AN: Another chapter for you guys. As I stated previously, this is going to be taking on a more adult theme and will be darker than my previous work. You have been warned. Enjoy the chapter!
Pale fingers twist in her hair as she is circled by the Lady of the Harem. She clicks her tongue as her eyes narrow in on every meticulous detail that makes up Katara's haphazard appearance. Dirt and grime are suffocating her nail bed. A mixture of dried body fluids stain her tattered tunic. She looks as if she was run over by the cabbage merchant's cart and then wallowed around in the ostrich horse stables. She looks like utter hell, there is no other way to say it.
After circling her repeatedly, the Madam comes to stand before Katara. Though her eyes hold familiar characteristics of a citizen of the Fire Nation, they are somewhat pale and glossed over. They do not hold a flame in comparison to the Fire Lord's Katara thinks. She shudders, knowing that his predator like gaze will haunt her dreams for weeks to come.
"What am I to do with you?"
Katara holds her gaze, her face as stoic as she can make it, but a single brow strays and arches slightly, catching the Madam's observant eye.
"You've given me quite a challenge girl," she tuts softly, approaching Katara, "your hair…I've seen dragon nests in better condition," her fingers flick a rogue strand from Katara's face, "the whole of the Si Wong desert has more hydration than your skin," she brushes her delicate fingers against Katara's cheek, causing her to scowl, "and don't get me started on your—"her eyes trail down Katara's curvy figure, inhaling deeply, "body."
Katara cannot help the scowl that rushes over her features, "But, I suppose men are looking for far more vivacious and exotic women these days," her pale hand curls beneath her chin and the other arm crosses over her chest, "no matter. By the time I'm finished, the Fire Lord won't dare bat an eye in any other concubine's direction."
At the Madam's words, Katara's heart races, "I'd prefer if he looked elsewhere," she states defiantly.
At this, the Madam's eyes narrow, she tucks a strand of ebony hair behind her ear, "What you prefer is of no consequence to me," she flicks her gaze to the doorway off to Katara's left, where a lady servant stands.
The woman bows softly before disappearing from Katara's peripheral view, the Madam circles around to sit at a large mahogany desk. Scrolls litter it's surface, several candles decorate the top corners, the wax having melted to the table. She sits there for a moment, grasping a pen from it's inkwell and begins to scribble something down hurriedly. It is at this time that Katara observes her more carefully. She notes that the Madam is far older than she initially thought. Cracks form beneath her pale makeup, running along her forehead, catcrows feet deepen in the corners of her eyes and long crevices form around her mouth. How many times did this woman wear a mask of bliss? Did the happiness and joy reach her eyes as the wrinkles formed on her face? Or was it all a guise to hide her anger? Fear perhaps? Her hands look withered, worn down from years of use. She continues to watch carefully as the woman begins to cough violently. The Madam's hand searches for something in her kimono dress. Quickly she pulls a small handkerchief from her breast and coughs into the fabric. Katara is quick to see small crimson droplets contrast against the pale white fabric and her brows scrunch together. This woman is dying, yet her facade up until this point was impeccable.
By this time, the maidservant has returned, carrying a tray with a crimson and gold porcelain tea set. The wares jangle and clank together as she moves swiftly to the table and begins pouring tea for both women.
She hands a steaming cup to the Madam, bowing lowly as she does so and then proceeds to hand one to Katara. Her hands wrap possessively around the cup, grip tightening as the maidservant bows to her as well. Her eyes must hold the question and the Madam is quick to answer.
"You are not in some lowly bordello," she waves the maidservant off, "you are to be a royal lady, a concubine to his Majesty. That alone earns you a desirable amount of respect," she brings the tea to her lips, drinking silently.
Katara huffs, "I did not know whores had respect left for themselves, let alone any so freely given to them from others."
The Madam's eyes narrow dramatically, "I do not blame you for your barbaric view," her eyes flutter down to Katara's attire once more, "but unlike where you come from, to be a concubine, is one of the most honorable positions a woman can attain in the Fire Nation court."
"Your ideology is as skewed as is your understanding of the term barbaric," Katara bites back, jaw locking.
The Madam sighs, placing her teacup down, "Whatever my ideology is, you will have to bare the burden that comes along with being a lady of this harem."
Katara's brows scrunch together, "Why is that?"
"If you ever wish to survive this place," the Madam's tone is softer than normal, she pours herself another cup of tea, "you must adhere to the rules, while always being three steps ahead."
Her cryptic message is just that. Cryptic. For the first time since receiving her tea, Katara glances down at the cup that she rotates in her hands. She notices that there is an ornate white lotus painted stark against the crimson red face of the cup. A thin gold trimming accentuating it's beauty. Funny thing the white lotus.
"I see you favor the white lotus. Not many still cling to such ancient symbolisms these days," Katara states, watching the Madam's features carefully.
She inclines her head slightly, eyes widen only a fraction, "There are few of us who do, but we somehow always find a friend amongst this that do," she give's Katara a small, almost unnoticeable nod.
She chews on the inside of her lip for a moment. The Order has always been discreet. No one would blatantly admit to being with such a society. That would mean death. Her chest rises and falls as she mulls over the Madam's answer. Only a member would have answered her that way.
She straightens, her shoulders squaring, determination setting in her eyes, "What must I do?"
The Madam sighs at this, rising and coming out from behind her table, tea in hand, "We must transform you. In what takes years, we must do in weeks. Should the Fire Lord's patience last that long."
The Madam leans against her desk, sipping her tea delicately once more. There is an unsettling grace about her that unnerves Katara, but she pushes that to the back of her mind for now.
Slowly she nods, eyes drifting to her own tea before she begins to chug it down with vigor.
The Madam eyes her with slight scrutiny, "Water is always in such a hurry," Katara glances up, fingers covering her mouth, "perhaps it is just as well. You have much to learn and no time to lose."
Katara finishes her tea before returning the cup to its tray, "When do we start?"
The Madam simply frowns, rising up and coiling her finger for Katara to follow her.
Katara knows that while she is on the herbs, fighting her way out of the Fire Nation will be difficult. She is no fool. Though her situation is not ideal, it provides her with a rare opportunity. An enemy in the sanctity of the Fire Nation palace. The place where the Fire Lord's war meetings are held. Perhaps, she may be able to obtain information that she can provide to the rebellion.
"First we must have you bathed and then examined by Doctor Li," the Madam's voice breaks her train of thought.
"Examined?"
The Madam turns to her abruptly mid step, "The Fire Lord will want to make sure you are pure—"
Katara rolls her eyes, "I'll save you the trouble," she sighs, arms crossing over her chest, "I lost my virginity when I was 17."
"That very well may be," the Madam turns and continues moving further down the hall with Katara hot in her heels, "but you'll still need to be examined for other undesirable markings or diseases."
They come to a set of doors decorated with elaborate illustrations of women bathing. Scenes of women lathering their bodies in expensive oils. There are vials of perfumes to make them smell luxurious and Katara is stunned at the intricacy in the murals on the doors.
The Madam snaps her fingers and suddenly two maidservants appear from beyond the doors. They bow simultaneously to both the Madam and Katara before stepping out of the way and allowing them entrance.
"They will bathe you," she commands and the two maidservants flank her on either side, "once that is finished, I'll call for Doctor Li," she nods at the two women before giving Katara a curt nod.
Their hands are on her as the Madam turns to leave and Katara, much like her element goes with the current of the situation. They begin to strip her of her clothes and soon her sarashi wrappings. Their hands are gentle, their eyes seem to hold no emotion nor judgement. Slowly they lower her into a small pool carved into the marble flooring and Katara cannot help the soft moan that escapes her. The water is so warm that she could fall asleep in its embrace. Her bliss is broken when the two women climb into the small pool with her and are just as naked as she is. Briefly she is slightly taken aback but understands how odd it would be for them to climb into the pool with their clothes on. She sighs when she feels wet rags scrubbing at the grime on her skin. With ease, she leans her head back against the rim of the pool, turning to putty under the maidservants ministrations.
As she tries to not nod off, her eyes scan the bathhouse and she is overwhelmed by its beauty. There are several pools carved into the twisted marble flooring. One large pool, flanked by two smaller pools on either of its elongated sides and then a slightly larger, yet small pool at its head. Long alabaster columns lined the length of the bath hall. Full length arched windows nestled into the walls, bringing in the light from outside. The only thing obscuring the view from onlookers were dark red silk drapes dangling from the ceiling. White and red silk sheets draped between the columns and along the ceiling to give a certain ambiance to the bathhouse. It truly had an almost whimsical and luxurious feeling to it. Around the pools were various ornately designed rugs with pillows and small blankets littering them. It seems like a pleasant place to come and relax.
Her jaw locks involuntarily as they begin to scrub her skin almost raw. The doors to the bathhouse open with haste and servants enter carrying large trays full of fruits and other assorted foods. Her stomach growls at the sight and she thinks to herself that she will grab some on her way out of the bathhouse.
For the rest of her time in the baths, the women scrub at the callouses on her feet and hands. Small whale bone combs run through her matted, tangled hair and it takes everything in her to refrain from trying to push the women underwater and drown them with her bare hands. As they hoist her from the pool, her skin has almost begun to prune. Quietly they pour lavender on their hands and massage the oil into every inch of skin her body has to offer. Her hair is dabbed with the scent of jasmine and they pin it up into a loose bun. Afterwards they drape her body in a white silk robe and secure the sash around her waist. She cannot help but bow to them.
"Thank you," she states and both women are so stunned by this, that they still while in the midst of dressing themselves.
They bow confusedly at her, pulling at their tunics and wrapping the fabric around themselves, "Of course, my lady."
"Please," she smiles softly, "Katara will do," and she watches as they look at one another with confusion and concern before nodding in her direction once more.
Katara heads over to one of the seating areas and begins to pluck at the dragon fruit assembled on one of the trays that had been brought in. She sees a teapot and pours herself some of the tea and she sighs in satisfaction. She does not know how long she feasts for, but is interrupted by the Madam's voice.
"Doctor Li is waiting," she rises and follows her out.
As she makes her way from the bathhouse she hears soft whispers and giggles ring down the hall. She glances over her shoulders to see scantly clad women rushing to the baths. Those must be the concubines of the harem she thinks.
"Keep your head bowed, hands clasped in front of you as we make our way to the doctor's chambers," the Madam states before they pass through the harem's entrance.
Begrudgingly Katara does as instructed. She bows her head and clasps her hands before her, acutely aware of her attire. The robe only covers so much of her frame. It falls just above the knees and now in the broad daylight shining into the open palace halls, it is far too sheer for her taste. Especially out in the open. She can hear a few grunts from passing soldiers and can feel the stares of the nobility. She can hear the Madam murmur greetings here and there and can practically feel both the lust of men and disgust of women seeping into her bones. She curses the Madam for not allowing her proper attire to wear.
As they come to a split in the hall, something attracts the Madam's attention and she quickly turns to Katara.
"Wait here a moment," she instructs and Katara can only nod.
Keeping her head bowed, she can only see the shoes and legs of those who pass by. Her hands wring together as the number of people traveling the halls increases. Humiliation is sinking into the pit of her stomach as words begin to flutter about the hallway. As she looks at her own bare feet, she curls her toes inward up under her feet, a sign of anxiety and unease. Katara's teeth nip at her inner cheek and she begins to bite so hard she can taste the metallic iron of blood on her tongue.
Get it together Katara she lectures herself mentally.
As she continues to wait, she can hear the loud shouts and yells coming from somewhere ahead of her. The roaring inferno of flames also catches her attention. After fighting against fire for so long, she was able to recognize the distinct sound the element made, even in her sleep. Curiosity getting the best of her and her desire to no longer be an eyesore for anyone, she lifts her gaze and follows the sounds of the struggle.
The open hall leads to a large training ground. Sand coats the floor. There are crimson pools littered about the training ground and Katara can only assume it is blood. There is a bench along the far side of the grounds, where Katara sees several men resting upon. A weapons rack is assembled against the wall. There are several training dummies attached to posts in various areas of the grounds but one. In the center there is a large open space, a place for one on one combat exercises, both bending and non-bending she guesses. As her gaze moves around, surveying the grounds it falls on two fire benders sparring. Both are shirtless and sweat sticks to their bodies, a sheen glistening around rippling muscles. One has their hair tied up in a perfect topknot, while the other lets his hair fall loosely around his face. It is rather short, but she finds it framing his facial structure perfectly.
She notes that both men are wearing black sparing pants, gold trimming their waist and ankles in comparison to the normal red and gold she sees on most soldiers. She can only assume they are members of the elite. She dares to think that the royals would ever find themselves out here amongst their soldiers and nobles let alone spar with them.
As she watches on, the fight gets more complex and aggressive.
"Break his root Lieutenant!" someone yells from the bench.
"Remember your basics Prince Zuko!" an elder man, one who she hadn't noticed before was standing on the sidelines, shouts. He was garbed in the clothing that distinguished him from others. Her eyes narrow in on his face, trying to see if she could recognize him.
A soldier laughs, "What is it with you and the basics, General Iroh?"
The man chuckled, "One cannot hope to become a skilled bender if they forget the basics of the art form," his eyes focus in on the duel.
General Iroh. Dragon of the West. The man who broke through the walls of Ba Sing Se and killer of the last of the dragons. Katara has heard stories of him and of his might. Many spoke of his failure at Ba Sing Se, when he retreated after news of his son's death. She heard he faced ridicule from his nation. His own father denounced him as his heir and handed the responsibility over to his youngest son, Ozai. In the past Katara couldn't help but wonder what the world would have been like, had the general ruled instead of his brother. Would he have been just as cruel or would he have been a merciful foe? Stories of his mercy had traveled through the rebellion over the years. He was a soldier and a diplomat. He had once told the Kings of the Earth Kingdom that unnecessary bloodshed weighed heavily on his soul and that he had not wanted to add more to the scales against him. He had left villages unharmed and any soldier who had stepped a toe out of line and retaliated against innocent civilians were punished severely. He had seemed kind and understanding of humanity from the stories she heard and Katara finds herself wanting to know just how true those stories were.
Suddenly a loud cry echos in throughout the grounds and Katara turns to see the man with the perfect topknot on the ground, eyes glaring at the man above him. A smile breaks across his face as his opponent reaches out, offering him a hand.
Katara scuffs, "Well done Prince Zuko!" the General exclaims as he hands a towel over to the young man whose hair was a sweaty mess dangling around his face. Katara's eyes widen, that is the prince?
"Thank you Uncle," his voice is husky and low, but she senses respect and love in his tone, "you taught me well," he begins to run the towel against his sweat soaked chest.
Slowly he turns, nodding at the other man who she can only assume was Lieutenant Lee before he turns and begins walking in her direction. His uncle is quick to his side and they share a small conversation about the spar. She can hear the general giving advice, stating there is still room for improvement and the Prince chuckles.
"Of course Uncle. There is always room for improvement," he states, amused.
The General nods, "I am glad you are receptive to my instruction and advice, Prince Zuko," he too chuckles, "there was a time where that was not always so."
The Prince looks stoic for a moment, his movements stilling, "I was in a dark place then Uncle," he bows respectfully and Katara finds herself intrigued, leaning forward as if to hear more, "thank you for staying by my side."
The General has an adoring look in his eye, "I will never leave you my boy," he pats the Prince's shoulder before guiding him forward once more.
As they approach, Katara finds herself stilled by the beauty of him. The closer he gets, the more details her eyes can see. His porcelain skin stretches taunt over rugged and defined muscles. There are scars decorating his chest and abdominal area and Katara wonders if they were all from sparring. His black silk pants ride low against his hips, displaying a prominent V shape of his lower abdominals and Katara's eyes dare travel lower. She feels her body react to the way he looks and she chides herself. He had pitied her the first time he saw her and she has to remind herself of that. She hates him. His physical appearance will not take away the fact that he is nothing more than a monster, just like his father. But as she watches him, she cannot help a pang of something settling in her chest. She cannot place it, but she knows that she does not enjoy it whatsoever. They move closer to her hidden spot as she continues to observe him. His towel is ruffling through his hair quickly, ridding the sweat and moisture from it and before she can move out of sight, he looks up and catches notice of her.
His brow arches and she curses herself, eyes never looking away from his.
"My lady," he bows and Katara bolts backwards, hands covering her chest almost immediately.
His gaze is piercing and fierce, but somehow different from his father's. She watches as he takes in what she is wearing and he dares not let his eyes wander lower than her waist. For this, she is thankful. She notices a hint of pink dusting his cheekbones and she wonders if he is embarrassed.
He clears his throat, eyes trailing back to her face, "Is there something the lady requires?"
The General at his side has an amused twinkle in his eyes and Katara shakes her head, backing away from the pair slowly.
"I got separated from the Madam a short time ago—"
"A beautiful young woman, such as yourself, should not be wandering the halls alone," the General spoke gently, cutting her off as his eyes shift to Prince Zuko, "wouldn't you agree, Prince Zuko?"
The Prince pales for a moment, sneaking a glance at his uncle before looking back at Katara, "Yes, I—yes."
A smile tries to form on Katara's lips, his demeanor seems innocent enough, but she scolds herself quickly. Reminding her of who they truly are.
"Do you perhaps know where I might find Doctor Li's quarters?" she asks, bowing her head a fraction.
The General elbows the Prince slightly and Zuko steps forward, "I-yes, I'd be honored to show you to her quarters."
Katara nods and watches as the Prince slings the towel over his shoulder, hiding part of his exposed chest, "Uncle, I'll join you for tea once I escort—" his voice trials off as he looks at her searchingly, almost as if asking her what her name is.
"Kata—" she begins.
"There you are!" a shrill voice startles the three of them and Katara whirls around to see the Madam approaching her with purposeful strides.
"I told you to stay pu—" her eyes widen a fraction as she takes in who Katara is speaking with and she quickly bows to both, "forgive me Prince Zuko, General Iroh," she straightens herself, "she has not yet learned the dynamics of our court nor the decorum in which she should behave."
"It is quite alright, Lady Min," Prince Zuko gives her a slight bow of his head, eyes shifting back to Katara, with a look in his eyes.
The Madam smiles, arm encircling Katara's shoulders as she pulls her close, "If you'll excuse us," she and Katara bow, "Doctor Li is waiting."
Both Prince Zuko and General Iroh nod, watching as Katara and Madam Min exit the training grounds. Katara is not certain as to what words are shared between them, but whatever it was that the General said to the Prince, it had him in a coughing fit.
Once they turn the corner and are no longer in sight of the royals, the Madam grips her arm and pulls her into a darkened corridor.
"When I say, stay put, I mean, stay put," she seethed.
Katara's eyes widened slightly as she tries to jerk her arm out of her grasp, "This is not the place to simply do as you wish Katara," the Madam's voice caused her to jerk her head upwards.
"How do you know my name?" Katara demands, forgetting the pain seeping into her flesh.
"Let's go," the Madam pulls her away from the corridor, but this time, Katara struggled.
"No!" she jerks the Madam back into the corridor, effectively pinning her against the alabaster wall, "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me how you know my name," she seethes, pressing her forearm into the Madam's throat.
The Madam's eyes narrow, "For one so astute, you aren't that smart, are you?"
Katara's breath quickens, "Wha—"
The Madam wraps her hand around Katara's forearm and forces her off of her, "I've been getting intel on you since your disappearance from the outpost in Gaoling," she adjusts her robes and runs her fingers across her hair.
"Wha—"
In an instant the Madam is on her, pinning her to the adjacent wall, "When an invaluable asset to the cause disappears, word travels rather quickly."
"Asset?" Katara demands.
The Madam sighs pulling away from her, "You are an invaluable key to winning this war, Katara. Someone as high profile as you—" she pauses, "is easily recognizable."
Katara blinks rapidly, hands gripping the fabric of her robe. She doesn't know what to say, so she looks down at her feet.
"Now, if you are to maintain a cover while here, I suggest you do as I tell you and come with me to Doctor Li's quarters," she states firmly at Katara.
Katara meets her gaze, argument on her tongue but she bites it before she can make a remark. She only nods and follows the Madam in silence.
They arrive at the doctor's quarters and Katara is instructed to lay on the examination table. Doctor Li is silent as she parts Katara's robes and begins to poke and prod at her flesh. The doctor checks her eyes, teeth and mouth. Her hands massage along her neck, down her shoulders and invasively over her breasts, checking for any abnormalities. Soon those cool, meticulous hands travel down her naval and to the most intimate parts of her. She feels the folds of her sex separate and she jolts at the intrusion. Clenching around the doctor's fingers involuntarily. She snaps her eyes shut and turns her head away as the doctor's fingers pull away from her body.
"How long since your last bleeding?" Doctor Li asks.
Katara swallows tightly, "Almost three weeks ago."
The doctor nods, "The last time you partook in intercourse?"
Her eyes snap to the Madam's and then back to the doctor's before sighing deeply, "Four years ago."
Both Doctor Li and the Madam shared a look before giving Katara a confused look.
"What?"
Doctor Li starts to wash her hands in a basin, "It's just unusual for someone from—"
"Someone from what? From the Water Tribes to practice celibacy?" she snaps, sitting up and wrapping her robe tightly around her body.
Doctor Li adjusted the glasses resting atop her high bridged nose, not at all phased by her remark, "I was going to say from your age group to not be practicing in a healthy amount of sex."
Her eyes shift as the doctor dries her hands, scolding herself for that temper of hers.
"One doesn't find much time to roll around in the sheets when you're on the front lines of a war," she whispers out harshly.
Doctor Li nods, "I suppose that is an understandable circumstance," she hands over a scroll to Madam Min, "she's clean. No rashes or signs of sexual disease or trauma. She's every bit the virgin, minus the hymen being pierced."
Madam Min nods her head, "Thank you for your time Doctor Li, Katara, come," she instructs as she begins to leave the doctor's chambers.
Katara follows her without argument as her mind wanders elsewhere. Back to a time where she was young and free to chose what her destiny would hold. Images of a tall, tanned boy flashes in her mind. Wild brown hair and a singular piece of straw dangling from his mouth. Eyes holding a fierceness she never knew possible for someone his age. He had loved her, in his own way. Told her pretty little things, caressed her, and eased her into a place of comfort. He seduced her in a subtle way. Snuck his way into her mind, heart and eventually her soul. He took her on the floor of his tree house and it was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. He was far from gentle, but he never forced himself on her. She wanted it. She wanted her virginity taken by someone of her choosing and not by some Fire Nation soldier. What they did, it wasn't love making, to her it was a form of survival for her. It was something she could never forget.
A small smile dances across her lips as she remembers Jet and for the first time since knowing him, she thanks him for doing one good thing for her. Unbeknownst to him, he had something the Fire Lord never would. Being able to say he ravaged her while successfully tearing the virginity from her body, turning her into a woman.
Unbeknownst to her, standing in the shadow of one of the corridors, a heated stare trails down Katara's backside as she follows Madam Min back to the Harem.
"Soon, my little water lily."