For All Time
Chapter 4 Before The Ball
Katara pov
I could not believe how much fun I was having. Zuko and I had such an easy friendship, we could speak freely with on another and not feel uncomfortable. It was like the outside world did not matter, he did not care that I was a princess and I did not care that he was a stable boy. Time flew by faster than I had wanted. I looked outside and saw the sun was setting, and there was somewhere important I had to be.
"Oh no the ball" I said remembering I had to meet gran gran to get ready. I stood up to leave even though my heart did not want to. I said a quick goodbye to Zuko and turned to leave, before I reached the door I looked back at him and a question came to mind.
"Zuko, are you going to the ball?" I said crossing my fingers hoping he would
"I was invited, but I don't think I should go" He said with a shrug
"But I want you to go" I said with out thinking "It would be more fun if I had someone other than a stuffy noble to hang out with."
He seemed to search my eyes, and than he gave me his answer, "Alright, I'll go for"
I could not help but smile, I ran to him and gave him a quick hug. "Great meet me by the grand entrance and wear something nice."
"Believe me Tara, I have better clothes than this." He said pulling at his shirt, which made me laugh a little. Yelling a quick goodbye I ran back to the palace. I made sure not to be seen by anyone. It would piss my grandmother off beyond belief it I was late. I was almost seen by sokka who was walking into his chambers with a mouthful of food. Sneaking into my room at last. I was quick to pull off my riding uniform. A servant had already laid out my dress and I pulled it on quickly, but made sure not to rip it. It was a misty blue color, the collar was a little low, it came in to hug my waist, than flowed out to the floor. The sleeves were long and the tiny crystals on the dress along the sleeves and collar were in the shapes of snowflakes. It was a true ice princess gown. The shoes that went with it, had heels and were the same color as the dress with snowflake crystals on them as well.
Running to my vanity I smeared on some blue eyeshadow to match the dress, and put on some clear lip gloss. Pulling a blush through the knots in my hair, I smoothed it into a neat bun on the top of my head. Finally grabbing my silver tiara, the gems on it were aquamarine and match the dress perfectly. Just as I had it on my head, my bedroom door swung open and reveal my very formal looking grandmother.
"Katara, why have you not come down and greeted the guests yet?" She asked, and I knew right away I was in for a lecture later.
"I am sorry gran, I will go down and greet them now" I said trying to walk around her and leave.
"No I want to know where you were." She said grabbing my elbow
"Gran, I went out for a trail ride and did not notice the time." I lied, I could not tell her about my friendship with Zuko or she would end it.
"Do you know how important this ball is," She snapped
"No gran, but is it as important as every ball we have?" I snapped back,
"You are the princess, and it is your job to set an example for your people. Tardiness is not setting a good example." She snapped at me
"Yeah I am the princess who is supposed to do what she is told and not ask twice right?" I waited for a reply and got none, "exactly"
"You will bite your tongue." She said appalled at my outburst, "Now get down there and we will discuss this later."
"Yes, grandmother" I said with a curtsy and walked gracefully down to the party. I could only hope that Zuko was waiting for me.
~~HEY EVERYONE, IN THE BEGINNING OF THIS STORY I AM CHANGED GRANGRAN'S CHARACTER, FOR NOW I AM PORTRAYING HER AS VERY CONTROLLING!
