Chapter 10

Katara's POV

Yue shined brightly against the inky black midnight sky, looking strong and beautiful. I don't know how she chose to give up her life and happiness without looking back too much. I knew that she loved my brother, but I also knew my brother loved her back, maybe even a little too much at the time.

"Yue, how did you do it? Why did you give up your life so easily? I know you loved my brother, but wouldn't that have been enough for you to stay? I know you did it to save the world, but I still don't understand. If you could answer me, it would be much appreciated."

I looked down over the expanse of the Palace Garden in front of me from my balcony window. Fire lilies bloomed all around, glowing under the luminescent shine coming from Yue. They were innocent and beautiful, reminding me of actual fire, with the breeze moving them about in a wave, a burning flame. The lilies also reminded me of Hama…

I still am a little weary when it comes to bloodbending, not having used the dark art ever since her spirit took control over my body and forced me to use it on Zuko.

"Uggg! Get out of my head!"

I snapped my head up; the words didn't even leave my mouth even though I was thinking the exact same thing. Someone was out here with me. Looking behind me, my room was empty and silent. All of the other rooms for the other sailors were further down the hall from me, so I knew it couldn't be them. Glancing back over the garden, I saw a shadowy lone figure sitting next to the pond, tearing the loaf of bread in his hand. Throwing each piece, he made sure that each of the newly awakened turtle ducks received some.

I walked up closer to the rail of the balcony; the coolness from the night could be felt from the thinness of the material of my nightgown. I gathered the front of my robe closer to me and held it there by crossing my arms.

The man near the pond was wearing a hood over his head, so I couldn't tell who he was. From what I could see, he appeared to be of higher quality by the way his cloak was designed in the Fire Nation red with gold trim. He was tired, obviously, by the way he slumped his body forward a bit.

He spoke without any restraint, making it easier for me to hear him.

"Why in Agni's name should I see her every night? She haunts me like an unwanted nightmare, coming to life. Her voice taunts me throughout countless night and days; her sweet and silky voice. Why must she be the one true nightmare? Why did it have to be her? I should not love her, but I do with all of my body and soul. She does say with compassion that she loves me as much as I do to her, but yet, she loves him as well, maybe even more. Why did the spirits make me fall in love with a girl, who is in love with another? I only ask them to please take pity on me, and to let me be. I-"

The man stopped when a rustle was heard in the bushes, and he ran from the pond. His face still remaining covered by the hood of his cloak, which was billowing from behind him. The night returned to its silent atmosphere in the garden, until another figure appeared from behind the bushes.

Zuko…

His long, raven hair was no longer in the typical up-do style of the Fire Nation, framing the strong bone structure of his face. He wore what seemed to be an elegant red silk robe and matching pants, no doubt believing that no one of any importance would see him outside in such a manor at this late of night. His chest and stomach were illuminated in the glow that Yue graciously gave, making him seem more handsome. His eyes were radiant, as he looked up to where my balcony was. I blushed horrified at him finding my little hiding spot, like a little child, embarrassed from sneaking his hand into the cookie jar.

"Katara," his voice sounded grave, as if it killed him to say it.

"Fire Lord Zuko," I addressed him.

"Katara, you don't have to do that whenever we are alone you know. No one can hear us."

"Fire Lord Zuko, I find it appropriate in the current situation and matter of things to address you by your proper title, for you are the higher rank of the two of us."

He stood there with his hands balled into fists on his sides, forcing waves of heat probably in his hands to release some inside tension.

"Very well then Princess Katara, as you wish."

"Thank you, your highness," my face felt like stone, unmoving and unchanging.

Placing my hands on the railing of the balcony, I looked around the visible parts of the garden for the man who was here before, but he wasn't there.

"What's wrong?" the façade of anger that was once on his face was now gone, with worry shining from his golden eyes.

"Nothing, your highness, I must be getting to bed," I responded harshly.

"No, wait! I want to ask you something."

I turned around and said, "Alright well, what would your question be?"

Nervously he said, "Well, it's more than one, but I just wanted to ask why you would give up your life so easily for people who obviously don't care for your freedom? Why would you let them force you into marrying someone you have never met for a negotiation? Why would you give up everything you had?"

I looked over at him, obviously getting at what he was hinting to me.

"You know what is the most ironic thing? I asked that question not too long ago, and you know what," pointing up at Yue, "she never answered me back. So why don't you ask her as to why she gave up her life and love to save her people. She clearly has a reason why, and I don't have any idea why. I bid you a goodnight, your highness."

"Yes, goodnight, my princess…"

I sighed greatly and heavily.

"Zuko…"