I figured that since I haven't updated in a while, I would give you the equivalent of three chapters. Happy reading and tell me what you think.
There was a knock at the door and Koori looked at the doorknob. There was a click – no doubt the sound of the Head Mistress unlocking the door. The golden doorknob turned and then opened. Koori immediately knelt on the ground and bowed to the Head Mistress. She did not look up as the Head Mistress beamed at her.
"You have done very well, Koori," she whispered as she closed the door tightly. "So well, in fact, that the Fire Lord has given you a gift." She outstretched her greedy hands and held the red package in front of her. Koori noticed that the paper was crinkled and that the bow was carelessly tied – the Head Mistress must have already opened the package and saw what was inside.
Koori stood and grasped the red package firmly. The paper crinkled under her fingertips and a small smile crossed her lips. It had been a long time since she had gotten a gift and she hoped that it was not a silly piece of lingerie. The Head Mistress stood over her, watching, as she pulled back the crunching fabric to reveal a brilliantly white box – a jewelry box. It was finely decorated with a golden dragon racing across the sides; the dragon's head rested on the top, intimidating all who were not the owner of the fine jewelry that it would one day hold within its stomach.
"Oh, open it already, Koori," the Head Mistress said with a smile that could frighten a lion-turtle.
Koori's twitchy hands fiddled with the clasp. With a small amount of agitation, the golden clasp popped open and a small golden dragon on a golden spinning pedestal popped out of the box. A lullaby started to play. Koori stared at the dancing dragon for a moment before she recognized a small blue butterfly necklace. She placed the music box onto the table across from her bed and touched the beautiful blue butterfly. At her touch, the butterfly glittered and cooled her fingertips. She sighed; it was a beautiful piece of jewelry.
"Oh, Head Mistress," Koori said with a shy smile, "I must find some way to thank him."
The Head Mistress smiled. "Koori, darling, by being in his harem and doing your job well, you have earned such an elegant piece of jewelry."
Koori continued to stare at the blue butterfly as the Head Mistress left the room. She listened for the click of a lock, but it never came. Koori beamed; she was free to roam the halls now, she presumed.
"Master," Koori whispered.
Zhao appeared. He was leaning against the grey, drab wall with his hands behind his back. His shackles shifted and clanged as he sauntered toward his previously-owned slave. "You rang," he said with a frown. She held up the butterfly; a smile was spread across her lips. He rolled his eyes. "Pretty," he scoffed.
Koori huffed and held the butterfly close to her chest. "Oh, come now, Master," she said with a frown. "Surely this is a gift that he gives to all of the members of his harem. I am merely confused that he would present such a gift so early in our relationship."
He stiffened. "Relationship?" he asked. Zhao walked passed his concubine and slammed the jewelry box shut; he did not want to hear that infernal lullaby.
Koori turned to him and touched his cheek. Although he could not feel the comfort of her hand, he sighed and looked down into her eyes. Those golden orbs trapped him like they never did before. She closed her eyes and for a brief moment, he desperately wanted her to open those delicate lids again. She did and he stood still for one more moment.
"Master, by relationship, I am certain that you understand," she turned on her heels and opened the music box. The slow song started to play. Koori beamed and Zhao stood, confused and frustrated.
Koori could hear his chains clank together as he moved toward the unmade bed. He sat on the covers and laced his fingers together. Koori turned to face her previous owner. "Are you upset?" she asked.
"No," he grunted. Koori frowned; of course he was upset; he was pouting.
"Master," Koori whispered, "I am sure that we-"
The door opened suddenly and the Head Mistress entered; she was panting. Her grubby fingers found Koori's hand and she was pulled out of her room. Zhao stared, shocked, and then quickly followed after slamming the music box closed.
Both women ran down the halls. The Head Mistress looked behind herself and found Koori's confused and worried eyes. She decided that she should explain her intrusion. "The Fire Lord wants an audience with you in a little while. We must get you bathed, dressed and ready to meet him," the Head Mistress said in between her long strides down the halls. "You must have impressed him. I am so proud."
The Head Mistress disrobed Koori herself and shoved the young girl into the bathwater; the hot water seared Koori's skin and she hissed. The Head Mistress left the room and servant girls attended to Koori's hair, skin, nails and face.
There was no lounging in the bathtub and having a small conversation with her previous Master. The servants washed her diligently without speaking and dressed her while murmuring quietly. Ai was standing over them, watching and making sure that the job was being performed correctly. The Head Mistress walked into the room once the maids were done and looked over every crease in Koori's dress while the servant girl's watched.
"You fools," the Head Mistress snapped.
Instantly, Ai stepped forward, bowed and said, "My Head Mistress, what is wrong with her attire?"
The Head Mistress grabbed Koori's white collar, pulled the young harem member forward and then growled. "This is what is wrong," she screamed. "She may be a novice, but for Agni's sake, she should have a pink collar! What is wrong with you stupid, silly girls? Perhaps you should stop chatting and pay more attention to detail. Who is the girl who put this white collar onto this deflowered concubine?"
No girl answered and the Head Mistress huffed—she was angry and this huff promised some form of punishment. The girls quivered and Koori watched as the Head Mistress slapped every servant on the head. She left the room and a young girl started to cry. The older servant girls started to shush the crying young woman, but it would not help. Koori walked over silently, and the crowd dispersed, leaving only the young girl. Koori bent down and hugged the young servant. She pressed her mouth to the side of the girl's head and made a shushing sound.
"Some people can be cruel, but you must push through. Life gets better, it always does," Koori whispered.
The young girl sniffled, rubbed her nose and cleaned off her face. She stared at Koori for a moment and then backed away—their eyes never met during this entire confrontation.
More servants came closer, they were smiling softly. They took off all of Koori's layered dresses to remove the white collared shirt. The appropriate pink shirt was put on and straightened. The layers of red and maroon dresses were once again placed onto her frame. The maids no longer said anything and Ai kept careful watch over their actions.
"Might I ask a question?"
The maids turned to the concubine and nodded. Ai stepped closer to her old friend and grasped her shoulder. "Ask whatever you wish, Koori," she whispered.
"The collar—why does it matter what color it is?"
Ai smiled. "Oh, that is an easy answer, Koori. The colors determine what kind of position you hold in the harem. White—which is the color that you adorned during your practice and even your deflowering, determines that you are a concubine in training. It is necessary for all novice concubines to wear white during their first month of as a member of the harem. Pink—the color that you are wearing now, says that you have completed your preliminary training. You must wear the pink collar for a full year before you can obtain a maroon collar. The maroon collar means that you are a professional concubine—few of the harem have ever obtained this honor. All who adorn this color are the Fire Lord's personal favorite. Gold is the color of a retired concubine, but few women ever reach retirement. Disease and murder is rampant in the harem. Blood red—this is the color of the Head Mistress and the women who are in training to become a Head Mistress. Those are the women that you want to stay away from."
"Training to be a Head Mistress? There is only one, surely that is not a position that is filled frequently," Koori said with a hint of confusion.
Ai laughed and the other servants sat around Koori in a semicircle. They presented a mirror to the young concubine and Koori looked at her reflection. She sighed as she looked over the elegant kimono and fancy hairstyle.
"There are multiple Head Mistresses. In fact, I believe that there are twenty-one. You just happen to be unfortunately lucky and were placed in the harem that specializes in serving the wants of the royals. Other harems serve the generals, admirals and other high standing officers that this palace sometimes houses."
Koori nodded and felt the silk of the pink collar. Why was she being forced to wear this collar so soon? The Head Mistress stomped into the room after she threw the chestnut double doors aside. She looked Koori over once more and nodded in approval. She pulled the blue butterfly out of her side pocket; the Head Mistress had obviously gone into Koori's room in search for the delicate treasure. She pulled the chain apart at the clasp and put the chain around Koori's neck. She tightened the necklace and clasped it. Koori straightened the blue butterfly to fit the nape of her neck.
She clapped her hands together and smiled. "Much better!" The girls nodded at her approval while the Head Mistress shoved the young Koori out the double doors that she had just ripped open.
The pair sauntered down the halls. The Head Mistress looked over to Koori's gait. "Oh, no no no no," she whispered to the concubine. "You mustn't walk like that; you look like a common slave. Walk like this." The Head Mistress stuck her chest up high, pulled her chin up and positioned her hands in front of her stomach. Her hands were clasped lightly around on another. Koori mimicked her Head Mistress and the woman smiled. "Oh, yes, that is much better."
They came to a large door that bore the Fire Nation insignia. Two guards stood watch in front of this immaculate door and the Head Mistress looked at them and waved her heavily manicured fingers. They parted; each grabbed a door handle and pulled. They revealed an enormous dining table surrounded by red, gold, maroon and black pillows. On top of the table was a roasted chicken-hog. It had a juicy red apple between its smiling, golden teeth. More dishes surrounded the dead animal, but the chicken-hog was the immaculate centerpiece. Koori's breath was taken away—the room was so beautiful and it smelled succulent.
The Head Mistress walked into the room without paying attention to the décor or the feast on the table. She trotted to the black pillow with her nametag. "Come, come; sit, sit," she said.
Koori followed and sat at the table hesitantly beside the Head Mistress. Another door opened behind the pair and the hair on Koori's neck stood.
"Welcome," the Fire Lord said. Both women stood to give a deep bow. He sat at the head of the table and smiled at the young concubine and nodded to the Head Mistress. They sat quickly.
The door in front of the three opened and the Prince of the Fire Nation walked in. He paused when he saw who else was in the room. After his brief moment of shock, he walked to the table and sat at the right hand of his father. He bowed to him and rose quickly to inspect the beautiful bounty before him.
"Zuko," the Fire Lord said with a sickening smile. "Do you find this young woman attractive?"
Koori held her breath and stifled her blush with thoughts of hatred towards the young prince. Zuko's eyes glanced at her and quickly returned to his father. "She is quite an exquisite young woman," he said.
The Fire Lord smiled. "It is nice to hear you say such a kind remark. I also see that she is wearing one of my gifts. The blue butterfly around her neck was crafted by an excellent sword maker. He dabbled in art for a short while and all of his pieces are of the highest quality. He picks the most marvelous jewels and the best metals," the Fire Lord said. Zuko sat silently; he did not want to disrupt his father. "For instance, the jewel around this young woman's neck is from the catacombs of the Southern Water Tribe. Stories say that those particular jewels protect all who wear them."
"It is a brilliant gift, if I do say so myself," the Head Mistress said, interrupting the Fire Lord. "Koori was so pleased when she unwrapped it."
"Did you enjoy it?" the Fire Lord asked.
Zuko stiffened as Koori boldly brought her gaze to the long beard of the Fire Lord. "Of course, your majesty. I will forever enjoy the beauty of this immaculate piece of jewelry. I thank you immensely for this wonderful and thoughtful gift," Koori said.
The Head Mistress smiled and Zuko relaxed once Koori's gaze returned to her lap.
"I do not mean to be rude," Zuko said to his father. "But, what are these two women doing here?"
The Fire Lord nodded and folded his hands in front of his chest, on the table. Zuko grabbed the goblet in front of him and took a deep sip of the succulent wine. "She is to keep you company tonight."
The Head Mistress almost bounced out of her chair. Her smile could make a small infant burst into tears and Koori was afraid that her face would tear in half. Zuko, on the other hand, choked on his drink.
"What?" he asked.
"It is time that you have your fill with the royal harem. This is normally customary when you become fifteen, but, because of the circumstances, you obviously missed your opportunity. You said that you found her suitable, is there a problem?"
Zuko shook his head. "No, father."
"Good. Then all is settled, she will meet you tonight. Koori, Head Mistress Lea, you are dismissed."
Koori and the Head Mistress stood slowly, bowed deeply and left the dining room. The Head Mistress grabbed Koori and hugged her once they were safely away from the Royal Wing.
"Oh, Koori," she whispered, "I knew that you would bring me some luck!"
They entered the Harem Wing and the Head Mistress instantly brought Ai and her crew to the room that Koori would dress in. The young and speechless concubine kneeled in the corner while her outfit for the young Fire Prince was decided. She would wear something conservative—young boys need to use their imagination.
Koori was bathed again, but this time, she was left alone to soak.
"Master," she whispered. "Master, I need you now more than ever."
Zhao appeared in his usual spot on the side of the tub with his feet dangling in the water. "I heard everything. I was there beside you."
"Master, what am I to do?"
She waded close to him and rested her head on the stone slab beside him. He tousled her hair and she gave a weak smile. "It's because you like him," he mocked.
Koori's head bolted up and she glared. "He betrayed me; I can never love someone who betrayed me."
Zhao frowned. "I never said love."
Koori's gaze returned to the stone tile. "I do not even know what love is, Master."
"Mhmm," Zhao said. "What was your attitude towards your parents? Your brother? Mizu? Your sister-in law? General Iroh?"
Koori smiled. "I do not remember my attitude towards my parents because I can barely remember them. I admire my brother and am grateful for his hospitality. Little, darling Mizu is different—she is a child, you cannot show any feeling other than affection toward a beautiful creature such as that. I do not know my sister-in-law well, but I do admire her courageousness. General Iroh," Koori paused as she thought. "General Iroh may have cared for me, but I feel nothing but sorrow for him."
Zhao seemed surprised. "Sorrow?"
Koori looked at him and nodded. "How could I not? Prince Zuko betrayed him as well. I could forgive Zuko's actions against me in due time, but the actions toward his uncle are different. I am sure that General Iroh is more disappointed in the young Fire Prince than any of us."
The door opened and Ai walked in with a fluffy towel. Koori was dried off and put in a silky red dress. It hugged her curves, but was not too tight. The straps that came up over her shoulders were made of a gold silk that matched the trim around her breasts and at the bottom of the dress; the dress ended at the crease between her buttock and the start of her leg. If she was to bend over, the skimpy underwear that she wore would be exposed.
The Head Mistress smiled at her creation. "Oh, he will just eat you up. And I mean that literally," she said with a devilish smile.
Koori weakly smiled back and a robe with a pink collar was placed around her shoulders. She wrapped it tightly around herself as the Head Mistress took her to the Prince's Wing. Once again, an ornate door stood before her and she was lead into the bedroom. The Head Mistress took her cloak and smiled.
"The Fire Lord has given me specific instructions: you are to spend the entire night with the prince. Lay by him and give him the most pleasurable night of his life."
Koori nodded and the Head Mistress left with the cloak wrapped in her greedy fingers.
The young concubine was left alone in the room. She looked at the red walls and the painted ceiling. A red and a blue dragon were fighting—how appropriate. The mahogany bed was covered with silky red sheets. Curtains came down around the bed at the corners and Koori felt the fabric. An expansive bathroom, closet, changing room, living room, personal dining room and library were hidden behind the doors lining the room. She sat on the bed and positioned herself seductively on the sheets.
What are you doing?
She jumped at the sound of Zhao's voice but thought against saying anything to him in case there were people in the walls. Instead, she stood, walked to the wall and put her ear against it. She heard a few shuffles and smirked.
"I am only going to ask once," she said while looking at the spot she just came from. "I want you to leave the Prince and me alone tonight. I am asking only out of respect for the Fire Nation and its traditions."
I will see you later, then.
Koori held her ear up to the door once more and heard feet moving away and then a soft whisper, "how did she know that we were there?"
She returned to her seductive pose on the bed and waited for the door to open. Finally, after a short while, the knob turned and a familiar face walked in. Koori waited, she would not stand and bow to this traitor until he saw her seductive position. He walked over with a scroll in his hands and sat on the couch, ignoring her existence. She huffed to catch his attention and his head turned slightly, but he immediately returned to his scroll. Koori continued to lie there, waiting for him.
At long last, he stood, went into his library and returned to sit on the couch facing away from the bed. Koori placed her hair on the silky comforter and closed her eyes, she was starting to get sleepy and by the looks of things, Zuko did not want her company. She opened her eyes immediately at the sound of him getting comfortable on the couch. It looked as if he planned on sleeping there. She took in a deep breath and courage filled her heart. If she said something, it would be between friends, right? Had this trip to the Fire Nation truly destroyed the friendship that had started to bloom?
"Prince Zuko," Koori whispered.
Zuko had been staring at the ceiling. He wanted Koori to leave his room, but it was against tradition to kick her out. It would also insult his father and another Agni Kai was something that he did not want to face again. He closed his eyes at the sound of her sweet whisper. He opened his mouth, but no sound would come out. He grunted to let her know that he was listening.
Koori stood from the bed and walked carefully over to the prince of the Fire Nation. "Prince Zuko," she repeated. She knelt down in front of the couch he was laying on. Her fingers were lightly grasping the black komodo-rhino skin that lined the couch. She stared into the face that would not look at her; a single word loomed in her golden eyes. Zuko turned his head slightly to look at the poor girl beside him. She opened her cherry lips. "Why?"
Zuko turned his head completely to face the young concubine. She was kneeling beside him in the shortest dress that he had ever seen. Her cleavage was visible and the white skin that formed the rest of her body seemed to flow around the red and gold piece of fabric around her waist. She looked so desperate and unhappy. All that she wanted to know, he assumed, was why she was beside him and not beside her brother, sister-in-law and little infant Mizu.
His legs flew over the side of the couch and he stood. He walked away from Koori to lie on his bed. Zuko closed his eyes but felt the weight of another individual on his mattress. Koori had placed herself beside him on the bed. She hugged the side of the mattress to allow a two foot gap between them. Zuko took in a deep breath, looked at Koori's milky back and sighed, "For love". With that, he fell asleep.
If anybody got the reference(s) towards the butterfly, you get an A+
