The sun was shining at full strength by eight o'clock that morning. Everyone in Palace knew they were in for a scorcher. Unfortunately for the Elites, that day's training was focused on endurance in impossible conditions.

"Keep up the pace ladies! You gonna let a little heat slow you down? Move!"

"Easy for him to say he's sitting in the shade, it's freaking hot out here—my sweat's got to be at boiling point!"

"Save your breath for breathing Tamaki, Agni knows what he'd do to you if he heard that!"

Soliel had been surrounded by heat her whole life but she had yet to feel any as intense as running around the dirt track with forty pounds of rocks on her back.

"If I see any of you wusses slowing down I'll add another pound to your packs!"

"Geez, you think he was a slave driver before he joined the Palace Guard?"

"Shut up Tamaki! You want to get another pound strapped to your ass?"

"That better not be complaining I'm hearing Sunshine! I told Agni to cook this day up especially for you Princess, you better be grateful!"

"Yes Sir! Thank you Sir!" If only he knew how likely that actually is. I've got a funny feeling my father's still sore about our fight.

"You wanna kiss my ass while you're at it kid?"

"With all do respect sir I'd rather not be slowed down during the drill, perhaps after?"

The men snickered as the Captain sneered.

"One of these days that quick wit will get you in a spot you're not so keen on!"

"Yes Sir!" Believe me Sir, it already has.

"All right you lily-livers, go cool down and report here at dawn tomorrow. If I hear any of you getting heat stroke I'll make a round two next scorcher."

With a chorus of 'yes sirs!' the men began to slow their pace and head toward the showers.

"Not you Sunshine! I've got a bone to pick with you."

Soliel grabbed a towel to wipe away her sweat and followed the Captain into the officers' tent. After dismissing all of the guards he sat down and faced her.

"Word has it his royal highness has returned to the Palace. I expect he'll be requiring your presence before long, am I correct?"

"But how did you know? How on earth did you find out?"

"You think me that stupid? You think I don't know every little thing going around in that palace? I'm the head of the most highly trained band of soldiers as well as all the other army commanders. When I hear of a pretty little water wench being brought in to "serve" His Royal Highness you don't think I pay attention? And then just two weeks later a blue eyed girl magically appears with a fighting style unlike any I've ever seen. Come on girl, I need to know where each and every one of my soldiers is coming from and where they are going. It didn't take much to find out you were the new concubine I'd heard so much about.

"It won't interfere with my training Sir."

"Oh but it will, you see the Prince often trains with the Elites to sharpen his skills and I allow it since it helps keep the lads limber. He'll no doubt wish to exert his position over you in bed not battle. Soliel, the truth is I've been meaning to promote you as Squadron Leader, but I need to be able to rely on you to lead these brutes on missions at a moments notice. Now how are you going to do that if you're twisted up in Pretty Boy's sheets?"

"I will not be serving the Prince Sir. My duty is to the Elites."

"And the Prince, he is ok with this eh? His prized little water bender off playing soldier?"

"Forgive me Sir but I am not…"

"Eh save it Sunshine. The fact is I'm going to need written consent from Prince Zuko stating his agreement with your being an Elite. I know its not what you want, but I need to think about the fourteen other guys on the squad. Any uncertainty could cost any of them their lives. While Elites are in constant danger I fully expect that the reason is from outside threats and not inward difficulties. Is that understood?"

"Yes Sir."

"Good! Bring me proof of his consent by the end of this week or, I'm sorry to say, you're out. You're a good soldier Soleil, don't let your pride ruin your career."

Zuko stepped off the platform and looked blankly at the palanquin waiting for him. While he was surprised his father had sent one at all, his pride was not pleased to see an officers palanquin, worn down and unmarked sent for his arrival. No doubt it was Azula's idea, she's good at finding ways to humiliate me.

"Come now Prince Zuko, you don't want to miss afternoon tea!"

"I don't care about stupid tea Uncle. I'm not riding in that thing, I'll meet you at the Palace."

The Prince pulled his cloak tighter around him and moved out into the crowd. He hated his father for sending the palanquin and he hated how much he had wanted the royal palanquin waiting for him. The capitol was bustling with people, soldiers, performers and merchants. Zuko meandered through the streets enjoying the feeling of being invisible. Children ran about laughing and screaming while their mothers bickered over prices with the vendors. Was it really possible for life to be that simple? It was something the Prince could hardly imagine. The only laughter he knew was his sister's mocking, his mother's bickering had cost her everything and the only screams he heard were of the people who were tortured and died at his father's command. His life was anything but simple.

"Pardon me ma'am but the Prince's palanquin has just arrived. You'll be attended to after supper and then you will present yourself to the Prince."

Soleil's face showed the shock she felt. I thought the Prince was supposed to be gone for another two or three weeks? Why did he come back early? Did he capture Aang?

"Please sir can you tell me why the Prince has returned so early? Has he captured the Avatar?"

"How do you know about that? These questions are none of your business! You are a slave not a mistress, you are not privileged to know you're Master's business! Now leave before I call the guards to escort you to your chambers."

Soliel glared at the guard but did as she was told. Not allowed to his business? Ha! We'll see about that. Information has a way of arriving at the places it shouldn't. Well no matter the reason for his early return, I will not be spreading my legs for him tonight or any other night!

"Soliel? What are you doing out here?"

"Linus! I was just…"

"Forget I asked. You need to hurry"

"Linus please did you know anything about the Prince's early return?"

"No ma'am, he sent a letter yesterday saying he was expecting to be in port in a week no more than two. The letter must have been delayed in transit, there wasn't any date stamp on it."

"Have you heard the reason for his early return."

"Everyone here is just as surprised as you are, believe me. The servants hall is practically buzzing. But never mind that, you need to get changed."

"Changed? Into what?"

"Do you really need me to explain it to you?"

"Oh no! I am not putting on that blue trash again you can't make me!"

"Listen it's not like I'm the one who wants to see you prance around the palace half naked. These are the Princess' orders and if I have to choose between her wrath or yours I will gladly withstand yours."

"Shows how little you know. I'm a lot more intimidating than she is!"

"No you're not. You're nice. You have a heart. The Princess, however, does not. Therefore if I were to defy anyone it would be you. "

"You know, asking you to help me might have been my biggest mistake yet…"

Linus smiled wryly. For all her tough talk and bold declarations, the Lady Soliel was truly a gentle soul. He had seen it countless times and knew not to be hurt by her words. During the weeks since her arrival at the palace Linus had been able to find a reason to smile each day. Never predictable and always ready with snarky comeback, the captive Sun Warrior Princess was certainly the highlight of his day. She had told him the tale of her capture and for some reason he believed her. There was no real reason as to why he did, her story was crazy for sure, but there was truth in her eyes.

Ironically Soliel reminded him of his master, Prince Zuko. When Linus was only 5 years old he had been caught stealing from the palace kitchens by a guard. While the guards were dragging him to the dungeons, Prince Zuko was running to train. He made the guards give the reason for why they were taking him away and upon hearing the answer the Prince laughed.

"This is all a silly misunderstanding. The boy works for me, and I told him to run down to the kitchen and fetch me a snack before I went to train. I was wondering why he was taking so long! If you don't mind I'd like him to accompany me to my chambers so he can help me finish dressing."

"Of course your highness, very sorry for the mix up."

"I'll forgive you so long as he is unharmed."

"You won't find a scratch on him your highness."

"Perfect. You are dismissed."

After that Linus had become a servant in the Palace and Prince Zuko's personal manservant. Linus was never able to verbally thank the Prince for saving him that day, but rather he served the Prince faithfully, even after the Fire Lord burned and banished him.

"I'm going with you Sire."

"No Linus you stay here. I will not make you leave your home because I am forced to leave mine. Stay here and wait for my return. I am going to capture the Avatar and regain my honor."

"Although I do not like it I will trust your word Sire. I will be ever waiting for your safe return home."

"Thank you Linus, you have truly been an exceptional servant and dare I say even a friend."

"I am honored Sire that you would say so."

"I speak only the truth. Although I am beginning to realize that I should not be so quick to do so."

"Linus? Linus!"

"What?"

"Geez I've been talking to you for the last minute! Pay attention."

"Sorry I'm afraid I zoned out."

"About what?"

"Nothing important really just an old memory."

"Oh. Well lets get a move on I need your help figuring out how to stay away from the Prince…"

I wonder how Prince Zuko will react when he finally meets her? I have a funny feeling things are going to change around here soon, and it most likely won't be what the Prince or anyone else was expecting.