred-year war could go to the abyss, and he did not care. He had tried to get rid of her. The poison was addictively sweet, and he was no match for the larger forces at hand.
"How touching," said a cold voice. Devdan's heart sank as Hotaru's eyes opened, wide with horror at the face before them. Fear shook in the prince's eyes as he looked up at the intruder.
The end was here.
AN/Who is it? Tell me in your reviews your guess!